The RPOF just issued the following release:
Time to Come Clean, Klein
Tallahassee--Florida Congressman Ron Klein has announced that he will not be a co-sponsor of the card check bill officially introduced in Congress today, even though he supported it just one year ago.
"Ron Klein must clarify his exact position on this controversial bill, which seeks to strip American workers of their right to vote by secret ballot," noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. "Will Klein stand up and protect Florida workers and vote against card check, or will he pacify Big Labor bosses and vote for it?"
Klein is one of several Democrats who supported card check just a year ago but who have decided not to co-sponsor the bill this year. Card check is an effort by labor unions and the Democrat majorities in Congress to shred the fundamental right to vote by secret ballot. Republicans, including House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) and Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), in conjunction with the Save Our Secret Ballot initiative, believe that a voter's right to a secret ballot is an essential and fundamental principle in our society, encouraging broader voter participation. Without the ability to vote secretly, individual political freedom will decline and be subject to threats and intimidation by those who want voters to pursue a specific course of action or ideology.
"Ron Klein may attempt to quietly disengage from his recent support of card check, but voters know the truth: Klein supported this assault on Floridians' rights just a year ago," concluded Greer. "Now the question is, will he cave in to out-of-state union bosses and vote for it?"
Showing posts with label Republican. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Republican. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
Steele Overhauling GOP
This piece by Curt Anderson, an advisor and friend of GOP Chairman Michael Steele, was posted on Politico this afternoon.
Adviser: Steele overhauling GOP
Over the past week, new RNC Chairman Michael Steele has walked through the fire, or more accurately, through a shooting gallery inside the Beltway. To be clear, some of this was self-inflicted. As the chairman has said, he made some missteps in a few media appearances. Live and learn.
Behind the noise however, there is a different scene unfolding, and one that should give hope to Republicans everywhere, or at least Republicans outside the beltway. For the first time ever, the new chairman is conducting a complete and thorough overhaul of all party operations. Anyone associated with the Republican campaigns of the past few cycles knows the real truth: Our party has been out-gunned, out-worked and "out-technologied.”
The chairman promised to clean house at the RNC if he won. He did, and he did. This has led to some serious griping inside the Beltway. Many were lying in wait, hoping he would stumble, so they could pounce. He did, and they did.
As part of Steele’s transition at the RNC, 10 members of the RNC have descended from around the country onto the headquarters at 310 First St. Their mission has been to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all the functions of each department — everything from finance to communications to research to politics. Every line item in the budget has been scrubbed; every position in the organizational chart has been reviewed.
This process was completed on time at the end of February. Now comes the hard part — taking the recommendations of this ten-member transition team and melding them into a new RNC that will do more with less and move the party to the place where we can compete and win in the 2010 elections.
Change is never easy, of course, and many feel threatened by it. Steele’s election as chairman of the Republican Party was a shock to the system for many of the Republican ruling class, the old guard in Washington. Over the past week, countless anonymous sources have brought out the long knives. Indeed, over the past week, the empire has struck back.
To be clear, some of the criticisms have been legitimate. This process has not been perfect. This new administration at the RNC has made mistakes, and all of us on Team Steele will make more, and we will own up to them.
That said, the vast majority of RNC members, both old and new, both those who supported Steele and those who did not, are on board with this overhaul of party operations. There is great unanimity on one thing: The 2006 and 2008 elections were not just bad, they were disastrous. Staying the course is not an option.
The best news is this — over the course of the past month, there is increasing evidence that the Republican Party as a whole is once again finding its voice. With 99 percent of elected Republicans in Washington standing on principle against the so-called stimulus package, the unprecedented expansion of government and wasteful spending, Republicans are coalescing.
We did not get into this mess in a just a few months, and we won’t get out of it in just a few weeks. But the seeds of the comeback are being sown. 2010 will be a different story.
Curt Anderson is a partner at OnMessage Inc, a Republican media and polling firm. He is a top adviser to Chairman Steele and has been Steele’s personal friend for 15 years.
