A Call for Thought Over Emotion at the RPV Convention

Former gubernatorial candidate Wyatt Durrette makes an excellent case for an end to the emotionalism and desire for retribution apparent among some Frederick supporters.  Norm Leahy at Tertium Quids argues that there is a distinct disconnect between the Virginia party’s grassroots and the “establishment”; but the fault lies in political consultants and not in those elected to public or party office.

Leahy’s argument will hold up better over time.  While I respect Durrette, he lost me with:

Exchanges like the recent verbal jousting between Colin Powell and Tom Ridge on the one hand, and Dick Cheney and Rush Limbaugh, on the other, highlight part of the problem.  The idea that two men of the caliber of Powell (former Secretary of State and Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff) and Ridge (former head of Homeland Secretary and former PA Governor) who tout the Republican banner would be banished from GOP ranks by some is poisonous nonsense.

It is not for me, or anyone else, to “banish” the likes of Powell or Ridge from the GOP.  However, Republicans were only able to see growth and strength when we were the party of fiscal conservatism and social responsibility.  Now that we are the party of spendthrifts (in a false hope to curry votes) and theocracy (to help keep the socially conservative wing on the reservation) we are out of power.

While the fall of Soviet-style communism may have been the loss of the glue which held us together, Obama-style economic fascism may be the new Gorilla Glue to bring us all back together.  Unfortunately, as long as consultants and moderates preach about a Republican “brand” rather than ideas, victory will remain just outside our grasp.

Why Looters Would Rather Steal From You

Yesterday we ran a post highlighting a proposal by the unholy troika of local / regional enviros, the socialist majority of the Wicomico County Council (led by John Cannon and Bill McCain) and County Executive Rick Pollitt (who is attempting to PUBLICLY straddle the fence as usual).  This legislation would legalize the theft of land from Wicomico County farmers.

In our post we discussed why enviro groups such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) need to participate in socialist schemes rather than actually solve problems as they claim.  Today I noticed further evidence of this from the Commonwealth.

Oyster packers and waterman wish to expand the planting of Asian oysters.  The CBF and other lefty enviros vehemently oppose this.  Their claim is that there could be “unforseen consequences” of introducing a non-native species into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  I would agree, except that these oysters are STERILE.  They can’t reproduce.  Of course, there may be “unforseen consequences” of the sun rising tomorrow.
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Morning Line – March 25, 2009

Delaware -

NCCo Council talks pay cut AFTER tax hike.

Kilroy highlights Delaware bills calling for transparency in school district contracts and disbursements.

DelawareLibertarian finds flaws in Delaware FOIA reform.

David Anderson argues for Delaware gay marriage ban.

Maryland -

8% of Maryland seniors may not graduate.  I guess that making them take a test lowers their self esteem.

Majority leader Miller says it’s time to change state song.  I’m sure that will fix all of the state’s woes.

Ehrlich ally on Cordish slots team.

Phillip Morris getting help from Maryland Dems.  If you can’t get a tax cut, hike the taxes on your competitors.

Tax amnesty moves forward.

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Morning Line – March 19, 2009

Delaware -

NCCo homeowners upset about proposed 25% tax hike.  Gee, I wonder why?

Delaware Gov. Jack Markell to attempt closing state’s deficit.

kavips provides a great analysis of Delaware’s economic strengths.

Delaware House passes trans-fat ban in schools.  Proves that they can take of the really important stuff.s

Fugitive QB reported dead.

Maryland -

Liquor lobby squares off against the disabled.

Maryland Senate Majority Leader Mike Miller advocates state to go into horse racing biz.

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Morning Line – March 11, 2009

Delaware -

Delaware to host tax day Tea Party.

Castle tops Beau Biden in poll.  Expect Beau to receive medal soon.

Government workers rally to fight lay-offs.  They were probably on the the clock to boot.

Delaware attempts grab at bigger piece of PORKULUS pie.

DelawareLiberal claims that the GOP is evil if it doesn’t vote the socialist line.

Markell wants to spend $60,000 to grab as much pork as possible.

Maryland -

O’Malley working for PORKULUS – Round II.  Last week Obama had saved the world.  Now Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley needs MORE money.

Is Maryland going into the horse racing  business?

Lefties going after Del. Ben Kramer in MoCo council race.

Virginia -

Six Virginia senators call for RPV chair Jeff Frederick’s ouster.

Both Brownlee and Cuccinelli claim lead in race for GOP nomination for Virginia AG.

Another lefty scam leaves taxpayers holding the bag.

If endorsements win elections, Moran may have a lock on the Dem nod.

