Spartanburg GOP Presidential Banquet Jan. 17
PRESS RELEASESpartanburg- The Spartanburg County GOP will hold a Presidential Banquet on January 17th, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Spartanburg.
The first segment will be a FREE public event. The general public will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and the campaigns in personal Hospitality suites from 5PM-6:30PM.
The banquet will begin at 6:30PM (ticket prices are $40./each or $500 for sponsor tables of 10). Each of the Presidential candidates had been asked to address the gathering. The date is just 36 hours before the SC GOP Primary.
More than 1000 are expected the FREE event and 450 for the banquet.
A “must” stop for the campaigns that need to do well in the all important Upstate of South Carolina.
For more information , please call 864-542-1992.
Rick Beltram , Chairman.
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GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE “MEET THE PRESS” FACT CHECK
Romney for President Press Release GOV. MIKE HUCKABEE “MEET THE PRESS” FACT CHECK |
MYTH: Gov. Huckabee Claims That Arkansas Voters Approved A Gas Tax For Highway Rebuilding: Gov. Huckabee Claimed That Arkansas Voters Supported A Tax For Highway Improvement. GOV. HUCKABEE: “He made claims about things like tax increases, but he failed to mention that some of those were either court-ordered or they were voted on by the people and approved by the people for things as roads.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/30/07) FACT: Gov. Huckabee Signed The Highway Improvement Gas Tax Into Law WITHOUT Voter Approval: The Club For Growth Has Called Huckabee Out For His Misleading Statements On The Gas Tax. “From the start of Huckabee’s campaign — literally — the Club has been hounding the former Arkansas governor for what its leaders believe is his support of big government and higher taxes. Their latest gambit is a web video that seeks to paint Huckabee as flatly dishonest when it comes to his past statements about supporting an increase in the gas tax in Arkansas.” (Chris Cillizza, “Club Vs. Huck,” The Washington Post, 11/8/07; www.youtube.com/watch?v=zO-flytX2HQ) At First, Huckabee Supported Linking A Gas Tax Hike To A Proposed Bond Issue: Huckabee Supported “Road Improvement” Through Bonds And Diesel Tax Increase. “Last month, a highway panel appointed by Gov. Mike Huckabee proposed a road-improvement plan funded primarily by bonds. The only new revenue would come from a 3-cent increase in the state’s tax on diesel fuel. Proponents of the plan believe it’s fair to heap more taxes on the trucking industry, given that big trucks cause more wear and tear than cars.” (Miguel Casas, “Trucking; Proposed Tax Increase Fuels Industry Concern,” The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 11/1/9 Huckabee Said The Diesel Tax Would Be Enacted Only If The Bond Proposal Was Passed By The Voters. “The governor’s proposed $575 million bond issue and the $40 million rural-road plan both would be put to voters at a special election. Huckabee’s plan also has a 3-cent-a-gallon diesel tax increase that would be collected only if the bond issue passed.” (James Jefferson, “Panel Oks Rural Road Compromise, House To Vote This Week,” The Associated Press, 2/22/99) But, Huckabee Later Compromised With Democrats And De-Linked The Gas Tax From The Bond: Huckabee Comprised With The Democrats And Agreed To A Diesel And Gasoline Tax Increase Even If His Bond Proposal Was Voted Down By The People. “But Huckabee on Thursday endorsed legislation that would impose a 3-cent tax increase on both diesel and gasoline - regardless of how the Governor’s bond program fares.” (David A. Lieb, “Dozen Republicans Split From Huckabee, Propose Alternative Highway Plan,” The Associated Press, 2/26/99) Huckabee’s Compromise Plan Included “A Gasoline Tax Increase That Would Not Be Referred To Voters.” “Gov. Mike Huckabee gave his blessing Thursday to an overhaul of his proposals for interstate repairs by including a gasoline tax increase that would not be referred to voters.” (Noel E. Oman, “Huckabee Fits,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2/26/99) The Compromise Legislation Would Increase Both Diesel And Gas Taxes. “The compromise, melded into House Bill 1548, would provide for raised the state tax on diesel fuel 3 cents per gallon and the tax on gasoline 3 cents. Both now are 18.6 cents. Each increase would be phased in over three years, a penny a year.” (Noel E. Oman, “Huckabee Fits,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 2/26/99) In April 1999, Huckabee Signed Legislation Increasing Gas And Diesel Taxes WITHOUT ANY VOTER APPROVAL: “The Fuel Taxes Were Signed Into Law By Huckabee And Do Not Have To Go A Statewide Vote.” “The bond issue is part of a highway package backed by Gov. Mike Huckabee that also includes a 4-cent diesel tax, to be phased in over two years, tax and 3-cent gas tax, to be phased in over three years. The fuel taxes were signed into law by Huckabee and do not have to go a statewide vote.” (”Capitol Briefs,” The Associated Press, 4/6/99) The Vote On The Bond Proposal Was Not Tied To The Diesel And Fuel Taxes. “Although a tax increase is in the bond plan, voter approval of the bonds did not raise or lower any tax. Huckabee and the Legislature had already done that during the 1999 legislative session. They raised the diesel fuel tax 4 cents per gallon, earmarking part of that revenue to finance the bonds.” (Ray Pierce And Elizabeth Caldwell, “Road Bond Issue Scores Big Win With Arkansans,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 6/16/99) Huckabee Signed Legislation Increasing Diesel And Fuel Taxes, While Separately Issuing $575 Million Worth Of Bonds Depending Upon Voters Approval. “Gov. Mike Huckabee signed into law Thursday legislation to raise fuel taxes by $60 million a year and issue bonds worth $575 million to pay for Arkansas’ first major road program since 1991. Diesel taxes go up immediately and the gasoline tax increase takes effect July 1, two weeks after voters decide whether to approve the bond issue intended to speed up repairs on the poorest stretches of interstates across the state.” (James Jefferson, “Governor Signs Bills Raising Taxes, Bonds For Highway Program,” The Associated Press, 4/1/99)
In June 1999, Arkansans Voted On The Bond Proposal For Highways, NOT A Gas Tax: The Vote On The Bond Proposal Would Not Impact The Tax Increases. “Voting on the bond issue would not change state tax rates. The legislature raised fuel taxes this year - 4 cents a gallon on diesel over two years, 3 cents a gallon on gasoline over three years - to hasten repairs on secondary highways and local roads.” (James Jefferson, “Voters Back Huckabee’s Road Plan,” The Commercial Appeal, 6/16/99) The Bond Proposal (WITH NO GAS TAX) Was Passed 80% To 20%. “Gov. Mike Huckabee’s $575 million bond program to reconstruct the worst stretches of Arkansas interstates over a five-year period appeared headed for an easy victory, 80 percent to 20 percent, becoming the first road bond issue approved since 1949.” (James Jefferson, “Voters Back Huckabee’s Road Plan,” The Commercial Appeal, 6/16/99) In Fact, Huckabee’s Own Gubernatorial Website Contradicts The Story He’s Telling Now: In 2005, Huckabee’s Website Said That The People Did Not Vote For The 1999 Fuel Tax. “The people did not vote on any of the taxes dedicated to repay these bonds. Federal gas and diesel taxes are passed and implemented by Congress, and the state funds to repay these bonds are coming from the diesel tax increase passed and implemented by the state legislature in 1999.” (Gov. Mike Huckabee, “Setting The Record Straight,” Press Release, 11/30/05, http://web.archive.org/web/20060926201257/www.arkansas.gov/governor/media/gems/11302005-1.html, Accessed 11/13/07) MYTH: Gov. Huckabee Said “We Did Not Reduce” Sentences For Meth: Gov. Huckabee Claimed He Did Not Reduce Sentences For Meth Manufacturers. GOV. HUCKABEE: “He said that I reduced methamphetamine sentences in Arkansas. Truth is I signed a bill in 1999 that doubled those sentences. We did not reduce them.