Whoever Wrote Jeb Bush's Editorial is Right, He is Not

Jeb Bush, much like the Bush family, is a bunch of tools. Yes, I know, GHWBush served his country in WWII as well as the Presidency, and W43 was a President I voted twice for. However, let's face it...these clowns are the Republican version of the Kennedys. And they never know when to go away. Jeb Bush is listening to all those squish moderates out there and all the disaffected conservatives who say, if only we had someone else....and he is dipping his toe in the water....Tom Blumer, my good friend and fellow blogger, fell for it hook, line, and sinker on the following editorial, which I believe was excellently written by someone...just not Jeb Bush. Or, if it was, he doesn't mean it:

Congressman Paul Ryan recently coined a smart phrase to describe the core concept of economic freedom: "The right to rise."

Think about it. We talk about the right to free speech, the right to bear arms, the right to assembly. The right to rise doesn't seem like something we should have to protect.

But we do. We have to make it easier for people to do the things that allow them to rise. We have to let them compete. We need to let people fight for business. We need to let people take risks. We need to let people fail. We need to let people suffer the consequences of bad decisions. And we need to let people enjoy the fruits of good decisions, even good luck.

That is what economic freedom looks like. Freedom to succeed as well as to fail, freedom to do something or nothing. People understand this. Freedom of speech, for example, means that we put up with a lot of verbal and visual garbage in order to make sure that individuals have the right to say what needs to be said, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. We forgive the sacrifices of free speech because we value its blessings.

But when it comes to economic freedom, we are less forgiving of the cycles of growth and loss, of trial and error, and of failure and success that are part of the realities of the marketplace and life itself.

Increasingly, we have let our elected officials abridge our own economic freedoms through the annual passage of thousands of laws and their associated regulations. We see human tragedy and we demand a regulation to prevent it. We see a criminal fraud and we demand more laws. We see an industry dying and we demand it be saved. Each time, we demand "Do something . . . anything."

Have we lost faith in the free-market system of entrepreneurial capitalism? Are we no longer willing to place our trust in the creative chaos unleashed by millions of people pursuing their own best economic interests?

The right to rise does not require a libertarian utopia to exist. Rather, it requires fewer, simpler and more outcome-oriented rules. Rules for which an honest cost-benefit analysis is done before their imposition. Rules that sunset so they can be eliminated or adjusted as conditions change. Rules that have disputes resolved faster and less expensively through arbitration than litigation.

In Washington, D.C., rules are going in the opposite direction. They are exploding in reach and complexity. They are created under a cloud of uncertainty, and years after their passage nobody really knows how they will work.

We either can go down the road we are on, a road where the individual is allowed to succeed only so much before being punished with ruinous taxation, where commerce ignores government action at its own peril, and where the state decides how a massive share of the economy's resources should be spent.

Or we can return to the road we once knew and which has served us well: a road where individuals acting freely and with little restraint are able to pursue fortune and prosperity as they see fit, a road where the government's role is not to shape the marketplace but to help prepare its citizens to prosper from it.

In short, we must choose between the straight line promised by the statists and the jagged line of economic freedom. The straight line of gradual and controlled growth is what the statists promise but can never deliver. The jagged line offers no guarantees but has a powerful record of delivering the most prosperity and the most opportunity to the most people. We cannot possibly know in advance what freedom promises for 312 million individuals. But unless we are willing to explore the jagged line of freedom, we will be stuck with the straight line. And the straight line, it turns out, is a flat line.

Sorry, I have read too much about the Bushes and their beliefs in statist tendencies to believe Jeb espouses this. And Jeb acts like he and Paul Ryan are hitting on a new theme. Yeah, the guys like Newt and others who said "the era of Reagan is over" and "quit romanticizing for the past" are using things said and articulated by Ronald Reagan, and for the last two and a half decades, by Rush Limbaugh.

Why do I think Jeb Bush didn't write this stuff, or if he did, he is only feeding red meat and not a true believer? Look what he said in May 2009 in the Washington Times:

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Saturday that it's time for the Republican Party to give up its "nostalgia" for the heyday of the Reagan era and look forward, even if it means stealing the winning strategy deployed by Democrats in the 2008 election.

"You can't beat something with nothing, and the other side has something. I don't like it, but they have it, and we have to be respectful and mindful of that," Mr. Bush said.

The former president's brother, often mentioned as a potential candidate in 2012, said President Obama's message of hope and change during the 2008 campaign clearly resonated with Americans.

"So our ideas need to be forward looking and relevant. I felt like there was a lot of nostalgia and the good old days in the [Republican] messaging. I mean, it's great, but it doesn't draw people toward your cause," Mr. Bush said. "From the conservative side, it's time for us to listen first, to learn a little bit, to upgrade our message a little bit, to not be nostalgic about the past because, you know, things do ebb and flow."

The Florida governor joined former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor on Saturday at a small pizza parlor in Arlington for the inaugural event of the National Council for a New America (NCNA).

Mr. Cantor said meeting with ordinary folks is the key way "to begin a conversation with the American people" and explain Republican principles to anyone who will listen.

This is why Mitt, Jeb, and Eric Cantor are not conservatives. Conservatism is not a flash in the pan, good time johnny come lately bunch of stuff that changes. Conservatism is timeless. It is a way of life. You don't change it or anything. It changes you. It changes the world and has changed the world.

It shows they fundamentally lack the full understanding of conservatism to waffle in such a way. Conservatism may compromise at times, but overall you don't throw it out and then bring it back and recycle. It is a set of guide post principles, not temporary markers. The problem is that these clowns can't articulate it themselves or don't fully live it. So, they try to say, Reagan is over, but all it shows is their lack of understanding again.

These clowns just are egomaniacs. They want it all about them, and now they know that anti-Reagan/Reagan is passe talk is a nonstarter. So now Jeb goes out and has someone write him a piece Reagan himself could have written. This is why we are in the mess we are in.

The editorial is right. Jeb Bush, the alleged author, is most assuredly not.

Blip. Blip. blip. Is Your Republican Candidate "On the Radar?"

