Fiscal Conservative bailing on Obama over Stimulus, reckless spending

Independent former Obama supporter organizes national group to oppose Obama's spending

From Fosters.com, July 12:

Fred Tausch, a Merrimack [New Hampshire] businessman and former Obama supporter who has grown frustrated with Obama's fiscal policy, has founded STEWARD of Prosperity — a group he describes as a "grassroots organization dedicated to holding politicians from both parties accountable to the taxpayers."

The group has released research, advertised on television and has a presence online at www.stewardofprosperity.com.

Tausch has not announced any political ambitions, but has "been encouraged to run for office," said his assistant, Jeff Grappone, who was active in Rudy Guiliani's New Hampshire primary campaign and the state-level presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

So much for the Dump Sanford movement

"Forgive and move on..."

GOP12 is reporting that a sparse 50 people showed up for the much promoted Dump Mark Sanford rally, at the steps of the State Capitol.

From WFAE 90.7 FM:

It's one thing to have 6,000 people join your Facebook group calling for the governor to resign. It's another to get them out in person to wave signs on his door step. Only about 50 people have come out for this rally...

I'm here with Marilyn Hemingway, who started the Facebook page.

"We've heard from a lot of people through emails and phone calls who said 'Sorry we can't be here but we are behind you 100 percent,'" says Hemingway. "I did not know what to expect. I'm happy with the turnout."

Editor's Comment - 50 is about the size of the smallest of small Tea Party rallies, held in Caldwell, Idaho, Walla Walla, WA or Ketchikan, Alaska. Yet another sign that the Left is hurting these days on the activism front.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A promiment Democrat State Senator in South Carolina, Harry Ford, has said of the Sanford affair, "time to forgive and move on..."

Charlie Baker: A libertarian for Governor, conservatives in Mass should support

An interesting political dynamic is shaping up in the Bay State. Scandal-ridden incumbent Democrat Governor DeVal Patrick is acknowledged by even State Dems, to be facing a very tough fight for reelection. Massachusetts, heavily Democratic, for some unexplained reason, likes Republican Governors. 4 out of the last 5, have been GOP, including Weld, Celluci, Swift and Romney. And Patrick is facing a huge budget deficit from over-spending on pet social welfare programs. Plus, boosts in toll road fees has sent his popularity ratings way down.

Two days ago, a fresh new face in Mass politics declared his intentions to run. And this particular candidate, comes decidedly from the libertarian wing of the GOP. Local Columnist Frank Mazzaglia editorialized in his favor, urging his fellow conservatives to back the libertarian-leaning Baker. From the Daily News-Tribune (Waltham):

Enter Charles D. Baker, Jr. and it's a completely new ball game for Republicans, not to mention long-suffering frustrated Democrats and independents. Baker owns the respect of political insiders on both sides of the aisle. He can also inspire confidence among business leaders. Conservative Republicans may not be thrilled at Baker's libertarian tendencies, but at least he is one who can be influenced by reason.

Baker's entry into the race brings new hope to people who miss the legitimate balance of political power between the branches of government. As a Republican insider, Baker knows how government works. Nevertheless, there is a real difference between being an insider and being out front. Baker's adversaries will have to dig up whatever dirt they can find. Lacking that, they may have to just create some. That's not nice, but it's politics.

3 libertarian-leaning GOP Congressmen sign on to Posey bill demanding birth certificate for Presidential eligibility

Blackburn, Campbell & Culberson now co-sponsors

by Eric Dondero

While it may be too late to revoke Barack Hussein Obama's hold on the Presidency, it is not too late to make the issue of his birth outside of the United States, most likely in Kenya, an issue for Campaign 2012.

With that in mind, a coalition of conservatives and libertarians around the Nation are pushing for the enactment of HR 1503, introduced by freshman Republican Congressman of Florida Bill Posey. The legislation would require proof of birth in the United States of America or its Territories to run for the office of the Presidency. This shall take the form of a valid hospital-issued birth certificate, and not just a receipt for such a certificate as Obama has released.

The legislation got off to a slow start. It was introduced back in March of this year. And only Rep. Bill Goodlatte (R) of Virginia, agreed to sign on as a co-sponsor. Then a few weeks ago, Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas, came on board. Within the last two weeks, 5 Republican Congressmen have signed on. Besides the 3 mentioned, co-sponsors include: Reps. Marsha Blackburn (TN), John Carter (TX), John Culberson (TX), Ted Poe (TX), and Dan Burton (IN). Notably, Burton and Blackburn are considered leaders of the GOP House Caucus.

