What a Difference an Election Day Makes
Election Day 2010 in the United States sent a message to Washington and respective state capitals: Enough! Stop the spending, repeal ObamaCare, create policies that encourage jobs and innovation. As US Senator Mitch McConnell said in a speech at the Heritage Foundation http://www.heritage.org ,
"So the voters didn’t suddenly fall in love with Republicans; they fell out of love with Democrats. And while they may have voted to send more Republicans to Washington, they’re sending them here with clear marching orders: stop the big-government freight train and respect the will of the people who sent you there." Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky
So what happened? As we know, the President is still determined to push through his progressive (i.e., left wing Democrat) agenda. Despite the overwhelming Republican wins in the US Congress (60+ seats picked up by GOP, including the majority), some Democrats are attributing the resounding defeat at the polls in November 2010 as failure to communicate the American people. Instead of recognizing the rejection of ill-fated and wrong-headed policies of the Democrats over the past two years that were rammed through by the Obama-Pelosi-Reid trifecta, the President and his allies just don’t get it. Americans are sick of the spending, the overreaching of their national government and creation of America in the image of socialized Europe.
With excellent insight and with the power of a strengthened hand (GOP controlled House, a stronger Republican minority in the US Senate, combined with a weakened President, Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) stated:
"But, as I see it, the White House has a choice: they can change course, or they can double down on a vision of government that the American people have roundly rejected. If they choose the former, they’ll find a partner in Republicans. If they don’t, we will have more disagreements ahead.
“The formula is simple, really: when the administration agrees with the American people, we will agree with the administration. When it disagrees with the American people, we won’t. This has been our posture from the beginning of this administration. And we intend to stick with it. If the administration wants cooperation, it will have to begin to move in our direction.
“There is no reason we can’t work together to prevent a tax hike on small businesses. There’s no reason we can’t work together on energy independence, cutting spending, or increasing American exports by completing free trade agreements. And we can continue to work together to give our armed forces in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world whatever they need to accomplish their mission." Mitch McConnell
More info on the Republicans in the US Senate: http://republican.senate.gov/public
And for the policy wonks among us, the Heritage Foundation has suggested their Solutions for America http://www.heritage.org/Research/Projects/Solutions-for-America that summarizes the electoral mandate by the center/right American voters on November 2010.
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Congressional Cheat Sheet
Congressional Cheat Sheet
For those of you who are really into how these elections turn out, you may want to check out the final “cheat sheet” from Hot Air on the Congressional races. http://hotair.com Each Congressional race is ranked 1, 2, 3….through the 100’s as to how likely the seat will switch parties (from R to D, or D to R) in the 2010 election. For example, John Salazar is ranked 43rd most likely (out of 435) to loose his seat (switch from D to R).
The prediction from the political pundits and pollsters ranges from 40 to 70 seats that will switch from Democrat to Republican. A net gain of 39 seats is needed by the Republicans to gain control of the “people’s house”.
As for Colorado and New Mexico, here are likely “switch” ranking numbers. The lower the number, the more likely the seat is to switch (the incumbent, in these two states the are Democrats) to the other party:
New Mexico: NM-1: Incumbent, Martin Heinrich, D-NM 1st Rank=82
NM-2: Incumbent, Harry Teague, D-NM 2nd Rank=26
NM-3: Incumbent, Ben Lujan, Jr. D-NM 3rd Rank=117
Colorado: Colorado 3: Incumbent, John Salazar, D-Colo 3rd Rank=43
Colorado 4: Incumbent, Betsy Markey, D-Colo 4th Rank=10
Colorado 7: Incumbent, Ed Perlmutter, D-Colo 7th Rank=96
And for those of you that would like a map to see the results, try this web site:
Enjoy the election outcomes!
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
Election Day 2010
Election Day 2010
In the United States, we still are able to vote on a regular basis as a self governed people. Today, American across the country will finish voting for candidates seeking to serve the people at the local, state and Federal level. In most states, early voting is allowed, which means the voting process has been going on for 2 to 3 weeks, with the final window to vote occurring today, Tuesday November 2nd.
