Surprise Candidate Rising Like a Meteor in the Governor's Race

Having won several polls in the Governor's race across the state in the past month, Ray McBerry's campaign continues to pick up steam across the state.

In the past month, McBerry won first place in the governor's race straw poll conducted in Tifton the week following two candidate forums in south Georgia, one in Tifton and another in Valdosta. Even Austin Scott, a native of Tifton, came in second to McBerry among the seven Republicans.

Meanwhile, Ray McBerry scored overwhelming victories in the online polls for the Governor's race that were conducted by both the Augusta area Young Republicans in east Georgia and the Paulding County GOP in west Georgia.

In north Georgia's Walker County, the McBerry Campaign came in second place in the Republican party's straw poll, being bested only by Nathan Deal, in whose "back yard" the straw poll was conducted.

For several months now, there have been record turnouts each time that Ray McBerry has spoken at different county GOP meetings across the state, leading to an increase in the number of speaking invitations from other county chairmen.

Additionally, Ray has been invited to be the "kickoff" speaker for nearly a dozen " tea party patriot" groups springing up around the state -- groups who are looking for candidates who are not part of the current Democrat and Republican establishment. The most recent of these events was this past Thursday evening in Dalton in which approximately 200 people turned out to hear Ray speak on the subject of "States' Rights."

The record turnout at both Republican-sponsored events and these "town hall" type meetings every time that Ray McBerry is invited to speak have certainly gotten the attention of many within the Republican Party. Being called "the best public speaker in Georgia today" by a number of statewide candidates, Ray's message of "States' Rights" is resounding incredibly well in all areas of the state and among all groups, including "blue dog" Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents, as well as traditional conservative Republicans.

The McBerry Campaign team continues to grow with each new week and is the largest volunteer organization in the governor's race among both Republican and Democrat contenders. With the rapid growth of the campaign, the success in numerous recent polls, and the increasing demand for his speaking across the state, Ray McBerry appears to be rising like a meteor in the Republican race for Governor.

For more information or to contact Ray McBerry's campaign about interviews and speaking engagements, please visit the campaign website at www.GeorgiaFirst.org
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Americans for Prosperity Applauds U.S. Congressional Candidate Tom Graves

-Signs No Climate Tax Pledge-

The Georgia chapter of the grassroots free-market organization Americans for Prosperity (AFP-GA) today applauded U.S. Congressional Candidate Tom Graves (9th District) for signing the group’s “No Climate Tax Pledge.” Graves joins over 240 lawmakers on the federal, state and local levels pledging to “oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in federal revenue.”

“The one thing elected officials should all be able to agree on is that global warming shouldn’t be used as an excuse to hike taxes on citizens and businesses,” said AFP-GA State Director Virginia Galloway. “We encourage all of Georgia’s elected officials and candidates for elected office to sign the pledge.”

Georgia pledge signers include: U.S. Reps. Lynn Westmoreland, Tom Price, Paul Broun, and Phil Gingrey; gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine; State Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson; and State Reps. Martin Scott and Tim Bearden.

Cap-and-trade took its first step toward enactment when the U.S. House narrowly passed the Waxman-Markey energy bill, which escaped the lower chamber by a scant seven votes despite significant bipartisan opposition. However, key Democratic senators have expressed opposition to attempting to pass cap-and-trade this year. President Obama has made no secret of his support for the bill, which would be the largest tax increase in American history. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has scored the plan as an $846 billion increase in federal revenue, a burden that will be borne by taxpayers and consumers for decades to come.

“Using the guise of climate change to transfer dollars from hard-working citizens to bureaucratic big government is unacceptable,” said Galloway. “Regardless of their stance on global warming, this should be common ground for all of our elected officials at all levels of government.”

The pledge is available online at www.NoClimateTax.com. AFP does not endorse candidates. All elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the pledge and go on the record in opposition to using the climate change issue to increase taxes and grow the size of government.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 700,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 25 state chapters. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
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Graves To Host 4th Annual Corn Roast AND FREEDOM RALLY

Georgia State Representative and Republican 9th Congressional District candidate Tom Graves (R-Ranger) will hold his campaign’s annual corn roast this Saturday, August 29th at Sandy Bottom Farm in Tate, Georgia. This will be the 4th corn roast Graves has hosted for friends, families and supporters and the event begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Roast corn, bbq and all the sides will be served and speeches by Graves and other supporters will be given. The public and press are invited to attend.

WHO: Georgia State Representative and Republican 9th District congressional candidate Tom Graves
State Senator Chip Pearson
State Representative Stephen Allison
State Representative Jay Neal
State Representative Martin Scott

WHAT: 4th Annual Corn Roast and Freedom Rally

WHEN: Saturday, August 29, 2009 ~ 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Sandy Bottom Farm Tate, GA

Family $25 – Individual $10

Directions: (From Tate, GA) Go east on HWY 53; once you pass the Tate Historic House go approximately 2 miles and take a left on Sandy Bottom Farm Rd. East. There will be "Graves for Congress" signs marking the entrance.

annemarie@gravesforcongress.org

Contributions are not tax deductable as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are prohibited from corporations and foreign nationals. Federal law requires Graves for Congress to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address and occupation and employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle.

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Karen Handel for Governor E-Update:

A Great Week!

We had a terrific week and really got around to meet a lot of people. I spoke to a good group of Home Depot employees on Monday and told them that -- when it comes to this campaign -- I can do it, but I need their help. I don't think I could get away with stealing their slogan for our bumper stickers but it seemed to go over well at this gathering.

I also spoke to the Gwinnett Chamber, attended the Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corp. Annual Lunch, and addressed the Spalding County G.O.P. (where we had a serious run on bumper stickers -- a personal benchmark I use to gauge enthusiasm).

This weekend we'll head to Hiawassee with a contingent of energetic volunteers for the Georgia Mountain Fair Parade on Saturday.

The Washington Democrats Go Wild on Taxes

The Obama Administration and the Democratic Congress are frankly scaring the heck out of people more and more. The latest? A plan to take small businesses, family farmers and couples making $350,000 a year, call them millionaires, and tax them to pay for a socialized health care program. That’s a strange way to create wealth.

Call me crazy, but I think taxing small businesses and entrepreneurs is the last thing our government should be doing right now, and we need to fight back hard against this.

I am a strong supporter of the FairTax. Eliminating the federal personal and corporate income tax, capital gains, payroll, gift and estate taxes, and replacing them with a revenue-neutral personal consumption tax would create a much fairer tax structure for families and businesses. It will also encourage savings. We should also repeal of the 16th Amendment and take away the federal government’s authority to levy income taxes. This would return the powers to tax to the American people.

We need honest, real tax reform – a complete review of all state and local taxes and a new, simplified tax code that normal people can understand. That is what I am going to do as Governor.

Illegal Immigration

There has been lots of new talk in Washington about illegal immigration. Those Washington politicians are always good for a chuckle. The fact is that while they talk, they have failed to protect our borders – which is one of their few clear responsibilities after all. And now that they have let millions of illegals into the country, they want to give them the right to vote and provide them free health care at our expense.