Of note, on the Senate side, the Hon. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma has gone on record in support of such legislation in that body.

There are some notable Representatives who have yet to sign on, including some libertarian Republicans. It would also be nice to have a principled and honest Democrat or two as co-sponsors.

Please take a moment to contact your Representatives by email, phone or letter to urge them to support HR 1503. Just tell them it's the "Posey Bill" requiring a birth certificate for Presidential eligibility.

It may be too late to do anything about Obama's 2008 election, but not too late to make this an issue for 2012.

Contact your Congressman website.

Palin to campaign for Libertarian Party and other Third Party candidates?

The Washington Times conducted an exclusive interview with Governor Sarah Palin at a cafe near her home in Wasilla. The soon-to-be former Governor surprised the reporter with some stunning remarks: She plans to not only campaign for Republicans who share her views, but to also support "Conservative Democrats," and even Independents.

From the Times July 12:

she is eager to campaign for Republicans, independents and even Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and "energy independence."

"I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation," she said over lunch in her downtown office, 40 miles from her now-famous hometown of Wasilla — population 7,000 — where she began her political career.

"People are so tired of the partisan stuff — even my own son is not a Republican," said Mrs. Palin, who stunned the political world earlier this month with her decision to step down as governor July 26 with 18 months left in her term.

Both her son, Track, 20, an enlisted soldier serving in Iraq, and her husband, Todd, are registered as "nonpartisan" in Alaska.

Palin has a long history with third parties in Alaska. It is well known that her husband Todd was a dues paying member of the Alaska Independence Party for many years. Additionally, she taped a video for an AIP convention as the sitting Governor a few years back. Her political mentor is none other than former Alaska Governor Wally Hickel(photo) who was elected in the 1990s on the AIP ticket. (AIP has a loose affiliation with some factions of the Constitution Party in the lower 48.)

But it is her ties to the Libertarian Party that are the strongest. It was rumored in GOP politics during the GOP primary in the Governors race, that Sarah "was not really a Republican, but rather a Libertarian." Social conservatives and backers of then Governor Frank Murkowski even accused Palin of being a "closeted supporter of marijuana legalization."

That same year, Palin spoke to two Libertarian Party meetings in Anchorage at the invitation of longtime Party Sec. Rob Clift. He reported that she was warmly received at both meetings. This led to the Alaska Libertarian Party leadership eventually backing her in the election. Jason Dowell, LPA Chairman formally endorsed her and even joined her campaign as a volunteer the last week of the election. Even more dramatic, Billy Toien, the LPA's candidate for Governor on the ballot opposing Palin, backed off, and sent word out statewide, that his supporters should "not vote for me, but rather for Sarah."

On election night, the Libertarian Party was one of the very first groups that Gov.-elect Palin thanked in front of over 2,000 people at the downtown Egan Center. She even gave a bearhug to Toien in front of the TV cameras.

The Libertarian Party of Alaska has remained supportive of Palin, particularly Jason Dowell, during her tenure.

New Democrat Scandal: Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter had Stimulus money go to his favored Firm

Just Breaking...

Hogan & Hartson is Democrat Governor Bill Ritter's former law firm. They specialize in governmental and environmental litigation. Now, the Denver Post has learned that the Governor awarded a no-bid contract made available by Obama stimulus money to his former law partners.

From CBS News 4 - Denver:

Gov. Ritter Steered Stimulus Money To Ex-Employer

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has awarded some of the state's first stimulus money to his former employer in a no-bid contract.

Ritter hired his former law firm, the Washington-based Hogan & Hartson, in a no-bid contract to review stimulus spending, The Denver Post reported Friday. It said the firm was paid $40,000 in stimulus money through June.

The firm has responded to the allegations. Continuing:

Many of Hogan's lawyers are Ritter supporters, and two who work directly on the state's stimulus issues are contributors.

A managing partner for the firm, Cole Finegan, told the Post that the work was of "tremendous importance." Colorado was due to receive about $3 billion in stimulus spending.

Note - in the entire 7 paragraph story from the AP linked above, not a single mention was made of Ritter's Democrat Party affiliation.

African reporter embarrasses CNN Anchor: Continent welcomed Bush just as warmly as Obama

CNN anchor Don Lemon is clearly flustered by an unexpected response from an on-the-ground string reporter during Obama's African visit. He asks if Obama's reception gala is unprecedented. She responds, in a sharp tone, "It's not unprecedented."