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/30/07) FACT: Gov. Huckabee Signed A Bill Reducing Mandatory Minimums For Meth Manufacturers: Huckabee Supported A Measure To Reduce Mandatory Minimums For Methamphetamine Makers. “Methamphetamine makers could shorten their mandatory time in prison with good behavior under legislation approved Tuesday by the Arkansas House. The bill, by Sen. Jim Luker, D-Wynne, is part of a legislative package intended to help control the state’s burgeoning prison population and is supported by state prison officials, the state prosecutors’ association and Gov. Mike Huckabee.” (Melissa Nelson, “Arkansas House Approves Bill To Reduce Mandatory Prison Time Of Meth Offenders,” The Associated Press, 3/8/05) SB 387 Lowered Mandatory Minimums For Meth Manufacturers From 70 Percent Of A Sentence To Only 50 Percent Of A Sentence. “Senate Bill 387 repeals a 1997 law requiring those convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, among other crimes, to serve at least 70 percent of their sentence. Approved by a unanimous vote in the Senate and by a 56-32 vote in the House, SB 387 allows those inmates to serve half of their sentence if they’ve earned ‘good time’ for good behavior.” (Arkansas House Of Representatives, “Prison Crowding And Saving Teachers’ Insurance Plans Gain House Approval,” Press Release, www.arkansas.gov, 3/11/05)
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “Call It The Relief Bill For Meth Manufacturers.” (Editorial, “A Perk For Drug Dealers,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/16/05) The Bill Was Criticized Because It Reduced Sentencing For Meth Manufacturers Sentences, Not Meth Users. “This was a bad idea two years ago when the Department of Correction pressured the Ledge to back away from the 70 percent rule. It still is. Because the rule isn’t aimed at the poor souls who wind up in jail only because they’ve used meth and got caught. The prisoners who would benefit by the Ledge’s favor are the dealers-the source of the plague, the ones who cook up the drug and spread it around. These are the folks who prey on addicts lower down the drug chain. These are the manufacturers and merchants of so much misery in Arkansas.” (Editorial, “A Perk For Drug Dealers,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 3/16/05) Huckabee Admitted He Supported Weakening Penalties For Criminals Caught Running Meth Labs. STEPHANOPOULOS: “I understand not the drug users, but these were drug dealers here.” HUCKABEE: “Well, and we didn’t make this — what you have to understand is that the significant difference was some of the penalties for these people could be up to life, and they still had that potential if they continued to manufacture drugs, but it was an adjustment in what had been an overreaching law that had previously passed.” (ABC’s “This Week,” 12/2/07) MYTH: Gov. Huckabee Said He Did Not Support Special Breaks For Illegals: Gov. Huckabee Claimed He Did Not Support Special Tuition Breaks For Illegals. GOV. HUCKABEE: “He said that I supported special breaks for illegal aliens. That’s not true, Tim. We supported simply giving children, who had earned a scholarship the same, it never happened, didn’t make the legislature.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/30/07) FACT: Gov. Huckabee Supported A Bill Granting In-State Tuition Breaks To Illegals: Gov. Huckabee Proposed Extending Taxpayer-Funded College Scholarships To Illegal Aliens. “Gov. Mike Huckabee is proposing extending eligibility for state-funded college scholarships to illegal aliens who graduate from Arkansas high schools - an idea that several legislators predicted will go nowhere” (Laura Kellams, “Huckabee Plan Would Aid Illegal Aliens,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 1/12/05)
Yet The Scholarship Portion Was Stripped From The Bill: The Scholarship Portion Of The Bill Was Stripped From The Bill. “The bill began as one touted by Gov. Mike Huckabee to allow undocumented Arkansans to qualify for state-sponsored academic scholarships the same way as legal residents. The governor, who drew criticism from some quarters for backing the proposal, said children who have been good students deserve the same opportunities, regardless of their parents’ standing. Hard-liners, led by state Sen. Jim Holt, R-Springdale, said ‘illegal aliens,’ as they prefer, have no rights because they’re lawbreakers. It may not be fair to single Holt out because he had plenty of company. When House Bill 1525 stalled in a Senate committee, the scholarship portion of the bill was stripped out, sending the measure to the Senate floor, where it failed twice, the final time by only two votes.” (Dennis Byrd, “Federal Judge: Illegal Immigrants Qualify For Tuition Breaks,” Arkansas News, 7/10/05; www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2005/07/10/DennisByrd/324273.html) And The Bill That Was Actually Voted On Only Included In-State Tuition Breaks For Illegals:
The Bill Gov. Huckabee Actually Pushed Granted ONLY In-State Tuition Breaks For Illegals: Gov. Huckabee Fought To Pass The Stripped Bill Which Granted ONLY In-State Tuition Breaks For Illegals. “Other than the highway plan, the only bill in the governor’s 21-bill legislative package that failed to win legislative approval was a proposal to make the children of illegal immigrants eligible for state-funded scholarships and in-state tuition to Arkansas colleges. After passing the House relatively early in the session, the bill faltered in the Senate where it was amended to remove the scholarship provision but fell just short of passage Tuesday and Wednesday. Huckabee said his office worked throughout the day Wednesday for the two Senate votes needed to pass the bill. ‘I don’t understand the opposition to it, I just honestly don’t,’ Huckabee said. ‘It hurts me on a personal as well as a policy level to think that we are still debating issues that I kind of hoped we had put aside in the 1960s, maybe at the latest the 70s, and yet I understand people have deep passions about things usually they don’t fully understand.’” (Melissa Nelson, “Governor Touts Successful End To Legislative Session,” The Associated Press, 4/13/05) The Washington Post Called Out Huckabee’s Misleading Statements. “On Fox News Wednesday, he was asked about a bill he supported as governor that would have granted tuition breaks to the children of illegal immigrants. He suggested that he had only wanted to give such children access to scholarships. ‘What I supported was the idea that if a student had been in our Arkansas high schools and had done academically well to be able to compete for an academic challenged scholarship which was meritorious then that student should be able to have the same opportunity as anyone else,’ Huckabee said. In fact, the initial bill he supported did have a scholarship provision. But that