Wednesday, March 28, 2007 

BREAKING NEWS: Dustin McDaniel Files For Divorce!

Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has filed for divorce from his wife Amanda in Craighead County Court today. According to court documents, McDaniel is seeking joint custody of his daughter. McDaniel split from his wife on January 16th, only 1 week after his inauguration. They had been married since 1996.

This information leads us to ask many questions: Did Dustin cheat on Amanda during the campaign? Why are they divorcing? What are the financial implications? It is very interesting that Amanda waited until after his inauguration to separate. We look forward to finding the answers as this story unfolds!

Developing...

 

Rockefellers For Huckabee

Huckabee For President Fundraiser

Date: Thursday, May 17, 2007

Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Home of Lisenne Rockefeller
3518 Hill Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

Ticket Price: $1000 per couple/$500 per person

Attire: Business Casual

Contacts: Jason Brady - jason.brady@explorehuckabee.com 501-324-2008 (w)

Address: Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee
P.O. Box 2008
Little Rock, AR 72203

Please make checks payable to: Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

Corporations, foreign nationals without green cards, federal contractors, and minors (under 18 years of age) are prohibited from contributing. Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. The maximum contribution per individual is $2,300 per election. Therefore, a couple may contribute up to $4,600 per election. Multi-candidate PACs may contribute up to $5,000 per election.

 

Beebe Signs Bill Creating Personal Slush Fund...


There is no secret that Mike Beebe has a cozy relationship with special interests in Arkansas. Now Beebe has signed a bill that would give him a $50 million slush fund to reward those special interests. At the Truth Blog, we are all for incentives for new businesses and economic development initiatives, but we do not believe creating a slush fund with little oversight is the way.

The law sets up an account which the governor would use for projects such as building roads to sites industries might be interested in developing. The key is, however, that Beebe has said this fund can be used on existing businesses as well.

"Sometimes in our zeal or our efforts to attract new businesses, which we all need to be trying to do, we sometimes forget out own, forget the ones already here, forget the ones already invested in out state," Beebe Said.

Theoretically, Mike Beebe will have the ability to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to fund corporate projects. This so-called quick action closing fund sounds more like Mike Beebe's personal slush fund to reward campaign contributors. We think a bi-partisan commision should be appointed to oversee the use of these funds.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 

FLASH: How Will Pryor Vote?



This week, Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor will cast a critically important vote to either support our troops fighting the war on terror or broadcast an arbitrary deadline for withdrawal to the terrorists, regardless of the situation on the ground.

Nearly two weeks ago, Sen. Pryor VOTED AGAINST a nearly IDENTICAL provision that would have set a timeline in Iraq. (S.J.Res.9, Roll Call Vote #75: Failed 48-50: R 1-47; D 46-2; I 1-1, 03/15/07; Pryor Voted Nay)

Afterwards, he stated that it was a “very, very tough decision there. But my position on that is I'm opposed to a public timetable… I'm opposed to the surge, but I think it should be a classified timetable, and we do that on our own terms. It's just like in World War II. The Germans knew we were coming at D-Day. They didn't know when and where. I don't want to telegraph what we're doing to the other side.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 03/16/07)

This week, Sen. Pryor’s vote on Sen. Cochran’s amendment, which would strip the Iraq timetable out of this legislation, is going to be “critical” to determining whether the Senate ultimately passes a bill that sets an arbitrary deadline in Iraq:

“Democratic Sens. Mark Pryor and Ben Nelson are expected to deliver the critical votes this week, when members decide whether to uphold legislation that orders some troops home right away, with the goal of ending combat missions by March 31, 2008… Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss., has proposed striking the withdrawal provision, which GOP members say would broadcast the nation's war plans to the enemy and tie the hands of military commanders.” (“Senate's Iraq Vote May Come Down to Wire,” AP, 03/27/07)


The Senator has repeatedly made it clear that he is AGAINST setting a public timeline in Iraq:

According to the Washington Post: "My strong preference would be to have a classified plan and a classified timetable that should be shared with Congress," Pryor said yesterday. A public deadline would tip off the enemy, "who might just bide their time and wait for us to leave," he said. "Then you'd have chaos and mayhem and instability."… ‘This is not an opinion poll question.’”(“Democrat Proposes Making Withdrawal Date Secret,” Washington Post, 03/27/07)

Washington Post: “The one Senate Democrat still uncommitted on the spending bill is Pryor, who has objected to setting public timetables for withdrawing troops. Although the March 31, 2008, date is described in the legislation as a goal, an aide said Pryor will spend the weekend weighing his vote.” (“Senate Democrats Float War Bill Similar to That in House,” Washington Post, 03/22/07)