RELATED NEWS

A top Ghanan news source has confirmed Obama's African birth on its front page. From the Ghana Daily Graphic, ModernGhana.com

“It is expected that President Obama will make a major foreign policy statement on Africa”, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, told the Daily Graphic.

For Ghana, Obama’s visit will be a celebration of another milestone in African history as it hosts the first-ever African-American President on this presidential visit to the continent of his birth.

(H/t Breitbart)

Cato libertarians fighting back against Liberal attack on fireman Frank Ricci

Joe the Plumber II?

During the 2008 Presidential campaign Liberal Democrats came after Joe the Plumber for questioning Obama's growth in government programs. Now, the same groups are attacking Frank the Firefighter, for questioning Obama's nominee for the Supreme Court.

People for the American Way have unleashed a full-blown media assault on Connecticut firefighter Frank Ricci. The New Haven fireman was critical of Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotamayor's decision to back affirmative action. Ricci is scheduled to testify next week at the confirmation hearings. But at least one group on the ideological spectrum are defending Ricci.

From McClatchy, July 11:

Sotomayor backers urge reporters to probe New Haven firefighter

To go after so sympathetic a plaintiff as Frank Ricci . . . is a new low in the politics of personal destruction," said Roger Pilon, the director of the libertarian Cato Institute's Center for Constitutional Studies. "If they were smart, they'd keep a low profile."

Obama: Stimulus working cause Government Jobs are being saved

From Bloomberg News, July 11:

Obama says Stimulus worked as intended

Obama, in his speech, said the stimulus program is helping state governments save jobs. Were it not for the program, the president said, “state deficits would be nearly twice as large as they are now, resulting in tens of thousands of additional layoffs -- layoffs that would affect police officers, teachers, and firefighters.”

CNN: Gruesome new details emerge from Cemetery robbings in Obama's hometown Chicago

The four suspects in the Chicago Cemetery robbings have been identified. They are: Carolyn Towns, office manager for the cemetery, Keith Nicks, Terrance Nicks and Maurice Daley. Each of the four were charged with dismembering bodies. They allegedly made about $300,000 in the scheme to switch cemetery sites, and dump newer bodies in older graves. Gruesome stories are being revealed, including body parts being scattered out in the weeds and grasslands. And even one story of live animals living in open caskets in a shed.

CNN reports this morning:

[Cook County Sheriff Raymond] Dart said he himself walked through the cemetery on Friday and what he saw was disturbing. "I found bones out there," he said. "I found individuals wandering aimlessly looking for their loved ones who can't find them."

Some people told him that an entire area that used to have gravestones facing in one direction now has them facing in another direction, he said.

"This is getting bigger," he said. "We don't have an end in sight ... more people have not found relatives than have found them."

More than 2,000 families have descended on the cemetery since authorities uncovered what they say was a scheme to resell the plots, excavate the graves, dump the remains and pocket the cash.

Four people face felony charges for their alleged involvement.

He had said earlier this week that the number of disturbed graves was around 300, but said Friday that number was sure to rise.

At least one commentator is blaming it all on a growing criminal attitude of get what you can, any way you can, in Chicago-land, that has spread since native son Obama's election. From Autographed Letters Signed, a "Center-Right" former Democrat, African American blog calls it a "Liberal Shop of Horrors." She writes:

Since Obama’s election, Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) was impeached for attempting to sell Obama’s senate seat, the murder rate has doubled, the retail sales tax has risen to 10.25%, hundreds of city jobs have been cut by Mayor Daley, and political scandal after scandal has rocked the news. There is no doubt that Chicago has been in the media more than any other city this year.

Burr Oak Cemetery is located in southwest Chicago, near Obama's former State Senate district. It is a tradionally Black Cemetery, and even contains the bodies of former civil rights leaders.

Gov. Palin and Ted Nugent on Fairbanks talk show: Nuge tells her - "you're my hero"

Palin: Why is it that if you resign to work in government you're praised, but if you decide to work outside of government, you're denounced?

From Josh Painter:

Gov. Sarah Palin spent an hour in Fairbanks Friday discussing Second Amendment rights and other issues with conservative talk radio host Michael Dukes. They were joined by rocker, sportsman and gun rights advocate Ted Nugent. He called in to the program and praised the governor lavishly, saying at one point that she was his hero.

From Fox News:

Callers included rock n' roller turned avid hunter Ted Nugent, well-known for the 1970s hit "Cat Scratch Fever," who told Palin from his home in Michigan that he was firing up the grill to cook up some Alaskan black bear backstrap in her honor.

