Tallahassee – Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today called on Florida’s Democrat Gubernatorial Candidate Alex Sink to demand that Governor Brian Schweitzer (D – Montana), head of the Democratic Governors Association, apologize for his sexist comments:
“As a female candidate seeking our state’s highest office, I am sure that Alex Sink personally understands the hurtful and inappropriate comments made by Governor Schweitzer,” said Chairman Greer. “CFO Sink has an opportunity to show Floridians, especially Florida’s women, that she won’t stand for this type of chauvinistic behavior. Sink should immediately demand an apology from Governor Schweitzer.”
Washington Post: A Governor's Sexist Remark
The problems facing women running for office were vividly, if unintentionally, highlighted in Dan Balz's June 7 The Take column, "Close Races in Virginia, New Jersey May Be Indicators for 2010," in which Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer was quoted as praising Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terence R. McAuliffe as someone who, "when there's a bump in the road, he's not going to cry like a girl and quit."
First, the comment has to make you wonder how well Mr. Schweitzer, as head of the Democratic Governors Association, will encourage or work for female candidates. Then you have to wonder about Mr. Balz reporting on Mr. Schweitzer's remark without any comment. Would such a comment about a minority group be treated as a perfectly understandable description of what one does not wish to be? It is hard to believe that a year ago, Hillary Rodham Clinton was being pilloried for overcoming bumps in the road and continuing to fight in the presidential race. The last thing I wonder is whether The Post will publish any commentary on this latest piece of practical sexism
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Back in the USSR?
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement regarding President Obama’s most recent appointment of yet another czar to his administration which, in 5 short months, has now surpassed the number of czars appointed during the 300 years of Russia’s Romanov Dynasty:
“It is absolutely ridiculous that President Obama has appointed, and will most likely continue to appoint, countless czars which are nothing more than symbolic figureheads to demonstrate to the American people that he is concerned about the buzz word of the day–border czar, regulation czar, infotech czar, urban czar, the list goes on and even includes a “compensation czar,” responsible for deciding the salaries of the top 100 employees of publicly traded companies!”
In over 300 years, the Romanov Dynasty ruled Russia with only 18 czars, yet in only five short months, the United States now has an excess of over 20 czars. What happened to cutting back and doing more with less?”
“These absurd positions do nothing but take away from the transparency that President Obama promised the American people. Who do the czars report to? The President? Members of the Cabinet? Congress? Certainly not the American people? These czars allow for an unacceptable sense of unaccountability in our government. What happened to the checks and balances between the branches of government that our forefathers carefully built into our Constitution? To me it looks like those values are being side stepped in favor of an army of presidentially appointed mini-dictators. Enough is enough.”
Obama Now Has "Upward of 20" Czars: "Name a top issue and President Barack Obama has probably got a 'czar' responsible for tackling it ... There are upward of 20 such top officials, all with lengthy official titles but known in the media as czars ... Linda Fowler, a professor of government at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, said presidents often appoint czars in a symbolic move to show they care about an issue." (Steve Holland, "Obama Fashions A Government of Many Czars," Reuters, 5/29/09)
This List Is Only Conservative Estimate: "In addition to [border czar Alan] Bersin, we have energy czar Carol Browner, urban czar Adolfo Carrion, Jr., infotech czar Vivek Kundra, faith-based czar Joshua DuBois, health reform czar Nancy-Ann DeParle, new TARP czar Herb Allison, stimulus accountability czar Earl Devaney, non-proliferation czar Gary Samore, terrorism czar John Brennan, regulatory czar Cass Sunstein, drug czar Gil Kerlikowske, and Guantanamo closure czar Daniel Fried. We also have a host of special envoys that fall into the czar category including AfPak special envoy Richard Holbrooke, Mideast peace envoy George Mitchell, special advisor for the Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia Dennis Ross, Sudan special envoy J. Scott Gration and climate special envoy Todd Stern. That's 18. This is a very conservative estimate, however ... [Y]ou could count de facto car czar Steve Rattner ... You could count National Director of Int elligence Dennis Blair, often referred to as the intelligence czar ... I'm not going to count Paul Volcker who was referred to as Obama's economic czar." (David J. Rothkopf, "It's Official: Obama Creates More Czars Than The Romanovs," Foreign Policy, 4/16/09)
Russia's Romanov Dynasty Only Had 18 Czars In Over 300 Years. "[T]he Obama administration has by any reasonable reckoning passed the Romanov Dynasty in the production of czars. The Romanovs ruled Russia from 1613 with the ascension of Michael I through the abdication of Czar Nicholas II in 1917. During that time, they produced 18 czars. While it is harder to exactly count the number of Obama administration czars, with yesterday's appointment it seems fair to say it is now certainly in excess of 18." (David J. Rothkopf, "It's Official: Obama Creates More Czars Than The Romanovs," Foreign Policy, 4/16/09)