In Colorado and New Mexico, there are competitive races up and down the ballot. Some of the more interesting to watch: The 3 way race for Governor of Colorado has the Democrat Mayor of Denver (Hickenlooper) trying to hold off a surging third party bid by a former Republican Congressman (Tancredo), while a the Republican nominee (newcomer Maes) has sunk to single digits in polling. In northern New Mexico, a conservative Tea Party Republican (Tom Mullins) is challenging a well known Hispanic family dynasty (Lujan) for the 3rd Congressional seat. Scott Tipton is positioned to win his Republican bid for the 3rd Congressional seat in Colorado, a likely upset win over incumbent Democrat John Salazar.
In Durango, long time conservative rancher JPaul Brown is running a decent campaign against newcomer Democrat and professional environmentalist (O’Donnell) for the 59th state legislative seat. And well respected state Representative Ellen Roberts is challenging the appointed state Senate Democrat Bruce Whitehead for the 6th Senate District in southwestern Colorado. Other races of note are La Plata County Commissioner, where my friend Bobby Lieb should out distance a Democrat and independent to win a seat on the Commission. And in San Juan County, NM, the popular Margaret McDaniel is running a strong campaign for County Commissioner in an historically Navajo dominated district. Her chances are better that 50-50% that she could win over the Democrat.
The new governor of New Mexico is likely to be Susana Martinez, a conservative Republican from southern New Mexico, who has run a successful campaign against the NM Democratic machine. All three Congressional seats in New Mexico are competitive, with Republican pick-ups likely in 2 of the 3 races.
At the national level, the voters are fed up with big government, runaway spending and Obamacare. Essentially, the Congressional races are a referendum on Obama, Pelosi and Ried and their Democrat policies that have not been working. With the economy stuck in the mud due to poor public and tax policy, the voters are throwing the bums out and giving the Republicans another chance. But with the volatile political climate of the past several years as a backdrop, whoever is governing better get it right, or they too will be voted out of office next time around.
So today is your final day to vote. Make it count!
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
Friday, October 29, 2010
The Best Political Writer
The Best Political Writer…Victor Davis Hanson
In this election season, and as a student of American (conservative) political thought, a must read on a regular basis are columns by Victor Davis Hanson. Especially this week as he summarized the voter frustration with big government in the Washington and the Obama socialistic presidency.
His insight, wit and historical perspective (in terms of political history) are unique among the political writers of our day.
He is featured on Pajamas Media http://pajamasmedia.com/victordavishanson
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Senator Thune Delivers GOP Response
Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) delivers the GOP response the week of 10.24, as the Democrats struggle to maintain their majority control in Washington, despite the failed policies of the past two years.
Senator Thune is a likely candidate for President in 2012. Wouldn’t a debate between Senator Thune and the President be interesting?
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Endowed by Their Creator
Endowed by Their Creator
What Article 2.1 of the Declaration of Independence actually says:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
What President Obama, in his recent speech to the Hispanic Caucus Institute said:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed with certain inalienable rights: life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office Posted September 15, 2010 [3rd to last paragraph]
So, did the President just skip the critical reference that the Founder’s purposely included as a foundational principle of the Declaration of Independence, or did he purposely eliminate it (and any reference to the Creator) or did he miss the teleprompter? Probably reason number 2, as the full speech and context is posted on the official White House Web site (still up on the web as of 9.23.10). Words matter. And the words of the Founding Fathers really matter. And the omission of words is a choice. The President made the wrong choice. And attempted to change what our Founder's said, "by their Creator".
