Poll proves John McCain correct about shutdown blame falling on GOP

A new Quinnipiac poll reporting 72% of Americans blame Republicans for shutting down the government has proven that Senator John McCain was correct in his assessment that a shutdown would not be good for Republicans:

Senior Republicans like Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) have long maintained that a government shutdown is a political loser for their party, an argument backed by polling. A CNN/ORC International poll released Monday showed that more Americans will blame the GOP than Obama for a government shutdown.

Now this senior statesman who was a Vietnam War prisoner of war is the subject of a recall petition in Arizona, apparently activated by Libertarians and tea partiers.

With 72% of Americans blaming Republicans for the government shutdown, these factions may want to listen to the experience of John McCain ... but I won't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

A bipartisan path to immigration reform

Immigration is an area where pragmatic leadership is definitely needed. Those on either side of the issue are passionate about their viewpoints and often unwilling to budge on their demands.

Republican Senator John McCain from Arizona and Democratic Senator Charles Schumer from New York weighed in on the immigration issue in Tuesday's Wall Street Journal. It is a complex issue that has taken years to get to the point where it will be discussed this week in Congress.

In their op-ed, the senators wrote:

This week, we join a bipartisan group of six senators to introduce comprehensive immigration-reform legislation. This is the first step in what will be a very difficult but achievable process to fix the nation's broken immigration system once and for all. The legislation's approach is balanced: It is firm in cracking down on illegal immigration but sensible when it comes to legal immigration.

Our group's effort included the active participation of some of the most conservative and liberal members of the Senate. We engaged in hundreds of hours of very tough negotiations, which nearly broke down at several points. But we forged consensus and now stand ready for an open, transparent process to move this issue forward in Congress.

Like all genuinely bipartisan efforts, this bill is a compromise. It will not please everyone, and no one got everything they wanted. The legislation we introduce on Tuesday has more support than any past effort. In a time of deep partisanship in Washington, groups that have been at loggerheads on a range of issues for years—from the AFL-CIO to the Chamber of Commerce, from the United Farm Workers to the American Farm Bureau Federation—have come together to support our bill.

It remains to be seen if there will be open minds willing to work together and compromise on what has taken hundreds of hours of meetings, discussion, and pounding out areas of concern about how to include:

These requirements include a criminal-background check; paying a fine and back taxes; learning English; and going to the back of the line to wait for the privilege of applying for American citizenship. In this way, we balance America's heritage as a nation of immigrants with the imperative of upholding the rule of law. When these formerly illegal immigrants become law-abiding members of society, it will improve their lives and the lives of their families—and it will strengthen the nation and the U.S. economy.

The column includes much more information that is a must-read for those truly interested in learning all sides of the immigration debate. Push-back has already begun with Senator Marco Rubio receiving criticism about his willingness to compromise. On Tuesday, tea party activists in Florida planned to protest outside his office, saying they were upset at the "closed-door" process that has led to the proposed immigration reform.

The senators conclude by noting, "A healthy, functioning immigration system is vital to securing the integrity of America's sovereign borders, advancing our economic growth, and protecting human dignity." Real reform will take a bipartisan effort with give-and-take from all sides.

More details of the immigration overhaul plans are at The Hill.

Cross-posted at Political Pineapple

Bob Goodlatte's SWAC HQs Grand Opening ... the speeches

"How is everyone on this beautiful Shenandoah Valley day?"

Congressman Bob Goodlatte addresses the crowd as
Del. Chris Saxman (left) and Del. Steve Landes (right) listen.
Roth Landes, age 6, listens with his dad.

Kids will be kids ... and they help keep us grounded.
As Del. Landes asks Del. Saxman a question, Roth offers a bite of his Twizzler.

With his dad emceeing, Roth Landes tries on the Twizzler for size ... maybe it could double as a pair of special effects glasses?


The original John McCain supporter even a year ago when everyone thought he was out of the game, Del. Chris Saxman (R-20th House) stumps for his candidate. He is co-coordinator of the Virginia John McCain campaign and will be attending the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul in a week.

Maryellen Goodlatte (left) listens.





It was a beautiful day in Augusta County with temps in the mid-70s as a crowd of supporters gathered on the sidewalk in front of the Bob Goodlatte for Congress headquarters in Verona. They overflowed into the parking lot, gathering around to listen to Congressman Goodlatte speak as well as Del. Steve Landes and Del. Chris Saxman.

The other elected in attendance was Augusta Commissioner of Revenue Jean Shrewsbury. Vice Chair Tom Nelson, Vice Chair Lynn Mitchell, Treasurer Emily Griffin, as well as Debbie Summers, Dick Spencer, Larry and Barbara Roller, and many others.