In Letter To The White House, Senator Byrd Warned: "The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the constitutional system of checks and balances." (Cindy Skrzycki, "Obama's Czars Breed Chain-Of-Command Confusion," Bloomberg, 3/17/09)
American University Governance Expert Warned Czars Create Less Accountable, More "Incomprehensible" System. "This scenario lends credence to the concern that czars will add a layer of opaqueness and unaccountability to a rule-making system that's largely incomprehensible to the outside world and a puzzle even to seasoned pros representing industry groups, companies and the public. 'Every time you add another variable, you will have trouble sorting out what had influence on a rulemaking,' said Cornelius Kerwin, president of American University in Washington who wrote the book, 'Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy.' 'It's not like legislative or judicial decisions.'" (Cindy Skrzycki, "Obama's Czars Breed Chain-Of-Command Confusion," Bloomberg, 3/17/09
“It is absolutely ridiculous that President Obama has appointed, and will most likely continue to appoint, countless czars which are nothing more than symbolic figureheads to demonstrate to the American people that he is concerned about the buzz word of the day–border czar, regulation czar, infotech czar, urban czar, the list goes on and even includes a “compensation czar,” responsible for deciding the salaries of the top 100 employees of publicly traded companies!”
In over 300 years, the Romanov Dynasty ruled Russia with only 18 czars, yet in only five short months, the United States now has an excess of over 20 czars. What happened to cutting back and doing more with less?”
“These absurd positions do nothing but take away from the transparency that President Obama promised the American people. Who do the czars report to? The President? Members of the Cabinet? Congress? Certainly not the American people? These czars allow for an unacceptable sense of unaccountability in our government. What happened to the checks and balances between the branches of government that our forefathers carefully built into our Constitution? To me it looks like those values are being side stepped in favor of an army of presidentially appointed mini-dictators. Enough is enough.”
Obama Now Has "Upward of 20" Czars: "Name a top issue and President Barack Obama has probably got a 'czar' responsible for tackling it ... There are upward of 20 such top officials, all with lengthy official titles but known in the media as czars ... Linda Fowler, a professor of government at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, said presidents often appoint czars in a symbolic move to show they care about an issue." (Steve Holland, "Obama Fashions A Government of Many Czars," Reuters, 5/29/09)
This List Is Only Conservative Estimate: "In addition to [border czar Alan] Bersin, we have energy czar Carol Browner, urban czar Adolfo Carrion, Jr., infotech czar Vivek Kundra, faith-based czar Joshua DuBois, health reform czar Nancy-Ann DeParle, new TARP czar Herb Allison, stimulus accountability czar Earl Devaney, non-proliferation czar Gary Samore, terrorism czar John Brennan, regulatory czar Cass Sunstein, drug czar Gil Kerlikowske, and Guantanamo closure czar Daniel Fried. We also have a host of special envoys that fall into the czar category including AfPak special envoy Richard Holbrooke, Mideast peace envoy George Mitchell, special advisor for the Persian Gulf and Southwest Asia Dennis Ross, Sudan special envoy J. Scott Gration and climate special envoy Todd Stern. That's 18. This is a very conservative estimate, however ... [Y]ou could count de facto car czar Steve Rattner ... You could count National Director of Int elligence Dennis Blair, often referred to as the intelligence czar ... I'm not going to count Paul Volcker who was referred to as Obama's economic czar." (David J. Rothkopf, "It's Official: Obama Creates More Czars Than The Romanovs," Foreign Policy, 4/16/09)
Russia's Romanov Dynasty Only Had 18 Czars In Over 300 Years. "[T]he Obama administration has by any reasonable reckoning passed the Romanov Dynasty in the production of czars. The Romanovs ruled Russia from 1613 with the ascension of Michael I through the abdication of Czar Nicholas II in 1917. During that time, they produced 18 czars. While it is harder to exactly count the number of Obama administration czars, with yesterday's appointment it seems fair to say it is now certainly in excess of 18." (David J. Rothkopf, "It's Official: Obama Creates More Czars Than The Romanovs," Foreign Policy, 4/16/09)
In Letter To The White House, Senator Byrd Warned: "The rapid and easy accumulation of power by White House staff can threaten the constitutional system of checks and balances." (Cindy Skrzycki, "Obama's Czars Breed Chain-Of-Command Confusion," Bloomberg, 3/17/09)
American University Governance Expert Warned Czars Create Less Accountable, More "Incomprehensible" System. "This scenario lends credence to the concern that czars will add a layer of opaqueness and unaccountability to a rule-making system that's largely incomprehensible to the outside world and a puzzle even to seasoned pros representing industry groups, companies and the public. 'Every time you add another variable, you will have trouble sorting out what had influence on a rulemaking,' said Cornelius Kerwin, president of American University in Washington who wrote the book, 'Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy.' 'It's not like legislative or judicial decisions.'" (Cindy Skrzycki, "Obama's Czars Breed Chain-Of-Command Confusion," Bloomberg, 3/17/09
Under Kosmas’ Watch, NASA Jobs in Jeopardy
Kosmas Campaign Promises Go Unfulfilled, Space Coast Jobs Hang in Balance
Six Months into Term, Is Kosmas Still Unprepared on Space Issues?