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
What Article 2.1 of the Declaration of Independence actually says:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
What President Obama, in his recent speech to the Hispanic Caucus Institute said:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, endowed with certain inalienable rights: life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office Posted September 15, 2010 [3rd to last paragraph]
So, did the President just skip the critical reference that the Founder’s purposely included as a foundational principle of the Declaration of Independence, or did he purposely eliminate it (and any reference to the Creator) or did he miss the teleprompter? Probably reason number 2, as the full speech and context is posted on the official White House Web site (still up on the web as of 9.23.10). Words matter. And the words of the Founding Fathers really matter. And the omission of words is a choice. The President made the wrong choice. And attempted to change what our Founder's said, "by their Creator".
© 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Scott Tipton for Congress
Scott Tipton for Congress
I've personally know Scott for about 30 years, as a fellow citizen here in Southwestern Colorado. He and his family have been solid citizens in Cortez, Colorado, and his strong rural Colorado ties plus conservative values qualify Scott for being our next Congressmen from the 3rd CD. Our next step as Colorado voters is to support, send money, tell our friends and vote for him on November 2nd. He'll get the job done.
A recent column by well know political writer Dick Morris sizes up the Colorado Congressional races, in which several Republican challengers are running strong campaigns to unseat vulnerable incumbent Democrat
Colorado offers a good example. Betsey Markey was supposed to be a marginal new Democratic member. But Cory Gardner, her Republican opponent, is now more than 20 points ahead. John Salazar, the brother of the Interior Secretary and a well-established Democratic incumbent in a largely Republican district, is now almost 10 points behind his GOP challenger Scott Tipton. And Ed Perlmutter, a solidly entrenched Democrat in a supposedly nearly-safe district, is running one point behind his GOP opponent, the unusually articulate Ryan Frazier (a black Republican with Obama-esque charisma). The Republicans will probably win all three seats. Source: www.dickmorris.com
The 3rd Congressional District of Colorado is larger than most states, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the most bueautiful mountains, strong agriculture, Indian Tribes, multi-generational Hispanic and Anglo families (and their farms, businesses and civic endeavors). As a 35 year resident, we need on well rounded (Fort Lewis grad, business owner, long time Cortez community leader) person like Scott to represent us in Washington. Our incumbent Congressman has voted with Nancy Pelosi and the out of touch Washington Democrats most of the time. It time that our Colorado representatives support our conservative Colorado values. It is time to elect Scott Tipton to Congress!
(c) 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
I've personally know Scott for about 30 years, as a fellow citizen here in Southwestern Colorado. He and his family have been solid citizens in Cortez, Colorado, and his strong rural Colorado ties plus conservative values qualify Scott for being our next Congressmen from the 3rd CD. Our next step as Colorado voters is to support, send money, tell our friends and vote for him on November 2nd. He'll get the job done.
A recent column by well know political writer Dick Morris sizes up the Colorado Congressional races, in which several Republican challengers are running strong campaigns to unseat vulnerable incumbent Democrat
Colorado offers a good example. Betsey Markey was supposed to be a marginal new Democratic member. But Cory Gardner, her Republican opponent, is now more than 20 points ahead. John Salazar, the brother of the Interior Secretary and a well-established Democratic incumbent in a largely Republican district, is now almost 10 points behind his GOP challenger Scott Tipton. And Ed Perlmutter, a solidly entrenched Democrat in a supposedly nearly-safe district, is running one point behind his GOP opponent, the unusually articulate Ryan Frazier (a black Republican with Obama-esque charisma). The Republicans will probably win all three seats. Source: www.dickmorris.com
The 3rd Congressional District of Colorado is larger than most states, has some of the best skiing in the world, and the most bueautiful mountains, strong agriculture, Indian Tribes, multi-generational Hispanic and Anglo families (and their farms, businesses and civic endeavors). As a 35 year resident, we need on well rounded (Fort Lewis grad, business owner, long time Cortez community leader) person like Scott to represent us in Washington. Our incumbent Congressman has voted with Nancy Pelosi and the out of touch Washington Democrats most of the time. It time that our Colorado representatives support our conservative Colorado values. It is time to elect Scott Tipton to Congress!
(c) 2010, Jasper Welch, Four Corners Media, www.jasperwelch.org
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