Lt. Col. Allen West’s statement on Rep. Klein and the ZOA

Lt. Col. Allen West, who is seeking to unseat Rep. Ron Klein in Florida’s 22nd District, released the following statement today regarding the Human Events story on Rep. Klein and the Zionist Organization of America:

We believe that Mort Klein was put in an untenable position by Ron Klein or his supporters.  Alan Bergstein was given the choice of resigning from either the ZOA or from his volunteer support for Allen West.  We are not aware of any Ron Klein supporters who received a similar phone call. 

Mr. Bergstein resigned under protest from the ZOA.  To our knowledge, no mention was made of tax status concerns but even if the question had been raised, the remedy was an over-reaction. 

Mr. Bergstein honored the group’s rules when he set up the candidate forum that started this ball rolling.  Allen West appreciated the hospitality extended to him by the local ZOA and also honored their rules in his comments to them. 

This argument is not–and should not be–between Allen West and the ZOA.  It is more properly directed at Ron Klein, without whose inappropriate pressure this would not have occurred.

Donna Brosemer

You can donate to Lt. Col. Allen West here.

Alaska takes center stage

The New York Times has a great article up (I know, I’m shocked, too) on the new generation of ethical Republicans in Alaska.  It includes a mention of Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, who is seeking to unseat Rep. Don Young in the August 26 GOP House primary.

You can donate to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell’s campaign here.

How competitive is Maryland’s 1st District?

According to Stu Rothenberg, not very (emphasis, links in the original):

Prominent political observer Stu Rothenberg put out his latest House rankings on Tuesday, and yet again, the 1st District was not on his list of competitive races — meaning it’s safe for the incumbent party and its nominee, Andy Harris.

While that is welcome news, Rothenberg says that the GOP shouldn’t get too cocky, as Democrat challenger Frank Kratovil still has the strong support of prominent House members from Maryland.

You can donate to Andy Harris’ campaign here.

Human Events: The Klein camp is scared of Allen West

According to John Gizzi at Human Events, Rep. Ron Klein’s recent behavior after a Zionist Organization of America event shows that the his campaign is scared of the challenge presented by Lt. Col. Allen West:

Last Thursday (July 24th), the president of the Zionist Organization of America, one of America’s the most respected of Jewish-American organizations, called ZOA South Florida organization chairman Alan Bergstein and gave him an ultimatum: stop his volunteer work for West or resign from his ZOA post. According to the West campaign, “it was made clear to Bergstein that Ron Klein was necessary to pass congressional legislation important to ZOA and to Israel. ZOA has an obligation to its membership to ensure that their issues are considered, so the national office clearly felt it had no choice but to deliver the message to Mr. Bergstein.”

Think about it for a minute, experts: if Klein is sending a signal for someone to do give an ultimatum to a campaign volunteer for West, does it not follow that he is somewhat concerned about the Republican challenger?

These strong-arm tactics are typical of hard-core liberals like Rep. Ron Klein. However, they failed to see the unintended consequences of their actions:

And Bergstein? Upset that (in his words) “a Jewish congressman has to threaten Israel and world Jewry by whining over one person’s activities, Bergstein chose the better part of valor, resigned his position with ZOA, and will work hard on the West campaign.

Classic. If you are in the area (coastal Palm Beach and Broward counties) make sure to sign up to volunteer for Lt. Col. Allen West’s campaign. Not in the area? You can still send a few bucks his way.

Kagen: The Surge was not necessary

I certainly hope John Gard’s campaign plan’s to attack Rep. Kagen for these outlandish comments:

After returning from his first visit to Iraq, House Democrat Steve Kagen of Appleton said he does not believe the surge of U.S. forces was a major factor in the decrease in violence there and he has no second thoughts about opposing the policy last year.

“I’m firmly convinced that the surge of American troops was not necessary,” Kagen said on a conference call he held Wednesday to talk about his recent congressional trip to Iraq, Israel and Europe.

“I will continue to support our troops but not our failed policy,” Kagen said. “I believe we must move our troops away from Iraq and back after Osama bin Laden, who’s our real enemy. With regard to the specific date and time, the sooner the better.”

This would, of course, be the same surge that has been so successful that even anti-war Democratic consultant Lanny Davis admits it worked.  This would be the same surge that has seen a reduction in troop deaths from 87 in July 2007 to 12 in July 2008.  The people of Wisconsin’s 8th district need a Congressman who understands that supporting the troops means nothing if you can’t acknowledge the great strides they’ve made.

You can donate to John Gard’s campaign here.

New Polling in the Washinton Gubernatorial Race

According the Strategic Vision, Gov. Christine Gregoire is leading State Sen. Dino Rossi 47% to 45%.

You can donate to Dino Rossi here.

