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STATEMENT BY CALVERT COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE
at the
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LEGISLATIVE EVENING

Presented by
Ron Miller, Communications Director, Calvert County Republican Central Committee
November 17, 2009

Good evening. I’m Ron Miller, the communications director for the Calvert County Republican Central Committee. Thanks to the League of Women Voters for conducting this forum, and thanks to our legislative delegation for making the time to be here. It is much appreciated.

I am not here to request funding for any program because I know you cannot squeeze water from a stone. As we approach the next session of the General Assembly, I implore each of you to apply the wisdom with which you've been blessed to make what are sure to be very difficult decisions in the months ahead.

As you know, the state is projecting record budget deficits of $2 billion this upcoming fiscal year and $2.7 billion the year after that. Federal stimulus funding provided some relief but not enough, and it goes away after two years. Each of you and everyone in this room needs to wrap your minds around the sober fact that, in the words of Nobel-winning physicist Ernest Rutherford, “We haven't got the money, so we've got to think!”

In times like these, the temptation to tax is high, but Maryland's tax rates are already the 4th highest in the nation, exceeding even those of California, a once prosperous state undergoing a fiscal meltdown. Raising taxes in a recession, as we have learned, does not result in higher revenue for the state.

Spending cuts are probably the most likely path to take, and this presents us with an opportunity to ask the critical question, "Should government be doing this?" I ask you to pose that question frequently during the upcoming session and, if you conclude a program is not inherently governmental, or has not delivered its intended public result, have the courage to say "no."

For the mid-to long term, what we need in Maryland is jobs. When businesses thrive, people are hired and put to work. When people are working, the tax base expands. We are in competition with Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware for new businesses, and they will lower their corporate taxes and lessen their regulations in order to win their fair share.

We should follow their lead. Maryland has a reputation, whether or not it is deserved, of being hostile to businesses, and if we ever expect a long-term solution to this budget crisis, we need to overcome our biases and understand that you cannot love jobs but hate the job creators.

When we create a positive climate for the producers, innovators and entrepreneurs, we all benefit. We need to set aside class warfare and realize that capitalism is still the most effective economic engine in the history of the world, generating wealth and putting more money in people's pockets.

In short, Maryland needs wealth, and government cannot create wealth; it can only take wealth and move it around depending on the whims of our elected officials. The "makers" in Maryland must be given a chance to succeed; even the "takers" suffer when the "makers" aren't producing. Only through prudent, common sense decisions on the part of our legislative delegation can we begin to find our way out of the fiscal crisis in which we find ourselves.



MFRW Convention

November 7, 2009

Calvert County Republican Women meet Liz Cheney, former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, who dicussed foreign policy concerns for the United States at the Maryland Federation of Republican Women's (MFRW) Convention on November 7 at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Maryland.

MFRW 2009 Convention
Left to right: Patt Parker, President, MFRW; Cynthia Stewart, Vice President, RWSC; Ella Ennis, President, RWLC; Heather Allman, 4th Vice President-Elect, MFRW, June Lusby, RWLC, Dep. Asst. Secretary Liz Cheney; Ann Baker-Jenkins, RWSC; Catherine Grasso, President Elect, RWLC; Judy MacWilliams, Past President RWLC and Secretary, CCRCC; Suzann Humphrey, RWLC; Marilyn Quinn, Treasurer, RWLC; and Faye Bruso, RWLC and Convention Coordinator.
Names of organizations:
MFRW - Maryland Federation of Republican Women
RWLC - Republican Women Leaders of Calvert
RWSC - Republican Women of Southern Calvert
CCRCC - Calvert County Republican Central Committee


Hogan to launch exploratory campaign for governor

Monday, Sept. 14, 2009

Republican Team Raises over $2500 to Fight Cancer

June 19, 2009

Relay for Life Event

Part of the 25 member Calvert County Republican team that walked in the American Cancer Society's 25th annual Relay for Life Event at Hallowing Point Park from 6 p.m. Friday evening, June 19, to 6 a.m. on Saturday. Led by Team Captain Judith Randall, assisted by her wonderful children and grandchildren (team ages ranged from 15 to 82), the team raised over $2500 to fight cancer. The teams’ booth, with its “Calvert County Republicans” banners, was very visible to all participants and, by contrast, there was no Democratic booth or team at the event. On the back of team members’ T-shirts, designed by Darcey Clark, was a feisty little elephant wearing boxing gloves and surrounded by the words “Calvert County Republicans Fighting Cancer”. There were solemn periods during this event when cancer survivors spoke of the hope of curing this horrible disease, and cancer victims were movingly remembered by candlelight.

A total of 141 teams, with over 1800 members, walked in this year’s huge Relay for Life. Over $380,000 has been raised and more contributions are expected.



Calvert Republican Women Tour RNC Headquarters

June 11, 2009

Republican Headquarters tour

Calvert County Republican women tour the Republican National Committee, including its TV studio, on June 11, 2009. The tour followed a Federal Forum Luncheon featuring Newt Gingrich’s daughter, Jackie, co-author with her father of their new book “Five Principles for a Successful Life—from Our Family to Yours”. The tour was led by Kevin Igoe, Deputy Chief of Staff to RNC Chairman Michael Steele and a fellow Calvert County Republican, and by Maryland National Committeewoman Joyce Lyons Terhes, a former Calvert County Commissioner and former Maryland Republican State Chairman. Calvert County Republican women on the tour included Ella Ennis, Judy MacWilliams, Linda Woods, Ann Baker Jenkins, Judith Randall, June Lusby, Joan Martin and Darcey Clark.


Gingrich Revs Up Big GOP Crowd

Fight for every vote, former Speaker implores

By Alan Brody | Staff writer
Monday, June 8, 2009

LINTHICUM HEIGHTS — Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich energized a crowd of more than 700 Maryland Republicans on Friday night at the state party's annual fundraising gala.

The architect of the 1994 Republican Revolution revved up the conservative base with repeated criticisms of Democrats' actions, an upbeat outlook toward potential GOP gains in 2010 and numerous anecdotes of the late President Ronald Reagan, who is the subject of a just-released film documentary produced by Gingrich and his wife.

Although registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by a more than two-to-one margin in Maryland, Gingrich said the GOP must compete for every vote and should not resign themselves to defeat in any race.

He pointed to his home state of Georgia as a place where Republicans recently seized control from Democrats who had ruled the political landscape for decades. During Gingrich's first unsuccessful ran for Congress in 1974, he received 48 percent of the vote against incumbent Jack Flynt, because he campaigned in areas previously ignored by Republicans.

The GOP in Maryland should take the same approach, he said.

