Monday, November 30, 2015
Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP?
Veteran Montgomery County Courthouse reporter Margaret Gibbons ponders who will be the next chairman or chairwoman of the Republican Party in Montgomery County, once a GOP stronghold in Pennsylvania that has fallen into Democratic control in recent years.
Just how bad have things gotten for Republicans in this large and wealthy county? Look no further than the November General Election debacle.
From Gibbons' column:
Margaret Gibbons: Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP? - The Intelligencer: Margaret Gibbons | Montgomery County politics | Courthouse
Just how bad have things gotten for Republicans in this large and wealthy county? Look no further than the November General Election debacle.
From Gibbons' column:
Democrats for the first time captured all competitively elected county posts with GOPer Joe Gale running an independent campaign to defeat one of the leadership's endorsed candidates in the primary election and defeating their remaining endorsed candidate this month for the minority seat on the board of commissioners.
It's going to take someone with superhuman powers to straighten out this mess.
Margaret Gibbons: Who will lead the Montgomery County GOP? - The Intelligencer: Margaret Gibbons | Montgomery County politics | Courthouse
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Donald Trump Headlines Luncheon For PA GOP Bigwigs
'Donald Trump is a successful and dynamic businessman and we are excited to hear about his vision for the future of our country," Gleason said in a statement posted on the PA GOP's website Wednesday. "The importance of Pennsylvania to the presidential campaign is clear and Donald Trump addressing Pennsylvania Republicans puts us in the middle of the national stage."
If you don't have a ticket for the luncheon, you're pretty much out of luck in hearing what Trump will have to say. Following tradition, the Commonwealth Club Luncheon will be closed to the press, Gleason said.
By the way, the event is being held in New York City, one of those head-scratching decisions by Pennsylvania's political elites who gather outside Pennsylvania for big party events every year.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Democrats kill bill to eliminate Pa. property taxes
Republican State Sen. David Argall, the sponsor of the Property Tax
Independence Act, apologized to Pennsylvania taxpayers Monday after the bill was defeated by a single vote cast by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, a Democrat who serves as president of the Senate. The vote by Senators was 24-24 in the 50-member chamber. (One of the co-sponsors of Senate Bill 76 missed the vote (and there's a vacancy in a western Pennsylvania Senate seat that will be filled later this week.)
From reporter Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "We owe the taxpayers of Pennsylvania a sincere apology," Argall said. The apology is needed for "forcing schools since 1834 to rely on the unfair, archaic property tax," Argall said. "We can eliminate this hated tax" It hits senior citizens on fixed incomes hardest, Argall argued.
Pennsylvania Senate defeats tax overhaul plan
From reporter Brad Bumsted of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "We owe the taxpayers of Pennsylvania a sincere apology," Argall said. The apology is needed for "forcing schools since 1834 to rely on the unfair, archaic property tax," Argall said. "We can eliminate this hated tax" It hits senior citizens on fixed incomes hardest, Argall argued.
Pennsylvania Senate defeats tax overhaul plan
Monday, November 23, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
Hillary Clinton just makes up stuff as she goes along ...
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
AP: Clinton Debate Gun Claims Unsupported by Facts
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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Monday, November 16, 2015
Friday, November 13, 2015
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Obama VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
Incompetence and negligence are always rewarded under the Obama Regime.
VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
VA Paid $142M in Bonuses for 2014 Despite Fake Wait List Scandal
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Monday, November 09, 2015
Friday, November 06, 2015
Guest Column: A New Way Forward For Conservatives
By Lowman S. Henry
There is an old saying that battle plans are effective until the fighting starts. That is true in politics. Once the campaign actually begins anything can — and usually does — happen. This explains why establishment favorite Jeb Bush is being over-run by Donald Trump and a socialist senator from a small state is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money.
At this stage of the presidential race in 2008 conventional wisdom held that the General Election match-up would be a contest between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Guliani. Four years ago, Herman Cain held a commanding lead in the polls to take on incumbent Barack Obama. Clinton, Guliani and Cain all failed to win their party’s nomination.
Trump and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders would appear at first glance to have absolutely nothing in common. Trump is the embodiment of free enterprise having made billions in real estate and other ventures; Sanders is an avowed socialist. But there is a common thread: each has tapped into the deep tide of discontent with the malaise that has engulfed both our domestic economy and foreign policy. To be sure Trump and Sanders prescribe diametrically opposite solutions, but the feelings of discontent run strong on both the Left and the Right.
