Westmoreland Stands Firm on Pledge to Cut Spending, Opposes Massive Funding Bill That Maintains Unsustainable Spending Levels

After months of uncertainty and three continuing resolutions, today the House of Representatives passed yet another continuing resolution to fund the government through March 4, 2011. The legislation continued funding for the federal government at the current levels. Westmoreland opposed the legislation for its failure to cut spending to pre-stimulus levels.

“I made a promise to my constituents that I would fight to decrease federal spending and pay off the deficit,” stated Westmoreland. “This country cannot continue down the unsustainable path it is on without serious repercussions for our children and grandchildren.”

Each year, Congress must pass 12 appropriations bills to fund the federal government for the following fiscal year. Even though they currently hold a majority in both the House and the Senate and also have control of the White House, Democrats have been unable to fully fund any of the 12 appropriations bills for the 2011 fiscal year, which began October 2, 2010.

“I still cannot understand how congressional Democrats – who still maintain control of both the House and the Senate – have failed for the fourth time to pass responsible appropriations bills for the 2011 fiscal year,” stated Westmoreland. “Tough decisions need to be made in Washington and this whole idea of continuing to pass the buck is simply unacceptable to me. Once this legislation expires next March, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a fiscally responsible funding bill for the federal government for 2011 and return the proper legislative process for spending measures for the 2012 fiscal year.”

The legislation has passed both the Senate and the House and will now be sent to the president for his signature.

Libertarian Party of Georgia Congratulates New State Election Reform Council Member David Shock

Georgia Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, announced this week the establishment of an Elections Advisory Council. This council was established in order to review the Georgia Election Code and State Election Board Rules. After reviewing these two sets of regulations, the Council will make suggestions in order to improve them. Particular attention will be paid to issues that will increase the efficiencies of state, county, and local governments, as well as cost-saving measures.

This Council includes members of the Democrat and Republican parties, as well as Independents, and Libertarian David Shock, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kennesaw State University. "I want to thank Secretary of State Brian Kemp for creating the Elections Advisory Council composed of individuals representing the diverse geographic regions and political views of Georgia. As a member of the council, I hope to provide constructive feedback to help build a better electoral system in this state," said Shock, who joins other experienced elections officials and community leaders on the council.

"I commend Secretary Kemp for including a voice from the Libertarian Party of Georgia, especially one so well-respected and intelligent as David Shock," stated Brett Bittner, the Party's Executive Director. "I think that he realizes how important it is to have input from across the political spectrum and from all facets of government to provide the people of Georgia with the results that are the goal of this council. My hope for the Elections Reform Council is a recommendation for greater access to the ballot for all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, and more choice for the voters of Georgia, as a part of the reforms presented."

The Libertarian Party is Georgia’s third largest political party and the only party in Georgia promoting fewer taxes, less government and personal liberty for all Georgians. To learn more, please visit www.LPGeorgia.com

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Defeat of DREAM Act Gives Hope for True Immigration Reform in New Congress

/PRNewswire/ -- Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), called the defeat of the DREAM Act amnesty "an important victory for the American people in their long-standing quest to achieve immigration reform that serves the public interest." Today's procedural vote in the Senate effectively blocks the lame duck 111th Congress from granting amnesty to millions of illegal aliens.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) attempted to use the lame duck session to approve a broad amnesty that is opposed by the majority of American voters. With more than 20 percent of its members no longer accountable to the American people, the House approved the DREAM Act amnesty earlier this month with no hearings, little debate, and no opportunity for members to offer amendments. In the Senate, Majority Leader Reid introduced multiple versions of the bill in a desperate attempt to gain votes while employing every parliamentary maneuver possible to defy the will of the American people.

"FAIR is heartened that senators rejected this cynical attempt by the congressional leadership to take advantage of the lame duck session to pass legislation that lacked public support in during the preceding 22 months," said Stein.

The DREAM Act would have granted amnesty to an estimated 2.1 million illegal aliens who could meet minimal eligibility requirements. Beneficiaries would have been eligible for government loans and assistance to pursue post-secondary education. According to the Congressional Budget Office, passage of the DREAM Act would have added significantly to the federal deficit once beneficiaries became legal permanent residents.

While the DREAM Act offered generous benefits to illegal aliens, the legislation offered nothing to the American people except greater competition for jobs, educational opportunities, and increased public costs. The bill included no provisions designed to improve enforcement of American immigration laws.

"The defeat of this unwarranted and expensive amnesty bill clears the way for meaningful efforts to implement true immigration reform in the new Congress," Stein stated. "With the DREAM Act and other amnesty proposals off the table, the 112th Congress will have an opportunity implement immigration reforms that place the interests and concerns of the American people ahead of those of illegal aliens.

"As the 112th Congress approaches, there is broad public and bipartisan consensus about many long overdue immigration policy reforms. Most importantly, the new Congress must ensure that our nation's borders are secure and that laws against illegal aliens living and working in the United States are enforced. Implementing these reforms would benefit American workers and taxpayers, and enhance our national security. The American people see no reason why these needed reforms should be held hostage to granting amnesty to the people who broke our laws," said Stein.

"We congratulate the 41 members of the Senate who blocked this shameful attempt by the leadership to use dozens of defeated and retiring members of Congress to pass harmful legislation that the American people clearly oppose," concluded Stein.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Westmoreland Votes in Favor of Pay Raise for Troops, Funding for Pentagon

Language in the Defense Department Authorization Bill Also Provides for Columbus Veteran to Receive Much-Deserved Distinguished-Service Cross

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for 2011, a bill that will provide funding for the Department of Defense for the 2011 fiscal year. This legislation was devoid of controversial language repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ or providing funding for abortions in military hospitals contained in the Senate version. Congressman Westmoreland supported the bill.

“I am pleased the House was finally able to pass a clean Defense Department authorization bill,” stated Westmoreland. “Not only does this bill include a much-deserved pay raise for our military personnel, it also increases funding for much-needed missile defense and additional funding for our troops serving on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. If there is one thing we must do in Congress, it is to make sure our military receives the necessary funding to keep our troops as safe and secure as possible and keep Americans safe from harm.”

The bill also awarded Captain James C. Copley from Columbus, Georgia, the Distinguished-Service Cross for his acts of valor on May 5, 1968 as commander of Company C of the 1st Battalion, 50th Infantry, attached to the 173rd Airborne Brigade during an engagement with a regimental-size enemy force in Bin Dinh Province, South Vietnam. The army has a three year limitation on awarding Distinguished-Service Cross, so an act of Congress was needed to ensure Captain Copley received his deserved honor. Congressman Westmoreland worked with Senator Chambliss to include language to waive the statute of limitation and award Captain Copley the medal.

“I am proud to be able to finally honor Captain James Copley for his bravery and valor during his service in Vietnam,” stated Westmoreland. “While under heavy gunfire, Copley opted for an exposed position to facilitate the evacuation of friendly forces. During that evacuation, he suffered a severe gunshot wound that tore through his throat and back. However, he refused medical evacuation and continued his mission until all friendly forces were rescued. His unwavering bravery in the face of danger is a true credit to this country.”

The bill must still be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the president to take effect. On December 18, 2010, the government will run out of funding when the current continuing resolution expires, including the Defense Department, unless another continuing resolution is passed. Westmoreland encourages the Senate to pass this clean Defense Department authorization so we can ensure our troops receive the funding they need to defend our country.

Deal appoints McGinnitie as revenue commissioner

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal today announced that he'll appoint Doug MacGinnitie as the next commissioner of the Department of Revenue. The outgoing commissioner, Bart Graham, has accepted the governor-elect's request that he join the Office of the State Treasurer, where he'll serve under State Treasurer Tommy Hills.

MacGinnitie is a former member of the Sandy Springs City Council. He served as COO of Grassroot Soccer, a nonprofit organization that uses soccer to save the lives of youth in southern Africa. He co-founded and served as chief operating officer and a director of Beecher Carlson, a commercial insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Atlanta. He is the former general counsel at Hobbs Group, former chief counsel for Georgia Pacific, and a former associate with Alston & Bird. He served as a law clerk on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. A four-year star on the Dartmouth soccer team during his college years, MacGinnitie was named Ivy League Player of the Year in 1988. He's also an Emory School of Law graduate.

