Monday, January 31, 2011
Politics by the Numbers: Good Omens for the GOP in 2012
Republicans had a great election in November 2010, picking up a solid majority in the House, 6 more Senate seats and the majority of governorships and state legislatures. Michael Barone says 2012 could be even better as voters reject Obama and the far left.
Politics by the Numbers: Good Omens for the GOP in 2012
Politics by the Numbers: Good Omens for the GOP in 2012
Federal judge: Obamacare is unconstitutional
Another major blow to Obamacare. A federal judge in Florida rules the Obama Administration cannot force U.S. citizens to buy health insurance, thus, "The entire act must be declared void."
2nd federal judge rules Obamacare unconstitutional | The Daily Caller
2nd federal judge rules Obamacare unconstitutional | The Daily Caller
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Poll: 68% Prefer A Government With Fewer Services, Lower Taxes
Nearly 7 in 10 Americans say they want a smaller federal government and reduced taxes. They sent that message to Obama and the Democrats in November 2010, but it hasn't sunk in yet. Just wait until 2012.
America's Best Days
America's Best Days
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Bring down the high cost of college textbooks
New website helps you find college textbooks at reasonable prices
Exeter Township resident George Lambriodes, a junior at Philadelphia University, has launched an online business to help college students buy and sell used textbooks.
The site, www.enoci.com, has been active for several weeks. It connects buyers and sellers of textbooks and other items on the same campus or with students at other schools.
The word "enoci" comes from the Greek language and it literally means "connection" or "to connect."
Lambriodes, a 2008 Exeter High School graduate. decided to launch the venture based on his own frustration with the high price of college textbooks.
Students can spend thousands of dollars each semester for required textbooks and even used books cost hundreds of dollars. Students receive pennies on the dollar from college bookstores when they attempt to sell books back after they're done with classes.
Lambriodes' site helps sellers earn a better return while still offering books at a discount to buyers. Clients can list any textbook for just 99 cents.
There are no shipping, commission or transaction fees involved with the service and clients can search the site for specific textbooks for free. You can search nationally, by region or by specific college campus.
Books are just the beginning. Clients can also use the site to sell supplies, room furnishings (mini refrigerators), CDs, DVDs, and even cars to fellow college students, according to Lambriodes.
Waivers for Favors
From the people who brought you Cash for Clunkers.
Michelle Malkin: Waivers for Favors - HUMAN EVENTS
Michelle Malkin: Waivers for Favors - HUMAN EVENTS
Schwank Vs. Medaglia in special election for PA Senate seat
What I know about Larry Medaglia Jr., the Republican candidate in the special election for the 11th state Senate seat in Berks County: The Berks County Register of Wills office is more efficient thanks to reforms Medaglia has instituted, saving taxpayers money.
What I know about Judy Schwank, the Democratic candidate: When she was chairwoman of the Berks County Commissioners four years ago, she was the deciding vote for a 34% property tax hike for Berks County homeowners and businesses.
The race is basically a fiscal conservative vs. a tax-and-spend liberal.
The election to fill the unexpired term of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake will be held Tuesday, March 15.
Schwank Vs. Medaglia in special election - Boyertown Area Times - Berks-Mont News
What I know about Judy Schwank, the Democratic candidate: When she was chairwoman of the Berks County Commissioners four years ago, she was the deciding vote for a 34% property tax hike for Berks County homeowners and businesses.
The race is basically a fiscal conservative vs. a tax-and-spend liberal.
The election to fill the unexpired term of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake will be held Tuesday, March 15.
Schwank Vs. Medaglia in special election - Boyertown Area Times - Berks-Mont News
PoliticsPA's Celebrity Look-Alikes
If you're wondering whatever happened to Abe Vigoda, he's serving in the Pennsylvania Legislature.
Check out this funny slide show of celebrity look-alikes for Pennsylvania politicians.
PoliticsPA's Celebrity Look-Alikes
Check out this funny slide show of celebrity look-alikes for Pennsylvania politicians.
PoliticsPA's Celebrity Look-Alikes
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Crisis report spreads broad blame for financial meltdown
Wait a minute. It wasn't George Bush's fault, after all? You mean Obama's been lying for the past two years?
Crisis report spreads broad blame for financial meltdown - The Hill's On The Money
Crisis report spreads broad blame for financial meltdown - The Hill's On The Money
Overrun by Muslims
You think the world's a dangerous place today? Just give it another 20 years.
From a new Pew Research Center study on the rapid growth of Islam:
From a new Pew Research Center study on the rapid growth of Islam:
The world's Muslim population is expected to increase by about 35% in the next 20 years, rising from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030, according to new population projections by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life. Globally, the Muslim population is forecast to grow at about twice the rate of the non-Muslim population over the next two decades.Read the full report here.
Bein Stein: Obama's lack of leadership
Conservative pundit Ben Stein decries Barack Obama's lack of leadership in a new column at The American Spectator.
Obama and the Bodysnatchers
Obama and the Bodysnatchers
2 lawmakers want rules for transition in PA Legislature
Two underdogs who defeated veteran Pennsylvania lawmakers say their predecessors acted like real jerks and refused to share information with them. They'd like rules to prevent that from happening.