"What we need is a Republican Party that goes into every neighborhood in Maryland and talks to every citizen, and you're going to be shocked that 80 percent of those people don't think government is doing a good job," he said. "It has never occurred to them that we cared."

Before the main Red, White & Blue Dinner, Gingrich attended a business roundtable reception for state Sen. Andrew P. Harris, who is running for the 1st Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Frank M. Kratovil Jr. (D) of Stevensville. Harris (R-Dist. 7) of Cockeysville, who unseated incumbent Rep. Wayne T. Gilchrest in a bitterly contested GOP primary last year, lost to Kratovil in the general election, but is eyeing a rematch in 2010.

"This is a roomful of people that haven't given up on the state of Maryland, and you just validated what we all believed," state GOP Chairman Dr. James Pelura told Gingrich.

For Pelura and other Republican leaders, it was a fulfilling evening in an otherwise turbulent few years since the defeat of former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. in 2006. The party had to take out a $100,000 line of credit due to diminished fundraising, cut staff and dealt with leadership squabbles that still linger.

But Friday's gala, which drew immediate criticism from the state Democratic Party, was a time for revival and optimism among a crowd that included Ehrlich and his former lieutenant governor, national GOP Chairman Michael S. Steele.

Steele urged the GOP activists to not stray from their conservative values and to "never cede one inch of ground to Democrats."

The large crowd was indicative of a revitalized Republican Party in Maryland, Pelura said.

"Turnouts like this tells me the party is not irrelevant, and the party is not dead," he said. "More and more people understand the crisis we're in in this country and in this state, and we need to do something about it."


For Immediate Release October 6, 2008
Contact:Carrie Simons-Sparrow, 410-841-3401
Shannon Oxley, 410-841-3401

Republican Slots Alternative Brings in More Revenue

GOP-Backed Proposal Will Bring in At Least $730 Million More Than Constitutional Amendment

Annapolis – The slots proposal created by the House Republican Caucus will bring in at least $730 million more than the constitutional amendment authorizing slots that is on the ballot, according to numbers from the non-partisan Department of Legislative Services.

“We oppose the constitutional amendment authorizing slots because it simply is not the best deal for the citizens of Maryland”, said House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell. “We have a superior plan that brings in more slots revenue and allows tax relief through responsible fiscal management. Many who have expressed opposition to our proposal often claim that it brings in less revenue that than the Governor’s plan. This is not accurate. We have offered this proposal in good faith and it deserves thoughtful consideration, not knee-jerk partisan attacks.”

According to fiscal notes prepared by the Department of Legislative Services, the Republican plan would bring in $850 million in FY 2010, compared to the $90 million under the Governor’s proposal. The GOP plan brings in $26 million more that the Governor’s proposal in FY 2011 and $12 million more in FY 2012.

“It is important that the citizens of Maryland not be tricked by the misleading information that is circulating about this constitutional amendment”, said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. “Failure of the constitutional amendment does not mean that the legislature cannot come back in the 2009 session and pass our slots proposal. It is our responsibility as legislators to look out for the interests of all Maryland’s citizens and work out the best deal for everyone.”

Additionally, claims have been made by various groups that opposition to the slots amendment goes hand in hand with a proposed tax increase. In fact, the Republican alternative budget proposal repeals the O’Malley tax increases and offers $3.8 billion in tax relief over the next four years.



McCain picks Sara Palin for VP

News Item: John McCain has announced his choice for Vice President on the Republican ticket. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's selection is greeted with great enthusiasm by Republicans. Palin brings a strong reputation for fighting corruption and great expertise on energy matters to the ticket.

A selection of comments on Governor Palin:



Taxes, Taxes, and More Taxes

For the second year in a row, the Maryland Republican Party has compiled a listing of all of the tax increases proposed during Session. You can find the Taxes, Taxes, and More Taxes report attached here.



From the House Republican Caucus
March 19, 2008

House Republicans Fight to Return Fiscal Sanity to Maryland

Annapolis – House Republicans today offered a series of budget amendments that would further reduce state spending, allow for a repeal of the computer service tax, and cushion the state against further economic downturn and additional revenue write-downs.

“Over the last year, the House Republican Caucus has brought forth three individual budget plans that would have preserved state services and controlled spending without increasing taxes”, said Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell. “Our pleas and the pleas from the taxpayers for fiscal restraint have all fallen on deaf ears. Each plan we have presented has been soundly dismissed with little consideration. Now, on the tails of the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history, in the face of a grim economic forecast with $333 million in revenue write-downs, we offer yet another plan. We are hopeful that finally, our colleagues across the aisle will agree that it is time to restore some fiscal sanity to the State of Maryland.”

Part of the Republican Plan included an amendment from the Minority Leader that would reduce the overall budget growth from the Governor’s original proposal of 6% growth ($1.8 billion) to a growth of 2.5% ($733 million). O’Donnell’s amendment would allow for a repeal of the Computer Services Tax without backfilling with new taxes. It also created a fund balance to cushion the state against future revenue write-downs.

“Trimming a few hundred million off the budget is a good first step, but it does not go far enough to meaningfully address Maryland’s fiscal health”, said Delegate Gail Bates, the ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Spending has not been restrained and the Administration and the General Assembly continue to create new programs. Even with the reductions taken by the House Appropriations Committee, the budget grows by $1.3 billion, a 4.3% increase over last year”.

“Truth in budgeting does not exist in Maryland”, said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. “There are slush funds masked as hundreds of vacant but funded positions and there is no will in the majority party to truly eliminate them. Enough is enough. The chronic overspending must end. It is not sustainable and will have catastrophic effects on the citizens of Maryland. With all indications pointing to another revenue write down in September, if we do not get a tight grip on spending the Democrats will be responsible for additional taxes, actual cuts in services people are receiving and actual layoffs of the State’s workforce.”

This information supplied by the Maryland Republican Party.



Legislative Update

Several important bills dealing with voting ID will be heard by the House Ways and Means Committee March 18. HB 1288 requires a voter to show a government-issued ID and the Voting official to check that ID against the voter registration information. If we want this safeguard for our elections we need to vocally let the W&M Commitee and legislators know we support this legislation. Please check the section on "Taxes" as there are several bills dealing with extending the sales tax to additonal services beyond the computer services tax. We need calls and e-mails to oppose these increased taxes. Click here for a listing of all pending bills.

This information supplied by the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW). The MFRW invites all Republican women to join us. Please visit our website at www.mfrw.org.



