~National Committeeman Paul Senft elected to RNC Executive Committee representing the Southern Region, National Committeewoman Sharon Day elected Secretary~
Washington, DC–On Behalf of the Republican Party of Florida, RPOF Chairman Jim Greer and Florida National Committeeman Paul Senft today congratulated Florida’s National Committeewoman Sharon Day on her election as Secretary of the Republican National Committee.
“I have known Sharon to be a dedicated servant of the Republican Party who is committed to the Party’s long held values of less taxing, less spending, less government and more freedom,” said Chairman Greer
...“Sharon’s understanding of women’s issues, combined with her appreciation for new media, makes her a unique choice for this position,” said National Committeeman Senft.
...Earlier today at the RNC Annual Meeting Southern Breakfast, Florida National Committeeman Paul Senft was elected to serve on the RNC Executive Committee as one of the two representatives of the southern region.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Statement by Florida Governor Charlie Crist on Michael Steele’s Election as RNC Chairman
Tallahassee—Florida Governor Charlie Crist released the following statement today regarding former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele’s election as RNC Chairman:
“I congratulate Chairman Steele on his historic election today. During the last election cycle, Michael helped us to elect Republicans across our state and we are excited about working with the Republican National Committee to increase those numbers. Today marks a new beginning for the GOP. The Republican Party has an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to new voters, create a clear message, work to lower taxes on families and businesses, and get our economy back on track."
“I congratulate Chairman Steele on his historic election today. During the last election cycle, Michael helped us to elect Republicans across our state and we are excited about working with the Republican National Committee to increase those numbers. Today marks a new beginning for the GOP. The Republican Party has an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to new voters, create a clear message, work to lower taxes on families and businesses, and get our economy back on track."
FL's Role in RNC Chair Election
Florida has a significant role in the coverage on Michael Steele's election as RNC Chairman--FL GOP Chairman Jim Greer was the first major state Party Chair to endorse Steele. Highlights are below:
Steele Wins RNC Chair
Chalk up another victory for state GOP chairman Jim Greer. Michael Steele was elected as the RNC's first black chairman, and Greer served as his whip for today's vote.
With Florida’s help, Steele becomes Republican chairman
With a big boost from Florida GOP leaders, Michael Steele was selected chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon.
Steele, an African-American former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was backed by Florida party chairman Jim Greer and state members of the RNC.
Steele asserted his conservative credentials. But his selection appears to be an attempt to broaden the Republican base to include more blacks, Hispanics and moderate voters.
"We are going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community," Steele told cheering committee members.
Greer and other backers said Steele will restore the party by stressing economic concerns, especially the need to create and retain jobs...
It's Steele!
Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful communicator at a time of political weakness.
“This is awesome,” Steele told RNC members in a victory speech. “It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve.”
...In past elections, the committee has been reluctant to elect a non-member to the chairmanship. But this year marked a departure from tradition, perhaps indicating the strength of the RNC’s desire for change.
“It’s time for something completely different,” Steele said in his victory speech.
...Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was even more emphatic as he delivered a seconding speech for Steele.
“The eyes of the nation today are looking upon us,” he said. “This vote will be the greatest contribution you will have ever made to the Republican Party.”
Greer to RNC: Don’t be stuck in the past
Sun Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel
WASHINGTON -- Republican leaders will select their national chairman today and consider Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale for party secretary.
Florida party chairman Jim Greer, who is pushing hard for Michael Steele of Maryland to become national chairman, sent a letter warning fellow Republicans to focus on the future, not cling to the good old days of the ‘80s.
It was Greer’s way of touting Steele, an African-American contender who represents a break from the past, while stressing the importance of bold change and outreach to minority voters.
Greer paid respect to the party’s heritage and its traditional themes of faith and family values but said leaders must come up with new messages that focus on jobs and the economy.
"Some leaders of our party talk about going back to `something,’" he wrote. "They relish the days when Ronald Reagan was president and the Republican Party dominated the political environment. Those were, my friends, great days, but the Republican Party of tomorrow cannot be the Republican Party of today or even yesterday."
Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
...Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman...
Steele Wins RNC Chair
Chalk up another victory for state GOP chairman Jim Greer. Michael Steele was elected as the RNC's first black chairman, and Greer served as his whip for today's vote.
