Warning: Vacate room when CFL bulb breaks

ARRA Comment: Now what are we going to do with our new toxic bulbs - destroy the water quality with mercury? Maybe we need to rethink this issue!
WorldNetDaily: Less than a month after the U.S. Congress passed an energy bill banning the incandescent light bulb by 2014, the UK Environment Agency issued guidelines calling for evacuation of any room where an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb is broken, releasing toxic mercury.

The warning comes a month before the British government begins its phase-out of tungsten bulbs, scheduled to be completed in 2011. The switchover to CFL bulbs will save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, the government said. Health experts warned this week that people with certain skin ailments will suffer from the new eco-friendly bulbs which cause conditions such as eczema to flare up. Additionally, the bulbs have been linked to migraine headaches in some people.

The UK Environment Agency's latest advice focuses on the 6 to 8 milligrams of toxic mercury in each bulb. Users who break a bulb should vacate the room for at least 15 minutes, the new guidelines say. The debris should not be removed with a vacuum cleaner, which could put toxic dust into the air, but with rubber gloves. The broken glass and all residue is to be placed into a sealed plastic bag and taken to a local official recycling site for proper disposal. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: CFL, bulbs, clean water, environment, fluorescent light, light, mercury, US Congress To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Reality - for a President

by Gary Bauer: The polls indicate that many Americans are tired of war and looking for a new president who will rely on "diplomacy." Sadly, no matter who gets elected in November, these Americans will likely be disappointed by a reality of today's world . . . .

It would be wonderful if we could wish away the danger we face. I would love to live in a time when there was no chance of a jihadist detonating a dirty nuclear bomb and taking out an American city, and where U.S. troops could come home and have normal lives. But that is not our world.

The next president may want to bring "change" (Obama's mantra) or may want the U.S. to withdraw from the world (Ron Paul's solution). Other candidates say they are running to revamp health care (Hillary) or tackle corporate greed (Edwards) or revamp the tax code (Huckabee).

But the reality is that they will begin each day in the White House with an overnight "threat assessment" of the dangers facing our country. Then, glibness, sound bites, pollsters and good looks won't matter. All that will matter is whether or not they have the fortitude, strength and foreign policy knowledge to keep Americans alive in an era when thugs are working feverishly on ways to kill us.

---

Tags: Gary Bauer, presidency, threat assessment

Waiting for the next Reagan? Forget itPopulism vs. conservatism

Wes Vernon, Renew America Analyst: Many conservatives are disheartened by the choices they perceive in the lineup of Republican presidential candidates. Let's start off with acceptance of the fact that the times and circumstances are different from 1980 when we elected Ronald Reagan.Americans sent Ronald Reagan to the White House because they hungered for a halt to the steady groveling and surrender to the Soviet Union. Americans sent Ronald Reagan to the White House because they hungered for a halt to the "misery index" trio of the doubles: double-digit inflation, double-digit unemployment, and double-digit interest rates. Americans sent Ronald Reagan to the White House because they hungered for a halt to the sixties-induced slide toward a coarsening of the culture.

. . . We are not about to nominate a "perfect" candidate. No such person exists in an imperfect humanity.And let's be honest about this point. Reagan — as great as he was — was not "perfect. . . . Can we all agree that a Reagan will appear just once in most lifetimes, and that even they will not be "99 & 44/100 percent pure," as the old ad used to say? Yes, the Gipper is gone, and we need to "get over it." But conservatism? Those principles are bedrock — from the Founding Fathers to the 21st Century and I dare say, beyond. . .

Populism vs. conservatism: On his Friday radio show, Limbaugh went on one of the most emotional and powerful monologues of his nearly 20-year-long conversation with Middle America. His angst was clearly traceable to deep disappointment over the Huckabee electoral bull's-eye in Iowa; not so much over Huckabee himself as a person, but because the outcome suggested a Republican voter tendency to confuse populism with conservatism, and that conservatives are starting to ape liberals who get up every morning with nothing but pessimism. Rush's long, long lament could easily have been prompted by (among other things) Mike Huckabee's Edwards-like rhetoric against big corporations. Republicans who have complained in the past that President Bush and congressional GOP leaders are not conservative enough now want to turn their problems over to government, Rush complained.

Populism, as defined by America's leading radio host "is a political figure telling you whatever he thinks you want to hear." He added, "Folks, it just scares me, because this is how charlatans get elected." Mike Huckabee and John McCain, according to Limbaugh, "are not consistent principled conservatives."

Do we want to copy Europe? Henry Olsen, Vice President of the American Enterprise Institute, says the Huckabee political model bears some resemblance to the Christian Democratic Parties of such European countries as Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. These are so-called "mainstream conservative" parties — by European standards. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Olsen points out that Europe's Christian Democrats try to balance the forces of government-provided welfare policies — as advocated by their socialist opponents — with a blend of capitalism. They have accepted high unemployment and high taxation as the prices to be paid for maintaining that balance. Voters should ask themselves if that is what they want here. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: conservatism, populism, Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh, Wes Vernon To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

D.C.: 2nd Amendment Does Not Apply Here

by Matthew Barakat, AP: The Second Amendment's provisions protecting the right to keep and bear arms apply only to the federal government, not the 50 states and the District of Columbia, lawyers for the nation's capital argued Friday in a written brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. The district is seeking to preserve its three-decade ban on handgun possession after a federal appeals court ruled in March that the ban is an unconstitutional infringement on an individual's right to keep and bear arms . . .

The primary issue is whether the right to keep and bear arms is an individual right or a collective right belonging to state militias. A majority of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the founding fathers intended the right apply to individuals and struck down the D.C. law, though it remains in effect while the case is on appeal. The district argues that the Second Amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms only in the context of an organized militia. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: 2nd Amendment, gun rights, US Supreme Court, Washington D.C. To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Nevada Republican Assembly Endorses Duncan Hunter

Bill Smith, ARRA Editor: Even though Duncan Hunter is not in the New Hampshire debates does not mean Reagan conservative Republicans have forgotten him. This weekend, Duncan Hunter's leadership in protecting our borders, fighting Islamic terrorism, supporting our military, addressing illegal immigration problems and promoting pro-life legislation resonated with Nevada conservative republicans.

The Nevada Republican Assembly (NVRA) Endorsing Convention met over the weekend in Reno, Nevada. The NVRA delegates represented the local NVRA chapter members.On Sunday, after five ballot rounds, delegates endorsed Duncan Hunter for the Republican Presidential nomination. To be endorsed a candidate must receive over 66 percent of the delegates votes.