Maryland Republican Party
James Pelura, DVM, MS, Chairman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2008

Reckless O’Malley Approves Major Pay Raises For Top Aides

Maryland GOP Calls For Pay Raises To Be Revoked Immediately

ANNAPOLIS— Over the weekend, The Washington Times reported that Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley gave over $600,000 in pay raises to 47 of his top aides at a time when government officials are considering postponing raises for state employees to close a budget shortfall. The Times reports that the pay raises that O’Malley handed out range between $2,167 and $33,265, or between 2.3% and 37.5% of the employee’s salary.

Martin O’Malley has a pattern of providing major pay raises, even to himself, during budget shortfalls. The Washington Times reports that in 2000, when he was mayor of Baltimore, O’Malley took a raise in salary from $95,000 to $125,000 that the preceding mayor declined due to the city’s financial woes. He also increased the salary scale for his top aides from a maximum of $108,700 to $140,000. All of this was done while Baltimore City faced a $158 million shortfall.

After Martin O’Malley was elected governor in 2006, he gave Baltimore City State’s Attorney Patricia Jessamy, a frequent critic while he was mayor, an $85,000 raise, an astronomical jump from the $10,000 pay raise Jessamy asked for. Patricia Jessamy requested a pay raise from $140,000 to $150,000, and Martin O’Malley, who was looking for allies while transitioning to Annapolis, instead offered her a raise from $140,000 to $225,000.

Dr. Jim Pelura, Chairman of the Maryland Republican Party, released the following statement:

“This is more of the same with Martin O’Malley. He treats Marylanders as his personal ATM machine and does not care about the increased burdens being placed on working families, senior citizens, and small businesses.

“Martin O’Malley and the Democrats pushed through the largest tax increase in Maryland history, are now anticipating a budget shortfall due to lower tax revenue, and have discussed postponing raises for state employees. Yet O’Malley is up to his old tricks, rewarding his political cronies with major pay raises while Marylanders are asked to take the financial hit. This is wrong, and Governor O’Malley should immediately revoke these pay raises.

“O’Malley and his top aides, who are clearly out of touch with the struggles of working families, seniors, and small businesses, should be expected to get by with less, just like everybody else. Maybe then they will think twice about recklessly raising taxes and growing government when the economy cannot take it.”


For Immediate Release
March 4, 2008
Contact: Carrie Simons-Sparrow, 410-841-3401

House Republicans Present FY 2009 Budget Plan

Annapolis – The House Republican Caucus today rolled out their FY 2009 Budget Plan. The Republican proposal slows the rate of growth of State spending, resolves the structural deficit, eliminates computer services tax, and positions the state to withstand a significant economic downturn.

“The current budget course is not sustainable”, said Minority Leader Anthony O’Donnell. “The Governor’s budget as proposed leaves the structural deficit unresolved and the Rainy Day Fund depleted. The economic outlook is precarious and further inaction could have catastrophic consequences for the State of Maryland.”

The Republican plan reduces the total budget spending increase from 5.9% to 3.7%. It reduces the ongoing General Fund Budget spending increase from 5.6% to 2.6%. The reductions in spending eliminate the $308 million structural deficit.

“The 2007 Special Session did not resolve the long term structural deficit”, said Delegate Gail Bates, the ranking Republican member of the House Appropriations Committee. “There were no cuts in overall planned spending and the General Assembly actually created an additional $128 million in net new spending. At the same time, they passed a historic amount of tax increases which enabled state spending to continue to grow excessively.”

“This Administration has ransacked the state’s Rainy Day Fund”, said Minority Whip Christopher Shank. “It is funded only at the statutory minimum and is not well positioned to protect State finances from a significant financial downturn. There will be no place to turn for revenue to fund critical services. November’s Special Session spending spree has emptied the taxpayer’s pockets.”

The Republican’s proposal adds $400 million to the Rainy Day Fund above the statutory minimum.

“There is still time to exercise fiscal restraint and build reserves”, said Delegate Steve Schuh, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “All of the major indicators point to a slowing economy. If we experience a significant economic downturn and spending has not been reined in, the only choice will be major cuts to services. This plan is fiscally responsible and it protects the citizens of Maryland against the possible economic storm on the horizon.”


Calvert Republican Club Hosts BOE Forum

Today's (Friday, February 1) edition of the Calvert Recorder newspaper gave the Calvert County Republican Club's January 29 Board of Education dinner and candidate forum front page coverage, including a photo of the 8 BOE candidates present, and a full rear page complete with head shots of all the candidates and a lot of written coverage of their comments during the forum.

Under the title "Candidates hash out issues", the article by Staff writer Gretchen Phillips said "The Calvert County Republican Club held a board of education candidate dinner and forum Tuesday at the Mamma Lucia restaurant in Prince Frederick in preparation for the Feb. 12 primary election. Eight of the nine declared candidates turned out."


Calvert Recorder staff photo by DARWIN WEIGEL

From left are Patrick Flaherty, Matt Swanson, Culver Ladd, John Eckstine, Rané Franklin, Tracy McGuire, Bill Chambers and Freeman Dodsworth.
View the complete article, with quotes and photos of all the candidates.


Photos from Past Events


Photos from Open House at New Calvert Republican Headquarters

October 14, 2009

Chairman McCabe and Central Committee members welcomed visitors to their new quarters. MD GOP State Vice Chairman Chris Cavey was among those touring the new offices. Congressional Candidate Charles Lollar dropped by to see the new space and speak about his campaign. Nearly 50 people visited and enjoyed refreshments prior to the Central Committee’s monthly meeting.




A Party Honoring Those Who Serve

New Item, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007
Navy reservist
Navy reservist and Iraq war veteran Moises Velasquez and his wife Angel, left, of Lusby and Marine reservist and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office Dfc. Ricky Cox and his wife Susie of Chesapeake Beach talk at the party. Velasquez has completed one tour of duty in Iraq and is getting ready for a second and Cox did a tour during the invasion in 2003 and another tour in 2004 as a full duty Marine.
Shawn Tallant
Calvert County Republicans Shawn Tallant, left, and Bob Wood, right, talk with Navy reservist and Iraq war veteran Chris Schumacher and his wife Christy at the Calvert County Republican Central Committee Christmas party for area troops Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Holiday Inn Express in Prince Frederick. The Great Mills soldier recently received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation with Valor for saving a fellow soldier while under attack in the Iraq war for which he has completed two tours as a Navy hospital corpsman.


Laura Martin Sworn In as State's Attorney


Laura Martin Swearing In Ceremony
On Jan. 2, 2007, Laura Martin (R) was sworn in by Clerk of the Circuit Court Kathy Smith in front of family, friends and voters of Calvert County. Martin is the first female state’s attorney to be elected in Calvert County.



