Bill Nelson Says It'll Take Merlin to Pull Off Obama's Budget

Bill Nelson to Obama: It’ll Take Merlin the Magician to Pull Off Your Budget

Tallahassee—On Monday Democrat Senator Bill Nelson said it will take a magician—specifically, Merlin—to pull off President Obama’s budget.

When questioned about the massive budget in an interview with FOX News, Senator Nelson replied, “How we’re going to pull this off, it’s going to take Merlin the Magician.”

Nelson, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, cautioned that the Obama budget will have to be modified due to projections that federal deficits over the next ten years will exceed Obama’s projections by $2.3 trillion. Senator Nelson notes, “we’re going to have to go back and rework this whole thing…” Nelson then suggested higher taxes, saying, “…you’re going to have to speed up the revenues coming in from such things as possibly a cigarette tax, possibly…cap and trade…”

The Wall Street Journal tells Nelson, “Getting cap-and-trade legislation – opponents call it “cap and tax” — and a higher cigarette tax through Congress, however, might require more than one Merlin.”

I'm Alex Sink and I'm Kind of a Big Deal

My Office Is Filled With Democrat Operatives and Leather Bound Books and Smells of Fine Mahogany

I’m Alex Sink and I’m Kind of a Big Deal

Tallahassee—The St. Pete Times reports today that Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is essentially campaigning for statewide office already…from her current statewide office. Which means taxpayers are paying for her campaign.

The Times notes that Sink is staffing up with Democrat operatives from Planned Parenthood and the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee. The article also highlights Sink’s recent high-profile political attacks on Republican elected officials and says, “She has added veteran political hands to her office payroll. And at a time when many state politicians are consumed with the budget crisis in Tallahassee, Sink has been organizing campaign fundraising receptions from Tallahassee to Tampa to Miami.”

“Alex Sink is clearly running for statewide office, and she’s doing it on the taxpayers’ dime through a not-so-stealthy stealth campaign run out of the first floor of Florida’s Capitol building,” said RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Her campaign staff should be moved off the state payroll immediately so that Florida’s taxpayers do not have to foot any more of the bill for Alex Sink’s campaign.”

The St. Pete Times continues, “In January, her office issued nine press releases, compared with 15 so far this month. In recent days she has been front and center at a PTA rally in Tallahassee, and holding news conferences…She has brought in a politically savvy new deputy chief of staff, Stephanie Grutman, who previously worked with U.S. Rep. Ron Klein and with Planned Parenthood. Her new communications director, Jennings, is a veteran of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.”

“Alex Sink has her campaign staff in place and she has held at least three fundraisers this month alone,” concluded Greer. “Alex Sink is running an active campaign and Florida’s taxpayers are footing the bill.”

Yesterday, Sink suggested that it might be a good idea for the state to buy toxic assets that banks and private investors won’t touch.

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Florida CFO Wants the State to Buy Toxic Assets

That's right--Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink declared today that she would consider having Florida buy toxic assets. That means you, the taxpayers, buying up bad, risky assets that no one else wants.

The RPOF just issued the following release:

Banks Don’t Want ‘Em, Investors Don’t Want ‘Em, But Alex Sink Does!

Tallahassee—As if Florida families don’t have enough to worry about, the Associated Press reports today that the state’s Chief Financial Officer Official wants to buy toxic assets for investment purposes.

“There is a reason they’re called ‘toxic,’” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “The federal government doesn’t want them and private investors don’t want them. Why should the people of Florida?”

“Alex Sink may be willing to make a deal with devil to in an attempt to enhance Florida’s investment portfolio, but taxpayers will not support this incredibly risky move with their dollars. As a former bank executive, Alex Sink should know the perilous potential outcome of even considering purchasing toxic assets, which could damage the entire state’s credit and hurt taxpayers.”

Economic Crisis Silver Lining: Everyday Heroes

Thanks to the House Majority Office for bringing this to our attention:

From Politico--

A town hall gets emotional

The Ft. Myers woman who told Obama she was living in her car with her family has reportedly been offered a home. When Obama called on Henrietta Hughes at a packed town hall in Florida, she told him:

"I have an urgent need. ... We need something more than the vehicle and parks to go to. We need our own kitchen and our own bathroom, please help."