On Saturday, the NVRA also held an open public fund raising straw poll was help. Anyone could come pay their $10 and cast a vote for a Republican presidential candidate. Various campaigns encouraged their members to come and cast a vote in the straw poll. Ron Paul with 44 percent won the straw poll vote.

The NVRA endorsement process on Sunday, could be a picture of what could happen at the 2008 RNC convention. At theIn the initial round of voting delegates cast votes for six republican presidential candidates. By round three, only two candidates remained: Fred Thompson and Duncan Hunter. After continued discussions between delegates and two more rounds of voting by secret ballot, Duncan Hunter received 80 percent of the delegate votes and was thus endorsed by the Nevada Republican Assemblies. The NVRA delegates sent a message that they were not going to be swayed the media or by a populace message.

With daily reports on candidates and their campaigns, most people are unaware that it is not caucuses, primaries or the news media that make the selection of a party's presidential nominee. The selection is made by the party delegates at the respective national party conventions. And in a year with many candidates the convention selection process can be both exciting and complex. Candidates often lacking a majority of delegates and cannot be selected on the first or second round of voting, Aftr these votes, delegates are often released or even opt to vote for whom ever they wish. Then the hard work begin.

Even candidates with less delegates may be put forth as a candidate of choice. A significant historical precedence was at the 1880 Republican National Convention. James A. Garfield was not running for president and attended the convention to support John Sherman for president. With difficulty in determining a candidate, people put forth Garfield and on the 36th ballot Garfield was nominated with virtually all of delegates for two other candidates breaking ranks to vote for the "dark horse" nominee. Some conservatives consider that Rep. Duncan Hunter may become yet another historically selected "dark horse" presidential candidate.

---

Tags: dark horse, Duncan Hunter, Election 2008, James Grafield, Nevada, presidential candidate, Republican, Republican Assembly, straw poll To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Arkansas Voters Did Not Approve of Gov. Huckabee's Gas Tax Hike

by Mortensign, Killbuck Creek Politics: “Huckabee claimed a gasoline tax was only passed after 80 percent of voters approved it. Not true. The tax was enacted before a referendum vote on highway repairs.” (”Huckabee’s Fiscal Record,” Factcheck.org, 11/21/07)

Gov. Huckabee Continues To Falsely Claim That His Gas Tax Increase Was Approved By The Voters: Tonight, Gov. Huckabee Lied Yet Again When He Said The People Of Arkansas Voted For A Gas Tax. “People want roads and the people in my state voted by a 80% margin to vote for the roads and pay 3 cents a gallon for gasoline.” (Fox News, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/6/08)

On The Campaign Trail, Gov. Huckabee Has Repeatedly Claimed That 80% Of Arkansas Voters Approved A Gas Tax: . . . (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 12/30/07) . . (Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes,” 11/15/07) . . . (ABC’s “This Week,” 2/11/07) . . . (C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” 12/31/07)

In Fact, Gov. Huckabee’s Own Gubernatorial Website Contradicts The Story He’s Telling Now: In 2005, Gov. Huckabee’s Website Said That The People Did Not Vote For The 1999 Fuel Tax. “The people did not vote on any of the taxes dedicated to repay these bonds. Federal gas and diesel taxes are passed and implemented by Congress, and the state funds to repay these bonds are coming from the diesel tax increase passed and implemented by the state legislature in 1999.” (Gov. Mike Huckabee, “Setting The Record Straight,” Press Release, 11/30/05, Accessed 11/13/07

Gov. Huckabee Has Been Misleading On The Issue: . . . The Bond Proposal (WITH NO GAS TAX) Was Passed 80% To 20%. “Gov. Mike Huckabee’s $575 million bond program to reconstruct the worst stretches of Arkansas interstates over a five-year period appeared headed for an easy victory, 80 percent to 20 percent, becoming the first road bond issue approved since 1949.” (James Jefferson, “Voters Back Huckabee’s Road Plan,” The Commercial Appeal, 6/16/99) . . . [Read All Referenced Comments Ommitted Above]

---

Tags: Arkansas, economy, Election 2008, gas tax, Mike Huckabee, Politics, presidential debate To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Thompson to Media "I Owe the Media Nothing" after spreading false rumor

During the Iowa Caucus, The Politico and other media sources spread the false rumor that Fred Thompson was withdrawing from the GOP race. Robert Novak revealed yesterday that the false rumor was started by the Mitt Romney campaign:

Published reports that Fred Thompson soon will withdraw from the Republican presidential contest and endorse Sen. John McCain have been traced in part to Mitt Romney's campaign, trying to stir up strife between McCain and Thompson.

On this morning's Today, he declined to engage in horse-race speculation about his own prospects, then took the media to task for its propagation of that false rumor about his impending withdrawal.FRED THOMPSON: I'm not going to engage in that -- further beating the process issue to death. We're talking about the future of our country here and the fact that our worst enemies are trying to get their hands on nuclear weapons and we're bankrupting the next generation. That's what I'm talking about. The rest is all speculation and I don't engage in it.
LESTER HOLT: It's a fair point you make; you don't engage in it. But you were the victim of some rumors on this subject of your viability and questions if you would drop out. How much did that hurt you?
THOMPSON: Well let's think about that. It did hurt me, and the media lapped it up. It was put out by another campaign; made no sense at all.
HOLT: (interrupting) Which campaign?
THOMPSON: A few days before the election and made no sense at all, and I was coming strong, and the media took it up, and spread the rumor, and probably cost me two or three points in Iowa. So the lesson there is not, you know, politicians being politicians. The lesson there is that the news media really ought to check these stories out and come to me, and ask me, and take my word for it.
HOLT: Senator, fair shot against the news media, but what candidate were you mentioning that put that out there?
THOMPSON: I'm not gonna. I owe you nothing, frankly, in that regard and I'm not going to say anything more about it right now.

---

Tags: Accuracy in Media, Election 2008, Fred Thompson, media bias, Mitt Romney To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

College Not Necessary for Many New Careers

by Phyllis Schlafly, Eagle Forum: U.S. News & World Report, which has made a name for itself by ranking and announcing the Best Colleges every year, is now ranking and listing the Best Careers for young people. A comparison of the latest lists shows a shocking disconnect and makes for dispiriting holiday reading. While the price of a college education has skyrocketed far faster than inflation, many careers for which colleges prepare their graduates are disappearing.