The NRCC has announced candidates who are almost Young Guns. From the release:

The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced the third round of candidates to reach the ‘On the Radar’ level of the ‘Young Guns’ program. The ‘Young Guns’ program was started in the 2007-2008 cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) as a Member-driven program, and in 2009 Chairman Sessions adapted the program as the NRCC’s official blueprint for recruiting candidates for open seats and unseating Democrat incumbents across the country. Reps. Cantor, McCarthy and Ryan remain active in the program, helping candidates fight the failed Democrat status quo in Washington. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) is leading candidate recruitment this cycle as the NRCC’s Vice Chair for Recruitment.

“These six candidates have proven themselves by meeting critical benchmarks toward building winning campaigns to defeat Washington Democrats’ failed agenda,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “These candidates are ready to fight for pro-growth solutions on behalf of middle-class families and small businesses that are struggling under Democrats’ tax, borrow and spend policies. With strong candidates like our On the Radar candidates, Democrats face an even more difficult road on their drive to make Nancy Pelosi Speaker again.”

In reaching the second of four steps in the ‘Young Guns’ program, these six Republican candidates are demonstrating their ability to reach important organizational and fundraising benchmarks that will bring their campaigns closer to victory over the Democrats who continue to control Washington.

“Our next candidates to reach On the Radar are business owners, job creators and dedicated public servants who represent Americans’ frustration with Washington’s job-destroying economic policies,” said NRCC Deputy Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “These candidates have all displayed the ability to establish strong campaigns very early in a cycle where, despite the historic gains in the last election, opportunities for pick-ups remain in play for Republicans. I congratulate these candidates for their leadership in achieving clear goals and securing resources towards election victory.”

“The Young Guns program was critical to retaking the House last cycle, but there is more we must do to move this country in the right direction,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). “That means continuing to identify, recruit and resource the best and brightest candidates using the Young Guns platform. I look forward to working with the NRCC to increase our majority next year and congratulate these candidates on their hard work.”

“The Young Guns program was designed to bring change to Washington and we are excited that around the country, strong candidates are doing what's needed to win in 2012,” said House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). “We need the strongest Republicans running in districts like these to ensure we are able to put in place policies to get people back to work and put our country on a path to fiscal sanity.”

The NRCC's latest 'On the Radar' candidates are:

Kirk Adams (AZ-06)
Matt Salmon (AZ-06)
Tom Cotton (AR-04)
Ricky Gill (CA-09)
Karen Diebel (FL)
Keith Rothfus (PA)

You can find out more about the Young Guns and those who are On the Radar here.

DOCUMENT: A Pledge to America

A Pledge to America

Reaction has been mixed.  Erick Erickson from Red State is not a fan saying that it isn't bold enough, but the National Review folks seem to like it.

UPDATE:  I have skimmed the document while engaged in other work that actually pays...  It is filled with high-minded rhetoric that strikes a lot of the right chords, but the melody is a bit off.  Does it have too many notes?  Maybe.  I didn't see anything in it that had steam shooting out of my ears, but there were some things that I expected to see and didn't (Balanced Budget Amendment, for example).

VIDEO: Weekly Republican Address

House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) delivers the weekly Republican address on the economy, the Obama Administrations trillion-dollar "stimulus" spending bill that isnt working, and Republican efforts to offer better solutions.

"Hello. I’m House Republican Whip Eric Cantor and I have the great privilege of representing the hardworking people of Virginia’s seventh district.

"American families and small businesses today are struggling. Republicans have put forth thoughtful, serious and comprehensive plans of action that put jobs first. We offered an economic recovery plan that would have revitalized struggling small businesses and helped middle-class families by putting Americans back to work. Yet, the President, in tandem with Democrats in Congress, have pushed through a $787 billion dollar bill full of pork barrel spending, government waste, and massive borrowing cleverly called ‘stimulus.’

"There is no doubt that our nation faces many challenges, but the plain truth is that President Obama’s economic decisions have not produced jobs, have not produced prosperity, and simply have not worked. President Obama has already asked you to borrow trillions of dollars, and so far nearly 3 million jobs have been lost alone this year.

"Remember the promises? They promised you that if you paid for their stimulus, jobs would be created immediately. In fact, they said that unemployment would stay under eight percent. Yet just months later, they are telling us to brace for unemployment to climb over ten percent. They promised jobs created. Now they scramble to find a way to play games with government numbers by claiming jobs saved.

"Simply put, this is now President Obama’s economy and the American people are beginning to question whether his policies are working.

"But that doesn’t mean we are out of options. Together, we can bring about a strong and real recovery. We can create an environment that empowers small businesses and American workers to thrive. We must focus on job creation and restoring the financial and retirement security lost by millions of Americans. And for the sake of our children and our long-term fiscal viability, Washington must stop spending money that it doesn’t have.

"That’s why every day, my Republican colleagues and I are fighting to enact policies that will stabilize our economy, create jobs and ignite prosperity. You and your family deserve no less.

"Since January, we have offered alternatives to the out-of-control, big government, Democrat agenda that unfortunately became law and has completely failed to create jobs. Our plan is simple and smart and its strength is that it doesn’t invest in Washington, it invests in the American people.

"We believe Washington should stop its war on the Middle Class and reduce taxes so every hardworking, taxpaying-family in America will see an immediate increase in their income. A prosperous middle class is critical for our entire nation’s well being.

"We believe Washington must stop targeting America’s small businesses and instead should empower them by allowing employers to take a tax deduction to free up funds to retain and hire new workers. Our history proves that it is the small businessmen and women who will reignite our economy by putting people back to work. Washington should get out of the way and encourage small business employers to start or grow a business.

"Lastly, we believe Washington must be responsible for every taxpayer dollar that is spent. Washington MUST live within its means. We will not support taxes hikes to pay for even more so-called stimulus spending.

"The overwhelming majority of Americans are working hard and are playing by the rules. They are providing for their families and doing their part to return America to the pinnacle of prosperity.

