The FRC Straw Poll -Two Winners?

We came across this story tonight as I prepare to hit the hay. A controversy has developed at the Family Research Council Straw Poll over who actually won.

Mitt won a close vote over Huck 1595/1565 if all votes are tallied. Huck won the on site voting by a whopping 488/99! David Brody, the chief political correspondent for CBN, has a great analysis of the results.

These results reaffirm two conclusions from the Iowa Straw Poll, that had no internet component and a much larger turnout: Mitt has a great organization and is a very appealing and formidable candidate and Huck is perhaps our most persuasive speaker and engaging personality. Much like his Iowa result, the headlines coming out of this vote should give Huck a big lift and draw the Iowa numbers even closer.

By the way, David Brody is a great political analyst-among the most erudite of observers of the political Christian right and evangelical voter. We’ve linked his column permanently.

.......... and finally, an example of liberal intellectual curiosity from our northern neighbor.

We close with this selection of the intelligent design debate, Canadian style from our Canadian counterparts at Small Dead Animals.

Its good to know that the neo-Stalinist Canadian liberal is as intolerant as their neo-Stalinist American counterparts. So much for free and non-judgmental debate on campus.

New Links-Expanding the Republican Echo Chamber

We’ve added a few more links.

The Alabama GOP Blog is an official blog of the Alabama Republican Party. it’s a good one. Those Crimson Tide kind of Republicans put the “P” in Pachyderm.

We’ve also linked a pair of great Arizona blogs, Arizona 8th and Think Right AZ. Think Right’s video is hilarious. Arkansas Watch is all over the Clinton’s latest fundraising scandal as well. We need to spread that one around.

We have also added the National Republican Senatorial Committee official website. This is a great resource for all Republicans. Needless to say, there is a great deal of information that you probably won’t get elsewhere.

Enjoy the new reads if you have time.

Some Hsus are meant for walkin’

What do Hillary Clinton and O.J. Simpson have in common? No, not decapitation, at least nothing concrete of which we possess knowledge.

It’s the ability to skate in the criminal proceedings but face the music in the subsequent civil lawsuits that follow their nefarious dealings . Check out these two videos! ( One Two ) The Clinton/Peter Paul fundraising scandal is far from over.

It seems pretty simple, if Evita has nothing to hide, why did she and her minions risk criminal conviction and civil liability to hide Peter Paul’s involvement in her Senate campaign? Much like one wonders was so important to Sandy Berger that he was willing to steal from the National Archives? These are not trivial questions-they go to the core of the Clinton syndicate‘s unique unfitness for more power.

Not the least significant is the further example Evita’s response to Paul provides in the Clinton syndicate’s willingness to walk away from people who help them. We certainly don’t have to worry about personal loyalty being intruding in a Hillary Clinton Administration.

Why don’t the non-Clinton Democrats ever mention the Clinton’s outrages against honesty? Is it because they will do anything for power?

Finally, Hillary and the Ruby Red Hsus filled with Gold.

Bill and Hill’s history of receiving illegal contributions from the communist government of China is, of course, no longer subject to historical dispute. Even the most sycophantic of neo-Stalinist reactionary liberal has to acknowledge that the funds were collected and dozens were convicted of engaging in criminal fundraising for the Clinton-Gore spin machine.

Needless to say, these most predatory of cats have not changed their spots in the last twelve years, not one bit. We all knew about Norman Hsu, the convicted con-artists who raised “bundles” of money for Evita ’08. Just today, the LA Times, in a break from character, breaks a story that Hillary is raising money in what appears to be a fraudulent and probably criminal manner in the Chinese community in New York City.

The Clinton spin machine is already in high gear on this one. The story is to first, insist that there is no crime implicated by the story and then to attack those who raise the unpleasant questions with charges of anti Chinese racism. Haven’t we seen this legerdemain before?

The crime is obvious, a conspiracy to circumvent campaign finance limits. If some of the donors say they didn’t actually, well, uh……”donate” then someone donated for them. That “someone” committed a crime. The person who falsely reported the donation committed a crime. The person who told the person to falsely report the donation committed a crime.

