Blue Dog Democrats Have Bark
This latest election cycle was a huge win for the mainstream group of Democrats called the Blue Dogs. The Blue Dog Coalition was organized following the “Republican Revolution” of 1994, and they chose their name because they felt choked blue by the extremes in both parties. They picked up 9 seats this year, and all 35 members seeking re-election will return to the 110th Congress.
The election and re-election of Blue Dogs across the country is a strong signal that the country is ready to move to the center of political spectrum. These 44 brave congressional men and women will no doubt help hold both political parties accountable.
Continue reading Comments (1) Nov.13.2006.
Largest District Paper Endorses Congressman Spratt
This morning The Herald, the largest newspaper in the SC 5th district, endorsed Democrat incumbent John Spratt. The endorsement was well written and pointed out many reasons why the re-election of John Spratt would benefit the people of South Carolina.
The Herald reflected on Spratt’s tenure as a moderate voice, his increased responsibility in the House of Representatives, and his thoughtful positions on immigration and global warming.
During the debates I was shocked by Ralph Norman’s comments on global warming. During a debate in Rock Hill, Norman said that global warming was imagined by "a lot of pointy-headed bureaucrats who just want a grant." I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, I believe that by addressing global warming we also fight global terror by reducing our need for foreign energy.
Continue reading Comments (0) Oct.29.2006.
Top 5 Mid-Term Races to Watch
With elections only two weeks away, my head is spinning because of all of the interesting races to watch. The races I've highlighted below have a theme; moderate independent Democrats.
Here are my top five races to watch.
1) Florida Congressional District 8 (Orlando)Charlie Stuart (D) vs. incumbent Ric Keller (R)
Why I'm watching: This is my district. This is where I live. I've also gotten to know Charlie Stuart. Charlie is a fellow Baptist like myself, and he is pro-life. 2) Senate Pennsylvania
Bob Casey Jr. (D) vs incumbent Rick Santorum
Why I'm watching: Again a great pro-life Democrat, Bob Casey Jr. is all set to win by at least 5% points against the powerful and elitist Republican Santorum.
3) Senate Tennessee (Open Seat)
Harold Ford Jr. (D) vs Bob Corker
Why I'm watching: Ford is a solid conservative politician. If he doesn't beat Corker, it's because the citizens of Tennessee simply vote party lines, and fail to research the candidates.
4) North Carolina Congressional District 11
Heath Shuler (D) vs incumbent Charles Taylor (R)
Why I'm watching: Have you noticed my theme, pro-life Democrats. Current polls show Heath, the former UT quarterback, with a slim lead. His opponent Charles Taylor has been in office for 16 years, and seems to have succumbed to corruption run amok.
5) South Carolina Congressional District 5
Ralph Norman (R) vs incumbent John Spratt (D)
Why I'm watching: John Spratt continues to get elected as a Democrat in the Republican stronghold of South Carolina. It's not likely, but I would love to see John Spratt run for The Speaker of House after he defeats Ralph Norman. A moderate Democrat from South Carolina would be like Teflon when the Republicans try to make him out to be a West Coast liberal.
Bounus: Connecticut Senate
Ned Lamont (D) vs. incumbent Joe Lieberman (I)
Why I'm watching: While I don't necessarily agree with Joe's position on Iraq, I'm okay with him having his own opinion and voting that way. In fact I'm all for candidates that don't tow the party line on every issue. This type of resolution shows courage and principles. A Ned Lamont victory (which isn't likely) would only empower the DailyKOS extreme lefties.
Continue reading Comments (2) Oct.24.2006.
Tax Relief for Whom?
In May, Congress passed $70 billion in tax cuts over the next five years. Guess who benefits?
If your annual income is...$10k - 20k you save $2
$20k - 30k you save $9
$30k - 40k you save $16
$40k - 50k you save $46
$50k - 75k you save $110
$75k - 100k you save $403
== Notice average savings increase == $100k - 200k they save $1,388
$200k - 500k they save $4,499
$500k - 1 Million they save $5,562
Over $1 Million they save $41,977
Source: Senate Finance Committee and Sojourners Magazine Thanks congress, I really appreciate you working so hard to save me a few dollars over the next five years. I will do my patriotic duty and immediately buy some $3 dollar per gallon gas!
Continue reading Comments (0) Jun.26.2006.