I pushed a law that would make people prove their citizenship when they register to vote. It passed and the courts approved it.

Now the Obama Justice Department has told us that we can’t enforce this law. They want to bring ACORN down to Georgia to sign up illegals and turn them out to vote on Election Day.

Well I am fighting them as Secretary of State and you’d better believe I am going to keep fighting them with your help.

Everyone, thanks for your continued support as I push forward in our campaign for Governor.

Your friend,

Karen Handel

Richard Woods GOP Convention Speech

Richard Woods, candidate for State School Superintendent, spoke to Georgia Republicans at the 2009 Convention held in Savannah. The following is his speech as printed prior to the talk:

I thank you for the opportunity to stand before you today and speak on the subject of education. Over the past 21 years, I have had the privilege of working for this great state and the community of Irwin County as a classroom teacher and administrator. As our next state school superintendent, I will bring years of practicality, real life experience, and educational success to this post. But more importantly, I come before you today because I asked myself the question, "Am I happy with the direction Education has taken in Georgia?" I ask you as well, "Are you happy with the direction education has taken in Georgia?"

· Are you happy that almost 30% of our students drop out of school?
· Are you happy that nearly 40% of our rural students fail to obtain a high school diploma?
· Are you happy that there continues to be very noticeable performance gaps between population groups in grades 1-8 on our state test?
· Are you happy that many students begin their college experience by sitting in remedial education classes?
· Are you happy that Georgia consistently ranks in the bottom 5 on the SAT?
· Are you happy that the legislation known as "No Child Left Behind" continues to leave more and more children behind in school?

The answer for me is a resounding NO! In order to correct an educational system that continues to live on the verge of life-support, I am proposing a practical dose of educational CPR in order to put the heartbeat back into education.

C is old fashion common sense. Our actions, decisions, and goals must reflect practicality. Noted educational leaders, Max Thompson and Heidi Hays Jacobs, have stated that our new curriculum is still too broad and lacks needed depth.

We must do more to build a solid foundation in the critical areas of reading, writing, and math during the primary years. Research has shown that a child must be on grade level in reading by 3rd grade and in math by 5th grade or face joining our unacceptable dropout population.

I do support a curriculum that is rigorous and challenging. However, it must be practical, obtainable, and appropriate for all learners. Our children are not carbon copy machined parts who fit nicely into one box. Not everyone is designed nor has the desire to pursue the same post secondary experience. Our curriculum and educational system should not promote the concept that to do anything less is a failure. The doors of opportunity will open to any child who has true mastery of the basics. I must emphasize true mastery.

P represents partnership. The D.O.E. and our local systems must reduce the bureaucratic, redundant, and unnecessary paperwork that is being piled upon our teachers. We must allow them to do what they do best, close their doors and teacher. They should be allowed to work smarter, not harder.

Financial flexibility from the national and state governments needs to arrive in the form of block grants. This would allow school systems the financial freedom needed to address educational issues. We should not lose jobs or fail to purchase textbooks because funding is locked into uncompromising programs. Our LOCAL SYSTEMs, not Washington D.C. nor Atlanta, are far better qualified to judge what is needed to solve the challenges they face.

R is relationship building. The most important part of any relationship is the willingness to listen. We must hear the concerns and comments of those in the field. As you next superintendent, I pledge to you that I will be an individual who will listen to and represent ALL of Georgia.

Finally, you have a choice. You can choose to continue to boast in the progress of mediocrity or you can join me. Join me in putting common sense back into our decision making. Join me in creating productive partnerships. Join me in building relationships with all of Georgia. By doing so, we will work together to move out of the shadow of others and become the leader of education for our nation!

Visit www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com for more political news!

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Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorses John McCain

"If the United States is to emerge from this downturn in a position to ensure its citizens have the opportunities enjoyed by previous generations, we must get a handle on out-of-control federal spending -- and that is nowhere reflected in the policies advocated by the Democratic candidate. In contrast, Sen. McCain has a proven record of battling the drunken sailor culture so pervasive in our nation's capital. He has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal restraint, angering many of his colleagues by embarrassing them over their penchant for pork. Sen. McCain vows to veto any bill that includes earmarks and says he will freeze spending in many areas of the budget." -- Las Vegas Review-Journal

"McCain For President"
Las Vegas Review-Journal Endorsement
Oct. 19, 2008

These are difficult times.

Over the past few weeks, Americans have watched helplessly as the nation's financial infrastructure crumbles around them -- and their political leaders scramble for "solutions" intended to "restore confidence" but which accomplish the opposite by laying bare the stark fact that nobody really knows what to do.

The nation is likely in a recession, perhaps heading for a depression. The stock market bounces around like ping-pong balls in a wind tunnel as individual retirement accounts shrivel.

Meanwhile, the nation continues to have troops in harm's way. While Iraq has stabilized, the situation in Afghanistan has worsened, leading many to worry about the potential for another prolonged -- and increasingly deadly -- conflict halfway around the world in the battle against Islamic terror.

Americans are nervous -- for their jobs, for their futures, for their children, for their sons and daughters overseas, for their country.

As we head to the polls this November, the presidential candidates inundate us with promises of "change" -- and it's clear the country craves precisely that, desperately seeking a leader who will upset the beltway status quo and reinvigorate the principles that built the greatest country on earth and are the key to restoring this nation's pride and promise.

That's why we support John McCain for president.

Barack Obama has captured the imagination of many voters, particularly younger ones, with his charisma, intelligence, passionate oratory and collected demeanor. Yet his resume -- he's just four years removed from the Illinois legislature -- remains alarmingly limited. His four years in the U.S. Senate have failed to produce any memorable accomplishments.

During these critical times, experience does matter.

While Sen. Obama preaches "change," he in fact proposes only to accelerate business-as-usual in Washington.

For instance, his redistributionist tax increase proposals -- transferring billions of dollars from those who pay income taxes to those who don't -- would further feed the beltway bureaucracy, hurting many small business owners and crippling private investment at a time when this economy needs it most. His agenda calls for almost $1 trillion in new government spending over the next four years -- on green energy, education, health care and everything else -- while virtually ignoring the looming collapse of Social Security and Medicare.

Change? What change?

If the United States is to emerge from this downturn in a position to ensure its citizens have the opportunities enjoyed by previous generations, we must get a handle on out-of-control federal spending -- and that is nowhere reflected in the policies advocated by the Democratic candidate.
In contrast, Sen. McCain has a proven record of battling the drunken sailor culture so pervasive in our nation's capital. He has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal restraint, angering many of his colleagues by embarrassing them over their penchant for pork. Sen. McCain vows to veto any bill that includes earmarks and says he will freeze spending in many areas of the budget.
That would represent real change.

Sen. McCain opposes any tax hikes, recognizing that in these troubled times leaving money in the hands of those who earned it offers the best hope for encouraging the creativity and entrepreneurship that defines this nation's legacy. He would be far more likely to appoint judges who respect freedom and individual liberty and who recognize the restraints our Constitution imposes on the federal government.