Deal also announced today that he'll keep Debbie Dlugolenski as the OPB director and Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure at OPB, Dlugolenski has served as Deputy Director and Division Director for Physical and Economic Development. She was formerly the Assistant Commissioner for the Technical College System of Georgia and has also served as President of the Georgia Virtual Technical College and Sandersville Technical College. Dlugolenski is a graduate of the Georgia Environmental Leadership Program and the State of Georgia Executive Development Leadership Program. Dlugolenski serves on the board of the Georgia Lottery Corporation, State Road and Tollway Authority, One Georgia Authority and the Georgia Employee Benefits Council. Dlugolenski resides in Conyers and has three children and two grandchildren.

In new appointments:

Tonya Boga, director, Office of the Child Advocate. Boga lives in Marietta worships at First Baptist Atlanta. She currently serves as a Juvenile Court Mediator in the Cobb Judicial Circuit. She has represented children as a Guardian Ad Litem in both Juvenile Court and Superior Court for many years. She is a member of the National Association of Counsel For Children and has served as a member of the State Bar of Georgia's Children and the Courts Committee. After earning her law degree, she earned a Master of Laws degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with a concentration in child and family law. She is a sole practitioner with offices in Marietta and Cartersville. She has been recognized by the State Bar and Cobb County Bar Association for her service and leadership.

Melvin Everson, director, Governor's Office of Workforce Development. Everson is completing his second term in the state House of Representatives, where he represented portions of Gwinnett. Previously, he served four years on the Snellville City Council. Everson spent 23 years in the U.S. Army. He and wife Gerri live in Snellville and have one adult son.

Harris Blackwood, director, Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Blackwood, of Gainesville, is a former newspaper editor and columnist who has also worked as a telecommunications executive. Most recently, Blackwood served on the staff of the Deal for Governor campaign. He is a deacon of the First Baptist Church of Gainesville and a trustee and former chairman of the Lanier Technical College Foundation. He and wife Allison have three adult daughters and a son.
\---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Libertarian Party of Georgia Asks Republican Senators, "Why So Much Pork?"

This week, Congress contemplates passage of a $1.1 trillion omnibus spending bill. With many criticizing the inclusion of 6,488 earmarks just weeks after Senate Republicans self-imposed an earmark moratorium, the Libertarian Party of Georgia is asking Republican Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss why they have 24 and 42 earmarks, respectively, in the proposed legislation.

In both the 2008 and 2010 re-election campaigns of the incumbent Senators, they stressed their fiscally conservative credentials during their respective campaigns against far more fiscally conservative Libertarian candidates Allen Buckley and Chuck Donovan. With a combined 66 earmarks, both Senators joined 33 other Republicans in packing the omnibus bill full of pork-barrel spending prior to the moratorium that both Chambliss and Isakson supported.

"My question to the Georgia Senators is this: Why, after running campaigns touting fiscal discipline and reducing Federal spending, are you back to 'business as usual?,'" said Brett Bittner, Executive Director of the Libertarian Party of Georgia. "Both Senators, along with their Republican colleagues, show us that they can 'talk the talk,' but they are unable to 'walk the walk.'"

While the self-imposed moratorium on earmarks is non-binding and did not pass as an amendment to S. 510, the recent food safety bill, the aversion to reducing federal spending on a small scale indicates that the Senate may not be taking the temporary earmark ban all that seriously.

"This is another example of our elected officials saying one thing to get elected, only to turn around and do the opposite once in office," stated Libertarian Party of Georgia Chairman, Daniel N. Adams. "I am curious to know how long this ruse will continue to be effective."

The Libertarian Party is Georgia’s third largest political party and the only party in Georgia promoting fewer taxes, less government and personal liberty for all Georgians. To learn more, please visit www.LPGeorgia.com

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Westmoreland Opposes Repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

Today, the House of Representatives passed a repeal of the Department of Defense’s ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was a policy enacted under President Clinton to address gay or lesbian service men and women in American armed forces. Westmoreland opposed the bill.

“Congressional Democrats failed to pass legislation to fund the Defense Department and our troops, but have instead prioritized a bill that will bring a major cultural change in the military while we fight wars on two fronts,” stated Westmoreland. “Once again congressional Democrats and the White House are sending a message that Washington cares more about sticking to its liberal agenda than it does about providing funding for American soldiers risking their lives on the front line.”

The Pentagon conducted a nine-month study on the implications of repealing ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ and release a report detailing their findings. Of those findings, the report provided no guarantee that enacting such a change would be beneficial to military life, or that it would improve retention rates, increase readiness, or increase recruitment. With no guaranteed benefits, Westmoreland doesn’t see the need for enacting these disruptive changes.

“The military is no place for forcing social change,” stated Westmoreland. “So far, I haven’t seen anything that tells me repealing this law would have a positive impact on our soldiers. Until then, I could never support enacting this disruptive alteration while our nation is engaged in combat.”

Earlier this month, the chiefs of staff for the Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps raised their concerns during a Senate Armed Forces Committee as well. The legislation will now be sent to the Senate for a vote.

Deal: Obamacare ruling bodes well for Georgia

Georgia's Gov.-elect Nathan Deal today said that the federal court ruling against Obamacare's mandates bodes well for Georgia's litigation against the law:

"I am encouraged by today's ruling," Deal said. "The people of Georgia can rest assured we will continue to fight as we move forward to ensure that Georgians don't lose their constitutional rights when it comes to choosing their health care. I look forward to working with Attorney Gen.-elect Sam Olens to see that our state continues to fight for the individual rights of Georgians. Our case is partnered with the state of Florida, so today's ruling doesn't directly affect our state's case, but it suggests that our argument is gaining steam in the court system. I do believe our position will win the day when one of these cases reaches the U.S. Supreme Court."

As the ranking member on the subcommittee on health in the U.S. House, Deal was the first member of Congress to publicly say the individual mandate was unconstitutional. Today's ruling backs up his assessment of the legislation's serious flaws.

"The fight against Obamacare in the courts is based on the constitutional rights of Americans," Deal said. "As the next governor of Georgia, I'm not only concerned about the law's encroachment on our rights but also about the crippling cost that this law will place on Georgia taxpayers. We're struggling every day to pay our current bills and keep our schools running efficiently. Adding billions in new health care costs to the state will crunch every priority in state government. We need serious changes to this law. The consequences to Georgia are too severe."

Westmoreland Encouraged by Decision Overturning Health Insurance Mandate

Today, a federal judge in Virginia ruled the mandatory health insurance coverage required in the health care law enacted earlier this year is unconstitutional. In the opinion, U.S. District Court Judge Henry Hudson held the provision was an unprecedented expansion of federal power that is not supported by Congress’ power to regulate interstate trade, known as the Commerce Clause, thus making it unconstitutional. Below is Congressman Lynn Westmoreland’s comment on the ruling.

“I am encouraged by today’s decision overturning the insurance mandate within ObamaCare. After the Obama administration and Speaker Pelosi spent the last two years telling the American people they knew what was best, it turns out they didn’t – the center-piece of their liberal agenda has been rightfully ruled unconstitutional. I think I join many of my colleagues in Congress and the more than 59 percent of the American people who oppose this law when I do not express my surprise to this outcome. I encourage the Obama administration, rather than wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on appealing this case, to join Republicans in their fight to repeal this job-killing health care law and replace it with common sense reforms that will truly lower health care costs,” stated Westmoreland.

Pelosi Statement on Senate Failure to Advance 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal

/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement tonight after a vote to advance the Defense Authorization bill, which repeals the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, failed in the Senate.

"The failure of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal, as part of the Defense Authorization bill, on a procedural vote in the Senate is a serious disappointment to the many who have worked so hard to close the door on a fundamental unfairness.

"Since the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' has broad support among Senators, our troops, and the American people, it is my hope that that the Senate will move forward with an alternative legislative method. The bipartisan proposal from Senators Lieberman and Collins provides renewed hope that progress is still possible in the Senate; an army of allies stands ready in the House to pass a standalone repeal of the discriminatory policy once the Senate acts.

"Moving forward to end the days of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' will honor the service and sacrifice of all who dedicate their lives to protecting the American people."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Statement by Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on President Obama's framework for bipartisan agreement to extend Unemployment Insurance, help middle-class families

/PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding President Obama's framework for a bipartisan agreement to extend Unemployment Insurance and help middle-class families. The framework includes $56 billion to extend Unemployment Insurance, a $120 billion payroll tax cut for workers, $40 billion in tax cuts for the nation's hardest-hit families and students, and 100 percent expensing for small businesses over the course of 2011.