U.S. News' Best Careers guide concludes that "college grads might want to consider blue-collar careers" because B.A. diploma holders "are having trouble finding jobs that require college-graduate skills." Incredibly, U.S. News is telling college graduates to look for jobs that do not require a college diploma. Among the 31 best opportunities for 2008 are the careers of firefighter, hairstylist, cosmetologist, locksmith, and security system technician. Where did the higher-skill jobs go? Both large and small companies are "quietly increasing offshoring efforts." . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: colleges, Eagle Forum, education, new jobs, Phyllis Schlafly To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Romney Center Piece of ABC NH GOP Debate

Bill Smith, ARRA News Service: Different campaigns last night were posturing as to won last nights ABC New Hampshire GOP debate. Today, over 90% of the press stories focused on the debate being a series of attacks on Mitt Romney. John Dickerson at Slate maybe should get the award for the best title for the debate - "The "Mitt Mall":

It was not the behavior of pygmies trying to tear down Goliath but of hyenas trying to finish off a wounded wildebeest. Many of the barbs were on the topic of Romney's many position changes, his central liability with voters. When Romney said to Mike Huckabee "Don't try to characterize my position," Huckabee shot back: "which one." McCain cracked wise several times most effectively (because it'll be replayed on cable a lot) after Romney gave his pitch that he was the change candidate, McCain smiled and said "Governor Romney, we disagree on a lot of issues, but I agree you are the candidate of change."

Forgetting winners, Ron Paul lost the last night debate. Listeners noticed his comments sounded like a series of prerecorded statements that skipped a track or two on a CD. He has a lot to say and much of his message is of worth hearing. However, his explanations skipped past the viewers. For example, when discussing a question about health care his comments skipped on to a litany about the US involvement in the Middle East and the inflationary effects of paper money. Ron Paul has most likely consider the details of a myriad of issues far most of us. But, last night he needed some Ross Perot charts to keep both himself and viewer on tract. Some claim Paul lives on another planet. No, Ron Paul just wishes to return to a historical period when Americans was less entangled in world affairs and we more individual freedoms. However, that was also before we experience two World Wars.

Numerous sources (to many to list) commented favorably on Fred Thompson:

"I think Fred Thompson had a terrific night." (George Stephanopoulos, ABC)

"Every answer was thoughtful and well-crafted; his tone matched the tone of the question; he wisely refrained from interjecting in the back and forth squabbling. He very deftly reminded viewers that he served on key Senate national security panels and is bringing his experience to bear." (The Atlantic)

"Still, it summed up what is likable about Thompson - direct, clear, and logical." (National Review)

Byron York, NR White House Correspondent best summed up Fred Thompson at the NH Debates:

. . . other noteworthy aspects of the debate. The first was the solid performance of Fred Thompson. He was sharp and focused, making his own points effectively as well as sometimes picking apart his opponents’ positions. But Thompson, at one percent in the new poll, wasn’t trying to win over New Hampshire voters. He’s only in New Hampshire because that is where the national press is, and that is where back-to-back Republican debates are being held this weekend. “Forget about New Hampshire,” Thompson aide Karen Hanretty said after the debate. “We’ll get two or three percent in New Hampshire. We have no illusions about that. And a debate, I don’t think, is going to change that.” Indeed, Thompson has no plans to campaign in New Hampshire while he is here, and on Monday, before the voting in New Hampshire, he will head to South Carolina, where he will make the stand that will either make or break his candidacy.

Others have reported that Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani and John McCain had solid performances. Huckabee's usual charm did not do quite as well while sitting at a table. He is much more experienced standing at a podium, in control of his audience and seeking to reveal his position without interruption. If were to win the GOP nomination, his podium experience will do him well. Also, if Barack Obama and Huckabee were to win their respective party's nominations - the final National debates could be very lively.

In summary, Romney received the most focus and time to share or defend his message and thus became the center piece of the New Hampshire ABC GOP debate. Dick Morris, no friend of Mitt Romney, may therefore be right when he said, “I thought that Mitt Romney won the debate.” (Fox News’ “Live,” 1/5/08)

---

Tags: debate, Election 2008, Fred Thompson, GOP, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, New Hampshire, Ron Paul To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Clinton Fundraiser Norman Hsu Headed to Prison

by Paul Elias, AP: Disgraced political donor Norman Hsu was sentenced Friday to three years in prison after a judge rejected his bid to throw out a 16-year- old fraud conviction. Hsu's lawyers had asked Judge Stephen Hall to dismiss his 1992 no- contest plea, arguing that Hsu's right to a speedy trial was violated because authorities were not actively pursuing him during his years as a fugitive. They could easily have arrested Hsu, his lawyers argued, at one of the fundraisers he hosted in California for prominent local politicians. Hsu also faces federal fraud charges in New York.

His troubles began dogging Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and other big- name Democrats last summer when news reports revealed he was a fugitive who fled the state before he was sentenced for the 1992 fraud conviction. He turned himself in on Aug. 31—then fled again. He was recaptured in September in Colorado after he tried to kill himself by overdosing on drugs aboard an eastbound Amtrak train. Hsu has since been held without bail in a Redwood City jail. Background: Hillary's donor linked to China missile trader

---

Tags: campaign funds, fund raiser, Hillary Clinton, Norman Hsu

Updated: Romney Wins Wyoming Caucuses

Updated 1/7/08 Final delegate adjustments: Former Gov. Mitt Romney won the Wyoming Republican presidential caucus on Saturday, taking twelve of the state's 14 delegates with nearly all precincts reporting, according to a state party official. Former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee won two delegates. Tom Sansonetti, a Republican organizer, said. "Wyoming is getting a chance to elect the first delegates in the United States." He identified that Iowa actually chooses its national convention delegates in April, not with last week's caucuses.

---

Tags: GOP, Mitt Romney, Republicans, Wyoming To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

NH GOP Pulls Out of Fox GOP Forum

CONCORD – New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Fergus Cullen released the following statement regarding Sunday’s Republican forum on FOX:

The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary serves a national purpose by giving all candidates an equal opportunity on a level playing field. Only in New Hampshire do lesser known, lesser funded underdogs have a fighting chance to establish themselves as national figures. Consistent with that tradition, we believe all recognized major candidates should have an equal opportunity to participate in pre-primary debates and forums.