provision was later stripped out, and was not included in the legislation that Huckabee continued to push. The bill read: ‘Any tuition rate that is granted to residents of Arkansas shall be granted on the same terms to all persons, regardless of immigration status, who have attended a secondary educational institution in Arkansas for at least three (3) years and who have either graduated from an Arkansas high school or received a general education diploma in the state.’” (Michael D. Shear, “Rising in Iowa Polls, Huckabee Now In Crosshairs,” The Washington Post, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/11/15/on_a_roll_in_iowa_huckabee_fac.html, Posted 11/15/07) MYTH: Gov. Huckabee Does Not Agree With Reports Of His Budgets In Arkansas Gov. Huckabee Claimed That Figures About His Spending As Governor Were “Ridiculous.” GOV. HUCKABEE: “He made allegations that our increased spending by ridiculous amounts…” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/30/07) FACT: The Arkansas Democrat Gazette Reported That Spending More Than Doubled Under Gov. Huckabee: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: Under Huckabee, State Spending More Than Doubled From $6.6 Billion To $16.1 Billion. “During Huckabee’s 10 years as governor, state spending more than doubled, from $6.6 billion to $16.1 billion in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. Higher education and public schools got big increases, as did social services.” (Daniel Nasaw, “Home Turf Not Rock Solid For Huckabee,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 10/4/07)
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Inglis joins Science Committee trip to Antarctica
Inglis to see new South Pole Research Station; new South Pole Telescope
U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC) will travel to Antarctica next week as the House Science & Technology Committee oversees operations on the Ice and inspects progress on key National Science Foundation (NSF) projects in the U.S. Antarctic Program. In particular, the Congressional delegation will inspect the new South Pole Station just two weeks before its grand opening.
Inglis, now the ranking Republican on the committee’s Energy & Environment Subcommittee, will have the chance to see some significant developments on the continent since his first trip in January of ’06.
One of the biggest changes is the new $153 million South Pole Station, a research and operational center that is expected to last up to 50 years in the punishing wind and cold of the South Pole. When Republicans held the majority in the House, Inglis chaired the Research Subcommittee during the 109th Congress (2005-06). At that time the South Pole Research Station was still under construction.
“The Science Committee authorizes $390 million for the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs,” Inglis said. “Last time I was on the Ice, I absorbed maybe 5% of the huge amount of information that was presented. I hope that relearning gives me the opportunity to get that percentage up on this second visit.”
The first South Pole Station was built in 1957 and is located just 350 meters from the true Geographic South Pole. Scientific research at the facility includes upper-atmosphere physics, meteorology, earth sciences, geophysics, glaciology, biomedicine and astrophysics.
Another significant development is the completion of the new South Pole Telescope. The $19.2 million telescope is primarily funded by the NSF and is being used by researchers to study “dark” energy, forces that may help explain gravitational effects. The 75-foot high, 33-foot wide telescope was constructed in Texas and then shipped in pieces to Antarctica.
While on the ice the delegation will staying at McMurdo Station where significant research is conducted in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, biology and medicine, geology and geophysics, glaciology and glacial geology along with ocean and climate systems.
“I want to continue to deepen my portfolio with the Science Committee and with the NSF,” Inglis said. “Leadership opportunities come to the prepared, and this work on the Ice is a key part of the Science Committee’s jurisdiction.”
Inglis will have the unique opportunity of de-briefing with his son, Robert Inglis. The younger Inglis is in the midst of a five-month assignment with Raytheon Polar Services, the contractor that provides support services to the U.S. Antarctic Program. “Robert’s observations will be an added plus,” Inglis said. “In addition to learning and re-learning some of the science, I hope to get a glimpse into the practical operations on the Ice.”
The delegation will travel from Andrews Air Force Base to Hickman Air Force Base (Honolulu, Hawaii) for an overnight and then continue on to Christchurch, New Zealand-the point of debarkation via military transport to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. After three days and two nights in Antarctica, the delegation will make a brief stop in Australia to examine the effects of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef and then transit back through Hawaii and on to Andrews Air Force Base.
Note: Inglis’ office is attempting to arrange a call to local high school science classes in which Inglis would report on some of the work being done in Antarctica. Media outlets will be invited to join the call if arrangements are successfully made.
What: Potential conference call from Antarctica
Where: From McMurdo Station, Antarctica
When: January 1-4, 2008
Time difference: 18 hours ahead of EST
Contact: Price Atkinson (W: 864.232.1141 or C: 864.494.8754)
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EDWARDS LAUNCHES NEW “NATIVE SON” TELEVISION AD IN SOUTH CAROLINA
EDWARDS LAUNCHES NEW “NATIVE SON” TELEVISION AD IN SOUTH CAROLINA
In new spot, Edwards talks about growing up in South Carolina and fighting to save the middle class
Columbia, South Carolina – Less than a month from the South Carolina primary, the John Edwards for President campaign unveils “Native Son,” the campaign’s 6th ad in South Carolina. In the ad, Edwards tells voters that standing up to powerful interests on behalf of the middle class is the fight he was born for and he will never forget growing up here in South Carolina.
“I was born here in South Carolina. My parents and grandparents worked in the mills here. Like yours, they did it to give us a better life. I was the first in my family to go to college. And I spent my life fighting for middle class families hurt by powerful interests. Big corporations control Washington now. They’re not going to give up without a fight. Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle. It’s a fight I was born for. I’m John Edwards. I approve this message and I will never forget where I came from.”
This latest ad builds on the growing momentum for Edwards in South Carolina. Edwards leads Democratic candidates in both campaign stops and money raised in the Palmetto state. Edwards became the first Democratic candidate to launch television ads in South Carolina with his first ad, “American Jobs, America’s Workers” which aired in November. Since then,the campaign has aired three additional ads, including special Thanksgiving Day and Christmas messages, “Born,” which highlighted Edwards’ South Carolina roots and featured him outside his childhood home in Seneca, South Carolina and “Heroes,” which featured hardworking Americans from across South Carolina — from Seneca to McClellanville, Columbia to Georgetown.