With Florida’s help, Steele becomes Republican chairman
With a big boost from Florida GOP leaders, Michael Steele was selected chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon.
Steele, an African-American former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was backed by Florida party chairman Jim Greer and state members of the RNC.
Steele asserted his conservative credentials. But his selection appears to be an attempt to broaden the Republican base to include more blacks, Hispanics and moderate voters.
"We are going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community," Steele told cheering committee members.
Greer and other backers said Steele will restore the party by stressing economic concerns, especially the need to create and retain jobs...
It's Steele!
Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful communicator at a time of political weakness.
“This is awesome,” Steele told RNC members in a victory speech. “It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve.”
...In past elections, the committee has been reluctant to elect a non-member to the chairmanship. But this year marked a departure from tradition, perhaps indicating the strength of the RNC’s desire for change.
“It’s time for something completely different,” Steele said in his victory speech.
...Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was even more emphatic as he delivered a seconding speech for Steele.
“The eyes of the nation today are looking upon us,” he said. “This vote will be the greatest contribution you will have ever made to the Republican Party.”
Greer to RNC: Don’t be stuck in the past
Sun Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel
WASHINGTON -- Republican leaders will select their national chairman today and consider Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale for party secretary.
Florida party chairman Jim Greer, who is pushing hard for Michael Steele of Maryland to become national chairman, sent a letter warning fellow Republicans to focus on the future, not cling to the good old days of the ‘80s.
It was Greer’s way of touting Steele, an African-American contender who represents a break from the past, while stressing the importance of bold change and outreach to minority voters.
Greer paid respect to the party’s heritage and its traditional themes of faith and family values but said leaders must come up with new messages that focus on jobs and the economy.
"Some leaders of our party talk about going back to `something,’" he wrote. "They relish the days when Ronald Reagan was president and the Republican Party dominated the political environment. Those were, my friends, great days, but the Republican Party of tomorrow cannot be the Republican Party of today or even yesterday."
Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
...Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman...
Chairman Greer Congratulates Michael Steele
Washington, D.C.–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement today congratulating former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele on his election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee:
“Michael Steele encompasses all of the abilities necessary to lead the Republican Party. He possesses leadership and organizational skills, the ability to raise needed financial resources and most importantly, convey a credible message throughout this nation that the Republican Party is the Party committed to serving the middle class and focusing on the issues important to all Republicans nationwide,” said Chairman Greer.
“Our Party’s founding principles must never be forgotten and we must never fail to proudly acknowledge that the Republican Party is the Party of faith and family values, but beyond that we must embrace new ideas and bold leadership and be a Party that understands that diversity is the cornerstone to growth and success.
“Michael Steele understands this challenge and the responsibility that comes with serving Republicans across the nation as their Chairman. Just as I fully supported his candidacy, and wholeheartedly encouraged others to do so, I place my full support and confidence in Michael Steele as he embarks on this new challenge and I look forward to working with him to grow the Party.
Chairman Greer was the first influential state party chairman to endorse Michael Steele and served as a critical member of the Steele team in encouraging support for Steele’s candidacy. Today, Chairman Greer officially seconded Steele’s nomination for the position of RNC Chairman. His remarks are below:
"My name is Jim Greer, Chairman from the great state of Florida, and I move to second the nomination of Michael Steele.
"Today, each of us has the responsibility to see the Republican Party as it is through the eyes of Republicans throughout this nation, not through our own eyes. We need a national chairman who can have a credible discussion with the American voter, excite and motivate the grassroots volunteers, promote diversity within our party and look to the future, not to the past.
"Your vote today can be the greatest contribution you have ever made to the Republican Party. The nation is watching and there is one person who possesses all of the qualities to lead us to victory. I ask you to make the right decision and vote for Michael Steele."
“Michael Steele encompasses all of the abilities necessary to lead the Republican Party. He possesses leadership and organizational skills, the ability to raise needed financial resources and most importantly, convey a credible message throughout this nation that the Republican Party is the Party committed to serving the middle class and focusing on the issues important to all Republicans nationwide,” said Chairman Greer.
“Our Party’s founding principles must never be forgotten and we must never fail to proudly acknowledge that the Republican Party is the Party of faith and family values, but beyond that we must embrace new ideas and bold leadership and be a Party that understands that diversity is the cornerstone to growth and success.