"Their reward? Trillions more in debt. For the ‘stimulus’ alone, Washington borrowed nearly ten thousand dollars from every American household. Let me ask you: do you feel $10,000 richer today? Do you feel $10,000 better off? If you don’t, please know most people agree.

"That is why we continue our fight because during these tough economic times, it often seems that Washington is offering you few choices except for spend and borrow. I’m here today to let you know there are alternatives – common-sense tax relief; smart and necessary reductions in spending, and intelligent policies that do not bankrupt our nation.

"That is why I’m asking you to join our fight for accountability and common-sense. We can do better and we will do better, but first we have to come together to change what is going on. The time is critical, the choice is yours.

"I’m Eric Cantor, and on behalf of my Republican colleagues, join with us to get Washington working for you once again.

"Thank you for listening."

Arbitrary Wage Controls--Cantor Pulls an Obama, Schmidt Wakes Up Votes No...

A news item I missed the other day but need to comment on....From Malkin:

10 Republicans joined the Grabby Hands Democrats in passing the new “Pay for Performance Act” — to curb “excessive” employee pay at financial firms that receive government bailout funds, “a measure that could supplant [the] earlier effort to heavily tax executive bonuses.” The bill passed 247-171.

Here are the 10 House Republicans who think it is government’s job to determine what “excessive” pay is in every workplace except their own (full roll call vote here):

Bilirakis
Brown-Waite, Ginny
Cao
Diaz-Balart, L.
Diaz-Balart, M.
Duncan
Jones
McHugh
Rohrabacher
Ros-Lehtinen

At least this bonus-taxing bunch of appalling GOP turncoats is consistent in supporting radical government meddling.

Oh, and look who voted “present:”

Cantor

Some of us in the 2nd district may be saying, wooo, Jean woke up, however, she still gets bad marks for falling prey to the mob mentality regarding AIG anyway. The people who should be suffering should be Chris Dodd, who wrote the bonus measure into the bill, and Geithner, who pushed for it. But instead, let's pander to the lowest common denominator of hate and class warfare....Not a good move, Jean and the other 84 congresspeople who went along with the Democrats...

But back to Cantor. The Cantor in question is House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, the guy who is supposed to be Boehner's bulldog to Boehner's suave negotiating and manuevering. A bulldog does not roll over and play present. This is not leadership, this is CYA having it both ways. If this is what we can expect from a rising star in the GOP, then we may very well be doomed. I would give a lot if we had a GOP leader who had a pair and called a spade a spade. Sadly, we are only left with "Present." Shameful.

We are talking about arbitrarily made decisions by government bureaucrats who have no clue about business, who should be making what, and we are opening the door to a pandora's box of nationalization schemes and socialist/fascist policies. But, its OK, because Eric Cantor will lead us by voting......PRESENT? WTF?

Budget Update

What is in this budget?

Record Spending In The Budget: The Democrats' budget increases spending to $3.9 trillion in 2009, or 27% of GDP – the highest level since World War II. This is simply too much spending and will lead to higher taxes, slower economic growth, and fewer jobs for middle class families.

Historically High Deficits For The Next Ten Years: Despite their claims, the Democrats' budget promises historically high deficits stretching out until 2019, when the budget deficit will stand at $712 billion.

A Record Deficit In 2009: The Democrats' budget would produce a $1.75 trillion deficit, or 12.3 percent of GDP, in 2009. This deficit level is more than three times the previous record deficit.

Not Halving The Deficit: Despite the President's pledge to cut the deficit by the end of his first term, the Democrats' budget projects that deficits will start increasing immediately after that. Thus, the Democrats' budget only halves the deficit for one year before it starts going back up again.

$24 Billion Spent A Day: Over the first fifty days of the new Administration, Democrats have spent approximately $24 billion a day, most of it with borrowed money.

$1 Billion Spent An Hour: Over the first fifty days of the new Administration, Democrats have spent approximately $1 billion an hour, most of it with borrowed money.

Doubling The National Debt Over The Next Eight Years: The Democrats’ budget doubles the national debt over the next eight years.

Skyrocketing Net Interest Payments: Beginning in 2012, and every year thereafter, the government will spend more than $1 billion a day in net interest.

Trillion Dollar Increase In Entitlement Spending: The Democrats' budget includes a $1 trillion increase in entitlement spending over ten years. The budget dramatically increases entitlement spending while doing very little to improve the budget impact of existing entitlement programs.

Energy Tax: A $3,100 a year tax on everybody who flips on a light switch is still in this budget. Anybody think raising taxes on EVERYBODY during a recession is a good idea?

What is NOT in this budget?

Middle-Class Tax Cut: Comrade President Obama told the American people that he'd give them a middle-class tax cut if they voted for him but Democrats have cut the middle-class tax cut right out of this budget. Nobody addresses this better than Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:

“This is an epic bait-and-switch that should infuriate every middle-class family in America. The American people overwhelmingly believe middle-class tax relief is essential to getting our economy moving again. But instead of cutting taxes for middle-class families, Washington Democrats are raising their taxes by as much as $3,100 a year in the middle of a deep recession.”

What are Republicans Doing About It?

The top three Republican leaders in the House and Senate announced today that they will hold a joint, bicameral conference meeting on Wednesday, April 1 to discuss President Obama’s budget that will be voted on by both chambers later this week.

“This bicameral meeting will highlight what Republicans on both sides of Capitol Hill know: President Obama’s budget spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much from our kids and grandkids,” House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH) said. “We are working together to make clear to the American people that we will offer better solutions that curb spending, create jobs, and control debt. Families and small businesses are hurting, but rather than confront this economic crisis directly, the President’s budget would use it as a pretext to increase the size of government. That is simply irresponsible.”

“Over the last several weeks, the American people have expressed concern over the spending, taxes and borrowing in this budget, and Congressional Republicans share their concerns,” said Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (KY). “House and Senate Republicans are united in proposing commonsense solutions to create jobs, curb spending and control the debt. We will continue to work together to highlight our better solutions, such as keeping taxes low and reining in spending, to strengthen our economy and create jobs.”