The governor told Nugent that she thought that was "awesome."

Nugent signed off by saying, "Sarah Palin, God bless you and your family."

The three discussed gun rights and personal responsibility issues, and then the conversation turned to the topic of her resignation:

"So that I could get out there and fight without the shackles, for our state and for our country, to fight for what is right, and to support the people who have more freedom than I do evidently to be able to cast those votes and administer the policies and the laws that we need to protect our Constitution," Palin said. "Now perhaps my decision was unpopular to some because it’s unconventional; it’s not politics as usual. ... I’m not cut out to want to waste time or waste resources. I’m going to be freer now to fight for what’s right."

She also said it’s "odd" that she is held to different standards for her resignation, and she brought up former Juneau Sen. Kim Elton’s departure from the Legislature mid-session to take an Obama administration appointment.

"No, they don’t say boo," she said. "Kim Elton left his constituents to go to D.C. You know why? It’s accepted to go on to move into another political position, evidently, but how about just being free to do what is right for your state and for your country? Evidently that isn’t as acceptable."

Gov. Palin also fielded calls from listeners on a number of topics, including wildlife management, state soverignty, her resignation again, the latest "ethics" complaint which was filed today, and Saul Alinsky's book Rules for Radicals, a "how to" manual for implementing many of the tactics which are being used against her:

"I chose not to play their game," Palin explained.

She wanted instead to free herself of the constraints of the governor's job so that she could again "get out there and fight," she said.

Editor's Note - Visit Josh's blog Texans for Palin Josh has the link to the full audio.

Worldwide Libertarian heroine Atlas talks Palin: "Dickless Republicans" don't get her

Pamela Geller of Atlas Shrugs crowns Sarah Palin: "an Individualist... she's one of us." She asserts, that's why Beltway Insider Republicans just don't get her, or have a clue as to what she's trying to do. In short, unlike Democrat AND many Republican politicians, Sarah Palin is not a "full-of-shit-nick."

Brief intro on current conflict in Iran, and support for Freedom Movement against Ahmadinijad.

Visit the Web's Number One real libertarian website: Atlas Shrugs.

Republican Mom: Palin absolutely Brillant!

Insiders in GOP trying to stop "Libertarian support for Palin"

From Lisa Graas, Why Mommy is a Republican blog, July 9:

Sarah Palin is the voice of conservatism. She's unleashed now and I expect her to do as she pledged in her speech, to go out and support the right candidates and to kick these RINOs OUT.

The GOP Beltway types are counting out Libertarian support for people like Sarah Palin, as well as people who've been disillusioned and stopped voting years ago because they lost faith in their government -- people like my own mother who never voted for a Republican in her life and whose last vote was for Carter when he opposed Ford. She lost faith in government until Sarah Palin was announced in Dayton. The next day, she registered to vote as an Independent and in November she voted the GOP ticket........because of Sarah Palin.

Can Sarah Palin rally enough people to rise through the ranks of the GOP and take it over in time for 2012? I think that would take nothing short of a miracle...........but I've been wrong before about things and this woman has proven she is politically brilliant

Alabama Governors race getting weider and weirder: A "Taliban supporting" Libertarian-turned-Republican?

by Eric Dondero

In late June, we here at Libertarian Republican took some shots at traitorous Libertarian-turned-Republican candidate for Alabma Governor Bill Johnson. Not for his move from the LP to the GOP; but rather for his denunciation of his past very admirable libertarian views in support of drug legalization, prostitution as a legal profession, and opposition to federal income taxes. We wrote:

Translation: He used to be in favor of Liberty, now he's for Big Government Nanny-Statism.

The Republican Liberty Caucus recently organized in Alabama. The State is also home to a number of "switchover" Libertarians to the GOP, including a number of Ron Paul supporters, and well-known Libertarian Media guy Stephen Gordon.

We here at Libertarian Republican heartily applaud former Libertarian Party members who join the GOP and bring their libertarian ideals with them. But there's nothing worse than a former Libertarian who joins the GOP only to become a social authoritarian, most especially one who apologizes for his past libertarian views.

Alabama Libertarian Republicans should support Anyone but Johnson.

Now, some new news on Johnson. There might even be more reason for libertarians to give the cold shoulder to his candidacy. Seems at least one source is claiming that he is a former supporter of the Taliban.