“Michael Steele understands this challenge and the responsibility that comes with serving Republicans across the nation as their Chairman. Just as I fully supported his candidacy, and wholeheartedly encouraged others to do so, I place my full support and confidence in Michael Steele as he embarks on this new challenge and I look forward to working with him to grow the Party.
Chairman Greer was the first influential state party chairman to endorse Michael Steele and served as a critical member of the Steele team in encouraging support for Steele’s candidacy. Today, Chairman Greer officially seconded Steele’s nomination for the position of RNC Chairman. His remarks are below:
"My name is Jim Greer, Chairman from the great state of Florida, and I move to second the nomination of Michael Steele.
"Today, each of us has the responsibility to see the Republican Party as it is through the eyes of Republicans throughout this nation, not through our own eyes. We need a national chairman who can have a credible discussion with the American voter, excite and motivate the grassroots volunteers, promote diversity within our party and look to the future, not to the past.
"Your vote today can be the greatest contribution you have ever made to the Republican Party. The nation is watching and there is one person who possesses all of the qualities to lead us to victory. I ask you to make the right decision and vote for Michael Steele."
And Then There Were Two...
Saul dropped out, no endorsement. In a brief recesss before the 6th (and hopefully last) ballot.
Statement by RPOF Chairman Jim Greer on Representative Ray Sansom’s Recusal of Duties as Speaker of the Florida House
Washington, D.C.—Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement on Representative Ray Sansom’s temporary recusal of duties as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives:
“Florida’s families and businesses face unprecedented challenges right now, and it is important that the Florida Legislature is free from any additional distractions while its members do the important work in front of them. We support Representative Sansom’s decision to temporarily step down from his position as Speaker in order to focus on clearing his name, and we are confident he will do just that. In the meantime, we look forward to working with both the Florida House and Senate to get our economy back on track and keep taxes low for families and businesses.”
“Florida’s families and businesses face unprecedented challenges right now, and it is important that the Florida Legislature is free from any additional distractions while its members do the important work in front of them. We support Representative Sansom’s decision to temporarily step down from his position as Speaker in order to focus on clearing his name, and we are confident he will do just that. In the meantime, we look forward to working with both the Florida House and Senate to get our economy back on track and keep taxes low for families and businesses.”
Round #3 Steele Ahead
After the third round of ballots:
Steele takese the lead with 51
Duncan 44
Dawson 34
Saul 24
Blackwell 15
Who will Blackwell give his support to?
Steele takese the lead with 51
Duncan 44
Dawson 34
Saul 24
Blackwell 15
Who will Blackwell give his support to?
RNC Chairman's Race Round 1
After the first round of ballots, 52 Duncan, 46 Steele, 28 Dawson, 22 Saul, 20 Blackwell.
15 minute recess before the next round.
15 minute recess before the next round.
Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins
By William March, Tampa Tribune
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
“This vote will be the greatest contribution you ever make to the Republican Party,” said Greer to the RNC members gathered in Washington.
Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman.
Steele is still an underdog in the race, but the most recent MSNBC poll of the 168 voting RNC members shows him in second place with 30 committed votes to 44 for incumbent Chairman Mike Duncan. The winner will be the first to reach 85 votes in a succession of votes with five candidates.
Second place could be a favorable position. If Duncan, chosen for the post by former President Bush, fails to win on the first ballot, then Steele could be viewed as the top candidate representing change.
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
“This vote will be the greatest contribution you ever make to the Republican Party,” said Greer to the RNC members gathered in Washington.
Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman.
Steele is still an underdog in the race, but the most recent MSNBC poll of the 168 voting RNC members shows him in second place with 30 committed votes to 44 for incumbent Chairman Mike Duncan. The winner will be the first to reach 85 votes in a succession of votes with five candidates.
Second place could be a favorable position. If Duncan, chosen for the post by former President Bush, fails to win on the first ballot, then Steele could be viewed as the top candidate representing change.
First Ballot Underway
The 168 members of the Republican National Committee each cast their ballots for the next Chairman. The states are then called by name alphabetically to turn in their ballots.
Each state has three voting members. Florida's are National Committeewoman Sharon Day, National Committeeman Paul Senft and Chairman Jim Greer.
