Jackson County GOP Convention Congressional Candidates Speak

At the Jackson County Republican Convention on Friday, a record turnout of Republicans gathered to have their annual party convention on party matters, to elect delegates to the district and state conventions. There were also  candidates seeking to be elected to various offices who were given the opportunity to speak before the assembled Republicans. 


Here are the candidates for Congress:





I caught up with James Howard before things got underway and he gave me an update on his campaign and went over his qualifications for this office.









Dan Eichenbaum was not able to make it to the convention, and his campaign manager Matthew Hoagland spoke for him.


James Howard

Ed Krause

Jeff Miller

Greg Newman

Kenny West

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Blue Dog Coalition Votes For HR 3590 Health Care Bill

Now that HR 3590 has passed the US House with the help of the Blue Dog Coalition, we need to destroy the term "Blue Dog" as an acceptable hiding place for Democrats who voted for Nancy Pelosi.


The Blue Dogs voted for HR 3590 by a 30-24 margin. They don't appear so blue to me...they're looking like a Yellow Dog Coalition.

Blue Dog Leadership Team

Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration
Rep. Baron Hill (IN-09), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy
Rep. Jim Matheson (UT-02), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications
Rep. Heath Shuler (NC-11), Blue Dog Whip

Here is the membership of the Blue Dog Coalition, along with how they voted on HR 3590, BOLD LETTERS indicate that they voted for HR 3590:

Blue Dog Members

Altmire, Jason (PA-04)
Arcuri, Mike (NY-24)
Baca, Joe (CA-43)
Barrow, John (GA-12)
Berry, Marion (AR-01)
Bishop, Sanford (GA-02)
Boren, Dan (OK-02)
Boswell, Leonard (IA-03)
Boyd, Allen (FL-02)
Bright, Bobby (AL-02)
Cardoza, Dennis (CA-18)
Carney, Christopher (PA-10)
Chandler, Ben (KY-06)
Childers, Travis (MS-01)
Cooper, Jim (TN-05)
Costa, Jim (CA-20)
Cuellar, Henry (TX-28)
Dahlkemper, Kathy (PA-03)
Davis, Lincoln (TN-04)
Donnelly, Joe (IN-02)
Ellsworth, Brad (IN-08)
Giffords, Gabrielle (AZ-08)
Gordon, Bart (TN-06)
Harman, Jane (CA-36)
Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie (SD)
Hill, Baron (IN-09)
Holden, Tim (PA-17)
Kratovil, Jr., Frank (MD-01)
McIntyre, Mike (NC-07)
Markey, Betsy (CO-04)
Marshall, Jim (GA-08)
Matheson, Jim (UT-02)
Melancon, Charlie (LA-03)
Michaud, Mike (ME-02)
Minnick, Walt (ID-01)
Mitchell, Harry (AZ-05)
Moore, Dennis (KS-03)
Murphy, Patrick (PA-08)
Murphy, Scott (NY-20)
Nye, Glenn (VA-02)
Peterson, Collin (MN-07)
Pomeroy, Earl (ND)
Ross, Mike (AR-04)
Salazar, John (CO-03)
Sanchez, Loretta (CA-47)
Schiff, Adam (CA-29)
Schrader, Kurt (OR-05)
Scott, David (GA-13)
Shuler, Heath (NC-11)
Space, Zack (OH-18)
Tanner, John (TN-08)
Taylor, Gene (MS-04)
Thompson, Mike (CA-01)
Wilson, Charles (OH-06)

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Response to Health Care Bill Vote: Henderson County GOP

PRESS RELEASE

Heath Shuler owns his share of blame for today's tragic step towards government run health care for 3 very simple reasons:


1) Shuler twice voted to elect Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker, knowing full well what a left wing agenda she was ready to help Obama push on to us.
2) On health care, Shuler has been a complete no-show. He never once took to the House floor to speak out against it - never. Unlike some true conservative Democrats, Shuler was MIA.
3) Shuler waited until the Friday before the vote, after several media outlets reported that Pelosi already had her 216 votes, to finally state a position.
If voters want to stop Pelosi than it time for a Congressman who will boot her from the Speakership and who will fight Obama’s plans while the fight is still raging, not after.

