Media, Democrats paint a false picture - Remember 9/11

Letter to Editor, The Baxter Bulletin by Ronnie Young (served in Iraq):
I've been in the military 33 years, and in all those years never met a liberal who thought of anything but themselves. The whiners, nay-sayers and gripers won't serve, never did serve, and never went to Iraq or Afghanistan and think only of the glory days when the western press misrepresented the tactical situation in Vietnam, called for withdrawal without victory and millions in Southeast Asia died as a result of our leaving before the mission was complete. Sound familiar?

If you listen to the media, you would think the economy is terrible, consumer confidence is at an all time low, and the war on terror is a total failure. Fact: 37 straight months of job gains, Dow Jones over 12,000 for first time in history, gas prices below $2 in many areas, consumer confidence is at its peak for 2006. Most important to a solider like me, who loves his country and family, President Bush is taking the "War on Terror" to the terrorists and allowing volunteers like myself to fight the battles overseas, and we are stopping terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.

We in the military have seen the real Iraq, see the real threat we face, and it is not the picture painted by a biased media and power-hungry Democrats. Remember the long-term consequences of your vote and forget the short-term discomforts. "We who serve" believe in what we are doing and deserve your support by supporting our president and conservative America. Remember 9/11. It could happen again if we forget.

Ethics Complaint Filed Against Charlie Daniels

Complaint Filed wth the Arkansas Ethics Commission 11/3/06: for full text contaxt the AR Ethics Commission or contact Mary Mann, Campaign ManagerJim Lagrone for Arkansas

In summary: Charlie Daniels is using his position as Secretary of State, and his control over HAVA funds, to deliberately violate Statute 21-8-304 Sec. 3 and Statute 7-1-103. Sec 3. by using the votenaturally.org commercials - which are non-political and paid for with government HAVA funds - to positively influence voters in his favor. These 60 second radio spots have been running statewide through the ARN network for over 10 days and have provided him a distinctly unfair advantage in this race. He should not be able to use his position as Secretary of State, and someone who has access to HAVA funds, to influence the outcome of this election.

Why are we paying for Planned Parenthood?

Jay Alan Sekulow is Chief Counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice: In just a little over a week, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in two cases involving the constitutionality of Congress's ban on partial-birth abortion. We filed briefs in both cases representing members of the House and Senate who sponsored the legislation outlawing this gruesome act that many, including Justices of the Supreme Court, consider to be infanticide.

One of the most disturbing aspects of this case is the fact that the plaintiff, Planned Parenthood, has received in the last two years - that they?ve reported - over $500 million in taxpayer money. America needs to wake up to this disturbing fact! On one hand, Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in America, is funded in large part by our hard-earned tax dollars. This money is allocated from Congress. Then Planned Parenthood turns around and sues Congress for passing a law banning partial-birth abortion. In essence, Congress is taking our money, giving it to Planned Parenthood, who then sues Congress with the aid of the money we?ve already given them. Read More

Governor Mike Huckabee Statement on Vetoing Nick Wilson 1997 bill

Little Rock - Governor Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today: "I was shocked to read the comments supposedly attributed to the Director of DFA that the reason for vetoing the Nick Wilson bill in 1997 was its connection to the budget of the Governor's Mansion. While I realize that Mr. Weiss is a contributor and supporter of the Democrat nominee and is free to support the candidate of his choice, he is not free to rewrite history. That bill was vetoed because of the way it would have set up the program with a process that would lend itself to funneling money to a process not subject to normal procedures. The Wilson bill had stink written all over it, I vetoed it, and Mr. Beebe helped lead the effort to override the veto as a favor to his friends in the Senate and without regard to the reasons for which the bill was vetoed. Beebe was not implicated in any of the scandal of making money off this scam, but to say he didn't help his pals in the Senate get the bill passed including helping override a veto because "pals and politics" were more important than propriety is simply absurd."

How Dare You Not Vote!