Territories including Guam, the U.S Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, among others, are also represented.
Each state has three voting members. Florida's are National Committeewoman Sharon Day, National Committeeman Paul Senft and Chairman Jim Greer.
Territories including Guam, the U.S Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, among others, are also represented.
Chairman Greer Seconds Steele
Chairman Greer's Seconding Remarks:
"My name is Jim Greer, Chairman from the great state of Florida, and I move to second the nomination of Michael Steele.
"Today, each of us has the responsibility to see the Republican Party as it is through the eyes of Republicans throughout this nation, not through our own eyes. We need a national chairman who can have a credible discussion with the American voter, excite and motivate the grassroots volunteers, promote diversity within our party and look to the future, not to the past.
"Your vote today can be the greatest contribution you have ever made to the Republican Party. The nation is watching and there is one person who possesses all of the qualities to lead us to victory. I ask you to make the right decision and vote for Michael Steele."
"My name is Jim Greer, Chairman from the great state of Florida, and I move to second the nomination of Michael Steele.
"Today, each of us has the responsibility to see the Republican Party as it is through the eyes of Republicans throughout this nation, not through our own eyes. We need a national chairman who can have a credible discussion with the American voter, excite and motivate the grassroots volunteers, promote diversity within our party and look to the future, not to the past.
"Your vote today can be the greatest contribution you have ever made to the Republican Party. The nation is watching and there is one person who possesses all of the qualities to lead us to victory. I ask you to make the right decision and vote for Michael Steele."
RNC Nominations So Far....
Blackwell, Steele and Duncan have been nominated and seconded so far. Florida National Committeeman Paul Senft seconded Steele's nomination from the floor.
RNC Elex Rundown
Couple helpful analyses today in Politico and NBC's First Read on the RNC Chair Election, which is happening now...stay tuned...
Politico: RNC VOTING STARTS AT NOON. CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS IT'LL GO 4-6 BALLOTS, WITH EACH BALLOT TAKING ABOUT 30 MINUTES, BUT IT COULD BE A LOT LONGER OR SHORTER.
First Read: The self-help saying "Today is the first day of the rest of my life" could very well apply to the Republican Party today as it meets in DC to elect a new chairman after its stinging political defeats in 2006 and 2008. There are five candidates: current chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky, Michigan party chair Saul Anuzis, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. (A sixth candidate, former Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman, who distributed the CD with "Barack the Magic Negro" on it, withdrew from the race yesterday.)
The vote offers several mini-themes. There's the referendum on the incumbent Duncan (the vote will likely turn into a race between Duncan and an anti-Duncan choice). There are the candidates' regional differences (Anuzis and Steele are from reliable Dem states; Dawson and Duncan are from solid GOP ones). There's ideology (Blackwell and Dawson are the most conservative candidates; Steele is perhaps the most moderate).
There's race (Blackwell and Steele are black, Dawson once belonged to a whites-only country club, "Barack the Magic Negro"). And then there's the members-only angle (Duncan, Anuzis, and Dawson are RNC members; Blackwell are Steele are outsiders). In fact, that final point could very well swing the election in the second and third rounds of balloting. If Anuzis and/or Dawson drop out, do their supporters bolt to the outsider Steele? Or do they back Duncan, the man they've worked with for quite some time?
*** The Mechanics Of The Vote: The 168 RNC members convene at 10:30 am ET, and here's what follows: They conduct a head count (determining how many members and proxies are in attendance); they determine how the vote is conducted (it's expected to be by secret ballot); they give nominating and seconding speeches; and finally they begin the balloting. To win, a candidate needs a simple majority (so 85 votes out of the 168). There is no cut-off threshold -- for example, if Blackwell finishes last in the first round of voting, he isn't forced out of the contest -- so it's anyone's guess how many round of ballots there will be. Also, the results from each round of voting will be announced publicly. As of Thursday, First Read's survey of the 168 RNC members had Duncan with 44 first-vote supporters, Steele with 30, Dawson at 18, Blackwell and Anuzis at 16 each, and Saltsman (who has since dropped out) at 1.
Politico: RNC VOTING STARTS AT NOON. CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS IT'LL GO 4-6 BALLOTS, WITH EACH BALLOT TAKING ABOUT 30 MINUTES, BUT IT COULD BE A LOT LONGER OR SHORTER.