Robert Danos
Chairman, Henderson County GOP

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Commentary

I don't think the Democrats fully realize what they have done. I will be posting over the rest of this election cycle on concrete ways that you can get involved with campaigns that will be seeking to correct this mistake. 


If you live in my Congressional District, there are six men running in a primary. Any one of them will be voting to repeal this legislation, but only if they win election to Congress. This is where you come into play. 


You must do your part. Visit their websites. Donate your time and/or money to the one you like best.


After the primary, you should support the winner with your time and/or money.




Dan Eichenbaum

http://drdan4congress.com/ 

Ed Krause

http://www.edkrauseforcongress.com/

James Howard

http://www.jameshowardforcongress.com/ 

Jeff Miller

http://jeffmiller2010.com/

Greg Newman

http://www.gregnewmanforcongress.com/

Kenny West

http://www.kwest4congress.com/

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US House to debate and vote on Health Care legislation Watch it Live

The House Rules Committee has cleared the way for the House to take up health care legislation. The committee rejected 80 amendments, and passed a rule allowing for separate votes on the Senate health care bill and the reconciliation bill. The House returns at 1pm ET today to debate and vote on the legislation. Watch it here live.

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Macon County GOP Convention is Today

For more information, visit Macon GOP. 


Directions can be found at Conservative Thunder.


I'll be there from start to finish, grabbing video and fellowshipping with fellow Republicans. Stop by my table and say howdy. 

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Brush Fire Season is Upon Us; Exercise Caution

**2.44pm** Mountain Valley VFD has just been called to a report of a brush fire out of control on Watauga Church Rd at the foot of Cowee Mountain. Their TAC Frequency is 453.7375 Mhz. NC Forest Service will operate on 151.175 Mhz.






My scanner has come alive with multiple reports of brush fires getting out of control today, and I thought it would be wise to post a reminder to people in the area to exercise caution when burning debris or brush piles or when clearing out garden space. 


So far, there are two active fires, one on Ed Conely Rd in the Otto Fire District, and another on Saldeer Mountain Rd in the Burningtown Fire District. The NC Forest Service have crews working both fires. The Saldeer fire is reported about an acre in size according to radio traffic on 151.175 Mhz. The county units are operating on 453.350 Mhz. 


TAC Frequencies (usually hearable within 5-7 miles of scene)


Burningtown VFD is operating on 453.025
Otto VFD is operating on 453.6625




Fire Prevention Tips

With our long winter now coming to a close, we have been pleasantly surprised by some recent warm weather. With warmer weather comes dry vegetation that can result in brush fires that burn and spread quickly. It is important to take into consideration some landscaping and home maintenance tips to ensure safe surroundings.

Landscaping Tips

• Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
• Any dead and piled up vegetation should be disposed of properly.
• If you have any firewood left over from the winter, stack it away from structures.
• Limit the use of flammable plants in your landscaping, contact your local home and garden center if you have questions about safe plants.
• Plants trees and shrubs with room to grow in sparse and separate areas, and choose trees that don't have too many branches. The distance from tree to house should always be greater than the height of the tree.
• Try not to use plants that develop dead undergrowth.
• Try not to place plants too close to structures and under overhangs or eaves.
• Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green.
• Keep sprinkler systems in good working order.
• Trim dead wood off of trees.

Home Maintenance Tips

• Trash and debris should be properly disposed of. Piles of trash, such as old home furnishings, boxes and even cars are potential fire hazards.
• Store flammable liquids properly.
• Always dispose of cigarettes carefully.
• Keep the roof clean and clear. If possible wash the roof on a regular basis.

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Jackson County Republican Party Convention Tonight

The Jackson County GOP Convention will be held at the Barkers Creek Community Center on Friday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. Bring a covered dish to share. On the agenda is the election of delegates to the District and State Conventions. Announced Republican candidates have been invited. The Community Center is located at Mile Marker 79 on Hwy. 74 heading west towards Cherokee. For more information and reservations, call Jackson County GOP Headquarters at (828)586-9895 or Ralph Slaughter at (828)743-6491 or visit www.jacksoncountygop.com.


I will be there, and will be shooting video of the event and the candidates, and will be posting the video as soon as I can. I hope to see some of you there! 