The story also indicates that some of the “donors” might not even exist. I’m pretty sure that fictional people cannot make real campaign donations. Fabricating identities in whose names campaign donations are seems a lot like a crime to me. What do you think?

Racism? That dog won’t hunt. No one thinks that Chinese-Americans cannot make large donations, just like every other category of American, hyphenated or otherwise, can have individual members who make large campaign donations.

However, we do wonder when a given community produces campaign donations for a Presidential campaign that in amount that is already 500 times greater than the same community produced for that same parties’ nominee in the entire ’04 cycle. We wonder even more when investigative reporters cannot find a large number of the donors and others say they didn’t make the donations attributed to them. And yes, we wonder when some of the generous donors are contributing more than ten percent of their annual near minimum wage incomes to a candidate with a history of involvement with fraudulent and criminal fundraising in that same community.

Racism? No. Healthy and warranted distrust? Yes. My God people, talk about your kleptocracy.

Second-Archie joins the choir; will other Democrats join the Revolution?

What did TSR predict? That Archie was joining Matt Whitaker’s choir, that’s what. Bingo.

On a human level, this really is a tragedy. Archie’s done some good in his public life (and I know nothing of his private life so I presume decency there as well). I certainly hope that Archie avoids the pen and just has to pay a fine.

On a public level, however, this is a great first step toward cleaning up the corrupt Democrat Polk County Machine. I know that there are many good, decent Democrats in this county, many of whom are active in politics. Every time this corrupt machine devours public money for private gain, both illegally like at least two CIETC executives (and Archie’s plea has to terrify the others, although Archie’s bad memory certainly provides the defense with impeachment fodder made of gold) and legally, like John Mauro’s recent acquisition of almost five million of your dollars they fleece everyone, not just Republicans.

About 45-50% of those tax dollars comes from registered Democrats right here in Polk County. I cannot believe that decent honest Democrats are more afraid of a Board of Supervisors lead by Republicans Bob Brownell and E.J. Giovanetti than they are sick of being fleeced by this corrupt gang of Democrat kleptocrats.

I know a lot of working class families, guys from Deere and Firestone. Their jobs don't depend on government spending and they sure as hell don't have the kind of dime to waste builiding John Mauro's retirement dream or Jack Hatch's increasingly vast fortune. Polk County needs a revolution and we need honest Polk County Democrats who have tired of this corruption to cross party lines on this issue and join with us in cleaning out the Machine.

Frantic Friday-First Pakistan

It has been a busy day, both in the Real Sporer’s real world and in the larger world in general.

I’m not going into the Benazir Bhutto assassination attempt. I’m not even going into the breathtaking courage Ms. Bhutto demonstrated in her defiant reply to the terrorist enemy.

I’m not even going into the stark contrast between Ms. Bhutto's courage with the cowardice of the Islamofacists or the banal and hypocritical ramblings of neo-Stalinist liberals like Al Gore.

No, tonight I think we should reflect on how thoroughly Ms. Bhutto’s massive popularity and triumphant return to Pakistan debunks another liberal myth-the Iraq campaign has isolated the United States.

Never mind that 14 of 18 NATO nations supported the initial action. Never even mind the retention of or return to power of pro-U.S. parties in every country in Europe but Spain, including the ouster of anti-Iraq liberal governments in major power players Canada, Germany and France-all of whom are increasing military commitments around the world to free up American forces for Iraq?

Iraq was supposed to have destabilized Pakistan. The pro Taliban/Al Qaeda ultra-traditionalist population was supposed to have risen against pro-American Pres. Pervez Musharref. Instead, four years after the US lead invasion of Iraq, Pakistan held its first democratic election in a generation. Of course, the pro Western/pro US Musharraf won.

Moreover, it is now readily apparent that the impetus for change that is propelling Pakistan comes from the even more pro Western/pro American Benazir Bhutto, not the rejectionist Islamofacsists. Even the most anti-Bush of liberals sees the Bhutto return as a major victory for Western values in Pakistan.