Washington – NASA jobs on Florida’s Space Coast are being threatened by congressional Democrats (Walter Alarkon, “NASA states going ballistic over cash cuts,” The Hill, 6/11/09), and it’s happening on the watch of Suzanne Kosmas.
“Suzanne Kosmas promised her constituents that she would protect NASA funding and local jobs, and she has failed,” said Ken Spain, NRCC Communications Director. “Representing a NASA district as a member of the majority is a big responsibility, and Suzanne Kosmas just doesn’t appear to be cut out for it.”
BACKGROUND:
• A 2008 Orlando Sentinel article indicated that Kosmas was unprepared on space issues:
“But attacking [Kosmas’ opponent] on space could be risky for Kosmas, a real-estate broker with little background in the issue. A recent interview indicates she knows far less about NASA and the space program than does [her opponent]…In response to questions, for example, Kosmas was unsure how much NASA spends on climate research compared to other priorities. And she could not answer questions on the planned use of Russian spacecraft by American astronauts. (Mark Matthews, “Candidates exchange jabs on KSC funds,” Orlando Sentinel, 6/5/08)
• Despite her ignorance of NASA issues, Kosmas cynically used them to attack her 2008 opponent: (Mark Matthews, “Kosmas campaign tries to box Feeney into corner on NASA,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 10/9/08)
• During this year’s stimulus debate, Kosmas put party loyalty ahead of NASA funding:
“Kosmas also made clear she far prefers the bill passed by the House to the Senate version, even though that package includes more money for NASA.” (Staff, “Kosmas backs stimulus bill after appearance with Obama,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 2/10/09
• Kosmas voted for the stimulus package, which fell woefully short of NASA’s requests (Stewart Powell, “Stimulus bill leaves NASA with less than requested,” Houston Chronicle, 1/29/09)
• Kosmas made full funding of NASA’s requests one of her top campaign promises:
“I will always fight to ensure that the Kennedy Space Center is given what it needs to remain strong and continue its spirit of exploration and excellence and will also fight to fully fund NASA's requests in our national budget.” (Suzanne Kosmas campaign website, http://kosmasforcongress.com/priorities/space, accessed 6/11/09)
###
Six Months into Term, Is Kosmas Still Unprepared on Space Issues?
Washington – NASA jobs on Florida’s Space Coast are being threatened by congressional Democrats (Walter Alarkon, “NASA states going ballistic over cash cuts,” The Hill, 6/11/09), and it’s happening on the watch of Suzanne Kosmas.
“Suzanne Kosmas promised her constituents that she would protect NASA funding and local jobs, and she has failed,” said Ken Spain, NRCC Communications Director. “Representing a NASA district as a member of the majority is a big responsibility, and Suzanne Kosmas just doesn’t appear to be cut out for it.”