Calvert County Republicans Honored at Local, State Level

press release
Republican Woman of the Year
The Maryland Republican Party honored Judy MacWilliams of Owings as the Republican Woman of the Year during its annual awards luncheon at the Spring Convention held in Annapolis on May 19, 2007. Former Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele keynoted the luncheon.
Republican Woman of the Year
Barbara Burton and Ron Miller were named Republican Woman of the Year and Republican Man of the Year respectively at the Calvert County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day dinner on April 20, 2007. Former Governor Robert Ehrlich, Jr. was the guest speaker.



Opinion and Commentary

No deficit of cynicism

By Michael Gerson
The Washington Post
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
GOP Rep. Paul Ryan tackles Obama's path to deficit disaster.
Read the complete article here.



THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS

Email in circulation
original author unknown
December 2, 2009

I am sending this to virtually everybody on my e-mail list and that includes conservatives, liberals, and everybody in between. Even though we disagree on a number of issues, I count all of you as friends. My friend and neighbor wants to promote a "Congressional Reform Act of 2009". It would contain eight provisions, all of which would probably be strongly endorsed by those who drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Friends, please send me your recommendations on how this bill can be improved.

I know many of you will say, "this is impossible". Let me remind you, Congress has the lowest approval of any entity in Government, now is the time when Americans will join together to reform Congress - the entity that represents us.

We need to get a Senator to introduce this bill in the US Senate and a Representative to introduce a similar bill in the US House. These people will become American hero's.. Please send any ideas on how to get this done.

Thanks,

A Fellow American

***********************************

1. Term Limits: 12 years only, one of the possible options below.


A. Two Six year Senate terms
B. Six Two year House terms
C. One Six year Senate term and three Two Year House terms


Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

2. No Tenure / No Pension:

A congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.


Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security:

All funds in the Congressional retirement fund moves to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, Congress participates with the American people.


Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, server your term(s), then go home and back to work.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan just as all Americans.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

6. Congress looses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

7. Congress must equally abide in all laws they impose on the American people.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.

8. All contracts with past and present congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make this contract with congressmen, congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.


Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, serve your term(s), then go home and back to work.


Debacle in Moscow

By Charles Krauthammer
The Washington Post
Friday, October 16, 2009

About the only thing more comical than Barack Obama's Nobel Peace Prize was the reaction of those who deemed the award "premature," as if the brilliance of Obama's foreign policy is so self-evident and its success so assured that if only the Norway Five had waited a few years, his Nobel worthiness would have been universally acknowledged. Read the complete article here.


Barack and Me

By Ron Miller
Monday, Sept. 13, 2009

Welcome to our tent
The GOP has plenty of room for honest debate

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
By Pat Toomey
Pittsburgh postgazette.com

Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic Party provoked a firestorm of debate about the future of the Republican Party and its ability to become a majority party once again in America. Many on the left have framed this question as a choice between purity and popularity. This is a false dichotomy designed to be a lose-lose proposition for the GOP. The better questions are: What guiding principles define the modern Republican Party? Where should the party be flexible and where must it be resolute?

Since the "tent" seems to be the preferred metaphor for addressing this issue, I will use it to make my case.

I see the tent's poles as the many ideas that animate the Republican Party. We can and should have a vibrant, ongoing debate about how many poles the tent should have and where they should be positioned.

Surely one of the poles supporting the Republican tent is a strong national defense. But whether and when to go to war, where to station troops overseas, and how much to spend and on what kinds of weapons are all subjects on which good Republicans can disagree.

Respect for the values that Western civilization has developed over many generations is another important pole. I believe that one aspect of this idea is to defend and protect innocent human lives, including those of unborn children. But I would certainly not suggest that those who disagree with the pro-life position be banished from the Republican tent.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09133/969603-109.stm#ixzz0QQcOLXXX


Governors Know Best

excerpts from an article by David S. Broder
from the Washington Post
November 9, 2008

"...it is time to tip the hat to some other people -- with names such as John Hoeven, Jon Huntsman, Jim Douglas and Mitch Daniels. They are Republicans reelected Tuesday as governors of North Dakota, Utah, Vermont and Indiana...when senators and representatives were falling wholesale, not one incumbent Republican governor lost."[emphasis added]

Broder goes on to quote Republican governors Douglas of Vermont, Huntsman of Utah, Barbour of Mississippi, Jindal of Louisiana, and Daniels of Indiana on their recipes for Republican successes.

Broder concludes by asking "Is there a lesson in these successes for the GOP?" We believe the answer is Yes. Read the complete article here.


Listen. Adapt. Be Positive.

By MICHAEL STEELE
from the Wall Street Journal November 11, 2008

Republicans once said that the opportunities this nation has to offer rest not in government but rather in the hands of individuals. Over the past decade or so, however, we Republicans lost our way. The disparity between our rhetoric and our action grew until our credibility snapped. It wasn't the fault of our ideals. It was the failure of our leadership.

Over time, our principles morphed into baser motives. Continued political dominance grew more important to those who led us than the noble vision most of us originally signed on for. And to maintain power we turned to the controls of government -- we became the party of big government. We behaved like Democrats.

True, the country has changed and our party must adapt. However, it is wrong to believe we must change our principles or become conservative-lite. After all, the voters did not suddenly become liberal; but they have lost any sense of confidence that the Republican Party holds the answers to their problems.

Most Americans today see a Republican Party that defines itself by what it is against rather than what it is for. We can tell you why public schools aren't working, but not articulate a compelling vision for how we'll better educate children. We're well equipped to rail against tax increases; but can't begin to explain how we'll help the poor. We exclude far better than we welcome.

Things were different as recently as 20 years ago. Back then, Ronald Reagan made it cool to be a Republican -- it wasn't just his specific policies, but the timeless truths he so eloquently gave voice to, and upon which his policies were based. That's the Republican Party we must re-establish.

We must articulate a positive vision for America's future that speaks to Americans' hopes, concerns and needs. It's time to stop defining ourselves by what we are not, and tell voters what we believe, how we'll lead, and where we'll go; how we Republicans will make America better; how we'll make their families more prosperous, their children better educated, their parents more secure, and all of us healthier, safer and stronger.

Our challenge lies not in beating Democrats, but in uniting around a message that solidifies our ranks and attracts new people to our cause. We have to listen to what Americans are telling us about their hopes, desires and needs, and then translate that message into proposals for meaningful action squarely grounded on the values we Republicans have always stood for.

Our faith in the power and ingenuity of the individual to build a nation through hard work, personal responsibility and self-discipline is our uniting principle. That is the sacred ground upon which our Republican Party was built. For the sake of all Americans, it is the ground we must reclaim.