TOTAL UNCERTAINTY ABOUT OUTCOME ACROSS ALL CAMPS AND OBSERVERS.
First Read: The self-help saying "Today is the first day of the rest of my life" could very well apply to the Republican Party today as it meets in DC to elect a new chairman after its stinging political defeats in 2006 and 2008. There are five candidates: current chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky, Michigan party chair Saul Anuzis, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. (A sixth candidate, former Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman, who distributed the CD with "Barack the Magic Negro" on it, withdrew from the race yesterday.)
The vote offers several mini-themes. There's the referendum on the incumbent Duncan (the vote will likely turn into a race between Duncan and an anti-Duncan choice). There are the candidates' regional differences (Anuzis and Steele are from reliable Dem states; Dawson and Duncan are from solid GOP ones). There's ideology (Blackwell and Dawson are the most conservative candidates; Steele is perhaps the most moderate).
There's race (Blackwell and Steele are black, Dawson once belonged to a whites-only country club, "Barack the Magic Negro"). And then there's the members-only angle (Duncan, Anuzis, and Dawson are RNC members; Blackwell are Steele are outsiders). In fact, that final point could very well swing the election in the second and third rounds of balloting. If Anuzis and/or Dawson drop out, do their supporters bolt to the outsider Steele? Or do they back Duncan, the man they've worked with for quite some time?
*** The Mechanics Of The Vote: The 168 RNC members convene at 10:30 am ET, and here's what follows: They conduct a head count (determining how many members and proxies are in attendance); they determine how the vote is conducted (it's expected to be by secret ballot); they give nominating and seconding speeches; and finally they begin the balloting. To win, a candidate needs a simple majority (so 85 votes out of the 168). There is no cut-off threshold -- for example, if Blackwell finishes last in the first round of voting, he isn't forced out of the contest -- so it's anyone's guess how many round of ballots there will be. Also, the results from each round of voting will be announced publicly. As of Thursday, First Read's survey of the 168 RNC members had Duncan with 44 first-vote supporters, Steele with 30, Dawson at 18, Blackwell and Anuzis at 16 each, and Saltsman (who has since dropped out) at 1.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
NRCC: Do Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas Support $335 Million for STD Prevention in "Stimulus"?
Washington- Rep. Alan Grayson (FL-08) and Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) are set to cast their vote today on a so-called “stimulus” package, which has shattered the trillion dollar mark. The question is: Will Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas still support the massive spending bill now that it has become public that the House Democrats’ so-called “stimulus” has been stuffed with an astonishing $335 million to fund prevention programs of sexually transmitted diseases?
The Drudge Report lays out the facts:
“Democrats may have eliminated provisions in the ‘job stimulus’ on birth control and sod for the National Mall -- but buried on page 147 of the bill is economic stimulation for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases!
“The House Democrats’ bill includes $335 million for sexually transmitted disease (STD) education and prevention programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
“In the past, the CDC has used this STD education funding for programs that many Members of Congress find objectionable and arguably unrelated to a mission of economic stimulus [such as funding events called ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Great Sex’ put on by an organization that received $698,000 in government funds.]
“‘Whether this funding has merit is not the question; the point is it has no business in an economic plan supposedly focused on job creation,’ says a stimulated Hill source.” (Drudge Report, 1/28/09)
Americans are outraged as revelations continue to surface that even more wasteful Washington spending has been tucked into this bill at the expense of solutions that would actually stimulate the economy and create real jobs for struggling middle-class families. Just yesterday, Democrats were forced to nix their idea for handing out taxpayer-funded contraceptives as a way to “stimulate” the economy.
“It’s obvious that Congressional Democrats are trying to pull the wool over Americans’ eyes as they rush this so-called ‘stimulus’ bill through Congress, while middle-class taxpayers are still finding out about frivolous spending provisions that have been hidden in the bill,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “It is one thing to believe that we can borrow and spend our way out of recession like Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas do, but it is quite another to use this trillion dollar spending bill as a vehicle for liberal pet programs.”
Will Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas really support this massive trillion dollar spending package full of new and wasteful government spending? Even the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says will not actually create real jobs for years to come (Wall Street Journal, 1/22/09).