Doug Patton addresses an issue on many of our minds. His refreshing words address many peoples concerns. Below is an extract:

Perhaps you are a hard-core conservative who has simply become fed up with the profligate spending and irresponsible border policies of the current Republican leadership. We're hearing a lot of talk about conservative voters -- especially social conservatives -- staying home this election. Most of it is coming from those in the so-called mainstream media, many of whom want to see their heroes on the Left reinstated to what they think are their rightful places of power. They hope that Mark Foley or some other silly, isolated scandal will keep you from going to the polls.

I don't believe everyone should vote. If you are not motivated to inform yourself on the issues, I don't want you even having a voice in who will represent me. But if you are a disgruntled conservative Republican who knows the issues and understands what is at stake in this election, I have one message for you in this crucial mid-term election: don't you dare fail to vote next month!

From taxes to judges, from social policy to national security issues, it matters who is in charge, and Democrats cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Don't get me wrong; many Republicans can't be trusted either, having let us down in several key areas. But at least the GOP grassroots still holds fast to a solid conservative platform, and the constituencies to which the party leaders must appeal have a chance to keep them in check when they are struck with their annual case of Potomac Fever. Democrats, on the other hand, are unapproachable on the issues about which we care so deeply. In fact, many of their policies are so radical that they could get us all killed. Or Read the Full Article

Huckabee: Voters should research campaign ad claims

LITTLE ROCK (AP) -- Gov. Mike Huckabee urged voters Wednesday to do their own research into negative ads surrounding this year's gubernatorial race, "without having to depend on campaigns firing shots at each other."

Within days of the Nov. 7 general election, callers to the Republican governor's monthly radio program asked about disgraced state Sen. Nick Wilson, a Democrat who has been referenced in a conservative group's ads claiming Democrat gubernatorial nominee Mike Beebe didn't do enough to stop Wilson's abuse of power while the two were colleagues in the Legislature. ... There was ample information for voters to read about Wilson. "Don't take my word for it. Don't take either of the two candidates for governor's word on it," Huckabee said. 'The record is there. Do a little research on it."

Kerry Belittles U.S. Troops - Is His Apology Real?

Mark Kilmer posted the following comment on RS REDSTATE about Kerry apology issued today:
Did John Kerry apologize for denigrating our troops? Here is Kerry's statement: "As a combat veteran, I want to make it clear to anyone in uniform and to their loved ones: my poorly stated joke at a rally was not about, and never intended to refer to any troop.
I sincerely regret that my words were misinterpreted to wrongly imply anything negative about those in uniform, and I personally apologize to any service member, family member, or American who was offended.
It is clear the Republican Party would rather talk about anything but their failed security policy. I don?t want my verbal slip to be a diversion from the real issues. I will continue to fight for a change of course to provide real security for our country, and a winning strategy for our troops."
The apology is not a sincere one, as he did not admit what he did. He's still in denial.
Here IS A RESONSE FROM THE TROOPS:

What Other Have Said About Holt

Jim Holt's opponent's negative comments can be expected from a liberal arriving in Arkansas after many years and seeking immediate election. Let's review just a few of the many statements by others who have lived in Arkansas and know Jim Holt:

In a report on Senator Holt's military records: Reporters found that on evaluations, supervisors said Holt "exhibits high morals" and is 'totally trustworthy and honest' They also reported he held a "top secret" clearance under three presidents. by Laura Kellams Article, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 9/12/04

"Sen. Paul Miller, D-Melbourne, who doesn?t count Holt as an extremist, said Holt votes his conscience.' You have to give him credit for that. Against all odds he will stick with what he believes in,' Miller said. Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, D-Crossett, called Holt 'a good man and a well-principled man and a man of good morals.'"

Article on Holt in Democrat Gazette by Wickline 7/2/06

Jimmy Cunningham (a Democrat), the superintendent of the Danville district and the past president of the Arkansas Rural Education Association, said, ?"He [Holt] never wavered and we never had to lobby him because we knew where he stood. Everyone who didn't know already, learned that if Senator Holt tells you something, you can count on him to keep his word." read more

Lavina Grandon, who heads up "Save Our Schools" and who organized the entire state to fight consolidation had this to say,. "We could always count on him to keep his word concerning any legislation we asked him to support even when he faced extreme pressure from other legislators."