"Yesterday President Obama laid out a thoughtful framework for a bipartisan agreement that would extend Unemployment Insurance and keep the taxes paid by middle-class families from increasing.

"By the president's own account, the agreement is not perfect. But it is crucial for American families and for the American economy.

"The framework avoids a $3,000 tax increase for the typical working family and ensures that millions of working-class Americans won't see their tax cuts go away next year either. It also continues the American Opportunity Tax Credit for households with college-bound students and the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income families. These are high-impact, job-creating tax cuts for working families.

"The agreement also provides a critical extension of unemployment benefits through the end of 2011. Without it, by the end of December, 2 million men and women looking for work would see their unemployment benefits come to an early end. Over the next year, their ranks would increase to more than 7 million people. For these individuals — none of whom were fired or quit, but who lost their jobs through no fault of their own — this means not having to worry their unemployment benefits could be eliminated abruptly as they search for jobs.

"This is a smart investment, not only in those who continue to look for work but for the economy as a whole. Every dollar that goes toward Unemployment Insurance generates $2 in economic activity. In fact, since the start of the recent recession, the Unemployment Insurance program has helped to boost gross domestic product by $315 billion. It also has saved an average of 1.6 million jobs per quarter.

"In addition to the UI extension, the president's framework includes measures for jump-starting growth and spurring private sector job creation. An important payroll tax cut will help more than 155 million workers and provide nearly $120 billion in tax relief next year. The president also fought for a provision that would temporarily allow 2 million businesses to expense all of their investments in 2011. This "complete expensing" could generate more than $50 billion in additional investment, and it would be the largest temporary investment incentive in American history.

"These are all important, responsible, temporary measures to support our economy that will not add costs by the middle of the decade. I share the president's belief that it is not affordable to make the high-income tax cuts permanent and look forward to that debate in the years ahead.

"In the midst of political rhetoric, it can be far too easy to lose sight of the fact that this economy belongs to all of us — whatever our income or employment status. The president understands that, and he is leading the way on a difficult but important compromise.

"I urge federal legislators to support this agreement, not just because it is the right thing to do for those who are desperately looking for work this holiday season but because it is the right thing to do for everyone in America."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell Switches Parties To The Republican Party

Ashley Bell, former National President for the College Democrats of America, 2004 superdelegate to the Democratic National Convention and Hall County Commissioner, today changed his allegiance to the Republican Party.

Bell is the first African-American elected official to switch parties since the General Election.

“I’m joining the Republican Party because I’m a conservative and simply feel more at home as a Republican,” said Commissioner Bell. “I have worked to make government more efficient and less intrusive in citizens’ lives and plan to continue those efforts as a Republican.”

Bell made the announcement in a press conference with his wife, Lauren, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart and Georgia Black Republican Council Chairman Michael McNeely.

“We are excited that Commissioner Bell will help lead the way for many other conservative African Americans to leave the Democratic Party and join the Republican Party. We welcome all conservatives with open arms,” said GAGOP Chairman Sue Everhart.

“Party affiliation should not be an issue of race or geography. Mr. Bell shares the Republican Party’s conservative values and belief in common sense solutions to the problems facing Georgia,” Everhart said. “I am pleased to welcome such a strong and visionary leader.”

Westmoreland Opposed Passage of Amnesty Bill

This week, the House passed the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. The DREAM Act is intended to grant residency status to those illegal immigrants who have been within United States borders illegally for the past 5 years upon their enrollment in an institution of higher education or enlistment within our military. Congressman Westmoreland opposed this legislation.

“This legislation creates a huge loophole that circumvents our immigration laws, allowing millions of illegal immigrants to be granted legal status in the United States,” said Westmoreland. “So basically, the DREAM Act is an amnesty bill disguised as education legislation.”

Beyond granting amnesty, the language of the DREAM Act goes further by providing subsidized education costs for those illegal immigrants who qualify under the program. Even more disturbing, the DREAM Act allows certain deportable criminals to stay within U.S. borders if it is determined that their deportation will cause what is defined as a “hardship” under the Act.

“While I agree that some serious changes within our immigration laws are needed, creating back door amnesty programs is simply not the way,” stated Westmoreland. “I believe that everyone should deserve an opportunity in this country, but while American citizens under the age of 35 are suffering through a 14.5 percent unemployment rate, we need to be taking steps to protect employment opportunities for them – not adding millions of new legal residents to compete for jobs with them.”

The United States already has an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living within its borders. Creating a program that incentivizes illegal immigration with legal resident status and subsidized tuition at our country’s top schools of higher learning will most likely only increase that number. The DREAM Act still must pass in the Senate and be signed by President Obama before it becomes law.

One Nation Divided Over Health-Care Reform

/PRNewswire/ -- Americans remain deeply divided over the nation's new health-care reform package, with 40 percent of adults wanting to repeal all or most of the legislation while 31 percent favor keeping all or most of the reforms.

Another 29 percent aren't sure what should be done.

Those are several key findings in a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll released today.

The conflicting views reflect divisions in Congress, where Republicans will take control of the House of Representatives in January following election gains at the polls last month. Many GOP representatives have pledged to dismantle—or, at the very least, curtail—the controversial legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama in March.

But the poll also uncovered an intriguing paradox: Many of those who want the health-reform law repealed favor keeping many of its key components.

Specifically, nearly two-thirds of poll respondents like that the law prevents insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Sixty percent want to keep the provision of tax credits for small businesses that provide their employees with health insurance. While just over half support the law for allowing children to remain on their parents insurance until they are 26.

The poll released today surveyed 2,019 adults online between November 19-23, 2010 by Harris Interactive, one of the world's leading custom market research firms, and HealthDay, a leading producer and syndicator of health news.

"Additional poll results indicate that many Americans want to repeal the bill not because they dislike the specifics, but because they feel it is an expensive expansion of an already big government," said Humphrey Taylor, chairman of The Harris Poll, Harris Interactive's long-running public opinion poll. He continues, "81% believe it will it result in higher taxes, could lead to rationing of health care (74%), and reduce the quality of care they will receive (77%)."

Perhaps part of the explanation for this paradox was seen in a previous HealthDay/Harris Interactive poll which discovered that Americans have little knowledge of the specifics of the more than 2,500-page law. "There's a substantial gap in the general public understanding [but] the more informed people are, the more they understand," said Thomas R. Oliver, professor of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

"I think this suggests that as the public becomes more familiar with the law and how it will benefit them and their families, support will probably climb," said Sara Collins, vice president for Affordable Health Insurance at The Commonwealth Fund. She continues, "There's just a lag while immediate provisions are rolling out like young adult coverage."

The complete findings of the newest joint Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll are available. HealthDay's news report is available here. Full data on the poll and its methodology are available at Harris Interactive.

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States November 19 to 23, 2010 among 2,019 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, Harris Interactive avoids the words "margin of error" as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Pelosi Statement on Passage of the Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act

/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the House passed bipartisan legislation blocking the 23 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors, scheduled for December 1, for one month, while a longer-term fix is negotiated. The Senate passed the bill on November 18, and it now goes to President Obama for his signature into law:

"Today, the House of Representatives acted to ensure that America's seniors and military families can continue receiving the care they need and deserve from their doctors. This fully paid-for legislation provides doctors with the stability and support to continue providing vital services to all of their patients in the Medicare and TRICARE systems for the next month, while leaders from both parties work together on a longer-term solution before we adjourn.

"In taking this vote, Members of Congress have taken a clear stand on the side of seniors, service members, and the physicians and medical professionals who treat them."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on US Senate's failure to pass Paycheck Fairness Act

/PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement after the Senate's failure to invoke cloture (by a margin of 58 to 41) on S. 3772 – the Paycheck Fairness Act:

"I am deeply disappointed that the Senate did not pass this important piece of legislation today. But, the issue of pay equity is far too important to give up. I remain committed to the fight for this commonsense reform, and my department will redouble its efforts to ensure America's women are not treated as second class citizens by employers who refuse to compensate them in a fair and equitable manner.