Before the March 15, 2007 vote, Pryor stated: “President Bush should lay out for the American people measurable goals for success in Iraq; however, it is a grave mistake to publicly announce timetables and consequently hand over our game plan to Iraqi insurgents…” (Daniel Connolly, "Lincoln, Pryor Split On Iraq Troop Withdrawal Amendment," AP, 06/22/06)

Pryor also said: “I have talked to countless troops who have pleaded with me not to give the enemy any indication of troop movements, especially those showing we are reducing forces. They know it endangers them and their comrades. I cannot and will not put them at risk." (Daniel Connolly, "Lincoln, Pryor Split On Iraq Troop Withdrawal Amendment," AP, 06/22/06)


Call Senator Pryor and ask him whether he is going to
support America’s Troops and oppose a public timetable in Iraq:

Pryor’s Little Rock Office: (501) 324-6336
Pryor’s Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-2353

 

Both-Ways Beebe On Gays...

In his article today, Brummett points out that Beebe equates living with a single mother to living with gays. We at the Truth Blog find this offensive to Single Mothers and hope that Beebe is just using this as another one of his political smokescreens rather than really believing this dribble:

"Beebe says a gay household affiliation might stigmatize a small youth in much the way he felt stigmatized as a young boy with a single mom with a last name different from his. But he says Senate Bill 959 is rife with constitutional vulnerability and that he can't see offhand how to fix it."

We want our Governor to stand up for what he believes in. We all know that Beebe tends to go both ways on any controversial issue, but this is just sad. Growing up in a single parent home is not even close to the same thing as growing up with two gay parents. In fact, to infer that is just offensive and Beebe should apologize.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007 

FLASHBACK: Senator Pryor Against Timetables In Iraq!

SEN. MARK PRYOR (D-AR)

“President Bush should lay out for the American people measurable goals for success in Iraq; however, it is a grave mistake to publicly announce timetables and consequently hand over our game plan to Iraqi insurgents... Finally, I have talked to countless troops who have pleaded with me not to give the enemy any indication of troop movements, especially those showing we are reducing forces. They know it endangers them and their comrades. I cannot and will not put them at risk." (Daniel Connolly, "Lincoln, Pryor Split On Iraq Troop Withdrawal Amendment," The Associated Press, 06/22/06)

Let's remind Mark Pryor of his stance as the democrats attempt to insert withdrawal timetables into a war appropriations bill this Thursday. It is irresponsible for the democrats to use back room maneuvers to get legislation passed when it has already failed the Senate.

Check this out:

On a separate note, the new editors of the Truth Blog have opened the comments up to all readers and will only be moderated when foul language or malicious attacks are involved.

The Truth...

 

Karen Ray New Arkansas Republican Party Director

Karen Ray has been hired as the new executive director of the Arkansas Republican Party, the group said Monday. Ray starts on May 1.

Ray will replace Clint Reed, who was director for two years and left for a position at the Republican National Committee.

Ray now works in the Bush administration as the confidential assistant to the assistant secretary for immigration and customs enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security.

Before that, Ray worked at the Department of Labor and on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee. In 2004, she was the central Arkansas field director for the Republican National Committee Coordinated Campaign, Arkansas Leadership Committee.

Ray is a native of Mississippi and is a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss.

Friday, March 09, 2007 

Beebe Slush Fund Has Little Oversight...


Mike Beebe's slush fund to attract economic development drew little discussion yesterday in the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee. Senate Bill 440 would set up an account which the governor would use for economic development projects. The bill, however, does not put many restrictions on how the governor can use the money.


With Mike Beebe's cozy relationship with business and lobbyists, how can the legislature even think of giving Beebe a blank check? There obviously needs to be some controls on how this money is spent.


We certainly hope that there will be much more discussion on this issue...

Monday, March 05, 2007 

Bill Banning Gay Foster Parents Expected Today

Republican Senator Shawn Womack is expected to file a bill today that would reinstate the ban on gay couples adopting children.

"As a Legislature, we need to take a serious look at trying to uphold that policy in a way that's constitutional and in the best interest of the child," said Womack, R-Mountain Home.

"Clearly, the public policy of this state has been that we prefer to have kids placed in traditional families," he said.

We believe this bill is right for Arkansas' children. We look forward to finding out what position Mike Beebe takes on this issue, if he takes a position at all. He will need to probably conduct 5 polls before coming out against and for the legislation at the same time.

"A spokesman for Gov. Mike Beebe said the governor would not comment on the legislation until it's been filed and he's had a chance to review it."

