The Truth In Arkansas Politics

Top Ten Reasons to Fire Pelosi and Vote Republicans Into Congress

2010-03-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

There Are Many Reasons The American People Should Fire House Speaker Pelosi, Here’s The Top Ten

1. Pelosi Called Opponents Of Government-Run Health Care Experiment “Un-American.” (Speaker Nancy Pelosi & Rep. Steny Hoyer, “'Un-American' Attacks Can't Derail Health Care Debate,” USA Today, 8/10/09)

2. Last Night, Pelosi Once Again Ignored The Will Of The American People And Voted Again To Pass Their Government-Run Health Care Experiment. (H.R. 3590, Roll Call Vote #165, Approved 219-212; D 219-34; R 0-178, 3/21/10)

3. Yesterday’s Vote Came Just Four Months After Pelosi Rammed Through $1.2 Trillion Health Care Bill On A Saturday Night. (H.R. 3962, Roll Call Vote #887; Approved 220-215; D 219-39; R 1-176, 11/7/09)

4. Leading Up To The Vote, Pelosi Made Clear Once Dems “Kick Open That Door … There Will Be Other Legislation To Follow … We’ll Take The Country In A New Direction.” (Greg Sargent, “Pelosi: Passing Health Reform Will Set Stage For Great Debate With GOP,” The Plum Line, 3/15/10)

5. Pelosi Claims To Be Unaware Of The Behavior Of Disgraced Former Rep. Eric Massa, And Continued To Defend Rep. Charlie Rangel Despite Ethics Committee Admonishment. (James Hohmann, “Nancy Pelosi Defends Charlie Rangel, Again,” Politico, 2/26/10; MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show,” 3/11/10)

6. In June, Pelosi “Laid Down The Gauntlet” To Rush Through Cap And Trade National Energy Tax. (Steven T. Dennis and Tory Newmyer, “Pelosi Flexes Muscle,” Roll Call, 6/24/09; H.R. 2454, Roll Call Vote #477; Approved 219-212; D 211-44; R 8-168, 6/26/09)

7. In February Of Last Year, Pelosi Passed President Obama’s $862 Billion Stimulus, Promising To Create Jobs; Yet Since Then, America Has Lost 3.3 Million Jobs. (H.R. 1, Roll Call Vote #70: Passed 246-183; R 0-176; D 246-7, 2/13/09; U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 3/5/10)

8. Pelosi Has Failed To Run House In Spirit Of Bi-Partisanship, With Democratic Members Being “Explicitly Told Not To Work With Republicans.” (Rep. Jim Cooper, “Reconciliation Rules - Not Bipartisanship - Will Kill Health Care Reform,” The Huffington Post, 6/18/09)

9. Despite Pelosi Promising “The Most Open And Honest Government In History,” Even Dem Member Admits “Caucus Is A Real Disappointment” Because They “Aren't Transparent.” (Rep. Nancy Pelosi, "Pelosi: ‘We Will Create the Most Open and Honest Government in History’" Press Release, 1/18/06; Glenn Thrush, “Sestak Blasts Pelosi, Obama On Transparency,” Politico, 1/7/10)

10. Pelosi Accused The CIA Of Lying To Her And To Congress On Use Of Interrogation Techniques. (David Espo, “Pelosi on CIA: ‘They Mislead Us All the Time,’” The Associated Press, 5/14/09)

Fire Blanche Lincoln.com

2009-09-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

A new website has come online calling for Arkansans to Fire Blanche Lincoln. We think this is a great idea!

In case you missed it on Saturday, a plane was seen over the Arkansas game with the banner. Check out the story here.

Baker Leads Lincoln in Latest Poll

2009-08-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

With an approval rating of 36%, Senator Blanche Lincoln appears to be in dire position to win re-election in 2010. The latest polls show state Senator Gilbert Baker with a 42-40 lead to win the seat.

The same poll shows that 44% of Arkansans believe Senator Lincoln is failing to do an adequate job of representing the state.

By aligning herself with the liberal nature of the national party, Lincoln appears to be disappointing many of the state's conservative democrats. In fact, only 62% of democrats now view Lincoln as doing a good job.

With the recent announcement of a projected $9 TRILLION deficit (THAT'S TRILLION WITH A 'T'), it is clear Arkansans are ready for a change.

Is Blanche Lincoln Vulnerable?

2009-04-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

By now, we've all seen David Sanders latest article where he seems to be campaigning for Senator Lincoln. However, some of the very issues he raises as making Senator Lincoln "powerful" as he puts it, are the very same issues that prove she only chooses to represent Arkansans during an election year.

Lincoln is no conservative. She is no friend to the very businesses that create jobs. In fact, she is nothing more than a washington Democrat who comes home to Arkansas and changes her clothes and pretends to understand the needs of the state.

Her election year conversions are too obvious and given the growing movement of the tea parties, her vote on the bailout, H.R.1424 [Title: A bill to provide authority for the Federal Government to purchase and insure certain types of troubled assets for the purposes of providing stability to and preventing disruption in the economy and financial system and protecting taxpayers.] , will rally conservatives around her opponent, whoever that may be...

At least we know she will get one vote: David Sanders!

Is Lincoln shifting on EFCA?

2009-03-04T11:47:00.000-08:00

Is Lincoln shifting on EFCA?

By David J. SandersColumnist, Stephens Media
March 4, 2009
http://arkansasnews.com/category/columns/davidjsanders-columns/

With tensions mounting in Washington as business and labor groups increase pressure on Arkansas’ two U.S. senators in anticipation of vote on the Employee Free Choice Act, there are subtle hints that Sen. Blanche Lincoln may be preparing to vote “no.”

And, Arkansas’ lawmakers may soon enter the fray by weighing in on the controversial legislation in an attempt to turn up the heat on the state’s congressional delegation.

If passed, EFCA, also known as “card check,” would allow union officials to bypass existing laws governing the process of how and when a union can be established, and allow them to set up a union by simply obtaining signatures from a majority of workers on authorization cards.

Supporters contend the current labor law, which requires a secret ballot vote by workers to form a union, is outdated. Opponents counter that changing the law would open the door for union officials to coerce workers into signing the cards and, in turn, lead to mass unionization of the country’s businesses and industries.

In spite of Arkansas’ right-to-work status and its insignificant union membership, Sens. Mark Pryor and Lincoln have emerged as two of the swing votes that will either help or hinder Majority Leader Harry Reid’s effort to reach the 60 votes needed for passage. Reid and other Democratic leaders promised labor unions quick action on the EFCA, but that could be in jeopardy.

Even though Lincoln hasn’t officially signaled which way she intends to vote, she may be edging closer to voting against it.

The senator’s campaign staff has been busy making phone calls trying to round up support for her second re-election campaign in anticipation her March 14 fund-raiser with Vice President Joe Biden. At least two times when individuals who were called expressed apprehension about Lincoln’s indecisiveness on EFCA, they were told in response not to worry about that.

Lincoln’s possible new direction makes sense. The co-host committee for her re-election kickoff reads like a virtual laundry list of business executives from industries opposing EFCA. A “no” vote from Lincoln would be major blow to the Democratic leadership and the White House, which strongly supports the legislation.

As for Pryor, after being a co-sponsor in the past, he said would not attach his name to bill this time around. Pryor believes a compromise bill that both business and labor could agree to should emerge.

While Lincoln and Pryor are publicly uncommitted, members of the state House of Representatives will soon have an opportunity to go on the record.

State Rep. Bryan King, R-Green Forest, will file a resolution calling on his colleagues to oppose “‘Card Check’ and Forced, Compulsory Binding Arbitration in Union Recognition Elections,” as stated in the title.

Even though the resolution wouldn’t require Gov. Mike Beebe’s signature, don’t look for the governor to mirror Washington Democrats. Beebe’s position, according to his spokesman, is that “now is not the time to address the card check issue given the current state of the American economy.”

King, the Republican leader in the House, has all of his GOP lawmakers on board, but he also has 12 Democratic co-sponsors for his toughly worded resolution. If passed by the House, the resolution would provide Lincoln more needed cover from her Democratic leadership and out-of-state unions. And, coming out against EFCA also could help her to fend off a potentially strong Republican opponent – something she likely has thought about.

Arkansas Democrats Allow Vital National Intelligence Legislation to Expire

2008-02-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Arkansas Democrats Allow Vital National Intelligence Legislation to Expire

Last week, Democratic members of Arkansas' Congressional Delegation joined in lockstep with their liberal leadership and left Washington without renewing the Protect America Act, which expired at midnight on Saturday. This important national security legislation gave our intelligence professionals the tools they needed to monitor threats to America's security, specifically terrorists' communicating and plotting abroad.

"The Senate was able to reach a bipartisan agreement, the President said he was willing to postpone his trip to Africa, and yet Democrats in the House like Congressmen Vic Snyder, Marion Berry, and Mike Ross thought it was more important to go on vacation than to renew the Protect America Act," said Dennis Milligan, Chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas. "These Democrats claim to be representing the people of Arkansas, yet they continually vote with the left wing of their party."

The Congressional Democrats' inaction leaves the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence unable to authorize new certifications against foreign intelligence targets, including international terrorists, abroad. Private companies assisting the United States in the surveillance of terrorists will now be exposed to legal liability, and our intelligence community will be stripped of the power to compel the assistance of private companies that are not already helping monitor terrorist communications.

"It is time for Congressmen Snyder, Berry, and Ross to reject the political games being played by the Democratic leadership and their candidates for President," continued Chairman Milligan. "Some things are more important than politics. I call on Arkansas Democrats to do the right thing and give our intelligence community the tools they need to keep our nation safe."

This Just In: Protect America Alert

2008-02-07T08:12:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office
February 7, 2008
202-863-8614

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

RNC Posts New Web Video: “Protect America Alert”

WASHINGTON – Today the RNC released a new web video, titled “Protect America Alert.” The video highlights Congressional Democrats’ failure to permanently update America’s 30-year-old terrorist surveillance law, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). In 2007, Senators Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Harry Reid all voted against providing our nation’s intelligence community with the vital tools it needs to track and fight potential terrorists.

“Protect America Alert” can be viewed by clicking here.

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Mark Pryor's Obstruction Costs Americans' Jobs During Christmas Season

2007-12-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

Democrat inaction may lead to thousands of "Pink Christmases"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Cost of Democrats is adding up and this year, it may lead to thousands of Army civilians and contractors having a "pink Christmas."According to a senior Army officer quoted in a story on Military.com, "[i]nstallation operations and quality of life programs for soldiers and their families would be affected worldwide if the Army doesn't receive additional funding from Congress soon ..." (Military.com, 11/30/07)

The necessary additional funding is being held up by Mark Pryor and Democrats in Congress who continue to insist upon adding troop withdrawal timetables to the emergency spending legislation for the military. The President has said he will veto any legislation that contains a withdrawal timetable and Democrats refuse to budge.

According to the Military.com article, "[a]bout 200,000 Army civilians and contractors worldwide could be furloughed or temporarily laid off if the funding isn't provided..." (Military.com, 11/30/07)

As a result, thousands of Americans might have to explain to their families why they are getting a pink slip rather than Christmas presents this year. "Mark Pryor and Senate Democrats are so concerned with appeasing extremist organizations such as Code Pink and MoveOn.org that they are willing to turn their backs on our troops and the civilians and contractors that provide them with support," NRSC Communications Director Rebecca Fisher said. "How does Mark Pryor plan on explaining to voters in Arkansas that since Democrats have put thousands of Americans out of work, they might not be having Christmas?"

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ABC News: Clinton Library Sells Secret Donor List

2007-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

ABC News: Clinton Library Sells Secret Donor List
November 19, 2007

Three years after the William J. Clinton Presidential Library opened its doors, the list of donors who helped the former president build his $165 million complex remains a secret from the public.

Yet the Blotter on ABCNews.com has learned that the Clinton Foundation sold portions of the list through a data company headed by a longtime friend and donor.

"The fact that they've sold the list and then turned around and said that these names must be kept anonymous completely undercuts their argument," said Sheila Krumholz of the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington, D.C.-based government watchdog group that tracks the influence of money in politics.

An employee of Walter Karl, a subsidiary of the data company InfoUSA, told ABCNews.com that the company made a list of more than 38,000 donors to the Clinton presidential library available for sale to foundations and other nonprofit groups from June 2006 to May 2007. A spokesman for the company would not say how the profits from the sale of the partial list were distributed.

There is no legal requirement for presidential libraries to disclose the identities of their contributors. Donors, including corporations and foreign governments, can give unlimited amounts while the president is still sitting in office.

"This is one of the few places that remain under the veil of secrecy, and there is really no good reason for it," says Krumholz. "Disclosure is important because the money is often being raised while the president is in office, and in this case and with the Bush family, they can be given for currying favor with persons other than the president being honored."

"I don't think I should disclose it unless there is some conflict of which I am aware of, and there is not," said former President Bill Clinton at a news conference in September after his wife, Sen. Hillary Clinton, was questioned about the donor list at a presidential debate. "A lot of people gave me money with the understanding that they could give anonymously. And if they gave publicly, they would be the target for every other politician in America."

The Clinton Foundation did not return calls requesting comment for this story.

The former foundation chairman Skip Rutherford says that when the foundation started soliciting funds, it adopted the policy of the Reagan library to leave disclosure up to donors.

"People were told that we would not disclose their gifts," said Rutherford. "Disclosure was up to the donor; if the donors chose to do so, it was their prerogative. Some did; others didn't."...
"Most of those lists are people who have given $100 or $200 or less," he said.

The little that is known about the identities of the donors to the Clinton library was reported by the New York Sun in 2004, after a reporter discovered the names on a touch-screen computer on the third floor of the library after its opening.

Members of the Saudi royal family, Arab businessmen, the governments of Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar, Brunei and Taiwan, and Hollywood celebrities, were among the 57 individuals or foundations who gave $1 million or more to the library, according to the Sun.

The computer with the list of donors was disconnected after the Sun article ran. At the time, Clinton officials said that a permanent list of donors contributing $100,000 or more would eventually be installed on a wall at the library.

Bill Rollnick, the former chairman of Mattel and a longtime Clinton supporter who was among those contributing $1 million or more, said he didn't think the donor list was "anybody's business."

"If they want to make it public, that's their business," said Rollnick. "There's nothing nefarious about it -- it's just a library."

Another top donor, Patricia Hotung, was dismayed to learn that the list had been for sale.
"It should be kept private to protect people's privacy," said Hotung. "They shouldn't be selling it."

A contribution from Hotung to the Democratic National Committee generated controversy in 1997 when it was reported that Democratic officials had arranged for her husband, Hong Kong businessman Eric Hotung, to meet with President Clinton's top national security advisers after she contributed $100,000 to the committee...

To view entire article, please visit: http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2007/11/clinton-library.html

What Is Hillary Clinton Hiding Now?

2007-11-07T05:50:00.000-08:00

Clinton Papers Won't Be Released Until After Election

Diane Blair Papers Detailing 1992 Clinton Campaign Won't Be Released Until 2009

By JAKE TAPPER

Nov. 6, 2007 — Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has been taking heat from her Democratic and Republican opponents for the reams of papers detailing her various activities as First Lady that the National Archives has yet to release from the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library.

And now questions are being raised about why another set of papers relevant to her political career at yet another Arkansas library will not be available to the public until well after election day 2008, despite earlier indications that the papers would have been released by now.
Those papers were written by Diane Blair, a close friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton, who taught and engaged in Arkansas politics until her death due to lung cancer in 2000.

As a trusted friend during then-Gov. Bill Clinton's successful presidential run in 1992, Blair was permitted to extensively interview 126 senior and junior Clinton campaign aides, which resulted in four enormous binders full of information.

The information was to be published in a book that Blair, a historian and author, ultimately never wrote.

Only two copies of the Blair Report were ever made; one was given to the Clintons, the other remained in Blair's custody until after her death, whereupon the books were given to the University of Arkansas Library.

Last month the University of Arkansas announced that the Blair Papers would not be made public until 2009. Andrea Cantrell, the head of research services at the university library's Special Collections, told reporters that the Papers were not yet processed.

But that claim seems questionable, according to statements the Library itself has made obtained by ABC News.

In its 2005-2006 University Libraries annual report, for example, the University of Arkansas reported that the process was almost done. "Archivists were hired to process both the Diane Blair Papers and the records of former third district Congressman Asa Hutchinson, and both collections are nearing completion."

Moreover, while in November 2005 the University appointed Kerry Jones the "Diane Blair Papers Archivist," the University Of Arkansas Library Newsletter one year later, in 2006, implied the job has been completed, describing Jones as having "previously processed the papers of the late Diane Blair."

Jones was desribed as taking on a new task, as part of the Special Collections Department team "gearing up to begin processing its largest manuscript collection, the papers of former U. S. Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt."

"All I can say is that was a preliminary estimation and neither of the collections that were reported on are finished, neither Blair nor Congressman Hutchinson's papers," Tom Dillard, head of the Special Collections Department, told ABC News. "They're just not ready."

Dillard acknowledged that while "there has been a preliminary processing," and that Jones "did his part," the Blair Papers require much more "quality control" work.

"The big problem are the oral histories," he said. "Those require a lot of legwork. The other process is going through it box by box and making sure the contents of what's in the file folders is what they're supposed to be. There is a lot more work that needs to be done."

A spokesman for Clinton's Senate office, Philippe Reines, told ABC News that no one from Clinton's Senate office, her campaign, or from the office of former President Clinton have had any contact with the University of Arkansas about delaying the release of the Diane Blair papers.

"It's not a conspiracy," Dillard told ABC News. No representative of the Clintons has been in touch with the Library, he said. "No, absolutely not. No political campaign has been in touch with us. Nor have any individuals been in touch with us asking us to do anything different from what we would normally do."

The library newsletter indicated that two years ago Jones had extra help in processing the papers.

"Visitors to the Library's Special Collections Department might notice two students working diligently processing the papers of the late Professor Diane Blair," wrote the University Of Arkansas Library Newsletter in 2005.

"These students are the first two Diane Blair Interns appointed by the University Honors College in a collaborative venture with the University Libraries."

Intern Lindley Carruth Shedd "commented that she finds her work in the Blair papers fascinating, and she believes the Blair collection "will be a great resource to those who want to study women's issues, state politics, or Bill and Hillary Clinton."

Two biographies of Clinton released this year and criticized by the Clinton campaign -- Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr.'s "Her Way" and Carl Bernstein's "A Woman In Charge" -- reported on the Blair papers as a treasure trove of information about the 1992 Clinton campaign.

Blair's "questions, based on extensive preparation," wrote Gerth and Van Natta, "elicited candid remarks from aides who trusted her. She chronicled the highs and lows of a dogged campaign and quickly generated a mountain of insightful information.

In the end, she compiled her lengthy report -- the introduction alone numbered thirty pages -- into 'big bound volumes.'" Bernstein was able to interview Blair before her death and see the papers.

Dillard said he did not know when the Blair Papers would be made available, and he said the Library would not release her 1992 report separately since it was not customary.
"We always open a collection in its entirety because individual component parts do not always make sense," he said.

Despite Clinton's suggestions that she would support a more transparent government as President, Newsweek first reported , that in November 2002 former President Bill Clinton specifically requested that the Archives "consider for withholding" various "confidential communications" including those pertaining to "sensitive policy, personal or political" matters as well as "communications directly between the President and First Lady, and their families, unless routine in nature."

The term "withhold" is a term of art relating to presidential papers not necessarily meaning that the papers be kept from the public, but rather that they be reviewed before release.
Historians have complained that while the decision of what to release is ultimately up to the National Archives, Clinton's letter at the very least doesn't expedite the process and may even be delaying it, though the former President disputes that.

The National Archives controversy, as well as questions about the release of the Blair Papers, touch on a murky and well-traveled ground where politicians insist they are releasing information while historians and reporters suspect forces at play delaying immediate disclosure.