Adviser: Steele overhauling GOP
Over the past week, new RNC Chairman Michael Steele has walked through the fire, or more accurately, through a shooting gallery inside the Beltway. To be clear, some of this was self-inflicted. As the chairman has said, he made some missteps in a few media appearances. Live and learn.
Behind the noise however, there is a different scene unfolding, and one that should give hope to Republicans everywhere, or at least Republicans outside the beltway. For the first time ever, the new chairman is conducting a complete and thorough overhaul of all party operations. Anyone associated with the Republican campaigns of the past few cycles knows the real truth: Our party has been out-gunned, out-worked and "out-technologied.”
The chairman promised to clean house at the RNC if he won. He did, and he did. This has led to some serious griping inside the Beltway. Many were lying in wait, hoping he would stumble, so they could pounce. He did, and they did.
As part of Steele’s transition at the RNC, 10 members of the RNC have descended from around the country onto the headquarters at 310 First St. Their mission has been to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all the functions of each department — everything from finance to communications to research to politics. Every line item in the budget has been scrubbed; every position in the organizational chart has been reviewed.
This process was completed on time at the end of February. Now comes the hard part — taking the recommendations of this ten-member transition team and melding them into a new RNC that will do more with less and move the party to the place where we can compete and win in the 2010 elections.
Change is never easy, of course, and many feel threatened by it. Steele’s election as chairman of the Republican Party was a shock to the system for many of the Republican ruling class, the old guard in Washington. Over the past week, countless anonymous sources have brought out the long knives. Indeed, over the past week, the empire has struck back.
To be clear, some of the criticisms have been legitimate. This process has not been perfect. This new administration at the RNC has made mistakes, and all of us on Team Steele will make more, and we will own up to them.
That said, the vast majority of RNC members, both old and new, both those who supported Steele and those who did not, are on board with this overhaul of party operations. There is great unanimity on one thing: The 2006 and 2008 elections were not just bad, they were disastrous. Staying the course is not an option.
The best news is this — over the course of the past month, there is increasing evidence that the Republican Party as a whole is once again finding its voice. With 99 percent of elected Republicans in Washington standing on principle against the so-called stimulus package, the unprecedented expansion of government and wasteful spending, Republicans are coalescing.
We did not get into this mess in a just a few months, and we won’t get out of it in just a few weeks. But the seeds of the comeback are being sown. 2010 will be a different story.
Curt Anderson is a partner at OnMessage Inc, a Republican media and polling firm. He is a top adviser to Chairman Steele and has been Steele’s personal friend for 15 years.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Rep. Grayson Won't Hold His Tongue
Politico: Rep. Grayson won't hold his tongue
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
Friday, February 20, 2009
Republican Leaders Working to Protect Floridians' Right to Secret Ballot
Watch House Majority Leader Adam Hasner and Rep. Garrett Richter discuss their efforts to protect the right of secret ballots in Florida.
"This is not an anti-union bill," said Hasner. "Harassment and intimidation are wrong, whether they come from a union boss or a management boss. With a secret ballot, you're the boss."
"This is not an anti-union bill," said Hasner. "Harassment and intimidation are wrong, whether they come from a union boss or a management boss. With a secret ballot, you're the boss."
Monday, February 9, 2009
Conversation with new Hillsborough REC Chair
This interview appeared in today's Tampa Trib.
New GOP Chairman: Loss 'Won't Happen Again'
By WILLIAM MARCH
TAMPA - Debbie Cox-Roush, new chairman of the Hillsborough County Republican Party, ran for the post because she wasn't happy the county voted for Barack Obama, and vows local Republicans won't let that happen again.
Before Obama's win, Hillsborough went Democratic for president only twice in 40 years, for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Bill Clinton in 1996.
In an interview last week, Roush rejected the idea that Obama's success indicates any trend or Democratic tide. Republicans, she said, didn't do their grass-roots organizing as well as in 2004.
Her slogan, she said, will be, "There's no past in politics."
Roush is taking over a local party organization that has surged in membership and activity for about five years, partly with an influx of conservative Republicans from eastern Hillsborough County.
