Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Guest Column: Deep GOP presidential bench forms a new 'Team of Rivals'
By Lowman S. Henry
Once again this week the field of contenders for the 2016 Republican Presidential Nomination continued to grow. There is great diversity in what is shaping up to be a historically large field of would-be presidents. Diverse not just by gender, race and ethnicity, but collectively the candidates bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the contest.
A few years back the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin penned a book entitled "Team of Rivals," which went into great detail as to how President Abraham Lincoln brought those who competed against him during the nomination process into his cabinet. President Lincoln was both secure enough in his own abilities, and wise enough to recognize his erstwhile opponents had talents the country sorely needed.
If Republicans reclaim the White House, the large field of contenders will give the new president a deep pool of qualified individuals from which to pick his, or her, cabinet. Just for fun, let’s take a look at the Republican presidential contenders and see how they might fit into a new administration:
The big four cabinet posts are State, Defense, Treasury and Justice. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has emerged as one of the leading voices on foreign affairs making him well qualified to become the next Secretary of State. Both the current Secretary of State John Kerry and his predecessor Hillary Clinton had competed for their party’s presidential nomination and served in the U.S. Senate prior to becoming the nation’s top diplomat, so Rubio would be following a well-worn path.
For Secretary of Defense U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham would be a perfect fit. He, along with Senator John McCain, for a decade now have traveled extensively to the mid-east and other areas of global conflict. He would be well positioned to begin restoring the confidence in America’s resolve which has been lost over the past six years. And George Pataki, the former New York governor who led his state in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, would be an excellent fit for Secretary of Homeland Security.
Nobody on the campaign trail speaks as well or argues as effectively as the U.S. Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz. His passionate defense of conservative principles and strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution would make him an ideal candidate to become the next Attorney General of the United States. And, who better to be Secretary of the Treasury than the man who has made an $8 billion personal fortune — The Donald, Donald Trump?
As we continue to build the ideal GOP presidential cabinet let’s put the former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum in as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Santorum cares passionately for families and could walk in the innovative footsteps of another conservative icon, Jack Kemp, who proved that housing policy could be compassionate and realistic at the same time. Along those lines, Dr. Ben Carson, a highly respected neurosurgeon, would be an ideal fit as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
For Secretary of the Interior, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry would be ideal. Western states need an Interior secretary who will fight for their interests. Perry is steeped in the issues, a passionate and effective advocate for his causes, and as a westerner would be widely acceptable in that role. Alternately, he would fit well as Secretary of Energy.
Conservatives would applaud the appointment of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as Secretary of Labor. Walker has successfully battled the labor unions in Wisconsin and intrinsically understands how the nation’s current labor policy environment is hindering the economic recovery. Pair him with Carly Fiorina as Commerce Secretary and they could put the nation’s economy back on the right track.
His support for Common Core standards aside, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was an innovator and strong supporter of school choice making him a good pick for Secretary of Education. Ohio Gov. John Kasich would be effective as White House Chief of Staff. And, to really make liberal heads spin, let’s put Senator Rand Paul on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Finally let’s appoint New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as Secretary of Transportation. Who better to rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges ... OK, well, maybe not.
Those are my presidential cabinet picks. Of course, one of these folks would have to end up as president, and another likely vice president, but the bottom line is the GOP has a wealth of talent which could be called into service if the party prevails in November of 2016.
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
Once again this week the field of contenders for the 2016 Republican Presidential Nomination continued to grow. There is great diversity in what is shaping up to be a historically large field of would-be presidents. Diverse not just by gender, race and ethnicity, but collectively the candidates bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the contest.
A few years back the historian Doris Kearns Goodwin penned a book entitled "Team of Rivals," which went into great detail as to how President Abraham Lincoln brought those who competed against him during the nomination process into his cabinet. President Lincoln was both secure enough in his own abilities, and wise enough to recognize his erstwhile opponents had talents the country sorely needed.
If Republicans reclaim the White House, the large field of contenders will give the new president a deep pool of qualified individuals from which to pick his, or her, cabinet. Just for fun, let’s take a look at the Republican presidential contenders and see how they might fit into a new administration:
The big four cabinet posts are State, Defense, Treasury and Justice. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio has emerged as one of the leading voices on foreign affairs making him well qualified to become the next Secretary of State. Both the current Secretary of State John Kerry and his predecessor Hillary Clinton had competed for their party’s presidential nomination and served in the U.S. Senate prior to becoming the nation’s top diplomat, so Rubio would be following a well-worn path.