Mr. Steele is chairman of GOPAC, a Republican political-action committee that recruits and trains new candidates, campaign staff and activists.


How to Block the Liberal Agenda

By KIMBERLEY A. STRASSEL
Excerpts from The Wall Street Journal
NOVEMBER 7, 2008

Democrats won big on Tuesday but not big enough. The voters' rebuke of the GOP was brutal, though not so cruel as to hand Mr. Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid the 60 votes they needed to grease a sweeping agenda. The GOP still owns a filibuster, and that is as big a factor in this new "era" as is our president-elect.

Democrats, who now officially own 55 seats, are still salivating over that distant 60. But Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is holding on, and Georgia's Saxby Chambliss is positioned to win a run-off. Norm Coleman in Minnesota is in for an ugly recount, but he starts with a lead. If Mr. Reid goes postal on the McCain-supporting Joe Lieberman, Republicans could also find themselves with occasional help from the liberated Connecticuter.

These numbers aren't an accident, but instead say something about America's interest in a check on the Democratic majority. Mr. Obama won Oregon by 15 percentage points, yet thousands of his own supporters pulled the lever for Republican Gordon Smith, who lost narrowly. In Minnesota Mr. Obama won by 10, yet Mr. Coleman leads. Alaskans appear to have voted for a felon in part to deny the left a supermajority.

The biggest Republican victory this week was in fact that of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, whose considerable tactical skills will now be in even greater demand. Democrats have a healthy fear of Mr. McConnell's abilities, one reason Chuck Schumer chose to divert $6 million into the long-shot Kentucky race, rather than keep it in say, Minnesota, where his boy Al Franken is now losing.

Mr. McConnell's strength has been putting up a principled opposition, without earning the reputation for Tom Daschle-like obstruction. And from the sounds of his opening statement this week, his game plan is the same, only with higher stakes. Mr. McConnell "stands ready" to hear Mr. Obama's "ideas for implementing his campaign promises of cutting taxes, increasing energy security, reducing spending and easing the burden of an immense and growing national debt." Note he is not standing ready to negotiate on eliminating union secret ballots, nationalizing health care, enacting a climate program, or over-regulating the financial industry.

Complete article


An Election Eve Poem

*'Twas the night before elections*
*And all through the town*
*Tempers were flaring*
*Emotions all up and down!*

*I, in my bathrobe*
*With a cat in my lap*
*Had cut off the TV*
*Tired of political crap.*

*When all of a sudden*
*There arose such a noise*
*I peered out of my window*
*Saw Obama and his boys*

*They had come for my wallet*
*They wanted my pay*
*To give to the others*
*Who had not worked a day!*

*He snatched up my money*
*And quick as a wink*
*Jumped back on his bandwagon*
*As I gagged from the stink*

*He then rallied his henchmen*
*Who were pulling his cart*
*I could tell they were out*
*To tear my country apart!*

*" On Fannie, on Freddie, *
*On Biden and Ayers!*
*On Acorn, On Pelosi"*
*He screamed at the pairs!*

*They took off for his cause*
*And as he flew out of sight*
*I heard him laugh at the nation*
*Who wouldn't stand up and fight!*

*So I leave you to think*
*On this one final note-*
*IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM*
*GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!*
vote.gif


The Case for McCain

Writing in crosswalk.com, noted media figure on all things political, Bruce Herschensohn wrote "I was one of those who voted for John McCain in the California primary—and did it with enthusiasm. As [a] conservative..., of course I have had disagreements with Senator McCain on some issues, but all the issues of disagreement are secondary to winning the war in which our nation’s survival is at stake, as well as the survival of civilization as we know it. I am convinced that John McCain was born to be commander in chief in this war. Foreign policy and the military are in his blood. That is not true of the Democrats’ choice.

Herschensohn concludes "As a conservative, as a Republican and most of all as an American, I believe there is no contest in determining who is most capable of leading the United States: John McCain. His mind, his heart and his blood are filled with the stuff of presidents."

To read the whole article, click here.


Bruce Herschensohn is currently teaching a graduate course at Pepperdine University on U.S. Foreign Policy, is author of the new book, "Above Empyrean", and is a recognized media figure on all things political.


McCain Shines at Saddleback Forum

John McCain and Barack Obama both appeared at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Civil Forum on the Presidency Saturday night (August 16, 2008). The candidates showed very different styles in response to identical personal and policy questions. While Obama spoke - sometimes haltingly - in broad generalities, McCain gave direct, decisive, passionate, and surprisingly personal answers.

In a Wall Street Journal article (Monday, August 18, 2008, p.4), reporter Laura Meckler said "...Sen. McCain's reply was sharp and to the point. Sen. Obama, by contrast, took longer pauses after many of his questions, and his answers often came together slowly."

Meckler quoted one attendee's summary: "I thought [McCain] hit a home run." This opinion was shared by nearly everyone who saw or heard the program. One example: Michael Gerson's Op-Ed column in The Washington Post (Monday, August 18, 2008; Page A11) which begins "It is now clear why Barack Obama has refused John McCain's offer of joint town hall appearances during the fall campaign. McCain is obviously better at them."


A Quiet Humanitarian

By Michael Gerson, The Washington Post
Wednesday, July 23, 2008; Page A15

KIGALI, Rwanda -- Cindy McCain's first visit to this country, in 1994, was during the high season of roadblocks and machetes and shallow graves.

Following a call for help from Doctors Without Borders, McCain had assembled a medical team with the intention of setting up a mobile hospital in Rwanda. Arriving by private plane in mid-April, a couple of weeks into the massacres, she realized that the chaos made deploying her team impossible. At the airport, she paid for the use of a truck and set out for Goma in then-Zaire, where hundreds of thousands of refugees were also headed.

Read the complete article in The Washington Post.

The article concludes "But all this would have political consequences in a McCain administration. Even if a first lady is not intrusively political, the whole White House responds to her priorities. Cindy McCain has had decades of personal contact with the suffering of the developing world. And in some future crisis or genocide, it might matter greatly to have a first lady who knows the smell of death."


The Presidency is not an entry-level position

In an article in TownHall.com, columnist Frank Turek comments on Barack Obama’s recent op-ed in the New York Times, “It’s time to end this war.”

Turek says "Obama wanted to 'end this war' when it would have meant an American defeat...This raises a larger question about Obama’s fitness for the presidency. Obama has four positions related to the war which, in my view, disqualify him for the presidency."

After discussing Obama's four positions, Turek concludes "...this reveals Obama’s ignorance; at best, his inexperience. In either case, he’s not qualified to be the leader of the free world. The Presidency is not an entry-level position."