No wonder all the social surveys show conservatives are happier than are liberals-we don’t create false realities on firmament no more secure than pure pessimism.

Tumultuous Thursday closes with a poll reset and praise for Sam Brownback.

Sam Brownback’s withdrawal from the Presidential race requires a poll reset.

When a candidate drops out, it seems conversation frequently turns to their political future. Some have suggested that Sam would be good Attorney General or gubernatorial candidate in Kansas. I’ve also heard a Brownback gubernatorial run is Sam’s next plan. I sure hope not.

Sam Brownback remains among the most articulate of conservative messengers. If his joint appearance with Joe Biden was more than a campaign stunt, and I think it was, Sam also demonstrated the ability to assert legislative leadership in a legislative chamber that badly needs new leadership.

It would be a shame to waste such talent in a bureaucratic role, like Attorney General. While I know that a governor’s mansion is the resume` line that most likely gets the promotion to the big white house, and Sam surely would still like to be President, a United States Senator has far more influence on the national debate than does the Governor of Kansas.

Sam, please remain in the Senate and provide that new leadership the Senate badly needs.

Is Archie joining the choir?

It looks like ex-city councilman Archie Brooks, the poster child of the CIETC scandal, may be changing his plea tomorrow in federal court.

Whatever could this mean for other components of the Polk County Democrat Machine? Could it mean detailed and inculpatory information about other prominent Democrat elected officials?

You bet it could. One thing I’ve learned in twenty two years of practicing law is the likelihood that a guilty plea is motivated by something of more tangible benefit than a clear conscience. Maybe Archie will be the rarest of exceptions.

Archie’s guilty plea could very well signal that the CIETC scandal has not yet begun to retool the Machine.

Sam is out!!!

The Real Sporer has confirmed that Sam Brownback has dropped out of the Presidential race.

Details developing.....

Iowa Race Closes-Huckabee/Thompson tied for second

The latest Rasmussen Iowa polling data shows Fred and Huck tied in a statistical dead heat here in Iowa for second and with MItt still on top.

We have avoided much discussion of Iowa polling data here at TRS. Early data is pretty unreliable. However, now that we know the actual date for the Caucuses and approach that date with seeming light speed, the data becomes more relevant (e.g. it’s isn’t that “early” anymore).

Moreover, Rasmussen has proven to be one of the more reliable and accurate polling services. It seems like the week on which we set the Caucus date presents a good time to start poll coverage and analysis.

It looks like Mitt’s lead has undergone some minor erosion, but at 25% he’s still outside the margin of error and clearly in first place. FDT continues to hold firm around 19%-showing neither surprising gains nor any meaningful diminution. Huck’s surge from single digits to 18% in the last 60 days is both testimony to the importance of the Iowa Straw Poll and the anecdotal sense that TRS and several other SCC members have observed in our travels around the state.

Polls this close mean only one thing: buckle up and strap on-its going to be a wild 77 days until Caucus ’08.

Made In America -- A Great Success

The Real Sporer attended a second major event today. The Alliance for American Manufacturing sponsored a town hall style meeting tonight at Hy-Vee Hall. Chuck, John, Karen, Sandy, Ashley and the gang put together one of the best political events we’ve seen around the capitol city for quite some time.

The theme was the frightening decline in American manufacturing, usually perceived as a Democrat issue because, of course, the Democrat/Labor (leadership) solution is simplistic but futile adoption of 19th Century style protectionism. Tonight a bi-partisan crowd of more than 600 made it pretty clear that this issue has huge impact on and traction with the Republican voter as well.

Moreover, it was also clear that rank and file Republicans and Democrats have had it with China. The label “Made in China” is unpopular across the board. TRS is a true free trader, but free trade has to be fair trade as well. It also has to be safe trade. Every person with whom I spoke after the event was concerned about the disappearance of American manufacturing jobs and the dumping of dangerous trash into our markets. I say let’s sue the Chinese scofflaws into oblivion, just for a start.