“In his first budget submission, the President doesn’t do enough for middle class families, will raise taxes on small businesses that employ one in four American workers, and amass more debt than the previous forty-three Presidents combined, leaving our children with the bill,” said House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (VA). President Obama ran a successful campaign last year, but this Administration has moved away from honest and open debate and has become more ideological in its attempt to run through trillions of dollars of additional spending and racking up record levels of debt. The Administration has moved too far away from the mainstream of America and has resorted to strong arming both Democrat and Republican Members of Congress, which is beneath the President’s own standard.”

“President Obama’s budget grows the government, not the economy,” said Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (AZ). “The new programs and policies it would establish also mean the government will have much more control over our health care, energy, education, and other aspects of our everyday lives. The increased debt burden that will result from his plan will substantially affect our quality of life long after this recession is over. In this time of economic uncertainty, Republicans are united in our belief that the most responsible way to end this recession is to encourage American businesses to grow and create good jobs. By dramatically expanding the size and cost of the federal government, the President’s budget goes in the wrong direction.”

“As the Democrat budget is debated in the House and Senate this week, Republicans are united in protecting taxpayers from the most fiscally irresponsible budget in American history and instead passing a budget that curbs spending, creates jobs and controls debt,” said House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (IN).

“The Democrats’ budget is a blueprint for a very different America, one that our children and grandchildren can’t afford,” Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (TN) said. “It runs up more new debt than all the presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush combined. Republicans want to curb spending, create jobs, and control debt.”

VIDEO: Rep. Cantor in Iraq

VIDEO: Rep. Cantor in Kuwait City

This is the first of a series of videos that our Republican whip is supposed to file while on this trip.

New Chief Deputy Whip

Incoming-Republican Whip Eric Cantor has selected Kevin McCarthy to serve as the next Chief Deputy Whip, a very dynamic team that bodes well for the House GOP.

One item of particular interest is that both Cantor and McCarthy are genuinely passionate about the need to expand the use of the Internet and find new ways to involve the online conservative community with the House GOP.

Learn more about what Cantor and McCarthy have planned over at Politico.

House GOP Elects Leadership Team for 111th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) announced the new leadership team elected by House Republicans today. During House Republican Conference organizational meetings for the 111th Congress, Boehner was re-elected by his colleagues for the post of Republican Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. He issued the following statement:

“The months ahead will present Republicans with an unprecedented opportunity to renew our drive for smaller, more accountable government and offer positive solutions to the challenges facing the American people. We have to seize this opportunity, and seize it together. I’m deeply honored my colleagues have placed their faith in me and the newly-elected members of our team to lead this effort.

“House Republicans will rebuild our majority coalition by winning the issues that Americans care about most, one issue at a time. We demonstrated our ability to do this last summer when we stood with the American people for more American energy and lower gas prices, and won the issue. President-elect Obama has expressed a desire to govern from the center. At times, his party will make it difficult for him to do this. When he extends his hand in good faith to put the needs of the country first, Republicans will extend ours in return.

“I’d like to thank Dan Lungren for his commitment to the principles of reform that have defined our party since the beginning. Dan worked tirelessly for years in helping to shape a majority coalition that produced important reforms on behalf of all Americans, and I look forward to working with him in rebuilding it once again.

“I also want to thank the outgoing members of our leadership team – Roy Blunt, Adam Putnam, Kay Granger, and Tom Cole. House Republicans look forward to their continued service in the years to come.”

New Republican Leadership Team. Today, House Republicans elected the following leaders for the 111th Congress:

Republican Leader: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Republican Whip: Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Conference Chairman: Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Policy Committee Chairman: Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Conference Vice-Chair: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Conference Secretary: Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
NRCC Chairman: Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)

House GOP Economic Rescue Principles

At the request of Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner, a House GOP member working group led by Rep. Eric Cantor has put forth a series of economic rescue principles aimed at ensuring the recovery is funded by Wall Street, not Main Street. The Leader’s working group consists of Reps. Bachus, Biggert, Campbell, Cantor, Carter, Castle, Hensarling, LaTourette, McCotter, McCrery, Putnam, and Ryan.

Economic Rescue Principles - Upload a Document to Scribd

Not All of Congress Went on Vacation...

08-01-08 lettertopelosi - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: 08-01-08 lettertopelosi

After sending the above letter to Speaker Pelosi, Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- had this to say:

“With American families and small businesses facing record high gasoline prices, Congress has adjourned to leave Washington for a five-week break. The message this sends to the American people is bad enough; its ramifications, however, are far worse. You have the power to call Congress back into session at any moment to deal with issues of urgent national importance,” the letter from GOP leaders to Speaker Pelosi states. “No one can argue that the issue of high energy costs and their impact on American families does not rise to this level. That is why we write today to request that you call Congress back into an emergency session this month and schedule a vote on the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566). Such an action will ensure our nation’s energy crisis receives the attention – and action – it deserves.”

“It is well past time for Congress to lift the ban on environmentally-safe exploration for oil and gas on the Outer Continental Shelf and act on other critical reforms to increase production of American energy and lower the price of gasoline,” says the letter. “We should not wait until September to do so, and frankly, we should not wait another day to do so. Congress should not take the next five weeks off while the American people suffer at the pump. We respectfully request that you schedule a vote on the comprehensive American Energy Act during an emergency legislative session this month.”

So what happened next? The House Republicans staged a revolt on the floor of the US House of Representatives... For that story, we go to The Politico:

In a dramatic revolt against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) refusal to allow Congress to vote on legislation to increase American-made energy and lower gas prices, House Republicans today refused to leave the House floor after Speaker Pelosi adjourned the House for the five-week August break, staying in the chamber to speak directly to Americans watching the historic event unfold above the floor in the House gallery. Even after lights, cameras, and microphones in the chamber were turned off, House Republicans were undeterred, continuing to make speech after speech demanding that Speaker Pelosi listen to the calls of the American people – including those coming from whistling, applauding, and cheering Americans sitting in the gallery – for more environmentally-responsible drilling for oil and gas here at home to reduce the price at the pump. Rep. John Culberson (R-TX) defied the Democratic majority by providing live updates on the protest via Twitter directly from the House floor.