Obama hugged Hughes and kissed her on the cheek and told her to talk to his staff after the town hall meeting.

Now MSNBC reports that Florida Rep. Nick Thompson and his wife offered Hughes their second home, rent free, after hearing about her plight.

"Basically, I offered Ms. Hughes and her son the opportunity to stay in my home rent free, for as long as they need to," said Chene Thompson. "I'm not a millionaire, I'm not rich, but this is what I can do for someone if they need it."

RPOF Chairman Greer on Stimulus Package and Nancy Pelosi's Claims

The RPOF released the following statement last night.

Greer Says Stimulus Has A Way to Go, Crist Fighting for Florida

Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s incorrect assumption that he is in support of the Democrat Spending Bill:

“I appreciate Speaker Pelosi inviting me to join in a discussion of the Democrat Spending Bill today as her official office issued a press release touting my support for this legislation. However, I would have been more grateful had she checked the facts first.

“Under my leadership the Republican Party of Florida fully supports Governor Crist in his efforts to ensure that Florida receives its full share and is able to use any federal economic stimulus dollars coming to our state to benefit all Floridians. Here in Florida, and across the nation, Governors, members of Congress and other elected officials are looking at this legislation from different perspectives due to their individual responsibilities. Charlie Crist is doing what he should be doing as Governor – FIGHTING FOR FLORIDA.

“As a Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, I support the idea that a plan is needed to stimulate the economy. I also support several facets of the current House and Senate plans including reducing taxes, creating jobs, and providing important funding for certain essential services.

However, what I do not support are the Democrats’ efforts to use this legislation as an opportunity to fulfill every spending promise they've ever made on the campaign trail.

“As this bill moves into conference, I would hope that the bipartisan tone demonstrated today in Florida results in the removal of the unnecessary pork barrel spending contained in the current House and Senate versions of this important legislation.”

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Pelosi's Non-Answer on STD Prevention Stimulating the Economy

In a New York State of...Taxes

House Majority Leader Adam Hasner brings some interesting articles to our attention, especially compelling after this morning's House session on economic conditions and the state budget.

Leader Hasner notes, "While the news today was sobering, in order to provide some perspective, I am forwarding you these two articles to share with you how the State of New York is proposing to balance their budget which currently has a $15.4 billion deficit.

"As other states choose to reach deeper into the pockets of taxpayers, we should not ask Florida’s families and small businesses to pay more to government at a time when they are already making do with less. We must examine state government and stop spending taxpayer dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness or exist only to serve the needs of some special interest."

The first article, from New York Daily News, explains that NY Gov. David Paterson "...called for 88 new fees and a host of other taxes, including an 'iPod tax' that taxes the sale of downloaded music and other 'digitally delivered entertainment services.'

"...The proposal, which needs legislative approval, did not include broad-based income tax increases, but relied on smaller ones to raise $4.1 billion from cash-strapped New Yorkers.

"Movie tickets, taxi rides, soda, beer, wine, cigars and massages would be taxed under Paterson's proposal. It also extends sales taxes to cable and satellite TV services and removes the tax exemption for clothes costing less than $110."

The second article, from the NY Post, notes that the "...plan represents the biggest tax hike in state history and slashes services across the board - while still increasing spending by $1.4 billion."

Highlights:

* An "iTunes tax" of 4 percent on videos, music or pictures downloaded from the Internet.
* A 4 percent tax on taxi, limo and bus rides. That means a $10 cab ride would cost 40 cents more.
* A 4 percent entertainment tax on tickets to movies, concerts and sporting events.
* The tax on beer increases 24 cents per gallon, or more than double the current rate, which means about 30 cents a case.
* An 18 percent tax on nondiet soft drinks, which aims to reduce child obesity. A $1.50 can of Pepsi would then cost at least 25 cents more.
* A 4 percent tax on cable TV and satellite services, raising a $100 bill by $4.
* A 4 percent sales tax on clothing and shoes under $500, except for two weeks out of the year.
* Elimination of the law that caps the state sales tax on gasoline at 8 cents per gallon.
* Boosting the average vehicle registration fee for drivers by $11, from $44 to $55. Fees for new or renewed licenses also would increase 25 percent, or increase from $50 to about $62 to renew a license over eight years.