This principle applies to tonight’s debates on ABC as well as Sunday’s planned forum on FOX. The New Hampshire Republican Party believes Congressmen Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter should be included in the FOX forum on Sunday evening. Our mutual efforts to resolve this difference have failed. While we understand that FOX News continues to move forward it is with regret, the New Hampshire Republican Party hereby withdraws as a partner in this forum.

Visit the New Hampshire GOP website to leave a supporting comment on this issue. We appreciate the NH GOP taking a stand when the Fox News choose to not comply with the NH GOP's stated requirements for a debate of their Party's candidates within New Hampshire.

---

Tags: ABC News, debate, Fox News, GOP, New Hampshire, Republican To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

CEO & Chief Editors Need to Address Issues at The Political

Bill Smith, ARRA Editor: Unlike The Politico, the ARRA News Service admits to being slightly bias because the parent organization the ARRA endorsed Fred Thompson. However, editorial content is not directed by the ARRA. Also, we seek to post a balanced conservative view on GOP candidates and issues without making up stories. Obviously, we do not do much favorable reporting on democrats.

One source we follow for political news is The Political. But with their partnering with CBS (a liberal media source), there seems to be slipping in their reporting. It appears that Politico has elected to play its own website game, "Politico's KingMaker," in its journalism. This is blatantly clear in its recent reporting related to the Fred Thompson campaign. The Political has repeatedly made incorrect, definitely misleading and possibly "fraudulent" comments about Fred Thompson and the Fred Thompson campaign.

As identified above, we understand bias but be intellectually honest and straight forward on your bias. Stop your reporters from making up things as they go. If The Political is being mislead by sources, then obviously they are not doing well. If they are not being misled by sources, shame on The Politicol for false reporting! It is time for Frederick Ryan, The Politcol CEO, to do some house cleaning. What is going on John Harris and Jim VandeHei? As The Politico's principle editors what are you doing to improve accurate reporting?

The Politico still has not corrected its "firehouse story," despite video evidence that the story was incorrect. Apparently, they’re taking the “pretend it never happened, see if the problem will go away” approach. Also what about the Politico advise that Thompson would be withdrawing. How’d that work out for Politicol? Again false.

We are not alone in our observations about The Politico's biased or false reporting? Below are only three of the numerous Internet stories addressing The Political incorrect political news reporting with respect to the Thompson campaign:

The Jawa Report: "The Politico: A Team of Journalists, or a Team of Hacks?: This is a video of Fred's post-result speech in Iowa: [link to video] Now, if you keep that video in mind while you read the Politico's account of the rally, you can get a feel for just how hard they've been slanting their news on Fred. The Politico account paints a picture of a room in despair. The video makes clear that the room was anything but. You'd think they'd have learned their lesson after getting busted wide open on the firehouse hackery. Guess not. "

Red State: "Yesterday, they ran a hit job on Thompson saying he was getting out of the race. Today, they say Resignation greets Thompson's third place. Unfortunately for them, there is again video that does not show much resignation. This is like Roger Simon's hit job, also in the Politico, in which he claimed Fred botched a meet and greet. Yet, when video came out, it showed very clearly that Simon had gotten it wrong."

Whitehouser : "Politico.com Hit job on Fred Thompson? This is one of the bigger problems that will arise out of the information era. The Media has long speculated on what candidates have the “best chance of winning” and they often are accused of making decisions for people. Well, it looks like politico.com (a political blog that now belongs to [sic affiliated with] to CBS) is shaking up the elections.

Today, the Politico published an article saying that Fred Thompson would end his campaign if he didn’t make the top three in Iowa. Here’s the story that is making the headlines: “Fred Thompson May Drop Out, Back McCain” CNN recently interviewed Fred Thompson to ask him about the Politico article and he basically brushed off the story. He said that someone at his campaign probably thought it was something good to say, but he said it wasn’t something he said and dismissed the idea as pure speculation."

---

Tags: Bill Smith, Fred Thompson, media bias To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

The Meaning of Iowa

Gary Bauer, Campaign for Working Families: The first vote of the 2008 election has finally taken place in a campaign that has already been raging for a year and still has a long year to go. And it is safe to say after the Iowa's caucus, that both the Republican and Democrat presidential races are wide open, and anyone can win. In fact, a national poll yesterday showed five Republican candidates were bunched together with only five percentage points separating the first candidate from the last! Here are some observations to consider.

Values Voters Are Alive and Well - Since the disappointing 2006 elections, Big Media has been quick to proclaim that values voters are on "life support" and no longer a force to be reckoned with. But those voters turned out in large numbers last night giving Mike Huckabee his victory over Mitt Romney. Fully 60% of the Republican caucus-goers were evangelical Christians. While social conservatives may not make up as large a share of the electorate in upcoming states on the primary calendar, we will be large enough in every vote that no candidate can afford to ignore, or be hostile to, our concerns. But, while values voters turned out last night, the rest of the conservative coalition was AWOL. (See below)

2. Hillary Is In Trouble - Hillary Clinton's third place showing was devastating. This was, after all, supposed to be a coronation of the Clinton dynasty. The stakes are now very high for her in New Hampshire. But don't underestimate the "Clinton machine." It is well-funded and knows how to play political hardball more effectively than any of her competitors do. Senator Obama better get ready to take some hard punches, as the political landscape is littered with candidates who have underestimated Bill and Hillary. I hope Republicans pay close attention, too, because I don't think our side can afford to nominate a candidate who is inclined to pull his punches. I don't think we will beat Hillary, or Obama for that matter, by being "nice." The Republican nominee is going to have to draw clear contrasts with his Democrat opponent and be willing to hit hard.

3. The "Passion" Is On The Left - The worst news out of Iowa last night was the relative level of enthusiasm among caucus-goers. The Democrats had a huge turnout in Iowa, and the level of passion was extraordinary. The political Left is "on fire." Many liberal activists believe they were cheated in 2000 and 2004. As much as we may dislike the constant campaigning of the past year, liberals have been campaigning against this president for the past seven years! Now, the Left believes it is headed for a sweep this November. On the GOP side, many voters are still dissatisfied with their choices they. Many people I talked with in Iowa noted a stark contrast between the two sides. Preliminary results indicate that around 120,000 Republicans voted, while over 225,000 Democrats turned out.