Holt said some of his supporters advised him to vote for the Minimum Wage. When a retired Jonesboro teacher said she tried to convince Holt "his opponents would hammer him incessantly on this." Political campaigns revolve around "sound bites," she said, and it's hard to explain a vote against the wage increase in a sound bite. Holt answer was he has never voted for his own political gain. Article on Holt in Democrat Gazette by Wickline July 2, 06

"He is a true rarity in politics today: He says what he means. Voters know exactly where he stands on issues and why. He doesn?t peddle his views to the highest bidder or spin his positions according to some handler?s advice, even if his beliefs mean lost votes." "Holt?s poll vault" by Mike Masterson, May 30, 06, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. 5/30/06

Every election year, people ask me why Holt does so well. In more or less descending order, here are my best guesses. People get tired of lip service on things they believe are important.Article by Doug Thompson, Arkansas News Bureau, "Loaves and Fishes" 9/23/06

Authenticity is a resonating market force today, and Holt seems very genuine and sincere? People still cling to simple truths, and they crave simpler distinctions in politics. Holt goes back to basics and keeps it simple,"

by Dana Kelly, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "The Holt Phenomenon" in trying to explain Holt's success in the Primary 5/19/06

His vote reflects his words, and He is not afraid to be in the minority when voting his conscience. He has done that over and over. Senator Holt has experience; he has faced the heat, stood the test, and responded with integrity. Senator Holt is the type of committed legislator with strong convictions that many of us Arkansans have been looking for now for a long time." Bob Hester former President of American Family Association and now President of Arkansas Family Coalition. read more

Here's hoping and praying that Arkansans see through the truth and won't allow Halter (who has lived out of state most of the last 25 years, invested more than a million dollars in his own campaign, who has received only 5% of his money from Arkansas, who has received 50% of his contributions from California) to defame with all his deceptive ads, the character of a true Arkansan - Jim Holt. Vote for Jim Holt for Lt. Governor

Asa Leads in Latest Poll

The latest Zogby/Wall Street Journal poll issued this morning shows momentum building behind Asa, with him having overtaken the lead now by three points -- 48.2 to 45.3. Poll says Hutchinson is benefiting from an "energized GOP base" and has a 14-point lead among independents. Review Poll

Huckabee Says Arkansas at a Crossroads

Mike Huckabee discussing the need to keep the state from going back to the days of one-party rule and machine politics.

"The Morning New" (Springdale, AR) endorses Jim Lagrone

The Springdale, AR newspaper - The Morning News yesterday endorsed Jim lagrone for Secretary of State:

"Lagrone, a Desha County native who grew up in Trumann, struck us fully capable of handling the secretary of state's responsibilities. He is ambitious and this likely won't be the last office he'd seek, but we're willing to let him test his political wings as secretary of state. The alternative is to return Democrat Charlie Daniels to office. He is seeking his second term as secretary of state but spent 18 years as land commissioner before term limits forced him to job hop. If we had our way, we wouldn't have term limits and we'd be advocating former Secretary of State Sharon Priest's re-election. Instead, the choice is Daniels or Lagrone. We choose Lagrone."

Hutchinson Advocates for Arkansas Agriculture at USDA Meeting

Washington D.C. - Asa Hutchinson, the 2006 Republican nominee for Governor, met today with the high-ranking federal officials to advocate for Arkansas farmers' interests in the development of the 2007 farm bill, including calling for more federal funding for biofuels research. Hutchinson met Monday morning with Chuck Conner, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to discuss the needs of Arkansas farmers and how the next farm bill could better serve this vital sector of the Arkansas economy. Hutchinson noted that Conner would play a key role in developing the 2007 Farm Bill that will come before Congress next year, so it's important to let him know about the situation facing Arkansas farmers.