On energy, Sen. McCain -- while acknowledging the importance of developing alternative sources -- understands that for the foreseeable future the nation must continue to harness its domestic supplies of clean coal and oil. This is in stark contrast to Sen. Obama, who falls in line behind the greens and advocates a radical and massively expensive economic upheaval in order to build more windmills and solar panels.

But while the economy has jumped to the fore in this campaign, the United States remains engaged across the globe in a struggle to establish democracy in Iraq and cripple the Islamic extremism that led to 9/11. We are winning -- and Sen. McCain is best prepared to ensure we continue on that course.

No, Sen. McCain's service as a Naval aviator in Vietnam -- including his five years in a POW camp, during which he was mentally and physically tortured -- don't automatically qualify him for the presidency. But his experience certainly offers a snapshot of the man's character, honor and sense of duty.

Sen. McCain realizes the long-term ramifications for failure in Iraq and is prepared to make the difficult decisions that will no doubt confront our next commander in chief. His military background and foreign policy expertise project an image of strength, decisiveness and determination, in stark contrast to Sen. Obama, who has voted to cut and run in Iraq and was spending time as a "community organizer" in Chicago while Sen. McCain was distinguishing himself on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Our national security would be in good hands with Sen. McCain in the White House.

"Hope is necessary in every condition," wrote Samuel Johnson. And even during these trying months, Americans retain the sense of optimism and conviction that have served as pilot lights for this nation's very survival over the past 230 years. Regardless of who is elected this November, we will emerge from these times stronger in spirit. But one man is uniquely qualified to guide us through any coming storms, both domestically and overseas.

That man is John McCain.

Read The Editorial

John McCain 2008 Launches New Video: "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever the Politics Demand"

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today (July 17, 2008) released a new video entitled "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever the Politics Demand." Examining his many statements on Iraq over the last several years, the video is a timeline of Barack Obama's political positioning on the most critical national security issue America faces today. As the video concludes, Barack Obama's positions on Iraq are shaped by "whatever the politics demand."

View the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHEIi4XKRmM

Script For "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever The Politics Demand" (VIDEO 7:40)

CHYRON: The Obama Iraq Documentary

CHYRON: Where Does Barack Obama Stand On Iraq?

CHYRON: Said The Surge Would Make Things Worse

BARACK OBAMA (1/10/07): "I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse."

CHYRON: Said He Always Said The Surge Will Make Things Better

BARACK OBAMA (1/5/08): "And I said at the time, when I opposed the surge, that given how wonderfully our troops perform, if we place 30,000 more troops in there, then we would see an improvement in the security situation and we would see a reduction in the violence."

CHYRON: Translation: You're Never Wrong If You Pretend You Gave The Right Answer All Along

CHYRON: Predicted That The Surge Would Fail

BARACK OBAMA (10/22/06): "Given the deteriorating situation, it is clear at this point that we cannot, through putting in more troops or maintaining the presence that we have, expect that somehow the situation is going to improve."

BARACK OBAMA (7/18/07): "My assessment is that the surge has not worked and we will not see a different report eight weeks from now."

BARACK OBAMA (11/11/07): "Finally, in 2006-2007, we started to see that, even after an election, George Bush continued to want to pursue a course that didn't withdraw troops from Iraq but actually doubled them and initiated a surge and at that stage I said very clearly, not only have we not seen improvements, but we're actually worsening, potentially, a situation there."

CHYRON: Now Says It's Working

BARACK OBAMA (2/21/08): "I think it is indisputable that we've seen violence reduced in Iraq."

BARACK OBAMA (4/8/08): "I also think that the surge has reduced violence and provided breathing room."

BARACK OBAMA (7/2/08): "The extraordinary work that our troops have done. They have performed brilliantly throughout the process. And obviously, I am very pleased to see the reductions in violence that have occurred over the last several months. There's no doubt that because of their heroism and their outstanding work, we had the opportunity to salvage the situation in Iraq."

CHYRON: Translation: He Isn't Going To Let Facts Get In The Way Of His Position

CHYRON: For Immediate Withdrawal

BARACK OBAMA (9/12/07): "So let me be clear. There is no military solution in Iraq. There never was. The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq's leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year, but now."

BARACK OBAMA (3/19/08): "In order to end this war responsibly, I will immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. We can responsibly remove one to two combat brigades each month. If we start with the number of brigades we have in Iraq today, we can remove all of them in 16 months."

BARACK OBAMA (5/2/08): "When I promise that we are going to bring this war in Iraq to a close in 2009, I want the American people to understand that I opposed this war in 2002, 2003, '04, '05, '06 and '07, so you can have confidence that I will be serious about ending this war."

CHYRON: Against Immediate Withdrawal

ANCHOR (4/5/04): "You've said you thought troops should be withdrawn." BARACK OBAMA: "No. No, I've never said that troops should be withdrawn. What I've said is that we've got to make sure that we secure and execute the rebuilding and reconstruction process effectively and properly and I don't think we should have an artificial deadline when to do that."

BARACK OBAMA (6/21/06): "A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility to implement that strategy."

CHYRON: Translation: Changes His Position To Fit the Election

CHYRON: Against Funding The Troops

BARACK OBAMA (11/16/03): "Just this week, when I was asked, would I have voted for the $87 billion, I said no. And I said no unequivocally, because, at a certain point, we have to say no to George Bush."

CHYRON: For Funding The Troops

BARACK OBAMA (4/5/04): "What's important is what I don't want a situation in which we have 80 or 90,000 young American men and women who are over there in a situation where they do not have the resources sufficient to ensure their own protection. And what we have to do is make sure that we have enough troop strength. As long as we have troops there, we have to make sure we have enough troop strength to make sure we are safe and secure."

BARACK OBAMA (1/10/07): "We've got to make sure that they have all the resources necessary to come home safely and to execute the missions that have been laid out for them."

CNN'S WOLF BLITZER (3/28/07): "Some ardent opponents of the war, like Dennis Kucinich, for example, who is a Democratic presidential candidate" BARACK OBAMA: "Right." BLITZER: "He takes a principled stand. He's not going to vote to fund the troops going off to this war, because he believes that would help bring the troops home." OBAMA: "Right. You know, the problem is, is that you have got an obstinate administration that has shown itself unwilling to change, in the face of circumstances on the ground. And, in that situation, what you don't want to do is to play chicken to -- with the president, and create a situation in which, potentially, you don't have body armor; you don't have reinforced humvees; you don't have night-vision goggles."

ABC'S GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS (5/13/07): "You said then that you have to say 'no' to George Bush because we can't get steamrolled. Yet you go in the Senate, your critics say, and vote for the funding every single time." BARACK OBAMA: "Because at that point you've got hundreds of thousands of young men and women who have to carry out the mission on behalf of the American people."

CHYRON: Against Funding The Troops -- Again

BARACK OBAMA (6/19/07): "Now, I introduced a plan in January that would have already started bringing our troops home by now, with the goal of bringing all combat brigades home by March 31st, 2008. Now we know the president vetoed a bipartisan plan just like that one a few weeks ago. And I'm proud I voted against giving a blank check."