Staunton was represented by former GOP Chair and current Vice Chair Bruce Grover and his wife, Ruth, as well as Wally Almquest, Fonda Gardner, Doug Cline, and others. Shenandoah County was represented by Suzanne Curran who drove down for the grand opening.

The event ended shortly before noon as the Congressman prepared to head out into the 6th District to a parade and other events. Volunteers went inside headquarters to begin phone banking while others spread into the community to do some door knocking.

This is the Goodlatte Winning Weekend!

More photos to come....

Photos by SWAC Girl

POW Paul Galanti's response to Gen. Clark's attack on John McCain

ARLINGTON, VA -- Vietnam Prisoner of War and Chair of Virginia Veterans for McCain Chair Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.) released the following statement today regarding Wesley Clark's attack on John McCain's military service on CBS "Face the Nation":

"It is clear that Barack Obama, by allowing his campaign to attack the service of John McCain, will say and do anything to get elected. Wesley Clark has no basis for his statement yesterday on "Face the Nation." I can't believe a general officer would make such a transparent political statement; his real motives are highly suspect. John McCain is proud of his record of always putting the country first -- from his time in the Navy, in Vietnam and through to today and attacks like this show that Obama's calls for a new kind of politics' ring very hollow."

Commander Paul Galanti spent seven years in a North Vietnamese prison after being shot down in June 1966. He had flown 97 combat missions. After his retirement from the Navy in 1982, he served as the CEO of the Virginia Pharmacy and Medical Societies, and has been active in entrepreneurial ventures, and veterans affairs policies on both th e state and national level.

Background:

Yesterday On CBS' "Face The Nation," Wesley Clark Attacked John McCain's Military Service. CLARK: "But he hasn't held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded? It wasn't a wartime squadron. He hasn't been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn't seen what it's like when diplomats come in and say, 'I don't know whether we're going to be able to get this point through or not, do you want to take the risk, what about your reputation, how do we handle this publicly?' He hasn't made those points Bob." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

· When Pressed, Clark Said "I Don't Think Riding In A Fighter Plane And Getting Shot Down Is A Qualification To Be President." CBS' BOB SCHIEFFER: "Well, General, could I just interrupt you. I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down." CLARK: "Well, I don't think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 6/29/08)

Wesley Clark's Attack On McCain Contradicts Barack Obama's Promise For A New Kind Of Politics:

"Senator Barack Obama Often Offers A Crisp Sales Pitch To Voters, Imploring Them To Be Part Of Something New, Different And Hopeful. 'If You Want A New Kind Of Politics,' He Says, 'It's Time To Turn The Page.'" (Jeff Zeleny, "A New Kind Of Politics Closely Resembles The Old," The New York Times, 6/16/07)

· Barack Obama: "We've got to get beyond the small politics ... the slash and burn politics that have become the custom in Washington." ("Obama Denounces 'Slash And Burn' Politics," The Associated Press, 2/19/07)

· Barack Obama: "We don't want the small, timid, slash and burn, negative campaigning of the past." (Josh Hafenbrack, "Obama Barack Obama Calls For New Political Spirit During South Florida Campaign Swing," [Fort Lauderdale, FL] Sun Sentinel, 3/26/07)

· Barack Obama: "I know that in Washington it is acceptable to say or do anything it takes to get elected, but I really don't think that is the kind of politics that is good for our party, and I don't think it is good for our country, and I think that the American people will reject it in this election." (Ben Smith, "Obama: Clinton Rewrites History," The Politico's "Ben Smith" Blog, www.politico.com, 1/13/08)

FLASHBACK: Obama Surrogate Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Attacked John McCain's Character And Military Service:

Senator Rockefeller: "McCain was a fighter pilot, who dropped laser-guided missiles from 35,000 feet. He was long gone when they hit. What happened when they [the missiles] get to the ground? He doesn't know. You have to care about the lives of people. McCain never gets into those issues." (Paul J. Nyden, "Jay Defends Endorsement Of Sen. Obama," The Charleston Gazette, 4/8/08)

· Townhall's Matt Lewis: "This is the second incident in less than a week where we have seen an Obama surrogate -- not just questioning Sen. McCain's ideas -- but directly attacking his character, integrity, and war experience. Is this a pattern we should get used to?" (Matt Lewis, "Another Obama Surrogate Attacks McCain's Honor," Townhall's "Blog," www.townhall.com, 4/8/08)

FLASHBACK: Barack Obama Failed To Condemn Remarks From Obama Supporter Ed Schultz Calling John McCain "A Warmonger":