The Drudge Report lays out the facts:
“Democrats may have eliminated provisions in the ‘job stimulus’ on birth control and sod for the National Mall -- but buried on page 147 of the bill is economic stimulation for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases!
“The House Democrats’ bill includes $335 million for sexually transmitted disease (STD) education and prevention programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
“In the past, the CDC has used this STD education funding for programs that many Members of Congress find objectionable and arguably unrelated to a mission of economic stimulus [such as funding events called ‘Booty Call’ and ‘Great Sex’ put on by an organization that received $698,000 in government funds.]
“‘Whether this funding has merit is not the question; the point is it has no business in an economic plan supposedly focused on job creation,’ says a stimulated Hill source.” (Drudge Report, 1/28/09)
Americans are outraged as revelations continue to surface that even more wasteful Washington spending has been tucked into this bill at the expense of solutions that would actually stimulate the economy and create real jobs for struggling middle-class families. Just yesterday, Democrats were forced to nix their idea for handing out taxpayer-funded contraceptives as a way to “stimulate” the economy.
“It’s obvious that Congressional Democrats are trying to pull the wool over Americans’ eyes as they rush this so-called ‘stimulus’ bill through Congress, while middle-class taxpayers are still finding out about frivolous spending provisions that have been hidden in the bill,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “It is one thing to believe that we can borrow and spend our way out of recession like Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas do, but it is quite another to use this trillion dollar spending bill as a vehicle for liberal pet programs.”
Will Alan Grayson and Suzanne Kosmas really support this massive trillion dollar spending package full of new and wasteful government spending? Even the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says will not actually create real jobs for years to come (Wall Street Journal, 1/22/09).
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Ricky L. Polston Formally Invested A Florida Supreme Court Justice
Governor Charlie Crist praises Polston’s humility, judicial restraint
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today celebrated the investiture of jurist Ricky L. Polston to the Florida Supreme Court. Polston, was Governor Crist’s second appointment to the seven-member high court and has been serving since October 2, 2008.
“Justice Polston has already demonstrated wisdom, fairness and humility in serving Florida’s highest court,” said Governor Crist. “The people of Florida can rest assured that he is dedicated to upholding our justice system.”
Before being appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Polston enjoyed an extensive career in public and private practice. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, he served as a judge on the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, starting in 2001.
“I am committed to serving Floridians and our justice system in this important post,” said Justice Polston. “I am honored to have the confidence and support of Governor Charlie Crist.”
Justice Polston filled the vacancy left by Justice Kenneth B. Bell, who served on the Florida Supreme Court beginning in 2003 to 2008.
# # #
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today celebrated the investiture of jurist Ricky L. Polston to the Florida Supreme Court. Polston, was Governor Crist’s second appointment to the seven-member high court and has been serving since October 2, 2008.
“Justice Polston has already demonstrated wisdom, fairness and humility in serving Florida’s highest court,” said Governor Crist. “The people of Florida can rest assured that he is dedicated to upholding our justice system.”
Before being appointed to the Supreme Court, Justice Polston enjoyed an extensive career in public and private practice. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, he served as a judge on the First District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, starting in 2001.
“I am committed to serving Floridians and our justice system in this important post,” said Justice Polston. “I am honored to have the confidence and support of Governor Charlie Crist.”
Justice Polston filled the vacancy left by Justice Kenneth B. Bell, who served on the Florida Supreme Court beginning in 2003 to 2008.
# # #
Florida Federation of Young Republicans Hosts Young Republican National Federation in Orlando
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. – Florida Federation of Young Republicans will host their Quarterly Convention in conjunction with the Young Republican National Federation Board Meeting in Orlando, Florida, February 20-22nd.
“I’m honored to host this event right here in Florida. Our Reagan Day Gala promises to be one of the largest Young Republican gatherings in the country,” stated Brian Graham, Chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.
The weekend will commence on Friday with an “Earned Media and Public Relations" course taught by the Leadership Institute. Committee meetings and a welcoming reception featuring John Bolton, Tucker Carlson and Grover Norquist will follow.
Saturday will include the FFYR and the YRNF Board meetings, an "Activist Training" seminar hosted by FreedomWorks and a panel discussion on foreign affairs, healthcare, campaign finance, and economics moderated by Inside Edition’s Rita Cosby. The day will include a lunch with George P. Bush and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio and the FFYR Annual Reagan Day Gala featuring Joe Scarborough & George Allen. The day will conclude with a reception featuring Pete Coors and Attorney General Bill McCollum.