2 lawmakers want rules for transition | The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, PA
2 lawmakers want rules for transition | The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Columnist: A Presidency to Nowhere
Daniel Henninger, deputy editor of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page, offers his thoughts on Obama's State of the Union address in a new column.
A Presidency to Nowhere
A Presidency to Nowhere
NATIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS FORGOTTEN VICTIMS OF TEEN DRIVER CRASHES
NATIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS FORGOTTEN VICTIMS OF TEEN DRIVER CRASHES: "NATIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS FORGOTTEN VICTIMS OF TEEN DRIVER CRASHES Nearly 30 percent who die in these crashes were not in teen's car"
Announcing PoliticsPA's Politico Celebrity Look-Alikes
PoliticsPA is seeking suggestions for celebrity look-alikes of Pennsylvania political figures. For example: Tom Corbett and Leslie Neilsen.
Announcing PoliticsPA's Politico Celebrity Look-Alikes
Announcing PoliticsPA's Politico Celebrity Look-Alikes
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Obama Raises 2010 Budget Deficit Estimate to $1.5 Trillion
The Congressional Budget Office now predicts the federal deficit for the current fiscal year will hit $1.5 trillion, a modern record.
Obama supporters must be very proud.
The record deficit means the government will borrow 40 cents for every dollar it spends.
Heckavu job, Barack.
Read more about Obama's red ink at Bloomberg.com
Obama supporters must be very proud.
The record deficit means the government will borrow 40 cents for every dollar it spends.
Heckavu job, Barack.
Read more about Obama's red ink at Bloomberg.com
Piers Morgan vs. Sean Hannity: Celeb Elitism Loses to Conservatism
Sean Hannity clobbers Piers Morgan in the ratings.
Piers Morgan vs. Sean Hannity: Celeb Elitism Loses to Conservatism
Piers Morgan vs. Sean Hannity: Celeb Elitism Loses to Conservatism
Pa. Senate Democrats replace O'Pake with new whip
State Sen. Anthony Williams of Philadelphia, an unsuccessful candidate for Pennsylvania governor in 2010, is the new No. 2 Democratic leader in the Pennsylvania Senate, replacing the late Mike O'Pake.
Pa. Senate Democrats replace O'Pake with new whip - pottsmerc.com
Pa. Senate Democrats replace O'Pake with new whip - pottsmerc.com
Judicial Watch Uncovers New Documents Detailing Pelosi's Use of Air Force Aircraft in 2010
Queen Nancy lived up at taxpayers' expense during her reign as Speaker of the House.
Judicial Watch Uncovers New Documents Detailing Pelosi's Use of Air Force Aircraft in 2010
Judicial Watch Uncovers New Documents Detailing Pelosi's Use of Air Force Aircraft in 2010
Newspaper: Failing grade is embarrassment to Pa.
From an editorial in The Mercury:
Failing grade is embarrassment to Pa. lawmakers - pottsmerc.com
Safe driving standards and more restrictive teen driving laws have been adopted in neighboring states of New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland.Read the full editorial at the link below:
Pennsylvania has gotten failing grades on many fronts recently, and new Gov. Tom Corbett says he intends to change some of that.
This fix is simple. It doesn't cost anything except leadership to enact safe driving laws.
Pennsylvanians deserve better than laws that fail.
Failing grade is embarrassment to Pa. lawmakers - pottsmerc.com
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Snubbed: Oscar Winners and Losers
The 83rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony won't be held until Feb. 27, but we already know some of the losers.Dozens of deserving films, directors, actors and actresses were snubbed by Oscar when the nominees were announced Tuesday morning.
While everyone can't go home with the coveted statue, some of the overlooked films and performances of 2010 are glaring.
First my personal peeve: The best documentary film of 2010, "Waiting for Superman," which details the failure of public schools, was snubbed by far left Hollywood elites who didn't like the message.
It is better than any of the five films nominated, but politics plays a big role in Hollywood and politics did "Waiting for Superman" in. A real shame.
Conspicuously absent from the list of 120 nominees is director Christopher Nolan, who created one of the year's most memorable films, "Inception." Nolan's vision is at the heart of "Inception" and he should have been nominated for Best Director.
Another director snubbed by Oscar is Danny Boyle, who meticulously crafted another 2010 masterpiece, the harrowing "127 Hours."
Turning to performances, Mark Wahlberg is "The Fighter," a film that received well-deserved recognition, but Oscar was remiss in ignoring Wahlberg for a Best Actor nod.
When Wahlberg's co-stars, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo and Amy Adams, get nominated, and he's not, it's pretty obvious Walhberg was snubbed.
Wahlberg should have been one of the five finalists for Best Actor instead of Javier Bardem.
Also deserving an Oscar nod for Best Actor was Robert Duvall, who was brilliant in "Get Low," but Duvall is one of Hollywood's most outspoken conservatives, so it's easy to see why his performance was ignored by his left-leaning peers.
In the Best Actress category, you could make the case for Lesley Manville in "Another Year" over Nicole Kidman in "Rabbit Hole." Is it just me or does Nicole Kidman play the same character in every one of her films?
The biggest snub in the Best Supporting Actress category was Mila Kunis, who held her own against Best Actress favorite Natalie Portman in "Black Swan."