"While the Senate fell short of the mark today, it is important to note that the Paycheck Fairness Act was approved by the House of Representatives almost two years ago. The bill was specifically designed to address the persistent gap between men's and women's wages. It tackles that challenge by enhancing enforcement and by closing loopholes in the 47-year old Equal Pay Act.

"Since the passage of the Equal Pay Act in 1963, the issue of women's pay has grown even more serious. Today, women are the sole or co-wage earner in two-thirds of American households. And, for a growing number of families, equal pay for women is not just a matter of principle. It is a matter of survival.

"Most people are surprised to learn that, despite decades of efforts since 1963, the wage gap has narrowed from 59 cents for each dollar a man makes to a still unbelievably paltry 77 cents in 2010. It is equally shocking that the gap has closed only 5 cents in the past 20 years. At that pace, it will take almost 100 more years for women to achieve pay equity. The situation is even worse for women of color. In fact, today, African-American women make 69 cents for every dollar made by a man. Latinas make just 60 cents.

"Granted, when women enter the labor market, the wage gap is usually small, and some groups of women have earnings on par with men. But, the gap grows substantially as men and women progress in their careers. Men get larger raises and promotions. And, even when women keep pace with promotions, they still fall behind in pay. That has major long-term economic implications. And, by the age of 65, the typical full-time working woman has about $365,000 less in earnings relative to a full-time working man. This gap in earnings follows women into retirement, resulting in smaller pensions and lower Social Security.

"As President Obama has said, 'Equal pay is by no means just a women's issue — it's a family issue.…And in this economy, when so many folks are already working harder for less and struggling to get by, the last thing they can afford is losing part of each month's paychecks to simple discrimination.'

"As a nation, we must continue to pursue pay equity with passion and determination. We owe it to women in America —those of years past, who worked so hard to build our country; those who carry that task on today; and, certainly, those who will shape our future in the workplace of tomorrow."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Tea Party Group Fights Back: King Street Patriots File Counter Lawsuit Against Texas Democratic Party; Seeks to Overturn Sections of Texas Election Code as Unconstitutional

/PRNewswire/ -- King Street Patriots, a group of concerned citizens in Houston, filed a counter lawsuit today against the Texas Democratic Party and at the same time are asking a judge to rule certain portions of the Texas Election Code governing political speech as unconstitutional.

The non-profit King Street Patriots made up of citizen volunteers dedicated to election integrity, are subjects of a lawsuit by the Texas Democratic Party that falsely claims the group broke state prohibitions against corporate campaign contributions and that it should have to register as a political organization and even reveal donor records. King Street Patriots, in an effort to protect their constitutional freedoms, is asking the judge to dismiss the lawsuit, force the Texas Democratic Party to pay attorneys fees and rule that sections of the Texas Election Code run afoul of the United States Constitution.

"By using state law to try to silence citizens' political speech, the Texas Democratic Party has brought a political slap lawsuit that has nothing to do with the rule of law and everything to do with political retribution," said KSP lead constitutional counsel James Bopp Jr., of the James Madison Center for Free Speech and architect of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Citizens United. "Our clients simply will not be intimidated by such despicable tactics. The only allegation against them is that they exercised their rights under the First Amendment, and we expect the Texas courts to vindicate those rights."

Although King Street Patriots is non-partisan, the group dedicated to keeping elections fair and free drew the ire of the Texas Democratic Party earlier this year after turning over to authorities questionable voter registrations in Harris County and training hundreds of volunteers as poll watchers there.

"It is outrageous that a group of American citizens who simply volunteered to get involved in the political process are forced into court by the Texas Democratic Party," said Kelly Shackelford, president and chief counsel of Liberty Institute, also representing KSP. "Using a political party to sue and attack citizens, and to try to reduce the Constitutional rights of all Americans, is a disgrace."

Liberty Institute is a nonprofit legal organization dedicated to protecting First Amendment rights and the Constitution. James Bopp, Jr. has a national federal and state election law practice. He is an attorney with Bopp, Coleson & Bostrom and General Counsel for the James Madison Center for Free Speech. He is also a former Co-Chairman of the Election Law Subcommittee of the Federalist Society.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Six-Point Economic Recovery Agenda Proposed

/PRNewswire/ -- As Congress returns next week, swing election issues such as job creation, economic recovery and acceleration of economic growth should be foremost on their agenda. The National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) and the Institute for Research on the Economics of Taxation (IRET) have proposed six pro-growth policies for immediate consideration:

* Extending the Bush tax cuts for everyone
* Allow immediate expensing of investment
* Extend the R&D tax credit and the patch for the alternative minimum tax (AMT)
* Reduce the corporate tax rate
* Eliminate individual and employer mandates to purchase insurance, and
* Repeal Medicare tax hikes.


Adopting these six policies are the most important step that Congress and the Administration can take to immediately and permanently reduce taxes on capital and labor, and therefore spur economic growth.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Rand Paul Urges Senate GOP to Ban Earmarks and Push for Balanced Budget Amendment

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Senator-Elect Rand Paul today (November 9) released the following statement:

“In fact, I am joining Senators DeMint, Coburn, Toomey, Rubio, Lee and others in asking for a GOP caucus vote next week on banning earmarks entirely.”

“The American People are tired of politics as usual and are demanding fundamental reform that ends the overspending and rampant political patronage we see throughout Washington.

“As part of my commitment to this effort, I will not submit Earmarks and will vote against all Earmarks. Also, one of the first pieces of Legislation I introduce will be a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. Since there have been erroneous media reports on the subject in recent days, I wanted to be sure to correct the record. I will never Earmark. Period.

“In fact, I am joining Senators DeMint, Coburn, Toomey, Rubio, Lee and others in asking for a GOP caucus vote next week on banning earmarks entirely.

“I am very encouraged that the Senate GOP Conference will vote next week on this caucus-wide agreement to ban Earmarks as well as commit to passing a Balanced Budget Amendment.

“The fact that these votes are happening next week is powerful evidence that the TEA Party message is coming with full force to Washington. Ending Earmarks and passing a Balanced Budget Amendment are two key parts to the fundamental reform Americans are demanding, and I will never waiver in my commitment to fight for these and other crucial solutions to out-of-control Government spending and debt.”


-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Pelosi Announces Run For House Democratic Leader

/PRNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following letter to her Democratic colleagues Friday afternoon announcing that she will run to become House Democratic Leader in the next Congress.

Excerpt from her letter to Democratic colleagues:

"Our work is far from finished. As a result of Tuesday's election, the role of Democrats in the 112th Congress will change, but our commitment to serving the American people will not. We have no intention of allowing our great achievements to be rolled back. It is my hope that we can work in a bipartisan way to create jobs and strengthen the middle class.

"Many of our colleagues have called with their recommendations on how to continue our fight for the middle class, and have encouraged me to run for House Democratic Leader. Based on those discussions, and driven by the urgency of protecting health care reform, Wall Street reform, and Social Security and Medicare, I have decided to run."

* * *

Below is the full text of the letter:

November 5, 2010

Over the past several days, I have spoken with many Democratic colleagues about how to continue our fight for to make our country more secure and strengthen the middle class, create jobs, protect Social Security and Medicare, and promote the innovation, technology and education to make America Number One in the world. As always, I am inspired by the fighting spirit of our Democratic Members.

As you know, Democrats have produced historic legislation in the area of health care, veterans' benefits, women's rights, Wall Street reform, and cutting taxes for 95 percent of the American people and millions of small businesses. And we have restored fiscal discipline to the Congress by making the deficit-cutting Pay As You Go rules the law of the land.

These accomplishments have begun the difficult work of recovering from the worst economic collapse since the 1930s and, according to independent reviews, prevented our country from plunging into another Great Depression. As a result, numerous congressional experts call this the most productive Congress in a half century. This was only possible because our Members had the courage of their convictions and put the interests of the Country first.

Our work is far from finished. As a result of Tuesday's election, the role of Democrats in the 112th Congress will change, but our commitment to serving the American people will not. We have no intention of allowing our great achievements to be rolled back. It is my hope that we can work in a bipartisan way to create jobs and strengthen the middle class.

Many of our colleagues have called with their recommendations on how to continue our fight for the middle class, and have encouraged me to run for House Democratic Leader. Based on those discussions, and driven by the urgency of protecting health care reform, Wall Street reform, and Social Security and Medicare, I have decided to run.

I am writing to respectfully request your support and I look forward to hearing your views. Please let me know what you are thinking.