...Will the local party's dynamic growth continue, or has it made all the gains it can?
"Actually it is continuing. Since taking over as chairman of the party, we have had hundreds of calls from new persons in Hillsborough County wanting to get involved, wanting to take action, wanting to become part of our grass-roots. As of our January meeting, we inducted 72 new executive committee members."
When inductions of new members are completed, she said, the total will be 427.
..."I want people to be part of our party because they're Republicans. ... It doesn't matter the color of their skin, their race, their gender, their sexual orientation. As long as we all have the same values, that's what's important to the Republican Party."
Read the entire interview here.
New GOP Chairman: Loss 'Won't Happen Again'
By WILLIAM MARCH
TAMPA - Debbie Cox-Roush, new chairman of the Hillsborough County Republican Party, ran for the post because she wasn't happy the county voted for Barack Obama, and vows local Republicans won't let that happen again.
Before Obama's win, Hillsborough went Democratic for president only twice in 40 years, for Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Bill Clinton in 1996.
In an interview last week, Roush rejected the idea that Obama's success indicates any trend or Democratic tide. Republicans, she said, didn't do their grass-roots organizing as well as in 2004.
Her slogan, she said, will be, "There's no past in politics."
Roush is taking over a local party organization that has surged in membership and activity for about five years, partly with an influx of conservative Republicans from eastern Hillsborough County.
...Will the local party's dynamic growth continue, or has it made all the gains it can?
"Actually it is continuing. Since taking over as chairman of the party, we have had hundreds of calls from new persons in Hillsborough County wanting to get involved, wanting to take action, wanting to become part of our grass-roots. As of our January meeting, we inducted 72 new executive committee members."
When inductions of new members are completed, she said, the total will be 427.
..."I want people to be part of our party because they're Republicans. ... It doesn't matter the color of their skin, their race, their gender, their sexual orientation. As long as we all have the same values, that's what's important to the Republican Party."
Read the entire interview here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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...
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.
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
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.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Margaret Spellings to Arne Duncan
The following letter, written by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings to the nation's next Education Secretary, ran in today's Washington Post. Here in Florida, Republicans have long advocated for accountability in our classrooms and providing a first-class education to all students, regardless of their background. We have seen major gains among Florida's African American and Hispanic students, and we have an effective method of tracking students' progress.
A Word To My Successor
By Margaret Spellings
Dear Arne Duncan,
Congratulations! I am so pleased that President-elect Barack Obama has asked you, a fellow reformer, to serve as the next U.S. secretary of education. Your experience as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools will be invaluable in continuing the work we in the Bush administration began doing to close the achievement gap and provide all children, regardless of race, income level or background, the skills needed to succeed.
This is an important and hopeful change from the past...Thanks to the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act, we now measure student achievement annually so that we can take an honest look at our problems -- the first step toward solving them.
Is it working? Yes. Test scores in reading and math have reached record highs. And the children once left behind -- African American, Hispanic, those living in urban areas -- are driving these academic gains.
...I urge you to resist calls to dismantle the core accountability provisions that give the law its power to identify and help children in need. Without it, we're back to doling out dollars and crossing our fingers...
A Word To My Successor
By Margaret Spellings
Dear Arne Duncan,
Congratulations! I am so pleased that President-elect Barack Obama has asked you, a fellow reformer, to serve as the next U.S. secretary of education. Your experience as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools will be invaluable in continuing the work we in the Bush administration began doing to close the achievement gap and provide all children, regardless of race, income level or background, the skills needed to succeed.
This is an important and hopeful change from the past...Thanks to the bipartisan No Child Left Behind Act, we now measure student achievement annually so that we can take an honest look at our problems -- the first step toward solving them.
Is it working? Yes. Test scores in reading and math have reached record highs. And the children once left behind -- African American, Hispanic, those living in urban areas -- are driving these academic gains.
...I urge you to resist calls to dismantle the core accountability provisions that give the law its power to identify and help children in need. Without it, we're back to doling out dollars and crossing our fingers...