From Columnist Bob Mount, Opelika-Auburn Now, July 9, "A leopard changes his spots":

A man who sought a seat in the U.S. Senate from a mid-western state must have been kidding himself if he believed voters would consider him a serious candidate. He believed that marijuana should be legalized and that prostitution should be regarded as a legal occupation. He expressed his support of the Taliban in Afghanistan and disagreed with how the federal government was spending taxpayers’ money, so much so that he refused to pay federal income taxes for 14 years. He ran on the Libertarian Party ticket and was soundly defeated.

One might tend to assume that, considering the man’s beliefs and refusal to pay his taxes, his political career would have come to a screeching halt. It did not.

If only Johnson kept his former views listed above, with the glaring exception of the foreign policy stance, his candidacy would be greatly appealing to the Alabama GOP's libertarian wing. But contrary to Mount's slam, Johnson has completely distanced himself from what would have been the most appealing aspects of his potential candidacy.

And what of the Taliban remark? Mount gives no link or source. One could assume that Mount is using Ron Paul as a standard-bearer for foreign policy. And presuming that Johnson has the same Pro-Taliban of some of the Ron Paulists he's met there in Auburn, Alabama. But Paul is on the fringe of the libertarian movement; his former libertarianism comes out only occasionally. And his views on foreign policy are now almost entirely anti-libertarian.

So, in fairness, Mount could be in error in judging Johnson as Pro-Taliban like Paul.

But who cares, really? There's already more than enough reason to oppose Johnson's candidacy. If Mount comes up with some backing for his claim, and it turns out that Johnson is also Pro-Taliban, all the more reason for libertarians to completely and forcefully oppose Bill Johnson for Governor.

As if we libertarians needed more icing on the cake.

Gov. Perry rumored to be considering appointing libertarian Cynthia Dunbar head of State Board of Education: Far Left going bonkers over appt.

Comes more from the libertarian wing of the GOP

by Eric Dondero, Brazoria County, Texas

The hard Left, within Texas and Nationwide, are raising bloody hell over the anticipated appointment of Christian libertarian Cynthia Dunbar as head of the State Board of Education. Dunbar currently serves as an Associate Member of the Board representing West Houston and Ft. Bend County.

From Leftwing extremist Blog Crooks & Liars:

this story about Texas Gov. Rick Perry considering the appointment of a right-wing extremist Christian to head the state's Board of education.

Oh, and she just happens to despise public education, thinks it's unconstitutional and thinks public schools should be abolished. (She also thinks Barack Obama is getting ready to impose martial law.) Yep, she sounds perfect for the job - at least, in Wacky Wingnut World.

Leftwing attackers not even mentioning her libertarian connections

Though, they are attempting to paint Dunbar as a Religious Right extremist, she's actually more of a libertarian.

Dunbar, was heavily supported by Libertarian Republicans in her first election to the Board in 2006. One of her staunchest supporters and hardest campaign workers was Libertarian Party ally and longtime Republican Liberty Caucus member Michael Franks of Sugarland. Franks also served as Ron Paul's longtime Regional Campaign Co-Chairman. Another Dunbar supporter: Peggy Veneble, Texas Tea Party rally organizer, and Chair of Americans for Prosperity. Ron Paul for Congress Campaign Manager Marc Elam, and Tim Lambert, Chairman of the Texas Home Schoolers Association, are also listed as Dunbar backers. (Cynthia Dunbar website).

This website, Libertarian Republican, enthusiastically endorsed her candidacy in 2006, as well.

Dunbar's views have the Left in a tizzy. She has staunchly opposed government-biased Teachers Unions. But Dunbar has questioned the whole concept of public education itself.

The establishment of public schools is unconstitutional and even “tyrannical,” she wrote, because it threatens the authority of families, granted by God through Scripture, to direct the instruction of their children.

Which may be Christian, but is entirely consistent with the libertarian view, as well.

Anyone who questions Obama's legitimacy, an "extremist"

But it's another viewpoint she holds that has the hard Left going even more batty.

According the San Antonio News:

Dunbar wrote that a terrorist attack on America during the first six months of an Obama administration “will be a planned effort by those with whom Obama truly sympathizes to take down the America that is threat to tyranny.”

She also suggests Obama would seek to expand his power by declaring martial law throughout the country.

In columns she wrote in 2008 prior to the elction, she also questioned Obama's legitimacy as President, due to his foreign birth (in Kenya).

The Houston Chronicle even went so far as to call Dunbar and presumably anyone including libertarians, who question Obama's legitimacy as President as "paranoid and bigoted."

If Governor Perry appoints her, he would not only be doing a great service to the Christian community here in Texas, but Libertarians would be greatly supportive of the Governor's choice, as well.

