Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Greer: Floridians Won’t Sink Florida
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer today reacted to Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink’s decision to run for Governor of the State of Florida in the 2010 Election.
“I welcome former banker Alex Sink to the Governor’s race. After years of smoke in mirrors, it is about time for Floridians to meet the real Alex Sink,” said Chairman Greer.
“Getting Florida’s economy back on track and creating jobs will be the number one task of Florida’s next Governor. On this front, Alex Sink has failed and will continue to fail,” continued Chairman Greer.
• The real Alex Sink was paid millions of dollars while overseeing what the head of Atlanta’s Legal-Aid called “subprime predatory mortgage lending.”
• The real Alex Sink fired thousands of Floridianswhile earning her millions through these predatory lending practices.
• The real Alex Sink used the very same practices that well known economists have linked to the significant economic downturn that Florida is facing today.
• The real Alex Sink played the leading role in tanking Florida’s economy.
“The real Alex Sink played a leading role in tanking Florida’s economy,” concluded Chairman Greer. “Alex Sink has been enough of a hazard as Chief Financial Officer, and I don’t believe that the people of this great state will risk Alex Sink and her ‘troubled assets’ in the Governor’s Mansion.”
Background:
“In three final years of pay, stock options and deferred compensation, she [Alex Sink] drew $8.8 million.”(Orlando Sentinel 04/06/03)
The head of Atlanta Legal Aid testified before Congress that both Barnett and Bank of America [both companies Alex Sink oversaw] engaged in “sub-prime predatory mortgage lending.” (Testimony of William Brennan before House Committee on Banking and Financial Services, 05/31/00)
“As the executive in charge of the Nations Bank – Barnett Banks merger, Sink was responsible for firing 6,000 Floridians.” (Orlando Sentinel, 01/01/98)
“Many big banks have had a hard time digesting acquisitions and underestimated how much capital they would need to survive. Multiple regional banks have high concentrations in risky assets or geographic areas, such as Florida.” (Wall Street Journal 04/11/09).
“I welcome former banker Alex Sink to the Governor’s race. After years of smoke in mirrors, it is about time for Floridians to meet the real Alex Sink,” said Chairman Greer.
“Getting Florida’s economy back on track and creating jobs will be the number one task of Florida’s next Governor. On this front, Alex Sink has failed and will continue to fail,” continued Chairman Greer.
• The real Alex Sink was paid millions of dollars while overseeing what the head of Atlanta’s Legal-Aid called “subprime predatory mortgage lending.”
• The real Alex Sink fired thousands of Floridianswhile earning her millions through these predatory lending practices.
• The real Alex Sink used the very same practices that well known economists have linked to the significant economic downturn that Florida is facing today.
• The real Alex Sink played the leading role in tanking Florida’s economy.
“The real Alex Sink played a leading role in tanking Florida’s economy,” concluded Chairman Greer. “Alex Sink has been enough of a hazard as Chief Financial Officer, and I don’t believe that the people of this great state will risk Alex Sink and her ‘troubled assets’ in the Governor’s Mansion.”
Background:
“In three final years of pay, stock options and deferred compensation, she [Alex Sink] drew $8.8 million.”(Orlando Sentinel 04/06/03)
The head of Atlanta Legal Aid testified before Congress that both Barnett and Bank of America [both companies Alex Sink oversaw] engaged in “sub-prime predatory mortgage lending.” (Testimony of William Brennan before House Committee on Banking and Financial Services, 05/31/00)
“As the executive in charge of the Nations Bank – Barnett Banks merger, Sink was responsible for firing 6,000 Floridians.” (Orlando Sentinel, 01/01/98)
“Many big banks have had a hard time digesting acquisitions and underestimated how much capital they would need to survive. Multiple regional banks have high concentrations in risky assets or geographic areas, such as Florida.” (Wall Street Journal 04/11/09).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Statement from Bill McCollum regarding the 2010 Election
Tallahassee - Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today released the following statement regarding the 2010 Election:
"I congratulate Governor Crist on his decision to run for the United States Senate. This decision obviously changes the political landscape in Florida. I will announce my plans for the 2010 election cycle next week.
"I congratulate Governor Crist on his decision to run for the United States Senate. This decision obviously changes the political landscape in Florida. I will announce my plans for the 2010 election cycle next week.
NRSC Chairman Cornyn Endorses Charlie Crist For U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), issued the following statement today regarding Florida Governor Charlie Crist’s announcement that he will run for the United States Senate in 2010:
“I am pleased today to endorse Governor Charlie Crist for the United States Senate. With his record of reform in Florida, I know that Governor Crist will bring a fresh perspective to Washington in our efforts to fight for lower taxes, less government, and new job creation for all Americans. Charlie Crist is a tireless advocate on behalf of all Floridians and one of only three Governors who earned an ‘A’ from the CATO Institute for his efforts to restrain spending and cut taxes last year.