Perhaps the biggest loser of the 83rd Academy Awards nominations was Ben Affleck, who starred, co-wrote and directed "The Town," a film that received early Oscar buzz and ended up on many critics end-of-the-year Top 10 lists.
"The Town" garnered just one Oscar nomination, Jeremy Renner for Best Supporting Actor.
It appears Oscar has a long memory and still hasn't forgiven Affleck for such stinkers as "Gigli" and "Jersey Girl."
Corbett Releases Plan to Reform Pennsylvania Government
Pennsylvania's new Republican governor today released a detailed plan to reform state government or to put it another way, Corbett's blueprint will attempt to undo the damage Ed Rendell has done over the past eight years.
Governor Corbett Announces His Reform Plan for a More Efficient and Responsible Pennsylvania Government
Governor Corbett Announces His Reform Plan for a More Efficient and Responsible Pennsylvania Government
Pa. gets 'F' for driving laws
A national report card on safe driving laws ranks Pennsylvania among the worst states.
Pa. gets 'F' for driving laws - pottsmerc.com
Pa. gets 'F' for driving laws - pottsmerc.com
PA lieutenant governor: Relic or relevant?
Does Pennsylvania still need an elected lieutenant governor? Columnist Lowman Henry says it depends on who is holding the position.
Lieutenant governor: Relic or relevant? - pottsmerc.com
Lieutenant governor: Relic or relevant? - pottsmerc.com
The Real State of the Union
While Obama will give a good speech, stay tuned to the Republican response for the real state of the union, argues columnist Mary Katharine Ham.
The SOTU response: Obama to provide the pomp, Ryan to explain our circumstances | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
The SOTU response: Obama to provide the pomp, Ryan to explain our circumstances | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sens. Toomey, Johnson wager on Super Bowl
Sen. Pat Toomey, the newly seated Republican U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, has made a friendly wager with his counterpart in Wisconsin over the outcome of the Super Bowl.The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers will go head-to-head on Feb. 6 in Super Bowl XLV.
Toomey and Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican freshman from Wisconsin, may be fiscal conservatives but they're on opposite sides when it comes to football.
Toomey is backing the Steelers and is willing to wager Primanti Bros. sandwiches against Johnson, who is willing to bet, what else, Wisconsin cheese.
From a Toomey press release:
Should the Steelers prevail, Sen. Johnson will provide Sen. Toomey with a savory assortment of Wisconsin cheese, bratwurst and beer. But should the Packers emerge victorious, Sen. Toomey will ship Sen. Johnson a delivery of Pittsburgh's world-famous Primanti Bros. sandwiches, topped with signature French fries, cole slaw and tomatoes.
"I'm sure Sen. Johnson would enjoy some of Pittsburgh's best sandwiches, which taste just as good as the upcoming Steelers' victory," Sen. Toomey said.
"Being frugal and a fiscal conservative, my first thought was to simply re-gift the Chicago Style Pizza and Illinois beer that the Packers helped us win from Senator Kirk. But that wouldn't highlight the fine products made in Wisconsin. So I have decided to offer Senator Toomey's office a generous basket of Wisconsin cheese, brats, and beer in the unlikely event that the Steelers prevail over America's team, the Green Bay Packers," Sen. Johnson said.
ABC Blames Global Warming for Extreme Cold Temperatures and Snow
If it's hot, it's global warming. If it's cold, it's global warming. If it's dry, it's global warming. If it's wet, it's global warming.
Do you follow the logic of the global warming hoax?
ABC Blames Global Warming for Extreme Cold Temperatures and Snow
Do you follow the logic of the global warming hoax?
ABC Blames Global Warming for Extreme Cold Temperatures and Snow
One more person out of work
News item from The Associated Press:
CHICAGO – An Illinois appellate court on Monday threw former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel off the ballot for Chicago mayor because he didn't live in the city in the year before the election.
The decision put Emanuel's candidacy into doubt a month before the election. He had been considered the front-runner and had raised more money than any other candidate.
Berks Republicans back Medaglia for state Senate run
Berks County Register of Wills Larry J. Medaglia Jr. is the Republican choice to run for the unexpired state Senate term of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake.
The special election is scheduled for March 15 and should be the best chance Republicans have of taking the seat held by O'Pake for nearly 40 years.
Medaglia, of West Reading, faces former county commissioner Judith A. Schwank, who is the Democratic Party's pick.
While well-known, Schwank does have one big drawback. She voted to raise county property taxes by 30 percent when she served as a commissioner, something Berks County residents won't soon forget.
Berks Republicans tab Medaglia for O'Pake seat - pottsmerc.com
The special election is scheduled for March 15 and should be the best chance Republicans have of taking the seat held by O'Pake for nearly 40 years.
Medaglia, of West Reading, faces former county commissioner Judith A. Schwank, who is the Democratic Party's pick.
While well-known, Schwank does have one big drawback. She voted to raise county property taxes by 30 percent when she served as a commissioner, something Berks County residents won't soon forget.
Berks Republicans tab Medaglia for O'Pake seat - pottsmerc.com
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Gas prices rise: Is Obama to blame?