UPDATE!

Gov. Perry appointed Gail Lowe of Lampasas as State Board of Education Chair. Lowe is generally regarded as mostly a Dunbar ally, but less controversial.

White Ohio Family attacked by Gang of 50 Black Teens, are libertarian Home Schoolers

"We home school our children, because of the violence that was going on in schools"

From Ohio.com:

It came after a family night of celebrating America and freedom with a fireworks show at Firestone Stadium. Marshall, his family and two friends were gathered outside a friend’s home in South Akron.

Out of nowhere, the six were attacked by dozens of teenage boys, who shouted ”This is our world” and ”This is a black world” as they confronted Marshall and his family.

The Marshalls, who are white, say the crowd of teens who attacked them and two friends June 27 on Girard Street numbered close to 50. The teens were all black.

Both the mother and daughter were assaulted and pushed to the ground. But the father sustained the greatest injuries. Continuing:

Marshall was the most seriously injured. He suffered a concussion and multiple bruises to his head and eye. He said he spent five nights in the critical care unit at Akron General Medical Center.

The construction worker said he now fears for his family's safety, and the thousands of dollars in medical bills he faces without insurance.

''I knew I was going to get beat, but not as bad as I did,'' Marshall said. ''But I did it to protect my family. I didn't have a choice. There was no need for this. We should be all getting along. But to me, it seems to be racist.''

The story has been covered extensively by local TV news, but has yet to garner national attention, beyond blogs and news websites. In one local TV news segment from Chanel 5 Akron (above), the mother Yvone states that the family are home schoolers and have avoided government schools precisely because of the rampant violence. (Statement at approx. 1:10 minutes in).

Massachusetts Republican for Governor Charlie Baker has a rather strong libertarian connection...

His wife.

Baker just announced for Governor of Massachusetts as the Republican challenger to ultra-liberal Obama-ite incumbent DeVal Patrick. In his press conference, Baker said he'd be running on three items: "Jobs, Economy and the Business Climate."

The race is ripe for a Republican. Patrick's favorable poll numbers have shrunk to the low 30s. And Baker is an extremely attractive candidate for Republicans; not just because of his boyish good looks, but for his record of fiscal conservatism, and corporate management.

From the Boston.com:

It was, friends say, classic Charlie Baker, at once high-achieving and grounded. They describe the newly announced Republican gubernatorial candidate as an exacting policy wonk with charisma; a towering, energized man who pauses to listen patiently; a high-powered executive who showed up for his first Memorial Day ceremony as selectman in T-shirt and shorts, then had to scurry home for a suit.

The article goes on to give some background on Baker, including Harvard grad., star of the basketball team, and a stint in Gov. William Weld's administration. But of special note to libertarian Republicans, this item:

his wife, Lauren, Baker worked as a consultant and helped build the Pioneer Institute, a Boston think tank with a libertarian bent.

Baker still has to win the GOP primary which will include another Republican with a libertarian bent, "fiscally conservative/socially liberal" Christy Mihos.

Another Democrat House scandal? This time it's Maryland Rep. Hoyer over Stimulus pay-for-play

Steny Stimulating the pants pockets of suburban DC friends

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is back in the scandal news with a tit-for-tat with CIA Director Leon Panetta. Meanwhile John Murtha close friend and ally Richard Ianieri has agreed to plead guilty to bribery in relation to a Pennsylvania contractor connected with the PA Congressman.

Now, the 2nd in Command in the House is coming under increasing scrutiny for an alleged pay-for-play deal with one of his biggest contributors. Longtime Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer may have pulled some strings to get Muhammed Juvaid and Smartronix of Maryland an $18,000 contract for a Federal Website.

According to Jim Harper at Cato:

The federal government will pay $18,000,000 for one Web site.

A company called Smartronix will get $18,000,000 to redesign Recovery.gov, the federal Web site intended to track where federal Recovery Act spending goes.

The government purchased technology for a similar site (with a somewhat smaller scope), USASpending.gov, from the non-profit group OMB Watch for only $600,000. A private company already provides information on Recovery Act spending to the public for free.

Note - Smartronix is a company headquartered in Hoyer's District. Juvaid and his partners have given more than $19,000 to Hoyer's campaigns since the late 1990s.

Meanwhile, one prominent Republican who also calls Maryland home, had some comments about the growing scandal. From RNC Chairman Michael Steele via Skepticians.com:

“Vice President Biden warned us that there would be ‘waste’ in the stimulus bill. The Obama administration is devoting $18 million dollars to create a government website to show Americans just where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent. This is unreal and outrageous.”