CHYRON: Translation: Only in Barack Obama's Mind Is Voting Against Troops A Virtue

CHYRON: Says He Will Put A Strike Force In Iraq

BARACK OBAMA (3/19/08): "After this redeployment, we will leave enough troops in Iraq to guard our embassy and our diplomats, and a counter-terrorism force to strike al Qaeda."

CHYRON: Says He Won't Put A Strike Force In Iraq

REPORTER (3/31/08): "You've said you'd leave a small force there to deal with terrorist attacks. How long would you leave them there? And what's your criteria for pulling them out?" BARACK OBAMA: "Well, no, no, that's not what I've said. What I've said is that we will have troops looking after our embassy there, which we do everywhere. We do it in France. We do it in Great Britain. We have some military personnel that ensure that our diplomatic forces are taken care of."

CHYRON: Translation: How To Keep Troops In Iraq And Still Sound Like You Want A Withdrawal

CHYRON: So What Is Barack Obama's Position On Iraq?

BARACK OBAMA (6/5/08): "Well, you know, I never say there's nothing or never or no way in which I'd change my mind."

CHYRON: Translation: Barack Obama's Position: Whatever the Politics Demand

AD FACTS For "The Obama Iraq Documentary: Whatever The Politics Demand" (VIDEO 7:40)

CHYRON: The Obama Iraq Documentary

CHYRON: Where Does Barack Obama Stand On Iraq?

CHYRON: Said The Surge Would Make Things Worse

BARACK OBAMA (1/10/07): "I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse."

· In January 2007, Barack Obama Said The Surge Would Actually Worsen Sectarian Violence In Iraq. Obama: "I am not persuaded that 20,000 additional troops in Iraq is going to solve the sectarian violence there. In fact, I think it will do the reverse." (MSNBC's "Response To The President's Speech On Iraq," 1/10/07)

CHYRON: Said He Always Said The Surge Will Make Things Better

BARACK OBAMA (1/5/08): "And I said at the time, when I opposed the surge, that given how wonderfully our troops perform, if we place 30,000 more troops in there, then we would see an improvement in the security situation and we would see a reduction in the violence."

· In January 2008, Barack Obama Claimed That He Always Said That Increasing The Number Of Troops In Iraq Would Improve Security. Obama: "Now, I had no doubt -- and I said at the time, when I opposed the surge, that given how wonderfully our troops perform, if we place 30,000 more troops in there, then we would see an improvement in the security situation and we would see a reduction in the violence." (Sen. Barack Obama, Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/5/08)

CHYRON: Translation: You're Never Wrong If You Pretend You Gave The Right Answer All Along

CHYRON: Predicted That The Surge Would Fail

BARACK OBAMA (10/22/06): "Given the deteriorating situation, it is clear at this point that we cannot, through putting in more troops or maintaining the presence that we have, expect that somehow the situation is going to improve."

· In October 2006, Barack Obama Said That We Cannot "Through Putting In More Troops Or Maintaining The Presence That We Have, Expect That Somehow The Situation Is Going To Improve." Obama: "Given the deteriorating situation, it is clear at this point that we cannot, through putting in more troops or maintaining the presence that we have, expect that somehow the situation is going to improve, and we have to do something significant to break the pattern that we've been in right now." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 10/22/06)

BARACK OBAMA (7/18/07): "My assessment is that the surge has not worked and we will not see a different report eight weeks from now."

· In July 2007, Barack Obama Said The Surge Had Not Worked In Iraq. Obama: "But we are facing a choice. My assessment is that the surge has not worked and we will not see a different report eight weeks from now." (NBC's "The Today Show," 7/18/07)

BARACK OBAMA (11/11/07): "Finally, in 2006-2007, we started to see that, even after an election, George Bush continued to want to pursue a course that didn't withdraw troops from Iraq but actually doubled them and initiated a surge and at that stage I said very clearly, not only have we not seen improvements, but we're actually worsening, potentially, a situation there."

· In November 2007, Barack Obama Said The Surge Has Not Worked, And Had Potentially Worsened The Situation In Iraq. Obama: "Finally, in 2006-2007, we started to see that, even after an election, George Bush continued to want to pursue a course that didn't withdraw troops from Iraq but actually doubled them and initiated a search and at that stage I said very clearly, not only have we not seen improvements, but we're actually worsening, potentially, a situation there." (NBC's "Meet The Press," 11/11/07)

CHYRON: Now Says It's Working

BARACK OBAMA (2/21/08): "I think it is indisputable that we've seen violence reduced in Iraq."

· In February 2008, Barack Obama Said That It Was "Indisputable" That Violence Had Been Reduced In Iraq. CNN's Campbell Brown: "Senator Obama, in the same vein, you were also opposed to the surge from the beginning. Were you wrong?" Obama: "Well, I think it is indisputable that we've seen violence reduced in Iraq. And that's a credit to our brave men and women in uniform." (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN/Univision Democrat Presidential Debate, Austin, TX, 2/21/08)

BARACK OBAMA (4/8/08): "I also think that the surge has reduced violence and provided breathing room."

· In April 2008, Barack Obama Said That The Surge Has Reduced Violence. Obama: "I also think that the surge has reduced violence and provided breathing room -- but that breathing room has not been taken the way we would all like it to be taken." (Sen. Barack Obama, Committee On Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, Hearing, 4/8/08)

BARACK OBAMA (7/2/08): "The extraordinary work that our troops have done. They have performed brilliantly throughout the process. And obviously, I am very pleased to see the reductions in violence that have occurred over the last several months. There's no doubt that because of their heroism and their outstanding work, we had the opportunity to salvage the situation in Iraq."

· In July 2008, Barack Obama Said That He Was Pleased With "Reductions In Violence." Obama: "Now, that does not detract from the extraordinary work that our troops have done. They have performed brilliantly throughout the process. And obviously, I am very pleased to see the reductions in violence that have occurred over the last several months. And there's no doubt that because of their heroism and their outstanding work, we had the opportunity to salvage the situation in Iraq." (Sen. Barack Obama, Interview With Military Times, 7/2/08)

CHYRON: Translation: He Isn't Going To Let Facts Get In The Way Of His Position

CHYRON: For Immediate Withdrawal

BARACK OBAMA (9/12/07): "So let me be clear. There is no military solution in Iraq. There never was. The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq's leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year, but now."

· In September 2007, Barack Obama Called For The U.S. To "Immediately Begin To Remove Our Combat Troops" From Iraq. Obama: "So let me be clear. There is no military solution in Iraq. There never was. The best way to protect our security and to pressure Iraq's leaders to resolve their civil war is to immediately begin to remove our combat troops. Not in six months or one year, but now." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Iraq, Clinton, IA, 9/12/07)

BARACK OBAMA (3/19/08): "In order to end this war responsibly, I will immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. We can responsibly remove one to two combat brigades each month. If we start with the number of brigades we have in Iraq today, we can remove all of them in 16 months."