But, if you need a reminder of why Hillary, or any Democrat, would be a disaster for conservatives, ponder this: Liberal legal activist Jonathan Turley recently stated his belief that the next president could make as many as three appointments to the Supreme Court, with most of the vacancies coming from the high court's liberal wing. CNN reported on the possibility that should Hillary or Obama win in November, Bill Clinton may be appointed to fill the first Supreme Court vacancy! If this sounds crazy, there is precedent for such a move. Republican William Howard Taft served as president from 1909 to 1913 and was later appointed to the Supreme Court by the next Republican president in 1921. Nothing is too outlandish for the Clintons! If the former first lady can be elected to the Senate from a state she had never lived in before, why can't the former president be named to the high court?

4. Obama A Uniter? - It was hard to watch press coverage last night suggesting that Senator Barack Obama is enjoying strong support because he is perceived as someone who can bring the country together. What? He is further to the Left than Hillary Clinton! In Illinois he blocked legislation that would have saved babies born alive after failed abortions. He said he would begin his presidency by surrendering Iraq to the terrorists and entering into negotiations with our enemies in Iran, North Korea and Venezuela. In the months ahead, his radicalism will become more apparent.

My friends, our country faces a number of serious challenges in the days ahead. From the war against Islamofascism to the make-up of the Supreme Court to the expiring Bush tax cuts in 2010, there is simply too much at stake for America to take a radical lurch to the left. As the campaign continues, we will continue to work with all the leading candidates. To ensure that our values prevail in this crucial contest, we will do everything we can to reunite and reinvigorate the Reagan coalition. In order to succeed, we must motivate all elements of the conservative movement, or else we risk a devastating defeat in the war abroad and in the cultural war here at home.

---

Tags: Election 2008, Gary Bauer, Iowa, Iowa Caucus, presidential candidates

Keyes Objects to Iowa GOP Vote Reporting

Republican Alan Keyes' campaign is complaining about the way votes for its candidate were handled Thursday night. Stephen Stone, Alan Keyes for President:

"I personally traveled with Alan Keyes across Iowa, and we met scores of Keyes voters. It's totally unfair these citizens' votes are now being withheld from the public," said Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt in a Keyes campaign press release. "This is tantamount to election fraud."

"I voted for Alan Keyes," said Siena Hoefling of Calhoun County. "It's ridiculous they didn't report my vote. Each precinct could have easily called or emailed the vote tallies to headquarters, so they should have been counted by now."

"I know for sure we reported votes for Alan Keyes to headquarters," said Ron Granzow, precinct chair for Windsor Heights. "I don't know why they wouldn't report his votes to the public."

"This resembles a 'communist-style' approach to electoral politics," said Stephen Stone, chairman of Alan Keyes for President. "In the former Soviet Union, political officials limited voters' choices in a way that created merely the illusion of democracy, without the reality. Any undue interference with free and open elections, of the sort we think we just witnessed, is un-American. . . . Alan Keyes has been an announced candidate for president since Sept. 14. Yet the state GOP chose to exclude him from the caucus process, claiming he 'announced too late' to be included, so that his name was not even mentioned on official lists of candidates or in reporting instructions. This disenfranchises Iowa voters." . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Alan Keyes, Election 2008, Iowa Caucus, Republican To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Huckabee Aids Wary of New Hampshire Voters

Michael D. Shear and Perry Bacon Jr., Washington Post addressed Mike Huckabee's victory. In addition, they related concerns by Huckabee aids over New Hampshire and a revealing statement about "the message of economic anxiety that he [Huckabee] preaches" in an effort to gain the support of the poor. Quote:

Huckabee now heads to New Hampshire, where voting takes place Tuesday, with little support in the polls and only a ragtag organization to mount a second come-from-behind victory. To succeed, he will have to broaden his message, which has largely been designed to appeal to the Christian conservatives . . . New Hampshire voters tend to be less focused on social issues and more concerned with lowering taxes and reducing the size of government.

. . . Huckabee promised to compete in New Hampshire, but his weak standing there might force him to turn his attention to South Carolina's primary on Jan. 19, where a strong religious community could help him repeat his Iowa success. In dozens of interviews in New Hampshire this week, few voters indicated support for Huckabee.

His aides are wary of New Hampshire. "It's all no tax, no government there," said Bob Wickers, a top strategist. "It's not ideal." But they believe that the message of economic anxiety that he preaches will help in Michigan's primary on Jan. 15 and in states in the South, which have high poverty rates in addition to strong groups of social conservatives.

. . . Other parts of the Republican establishment will not be cheering a Huckabee victory. He is viewed with suspicion by economic conservatives, who bristle at his anti-business message of economic populism and dislike his record of raising taxes in Arkansas. And his lack of foreign policy experience has been a concern . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Election 2008, Mike Huckabee, New Hampshire, presidential candidate, Washington Post To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Ron Paul Advances Campaign With New Ads

The Ron Paul Campaign has not consider the Iowa Caucuses a defeat. In fact, they invested minimum effort in the state. Now they have turned up the heat and are releasing television ads in several states. None are attack ad - all identify Ron Paul and his supporters.

Who is Ron Paul?

Defender of Freedom

Troops Support Ron Paul

---

Tags: 2008 Election, political ad, political video, presidential candidate, Ron Paul, TV, video To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

A New Voice to Conservative Politics [Political Humor]

Playing Politcs has lanched a humorous new voice for the new year just in time to address the various caucuses, primaries and daily events in Congress. Below are examples:

---

Tags: Barack Obama, Democrats, Election 2008, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Mike Huckabee, political cartoon, political humor, Politics To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Republican Race Clear as Mud after Iowa

by Bobby Eberle, The Loft, GOPUSA: The results are in, and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was the big winner in the Iowa caucuses on Thursday. Garnering 34% of the vote, Huckabee outpaced all other Republican contenders, but rather than help clarify the race to the Republican presidential nomination, the win and the results of the other Republican candidates only helped muddy the field. Buoyed by overwhelming support from evangelicals, Huckabee scored the win that he needed. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney finished second with 25% of the vote, followed by Sen. John McCain and former Sen. Fred Thompson, each with 13%. Now, the candidates move to New Hampshire which will hold its primary on January 8. Following Iowa's results, the dynamics and expectations for New Hampshire have changed dramatically. Huckabee is definitely the surprise candidate of any Republican or Democrat in the race for the White House. . . .