Information as yet un-released from the the days of her husband's presidency stored at the Bill Clinton Library constitutes more than 99 percent of 78 million pages' worth and 20 million emails worth of documents, according to the National Archives.

In response to questions about papers not yet released by the Clinton Library, Sen. Clinton told Radio Iowa, "I think it's like people think we have boxes of records in our basement and why don't I just go and get them and hand them over. And you know my husband has never blocked a record ever. He has been the most forthcoming of all presidents."

Bill Clinton's 2002 request and Sen. Clinton's confusing answer on the subject when asked about it at last week's debate, have fueled attacks from Clinton's Democratic and Republican opponents that the Former First Lady is, if not hiding something, not willing to completely disclose everything.

"We have just gone through one of the most secretive administrations in our history," said Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, during the recent Democratic debate "And not releasing, I think, these records -- at the same time, Hillary, that you're making the claim that this is the basis for your experience -- I think, is a problem."

View this text: http://click.emailgop.com/?ju=fe661576716d077d7714&ls=fe3112737060047f701475&m=fef4167777630d&l=feec1c757c600d&s=fe5513787262037d7711&jb=ffcf14&t=

Tim Griffin To Be Featured In Southern Living...

2007-10-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

Tim Griffin, former US Atty, in little rock and his wife Elizabeth Griffin are featured in the november southern living in a 3 page recipe filled Christmas article. Tim is joined in a picture by boyd and lynn corley of little rock. Boyd is the owner of bell-corley construction. We found it on page 120.

McDaniel in Clinton's Pocket?

2007-10-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

AR Dem Gaz: McDaniel calls request 'cheap shot'; He says GOP chairman baiting him with call for Hillary Clinton inquiry

NOTE: Milligan replied that McDaniel “might be too blinded by his role as Clinton’s campaign guru to recognize her calculating political motives, but voters in Arkansas are not.”

“The fact that Hillary is willing to listen to conversations by political opponents instead of conversations by terrorists plotting to kill Americans is inexplicable,” Milligan said. “If McDaniel wants to have a debate on Hillary Clinton’s weakness with national security, we welcome it.”

McDaniel calls request ‘cheap shot’He says GOP chairman baiting him with call for Hillary Clinton inquiry
By Michael Wickline (Contact)

LITTLE ROCK — Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said the state Republican Party chairman took “a cheap shot” in asking him to investigate whether then-first lady Hillary Clinton violated state law during her husband’s presidential campaign in 1992 by listening to a recording of a phone conversation.

McDaniel, a Democrat who is co-chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign inArkansas, said GOP Chairman Dennis Milligan “wanted ... to get me to make some sort of comment that in some way blurred the lines between my job as attorney general and the fact that I am supporting Hillary.

“They know that this was a bogus allegation of doing something that wasn’t against the law at the time it happened, if it happened,” he said Wednesday in an interview after he spoke to the Political Animals Club at the governor’s mansion in Little Rock.

“If it was against the law, the statute of limitations ran [out] 17 years ago and, if the statute of limitations hadn’t run [out] 17 years ago, the prosecuting attorney is the one to handle it,” McDaniel said. “So it was either gross incompetence or a calculated political move to send it to me in a press release and I was not going to take that bait, even if I just did.”

Milligan replied that McDaniel “might be too blinded by his role as Clinton’s campaign guru to recognize her calculating political motives, but voters in Arkansas are not.”

“The fact that Hillary is willing to listen to conversations by political opponents instead of conversations by terrorists plotting to kill Americans is inexplicable,” Milligan said. “If McDaniel wants to have a debate on Hillary Clinton’s weakness with national security, we welcome it.”

In a news release Tuesday, Milligan of Bryant pointed to one paragraph in the book Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton, by The New York Times reporters Don Van Natta Jr. and Jeff Gerth.

“Hillary’s defense activities ranged from the inspirational to the microscopic to the down and dirty,” the book stated. Among other things, the book said that, “she listened to a secretly recorded audiotape of a phone conversation of Clinton criticsplotting their next attack,” the book stated.

The complaint offered no more details about the purported conversation or the circumstances of the purported taping or the purported listening.The GOP’s news release referred to an Arkansas law enacted in 1993 that says certain actions are Class A misdemeanors, which are punishable by up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley said the statute of limitations for such misdemeanors is one year.

Jegley, also a Democrat, said late Wednesday that his office has not received a complaint.

That law, Arkansas Code Annotated 5-60-120, says, “It is unlawful for a person to intercept a wire, landline, oral, telephonic communication, or wirelesscommunication, and to record or possess a recording of the communication unless the person is a party to the communication or one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the interception and recording.”

McDaniel told the Political Animals Club that he’s proud to be co-chairman of Clinton’s campaign in Arkansas.“

I believe when I look at my little girl it’s important that we have a president who cares about the future, who has a vision for improving America, someone who knows that surpluses are better than deficits, someone who knows that peace is better than war, somebody who knows that hope is better than fear, someone who knows how to pronounce nuclear,” he said.

He said it’s important that the state’s Democratic elected officials feel connected to Clinton in her bid to carry Arkansas.McDaniel recalled that when he was running for the state House in 2004 “people would say to me all the time, ‘I am voting for you, but I am not voting for that [Democratic presidential nominee] John Kerry.”

He said he and Rep. Ray Kidd, D-Jonesboro, looked at such people and said, “‘Fine with us.’ We were worried about our own hide.” Both men were elected in the state House in 2004. Kidd was re-elected last year while McDaniel was elected attorney general.McDaniel referred to the GOP allegation as “these bogus allegations.”

“There has never been anybody that has been more investigated or more thoroughly vetted for anything than Hillary Clinton,” he said.

This article was published Thursday, October 18, 2007.Arkansas, Pages 13, 22 on 10/18/2007

HILL: TERROR WOULD BE GOP BOOST

2007-08-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Amazing at how wild the media went upon Dennis Miligan's statement, yet doesn't even cover a Presidential Candidate's statement. I agree, Dennis Miligan is far more newsworthy then Hillary Clinton...

HILL: TERROR WOULD BE GOP BOOST

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08242007/news/nationalnews/hill__terror_would_be_gop_boos.htm

By GEOFF EARLE

August 24, 2007 -- WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday raised the prospect of a terror attack before next year's election, warning that it could boost the GOP's efforts to hold on to the White House.

Discussing the possibility of a new nightmare assault while campaigning in New Hampshire, Clinton also insisted she is the Democratic candidate best equipped to deal with it.

"It's a horrible prospect to ask yourself, 'What if? What if?' But if certain things happen between now and the election, particularly with respect to terrorism, that will automatically give the Republicans an advantage again, no matter how badly they have mishandled it, no matter how much more dangerous they have made the world," Clinton told supporters in Concord.

"So I think I'm the best of the Democrats to deal with that," she added.

The former first lady made the surprising comments as she explained to supporters that she has beaten back the GOP's negative attacks for years, and is ready to do so again.

Hatch Speaks the Truth About U.S. Attorneys and Democrats

2007-08-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is so perfect, we don't even need to comment:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Peter Carr (202) 224-9854
August 2, 2007 Jared Whitley (202) 224-0134

Statement of Sen. Orrin G. Hatch
before the Senate Judiciary Committee
“Scott Jennings Testimony about U.S. Attorneys”

Mr. Jennings, under the current circumstances, I am not sure what it means to welcome you to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

You should not be in the position you are in today, between a rock and a hard place as you described it in your statement. You have made it clear that you are willing to talk about these issues under the right circumstances. I believe you, Mr. Jennings, and I wish those circumstances had been allowed to exist so you could do just that.

The Senate should not be in this position. We are in this position, involving the clash between congressional subpoena and executive privilege, because my Democratic colleagues have put us in this position.

They chose from the beginning to ignore the separation of powers that gives authority to remove U.S. Attorneys to the President.

They chose to insist that the President’s reasons for exercising the President’s own authority must somehow satisfy Democratic Senators.

They chose to insist that the executive branch’s internal communication and decisionmaking about exercising the executive branch’s own authority is somehow a legitimate subject of congressional oversight.

They chose to make demands they knew the executive branch would resist, demands my Democratic colleagues would resist just as fully if the roles were reversed.

They chose to ask questions they know witnesses cannot answer and then to yell about a cover up.

They chose to cast mistakes or mishandling first as inconsistencies, then as improprieties, and even as illegalities.

They chose to drag this process on for nearly nine months, now pulling it from the political into the legal arena.

They chose to do all of that, and those choices are why we are in this position today. I wish they had made other choices, I wish they had followed another course.

It would be incorrect to say that my Democratic colleagues have absolutely nothing to show for their efforts. Congress said that allowing the Attorney General alone to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys could avoid Senate confirmation. So we replaced that with allowing Attorney General and a district court judge to appoint interim U.S. Attorneys, which equally can avoid Senate confirmation.

But in addition to that legislative triumph, there is the trashing of reputations and undermining of careers of hardworking public servants. And the misleading of the American people about the proper relationship between the legislative and executive branches.

And, of course, there is the enormous and growing expense of this fishing expedition. Every time that net comes up empty, my Democratic colleagues say they just know the fish are there, they just need one more cast of the net, they just need a bigger net, they just need to go deeper into the political ocean, or a step higher on the political food chain.

Is it any wonder that the American people’s disapproval of our job performance has gone steadily higher as this sorry tale has continued, from 52 percent in January and February, 56 percent in March and April, 60 percent in May and June, and 65 percent today. That is a real record of accomplishment.

So Mr. Jennings, I do not want to add to your untenable discomfort by asking questions that, at least under the current circumstances, I know you cannot answer. I just wanted to come here today to thank you for your service to this President and to the country.

I want to thank you for your sincere desire to cooperate with this committee under the right circumstances. My Democratic colleagues have chosen not to let those circumstances exist and I once again urge them to reconsider the path they have chosen.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

# # #

Who Will Be The Nominee?

2007-07-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

John McCain, the early frontrunner has imploded. Fred Thompson, thought by many to be the Republican savior, had a very disappointing June fundraising total it will be announced tomorrow. Mitt Romney has the money, is leading in Iowa and New Hampshire, but faces many questions from the Republican base about his faith as a mormon. Rudy Giuliani, isn't making waves as he fights his liberal positions on key issues. Former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee isn't raising enough money yet to compete on Super Tuesday.

So, we ask who will be our nominee? The Truth sees this election as possibly the most critcally important election of our lives. If Hillary or Obama were to become President, we would have the single most liberal President in the history of America.

A recent AP poll showed that more Republicans are supporting "None of the Above" than supporing the frontrunners. Will a strong showing in Iowa vault a relatively unknown candidate to the top tier or will we be split on our nominee?

Questions remain, but one thing is for certain: we MUST defeat Hillary in 2008!

Click here to meet the REAL Hillary Clinton!

Marion Berry Cashing In on Federal Service

2007-07-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Recent coverage about farm subsidies for minority farmers got us thinking. Where is the outrage over Marion Berry cashing in on his position in Congress?

Consider if you will, between 1996 and 2000, farm and land-holding companies that Berry owns with relatives in eastern Arkansas have received $750,449 in federal crop subsidies, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture records.

I wonder if it is a coincidence that Berry was elected in 1996 and has served on the Agriculture Commitee ever since. I just don't see why no one has investigated this clear conflict of interest?

Inconsistencies in Federal Conflict-of-Interest Rules

Of the three branches of the federal government, Congress has the fewest prohibitions on conflicts of interest and acts of self-dealing. Officials in the executive branch and judiciary are required to divest themselves of any investment in or ownership of for-profit entities that may be within the purview of their agency or court. They are also under strict limits on the extent to which members of their immediate families may benefit directly from their position.

In contrast, Members of Congress are not required to divest themselves of any financial interest, even if that interest is subject to their official oversight and influence. Nor are they required to recuse themselves from voting on issues that may harm or benefit the personal investment interests of themselves or their relatives.

Funny how the Democrats in Congress are always pointing the finger at the Bush Administration when in fact it is Congress that has such loopholes in profiting of their service.

I just don't see how it is legal or ethical for a Congressman to make a fortune off his own votes?

Why are Congressmen free to push legislation that makes them rich?

DEVELOPING...

Note to Senate Democrats: Support Our Troops!

2007-07-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

“I saw a bumper ticker the other day that said, ‘Support our troops, not poor leadership.’ I agree.” (Sen. Tom Harkin press release, 9/7/06)

To recap here are a few items that the Department of Defense Authorization Act would do:

A 3.5 percent pay increase across-the-board for all service members and would guarantee a pay increase for members of the American Forces

$50 million for the Defense Health Program sustainment account for health care facilities, particularly at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

An increase in the authorized payment from $12,000 to $100,000 for Defense Department military personnel who die while working in a combat zone.

An additional $4.1 billion for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles.

To recap here is what Democrat Senators have said about the troops:

“We've all made a promise to our servicemen and women that while their away protecting us; we would be in Washington protecting them and their families. We should not let partisan judicial politics stop us from keeping that promise.” (Sen. Mark Pryor, Senate Democrat Conference Web site, accessed 7/19/07)

“Our first priority should be to ensure that the men and women who honorably serve our country are given the resources they need to succeed both on and off the battlefield.” (Sen. Dick Durbin’s Web site, accessed 7/19/07)

"As part of the Defense Authorization bill this week, I will introduce an amendment making it clear Congress will provide every dollar and every authority needed to build vehicles resistant to roadside bombs and shaped charges. As long as we have a single soldier in Iraq, we must do whatever it takes to provide them the best protection possible. This must be a national priority. (Sen. Joe Biden press release, 7/16/07)

“…it is extremely important to make sure our troops continue to know we support them. The president was right to commend the troops for their tremendous efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but honoring them with words is not enough. It’s critical that our troops have the proper equipment they need to do their jobs.” (Sen. Jay Rockefeller press release, 1/20/04)

“As long as our nation's policies put them there, our troops should hear an unequivocal message from Congress that we support them.” (Sen. Carl Levin Washington Post Op-Ed, 6/21/07)

“We are here to say that, yes, we're going to fight hard for all of what government can do -- the needs that they [soldiers] have, the financial needs, whether it's health care needs, mental health care needs, equipment and everything.” (Sen. Mary Landrieu press conference, 7/11/07)
The first definition of patriotism is keeping faith with those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States of America. Our obligation is to keep faith with the men and women of the American military and their families-whether they are on active duty, in the National Guard or Reserves, or veterans. (Sen. John Kerry’s Web site, accessed 7/19/07)

We must ensure that our troops at home and abroad have the tools they need to protect freedom and democracy across the globe. I'm committed to working together to ensure our military and our men and women in uniform have what they need to do their jobs.” (Sen. Max Baucus’ Web site, accessed 7/19/07)

Yet when it came time to vote on legislation to increase troop pay, to increase money for military healthcare, to increase benefits for military widows and families, to increase the safety of our troops; Democrats staged a self-described stunt and when that failed to even impress their own liberal base, they throw a temper-tantrum and pulled the bill from the floor.

If Democrats really supported the troops they would call on their leadership to quit pandering to the left and pass legislation that actually does support our troops.

Support out troops, not poor leadership!!!

Mark Pryor and Immigration?

2007-07-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

On June 28th, Mark Pryor's office released this statement on immgration. Pryor asserts that he opposed the President's bill because "enforcement measures are inadequate and the bill fails to effectively address the individuals who are already here illegally."

Well we think that Pryor should consider his words very carefully when talking about illegal immigrants. It is hard to have credibility when you haven't fully answered the questions about your own hiring of an illegal immigrant.

As you may remember, in 2002, Mark Pryor was dogged by claims he hired an illegal alien to work as a maid at his house. He claimed that she was legal and that he didn't have to pay social security or payroll taxes for her. He even brought a "signed affadavit" claiming she was legal.

According to KAIT News in Jonesboro, shortly after Pryor won re-election and he was in the clear, the maid, Hortencia Osorio told the spanish speaking newspaper El Latino that she signed a false affadavit and was in fact an illegal immigrant while she worked for Pryor and that she was paid $70 a day for work which would have required the Pryor's to make tax payments.

We believe that the media let Pryor off the hook on this and as the immigration debate continues we will continue to investigate the matter (although we have been told that Osorio was deported to Mexico).

Many believe it is the employers of illegal immigrants who should be held responsible for encouraging illegal behavior. Interesting thought, huh, Mr. Pryor?

Developing...

Beebe, McDaniel Sell Out To Gas Companies...

2007-07-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

During the campaign, we brought you a series of Mike Beebe's cozy relationship with the utilities companies. At the same time he was supposed to be regulating them, he was receiving thousands of dollars in donations.

Once we brought attention to obvious conflict of interest, Beebe began backpeddaling. He even went as far as to say:

"My office is dedicated to protecting the rights of Arkansas consumers and ratepayers and will be vigilant in assuring that increases are kept to a minimum," Beebe said.

His office was committed to protecting consumers during the campaign.

Now that he is Lord Governor of Arkansas, his minions Paul Suskie at the PSC and Attorney General Dustin McDaniel approved a 3.4 percent rate increase for Arkansas Western Gas customers.

This rate hike is expected to generate over $5 million in revenues for the energy company. Not a bad investment for Arkansas Western Gas. Give a few thousand dollars worth of political campaign contributions and receive a $5 million payout on the other end.

Arkansas residents should be outraged of the back room politics surrounding this rate hike. With fuel prices at an all-time high, why are our politicians helping gas companies get richer as hard working Arkansans struggle to pay the bills?

Mike Beebe, Paul Suskie and Dustin McDaniel have a lot to answer for on this one...

Developing...

More Mark Pryor Pandering...

2007-07-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

We all know that Mark Pryor is up for re-election. So Pryor thought he could score some points with the black voters in Arkansas when he called on the Bush Administration to nominate a black person to the open federal judgeship.

Does he not realize that he is urging the Bush Administration to select a judge based on the color of their skin?

Since when did it become okay to hire someone based on the color of their skin? What would happen if I was looking to hire someone and the ad read: BLACKS ONLY!

More importantly, this is a slap in the face to the former judge, George Howard Junior, Arkansas' first black federal judge. Pryor's call to pick only a black judge leads one to think that maybe Judge Howard was only selected because he was black and not the most qualified. I am sure the Judge would reject that notion.

So why do we settle for race politics now from our Senator? Why shouldn't we select the best judge possible whether they are black, white or green?

Using race as a tool to win an election is wrong, although it is something we have come to expect in Arkansas.

We urge you to call Senator Pryor and tell him to support the best man or woman for the job, regardless of the color of their skin!

A Democrat Controlled "Do-Nothing" Congress

2007-07-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

During the lead up to the 2006 elections we warned our readers that the Democrats were full of hate and rhetoric, but weak on alternatives. They ran a campaign of hate-speech and yet offered no substance. We have always maintained that if the Democrats are so against Republican policies, offer an alternative.

The truth is that Democrats just wanted one thing: POWER.

And now that they have it, what do they do? Hold hearings, and more hearings, and more investigations. And what are they having these hearings about? Republicans.

They have become so bitter that instead of passing meaningful legislation, they choose to focus on Republicans. They are obssessed. They count their wins by how many Republicans they can get to resign rather than how many Americans they can help with meaningful legislation.

In this news article Nancy Pelosi even admitted that many are upset with the Democrats and yet they can "only do so much..." (And what is that? Attacking Republicans is all you can do?)

"House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said some Democrats understand 'we can only do so much.'"

"'Others are just very unhappy. I include myself among them,' Pelosi, of California, told The New York Times."

The fact is that we knew all along that a Democrat controlled Congress would not have the ability to focus on the issues of the country. We knew that they were too bitter and focused on the politics of personal destruction rather than doing the job they were elected to do.

And now that we are starting to see some progress in Iraq, what will happen to the Democrats?

What will they do when they have to actually do some work?

When will Senators Pryor and Lincoln take advice from their hero Hillary Clinton and end the politics of personal destruction? Lets focus on the American people!