“If the Obama administration is willing to devote $18 million in taxpayer dollars to a website, imagine what government-run health care will charge taxpayers for an MRI,” he said.

CAUTION: There is no evidence yet that Hoyer got the Fed contract in direct return for campaign contributions.

Developing...

Mass. lets deadline pass for mandatory seat belt use as primary offense

Nanny-State personified by Democrat State Senator

The June 30 deadline has passed for states to adopt seat belt laws as a primary offense, in order to qualify for more funds from the Feds. 20 states reject the Federal Government mandating primary offense. One state, New Hampshire, rejects seat belt laws (for adults), altogether.

Still, government busy-bodies and liberal allies in the media are lamenting the non-compliance. The Boston Globe had a two-page editorial castigating Mass residents for their individualist attitude; "Bay State’s scorn for seat belts unrivaled." From the Globe, July 8:

The statistics show seat belts can save your life. The law says you have to wear them.

Yet, ask Massachusetts residents why they do not buckle up and there are nearly as many reasons as there are scofflaws. People say seat belts are uncomfortable, uncool, and unnecessary.

Similar legislation has failed to pass repeatedly over recent years. Opponents have argued that the law could lead to racial profiling by giving police another reason to stop drivers. Other vocal opponents include the National Motorists Association, which encourages seat belt use but contends that “individuals should retain the freedom and responsibility to make choices affecting their own safety and the safety of their families.’’

Lawmakers have also been listening to drivers in their districts who embrace “the libertarian idea that we shouldn’t live in a nanny state,’’ said Jeff Larson, general manager of SmartRoute Systems Inc., in Cambridge.

Editor's Note - Photo is of "Nanny" State Sen. Pat Jehlen (D), one of the key sponsors of the primary offense law for Mass.

Democrat Gov. Jay Nixon nixes Republican-backed Motorcyle Helmet-free Bill

NANNY-STATE UPDATE!

Jay Nixon is the incumbent Democrat Governor of Missouri. Republicans in the legislature passed through a bill to allow riding without a helmet for Missouri motorcyclists. Nixon's administration lobbied against the legislation. And when it came to his desk, he promptly vetoed it.

From the Colombia Daily-Trib.:

Last week Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed a bill passed this year that would have repealed Missouri’s current law requiring helmet use for motorbikes. Many are smart gentlemen who ride for fun. They are also independent types who don’t want government telling them what to do about helmet use.

New book on the life of Ayn Rand soon to be released

Media Release...

Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right

Worshipped by her fans, denounced by her enemies, and forever shadowed by controversy and scandal, the novelist and philosopher Ayn Rand was a powerful thinker whose views on government and markets shaped the conservative movement from its earliest days. Drawing on unprecedented access to Rand’s private papers and the original, unedited versions of Rand’s journals, Jennifer Burns offers a groundbreaking reassessment of this key cultural figure, examining her life, her ideas, and her impact on conservative political thought.

Goddess of the Market follows Rand from her childhood in Russia through her meteoric rise from struggling Hollywood screenwriter to bestselling novelist, including the writing of her wildly successful The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged. Burns highlights the two facets of Rand’s work that make her a perennial draw for those on the right: her promotion of capitalism, and her defense of limited government. Both sprang from her early, bitter experience of life under Communism, and became among the most deeply enduring of her messages, attracting a diverse audience of college students and intellectuals, business people and Republican Party activists, libertarians and conservatives. The book also traces the development of Rand’s Objectivist philosophy and her relationship with Nathaniel Branden, her closest intellectual partner, with whom she had an explosive falling out in 1968.

This extraordinary book captures the life of the woman who was a tireless champion of capitalism and the freedom of the individual, and whose ideas are still devoured by eager students, debated on blogs, and cited by political candidates.

Note - Jennifer Burns is Assistant Professor of History at the University of Virginia. She has published extensively on the history of conservative thought, and her podcasted lectures on American history have won an appreciative worldwide audience.

Editor's Note - LR Blog will be receiving an advanced edition in a few weeks, and will be offering a review of the work.

Al Sharpton: Palin behind death of MJ? "Dunno?"

From Cliff Thies:

Was Sarah Palin behind the death of Michael Jackson?

Rev. Al Sharpton didn’t deny it. He just said, “I don’t know,” when a caller suggested it. Here’s a transcript:

FEMALE CALLER: He (Michael Jackson) is truly the soundtrack of my life. I also have a theory about Sarah Palin as well and I'm going to put it out there on radio, hopefully someone can investigate.

