Election Results Demonstrate Butler County GOP Has Lost Influence with Voters

The results are in and it appears that the Butler County Republican Party has lost some influence over the voters based on how some of their endorsed candidates fared.

Warren Davidson winning the OH-08 Congressional hit is probably the highest profile seat.  Tim Derickson won the endorsement * [received the blessing of BCGOP after the endorsement] and there was no shortage of candidates to chose from on the ballot, but the Butler County GOP's choice came in third.

Wes Retherford's win over Corky Combs is surprising because Combs is Old Guard and Wes was just finishing up his first term.  Combs got the endorsement and then ran a vicious smear campaign that appears to have turned off the electorate.

Candace Keller's win over Joe Mulligan is another case of establishment power being crushed.  Keller has been a frequent candidate for office before, but finally wins to take Derickson's state House seat (he was term limited).

For me, the biggest victory of the night was Ann Becker winning the State Central Committee seat from the establishment's choice.  Ann has been a strong Tea Party leader and has frequently been a vocal critic of the way things are going with the state party and local issues.

Four races that clearly demonstrate that the Central and Executive Committee endorsement means a whole lot less than it used to in Butler County.  It's a good thing.  New blood is seriously needed as it can now be argued that the current batch are out of touch with the communities they are supposed to represent.

SIDEBAR: Sheriff Spotlight gets dinged too.  Particularly in the Retherford race.  He's usually a behind-the-scenes player in these things, but his fingerprints are hard to miss.

* CORRECTION: A Facebook friend reminded me that nobody got the endorsement. Roger Reynolds received the most votes, but not enough to capture the prize. He subsequently dropped out and support rallied around Derickson after that.

RELEASE: Derickson Opposes Budget Deal

OXFORD, OHIO- Conservative State Representative and candidate for Congress in Ohio's 8th District, today announced his opposition to the two-year budget deal between the White House and GOP Congressional leaders. "Sometimes you have to stand strong even if it means standing up against leaders in your own party," said Rep. Derickson. "I oppose this bad deal because it was made in the cover of darkness, busts previous budget caps, increases the debt limit, raises spending by $80 billion dollars and does nothing to reduce our growing $18 trillion dollar national debt. The New York Times called the deal a 'victory for Obama,' but I call it a defeat for our hardworking taxpayers."

Rep. Derickson said the budget deal also fails to defund Planned Parenthood. "The budget deal is a victory for Planned Parenthood and the culture of death because it fails to eliminate their funding. As State Representative, I voted to eliminate Planned Parenthoods funding in Ohio and we won that fight. In Congress I will promote a culture of life and vote to defund Planned Parenthood once and for all because life is a gift from God that must be protected," Derickson said.

Derickson called on his opponents in the race for Congress to take a stand on the Obama budget deal. "The voters of Ohio's 8th District know where I stand on this bad budget deal, but it's time for my opponents to make their stand known today. The voters are waiting."

Tim Derickson is a committed husband and father, small business owner, farmer and award-winning conservative leader in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Faber Out for OH-08

Good news for Roger Reynolds as another big name drops out of the race to replace Boehner in OH-08.

Senate President Keith Faber will not run.  He's got his eye on a statewide race.  Probably Attorney General (if he can DeRINO Dave Yost -- it worked once.....) or Auditor (if he can't).

He didn't live in the district anyway.

SIDEBAR: From that article linked above: "DeWine may seek the governor’s office."  Oh, HELL NO...  If there is one thing we can count on, it's Jon Husted's ambition.  There is NO WAY Jonny misses his chance again.  Also hearing that Mary Taylor might want to run for governor assuming she's learned how to campaign...  Anyway...

RELEASE: Roger Reynolds Announces Candidacy for Ohio’s 8th District

Liberty Township, OH 10/7/15 – Conservative Republican Roger Reynolds announced this morning that he will run for the open seat in the 8^th District of Ohio for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Reynolds, a CPA, is currently serving his third term as Butler County Auditor. He has decided to run for Congress because he recognizes an out-of-control Washington that needs to be held accountable.

“The tax and spend culture of Washington D.C. has led us to a national debt of more than $19 trillion, which serves as a great burden for my children, your children, and generations to come.”

Reynolds said that his top priority in Washington D.C. will be to promote sound fiscal policy and advocate for conservative solutions to address our fiscal crisis.