The full ad can be viewed at: http://johnedwards.com/ads/native-son. A higher quality version can be downloaded here: http://johnedwards.com/watch/native-son/press.
A full transcript of the script for the “Native Son” ad is included below.
“Native Son” (:30)
I was born here in South Carolina.
My parents and grandparents worked in the mills here.
Like yours, they did it to give us a better life.
I was the first in my family to go to college.
And I spent my life fighting for middle class families hurt by powerful interests.
Big corporations control Washington now.
They’re not going to give up without a fight.
Saving the middle class is going to be an epic battle.
It’s a fight I was born for.
I’m John Edwards.
I approve this message and I will never forget where I came from.
JOHN MCCAIN ON MITT ROMNEY’S LATEST ATTACK AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
JOHN MCCAIN ON MITT ROMNEY’S LATEST ATTACK AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: Press Office |
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Friday, December 28, 2007 |
703-650-5550 |
ARLINGTON, VA — U.S. Senator John McCain today made the following statement on Mitt Romney’s latest desperate attack ad in New Hampshire:
“If there’s any doubt that we’re doing well, it’s when Mitt Romney starts attacking. He’s attacking Huckabee out here in Iowa. I’m familiar with tailspins and I think he’s in one. Look, on the issue of immigration, my position is clear: We have to secure the borders, the borders have to be secured first. As president I would have the governors in the border states certify that the borders are secure. We learned a lesson and the message is they want the borders secured first. Then we go on to a temporary worker program and addressing the issue comprehensively. Look, I’ve never voted for a tax increase — Governor Romney increased taxes. I don’t know how to respond to a lot of his charges because tomorrow he may have a different position. … [Governor Romney has changed positions] on every issue, it’s a matter of record. And I haven’t changed.” (Fox News’ “Fox and Friends,” 12/28/07)
· Watch John McCain Address Mitt Romney’s Latest Attack Ad On “Fox & Friends” This Morning
AD FACTS: ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT TV AD, “FUTURE”
MITT ROMNEY: “I’m Mitt Romney and I approve this message.” ANNCR: “John McCain, an honorable man. But is he the right Republican for the future? McCain opposes repeal of the death tax. And voted against the Bush tax cuts … twice.”
· McCain Voted Against Bush Tax Cuts Because There Was No Restraint On Spending. “On the tax cuts, there was no restraint on spending. There should have been restraint on spending. If we’d adopted my tax cuts, which had automatic restraints on spending, we’d be talking about more tax cuts now. The reason why the Republicans are in trouble is because out of control spending and the corruption that led to it.” (Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” 10/16/07)
· McCain Supports Making Bush Income And Investment Tax Cuts Permanent. “I stand on my record, and my record is 24 years of opposing tax increases, and I oppose them, and I’ll continue to oppose them. I think it’s very clear that the increase in revenue that we’ve experienced is directly related to the tax cuts that were enacted, and they need to be made permanent rather than the family budgets and businesses being uncertain about their future.” (Fox News Republican Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/07)
· John McCain Has Repeatedly Voted To Extend Bush Tax Cuts. (S. 2020, CQ Vote #347: Passed 64-33: R 49-4; D 15-28; I 0-1, 11/15/05, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #10: Passed 66-31: R 49-4; D 17-26; I 0-1, 2/2/06, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 4297, CQ Vote #118: Adopted 54-44: R 51-3; D 3-40; I 0-1, 5/11/06, McCain Voted Yea; H.R. 5970, CQ Vote #229: Motion Rejected 56-42: R 52-3; D 4-38; I 0-1, 8/3/06, McCain Voted Yea)
· Romney Refused To Endorse 2003 Bush Tax Cuts, Reportedly Saying He “Won’t Be A Cheerleader” For Programs He Opposed, Drawing Praise From Democrat Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA). “Governor Mitt Romney refused yesterday to endorse tax cuts at the heart of President Bush’s economic program, but he told members of the state’s congressional delegation during a private meeting he also would not oppose the cuts because he has to maintain a solid relationship’ with the White House. … ‘I was very pleased,’ [Rep. Barney] Frank said afterward. ‘Here you have a freshman governor refusing to endorse a tax cut presented by a Republican president at the height of his wartime popularity.’ According to the observer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Romney told the delegation that he ‘won’t be a cheerleader’ for proposals he doesn’t agree with, ‘but I have to keep a solid relationship with the White House.’ Shawn Feddeman, Romney’s spokeswoman, said the governor has neither endorsed nor opposed the tax cut plan because ‘it’s just not a state matter.’” (Wayne Washington and Glen Johnson, “Romney Weighs In — Carefully — On Bush Tax-Cut Plan,” The Boston Globe, 4/11/03)
· Romney Took “No Position” On $30-$40 Million Estate Tax Hike. “Thousands of Bay State residents will soon face higher Massachusetts estate taxes because of the state’s efforts to retain the death tax’ even as the federal government moves to eliminate its levy. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue estimates that a rule change — made as part of last summer’s budget bill — will mean an additional $30 million to $40 million in estate tax revenues will flow into state coffers during fiscal 2004, the first full year in which the new rules are in play. The change in the state’s death tax, which takes effect Jan. 1, initially affects estates worth more than $700,000, according to the Revenue Department. It’s that level that is the key difference between the old and new rules, because $700,000 is below the federal standard, meaning that estates that may be exempt from the federal tax will still owe the state. Under the old rules, the state and federal exemptions were the same. The average taxable estate could end up paying tens of thousands of dollars in additional charges under the new rules, which break the link between the state and the federal tax. … In Massachusetts, the move was made as part of the budget bill passed last summer, but the new rules were not issued until late October. Governor-elect Mitt Romney disagreed with the tax and budget approach taken by the Legislature, but a spokesman for his office said he has no position on the estate tax issue.” (Charles A. Jaffe, “Residents Face Higher Estate Taxes,” The Boston Globe, 11/15/02)
ANNCR: “McCain pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently.”