From The Christian Science Monitor:
Gas prices are 14 percent higher than a year ago, though US demand has risen only 0.7 percent. So what – or who – is driving up prices? The Heritage Foundation points a finger at Obama's environmental policies.Gas prices rise: Is Obama to blame?
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Why Olbermann Got The Boot
Columnist John Hayward just might the answer as to why Keith Olbermann got the boot: "Maybe it was a business decision, and MSNBC's new owners at Comcast want to remodel the network into something that has appeal beyond the lunatic fringe."
Countdown to Zero - HUMAN EVENTS
Countdown to Zero - HUMAN EVENTS
Wasn’t Obamacare Supposed to Stop Insurance Rate Hikes?
A question waiting for an answer from the Kool Aid drinkers who fell for Obama's lies.
Wasn't Obamacare Supposed to Stop Insurance Rate Hikes? - By Avik Roy - Critical Condition - National Review Online
Wasn't Obamacare Supposed to Stop Insurance Rate Hikes? - By Avik Roy - Critical Condition - National Review Online
Does he or doesn't he?
Vanity, thy name is Barack Obama.
Would it surprise anyone that the most vain man to ever occupy the White House would dye his hair to cover up the gray?
Breaking News: Obama Might Dye His Hair - The Feed - National Review Online
Would it surprise anyone that the most vain man to ever occupy the White House would dye his hair to cover up the gray?
Breaking News: Obama Might Dye His Hair - The Feed - National Review Online
Take Obama's credit card away!
After running up the national debt by $3 trillion in the past two years, Barack Obama and the Democrats are worried all of a sudden about debt and the U.S. defaulting on its borrowing? Gimme a break! Take Obama's credit card away!
Some GOP legislators contend U.S. not at risk for default if debt ceiling not raised | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Some GOP legislators contend U.S. not at risk for default if debt ceiling not raised | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Yes, Virginia, A Climate Cover-Up
From Investor's Business Daily:
Democrats in Virginia are trying to stop their attorney general from probing climate fraud carried out by university researchers at taxpayer expense. Are they afraid of finding the inconvenient truth?Yes, Virginia, A Climate Cover-Up - Investors.com
Friday, January 21, 2011
The 10 most congested cities in America
Washington, D.C., and Chicago tied for first place on the list.
Traffic jam: The 10 most congested cities in America
Traffic jam: The 10 most congested cities in America
Four hot-button issues Republicans will target next
The American people overwhelmingly voted for change in the November election. Republicans need to fix the damage Obama has done over the past two years.
Four hot-button issues Republicans will target next
Four hot-button issues Republicans will target next
Columnist: The Truth About Abortion
Robert VerBruggen, writing at National Review Online:
But the fact is that the majority of abortions — far from all, but the majority — serve as nothing more than routine birth control: Most women who have abortions became pregnant by willingly engaging in high-risk sexual activity, and many resort to abortion more than once. For a solid pro-choicer, this presents no problem; if unborn children have no rights, there is no harm done. But pro-lifers and moderate pro-choicers like Benjamin need to face the fact that while programs designed to talk women out of abortion are one useful tool in a pro-life strategy, they will not significantly lower the abortion rate by themselves. Those who are truly concerned about abortion should have two priorities: first, overturning Roe v. Wade so that states may ban abortion; and second, in the meantime, designing an anti-abortion program that will appeal to women who use the procedure as birth control.The Truth about Abortion - Robert VerBruggen - National Review Online
The Philadelphia Horror
Michelle Malkin writes about the abortion-on-demand industry funded by taxpayers. The horror stories coming out of Philadelphia are not that rare, she argues.
The Philadelphia Horror - Michelle Malkin - National Review Online
The Philadelphia Horror - Michelle Malkin - National Review Online
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pennsylvania Unemployment drops to 8.5%
Just the thought of Ed Rendell leaving the governor's mansion after eight disastrous years was enough to prompt Pennsylvania employers to start hiring.
The unemployment rate for Pennsylvania dropped to 8.5 percent in December, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: December 2010
The unemployment rate for Pennsylvania dropped to 8.5 percent in December, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: December 2010
That Unfavorable Woman: Sarah Palin
Columnist John Hayward looks at why the far left hates Sarah Palin so much.
That Unfavorable Woman - HUMAN EVENTS
That Unfavorable Woman - HUMAN EVENTS
Bad news Democrats: 2012 could be worse than 2010
What's worse than a shellacking? Democrats just might find out in 2012 when they lose the Senate and the White House.
Bad news Democrats _ 2012 could be worse than 2010 | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Bad news Democrats _ 2012 could be worse than 2010 | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Cyprus Church thanks Boy George for icon's return
Turkey has desecrated hundreds of Christian churches and monasteries since it invaded Cyprus in 1974.
Cyprus Church thanks Boy George for icon's return | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Cyprus Church thanks Boy George for icon's return | The Daily Caller - Breaking News, Opinion, Research, and Entertainment
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
26 states challenge legality of Obamacare
Six more states have joined the court fight to overturn Obamacare, according to Politico.com, bringing the total of states challenging the constitutionality of the bill to 26.