Thank you for your leadership and friendship.

best wishes,

Nancy Pelosi

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Gov.-elect Deal announces transition/inaugural team

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal has announced the leadership of his transition and inaugural teams, who will serve in preparation for the beginning of his administration on Jan. 10.

Transition Team

T. Rogers Wade, Sandy Springs, transition chairman - Mr. Wade is the chairman and former president of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, an independent think tank that proposes practical, market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians. He has been active in the Georgia business and political community for more than 40 years. Wade and his wife, Marcia, are longtime residents of Sandy Springs.

Pete Robinson, Columbus, transition vice chair - Mr. Robinson is Chairman of Troutman Sanders Strategies, a full-service federal, state and local lobbying/issue management firm, and a partner in Troutman Sanders LLP. He is a former state senator from Columbus. He and his wife, Emily, have a daughter and two sons.

John K. Watson, Powder Springs, transition vice chair - Mr. Watson is the principal of real estate development at TPA Realty Services. Prior to his role at TPA Realty, he worked for more than 15 years in politics, government and business at the local, state, and federal levels. Watson previously served as chief of staff to Governor Perdue, general consultant to Perdue's campaign for Governor in 2002 and vice chairman of Governor-Elect Perdue's transition team. Watson earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. He and his wife, Kimberly, have two children.

Philip Wilheit, Gainesville, transition vice chair - Mr. Wilheit is the president of Wilheit Packaging, a provider of packaging materials for business. Active in state and regional business activities, he is a past chairman of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Georgia, and serves as chairman-emeritus of Northeast Georgia Health System. He currently serves on the Georgia Board of Economic Development and is vice chair of the Board of Trustees of Brenau University. He and his wife, Mary Hart, have two children and three grandchildren.

Inaugural Leadership Team

Jay Morgan, Atlanta, inaugural co-chair - Mr. Morgan has been a trusted adviser to candidates, corporations and business associations with public affairs strategic plans. He has been involved at the highest levels of Republican politics in Georgia and throughout the Southeast since 1984, when he became the youngest Executive Director of a Republican Party organization in the country in his home state of Georgia. Morgan and his wife, Laura, a former presidential appointee in the George H.W. Bush administration, have three children: Caroline (19), Jason (16) and Victoria (13).

Tricia Pridemore, Marietta, inaugural co-chair - Mrs. Pridemore is a technology entrepreneur with several successful business ventures. She is also the state director of the 9.12 Project of Georgia, a conservative grassroots organization. Tricia is a member of board of the WellStar Foundation, the GAGOP Technology Committee and serves on the Cobb County Republican Party Executive Committee.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Bauer Says Early Election Results a Referendum on Obama ... and Voters Have had Enough

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former presidential candidate Gary Bauer Tuesday night said that the early election results were a "referendum on Obama, and the voters have rejected his agenda."

The chairman of the Campaign for Working Families, Bauer made the following statement:

"The night is young and the votes are still being counted. But judging from early indications it is clear that the American people have repudiated the leftwing agenda of higher taxes, more spending and bigger government. Democrats promised the country hope and change. Instead, we got a re-run of Jimmy Carter's "malaise days" - rising unemployment, out-of-control spending and ever-expanding regulations.

"There is no spinning the results: The 2010 election is a referendum on Obama and the voters have rejected his agenda of failed stimulus bills, cap and trade energy taxes, government takeovers, union bailouts and socialized medicine.

"The voters also sent a clear message about what they expect from Washington. By voting for conservative candidates, they are demanding fiscal responsibility, smaller government and more respect for traditional values.

"Tonight's results cannot come as a surprise to anyone. The signs have been there all along - from the Tea Party and town hall protests, to polls showing overwhelming opposition to ObamaCare, to the 2009 victories of Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie to Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts. Yet, Obama and congressional Democrats ignored them all. Today, the American people sent an unmistakable message: ENOUGH!

"With yet another and even larger rebuke at the ballot box, it is incumbent upon Barack Obama and congressional Democrats to stop pandering to left-wing special interest groups, abandon their ideological agenda and deliver on their promise of transparency and post-partisanship.

"This year the American people again voted for change in Washington. Now Republicans must regain their trust and work hard to restore their hope."

For more information on a conservative agenda, go to www.cwfpac.com.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Protecting the Right to Vote and Prosecuting Ballot Fraud

In anticipation of the upcoming election, the department today (October 27) provided information about its efforts, through the Civil Rights and Criminal Divisions, to ensure that all qualified voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted, without incidence of discrimination, intimidation or fraud.

Civil Rights Division:

The Civil Rights Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with the civil provisions of federal laws that protect the right to vote, and with criminal law prohibiting discriminatory interference with that right.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces civil provisions of federal laws that protect the right to vote including: the Voting Rights Act; the National Voter Registration Act; the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act; and the Help America Vote Act. Among other things, these laws prohibit discrimination based on race or membership in a minority language group; prohibit intimidation of voters; provide that voters who need assistance in voting because of disability or illiteracy can obtain assistance from a person of their choice; require minority language election materials and assistance in certain jurisdictions; provide for accessible election machines for voters with disabilities; require provisional ballots for voters who assert they are eligible but whose names do not appear on poll books; provide for absentee ballots for service members and U.S. citizens living abroad; and require states to ensure that citizens can register at driver license offices, public assistance offices and other state agencies; and include requirements regarding maintaining voter registration lists.

The Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and suppression based on race, color, national origin or religion. As it has in the past, on Election Day, Nov. 2, 2010, the Civil Rights Division will implement a comprehensive program to help ensure ballot access that will include the following:

The Civil Rights Division will announce later this week which states will have federal personnel as election monitors and observers at polling places.

Civil Rights Division attorneys in both the Voting and Criminal Sections in Washington, D.C., will be ready to receive election-related complaints of potential violations relating to any of the statutes the Civil Rights Division enforces. Attorneys in the division will take appropriate action and will consult and coordinate with local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and with other entities within the Department of Justice concerning these complaints on and after Election Day, as appropriate.

Civil Rights Division staff will be available at special toll-free numbers to receive complaints related to ballot access (1-800-253-3931) (TTY line 1-877-267-8971). In addition, individuals can also report complaints, problems or concerns related to voting via the Internet. Forms may be submitted through a link on the department’s Web page: www.justice.gov/.

Criminal Division and the Department's 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices:

The Department’s Criminal Division oversees the enforcement of federal laws that criminalize voter fraud and protect the integrity of the federal election process.

The Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and the Department’s 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are responsible for enforcing the federal criminal laws that prohibit various forms of election fraud, such as vote buying, multiple voting, submission of fraudulent ballots or registrations, destruction of ballots or registrations, voter intimidation, alteration of votes and malfeasance by election officials, as well as federal civil law prohibiting voter intimidation that does not involve discrimination or intimidation on grounds of race or color.

The department’s Ballot Access and Voting Integrity Initiative requires that each of the department’s U.S. Attorneys’ Offices coordinate with state law enforcement and election officials before the federal general elections regarding the handling of election-related matters in their respective districts. In addition, the department provides annual training for the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who serve as District Election Officers (DEOs) in their respective districts, which the department conducted this year on Aug. 31 and Sept.1. DEOs are responsible for overseeing potential election crime matters in their districts and coordinating with the department’s election crime experts in Washington, D.C.

On Nov. 2, 2010, these offices will work together and with the FBI to ensure that complaints from the public involving possible voter fraud are handled appropriately and expeditiously. Specifically:

* Federal prosecutors within the Public Integrity Section, the DEOs in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, FBI officials at headquarters in Washington, D.C., and special agents serving as Election Crime Coordinators in the FBI’s 56 field offices will be on duty while polls are open to receive complaints from the public and take appropriate action.

* Public Integrity Section prosecutors will also be available to consult and coordinate with the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and FBI regarding the handling of election crime allegations.

Voter fraud complaints may be directed to any of the local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the local FBI offices or the Public Integrity Section (202-514-1412). A list of U.S. Attorneys’ Office can be found at www.justice.gov/usao/offices/index.html and a list of FBI offices can be found at: www.fbi.gov.

Both protecting the right to vote and combating voter fraud are essential to maintaining the confidence of all Americans in our system of government.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Will GOP pull plug on Granny or War?