Members participating in the spontaneous uprising included Reps. Roy Blunt, John Boehner, Michael Burgess, John Campbell, Eric Cantor, Shelly Moore Capito, John Carter, Mike Conaway, John Culberson, Charlie Dent, Jeff Fortenberry, Virginia Foxx, Louie Gohmert, Pete Hoekstra, Duncan Hunter, Thaddeus McCotter, Mike Pence, Tom Price, Ted Poe, Adam Putnam, Bill Sali, John Shadegg, John Shimkus, Tim Walberg, and Lynn Westmoreland.

CQ Politics has more...including this quote from Rep. Adam Putnam:

“This band of brothers here is staying late to make a point to the American people: We want to work.”

8/2/08 UPDATE: We have some video from yesterday's session:



And here is some FOX News Channel coverage:

OH-07: "Young Guns" May Support Austria

Here is some interesting news from PolitickerCA:

The National Republican Congressional Committee, with which the Young Guns is affiliated, has largely taken the tack of remaining neutral in party primaries. But in some instances this cycle House members have taken the lead in backing primary candidates.

...

The organization will be coming together later on this month to decide on its next steps, including which new candidates to add to its support network. In addition to the 14 candidates the organization has said publicly it is supporting, McCarthy said Louisiana 6th Congressional District candidate Bill Cassidy, Ohio 6th Congressional District candidate Steve Austria, Alabama 2nd Congressional District candidate Jay Love, and Connecticut 5th Congressional District candidate David Cappiello would be discussed as possible future beneficiaries.

Emphasis added.

Our friends in California have misidentified Austria's district (OH-07 not OH-06), but the news is encouraging nonetheless.

I should point out that the Young Guns includes WMD favorite Eric Cantor amongst it's membership...

WMD Blast

Here's what's happening today...

A very nice article from CQ Politics on Rep. Eric Cantor in which Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- plays more than just a bit part... Cantor is one of the young guns on the rise and his working with Boehner is good for both of them.

Be sure to check out the update to the Vic Wulsin malriotherapy piece...I added a link to NixGuy who has an important follow-up...

Over at intrepid reporter Josh's place, there is a fascinating bit on Mike DeWine talking about John Sidney McCain's "conservative problem." Fascinating, I say, because if anybody knows about having a "conservative problem", it is Mike DeWine...

The Dean at the Cincinnati Beacon also has a malariotherapy update/follow-up that is a pretty good read today. Reader's Digest version: Wulsin could have prevented this whole line of attack if she had really done what she should have back in the day. And Wulsin could still benefit from doing the right thing today. Her continued silence on the real issues -- which are not the "attacks", by the way -- condemn her far more than the "attacks" do...

And over at Politics Extra, the so-called political blog of the Cincinnati Enquirer, we see that the commenters have spent more pixels on this story than the Enquirer has...most of their coverage is pointing to Sloat's hyperventilating...

Question: Will State Rep. Bill Coley get "equal time" to smear his opponent? It is the Dayton Daily Democrat, so I'm not holding my breath...love that "objective" media...

Rebelling against the leadership is not the answer... If you want to see change in the Republican conference, you need to not address your concerns with the leadership, but with the RINOs that get elected. Caveat emptor though...a significant number of those RINOs are elected in districts where Democrats could easily take those seats. This is too complicated a subject for a simple boycott... Side Note: I think California conservatives ought to be focused on California before they go messing around with ultimatums to the United States Congress...

MORE LATER...OPEN THREAD IN COMMENTS...

About That Unethical Ethics Vote...

According to the AP News Alert I got last night, "The House has voted to create an independent ethics office to investigate misconduct among its members." What they didn't tell us about, was the cover up of blatant rules violations by Speaker of State Nancy Pelosi. For that, you have to come here...

This, which came in yesterday, is about the Democrats cover up of a non-partisan report that laid out the sham of their proposal:

Rebuilding the bonds of trust between Congress and the American people must be the highest priority for both parties. The American people have every right to expect the highest ethical standards from their representatives, and Members of Congress have every obligation to deliver. But Democratic leaders have apparently decided to move forward with a vote on a flawed proposal from Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Rep. Michael Capuano (D-MA) that would punt on fundamental ethics reform – and further break, rather than repair, the bonds of trust between Members of Congress and the American people.

Members on both sides of the aisle have rightfully taken aim at this misguided proposal. But in the last few hours, we’ve also learned that they aren’t alone. The non-partisan attorneys for the House Ethics Committee also have raised substantive concerns about the Pelosi/Capuano plan, according to documents released by the Committee’s Ranking Republican Member, Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA), earlier today. In a letter to his House colleagues, Hastings explained the importance of these documents – which the Majority has covered-up for months as its flawed ethics “reform” proposal advanced to the House floor:

“The memo contains the expert analysis of the committee’s nonpartisan attorneys concerning the impact that the independent ethics entity proposed by Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Michael Capuano would have on the due process protections afforded Members – and on the ability of the Ethics Committee to carry out its responsibilities to enforce the rules of the House…”

“In light of my first-hand knowledge of the serious concerns raised about the Pelosi / Capuano plan by the House’s own ethics attorneys, I have been hopeful that Members would not be forced to vote up or down on any ethics enforcement proposal until those concerns were addressed. However, with floor consideration now imminent, I cannot in good conscience withhold this analysis from Members, and have attached our attorneys’ memorandum in its entirety below.”

As Hastings letter reveals, Rep. Capuano refused to ask the Ethics Committee for official comments on his plan and the chairwoman of the Committee – Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) – refused to provide the Ethics Task Force with the substantive concerns outlined by the Committee’s own non-partisan attorneys in response to a request from Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX).

The Politico reports on this bombshell as well, citing the words of the nonpartisan, independent Ethics Committee attorneys who expressed deep reservations about the Majority’s plan:

“Pointing to the fact that [Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE)] can also interview witnesses in ethics cases, although it does not have subpoena power like the committee, Kellner suggested ‘the interview of witnesses by both the new entity and the Committee might result in conflicting statements that would undermine the value of testimony from that witness.’”