· In March 2008, Barack Obama Said He Would "Immediately Begin To Remove Our Troops From Iraq." "In order to end this war responsibly, I will immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. We can responsibly remove on to two combat brigades each month. If we start with the number of brigades we have in Iraq today, we can remove all of them in 16 months." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Iraq, Fayetteville, NC, 3/19/08)

BARACK OBAMA (5/2/08): "When I promise that we are going to bring this war in Iraq to a close in 2009, I want the American people to understand that I opposed this war in 2002, 2003, '04, '05, '06 and '07, so you can have confidence that I will be serious about ending this war."

· In May 2008, Barack Obama Said "I Promise That We Are Going To Bring This War In Iraq To A Close In 2009." "When I promise that we are going to bring this war in Iraq to a close in 2009, I want the American people to understand that I opposed this war in 2002, 2003, '04, '05, '06 and '07, so you can have confidence that I will be serious about ending this war." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The North Carolina Democrat Party 2008 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, Raleigh, NC, 5/2/08)

CHYRON: Against Immediate Withdrawal

ANCHOR (4/5/04): "You've said you thought troops should be withdrawn." BARACK OBAMA: "No. No, I've never said that troops should be withdrawn. What I've said is that we've got to make sure that we secure and execute the rebuilding and reconstruction process effectively and properly and I don't think we should have an artificial deadline when to do that."

· In April 2004, Barack Obama Opposed Withdrawal And Said We Should Not Have An "Artificial Deadline." Anchor: "But right now the U.S. is the one that's there. And you've said you thought troops should be withdrawn." Obama: "No. No, I've never said that troops should be withdrawn. What I've said is that we've got to make sure that we secure and execute the rebuilding and reconstruction process effectively and properly and I don't think we should have an artificial deadline when to do that." (WTTW11's "Chicago Tonight," 4/5/04)

BARACK OBAMA (6/21/06): "A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility to implement that strategy."

· In June 2006, Barack Obama Said That "A Hard And Fast, Arbitrary Deadline For Withdrawal Offers Our Commanders In The Field, And Our Diplomats In The Region, Insufficient Flexibility To Implement That Strategy." Obama: "A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility to implement that strategy." (Sen. Barack Obama, Congressional Record, 6/21/06, p. S6233)

CHYRON: Translation: Changes His Position To Fit the Election

CHYRON: Against Funding The Troops

BARACK OBAMA (11/16/03): "Just this week, when I was asked, would I have voted for the $87 billion, I said no. And I said no unequivocally, because, at a certain point, we have to say no to George Bush."

· In November 2003, Barack Obama Said He Would Have Voted Against $87 Billion For War Funding. Obama: "Just this week, when I was asked, would I have voted for the $87 billion, I said no. And I said no unequivocally, because, at a certain point, we have to say no to George Bush. If we keep on getting steamrolled, we are not going to stand a chance." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks To The New Trier Democratic Organization, 11/16/03)

CHYRON: For Funding The Troops

BARACK OBAMA (4/5/04): "What's important is what I don't want a situation in which we have 80 or 90,000 young American men and women who are over there in a situation where they do not have the resources sufficient to ensure their own protection. And what we have to do is make sure that we have enough troop strength. As long as we have troops there, we have to make sure we have enough troop strength to make sure we are safe and secure."

· In April 2004, Barack Obama Said He Wanted To Ensure That Troops Had The Resources They Needed For Their Protection. Obama: "What's important is what I don't want is a situation in which we have 80 or 90 thousand young American men and women who are over there in a situation where they do not have the resources sufficient to ensure their own protection. And what we have to do is make sure that we have enough troop strength. As long as we have troops there we have to make sure that we have enough troop strength to make sure that we are safe and secure." (WTTW11's "Chicago Tonight," 4/5/04)

BARACK OBAMA (1/10/07): "We've got to make sure that they have all the resources necessary to come home safely and to execute the missions that have been laid out for them."

· In January 2007, Barack Obama Said That Congress Needed To Make Sure That Troops In Iraq Had "All The Resources Necessary To Come Home Safely And To Execute The Missions That Have Been Laid Out For Them." Obama: "I think that we have to look at a variety of options where Congress can exercise its responsibilities. I know nobody in Congress, Republican or Democrat, who is going to in any way strand troops who are presently in Iraq. We've got to make sure that they have all the resources necessary to come home safely and to execute the missions that have been laid out for them." (MSNBC's "Reaction To The President's Speech On Iraq," 1/10/07)

CNN'S WOLF BLITZER (3/28/07): "Some ardent opponents of the war, like Dennis Kucinich, for example, who is a Democratic presidential candidate" BARACK OBAMA: "Right." BLITZER: "He takes a principled stand. He's not going to vote to fund troops going off to this war, because he believes that would help bring the troops home." OBAMA: "Right. You know, the problem is, is that you have got an obstinate administration that has shown itself unwilling to change, in the face of circumstances on the ground. And, in that situation, what you don't want to do is to play chicken to -- with the president, and create a situation in which, potentially, you don't have body armor; you don't have reinforced humvees; you don't have night-vision goggles."

· In March 2007, Barack Obama Said He Did Not Want To Leave The Soldiers In A Position Where They Were Not Equipped. Blitzer: "Because some ardent opponents of the war, like Dennis Kucinich, for example, who is a Democratic presidential candidate" Obama: "Right." Blitzer: "[H]e takes a principled stand. He's not going to vote to fund troops going off to this war, because he believes that would help bring the troops home." Obama: "Right. You know, the problem is, is that you have got an obstinate administration that has shown itself unwilling to change, in the face of circumstances on the ground. And, in that situation, what you don't want to do is to play chicken to -- with the president, and create a situation in which, potentially, you don't have body armor; you don't have reinforced humvees; you don't have night-vision goggles." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 3/28/07)

ABC'S GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS (5/13/07): "You said then that you have to say 'no' to George Bush because we can't get steamrolled. Yet you go in the Senate, your critics say, and vote for the funding every single time." BARACK OBAMA: "Because at that point you've got hundreds of thousands of young men and women who have to carry out the mission on behalf of the American people."

· In May 2007, Barack Obama Told ABC's George Stephanopoulos That He Supported Funding To Give Troops The Equipment They Need. Stephanopoulos: "[Y]ou said then that you have to say 'no' to George Bush because we can't get steamrolled. Yet you go in the Senate, your critics say, and vote for the funding every single time." Obama: "Because at that point you've got hundreds of thousands of young men and women who have to carry out the mission on behalf of the American people. It's not their fault that our civilian leadership made bad decisions and what I wanted to make sure of was that they had night vision goggles that they needed, the Humvees that they needed and I also felt and I've continued to feel this way that if we could create some semblance of stability and success in Iraq, that would be a good thing." (ABC's "This Week," 5/13/07)

CHYRON: Against Funding The Troops -- Again

BARACK OBAMA (6/19/07): "Now, I introduced a plan in January that would have already started bringing our troops home by now, with the goal of bringing all combat brigades home by March 31st, 2008. Now we know the president vetoed a bipartisan plan just like that one a few weeks ago. And I'm proud I voted against giving a blank check."