The challenge for Republicans, and especially for conservatives, is to present a path forward that will be both realistic, yet appeal to the nation’s desire — as Trump puts it — to make America great again. The only certainty is that the old approach has failed. Milquetoast nominees like Mitt Romney and John McCain spouting establishment rhetoric inspired nobody and resulted in the ideologically driven presidency of Barack Obama.
Conservatives are viewed by many voters as heartless money grubbers willing only to cut spending and kick the “lesser of these” to the streets. But a new approach is emerging, with a presidential candidate and a think tank president leading the way. In their own way, they have laid the ideological groundwork for a message that more accurately reflects the conservative heart.
“The Conservative Heart” is a new book by Arthur C. Brooks who is President of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. The stated purpose of the book is to challenge “the liberal monopoly on fairness and compassion.” And Brooks does just that by explaining how free enterprise and conservative solutions have lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system known to man.
Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and 2012 GOP Presidential runner-up is known primarily for his outspoken positions on social issues. But, it is on economic issues where Santorum actually may have the most impact. He too has written a book, “Blue Collar Conservatives,” in which he argues that conservatives must talk about the “blue-jeaned” worker as well as the CEO. Santorum argues: “Conservatives give the impression they are unconcerned about the millions of hurting and vulnerable Americans” and concludes “Our country needs opportunities for all not just the financiers on the East Coast or the high-tech tycoons on the West.”
All of this, according to Brooks means we must change the focus from the Left on equalizing the “finish line” to placing emphasis on “making the starting line more equal for the vulnerable by improving education, expanding the opportunity to work, and increasing access to entrepreneurship.” And for him, that includes fighting “cronyism that favors powerful interests and keeps the little guy down.”
Powerful interests, of course, abound in both political parties. But they are small in number compared to the “blue collar conservatives” to which both Santorum and Brooks argue the GOP must appeal. It would be a bold new approach and a departure from the past. But having lost the last two presidential elections, for conservatives and for Republicans a departure from the past would be a good thing.
Lowman S. Henry is chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His email address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
There is an old saying that battle plans are effective until the fighting starts. That is true in politics. Once the campaign actually begins anything can — and usually does — happen. This explains why establishment favorite Jeb Bush is being over-run by Donald Trump and a socialist senator from a small state is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money.
At this stage of the presidential race in 2008 conventional wisdom held that the General Election match-up would be a contest between Hillary Clinton and Rudy Guliani. Four years ago, Herman Cain held a commanding lead in the polls to take on incumbent Barack Obama. Clinton, Guliani and Cain all failed to win their party’s nomination.
Trump and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders would appear at first glance to have absolutely nothing in common. Trump is the embodiment of free enterprise having made billions in real estate and other ventures; Sanders is an avowed socialist. But there is a common thread: each has tapped into the deep tide of discontent with the malaise that has engulfed both our domestic economy and foreign policy. To be sure Trump and Sanders prescribe diametrically opposite solutions, but the feelings of discontent run strong on both the Left and the Right.
The challenge for Republicans, and especially for conservatives, is to present a path forward that will be both realistic, yet appeal to the nation’s desire — as Trump puts it — to make America great again. The only certainty is that the old approach has failed. Milquetoast nominees like Mitt Romney and John McCain spouting establishment rhetoric inspired nobody and resulted in the ideologically driven presidency of Barack Obama.
Conservatives are viewed by many voters as heartless money grubbers willing only to cut spending and kick the “lesser of these” to the streets. But a new approach is emerging, with a presidential candidate and a think tank president leading the way. In their own way, they have laid the ideological groundwork for a message that more accurately reflects the conservative heart.
“The Conservative Heart” is a new book by Arthur C. Brooks who is President of the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. The stated purpose of the book is to challenge “the liberal monopoly on fairness and compassion.” And Brooks does just that by explaining how free enterprise and conservative solutions have lifted more people out of poverty than any other economic system known to man.
Rick Santorum, the former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania and 2012 GOP Presidential runner-up is known primarily for his outspoken positions on social issues. But, it is on economic issues where Santorum actually may have the most impact. He too has written a book, “Blue Collar Conservatives,” in which he argues that conservatives must talk about the “blue-jeaned” worker as well as the CEO. Santorum argues: “Conservatives give the impression they are unconcerned about the millions of hurting and vulnerable Americans” and concludes “Our country needs opportunities for all not just the financiers on the East Coast or the high-tech tycoons on the West.”