“Kellner also objected to the fact that the OCE would turn over materials to any member or staff when it sends a case to the ethics committee. In his view, this is a ‘bad idea for the Committee’s purposes that the ‘written report and findings of the board’ be transmitted both to the Committee and to the individual under review. This will provide information to a potential respondent at an inappropriate stage, including alerting the respondent as to witnesses who have been identified as potential recipients of subpoenas.’”

“In addition, Kellner suggested that it would be unwise for OCE to notify a potential target of a review that it was going to occur, since this would tip off that person.”

House Republicans have offered a stronger plan for reforming the ethics process and restoring trust between the American people and their elected leaders. Rather than adding a new layer of bureaucracy between Members and the FBI will only make it easier for Congress to sweep ethical problems under the rug, Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) and his GOP colleagues have offered an alternative to strengthen the Ethics Committee, improve the transparency of the ethics process, and turn gridlocked cases over to federal law enforcement authorities directly. The Democratic leadership has blocked a vote on this common sense alternative. With documents exposing the Ethics Committee attorneys’ opposition to the Democrat plan now a matter of public record, will the Majority now reconsider?

The answer to that last question is not only NO, but HELL NO...as Democrats pushed through their agenda anyway -- violating House Rules set by Speaker of State Pelosi at the same time.

Rep. Eric Cantor:

Only the Democrat House Leadership could find an unethical way to pass an "ethics" bill.

House Democrats had crafted legislation, an ethics bill in name only, that will do nothing to clean-up Washington. In fact, many non-partisan experts believe that it will only further empower the special interests.

Tonight, on the House floor, House Democrats were headed towards defeat. They were opposed by a bipartisan coalition of Members, who wanted to work towards meaningful ethics reform, rather than accept the empty rhetoric offered by the House Democrat Leadership. At the end of the vote, the bipartisan coalition had prevailed; yet, Speaker Pelosi held the vote open and strong-armed less senior Representatives into voting her way. This action violated House rules that were enacted in January of last year.

One thing is clear - House Democrats have failed the American People. They can't even pass an "ethics" bill without violating the rules.

What's he talking about? We need to go to Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- for more:

“Democratic leaders campaigned on ‘ethics reform’ yet tonight they violated their own ethics rules for partisan, political gain. Sadly, this is just the latest in a long line of abuses that include a stolen vote last August in order to give illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded benefits.

“Rebuilding the bonds of trust between Congress and the American people should be our highest priority, but tonight this Congress took another step to break the public trust. The American people have every right to expect the highest ethical standards from their elected leaders. Unfortunately, neither the actions of the Majority tonight, nor the ‘ethics’ scheme we were asked to vote on, does anything to restore the confidence of the American people in this Congress.”

Here's what happened:

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) expressed disappointment tonight that House Democratic leaders would violate the ethics rules they put in place at the beginning of the 110th Congress in order to pass a flawed “ethics” proposal that does nothing but add a new layer of bureaucracy that will only make it easier for Congress to sweep ethical problems under the rug. The measure passed by a vote of 207-206 after Democratic leaders held the vote open for additional time beyond what House rules state is permissible in order to influence Democrats to change their votes in favor.

House Rule XX, clause 2(a) in part states “A record vote by electronic device shall not be held open for the sole purpose of reversing the outcome of such vote.” The rule was implemented by Democratic leaders at the beginning of the 110th Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) campaigned on the rules change, including it in her 2006 campaign document “A New Direction For America” on page 24, which states that “Floor votes should be completed within 15 minutes. No vote shall be held open to manipulate the outcome.”

House Democrats: We Can't Even Do An Ethics Vote Ethically...

Just so you know, House Republicans proposed an alternative designed to strengthen the Ethics Committee, improve the transparency of the ethics process, and turn gridlocked cases over to federal law enforcement authorities directly. As usual, Democratic leaders refused to allow a vote on the alternative.

UPDATE: And now, for something completely different: a Democrat who gets it!

Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have a number of concerns about the resolution before us today. First, I am concerned that granting the power and authority to investigate Members of Congress to an independent, outside entity cedes away too much of the power granted to the legislative branch by the Constitution of the United States. We need to be clear about what it is we are doing today; we are altering the scheme created by Framers of the Constitution in a way that weakens this body.

The Constitution grants Members of Congress important protections that allow us to carry out our official duties free from the threat of investigation by an outside entity. Among other things, the immunity provided by the speech and debate clause allows us too vigorously pursue our oversight responsibilities without fear of retribution. Rather than allow some outside body to decide the standards that should be used to judge whether a Member of Congress is capable and responsible enough to carry out his or her duties, the Constitution vests that power in the voters, and with Congress itself.

I understand the problem that this resolution is attempting to address: People in this country are losing faith in the institutions of government. I believe that delegating the authority for investigating Members of Congress to an outside entity only confirms these fears. I believe that rather than giving into the skepticism and cynicism inherent in this view, we need to show people that government is responsible and that it can work.

If the Committee on Standards and Conduct is no longer capable of carrying out this responsibility, by all means we should find a way to reform it, empower it, and give it the tools it needs to uphold the integrity of this body. However, it seems to me that it would be unwise and unnecessary for us to tell the American people that we are no longer capable of policing our own.

Regardless of what we do here today, it will remain up to the voters to decide who represents them in this body. As the dean of the House, I have had the privilege to serve in this body and represent the people of my District for many years. During my time in the House I have witnessed politicians be indicted, be forced to resign because of public pressure, and be investigated and reprimanded by the House. I have also seen politicians accused of wrongdoing, or tarnished by the mere appearance of wrongdoing, who have been given the opportunity to make their case before the voters and return to this body.

In today's world, where the Internet and 24 hour cable news amplify and repeat almost any charge, regardless of its veracity, it seems unlikely that many Members of Congress will be able to avoid public scrutiny if they commit illegal or unethical acts. The question before us is not whether we want those who commit such acts to go unpunished, but what is the best way to ensure that they are held accountable. While I respect the views of those who believe an independent office is necessary, I cannot bring myself to agree. Ultimately, I will place my faith in the voters and in this body to ensure that the House of Representatives remains a strong and honorable institution.