· In June 2007, At The Take Back America Conference, Barack Obama Said He Was "Proud" Of His Vote Against The Iraq Funding Bill. Obama: "Now, I introduced a plan in January that would have already started bringing our troops home by now, with the goal of bringing all combat brigades home by March 31st, 2008. Now we know the president vetoed a bipartisan plan just like that one a few weeks ago. And I'm proud I voted against giving a blank check to the man who said he sees keeping us -- keeping our troops in Iraq for as long as we have kept them in Korea. But we can't give George Bush the last word here. We are 16 votes away in the Senate from ending this war, a comparable number in the House. We need to keep turning up the pressure on all those Republican congressmen and senators who refuse to acknowledge the reality that the American people know so well. We will call them; we will knock on their doors. We will bring our troops home . It is time to bring this war to a close. It is time to recognize there is no military solution to the problems in Iraq. It is time to turn the page." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The 2007 Take Back America Conference, Washington, DC, 6/19/07)

CHYRON: Translation: Only in Barack Obama's Mind Is Voting Against Troops A Virtue

CHYRON: Says He Will Put A Strike Force In Iraq

BARACK OBAMA (3/19/08): "After this redeployment, we will leave enough troops in Iraq to guard our embassy and our diplomats, and a counter-terrorism force to strike al Qaeda."

· In March 2008, Barack Obama Said He Would "Immediately Begin To Remove Our Troops From Iraq." "After this redeployment, we will leave enough troops in Iraq to guard our embassy and our diplomats, and a counter-terrorism force to strike al Qaeda if it forms a base that the Iraqis cannot destroy." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Iraq, Fayetteville, NC, 3/19/08)

CHYRON: Says He Won't Put A Strike Force In Iraq

REPORTER (3/31/08): "You've said you'd leave a small force there to deal with terrorist attacks. How long would you leave them there? And what's your criteria for pulling them out?"

BARACK OBAMA: "Well, no, no, that's not what I've said. What I've said is that we will have troops looking after our embassy there, which we do everywhere. We do it in France. We do it in Great Britain. We have some military personnel that ensure that our diplomatic forces are taken care of."

· In March 2008, Barack Obama Claimed That He Would Keep A Strike Force In Iraq "Looking After Our Embassy There." Reporter: "You've said you'd leave a small force there to deal with terrorist attacks. How long would you leave them there? And what's your criteria for pulling them out? Obama: "Well, no, no, that's not what I've said. What I've said is that we will have troops looking after our embassy there, which we do everywhere. We do it in France. We do it in Great Britain. We have some military personnel that ensure that our diplomatic forces are taken care of." (Sen. Barack Obama, Press Conference, 3/31/08)

CHYRON: Translation: How To Keep Troops In Iraq And Still Sound Like You Want A Withdrawal

CHYRON: So What Is Barack Obama's Position On Iraq?

BARACK OBAMA (6/5/08): "Well, you know, I never say there's nothing or never or no way in which I'd change my mind."

· In June 2008, Barack Obama Told CNN's Candy Crowley "I Never Say There's Nothing Or Never Or No Way In Which I'd Change My Mind." Crowley: "You have said you want to go back to Iraq." Obama: "Yeah." Crowley: "See what the situation is on the ground. Is there nothing that they could show you or that General Petraeus could tell you that would move you from wanting to immediately begin removing U.S. troops?" Obama: "Well, you know, I never say there's nothing or never or no way in which I'd change my mind. Obviously, I'm open to the facts and to reason. And there's no doubt that we've seen significant improvements in security on the ground in Iraq." (CNN's "The Situation Room," 6/5/08)

CHYRON: Translation: Barack Obama's Position: Whatever the Politics Demand

New Hampshire Democrats and Independents Join "Citizens for McCain"

U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign today announced the New Hampshire leadership of "Citizens for McCain," a national, grassroots organization dedicated to rallying Americans of all political parties behind John McCain's candidacy. The Granite State group will continue the grassroots effort to recruit and energize Democrats and Independents in support of John McCain.

Democrats Jim McConaha and Valery Mitchell, of Concord, have joined the group and will serve as co-chairs of "New Hampshire Democrats for McCain." Independents Marcia Moran, of Concord, and David Lee, of Londonderry, will serve as co-chairs of "New Hampshire Independents for McCain."

An appointee under former President Bill Clinton and Governor Jeanne Shaheen, McConaha said, "This is the most important job in the world. We need a leader of proven competence, tested judgment and substantial experience in the modern world and, obviously, that is John McCain."

Mitchell, a lifelong Democrat, has worked with many presidential and state campaigns. She added, "It was not easy to step away from my party in the McCain-Obama race, but I want a president whose judgment we know and trust, and a leader who will do what is in the best interest of our country without regard to politics or ideology."

Lee added, "We need a president who has a proven record of bringing members of both parties together to affect real change. McCain has that record. I've been active in New Hampshire politics for many years, frequently on the side of the Democrats, but in this year's presidential race, there's no question that John McCain is the candidate with the experience and the knowledge to lead the nation."

"New Hampshire voters are famous for evaluating candidates based on their leadership credentials, not their party," said Marcia Moran. "I'm supporting John McCain because he has repeatedly stood up to the special interests in Washington to do what's right for America. Principled and courageous, John McCain will unite our country to confront difficult challenges."

McCain: A Simple Question for Barack Obama

Today, with the Supreme Court decision and Barack Obama's response, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds asked the following simple question:

"Does Barack Obama believe that the D.C. handgun ban was constitutional or unconstitutional? We can't tell and Barack Obama won't say.

"One would think that a candidate for our nation's highest office and a self-described constitutional expert would be able to answer that simple question."

Background:

The Associated Press: Neither Barack Obama In His Statement Or His Campaign On Follow-Up Would "Specifically Say Whether Obama Agreed With Overturning The Specific D.C. Ban." "His Democratic rival, Obama, issued a more carefully worded statement apparently aimed at both moderate voters and his liberal base. The statement from Obama, who has long said local governments should be able to regulate guns, did not specifically say whether Obama agreed with overturning the specific D.C. ban. ... The campaign would not answer directly Thursday when asked whether the candidate agreed with the court that the D.C. ban was unconstitutional, simply pointing back to his statement." (Liz Sidoti, "Gun Ruling Reverberates In Presidential Campaign," The Associated Press, 6/26/08)

Gun Ruling Reverberates In Presidential Campaign
By Liz Sidoti
The Associated PressJune 26, 2008
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080626/D91HV9SG0.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - John McCain welcomed a Supreme Court decision invalidating a District of Columbia handgun ban. Barack Obama sought to straddle the subject by saying he favors an individual's right to bear firearms as well as a government's right to regulate them.

The hotly contentious issue surfaced in the presidential campaign Thursday after the Supreme Court ruled that Americans have a constitutional right to own guns and struck down the 32-year-old D.C. ban.

McCain, the Republican presidential nominee-in-waiting, heralded the justices' action as "a landmark victory for Second Amendment freedom."

Voicing a stance that could help him woo conservatives and libertarians, McCain said, "This ruling does not mark the end of our struggle against those who seek to limit the rights of law-abiding citizens. We must always remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms."