As noted in the Washington Post, participation in the Iowa caucuses was at an all-time high. Over 125,000 caucusgoers participating, far out-distancing the previous record of 87,000 voters. According to the Post report, "Sixty percent of Republican caucusgoers described themselves as evangelicals, according to entrance polls. Those voters went for Huckabee over Romney by more than 2 to 1." The results are more than interesting, and they beg the question, "What are evangelicals looking for and why did they turn to Huckabee?" As I wrote yesterday, some of the most important issues for me and other conservatives are "smaller government, lower taxes, and secure borders." On these issues -- core issues for conservatives -- Huckabee simply does not warrant the support he has received. . . .

I sincerely hope that evangelicals are looking at more than the fact that Huckabee is Baptist minister, but the results in Iowa, given the well documented records of all the Republican candidates are surprising. But then again, it's hard to say how much of the record was really known. Huckabee has enjoyed being spared intense review of his record until just the past few weeks. . . . The race for the Republican nomination is still wide open. I continue to hope that once the process is complete, we will all rally around the nominee and help defeat the Democrat. I also hope that during the process, voters will review the records of the candidates and make decisions based on the facts. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Bobby Eberle, GOPUSA, Iowa Caucus, Mike Huckabee To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Sleeping Guards Shakes Nuclear Industry

by Steven Mufson, Washington Post: Kerry Beal was taken aback when he discovered last March that many of his fellow security guards at the Peach Bottom nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania were taking regular naps in what they called "the ready room." When he spoke to supervisors at his company, Wackenhut Corp., they told Beal to be a team player. When he alerted the regional office of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), regulators let the matter drop after the plant's owner, Exelon, said it found no evidence of guards asleep on the job.

So Beal videotaped the sleeping guards. The tape, eventually given to WCBS, a CBS television affiliate in New York City, showed the armed workers snoozing against walls, slumped on tabletops or with eyes closed and heads bobbing. The fallout of the broadcast is still being felt. Last month, Exelon, the country's largest provider of nuclear power, fired Wackenhut, which had guarded each of its 10 nuclear plants. The NRC is reviewing its own oversight procedures, having failed to heed Beal's warning. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: national security, nuclear, nuclear plants, sleeping guards, To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Hunter stays in GOP presidential race

Duncan Hunter: “My motto in politics is never complain. My trademark for 26 years has been, ‘Don’t whine. Keep working.’ ” Mark Preston, CNN: Rep. Duncan Hunter will continue his bid for the Republican presidential nomination despite his last place finish Thursday in the Iowa caucuses, his campaign manager tells CNN. "Absolutely, he is staying in,” Roy Tyler, the California Republican’s top aide, said in an interview late Thursday night. “We actually predicted we would not do well in Iowa. We were not expecting a lot. That is why we did not put a lot of resources into there.” Hunter only received 1 percent support in the caucuses. The California Republican has already announced he will retire from Congress at the end of the year. See also: Duncan Hunter receives an Excellent Rating on addressing Immigration issues; Fred Thompson received the next highest rating.

---

Tags: CNN, Duncan Hunter, Election 2008, GOP, immigration, presidential candidate To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Fred Thompson: Ticket to the Next Dance

Fred Thompson: It's pretty clear that we're going to have a ticket to the next dance. . . . It looks like somebody is going to need to carry a strong, consistent, conservative message — and it looks like it ought to be me.”

The following excellent video with sound was made by a Thompson supporter:

Thompson Rally after Iowa Caucuses

---

Tags: Election 2008, Fred Thompson, GOP, presidential candidate, Republican To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Obama & Huckabee First in Iowa Party CaucusesClinton Smiles at Delegate Results

Updated info: Although ARRA News reported general results last night, today the Result of 2008 Iowa Caucuses are updated with some very interesting info. Candidates understand both the hype of last nights press and the race for delegates. However, the general public seldom notes the delegate results -- this is where the game is really played.

For example, did you note Hillary Clinton smiling with a 3rd place result? Hillary Clinton received 15 delegates only one less than Obama and one more than Edwards and there are still 12 uncommitted Democrat "superdelegates." In 1992, Bill Clinton ignored the Iowas Caucuses and placed 4th with 2.8%. Do you remember the Democrat Caucus winner - Tom Harkins with 76.4%? Bill Clinton went on to win his party's nomination and the presidency. And who was right their leading his campaign - Hillary Clinton. Also when considering last night results, note that 39% of registered voters in Iowa were not represented at the caucuses: Iowa has 7 electoral votes; 2,054,843 total registered voters - 31% Democratic, 30% Republican, 39% Independent

Republican Closed Caucus (96% reporting): [Republicans report individual votes]
Mike Huckabee - 39,814 - 34.3% - 17 delegates
Mitt Romney - 29,405 - 25.3% - 12 delegates
Fred Thompson - 15,521 - 13.4% - 3 delegates
John McCain - 15,248 -13.3% - 3 delegates
Ron Paul - 11,598 - 10% - 2 delegates
Rudy Giuliani (did not campaign) - 4,013 - 3.5% - 0 delegates
Duncan Hunter - 515 - 0.4%
Tom Tancredo 5 0 - 0% [Withdrew before Caucus]
RNC Convention Delegates Total 40: 37 tied to Candidates above; 3 unpledged

Democrat Closed Caucus (100% reporting): [*Only Releases estimated number of delegates to the state convention]
Barack Obama - 940* - 37% - 16 delegates
John Edwards - 744 - 30% - 14 delegates
Hillary Clinton - 737 - 29% - 15 delegates
Bill Richardson - 53 - 2% - 0 delegates
Joe Biden -23 - 0% [Withdrew after Caucus]
Chris Dodd- 1 - 0% [Withdrew after Caucus]
Others - not reported - no votes
DNC Convention: 57 total delegates*45 tied to Candidates; 12 superdelegates unpledged

---

Tags: Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Democrat, Fred Thompson, Hillary Clinton, Iowa Caucus, John Edwards, John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Republican, Ron Paul To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Biden & Dodd Abandon Presidential Runs

Two Democrats, Senator Joseph R. Biden of Delaware and Senator Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, dropped out of the presidential race after winning less than 1% of the Democrat Iowa Caucus vote . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Chris Dodd, Democrats, Election 2008, Joe Biden, presidential candidates To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Jan 3, 1919: Statement by Theodore Roosevelt

Hat tip to Okie Campaigns for calling attention to this historical item:

On this day in 1919, just three days before his death, Theodore Roosevelt wrote in a letter to the American Defense Society:

"We should insist that if the immigrant who comes here does in good faith become an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with every one else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man’s becoming in very fact an American and nothing but an American.