The weekend will close Sunday afternoon with a “Principles of Fundraising" course taught by the Leadership Institute.
For more information or to register for the convention, visit www.ffyr.org or contact State Chairman Brian Graham by email at Chairman@ffyr.org
“I’m honored to host this event right here in Florida. Our Reagan Day Gala promises to be one of the largest Young Republican gatherings in the country,” stated Brian Graham, Chairman of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.
The weekend will commence on Friday with an “Earned Media and Public Relations" course taught by the Leadership Institute. Committee meetings and a welcoming reception featuring John Bolton, Tucker Carlson and Grover Norquist will follow.
Saturday will include the FFYR and the YRNF Board meetings, an "Activist Training" seminar hosted by FreedomWorks and a panel discussion on foreign affairs, healthcare, campaign finance, and economics moderated by Inside Edition’s Rita Cosby. The day will include a lunch with George P. Bush and former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio and the FFYR Annual Reagan Day Gala featuring Joe Scarborough & George Allen. The day will conclude with a reception featuring Pete Coors and Attorney General Bill McCollum.
The weekend will close Sunday afternoon with a “Principles of Fundraising" course taught by the Leadership Institute.
For more information or to register for the convention, visit www.ffyr.org or contact State Chairman Brian Graham by email at Chairman@ffyr.org
Monday, January 26, 2009
Lt. Governor Kottkamp Delivers $350,000 in Grants to Survivors of Tropical Storm Fay
BAREFOOT BAY – Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp today, while visiting Brevard County survivors of Tropical Storm Fay, announced that the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund will provide a total of $350,000 in grants to long-term recovery organizations in Brevard, St. Lucie, Duval, Seminole and Volusia counties to help storm survivors rebuild from the devastation of Fay.
“The most challenging part of a tropical storm like Fay is often the weeks and months of recovery that follow,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “These grants, made possible by generous businesses and individuals, will help survivors rebuild their communities and businesses.”
The organizations receiving the grants are as follows:
• Brevard Long Term Recovery Coalition ($100,000)
• Volusia Interfaith/Inter-Agencies Networking In Disaster ($100,000)
• St. Lucie INTACT – Inspired Network to Achieve Community Together ($99,984)
• Northeast Florida Commission on Recovery ($25,000)
• Seminole Heart ($25,000)
Corporations giving to the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund include: AT&T, PBS&J, Florida Power & Light, Bank of America, BP Foundation, and Mosaic Fertilizer LLC. Fund chairman Sen. Connie Mack and his wife Priscilla have donated $10,000.
The Florida Disaster Recovery Fund, formerly the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, was initiated during the 2004 hurricane season to assist with the unmet and long-term recovery needs of survivors. The Fund is fueled entirely by private sector donations, with grants made to long-term recovery organizations. The Fund is managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation. For more information, please visit www.FLADisasterFund.org.
“The most challenging part of a tropical storm like Fay is often the weeks and months of recovery that follow,” said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. “These grants, made possible by generous businesses and individuals, will help survivors rebuild their communities and businesses.”
The organizations receiving the grants are as follows:
• Brevard Long Term Recovery Coalition ($100,000)
• Volusia Interfaith/Inter-Agencies Networking In Disaster ($100,000)
• St. Lucie INTACT – Inspired Network to Achieve Community Together ($99,984)
• Northeast Florida Commission on Recovery ($25,000)
• Seminole Heart ($25,000)
Corporations giving to the Florida Disaster Recovery Fund include: AT&T, PBS&J, Florida Power & Light, Bank of America, BP Foundation, and Mosaic Fertilizer LLC. Fund chairman Sen. Connie Mack and his wife Priscilla have donated $10,000.
The Florida Disaster Recovery Fund, formerly the Florida Hurricane Relief Fund, was initiated during the 2004 hurricane season to assist with the unmet and long-term recovery needs of survivors. The Fund is fueled entirely by private sector donations, with grants made to long-term recovery organizations. The Fund is managed by the nonprofit Volunteer Florida Foundation. For more information, please visit www.FLADisasterFund.org.
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