· Under McCain-Backed Immigration Reform, At Least Two Million Illegal Immigrants Who Have Committed Serious Crimes Would Be Ineligible For Legal Status, And Would Be Apprehended And Deported Were They To Try. “DHS Secretary Chertoff, who helped negotiate this legislation, has warned that two million people in this country illegally have committed serious crimes. If some of them attempt to legalize their status, we will apprehend them. If they don’t, we can concentrate our efforts on locating them and not rounding up lettuce pickers, hotel maids, and babysitters. Most importantly, we can devote all the resources necessary to finding terrorists who have broken our immigration laws, like three of the terrorists who intended to attack our soldiers at Ft. Dix.” (John McCain, Remarks To Miami Chamber Of Commerce, Miami, FL, 6/4/07)
· Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Estimated That Between 15-20 Percent Of Illegal Immigrants Would Be Disqualified From Acquiring Legal Status, “For Committing Crimes And For Other Reasons.” “Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff … said he expected that about 15 percent to 20 percent of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants now in the country would be disqualified for committing crimes or for other reasons.” (Anne C. Mulkern, “Path To A Legal Home Immigration Compromise Focuses On Permanent Residency, Beefed-Up Borders,” The Denver Post, 5/18/07)
· Immigration Reform Compromise Disqualified Thousands Of Illegal Immigrants From Staying In United States, Including Felons And Others Convicted Of Breaking The Law. “The range of crimes that disqualify applicants from the Z visa program extends into the thousands and includes: Any felony; Any three or more misdemeanors; Any serious criminal offense; Crimes involving moral turpitude (with narrow exceptions for certain misdemeanors such as those committed before age 18); Violations of a law relating to a controlled substance.” (The White House, “Immigration Fact Check: Responding To Key Myths,” White House Website, www.whitehouse.gov, 5/25/07)
ANNCR: “Even voted to allow illegals to collect Social Security.”
· John McCain Opposes Illegal Immigrants Collecting Social Security Benefits. “Under current law, undocumented immigrants are ineligible for Social Security benefits which I think is entirely appropriate.” (John John McCain, Congressional Record, S4744, 5/18/06)
· Chicago Tribune: McCain-Backed Immigration Reform Bill “Does Not Provide Amnesty Or Social Security To Illegal Immigrants …” (Jill Zuckman, “Plenty Of Mud, Not Much Clarity On Border Debate,” Chicago Tribune, 9/26/06)
· Nonpartisan FactCheck.org: Social Security For Illegal Immigrants Attack Is “Mischaracterization Of An Amendment,” As “Nobody’s Proposing Paying Benefits To Illegals.” “Republicans are tagging Democratic opponents across the country for wanting to ‘give Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants.’ But nobody’s proposing paying benefits to illegals, not until and unless they become US citizens or are granted legal status. The charge is a mischaracterization of an amendment offered during debate of the immigration bill that passed the Senate last May with a healthy bi-partisan majority, 62-36. The amendment would change current law to prevent immigrants from getting credit toward future Social Security benefits from taxes paid before they have legal permission to work.” (”Republican Campaign Theme Debunked: Social Security for Illegal Immigrants,” http://www.factcheck.org, 12/28/07)
· New Hampshire Union Leader On Romney Immigration Attack On McCain: “That Is A Lie.” “Earlier this month Romney sent a flyer to New Hampshire households stating that McCain would grant Social Security benefits to illegal aliens. That is a lie. Both McCain and Romney would grant benefits to immigrants only after they receive citizenship.” (Editorial, “Romney’s Migration: He Shouldn’t Need To Lie,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/19/07)
· Fox News’ Chris Wallace: Mitt Romney’s Immigration Attack “Is Not True.” WALLACE: “Let me turn to another subject. Mitt Romney is putting out a mailer in New Hampshire now that says that you support Social Security benefits for illegals, which is not true.” (Fox News’ “Fox News Sunday,” 12/26/07)
· Watch Fox News’ Chris Wallace Call Romney’s New Hampshire Mailer “Not True”
· The New York Times: Romney’s New Hampshire Mailer Provides “Misleading Information About [McCain's] Positions On Immigration.” “The pamphlet goes on to provide misleading information about the rivals’ positions on immigration. It says, for instance, that Mr. McCain supports giving Social Security to illegal immigrants. In truth, Mr. McCain supported legislation that would allow illegal immigrants who come forward, pay fines, then wait their turn to become citizens the chance to collect Social Security — but only after they are citizens.” (Marc Santora, “Romney Goes Negative,” The New York Times’ Caucus Blog, 12/7/07)
ANNCR: “And Mitt Romney? Romney cut taxes and spending as Governor.”
· Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation: More Than $700 Million Per Year In Increased Fees And Taxes Under Romney. “Fees and taxes have increased more than $700 million a year under Governor Mitt Romney and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, a leading budget specialist said yesterday. Michael J. Widmer — president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which closely tracks state finances — said the state has raised roughly $740 million to $750 million per year by increasing fees and corporate taxes gained from what the Romney administration describes as ‘closing loopholes.’” (Brian Mooney, “Analyst Puts Increase In Fees, Taxes At $700m,” The Boston Globe, 9/27/06)
· “[R]omney … Approved Hundreds Of Millions In Higher Fees And Fines Including Raising The Cost Of Getting A Marriage License, Filing A Court Case, Buying A House Or Renewing A Drivers License.” (Steve LeBlanc, “Romney, In Change Of Heart, Signs No-New-Taxes Pledge,” The Associated Press, 1/5/07)
· Romney Raised State Fees By Over $500 Million In 2003 Alone, “Far More Than Any Other State In The Nation” That Year. “A 2003 survey of states by the National Conference Of State Legislatures found Massachusetts imposed at least $501.5 million in fee hikes, far more than any other state in the nation that year.” (Steve LeBlanc, “Romney, In Change Of Heart, Signs No-New-Taxes Pledge,” The Associated Press, 1/5/07)
· Cato Institute: Romney’s Claim That He Didn’t Raised Taxes Is “Mostly A Myth.” “[R]omney will likely also be eager to push the message that he was a governor who stood by a no-new-taxes pledge. That’s mostly a myth. His first budget included no general tax increases but did include a $500 million increase in various fees. He later proposed $140 [million] in business tax hikes through the closing of ‘loopholes’ in the tax code.” (Stephen Slivinski, “Fiscal Policy Report Card On America’s Governors: 2006,” Cato Institute, 2006, p. 26)
· Cato: “If you consider the massive costs to taxpayers that his universal health care plan will inflict once he’s left office, Romney’s tenure is clearly not a triumph of small-government activism.” (Stephen Slivinski, “Fiscal Policy Report Card On America’s Governors: 2006,” Cato Institute, 2006, p. 26)
· Romney’s Attempts At Government Reform As Governor “Saved Relatively Little Money.” “In his out-of-state speeches, Romney suggests that the consolidation of state agencies was a major factor in closing the budget gap. But those changes saved relatively little money: Folding 16 human-services agencies into four, a change Romney often cites outside the state, saved about $7 million, according to the administration. Eliminating the Metropolitan District Commission saved about $3.5 million, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, a business-funded nonprofit group that monitors state spending.” (Scott Greenberger, “Romney Often Casts Himself As Budget Hero,” The Boston Globe, 10/24/05)
· Michael Widmer Of The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation: “No Romney reform has saved any meaningful money. It’s all on the margins. The have no connection to the closing of the [budget] gap …” (Scott Greenberger, “Romney Often Casts Himself As Budget Hero,” The Boston Globe, 10/24/05)
ANNCR: “He opposes amnesty for illegals.”