Most importantly the atmosphere during and after the event also demonstrates something that we all too frequently forget -- we are all Americans and we are in this boat together. I think some of the labor union folks with whom I spoke after the event appeared to have actually been forced to think of the implications of death taxes. Guess who buys the small manufacturer at the estate sale? That’s right, a multi-national corporation, probably with significant foreign ownership. Where do those jobs go? Not Dyersville, Centerville or Mt. Pleasant, that’s for sure.

On the other hand, free market capitalists in the crowd had to confront the impact of the loss of American jobs. Here in Iowa, it’s the death of county seats and mid-sized communities. Des Moines used to be the home office of dozens of insurance companies, now there’s about one. Ertl toys and Schaeffer pens are just two examples of the death of our Iowa economic heritage.

Before we debate the best solutions let’s agree on this-one very patriotic act that is within the grasp of every single American-everyone can and should………………..

BUY AMERICAN!

Rudy Does Drake

Our front running Rudy Giuliani appeared today at Drake U’s Olmstead Center. The room was packed, with every chair filled. The room was set for about 225 and there several on the stage and standing so the best guess would be about 250 (exclusive of handlers and media) were there to hear Giuliani.

The crowd was youthful, not a surprising demographic given the venue. However, many were young adults of the post college-pre male pattern baldness age group. I’m guessing some of them are now earning their first paychecks where student loans and health insurance really are competing with the party budget for priority. Microeconomic fiscal conservatism certainly comes with fiscal burden, a terrible shock for twenty-somethings during every period of history I would guess.

The event was opened by Texas Governor Rick Perry. Gov. Perry was clearly reaching out to social conservatives. TRS has not had a chance to talk with literally any political types from the audience so I don’t know how Gov. Perry’s arguments were received.

Rudy focused hard on the need for free market economic reforms. Rudy described a recurring dream of French Pres. Sarkozy flying west from France toward the United States passing so close to a plane flying east from the United States to France, carrying Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama and John Edwards, that President Sarkozy could wave good-bye as the Democrats joined the forgotten failures of the past. What a great metaphor for the Democrat lemming like embrace of socialist solutions to America’s problems at a time that even the silliest, lethargic and collective of old Europe’s socialist societies have rejected the collective model for market based solutions. Rudy hits Hillary hard with her stream of very costly socialist experiments.

A semi-heckler from the American Diabetes Association tried to pick a fight because Rudy wouldn’t provide a government guarantee of “free” health care for everyone living in the country. The Giuliani response was very, very effective. Comparing the price depressive effects of competition for such products as televisions and cell phones to the effects of similar competition in a consumer and market based health care market creates an analogy that everyone can readily understand.

Rudy stayed on message, continuously drawing the distinctions between Democrat socialism and Republican individualism. This is the fourth time I have seen Rudy with a large audience. Aside from a very passing reference at the Lincoln Dinner, Rudy never even acknowledges his Republican primary opposition. The Rudy pitch appears designed to create consensus around his beliefs rather than his submission to the collective beliefs of the audience.

As always, Giuliani finished with a discussion of the need to stay on the offense in the War on Terror. Offense versus defense is the basic premise of his campaign. Giuliani never strays too far from the aggressive message of attacking and destroying the terrorists abroad and discovering and destroying those who’ve crossed our borders.

The GOP field has been noticeably absent in Iowa over the last two weeks. Its good to see Mayor Giuliani here and Sen. McCain coming soon. Less than 90 days to go!!!

Chuck, Billary and Rock ‘n’ Roll for Sale.

This morning’s USA Today broke new ground for a Gannet publication; a front page story about Democrat corruption.

It appears that New York Senator’s Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton earmarked some one million dollars of your income tax money for a museum on the site of Woodstock concert. The museum is owned by a private corporation. The corporation, in turn, is owned by a Republican named Alan Gerry. While I dig rock ‘n’ roll music, particularly the Woodstock album (own it in vinyl, CD and video), I’m not sure that giving tax money to help a billionaire build a museum to the show is the best use of tax dollars. Think of the help a million dollar grant could do for some small start up business somewhere or the amount of AIDs vaccines for sub Saharan Africa that could have been purchased with that money?