Friday, January 9, 2009
Elvis and the U.S. Senate
The Miami Herald's Beth Reinhard reports from the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, where the RPOF is holding its annual meeting, about possible Republican U.S. Senate candidates.
Suspicious minds want to know: Who's running for the U.S. Senate?
Jim Greer, the musically inclined chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, did not break from tradition tonight. He yanked off his tie, hiked up his collar, and launched into Elvis Presley's "Suspicious Minds" at a party reception at the Rosen Shingle Creek hotel in Orlando.
Tomorrow the state party will hold its election, but there's little doubt about whether Greer will win another term. The suspense is over who will run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated in 2010 by Mel Martinez, now that former Gov. Jeb Bush has said he's not interested.
All the would-be candidates worked the room tonight: Attorney General Bill McCollum, former House Speaker Marco Rubio, and U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan and Connie Mack. Rubio appears to be the most likely candidate in the bunch, and a fundraiser for former U.S. Rep. Ric Keller waited patiently to introduce herself.
If there's a frontrunner, it would be McCollum, since he has already run statewide. But he would have to give up his Cabinet post for an office that has eluded him twice before.
"I thought Jeb was going to run, and I was wrong,'' McCollum said. "I haven't done the examination I need to do yet ... Being attorney general is a great job, and that's part of the equation.''
Photo courtesy of Beth Reinhard, Miami Herald
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Judge Shoots Down Orange GOP Loyalty Oath Case
From the Orlando Sentinel:
An Orange County judged dismissed a case today that sought to seat a group of disaffected local Republicans on the county's party leadership team because they didn't sign a loyalty oath in time.
The ruling is the just latest chapter in a long bitter feud between supporters of Orange County Republican Chairman Lew Oliver and disaffected local party members who oppose him, including backers of ex-presidential candidate and GOP Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
But it also showcases fault lines and fights that are flaring up around Florida and the nation that center upon a push by Libertarian-leaning supporters of Paul who want into traditional party leadership slots.
The intra-party fight in Orange most recently resulted in a razor-thin victory by Oliver in a chairmanship re-election, and plenty of legal fallout since.
Oliver said that Circuit Judge Jose Rodriquez dismissed a request for a temporary restraining order to seat the members in question because of a number of legal holes in the case, including testimony that some had been aware and signed an oath. Oliver speculates some of the forms were just never turned in properly.
Oliver said there were so many problems with the opposition's case in hearings over the last two days, they looked like "clowns and liars."
One of the main dissidents, Paul-supporter Nick Egoroff, said the judge left the door open for the disgruntled GOP members to bring it back to court again soon, and he points to a favorable recent Miami judge ruling against using the oaths to deny leadership activity.
"It's still on-going," Egoroff said, including an emergency meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in Winter Park Civic Center to look into further possible action.
Oliver said the emergency powwow his opponents called for tonight does not constitute a legal meeting of the party, and for a number of technical reasons. "It's a waste of time," Oliver said.
An Orange County judged dismissed a case today that sought to seat a group of disaffected local Republicans on the county's party leadership team because they didn't sign a loyalty oath in time.
The ruling is the just latest chapter in a long bitter feud between supporters of Orange County Republican Chairman Lew Oliver and disaffected local party members who oppose him, including backers of ex-presidential candidate and GOP Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
But it also showcases fault lines and fights that are flaring up around Florida and the nation that center upon a push by Libertarian-leaning supporters of Paul who want into traditional party leadership slots.
The intra-party fight in Orange most recently resulted in a razor-thin victory by Oliver in a chairmanship re-election, and plenty of legal fallout since.
Oliver said that Circuit Judge Jose Rodriquez dismissed a request for a temporary restraining order to seat the members in question because of a number of legal holes in the case, including testimony that some had been aware and signed an oath. Oliver speculates some of the forms were just never turned in properly.
Oliver said there were so many problems with the opposition's case in hearings over the last two days, they looked like "clowns and liars."