· Chicago Tribune: “Romney Himself Once Supported McCain’s Legislation That Would Provide A Path To Citizenship For Illegal Immigrants.” “Romney himself once supported McCain’s legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. And he has endured embarrassing news stories this year about the landscaping company that takes care of his lawn used illegal immigrants to do the work.” (Jill Zuckman, “Romney Takes On McCain In New 30-Second Ad,” Chicago Tribune, 12/28/07)
· In March 2006, Romney “Expressed Support For An Immigration Program That Places Large Numbers Of Illegal Residents On The Path Toward Citizenship.” “Gov. Mitt Romney expressed support … for an immigration program that places large numbers of illegal residents on the path toward citizenship … Romney said illegal immigrants should have a chance to obtain citizenship.” (Evan Lehmann, “Romney Supports Immigration Program, But Not Granting ‘Amnesty,’” The Lowell Sun, 3/30/06)
· Romney: “I don’t believe in rounding up 11 million people and forcing them at gunpoint from our country … With these 11 million people, let’s have them registered, know who they are. Those who’ve been arrested or convicted of crimes shouldn’t be here; those that are here paying taxes and not taking government benefits should begin a process towards application for citizenship, as they would from their home country.” (Evan Lehmann, “Romney Supports Immigration Program, But Not Granting ‘Amnesty,’” The Lowell Sun, 3/30/06)
· Romney Said Republicans Who Broke With President Bush On Immigration “Made A Big Mistake.” “[M]assachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Has Made It Known That He Supports The President’s Immigration Position, Saying That Republicans Who Have Broken Rank With Bush ‘Made A Big Mistake.’” (Liz Sidoti, “McCain May Alienate Some Conservatives,” The Associated Press, 9/20/06)
· In November 2005, Romney Spoke “Approvingly Of Efforts By McCain And Bush To Solve The Nation’s Immigration Crisis,” Calling McCain’s Proposal “Quite Different” From Amnesty And Deeming It “Reasonable.” “When Mitt Romney swooped into the heart of John McCain country this week, he brought a pointed message on illegal immigration: McCain’s approach is the wrong one. … But that is markedly different from how Romney once characterized McCain’s bill, elements of which are receiving new attention in Congress and from President Bush. … In a November 2005 interview with the Globe, Romney described immigration proposals by McCain and others as ‘quite different’ from amnesty, because they required illegal immigrants to register with the government, work for years, pay taxes, not take public benefits, and pay a fine before applying for citizenship.” (Scott Helman, “Romney’s Words Grow Hard On Immigration,” The Boston Globe, 3/16/07)
· Romney: “I think an amnesty program is what — which is all the illegal immigrants who are here are now citizens, and walk up and get your citizenship. What the president has proposed, and what Senator McCain and Cornyn have proposed, are quite different than that. They require people signing up for a — well, registering and receiving a, if you will, a number — a registration number. Then working here for six years and paying taxes — not taking benefits. Health, Medicaid, food stamps and so forth, not taking benefits. And then at the end of that period, registering to become a citizen, or applying to become a citizen and paying a fee. And those are things that are being considered. And I think that that’s — that those are reasonable proposals.” (Audio: www.boston.com, Scott Helman, “Romney’s Words Grow Hard On Immigration,” The Boston Globe, 3/16/07)
· Listen To Romney Call McCain Immigration Position “Reasonable” And “Quite Different” From Amnesty
ANNCR: “Mitt Romney. John McCain. There is a difference.”
· New Hampshire Union Leader: “[Romney] Lacks Something John McCain Has In Spades: Conviction. Granite Staters Want A Candidate Who Will Look Them In The Eye And Tell Them The Truth. John McCain Has Done That Day In And Day Out, Never Wavering, Never Faltering, Never Pandering. Mitt Romney Has Not.” “And after a year of comparing Romney to McCain, of sizing up the two in person and in the media, Granite Staters are turning back to McCain. The former Navy pilot, once written off by the national media establishment, is now in a statistical dead heat with Romney here. How could that be? Romney has all the advantages: money, organization, geographic proximity, statesman-like hair, etc. But he lacks something John McCain has in spades: conviction. Granite Staters want a candidate who will look them in the eye and tell them the truth. John McCain has done that day in and day out, never wavering, never faltering, never pandering. Mitt Romney has not. He has spoken his lines well, but the people can sense that the words are memorized, not heartfelt. … In this primary, the more Mitt Romney speaks, the less believable he becomes. … Voters can see that John McCain is trustworthy. Mitt Romney has spent a year trying to convince Granite Staters that he is as well. It looks like they aren’t buying it. And for good reason.” (Editorial, “The Romney Backlash: Conservatives Are Coming Home,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/26/07)
· New Hampshire Union Leader: “Republicans Know For Sure That McCain Isn’t Hiding His True Position [On Immigration]. The Same Cannot Be Said Of Romney And Giuliani.” “If Republicans are voting for Mitt Romney because they think he would be tougher on illegal immigration than John McCain would be, they need to explain how Romney suddenly switched from supporting McCain’s position just two years ago to attacking it (with distortions) this year. … The fact is, neither Romney nor Giuliani nor McCain has a pure conservative record on immigration. The difference is, Republicans know for sure that McCain isn’t hiding his true position. The same cannot be said of Romney and Giuliani.” (Editorial, “Romney’s Migration: He Shouldn’t Need To Lie,” New Hampshire Union Leader, 12/19/07)
· Portsmouth Herald: “[McCain] Is A Strong Military Man Prepared From Day One To Defend Our Nation Against Its Enemies. Of All The Republicans Running, He Is By Far The Best Qualified To Lead Our Country.” “John McCain has been leading the country from his seat in the U.S. Senate for 20 years. He is a man of integrity and honor who would help the Republicans rid themselves of the stench of Jack Abramoff and other lobbyists and allow the GOP to reclaim its status as the party of fiscal restraint. He is a strong military man prepared from day one to defend our nation against its enemies. Of all the Republicans running, he is by far the best qualified to lead our country.” (Editorial, “Vote Sen. McCain In GOP Primary,” Portsmouth Herald, 12/16/07)
· Salmon Press: “[McCain's] Military Record Is Truly Heroic — In Stark Contrast To Those Of His Opponents … His Experience In Foreign Affairs And In Military Issues Is Unmatched In The Field.” U.S. Sen. John McCain has the right stuff to become a statesman, indeed to become among our greatest presidents, but standing in his way is the prickly business of having to get elected. Once considered the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party, his presidential campaign stumbled in the early going — in part because he refused to bend his principles — but is now gaining some momentum. We hope that momentum continues, for in our judgment John McCain towers over his political rivals and is our unwavering choice in New Hampshire’s Republican presidential primary next month. Sen. McCain is a man of great depth and character. He has demonstrated an enormous capacity for growth over his political career and his military record is truly heroic — in stark contrast to those of his opponents. As a congressman and senator from Arizona he has exhibited the ability to attract both sides of the political aisle. And yet he is a conservative in the best sense of the word: principled, unwilling to cave for political gain and an unbowed enemy of wasteful spending. His experience in foreign affairs and in military issues is unmatched in the field.” (Editorial, “New Hampshire’s Salmon Press Endorses Sen. John McCain,” Salmon Press, 12/13/07)
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Thompson Launches Closing TV Ad in Iowa, “Substance”
Thompson Launches Closing TV Ad in Iowa, “Substance”
McLean, VA -Senator Fred Thompson today launched a new 30-second television ad, titled “Substance,” which will begin airing today in Iowa. The 30 second spot can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lssb6gkjQa4
Below is the script for the new ad.