His Democratic rival, Obama, issued a more carefully worded statement apparently aimed at both moderate voters and his liberal base. The statement from Obama, who has long said local governments should be able to regulate guns, did not specifically say whether Obama agreed with overturning the specific D.C. ban. But he said Thursday's ruling "will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country."

"I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms, but I also identify with the need for crime-ravaged communities to save their children from the violence that plagues our streets through commonsense, effective safety measures," Obama said.

Obama said his view was supported by the court's ruling that the Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns." That language "reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe," Obama said.

Both presidential candidates endorse an individual's right to bear arms. But they strongly differ beyond that. McCain has had a mostly conservative record on the issue; Obama, a mostly liberal record.

Other than a few departures, McCain is largely in line with the National Rifle Association's hardline support for gun rights. He voted against a ban on assault-style weapons and for shielding gun-makers and dealers from civil damage suits. But he broke with the NRA to favor requiring background checks at gun shows and has taken heat for pushing through campaign finance legislation that gun-rights advocates say muzzled their free speech.

Obama has voted to leave gun-makers and dealers open to lawsuits. He also took largely liberal positions on gun laws while in the Illinois legislature, including backing a ban on all forms of semiautomatic weapons and tighter state restrictions generally on firearms.

Campaigning in Cincinnati, McCain claimed Obama has reversed course on the issue. Obama told FOX Business News network that he's been consistent.

The Democrat's campaign said a spokesman made an "inartful" statement when he said in November that Obama believed the D.C. law was constitutional. But Obama himself did not correct a debate moderator who repeated the position in February.

"You said in Idaho recently, I'm quoting here, 'I have no intention of taking away folks' guns.' But you support the D.C. handgun ban and you've said that it's constitutional," said the moderator, Leon Harris of Washington television station WJLA. Obama nodded as Harris spoke, nodding and saying, "Right, right."

"How can you reconcile those two different positions?" Harris asked.

Obama answered that the United States has conflicting traditions of gun ownership and street violence that results from illegal handgun use. "So, there is nothing wrong, I think, with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets," Obama said.

The Obama campaign argued that Obama was simply acknowledging the question by saying "right."

In other instances, Obama refused to articulate a position when asked whether he thought the D.C. ban was constitutional.

The campaign would not answer directly Thursday when asked whether the candidate agreed with the court that the D.C. ban was unconstitutional, simply pointing back to his statement.

A Leader We Can Believe In

Tonight (June 3), John McCain Outlined His Vision For Our Country And The Significance Of The Great Debate We Are About To Engage In. Over the next five months, we will debate the future direction of our country. In the end, the American people will recognize that John McCain is a leader we can believe in ready to act to protect our country, grow our economy and reform our government.

This Is A Change Election That Will Determine The Future Course Of Our Country:

In This Election, Americans Will Have A Choice Between The Right Change That Will Move Our Country Forward And The Wrong Change That Will Take Us Backward. No matter who wins this election, the direction of this country is going to change dramatically.

The Right Change Will Initiate Far-Reaching Reforms In The Recognition That Many Government Policies And Institutions Have Failed. Many of the government's failing policies were designed for the problems and opportunities of the mid to late 20th Century. The right kind of change will initiate widespread and innovative reforms in almost every area of government policy. The right change stops impeding Americans from doing what they have always done: overcome every obstacle to progress, turn challenges into opportunities, and make a better country and safer world.

The Wrong Change Looks To The Past For Solutions That Have Failed Us Before And Will Fail Us Again. Like others before him, Sen. Obama seems to think government is the answer to every problem and should make our decisions for us. That type of change doesn't trust Americans to know what is right or what is in their own best interests. That type of change and attitude created the unresponsive bureaucracies of big government in the first place. It is not change we can believe in.

· The Solution To Our Problems Is Not To Reach Back To The Past For Answers. In his short-time in office, Sen. Obama has accumulated the most liberal voting record in the Senate. But the old, tired, big government policies he seeks to dust off and call new won't work in a world that has changed dramatically since they were last tried and failed. That's not change we can believe in.

Change From The Previous Administration:

Sen. Obama Will Say "Bush-McCain" Often But The American People Know John McCain Is A Leader Who Has Put Country Ahead Of Any President And Any Special Interest. Sen. Obama describes every policy of the President as the "Bush-McCain" policy. He will repeat this often, because he knows it's very difficult to get Americans to believe something they know is false. The American people know John McCain has a long record of bipartisan problem solving putting country ahead of any President, party or special interest.

John McCain Has Worked With The President To Keep Our Nation Safe, But They Have Not Seen Eye To Eye On Many Issues. They have disagreed over the conduct of the Iraq war, detainee treatment, government spending, budget gimmicks, energy policy, climate change, and defense spending that favors contractors over the public good.

A Leader We Can Believe In On National Security:

John McCain Had The Courage To Call For A Change In Iraq Strategy. For doing so, he was criticized by Republicans, Democrats and the press. But in the last year, we have seen the strategy's success as violence has fallen to a four year low; Sunni insurgents have joined us in the fight against al Qaeda; the Iraqi Army has taken the lead in places once lost to Sunni and Shia extremists; and the Iraqi Government has begun to make progress toward political reconciliation.

· Lacking The Judgment Necessary, Sen. Obama Opposed The New Strategy, And After Promising Not To, Voted To Deny Critical Funds To Our Military Men And Women In Iraq.

· Our Progress Would Be Lost If Sen. Obama Had His Way And Withdrew Our Forces Without Concern For Conditions On The Ground Or The Advice Of Our Commanders. Americans ought to be concerned about the judgment of a presidential candidate who says he's ready to have unconditional meetings with tyrants, but hasn't traveled to Iraq to meet with General Petraeus.

· The Course Sen. Obama Advocates Could Draw Us Into A Wider War With Even Greater Sacrifices; Put Peace Further Out Of Reach, And Americans Back In Harm's Way.

A Leader We Can Believe In On Economic Security:

John McCain Will End Wasteful Government Spending. John McCain has opposed wasteful spending by both parties and the Bush administration. As President, he will freeze non-military, non-veterans discretionary spending until a top to bottom review of all federal programs is completed. He opposes subsidies that favor big business over small farmers and tariffs on imported products that have greatly increased the cost of food.

· Sen. Obama Has Supported Wasteful Spending And Proposed More Of His Own. Sen. Obama opposes freezing discretionary spending while a top to bottom review of government programs is completed. He supports the billions of dollars in corporate subsidies and the tariffs that have led to rising grocery bills for American families. That's not change we can believe in.

· Sen. Obama Proposes To Keep Programs That Make Our Problems Worse While Creating New Ones Modeled On The Big Government Programs Of The Past. He will pay for these increases by raising taxes on seniors, parents, small business owners and every American with even a modest investment in the market. He doesn't trust the American people to make decisions for themselves. That's not change we can believe in.

A Leader We Can Believe In On Energy Security:

John McCain Will Break From The Past To Lead A Great National Campaign To Put Us On A Course For Energy Independence. No problem is more urgent today than our dependence on foreign oil. It threatens our security, economy and environment. The next President must be willing to break completely with the energy policies of past administrations. We must unleash the genius of Americans, and encourage industries to pursue alternative, non-polluting and renewable energy sources.