Flashback: Hillary Becomes Issue for Bill Clinton

2007-07-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post
March 17, 1992, Tuesday, Final Edition

Clinton's Wife Finds She's Become Issue;
Arkansas Lawyer Denies Impropriety but Vows to Rethink Her Role
Dan Balz, Edward Walsh, Washington Post Staff Writers

On the sidewalk outside the Busy Bee restaurant this morning, Hillary Clinton stood surrounded by reporters -- defiant, feisty and, she said, confused.

Through two months of adversity this winter, she never flinched, defending her husband in the face of charges of infidelity and evading the draft. Juggling career, family and political ambition, she seemed to embody a new generation of political spouse. But today she seemed unsure of herself as she answered questions about her role as a partner in Arkansas's biggest law firm and denied that she had benefited from the fact that her husband Bill is the state's governor.

"I must say that the events of the last week have certainly raised a lot of questions . . . for me, and I haven't sat down and focused on it," she told a reporter who had asked her if she would practice law if her husband were elected president. "Right now I'm a little confused about what the rules are."

Last summer, as her husband was in the final stages of deciding whether he would run for president, the 44-year-old Yale Law School graduate acknowledged in an interview that the American people might not be ready for a woman who had her own high-powered career. She had been studying Marilyn Quayle, she said, like herself a lawyer, but one who had never practiced -- in deference to her husband's political career. That seemed unacceptable to her.

On Sunday night, the "new generation" woman and her career became issues in the campaign when former California governor Edmund G. "Jerry" Brown Jr. accused Clinton during a televised debate of funneling state business to his wife's law firm. Clinton angrily denied it. Today, on the eve of the Illinois and Michigan primaries, Brown not only did not let up on the charges, but accused the Democratic front-runner of "hiding behind his wife" in defending himself against charges of "bush-league cronyism."

"Just like Nixon, he brought out Pat and talked about the cloth coat," Brown said in Hamtramck, Mich., referring to Richard M. Nixon's legendary 1952 "Checkers" speech in which he cited his wife while fending off charges of impropriety.

"It's a diversion. There's only one issue here: It's Mr. Clinton and his electability and what we are going to do about this scandal-a-week."

The Arkansas governor returned the fire as he moved on from Chicago to appearances in several Michigan cities, dismissing Brown's charges as "absolutely false" and a "typical thing to say [by] a person who doesn't respect the fact that women can have their own world and do their own jobs."

"When Governor Brown attacked my wife . . . I thought he should have been ashamed of himself and that's why I stood up for her," Clinton told students at Wayne Memorial High School near Detroit. "If he does it again, I'll stick it to him again."

Brown based his accusation Sunday on a story published that day in The Washington Post. The story described the relationship between the Rose law firm where Hillary Clinton works and the Arkansas state government, including the firm's lucrative work as bond counsel for state agencies, and its representation of private business clients who are regulated by the state. The story did not suggest that Clinton had personally directed any state business to the firm.

Bill Clinton said "it was really insulting and . . . unfair" that Brown had "misrepresented the Washington Post article." Hillary Clinton described the former governor, more in sorrow than anger, as "sort of desperate and sad."

Her aides were tugging on her to leave, to join her husband and the voters, safely behind the flimsy rope line that forms the barrier between candidate and press. But she stood and talked.

"Every time Bill Clinton gets ahead, the people who are running against him attack him," she said, "and I think that's because the issues of this campaign really will cause changes in this country . . . . I know what's happening because I'm out there, and I don't think a lot of the people who are making decisions and forming opinions and running against my husband understand what's at stake."

Hillary Clinton said the dispute over her professional life in Little Rock "is the sort of thing that happens to women who have their own careers." Asked if there was an appearance of impropriety in the law firm's relationship with the state government, she replied -- the defiant feminist -- with a comment that caused aides to shudder:

"I suppose I could have stayed home, baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided was to fulfill my profession, which I entered before my husband was in public life."

Moments later, she was the more politically correct voice of professional women. "You know," she said, "the work that I've done as a professional, as a public advocate, has been aimed in part to assure that women can make the choices that they should make -- whether it's full-time career, full-time motherhood, some combination, depending upon what stage of life they are at -- and I think that is still difficult for people to understand right now, that it is a generational change."

But what clearly bothered her as she stood on the sidewalk in the cold air was the suggestion of impropriety, both because of her involvement as a lawyer for a savings and loan owned by someone she and her husband owned property with and more broadly because of her partnership in the Rose law firm.

Hillary Clinton has said in the past that she did not represent clients before the state government and that she has made it a habit of declining her share of the firm's fees from such cases.

"As far as I know I'm the only lawyer related to a public official that I'm aware of in the country who had actively practiced law who has never even shared in a penny of state funds that have ever gone to my firm," she said. "I thought that was above and beyond the call . . . . From my perspective I've done what I thought at the time was absolutely appropriate and beyond what I thought anybody else had done that I was aware of. So I'm going to have to really think through what the rules are, because right now I'm confused."

And then, lest anyone think the controversy would slow her down, she added, "But I put all that on the back burner anyway. I'm in this campaign full time . . . because I really care about the issues that are confronting people and I want to help solve those anyway."

Staff writer E.J. Dionne Jr. in Michigan contributed to this report.

The Real Mike Beebe:

2007-07-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

As Mike Beebe gets more and more comfortable serving as Governor of the state of Arkansas, we are seeing glimpses of the real Mike Beebe.

On Tuesday Mike Beebe told members of the Little Rock Rotary club that we would support a tax increase on natural gas production.

Calling the current system of taxing natural gas production antiquated, advocacy groups earlier this year said the state could gain between $4.5 billion and $7.5 billion if it increased severance taxes.

Beebe told members of the Little Rock Rotary Club that he supported a severance tax increase when he was a state senator in 1983 but that measure never made it out of a House committee.

"I voted for it when it came up in 1983 and if it came up again, I'd vote for it," Beebe said, answering questions from the group after his speech.

So as fuel prices remain at the highest level in years, Mike Beebe tells us he supports a tax increase on....fuel?

No surprise there. In fact, we told you during the campaign that Beebe has never seen a tax he didn't like...

Is this just the beginning? Will Beebe support tax hikes at the pump next?

Here is a look back at his 20 years of supporting tax increases:

Total Revenue Impact of the Following Bills: $10,386,209,475.10

SB342 - 2/27/1983 Beebe Vote: Yes

AN ACT TO INCREASE THE FEES FOR ANNUAL RESIDENT HUNTING LICENSE AND FOR ANNUAL RESIDENT FISHING LICENSE TO TEN DOLLARS AND FIFTY CENTS EACH.
Revenue Impact:$2,253,654 (FY 83-84 only) ($24,757,194 based on 83-84 data alone)

Act 63 of 1983, Act 3 of 1991, Act 156 of 1997 Beebe Vote: Yes

Act 63 of 1983 - INCREASED THE SALES TAX FROM 3% TO 4%Act 3 of 1991 - INCREASED THE SALES TAX FROM 4% TO 4 ½%Act 156 of 1997 - INCREASED THE SALES TAX FROM 4 ½% TO 4.625%

See Note
1983-84 $159,915,848.17

1984-85 $172,591,630.42

1985-86 $174,217,089.15

1986-87 $178,903,191.76

1987-88 $189,994,571.34

1988-89 $199,336,183.18

1989-90 $210,446,752.11

1990-91 $216,914,066.04

1991-92 $344,539,153.40

1992-93 $523,045,731.48

1993-94 $404,665,022.36

1994-95 $434,497,613.42

1995-96 $459,152,601.27

1996-97 $475,114,165.79

1997-98 $489,841,360.14

1998-99 $565,710,101.73

1999-00 $606,128,581.18

2000-01 $621,845,240.92

2001-02 $630,417,210.27

2002-03 $637,882,327.80

2003-04 $671,601,616.16

2004-05 $722,264,458.48

TOTAL $9,089,024,516.55

*** Thisfigure reflects the cost to the taxpayer of Arkansas as a result of sales tax increases voted on by Mike Beebe. Not included in this calculation is the 1/2 cent increase of Act 1492 of 1999 which raised the sales tax to offset a property tax credit, even though collections from the sales tax have exceeded the amount needed tofund the property tax credit.

SB517 - 2/28/1985 Beebe Vote: Yes

AN ACT TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL TAX OF FIVE CENTS PER GALLON ON MOTOR FUEL AND DISTILLATE SPECIAL FUELS AND TO PROPORTIONATELY INCREASE THE ANNUAL FEE FOR VEHICLES USING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; TO PRESCRIBE THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE ADDITIONAL REVENUES DERIVED FROM THE TAX LEVIED HEREIN SHALL BE USED.
Revenue Impact:$6,838,940.50 (Based on 85-86 Data Only - Rough figure - sales fluctuation not calculated)

HB855 - 3/20/1985 Beebe Vote: Yes

AN ACT TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS RICE RESEARCH AND PROMOTION BOARD; TO PRESCRIBE THE MEMBERSHIP AND METHOD OF SELECTION OF SUCH BOARD; TO LEVY A TAX OF TWO CENTS PER BUSHEL ON ALL RICE GROWN IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS TO FUND A PROGRAM OF RESEARCH AND PROMOTION OF THE RICE INDUSTRY IN THE STATE; TO PRESCRIBE THE PROCEDURE FOR COLLECTION AND REMITTANCE OF THE TAX LEVIED HEREIN.
Revenue Impact:$85,741,992.22 (FY 85-04)

SB106 - 1/25/1989 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO IMPOSE A TWO PERCENT GROSS RECEIPTS TAX ON CERTAIN ITEMS RELATED TO TOURISM.
Revenue Impact:$104,795,662.01 (FY 1989-05)

HB1405 - 3/6/1989 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL TAX TO BE KNOWN AS THE 'RENTAL VEHICLE TAX'; TO PROHIBIT A SALE FOR RESALE GROSS RECEIPTS TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR LICENSED RENTAL MOTOR VEHICLES' TO PROHIBIT CERTAIN SURCHARGES.
Revenue Impact:$52,686,336.86 (FY 89-05 - Includes SB581 - 3/1/2001)

SB96 - 2/27/1991 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY ADDITIONAL TAXES ON MOTOR FUEL, DISTILLATE SPECIAL FUELS, AND LIQUEFIED GAS SPECIAL FUELS...
Revenue Impact:$667,803.37 (Based on 91-92 data alone - rough figure - sales fluctuation not calculated)

SB6 - 12/15/1992 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY A 15% TAX ON WHOLESALERS' GROSS RECEIPTS DERIVED FROM THE SALE OF CIGARETTES AND TO LEVY ADDITIONAL 16% TAX ON TOBACCO PRODUCTS OTHER THAN CIGARETTES.
Revenue Impact:$8,764,009.96 (FY 1993 Only - Sales Fluctuation Not Calculated)

SB8 - 12/15/1992 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY A TAX ON SOFT DRINKS SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE IN ARKANSAS; TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE COLLECTION OF THE TAX.
Revenue Impact:$452,074,389 (FY1993 - FY2004)

SB5 - 12/16/1992 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY A TAX UPON HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE AGENCIES, PERSONAL CARE SERVICE PROVIDERS, LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES, NURSING FACILITIES, AND INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDEDRevenue Impact:$29,100,430.62 (FY 92-95)

HB1004 - 12/17/1992 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL EXCISE TAX OF TWELVE AND ONE-HALF CENTS PER PACK OF CIGARETTES; UNTIL JUNE 30, 1993, AND NINE AND ONE HALF CENTS THEREAFTER; TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL EXCISE TAX UPON THE FIRST SALE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS.Revenue Impact:$9,554,689 (1993 Only)

HB1580- 3/31/1993 Beebe Vote: ABSENT

AN ACT TO LEVY A TWENTY PERCENT GROSS RECEIPTS TAX UPON BINGO OPERATIONS AND TO REQUIRE THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF ANY OPERATIONS OR FACILITIES WHERE BINGO GAMES ARE PLAYED; TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Revenue Impact:$3,789,387.83 (FY 93-00)

HB2073- 4/7/1993 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A SIGNATURE IMAGING SYSTEM IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE; TO LEVY ADDITIONAL FRANCHISE TAX OF THREE DOLLARS PER YEAR ON EACH CORPORATION; TO MAKE AN APPROPRIATION TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A SIGNATURE IMAGING SYSTEM IN THE OFFICE OF THE SEC OF STATE
Revenue Impact:$1,173,123.16 (FY 93-03)

SB295- 1/25/1995 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 26, CHAPTER 75, SUBCHAPTER 5 OF THE ARKANSAS CODE TO CLARIFY THAT BOTH LOCAL USE TAX AND LOCAL SALES TAX ARE LEVIED; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Revenue Impact: $300,000

HB1199- 2/7/1995 Beebe Vote: YES

AN ACT TO AMEND ARK. CODE ANN. 26-52-301 (3) (B) AND 26-52-1002 TO PROVIDE THAT THE RENTAL OF CONDOMINIUMS, TOWNHOUSES, RENTAL HOMES AND OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS BY ANY ENTITY TO TRANSIENT GUESTS IS A TAXABLE SERVICE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Revenue Impact: $50,000

HB1548- 3/24/1999 Beebe Vote: YES

TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL EXCISE TAX ON MOTOR FUEL AND AN ADDITIONAL TAX ON DISTILLATE SPECIAL FUEL.
Revenue Impact: $333,450,000

SB581- 3/1/2001 Beebe Vote: YES

TO ESTABLISH THE ARKANSAS PUBLIC TRANSIT TRUST FUNDRevenue Impact: $3,900,000 FY02 Only

SB287- 3/7/2001 Beebe Vote: YES

TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS ELDERLY CARE TAX
Revenue Impact: $33,750,000 (2001) $168,750,000 (2001-2006)
SB52- 3/12/2001 Beebe Vote: NVTO PROVIDE FOR THE PAYMENT OF USE TAXES
Revenue Impact: $291,000

SB972- 4/31/2001 Beebe Vote: NV

THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT ACT OF 2001
Revenue Impact: $10,500,000

Mark Pryor: A Telecommunications Puppet?

2007-07-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, Mark Pryor proposed legislation calling on the FCC to investigate BPL, or broadband over powerlines, a new technology that would make internet readily available to anyone who has electric power in their homes. This innovative technology would reduce the cost of high speed internet and make it accessible to rural places like the Mississippi delta region.

However, our good Senator is trying to snarl this new technology by calling for, what else, an investigation into its "intereference" and "safety." He wants us to believe that he is looking out for Arkansans, which is so far from the truth.

In fact, the National Association of Amateur Radio applauded Pryor and Ross for proposing this bill in both the House and Senate.

A deeper analysis shows, however, that three of Pryor's largest contributors in 2006 alone were communications interests who stand to lose money should the BPL option become readily available.

In 2006 alone Pryor received $15,800 from Bell South Corp, $15,000 from Communications Workers of America and $14,500 from AT&T.

BellSouth Corp
One of the so-called “Baby Bells,” the four companies that provide regional phone service across the country, BellSouth operates in nine southern states, including Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. BellSouth has also teamed up with another regional phone company, SBC Communications, to create Cingular Wireless, the No. 2 mobile phone company in the nation. BellSouth is also trying to expand into the high-speed Internet market and, together with the other Baby Bells, is lobbying Congress to lift regulations that make it harder for them to offer DSL service.

Communications Workers of America Communications
Workers of America represents 740,000 workers in telecommunications, broadcasting, journalism and other fields. The union’s members work for companies such as AT&T, General Electric and many of the nation’s top newspapers and broadcast stations. The union lobbies on a number of workplace issues, including health benefits, social security and prescription drug coverage. The union has also been a strong supporter of proposals to lift federal regulations and allow regional telephone companies to enter the long-distance market and offer high-speed Internet access.

AT&T Inc
After being broken up in the mid-1980s in a landmark antitrust case, this telecommunications icon re-formed in 2005, and became the nation’s largest phone company when SBC Communications bought AT&T Corp. for $16 billion. As SBC, the company led the fight to allow the Baby Bells to enter the long-distance market, where they hope to offer profitable broadband Internet services. Cable and telecom companies have been fighting over the issue for several years and recent legislation in the House would allow national cable franchises to be awarded to the telecoms. The cable industry complains this would allow telecoms to unfairly cherry-pick rich suburbs. The telecoms say that allowing states to issue all television licenses will drive down rates for consumers and add hundreds of channel choices. AT&T now has more than 49 million access lines in service. Cingular, which bought AT&T Wireless for $14 billion in 2004 and was part of SBC, is now in AT&T’s fold. Cingular is the leading US wireless carrier, with more than 54 million subscribers. And AT&T’s growth continues. In 2006, AT&T agreed to buy southern Baby Bell BellSouth in a deal valued at more than $65 billion.

The real issue here is that the telephone companies want to corner the market in terms of offering high speed internet. They see Broadband over Power Lines as a direct and cheaper competitor and are attempting to use the regulatory process to limit their competition.

Sound familiar?

Shouldn't Mark Pryor be encouraging competition so that Internet costs go down? Shouldn't he support any effort to bring Internet to rural Arkansas? Or have we come to expect Pryor to sell out to corporate campaign contributors?

Where's the Beef?

2007-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

After almost a year and a half of a Democratic controlled Congress, we must ask - where's the beef?

Ever since the Dems took over the Congress, we have seen nothing more than a political witchhunt against the Republican Administration. They have shown their priorities to be nothing more than wasting money to investigate Republicans and play politics rather than working on the issues that effect the public.

This 4th of July, the most patriotic time of the year, the good ole Dems are at it again.

In fact, the DCCC is running a multi-million dollar ad and phone call campaign to attack Republicans as unpatriotic?

This coming from the same party that wants to defund our troops?

They attack Republican incumbents for not voting for a democrat bill that would have provided $1500 bonuses for the troops. They fail to mention the pork and riders that were attached to the bill, or that these republicans voted for a similar bill that did provide the $1500 bonuses.

But again, when did Democrats let facts get in the way of a good political football?

We believe the American people and Arkansans especially will find this behavior disgusting this holiday week.

We urge our readers to call Mike Ross, Marion Berry and Vic Snyder and tell them to denounce the DCCC for this and ask them to get to work for all of Arkansas!

Mike Ross - 1-800-223-2220

Marion Berry - 1-800-866-2701

Vic Snyder - 501-324-5941

More on Mark Pryor and Unions

2007-06-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

How much does it take to “buy” a Senator (or for that matter a Caucus) in order to compel them into voting for legislation that is opposed by 79% of America? Legislation that is intended to subvert honest elections while encouraging intimidation and coercion? Legislation that is a major component of the Communist Party’s platform?

For eleven in-cycle Senate Democrats it costs around $10 million; over $450k since January alone (Figures are from http://www.politicalmoneyline.com/).

The legislation I am talking about is H.R 800 the inaccurately named Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation removes the secret ballot requirement from the union organization process and allows union bosses to coerce workers into signing cards authorizing an unwanted union. This legislation failed to muster 60 votes for cloture but did have the entire Democrat delegation vote for it including Sen. Pryor.

This is clearly a payback from Senate Democrats for the cash they have received from big labor and related PACs.

But let it not be said Senate Democrats come cheap. Below are some examples of the cash these eleven in-cycle Democrats have taken, overall and for the 2008 election cycle, from big labor and related PACs:

Senator Total Contributions From Labor

Pryor $436,000.00
Landrieu $919,300.00
Baucus $1,062,402.00
Harkin $1,680,086.00
Biden $479,677.00
Durbin $882,225.00
Kerry $51,556.00
Lautenberg $1,253,764.00
Levin $1,257,276.00
Reed $718,900.00
Rockefeller $983,728.00

Total Contributions From Labor Since January 2007
Pryor $50,500.00
Landrieu $46,000.00
Baucus $30,500.00
Harkin $36,500.00
Biden $5,000.00
Durbin $63,500.00
Kerry $42,000.00
Lautenberg $33,500.00
Levin $51,500.00
Reed $44,100.00
Rockefeller $55,000.00

Check out the NRSC Web ad condemning this un-American legislation as well as an op-ed from John Fund of the WSJ-Opinion Journal.