From Politico:
From Politico:
"It sends a strong message that more than half of the states consider the health care law unconstitutional and are willing to fight it in court," said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. "I look forward to continuing to defend Florida's families and businesses against this unconstitutional law and upholding the Constitution."Read the full story at Politico.com
House votes 245-189 to repeal Obamacare
The House of Representatives voted 245 to 189 Wednesday to repeal the Obama health care law.
Joining all House Republicans in supporting the repeal were three Democrats: - Reps. Mike Ross (Ark.), Dan Boren (Ind.) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.)
"Repeal means paving the way for better solutions that will lower the cost without destroying jobs or bankrupting our government, and repeal means keeping a promise," said Speaker of the House John Boehner. "This is what we said what we'd do. We listened to the people; we made a commitment to them, a pledge to make their priorities, our priorities."
Joining all House Republicans in supporting the repeal were three Democrats: - Reps. Mike Ross (Ark.), Dan Boren (Ind.) and Mike McIntyre (N.C.)
"Repeal means paving the way for better solutions that will lower the cost without destroying jobs or bankrupting our government, and repeal means keeping a promise," said Speaker of the House John Boehner. "This is what we said what we'd do. We listened to the people; we made a commitment to them, a pledge to make their priorities, our priorities."
U.K. Vs. ObamaCare
Government-run health care failed miserably in Great Britain, so why are we following Obama over a cliff?
U.K. Vs. ObamaCare - Investors.com
U.K. Vs. ObamaCare - Investors.com
Dem likens GOP reform rhetoric to Nazi propaganda
So glad to see Democrats are toning down the political rhetoric in the wake of the Arizona tragedy.
POLITICO: Dem likens GOP reform rhetoric to Nazi propaganda - On Congress - Dem likens GOP reform rhetoric to Nazi propaganda
POLITICO: Dem likens GOP reform rhetoric to Nazi propaganda - On Congress - Dem likens GOP reform rhetoric to Nazi propaganda
Obama Silent on China Human Rights Violations
Why are liberals silent about China's horrible human rights record while Obama bows to the Chinese dictator at the White House?
Mum's The Word On Human Rights Talk While Hu's In Town - HUMAN EVENTS
Mum's The Word On Human Rights Talk While Hu's In Town - HUMAN EVENTS
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Does PA need a lieutenant governor?
Jim Cawley was sworn in Tuesday as Pennsylvania lieutenant governor, prompting columnist Lowman S. Henry to review the recent history of the office and wonder whether the position is still relevant.Lt. Governor: Relic or Relevant?
By Lowman S. Henry
Much has been written and said about what kind of a governor Tom Corbett will be. He is, without any doubt, the polar opposite of former Gov. Ed Rendell in both style and substance. But little has been said of the man who will stand, as the saying goes, a heartbeat away from the governorship: Pennsylvania’s new Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley.
The role Lt. Gov. Cawley plays in the new Corbett Administration should be closely watched. Recent circumstances have thrust lieutenant governors into the spotlight. Lt. Gov. Mark Singel became acting governor when Gov. Bob Casey underwent a multiple organ transplant. Lt. Gov. Mark Schweiker became Gov. Schweiker when Tom Ridge was called to Washington by President George W. Bush in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks.
Unusual and unforeseen circumstances often present themselves and it is important for Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor to be ready to lead. The office has few constitutionally defined powers. Aside from serving as President of the Senate, the role of the lieutenant governor is largely determined by the governor with whom he serves. A look back at recent administrations illustrates the wide latitude Gov. Corbett and Lt. Gov. Cawley will have in defining their relationship.
The man Cawley succeeded in office, Lt. Gov. Joseph Scarnati is yet another example of how the unexpected can occur. Scarnati ascended to the No. 2 post in state government upon the death of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. As the President Pro Tempore of the state senate, Scarnati was constitutionally next in line. He did not, however, give up his senate seat and continued to function in that role while the office of lieutenant governor was essentially shut down.
This situation has given rise to questions as to whether the office is even needed. So the role the new lieutenant governor plays and his success in the job could go a long way toward determining whether or not the office itself survives.
As lieutenant governor, Mrs. Knoll played a largely ceremonial role. She was given no portfolio of substance by Ed Rendell. There was even talk she would be dropped from the ticket when Rendell ran for re-election in 2006, but Knoll retained enough political clout to remain in the job. Known more for her frequent verbal miscues, when Knoll made headlines it usually wasn’t for a good reason.
Adding to the string of non-substantial lieutenant governorships is the man Mrs. Knoll replaced, Robert Jubelier. As with Scarnati, Mr. Jubelier occupied the lieutenant governorship only because as President Pro Tempore of the state senate he ascended to the office when Mark Schweiker became governor. He too served merely as a place holder.
Mark Schweiker's experience was different. Gov. Ridge assigned him the state’s emergency management portfolio. As a former Bucks County Commissioner, Schweiker was knowledgeable in the field and became a familiar face to Pennsylvanians during snow storms and other weather emergencies. That experience came in handy when, as governor, he personally led the effort to successfully rescue miners trapped in the Que Creek mine near Somerset. He left office something of a national hero.
As mentioned Schweiker's predecessor, Mark Singel became acting governor. Single began his service in the number two slot as a full partner with Casey. But the two parted company on some important issues, notably abortion, and aside from his tenure as acting governor, Singel was largely marginalized by the time Casey left office.