Some new additions

I’d like to once again thank everyone who has submitted candidates for Down the Ticket to support. Some of them have already been written about today, while others are brand new:

• Lt. Col. Allen West – Florida’s 22nd District (donate here)
• Dr. Deborah Honeycutt – Georgia’s 13th District (donate here)
• Rep. Dick Zimmer – New Jersey, U.S. Senate (donate here)
• State Sen. Dino Rossi – Washington, Governor (donate here)
• Capt. Duncan D. Hunter – California’s 52nd District (donate here)
• State Rep. Jack Hoogendyk – Michigan, U.S. Senate (donate here)
• State Sen. Joe Kenney – New Hampshire, Governor (donate here)
• Assemblyman John Gard – Wisconsin’s 8th District (donate here)
• Keith Fimian – Virginia’s 11th District (donate here)
• Pete Olson – Texas’ 22nd District (donate here)
• State Treasurer Sarah Steelman – Missouri, Governor (donate here)
• Dr. Steve Sauerberg – Illinois, U.S. Senate (donate here)
• Wayne Parker – Alabama’s 5th District (donate here)

Human Events on Tom McClintock

Leading conservative magazine Human Events commented on the state of the House race in California’s 22nd District and finds State Sen. Tom McClintock in a good position to win in November:

The district is very Republican, giving Bush about 60% in both elections. Brown started the third quarter with a cash advantage, because McClintock had spent nearly all his $1.4 million to win the GOP primary. Ose endorsed McClintock afterwards, however, and the GOP vote is likely to unify behind their nominee to save this seat. McClintock is capable of making enemies, and that’s Brown’s best hope.

As the excerpt notes, Tom McClintock needs your help reclaiming the cash advantage over his Democratic opponent.  Please donate to Tom McClintock here.

Dino Rossi on Health Care and Transportation

Washington State Sen. Dino Rossi, who came very close to winning the 2004 Washington gubernatorial election, is set for a rematch against Gov. Christine Gregoire. While on the campaign trail this past week, he highlighted his anti-tax, free market solutions to the health care and transportation problems facing Washington state:

But after the speech, Rossi discussed his plans for the state’s transportation and health care insurance systems.

Rossi said his transportation plan provides $368 million for the ferry system’s capital budget to build new ferries and improve terminals by dedicating 40 percent of the state sales tax to transportation projects.

“You can’t finance bonds for future capital projects with the gas tax. Anyone who is relying upon the gas tax is living in the past,” he said.

[...]

He added his approach to health care would be a different, market-oriented approach rather than the “one payor system” being sought by Gregoire.

Washington has 50 mandated items that insurance companies must include in their health insurance policies while Idaho has only 14, which drives insurance companies out of the state, he said.

“I want to have the health insurance companies chasing you around the state seeking out your business,” Rossi said.

When Florida reduced its number of mandated items for health insurance policies, it saw health insurance policy choices increase and prices for those policies decrease, he said.

Washington is a state that could use both tax relief and deregulation.

Please help State Sen. Dino Rossi by either volunteering or donating to his campaign.

Sean Parnell’s Statement on Sen. Stevens’ Indictment

Here it is:

July 29, 2008
Anchorage, Alaska

Lieutenant Governor and candidate for Congress Sean Parnell issued a statement on today’s indictment of longtime U.S. Senator for Alaska Ted Stevens saying:
“Senator Stevens is a giant in our state’s history and this is a sad day for Alaska. On a personal level, our hearts go out to Senator Stevens and his family. My wife, Sandy, and I have known them for many years. Senator Stevens deserves the chance to defend himself fully against these charges. At the same time, the rule of law and the necessity of open and honest government must be our highest aspiration. Alaskans deserve the highest ethical standards from our elected officials.”

You can help Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell bring a new ethical standard to Alaska’s Congressional delegation by donating to his campaign to represent Alaska’s At-Large House District.

Two Tammy Bruce interviews

I know, it’s technically old, but it’s new to me.  On June 26, radio host and author Tammy Bruce interviewed two Down the Ticket-sponsored candidates: Jason Chaffetz of Utah’s 3rd District and Lt. Col. Allen West in Florida’s 22nd District.

Both are worth a listen.

You can donate to Jason Chaffetz’ campaign here.

You can donate to Lt. Col. Allen West’s campaign here.

Democrats Chris Carney and Paul Kanjorski getting nervous, roll out campaign ads early

Both know they are in danger of losing their seats. Chris Carney is in a conservative district and facing a conservative challenger in Chris Hackett, and Lou Barletta is proving to be an excellent campaigner in a year that Paul Kanjorski has made several embarrassing gaffes. Kanjorski began running ads in June, and Carney began running ads last Friday. NRCC spokesman Ken Spain believes they are the only two Democrats running campaign ads for the general election, excluding Barack Obama. King’s College political science professor David Sosar and Keystone College political science professor Jeff Brauer both see tight races forming in PA Districts 10 and 11.

Says Sosar about the Hackett/ Carney race,

Sosar said he’s not surprised by Carney’s early campaign commercials because the 10th District is Republican-leaning and has been in GOP hands for all but two of the past 48 years.