To recap, this Communist legislation…
…will remove the right of private elections in the unionization process for 140 million American workers
…is opposed by 79% of Americans, including 78% of Democrats
…is opposed by 78% of union members
…is co-sponsored by 46 Senators (all Democrats and Independents)
…is a pillar of the Communist party’s platform
…is a payback to donors of the Democratic party
Big Labor PACs to account for 6 of the top 10 political donations
Big Labor spent $100 million on get out the vote in 2006
Big Labor spent $59.5 million to political candidates, up 11% from 2004
…has the potential to ensure even more cash for Democrat candidates in 2008

OUTRAGE: Arkansas Senators Vote For Union Intimidation

2007-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

Arkansas Senators Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln caved to special interests of unions today when they voted for S. 800, a measure that would take away the right to a secret ballot for employees being intimidated into forming a union.

This measure would have made it more difficult for union thugs to intimidate workers who opposed the union process.

Instead our Senators voted to allow the unions to see who disagreed with them, making it more likely for the unions to intimidate the naysayers...

How to measure employees' support for unionizing? SECRET BALLOT REDUCES UNION INTIMIDATION

Doug Bandow
The San Diego Union-Tribune

Organized labor was one of the biggest winners of the 2006 midterm election. And the new Democratic leadership has begun paying off its campaign debt.

The House has passed, and the Senate is scheduled to debate, legislation to replace elections with the so-called "card check" process. This would enable labor organizers to intimidate their way to union recognition.

That's not how labor activists put it, of course. But they want to drop today's system, which requires a secret ballot election whenever 30 percent of workers sign a card supporting a union, with automatic recognition if 50 percent plus one worker signs a card.

Card-check supporters complain of employer intimidation, yet a secret ballot makes retaliation against rank-and-file workers well- nigh impossible. The National Labor Relations Board reported few cases -- less than 2 percent -- in which vocal union organizers were fired during 2003-05.

Yet secret ballot elections limiting opportunities for abuse is the primary reason that organized labor insists on secret ballots for union decertification elections. In a 1998 case the AFL-CIO, citing the U.S. Supreme Court, argued "that a representation election 'is a solemn ... occasion, conducted under safeguards to voluntary choice'." Moreover, the "representation election system provides the surest means of avoiding decisions which are 'the result of group pressures and not individual decision.' "

But when it comes to organizing drives, unions have a very different view of "group pressures": It's OK for labor activists to routinely intimidate workers.

For example, Mike Ivey, a materials handler for the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. in Gaffney, S.C., sought legal assistance from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation in response to pressure from the United Auto Workers.

He said union organizers misrepresented the significance of signing a card and visited employees at home multiple times. Ivey added that "relentless" union organizers "created a hostile work environment."

Karen M. Mayhew, an employee of Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore., tells a similar tale of fraud and abuse. She explained: "Throughout this whole ordeal, my colleagues and I were subjected to badgering and immense peer pressure."

As long as unions claim that intimidation is not their official policy -- and are smart enough to avoid creating any written evidence to the contrary -- workers have little recourse, no matter what the real-life cases show.

In a 1996 case, a majority of National Labor Relations Board commissioners held that "alleged threats of violence, even when made in the course of card solicitation, cannot be construed by any reasonable person as representing 'purported union policies'."

In that case, a union activist went up to another employee and, reported the NLRB, "allegedly stated that the employee had better sign a card because if she did not, the union would come and get her children and it would also slash her car tires."

Unfortunately, there is little to stop future organizers from making similar threats, especially when a signed card is so much more valuable: It yields full union recognition, and not just an election that the union might lose.

Which ultimately is why organized labor desires card-check recognition. It is a lot easier to browbeat 50 percent plus one of the employees to publicly sign a card than to get the same number to vote for the union in a secret ballot.

Often employees sign to avoid union pressure, including threats against their children. In some cases, workers sign after being misled by union organizers' claims that the card has no legal effect. Workers can also change their minds after hearing both sides of the debate leading up to the election.

Labor officials might think elections are unnecessary for union recognition, but workers disagree. A Zogby poll found that 84 percent of union members believed employees should be able to vote about joining unions (only 11 percent were opposed).

Ironically, even Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., the chief House sponsor of card check, believes in labor elections -- for other countries.

In 2001 Miller and 15 of his colleagues wrote the Mexican government to urge it "to use the secret ballot in all union recognition elections." In their view, "increased use of the secret ballot in union recognition elections will help bring real democracy to the Mexican workplace."

Unions warrant recognition only if they win a secret ballot election. As the AFL-CIO rightly declared: The "representation election system provides the surest means of avoiding decisions which are the result of group pressures and not individual decision." Indeed.

From Our Inbox...

2007-06-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Senator Hillary Clinton,

Upon your return to Arkansas this weekend, the state Republican Party wondered… Would the New York Senator feel out of place? Would she worry that she couldn’t fit in? Would she be mocked for using her fake southern accent after the embarrassing ribbing that she received for pandering in Selma, Alabama a few months ago?

Well fear not, Senator Clinton – Republicans are rolling out the red carpet and are dropping off a care package at the Arkansas Democrat headquarters today with a few tools intended to make you feel more at home once you’re south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Upon your arrival in Little Rock, we hope you’ll have some time to peruse the Dixie dictionary that we purchased, The Complete How to Speak Southern, which is “dedicated to all Yankees in the hope that it will teach them to talk right” in the South.

While this small token is simply intended as lighthearted suggested reading, we thought it could lend some helpful refreshers on ways to disguise your New York dialect with a southern twang – especially after your embarrassing performance in Alabama. (*In case you forgot about that mishap, here’s the video of your speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDQ1vIuvZI&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Farkansastruth%2Eblogspot%2Ecom%2F

According to one of your own home-state papers, “Senator Clinton may have drawn rousing ovations during her appearances at civil rights rallies in Selma, Ala., on Sunday, but it was not what she said that stirred the most buzz yesterday - it was how she said it. A 27-second snippet of audio clips … showed New York’s Illinois-born senator adopting a Southern drawl during parts of her speech at a Selma church.” (“Clinton Stirs Buzz On The Web With Her Southern Drawl,” The New York Sun, 3/6/07)

And MSNBC’s Tucker Carlson added that, “Hillary Clinton morphs into Scarlett O’Hara. Well, she talks like her anyway.” (MSNBC’s “Tucker,” 3/5/07)

In addition to adjusting your drawl, we thought you might feel improperly attired for the South, so we’re dropping off a Razorback’s cap that should help you fit in with the locals. Yes, our style might not be as refined as that of your New York constituents, but we hope these gifts will make you feel more at home here in Arkansas.

Unfortunately, no matter how you dress or what you say, there’s not much we can do to disguise the fact that you’re still a liberal Senator from New York who is out of touch with Arkansans’ mainstream values.

Your record on the important issues speaks for itself:

You voted against funding for our troops, bowing to pressure from MoveOn.org and your liberal base, even though you originally agreed with President Bush and voted to authorize the war in Iraq. (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181, 5/24/07; H.J. Res. 114, CQ Vote #237, 10/11/02)

By voting against the 2001 and 2003 Republican-led tax cuts, you voted against tax relief that benefits nearly one million Arkansans and approximately 224,000 businesses in this state. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196, 5/23/03; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179, 5/15/03; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170, 5/26/01; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165, 5/23/01; United States Department Of The Treasury, Office Of Tax Policy, “Tax Relief Kit,” www.treas.gov, 6/20/07)

The Face of the Democratic Party of Arkansas...

2007-06-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Every four years, democrats in Arkansas show their true colors by supporting an ultra liberal for President. Now the so-called blue dog democrats are supporting Hilary Clinton.

She is scheduled to make an appearance at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner at Alltel this weekend.

It is amazing to me how conservative democrats can be a part of a party that supports candidates like Hilary and Obama?

One look at their liberal records should make your head spin. But then again, its not about principles, its about power, isn't it?

When will conservatives in Arkansas wake up and quit supporting liberals just to win an election?

The Truth About "Caging"

2007-06-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Democrats are at it again. Recently, you may have seen Mark Pryor and Blanche Lincoln stirring up the pot and calling for an investigation into so-called caging activities in Florida in 2004. Those of us at the Truth Blog feel we must set the record straight on this whole issue.

Let us be clear - this is nothing more than an attempt to smear a good Arkansan for political gain in the midst of an historical Presidential election cycle. Nothing more.

To insinuate that Tim Griffin tried to keep black voters from the polls is wrong and our Senators should be ashamed of themselves.

Democrats have a history of making such claims and have even instructed their followers to make up claims even when they don't exist. Case in point:

In 2004, an internal memo from John Kerry's campaign instructed democrats that "if no signs of intimidation techniques have emerged yet, launch a 'pre-emptive strike' (particularly well-suited to states in which these techniques have been tried in the past.)."

Here is an article from 2004:

The New York Post
October 15, 2004 Friday

DEMOCRAT PRIMER: PLAY A PHONY RACE CARD BY CHARGING VOTE 'INTIMIDATION'

VINCENT MORRIS
Post Correspondent

WASHINGTON - Republicans ripped into John Kerry yesterday over a stunning new internal manual that advises Democrats to launch "pre-emptive" strikes charging the GOP with voter intimidation - even if none exists.

The "Election Day Manual" - written for Kerry's Colorado campaign workers - includes a menu of options Democrats can follow next month to claim Republican intimidation, ranging from issuing press releases to organizing minority leaders to denounce the practice.

It was unclear last night whether the manual had been penned by the Kerry campaign or the Democratic National Committee, although questions about it were fielded by the DNC.

Democratic leaders dismissed the charge, insisting the manual was aimed at providing guidance for "preventing and combating" voter intimidation from happening in the first place.

"All of the states received some language on combating and preventing voter intimidation," said DNC spokesman Jano Cabrera.

In part, the manual reads: "If no signs of intimidation techniques have emerged yet, launch a 'pre-emptive strike' (particularly well-suited to states in which these techniques have been tried in the past.)."

The manual goes on to provide ways in which Kerry workers can spotlight intimidation, including organizing ministers or other civic leaders to protest it, writing press releases and reminding people about past examples of GOP voter intimidation.

Cabrera said he wasn't sure whether the same guidance turns up in strategy manuals given to Kerry workers in other states, nor was he sure who wrote the section at issue.

Tad Devine, a top Kerry aide, defended the manual on CNN late yesterday. "What happened in 2000 will never happen again. We're going to make sure that people vote. We're going to make sure people of color are not turned away from voting places," Devine said.

Colorado Republican Party Chairman Ted Halaby told the Post the document was revealing. "I'm shocked that the Democratic National Committee would stoop to such low gutter politics," he said.

On behalf of Bush, the Republican National Committee called on Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Lewis to respond to the memo and he called it "outrageous."

"It's truly outrageous and callous to suggest to operatives that if you don't see intimidation, to sort of make it up,' Lewis said.

"I understand why Sen. Kerry has to do this. He has not as of this moment connected in a very strong way with African-American voters."
----
Colorado Election Day Manual
2. If no signs of intimidation techniques have emerged yet, launch a "pre-emptive strike" (particularly well-suited to states in which these techniques have been tried in the past).

We know that the democrats tried to paint republicans as racists who would block black voters from the polls and filed numerous lawsuits. And now they want us to believe that Griffin was some mastermind to intimidate black voters? Ridiculous.

The democrats main reference on this issue is a shady reporter named Gregory Palast, who "broke" his story in 2004 with the BBC. At the time, the MSM accurately discounted his claims as political and outrageous.

Yet now they claim a list of 1800 registered voters titled "caging" is their "smoking gun" that voter intimidation was underway. However, the media never mentions the real definition of caging.

Caging is a technique used by direct mail firms to purge their lists of addresses where the mail bounces back or in undeliverable. According to a direct mail firm caging is "the process of receiving, processing, and reporting the mailing results." That's right, the so-called "caging" list was most likely a list from a mailing sent to newly registered voters urging them to vote.

In fact, Mindy Fletcher Tucker, the spokeswoman for the Republican Party of Florida sent a letter to the BBC refuting its claims in 2004 stating the list "was a listing of returned mail that came from a mailing that the Republican National Committee sent to new registrants in Duval County in Florida, encouraging newly registered Republicans, Democrats and Independents to vote Republican. Voter registration has been a heavy concentration of both parties this year and both national and state Republican parties have been reaching out to new registrants for the upcoming election. The Duval County list was created to collect the returned mail information from the Republican National Committee mailing and was intended and has been used for no purpose other than that."

Its clear that Senator Mark Pryor has had a beef with Tim Griffin ever since he was named U.S. Attorney in Arkansas. Tim Griffin is a good Arkansan and believes in the right to vote. In fact, Griffin's family has a history of defending the rights of African Americans. In fact, in 1972 his father, then the pastor of a Southern Baptist church in Charlotte. N.C., stood up to threats from the Ku Klux Klan over his policy of allowing black children to play in the church gymnasium.

Tim himself has a record of fighting for the rights of black Arkansans. During his brief term as prosecutor his office indicted a person who allegedly used threatening, racist language to try to keep a black person from living in the person’s neighborhood.

We know that democrats will not let facts get in the way of a good political opportunity, but we thought the media would check the facts before reporting on such slimy and obviously political accusations. We urge our readers to contact our Senators and urge them to look at all the facts before jumping on the political band wagon.

Isn't time we had representatives in Arkansas who cared more about Arkansas then political rhetoric?

Guilty By Association...

2007-06-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

For months, we have been telling our readers that Mike Beebe is really a liberal democrat dressed like a Republican. One day he panders to the right and the next he panders to the left. The man will say and do whatever it takes to keep the masses happy.

Well, starting tomorrow, Beebe's communications director will be taking a "leave of absence" to work for Hilary Clinton's campaign for President. The same communications director that acknowledged Beebe's mixing of politics with official business.

Wright will be running South Carolina for Clinton's primary campaign and then expects to come back to Little Rock to continue serving Beebe. Does that mean that Hilary Clinton and Mike Beebe are philosophically the same when it comes to their positions on policy?

Does this also mean that Wright will continue to advise Beebe, seeing their track record for mixing politics and official business?

And the final question remains, will Max Brantley and John Brummett follow in Wright's footsteps and join the Clinton campaign or can they be more effective by spouting off their opinions and passing it off as news?

Only time will tell...

Delta Focused Foundation Awards Scholarships...

2007-06-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

Next Generation Foundation Names 2007 Promise Scholarship Recipients
Arkansas Receives Record Five Scholarship Winners; Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana Each Receive One

MEMPHIS, TN – Eight first generation college students will each receive $1,000 scholarships for their remarkable hard work and leadership in the classroom and their long-term plans to give back to the Mississippi Delta region, Next Generation Foundation President R. Stuart Jones announced today.

"The first step in building the Delta of tomorrow is investing in our students’ education today," said Jones. "The Next Generation Foundation is taking real, substantive steps to move the Delta and its next generation forward."

The 2007 NGF Annual Promise Scholarship winners were selected from more than one hundred deserving applicants. Each year, the Promise Scholarship program awards at least one scholarship to a student in Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana and Mississippi.

The 2007 Promise Scholarship winners are Somer Rae Allen of Jonesboro, AR; Matthew DeShun Elliott of Camden, AR; Telecia La’Shay Frazier of Camden, AR; Jenna RieAnne Lee of Watson, AR; Ali R. Pambianchi of McGehee, AR; Paul Wesley Calcote of Vicksburg, MS; Jarel Latron Hall of Monroe, LA; and Brittney Nichole Taylor of Memphis, TN.

Fundraising efforts for the 2008 Promise Scholarship program are already underway. NGF is actively seeking partners to expand and enhance next year’s program through a variety of monetary and non-monetary contributions.

"The greatness of the Delta region has always been its people. I challenge local leaders, businesses and other like-minded organizations to join NGF in making more of these scholarships available to the region’s next generation," said Jones.

To learn more about the Next Generation Foundation, log on to http://www.ngfonline.org/.

When Dems Attack!

2007-06-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

After watching the media circus surrounding Arkansas GOP Chairman Dennis Milligan's unfortunate use of words when referring to the war in Iraq, we feel we must address the truth.

We all know what Dennis said: "At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing (in Iraq), and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on (Sept. 11), and the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country," Milligan was quoted as saying in the Sunday edition of Arkansas' statewide newspaper.

But for someone to actually infer that the Chairman of the Republican Party in the state was calling for more terrorist attacks is wrong and irresponsible. It is nothing more than a lame attempt by Democrats to use our veterans for political gain.

The fact is that VoteVets.org is just another front organization for liberal democrats who oppose the war. We have all seen how the Democrats will embrace someone like Cindy Sheehan and then dump that person the moment they are rendered no longer effective.

This is just more of the same.

Yes, Dennis Milligan should have said it differently. But the fact is that a group like VoteVets.org who runs TV ads against Republicans is hardly an objective organization. There are plenty of Democrats who voted for the war and support finishing the job, yet this liberal front group in the likes of John Kerry and Jane Fonda's vietnam veterans group is hardly credible.

But of course, the MSM is just looking for a story to help them sell newspapers and ad space...

Developing...

Fred Thompson Set To Announce Bid For Presidency...

2007-05-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

With all the talk about how well our former Governor has done in the debates (and he has done incredibly well), we wonder what effect the coming announcement that Fred Thompson is joining the race for President will have on the Huckabee campaign?

The Politico reports in this story that Fred Thompson plans to announce by July. Some insiders say it could come as early as this weekend.

Fred Thompson will be a strong candidate and we wonder how this will play out?

Can Thompson raise enough money to be a factor in the new Super Tuesday dominated Presidential Primary?

Thoughts?

Another Clinton Kerryaoke?