“While I believe Marco Rubio has a very bright future within the Republican Party, Charlie Crist is the best candidate in 2010 to ensure that we maintain the checks and balances that Floridians deserve in the United States Senate. Governor Crist is a dedicated public servant and a dynamic leader, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support to ensure that he is elected the next United States Senator from Florida.”
“I am pleased today to endorse Governor Charlie Crist for the United States Senate. With his record of reform in Florida, I know that Governor Crist will bring a fresh perspective to Washington in our efforts to fight for lower taxes, less government, and new job creation for all Americans. Charlie Crist is a tireless advocate on behalf of all Floridians and one of only three Governors who earned an ‘A’ from the CATO Institute for his efforts to restrain spending and cut taxes last year.
“While I believe Marco Rubio has a very bright future within the Republican Party, Charlie Crist is the best candidate in 2010 to ensure that we maintain the checks and balances that Floridians deserve in the United States Senate. Governor Crist is a dedicated public servant and a dynamic leader, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee will provide our full support to ensure that he is elected the next United States Senator from Florida.”
Friday, May 8, 2009
Statement on Sine Die
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement regarding the end of the 2009 Legislative Session:
“This year, Florida faced one of the toughest budget years in recent history. Lawmakers were forced to reduce the state budget, but under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Larry Cretul and all of our Republican leaders worked hard to protect services and programs that are imperative to all Floridians.
“Under Republican leadership, lawmakers listened to the needs of Floridians and passed meaningful legislation that will strengthen Florida’s economy. We extend our most sincere thanks to Governor Crist and all the members of Florida Legislature for their hard work on behalf of the people who sent them here. “
“This year, Florida faced one of the toughest budget years in recent history. Lawmakers were forced to reduce the state budget, but under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, Senate President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Larry Cretul and all of our Republican leaders worked hard to protect services and programs that are imperative to all Floridians.
“Under Republican leadership, lawmakers listened to the needs of Floridians and passed meaningful legislation that will strengthen Florida’s economy. We extend our most sincere thanks to Governor Crist and all the members of Florida Legislature for their hard work on behalf of the people who sent them here. “
Thursday, May 7, 2009
STATEMENT FROM RNC CHAIRMAN STEELE REGARDING PRESIDENT'S POSITION ON DC SCHOOL VOUCHERS
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today:
“No one should be fooled into believing that President Obama’s ‘extension’ of Washington, D.C.’s school voucher program is a victory for students or a step toward better education in the District of Columbia. It’s not, and denying District schoolchildren who are currently outside of the program the right and ability to attend better schools is nothing to celebrate. If the president is serious about finding budget cuts, he should start by reducing his own proposals for reckless spending programs, not by eliminating a modest program for a limited number of children from very low-income families who otherwise would be condemned to failing schools.
The president’s decision to end the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program leaves future DC students and parents with less choice and less opportunity to get a better education.
Rather than stand up to do what is right, President Obama, who has written two books—one with a title of ‘Hope’ and the other of ‘Dreams’—has pledged to deny the hopes and dreams of poor, minority families who simply seek the opportunity that I had, the opportunity that he himself had, and the opportunity that we all seek for our own children—a better education.
The president should ask Congress to reverse course and reinstitute this important education initiative so District schoolchildren get the quality education they want and deserve.”
“No one should be fooled into believing that President Obama’s ‘extension’ of Washington, D.C.’s school voucher program is a victory for students or a step toward better education in the District of Columbia. It’s not, and denying District schoolchildren who are currently outside of the program the right and ability to attend better schools is nothing to celebrate. If the president is serious about finding budget cuts, he should start by reducing his own proposals for reckless spending programs, not by eliminating a modest program for a limited number of children from very low-income families who otherwise would be condemned to failing schools.
The president’s decision to end the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program leaves future DC students and parents with less choice and less opportunity to get a better education.
Rather than stand up to do what is right, President Obama, who has written two books—one with a title of ‘Hope’ and the other of ‘Dreams’—has pledged to deny the hopes and dreams of poor, minority families who simply seek the opportunity that I had, the opportunity that he himself had, and the opportunity that we all seek for our own children—a better education.
The president should ask Congress to reverse course and reinstitute this important education initiative so District schoolchildren get the quality education they want and deserve.”