UPDATE 2: Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- is calling for an investigation:

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today offered a privileged resolution directing an immediate investigation – by the House Ethics Committee and a Select Committee created last summer after the Majority stole a vote in order to give illegal immigrants taxpayer-funded benefits – of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and other House Democratic leaders after they violated their own ethics rules and refused to close a House vote on a faux ethics reform proposal until they had twisted enough arms to ensure its ultimate passage.

In October 2005, then-Minority Leader Pelosi declared that, “No vote shall be held open in order to manipulate the outcome. When we take back the People’s House, we will heed that declaration.” So strongly did she believe that House leaders should not hold votes open for nefarious purposes that on January 5, 2007 – in one of the very first acts of the 110th Congress – the House adopted this rule: “A record vote by electronic device shall not be held open for the sole purpose of reversing the outcome of such vote.”

That’s what makes last night’s events so remarkable. After the 21 minutes passed during the ethics vote – already 6 minutes beyond the 15 allotted for the vote – 413 Members had cast their votes. 209 Members voted to continue debate on the measure and consider the stronger GOP alternative ethics proposal, which would have fixed the House Ethics Committee process by exposing it to public scrutiny and bringing in the Justice Department and FBI should the process break down, while 204 Members voted to shut down debate in favor of the Majority’s weaker plan. During the next six minutes, no new Members cast votes. However, three of them changed their votes after arm-twisting by Democratic leaders in direct violation of the House rules they wrote.

WMD Blast

Enjoy some of the items I am reading but not posting on today...

Rep. Eric Cantor on Columbia at NRO

Our friends up in Minne-so-cold that are planning the Republican convention have a contest up based on March Madness to name their blog...

More spending from the "Deficit Hawk" Our Senator George "The Crying Man" RINOvich?

Consider this your open thread for anything else that may be on your mind...

We've had a US House of Reps kind of day having heard from Reps. Boehner (twice), Cantor (above), Pence, and Turner...the day is still young!

Most Open, Honest and Ethical Congress in History Update - UPDATE: Republicans Have Had Enough

NOTE: Originally posted at 12:35 PM. Significance of UPDATES 2 and 3 caused timestamp change.

This just in from a Congressional source...

A short while ago, Democrats attempted to ram through the utterly partisan contempt resolution during the memorial service for the late Rep. Tom Lantos. Democrats who are in charge of the House and control the floor decided to open it up for legislative business before the service had concluded, contradicting earlier assurances that business would be postponed so Members could honor Rep. Lantos’ life and work. An adjournment vote was consequently called to prevent Democrats using the service as a means to ram through their partisan agenda.

Completely and utterly disgusting...but not unexpected. The 110th Congress, under the proud leadership of the Democrats, have managed to find a way to turn the death of one of their own in to yet another display of disgusting partisan politics.

UPDATE: Michael Steel:

"This morning, during the memorial service for Tom Lantos - a public servant beloved on both sides of the aisle - the House Democratic Leadership violated an agreement and called the House back into session. They took this action despite clearly understanding that it would trigger a series of procedural motions. This cheap, cynical political move seems to have been designed to shut down one of the few procedural tools that can be employed by the minority party in the House. Playing this sort of game during the memorial service of a great and good man is beneath the dignity of this House and should be beneath the dignity of Democratic Leaders." – Michael Steel

UPDATE 2: This just in from another Congressional source:

House Republicans leave the floor. We protest the Democrats refusal to pass (or even debate) the bipartisan, senate-passed FISA legislation. Meanwhile, the Democrats are debating the merits of former White House staff. Thus, we have left the floor in protest.

Sounds like Democrats are back to business as usual... What is this "change" thing I keep hearing about?

UPDATE 3: More details on update 2...

Leader Boehner is closing debate on the Contempt Resolution. Following all debate, Republicans will ask for a Rule Vote only. All Republican Members are advised to WALK-OUT of the Chamber together. Members are asked to NOT VOTE on the Rule. Republicans, as a united Conference, will then hold a press conference on the front steps.

UPDATE 4: Here is how the "objective 527 media is playing it so far (AP News Alert):

WASHINGTON (AP) The House has voted to hold White House chief of staff Josh Bolten and former counsel Harriet Miers in contempt for not complying with subpoenas over the firing of U.S. attorneys.

UPDATE 5: Amanda Carpenter, over at TownHall, may have what is behind all of this mess:

As Congress debates giving immunity to phone companies that assisted the government in tracking terrorist communications, trial lawyers prosecuting those phone companies have poured money into the coffers of Democratic senators, representatives and causes.

Court records and campaign contribution data reveal that 66 trial lawyers representing plaintiffs in lawsuits against these phone companies donated at least $1.5 million to 44 different current Democratic senators and Democratic causes.

Where the Democrats are concerned, all you have to do is follow the money...

UPDATE 6: Rep. Eric Cantor on the walk out:

"Our intelligence agencies need the tools necessary to listen in on terrorists who threaten and plot to do harm to our country. The Senate worked together in a bipartisan fashion earlier this week to accomplish this goal, but the House Democrat Leadership refuses to do the same. It Al-Qaeda is talking, we should be able to listen. Today, House Republicans stood up and demanded that Washington work for the people again."

UPDATE 7: Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- on the walkout via The Hill:

At a press conference following the walkout, Boehner said “Before Congress leaves town, we must give our intelligence officials the tools they need to keep America safe.

“The president will delay his trip to Africa to deal with this critical issue. And Republicans are prepared to stay here as long as it takes to complete our work,” Boehner added. “The terrorist threat to our country is not going away. We must do everything we can to protect the American people, and we should start by passing the bipartisan Senate bill.”

UPDATE 8: More Boehner:

“Intelligence officials have asked Congress to provide them all the tools they need to protect us, but the Democratic Majority has turned a deaf ear. Instead of working with Republicans and Blue Dog Democrats to protect our country by passing the bipartisan Senate FISA modernization bill, the Majority turned the House floor into the scene of a partisan political stunt. These irresponsible actions will not make America safer, and they will not help us prevent attacks on our country. That alone should be our chief priority.