2007-05-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hillary Clinton's "Coy" And "Calculating" Iraq Position Reminiscent Of 2004 Kerry Playbook

Last Week, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) Had Kerry-Like Moment On Iraq:
"Calculating" Clinton Vote "Wasn't Quite A John Kerry Moment" But It "Came Pretty Close." "It wasn't quite a John Kerry moment for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, but she came pretty close. As is her tendency, Clinton muddied her stance on funding the Iraq war, the latest test of which mustered just 29 votes in the Senate this week. ... Clinton didn't commit a Kerry-like gaffe -- in 2003 he said he voted for an Iraq funding bill before voting against it -- but her tendency to be coy (calculating?) about her Iraq position caused a stir." (Editorial, "Playing Coy: Clinton Tap Dances On Iraq Funding," The Oklahoman, 5/18/07)

Clinton And Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Voted In Favor Of Deadline For Iraq Withdrawal And Cutting Off Funding For Troops. (H.R. 1495, CQ Vote #167: Motion Rejected 29-67: R 0-47; D 28-19; I 1-1, 5/16/07, Clinton And Kerry Voted Yea)

"Nineteen Other Democrats And Every Republican Opposed The Measure, Which Everyone Knew Would Fail." (Editorial, "Playing Coy: Clinton Tap Dances On Iraq Funding," The Oklahoman, 5/18/07)

Hillary For It, Then Seemed Against It, Then For It, Then Tried To Distance Herself From The Legislation:

"Clinton Voted To Advance Legislation Cutting War Funding By March 31, 2008, Refused To Pledge Support For The Bill If It Came To A Final Vote, Then Said She Would Vote For It." (Editorial, "Playing Coy: Clinton Tap Dances On Iraq Funding," The Oklahoman, 5/18/07)

"Later, She Sought To Distance Herself From The Amendment By Stressing Its Procedural Nature, Though When Pressed By Reporters, She Acknowledged That She Supports The Feingold Proposal." (Shailagh Murray, "Symbolic Measure To End War Voted Down 67 To 29 In Senate," The Washington Post, 5/17/07)

Clinton Then Refused To Answer Whether She Would Have Voted For Feingold Amendment Had Cloture Vote Passed. "[W]hen asked Wednesday afternoon, Clinton would not answer whether she would support the actual bill. 'I'm not going to speculate what I'll be voting on in the future,' she told reporters ..." (Ted Barrett and Dana Bash, "Opponents Hammer Clinton On Iraq," CNN Political Ticker Blog, www.cnn.com, Posted 5/17/07)

"Still Later, Clinton Refused To Concede She Said Or Signaled Anything Inconsistent With Long-Held Beliefs, Leaving Those Who Listened To It All Scratching Their Heads." (Editorial, "Playing Coy: Clinton Tap Dances On Iraq Funding," The Oklahoman, 5/18/07)

Hillary Offered Several Explanations For Her Vote:

Clinton Denies Charges That She Is "Being Intentionally Vague" By Giving "Conflicting Answers About The Meaning Of Her 'Yes' Vote" Yesterday. "Some of Sen. Hillary Clinton's Democratic presidential opponents are accusing the New York Democrat of giving contradictory statements and being intentionally vague about a critically important issue: her position on Iraq. Clinton is denying the charge, which stems from conflicting answers about the meaning of her 'yes' vote cast Wednesday on a proposal to cut off funding for Iraq." (Ted Barrett and Dana Bash, "Opponents Hammer Clinton On Iraq," CNN Political Ticker Blog, www.cnn.com, Posted 5/17/07)

Clintonian Calculation #1 - Supports Underlying Bill: "Hillary, speaking to reporters including The Politico's John Bresnahan in the Senate today, made her position on Reid Feingold clear. 'I support the underlying bill,' she said." (Ben Smith's Blog, "Clinton Clarifies," The Politico Website, www.politico.com, Posted 5/16/07)

Attempting "To Quash A Political Controversy" Clinton Aides Made Her Available To Reporters To Explain She Would Have Voted For The Bill To Cut Off Funding Had The Procedural Vote Passed. "Knowing they had to try to quash a potential controversy, Clinton's aides made her available to reporters to try to explain she was 'misunderstood,' and clarify that she would have voted for the bill to cut off funding, if she had the chance. 'I support the underlying bill,' Clinton said, 'I mean, that's what this vote on cloture was all about.'" (Ted Barrett and Dana Bash, "Opponents Hammer Clinton On Iraq," CNN Political Ticker Blog, www.cnn.com, Posted 5/17/07)

Clintonian Calculation #2 - Democrat Unity: "Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Democratic presidential front-runner, previously opposed setting a deadline on the war. But she said she agreed to back Feingold's measure 'because we, as a united party, must work together with clarity of purpose and mission to begin bringing our troops home and end this war.'" (Anne Flaherty, "Senate Rejects Legislation To Cut Off Funds For Iraq War," The Associated Press, 5/16/07)

Clintonian Calculation #3 - Message To President Bush: "Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), the 2008 Democratic presidential front-runner, has long opposed setting a withdrawal date. But she voted for the Feingold measure as a message to Bush." (Shailagh Murray, "Symbolic Measure To End War Voted Down 67 To 29 In Senate," The Washington Post, 5/17/07)

Clintonian Calculation #4 - Message To Iraqis: "She also demonstrated an awareness of her stature -- 'I am high profile' -- and the importance of her vote, and the message Democrats are sending, to the Iraqi leadership. 'I know they hear it,' she said." (Ben Smith's Blog, "Clinton Clarifies," The Politico Website, www.politico.com, Posted 5/16/07)

Clintonian Calculation #5 - Deauthorize The War: Clinton: "I will continue to pursue with Senator Byrd our legislation to deauthorize the war by October 11, 2007. I will continue to do everything in my power to convince the president to change course and to work with my colleagues in the Senate to bring an end to this war as soon as possible." (Hillary Clinton For President Exploratory Committee, "From The Senate: Statement Of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton On The Feingold-Reid And Reed-Levin Amendments," Press Release, 5/15/07)

"The New York Senator Refuses To Say She Regrets Her 2002 Vote To Authorize The War, And Has Been Looking For Other Ways To Speak Out Against The War." (Ted Barrett and Dana Bash, "Opponents Hammer Clinton On Iraq," CNN Political Ticker Blog, www.cnn.com, Posted 5/17/07)

And This Isn't Hillary Campaign's First Kerryaoke On Iraq:

In February, Clinton Claimed Her Use Of Force Vote Was "Cleary Intended" As Support "For Going To The United Nations" And "To Put Inspectors In Iraq." Clinton: "I have taken responsibility for that vote. It was based on the best assessment that I could make at the time, and it was clearly intended to demonstrate support for going to the United Nations to put inspectors into Iraq." (John DiStaso, "Hillary: I Didn't Vote For 'Pre-Emptive War,'" The [Manchester] Union Leader, 2/10/07)

In Late 2003, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Said Use Of Force Vote Was Vote "To Go The United Nations" And Noted Importance Of Getting Inspectors Back In Iraq. Kerry: "I voted to do the responsible thing for America, which was to have a threat of force to hold Saddam Hussein accountable and to go to the United Nations. We would not have had Hans Blix and the inspectors in Iraq were it not for the pressure that we brought to bear." (CBS's "The Early Show," 9/2/03)

In January, Clinton Campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe Said Clinton's Vote For Use Of Force Was Vote For Negotiations. Clinton Advisor Terry McAuliffe: "[S]he voted to give the President the authority to negotiate and to have a stick to go over there and negotiate with Saddam Hussein." (NBC's "Today Show," 1/22/07)

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) Claimed Kerry Believed Use Of Force Vote Was A Use Of Negotiations Vote. "Levin said Kerry believed the resolution would help President Bush negotiate with Iraq but didn't think Bush would use it to go to war." (Dee-Ann Durbin, "Levin, Stabenow Endorsing Kerry," The Associated Press, 2/5/04)

TRUTH: Mike Beebe Loves Taxes!

2007-05-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

One year ago the state had a surplus of $500 million and was projected to hit $1 billion. Now, thanks to Beebe's push for a major increase in spending, the state is unsure about its financial future.

And yesterday, Mike Beebe showed that his answer is not to cut wasteful spending but to lean on taxes:

"I'm not going to lie to you. I don't know where we'd go without the income tax."

Let's be clear Mike: TAXES are not the answer. More government is not the answer.

Taking money away from hard working Arkansans limits their purchasing power and actually lessens the amount of tax revenues the state will bring in. You get a thriving economy and record tax revenues that create surpluses by letting hard working Arkansans keep their MONEY!!!

BREAKING NEWS: Holt May Be Nominated Chairman This Weekend...

2007-05-16T07:36:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that the far right wing of the party is planning to nominate Jim Holt on the floor of the special election this weekend.

Just this morning RPA communication director confirmed that someone like Holt could in fact be drafted from the floor stating, "This will be an open election and anybody can be nominated from the floor."

We believe it is important for the Party to elect a Chairman who is a strong leader within the party. But more importantly, for this cycle anyway, we need a Chairman who can work with the National Party and the Presidential Candidates to help win Arkansas.

Although Arkansas suffered major setbacks in 2006, we can still win the Presidential Race in 2008. Electing someone like Holt is wrong for the Party and we hope that his minions will think twice before attempting this takeover...

The Republican Party IS NOT the Constitution Party!

Developing...

ARKANSAS TRUTH: EXPOSING MIKE ROSS' SAN FRANCISCO TREATS

2007-05-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

Arkansas Congressman Mike Ross Claims To Represent Mainstream Values

Blue Dog Coalition Co-Chair Rep. Mike Ross: The conservative Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. (Rep. Mike Ross, Press Release, 1/19/07)

The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. (Rep. Mike Ross, Press Release, 12/8/06)

Ross has been a member of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition since he was first elected to represent Arkansas's Fourth Congressional District in Congress in 2000. (Rep. Mike Ross, Press Release, 12/8/06)

Ross: “I'm looking at how I can be most effective at helping bring my party back to the middle.” (Paul Barton and Alex Daniels, “Legislators In Majority Relish Win State’s Democrats Aspire To New Roles,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 11/9/07)

Mike Ross’ Rhetoric Doesn’t Match His Voting Record

Mike Ross And Nancy Pelosi Have A Long History of Voting Together on Iraq:

In The 108th Congress Ross And Pelosi Voted Together On Iraq 91 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Vote Reports Website, www.CQ.com, Accessed 5/10/07)

In The 109th Congress Ross And Pelosi Voted Together On Iraq 86 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Vote Reports Website, www.CQ.com, Accessed 5/10/07)

In The Current Congress Every Time Pelosi Has Voted On Iraq Mike Ross Has Voted With Her. (Congressional Quarterly Vote Reports Website, www.CQ.com, Accessed 5/10/07)

Since 2003 Mike Ross And Nancy Pelosi Have Voted Together On Iraq 91 Percent Of The Time. (Congressional Quarterly Vote Reports Website, www.CQ.com, Accessed 5/10/07)

Is This The Kind Of Representation Our Soldiers From South Arkansas Deserve?

Pryor Sells Out To Unions

2007-05-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

In an election year, Mark Pryor is taking a page from Jerry McGuire and essentially telling the unions to "Show Me The Money!"

The Arkansas News Bureau reports today that Mark Pryor is turning his back on the business community to support a bill that will make it easier for big unions to infiltrate and intimidate businesses across the board.

In a time of a flourishing economy and increasing job creation, it doesn't make sense that Pryor would support union bosses like Teamster's Jimmy Hoffa over Arkansas businesses and limit their growth.

Therefore, it was no surprise then to learn that the largest contributor to Pryor's election campaign in 2002 was LABOR INTERESTS with over $344,960 worth of contributions.

It's a sad day in Arkansas when a Senator has to abandon his constituents to go back to the money well. We will not be fooled by Pryor and the business community will remember this in November...

Where Does Mike Beebe Stand (Today)?

2007-05-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Ark Times put this up on their blog yesterday saying that Beebe is no straddler and that he believes in Evolution. We find it very convenient that the Ark Times has forgotten that they attacked Beebe not too long ago for saying he believed in Intelligent Design.

The media wrote several stories today about Beebe attacking Mike Huckabee for believing in Intelligent Design. We would like to know what Mike Beebe has learned since August 13th that would cause him to say that believing in Intelligent Design in wrong?

"I believe in intelligent design and I don't think intelligent design and evolution are mutually exclusive," Beebe said...

It appears Mike Beebe was for Intelligent Design before he was against it...

Below is a story one of our loyal readers posted on our comments. It comes from an August 13, 2006 Arkansas Times article blasting Beebe for believing in Intelligent Design:

How low can he go?

LENGTH: 331 words

Aug. 13, 2006 (Arkansas Times delivered by Newstex) --

Sometimes, it really is better not to read the newspaper. But I choose to torture myself after checking in on e-mail in Stockholm this morning. And what do I find in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette but another stomach-turning report by the Democrat-Gazette on gubernatorial candidate positions on issues of the day.

Today the outrage is from Mike Beebe. Again. The subject is intelligent design. Is there not a single issue on which he will not pander?

Some candidates for major offices this year say students in Arkansas schools should have access to information on "intelligent design," a theory on the origins of mankind often offered as an alternative - if not a rebuttal - to the theory of evolution.

Those candidates include Mike Beebe, the Democratic nominee for governor who says information on the subject should be "available" to students.

"I believe in intelligent design and I don't think intelligent design and evolution are mutually exclusive," Beebe said.

Beebe's statement said he believes "information" about intelligent design "should be available to Arkansas students."

"This would provide Arkansas students background they need to wrestle with these and other fundamental questions as they become adults," he said. "I believe both should be available because one is the consensus theory of the scientific community, and the other is the predominant belief of most Arkansans and Americans."

He didn't say whether the theory should be a required part of the state's curriculum.A spokesman for his campaign declined to say how Beebe wanted to make information on intelligent design available to students.He also declined to say whether Beebe also believed in evolution.

So-called intelligent design is mutually exclusive from the teaching of evolution in a scientific and constitutional context. Do some reading, Mike. And grow a backbone, will ya? Even the Republicans in Kansas have gotten this one right.

Would The Real Mike Beebe Please Stand Up?

2007-05-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today Mike Beebe told reporters that he believes in Evolution and that "evolution is a scientific model that's been taught in higher education circles and public schools since he was a child. The Democratic governor says he believes there's science to support it."

In an effort to pander to liberal Democrats ahead of the 2008 Presidential Election, Beebe noted that Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee was "wrong to to say he didn't believe in evolution."

Well, Mike Beebe is nothing more than a flip-flopping, liberal puppet on this issue. A quick media search shows that as long ago as August 14, 2006 in an Associated Press article, Beebe was quoted as saying:

"I believe in intelligent design and I don't think intelligent design and evolution are mutually exclusive."

So we have to say that Mike Beebe is either a puppet being used by national democrats like Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to attack Republicans or he has lost his mind and totally forgotten his comments on August 14th.

The Truth is Mike Beebe cannot have his spinmeisters spin his way out of this flip-flop, although I am sure they will try.

Mike Beebe was for intelligent design before he was against it. So we ask, will the real Mike Beebe FINALLY please stand up?

New Republican Party Executive Director Starts In Arkansas...

2007-05-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

5/8/2007
Little Rock – The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) is proud to welcome Karen Ray back to Arkansas as the Executive Director of the Republican Party.

Karen has already begun the work for a successful election in 2008 by spending her first week meeting with staff and volunteers around the state. Karen has already raised $10,000 in contributions and was a featured speaker at the Arkansas Federation of Republican Women - 26th Biennial Convention in Rogers, Arkansas.

Her main focuses over the next six months will be recruiting and developing candidates, strengthening county committees, and working to increase the visibility of the Party within the state of Arkansas.

Karen is scheduled to attend three upcoming Lincoln Day Dinners (Boone, Cleburne, and Washington), speak at two Republican Women’s luncheons, the Central Arkansas Republican Club, the Van Buren County Committee and will attend the RNC State Chairman’s Meeting in Columbia, South Carolina. Karen is planning overnight visits to each Congressional district this summer to visit with candidates, volunteers, and the media.

“We are delighted to have Karen serving in this leadership role,” said Gilbert Baker, outgoing Chairman of the RPA. “Karen’s first week has been very successful for the RPA and we are encouraged by her enthusiasm and work ethic.”

Karen was selected as the Executive Director by the Executive Committee of the RPA at a meeting on March 17, 2007. She assumed the role on May 1, 2007.

*If you are interested in having Karen speak at a Republican event please call the RPA at: (501) 372-7301.

Who Is Democrat Barack Obama?

2007-05-03T09:48:00.000-07:00

OMNIPRESENT OBAMA
Obama's "Present" Votes In The Illinois Senate
Raise Concerns About His "Core Values"

In The Illinois Senate, Obama Had A "Strategy" To Avoid Casting Votes That Might Endanger His Re-Election:

On An Abortion Bill In The Illinois Senate, Obama Voted "Present" So As Not To "Look Insensitive And Endanger [His] Re-Election." "Obama said he sought compromise with abortion opponents, but they balked. As a fallback, he said he worked out an arrangement with abortion-rights advocates to encourage Democrats to vote 'present' on some bills if they feared a 'no' would look insensitive and endanger their re-election." (Rick Pearson and Ray Long, "Careful Steps, Looking Ahead," Chicago Tribune, 5/3/07)

In 1997, Obama Voted "Present" On Legislation Banning Partial Birth Abortions That Contained An Exception For The Life Of The Mother And A Provision Prohibiting Prosecution Of The Mother. (David A. Joens and Paul Kleppner, Almanac Of Illinois Politics - 1998, p. 81)

But Did Obama's "Strategy" Apply To His Other "Present" Votes?

"We Aren't Talking About A 'Present' Vote On Whether To Name A State Office Building After A Deceased State Official, But Rather About Votes That Reflect An Officeholder's Core Values." (Nathan Gonzales, Op-Ed, "The Ever-'Present' Obama," The Rothenberg Political Report, 2/13/07)

In 1998, Obama Failed To Support A Bill Requiring Schools To Teach Discipline And Respect For Others. "Amends The School Code. ...Requires all public school teachers to teach pupils discipline and respect for others." (H.B. 3793: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 44-10-1, 5/13/98, Obama Voted Present)

In 1999, Obama Voted "Present" On A Bill Requiring Mandatory Adult Prosecution For Aggravated Discharge Of Firearms On Or Near School Property. (S.B. 759: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 52-1-5, 3/25/99, Obama Voted Present)

In 1999, Obama Was The Only Senator Who Refused To Support Legislation To Protect The Privacy Of Sex-Abuse Victims By Allowing Petitions To Have The Trial Records Sealed. (H.B. 854: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed 58-0-1, 5/11/99, Obama Voted Present)

In 2001, Obama Refused To Support A Bill Restricting "Adult" Establishments Near Schools, Churches, And Homes. In 2001, Obama refused to support a bill restricting "adult use" establishments by prohibiting locations of such establishments within 1000 feet of schools, parks, places of worship, preschools, day cares and other residential areas. (S.B. 609: Senate Floor Third Reading, Failed 33-15-5, 3/29/01, Obama Voted Present)

Or Is This Just Another Obama Exaggeration?

"But Few Of The Other [Illinois Senate] Democrats Who Voted 'Present' On Abortion Bills Recall Such A Strategy." (Rick Pearson and Ray Long, "Careful Steps, Looking Ahead," Chicago Tribune, 5/3/07)

Click Here To View Obama's Past Exaggerations

Arkansas: A Blue or Red State?

2007-05-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

As all indications from the 2006 elections would lead us to believe that the Republican Party is in shambles in Arkansas, the Truth Blog sees that there is hope...

We happen to think that the Republican Party can make some inroads with conservatives this election cycle. Although the Democratic Party dominated the 2006 elections, we believe that this will not hold true in 2008.

Do Arkansans really identify with Hillary Rodham Clinton or Barrack Obama? Absolutely not.

We believe that Republicans in the state should get involved with the Party this year to help keep Hillary or Obama out of the White House...

Did Nancy Pelosi Commit a Felony with Trip Syria?

2007-04-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Illegal Diplomacy
Did Nancy Pelosi commit a felony when she went to Syria?

BY ROBERT F. TURNER
Friday, April 6, 2007 11:30 a.m. EDT

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may well have committed a felony in traveling to Damascus this week, against the wishes of the president, to communicate on foreign-policy issues with Syrian President Bashar Assad. The administration isn't going to want to touch this political hot potato, nor should it become a partisan issue. Maybe special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald, whose aggressive prosecution of Lewis Libby establishes his independence from White House influence, should be called back.

The Logan Act makes it a felony and provides for a prison sentence of up to three years for any American, "without authority of the United States," to communicate with a foreign government in an effort to influence that government's behavior on any "disputes or controversies with the United States." Some background on this statute helps to understand why Ms. Pelosi may be in serious trouble.

President John Adams requested the statute after a Pennsylvania pacifist named George Logan traveled to France in 1798 to assure the French government that the American people favored peace in the undeclared "Quasi War" being fought on the high seas between the two countries.

In proposing the law, Rep. Roger Griswold of Connecticut explained that the object was, as recorded in the Annals of Congress, "to punish a crime which goes to the destruction of the executive power of the government. He meant that description of crime which arises from an interference of individual citizens in the negotiations of our executive with foreign governments."
The debate on this bill ran nearly 150 pages in the Annals. On Jan. 16, 1799, Rep. Isaac Parker of Massachusetts explained, "the people of the United States have given to the executive department the power to negotiate with foreign governments, and to carry on all foreign relations, and that it is therefore an usurpation of that power for an individual to undertake to correspond with any foreign power on any dispute between the two governments, or for any state government, or any other department of the general government, to do it."