“The fact of the matter is the people of the 8^th District deserve a representative in Congress with proven financial and private sector experience, a track record of making tough decisions, and most importantly a blueprint for success.”

The Reynolds for Congress announcement occurred outside his campaign headquarters in Liberty Township, OH surrounded by family, friends and supporters. Reynolds said he is committed to working hard over the coming months to meet the citizens of the 8^th district, listen to their concerns, and earn their trust.

“I commit to you and the people of the 8^th District that I will work tirelessly to earn your support.” 

The 8th district seat is currently held by John Boehner and will be vacated on October 30^th, 2015.  The district encompasses Butler, Preble, Darke, Miami, and Clarke Counties, and a portion of Mercer County.

Roger Reynolds for U.S. Congress

The Butler County Seat in Congress

Auditor and Great American Roger Reynolds

As you all know, with John Boehner's coming retirement there is a HUGE opportunity for somebody to step onto a MUCH larger stage.  With that in mind, the Butler County Republican Party has some BIG shoes to fill and as the county with the largest population in the district, they also have greater responsibility to choose wisely.  It is great to hear that the party leadership has chosen to not endorse any particular candidate and allow the membership to make that decision without undue command influence.

Why is it important for Butler County to represented by one of their own?  Should their congressman be from somewhere else, it becomes possible that the area gets split during redistricting and the county could lose a lot.  Butler county has always been a strong, mostly conservative turnout.  Other areas could try to chip off that support in order to strengthen their own positions.

Since I no longer live in Butler County, the preceding paragraph really doesn't hold much weight with me as an argument.  What does, is making sure that the Eighth Congressional District gets the very best representative that it possibly can and in my opinion, that means Roger Reynolds. 

Roger has integrity.  He's intelligent and has the courage to do what needs to be done.  He's a fighter for conservative principles.  He believes government should be small and efficient.  There are maybe five politicians in this whole state whom I would quit my job and go work for if asked, Roger is one of them.  He's THAT GOOD.

Butler County Republicans, I urge you to unite behind Roger Reynolds and make Congress better.

Boehner Circus Update

IN:

• Bill Beagle - Endorsed by Rep. Mike Turner
• Roger Reynolds 
• J.D. Winteregg 

OUT:

• Sheriff Richard "Spotlight" Jones - Out
• Bill Coley - Out

UNKNOWN:

• Tim Derickson - Term limited in Ohio House - "I in no way could have anticipated this possibility, but now that it is an open seat, I'm seriously considering a run for that seat."
• Ross MacGregor - "Some people label me 'liberal.' I prefer 'moderate."
• Kieth Faber - Lives outside the district - "A spokesman for Faber declined to comment."
• Wes Retherford - "I really haven't had a chance to collect my thoughts."
• Seth Morgan - "I don't know if I'm ready to say one way or the other."
• Chris Widener
• Steve Austria

The Boehner Circus

The List (via Cincinnati Enquirer) is long and getting longer...

• Sheriff Richard "Spotlight" Jones - Get serious...
• Bill Coley - The former state representative topped insiders' lists for who might run...He didn't respond Friday to requests for comment."
• Tim Derickson - Term limited in Ohio House - "I in no way could have anticipated this possibility, but now that it is an open seat, I'm seriously considering a run for that seat."
• Ross MacGregor - "Some people label me 'liberal.' I prefer 'moderate."
• Kieth Faber - Lives outside the district - "A spokesman for Faber declined to comment."
• J.D. Winteregg - "I'm not afraid to confront people on different issues, and that's what the Republican Party needs."
• Wes Retherford - "I really haven't had a chance to collect my thoughts."
• Seth Morgan - "I don't know if I'm ready to say one way or the other."
• Chris Widener
• Bill Beagle - Just announced he's in today.
• Roger Reynolds - "At this point, that's not something I'm prepared to talk about." - 9/30 UPDATE: He's in.  Everybody else should drop out.  This is the guy!
• Joe Deters - Lives outside the district - "No chance"
• Not in the Enquirer article, but heard elsewhere: Steve Austria

Even though it is not a requirement for Congressman to live in the districts they represent,. I --and many people who still live in the district-- prefer that they do.  That will eliminate a few from the list.

Keep an eye on Coley.  Once he makes his decision, that will determine who stays and who goes.