BACKGROUND:
• A 2008 Orlando Sentinel article indicated that Kosmas was unprepared on space issues:
“But attacking [Kosmas’ opponent] on space could be risky for Kosmas, a real-estate broker with little background in the issue. A recent interview indicates she knows far less about NASA and the space program than does [her opponent]…In response to questions, for example, Kosmas was unsure how much NASA spends on climate research compared to other priorities. And she could not answer questions on the planned use of Russian spacecraft by American astronauts. (Mark Matthews, “Candidates exchange jabs on KSC funds,” Orlando Sentinel, 6/5/08)
• Despite her ignorance of NASA issues, Kosmas cynically used them to attack her 2008 opponent: (Mark Matthews, “Kosmas campaign tries to box Feeney into corner on NASA,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 10/9/08)
• During this year’s stimulus debate, Kosmas put party loyalty ahead of NASA funding:
“Kosmas also made clear she far prefers the bill passed by the House to the Senate version, even though that package includes more money for NASA.” (Staff, “Kosmas backs stimulus bill after appearance with Obama,” Orlando Sentinel “Central Florida Political Pulse” blog, 2/10/09
• Kosmas voted for the stimulus package, which fell woefully short of NASA’s requests (Stewart Powell, “Stimulus bill leaves NASA with less than requested,” Houston Chronicle, 1/29/09)
• Kosmas made full funding of NASA’s requests one of her top campaign promises:
“I will always fight to ensure that the Kennedy Space Center is given what it needs to remain strong and continue its spirit of exploration and excellence and will also fight to fully fund NASA's requests in our national budget.” (Suzanne Kosmas campaign website, http://kosmasforcongress.com/priorities/space, accessed 6/11/09)
###
Congressman from ACORN Strikes Again
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement regarding Congressman Alan Grayson’s $350,000 earmark for the controversial Florida Civil Rights Association whose founder, J. Willie David, a former bail bondsman, has been accused of stealing money from clients and extorting money from orphans.
“It seems the Congressman from ACORN has struck again,” said Chairman Greer. “In an attempt to funnel $350,000 of taxpayer money to a friend and ex-bail bondsman/would-be orphan profiteer who hustles the poor and takes advantage of central Florida’s less fortunate, he has once again proven he is an embarrassment to his constituents.”
“It is time for Alan Grayson to take a stand and serve the citizens of central Florida in the way that they deserve,” continued Greer. “And sending $350,000 of their hard earned money to an organization run by a personal friend and professional con-artist is a troublesome lapse in judgment and unfair to his constituents.”
“It seems the Congressman from ACORN has struck again,” said Chairman Greer. “In an attempt to funnel $350,000 of taxpayer money to a friend and ex-bail bondsman/would-be orphan profiteer who hustles the poor and takes advantage of central Florida’s less fortunate, he has once again proven he is an embarrassment to his constituents.”
“It is time for Alan Grayson to take a stand and serve the citizens of central Florida in the way that they deserve,” continued Greer. “And sending $350,000 of their hard earned money to an organization run by a personal friend and professional con-artist is a troublesome lapse in judgment and unfair to his constituents.”
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Benacquisto gets nod of GOP leadership in State Senate Bid
Senate President, Former President and Majority Leader Endorse
WELLINGTON, FL –State Senate candidate Lizbeth Benacquisto announced the endorsement of her candidacy by Senate leaders today. Senate President Jeff Atwater, former president Senator Ken Pruitt and Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla have all signed on to her campaign.
“I am thrilled and honored to have the support of such respected public servants,” Benacquisto said. “Our campaign is off to a great start and we have traveled the district several times already meeting with leaders in Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, and throughout the Palm Beach County portion of the district,” she continued. “We will be working hard to reach out and meet the voters of this district and earn their trust and support,” Benacquisto added.
Lizbeth currently serves on the Wellington Village Council and has been a long‐time community activist. She is seeking election to the Florida Senate, District 27.
###
WELLINGTON, FL –State Senate candidate Lizbeth Benacquisto announced the endorsement of her candidacy by Senate leaders today. Senate President Jeff Atwater, former president Senator Ken Pruitt and Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla have all signed on to her campaign.
“I am thrilled and honored to have the support of such respected public servants,” Benacquisto said. “Our campaign is off to a great start and we have traveled the district several times already meeting with leaders in Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres, and throughout the Palm Beach County portion of the district,” she continued. “We will be working hard to reach out and meet the voters of this district and earn their trust and support,” Benacquisto added.
Lizbeth currently serves on the Wellington Village Council and has been a long‐time community activist. She is seeking election to the Florida Senate, District 27.
###
Meek Supports Importing Gitmo Detainees to FL?
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today released the following statement calling on Miami Congressman and United States Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek to tell Floridians whether or not he supports bringing terrorists currently detained at Guantanamo Bay to the Sunshine State.
“Yesterday we saw the first Guantanamo Bay detainee plead not-guilty to the al-Qaida bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, attacks that killed more than 224 people, including 12 Americans. Ahmed Ghailani is the first of many terrorists who will face trial here in the United States as the Obama Administration moves forward with plans to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, the current home to dozens of terrorists responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and the destruction of billions of dollars of property.
“Does Kendrick Meek support the Obama Administration’s plans to bring those terrorists to the United States, and if so, would he bring them to Florida? Recent polling shows that by a margin of 2-1, Americans do not believe Guantanamo detainees should be moved to the United States.