National -

Former CU prof Ward Churchill still whining.

Obama claims to curb pork.  Proves constitution doesn’t matter.

Health care reform already over budget and they haven’t reformed anything yet.

Morning Line – March 10, 2009

Delaware -

Dave Anderson proposes a solution to Delaware’s budgetary woes.

Wilmington borrows $15.5 million to subsidize developers.

DelawarePolitics takes on DelawareLiberal … on religion.

Maryland -

Is public campaign finance just another way for Dems to game the system?

O’Malley praises PORKULUS … again.  Tuition freeze stays in place.

Praisner’s daughter backs Kramer to replace father in MoCo District 4 special election.

Virginia -

Del. Clarke Hogan to retire.

VA Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne to retire.  Will Ken Stolle seek office?

Hampton schools lay off about 200 employees due to declining enrollments.  A fiscally responsible school board?  Who would have guessed.

Rusty McGuire endorsed by 6 incumbent delegates.

Three days of Phish.  $1.2 million in drugs seized.  Who said the Dead were dead?

National -

Steele continues to slide.

Pelosi shows that the “politics of corruption” is alive and well.

Even TommyWonk asks if BHO is overreaching.

WorcesterRight takes on earmarks.

Morning Line – March 9, 2009

Delaware -

Colossus poses an interesting question.  After BHO reduces the charitable deduction, will we then be told what groups we can contribute to?

Delaware is the 26th freest state?  I guess that’s pretty good compared to Maryland (46th).

Maryland -

The Baltimore Sun’s Paul West on the rise and possible fall of Michael Steele.

Re-regulating energy.  Rolling blackouts, here we come.

Red Maryland’s Mark Newgent on climate change.  … or was it global warming?  … the next Ice Age?

Virginia -

Harris will not see RPV Chair.

The McDonnell AG’s office.  Style bodes well for Gov. McDonnell.

Barbara Comstock running for Virginia House seat.

National -

Even Dems are catching on to the bait and switch of the Obama administration.

Morning Line – March 3, 2009

Delaware -

Bill Colley over at WGMD has a great post on the current state of the Sussex County GOP.  The Sussex GOP needs to learn that elitism is as bad as anti-intellectualism (no I’m not calling them smart) and Bill needs to learn to insert a line break here and there.

Sussex County crying the budget blues.

Delaware Libertarian wants TARP money for the NBA.

Interesting take on the bank bailout from DelawareLiberal.  While I’m sure we won’t agree on the solution, we do agree on at least this part of the problem.

DelawareLiberal keeps hoping for a GOP meltdown.  Keep hoping.  We survived 1958 … 1964 … 1974 … We’ll survive 2008 too.

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Morning Line – March 2, 2009

Delaware -

DelawareLiberal is still showing the love for Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE).

Delaware Libertarian has a great recording of an interview with Barry Goldwater from the late ’70’s.

Delaware Libertarian on why “taxing the rich” won’t work.  Tax attorneys and accountants are going to do well though.

Maryland -

Mike’s Nether Land supports Harris for Congress in 2010.

Maryland Moment on changing the lyrics to Maryland, My Maryland.  Personally, I say go for it.  Just get it over with.  There are a few more important things for the legislature to worry about.

Virginia -

Bearing Drift examines Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and the completion of America’s socialist transition.  I guess we’ll all be working for the G soon.

Below the Beltway thinks it’s MythBusters.  Liberals and fauxcons will never get it.  It’s never about winning the NEXT election.  It’s about governing by a set of principles.  About the only thing BtB got right was the statement about Gingrich playing chicken with the budget.  That was admittedly poor judgement.  It was a revolution never the less.

Even NLS admits the extreme partisanship of Virginia Senate Dems.  I’m sure that’s alright though because we all know that the Dems are always right.

National -

Colossus highlights the upcoming “MegaBrawl” over the Obama agenda.

Mason Conservative recommends an interesting interview with Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman.  I think Huntsman misses the mark quite a few times, but he’s definitely worth listening to.

Morning Line – February 27, 2009

Delaware -

Indian River power plant being sued.  Let the enviros cheer in the dark.

Maryland -

What happened to Maryland being pro-alternative energy?

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley postpones pay raises for judges.

Virginia -

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine says No Smoking, No Guns.

Roanoke Valley Republican has video of the recent AG candidates debate.

Patrick Henry be damned.  Senators Webb and Warner vote for censorship.

Elected as a Republican, Newport News Sheriff to seek re-election as a Dem.

National -

Why are banned companies still given government contracts?

Rocky Mountain News pulls the plug on presses.

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