View Larger Map

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Public Policy Polling: GOP Contenders Closely Matched

Public Policy Polling has released a poll of Republicans to gage support among Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney and found the field very close. Here is how they rank according to this poll:


28% Mitt Romney
24% Mike Huckabee
23% Sarah Palin
11% Ron Paul
09% Undecided
06% Someone Else


Hat Tip: Public Policy Polling
Related: Download the PDF of the poll

Commentary

We still have a year before people start getting serious and eighteen months before the primary campaign begins in earnest...a very long time in politics. We have to get through 2010 first.

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Macon County Soccer Club Preps for 2010 Season

Soccer Season will be starting in 23 days and the Macon County Soccer Club is making final preparations for 2010 right now. 


If you are interested in participating, visit their website or their Facebook page.

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Miller Campaign Press Release Details Weekend Schedule, Bob Carpenter Endorsement

PRESS RELEASE



Contact: Larry Ford
(828) 980-0543
larry@jeffmiller2010.com








Miller to Visit Jackson and Macon Counties This Weekend


Hendersonville, NC - Republican Congressional Jeff Miller will spend much of this weekend in Jackson and Macon Counties. A Hendersonville small business owner and founder of HonorAir, Miller is campaigning on the theme of “Common Sense for Congress.” Miller has emphasized that his experience in running a small family business and his many experiences in charitable and volunteer positions have prepared him for Congress. “I know what it's like to be responsible for the livelihood of employees and to try to provide benefits like health insurance. My dad was my mentor and partner and he taught me that you had to provide quality service at a fair price and you had to take care of your people. I plan to take that same common sense approach to Washington,” Miller said.


Miller is the founder of HonorAir, which now operates in thirty-four states. HonorAir flies World War II veterans to Washington to visit the World War II Memorial. Miller said, “We can’t forget the amazing service our veterans gave to us. I'm just honored to be able to give something back to them. Service is another important role of the Congressman. I pledge to provide the very best service possible to the people of Western North Carolina. Constituent service is definitely one of my priorities.”


In endorsing Miller, former NC Senator Robert (Bob) Carpenter said, “Oh we're behind him. He's a great candidate and the veterans are behind him in a big way. His work with HonorAir shows how dedicated he is to helping veterans and what a good person he is.”


Miller will be joined by other Congressional candidates, NC Senate candidates and others at the Republican Conventions in both Jackson and Macon Counties this weekend.
The Jackson County Convention will be at 6:30 tonight (Friday) at Barker's Creek Community Center, Mile Marker 79 on Hwy. 74. Further in formation is available from Jackson County GOP Chairman Ralph Slaughter at 743-6491.


The Macon County Convention will be Saturday morning at the Macon Community Center at 1288 Georgia Road, across from The Whistle Stop, in Franklin. Convention registration begins at 9:00AM and the convention convenes at 10:00. But, a free breakfast will be served before the convention.


Miller plans to arrive at the Community Center at 8:30 to meet with citizens.

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Commentary

This endorsement of Jeff Miller by Bob Carpenter of Macon County is big news locally. "Senator Bob" is very well respected in the community. He served eight terms in the NC Senate from 1989 to 2005 representing the NC Senate District 50 that included much of western North Carolina, including all or parts of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties before the district was redrawn.


Brief Bio of Robert Carpenter


Robert "Bob" Carpenter was born in Franklin, North Carolina and graduated from Franklin High School in 1942. He briefly attended Western Carolina University before undergoing flight training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and flying with the United States Navy during World War II (from 1943 to 1945). After the war, he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Consumer Banking and served as a bank executive in Franklin until his retirement. Carpenter was first elected to the North Carolina Senate in 1988. Carpenter has been a member of the Franklin Rotary Club for 50 years.


More Information

I plan on being at both of the events and will be grabbing video of the vents and candidates and will post them as soon as I can. Unfortunately, both are being held in buildings that do not have Internet service or are in range of a wireless network so I won't be posting live video or tweeting from them.

You can find more details (and directions) on Conservative Thunder for both tonight's Republican Convention in Jackson County and tomorrow's Republican Convention in Macon County.

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Money is Important in Congressional Races

 I have harped on this several times, and am doing it again. Money equals Political Speech. If you (or your candidate) doesn't have money, then it is very hard for them to be heard. They cannot get their message out to the voters. They cannot rent office space, buy or rent equipment, print signs or literature, or place commercials on television and radio.