I fully expect the Ohio Republican Party to try and push Faber on to the scene.  Expect the people in the district to tell the party to get bent.  Pound sand.  Go away.  But they'll try it anyway.

Derickson should get in because after having developed so far as a legislator, it would be a shame to waste the talent.

Spotlight and Winteregg will provide all of the comedy...

I picked a fabulous time to return to blogging......

Carpetbagger Thinks He's Got a Shot at Boehner

Amateur doesn't even live in the district.

Don't waste your time bub...

Jean Schmidt Earns Spirit of Enterprise Award

Don't know why we didn't hear about this til now, but here goes. Jean Schmidt was among those honored by the US Chamber of Commerce, earning their Spirit of Enterprise Award. From the article here:

This annual award goes to lawmakers who support pro-business policies at least 70% of the time during most recent congressional session. The Chamber's prestigious "Spirit of Enterprise" award is given annually to members of Congress based on rankings it gives for key business votes outlined in its yearly publication, How They Voted. This is the twenty-second year that the U.S. Chamber has formally honored the accomplishments of this select group of members of Congress.

The Chamber's designated "key votes" are recorded floor votes on issues established as priorities by the Chamber, on which the Chamber informs Congress of its position on prior to the vote. Senators and House members who support the Chamber's position on at least 70% of these key votes receive the "Spirit of Enterprise" award.

During the second session of the 111th Congress, the Chamber key-voted 11 Senate and 9 House votes, including passage of an a tax cut extension, health care reform, financial services legislation, campaign finance reform, and legislation to improve science and math. This is the 23rd year of the Chamber giving the award.

Congratulations to my Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt of the 2nd Congressional District!

Others from Ohio honored of note include: Rep. Michael R. Turner (OH-3)
Rep. James D. Jordan (OH-4)
Rep. Robert E. Latta (OH-5)
Rep. Steve Austria (OH-7)
Rep. John A. Boehner (OH-8)
Rep. Patrick J. Tiberi (OH-12)

OH-08: Dem's Poll Shows What We Already Know -- Also Ran Has NO CHANCE

I'd like to point out to Cox Newspaper's liberal scribe Mikey Pitman that that liberal poll he was gushing for is out and it shows pretty much what we expected: Justin Cousoulle is an Also Ran.

It looks like the people from this "organization" made the calls and did the analysis and wrote the questions. This is in no way a professional poll. There is no information about the sample. You don't think they have a bias here do you?

All that aside, let's take a look at the numbers anyway...


74% of those polled didn't even know who the hell Justin was...  Oh, yeah, he's the liberals great hope for this election.  Somebody ought to tell Justin that NOBODY in OH-08 watches MSNBS let alone that blowhard Ed Schultz.

HALF of those polled said they need more information just to determine whether or not Justin was a viable candidate.  A plurality (34%) already know that he isn't.

But the biggest news of this poll shows that Boehner wins 30.4% to 19.6% in a poll where Boehner has an Unfavorable Rating of 59% while 94% of these people are definitely going to be voting!

Oh, and Carl Weiser of the Enquirer, don't think I missed seeing you gush on this poll too...

OH-08: "Local" Media is Helping Democrat

Don't take my word for it, listen to Justin Coussoule (who?) tell liberal blowhard Ed Shultz that the local media is helping him.  Better yet, do it from the local media's blog by clicking here.  Earlier that same day, liberal Democrat journalist (but I repeat myself) Mikey Pitman, was out there pimping his boy's appearance on the show.

I wouldn't mind this so much if these same people would just admit their bias but they are so busy tripping over themselves being self-righteous and "objective" that they just can't help themselves.  No wonder local media is dying, you can't trust them to be honest brokers.

Pitman is so excited about some poll that he thinks is going to show that this Also Ran is beating Boehner but that is a fairy tale that any legitimately objective journalist would have mentioned in his coverage.  The only poll that really matters is the one taken on Election Day.

OH-08: VFW-PAC Endorses Boehner

VFW-PAC Endorses Boehner

Butler County Update

Two new items developed since yesterday's update, so I thought I'd bring y'all up to speed...

"Conservative" Democrat Independent Arnold Engel of Fairfield Board of Education fame has pulled a petition to run against Courtney Combs in the 54th Ohio District.  Combs has one more term of eligibility left.