If he tries to keep segregated with men of his own origin and separated from the rest of America, then he isn't doing his part as an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all.

We have room for but one flag, the American flag. We have room for but one language here and that is the English language, for we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, and American nationality, and not as dwellers in a polyglot boarding house; and we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is loyalty to the American people."

---

Tags: English, historical quote, History, immigration, Theodore Roosevelt To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Huckabee's Attack Ad Runs After All

Updated Jan. 4 by FactCheck.org: The ad ran at least 10 times on four different stations in Davenport and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Huckabee campaign called those airings a mistake. -- by FactCheck.org: The ad Huckabee said he decided not to run has now appeared at least three times in Iowa anyway. It accuses Romney of being "dishonest" but shades the facts in the process. According to the Campaign Media Analysis Group of TNS Media intelligence, the ad appeared Dec. 31 on WHBF-TV and KLJB-TV in Davenport and on KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids.

In another ad Huckabee claims to have signed the most broad-based tax cut in Arkansas history. But as we've noted repeatedly, he signed bigger tax increases than cuts. . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Annenberg, Political Fact Check, campaign ad, Election 2008, Mike Huckabee, taxes To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

History evidences that media inflates value of Iowa Caucuses

While the Iowa caucuses kick-off the 2008 presidential primary campaign and are a great source of revenue for the Iowa economy, the results are not as important. "History clearly shows, winning Iowa does not "seal the deal" for any candidate." Bill Clinton lost both Iowa and New Hampshire and survived to win his party's nomination. But the Media still loves to inflate the value of the caucuses.

Gray Bauer provides some historical insights today:

The winners will enjoy tremendous free media and a spike in fundraising, while others may see their campaigns cut short. Howard Dean certainly comes to mind. In the early days of the 2004 campaign, Dean was charging in the polls and many considered him the Democrat front runner - until the Iowa caucuses and the now famous "Dean Scream" that followed. Within hours of the results being announced this evening, the candidates will fly to New Hampshire, where Granite State voters will have the opportunity, on January 8th, to affirm or reject the judgment of Iowa. And frequently that judgment is rejected because the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire are very different people. Here's a brief history to consider.

In 1980, George H. W. Bush won the Iowa caucuses, but lost New Hampshire. In 1988, Bob Dole won the Iowa caucuses, but lost New Hampshire. That same year, Reverend Pat Robertson posted a surprisingly strong second place finish in Iowa, but fell to fifth in New Hampshire. In 1996, Bob Dole again won Iowa and again lost New Hampshire. In 2000, George W. Bush won Iowa by 11 points, but lost New Hampshire by nearly 20 points. The history is similar for the Democrats. In 1984, Walter Mondale won Iowa, but lost New Hampshire. In 1988, Dick Gephardt won Iowa, but lost New Hampshire. In 1992, "favorite son" Tom Harkin won Iowa, but finished fourth in New Hampshire. As a result of these split decisions, the campaigns continued on to Super Tuesday, and I suspect 2008 will be no different.

New Hampshire voters also tend to have a "soft spot" for Massachusetts politicians, since much of New Hampshire is covered by Boston media. For example, Michael Dukakis won in 1988, Paul Tsongas won in 1992 and John Kerry won in 2004. Two eventually won their party's nomination, but none became president. As the history clearly shows, winning Iowa does not "seal the deal" for any candidate. And here's an interesting footnote: One recent candidate actually lost both Iowa and New Hampshire and survived, winning his party's nomination and ultimately the general election! That candidate was Bill Clinton in 1992.

---

Tags: Election 2008, Gary Bauer, History, Iowa Caucus, Media, presidential candidates

No Recession but Hurdles on Tap for U.S. Economy in 2008

With the struggle for power, varied Democrat Congress members and presidential candidates have tried to inflame the claim the US is headed for a recession in 2008. And guess what, they want us to trust them to fix it!

There are ongoing adjustment in the housing market due to previous overpricing and bad mortgage lending practices. In addition, wage increases, even with an increased "minimum wage," have slowed, and oil prices are rising. Issues like rising oil prices can be placed primarily at the feet these very Democrats. They have supported limiting access to available oil and natural gas fields both in the U.S. and off shore. They have opposed new refineries and prevented new coal, hydro or nuclear production facilities. All of which would have created jobs and eventually lowered prices via falling oil and energy prices. Regardless of the above, the below WSJ Videos address the "R" word and economic indicators:

MarketWatch's Steve Gelsi speaking with Mike Thompson of Thomson Financial who explains why there will not be a recession in 2008. Thompson also addresses personal income and the 2008 earnings outlook. No Recession on Tap for 2008

Kelsey Hubbard asks David Resler, chief economist at Nomura Securities, for his economic predictions for 2008. Plus, what he hopes not to hear from presidential candidates on economic issues. Main Hurdles for 2008 U.S. Economy

---

Tags: 2008, David Resler, economy, Mike Thompson, recession, the economy, WSJ To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

WSJ: Campaigns Kick Off in Iowa & Pre-Election Paradox

WSJ's Gerald Seib discusses the wide-open race in both parties and discusses which candidates have the most to lose in Iowa. Kelsey Hubbard reports. (Jan. 3) Campaigns Kick Off in Iowa

WSJ's Kelsey Hubbard interviews Wonder Land columnist Dan Henninger about results from a recent Gallup poll where 84% of Americans say they are satisfied with their lives, yet 73% believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. (Jan. 2) A Pre-Election Paradox

---

Tags: Election 2008, Gallup Poll, Gerald Seib, Kelsey Hubbard, videos, Wall Street Journal To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Thompson Responds to False Rumor - Others add Input

Fred Thompson addressed the Politico story himself in a radio interview this morning. He said it was likely a planted last-minute bomb by another campaign, adding “Can you imagine such a thing in politics?"

GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson said in an in-studio interview with KCCI-TV in Des Moines that there is no truth to rumors that his campaign will fold before New Hampshire if he doesn't have a strong showing in Iowa."That is absolutely made up out of whole cloth," said the former U.S. Senator from Tennessee.

Thompson said a rival campaign was likely the source of that rumor."Can you imagine such a thing in politics?" he asked. Thompson said his campaign is seeing a "surge" in interest right now, and said he has visited 50 communities in the Hawkeye State in the last couple weeks. "I'm not going to play into any scenario that's not totally optimistic," he said.