Griswold and Parker were Federalists who believed in strong executive power. But consider this statement by Albert Gallatin, the future Secretary of the Treasury under President Thomas Jefferson, who was wary of centralized government: "it would be extremely improper for a member of this House to enter into any correspondence with the French Republic . . . As we are not at war with France, an offence of this kind would not be high treason, yet it would be as criminal an act, as if we were at war." Indeed, the offense is greater when the usurpation of the president's constitutional authority is done by a member of the legislature--all the more so by a Speaker of the House--because it violates not just statutory law but constitutes a usurpation of the powers of a separate branch and a breach of the oath of office Ms. Pelosi took to support the Constitution.

The Supreme Court has spoken clearly on this aspect of the separation of powers. In Marbury v. Madison, Chief Justice John Marshall used the president's authority over the Department of State as an illustration of those "important political powers" that, "being entrusted to the executive, the decision of the executive is conclusive." And in the landmark 1936 Curtiss-Wright case, the Supreme Court reaffirmed: "Into the field of negotiation the Senate cannot intrude, and Congress itself is powerless to invade it."

Ms. Pelosi and her Congressional entourage spoke to President Assad on various issues, among other things saying, "We came in friendship, hope, and determined that the road to Damascus is a road to peace." She is certainly not the first member of Congress--of either party--to engage in this sort of behavior, but her position as a national leader, the wartime circumstances, the opposition to the trip from the White House, and the character of the regime she has chosen to approach make her behavior particularly inappropriate.

Of course, not all congressional travel to, or communications with representatives of, foreign nations is unlawful. A purely fact-finding trip that involves looking around, visiting American military bases or talking with U.S. diplomats is not a problem. Nor is formal negotiation with foreign representatives if authorized by the president. (FDR appointed Sens. Tom Connally and Arthur Vandenberg to the U.S. delegation that negotiated the U.N. Charter.) Ms. Pelosi's trip was not authorized, and Syria is one of the world's leading sponsors of international terrorism. It has almost certainly been involved in numerous attacks that have claimed the lives of American military personnel from Beirut to Baghdad.

The U.S. is in the midst of two wars authorized by Congress. For Ms. Pelosi to flout the Constitution in these circumstances is not only shortsighted; it may well be a felony, as the Logan Act has been part of our criminal law for more than two centuries. Perhaps it is time to enforce the law.

Mr. Turner was acting assistant secretary of state for legislative affairs in 1984-85 and is a former chairman of the ABA standing committee on law and national security.

BREAKING NEWS: Dustin McDaniel Files For Divorce!

2007-03-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-03-28T05:43:00.000-07:00

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.

FLASH: How Will Pryor Vote?

2007-03-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2007-03-27T05:58:00.000-07:00

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.

FLASHBACK: Senator Pryor Against Timetables In Iraq!

2007-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-20T05:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Beebe Slush Fund Has Little Oversight...

2007-03-09T05:55:00.000-08:00

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...

Bill Banning Gay Foster Parents Expected Today

2007-03-05T05:52:00.000-08:00

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...

The New Face of The Democrat Party?

2007-03-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-03-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

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...

Republican Tax Break Bill Passes Senate

2007-03-01T15:04:00.000-08:00

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...

The Truth About Democrats And Priorities...

2007-02-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

The now infamous blogging Democrat legislator, Rep. Steve Harrelson, has made a point we feel needs to be addressed. This AP article shows just how out of touch the Democrats are in Arkansas. With so many real problems that need to be addressed such as economic development, job creation, educational improvements, and other problems that keeps Arkansas from thriving, why does Rep. Harrelson think his job as a legislator is a joke?

Harrelson filed a resolution Tuesday to declare the correct possessive form of the state as "Arkansas's." Apparently Harrelson did it because a "family friend who works as a historian asked him to carry the grammar fight to the floor."

Well, Mr. Harrelson, I will be a friend to the Democratic Party if you all will do your job and improve the quality of education, improve the Arkansas economy, and create new and better jobs for our state.

The Truth is that under Democratic control of the legislature, little has been done to improve anything. We think its about time the Democrats in the state legislature got serious and did something for the people rather than try to pass some joke legislation for a family friend.

Mike Huckabee: Decade of Duty

2007-02-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Mike Beebe: Strike One On Economic Development!

2007-02-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

When we first reported that Maria Haley, the shady Clinton fundraiser with ties to China, was to head Beebe's economic development team, we knew she was out of her league. We did, however, think that she might be able to land the Toyota deal given her Asian ties.

During his State of the State address, Governor Beebe said "We must put a special focus on the industries of the 21st century that will ensure our long term economic success."

In Mike Beebe's first attempt to bring new jobs and wages to Arkansas, Mike Beebe failed miserably. Instead Toyota is locating across the river in Mississippi. Apparently Republican Governor Haley Barbour was able to land new paying jobs for his constituents.

If Beebe was going to bring in Maria Haley, who has such strong albeit shady ties to the Asian community, how come they couldn't even land Toyota? Is this the kind of Economic Development Beebe was talking about during his campaign?

The Truth About Senate Democrats And Payday Lenders

2007-02-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

We have reported many times about the Democrats' cozy relationships with the payday lending industry. So its no wonder that the Senate Democrats killed the bill to end this vicious lending practice.

We already know how much money Beebe received during the campaign from the Industry. And we know that Beebe's close friend and payday lending lobbyist Don Tilton worked tirelessly to keep poor Arkansans paying ridiculous interest rates.

We just wonder what kind of preferrential treatment Beebe gave to Tilton seeing that Tilton says Beebe "is like a brother to me."

Between the chief lobbyist for the payday lending industry being the Governor's best friend and donating over $60,000 to the Democrats, there is no wonder regular Arkansans have no chance.

We rarely note anything that comes from the Arkansas Times Blog, but on this case we turn to one of their bloggers, deathbyinches, who tells his liberal friends to remember who was involved in killing this bill and vote them out of office...Well we hope our liberal friends will heed their own advice seeing as their party faithful are the ones so closely tied to the payday lending industry.

When Republicans Attack!

2007-02-15T05:26:00.000-08:00

Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment says: "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican." Maybe its time we listened to the Great Communicator and heed his advice.

In a time where Republicans should come together in an effort to move forward, we turn to one of our favorite blogs. At the ArkFam Blog, everytime the party leadership or who should be running the party comes up, the comment pages get hijacked and all we see is Republicans dragging down and publicly attacking fellow Republicans.

The fact is that we need to understand that writing hateful and mostly untrue rumors and inuendos about people on blogs are there for everyone to see. If the people on these blogs truly cared about moving the party forward and not about their own personal gain, they would not publicly attack their fellow Republicans, candidates for jobs, or the very volunteers that make our party so great.

At a time where we should be coming together and building the party up, this same crowd sees this as a time to bring the party down. I would hope that those who want to be the next Executive Director of the Party would go out and talk to members of the party about their qualifications and not waste their time with petty attacks on a blog. It is very clear that many of the comments are coming from the same few people, but putting the party's business on a blog is probably the worst thing for the party right now.

The people putting themselves out there should be encouraged to participate in the party not discouraged by a handful of hateful bloggers...

The Truth...

Clint Reed Joins The RNC...

2007-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

The blogs are all blazing with the news that Arkansas GOP Executive Director Clint Reed is leaving his post to join the RNC. We congratulate Clint on his new job and want to say that we believe it is well deserved. Clint served the party well and will do a great job moving forward. Now the question remains, who will fill his shoes. We hear that there are many folks hoping to jump in the ring: Jeremy Hutchinson, Bruce Campbell, Jim Harris, Jennifer Crawley and Doug Matayo. We wonder what our readers think about who the next E.D. will be?

Dems Working To Save Payday Lenders...

2007-02-07T05:53:00.000-08:00

As the Truth Blog highlighted Monday, Democrats in Arkansas are huge beneficiaries of predatory payday lenders, with the state party receiving $36,800 in 2006. So it is no surprise that they are now trying to use smoke and mirrors to distort the facts.

The question remains, why do the Democrats continue to fight for payday lenders? Is it because they are large donors, having given $10,000 to Ross and McDaniel in 06, or $4000 to Beebe? Why are payday lenders not subject to the Check Cashers Act of 1999?

Here are some facts that address the myths the payday lending industry would want you to believe:

Did you know that there are 275 payday lenders yet only 127 McDonalds Restaurants? I wonder what that says about profits of payday lenders?

Did you know the "effective annual interest rate" for these loans are between 372-869 percent? The average payday borrower pays $800 to borrow $325.

Did you know that the average "payday borrower" is rolled over 8 times on a single loan? That means they are only paying down the high interest designed to keep them paying.

Here is a good link to real life stories of payday lending abuse:

"Payday lenders tend to prey on low-to-moderate income families, college students, military personnel and the elderly. They prey on our friends, our family, and people just like us."

While the Democrats are looking out for payday lenders, who is looking out for us? We hope the legislators will end this predatory lending that is costing our friends and families billions of dollars each year...

Jay Bradford Not 'Too Close' To Political Process?

2007-02-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

In 1996, as Chairman of the Senate Efficiency Committee, Jay Bradford was in charge of selecting finalists for the head of the Senate's new Office of Constituency Services.

Yet, Bradford said "he sought to avoid allegations of politics in the selection process. He said some of those who applied had strong qualifications but were hurt because they 'were just too close to the political system.'"

"A dozen years ago, they would have hired the nephew of some veteran senator," said a legislative staff member. "We have changed the way we do things around here."

Now fast forward 10 years and apparently we are right back to where we started. Instead, we get a veteran state Senator who:

1) Granted Nick Wilson and the rest of the good ol boy network under Beebe clemency from a public showcase by cancelling the planned removal hearing. Good loyal Democrat...

2) Once unethically used a misleading ad in his race for Congress that depicted him as "I Am The NRA," even though his opponent Jay Dickey was the one endorsed by the NRA. In fact, the NRA claimed Bradford had "stolen" the slogan in an attempt to "steal NRA votes" away from Dickey.

3) May or may not have used his status as Jay Dickey's insurance agent to release information to the press about Jay's Taco Bell Restaurants in the 94 Congressional Race. In fact, Dickey alleged:

"Here he is, bringing an issue in the campaign that has nothing to do with my record, the issues, or my plans for our future," Dickey said. "And No. 2, it's against his own client. He's accepted a relationship with me, then he's attacking me with information that could be gotten from the files."

So here we are with Mike Beebe's selection: a loyal democrat with a history of unethical behavior, who is very close to the political process going to work for over $100,000 to run another of Beebe's departments. Our only question is how long will it take for DHHS to mandate a policy that will make Bradford and First Arkansas Insurance extremely rich?

Mike Ross: Fighting For Predatory Payday Lenders

2007-02-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

On September 11, 2006, this ArkansasBusiness.com news article reported that Mike Ross had raised over $10,000 from the predatory payday lending industry along with several of his friends (including Mike Beebe and Dustin McDaniel).

In fact the article reports:

"With $36,800 in donations, the Arkansas Democratic Party is the biggest political beneficiary of payday lenders for the 2006 election cycle. Next in line are specific Democratic candidates: Dustin McDaniel, the party’s nominee for attorney general, and incumbent Rep. Mike Ross each received $10,000. Attorney general and gubernatorial hopeful Mike Beebe received $4,000."

So we see it as no surprise that the Military Officers Association of America would send out this note to its members highlighting the Congressman's work on behalf of payday lenders:

MOAA is disappointed, to say the least, that Reps. Kendrick Meek (D-FL) and Mike Ross (D-AR) are trying to persuade other House members to backtrack on legislative fixes won last year by MOAA and others to protect the troops against unscrupulous payday lenders.

Payday lenders often target military personnel to lure them into short-term loans of a few hundred dollars at 400% interest, holding the borrower's signed personal check as collateral. When borrowers can't pay off the high-interest loans immediately, they're trapped into renewing them repeatedly. MOAA, The Military Coalition, the Defense Department, and a long list of consumer-protection organizations joined forces last year to win a law change capping interest rates on loans to servicemembers at a 36-percent annual rate. That still sounds high, but it limited their potential profits enough that payday lenders have indicated they'll stop targeting military families unless the law is changed.

Reps. Meek and Ross are trying to get Congress to reconsider the 36%
rate cap. MOAA and other military, civil rights, veteran, and consumer organizations have sent letters to Congress strongly objecting to the Meek/Ross proposal and urging Congress not to sell out the troops to serve this unsavory industry.

With so many of our friends and family fighting for our freedom, why would Ross decide to fight for payday lenders? They have a very clear business policy of targeting our bravest Americans in the Military. We need to make sure we let Mike Ross know that $10,000 of campaign contributions shouldn't make him turn his back on our troops!

Call Mike Ross and let him know this kind of action from a Congressman is wrong for South Arkansas...

U.S. Congressman Mike Ross

Union County Courthouse

Suite 406 101

North Washington Street

El Dorado, AR 71730
(870) 881-0681

More on Maria Haley's Shady Business...

2007-01-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

No wonder the Democrats are so excited about Maria Haley leading the Economic Development Department. She is a loyal, albeit shady fundraiser. It would be interesting to see how much money Beebe raised from the Asian and Phillipine community. We wonder if Beebe is rewarding her for more shady fundraising?

Check out this article that sums up her shady practices pretty well...The part about Haley is underlined for your convenience:

Investor's Business Daily
August 4, 1999

EX-IM BANK NOD TIED TO JOHN HUANG
By Paul Sperry, Investor's Business

President Clinton's appointee to a critical seat on the board of the Export-Import Bank has close ties to a crooked fund-raiser linked to China.

China is Ex-Im Bank's second-largest customer.

During the Clinton years, the bank has given more than $ 5.5 billion in loans to China to help it buy U.S. technology and equipment for power plants and other projects. The loans were OK'd despite proof that China sold nuclear-related equipment to Pakistan and other countries that worry U.S. security experts.

The White House hopes the Senate will quickly confirm D. Vanessa Weaver to fill one of three vacant seats on Ex-Im's five-member board. The lack of quorum is holding up $ 2.3 billion in loans.As a Clinton aide, Weaver often was in touch with Democratic Party fund- raiser Jian-Nan ''John'' Huang when he worked at the Commerce Department.

In May, Huang agreed to plead guilty to a fund-raising felony charge in exchange for his help in an ongoing Justice Department probe of 1996 campaign finance fraud. He has yet to enter a guilty plea.

Weaver and Huang exchanged at least 26 phone calls over a 17-month period in 1994 and 1995, records show.

Weaver also reached out to Huang in October 1996 when he hid from U.S. marshals for a week to avoid testifying in a lawsuit brought by Judicial Watch Inc. The public-interest law firm claims that Huang was involved in an illegal scheme at Commerce to sell seats on trade trips for Democratic donations.

''She (Weaver) called my wife in California,'' Huang testified after authorities finally caught up with him. ''As a courtesy, I returned her call to her home.''

Huang explained that Weaver and he are just ''good friends.'' Asked about her again in another Judicial Watch deposition in April, Huang took the Fifth.

Weaver, deputy White House director of presidential personnel, declined repeated requests for an interview.

The Senate Banking Committee canceled a Friday hearing on Weaver and other appointees. It hasn't reset a date. The Senate breaks for a month starting next week.

Chairman Phil Gramm, R-Texas, isn't likely to quiz Weaver, a former computer consultant, about her ties to Huang. ''I don't expect it to be anything that Sen. Gramm brings up,'' spokeswoman Christi Harlan said.

Ignoring the issue would be a mistake, one Hill investigator says.

''We're going to reward someone who's all over John Huang's call-back slips,'' he said.
The connection doesn't stop there, he says.

As often as three times a week, Huang would leave his Commerce office carrying a folder or briefcase and walk across the street to the Willard Hotel. There he'd visit the Washington office of Stephens Inc., an Arkansas-based brokerage.

Weaver's father, Vernon Weaver, headed the branch. A fellow Arkansan, he and Clinton go back more than 20 years.

The elder Weaver let Huang use an empty Stephens office to pick up overnight packages, make phone calls and fax documents.

His secretary, Paula Greene, testified before the Senate in 1997 that Weaver gave her strict orders to hide the setup. For instance, she says Weaver told her not to leave detailed phone messages for Huang when she called to alert him to a package or fax.

Phone records show Vernon Weaver made at least 27 calls to Huang from July 1994 to November 1995. Over that same period, Vanessa Weaver made at least 23 calls to Huang - two on the same day as her father.

The congressional investigator, who wished to go unnamed, suspects Vanessa Weaver was a White House ''go- between'' for her father and Huang. Her White House office is just across 15th St. from the Willard Hotel and the Commerce building.

Records show that at least 16 faxes sent in 1994 and 1995 from the Stephens office went to Lippo Group units in Jakarta, Indonesia; Hong Kong; and Los Angeles. Huang worked for the foreign conglomerate before joining Commerce. Lippo has partnered with Stephens on deals for more than a decade.
The government official appeared to still be conducting business with his old firm - a possible breach of federal conflict rules.

But there's a more troubling aspect to his Willard activities.

Several months before Huang joined Commerce, China Resources Holding Co., a front for Chinese military intelligence, bought a large stake in a Lippo unit called Hongkong Chinese Bank.

That made Lippo equal partners with Beijing's communist regime.

''Huang himself may possibly have had a direct financial relationship with the (Chinese) government,'' said the final report of the so-called Thompson committee, headed by Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., which probed foreign fund-raising in the 1996 Clinton-Gore campaign.
The CIA briefed China- born Huang (who got a security clearance without a full background check) at least 37 times at Commerce. He got hundreds of classified documents on topics such as U.S.-China technology transfers.

Several of the faxes sent from the Stephens office correspond with Huang's CIA briefings.
For instance, the CIA briefed Huang at 9 a.m. on Oct. 5, 1994. Later that day, at 5:49 p.m., a fax was sent from the Stephens office to a Lippo office in Hong Kong.

Huang enjoyed unusual access to the White House. He visited at least 94 times and met with Clinton there at least 15 times.

At a Sept. 13, 1995, Oval Office meeting, Clinton decided to move Huang to the Democratic National Committee.

Phone logs show a pickup in calls from Vanessa Weaver's White House office to Huang starting on Sept. 15, 1995 - suggesting that ''she may have had some kind of campaign- financing role,'' the congressional source said.

The DNC gave Huang back roughly half - $ 1.6 million - of the money he raised in 1996. It can't say if the funds were obtained legally from U.S. sources.

Judicial Watch Chairman Larry Klayman cautions the Senate against rubber-stamping Weaver for the Ex-Im Bank post.

''What does she know about Chinagate?'' he said. ''Before she is confirmed, the Senate should do a full investigation.''

Ex-Im Bank spokesman Ken Murphy says the administration is eager to fill the $ 118,400 spot left open by Maria Haley, who rejoined the White House personnel office last month.

Haley was hoping for another term. But some senators reportedly objected, citing bad press over her meetings with key figures in the administration's fund-raising scandal.

One of them was Huang.

''Crony A is being replaced by Crony B,'' the Hill investigator quipped, referring to Weaver taking Haley's slot.

In 1994, Huang, then at Commerce, paid a visit to Haley at the Ex-Im Bank. He brought along his old Lippo boss, James Riady. While at the DNC, Huang called Haley at least five times.
Between 1994 and 1996, Ex-Im Bank gave up to $ 900,000 in export insurance to Lippo.

Haley repaid the visit, joining Huang on a Commerce trade trip to China in August 1994.

Huang and Haley go way back. They worked on deals when Haley was then- Gov. Clinton's trade contact at the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission.

In rushing to replace Haley with Weaver, the White House teed off a Democrat on the banking panel who had someone other than Weaver in mind - someone outside the administration and Arkansas network.

Sen. Jack Reed, D- R.I., was so angry, he objected to Friday's hearing and got it canceled.

''We have been dealing with the folks at the White House on this'' since February, said Greg McCarthy, a spokesman for Reed. ''They told us that (Reed's) nominee looked very good.''
Reed found out last Wednesday from a news report that the White House had snuck Weaver into the lineup.

Beebe: Official or Campaign Newsletter

2007-01-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

Mike Beebe has a history of mixing campaign activities and official business. And although Beebe doesn't have another race until 2010, he is already blurring the line between campaign activity and official business. Just today we received an email from "Mike Beebe for Governor" asking us to help join his team by signing up for what equates to a campaign newsletter, the Capitol Dispatch.