For Secretary of Defense U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham would be a perfect fit. He, along with Senator John McCain, for a decade now have traveled extensively to the mid-east and other areas of global conflict. He would be well positioned to begin restoring the confidence in America’s resolve which has been lost over the past six years. And George Pataki, the former New York governor who led his state in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, would be an excellent fit for Secretary of Homeland Security.
Nobody on the campaign trail speaks as well or argues as effectively as the U.S. Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz. His passionate defense of conservative principles and strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution would make him an ideal candidate to become the next Attorney General of the United States. And, who better to be Secretary of the Treasury than the man who has made an $8 billion personal fortune — The Donald, Donald Trump?
As we continue to build the ideal GOP presidential cabinet let’s put the former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum in as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Santorum cares passionately for families and could walk in the innovative footsteps of another conservative icon, Jack Kemp, who proved that housing policy could be compassionate and realistic at the same time. Along those lines, Dr. Ben Carson, a highly respected neurosurgeon, would be an ideal fit as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
For Secretary of the Interior, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry would be ideal. Western states need an Interior secretary who will fight for their interests. Perry is steeped in the issues, a passionate and effective advocate for his causes, and as a westerner would be widely acceptable in that role. Alternately, he would fit well as Secretary of Energy.
Conservatives would applaud the appointment of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as Secretary of Labor. Walker has successfully battled the labor unions in Wisconsin and intrinsically understands how the nation’s current labor policy environment is hindering the economic recovery. Pair him with Carly Fiorina as Commerce Secretary and they could put the nation’s economy back on the right track.
His support for Common Core standards aside, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush was an innovator and strong supporter of school choice making him a good pick for Secretary of Education. Ohio Gov. John Kasich would be effective as White House Chief of Staff. And, to really make liberal heads spin, let’s put Senator Rand Paul on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Finally let’s appoint New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie as Secretary of Transportation. Who better to rebuild our nation’s roads and bridges ... OK, well, maybe not.
Those are my presidential cabinet picks. Of course, one of these folks would have to end up as president, and another likely vice president, but the bottom line is the GOP has a wealth of talent which could be called into service if the party prevails in November of 2016.
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
Monday, June 29, 2015
Tucker Carlson exposes the liberal fascism that the MSM operates under
A smug liberal Pennsylvania newspaper editor looks even more foolish trying to defend his newspaper's one-sided policy on readers' views. The newspaper's policy in a nutshell: You will agree without view or you don't get published. Liberal fascism at its finest.
Tucker Carlson Shuts Down Editor Who Vowed to Silence Anti-Gay Marriage Views | Truth Revolt
Tucker Carlson Shuts Down Editor Who Vowed to Silence Anti-Gay Marriage Views | Truth Revolt
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Newspaper Won't Publish Op-Eds Supporting Traditional Marriage
Free speech? Not at this liberal Pennsylvania newspaper.
Harrisburg, PA Newspaper Will 'Strictly Limit' Op-eds, Letters for Traditional Marriage
Harrisburg, PA Newspaper Will 'Strictly Limit' Op-eds, Letters for Traditional Marriage
Friday, June 26, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Gettysburg to sell Confederate flags despite National Park Service request
The Gettysburg Foundation, which operates gift shops at the Gettysburg National Military Park, will not join the hysteria over banning the Confederate flag.
Gettysburg to sell Confederate flags despite National Park Service request
Gettysburg to sell Confederate flags despite National Park Service request
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Newspaper: Put a Pennsylvania woman on the nation's new $10 bill
Are people serious about suggesting Taylor Swift or Tina Fey on the $10 bill?
The Treasury says it wants suggestions from the public. It already began soliciting input via social media, using #TheNew10, and a Web page at thenew10.treasury.gov
Our Opinion: Put a Pennsylvania woman on the nation's new $10 bill - Times Leader - timesleader.com
The Treasury says it wants suggestions from the public. It already began soliciting input via social media, using #TheNew10, and a Web page at thenew10.treasury.gov
Our Opinion: Put a Pennsylvania woman on the nation's new $10 bill - Times Leader - timesleader.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Left-Wing Associated Press Publishes Images of Gun Pointed at Ted Cruz's Head
This is the same left-wing outfit that repeatedly published a photo of Barack Obama with a halo around his head. It's pretty clear the AP is in the tank for the Democratic Party.
AP Publishes Images of Gun Pointed at Ted Cruz's Head | Truth Revolt
AP Publishes Images of Gun Pointed at Ted Cruz's Head | Truth Revolt
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Gov. Scott Walker Wins Straw Poll Among Republicans at Pa. Event
A straw poll taken at the 2015 Northeast Republican Leadership Conference held in Philadelphia shows Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker with a runaway lead over any other 2016 GOP presidential candidate. More than 600 party leaders and activists attended the event.