One of the main dissidents, Paul-supporter Nick Egoroff, said the judge left the door open for the disgruntled GOP members to bring it back to court again soon, and he points to a favorable recent Miami judge ruling against using the oaths to deny leadership activity.
"It's still on-going," Egoroff said, including an emergency meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in Winter Park Civic Center to look into further possible action.
Oliver said the emergency powwow his opponents called for tonight does not constitute a legal meeting of the party, and for a number of technical reasons. "It's a waste of time," Oliver said.
State party Chairman Jim Greer applauded the decision in a press release late this afternoon, saying it upheld the party's ability to govern itself and set its own eligibility rules.
Monday, December 29, 2008
ICYMI: CNN Political Ticker
From the CNN Political Ticker: "Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody"
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
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.
Dems' Shakedowns and Hasner's Golf Swing
Who says it all has to be about the economy? With Florida's legislators back in town, there is always something to blog about...
Two articles today highlight the trouble facing House Democrat Leader Franklin Sands, who has most recently come under fire for allegedly participating in pay-to-play politics. Read the Orlando Sentinel article and the News-Press article.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Adam Hasner told the Tallahassee Democrat, "'Our system isn't set up that way,' adding that assignments are based solely on a member's expertise and interest."
"When a reporter asked if the assignments were also based on the quality of their golf swings, Hasner jokingly agreed.
"'Yeah, that's why I don't chair any committees,' he said."
Two articles today highlight the trouble facing House Democrat Leader Franklin Sands, who has most recently come under fire for allegedly participating in pay-to-play politics. Read the Orlando Sentinel article and the News-Press article.
Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Adam Hasner told the Tallahassee Democrat, "'Our system isn't set up that way,' adding that assignments are based solely on a member's expertise and interest."
"When a reporter asked if the assignments were also based on the quality of their golf swings, Hasner jokingly agreed.
"'Yeah, that's why I don't chair any committees,' he said."
Monday, December 8, 2008
WaPo Politics blog: "Are Republicans on the March?"
WaPo's Chris Cillizza has an interesting take on Republican victories in Georgia and Louisiana over the past few days. These victories echo GOP's performance in Florida, where the Obama coattails were short and FL Democrats failed to defeat a single Republican incumbent in the Legislature, even in the best possible political environment.
Notes Cillizza, "In the wake of an election cycle dominated by bad news for Republicans, the last five days have been a welcome relief.
Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss cruised to a runoff victory last Tuesday, and House Republicans held Louisiana's 4th district and pulled off a massive upset win over Rep. Bill Jefferson in Louisiana's 2nd district on Saturday.
Those three developments have led some Republicans to insist that what happened on Nov. 4 was almost entirely due to President-elect Barack Obama's unique electoral appeal and that when the soon-to-be-president is not on the ballot -- the 2010 midterm elections -- his party will not fare nearly as well.
"Voters vented on Nov. 4th and the momentum that swept Obama and many other Democrats to victory has now stalled a bit," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, a partner in the firm Public Opinion Strategies. "It seems it might have been 'easy' to get the Democratic base excited about Nov. 4th -- the historic opportunity to elect Obama and send a message of rejection to Bush's eight-year tenure -- but it's a bit more difficult re-energizing those voters now, with seemingly less at stake."
...
"While I don't think these victories mean that the GOP has miraculously fixed everything that is currently broken, I do think that they a really positive data points," said Alex Vogel, a prominent Republican strategist. "Just like the Democrats took advance comfort from the special elections they won leading up to the 2008 elections, we should certainly view these overtime wins as a sign that the sun is rising again."
Notes Cillizza, "In the wake of an election cycle dominated by bad news for Republicans, the last five days have been a welcome relief.
Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss cruised to a runoff victory last Tuesday, and House Republicans held Louisiana's 4th district and pulled off a massive upset win over Rep. Bill Jefferson in Louisiana's 2nd district on Saturday.
Those three developments have led some Republicans to insist that what happened on Nov. 4 was almost entirely due to President-elect Barack Obama's unique electoral appeal and that when the soon-to-be-president is not on the ballot -- the 2010 midterm elections -- his party will not fare nearly as well.