If you will notice, the solicitation is paid for by Mike Beebe for Governor. However, the obvious campaign newsletter, appears to be funded by the taxpayers and can only be signed up for on his official website: www.governor.arkansas.gov.

Its one thing to provide an official newsletter, but its another to provide a taxpayer funded campaign newsletter. With Mike Beebe's history of campaigning from his official office, he should come clean and end this shady practice. What's next, phone banks at the Mansion?

More Beebe Patronage...

2007-01-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

Well good ol Mike Beebe is at it again. First we find out that Beebe has named the drunk driving Cliff Hoofman to the State Highway Commission. Then we learn that Beebe intends to name the shady-business-dealing-donorgate-participating Maria Haley to the Economic Development Department. Then today we read that Beebe now intends to name his chief obstructionist in the Oklahoma-EPA Water Quality Debate of 2006 to be his head of Environmental Quality?

Remember this issue while Beebe was running for Governor? Well it appears he is going to name his former Deputy Attorney General for Public Protection to be his head of Enviroment Quality? How does the person who played a major role in keeping Arkansas from developing Phosphorus Quality Standards in the water become the head of Environmental Quality? This makes no sense to us...

Oh wait, sure it does...

Arkansas Stalls Pact on Water
BY ROBERT J. SMITH
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
December 16, 2003

Arkansas officials said Monday they aren't ready to agree to Oklahoma's tougher water quality standards just yet.

Officials from both states and the federal Environmental Protection Agency will meet in Dallas today to discuss Oklahoma's standards and its new phosphorus limit of 0.037 milligrams per liter of water.

Richard Greene, the EPA's regional administrator, expressed optimism that Arkansas would agree to a framework that tells Arkansas how it must get to the new 0.037 limit."

The last draft of the agreement appeared to us to be awfully close," Greene said. "I have been optimistic all along. It seems to us that we appear very near agreement."

A resolution at today's meeting in Dallas is unlikely, said Randy Young, director of the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Young and Marcus Devine, director of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, said they won't agree to the terms of the latest agreement. Young declined to say why he won't sign.

"It will be better for Oklahoma and the EPA to hear it from me rather than read it in the newspaper," Young said. The disagreement between Oklahoma and Arkansas started in 2001, when Oklahoma first talked of tougher water quality standards for six of the state's scenic rivers. Four of those streams, including the Illinois River, start their course westward from Arkansas.

Arkansas officials balked at Oklahoma's numeric phosphorus limit, which was approved by former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating in May 2002.

A U.S. Supreme Court decision in 1992 involving Oklahoma and Fayetteville gives downstream states the right to require upstream states to meet water quality standards at the state line.With Keating's signature, Oklahoma forwarded its water quality standards to the EPA on Nov. 1, 2002. The EPA said it would make a decision regarding the standards within 60 to 90 days.

They remain unapproved.

"We are continuing to work with both Arkansas and Oklahoma to work a framework to ultimately achieve the phosphorus level for the scenic rivers in Oklahoma," said Dave Bary, an EPA spokesman. "It couldn't be achieved in that 60- or 90-day time."

A natural substance, phosphorus is found in poultry litter, commercial fertilizers and treated sewage. At high levels, phosphorus causes algae to bloom, depletes oxygen and can kill fish and other aquatic life.

Samples taken in Oklahoma and Arkansas show the Illinois River carries phosphorus exceeding 0.037 milligrams per liter. "The longer we wait, the further south the river goes," said Ed Fite, director of the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission. "The longer we wait, the harder is it to reverse any degradation."

Thus far, talks between Arkansas and Oklahoma officials have failed to produce a consensus, with Arkansas officials saying Oklahoma's standard can't be achieved.

Arkansas Attorney General Mike Beebe last week told Greene the Oklahoma standards "could have catastrophic consequences for agriculture, industries and cities in Northwest Arkansas." In the six-page letter, Beebe describes the Oklahoma's water standards as submitted to the EPA as "not based upon sound science."

Beebe in the Dec. 9 letter said Oklahoma should have performed an economic analysis regarding the impact of the water quality standards.

Charlie Price, a spokesman for Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson, said Arkansas should sign.

"We don't see any obstacles to them signing," Price said.

Kelly Hunter Burch, the environmental protection unit chief for the Oklahoma attorney general's office, and Teresa Marks, Arkansas deputy attorney general in charge of the public protection division, will attend today's meeting in Dallas, spokesmen said.

Arkansas has taken some steps to better the rivers. Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale have promised to limit the phosphorus in treated sewage that's discharged into rivers to one milligram per liter. Arkansas has approved three new laws regarding farming practices and how poultry litter is spread on farm fields. Arkansas officials also have joined hands with Oklahoma officials as they try to figure ways to use excess poultry litter produced in Northwest Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma differently. They are looking into such things as burning litter to produce heat for chicken houses, and ways to cost-effectively transport litter to areas where it could be used as fertilizer without jeopardizing streams.

The Truth About Maria L. Haley's Past...

2007-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

Apparently if you are a loyal Democrat you can do anything and still be appointed to serve in Mike Beebe's administration. First Beebe names the drunk driving Cliff Hoofman to the State Highway Commission.

Now Beebe is naming Maria Haley to run the Economic Development Department. We have to ask, is she going to bring in shady dollars to the state? Or will she just help donors get jobs in the Administration or shady business deals in Arkansas now? For those who don't remember Ms. Haley, here is an article that should refresh your minds. Developing...

Los Angeles Times
March 1, 1997,

DEMOCRATS ADD $1.5 MILLION TO DONOR REFUNDS
WASHINGTON - The Democratic National Committee announced Friday that it will return an additional $ 1.5 million in questionable or improper donations, doubling to nearly $ 3 million the campaign money given back so far.

More than half of the refunded contributions were solicited by John Huang, the former Democratic fund-raiser from Glendale, Calif., who specialized in the Asian American community and is now at the center of the growing campaign finance controversy.

Without providing details, the committee returned $ 366,000 in donations from Johnny Chien Chuen Chung, the gregarious Taiwanese American entrepreneur from Torrance who visited the White House at least 49 times, often accompanied by Chinese guests.

The release of a three-month audit of Democratic finances, which found 77 more donors who had given unacceptable donations, is certain to focus increased scrutiny on the Democrats' fund-raising practices during last year's presidential election. The Justice Department, the Federal Election Commission and several congressional committees have launched investigations into illegal donations from foreigners to the party.

The committee's action also could put pressure on other Republican and Democratic leaders who have accepted donations from the same contributors whose money is now being rejected by the Democratic Party.

Among those who collected such donations were the Clinton-Gore campaign; 1996 GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole; Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.), who chairs the Senate committee investigating campaign finance irregularities; Rep. Robert T. Matsui (D-Sacramento) and Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Mission Hills), according to an analysis of federal election records by the independent Campaign Study Group.

"It is up to others to do what they will with these donations," said Democratic Party spokeswoman Amy Weiss Tobe. "We're only cleaning up our own house, not dictating to others what they should do."

Document Raises Reward Questions

Meanwhile, congressional investigators received a document found in the files of a former top White House aide that suggests that President Clinton's fund-raisers sought to reward campaign donors with presidential appointments to advisory boards and commissions.

Discovery of the memo, which was supplied to the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight by former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Harold M. Ickes, comes on the heels of the disclosure earlier this week that Clinton personally proposed inviting potential big-money donors to stay overnight at the White House.

Along with disclosing the newly refunded donations, Democratic officials said they were taking corrective actions by adopting tough screening procedures to ensure that the DNC thoroughly examines future donations from illegal or questionable sources.

Even though Steven Grossman, national chairman of the DNC, hailed the new provisions as "the most rigorous ever adopted," party officials have acknowledged that similar safeguards were disregarded when the committee raised $ 120 million last year to help finance the president's reelection.

At the White House, Press Secretary Mike McCurry praised the DNC's action.

"The president and the White House believe that they are doing the appropriate thing to correct any mistakes that they have identified and to return contributions they should not have accepted," McCurry said.

Before Friday's announcement, the DNC had returned $ 1.5 million to 16 donors last year in the wake of reports in The Times and other newspapers of illegal or questionable donations by foreign-linked donors.

In all, $ 2.2 million--or about three-quarters of the $ 3 million refunded--was solicited or donated by Huang, Chung and Yah Lin "Charlie" Trie, a former Little Rock, Ark., restaurant owner and personal friend of the president.

Trie has played a role in some of the most embarrassing elements of the current controversy surrounding Democratic fund-raising. He raised more than $ 600,000 in contributions to the president's legal defense fund that were returned because their origin could not be firmly established. And he was responsible for bringing Chinese arms dealer Wang Jun to the White House for a political coffee with Clinton.

Probe Angers Some Asian Americans

Altogether, the Democrats have given back $ 645,000 in donations solicited by Trie, including $ 207,000 contributed by Trie, his company and his wife.

Also returned is $ 64,050 collected from a fund-raiser attended by Vice President Al Gore at the Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple in Hacienda Heights, Calif., an event that the committee said should not have occurred at a place of worship. Of the total of $ 166,750 raised at the temple, the Democrats now have returned $ 74,050.

Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, the party's new general chairman, sought Friday to soothe the anger expressed by many Los Angeles-area Asian Americans who were questioned about their qualifications to contribute to the Democrats as part of the fund-raising audit. Many Asian Americans said they were insulted and felt stigmatized by the party's inquiries.

"I'm concerned about the way some of those interviews were conducted," Romer said. "We very much want to heal any of the pain and wounds that have been caused."

Other donors whose contributions the Democrats will send back lashed out at the committee.

The attorney for Chung complained that the national committee has not communicated with his client since questions first surfaced about his donations last year.

"There has been very little in the way of substantive investigation and little or no due diligence by anyone representing the DNC in this matter," said Santa Monica attorney Brian A. Sun. "We're being improperly tarred on the basis of conclusions hastily and erroneously made."

The Times reported in November that Chung enjoyed extraordinary access to the president, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and numerous administration officials from 1994 to 1996 while donating $ 366,000 to the Democrats. A struggling fax machine dealer, Chung escorted dozens of Chinese guests during his visits to the White House. These included the head of a Chinese brewery who toted bottles of beer around the White House and Chinese government officials who watched Clinton deliver a weekly radio address from the Oval Office.

Donor's Business Deals Perturb White House

Documents released two weeks ago show that Chung continued to meet with the Clintons despite warnings from national security officials that he was using his lofty connections to strike questionable business deals overseas.

White House officials were so perturbed by Chung that McCurry recently vowed: "You're not going to see him around here any time soon."

DNC General Counsel Joseph Sandler said the committee made repeated efforts to retrieve information from Chung and his attorney but received little cooperation.

Asked why Chung's money was returned, party officials attending a news conference Friday offered vague explanations, saying that he had provided "insufficient" and "diversionary" information.

Hours after the DNC's announcement, the attorney for Kansas City businessman Farhad Azima sent a letter to the party asking for "immediate clarification" for returning $ 143,741 in cash and in-kind contributions.

The letter complained that besides a courtesy call Friday morning, Azima's attorney had received no explanation and assumed that the money was being returned because of "misleading and inaccurate news reports" about Azima's past.

Although his companies have run up against federal regulators over the years, the Iranian-born Azima is perhaps best known because his name surfaced during the Iran-Contra scandal of the Reagan administration. Allegations arose that one of his jets was used to smuggle arms into his native country--a charge that he vigorously disputes, saying that he had absolutely no knowledge about such a flight, if one took place.

Through his Washington attorney, Azima said: "I must say that I am personally disappointed in many of the circumstances that have arisen by simply undertaking my constitutional right to support the president and the party."

The Democrats said they were returning $ 50,000 to Empire Sanitary Landfill of Taylor, Pa. The trash-hauling company's two principal owners, Carmen Danella and Renato Mariani, were indicted last year by a federal grand jury in Philadelphia on tax-fraud charges.

Danella later died of cancer, and charges against Mariani were dropped after another executive agreed to plead guilty to a misdemeanor tax offense. A company official said Friday that he knew nothing about the returned donation but that new owners had taken over the firm.

Records show that the landfill firm and its employees also contributed $ 50,000 to Dole's presidential campaign in 1995.

In a related development Friday, internal documents released by the Export-Import Bank of the United States showed that Maria L. Haley, a presidential appointee to the bank's governing board, provided names of prospective contributors to the DNC.

On one occasion, Haley, who was born in the Philippines, provided the names of Filipino Americans who could be solicited by the committee to attend a fund-raiser honoring Clinton at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

"I recall sometime in the summer getting a call from the DNC to let me know that the president would be celebrating his birthday in New York and could I provide a list of Philippine Americans in New York who should be invited," Haley said last month in a memo to a bank spokesman.

Haley continued: "I gave about half a dozen names, among them Loida Lewis. I have gotten similar calls the last four years whenever there is a presidential function and the organizers need diversity."

Lewis contributed $ 5,000 to the Democrats on Nov. 12, 1996, according to federal election records. Haley could not be reached for comment Friday. In her memo, addressed to bank spokesman David Carter, Haley insisted that she had not participated in campaign fund-raising.

"I have never talked to anyone regarding money because I am VERY aware that it is illegal in my position," wrote Haley, who also served in Clinton's administration when he was governor of Arkansas.

Mystery Surrounds Origins of Memo

In the memo from Ickes' files, appointments to boards and commissions are just one item on a 10-point list of rewards that were to be offered to contributors in an effort "to reach our very aggressive goal of $ 40 million" for the 1996 election.

The memo was addressed to a DNC employee, Martha Phipps, but the name of the author and the date it was written are not known.

Sources said it was faxed to Ickes from the office of the chairman of the Democratic Party. Ickes, who resigned in January, found it among files he took from the White House when he left.

Robert S. Bennett, Ickes' attorney, said the memo and other documents supplied to the committee by his client "simply reflect long-established practices of both political parties because of the tremendous demands placed upon them to finance campaigns."

Times staff writers Sara Fritz, Robert L. Jackson, Elizabeth Shogren and David Willman in Washington and William C. Rempel in Los Angeles contributed to this story.

Reaching an 'Aggressive Goal'

Among the papers turned over to Congress by former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Harold M. Ickes was an unsigned memo that recommends 10 donor perks. The memo suggests that the perks would be helpful in reaching the Democratic National Committee's "very aggressive goal of $ 40 million this year." It was addressed to Martha Phipps, deputy chief of staff to former Democratic Party Chairman David Wilhelm.

The Truth About Hill-Billery's Scripted Screenplay...

2007-01-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hillary Clinton's campaign for President is less than a month old and we are already seeing her true colors coming out. It is clear that Hillary's spin doctors are going to control her message and public appearances at every turn. It is very obvious that they want to keep her from answering any questions at all.

Just the other day, Senator Clinton's campaign issued a press release promising 3 live web "conversations" on "important issues." Her exploratory committee website stated:

"Senator Clinton Will Answer Americans' Questions On Important Issues Like The Iraq War, Health Care, And Energy Independence Three Nights In A Row..."

"You Can Ask Hillary Your Questions And Watch Her Answers In Our Live Webcast."

However, these conversations turned out to be a short, well scripted and clearly pre-screened question and answer session.

In fact the Washington Post's Anne Kornblut called this "a carefully controlled setting where inquiries about affordable tuition and health care counted among the tougher topics, she reminisced, in response to a question about Hurricane Katrina, about walking the streets of New Orleans on visits when she and her husband lived in Arkansas."

Clearly the American people are going to see what we have known all along. Hillary Clinton only cares about power and her lifelong dream to become President will be calculated and scripted as her life has been for the last 20 years...

Mike Beebe: Champion of Public Safety

2007-01-19T14:12:00.001-08:00

From Wonkette Blog:

Mike Beebe: Champion of Public Safety

Beebe, Governor of Arkansas, is determined to make our job as easy as possible.

Governor Beebe has named former state senator Cliff Hoofman to the state Highway Commission.

In 1999, Hoofman was stopped by the police for driving erratically. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.24 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

Beebe says he knows no one more committed to highways than Hoofman, and that the former senator was a logical choice for the appointment.

Good one, Beebe! What’s next, Robert Byrd as head of the Senate Appropriations Committee? Ha!

Beebe Names Hoofman to Highway Commission [KATV]

Democrats Putting Illegal Immigrants First...

2007-01-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

A house committee blocked legislation that would require state agencies to hire hard working Arkansans rather than illegal immigrants with government contracts.

According to the Arkansas News Bureau, House Bill 1024 by Rep. Rick Green, R-Van Buren, would prohibit state agencies from entering into or renewing a public contract with a contractor "who knows or should know" that it or a subcontractor employs an illegal immigrant.

Would someone please explain to me why the legislature believes its good to use taxpayer dollars to support illegal immigration? Regardless as to whether or not these immigrants cut in line and promote illegal activity, now the Democrats want to use taxpayer dollars to pay them to work?

Doesn't this just promote more illegal immigration? When will the Democrats put Arkansans first like they claim?

Republicans Choose Leaders...

2006-12-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Republicans from across the state came to Little Rock for the state convention. Following the tough elections this past cycle, it was an important convention. According to this news article, Gilbert Baker was re-elected Chairman with Jim Lagrone becoming the new First Vice-Chairman, Ann Briton the new Second Vice-Chairman, Jennifer Parks, Secretary and Dennis Milligan, Treasurer.

We believe that the decision by Baker and affirmed by the convention to set up a business steering committee is exactly what the party needs. It is important for our party to remain the pro-business, fiscally conservative party that selects candidates not only on their commitment to conservative principles, but also on their economic positions.

It is important for us to get back to the age of fiscal conservatism with low taxes and personal responsibility and accountability. We must not rely on government to fix our problems. Government spending and wasteful programs should be at the forefront of the party's platform and the Truth is that Chairman Baker obviously understands this. We applaud the party for this initial step towards fiscally conservative principles and look forward to seeing the recommendations.

Arkansas Based Non Profit To Hold Education & Technology Fundraiser...

2006-12-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

The Next Generation Foundation (NGF) will hold its annual holiday party in Washington, DC this Thursday to raise funds for its education sholarships and broadband internet technology initiative in the Mississippi Delta region.

The group which consists of business, trade association and political leaders in DC and around the country is "dedicated to providing a brighter future for the Mississippi Delta," said President R. Stuart Jones, a Pine Bluff native working in Washington, DC.

By clicking here you can find out more about NGF and the holiday party.

The Truth About Mike Beebe's Leadership...

2006-12-01T05:41:00.000-08:00

We all knew that Mike Beebe would say anything to get elected, but we didn't know he would start his flip-flopping and fence-strattling before he even took the office. Here on Mike Beebe's Campaign Website, he says:

"As examples of his fiscal plan, Beebe talked about his proposals to completely phase out the grocery tax and the tax on utilities for manufacturers. Beebe said he would completely phase out both taxes over time, matching the rate of increased revenue from job growth."

But now, Mike Beebe is questioning whether he will actually fulfill this campaign pledge. In this article Mike Beebe has much to say on just how hard it must be to do what you say you are going to do:

"Gov.-elect Mike Beebe said Thursday removing the state sales tax from groceries could be a tough sell in the upcoming legislative session."

"It sounds good on the front end, but you can't believe the number of people who are opposed to providing tax relief on the most ... regressive tax that we have," he [Beebe] said. "That opposition exists."

"Beebe declined later to give the names of groups opposed to removing the sales tax from groceries." His friends the lobbyists maybe?

The Truth is we all knew what we were getting when we elected Mike Beebe. He says on thing and then does another. We shouldn't be surprised of this latest move by old "Both Ways Beebe"

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

2006-11-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

Strong words for Howard Dean

2006-11-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

"While the chairmen were lauding Dean as the architect of Democratic victories, some liberals hundreds of miles to the north _ and across an international border _ were not impressed.