Intrepid Reporter Josh has a post in which he reveals the name of an Army veteran who has chosen a political suicide mission: challenging Republican Leader, my Congrressman and a Great American -- John Boehner. The also ran's name is Justin Coussoule.  Apparently, the Butler County Democratic Party has run out of sacrificial lambs.

Boehner for Speaker Update

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- has had a pretty interesting and active week. On Sunday, he was on Meet the Press. He filed for re-election on Monday (photo on left).  Later that same day, Boehner was on WLW with Mike McConnell and said this:

"We are going to have to work hard, and go out and help my constituents understand that I've been fighting the fight now for 20 years and I've finally realized that the fight is never going to be over. I'm looking for two more years to continue to fight for a smaller more accountable and less costly government."

With unemployment in Ohio near 11 percent, he has worked hard for several proposals aimed at helping small businesses create new jobs, protecting Ohio workers, and helping struggling families rebuild their savings. For example:

CREATING NEW JOBS WITH A “NO COST” PLAN: With Washington swimming in a sea of red ink, Boehner has led the way on a “no cost” plan to create new jobs without increasing spending or raising taxes. And the budget plan supported by Boehner would actually curb government spending and get control of the spiraling federal debt – another necessary step in getting our economy back on track. Boehner has also fought against the so-called “stimulus” spending bill which a non-profit report found could cost Ohio as many as 91,200 jobs.

PROTECTING OHIO FARMERS AND MANUFACTURERS: One of the biggest threats facing Ohioans who work in agriculture and manufacturing is a “cap and trade” national energy tax that would send energy prices skyrocketing. Boehner has led the fight against a national energy tax and is promoting an “all of the above” strategy that would actually lower costs, create jobs, and liberate us from our dependence on foreign oil.

HELPING FAMILIES REBUILD THEIR SAVINGS: The recession has taken its toll on Ohio in a number of ways, including by wiping out many families’ savings. The Boehner-backed Savings Recovery Act is a straightforward bill that will help recoup college, retirement, and personal savings – and quickly. It also preserves employee-controlled 401(k)s by blocking efforts in Washington to wipe out 401(k)s entirely and replace them with government-run accounts.

Also Ran Pulls Petition Against Boehner

If you need a good laugh, Intrepid Report Josh has the post for you.

Somebody no one has ever heard of pulled a petition to run against John Boehner in the primary.

Seriously, why bother?

1/14 UPDATE: This clown is trying to make us believe he is a Republican, but if you read his blog you will get the real story:

After much discussion in our coffee shop the temperaments of customers quite frequently flared up on both sides. I received many emails from patrons loyal to one political party, or the other, to convince me how to vote. I had never been in this situation, simply because I had no idea who I would vote for until about two month before the election.

But I did decide, and I would like to share why I voted the way I did. “Yes”, I think the Republican Party was fiscally irresponsible in many ways; “Yes”, I am not certain the war in Iraq is justified; and “Yes”, I am not sure the Presidential Team the R.P. elected was exactly what we needed and was able to direct our country based on voting records, etc..

But, there was one agenda item that swayed me to vote for Obama. The issue of healt care! For the life of me I am not able to understand why we as a prosperous nation do not have universal healthcare.

Yeah, this bloke has got a real shot in this district.....

Idiot Move of the Day: Sheriff Pulls Petition to Run for Congress

Seriously? Sheriff Jones is crazy. Certifiable.

Look, I think the Sheriff is right on illegal immigration. And I am a law and order kind of guy.

But this is NUTS! Stop the insanity. Is this what happens when you drop a few pounds?

For the record, I stand with Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- in this contest...if it can be called that.

UPDATE: From Team Boehner:

“Congressman Boehner continues to proudly serve Ohio’s 8th Congressional District, working hard to develop better solutions for his constituents that will create jobs, lower taxes and put our state and nation on the path to prosperity.”

Oh, by the way, I happen to know for a fact that Boehner is also a law and order type when it comes to illegal immigration. I only mention the issue in regards to Sheriff Jones because that seems to be the only issue that he gets traction on...

Boehner Column: "8th Congressional District Constituents Sound Off About Federal Policies"

Column:

In my weekly e-mail update to constituents in the 8th Congressional District, I recently asked for you to tell me how the policies coming out of Washington, D.C., are impacting you. Of those who’ve already shared your story with me, the vast majority are very upset with what they’re seeing: a trillion-dollar “stimulus” bill that Administration officials admitted will be subject to fraud and abuse; housing proposals that will force those who follow the rules to pay for people who’ve gamed the system; overturning pro-life policies to require taxpayers to fund the destruction of human embryos and unborn human life; and making it easier for Big Labor to increase its ranks by killing secret ballots for American workers.