Substance (30 seconds)
Fred Thompson: I’m Fred Thompson and I approve this message.
Announcer: The Wall Street Journal says Fred Thompson’s tax cut plan “leads the GOP field.”
A leading economic group calls it a plan “conservatives can rally around.”
The conservative National Review says only Thompson has outlined “specific, conservative policies” on immigration.
Investor’s Daily says Thompson’s national security plan features a “Reaganesque rebuilding of our military.”
And the National Right to Life Committee endorsed him because they know he can win.
Fred Thompson. The clear conservative choice.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MITT ROMNEY’S ATTACK AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
| For Immediate Release |
Contact: Press Office |
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT MITT ROMNEY’S ATTACK AD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
“Mitt Romney … is now running the most negative campaign of any presidential candidate in either party.” — The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz
With “Misleading” New Attack Ad, Romney “Is Now Running The Most Negative Campaign Of Any Presidential Candidate In Either Party”
The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz: “Romney … Is Now Running The Most Negative Campaign Of Any Presidential Candidate In Either Party.” “Mitt Romney, who targeted Mike Huckabee in an earlier commercial, is now running the most negative campaign of any presidential candidate in either party.” (Howard Kurtz, “Romney Rips McCain On Senate Record,” The Washington Post’s Trail Blog, 12/28/07)
· Kurtz: Romney Attacks Are “Misleading.” “Romney’s description of McCain’s failed immigration bill — which was backed by President Bush — is so selective as to be misleading. The measure would have allowed illegal immigrants to seek legal status only if they first returned to their country of origin and paid a fine, and it was coupled with stricter border enforcement — key elements omitted by the ad. Romney called a similar bipartisan effort reasonable’ in 2006.” (Howard Kurtz, “Romney Rips McCain On Senate Record,” The Washington Post’s Trail Blog, 12/28/07)
The New York Times’ Marc Santora: Romney Ad “Misleading.” “Mr. Romney assails Mr. McCain on both tax policies and immigration. On both topics, the commercial presents facts that could be construed either as selective or worse, misleading.” (Marc Santora, “New Ads: Romney Attacks McCain; McCain Touts Support,” The New York Times’ Caucus Blog, 12/28/07)
Chicago Tribune’s Jill Zuckman: “Ironically, Romney Himself Once Supported McCain’s Legislation That Would Provide A Path To Citizenship For Illegal Immigrants.” “Ironically, Romney himself once supported McCain’s legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants. And he has endured embarrassing news stories this year about the landscaping company that takes care of his lawn used illegal immigrants to do the work.” (Jill Zuckman, “Romney Takes On McCain In New 30-Second Ad,” Chicago Tribune, 12/28/07)
The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz: “It Is Not True That McCain Backed Social Security For Illegals.” “It is not true that McCain backed Social Security for illegals; a Senate amendment would have allowed payment of past benefits only after immigrants obtained legal status.” (Howard Kurtz, “Romney Rips McCain On Senate Record,” The Washington Post’s Trail Blog, 12/28/07)
“No Better Sign” of McCain’s “Growing Strength In New Hampshire” Than “Desperate” Romney Going Negative In Granite State
The Wall Street Journal’s Susan Davis: “There May Be No Better Sign Of” McCain’s “Growing Strength In New Hampshire” Than Romney Attack Ad. “There may be no better sign of Sen. John McCain’s growing strength in New Hampshire than Mitt Romney’s decision to go negative today on him in a statewide television ad.” (Susan Davis, “Romney Goes Negative In New Hampshire,” The Wall Street Journal’s Washington Wire Blog, 12/28/07)
The Washington Post’s Howard Kurtz: Attack Ad “Comes As Romney’s Poll Numbers Are Declining In” New Hampshire And Iowa. “This New Hampshire ad, like the anti-Huckabee spot in Iowa, comes as Romney’s poll numbers are declining in both states. Romney tries to cushion the blow in both ads by saying a few nice words about his opponents before assailing their records.” (Howard Kurtz, “Romney Rips McCain On Senate Record,” The Washington Post’s Trail Blog, 12/28/07)
Eye On ‘08 Blog: “Desperate Romney Flip-Flops And Goes Negative In NH” (Eye On 08 Blog, www.eyeon08.com, 12/28/07)
· Eye On ‘08 Blog: “Romney’s Problem Is That He Is Out Of Credibility.” “Let’s be clear. Wednesday (afternoon?) Romney told the Trib reporter that they are going positive. By Friday morning, they were going negative … Of course, Romney’s problem is that he is out of credibility. As the Union-Leader pointed out, ‘the more Mitt Romney speaks, the less believable he becomes.’” (Eye On 08 Blog, www.eyeon08.com, 12/28/07)
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Martin Sheen to Campaign with Bill Richardson in Iowa on December 30-31
Martin Sheen to Campaign with Bill Richardson in Iowa on December 30-31
Sheen Officially Endorses Richardson for President
| For Immediate Release December 27, 2007 |
Contact: Tom Reynolds (505) 681-1832 |
SANTA FE, NM– Actor and activist Martin Sheen today officially endorsed New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson for President. He will campaign in Iowa with Richardson on Sunday, December 30 and Monday, December 31, during the final days before the state’s Democratic caucuses.
Well-known for his portrayals of iconic fictional and real-life Presidents on television, Sheen is also a respected and energetic activist for a number of humanitarian causes.
