This post is full of random news. First, 2 prominent conservatives have announced their support for Rudy Giuliani and taken jobs with his campaign. These include Jerry Kilgore, 2005 GOP nominee for Virginia governor, who will be heading up Giuliani's VA operations, and recent 2006 Iowa gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle (see here). I'm sure Giuliani won't miss a beat in publicizing this news, as he knows he needs the support of the conservative primary voters in several key states (and snagging native Iowan Nussle's endorsement is a good start. Guiliani also reached out to conservatives this week by pledging to appoint strict constructionists in the mold of Roberts and Alito to the Supreme Court.
Back in KS, Kobach's 2nd in command in Topeka, Christian Morgan, has indicated the party's primary focus right now is fundraising. In March, they will start selecting persons to fill various committees (recruitment, GOTV, coalition building, etc.). This also comes with the firing of several members of the former staff and Ron Freeman's exit. I hope these efforts pay off with huge dividends in the form of increased donor pledges and a solid financial structure heading into the '08 elections.
Next tues (2/27) is the big mayoral primary in KC, in which the top two vote getters will advance to the general. It looks like Al Brooks, Becky Nace, and Mark Funkhouser are in the top 3--and 2 of those 3 will advance to the general (my prediction).
Anyone see that new talk/news/entertainment show on Fox called "Red Eye"? It's annoying at times, and is so far from being intellectually stimulating that at times I'm embarrased to watch it. But you do get the news, it's fun, and it's interesting. For someone like me who has had to be endure John Stewart's daily liberal dose on the "Daily Show" for some comic relief mixed with politics, this is a somewhat refreshing alternative, and I'll admit it--I'm addicted. Check it out weeknights on Fox News at 1 am.
That's all for now. Next week, I'll be in DC (for the first time since turning 21!) attending CPAC, White House Briefing, Capitol Hill briefing, and having dinner with VP Dick Cheney and a select group of GOP donors. Long story, but short summary: I won a scholarship to attend the conference that came with some added perks.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Australian PM no Obama fan...
So in case you were as bombarded as I was by the intense "Obama-mania" coverage of Barak Obama's announcement speech (BTW--in case you didn't hear, Obama is the new "Abraham Lincoln"), Australian Prime Minister John Howard made comments to the tune of Al Qaeda terrorists would be praying for Obama and Democrats like him to win the 2008 Presidential election. Of course, certain media outlets overplayed this story, which wasn't that different from the many European leaders who made anti-Bush comments or came out in support of Kerry in '04. Yet, I think deep down, many people realize Howard is right, whether or not the Democrats are trying their best to do what they think is right, the perception is that the U.S. is weak, and Democratic actions to pull out of Iraq or close Guantanamo Bay serve only to embolden the terrorists. Regardless of what you think about the war (a lot of mistakes have been made, and I'm not sure as to whether we will succeed) the overall foreign policy of the Democratic Party is inconsistent with promoting our interests and those of our allies.John Howard, however is in the midst of his own re-election campaign as he tries for a 5th term as Australia's PM. Locally, these comments will probably hurt him rather than help him, as his Labor Party opponent is currently leading in the polls.
Australia has been a steadfast ally of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan, and its 2000 troops in Iraq is representative of its small population (20 million) and Obama should not belittle that contribution. Of course, Obama is the same person who earlier in the week called the death of our troops in Iraq "a waste." How comforting to their families.
This photo shows Obama conspiring with our very own Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill (OK, just kidding..."sharing information" with Claire).
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Campaign '08 Update
Sam Brownback is the senator running for President from Kansas and Mitt Romney is the governor running for President from Missouri? Not quite, Romney's from Massachusetts, but you might not be able to tell from the endorsements he's been getting. Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt not only endorsed Romney, he worked the phones for him during a fundraising day several weeks ago. And recently, former MO Sen. Jim Talent announced he's joining the Romney campaign as an associate. I may be a Kansan, but I was born in Missouri, most of my friends and family are in Missouri, and these developments are very interesting to say the least, esp. since Sam Brownback hails from Missouri's western neighbor and he has yet to pick up any endorsements in the "show me state."
Hillary was in Des Moines last week, attempting to produce a few laughs by commenting on her experience with "evil men." Just this past saturday, Congressman Tom Tancredo (who can only win the nomination if Hell freezes over twice) was campaigning in western Iowa, Council Bluffs, at a VFW hall. His reception on this day with a high of 8 degrees was chilly (no pun intended) to say the least. Voters wanted to hear more about other issues and his other positions, and expressed some skepticism at his primary chances.
