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A smell test for The Iowa Republican

By Mike Thayer

If Christie Vilsack was out circulating nomination petitions to get her name on the primary ballot before she declared herself a candidate, if she made or approved statements like "Vilsack for Congress" before she filed paperwork with the FEC, if she issued a press release saying she raised $120,000 in campaign contributions before she officially announced her candidacy, would Craig Robinson and The Iowa Republican report on that and how Vilsack was skirting FEC rules?

You bet he would.

Craig Robinson and The Iowa Republican wouldn't look the other way with Democrat Christie Vilsack, but they do with Republican Ben Lange.  Just because Ben has an 'R' next to his name makes what he's doing OK?

Nope.  The Iowa Republican is ignoring the truth, and that's a problem.  The publication doesn't pass the smell test, Iowan's deserve better.

Now is the time to vet our candidates folks, not after the primary.

Related Story:  http://coralvillecourier.typepad.com/community/2012/01/mainstream-media-fails-to-question-ben-lange-about-his-120000.html

NFL's Aaron Kampman to receive Ray award for good character

DES MOINES, IA. -- Aaron Kampman, an Iowa native and All-Pro defensive end and linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars is the 2012 Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award recipient. 

The Ray Awards are presented by Character Counts In Iowa and reflect former Gov. Robert D. Ray’s lifelong commitment to civility and character development. 

The award is presented each spring to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character as a visible role model.  Past recipients include Dallas Clark, Shawn Johnson, Norman Borlaug, and Coach Ed Thomas (posthumously). 

“I am humbled to be receiving the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award, and I am honored that this recognition will be taking place in my home state of Iowa,” said Kampman.  “As a husband, father, son, brother, friend, and teammate, I strive to emulate what I have witnessed in the great men of noble character from my own life – namely my father.  It will be my pleasure to accept the award.” 

“Aaron demonstrates good character on and off of the field.  He’s admired not only for his athletic ability, but for his dedication to doing what is right,” said Gov. Ray, the founder and board chairman of Character Counts In Iowa.  “We look forward to honoring him.” 

Aaron will accept the Ray Award on April 20, 2012 at Character Counts In Iowa’s All-Star Evening in West Des Moines.

Strawn to Depart as Iowa GOP Chairman

DES MOINES, IA. -- Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn today announced he will be stepping down as the state’s top Iowa GOP party official, effective Friday, February 10. Strawn has served as chairman of the Iowa GOP since January 2009. The Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee will be charged with setting the date to elect Strawn’s successor.

Strawn shared his announcement with Iowa Republicans in the following video message.

The prepared text of Strawn’s message to Iowa Republicans follows below:

January 31, 2012

Dear Iowa Republican:

In December 2008, when I campaigned to serve as your Chairman, my top goal was to make the Iowa GOP a relevant force again in Iowa politics by ushering in an era where the Republican Party returned to winning elections without betraying our conservative principles.

Over the past three plus years, we succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. We witnessed sweeping Republican electoral victories at all levels. We saw an explosion in new Republican voters with an unprecedented 34 consecutive months of Iowa GOP voter registration gains. We kept the Iowa Caucuses First-in-the-Nation. We broke fundraising records, hosted the largest Republican presidential caucus in history, and for the first-time ever, the Iowa GOP co-hosted three nationally televised presidential debates that were watched by millions. Most importantly, Iowa Republicans accomplished all this and more working together as a team.

Simply put, your Iowa GOP is better off than it was four years ago thanks to outstanding team work. Your Iowa GOP is a relevant force again in Iowa politics. Your Iowa GOP is winning elections with leaders who are advancing our principled agenda. Your Iowa GOP is in a position to re-elect our members of Congress, win an Iowa Senate majority, and make Iowa’s six electoral votes the national battleground in the 2012 presidential campaign.

While the election wins, fundraising successes and media appearances are the aspects of being Chairman that gain the most attention, the most rewarding aspect of my service was the opportunity to travel our state and get to know the people of Iowa. The strength of the rebuilt Iowa GOP rests in the hands of the thousands of committed volunteer activists who give their time, treasure and talents to make Iowa a better place by working to elect public servants who share our values and principles.

