Michelle Malkin Edorses Christine O’Donnell

Conservative pundit Michelle Malkin has endorsed Delaware GOP Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell over her rival, Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE).  In her endorsement, Malkin makes one point that stands above all others:

I’ve said it before and Republican voters need to hear it again:

Entrenched incumbency is not an argument for more entrenched incumbency.

She’s absolutely right.  She’s also right on on regarding many of O’Donnell’s fine qualities AND the relatively liberal voting record of Castle.  While Malkin focuses almost exclusively on Castle’s vote for “Cap & Tax”, Mike Castle has hardly been a beacon of conservatism during his tenure in the House.

That said, I remain a reluctant supporter of Castle.  Why?  The simple reason is that I hold conservatives to a higher standard.  Given that the issues are on our side, there is no need to fudge the truth or pander – IF you are a true conservative.  O’Donnell’s attacks on Castle and her campaigns laughable speculation that Castle would, if elected, resign and allow Delaware AG Beau Biden to take the seat make me believe that O’Donnell simply lacks the character to sit in the US Senate.  Mike Castle does.  Despite his less than wonderful voting record in the House, Castle would still be the best Senator from Delaware since Bill Roth.

H/T – Frank Knotts @ DelawarePolitics

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The Impact Of A Higher Tax Burden

While Delaware continues to enjoy a relatively decent reputation as a business friendly state, increases in its tax structure have harmed Delaware’s competitiveness and the First State’s ability to weather the current recession.

Check out this short analysis courtesy of the Caesar Rodney Institute.

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Caesar Rodney Institute Endorses CIGNA “Bribe”

I was a little surprised by this one, but the math works out:

The state is considering a $2.4 million Strategic Fund grant to encourage CIGNA to keep its 470 jobs in Delaware. Does this make sense? Yes.

In a perfect world, businesses would not be able to coerce grants from state governments by threatening to relocate. This is not a perfect world, and service companies, such as CIGNA, without significant location specific investments in plant and equipment can readily relocate to other states.

And the math works out. The average wage across all occupations in the insurance industry in 2009 was $59,000. That translates into a CIGNA wage bill of almost $28 million. About 7% of all earnings by place of work in Delaware go to out of state residents. Since CIGNA is located minutes from Pennsylvania, let’s assume 20% of the wages are exported. At an effective tax rate of 4.5% the remaining $22 million of wages translates into Delaware personal income tax revenue of almost $1 million per year. A conservative multiplier of 1.5 would add another $0.5 million of personal income tax revenue each year.

So, assuming CIGNA abides by the agreement and keeps 470 jobs in Delaware for six years, the state gains almost $9 million in revenue to offset the $2.4 million grant. If 50 extra jobs are also added over time, another $0.5 million of income tax revenue might result.

Is the CIGNA grant a bribe? Yes. But in the real world where firms can “vote with their feet,” the ultimate decision making rule is whether the long run benefits exceed the costs. And given the tenuous condition of the economy, it is no time for idealism.

Dr. John E. Stapleford, Director

Center for Economic and Policy Analysis

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National Cost of Government Day

Yesterday was National Cost of Government Day.  What does that mean?  It means that, on average, you have finished paying the cost of government for this year:

Today is the first day you stopped working for Uncle Sam and began working for yourself. Americans must labor 231 days out of the year just to meet all costs imposed by government – 8 days later than last year and a full 34 days longer than 2008.

Sadly, if you live in Maryland (as I do) you will continue paying for the cost of government through September 4th (4th worse in the nation).  Delawareans will have met their obligations tomorrow.  Virginians on August 25th.

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There You Go Again Christine!

Delaware conservatives should want to support Christine O’Donnell in her race for the US Senate.  Why, then, does she insist on making it so hard?

She has already hurt her own reputation (and that of RedState) by promoting ridiculous hypotheticals that Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) will switch parties or resign to open the seat for Delaware AG Beau Biden if elected.  Now she takes a solid issue and flips it on its head.

In her campaign’s latest email O’Donnell cites an AmSpec piece that makes a solid case for Cap & Tax passing in a lame duck session if Castle is elected in November.  According to the Jeff Poor’s piece, the winner in November will be sworn in as soon as the election is certified because this is a special election.  I was under the impression that Ted Kauffman would stay in his seat until January.  However, it really wouldn’t matter since both Kauffman and Castle would vote for Cap & Tax.  Therefore, I don’t see this as a compelling argument to oppose Castle.  His support of Cap & Tax is certainly a valid reason, but not the possibility of a lame duck session.

O’Donnell concludes her e-mail by attacking Castle for his support of the financial services industry:

"Because of its lax regulations and corporate governance laws, more than 50 percent of all publicly traded companies in the United States, including 63 percent of Fortune 500 companies have made Delaware their "legal" home, according to the state’s website. The same is true with the banking industry."

Is O’Donnell proposing to run the banking industry out of the First State?  Does she wish all of those Delaware corporations to locate elsewhere?  Mike Castle’s prospects look better by the day.

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Is Christine O’Donnell Responsible Enough for the US Senate?