"I emphasized that this is a tough time for Arkansas farmers, with the high cost of fuel and other agricultural inputs making it more difficult for them to stay afloat," Hutchinson said. "I told him that the farm support payments and the safety net that was put into place in the '02 Farm Bill have helped tremendously, but we need to continue the work of providing for the needs of our farmers through more investment in biofuels research, expanding grants for surface-water retention programs for irrigation and other key initiatives." Hutchinson has vowed to be a strong advocate for Arkansas farmers and agricultural producers by drawing on his extensive experience in Congress to fight for the state's needs in the 2007 farm bill and by supporting the new state Department of Agriculture.

In addition, Hutchinson wants to help Arkansas lead the nation in the development and marketing of biofuels and other bioproducts derived from Arkansas agricultural commodities. He argues that these innovative products offer tremendous opportunities for the future for the state's rice, soybean and cotton farmers. Hutchinson has focused on support for the bio-industry in Arkansas, which is why he has called for increased investment in research and development at the state's universities, which are on the cutting edge of such research around the nation. Arkansas State University's program in biosciences and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's aquaculture research program are just two examples of the great work taking place in Arkansas, Hutchinson has noted.

There Comes A Time - Berry Deserves to Lose It

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial today: THERE COMES a time in certain elections not for endorsements but catharsis. Such as right now in the First Congressional District of Arkansas. By now Marion Berry and his tirades have become one inseparable embarrassment to the whole state. The man is a walking, talking bad temper. Just because Ol' Marion keeps getting re-elected doesn't mean Arkansas has to like it. What most repels about the Hon. Marion Berry (D), Hysterical, has less to do with his views than the way he presents them - inevitably in the coarsest, most tasteless way. We're talking about his regular little tantrums. ...

- One of these days the good people of the First District of Arkansas are going to get fed up with Marion Berry's mouthiness. One of these days they'll take a chance on a candidate they don't really know, .... We don't know what kind of congressman Stubby Stumbaugh would make, so we're not endorsing him, but we do know what kind the incumbent has made, and it hasn't been pretty. Does Mayor Stumbaugh deserve to win this election in the First District? We don't know. But we're sure Marion Berry richly deserves to lose it. Read Complete Editorial

Daniels says it's not his role to manage elections

JONESBORO SUN, OCT. 23, 2006 - Quote by Charlie Daniels: "It is not the Secretary of State's role to manage elections." Daniels has already been criticized for hiring his son and daughter-in-law to work in the office. Daniels now says his office is meeting with the company's (ES&S) project managers at least once a week to ensure they are meeting pre-set goals. Daniels should have been doing this 4 years ago, but then he also said "it's not the secretary of state?s role to manage Arkansas Elections." Time for Daniels to retire - Vote for Jim Lagrone - He Will Make All Voter's (democrats, independents, greens, or republicans) Vote Count!

Election administrator resigns over ES&S' Gross Incompetence

Texarkana Gazette (Oct 28) reports that Miller County Arkansas Election Administrator Robby Selph will resign effective Dec. 31 because employees of the company providing the voting machines and software are grossly incompetent, mean-spirited and can't spell.

Selph, a certified public accountant, turned in his letter of resignation Thursday. As the county's election administrator, he coordinates all elections from ballot preparation to hiring the election workers for the general elections, party primary elections and school elections. Selph helped coordinate the change from paper ballots to the electronic balloting required by federal law.

Election Systems and Software (ES&S) was selcted bu Secretary of State Charlie Daniels to provide election machines and related software. Selph said he was leaving because the ES&S "lacks competency to make their equipment work timely and effectively. They are grossly incompetent and make a difficult job impossible to do. They can't spell, meet deadlines, send documents to the right address or code elections correctly. They leave races off the ballot for us to correct, they can't program their software to work and you have to hand add the results. And they don't return phone calls."

Selph has served five years as the election administrator." While this has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life, it was one of the most rewarding as well. Although upset with ES&S incompetence, Selph praised several peopel working and helping with the elections, his fellow election commissioners, and the Miller County Clerk and Voter Registrar and her staff.