But, I think maybe she did something to Michael Jackson. Maybe there's a scandal there. Maybe she's stepping down because something's about to come out. I don't know, but I'm gonna just put it out there on your show so we'll see.

SHARPTON: All right, thank you for your call, Ashley. That's interesting. I'll put it out, we'll see. I don't know.

>>LR Readers, remember this: Whatever weird and crazy thoughts you may have, probably they’re nothing compared to what the whackadoodles on the other side of the political spectrum entertain themselves with.

Two new Republican Party ads

From the NRSC, "Full Control":



From House Republican leader John Boehner, "Bloodhounds":



Editor's Note - While I like both ads, as a dog owner, I think Boehner hit a home run with the second ad.

Top Libertarian Scholar: Bush Doctrine working in Middle East

Another prominent Libertarian comes to Pro-Defense side

Peter Ferrara has served as general counsel and chief economist at Americans for Tax Reform and an associate scholar of the Cato Institute for nearly two decades. He is best known for having authored an extensive Social Security privatization plan in 2006, that was favorably received by Republicans in Washington, including President Bush.

Now, in what may come as a bit of a surprise to the non-interventionist wing of the libertarian movement, including some of his fellows at Cato, Ferrara is praising the former President on foreign policy.



Excerpt from American Spectator column, "The Bush Doctrine Is Still Working," Jul 8:

A central theme of President Bush's administration was to promote democracy in the Middle East. He argued that establishing a full fledged democracy in Iraq in the heart of the Middle East would have transforming effects throughout the Muslim World. Even though the promotion of human rights and democracy had been a central theme of liberal foreign policy for decades, the Left ridiculed Bush's policy as hopelessly naïve. Even some on the right echoed this criticism.

But recent trends throughout the Middle East show that this policy is now producing a growing, very powerful effect in countering Islamic extremism and terrorism, just as Bush originally envisioned. The most recent example of this is the elections in Lebanon, where the pro-Western coalition in power there was reelected last month with a slightly increased majority over the Islamic extremist Hezbollah coalition,

Another recent example comes from Kuwait, where the public mostly voted for secular parties, rejecting the Islamic extremists in even electing women to the legislature for the first time, contrary to extremist strictures. Elections in Pakistan have probably been the most important of all, with the public overwhelmingly choosing secular parties over Islamic extremists.

In Iraq itself, we have seen the same results. The public votes for secular parties, not Islamic extremists. Indeed, despite all the talk from the Left about how Bush only alienated the Islamic street, we don't see anti-American candidates in Iraq even running let alone winning...

Now we are seeing these same results in Iran. Where did the people of Iran get the idea that they were entitled to an honest election? They haven't had an honest election there in over 50 years. Maybe it comes from watching their Shiite brothers voting in honest, free elections in neighboring Iraq. And maybe it comes as well from watching the same in neighboring Afghanistan, which had formerly been seen as hopelessly backward for centuries.

Read the full column at AS.

Editor's Note - In photo, Ferrara is joined by Grover Norquist of ATR at an unrelated press conference.

Democrats and those wild and crazy Nigerian Businessmen

Turning Bribery into an Art form

The trial of former Democrat Congressman William Jefferson is now in progress. Jefferson, who represented New Orleans, is accused of having accepted over $400,000 in bribes to broker a multimillion dollar telecommunications deal in Nigeria. He is alleged to have planned to give a bribe to Nigeria's Vice President Atiku Abubakar (photo).

Jurors, yesterday, saw video and listened to audio of one of the transactions between the Democrat and an FBI informant. The transcript has been made available. From Boston.com:

On the recordings, Jefferson appears wary of accepting the cash in such an open place. Mody, on the other hand, consistently discusses the deal to Jefferson's chagrin.

At one point, after they open the car trunk, Mody asks Jefferson, "Would you like to take a peek?" at the contents of the suitcase.

"No, I would not," Jefferson replies tersely.

Mody says "I hope that gives the VP what he needs to work hard for us." To which Jefferson replies, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Mody concludes the conversation by saying, "I hope you enjoy the briefcase." Jefferson replies, "I need a briefcase."

Later on, at an additional meeting in Jefferson's Capitol Hill office, Mody informs Jefferson that she delivered the "African Art," to the Nigerian VP, and that he was "pleased."

Note - Jefferson lost his reelection bid in 2008 to moderate Republican Anh Cao. He is the first Republican to hold the seat in over 120 years.