On another note, KS National Committeeman Steve Cloud was spotted at Kansas Days sporting a McCain lapel pin--apparently he's not supporting Kansas' native son either. Of course, Cloud was never expected to endorse Brownback in the first place, although I'm a little surprised he endorsed McCain over Giuliani. It will be Steve Cloud and the rest of the KS delegation that actually get to vote in the eventual nominee (with heavy consideration towards the KS primary results of course) so seeing an influential if not colorful Republican like Cloud publicly endorse a candidate this early on shows that there will be division even among Kansans--like the rest of the country--despite the fact one of our own is in the race.
Hillary was in Des Moines last week, attempting to produce a few laughs by commenting on her experience with "evil men." Just this past saturday, Congressman Tom Tancredo (who can only win the nomination if Hell freezes over twice) was campaigning in western Iowa, Council Bluffs, at a VFW hall. His reception on this day with a high of 8 degrees was chilly (no pun intended) to say the least. Voters wanted to hear more about other issues and his other positions, and expressed some skepticism at his primary chances.
On another note, KS National Committeeman Steve Cloud was spotted at Kansas Days sporting a McCain lapel pin--apparently he's not supporting Kansas' native son either. Of course, Cloud was never expected to endorse Brownback in the first place, although I'm a little surprised he endorsed McCain over Giuliani. It will be Steve Cloud and the rest of the KS delegation that actually get to vote in the eventual nominee (with heavy consideration towards the KS primary results of course) so seeing an influential if not colorful Republican like Cloud publicly endorse a candidate this early on shows that there will be division even among Kansans--like the rest of the country--despite the fact one of our own is in the race.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Kobach is the new state GOP chairman!
Kris Kobach has just been elected chairman of the GOP. On the first round of balloting, the vote was 65--Kobach, 56--Huelskamp, and 55--Pompeo, so Pompeo was knocked off, and Kobach ended up winning over most of Pompeo's delegates on the second round with a landslide victory of 109-65 victory over Huelskamp.
Kobach's speech clinced the victory as he spoke about his aggressive strategy to regain lost seats and transform the GOP into a "lean, mean vote-getting machine." He blasted the state party's lack of help on his campaign and pledged much-needed reform lest "we get killed again in '08."
Kobach immediately asked Huelskamp and Pompeo to join his executive committee team, which they graciously did. That was one of the best moves (Pompeo is a proven fundraiser, so hopfully he'll be in charge of fundraising to help erase the state party's debt)--no hard feelings, no regrets, grudges, or tension, and the beginning of a unified party. Kline's election as DA was a minor setback, but the strides made on the JoCo committee, 3rd District committee, and now at the state level are all steps in the right direction. We have moderates and conservatives working together, and EVERY delegate from all corners of KS showed up today--there is drive and passion to regain control and come back strong in '08 (too bad it took the losses of 2006 to get here).
Kobach's thick "blueprint" for success includes a specific strategy that flows all the way from the state party and national RNC to the precinct level (incl. involving us precinct committee members).
Sen. Pat Roberts gave a fantastic "motivational" speech, and signed up volunteers and passed out bumper stickers for his re-election effort in '08 (already underway).
And it looks like the 2nd district race is shaping up to be a showdown in the primary between state treasurer Lynn Jenkins and former congressman Jim Ryun (who's announced he may run again). Jenkins is "seriously considering" (to quote her directly). Either of them have the ability to beat Boyda (Ryun just happened to lose in a bad year with a strong national tide and he was a little too complacent). Jenkins was re-elected statewide with 64% in 2006, so she would be extremely formidable.
I was mingling with Thornburgh's people who say he's considering a run for governor in 2010 and will make the decision soon.
Kobach's speech clinced the victory as he spoke about his aggressive strategy to regain lost seats and transform the GOP into a "lean, mean vote-getting machine." He blasted the state party's lack of help on his campaign and pledged much-needed reform lest "we get killed again in '08."
Kobach immediately asked Huelskamp and Pompeo to join his executive committee team, which they graciously did. That was one of the best moves (Pompeo is a proven fundraiser, so hopfully he'll be in charge of fundraising to help erase the state party's debt)--no hard feelings, no regrets, grudges, or tension, and the beginning of a unified party. Kline's election as DA was a minor setback, but the strides made on the JoCo committee, 3rd District committee, and now at the state level are all steps in the right direction. We have moderates and conservatives working together, and EVERY delegate from all corners of KS showed up today--there is drive and passion to regain control and come back strong in '08 (too bad it took the losses of 2006 to get here).