With prospects of a Republican takeover of Congress, Libertarian Party (LP) Chair Mark Hinkle posed this question: "In order to balance the budget, where will the GOP pull the plug first: on Granny, or on foreign wars?"

Hinkle continued, "Of course, Republicans may have no serious intention of cutting federal deficits or spending, and their complaints about 'out-of-control spending' might be hypocrisy."

Over 60% of federal spending is in three areas: Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and the military. It would be impossible to eliminate the federal deficit without cutting entitlements or military spending, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tea Party leader Dick Armey recently called Social Security a ponzi scheme.

LP Executive Director Wes Benedict said, "Social Security is universal mandatory welfare for seniors. It's very un-libertarian."

Benedict continued, "I suppose one way to maintain the Social Security scheme would be to rapidly grow the U.S. working population, such as by opening up our borders to increase immigration. However, Republican congressmen have tried to duck their responsibility for the bad economy by scapegoating illegal immigrants, so allowing a massive influx of immigrants is politically infeasible in the near future.

"Each child born in the U.S. immediately faces a debt of over $40,000. Ironically, it might not be long before American youth start ditching this debt foisted on them by their parents and grandparents, and start leaving America in search of better opportunity abroad.

"To make Social Security solvent as our population ages, the federal government either has to raise the tax, or cut the benefits. The last significant change to Social Security was a tax increase approved by Ronald Reagan. Libertarians favor cutting Social Security benefits, and we oppose tax increases. Libertarians would prefer to allow workers to opt out of Social Security. Perhaps entitlements can be cut gradually, rather than slashed abruptly, but that depends on taking action sooner rather than later.

"On the October 17 'Fox News Sunday,' I saw that Republican senate candidate Carly Fiorina was repeatedly asked what parts of entitlements she would cut to balance the budget, and she repeatedly dodged the question."

The recent Republican 'Pledge to America' makes no mention of cutting entitlements or the military.

Benedict continued, "Republicans refuse to say where they would cut entitlement spending, and of course Republicans oppose cutting military spending or ending America's foreign wars. Therefore, I'd say that Republicans are hypocrites who aren't serious about solving the federal debt problem."

A video lampooning John Boehner and the Republican 'Pledge to America' was created by Travis Irvine, Libertarian for U.S. Congress in Ohio District 12.

Benedict continued, "Only Libertarians recognize that we can't have it all for much longer. The longer Republicans and Democrats flush money down the toilet in Iraq and Afghanistan, the sooner the government will have to cut benefits for Granny. Of course, Congress may never have the courage to pass legislation to cut entitlements. In that scenario, Granny will eventually start experiencing 'rolling blackouts,' or perhaps a total system collapse.

"Libertarians stand ready to cut spending across the board. Perhaps the question Granny needs to answer is, 'Which do you love more: your Social Security check, or foreign wars?'"

The Libertarian Party has 21 candidates for U.S. Senate and 169 candidates for U.S. House in the upcoming November 2010 elections.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Patriot PAC Announces Operation Black Storm

Patriot PAC has unveiled Operation Black Storm, a national coalition effort to unite the nation behind the 15 black conservative congressional candidates running in key districts around the country as Republican nominees for the upcoming November elections.

Helping to lead the charge among the Tea Party and Patriot movement in America for substantive political reform, Operation Black Storm will fight to fundamentally reshape the makeup of the U.S. Congress on November 2, 2010.

Star Parker - CA-37, Ryan Frazier - CO-7, Allen West - FL-22, Isaac Hayes - IL-2, Marvin Scott - IN-7, Robert Broadus - MD-4, Charles Lollar - MD-5, Bill Marcy - MS-2, Michael Faulkner - NY-15, Bill Randall - NC-13, Tim Scott - SC-3, Charlotte Bergman - TN-9, Stephen Broden - TX-9, Chuck Smith - VA-3, and Vince Danet - US Virgin Islands are Operation Black Storm candidates, several of whom have received endorsements from conservative grassroots favorites Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and Alan Keyes.

This coalition has put its collective weight behind these highly qualified conservative black candidates to provide the resources and exposure they need to win on Election Day. Coalition members helping with voter education and candidate scorecards include Break the Bonds of Tyranny, Unite in Action, The ConservativeMESSENGER, The Frederick Douglass Foundation, and The Black Sphere, among others.

Political Action Committees participating with endorsements and financial support include iCaucus, Patriot PAC, Frederick Douglass Foundation PAC, Declaration Alliance PAC and more.

K. Carl Smith, President of The ConservativeMESSENGER, declared, "We want to reignite America's passion for liberty and create an atmosphere for political dialogue where conservative candidates can engage in conversation about the issues without being accused of racism or called Uncle Toms. Today marks the beginning of the end of playing the race card to silence conservative voices and keep blacks voting opposite their core values."

Operation Black Storm's mission is to provide vital support, so there is heightened national voter awareness of the policy positions and the governing philosophy of these outstanding new leaders for America. It's time for conservatives to make a statement on the racism issue and Patriot PAC and its coalition are intent on ensuring this statement is made loud and clear.

Smith continued, "It's finally time for our nation to get past racial barriers in politics, and with Operation Black Storm we intend to send a message to Washington that--above all--Americans of all backgrounds, colors, and decent faiths want their God-given right for SELF-RULE."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

U.S. Representatives Lynn Westmoreland and Tom Price Have Signed a Common Sense Pledge to Unite our Nation, Committing to 'No Taxpayer Funding for Abortions'

/PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Georgia's 3rd District and U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Georgia's 6th District have added their names to the list of candidates and office holders who have signed a pledge promising to support "no taxpayer funding of abortions."

The pledge is featured at www.DefundAbortion.org, a website launched by Common Sense Issues, Inc., a 501(c)(4) grassroots citizens organization dedicated to pro-Life, limited government principles.

The site features a simple pledge that every federal officeholder can sign promising no taxpayer funding of abortions – a position with which a super-majority of Americans agrees. If an elected official or candidate is willing to make this promise:

* They can be trusted to cut spending when it comes to truly tough choices if they are willing to make this easy choice;
* They understand that protecting and valuing life – every life – is foundational to who we are, how we treat one another, and our very freedom;
* They choose to address the skyrocketing government debt threatening America; and,
* They believe it is their duty to protect the right of Americans, whose faith and conscience condemns the taking of life, to oppose funding with their tax dollars the very act they abhor.


Citizens can download the www.DefundAbortion.org pledge and ask U.S. House and U.S. Senate Members and candidates everywhere to sign it. The pledge can also be easily signed electronically in a matter of seconds. The website has an easy-to-use map allowing citizens to click on a state and see what officials or candidates have signed the pledge. There is also a "blood money" tab where voters can see who has taken money from pro-abortion groups. Go to www.DefundAbortion.org to learn more.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Judicial Watch Sues Justice Department to Obtain All Communications with ACLU Regarding Obama Administration Lawsuit Challenging Arizona's SB 1070

/PRNewswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today announced that it has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) for information regarding the DOJ's decision to file a lawsuit against Arizona over the state's tough new illegal immigration law, SB 1070. Judicial Watch seeks documents pertaining to the Obama administration's contacts with third party organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), in making the decision to file the lawsuit.

Judicial Watch specifically seeks the following documents through its FOIA request originally filed on June 17, 2010:

Any and all communications between the Department of Justice and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), concerning, regarding, or relating to Arizona's "Support Our Law Enforcement and Safe Neighborhoods Act," also referred to as "Arizona SB 1070."

Judicial Watch also seeks "any and all communications between the Department of Justice and any third parties," related to the SB 1070 lawsuit.

On May 17, 2010, a coalition of "civil rights groups," including the ACLU filed a class action lawsuit against the State of Arizona over SB 1070. According to the ACLU's press release announcing the lawsuit, this coalition included: "…the ACLU, MALDEF, National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), ACLU of Arizona, National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) – a member of the Asian American Center for Advancing Justice."

"The American people ought to know if the Obama Justice Department is being run by radical leftist organizations such as the ACLU. I suspect that the Obama Justice Department is making decisions on behalf of its leftist allies, instead of in the public interest," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "This is a simple request for information. The Obama administration should stop stonewalling and release these basic documents on its decision to attack Arizona over its get-tough illegal immigration law."