Read the complete article here.


The Chosen One

As we gear up for the 2008 general election campaign for President, a disquieting portrait of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama is emerging. In separate press articles in the Boston Globe and the Washington Post this week, Obama is criticized for narcissism, the highest level of self-love. Globe columnist Joan Vennochi laments, “Barack Obama was always a larger-than-life candidate with a healthy ego. Now he’s turning into the A-Rod of politics. It’s all about him.” While acknowledging that “A presidential candidate is supposed to get bigger on the national stage…”, she concludes “That doesn’t mean his head should, too.”

Charles Krauthammer of the Post asks “…has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements?” Ms. Vennochi notes that Obama, in her opinion, sees himself as the second coming of John F. Kennedy, a comparison given credence by the endorsements he received from JFK’s brother Senator Ted Kennedy and JFK’s daughter Caroline Kennedy, the last living member of the young, attractive and energetic family that brought us Camelot. In fact, she officially draped the mantle of Camelot over Senator Obama’s shoulders, stating in her endorsement piece in the New York Times, “A President Like My Father,” that “I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.”

Pretty heady stuff, isn’t it? Consider the fact, however, that when JFK was elected President of the United States, he had already served six years in the U.S. House of Representatives and seven years in the U.S. Senate, was a decorated war hero with nearly four years of military service including combat duty in the Pacific theater of operations during World War II, and had received a Pulitzer Prize for his book “Profiles in Courage“, recounting how eight U.S. Senators risked their careers for their principles. Senator Obama’s three years in the U.S. Senate were preceded by just under eight years in the Illinois Senate and his most notable literary achievement to date, according to Mr. Krauthammer, “is a biography of his favorite subject: himself.”

Frankly, Senator Obama’s impact on the nation is more like that of another Kennedy, the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Ever see the movie, “Bobby“? It accurately captured the mood of the nation at the time of his candidacy for President. We were in the midst of an unpopular war with an unpopular President at the helm, and domestic turmoil was high as were the tensions between the races. We were as polarized as a nation could be; if you stop to think about it, the parallels between 1968 and 2008 are eerie. Into this maelstrom steps RFK, the brother and closest confidante of the slain President John F. Kennedy. Despite having served only three years as U.S. Attorney General and another three years as the U.S. Senator from New York, his campaign became a symbol of the lost dreams of Camelot and there was great hope that he could revive them. A Wikipedia entry on his campaign could be a description of Senator Obama’s campaign today: “Kennedy stood on a ticket of racial and economic justice, non-aggression in foreign policy, decentralization of power and social improvement. A crucial element to his campaign was an engagement with the young, whom he identified as being the future of a reinvigorated American society based on partnership and equality.” His passion and compassion for the poor and minorities was genuine and he spoke candidly and harshly to people of privilege who he believed owed more to their less fortunate brothers and sisters. In that regard he was, in my opinion, much more authentic than Senator Obama, who I perceive as being a much more calculating and skilled politician who doesn’t let his passions get in the way of his ambitions.

Like Obama, RFK was a compelling speaker and his speech to a black audience in Indianapolis on the day of Martin Luther King’s assassination is credited with keeping that city calm while riots erupted across the rest of the nation. He drew huge crowds wherever he went, with people reaching out to touch and pull at him, tearing his clothes and pulling off his shoes. Author Thurston Clarke referred to RFK’s campaign as “82 days that inspired America.” His assassination froze him in time forever as the slain savior, the one who could have changed the world had he only lived. That is the torch that has been passed to Senator Obama, at least in the minds and hearts of his energized followers and perhaps in his own mind as well.

These columns addressing Senator Obama’s elevated view of himself don’t even mention the “Obama as Messiah” phenomenon that has been building since his speech before the Democratic National Convention in 2004 that rocketed him from national obscurity to instant hero status. If you want to be truly frightened, go to the blog “Is Barack Obama the Messiah?” and read some of the statements made by people about Senator Obama. Here’s a representative example from U.S. Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., a member of the Obama campaign team: “What Barack Obama has accomplished is the single most extraordinary event that has occurred in the 232 years of the nation’s political history. … The event itself is so extraordinary that another chapter could be added to the Bible to chronicle its significance.” Say what?

As you read through this blog, you’ll be stunned at the words supposedly intelligent and rational people use to describe Senator Obama - “a LightWorker, that rare kind of attuned being…who can actually help usher in a new way of being on the planet.” Or how about this one? “Everything’s going to be affected by this seismic change in the universe.” Or this one? “Not just an ordinary human being but indeed an Advanced Soul.” Slate Magazine, not generally regarded as a conservative publication, has a tongue-in-cheek series by Timothy Noah that began in January 2007 called “The Obama Messiah Watch” to chronicle the “gratuitously adoring biographical details that appear in newspaper, television, and magazine profiles of this otherworldly presence in our midst.” A Google search on “Obama Messiah” turns up 1,560,000 hits compared to 612,000 hits for “Obama Antichrist” (yes, some subscribe to the belief that Senator Obama is otherworldly but not in a positive way).

Senator Obama’s supporters will probably decry this characterization of their hero, saying that he never asked for the praise and adoration that has come his way. Consider, then, the words of his speech the night he effectively secured the Democratic nomination:

“If we are willing to work for it and fight for it and believe in it, then I am absolutely certain that generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs for the jobless. This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal. This was the moment when we ended a war and secured our nation and restored our image as the last, best hope on earth. This was the moment, this was the time when we came together to remake this great nation so that it may always reflect our very best selves and our highest ideals.”

Wow - at the moment of his nomination, we suddenly began caring for sick people, hiring the unemployed, halting the melting of the polar ice caps and restoring the ecological balance of the planet? If he can do that, we don’t need an election! All kidding aside, does he believe he’s the only one who cares about and has taken action on these issues and many others? Were we so damaged as a nation before he arrived on the national scene? Despite the hatred liberals have for the America we have rather than the America they desire, as CNN commentator Glenn Beck points out, we are still the strongest, most prosperous and most caring nation on the planet. As scholar Arthur C. Brooks states, we are “a nation of givers.” Our charitable contributions set a record last year despite the difficult economic times. We have been free from terrorist attacks on our soil since 9/11, a direct consequence, I believe, of our foreign and domestic security policies. Liberals complain that we are not loved around the world but the President’s first duty is to defend us, not run for “BFF-in-chief” (for those who don’t have teenagers, “BFF” stands for “Best Friends Forever”). Travel to some of the “vacation spots” of the world like some of the young people in our church are doing, places like Guatemala and Uganda, and find out what real poverty looks like. Visit China, the same China that’s telling local bars in Beijing not to serve blacks and Mongolians during the Olympics, if you want to know what real suppression of civil liberties looks like. Move to Europe, where gas has been at $4 a gallon for decades and is now at $9 a gallon if you want to know what real high gas prices look like. Yes, we can always be better but we shouldn’t lose sight of the abundant blessings that are already ours. If anything, our liberal friends need a heavy dose of perspective - but I digress!