A candidate who refuses to raise money is one who refuses to avail himself of the opportunity to win elections.


I'll use the 2008 General Election Cycle as an example, and compare it to what info we have so far for the 2010 Election Cycle (as of December 31, 2009). All information is courtesy Open Secrets.










The 2008 Election Cycle for the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina:

Heath Shuler (D) * 
(62% of vote)

Raised:	$1,670,728
Spent:	$769,941
Cash on Hand:	$943,706
Last Report:	December 31, 2008

	PAC contributions	$815,298	(49%)
	Individual contributions	$824,243	(49%)
	Candidate self-financing	$0	(0%)
	Other	$31,187	(2%)

Carl Mumpower (R)
(36% of vote)

Raised:	$134,307
Spent:	$134,199
Cash on Hand:	$107
Last Report:	November 28, 2008

	PAC contributions	$0	(0%)
	Individual contributions	$90,131	(67%)
	Candidate self-financing	$42,646	(32%)
	Other	$1,530	(1%)

Keith Smith (L)
No reports on record for this candidate.

The votes:

61.96%.....211,112 Heath Shuler

35.38%.....122,087 Carl Mumpower

02.21%.........7,517 Keith Smith

Of course, there were other factors in the race above. Mumpower (and his supporters) spent most of the time attacking fellow Republicans or the Republican Party itself. 

My suggestion to candidates in the future is to run as a Libertarian or Unaffiliated if you hate the Republican Party so much.

Now for the 2010 Election Cycle...


A look at the numbers in 2010 before the race got underway (as of December 31, 2009):

Heath Shuler (D) *

Raised:	$563,822
Spent:	$237,311
Cash on Hand:	$1,270,216
Last Report:	December 31, 2009

	PAC contributions	$282,100	(50%)
	Individual contributions	$260,961	(46%)
	Candidate self-financing	$0	(0%)
	Other	$20,761	(4%)

Gregory A. Newman (R)

Raised:	$11,275
Spent:	$1,261
Cash on Hand:	$10,013
Last Report:	December 31, 2009

	PAC contributions	$0	(0%)
	Individual contributions	$11,275	(100%)
	Candidate self-financing	$0	(0%)
	Other	$0	(0%)

Dan Eichenbaum (R)

Raised:	$8,212
Spent:	$6,975
Cash on Hand:	$1,237
Last Report:	December 31, 2009

	PAC contributions	$0	(0%)
	Individual contributions	$5,962	(73%)
	Candidate self-financing	$2,250	(27%)
	Other	$0	(0%)

Jeff Miller (R)
No reports on record for this candidate.

Kenneth D. West (R)
No reports on record for this candidate.

The next report will give us much more information that will allow us to be able to draw some conclusions. The close of books is March 31 and the deadline to file is April 15, so the numbers will be available only a few weeks before the primary. 

As it stands now, just by looking at the numbers, things are looking bleak for the Republican hopefuls. I hope to see some numbers nearing $100,000 then. I am disappointed by the appearance that no one is serious about raising funds per this report. (I understand that a couple of candidates in the race now have only started raising money recently, so we'll see).

If you have a candidate that you support, I expect you to get involved and part with some of your money and part of your time. 

Here are links to the candidate websites (in alphabetical order):

Dan Eichenbaum

Jake Howard

Ed Krause

Geg Newman

Jeff Miller

Kenny West

Here is the schedule for the 2010 Primary:

Primary Election Schedule for 2010

• Monday, February 8, 2010 at 12:00 Noon filing period will open. (passed)
  
• Friday, February 26, 2010 at 12:00 Noon filing period will close. (passed)
• Voter Registration will end on Friday, April 9, 2010. (3 weeks away)
• Absentee by Mail Request will begin on Monday, March 15, 2010 (started Monday)
• Absentee by Mail Request will end on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
  *ALL VOTED BALLOTS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE BY 5:00 P.M. ON MONDAY, MAY 3, 2010.
  *Subject to change due to acts of the NC General Assembly
• One-Stop Absentee Voting will begin on Thursday, April 15, 2010 and will end on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 P.M.
• Primary, May 4, 2010 Polls open at 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Canvass Day May 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
• 2nd Primary if needed, will be on June 22, 2010

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