Judicial Watch represents Arizona State Senator Russell Pearce, author of SB 1070, in the Obama administration's lawsuit challenging the Arizona law. Visit www.JudicialWatch.org to access Judicial Watch's FOIA lawsuit against the Obama Justice Department.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

American Military Society Requests Congress Pass 'Right to Repair Act' to Support Military Families at Home

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Military Society (AMS) requests that Congress support passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (S 3181/HR 2057) on behalf of its membership which includes active, reserve, National Guard, retired and veterans of the uniformed services, their families and survivors.

"Military personnel and their families are often stationed in remote locations far from any dealerships, relying on independent repair shops to service their vehicles," said Charles C. Partridge, Col, USA (Ret) of AMS. "Spouses of deployed service members, holding their families together alone, are particularly disadvantaged when their local auto repair shop is denied ready access to repair information from the car companies. Most do not have the time to find the nearest dealership, drive all the way there and wait for their sole source of transportation to be repaired. That is one more burden that military families do not need to face. All consumers benefit from competition, but those serving our country and their families derive particular benefit from being able to obtain affordable, effective and convenient repairs for their vehicle."

The Right to Repair Act protects motoring consumers from a growing and potentially hazardous vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that car companies provide full access at a reasonable cost to all non-proprietary service information, tools and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles. The legislation provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers to the independent vehicle repair market.

"As cars become more complicated with more computer systems, the problem becomes more acute," continued Partridge. "Selling a car without complete access to repair information is like selling prescription drugs without the doctor's dosing instructions. It doesn't make sense. That's why we are asking Congress to rectify this situation and support passage of the Right to Repair Act. Our military families should not be forced back to the dealer for service and passage of Right to Repair would ensure that they can conveniently and affordably have their vehicles serviced at the shop of their choice."

The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. The Senate version of the bill (S 3181) was recently introduced by Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) and has 5 co-sponsors. The House version (HR 2057) was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) and currently has 71 co-sponsors.
-----

Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

African American Likely Voters' Support for Tea Party is Significant in Recent Poll

/PRNewswire/ -- PJTV's Tea Party TV today unveiled the results of a special Tea Party poll, which revealed that about one-in-three (32%) African Americans who are likely voters would vote for a candidate supported by the Tea Party movement.

"Questions of racism within the Tea Party have been raised for months now," said Vik Rubenfeld, PJTV's Polling Director. "Our survey found that more than one-in-three African Americans support the movement. Moreover, the data revealed that 32 percent are also likely to vote for a congressional candidate whom the Tea Party supports."

"PJTV's Tea Party poll shows that, for many black voters, race no longer serves as a rationale for supporting policies that undermine their economic interests," said Joe Hicks, PJTV's host of the Minority Report and a former Executive Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. "Democrats and leftists have attempted to define the Tea Party movement as a collection of angry white bigots. However, the PJTV poll of black voters shows the wheels on the race card bus are beginning to fall off."

Poll Highlights

* 35 percent of likely voters who are African American support the Tea Party movement and 17 percent support the movement strongly.
* 38 percent of African American respondents who support the Tea Party endorse the movement privately. 34 percent publicly support the Tea Party.
* 32 percent of African American respondents are more likely to vote for a congressional candidate who is supported by the Tea Party, including 14 percent who are very likely.

Methodology

PJTV has been conducting weekly Tea Party tracking polls of 1,000 likely voters since August 2, using Pulse Opinion Research. However, today they presented a special analysis spanning eight weeks from August 2 to September 19 which represents 543 likely voters who are African American. The margin of sampling error on this special survey is +/-4 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Libertarians fight to break cycle of battered gay voter syndrome

Like abused spouses who keep returning to their aggressors, gay voters keep handing their votes to the Democrats who abuse them.

The Libertarian Party (LP) wants to break this self-destructive behavior and offers LGBT voters a better alternative.

LP Chairman Mark Hinkle said, "Exit polls indicate that Democrats get over 70% of LGBT votes in federal elections. Those voters must really love the Democrats' rhetoric, because they certainly aren't seeing any action.

"President Obama and the Democrats had almost a year of complete control of the federal government: the Presidency, the House, and a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate. They could have repealed 'don't ask don't tell.' They could have gotten rid of the Defense of Marriage Act. But they didn't do either of those things. That's a complete and total betrayal of all the promises they made to gay and lesbian voters for years.

"After a carefully orchestrated failure in the Senate, the Democrats are now blaming Republicans for blocking the repeal of 'don't ask don't tell.' Of course, three Democrats just voted against it too, including Majority Leader Harry Reid. Reid claims he voted for procedural reasons, but the whole situation seems calculated to look like they're trying to help, while making sure they don't actually help."

Unlike the Democratic and Republican Parties, the Libertarian Party believes that gays and lesbians deserve equal treatment under the law.

LP Executive Director Wes Benedict added, "The Libertarian Party neither supports nor opposes gay relationships. Libertarians are black, white, young, old, straight, gay, Christian, atheist, yuppie, hippie, rich, poor, greedy, generous, eccentric and just plain average. Though their backgrounds and lifestyles are diverse, they are united on the principle of minimum government and maximum freedom."

The LP Platform states:

"1.3 Personal Relationships
Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the government's treatment of individuals, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships."

The Libertarian Party has 21 candidates for U.S. Senate and 170 candidates for U.S. House in the upcoming November 2010 elections.

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

'A Pledge to America' -- Released by the Senate Republican Communications Center'We Strongly Support this Effort, and Together, House and Senate Republicans Will Continue to Fight for These Principles.

/Standard Newswire/ -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Senate Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD), National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (R-TX), and Senate Republican Conference Vice Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY) released the following joint statement in support of "A Pledge to America (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=hl94yxbab&et=1103711795506&s=13633&e=001VtldEEJkOaIMeTiX7bDRhljzsMSDnnd6I9V6Q3FnovJrBsvh6ALgM6OpjdnZ4zWGJI_GOAQ1tXdAF-RAEM1KKS5pYe4zC6iLSlNS2l3QM3y5UoILWI0OVg==)."

"Americans are speaking out and we are listening. The proposals put forward today by House Republicans reflect what Americans are saying. They want to us to focus on jobs first, fight wasteful Washington spending, repeal and replace the health spending bill and shrink an exploding deficit. Americans want a smaller, less costly and more accountable government.

"We strongly support this effort, and together, House and Senate Republicans will continue to fight for these principles. While the White House will retain the veto pen, House and Senate Republicans will focus on making America more competitive, reducing the size and cost of government, keeping our nation strong and secure, and reining in the massive health care costs and mandates imposed by the Democrats' health spending bill."

-----
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP

Judicial Watch Sues DOJ for Documents Detailing White House Involvement in Black Panther Case Dismissal

/PRNewswire/ -- Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today announced that it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit (Judicial Watch v Department of Justice (CV 10-01606)) against the Obama Department of Justice (DOJ) to obtain records related to meetings between Associate Attorney General Thomas Perrelli and White House officials regarding DOJ's decision to dismiss its voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party for Self Defense (NBPP). Judicial Watch seeks the following documents through its FOIA request sent on January 19, 2010:

"Any and all records of Associate Attorney General Thomas J. Perrelli concerning meetings with the White House on the Justice Department's voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party. The time frame for this request is from January 20, 2009 to June 15, 2009."

On March 26, 2010, the DOJ informed Judicial Watch that it had conducted a search for documents, but found "no records responsive to your request." Judicial Watch appealed the decision on March 31, 2010, based on "various media accounts in which it was reported that Associate Attorney General Perrelli visited the White House on nine occasions between March 25, 2009, and May 27, 2009, to discuss Defendant's voter intimidation case against the New Black Panther Party."

The DOJ was required to make a determination on Judicial Watch's appeal within 20 working days, or by May 3, 2010. To date, no such determination has been made.

On September 20, Judicial Watch released a draft Vaughn index from the DOJ pursuant to a separate lawsuit indicating that Perrelli and other top political appointees were involved in the decision to dismiss the Black Panther case despite sworn testimony of Thomas Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, to the contrary.

The Vaughn index (privilege log) produced to Judicial Watch describes documents that continue to be withheld by the Justice Department. The index details 122 documents (totaling at least 611 pages) that the Obama DOJ is withholding from the public in their entirety. A federal court hearing in the matter is scheduled on October 5, 2010, in Washington, DC, before U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton.