I’d like to share some these comments with you. If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to visit my website at www.johnboehner.house.gov and share with me how Washington’s policies are affecting you, your family and your work. Thank you.

Terri from Liberty Township writes, “We are furious about all these proposals coming to light, not to mention scared and worried. One of the effects of what is happening is that the business my works for is making cutback in benefits.”

Marilyn from West Chester notes that she and her husband are redeeming their CDs “and just going for the money” as they watch their retirement dwindle. “The way the government is spending to pay for these programs, we are getting a bit scared … we are in our late 70s and would like to be able to live the rest of our lives the way we planned.”

Dan from Hamilton begins his letter like this: “I’m sure you remember Joe the Plumber. We’ll, I’m Dan the Unemployed, and I’m disgusted with the approach the government is taking to help this economy. I no longer have an American dream because I’ve been devastated by this economy. Over the last three years, I’ve lost two jobs as a direct result of the economy and a third job I had to leave because I wasn’t able to sell my house so I could relocate. … I’ve used up all my reserves, borrowed as much as I can from family and depleted most of my retirement fund.” Dan holds a four-year degree in engineering, an MBA in finance and has 30 years experience in the manufacturing sector. He and his wife were recently forced to file for bankruptcy and expect their home to be foreclosed on later this year. Yet, he says, “I see nothing [in the ‘stimulus’] that will help me. The plan does very little to stimulate manufacturing. Even if I qualified for help to stop foreclosure, I have no way to pay a mortgage. … To sum it up, this plan does nothing to help me.”

Meanwhile, Rick in Tipp City writes that his business is down to 110 employees – down from 125 in November – and will be forced to lay off more employees soon. “There is nothing in sight to show that Washington is fixing any of this,” he writes.

And Christy from West Chester, a double-organ transplant recipient, is fearful that the cost of her daily medications may soon outpace her family’s ability to pay. Christy notes that she “became a statistic on Dec. 19, 2008, when I lost my job” and although she’s aggressively job hunting, there are no prospects. “I’m not behind in my mortgage payments so there’s no help for me because I remain responsible and pay my debts. I am just so tired of hearing these stories of people who get welfare, free education, food stamps, mortgage relief and so on and so on for continued irresponsible behavior.”

Sadly, the stories from Terri, Marilyn, Dan, Rick and Christy are ones that I hear all too often anymore – people who played by the rules all their lives who will be forced by the government to bail out those who gamed the system or retirees fearfully watching their savings and investments disappear.

We have a resilient country, and over the long-term I believe we can get our economy back on track. But what we as lawmakers need to do right now is focus on the short-term and provide relief to hard-working Americans who are struggling just to make ends meet.

We need to enact legislation that will create jobs, such as the House Republican proposal that would have created 246,000 jobs in Ohio by the end of 2010, instead of scheming to raise taxes and doling out taxpayer dollars for social engineering programs that won’t work. I will continue to fight for my constituents against bad policies that won’t create jobs and won’t get our economy back on track, and I will continue to work with my colleagues on better solutions to help our economy.

Pro-Life Update

Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-04):



Rep. Jordan reflects on eve of the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, 1/21/09

Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement today after addressing the March for Life on the National Mall and meeting with pro-life groups from the Fifth District today who traveled to Washington, D.C.

“Throughout my tenure of public service, I have been proud to stand with the pro-life community and work to protect the rights of the unborn. On solemn days such as today, it is important to recognize the efforts made by all who stand for the sanctity of life. Today’s March of Life on the National Mall is just one of many ways the pro-life community is active in advocating for life, and I was honored to address them today.”

Congressman Latta was one of over eighty members of the House Republican Conference to sign a letter to President Obama asking him to withdraw his pledge to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. He is also an original co-sponsor of the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act introduced by Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and the Ultrasound Informed Consent Act introduced by Jim Jordan (R-OH).

Sen. George Voinovich:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) spoke to a group of pro-life supporters who came to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 36th Annual March for Life on the National Mall. Sen. Voinovich joined U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4) to address Ohioans, reassuring them of his support of pro-life issues.