"Voters vented on Nov. 4th and the momentum that swept Obama and many other Democrats to victory has now stalled a bit," said Republican pollster Neil Newhouse, a partner in the firm Public Opinion Strategies. "It seems it might have been 'easy' to get the Democratic base excited about Nov. 4th -- the historic opportunity to elect Obama and send a message of rejection to Bush's eight-year tenure -- but it's a bit more difficult re-energizing those voters now, with seemingly less at stake."
...
"While I don't think these victories mean that the GOP has miraculously fixed everything that is currently broken, I do think that they a really positive data points," said Alex Vogel, a prominent Republican strategist. "Just like the Democrats took advance comfort from the special elections they won leading up to the 2008 elections, we should certainly view these overtime wins as a sign that the sun is rising again."
Monday, December 1, 2008
Belinda Ortiz to Head Hispanic Outreach for RPOF
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today announced his appointment of Belinda Ortiz to serve as Director of Hispanic Outreach and Deputy Director of the Minority Outreach and Coalitions Department for the Republican Party of Florida.
“Hispanic voters in Florida are an important part of our party’s future success and the appointment of Belinda Ortiz demonstrates that gaining the confidence and ultimately the Hispanic vote is a top priority,” said Chairman Greer.
Ortiz most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Zitro of Orlando, Inc., a public relations and business development firm in Central Florida. She previously served as director of public policy for the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. Visit RPOF's website for more.
“Hispanic voters in Florida are an important part of our party’s future success and the appointment of Belinda Ortiz demonstrates that gaining the confidence and ultimately the Hispanic vote is a top priority,” said Chairman Greer.
Ortiz most recently served as president and chief executive officer for Zitro of Orlando, Inc., a public relations and business development firm in Central Florida. She previously served as director of public policy for the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association. Visit RPOF's website for more.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Democrats blew it in Florida
We couldn't have put it better ourselves! Adam Smith of the St. Pete Times explains the Florida Democrats' failure to capitalize on the Obama wave.
Democrats blew it in Florida?
The biggest surprise in Tuesday's results may be how poorly -- other than Barack Obama (all hail Steve Schale!) -- Florida Democrats performed despite the Obama juggernaut helping turn out votes.
They netted one Congressional seat and showed that Democrats can compete well in heavily Cuban-American districts. But despite the anti-GOP climate, they did not pick off a single incumbent Republican in the Legislature and ultimately may net just one state House seat. Two words: Pa Thetic.
And gloomy Republicans today can find plenty of reasons for solace: On Constitutional amendments, Floridians voted strongly to cut taxes, ban gay marriage and oppose tax increases for community colleges.
There's no real evidence of a Democratic tide in Florida.
Democrats blew it in Florida?
The biggest surprise in Tuesday's results may be how poorly -- other than Barack Obama (all hail Steve Schale!) -- Florida Democrats performed despite the Obama juggernaut helping turn out votes.
They netted one Congressional seat and showed that Democrats can compete well in heavily Cuban-American districts. But despite the anti-GOP climate, they did not pick off a single incumbent Republican in the Legislature and ultimately may net just one state House seat. Two words: Pa Thetic.
And gloomy Republicans today can find plenty of reasons for solace: On Constitutional amendments, Floridians voted strongly to cut taxes, ban gay marriage and oppose tax increases for community colleges.
There's no real evidence of a Democratic tide in Florida.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
NYT Talks to Orlando Republicans
By Damien Cave, New York Times
November 2, 2008
Lew Oliver’s McCain-Palin T-shirt advertised his intentions, and the woman in the S.U.V. gave him an opening. “I’m undecided,” said Nicole Ellington, 31, a paralegal with two young children. “You have two minutes. Go.”
Mr. Oliver knew that her family leaned Republican because she was on his get-out-the-vote list, and he rapidly delivered a pitch honed over 22 years of volunteering for local campaigns. “Wow, you’re good,” she said. And as she drove away, Mr. Oliver smiled with satisfaction.
...
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