Members of Canada's out-of-power Liberal Party were in a snit over the selection of Dean to give the keynote address to at their upcoming convention to elect a national leader. An unsuccessful U.S. presidential candidate has no place telling Canadians how to elections, they complained.

''I, as a Canadian, am appalled to have an American loser address a keynote convention that will choose Canada's next prime minister,'' Ray Heard, former Liberal Party communications director, told CTV television on Thursday..." Associated Press

The Truth About Democrat Party Leadership...

2006-11-17T11:34:00.000-08:00

GOP Lawmakers Float Ethics Probe of Murtha
Friday, Nov. 18, 2005
By John Bresnahan,ROLL CALL staff

Republican lawmakers say that ties between Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) and his brother's lobbying firm, KSA Consulting, may warrant investigation by the House ethics committee. The calls come as Murtha, a former Marine and pro-military Democrat, has made headlines this week by coming out in support of a rapid withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

According to a June 13 article in The Los Angeles Times, the fiscal 2005 defense appropriations bill included more than $20 million in funding for at least 10 companies for whom KSA lobbied. Carmen Scialabba, a longtime Murtha aide, works at KSA as well. KSA directly lobbied Murtha's office on behalf of seven companies, and a Murtha aide told a defense contractor that it should retain KSA to represent it, according to the LA Times.

In early 2004, Murtha reportedly leaned on U.S. Navy officials to sign a contract to transfer the Hunters Point Shipyard to the city of San Francisco, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. A company called Lennar Inc. had right to the land, and Laurence Pelosi, nephew to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), was an executive with the firm at that time.

Murtha also inserted earmarks in defense bills that steered millions of dollars in federal research funds toward companies owned by children of fellow Pennsylvania Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D).

Murtha and KSA have denied engaging in any improper or unethical behavior. Murtha's offices in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., could not be reached for comment at press time.But with GOP leaders infuriated by Murtha's declaration this week that the United States should pull all its military forces out of Iraq in six months, renewed attention is being focused on Murtha's dealings with KSA.

"I have read the articles about these appropriations projects that benefited his brother's lobbying firm," said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.). "If there is a potential pattern where Congressman Murtha has helped other Democrats secure appropriations that also benefited relatives of those Members, I believe this would be something that merits further review by the ethics committee."

Another GOP lawmaker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Murtha "is playing footsie with his brother's lobbying firm using taxpayer money."

Arkansas Democrats Have Nothing Better To Do...

2006-11-15T06:31:00.000-08:00

The Democratic Party of Arkansas can't take the fact that a Republican has won a political race in Arkansas and now plans to pursue a recount in Benton County even though they quote "don't expect it to change the (outcome of) the race."

The Democrat candidate in the district 2 J.P.'s racve doesn't even think a recount is neccessary.

This article, however claims that "the state and county party still wanted to pursue a handcount to restore trust in the election process, said Barbara McCoy, chairwoman of the Benton County Democratic Party. Three different results and rumors of problems at precincts have made the public doubt the system, she said."

So now we are having recounts based on rumors. I have heard rumors for years that the Democrats pay off African-American preachers to buy their congregation's votes. Maybe we should investigate that and have a recount on every democrat election win for the past 50 years?

It is time for the DPA to accept that there are still Republicans in Arkansas and move on...

FL Senator Martinez To Run RNC...

2006-11-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

The AP is reporting that Mel Martinez will be the new head of the RNC. How will this affect politics in Arkansas?

Sen. Mel Martinez, the first-term lawmaker who previously served in President George W. Bush's Cabinet, will assume the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee, GOP officials said Monday.

Martinez, 60, will replace current chairman Ken Mehlman, who will leave the post in January at the end of his two-year term, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting a formal announcement.

Martinez will remain in the Senate. Mike Duncan, the RNC's current general counsel and a former party treasurer, will run the day-to-day operations at the party's Capitol Hill headquarters.

Martinez was tapped in 2001 as President Bush's secretary of Housing and Urban Development. He resigned in 2003 to run for the open Senate seat created when incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Graham decided not to seek another term. Martinez was elected with 49 percent of the vote _ a slim margin that was credited to Bush's win in that state.

Martinez fled Cuba in 1962 as a 15-year-old. His parents remained on the communist island, hoping one day to join him. He eventually was placed with a foster family in Orlando, studied English and worked odd jobs that helped him buy his father a used car when his parents arrived in the United States four years later.

He put himself through college and earned a law degree, made millions as a trial lawyer and served as president of the Orlando Utilities Commission from 1994 to 1997. He was elected as the Orange County, Fla., chairman, serving from 1998 to 2001.

Mike Beebe: Do As I Say, Not As I do...

2006-11-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

So far we have learned one truth about our Governor-elect: he says one thing publicly and then turns around and does another. This is nothing new to Mike Beebe. We saw this throughout the entire campaign, but now we continue to see the Democrats in Arkansas' "do as I say, not as I do" mentality.

On election night Mike Beebe said, "The hard work is just beginning. We will keep our promises to the voters of Arkansas." And what promise was that? Was that the promise to open the Governor's mansion to lobbyists, like Morril Harriman and Ark Monroe? I guess so...

Other Beebe words from his victory speech caught my attention as well, "He told the crowd that, just as he did not win alone, no one governs alone. He said that the election is over, and there are no more Democrats, Republicans, or Independents - only Arkansans."

Interesting that the Democrats and Mike Beebe would hold a party to publicly humiliate Republicans. In there party announcement of the 2006 Arkansas Blue Ball, the Democratic Party of Arkansas states that admission to the ball is $5 for Democrats and $5,000 for Republicans (and that even with the $5,000, attendance is not guaranteed).

They go on to state, "This celebration is made possible by hard work -- with special thanks to Republicans Asa Hutchinson, Jim Holt, Gunner DeLay and the rest of the gang that couldn't shoot straight!"

So much for there no longer being Democrats, Republicans or Independents, but Arkansans. The Democrats won the election fair and square. But now we see the true colors of their leaders. Mike Beebe doesn't care about governing for all Arkansans, he cares about his insider lobbyists and his fellow Democrats. Please don't give us your sound bite about governing for all Arkansans.

The truth is that there was no need for the DPA to put that drivle on their party annoucement. No Republicans would want to go anyway. Very classy Mike Beebe and Jason Willett, very classy...

Mike Beebe: Putting Lobbyists First...

2006-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

Well it didn't take long for Mike Beebe to show his true colors as Governor-elect. His coziness with special interests and lobbyists has been obvious over the years. Even Beebe spokesman John Brummett warned us in this article back in July that lobbyists would probably affect his policies and governing. And now as Governor-elect, Mike Beebe has confirmed that he may say he believes in Arkansas, but he acts by putting lobbyists first.

His first order of business was to name the states Chief Poultry Lobbyist, Morril Harriman, his Chief-of-Staff and leader of his lobbyist dominiated so called "transition team." Not only is Harriman the chief poultry lobbyist, but his wife is currently a lobbyist for a list of shady clients including the greyhound race track in West Memphis. That sounds like a conflict of interests to me. It will be interesting to see how soon Beebe caters to the poultry and gambling interests...

But at least Harriman will be able to "enhance his state retirement."

"Lawmakers who served before 1991 are eligible for a two-for-one credit for years in the Legislature applied to their state retirement. Retirement is based on the average of an employee’s top three years of salary in state government, not just their salary in the Legislature, where pay is much lower. Beebe also would get the two-for-one credit when he retires." (Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 11-9-06)

"His four transition team members announced Wednesday are term-limited state Rep. Joyce Elliott, D-Little Rock, chairman of the House Education Committee; Alltel director and former natural gas company executive Emon Mahony of El Dorado, the brother of longtime state Rep. Jodie Mahony, D-El Dorado; lawyer and insurance lobbyist Ark Monroe III of Little Rock, a former aide to U. S. Sen. Dale Bumpers; and car dealer Don Nelms of Springdale, who worked as an aide for Gov. Jim Guy Tucker. "

It appears that Beebe's first order of business is exactly what we thought he would do - take care of the lobbyists and special interests that paid to get him elected. Its amazing how we can't see these people for who they are until its too late...

Election Day!

2006-11-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Please remember to go vote! America is very blessed to be a free nation and we do not need to take for granted the freedoms we experience each and every day. Voting is one of the most important freedoms that we have and we encourage you to exercise your right.

Remember to vote for Asa Hutchinson and the entire GOP team!

"Official State Pansy"

2006-11-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

Flashback: November 2002 Arkansas Democrat Gazette: “…Official state pansy Mike Beebe, sat comfortably on the sidelines.”

If you take a look at Mike Beebe's latest finance report you will see two contributions from Mike Beebe to the Democrat Party totaling $230,000. This is a clear violation of campaign finance laws as a candidate running for office cannot contribute to a state party until after the election. This just proves Mike Beebe's lack of ethics and lack of concern for the laws of Arkansas. Mike Beebe touts himself as the "Top Law Enforcement Official" in Arkansas yet he uses a state computer for political purposes, meets with campaign employees in his state offices, allows convicted felon, Nick Wilson to remain in office and the latest, breaking campaign finance laws. This man is clearly showing his lack of concern for ethics and whines and threatens TV stations with lawsuits about his opponent running attack ads (which in fact Asa has not even seen the ads and is not running them) against him for his lack of backbone. In fact, all of Beebe's cronies that spoke up for him regarding the Wilson ads contributed to his campaign...cozy...How about that for ethics?

Is this the man you want to be Governor of Arkansas?

Mike, Pat Lynch was right, you do need a new backbone...

Hutchinson: A Simple Question for Beebe On Nick Wilson Scandal

2006-11-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

From the Asa campaign:

Why Did Beebe Vote to Override Governor's Veto?

Jonesboro – Asa Hutchinson, the 2006 Republican nominee for Arkansas Governor, today contested Democrat Mike Beebe's claims that he stood against former Arkansas Sen. Nick Wilson in a wide-ranging corruption scandal – questioning why Beebe voted to allow the scandal to move forward in 1997 in spite of warning signs from Gov. Mike Huckabee.

On a visit to Jonesboro, Hutchinson discussed the government corruption scandal surrounding disgraced Sen. Nick Wilson, who along with several colleagues defrauded the state of millions of dollars in the 1990's through an elaborate legislative scheme to funnel taxpayer dollars into their own pockets.

He noted that Beebe, as a state Senator, had voted in 1997 to override Gov. Mike Huckabee's veto of legislation that created the scheme used by Wilson to defraud the state. Huckabee vetoed the legislation in April 1997 -- saying this week that the bill "smelled to high heaven" -- but the Legislature voted to override his veto days later, with Beebe's support.

"Beebe claims today that he 'did all he could to oppose Nick Wilson, but the facts don't support his claim," Hutchinson said. "When Gov. Huckabee vetoed the bill, Beebe joined with Wilson to override that veto and give Wilson the free rein he needed to steal from the children of this state.

"So there's a very simple question for Mike Beebe: Why did he vote to override Gov. Huckabee's veto, and the warning signs surrounding Nick Wilson's scheme, if he was doing all he could to oppose Wilson?" Hutchinson asked. "The warning signs indicated that this legislation was corrupt from the beginning. Gov. Huckabee certainly recognized those signs, saying that the bill sent up 'red flags' for him. Why did Beebe, who was a leader of the Senate and an acknowledged master of legislative process, not pick up on those warning signals? Did he not know what he was voting for? Or was a willing participant in allowing Wilson to move forward with his scam?"

The Wilson scandal has emerged as a flashpoint in the 2006 Governor's campaign as questions have arisen about Beebe's failure of leadership in failing to stop Nick Wilson's machinations, with Hutchinson and Gov. Mike Huckabee questioning Beebe's "revisionist history" of the affair.

Earlier in the week, Beebe demanded that television ads produced by a Little Rock-based independent advocacy group raising questions about his role in the Wilson scandal be pulled from the airwaves. Hutchinson criticized Beebe's "strong arm tactics" in using legal pressure to intimidate Arkansas television stations to force critical ads off the air.

For a timeline of events in the Wilson scandal, click here.

Mickey Beebe and Nicky Wilson...Disdainful

2006-10-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Latest from CFAF...

Halter Took Senior Citizen’s Exemption on Property Tax

2006-10-19T08:21:00.000-07:00

From the inbox...

For Immediate Release:

Oct. 19, 2006

LITTLE ROCK— “Recently, Bill Halter accused Senator Jim Holt of cheating on his property taxes over an old van a friend gave him. Jim Holt provided complete access to all his records to the media, and proved he was innocent of the charge. Now, we have some property tax questions for Bill Halter,” said Clint Reed, the Executive Director of the Republican party of Arkansas.

“However, we are not going to accuse him of being a tax cheat in the same fashion as Mr. Halter did Senator Holt. We just want Mr. Halter to be as open as Senator Holt has been in releasing all records to the media so we can find out the truth on why Mr. Halter has taken property tax credits that he was not entitled to, including a Senior Citizen’s Credit in 2003. It also appears that Mr. Halter took a homestead exemption to which he was not entitled from 2003-2005.”

This was on a home Mr. Halter owned in Washington D.C.

“Will Bill Halter stand up to the same high standards of honesty and transparency exemplified by Senator Holt by releasing his property tax audit documents to the media, including the amount of fines he was assessed for taking deductions to which he was not entitled?” asked Reed. “The people have a right to know these things of a man who says he can take care of the people’s business.”

Reed offered to show documentation that Halter had taken the exemptions, and that revisions had been made to his exemptions as the result of an audit and while contemplating a bid for Governor and/or Lt. Governor.

Immigration looms as issue between Beebe, Hutchinson

2006-10-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

By ANDREW DeMILLO
Associated Press Writer

LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- Democrat Mike Beebe suggested Tuesday that his Republican rival's plan to train state police on immigration enforcement would overwork state troopers, while Asa Hutchinson accused Beebe of not understanding immigration policy as the two faced off in their final televised debate.

More than 250 people attended the third and final debate between the two major party nominees for governor, held at the Clinton Presidential Library in downtown Little Rock.

Beebe questioned Hutchinson's proposal to provide additional training for state troopers on immigration and said it would shift a federal responsibility to the state.

"If you're talking about state police arresting somebody that's here illegally and taking (them) back across the border to Laredo and not giving them to the federal government we're going to need a lot more state police," Beebe said. "If that's your plan, we need to go back to the drawing board."

Hutchinson called Beebe's remarks "the silliest thing I've ever heard."

"You don't understand at all immigration enforcement," Hutchinson said. "The state police would be trained so they could process them and hold them at the federal government's expense until the federal agents are able to get them and return them across the border."

The two nominees stuck largely to the same debate topics - namely, competing proposals to eliminate the state's six-cent tax on groceries
- that have highlighted their previous two televised debates.

Tuesday's hourlong debate was broadcast live on Little Rock television station KARK.

Tuesday's debate, like the two previous, excluded independent gubernatorial candidate Rod Bryan and Green Party nominee Jim Lendall.
Earlier Tuesday, a state judge rejected Bryan's attempt to stop Tuesday's debate because it included only the major-party nominees.

Hutchinson criticized Beebe for voting as a state senator against Gov.
Mike Huckabee's covenant-marriage proposal that makes it difficult for couples who engage in such a marriage to get a divorce.

"It helps send a signal to our young people that marriage is serious,"
Hutchinson said. "It's a way for couples to reinforce their vows."

Beebe defended his vote against the covenant-marriage proposal and said he did not want to create second-class marriages.

"Adding a second marriage to the first marriage and having another ceremony won't change the marriage," Beebe said. "You either have a marriage or you don't have a marriage ... You're either going to try and stay that way or you're not."

Mike Beebe: Illegal Immigration

2006-10-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

New Blog Distorting Truth

2006-10-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you have seen this so called blog "Greasy Creek". They lack all moral dignity and principles. Recently they accused the Arkansas GOP of not having anything in their platform dealing with internet predators.

"Does anyone else find it absurd that the Arkansas GOP is calling out the Democratic Party of Arkansas for omitting language on gay marriage when it appears the Arkansas Republican Party has nothing in its platform specifically addressing internet predators (whereas, the Democratic Party of Arkansas does)?

In fact, does the Republican Party of Arkansas even have a platform? It appears they're too ashamed to put it on their website. Could somebody email it to us?"

Do you not find this ridiculous that they would state the Republican Party has nothing in its platform in regards to sexual predators when they don't even have a copy? Well Greasy the platform is on the website and it does have a section on sexual predators. Why don't you go look at the platform before you make outlandish statements and lies. You are a classic example of the Democrat Party and what they stand for. Thank you for your stupidity. It continues to prove The Truth about the members of the Democrat Party. FYI : Here is the link to the platform because I doubt you could find it by yourself. Read pages 9-11...

http://arkansasgop.org/About/Default.aspx?SectionId=72

New Ad from CFAF

2006-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

Did Democrats Page Mark Foley?

2006-10-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.investors.com/editorial/editorialcontent.asp?secid=1501&status=article&id=244680809798238

Did Democrats Page Mark Foley?

Mon Oct 2, 7:00 PM ET

Scandal: Right after Mark Foley was revealed to have had inappropriate e-mail conversations with a 16-year-old page, he resigned and checked into rehab. Now, what did Democrats know, and when did they know it?

Yes, you read that right: the Democrats. It's of course clear that Foley, a Republican representative from Florida, resigned for good cause. We don't defend him or his inexcusable behavior -- good riddance.

But it didn't take long at all after Foley's resignation for the Democrats to call for an investigation of the entire Republican leadership in the House, charging that GOP stalwarts knew early on that Foley, as they like to say in the rehab business, had a "problem."

Democrats have begun losing their once-significant lead in the polls, and a mere five weeks remain until the midterm elections. Is this scandal the Democrats' own "October Surprise," meant to throw the GOP into a tailspin shortly before the vote?

New ADS from CFAF

2006-09-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hutchinson Launches TV Ad Touting Plans for Safer Arkansas

2006-09-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

Outlines Proposals for Tackling Meth Addiction, Cracking Down on Illegal Immigration in Arkansas

Little Rock, Ark. – Asa Hutchinson, 2006 Republican nominee for Arkansas Governor, announced today that he is launching his second campaign ad today, focusing on his plans to improve safety and security for Arkansas families and communities.

Specifically, the television ad outlines Hutchinson's proposals for fighting the spread of meth in Arkansas, which Hutchinson has called one of the top drug and crime threats in rural states. A second portion of the ad focuses on the fact that Hutchinson is the only candidate running for Governor with a plan to crack down on illegal immigration in Arkansas.

Earlier this year, Hutchinson set a goal of reducing drug usage in Arkansas by 50 percent with a three-pronged policy to provide resources for education and prevention; strengthen law enforcement capabilities by creating an Arkansas Bureau of Drug Enforcement; and bolster treatment through expanded use of Drug Treatment Courts in Arkansas. (Click here to read the full policy proposal ).

Hutchinson's plan to crack down on illegal immigration includes: Strengthening law enforcement capabilities by training state police to partner with federal authorities to enforce immigration law; cracking down on employers who knowingly hire illegal workers and setting the pace by requiring state government to participate in a program to confirm the legal residency of all state employees and employees of contractors with the state; ending "catch and release" by ensuring that all illegal aliens released from local jails are not released back into the community but are immediately deported; and combatting document fraud. (Click here to read the full policy proposal).

The ad will run statewide and will be available on Hutchinson's campaign website at www.asaforgovernor.org later in the week.

AD SCRIPT:

I've seen how meth addiction can destroy a family.

And I've seen how illegal immigration hurts our communities.

As governor, I'll fight meth with more enforcement, treatment and education.

And I'll crack down on illegal immigration by training state troopers to enforce immigration laws and making sure the state doesn't hire illegal workers.

Leadership means taking on the tough challenges.

Especially when it comes to the security of our families.

###

The True Mike Beebe

2006-09-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Democrat Party & Mike Beebe on Gay Marriage

2006-09-12T06:52:00.000-07:00