“President Bush has announced that he would delay his trip to Africa to sign a long-term FISA modernization into law. House Republicans are ready to stay in town as long as it takes to get that measure to his desk. But we will not stand idly by and watch the floor of the United States House of Representatives be abused for pure, political grandstanding at the expense of our national security.

“The American people sent us here to get things done on their behalf – without regard to party affiliation. We’ve already shown this year, with passage of the economic growth package, that we can get things done when the Majority reaches out and works with Republicans in a bipartisan way. It is unfortunate that the Majority has not demonstrated the same spirit of bipartisanship when it comes to our national security. The terrorist threat to our country is not going away. We must do everything we can to protect the American people, and we should start by passing the bipartisan Senate bill.”

Rep. Cantor Introduces Middle Class Jobs Protection Act

This also just in...

WASHINGTON, DC - Republican Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), was joined today by Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX.), Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX), Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH), Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and Congressman John Campbell (R-CA) to discuss the need to grow the U.S. economy to help promote middle class job opportunities. The group introduced Cantor's Middle Class Job Protection Act today at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Cantor released the following statement:

"Given the current economic uncertainty and the real fears American families have, it is time for all of us in Congress to come together to make Washington work for the American people again, not the other way around.

"Today, I am introducing The Middle Class Jobs Protection Act which will help to provide the tools and incentives necessary for a more certain economic future for millions of American families.

"While healthcare costs skyrocket, tuition escalates and the housing market continues to spiral downward, this bill will help to ensure the continued expansion of our economy and the creation of good jobs for the American people.

"Job growth - not increased government spending is the key to addressing the slowdown in investment due to the housing crisis." A renewed investment outlook will result in job protection for America's families, while allowing America to continue leading globally," concluded Cantor.

THE MIDDLE CLASS JOBS PROTECTION ACT WILL:

1) Slash the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%, encouraging businesses to create jobs.

2) Provide for a 50% bonus depreciation for 2008 and 2009.

3) Allow for section 179 expensing for '08-'09 of up to $250,000 for purchases up to a $1 M

4) Allow a 5 year carry back of Net Operating Loss.

5) Allow for extension of carry back period for Business Tax Credits for 3 years.

This appears to be sensible legislation. Too bad Nancy Pelosi will never let it see the light of day on the floor of the US House of Representatives...

Democrats in the House Still Hate the American Taxpayer

Rep. Eric Cantor sent a letter to Speaker of State Nancy Pelosi asking that the AMT patch approved by the Senate be brought to the floor:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi
H-232 U.S. Capitol
Washington , D.C. 20515

Dear Madam Speaker:

As the year draws to a close, I respectfully call upon you to bring much-needed alternative minimum tax (AMT) relief to the American people by allowing the Senate passed AMT patch to proceed to the House floor.

In previous years, Congress has protected taxpayers from the ever-expanding reach of the AMT. This year, Congress has the opportunity to do the same, but so far has not taken meaningful action to protect taxpayers. Treasury Secretary Paulson has said that the inaction will now delay the issuance of approximately $75 billion in taxpayer refunds. If Congress does not act soon, 23 million Americans will become ensnarled in the AMT and face an unjust tax increase of nearly $2,000 each.

On April 17, 2007, you stated that “the Democratic-led House is working to protect the middle-class and fix the AMT.” I share your goal of shielding these 23 million taxpayers from the AMT. Legislation was moved through the House that would raise taxes on small businesses and entrepreneurialism to pay for the AMT patch. Imposing job-killing tax hikes is an imprudent route that the Senate overwhelmingly rejected in a vote earlier this month. Temporary tax cuts paid for with permanent tax hikes so Washington can spend more is not what the American people expect. I respectfully request you bring to the floor an AMT-relief bill free of any job–killing tax hikes. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

And here is a statement from Republican Leader John Boehner:

“Some 50 million taxpayers already face a significant delay in receiving their tax refunds next year, and the Democratic Majority has dragged its feet long enough. But according to the Majority Leader, the pain may just be beginning. This is yet another reminder that the Majority’s priorities do not reflect those of the American people. Democrats created the AMT, repeatedly voted against Republican efforts to abolish it, and have failed to stop its impending assault on 23 million middle-class American taxpayers.

“If congressional Democrats leave town without preventing a massive and totally unnecessary tax hike on middle-class families, this will count as the most irresponsible – and heartless – act of this Congress. If Congress fails to fix the AMT, 23 million Americans will pay an additional $2,000 in taxes next year – a tax hike they neither expect nor deserve. It’s time for Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, and the rest of the Democratic leadership to quit the political posturing and bring the Senate-passed AMT fix to the House floor before the end of the week so President Bush can sign it into law.”

This is a critical piece of legislation and we have seen demonstration after demonstration that the Democrat leadership in Washington is not prepared to take these issues seriously. And on the off chance that serious legislation does make it for a vote, we have seen, time and time again, that Democrats are not interested in doing what is right for the American people. Remember this well, America...for you will have a chance to correct these problems on Election Day.

What is Important to Congress?

I'm working without my notes (left them at work -- I'll try to update this post tomorrow), so don't hold me to these quotes. I had the opportunity to listen in on a conference call for bloggers today with Reps. Eric Cantor and Adam Putnam.

The takeaway is that the Republican conference has two priorities as the year winds down to a close. The most important issue is the full funding of our troops in the war on terror. The second is to fix the AMT.

I think it was Cantor who said that you can't fund a war on layaway (12/13 UPDATE: The actual quote was that "you can't secure victory on layaway.") and that is exactly right. Congress needs to support the troops by funding what they need to win. Harry Reid is wrong, the war is winnable and our men and women deserve the opportunity to finish the job and come home with their honor intact and with a victory.

When the American people are unable to get their tax returns on time because of Democrat's playing games, their approval ratings will go even lower than it is already. The AMT is antiquated legislation and needs to be dispensed with...

We know what Congressional Republicans think is important...let's see what the Democratic leadership has in mind, shall we?