Obama Surrogate Talk Radio Host Ed Schultz Warmed Up Crowd By Calling McCain "A Warmonger." "But Mr. Schultz, a supporter of Senator Barack Obama, may have gone too far late Friday when he called Senator John McCain 'a warmonger.' Mr. Schultz made the remarks while revving up a group of Obama supporters at a $100-a-head fund raiser at the North Dakota Democratic Party's convention in Grand Forks." (Larry Rohter, "McCain Called A 'Warmonger' At Obama Event," The New York Times' "The Caucus" Blog, www.nytimes.com, 4/5/08)

MSBNC's First Read: "The Obama Campaign Didn't Condemn Schultz's Remark..." "As mentioned earlier, the Obama campaign didn't condemn Schultz's remark, but issued this statement: 'John McCain is not a warmonger and should not be described as such. He's a supporter of a war that Senator Obama believes should have never been authorized and never been waged.'" (Mark Murray, "McCain On The 'Warmonger' Remark," MSNBC's "First Read" Blog, firstread.msnbc.msn.com, 4/5/08)

FLASHBACK: Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) Criticized McCain's Service In The Military:

Senator Tom Harkin Said McCain's Views Come "From Always Having Been In The Military, And I Think That Can Be Pretty Dangerous." "Republican presidential candidate John McCain's family background as the son and grandson of admirals has given him a worldview shaped by the military, 'and he has a hard time thinking beyond that,' Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Ia., said Friday. 'I think he's trapped in that,' Harkin said in a conference call with Iowa reporters. 'Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.'" (Jane Norman, "Harkin: McCain Too 'Military,'" The Des Moines Register, 5/17/08)

Valley Politico: Eric Cantor to be McCain's VP?

Bob Stuart over at the Valley Politico wonders about John McCain's pick for VP ... and questions whether Congressman Eric Cantor (R-7th Congressional District) could be the one. Good question....

Military wife responds to MoveOn.org's anti-military ad

Ania Egland, who grew up under communism and who is now the mother of two boys and the wife of Major Eric Egland, responds to MoveOn.org's recent anti-military (and nonsensical) ad in this YouTube clip.


H/T WTW

John McCain townhall meeting tonight on Fox News

Republican Presidential candidate John McCain will host a townhall meeting tonight at 7:00 pm from Federal Hall in New York City. Fox News Channel will broadcast it live.

Federal Hall was the location where President George Washington first took the oath of office. Tonight it will play host to John McCain while he answers questions from real voters about important issues including the economy, energy prices and the war.

Last week, John McCain invited Senator Obama to participate tonight, hoping to start what would be a series of ten townhall meetings where both candidates would travel the country to answer questions from real voters. Senator Obama has yet to agree to meet. These townhalls would revolutionize our political process and start a real change in the tone of politics. John McCain believes in this effort and is putting it into action.

Tonight. 7 pm. Fox News Channel. Tune in.

Ann Coulter: "Bush's America - 100% al-Qaida free since 2001"

Ann Coulter doesn't mince words ... and that is one reason I admire her. In a world where Americans are encouraged to be mush-spined whimps, Ann tells it like it is.

And so she writes in "Bush's America - 100% al-Quaida free since 2001":

In a conversation recently, I mentioned as an aside what a great president George Bush has been and my friend was surprised. I was surprised that he was surprised.

I generally don't write columns about the manifestly obvious, but, yes, the man responsible for keeping Americans safe from another terrorist attack on American soil for nearly seven years now will go down in history as one of America's greatest presidents.

In a different media climate all Americans would realize what a strong leader President Bush has been. However, with a media that is hostile to anything remotely resembling Republicanism, the good news is kept suppressed and the bad news is blasted from the front pages.

To drive the fact home, she continues:

But unlike liberals, who are so anxious to send American troops to Rwanda or Darfur, Republicans oppose deploying U.S. troops for purely humanitarian purposes. We invaded Iraq to protect America.

It is unquestionable that Bush has made this country safe by keeping Islamic lunatics pinned down fighting our troops in Iraq. In the past few years, our brave troops have killed more than 20,000 al-Qaida and other Islamic militants in Iraq alone. That's 20,000 terrorists who will never board a plane headed for JFK -- or a landmark building, for that matter.

Ann wraps up her article with this:

We begin to forget what it was like to turn on the TV, see a tornado, a car chase or another Pamela Anderson marriage and think: Good -- another day without a terrorist attack.

But liberals have only blind hatred for Bush -- and for those brute American interrogators who do not supply extra helpings of béarnaise sauce to the little darlings at Guantanamo with sufficient alacrity.