· Sen. Obama Voted For The Same Policies That Created The Problem. He voted for the energy bill promoted by President Bush and Vice President Cheney, which gave even more breaks to the oil industry. John McCain opposed it because we won't achieve energy independence by repeating the mistakes of the last half century. That's not change we can believe in.

· To Achieve Energy Independence, We Need A President With A Record Of Putting The Nation's Interests Before The Special Interests. Sen. Obama might criticize special interests that give more money to Republicans, but he doesn't take on those that favor him. John McCain has a record of taking on the special interest. Sen. Obama does not.

John McCain Has Proposed A Climate Change Policy That Would Greatly Reduce Our Dependence On Oil. His approach was opposed by President Bush and leading Democrats, and it was defeated by opposition from special interests.

A Leader We Can Believe In To Make Health Care More Affordable And Accessible:

John McCain Will Make Health Care More Available, Affordable And Responsive To Patients. His plan will break from inflationary practices, insurance regulations and tax policies that were designed generations ago. He will give families more choices over their care.

· Sen. Obama Thinks We Can Improve Health Care By Driving Americans Into A New System Of Government Orders, Regulations And Mandates. His plan represents the old ways of government.

A Leader We Can Believe In To Open Markets To American Goods:

John McCain Will Open Foreign Markets To American Goods. Lowering trade barriers to American goods and services creates more and better jobs, keeps inflation under control, keeps interest rates low, and makes more goods affordable to more Americans. To help workers, John McCain will reform from top to bottom our unemployment insurance and retraining programs and make use of our community colleges to train people for new opportunities.

· Sen. Obama Thinks America Can Remain Prosperous Without Opening New Markets To Our Goods And Services. He pretends we can address the loss of manufacturing jobs by repealing trade agreements and refusing to sign new ones; that we can build a stronger economy by limiting access to our markets and giving up access to foreign markets. He defers to the special interests that support him. That's not change we can believe in.

A Leader We Can Believe In To Change The Way Washington Works:

We Can't Reform Government Unless We Change The Political Habits Of Washington. The American people are sick of the politics of selfishness, stalemate and delay. We have to change not only government policies that have failed them, but the political culture that produced them.

Only John McCain Has A Record Of Working To End Washington's Stagnant, Unproductive Partisanship. Americans have seen John McCain put aside partisan and personal interests to move this country forward. When partisanship came in the way of progress, John McCain sought to find a compromise to move forward. When he fought corruption, it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans. When he worked on campaign finance and ethics reform, John McCain did so with Democrats and Republicans.

· The American People Have Not Seen Sen. Obama Forsake Partisanship For Progress. Sen. Obama hasn't been willing to make the tough calls; to challenge his party; to risk criticism from his supporters to bring real change to Washington.

MICHIGAN'S 4th DISTRICT SUPPORTS JOHN MCCAIN

U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that elected officials from Michigan's 4th Congressional District, led by Congressman Dave Camp, have endorsed John McCain for president.

"In a choice between Senator McCain and either Senators Clinton or Obama, I am confident the American people will choose Senator McCain," said Congressman Dave Camp. "John McCain believes, as do most Americans, in the need to reduce taxes, reduce federal spending and, most importantly, in winning the war against Islamic extremism. John McCain is a tenacious campaigner who can carry Michigan and win the White House."

John McCain thanked Congressman Camp and the district supporters, saying, "I am grateful for Dave's support and for the support of the elected officials in Michigan's 4th District. I look forward to working with them to address the issues that are important to Michigan families."

ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM MICHIGAN'S 4th DISTRICT FOR JOHN MCCAIN
Congressman Dave Camp
Carolyn Curtin, 4th Congressional District GOP Chairman
State Senator Jason Allen
State Senator Roger Kahn
State Senator Tony Stamas
State Representative Bill Caul
State Representative Ken Horn
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Morning News Roundup

Rollercoaster-like presidential primaries near conclusion
The Hill - Washington,DC,USA

Who Should Be John McCain's Vice Presidential Choice?
FOXNews - USA
The first, Mitt Romney. Good business guy who can raise money and has name recognition. The governor ran a good campaign. He's smart, honest. ...

From Straight Talk Express to K Street Express: McCain implodes
BTC News - USA

Illegal Immigration Largely a Non-Factor in Texas Primary
ShortNews.com - Regensburg,Germany
A Texas Republican pollster said, "Immigration is a dud issue. Immigration baiters like Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani went to the showers early."

Mormons for Obama? Hillary? Paul?
Salt Lake Tribune - United States
By Thomas Burr AP WASHINGTON - With Mitt Romney out of the race, Dennis Wendt has a suggestion for where the Mormon vote should gravitate: Barack Obama. ...

Huckabee calls for debate, 'fair tax'
Cincinnati Enquirer - Cincinnati,OH,USA

Obama Ahead of McCain, Huckabee in US
Angus Reid Global Monitor - Vancouver,BC,Canada

McCain shouldn't boast about his valor
Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA
Rudy Giuliani kept reliving 9/11 and lost in Florida. McCain keeps reliving the Vietnam War. Not a good strategy when his Democratic opponent is younger, ...

Huckabee for Senate?
Power Line - Minneapolis,MN,USA

Huckabee presses for debate with McCain, raises FEC issue
CNN Political Ticker - USA(CNN) — Mike Huckabee made clear Tuesday he's not ready to concede the Republican presidential race to John McCain. Speaking to reporters in Cleveland, ...

Mike Huckabee Endorses Colorado Personhood Amendment to Stop Abortions
LifeNews.com - Helena,MT,USA
by Steven Ertelt Denver, CO (LifeNews.com) -- Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee has issued his support for a personhood amendment in Colorado ...

Huckabee thinks eggs' rights trump women's
Feministing - New York,NY,USA
Mike Huckabee has endorsed Colorado's "Human Life Amendment," which defines a fertilized egg as a person. "This proposed constitutional amendment will ...

Huckabee: He Is the Egg-Man
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA
If Mike Huckabee and a 20-year-old Colorado woman get their way, a Colorado constitutional amendment would guarantee that every fertilized egg is a person. ...

It’s an Election, Not a Coronation
Dissident Voice - Santa Rosa,CA,USA
The Democrats could have had it all — a peace candidate and an easy win against a weakened Republican candidate. Instead, they will again blame Nader, ...

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Dino Rossi News Roundup

Still watching Dino Rossi up in Washington State. Going to be interesting!

Dino Rossi offers his own view of State of the State
HeraldNet - Everett,WA,USA
By Jerry Cornfield OLYMPIA -- Dino Rossi didn't want to wait to rebut what Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire will say tonight in her State of the State address ...

Rossi offers 'Real State of the State Address'
Seattle Post Intelligencer - USA
Dino Rossi, the Republican who hopes to dump Gov. Chris Gregoire this fall, got a one-day jump on the Democratic governor by offering his own "real" State ...

Here's an idea for you
Sound Politics - Seattle,WA,USA
Accordingly, let me just say this: If I was a Republican legislative candidate in a suburban district*, I would take Dino Rossi's education agenda, ...