One of the most successful partnerships in recent history was that between Gov. Dick Thornburgh and his lieutenant governor, Bill Scranton.
Scranton was at Thornburgh's side during the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster. He functioned effectively in the office and was nominated by the Republican Party to succeed Thornburgh. He fell short of that goal in one of the closest gubernatorial elections in state history.
Thus the models from which Tom Corbett and Jim Cawley have to choose are many and varied. The duo comes into office clearly on good terms and obviously comfortable with one another. Like Schweiker, Cawley arrives in the lieutenant governor's office having served as a Bucks County Commissioner. Thus his experience in government is hands-on, not ceremonial.
My bet is the Corbett-Cawley relationship will follow the models set by Tom Ridge and Dick Thornburgh. After a succession of inert lieutenant governorships, look for the office to be revived and become an effective part of state government. Of course if it doesn't, Jim Cawley could be the last lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania.
Lowman S. Henry is chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute of Public Opinion Research in Harrisburg and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His e-mail address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
Cooking the books on Obamacare poll
The Associated Press is playing games with a new poll showing "support" for Obamacare.
Poll Dramatically Increases Sample of Dems, Media Surprised Obamacare Repeal Support Decreases
Poll Dramatically Increases Sample of Dems, Media Surprised Obamacare Repeal Support Decreases
Closing in on 300,000 visitors
My site counter has recorded 296,000 unique visitors since I installed in 2007. Should top 300,000 in about a week. Thanks for checking out my blog.
Shining a light on Obama
With the end of one-party rule, look for the return of accountability and transparency to Washington, D.C., as House Republicans shine some light on Obama's policies.
Top 10 Obama Administration Investigation Targets - HUMAN EVENTS
Top 10 Obama Administration Investigation Targets - HUMAN EVENTS
A road map to rebuild Pennsylvania
After eight disastrous years under Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, Pennsylvania is is serious trouble.But there is hope. Rendell is gone. Republican Tom Corbett will be sworn in today as the state's new governor.
With so many problems facing Gov. Corbett, where to begin?
The Commonwealth Foundation, an independent, non-partisan, free-market public policy think tank, has come up with a road map to help rebuild Pennsylvania's economic vitality, offering 80 concrete recommendations to make needed reforms to various state programs and agencies.
From the introduction to the report:
Pennsylvania's newly-elected governor and the 2011-12 General Assembly will face a host of challenges created by the previous governor bent on a tax-borrow-spend-and-control mentality that has driven the commonwealth into a potential $5 billion budget deficit. These fiscal challenges also include an education system with a wide achievement gap for students and parents demanding more options for their children, a recession that has led to the highest unemployment rate in 30 years, a public that has lost faith in its leaders and economic growth that has trailed the rest of the nation for decades.You can download the full 12-page "80 Ideas for a Prosperous Pennsylvania" report here.
Pennsylvania must undergo a rapid transformation to reverse the poor policy decisions that have eroded economic freedoms and brought the state to its present condition. To provide a road map for success in this critical endeavor, the Commonwealth Foundation has compiled a list of 80 policy recommendations for Gov. Corbett and state legislators to help lead a Pennsylvania comeback.
Say Goodbye to Ed Rendell
As we count down the hours to the end of the Rendell Administration, columnist Brad Bumsted offers up a collection of some of the dumbest things Fast Eddie said during his tenure as Pennsylvania governor.
Check out his latest column, "Eddie's greatest hits," at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review website.
Check out his latest column, "Eddie's greatest hits," at The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review website.
When bias drives the news
It took seven days for somebody at The New York Times to finally admit to the newspaper's shoddy reporting of the Arizona shooting tragedy.Arthur S. Brisbane, the newspaper's "public editor," points out in a column that The New York Times reported various factual errors and speculated about the cause of the shooting without a shred of evidence to back up its reporting.
Brisbane writes:
The Times's day-one coverage in some of its Sunday print editions included a strong focus on the political climate in Arizona and the nation. For some readers — and I share this view to an extent — placing the violence in the broader political context was problematic.Read the full column at the newspaper's website.
The Times had a lot of company, as news organizations, commentators and political figures shouldered into an unruly scrum battling over whether the political environment was to blame. Meanwhile, opportunities were missed to pick up on evidence — quite apparent as early as that first day — that Jared Lee Loughner, who is charged with the shootings, had a mental disorder and might not have been motivated by politics at all.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Obama then and now
Sen. Barack Obama on the Senate floor in 2006: "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can't pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance the government's reckless fiscal policies."President Barack Obama, after running up the national debt by more than $3 trillion in just two years to a record $14 trillion, now wants Congress to raise the debt ceiling limit ... so he can keep spending money we don't have.
And has anyone in the mainstream media pointed out Obama's hypocrisy? Nope. They're too busy trying to blame Sarah Palin for something ... anything.
Obamacare has already failed
Obamacare was tried in Massachusetts under Mitt Romney and it failed.