Below are the Top 5 finishers of the straw poll, according Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Rob Gleason:
Scott Walker – 25.3%
Chris Christie – 11.6%
Marco Rubio – 11.0%
Rick Santorum – 9.6%
Jeb Bush – 9.6%
Below are the Top 5 finishers of the straw poll, according Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Rob Gleason:
Scott Walker – 25.3%
Chris Christie – 11.6%
Marco Rubio – 11.0%
Rick Santorum – 9.6%
Jeb Bush – 9.6%
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Pa. school districts sitting on $4.1B in reserves (aka your tax dollars)
Pennsylvania's 500 school districts cry poor every year despite more than $26 billion in spending on public education. But did you know that these very same school districts are sitting on $4.1 billion in reserves (which is actually tax dollars collected by not spent)?Another sobering statistic is that 7 out of 10 school districts are planning to raise property taxes again this year to continue feeding the education establishment beast while homeowners are tossed on the street.
District Reserve Funds Continue to Rise
District Reserve Funds Continue to Rise
Friday, June 19, 2015
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Despite Wolf Claims, Another Year of Record High School Spending in Pa.
Liberal Democrat Tom Wolf and the Education Establishment that paid his way into the Governor's Mansion keep saying Pennsylvania isn't spending enough on public education. How do you define "enough?" Pennsylvania taxpayers shelled out $26.1 billion for the 2013-14 school year despite declining enrollment in most of the state's school districts. Where does the money go?
Another Year, Another Record High in School Spending
Another Year, Another Record High in School Spending
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
2016 Presidential Swing State Poll: Rubio, Paul beat Clinton in Pa.
A shocking new poll shows both Marco Rubio and Rand Paul beating Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, which hasn't elected a Republican for president since George H.W. Bush.
The Quinnipiac Univesity poll shows Rubio at 44% and Clinton at 43%. It also shows Paul at 45% and Clinton at 44%.
2016 Presidential Swing State Polls Poll - June 17, 2015 - Clinton, Rubio Close In Florid | Quinnipiac University Connecticut
The Quinnipiac Univesity poll shows Rubio at 44% and Clinton at 43%. It also shows Paul at 45% and Clinton at 44%.
2016 Presidential Swing State Polls Poll - June 17, 2015 - Clinton, Rubio Close In Florid | Quinnipiac University Connecticut
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Newspaper: Pa. pays too much – $720 million – in investment fees for pension funds
The money managers are making out like bandits while the state runs up huge deficits in its pension plans.
Our Opinion: Pennsylvania pays too much – $720 million – in investment fees for pension funds - Times Leader - timesleader.com
Our Opinion: Pennsylvania pays too much – $720 million – in investment fees for pension funds - Times Leader - timesleader.com
New poll shows majority of Pennsylvanians favor fracking
Further evidence in a new poll on how out-of-touch liberal Democrat Gov. Tom Wolf is with the lives of everyday Pennsylvania residents.
New poll shows majority of Pennsylvanians favor fracking - Times Leader - timesleader.com
New poll shows majority of Pennsylvanians favor fracking - Times Leader - timesleader.com
Columnist: PA AG Kathleen Kane dropped the ball when she dropped corruption investigation of fellow Dems
Even liberal columnists who once fawned over Democratic Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has given up on the ethically-challenged elected official.
Ron Southwick: Kane dropped the ball when she dropped the corruption investigation | Reading Eagle - NEWS
Ron Southwick: Kane dropped the ball when she dropped the corruption investigation | Reading Eagle - NEWS
Monday, June 15, 2015
State Sen. John Rafferty to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
With incumbent Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane, a Democrat, facing criminal charges, the 2016 race for Pennsylvania AG is wide open. A longtime state senator from SE Pennsylvania would like to return some integrity and stability to the office after Kane's controversial tenure. Sen. John Rafferty wanted to run against Kane but was rebuffed by party leadership in 2012. Don't look for the Pennsylvania GOP leadership to make the same mistake again.
State senator to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
State senator to run for Pennsylvania attorney general
Sunday, June 14, 2015
If Republicans can't beat Hillary, they should disband the party
The Democratic Party is going to nominate a grandmother who has broken federal laws and has a 30-year history of corrupt practices, who has accomplished nothing in government other than abandon four Americans to die in Benghazi and is pushing the same brand of failed socialism as Barack Obama.
If Republicans can't beat Hillary, they should disband the party | WashingtonExaminer.com
If Republicans can't beat Hillary, they should disband the party | WashingtonExaminer.com
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
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