It’s my opinion that given a choice between a conservative and a not-so-conservative Republican candidate, you should go with the more conservative candidate.  However, as with all things, the devil is in the details and there have to be a few caveats.  Is the conservative electable?  Are they a conservative in the Ronald Reagan, Bill Buckley, Edmund Burke mold, or are they simply an ideologue?  Are they responsible enough to hold the office to which they aspire?

Christine O’Donnell seems to be showing that she may not be responsible enough to sit in the US Senate.  She certainly has proven herself unworthy of the endorsement of such conservative stalwarts as Mark Levin.

O’Donnell is spreading an unsubstantiated rumor that current Delaware Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) will flip to the dark side if elected – sans ANY evidence.  RedState’s Erick Erickson, someone I have always respected, has even jumped on the bandwagon in an embarrassingly vehement way:

If Mike Castle becomes the next United States Senator from Delaware he is going to get sworn in, serve a bit, then become a Democrat, resign, and let Beau Biden get an appointment.

It’s a done deal. The deal has been made already. I’m hearing this not just from Christine O’Donnell people, but party regulars in Delaware, some of whom support Castle. It is insane.

It’s a done deal?  Really Erick?  Castle is going to go through an election just to resign and hand it over to Beau Biden?  Really Erick?  Where is your EVIDENCE?

Yes, we all know that Mike Castle won’t debate Christine O’Donnell.  I wish he would.  However, if I were running his campaign I would advise him not to as well.  Do O’Donnell and Erickson really believe that telling lies about Castle will prod him into debating?

Read more

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O’Donnell Calls Castle “Borderline Schizophrenic”

Christine O’Donnell is clearly the conservative choice over Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) for the GOP nomination for Joe Biden’s old senate seat.  Whether she’s the more electable choice, only time will tell.  In the year of the “Tea Party”, O’Donnell’s shot at garnering the GOP nod hinges on how many disaffected Republicans will turn out for her and / or to deny Castle (the “RINO” candidate) a place on November’s ballot.

To that end, O’Donnell is coming out swinging:

“Mike Castle’s voting record proves beyond a reasonable doubt that he is for special interests, against the free market, anti-Second Amendment, pro-abortion and he’s even for sanctuary cities.  It’s a preposterous record,” O’Donnell said. “Calling himself a Republican is borderline schizophrenic, confused about his own political identity.”

“Mike Castle is the most liberal congressman in the Republican Party,” said Yates Walker, campaign spokesman.

O’Donnell points out that National Journal, hardly a conservative organ, ranks Castle as the most liberal GOP House member.  To overcome the electability argument, O’Donnell can how point to a Rasmussen poll showing her with a 2 point lead over presumptive Dem nominee Chris Coons.

Given Castle’s length of service as Governor and Congressman, along with a huge fundraising advantage, will painting Castle as a RINO be enough?  Time will tell.  However, if it can be done, Delaware is a great state to do it in.  If O’Donnell is able to organize a real grassroots effort, you can easily contact just about every registered Republican in the First State.

It may just boil down to who wants it the most….  who will will work harder.

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Glen Urquhart Receives FRC Endorsement

Former Reagan appointee and Delaware Congressional candidate Glen Urquhart has received the endorsement of the FRC Action PAC, an affiliate of the conservative Family Research Council.

“Glen Urquhart has proven to be a dedicated advocate of conservative causes for many years. We need representatives who will have the courage to defend the family under attack by the radical leadership of the House of Representatives,” said Connie Mackey, President of FRC Action PAC. “I am convinced Mr. Urquhart has the vision and conviction to do just that.”

“Glen Urquhart is a successful businessman who knows first hand the necessity of fiscal responsibility. During a time when out-of-control government spending is placing unprecedented burdens on our families, Glen is well-equipped to stand against this liberal trend and preserve America’s opportunities for future generations. As Chairman of the National Capital Planning Committee under Presidents Reagan and Bush, he has demonstrated his abilities to control spending and reduce debt. He represents the fiscal principles and traditional values that are vital to the economic restoration of our country.”

“America needs pro-family Representatives in the next Congress to stop the radical social agenda now before us. FRC Action PAC believes that Mr. Urquhart will be a crucial voice for the issues that best uphold and strengthen families. We are proud to support his candidacy,” concluded Mackey.

Urquhart is running for the GOP nomination to succeed Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE), who is running for the US Senate.

H/T – David Anderson @ DelawarePolitics.net

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Bonini for Delaware State Treasurer

For 16 years Delaware Senator Collin Bonini (R-16) has been a fiscally conservative voice in the Delaware Senate.  Now he’s running to be Delaware’s next State Treasurer.

Frank Knotts over at DelawarePolitics.net has a great piece on why Bonini is stepping down from the legislature to run for statewide office.

Bonini will officially announce his candidacy today in all three counties:

9:30am Georgetown: Georgetown Circle

1pm Dover: Legislative Hall Steps

6pm Newark: Deer Park Tavern 108 W Main St Newark, DE 19711

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Delaware Kicking Candidates to the Curb

Tuesday, Libertarian cum Republican Brent Wangen filed for the GOP primary to replace Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE).  Wednesday, the Delaware Board of Elections appears to have kicked Wangen out.

This isn’t unique.  Delaware House candidate Will McVay also has been dropped after filing.  Celia Cohen also provides some background on this issue.

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