What’s even more bothersome to me is the number of disaffected Republicans who are buying into the “Obamessiah” movement. Senator Obama has even coined a name for them - “Obamacans.” This phenomenon has been captured in several press articles this year, including one in the New Yorker Magazine by Bruce Bartlett, a former economic advisor to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush. While he’s not ready to jump on the Obama bandwagon, he understands why some Republicans are doing so (I don’t). Some of the more prominent names on the list are Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of the late Republican President Eisenhower and a stalwart Republican herself until now, Jeffrey Hart of the conservative National Review Magazine, and Colin Powell, who hasn’t openly endorsed Obama but has spoken highly of him and may yet endorse him. As a principled Republican, I can’t see how any GOPer can embrace a candidate who was described by the non-partisan National Journal as the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate, is heartily endorsed by the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and Planned Parenthood for his support of unrestricted abortions, and looks first to government to solve every problem and plans to raise taxes to further expand government into health care and other areas of public life. How can we be so starry-eyed as to fall under the spell of his celebrity and ignore his record and his stated views?

Perhaps Senator Obama is the perfect candidate for our times. In our celebrity-driven culture, substance matters less than style and Senator Obama has style in spades. Young, handsome, bright and oratorically gifted, he’s tailor-made for the age of “American Idol” and “Entertainment Tonight.” While it’s true that a President must be not just the nation’s chief executive but also a visionary leader and purveyor of hope, this is the first time in my recollection that the scales have tipped so dramatically toward inspiration over execution. We need to turn our gaze away from his illuminated being and think critically about what he actually proposes to do. As English philosopher, statesman and author Francis Bacon once said, “Hope is a good breakfast but it is a bad supper.”

-Copied from Ron’s Reflections with permission of the author.
Paid for and Authorized by the Team Ron Miller Committee - Robert Wood, Treasurer


Who Does He Think He Is?

In an article in TownHall.com on Friday, July 18, columnist Charles Krauthammer criticized Barack Obama for requesting permission to speak at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Krauthammer said "What Obama does not seem to understand is that the Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin.

"Who is Obama representing? And what exactly has he done in his lifetime to merit appropriating the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign prop? What was his role in the fight against communism, the liberation of Eastern Europe, the creation of what George Bush 41 -- who presided over the fall of the Berlin Wall but modestly declined to go there for a victory lap -- called "a Europe whole and free"?"

We encourage you to read the entire article. A "printer friendly" version is also available here. An example of other commentary on Obama's ego is The Audacity of Ego by Joan Vennochi in the Boston Globe.


Cindy Hensley McCain

This is an interesting article [circulaing by email, original author unknown-Editor] as not much was known about her. She was on Leno the other night and it was an interesting interview. It turns out that she is a character as she is or has been a race car driver and is also a pilot. She flies John around the country to his rallies. After hearing that about her and reading this I now have a lot of respect for her.

Election 2008: Cindy Hensley McCain has been disparaged as a trophy wife, a Barbie, an heiress with fancy purses, even the Paris Hilton of politics. But there's more to the picture than meets the eye.

Yes, Mrs. McCain is the perfectly coifed blonde standing dutifully behind the senator during his speeches. And yes, she wears stylish clothing and carries a Prada purse. And it's true she doesn't say much. But feminist critics who write her off as a "stand-by-your-man" shrinking violet are selling her short. In many ways, Cindy McCain stacks up sturdier than Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama. And she'd make a more impressive first lady.

Mrs. McCain: More than meets the eye.

While Obama's wife has been hating America, complaining about the war and undermining our troops serving in Afghanistan, McCain's wife has been worrying about her sons who actually are fighting or planning to fight in the war on terror. One, in fact, was until a few months ago deployed in Iraq during some of the worst violence.

You don't hear the McCains talk about it, but their 19-year-old Marine, Jimmy, is preparing for his second tour of duty. Their 21-year-old son, Jack, is poised to graduate from Annapolis and also could join the Marines as a second lieutenant. The couple made the decision not to draw attention to their sons out of respect for other families with sons and daughters in harm's way.

Cindy also says she doesn't want to risk falling apart on the campaign trail talking about Jimmy who was so young when he enlisted she had to sign consent forms for his medical tests before he could report for duty and potentially upsetting parents of soldiers who are serving or have been killed.

The McCains want to make sure their boys get no special treatment. Same goes for their five other children, including a daughter they adopted from Bangladesh .

During a visit to Mother Teresa's orphanage there, Cindy noticed a dying baby. The orphanage could not provide the medical care needed to save her life. So she brought the child home to America for the surgery she desperately needed. The baby is now their healthy, 16-year-old daughter, Bridget.

Though all seven McCain children including two Sen. McCain adopted from his first marriage are supportive of their father, they prefer their privacy to the glare of the campaign trail. Another daughter, Meghan, 23, helps him behind the scenes.

Cindy McCain not only cherishes her children, but also her country, which in an election year filled with America-bashing, is a refreshing novelty. She seethed when she heard Michelle Obama's unpatriotic remarks that she only recently grew proud of America . "I am very proud of my country," Mrs. McCain asserted.

She also may be tougher than the other women in the race. While Hillary thinks she's come under sniper fire on mission trips abroad, Cindy has actually seen violence. She witnessed a boy get blown up by a mine in Kuwait during a trip with an international group that removes land mines from war-torn countries.

Mrs. McCain also is a hands-on philanthropist. She sits on the board of Operation Smile, which arranges for plastic surgeons to fix cleft palates and other birth defects. She also has helped organize relief missions to Micronesia.

During a scuba-diving vacation to the islands, Mrs. McCain took a friend to a local hospital to have a cut treated. She was shocked and saddened by what she saw.

"They opened the door to the OR, where the supplies were, and there were two cats and a whole bunch of rats climbing out of the sterile supplies, " she recalled. "They had no X-ray machine, no beds. To me, it was devastating because it was a U.S. trust territory."

As soon as she returned home, she arranged for medical equipment and teams of doctors to be sent to treat the island children.

Michelle Obama may contribute to CARE, which fights global poverty and works to empower poor women. Cindy sits on its board.

While the Democrat women talk about helping the poor and needy, Cindy McCain actually rolls up her sleeves and does it. Who's the out-of-touch elitist?