Kobach's thick "blueprint" for success includes a specific strategy that flows all the way from the state party and national RNC to the precinct level (incl. involving us precinct committee members).
Sen. Pat Roberts gave a fantastic "motivational" speech, and signed up volunteers and passed out bumper stickers for his re-election effort in '08 (already underway).
And it looks like the 2nd district race is shaping up to be a showdown in the primary between state treasurer Lynn Jenkins and former congressman Jim Ryun (who's announced he may run again). Jenkins is "seriously considering" (to quote her directly). Either of them have the ability to beat Boyda (Ryun just happened to lose in a bad year with a strong national tide and he was a little too complacent). Jenkins was re-elected statewide with 64% in 2006, so she would be extremely formidable.
I was mingling with Thornburgh's people who say he's considering a run for governor in 2010 and will make the decision soon.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Kansas Days approaching... Who will be the next KS GOP chairman?
TIM HUELSKAMP************KRIS KOBACH**************MIKE POMPEO
Next weekend is Kansas Days, the annual Republican weekend of fun, policy, and serious soul-searching. Sen. Pat Roberts is the keynote speaker this year, and Sen. Brownback, Reps. Tiahrt and Moran, Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, Sec. of State. Ron Thornburgh, and a slew of other elected officials will be here.
I'm a 3rd District delegate, and so I will have a few 3rd district committee meetings to attend. I'm also an alternate state delegate, which means I may have the opportunity (if there is a no-show) to serve on the state committee and vote in the new GOP state party chairman, the most important function from this 3-day event.
Tim Huelskamp (KS state senator backed by KFL), Mike Pompeo (businessman and longtime party insider) and Kris Kobach (law professor and 3rd district congressional nominee) are all in the running. I propose that the state committee actually consider ramifications for the future of the party and our likelihood of success in upcoming elections when they make their choice (such a novel idea, I know, but it hasn't been considered for the past few years). Huelskamp--nice guy, good, sound credentials, but probably won't bring the party together or energize it. For me, that leaves the choice at Mike Pompeo or Kris Kobach, both of whom have the connections (Mike--KS, Kris--DC) and the drive and energy to take a new route and rebuild the party from the bottom up. Kris has been especially agressive in recent weeks in emailing and lobbying committee members, and his plans for establishing statwide GOTV strategies and a statwide voter database are just small portions of his grand design at revamping the state party. To those who discount Kris because of his failure in the 2004 election against Moore, I say that this may just be the best position for him, and a podium where he can constantly put the Dems on the offensive and make sure we're successful recruiting candidates and serving successfully as a state party.
So I have I decided yet? No, but my choice is definitely between Pompeo (who can unite all factions of the party) and Kobach (who has an ingenius and aggressive plan of action).
It should be noted that a recent Washington Post article compared state GOP parties and Kansas fell behind the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Republican parties as one of the most inefficient, least active, and least organized at recruiting candidates and helping their campaigns. Oh, and our state party has less money than the Rhode Island GOP. Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the nation, Rhode Island is 2nd, yet their state GOPs have more money than the Kansas GOP, in such a conservative state like ours? Our party is seriously dysfunctional, and the new chairman will have a lot of work to do. Most important tasks on the agenda for the new chairman:
1. Recruit promising Republican Candidates
2. Defeat Democrats at all levels
3. Raise $$$
Also, at Kansas Days we should get an idea on who's planning to take back the 2nd District seat in '08 from soon-to-be one-termer Nancy Boyda. Possible mentions: Alan Cobb, Ron Thornburgh, Lynn Jenkins, Lee Tafanelli, and (really?) Phill Kline.
I'll have an update after the convention. And then, for the time being, we can get back to national political, cultural, and foreign events (there's a lot happenin' outside Kansas).
I'm a 3rd District delegate, and so I will have a few 3rd district committee meetings to attend. I'm also an alternate state delegate, which means I may have the opportunity (if there is a no-show) to serve on the state committee and vote in the new GOP state party chairman, the most important function from this 3-day event.
Tim Huelskamp (KS state senator backed by KFL), Mike Pompeo (businessman and longtime party insider) and Kris Kobach (law professor and 3rd district congressional nominee) are all in the running. I propose that the state committee actually consider ramifications for the future of the party and our likelihood of success in upcoming elections when they make their choice (such a novel idea, I know, but it hasn't been considered for the past few years). Huelskamp--nice guy, good, sound credentials, but probably won't bring the party together or energize it. For me, that leaves the choice at Mike Pompeo or Kris Kobach, both of whom have the connections (Mike--KS, Kris--DC) and the drive and energy to take a new route and rebuild the party from the bottom up. Kris has been especially agressive in recent weeks in emailing and lobbying committee members, and his plans for establishing statwide GOTV strategies and a statwide voter database are just small portions of his grand design at revamping the state party. To those who discount Kris because of his failure in the 2004 election against Moore, I say that this may just be the best position for him, and a podium where he can constantly put the Dems on the offensive and make sure we're successful recruiting candidates and serving successfully as a state party.