[...]

“If the Republicans really put their minds to it, I don’t care what you’ve done (while in office), they’re going to send you packing and I think he’s worried. He knows it’s a Republican district,” Sosar said.

Got that? Let’s put our minds to it, you can also help Chris Hackett take back PA District 10 here, there’s no reason we can’t take this seat back.

Lou Barletta is also feeling confident,

“I’m the first person in the country that a national political party has gone negative on by running ads in July. That’s unheard of and suggests they feel their candidate is in trouble. They have the same polling numbers that we do and they know the people of the 11th Congressional District want a new congressman,” Barletta said. The mayor said internal campaign polling shows he holds a 5-point lead against Kanjorski.

The one thing going for Kanjorski is his money advantage, he’s served nine terms, and over the years has raised himself a $2.1 million war chest. He currently has a 7-1 money advantage over Barletta. Let’s make sure that money advantage isn’t enough, help Lou Barletta close that gap by donating here. Let’s see if we conservatives can completely take back Northeast PA!

Allen West picks up another endorsement, eh!

This one comes from our neighbors to the north:

Lt. Col. Allen West is a great candidate.  He speaks with honesty and clarity as his innate sincerity and devotion to the nation pour through.  He’s that rare form of politician, an honest one.  And that sincerity attracts Republicans and Democrats alike to him, whether or not they share his conservative views.

[...]

Aside from being a powerhouse, West is one of those rarest of beings, an honest politician.  This is the reason he is so well liked by Democrats and Republicans alike who hear him speak.  He’s an honest conservative and even those who disagree with him admire his honesty as well as the fact that he sincerely wants to do well for the nation.

His record is one of immense service and dedication and he has widespread support among those who know him best, the troops who served under him.  I would have expected a more fair and accurate piece from someone with the intelligence and acumen of Ms. Fairbanks and hope that she will be more even handed in the future.

Mr. Postelnik is right.  Lt. Col. West’s honesty and likability are two very rare qualities in a candidate.  Thanks to Canada Free Press and Yomin Postelnik for such a glowing defense of Lt. Col. West.

You can donate to Lt. Col. Allen West’s campaign here.

Corruption in Alaska politics

By now you have all heard that Sen. Ted Stevens has been indicted with 7 felony charges. I’ve long thought of Alaska as the GOP’s version of Louisiana. Positions are largely held by Republicans who participate in nepotism and graft.

But, things seem to be changing. One of my favorite GOP politicians, Gov. Sarah Palin, was elected in 2006 on a platform of ethics reform. If Sen. Stevens is finally forced out of his Senate seat, that will be another good step in the right direction for the Alaska GOP, regardless of which party wins the seat in November.

We also have a great reform candidate challenging Rep. Don Young in the August 26 GOP primary. Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell is seeking to unseat the earmark-addicted Congressman, and this indictment of Sen. Stevens may just remind voters of Rep. Young’s legal woes:

Republican Rep. Don Young faces a major primary is his bid for another term in the House, and he has also been tied to Veco. To win the GOP nomination, he would first have to defeat Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell, who was urged to run by GOP Gov. Sarah Palin.

Senior GOP sources in the House said that the Stevens indictment is sure to have a broad impact on GOP prospects across the state’s political races but Young’s in particular. “I’m not sure it helps him at all,” said one top GOP aide. However, some of the thinking goes that in hurting Young, it could help Parnell and consequently might save the seat.

You can donate to Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell’s campaign here.

Hackett calls out Rep. Carney’s on pro-abortion votes

It’s a funny thing how Congressmen will say one thing in front of their constituents, but vote a different way on the House floor.  Chris Hackett isn’t letting Rep. Carney get away with it:

Responding to a question from a retired woman during a town-hall meeting in Williamsport on Tuesday, Carney said “no” he didn’t support taxpayer-funded abortions.

That’s not the case, Hackett spokesman Mark Harris said, based on the Democratic incumbent’s votes in Washington on key issues anti-abortion groups follow.

“Chris Carney has tried to have it both ways and tried to mislead voters on where he stands on abortion,” Harris said.

The two votes Hackett’s staff cited in a news release did not explicitly provide funding for abortions either domestically or internationally. In one vote, Carney joined the majority of his fellow Democrats in June 2007 to vote against extending the “Mexico City policy.”

That policy, which was first started by Republican President Ronald Reagan, refuses any funding to international organizations that provide abortions. Foreign medical clinics, for example, that also provide vaccinations, would be refused funding if abortions were also performed.

In the other vote, taken in July 2007, Carney voted against a proposal that would refuse any federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides pregnancy planning for young women, but also provides abortions.

As evidenced by the election of Sen. Bob Casey in 2006, even many Pennsylvania Democrats are pro-life.  However, it is rare that a Democrat is likely to stand up to Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi to protect their constituents’ deeply help beliefs on any issue, let alone one so important to the national Democratic Party.