Sen. Voinovich came to the Senate with a long history of defending life. While he was governor, Ohio passed legislation on informed consent, parental notification and the woman’s right to know, which imposed a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion and required abortion providers to share information about fetal development and abortion alternatives. Ohio was also one of the first states in the country to pass a ban on partial birth abortion. And, in June 1996, Ohio passed the Unborn Victims of Violence bill, making it a crime to injure or kill an unborn child who could survive on his or her own outside the mother’s womb. As a member of the United States Senate, Sen. Voinovich continues to fight for life. Sen. Voinovich has emerged as a leader fighting additional funding for embryonic stem cell research and has vowed to fight the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA).

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- and House Republicans:

Led by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), a total of 105 House Republican Members of Congress have sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking that he withdraw his pledge to sign the so-called “Freedom of Choice” Act (FOCA), which would overturn hundreds of state laws nationwide protecting the sanctity of unborn human life. During the 2008 presidential campaign, then-candidate Obama vowed that the “first thing” he would do as president is sign FOCA. Leader Boehner and other Republicans note that enactment of FOCA would increase abortions and divide the country. The request by House GOP legislators coincides with the 36th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

FOCA_Letter01-21-09

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Opening Day of the 111th Congress

Yesterday saw the beginning of the 111th Congress. Here are a few items from the Ohio delegation:

Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):

“I am humbled and honored to represent the constituents of Ohio’s Fifth District in the United States House of Representatives. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the challenges our great Nation faces. As we begin debate on many important issues, I hope we can reach bipartisan agreement to achieve energy independence, lower taxes, and obtain responsible government spending while reigning in our increasing national debt.”

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- (OH-08) today delivered remarks during the opening proceedings of the 111th Congress. Full video and transcript of Boehner’s speech follow:

“Madame Speaker, Leader Hoyer, fellow Members, new Members and a special welcome to our new members and their families and friends who are here today.

“We begin this new Congress at a time of great challenge for the American people. This winter, working families are struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes. Small businesses are being forced to choose between cutting jobs and closing their doors. Health costs are rising. College savings funds and 401(k)s have declined in value substantially. Parents are deeply worried about their children’s future.

“It’s a time of anxiety for millions of Americans, some of whom face economic challenges not seen in this country for generations. When things are at their worst for the American people, I think we owe them our best. And this Congress must rise to the occasion.

“Two weeks from today we’ll inaugurate a new President. President-elect Obama has expressed a desire to govern from the center and put the needs of our country first. I think all of you know that Washington is a difficult town, and it won’t always be easy for him to do these things. But when our new President extends his hand across the aisle to do what is right for our country, Republicans will extend ours in return.

“During the 111th Congress, Republicans will strive not to be the party of “opposition,” but the party of better solutions. President-elect Obama’s calls for inclusiveness are already being put to the test. He’s called on Congress to move quickly and in a bipartisan fashion on legislation to help our economy. And at this time of economic anxiety, the American people deserve open debate and transparency in their Congress – key ingredients needed to produce good legislation. My hope is we’ll adopt a rules package for the new Congress that encourages transparency and open debate, and helps ensure that our institution is accountable to the people it serves.

“Our nation has faced adversity before, and we’ve never failed to meet the challenge. This is because America is a land of limitless potential. And when we harness the will of the American people, commit ourselves to making the most of the blessings God has bestowed on this great country, and bring all these gifts to bear on a common goal, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.

“America’s potential is unlimited. But government’s potential is not. We must not confuse the two.

“We can’t simply spend our way back to prosperity. Our responsibility as elected leaders in a flagging economy is to craft policies that allow our country’s potential to be unleashed. America runs on freedom. It’s the fuel of our economy and it’s the fuel of our democracy. The more we spend and the more we tax, the less freedom we will have left.

“So we need to take responsible action together to help put our economy back on a path toward prosperity. And the months ahead can be a time of hope and renewal in America. The American people are giving their best. Here in the Congress, we need to do the same.

“Madame Speaker, as we start the new Congress, we stand ready to work with you and your fellow Democrats for genuine solutions, for real reforms that put the needs of our country first and bring the blessings of liberty fully to bear on the challenges the American people face. And it’s in that spirit, it’s my privilege to present the gavel to you as we begin the 111th Congress.”

Rookie Steve Austria (OH-07) has his Congressional website up already!