Op-Ed piece by House Minority Leader Anthony J. O’Donnell and House Minority Whip Christopher B. Shank

Recent coverage of the repeal of the computer services tax in Maryland is reminiscent of George Orwell’s book 1984. Some of the same legislators who argued strenuously in favor of the tax during the legislative special session, are now hailed as heroes of the repeal effort. As a few issues have been confused and distorted, we would like to take this opportunity to clarify some facts from our perspective.

The expansion of the Maryland sales tax to include computer services was first enacted during the November 2007 Special Session. It was added to the already historic tax increases in, literally, the dark of night in a Senate committee, with no discussion or input from the public or members of the industry. This game of tax hokey pokey had been going on for several days, as various industries were in, and then out. Ultimately, the tech services industry became the loser in this game. At that time, the Republican Caucus argued on the floor of the House of Delegates how damaging this tax would be to the burgeoning tech industry in Maryland, and to the state’s economy. We also pointed out the singular unfairness of the process that led to this tax’s inclusion in the package being strenuously pushed by Governor O’Malley and the Democrat leadership.

We offered an amendment to strip the tech tax from the package, which failed. The General Assembly went on to pass the largest tax increase in Maryland history. Once again, the Republican members argued and voted against these taxes, proposing as an alternative, specific reductions in the rate of growth in spending to address the looming deficit.

From the beginning of the 2008 legislative session, the Republican caucus made it one of our top priorities to repeal the tax on computer services. When the budget was being considered, we once again proposed very specific reductions in the rate of growth in spending that would have allowed a repeal of the tax without need for additional taxes, and once again the amendment was defeated.

Governor O’Malley and the Democratic leadership chose to ignore all of the alternatives presented by the Republican caucus, and, after finally succumbing to public pressure, replaced the tech tax with another tax, this time the so-called “millionaire’s tax”. This backfilling was entirely unnecessary. As the Republican membership has pointed out multiple times over the past months, Maryland does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.

One final time, Maryland Republicans offered an amendment that would have repealed the computer services tax without backfilling with another tax, by making sensible reductions in the rate of growth in spending, and one final time, that alternative was rejected.

The repeal of the tax on computer services, while removing a burdensome tax on an industry Maryland ought to be encouraging, cannot be lauded as a victory without examining the effect of this new tax. The increased income tax is likely to have an equally damaging effect on Maryland’s economy. Many of the individuals who qualify for this increased tax are actually small businesses who file as a Subchapter S corporations, so once again a tax has been imposed which will damage small business.

The recent experience of California serves as a cautionary tale of the type of impact this new tax will have. When California imposed such a high-income tax several years ago, 5,000 of the state’s 25,000 highest income earners left the state. By depending on such a narrow sector of the tax base, for so much of their revenue, California quickly went into a $7 billion deficit, largely attributable to the new tax. Just like the tech tax, this new burden provides a disincentive for these high income families to reside in Maryland, and contribute to our state’s economy as well as to the state coffers. Clearly, the decision of a few of these highest income earners to leave Maryland in search of greener pastures would have a huge impact on our State’s finances, which are already unstable.

Anthony J. O’Donnell
House Minority Leader
District 29C
Christopher B. Shank
House Minority Whip
District 2B




The Arizona Republic, online print edition
Len Munsil, McCain supporter
Mar. 30, 2008 12:00 AM


For conservatives, John McCain is only choice that makes sense

Although Sen. John McCain has locked up the Republican nomination for president, some conservative leaders continue to snipe at him. Although I agree with elements of the most conservative critiques of McCain, I could not possibly disagree more with their conclusions - especially if they cause conservatives to sit this election out.

McCain is not the lesser of two evils. In fact, he is worthy of the enthusiastic support of every thinking conservative. I join many citizens in gratitude that a genuine American hero with core conservative beliefs, who has already given so much for our nation, is willing to spend his eighth decade on Earth serving a cause greater than himself.

Read the complete editorial here



The Wall Street Journal
By MARK SANFORD
March 15, 2008; Page A10

The Conservative Case for McCain

Last week, I asked David Walker, the U.S. comptroller general, why he is quitting his job to travel the country on a "fiscal wake-up tour." His answer: Because we have only five to 10 years to address the federal government's looming shortfalls before we're faced with a fiscal crisis.

In about a decade, the twin forces of demographics and compound interest will leave few options for solving the fiscal mess Washington has created. By then, our options will all be ugly. We could make draconian spending cuts, or impose large tax increases that will undermine our economy in the competitive global marketplace. Or we could debase the value of the dollar by printing a large amount of money. This would shrink the overall value of the federal government's debt. It would also wipe out the value of most Americans' savings.

Read the complete editorial here



The Wall Street Journal
March 15, 2008; Page A10

High Tech Tax

In the cinematic classic, "Revenge of the Nerds," a group of college outcasts fights back against the local campus bigshots to regain their place in the world. A real-life sequel is playing out in Maryland, where a new tax on computer services has business groups, techies and legislators rallying around the pocket-protector set.

Under a bill passed in November, such tech services as Web design, computer repair and programming would all get hit with a 6% tax statewide. If the tax isn't repealed before it takes effect in July, it would be one of the most burdensome regimes in the nation on the growing industry. On Thursday, Governor Martin O'Malley, a Democrat who originally balked at repealing the tax, joined the chorus against it. The state's technology sector is critical, he said, and "not an advantage we want to weigh down."

Read the complete editorial here


The Gazette Newspapers
Friday, Feb. 22, 2008
Rascovar on Politics | Barry Rascovar

Killing the golden goose

Here’s a quick quiz: What Maryland industry employs 60,000 people, has a payroll exceeding $5 billion and whose vast potential is about to be sabotaged by shortsighted state legislators?

If you guessed the information technology industry, you’ve been following developments in Annapolis quite closely.

An unforgivable breakdown in the checks and balances embedded in the Maryland General Assembly’s way of doing business led to a counter-productive expansion of the state’s new 6 percent sales tax to computer services.

It is supposed to raise $200 million — a fairy-tale number that won’t prove anywhere near accurate. This was the final piece in the tax-increase/budget-balancing puzzle Gov. Martin O’Malley and lawmakers needed to complete their work last November...Read the complete editorial here.


Southern Maryland Newspapers
Friday, Dec. 21, 2007

Special session put burden of keeping Maryland going on the middle-class

Well, the governor’s special session is over.

Once again the Democrat leaders representing only themselves won and all the citizens and businesses they represent lost... Read the complete letter to the editor.

  Paid and Authorized by Calvert County Republican Party