"Why should anyone believe the Justice Department's story regarding these records? We now know Justice officials falsely stated that no political appointees were involved in the Black Panther decision. The Justice Department continues to withhold hundreds of pages of records that could shed light on this scandal. And despite multiple press reports documenting Perrelli's White House meetings, the Justice Department cannot find a single record related to these meetings. We're tired of getting the run-around and that's why we sued," stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

The DOJ filed its lawsuit against the New Black Panther Party following an incident that took place outside of a Philadelphia polling station on November 4, 2008. A video of the incident, showing a member of the New Black Panther Party brandishing police-style baton weapon, was widely distributed on the Internet. According to multiple witnesses, members of the New Black Panthers blocked access to polling stations, harassed voters and hurled racial epithets. Nonetheless, the DOJ ultimately overruled the recommendations of its own staff and dismissed the majority of its charges.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

President Obama Goes Back on Campaign Promise with Jobs Bill

/PRNewswire/ -- The Small Business Jobs Act being pushed by President Obama contains a loophole that will legalize contracting fraud while protecting large fraudulent businesses from prosecution, and stands in stark contradiction to a campaign promise made by President Obama.

In February of 2008, President Obama stated, "It is time to end the diversion of federal small business contracts to corporate giants." (http://www.barackobama.com/2008/02/26/the_american_small_business_le.php) President Obama made this statement to address ongoing fraud and abuse in federal small business contracting programs that cost small businesses over $100 billion a year in missed contract opportunities. Federal law currently mandates that a minimum of 23 percent of all federal contract dollars go to small businesses.

Since 2003, there have been over a dozen federal investigations, which have found Fortune 500 firms and thousands of large companies around the world as the actual recipients of federal small business contracts. The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Inspector General has listed this problem as the number one management challenge facing the agency for the past five consecutive years and referred to this problem as, "One of the most important challenges facing the Small Business Administration and the entire Federal government today." (http://www.asbl.com/documentlibrary.html)

Section 1341 of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act, contains specific language that will allow the SBA to develop policies and procedures to protect large businesses that have misrepresented themselves as small businesses from prosecution for felony contracting fraud. Section 16(d) of the Small Business Act prescribes a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a fine of not more than $500,000 per occurrence for firms that have misrepresented themselves as small businesses.

Some of the firms that have received government small business contracts include: Rolls-Royce, British Aerospace (BAE), Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, L-3 Communications, SAIC, Titan Industries, Raytheon, Dell Computer, Xerox, French firm Thales Communications, Italian firm Finmeccanica SpA, and Ssangyong Corporation headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. Textron, a Fortune 500 firm, received over $775 million in federal small business contracts in a single year.

"It is unbelievable that President Obama is going to create a loophole to benefit the corporate giants he promised to kick out of federal small business contracting programs," ASBL President Lloyd Chapman said. "When you see President Obama on television, I want every American to realize that his administration is giving over $1 million a minute in small business contracts to some of the largest companies in the world."

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Libertarian Party Of Georgia Candidates Raise The Bar This Election Year

Recently, a poll commissioned by 11 Alive, V-103, and WMAZ indicates that due to an all-time high in the percentages of voters surveyed, the Libertarian Party of Georgia is poised to have a banner year this election cycle, including achieving ballot access statewide for all partisan races. Gubernatorial candidate John Monds, the first African-American to appear on the General Election ballot for Governor, has doubled his support since the last poll released, gaining ground among younger likely voters and those affected by the barrage of negative campaign ads run by his Republican and Democratic opponents.

As the momentum continues to grow, the John Monds campaign increases in popularity. Election Day results of twenty percent or more for Mr. Monds will open up the ballot for all Libertarian candidates, allowing candidates to run for city and county non-partisan positions without the hurdles placed by the other two parties.

Other statewide candidates for office, including Chuck Donovan for U.S. Senate, Dan Barber for Lt. Governor, Kira Willis for State School Superintendent and Don Smart for Attorney General, are also polling at record breaking numbers. The polls also show that many, if not all, statewide races could end up in a run-off. In Georgia, candidates need to attain fifty percent of all votes plus one to be elected.

“On November 2nd, people can vote for their conscience and their principles, rather than settle for the choices that the other parties have given,” says Libertarian Party of Georgia Operations Director, Brett Bittner, “And should their first choice not make the run-off slated for November 30th, they can settle to choose the lesser of two evils.”

As seen in 2008, the Atlanta's recent mayoral race, this summer's primaries, run-off elections are becoming a more common occurrence for Georgians, and the Libertarians are positioned to be at the center of attention on and after Election Day. The vision for a Libertarian Georgia may be closer at hand than most might think or would care to admit.

Why the sudden surge and the increase of voter interest in the Libertarians candidates and their party? The change might possibly be explained by a number of factors, mainly this year the Libertarian Party has a full statewide slate of candidates for the first time in history. Voter dissatisfaction of the partisan attacks filled with the same old rhetoric without any action to back it up could be another reason. Perhaps it may well be the scandals that some candidates are facing. Whatever the reason may be, the Libertarian Party along with its candidates are all campaigning very well and seem to be attracting more voters daily.

Despite all the obstacles faced, the current slate of candidates certainly is keeping their opponents on their toes. The possibility of such success has the has the leadership of the Libertarian Party of Georgia elated and excited about their future outlook and the growth of “The Party of Principle.”

The Libertarian Party is Georgia’s third largest political party and the only party in Georgia promoting fewer taxes, less government and personal liberty for all Georgians. To learn more, please visit www.LPGeorgia.com

Reid's Intent to Use Defense Bill to Pass DREAM Act Amnesty Denounced as Cynical and Divisive by FAIR

/PRNewswire/ -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) today announced that he intends to attach a massive illegal alien amnesty provision to the Defense Authorization bill scheduled to be considered by the Senate next week. The DREAM Act would reward illegal aliens with amnesty and would allow them to benefit from taxpayer-funded college tuition and other benefits. The DREAM Act would also reverse a 1996 law that bars states from offering in-state tuition benefits to illegal aliens and would make all illegal aliens eligible for taxpayer subsidized tuition at public colleges and universities.

The DREAM Act, which was first introduced in 2000, has consistently been opposed by the American people and has lacked the political support to pass as a free-standing measure. The timing of the announcement therefore appears to be entirely the result of Sen. Reid's own re-election efforts in Nevada and his belief that passage of the DREAM Act amnesty will appeal to Hispanic voters, says the Federation for American Immigration Reform. It also comes at a time when nearly every state university system is facing severe fiscal constraints, raising tuitions, and slashing programs and admissions.

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), which has consistently opposed the DREAM Act amnesty on its merits, responded sharply to Sen. Reid's announcement that he would use the Defense Authorization bill as a vehicle to reward illegal aliens. "At a time when our country is at war and our troops are fighting and dying in Afghanistan, the use of a bill to authorize funding for our military to benefit illegal aliens exemplifies why the American public has grown contemptuous of the way today's Washington operates," stated Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Passage of the DREAM Act would further harm law-abiding middle class families by diverting scarce educational resources to the children of illegal aliens. "For many middle class families, the only option for ensuring their kids get the education they will need to compete in the 21st century economy are public colleges and universities. The DREAM Act would result in even more seats being filled by illegal aliens and those who are legalized by this bill.

"Middle class workers and middle class taxpayers are already bearing a $113 billion a year burden for their government's refusal to protect them against mass illegal immigration," Stein said. "Now Sen. Reid is asking them to dig even deeper into their pockets and to sacrifice their own children's educational opportunities because he believes it will help his own political prospects. It is a move that is cynical, deeply troubling and divisive."

Proponents of the DREAM Act argue that the bill is a compassionate response to the circumstances of "kids" who were brought to this country illegally by their parents. In reality, it would apply to illegal aliens up to the age of 35. The act also rewards parents who violate immigration laws by giving their children a benefit as a direct result of their illegal actions.

The DREAM Act would also encourage more illegal immigration in the future. "Approval of the DREAM Act would send a clear message to parents that violating U.S. immigration laws will result in eventual citizenship and access to expensive taxpayer financed benefits for their kids. Why wouldn't millions more people decide to break our laws?" asked Stein.

"Rewarding people who break our laws is wrong. Rewarding them at the expense of struggling American workers and students is unfair. Linking that reward to funding for the people who are defending our nation is the epitome of political cynicism," concluded Stein.

-----
Community News You Can Use
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage