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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Reaction to state budget deal
Gov. Ed Rendell said Friday night that there are no winners or losers in the compromise that ended Pennsylvania's 80-day-old budget impasse.
Don't believe him. There are always winners and losers in every budget agreement and this one is no exception.
If you smoke, you're going to pay more. If you support the arts in Pennsylvania, you are going to pay more. (The deal expands the state sales tax to cover tickets for concerts, museums, theaters, etc.)
If your church or nonprofit group uses bingo or other small games of chance as fundraisers, you're going to have to pay the state under a new tax inlcuded in the deal.
If you're a business owner, you're going to continue paying some of the highest business taxes in the country. And so on.
Although details are sketchy, (Rendell purposely declined to reveal many details until the rank-and-file state lawmakers are briefed next week), The Commonwealth Foundation offers some instant analysis based on what we do know.
The budget deal includes $821 million in tax increases and fails to address at least $1.7 billion in deficit spending from last years' budget, according to the Foundation.
The state's "Rainy Day Fund" will be exhausted with legislative leaders agreeing to spend the entire $775 million to balance the budget, according to the Foundation.
That's a risky move because the economy isn't getting any better and we could sitting on another huge budget deficit next summer.
Read more at the Foundation's POLICY BLOG
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Don't believe him. There are always winners and losers in every budget agreement and this one is no exception.
If you smoke, you're going to pay more. If you support the arts in Pennsylvania, you are going to pay more. (The deal expands the state sales tax to cover tickets for concerts, museums, theaters, etc.)
If your church or nonprofit group uses bingo or other small games of chance as fundraisers, you're going to have to pay the state under a new tax inlcuded in the deal.
If you're a business owner, you're going to continue paying some of the highest business taxes in the country. And so on.
Although details are sketchy, (Rendell purposely declined to reveal many details until the rank-and-file state lawmakers are briefed next week), The Commonwealth Foundation offers some instant analysis based on what we do know.
The budget deal includes $821 million in tax increases and fails to address at least $1.7 billion in deficit spending from last years' budget, according to the Foundation.
The state's "Rainy Day Fund" will be exhausted with legislative leaders agreeing to spend the entire $775 million to balance the budget, according to the Foundation.
That's a risky move because the economy isn't getting any better and we could sitting on another huge budget deficit next summer.
Read more at the Foundation's POLICY BLOG
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
More bad poll numbers for Obama
And the hits just on keep on coming. I'm surprised the far left hasn't started calling people who answer opinion polls the wrong way "racists" or maybe that's coming next as the Obama administration continues to stumble.
The latest Harris Poll numbers are nothing but bad news for the White House.
For the first time in his presidency, Barack Obama's negative rating exceeds his positive score, according to a poll conducted between Sept. 8-15. Those who think the country is on the wrong track have risen while those who think it is moving in the right direction have fallen, according to Harris Interactive.
Some of the key results of this Harris Poll include:
The Harris Poll, which has has been rating presidents regularly since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, found that Obama's positive rating of 49% is slightly lower than those of most of his predecessors at this time in their presidencies.
With the exception of President Johnson, who enjoyed a positive rating of 67% in September 1965, all the other presidents had positive ratings approximately eight months after they were inaugurated of between 48% (President Clinton in 1993) and 56% (George H.W. Bush in 1989), according to Harris.
The lower a president's job rating, the more the opposition and the media tend to attack and criticize him, and it becomes harder for the president to rally his supporters or to twist arms in Congress, according to Harris. If Obama's ratings continue to slip, it will be harder for him to pass hotly contested legislation, and in particular, health care reform, concludes Harris.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
The latest Harris Poll numbers are nothing but bad news for the White House.
For the first time in his presidency, Barack Obama's negative rating exceeds his positive score, according to a poll conducted between Sept. 8-15. Those who think the country is on the wrong track have risen while those who think it is moving in the right direction have fallen, according to Harris Interactive.
Some of the key results of this Harris Poll include:
-- President Obama's rating is now 49% positive, 51% negative, compared to 51% positive and 49% negative in August. While the month-on-month change is not statistically significant, the latest numbers are significantly worse than his ratings in all the other Harris Polls conducted since his inauguration. In May his ratings were 59% positive, 41% negative.How do Obama's ratings compare with previous presidents' ratings after eight months in office? Not so hot.
-- While Democrats still have overwhelmingly positive views of the president, and Republicans are overwhelmingly negative, a majority of Independents (by 54% to 46%) now give the president negative ratings. And 21% of Democrats give him negative marks.
-- The 58% to 42% majority which now thinks that the country is on the wrong track is more negative than the 54% to 46% majority who believed this in August. However, the new numbers on this question are virtually the same as they were in June and July.
-- When asked to name the two most important issues for the government to address, fully 55% now mention health care, which is well ahead of the economy (36%). In May when this question was last asked, the economy (45%) topped the list well ahead of health care (31%).
-- It is interesting to note the decline in those mentioning the economy from 64% last October to 59% in January, 50% in March and only 36% now. It seems that many people are not as frightened by the economic crisis now as they were 11 months ago and earlier this year.
The Harris Poll, which has has been rating presidents regularly since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, found that Obama's positive rating of 49% is slightly lower than those of most of his predecessors at this time in their presidencies.
With the exception of President Johnson, who enjoyed a positive rating of 67% in September 1965, all the other presidents had positive ratings approximately eight months after they were inaugurated of between 48% (President Clinton in 1993) and 56% (George H.W. Bush in 1989), according to Harris.
The lower a president's job rating, the more the opposition and the media tend to attack and criticize him, and it becomes harder for the president to rally his supporters or to twist arms in Congress, according to Harris. If Obama's ratings continue to slip, it will be harder for him to pass hotly contested legislation, and in particular, health care reform, concludes Harris.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Pennsylvania sheds more jobs under Rendell
Pennsylvania lost another 8,800 jobs in August, according to new numbers released Thursday by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry.
State officials tried to put the best possible spin on the bad news by pointing out that Pennsylvania's 8.6% unemployment rate "remained below the United States' unemployment rate, which rose three-tenths of a point to 9.7 percent in August."
Doesn't that make you feel better?
Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was up 3.1 percentage points from August 2008, compared to an increase of 3.5 percentage points since August 2008 for the nation.
Since August 2008, Pennsylvania has shed 191,500 jobs!
Just a reminder that the governor of Pennsylvania is Ed Rendell, a Democrat, who has increased spending by $8 billion since 2003. Much of that spending went for various economic revitalization projects that Rendell claimed would bring more jobs to the state.
And in case you forgot, the Democrats also control both houses of Congress and the White House. If you're one of the 15 million Americans out of work, be sure to thank a Democrat in Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.
For a detailed breakdown of the employment numbers, follow the link below:
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: August 2009
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
State officials tried to put the best possible spin on the bad news by pointing out that Pennsylvania's 8.6% unemployment rate "remained below the United States' unemployment rate, which rose three-tenths of a point to 9.7 percent in August."
Doesn't that make you feel better?
Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was up 3.1 percentage points from August 2008, compared to an increase of 3.5 percentage points since August 2008 for the nation.
Since August 2008, Pennsylvania has shed 191,500 jobs!
Just a reminder that the governor of Pennsylvania is Ed Rendell, a Democrat, who has increased spending by $8 billion since 2003. Much of that spending went for various economic revitalization projects that Rendell claimed would bring more jobs to the state.
And in case you forgot, the Democrats also control both houses of Congress and the White House. If you're one of the 15 million Americans out of work, be sure to thank a Democrat in Harrisburg or Washington, D.C.
For a detailed breakdown of the employment numbers, follow the link below:
Pennsylvania's Employment Situation: August 2009
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Law professor criticizes far left's use of race card
"The increasingly hysterical use of the the race card by liberal columnists, bloggers and politicians reflects the last gasps of people who, being unable to win an argument on the merits, seek to end the argument," writes William Jacobson, associate clinical professor of Law at Cornell Law School. From a recent op-ed by Jacobson:
While the false accusation of racism is not a new tactic, it has been refined by Obama supporters into a toxic powder which is causing damage to the social fabric of the country by artificially injecting race into every political issue.Read the full column at RealClearPolitics.com
The American people, while they still mostly like Obama on a personal level, increasingly oppose his policies and plans. Democrats know that the debate on the merits of initiatives such as health care and cap-and-trade has been won on the merits by the opposition.
Not surprisingly, the pace of racial accusations has picked up as opposition has grown. Just in the past few days the usual and not-so-usual suspects have been seeking to out-do each other in making accusations of racism including Eugene Robinson, Maureen Dowd, Jimmy Carter, Rep. Hank Johnson, Chris Matthews, a wide range of Democratic politicians, and of course, almost all of the mainstream media.
The effect of these accusations is poisonous. Race is the most sensitive and inflammatory subject in this country. By turning every issue, even a discussion of health care policy, into an argument about race, liberals have created a politically explosive mixture in which the harder they seek to suppress opposing voices, the harder those voices seek to be heard.
Also check out Williamson's excellent blog, Legal Insurrection
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Toomey coming to Berks Saturday
U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey and Pennsylvania Supreme Court candidate Joan Orie Melvin will the guests of honor at the annual picnic hosted by the Berks County Republican Party.
The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Cacoosing Meadows Park, Reedy and State Hill roads, Spring Township.
In addition to meeting the candidates, there will be food, entertainment and refreshments. (Committeepeople, YR's, McCain/Palin Volunteers and candidates are asked to bring a covered dish.)
For more information, visit www.berksgop.org or call the party headquarters at 610-374-1100.
The event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Cacoosing Meadows Park, Reedy and State Hill roads, Spring Township.
In addition to meeting the candidates, there will be food, entertainment and refreshments. (Committeepeople, YR's, McCain/Palin Volunteers and candidates are asked to bring a covered dish.)
For more information, visit www.berksgop.org or call the party headquarters at 610-374-1100.
Working hard or hardly working?
Nothing new on the budget front as the stalemate enters Day 78, but the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the following resolutions Wednesday:
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
House Resolution 404 designating the week of September 20 - 26 2009 as Lower Back Pain Awareness Week in PennsylvaniaKeep up the good work, guys and gals.
House Resolution 453 recognizing September 23, 2009 as National Hunting and Fishing Day in Pennsylvania.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
'Talking Politics' on the radio today
Tune in to "Talking Politics with Tony Phyrillas & Mike Pincus" today at 5 p.m. on WPAZ 1370 AM
Topics will include Pennsylvania's ongoing budget impasse, the 2010 political races heating up and the growing ACORN scandal.
You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.
If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com
Topics will include Pennsylvania's ongoing budget impasse, the 2010 political races heating up and the growing ACORN scandal.
You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-326-4000.
If you can't receive the radio signal, you can listen to the broadcast online at www.pottsmerc.com or www.1370wpaz.com
'Race Card: Sign of Desperation'
A guest column from Tony Perkins of the Family Research Center on the hysterical left's use of race to shut down all criticism of the Obama administration.Race Card: Sign of Desperation
By Tony Perkins
Yesterday, the House voted 240 to 179 to censure Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) for saying the President was lying about aspects of his health care reform plan. What was more telling than the vote was the rhetoric that surrounded it. Those pushing to publicly flog Wilson avoided the subject at hand, the health care reform plan and whether or not the President's statements were false.
Rather, House members like Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) used the opportunity to say Wilson 's actions were motivated by racial animus. In an interview with CNN, Johnson said "I guess we'll probably have folks putting on white hoods and white uniforms again and riding through the countryside, intimidating people. That's the logical conclusion if this kind of attitude is not rebuked." On ABC's World News, referring to Wilson's comments, Lee said "Hate speech can turn into hate crimes."
Working out of the Left's classic playbook, former President Jimmy Carter, interviewed on NBC Nightly News, chimed in not only on Wilson's comments but on the public opposition to the President's liberal plans saying, "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African-American."
This is a classic move by the Left when they can't win the policy debate; they try to marginalize their opponents by calling them racist.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
PA GOP blasts Sen. Casey for 'blind support' of ACORN
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason is pleased that the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to deny federal housing funds to the controversial left-wing advocacy group ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now).However, Gleason questioned U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr.'s decision to join six of his colleagues in support of ACORN funding.
"Sen. Bob Casey's blind support of this corrupt organization is questionable at best," Gleason said. "ACORN continues to be exposed as a corrupt organization that should not be receiving federal funds under any circumstance. The recent videos depicting ACORN on a number of occasions giving out advice on how to cheat and lie on your taxes were appalling and further confirmed my suspicions about this questionable organization.
"With all things we have learned about ACORN, I cannot understand how Senator Casey could support ACORN. Sen. Casey owes it to our Commonwealth and his constituents to explain his vote."
On Monday, the U.S. Senate voted 83-7 vote in favor of an amendment that stripped out funding to ACORN in a housing and transportation bill. ("Senate Denies ACORN Funding," Politico, 9/14/09, http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27153.html)
Casey, a freshman Democrat, was one of the seven votes against the amendment. ACORN is under investigation in nine states for allegations of voter registration fraud.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Mensch picks up key endorsement in bid for state Senate
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, which represents 700 businesses in Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties, has endorsed state Rep. Bob Mensch for the 24th Senatorial District seat in a special election on Sept. 29. The election will fill the vacant Senate seat previously held by Sen. Robert Wonderling, who recently resigned to serve as the president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Mensch, serving his second term in the state House, has been an ally of the business community and a strong advocate for policies that will foster job creation and economic growth, according to the Chamber.
"He brings a valuable insight to the legislature with his experience as a business professional," said TriCounty Area Chamber President P. Timothy Phelps.
Mensch was named the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce's Legislator of the Year in 2008 for his impact on the region as well as his 100 percent voting record on business issues supported by the Chamber.
More from the Chamber's endorsement:
Mensch continues to support key chamber initiatives, and he is an advocate for tri-county's regionalization efforts. His pro-business stances include investment in improved transportation infrastructure, business tax structure reform, health care reform, and tort reform. Also, as a member of the House Republican Policy Committee Task Force on Budget and Economic Policy, Mensch has remained strongly opposed to Governor Ed Rendell's proposal to increase taxes to offset proposed state spending increases.This is the second major endorsement Mensch has picked up from the business community. Mensch is also supported by ChamberPAC, the political arm of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
Having worked his way through the ranks at AT&T for 28 years, he truly understands the needs of the business community. The Chamber believes that Representative Bob Mensch's dedicated leadership, combined with his community, charity, corporate, and political experiences, provides the mix needed for the success of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Mensch is also endorsed by the Pennsylvania Coalition of Taxpayer Associations for his support of the elimination of property taxes.
For more about the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, visit tricountyareachamber.com
For more about Mensch, visit his campaign Web site.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Most Corrupt Members of Congress
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) has released its fifth annual report on the most corrupt members of Congress.CREW's Most Corrupt Members of Congress provides a detailed analysis of the unethical and sometimes illegal activities of 15 congressmen and women who have most egregiously betrayed the public's trust.
"With the economy in a free-fall, unemployment rates at record highs and health care solutions still nowhere in sight, members should be spending their time looking for answers to the nation's problems, not finding new ways to enrich themselves." said Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW. "The members of Congress profiled in CREW'sMost Corrupt report have betrayed those who voted them into office. This report holds them accountable for their bad choices."
CREW also has launched the report's tandem Web site, www.CREWsMostCorrupt.org, which offers short summaries of each member's transgressions as well as the full-length profiles and all accompanying exhibits.
The 15 most corrupt members of Congress (listed alphabetically) are:
Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL)
Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL)
Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA)
Sen. John Ensign (R-NV)
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL)
Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA)
Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV)
Rep. John Murtha (D-PA)
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA)
Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN)
Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA)
Rep. Don Young (R-AK)
From a CREW press release:
New to this year's list are Sens. Roland Burris and John Ensign, and Reps. Nathan Deal, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Pete Visclosky.Visit CREWsMostCorrupt.org or click here to read the full report.
After a two-year absence, Rep. Maxine Waters has reappeared in the study for unethical activities unrelated to the conduct that landed her on the list in the past. A detailed list of those who have previously graced the report can be found on the Web site.
Of this year's list of 15, at least 12 are under investigation: Reps. Ken Calvert, Jerry Lewis, Alan Mollohan, John Murtha, Pete Visclosky and Don Young are under Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations, while Sens. Roland Burris and John Ensign and Reps. Charles Rangel and Laura Richardson are under congressional ethics committee investigations. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is under investigation by both the DOJ and the Office of Congressional Ethics and Rep. Vern Buchanan is being investigated by the Federal Election Commission.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is a non-profit legal watchdog group dedicated to holding public officials accountable for their actions.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Curt Schroder hires campaign manager
State Rep. Curt Schroder has added Kyle Whatley as campaign manager in his bid to win the Republican nomination in the 6th Congressional District. Whatley has held leadership positions in or managed four congressional campaigns, a mayor's race and two city council offices. He led a statewide non-profit organization and has consulted Fortune 500 companies.
Originally from Texas, Mr. Whatley came to Pennsylvania specifically to work on
Curt Schroder's campaign.
"My wife and I would not have moved almost 2,000 miles if I was not absolutely certain Curt Schroder was going to win this race," Whatley said. "He is in an exceptional position to not only prevail in the primary but to win the election next
November. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this campaign and look forward to playing my role in Curt Schroder being the next Congressman representing the 6th District of Pennsylvania."
Schroder added, "I am pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Whatley. This team is fast becoming one of the most skilled in the country."
Schroder previously announced that addition of two consulting firms, Strategy Group for Media and Hallowell & Branstetter as part of his campaign team.
"The Strategy Group for Media has consistently won awards for excellence, Hallowell & Branstetter has a combined 50 years in Pennsylvania politics and we have now added an experienced campaign manager," Schroder said. "I am extremely confident in the professional team we have assembled and am excited about the race to come."
Schroder was first elected to represent the 155th District of Pennsylvania in the State Assembly in 1994.
He and his wife reside in Downingtown with their two children.
The 6th District Congressional seat will be open in 2010 because incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach is not seeking re-election to Congress, opting instead to run for Pennsylvania governor.
For more on Schroder, visit his campaign Web site, http://Vote4Curt.com
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
PA GOP: Since Obama took office, PA has lost more than 100,000 jobs
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason was not surprised to see that President Barack Obama chose to avoid hardworking Pennsylvania families who are "bitter" over his big government agenda and concerned about his government-run health care plan on Tuesday, instead choosing to hang out with other liberal elites in a last ditch attempt to save Democrat U.S. Senator Arlen Specter from electoral loss next year."President Obama clearly is avoiding average hardworking Pennsylvanians who have serious concerns about his big government agenda, specifically his plan for government-run, taxpayer-funded health care," Gleason said. "If Obama thought Pennsylvanians were "bitter" before, he should talk to them now that they have digested the failed Obama-Specter stimulus bill, his massive energy tax, the government takeover of the auto, insurance and banking industries, and now his push for government-run, taxpayer-funded health care while our nation's budget deficit continues to multiply by trillions of dollars by the day.
"With his negatives climbing and his election hopes falling, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter has to be wondering if the President is going to help or hurt his re-election campaign. As a loyal Democrat foot soldier and in his new role as the junior Pennsylvania Senator, Specter's numbers continue to decline as he has been forced to defend Obama's unpopular policy positions, like the stimulus that has resulted in a bigger deficit and more lost jobs."
More from the PA GOP:
SINCE OBAMA HAS TAKEN OFFICE PENNSYLVANIA HAS LOST OVER 100,000 JOBS
Since Obama Has Taken Office, Nearly 147,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In Pennsylvania. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 9/14/09)
Since Obama Took Office In January 2009, Number Of Unemployed Pennsylvanians Has Increased By Almost 21 Percent. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 9/14/09)
In June, State Unemployment Hit 8.5%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/21/09)
When Obama Took Office, State Unemployment Was 7.0%. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Web site, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/21/09)
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Jay Rockefeller rips Max Baucus bill - Manu Raju - POLITICO.com
Democrats are going after each other over the health care fiasco.
Jay Rockefeller rips Max Baucus bill - Manu Raju - POLITICO.com
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Jay Rockefeller rips Max Baucus bill - Manu Raju - POLITICO.com
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Spike TV pay tribute to Patrick Swayze on Sept. 19
Spike TV will celebrate the work of the late Hollywood actor Patrick Swayze in one of his cult-classic roles in the film "Road House" this Saturday, September 19 (10:00 PM - 12:30 AM, ET/PT). The telecast will also include a special tribute to the Golden Globe-nominated actor, who died Monday at age 57 due to pancreatic cancer.
Spike's telecast of "Road House" will include a short tribute to the actor. Spike.com will feature its own tribute where fans can post their own messages or favorite Swayze movie moments at http://spike.com
Spike TV Celebrates Patrick Swayze With Special Movie Presentation and Tribute This Saturday, September 19
See my earlier post about "Road House" You know what I'll be doing Saturday night.
Democrat Scheuring afraid to debate Mensch?
State Rep. Bob Mensch, the Republican candidate in the special election to fill the vacant seat in the 24th state Senate District, has been trying to get his Democratic opponent to agree to debates for several weeks without success.With just two weeks left until the Sept. 29 special election, Mensch issued an open invitation to Democrat Anne Scheuring to debate him pretty much any time, any place.
"Voters have a right to hear directly from the candidates in a civil and open debate on the issues," said Pete Peterson, spokesperson for the Mensch campaign. "The region and state face a number of critical challenges, including the need to create jobs, open space preservation, and the need to hold the line on any tax increases on working families. Voters deserve to know which candidate has a strong command of the issues and best represents their views."
(The fact that Scheuring's entire political experience consists of nine months on the Lansdale Borough Council may have something to do with her reluctance to face Mensch in a public forum. Scheuring was a last-minute candidate after several prominent Democrats declined to run in the special election.)
Ideally, the Mensch campaign would like to see three separate debates in various regions of the district "to offer voters the best opportunity to hear from the candidates and reduce long travel times," Peterson said.
Unfortunately, Scheuring has even refused to be a guest on local radio and television programs if Mensch will be on at the same time to discuss the issues, Peterson said.
"Rather than engage in an open and honest debate on the issues, Anne Scheuring has resorted to mudslinging and false attacks on Rep. Mensch," said Peterson. "Voters deserve better. Scheuring made the ridiculous claim that Rep. Mensch voted for the controversial pay raise, but he hadn't even been elected to office yet. He even donates his annual cost-of-living adjustment to charities that provide assistance to disabled individuals and victims of domestic violence."
(The pay raise accusation is a common false charge made by Democratic strategists who run campaigns from Harrisburg. It's been used before in the 2008 election cycle against Republican candidates who were not serving in the Legislature when the pay raise vote was taken in July 2005.)
Scheuring has rejected or refused to respond to numerous debates, forums and radio and television appearances with Mensch. The list includes forums with Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, PBS 39, WFMS Channel 69, and WNPV 1440 AM, according to Peterson.
Scheuring's refusal to debate may be related to her lack of willingness to address the false attacks she has made on Mensch, Peterson said.
The 24th Senatorial District seat opened up when former Sen. Rob Wonderling resigned in August to accept the position as CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Mensch is in his third year in the state House and previously served six years as a township supervisor in Marlborough. For more on Mensch, visit his campaign Web site.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Columnist: Double dippin' in H'burg
No wonder they're in no hurry to pass a budget. The living is easy in Harrisburg ... as long as other people are paying the bills.
From a recent column by Brad Bumsted about how lawmakers are spending your hard-earned tax dollars:
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
From a recent column by Brad Bumsted about how lawmakers are spending your hard-earned tax dollars:
During the 2007-08 session, the House chief clerk's office spent almost $250,000 on catered dinners for lawmakers, most of whom were collecting $146 per day for food and lodging costs.Double dippin' in H'burg - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
It's one of those many expenditures you rarely hear about. It's yet another example of how your tax money gets frittered away at the Capitol.
Sometimes it was "just" pizza. But pizza for a 203-member legislative body doesn't come cheap.
Try $680 at Papa John's on March 10, 2008.
That same day, the House spent $4,612 on food from Zia's catering.
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Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Congress passes Wilson 'disapproval resolution' by 240-179 margin
The House of Representatives released the text of the resolution of disapproval at the outburst ("You lie!") by Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., during President Barack Obama's speech:
Update: The final tally late Tuesday was 240-179, mostly along party lines: 233 Democrats and seven Republicans voting for the resolution, and 167 Republicans and 12 Democrats opposing the measure. Five Democrats "present."
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Whereas on September 9, 2009, during the joint session of Congress convened pursuant to House Concurrent Resolution 179, the President of the United States, speaking at the invitation of the House and Senate, had his remarks interrupted by the Representative from South Carolina, Mr. Wilson; and whereas the conduct of the Representative from South Carolina was a breach of decorum and degraded the proceedings of the joint session, to the discredit of the House:I like the part about discrediting of the House as if the American public can have a lower opinion of Congress than they already do.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the Representative from South Carolina, Mr. Wilson, during the joint session of Congress held on September 9, 2009.
Update: The final tally late Tuesday was 240-179, mostly along party lines: 233 Democrats and seven Republicans voting for the resolution, and 167 Republicans and 12 Democrats opposing the measure. Five Democrats "present."
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Senators question Obama 'czar' system
Six Republican Senators have written a letter to President Obama questioning the president's continued reliance on "czars" to run key parts of the government.
"These positions raise serious issues of accountability, transparency, and oversight," the letter states. "The creation of "czars," particularly within the Executive Office of the President, circumvents the constitutionally established process of "advise and consent," greatly diminishes the ability of Congress to conduct oversight and hold officials accountable, and creates confusion about which officials are responsible for policy decisions."
The letters was signed by Sens. Susan M. Collins, Lamar Alexander, Christopher S. Bond, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts and Robert F. Bennett.
Read the full text of the letter at the link below:
Senators Express Concern With Number of Czars in Administration
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
"These positions raise serious issues of accountability, transparency, and oversight," the letter states. "The creation of "czars," particularly within the Executive Office of the President, circumvents the constitutionally established process of "advise and consent," greatly diminishes the ability of Congress to conduct oversight and hold officials accountable, and creates confusion about which officials are responsible for policy decisions."
The letters was signed by Sens. Susan M. Collins, Lamar Alexander, Christopher S. Bond, Mike Crapo, Pat Roberts and Robert F. Bennett.
Read the full text of the letter at the link below:
Senators Express Concern With Number of Czars in Administration
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Liberal media downplays massive protest against big government
At least 75,000 (or upwards of 1.5 million Americans by some accounts) marched in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 12, against the Obama Administration, the Democratic-led Congress and out-of-control big government in general.
It was one of the largest citizen-demonstrations in the nation's history.
But the liberal media largely ignored the protest or worked overtime to spin the story as some fringe-element demonstrating against a black president.
Some of the best (and unbiased coverage) of the event could be found in European newspapers, argues Investor's Business Daily.
"When Americans have to turn to the foreign press for truthful reports of the size of popular protests in Washington, it's time to wonder: Are we dominated by "state-run media"? the newspaper asks.
From the editorial:
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
It was one of the largest citizen-demonstrations in the nation's history.
But the liberal media largely ignored the protest or worked overtime to spin the story as some fringe-element demonstrating against a black president.
Some of the best (and unbiased coverage) of the event could be found in European newspapers, argues Investor's Business Daily.
"When Americans have to turn to the foreign press for truthful reports of the size of popular protests in Washington, it's time to wonder: Are we dominated by "state-run media"? the newspaper asks.
From the editorial:
When a million people travel to our nation's capital to object to excessive government spending, and the taxes they have to pay to sustain it, it constitutes a grass-roots force to be reckoned with.Read the full editorial, "Taking It To The Streets," at the newspaper's Web site.
But underestimates of the crowds by the so-called "mainstream media," along with their focus on the most extremist signs and slogans they could find (gun rights, for instance, or the president sporting a Hitler mustache), gave administration officials an opportunity to downplay the march's significance.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Bob Casey Jr. and ACORN
In light of continuing scandals involving the far-left advocacy group ACORN, the U.S. Senate voted 83-7 to deny federal funding to the troubled organization. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania inexplicably was one of the seven Senators to vote against the Senate resolution, cementing his reputation as a puppet of liberal extremists.
Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued a statement saying he was pleased that the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to deny federal housing funds to The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, ACORN. However, Gleason questioned U.S. Sen. Bob Casey's decision to join six of his colleagues in support of ACORN funding.
Gleason's statement:
"Sen. Bob Casey's blind support of this corrupt organization is questionable at best. ACORN continues to be exposed as a corrupt organization that should not be receiving federal funds under any circumstance. The recent videos depicting ACORN on a number of occasions giving out advice on how to cheat and lie on your taxes were appalling and further confirmed my suspicions about this questionable organization.On Monday, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly by an 83-7 vote in favor of an amendment that stripped out funding to ACORN in a housing and transportation bill. ("Senate Denies ACORN Funding," Politico, 9/14/09, http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27153.html) U.S. Senator Bob Casey was one of the seven votes against the amendment.
"With all things we have learned about ACORN, I cannot understand how Senator Casey could support ACORN. Sen. Casey owes it to our Commonwealth and his constituents to explain his vote."
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Columnist pokes fun at Democratic bobbleheads
From a recent column by Margaret Gibbons of The Doylestown Intelligencer about a Democratic state lawmaker who nearly sprained his neck agreeing with everything Gov. Ed Rendell said at a recent public appearance. It's a growing problem among the doormat Democrats in the state House.To keep those disappointed looks off the faces of family members on Christmas Day, I suggest that you put in your orders today for the Rick Taylor Bobblehead.Read the full column, "Nods to Rendell," at the newspaper's Web site.
They will probably go fast, now that Gov. Ed Rendell brought one to a news conference he held earlier this month in Norristown.
There he was, this incumbent Democratic state representative from the 151st District, sitting in the front row during the governor's speech.
Every time the governor paused, Taylor's head would bob up and down in agreement.
What is the deal with these Democratic state lawmakers?
Do they first have to pass some type of litmus test to make sure they have springs in their necks before they can run for office?
Well, I guess it could be worse. At least Taylor wasn't giving one of these adoring-spouse looks.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Patrick Swayze R.I.P.
I never got into "Dirty Dancing" and I cringe every time I hear "She's Like the Wind" but I'm sorry to hear that iconic actor Patrick Swayze died Monday at age 57. Swayze succumbed after a much-publicized battle with pancreatic cancer.He hit it big with 1997's "Dirty Dancing" and struck gold again in 1990 with "Ghost."
One of my favorite Patrick Swayze films is 1989's "Road House," in which Swayze played the ultra-cool bouncer Dalton who battles evil Ben Gazzara for control of the The Double Deuce. He was nominated for a Razzie Award as worst actor, but I still enjoy the film.
He made another action flick in 1989 called "Next of Kin," which I also like.
He also had a terrific role as Bodhi in 1991's "Point Break" opposite Keanu Reeves.
I don't think I've seen anything Swayze has been in since 1991, but I will miss him.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Rep. Joe Pitts Sets Record Straight on Healthcare
Setting the Record Straight on HealthcareBy Congressman Joe Pitts
In his address last week, President Obama laid out his case for healthcare reform. I firmly believe that we need reform, but I do not support the House Democrats' plan. The President made his case before Congress with passion, but I believe there are some issues that he was not perfectly clear on.
At times President Obama has maintained that Republicans don't have a plan. This is not true. I myself have introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), chairwoman of the Small Business Committee, to allow small business to band together and purchase insurance at bulk rates.
Also, I'm a cosponsor of H.R. 3400 sponsored by Rep. Tom Price, a physician from Georgia. This is a comprehensive Republican proposal to reform healthcare. All told, Republicans have dozens of bills to reform healthcare that could be included as part of a reform package. Unfortunately, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic leadership has locked out Republicans from the start of this year.
One of the President's central claims is that his bill will have no impact on our burgeoning deficit. He wants a bill that is fully paid for by finding Medicare efficiencies and raising taxes and fees.
Current legislation, however, would have a great impact on the deficit. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that H.R. 3200 would increase the national debt by $239 billion over the next ten years. That debt is incurred despite the legislation calling for $800 billion in new taxes.
The President has repeatedly maintained that nothing in his plan will require you or your employer to change the coverage or doctor you have. In his address he stated that only five percent of Americans would sign up for the "public option."
However, the Urban Institute estimates that 47 million Americans would end up in the plan and the Lewin Group estimates that 114 million could eventually be placed into the government-run insurance plan.
Also, the current legislation would make significant cuts to Medicare Advantage plans in which millions of seniors are currently enrolled. The President supports these cuts even though they would mean substantial changes to many seniors.
There has been lots of controversy over whether new healthcare benefits would be open to illegal immigrants. While the President maintains that it would not, the current legislation does not include provisions for verifying citizenship.
Republicans supported amendments that would require identification in order to receive benefits, but they were rejected. Without verification there is no way to be sure whether a person applying for benefits is here legally. We check ID to purchase cigarettes or alcohol; it only makes sense to check when an individual is applying for thousands of dollars in health benefits and subsidies.
During his speech, the President asserted that no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions. When the Energy and Commerce Committee considered H.R. 3200, I worked together with my Democratic colleague, Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), to offer amendments that would have continued the current policy of prohibiting federal dollars from funding abortion or plans that include abortion.
Committee Chairman Waxman worked to defeat these amendments and the current bill contains only accounting gimmicks that do nothing to prevent government-funded abortion. In regard to the current bill, Rep. Stupak maintains, "You're funding the public option; it will be part of the public option; and the Treasury will write checks to plans for abortion."
Finally, the President claims that his plan would cost around $900 billion over ten years. Currently however, the House plan would cost $1.6 trillion over this time period. The Senate is working on a plan with the goal of costing under $1 trillion but the exact details are still being worked out.
Despite 28 speeches on healthcare, there remains much that is unclear about the President’s plan. The President said that he has an open door and is willing to consider solutions from both sides of the aisle, but he hasn’t met with House Republican leaders since April. We need healthcare reform, so I hope he remains true to his word and works to achieve a truly bipartisan bill.
Rep. Joe Pitts represents Pennsylvania's 16th Congressional District, which includes parts of Berks, Chester and Lancaster counties.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Meehan a sure bet in 7th Congressional District
Republicans should pick up at least one more seat in Congress in 2010.Pat Meehan announced Monday he will seek the Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District, which covers parts of Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties. The seat is held by Democrat Joe Sestak, who will not seek re-election so he can challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in the May 2010 Democratic Primary.
Meehan is the favorite to succeed Sestak. The bulk of the 7th District is in Delaware County, where Meehan was a popular district attorney before serving as U.S. Attorney for SE Pennsylvania from 2001-2008.
Pundits are predicting a big comeback for the GOP as opposition grows to the big government/high deficit policies of Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats. Republicans are expected to pick up anywhere from 20 to 40 additional seats in the midterm elections.
"Traveling across the region and state these past months, I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with many local residents," Meehan said in a written statement. "They have told me they feel their voice is not being heard in Washington, that their representatives have sold them out to special interests, that government is being imposed on them, rather than working for them. It is time our elected officials be made to answer for the decisions they make about our money and about our children's future."
"Many of the challenges confronting us here at home transcend state lines — whether it's strengthening the economy, keeping down health care costs, or helping small businesses — and the solutions will be determined in Congress," said Meehan. "I am formally announcing my candidacy for U.S. Congress because I want to restore integrity to our nation’s capital and ensure that the voice of local voters is heard on critical issues like taxes, jobs, health care, and restoring fiscal responsibility to the federal government."
Meehan announced his candidacy at three stops in the district.
"People have watched the federal government spend billions of dollars to rescue a few huge banks while hundreds of community banks failed," said Meehan. "They have watched billions being spent to keep bankrupt General Motors and Chrysler in business, while local small businesses struggle to meet a weekly payroll. They see an $800 billion stimulus bill rushed through Congress, yet a half-year later, only 1 in 10 dollars is spent and a record 6.5 million Americans are out of work."
"Voters are concerned as our national debt is expected to double in the next three years and triple within a decade to an astonishing $10 trillion," said Meehan. "That translates into $33,000 of personal debt for every man, woman and child in America. This type of unchecked spending leads to inflation, higher job-killing taxes, and a burden of enormous debt that our children and their children will carry like a millstone for generations."
From the Pat Meehan for Congress Committee:
Pat Meehan has made a name for himself by rooting out government corruption, prosecuting tough criminal cases, and implementing innovative new programs to make communities safer. In addition to taking a nationally-recognized stand against "pay to play" politics in the City of Philadelphia, Pat created initiatives to combat gang violence, crack down on nursing homes for failing to provide proper care to our seniors, reduce domestic violence, and hold drug companies accountable to consumers for fraud.For more on Meehan, visit his new campaign Web site, www.meehanforcongress.com
As U.S. Attorney, Meehan established an Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council, held manufacturers responsible for illegally discharging hazardous materials into the region's waters, established a group to crackdown on predatory lending, and prosecuted cyber criminals who ran illegal, worldwide Internet pharmacy operations.
Pat, his wife Carolyn and their three sons Patrick, Jack and Colin, reside in Drexel Hill, Delaware County.
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
Monday, September 14, 2009
Group to protest Obama visit to Philly
The Independence Hall Tea Party Association, which sent 14 buses from the Delaware Valley to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, is holding a rally against President Obama at 4 PM Tuesday, just prior to Obama's appearance at fundraiser for Sen. Arlen Specter at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
From a press released issued by the group:
"Both Obama and Specter represent the politics of old," said protest organizer Teri Adams. "They do not represent the politics of hope and change." "We will continue to hold these demonstrations and fight on until the American public realizes these men do not represent the people's interests, but their own."
The Independence Hall Tea Party Association is a grassroots organization formed after Philadelphia Tea Party II held on Independence Mall on April 18th as part of the Tax Week Tea Party Protests also held nationwide.
Visit the group's Web site at www.independencehalltpa.com
From a press released issued by the group:
"We are rallying against Obamacare, Cap and Trade, and this administration's massive expansion of the federal government" said Organizer Chris Clemency. "We want the President to understand that Saturday's march on Washington, attended by at least 1.5 million Americans, is just the beginning of our efforts to stop his agenda."Obama will headline a fund raising dinner for turncoat Arlen Specter, who was elected as a Republican but recently switched to the Democratic Party in order to strengthen his re-election prospects.
"In just six short months, President Obama has tripled the deficit and quadrupled the national debt," he said. "Never before in the history of America has the government moved so quickly to spend so much money—it will ultimately lead to high taxation and even higher inflation."
"Both Obama and Specter represent the politics of old," said protest organizer Teri Adams. "They do not represent the politics of hope and change." "We will continue to hold these demonstrations and fight on until the American public realizes these men do not represent the people's interests, but their own."
The Independence Hall Tea Party Association is a grassroots organization formed after Philadelphia Tea Party II held on Independence Mall on April 18th as part of the Tax Week Tea Party Protests also held nationwide.
Visit the group's Web site at www.independencehalltpa.com
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