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
From the NRCC:
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
Despite Campaigning as a “Watchdog” Trial Attorney, Grayson Skips Critical Hearing on Progress of Taxpayer Dollars
Washington – It seems Alan Grayson can’t live up to his harsh rhetoric from the campaign trail last year. While he claimed he could clean up Washington, he was notably absent from the most recent subcommittee hearing to track the billions of dollars in stimulus funds that were approved by Congressional Democrats.
“All the talk of supposed oversight during Alan Grayson’s campaign was obviously hot air,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Instead of handing over a trillion-dollar blank check to Nancy Pelosi, Alan Grayson should be ensuring that every single taxpayer dollar is being spent wisely and not on pork-barrel projects. If Alan Grayson isn’t interested in holding the federal bureaucracy accountable then who is going to hold him accountable?”
Background:
The hearings, entitled “Follow the Money,” allow members of the subcommittee to question the officials in charge with distributing the stimulus funds to the various states. At the subcommittee’s second hearing, “Follow the Money II,” only 30% of the subcommittee’s members showed up, with Grayson being unaccounted for:
“Just three of the 10 members bothered to show up for the subcommittee's second meeting, dramatically titled ‘Follow the Money Part II.’…
“While Mr. Miller and the panel's top Republican were there, only Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania Democrats, came to the hearing. Absent were Democratic Reps. Steven R. Rothman of New Jersey, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Charles A. Wilson of Ohio, Alan Grayson of Florida and Bart Gordon of Tennessee.” (“Stimulus oversight left up to taxpayers,” Washington Times, 05/06/2009)
To make matters worse, it was reported today that the details of the stimulus funds may not be released entirely until spring 2010:
“Although President Obama has vowed that citizens will be able to track ‘every dime’ of the $787 billion stimulus bill, a government website dedicated to the spending won't have details on contracts and grants until October and may not be complete until next spring — halfway through the program, administration officials said.” (“Details thin on stimulus contracts,” USA Today, 05/06/2009)
This is particularly embarrassing to Grayson after DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen touted Grayson’s ability to provide oversight and transparency for the American people:
“‘People are willing to make public investments if they know their money is being well spent. That's where Alan Grayson comes in. He understands it's important to invest in the public good. But he doesn't want to be wasting a penny of taxpayer money.’” (National Journal, 03/14/2009)
Alan Grayson AWOL On Stimulus Oversight Hearing
Despite Campaigning as a “Watchdog” Trial Attorney, Grayson Skips Critical Hearing on Progress of Taxpayer Dollars
Washington – It seems Alan Grayson can’t live up to his harsh rhetoric from the campaign trail last year. While he claimed he could clean up Washington, he was notably absent from the most recent subcommittee hearing to track the billions of dollars in stimulus funds that were approved by Congressional Democrats.
“All the talk of supposed oversight during Alan Grayson’s campaign was obviously hot air,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Instead of handing over a trillion-dollar blank check to Nancy Pelosi, Alan Grayson should be ensuring that every single taxpayer dollar is being spent wisely and not on pork-barrel projects. If Alan Grayson isn’t interested in holding the federal bureaucracy accountable then who is going to hold him accountable?”
Background:
The hearings, entitled “Follow the Money,” allow members of the subcommittee to question the officials in charge with distributing the stimulus funds to the various states. At the subcommittee’s second hearing, “Follow the Money II,” only 30% of the subcommittee’s members showed up, with Grayson being unaccounted for:
“Just three of the 10 members bothered to show up for the subcommittee's second meeting, dramatically titled ‘Follow the Money Part II.’…
“While Mr. Miller and the panel's top Republican were there, only Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Pennsylvania Democrats, came to the hearing. Absent were Democratic Reps. Steven R. Rothman of New Jersey, Lincoln Davis of Tennessee, Charles A. Wilson of Ohio, Alan Grayson of Florida and Bart Gordon of Tennessee.” (“Stimulus oversight left up to taxpayers,” Washington Times, 05/06/2009)
To make matters worse, it was reported today that the details of the stimulus funds may not be released entirely until spring 2010:
“Although President Obama has vowed that citizens will be able to track ‘every dime’ of the $787 billion stimulus bill, a government website dedicated to the spending won't have details on contracts and grants until October and may not be complete until next spring — halfway through the program, administration officials said.” (“Details thin on stimulus contracts,” USA Today, 05/06/2009)
This is particularly embarrassing to Grayson after DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen touted Grayson’s ability to provide oversight and transparency for the American people:
“‘People are willing to make public investments if they know their money is being well spent. That's where Alan Grayson comes in. He understands it's important to invest in the public good. But he doesn't want to be wasting a penny of taxpayer money.’” (National Journal, 03/14/2009)
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