Has Massachusetts Experience Put ObamaCare On A Path To Repeal? - Investors.com
Has Massachusetts Experience Put ObamaCare On A Path To Repeal? - Investors.com
Rendell Era Almost Over
Laura Vecsey of The Harrisburg Patriot-News, notes that Tom Corbett, the Anti-Rendell, is about to be sworn in as Pennsylvania's next governor. Not a moment too soon.
Check out her column, "Tom Corbett to usher in striking changes as Pennsylvania's governor," here.
Check out her column, "Tom Corbett to usher in striking changes as Pennsylvania's governor," here.
Columnist: Martin Luther King: A True Republican
Columnist Chris Freind argues Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has the makings of a Republican.
Martin Luther King: A True Republican
Martin Luther King: A True Republican
Where do you begin?
House Republicans will be busy over the next two years investigating the most corrupt White House ever.
Top 10 Obama Administration Investigation Targets - HUMAN EVENTS
Top 10 Obama Administration Investigation Targets - HUMAN EVENTS
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Nat Hentoff: Welcome to Obama's private prison?
Constitutional scholar Nat Hentoff is worried about Barack Obama's latest breach of the U.S. Constitution, but the state-run media has ignored the story once again, so don't worry about it - until the day comes when Obama kicks in your front door and hauls you away to prison without due process. Then you should worry about it.
Welcome to Obama's private prison? - pottsmerc.com
Welcome to Obama's private prison? - pottsmerc.com
Find the word 'czar' in the U.S. Constitution
Hey, all you left-wing constitutional scholars out there. Can you point out where the word "czar" appears in the U.S. Constitution? Didn't think so. House Republicans want to defund Obama's shadow government of 34 unelected, unconfirmed "czars."
Check out this editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Check out this editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Friday, January 14, 2011
A GOP Congressional Majority — If You Can Keep It
Jay Cost offers Speaker John Boehner some advice on keeping a Republican majority in the House of Representatives beyond 2012.
A Majority — If You Can Keep It | The Weekly Standard
A Majority — If You Can Keep It | The Weekly Standard
Newspaper: Taxpayers Get Bill For GM Bailout
From a new editorial in Investor's Business Daily:
Taxpayers Get Bill For GM Bailout - Investors.com
The bailout of General Motors wasn't supposed to cost taxpayers. In fact, the promise was that taxpayers would profit. Now the government says the bailout's a loser. No one should be surprised.Read the full editorial at the link below:
Taxpayers Get Bill For GM Bailout - Investors.com
Rendell Calls for End of Pennsylvania Death Penalty
With just four days left as governor, Ed Rendell has asked the Pennsylvania Legislature to take a look at the state's ineffective death penalty law.
Rendell has signed 119 death warrants since 2002, but not a single person has been executed in Pennsylvania during his tenure as governor.
If the Legislature can't fix the law, Rendell suggests eliminating it entirely.
Governor Rendell Urges General Assembly to Review Effectiveness of Pennsylvania's Death Penalty
Rendell has signed 119 death warrants since 2002, but not a single person has been executed in Pennsylvania during his tenure as governor.
If the Legislature can't fix the law, Rendell suggests eliminating it entirely.
Governor Rendell Urges General Assembly to Review Effectiveness of Pennsylvania's Death Penalty
Governor Rendell Signs Six Execution Warrants
Number of execution warrants signed by Gov. Ed Rendell during his two terms: 119. Number of death row inmates executed during Rendell's tenure: 0.
Governor Rendell Signs Six Execution Warrants
Governor Rendell Signs Six Execution Warrants
NJ Gov. Chris Christie Sets Second Year Agenda in State of the State Address
I watched Christie's speech on C-SPAN. I hope Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Corbett was taking notes.
Christie Sets Second Year Agenda in State of the State Address - HUMAN EVENTS
Christie Sets Second Year Agenda in State of the State Address - HUMAN EVENTS
Thursday, January 13, 2011
ACLU: Lawmakers can’t outlaw incendiary political speech
This may be the first time the ACLU has gotten something right.
ACLU: Lawmakers can’t outlaw incendiary political speech - The Hill's Floor Action
ACLU: Lawmakers can’t outlaw incendiary political speech - The Hill's Floor Action
Top 5 Absurd Responses To The Palin Video
Palin Derangement Syndrome strikes the rabid left once again.
Top 5 Absurd Responses To The Palin Video - HUMAN EVENTS
Top 5 Absurd Responses To The Palin Video - HUMAN EVENTS
Americans Upbeat: Tax Cuts Aid Morale
The historic repudiation of Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi in November has set the stage for optimism over the U.S. economy.
Americans Upbeat, First Time Since '09; Tax Cuts Aid Morale - Investors.com
Americans Upbeat, First Time Since '09; Tax Cuts Aid Morale - Investors.com
Ed Spendell Strikes Again
Spending other people's money right to the end, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendel, who leaves office Jan. 18, has announced $488 million in pork spending using borrowed money.
Rendell is leaving with a projected $4 billion budget deficit. Heckavu job, Ed.
Rendell's spending orgy is not without its critics:
Rendell is leaving with a projected $4 billion budget deficit. Heckavu job, Ed.