Mortgage Lenders Answer Governor Crist's Call for Foreclosure Relief During Holidays

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist joined representatives of the banking and mortgage lending industry to announce a voluntary agreement to provide foreclosure relief to Florida homestead property owners for the next 45 days. Governor Crist encouraged lenders to continue their efforts to actively negotiate with struggling homeowners during the coming months to help people stay in their homes.

“I applaud these bankers and lenders for giving people hope during this challenging economic time,” Governor Crist said. “Struggling families and homeowners should rest easier during this holiday season, knowing that these lenders have heard the pleas of homeowners.”

Read more here

Free Trade Creates Florida Jobs, But Obama Opposes It

Watch John McCain and Barack Obama talk about Free Trade during the presidential debate. Barack Obama reminded us tonight that he does not support free trade, even though it is critical to Florida's economy and our status as the "Hub of the Americas."

Reviews Are In--John McCain Wins the Last Debate

John McCain won tonight's debate by vowing to fight for "Joe the Plumber" everyday he is President.

John McCain was a spokesperson for millions of Americans who do not want their taxes raised and their health care socialized.

John McCain won with strong, clear straight talk about setting a new direction for our country and fighting for working families.

On issue after issue, Barack Obama showed that his words do not match his record. Whether it was his tax plan, his spending plans or his record, Barack Obama was full of half-truths.

John McCain outlined his specific, bold plan for creating jobs, helping those near retirement, keeping people in their homes, curbing spending by a hatchet and scalpel, lowering health care costs and achieving energy independence.

Read RPOF Communications Director Erin VanSickle's debate response for the Palm Beach Post here.

McCain Resurgence Plan

John McCain tonight announced a bold initiative--The McCain Resurgence Plan--to help struggling Americans, stabilize the housing finance market, and put a foundation under our financial system.

The McCain Resurgence Plan will target the root cause of the financial crisis: mortgages that are “under water” because of falling house prices, unmanageable payments, and rising defaults. The factors are hurting families and are the source of the unknowable risks that have frozen financial markets.

The McCain Resurgence Plan improves the use of taxpayer money by reducing the need to spend taxpayer money to purchase toxic assets from Wall Street because those assets would now have known value, and lower the need for bailout money for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The Truth About Democrats Covering Up the Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Economic Crisis

From the Miami Herald

"A Youtube video viralling around the Internet undercuts the Dem attack over laissez faire Republicanism with this damaging weapon: The Democrats' own words during a 2004 U.S. House of Representatives hearing where they seemed to defend Fannie Mae and resist calls for regulations."

McCain-Palin Campaign Statement on Today's Vote

“From the minute John McCain suspended his campaign and arrived in Washington to address this crisis, he was attacked by the Democratic leadership: Senators Obama and Reid, Speaker Pelosi and others. Their partisan attacks were an effort to gain political advantage during a national economic crisis. By doing so, they put at risk the homes, livelihoods and savings of millions of American families.

“Barack Obama failed to lead, phoned it in, attacked John McCain, and refused to even say if he supported the final bill.

“Just before the vote, when the outcome was still in doubt, Speaker Pelosi gave a strongly worded partisan speech and poisoned the outcome.

“This bill failed because Barack Obama and the Democrats put politics ahead of country.” --McCain-Palin senior policy adviser Doug Holtz-Eakin

Before McCain Came To Washington, Senate Democrats Called On McCain For Leadership In Economic Crisis

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): "We Need The Republican Nominee For President To Let Us Know Where He Stands And What We Should Do." Reid: "We need, now, the Republicans to start producing some votes for us. We need the Republican nominee for president to let us know where he stands and what we should do." (Sen. Harry Reid, Press Conference, Washington, D.C., 9/23/08)

Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3f0BwyZKMw