Thompson touched on his plan for strengthening border security to prevent terrorist attacks, and his plan to simplify the tax code." Our tax code is a mess right now," he said.

Red State has some information about the status of the Thompson campaign:

According to people who actually know, I'm told $1,878,138 has been raised since the debate on December 12 from 24,949 people, including $719,534 from 10,237 people. For the week before, week of and week after Christmas, I think that’s pretty good. The Politico might not think so, but I think it gets Fred to South Carolina.

McQ asks a question: “What campaign worth its salt would put out information, even anonymously, on the day of the caucuses? The answer? None.”

Peter Robinson posts an email from his “old boss in the Reagan White House”, Ben Elliott:

Ben himself worked closely with the Gipper, in particular drafting some of Reagan’s most memorable economic addresses. Ben writes:

Only Thompson has a true conservative platform to defend life, liberty and American sovereignty. Only Thompson is advancing a compelling program for economic growth by controlling entitlement spending, unleashing innovation and making the American Dream real for every taxpayer. Only Thompson is committed to strengthening both our military and our intelligence and rallying the country for what must be a protracted struggle against jihadism.

Is Thompson a Reagan conservative? He is indeed.

---

Tags: conservative, Election 2008, Fred Thompson, GOP, presidential candidate, Republican To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Presidential Candidate Ratings On Immigration

Roy Beck, President, NumbersUSA: Before first votes are cast today in the Iowa Caucuses for President, here are some things all US Voters need to know about candidates:
OVERALL Presidential Candidate Ratings On IMMIGRATION - How Well Would Each Candidate PROTECT Workers, Communities and Taxpayers FROM OVER-IMMIGRATION? (Points were assigned on a 36-Point Scale discussed below.)
EXCELLENT:

DUNCAN HUNTER - 34 points

GOOD:

FRED THOMPSON - 28 points:

MITT ROMNEY - 22 points

Fair:

RON PAUL - 20 points

MIKE HUCKABEE - 18 points

Poor:

RUDY GIULIANI - 8 points

Bad:

CHRIS DODD - 7 points

JOHN McCAIN - 7 points

JOE BIDEN - 5 points

JOHN EDWARDS - 5 points

DENNIS KUCINICH - 5 points

BILL RICHARDSON - 5 points

HILLARY CLINTON - 4 points

BARACK OBAMA - 4 points

HOW POINTS WERE ASSESSED: Points are based on candidate promises as of 2 JAN 08 on (a) amnesty, (b) stopping future illegal immigration and (c) reducing importation of foreign labor competition, plus (d) rating of past immigration actions in political office. Points were assigned to the ratings for the first four overall categories: 0 points for "abysmal" rating, 1 for "bad," 3 for "poor," 5 for "fair," 7 for "GOOD" and 9 for "EXCELLENT." Look at full ratings in the 16 categories at Presidential Candidate Ratings website.

---

Tags: Election 2008, immigration, NumbersUSA, presidential candidates, primaries, Roy Beck To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Rush Limbaugh Speaks On GOP Candidates

Rush Limbaugh offered assessments of the Republican candidates conservatism: "Ladies and gentlemen, Gov. Huckabee, mighty fine man and is a great Christian, is not a conservative, he’s just not," Limbaugh said. "If you look at his record as governor, he’s got some conservative tendencies on things but he’s certainly not the most conservative of the candidates running on the Republican side." In addition to Huckabee, he singled out John McCain for specific criticism, attacking the senator on immigration, campaign finance reform, interrogation and tax cuts. "The idea that he’s a great conservative in this race is an affront to conservatives," Limbaugh said, accusing the media of "pushing McCain hard."

Limbaugh addressed McCain, Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani in responding to a caller about candidate conservative credentials. "If our nominee is either not conservative and is pandering to the left trying to get some of their votes, or if our nominee is so afraid of his record that he’s relying on identity politics to get votes or if our nominee decides that the only way he can win is to go out and pick off some libs in the northeast and out in the west, it’s going to be a bloodbath," he predicted of the general election. Limbaugh had previously spoken positively about Fred Thompson being a conservative: "There was one candidate who did not display any moderateness or liberalism or have any of his past forays into those areas displayed, and that candidate was Fred Thompson."
See also: Latest Zogby Poll shows - Sen. Fred Thompson…has seen a late-breaking surge.

---

Tags: conservative, Election 2008, Fred Thompson, John Mccain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Rush Limbaugh To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Santa Claus Politics

by Thomas Sowell: Senator Hillary Clinton's Christmas commercial, showing various government programs as presents under a Christmas tree, was a classic example of calculated confusion in politics. Anyone who believes that the government can give the country presents has fallen for the oldest political illusion of all -- the illusion of something for nothing. Santa Claus may turn out to be the real front-runner in the primaries, judging by the way candidates are vying with one another to give away government goodies to the voters. Santa Claus is bipartisan . . . [Read More]

---

Tags: Election 2008, Hillary Clinton, liberalism, Santa Claus, Thomas Sowell To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!

Fox News & ABC Cuts Candidates From Debates

Ron Paul, Duncan Hunter and Alan Keyes are being excluded from upcoming debates. It seems that the media before even the first small primary test is attempting to narrow the field of candidates that they not the public beleive are acceptable candidates. They wish for us to only hear further and select form their authorized of candidates. Hey - media this is Primary time not General Election debates.

We may agree there may be too many candidates but this is a democracy with respect to the primaries and not a "media-ocracy." Neither Fox News, ABC, CBS, NBC, or any other media represents the American public when it comes to sorting which candidates we should hear from.

CNN Politics Reports: ABC and Fox News Channel are narrowing the field of presidential candidates invited to debates this weekend just before the New Hampshire primary . . . The roster of participants for ABC's back-to-back, prime-time Republican and Democratic debates Saturday in New Hampshire will be determined after results of Thursday's Iowa caucus become clear.

Fox, meanwhile, has invited five GOP candidates to a forum with Chris Wallace scheduled for its mobile studio in New Hampshire on Sunday. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee received invites. . . .

To participate in ABC's Saturday night debate, Republican and Democratic candidates must meet at least one of three benchmarks: place first through fourth in Iowa, poll 5 percent or higher in one of the last four major New Hampshire surveys, or poll 5 percent or higher in one of the last four major national surveys.

---

Tags: ABC News, debate, Fox News, Media, media bias, presidential debate To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!