The USA Today article, a must read for Republicans, describes Gerry’s pattern of donations to prominent New York Democrats. For example, Gerry has contributed some $150,000 to the Schumer led Democrat Senatorial Campaign Fund in the last 21 months. Gerry and his wife have also maxed out personal contributions to the Evita ’08 Campaign, giving Billary some $9,200 this year alone.

Another Democrat, Cong. Maurice Hinchey (NY) has received $19,500 from Gerry and wife and responded with a $200,000 earmark back in 2003 for the Woodstock project.

Nothing in the Woodstock corruption story should come as a surprise to political observers. Schumer’s role as a bag man for Democrat corruption is already the stuff of legend. The Clintons, of course, have set standards of financial rapaciousness that is unrivaled by any historical antecedent, quite literally receiving bags of cash from the Chinese government.

What should be surprising is the arrogance. $29,200 was paid over to Schumer and Clinton within days of Gerry’s receipt of the $1 million earmark. Tell me again how that isn’t just plain bribery?

If the donations are legal, and they probably are, then does this incident not prove the dire need for the earmark reform that the President requested in his 2007 State of the Union address? However, since the Pelosi-Reid Post Office Congress has increased earmarks by some 800% over their Republican counterparts in 2006 does anyone think that Democrats like John “Abscam” Murtha will support earmark reform?

ITS OFFICIAL-CAUCUSES ON JANUARY 3

Its official, the Iowa Republican Party will Caucus at 7:00 o'clock p.m. on January 3, 2008. The date was unanimously chosen-a reflection of the preservation of the integrity of the process (did not move into '07) balanced against the realities of the national political landscape. We owe it to the people who elected us to preserve Iowa's "first in the nation" status.

The January 3 time coupled with the seven o'clock start time should allow people who need to get home from work and take care of their family needs before arriving. It is also sufficiently early to allow the caucus business to be finished at reasonable hour. The voting should be finished by eight so football fans can make it home before half time of the Orange Bowl.

We kept the Caucuses on a weeknight. There should be no greater impediments to participation on a Thursday than a Monday or a Tuesday.

Finally, we understand that popular opinion in Iowa Republcan ranks is heavily against caucusing in 2007. Do we really want that kind of political activity over Christmas?

History never stops. The status quo was not an option this year.

Rudy in Des Moines Wednesday.

Rudy Giuliani will be at Drake, this Wednesday at 1:30 for a town hall style meeting. Time will be allowed for Q & A I am told.

Details are available by calling the Rudy '08 campaign here in Des Moines.

More hard evidence of success in Iraq.

Even the Washington Post was forced to publish optimistic news from Iraq with this great article on Iraq glowing from the front page of today’s edition. The part that reads “there is widespread that AQI has suffered major blows” is most heartening. Liberal amazement is almost palpable. After all Dingy Harry declared defeat long ago. While liberals are stammering disbelief that the application of disproportionate force was followed by battlefield success, seven or eight thousand years of history have produced the aphorism “God is on the side of the big battalions” for a reason.

It will be interesting to see how the Democrat ‘s turn major blows against AQI into disaster but they will. Remember, in Democrat world, reality and context, and worst of all optimism on anything, are merely inconvenient impediments to defeatism and partisan gain.

For example, the NY Times neglected to mention that federal tax receipts reached a new record high during the last fiscal year, that would be the same fiscal year that the deficit dropped 34.2% and came in around half the amount the very same newspaper projected, on the day it labeled the historically proven and abundantly replicated positive affect of rate reduction on tax collection a myth. If the NY Times can ignore something as objective as tax receipts and tax rates they certainly cannot be expected to concede success in a subjective endeavor like guerilla war.

Today, we focus on battlefield success because battlefield success is a necessary precondition to political success (e.g. one side giving up). Congrats and thanks to the armed forces, including their Commander in Chief, for delivering this success.