“Bill Richardson has the proven record of success and the real-world experience that this country needs in our next President: he is ready for prime time,” Sheen said. “In this, the most important Presidential election of our time, with so much on the line, I believe that Bill Richardson is the only one who can create the change that we so desperately need to restore America’s standing in the world and to get our country back on the right path at home.”
In addition to the popular television show The West Wing, Sheen has appeared in dozens of feature films and on Broadway. Sheen’s record of activism is as extensive and varied as his acting career. He has been active in the peace, civil rights, and environmental movements for decades, and he has campaigned extensively for Democratic candidates for public office.
“Martin Sheen effectively uses his celebrity and acting success to bring attention to important grassroots causes to create positive change,” Governor Richardson said. “He has demonstrated on behalf of nuclear disarmament, and he has walked with Cesar Chavez. I am inspired by his activism and am proud that he is supporting my campaign. Martin is used to backing the underdog in the fight, and I am confident that his participation will put the exclamation point on my grassroots campaign and help me finish very strongly in Iowa.
“I am looking forward to Martin showing me around the White House, and I hope that I can serve as many terms in the White House as his characters have.”
Sunday, December 30, 2007– Central Time
WHEN: Sunday, December 30 at 3:30 PM
WHAT: Final Presidential Job Interview with Special Guest Martin Sheen
WHERE: People’s Court, 216 Court Avenue, 3rd Floor, Des Moines, IA
WHEN: Sunday, December 30 at 7:00 PM
WHAT: Final Presidential Job Interview with Special Guest Martin Sheen
WHERE: Best Western Starlight Inn, Zodiac Ballroom,1518 3rd Avenue NW, Fort Dodge, IA
Monday, December 31, 2007– Central Time
WHEN: Monday, December 31 at 8:30 AM
WHAT: Final Presidential Job Interview with Special Guest Martin Sheen
WHERE: Location in Ames, IA TBD
Below is Martin Sheen’s biography:
Actor and activist Martin Sheen was born Ramon Estevez on August 3, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio. He is the son of Spanish and Irish immigrants, both of whom immigrated to the United States. His father was a machinery inspector.
Martin Sheen has been a prolific performer since the late 1960s. He landed his first major role on Broadway in The Subject Was Roses, which earned him a TONY nomination and later became a movie. A young and intense leading man, he has played over 70 roles, many of which were in well-known films such as Apocalypse Now, Badlands, Wall Street, The American President, Gandhi, Firestarter, and Catch Me If You Can, to name a few.
Martin Sheen also is no stranger to politics, both professionally and in real life. He has played U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the mini-series Kennedy: The Presidential Years; Robert F. Kennedy in Missiles of October; The White House Chief of Staff in The American President; and is perhaps best-known as President Josiah Bartlet in the acclaimed television drama The West Wing, for which he received a Golden Globe award and six Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, including for the show’s final 2005-2006 season. He picked up another nomination that year for a guest appearance on his son Charlie Sheen’s hit comedy Two and a Half Men.
Also in 2006, Sheen appeared in the Academy Award-winning film The Departed, directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg. Also that year, he had a role in his son Emilio Estevez’s film about the Robert F. Kennedy assassination, Bobby.
In addition to his acting, Sheen is known for his social and political activism. A tireless activist, he has campaigned against nuclear weapons and for workers’ rights, as well as many other causes.
Sheen and his wife Janet live in Los Angeles. The couple has four children, all of whom have followed in their father’s footsteps from time to time.
SEIU Members and Health Care Voters Launch New Ads on Eve of First Caucuses and Primaries
SEIU Members and Health Care Voters Launch New Ads on Eve of First Caucuses and Primaries
- Voters, Caucus Goers Urged to Choose Candidate Who Will Stand With Workers, Fix Health Care Crisis-
Members of the nation’s fastest growing union announced new ads in early primary and caucus states to urge voters and caucus goers to choose candidates who will make a difference in workers’ lives and ensure every American has health care. The ads will appear on billboards in airports and on highways as well as on mobile billboards in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.
“SEIU members and health care voters have been out front engaging candidates and voters on the issues that matter to workers this election like never before,” said SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger. “These billboards are a final reminder about what this election is really about—a paycheck that supports a family, health care for all, and creating a new American Dream.”
The billboards urge voters and caucus goers to go to the polls next month to choose a presidential candidate who will stand up for workers and make health care a top priority. The mobile billboards will join health care voters holding caucus trainings, distributing health care comparisons of all the Democratic and Republican candidates, and at other events signing up health care voters.
The billboards feature an SEIU corrections officer and a social worker in New Hampshire; a dietician in Iowa; and a school custodian in South Carolina. SEIU members have appeared on billboards in these early states since January.
SEIU members and health care voters have spent more time engaging the candidates on real issues than in any past election. Six presidential candidates have walked a day in SEIU members’ shoes; nearly every Democratic candidate released a comprehensive health care plan; five presidential candidates attended SEIU’s Member Political Action Conference; and health care voters have been attending candidate events to ask Republicans and Democrats their plans for ensuring affordable coverage for all Americans.
You can view the billboards at www.WalkADayInMyShoes2008.com and www.ImAHealthCareVoter.org.
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Upcoming “Exposing Hillary’s Holocaust” Tour (Jan. 5-12, 2008)
Upcoming “Exposing Hillary’s Holocaust” Tour (Jan. 5-12, 200 
Sponsored by Columbia Christians for Life (Columbia, South Carolina)
in cooperation with Missionaries to the Preborn Iowa
Pre-Presidential Primary South Carolina “Exposing Hillary’s Holocaust” Tour
The dates for this short-notice tour to educate voters statewide before South Carolina’s important January 26
Democratic primary are Saturday (PM), January 5 to Saturday (12 noon), January 12, 2008.
We will display hand-held signs, and banners (including the 19-foot “Hillary’s Holocaust” banner** seen
in Dan and Donna Holman’s Missionaries to the Preborn Iowa reports) in various high traffic public venues
with photographs of the graphic reality of abortion and distribute literature.*** As circumstances are available,
and the Lord leads, we will also preach the Gospel, and minister one-on-one during the tour.
This country’s greatest need is R-E-P-E-N-T-A-N-C-E, and not just, or even primarily, by the baby-murderers
and the sodomites, but by the worldly, carnal, bloodguilty evangelical church which has sinned both by acts
of commission (e.g., using abortifacient birth control pills), and by acts of omission (e.g., failing to participate
in, and support principled Christian efforts to END abortion, and not just to Regulate it !) for her failure to love
her pre-born neighbors as herself, with deeds worthy of repentance (Matthew 3:8; Acts 26:20).
** Dan and Donna’s 19 ft. “Hillary’s Holocaust” banner can be seen in this posting:
Hillary’s Holocaust exposed by Missionaries to the Preborn Iowa