“Will Meek go against the will of the people? Kendrick Meek needs to come clean and explain his position on allowing terrorists to be brought to Florida. If he doesn’t support the Obama Administration’s plan, now is the time to speak up – Floridians are waiting. If Meek can’t show leadership as a Congressman, he won’t show leadership in the U.S Senate.”
“Yesterday we saw the first Guantanamo Bay detainee plead not-guilty to the al-Qaida bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, attacks that killed more than 224 people, including 12 Americans. Ahmed Ghailani is the first of many terrorists who will face trial here in the United States as the Obama Administration moves forward with plans to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, the current home to dozens of terrorists responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, and the destruction of billions of dollars of property.
“Does Kendrick Meek support the Obama Administration’s plans to bring those terrorists to the United States, and if so, would he bring them to Florida? Recent polling shows that by a margin of 2-1, Americans do not believe Guantanamo detainees should be moved to the United States.
“Will Meek go against the will of the people? Kendrick Meek needs to come clean and explain his position on allowing terrorists to be brought to Florida. If he doesn’t support the Obama Administration’s plan, now is the time to speak up – Floridians are waiting. If Meek can’t show leadership as a Congressman, he won’t show leadership in the U.S Senate.”
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bronson Endorses McCollum for Governor
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson today endorsed Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum as the Republican candidate for Governor of the State of Florida for the 2010 Election.
Please see the text of the Commissioner’s endorsement letter below, or click here to download a printable version of the letter.
Dear Republican Leaders,
I am writing you today to discuss matters that I feel are important to us as a Party and ultimately, our great state.
As many of you may have heard, I recently announced that, while I gave it much consideration, I have decided against running for Governor in 2010. I came to this decision after a great deal of discussion with my friends, family and supporters and wanted to let you, as leaders of our Party, in on my decision making process.
I have always believed that primary campaigns are a healthy part of the Republican Party.
Primaries foster healthy policy discussions, energize both the volunteer and donor corps and strengthen candidates for the General election. While I do believe in all of these things, I also believed that in making my decision to run for Governor, I needed to take a long look at the particular circumstances that our Party faces in the upcoming election.
Upon taking inventory of the current environment, I concluded that running for Governor was not the appropriate thing for me to do at this time. I came to this conclusion because the Democrat Party has clearly solidified behind their candidate for Governor. In tough economic times like these, the last thing our Party needs is a protracted Primary battle where we spend all of our resources fighting with each other, rather than focusing on the General election. Now is the time to be united behind our nominee and to that end, I enthusiastically endorse Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Bill is a friend, a guardian for consumers and our children, a steady, experienced hand and he is the solid leader that is needed to guide us out of the tough economic times that we are facing. I know Bill is the strongest candidate that the Republican Party could nominate for Governor and I know that he will make a great Governor. I hope you will stand with me, over the next 17 months, as I focus on doing whatever is needed to ensure that Bill McCollum is elected as the next Governor of our beautiful state.
With kind regards,
Charlie Bronson
Please see the text of the Commissioner’s endorsement letter below, or click here to download a printable version of the letter.
Dear Republican Leaders,
I am writing you today to discuss matters that I feel are important to us as a Party and ultimately, our great state.
As many of you may have heard, I recently announced that, while I gave it much consideration, I have decided against running for Governor in 2010. I came to this decision after a great deal of discussion with my friends, family and supporters and wanted to let you, as leaders of our Party, in on my decision making process.
I have always believed that primary campaigns are a healthy part of the Republican Party.
Primaries foster healthy policy discussions, energize both the volunteer and donor corps and strengthen candidates for the General election. While I do believe in all of these things, I also believed that in making my decision to run for Governor, I needed to take a long look at the particular circumstances that our Party faces in the upcoming election.
Upon taking inventory of the current environment, I concluded that running for Governor was not the appropriate thing for me to do at this time. I came to this conclusion because the Democrat Party has clearly solidified behind their candidate for Governor. In tough economic times like these, the last thing our Party needs is a protracted Primary battle where we spend all of our resources fighting with each other, rather than focusing on the General election. Now is the time to be united behind our nominee and to that end, I enthusiastically endorse Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Bill is a friend, a guardian for consumers and our children, a steady, experienced hand and he is the solid leader that is needed to guide us out of the tough economic times that we are facing. I know Bill is the strongest candidate that the Republican Party could nominate for Governor and I know that he will make a great Governor. I hope you will stand with me, over the next 17 months, as I focus on doing whatever is needed to ensure that Bill McCollum is elected as the next Governor of our beautiful state.
With kind regards,
Charlie Bronson
Monday, June 8, 2009
Commissioner Bronson to Make Political Announcement Tuesday
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson will make a political announcement tomorrow, Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Florida Press Center.
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