So I have I decided yet? No, but my choice is definitely between Pompeo (who can unite all factions of the party) and Kobach (who has an ingenius and aggressive plan of action).
It should be noted that a recent Washington Post article compared state GOP parties and Kansas fell behind the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Republican parties as one of the most inefficient, least active, and least organized at recruiting candidates and helping their campaigns. Oh, and our state party has less money than the Rhode Island GOP. Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the nation, Rhode Island is 2nd, yet their state GOPs have more money than the Kansas GOP, in such a conservative state like ours? Our party is seriously dysfunctional, and the new chairman will have a lot of work to do. Most important tasks on the agenda for the new chairman:
1. Recruit promising Republican Candidates
2. Defeat Democrats at all levels
3. Raise $$$
Also, at Kansas Days we should get an idea on who's planning to take back the 2nd District seat in '08 from soon-to-be one-termer Nancy Boyda. Possible mentions: Alan Cobb, Ron Thornburgh, Lynn Jenkins, Lee Tafanelli, and (really?) Phill Kline.
I'll have an update after the convention. And then, for the time being, we can get back to national political, cultural, and foreign events (there's a lot happenin' outside Kansas).
Thursday, December 28, 2006
In Memoriam of President Gerald Rudolph Ford
This is an unusual second posting in 2 days, but it would be irreverent of me to not mention the death of our 38th President, Gerald Rudolph Ford. As the only president not elected by the American people, he served a brief 2 and half years, the rest of Nixon's term, before losing his own re-election to Jimmy Carter. Ford had the unfortunate task of serving during the most tumultous time in history--Vietnam, Watergate, hyperinflation, distrust in government, race riots, etc., which accounts for much of his ineffectiveness. His greatest accomplishment was probably his collegial nature and knack for compromise, which enabled his presidency to be a more smooth transition, which eventually paved the way for Reagan. This is best captured by his memoirs A Time to Heal.
Just 2.5 years ago, we had 6 surviving presidents (Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush) and now we're down to four. President Ford will be remembered for filling the leadership void during America's most difficult times.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Metsker will replace O'Malley; Jim Ryun sets the record straight...
With the holidays in full gear, apparently the press including the KC Star, has practically ignored the convention to replace Rep. Ed O'Malley (R-Roeland Park). There was just a brief mention of it in last saturday's paper. The GOP precinct committee members from Mission and Roeland Park met and narrowly voted in Ronnie Metsker over Mission Mayor Laura McConwell by a vote of 16-15. Metsker is the former chairman of YouthFront, a Christian Youth organization, and currently runs his father's ministry. The vote was somewhat suprising since many bloggers and area politicos said that moderates had complete control over the committee in the 24th District and McConwell was seen as the only viable candidate. Depending on how well he fulfills the rest of O'Malley's term in the legislature, Metsker could be become a new, powerful face for the GOP or another defeated Republican (either in the primary or in the general--esp. since Dem. Andy Sandler--with too much time on his hands--is already giving hints that he will run again in this strongly Democratic District.
Congressman Jim Ryun sent out an email to supporters today denouncing Nancy Boyda's attacks against his record on constituent service, touting the resolution of 10,000 constituent cases by his office staff. Ryun is able to do this brilliantly, without coming off as too defensive or attacking Boyda. Go Ryun! Ryun has been very gracious in his defeat, and for Boyda to continue taking these cheap shots after the campaign is over is really distasteful and over the line. Is this the end of Ryun's political career, or will he try to challenge Nancy again in 2 years? This email to supporters seems to show that he's at least not going out without a fight...
Congressman Jim Ryun sent out an email to supporters today denouncing Nancy Boyda's attacks against his record on constituent service, touting the resolution of 10,000 constituent cases by his office staff. Ryun is able to do this brilliantly, without coming off as too defensive or attacking Boyda. Go Ryun! Ryun has been very gracious in his defeat, and for Boyda to continue taking these cheap shots after the campaign is over is really distasteful and over the line. Is this the end of Ryun's political career, or will he try to challenge Nancy again in 2 years? This email to supporters seems to show that he's at least not going out without a fight...
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