The sheer repetition of lies about Bush is wearing people down. There is not a liberal in this country worthy of kissing Bush's rear end, but the weakest members of the herd run from Bush. Compared to the lickspittles denying and attacking him, Bush is a moral giant -- if that's not damning with faint praise. John McCain should be so lucky as to be running for Bush's third term. Then he might have a chance.

I concur.

ODBA's Josh Levy advocates "Win the War" as he completes UVA Law School

Josh Levy (photo by Daily Progress)

Josh Levy is a young man I admire very much for standing up for what he believes in. His blog, "Win the War," advocates victory in Iraq and he backs it up with sound arguments and background information. He talked with the Charlottesville Daily Progress about school, his role in supporting the troops, and his future. One of his passions is his support for John McCain for President.

Josh organized a "Win the War" rally last June in Charlottesville when anti-war protester Cindy Sheehan was in town, a job he very successfully succeeded in by pulling in over 100 pro-victory supporters from the surrounding area including SWAC. It was the first time I had met him in person and I found him organized, pleasant, and determined in his beliefs. He was not afraid to stand up to the rabid anti-war protesters. He was standing up for the silent majority, the people who could not be there or felt uncomfortable in the presence of people who shouted them down and called them names.

The Daily Progress put it well:

... with the next presidential election around the corner, Josh Levy, a third-year University of Virginia law school student, believes it is critical to speak to what he views as America’s new "silent majority": those who support or could be persuaded that it is in America’s best interest to achieve what Levy and others view as victory in Iraq. Levy organized a "pro-victory" rally in July, when anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan came to Charlottesville, and is thinking about starting a citizens advocacy group to argue, in part, that withdrawal now would mean "retreat."

But he knows that time is of the essence.

"When a president takes a country to war … an invisible clock starts ticking," said Levy, 34. "[Americans are] not going to wait forever."

It is an excellent article and well worth the read. Carl applauds Josh over at Spark It Up!!

McCain clinches GOP nomination; Huckabee drops out

It's finally official. John McCain swept the GOP primaries Tuesday to win enough delegates to cinch the nomination. Mike Huckabee dropped out ... we thank him for running a good race.

Congratulations to Senator John McCain. We now will pull together as a team and support our nominee.

And so it begins ... a sample of Democrat criticism of McCain

Raising Kaine has a post today called "McCain: Iraq is like Kuwait!" The first sentence says:

Man, he's sounding dumber and dumber on foreign policy all the time...

And so it begins. That is just a sample of what will be coming this fall from the democrats.

Saxman voted at home for John McCain

Delegate Chris Saxman voted early today at R. E. Lee High School in Staunton, casting his vote for John McCain. In his role as co-chairman of McCain's Virginia campaign, he was ready to see a win for his candidate.

According to the Waynesboro News Virginian:

"I’m very optimistic,’’ said Del. Chris Saxman after casting his vote ...

The McCain supporters are in Alexandria as returns come in tonight.

Ron Paul will not back McCain

Ron Paul will not back John McCain as the Republican nominee even though he is now assured of not winning the nomination himself, and he has ruled out a third party run.

He was quoted as saying:

The 10-term congressman with libertarian ideals calls for the U.S. to bring overseas troops home and invest the saved money domestically, while McCain has vowed to remain overseas, especially in Iraq, for as long as necessary. “I cannot support anybody with the foreign policy he advocates — perpetual war,” Paul said on Monday in comments reported by Andrew Malcolm of the Los Angeles Times. “That is just so disturbing to me.”

He also believes that with Mitt Romney out of the race the chances of a brokered convention are nil.

Read the entire article here.

Did I just hear McCain say what he said?

The 1:00 radio news break was covering the Florida Primary. Did I really hear John McCain say:

"If Mitt Romney understood anything he would know our dependence on foreign oil is a national security issue."

What? John McCain is against drilling for oil in Alaska. What wool is he pulling over the eyes of the voters in Florida?

Two more Republicans jump on Presidential campaigns...

Press releases today have notified folks that two more Republicans have jumped on board Presidential campaigns as we approach the beginning of the Primary season.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell will serve as co-chairman with George Allen of the Fred Thompson for President campaign.

Delegate Chris Saxman will serve as co-chairman with John Warner of the John McCain for President campaign.

"Defending the American Dream:" John McCain

Two words: McCain-Feingold.

I am appreciative to John McCain for his service to this country and for his stand in the War in Iraq. He was a prisoner of war during Vietnam and suffered more than we will ever realize.

Unable to attend the main event on Friday, McCain spoke at a cocktail reception Thursday evening. I was unable to find supporters possibly because of his contentious nature over the years. And then there are those two words: McCain-Feingold.