Rendell's spending orgy is not without its critics:
"It's not something taxpayers should foot the bill for," Harrisburg activist Gene Stilp told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "In the end this governor (Rendell) will be known as a "wuss" because he was basically a "wuss" on reform."Check out the list of pet projects in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Stilp was playing off Rendell's nationally publicized comments of two weeks ago that the country has become "a nation of wussies."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Moving out of Pennsylvania
Once again, more people moved out of Pennsylvania than moved in last year, according to the 2010 United Van Lines Migration Study.The company has been tracking state-by-state migration patterns for the past 34 years.
Pennsylvania, with high property taxes and a poor business climate, is one of nine states designated with the "High Outbound" label. Who can blame people for wanting out of the Keystone State after eight disastrous years under Gov. Ed Rendell?
Neighboring New Jersey, home of the highest property taxes in the nation, topped the annual survey.
The District of Columbia was the top destination in the United States for the third consecutive year, the survey says. (Must be all those government workers Obama has hired.) Among states, Oregon and North Carolina were listed as "High Inbound" on the survey.
From the United Van Lines survey:
New Jersey (62.5%) claimed the top spot on the high-outbound traffic list. Also in the North East, New Hampshire (55.6%) had the seventh highest out-bound traffic.Check out the full survey at United Van Lines' website. Also check out what Stateline.org had to say about the survey here.
The Great Lake region continued to have the highest out-bound traffic levels in the nation, with four of the region’s states experiencing high outbound traffic. Michigan (62%), which was the top outbound state from 2006-2009, fell to No. 2 in 2010. Illinois (57.3%), Ohio (55.6%) and Pennsylvania (55.4%) also experienced high out-bound traffic.
Missouri (60.1%) ranks No. 3 among states with high outbound traffic. 2010 is the first year since 2002 Missouri has not appeared in the balanced category. North Dakota (60.8%) and Kansas (56.6%) also experienced high-outbound traffic in 2010.
A good week for anyone named Aichele
Pennsylvania Gov.-elect Tom Corbett announced Wednesday his general counsel will be Stephen S. Aichele, chairman and past managing partner of the Philadelphia law firm Saul Ewing.The nomination of Stephen Aichele means Pennsylvania will soon be employing two members of the Aichele family, prominent Republicans from Chester County.
On Monday, Corbett selected Aichele's wife, Carol, a Chester County commissioner, as his choice for Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania cabinet members earn $142,310 a year.
The state's Office of General Counsel, which Stephen Aichele will oversee, is the largest of the state's legal enterprises, employing approximately 500 attorneys who represent the governor and 32 executive and independent agencies, according to reporter Michael P. Rellahan.
Secretary of the Commonwealth, which Carol Aichele will supervise, is responsible for overseeing the state's election system and monitoring 800,000 licensed business and health professionals.
Read more about the Aicheles going to Harrisburg in The Mercury.
Senior citizen drug dealer, 73, headed to prison
It might as well be a life sentence for a Pottstown, Pa., septegenarian, who was sentenced this week to 27-to-54-months in a state correctional facility after he pleaded guilty to felony drug charges for delivering cocaine.
The 73-year-old Pottstown man is one of the oldest persons ever prosecuted in Montgomery County for a drug crime, according to authorities.
Pottstown drug dealer, 73, headed to prison - pottsmerc.com
The 73-year-old Pottstown man is one of the oldest persons ever prosecuted in Montgomery County for a drug crime, according to authorities.
Pottstown drug dealer, 73, headed to prison - pottsmerc.com
Kratuhammer: Massacre, Followed By Libel
From Charles Krauthammer:
Massacre, Followed By Libel - HUMAN EVENTS
The charge: The Tucson massacre is a consequence of the "climate of hate" created by Sarah Palin, the tea party, Glenn Beck, Obamacare opponents and sundry other liberal betes noires.Read the full column at the link below:
The verdict: Rarely in American political discourse has there been a charge so reckless, so scurrilous, and so unsupported by evidence.
Massacre, Followed By Libel - HUMAN EVENTS
The Left's History Of Violence
Liberals have a long history of inciting and participating in political violence.
The Left's History Of Violence - HUMAN EVENTS
The Left's History Of Violence - HUMAN EVENTS
Columnist: The charlatan's response
George F. Will exposes the political opportunists on the far left who attempted to use the Arizona shooting tragedy to promote their own agendas.
From his latest column:
The charlatan's response to the Arizona tragedy - pottsmerc.com
From his latest column:
Three days before Tucson, Howard Dean explained that the tea party movement is "the last gasp of the generation that has trouble with diversity." Rising to the challenge of lowering his reputation and the tone of public discourse, Dean smeared tea partiers as racists: They oppose Obama's agenda, Obama is African-American, ergo ...Read the full column at the link below:
Let us hope that Dean is the last gasp of the generation of liberals whose default position in any argument is to indict opponents as racists. This McCarthyism of the left — devoid of intellectual content, unsupported by data — is a mental tic, not an idea but a tactic for avoiding engagement with ideas. It expresses limitless contempt for the American people, who have reciprocated by reducing liberalism to its current characteristics of electoral weakness and bad sociology.
The charlatan's response to the Arizona tragedy - pottsmerc.com
Bureaucrats
"Bureaucrats write memoranda both because they appear to be busy when they are writing and because the memos, once written, immediately become proof that they were busy."
- Charles Peters
- Charles Peters
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