We look foward to your position Governor...

Friday, March 02, 2007 

The New Face of The Democrat Party?

As Obama Becomes The New Face of Democrats, He Decides Now Is A Good Time To Talk Foreign Policy

Today, Obama Holds "In Depth" Discussion On Mideast Policy "For The First Time Since Becoming A Senator":

"For The First Time Since Becoming A Senator -- Much Less A White House Hopeful -- Barack Obama On Friday Will Talk In Depth About U.S. Policy Toward Israel And The Mideast." (Lynn Sweet, "Obama To Offer Pro-Israel Views At Chicago Gathering," Chicago Sun-Times, 3/1/07)

Obama's Glaring Inexperience In Foreign Policy:

As Senator, Obama Waited 11 Months Before Giving A Major Speech On Iraq. "Though Mr. Obama is framing his candidacy to appeal to Democrats who have long opposed the war, until recently he was not among his party's most outspoken voices against it. He campaigned strongly against the war in his bid for the Senate in 2004, but when he arrived in Washington he waited 11 months to deliver a major speech on Iraq." (Jeff Zeleny, "As Candidate, Obama Carves Antiwar Stance," The New York Times, 2/26/07)

  • "Indeed, Once Obama Got To Washington, He Made Only One Senate Speech On Iraq." (Richard Cohen, Op-Ed, "The Explanation Hillary Clinton Owes," The Washington Post, 2/13/07)

"And Only After Mr. Obama Opened A Presidential Exploratory Committee Did He Introduce Legislation To Withdraw American Combat Brigades From Iraq By March 31, 2008." (Jeff Zeleny, "As Candidate, Obama Carves Antiwar Stance," The New York Times, 2/26/07)

  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden (D-DE) On Obama's Iraq Rhetoric: "I Don't Recall Hearing A Word From Barack About A Plan Or A Tactic." (Jason Horowitz, "Biden Unbound: Lays Into Clinton, Obama, Edwards," The New York Observer, 2/25/07)

  • Seems Like Obama Had His Presidential Timetable Set Before His Iraq Timetable. "[Obama] decided to run [for President] now - about 10 years ahead of his personal timetable - because he saw a unique moment when people are listening and wanting change in the direction of the country, he told the group of 130 people at a downtown high-rise of luxury homes."
    (Julie Carr Smyth, "Presidential Contender Raises Money Across Ohio," The Associated Press, 2/26/07)
Obama's First Foreign Policy Senate Statement: "Shoot. Me. Now."?
"Listening To A Bloviating Colleague At His First Meeting Of The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Obama Slipped A Three-Word Note To A Member Of His Staff: 'Shoot. Me. Now.'" (Ben Wallace-Wells, "Destiny's Child," Rolling Stone, 2/7/07)

 

The Truth About Democrats And Education


Arkansas Democrats have once again proven that they are beholden to teachers unions and have no interest in improving education in the state. Democrats have no problem increasing funding for public schools but when it comes to raising standards and really working to improve the level of education in Arkansas the Democrats work as obstructionists.

House Bill 1504 by Rep. Keven Anderson R-Rogers would increase the number of Charter Schools the Board of Education could grant from 24 to 48. Charter schools are good for the state. In exchange for the funding and freedom, charter schools must live up to a higher standard than traditional schools by setting specific academic goals for their students. If a school fails to meet its contractual goals, usually within four to five years, the state can revoke its charter and close the school. Public schools are not required to meet this type of standard.

Wow, standards and contractual obligations to succeed? Why would Democrats want that?

In fact, Democrat Rep. David Rainey of Dumas summed up Democrats position by equating Charter Schools with "the road to hell."

"I'm sure your intentions are good, but we all know what they say about the road to hell," he said.

While education fails to improve under Democrat leadership, why would they oppose real plans to improve education? We just don't understand...

Thursday, March 01, 2007 

Republican Tax Break Bill Passes Senate

We applaud the Arkansas State Senate for passing Republican Keven Anderson's Tax Break in the House Bill 1443. The Bill would extend to single tax filers with a taxable income of less than $13,500. Married couples filing jointly would be eligible for the credit if they make less than $21,400.

A married couple filing jointly who have two or more dependents get the credit if they make less than $26,700. A single head of household with one or more dependents would qualify if he or she makes less than $19,000.The amount of the credit varies from $416 to $1, depending on the number of dependents and income level. The bill also includes a formula for calculating the credit in future years.

With all the Senate Democrats and their tax and spend history. Its a wonder we have gotten any tax breaks this year. We applaud the legislature and call on them to continue cutting taxes...

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