All of this, according to Brooks means we must change the focus from the Left on equalizing the “finish line” to placing emphasis on “making the starting line more equal for the vulnerable by improving education, expanding the opportunity to work, and increasing access to entrepreneurship.” And for him, that includes fighting “cronyism that favors powerful interests and keeps the little guy down.”
Powerful interests, of course, abound in both political parties. But they are small in number compared to the “blue collar conservatives” to which both Santorum and Brooks argue the GOP must appeal. It would be a bold new approach and a departure from the past. But having lost the last two presidential elections, for conservatives and for Republicans a departure from the past would be a good thing.
Lowman S. Henry is chairman & CEO of the Lincoln Institute and host of the weekly Lincoln Radio Journal. His email address is lhenry@lincolninstitute.org
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
A fixture in Congress since 1997, Republican Joe Pitts has announced he will not seek re-election to the House in 2016. Pitts, 76, has been consistently ranked among the most conservative members of Congress since he went to Washington. In recent years, he has won re-election to his 16th District House seat representing parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties by wide margins. The district is a GOP stronghold and should remain in Republican control if the party can find a well-known name to run next year.
Although he's leaving Congress, Pitts said he plans to stay active, intending to focus on human rights around the world.
"As a person of faith, and a follower of Jesus, I believe that we are called to pursue justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves," Pitts said. "I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom, both domestic and international, as well as on matters of culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Reagan, Chuck Colson, as well as great legislators like the 18th Century Member of the British Parliament William Wilberforce, and former colleagues like Henry Hyde, Frank Wolf, and Tony Hall."
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
Although he's leaving Congress, Pitts said he plans to stay active, intending to focus on human rights around the world.
"As a person of faith, and a follower of Jesus, I believe that we are called to pursue justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves," Pitts said. "I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom, both domestic and international, as well as on matters of culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Reagan, Chuck Colson, as well as great legislators like the 18th Century Member of the British Parliament William Wilberforce, and former colleagues like Henry Hyde, Frank Wolf, and Tony Hall."
Rep. Joe Pitts will not seek re-election to Congress in 2016
Thursday, November 05, 2015
Voters send a message to Tom 'Taxman' Wolf
Republicans picked up another seat in the Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday, giving the GOP a 31-19 majority. There's a reason Pennsylvania voters elected larger Republican majorities in both the state House and Senate - they're tired of big government in Harrisburg. But liberal Democrat Tom Wolf apparently still hasn't gotten the message. Another bad legislative election cycle for Democrats - like the ones they had in 2012 and 2014 - and Republicans will have enough votes to override any of Wolf's vetoes.
Republicans pad majority in Pennsylvania Senate with victory
Republicans pad majority in Pennsylvania Senate with victory
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Unions, trial lawyers buy control of PA Supreme Court
Millions of dollars in campaign contributions by Philadelphia trial lawyers and labor unions have purchased three Democratic seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, giving Dems a 5-2 majority on the court.
Donations from lawyers, labor fuel wins for Dems in Pa. Supreme Court race
Donations from lawyers, labor fuel wins for Dems in Pa. Supreme Court race
Wednesday, November 04, 2015
Tuesday, November 03, 2015
Campaign sign confusion at Berks County polling site
Voters who pulled up to the Exeter Community Library today to cast ballots may have been scratching their heads as they walked into the building. Voters were greeted by campaign signs asking them to support Mark Gillen for State Representative. The problem? Mark Gillen's name isn't on the ballot. State representatives are elected in even-numbered years in Pennsylvania. Last time I checked my calendar, it's 2015. My theory is that somebody working for the Berks County Republican Committee who was tasked with bringing campaign signs to polling sites went a little too far into the warehouse and scooped up Gillen For State Rep signs by mistake.
How illegal aliens destroy your vote
Columnist Walter Williams exposes the Democratic Party's voter fraud machine in his latest column:
Voter ID laws have been challenged because liberal Democrats deem them racist. I guess that's because they see blacks as being incapable of acquiring some kind of government-issued identification.
Walter Williams: How illegal aliens destroy your voteInteresting enough is the fact that I've never heard of a challenge to other ID requirements as racist, such as those: to board a plane, open a charge account, have lab work done or cash a welfare check. Since liberal Democrats only challenge legal procedures to promote ballot-box integrity, the conclusion one reaches is that they are for vote fraud prevalent in many Democrat-controlled cities.
Monday, November 02, 2015
Sunday, November 01, 2015
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
Did Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane or her agents run a Watergate-like 'plumbers' operation in 2013? The Pittsburgh Tribune Review wants to know.
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
The Kathleen Kane mess: Bring in the Justice Department
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