The Iowa GOP designs its position of Chairman to be volunteer in nature. But over the past three years I have treated the privilege of serving as your Chairman as a full-time calling. There’s no question the job of rebuilding our party was a huge one, and one to which I committed every minute that was necessary to succeed.

It is only because the Iowa GOP has returned as a strong and relevant voice in Iowa politics that I am now able to evaluate all the competing priorities in my personal, business and political life. The party is strong and has the resources in place for victory in November. Now is the time to transition to new leadership.

Effective February 10, I will be ending my service as your Chairman. For this fifth generation Iowan and Benton County farm kid, serving as your Chairman has been an honor, a privilege and the opportunity of a lifetime.

To Victory,

Matthew N. Strawn

Being a Republican isn’t about what we are, it’s about who we are

The Conservative Take, by Steve Rathje

Given the current rhetoric in Republican presidential politics, it would appear as though you're now the bad guy if you’ve taken a risk, formed a business; achieved success; followed the rules; paid your taxes; and actually done something with your life. If that’s truly the case, wouldn’t the opposite then hold true for what one’s competition finds to be a satisfactory alternative... to close your business; fire your employees; send all the jobs to China; become a lawyer, academic or professional politician; be delinquent on your taxes and sip tea while sitting on a loveseat with those you disagree with?  

Sounds a little ridiculous, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, I believe it’s more true than not and I don’t think this trend is exclusive to presidential campaigns either, as class/business warfare against those that have achieved success seems to be running rampant throughout Republican primaries. Those that apply it, must in their own minds feel they’ve been forced to, simply because their résumé doesn’t appear to qualify them for the task at hand and therefore demonizing their opponent is the only way they can create enough doubt in the eyes of the voter to get themselves elected.  

When was the last time you heard a lawyer, an academic, or a professional politician speak from experience to what needs to be done when a company finds it difficult to remain in business, let alone make payroll and compete in the market place?  When was the last time you heard any of the three offer a single solitary solution based on personal experience rather than what they happened to read from a book, learn from a seminar, or pick up on FOX News? Rather than utilize their own experiences and talents to draw attention to themselves and their leadership abilities, they choose to use the qualifications of their opponents to not only demonize them, but equalize and justify that which they lack in comparison.

Let’s take for example the company I mentioned in my opening statement that’s finding it hard to make payroll. The lawyer, the academic and the professional politician, out of ignorance choose to freeze wages and benefits and make across the board cuts in a feeble attempt to fix what’s broken. The qualified/experienced individual on the other hand, knows full well that freezing accomplishes nothing, and that wages and benefits have to be cut immediately while analyzing the necessity of the current labor force. All departments ‘have to’ participate with only unnecessary personnel from each department receiving a furlough. Duties ‘have to’ be combined wherever possible. Feasibility studies ‘have to’ be made to determine internal costs vs. subcontracted ones. Budgets ‘have to’ be brought inline with revisions being made, and prices ‘have to’ be cut to stimulate sales in order to boost profits and become economically solvent again.    

Sadly enough, politicians and would-be politicians take great pride in pointing toward successful business owners and what they’ve accomplished when attempting to explain the merits of their conservative positions, of free enterprise and capitalism. Neither takes any issue in soliciting contributions from the successful either, but place that successful, experienced business person in a position to challenge them, their perceived authority and the power they seek; it then becomes very apparent as to what their true motives are and what drives them. I find it extremely disingenuous for a self proclaimed, would-be, so-called conservative to challenge the Democrat party when it comes to jobs and the economy while having absolutely no experience in providing a remedy themselves, let alone the demonization of those that do. 

If this is truly is what being a Republican means to some, I couldn’t disagree more, because being a Republican isn’t about what we are, it’s about who we are. Once we compromise who we are, the very foundation on which we stand begins to crumble. We as true Republicans, Conservatives, Constitutional Patriots, don’t demonize free enterprise, we embrace it, we don’t criminalize success, we encourage it and we don’t make keeping more of what we earn sound un-American!  

Whether it’s the public sector or the private sector, life experience and success really do matter. Stop demonizing conservatives that have worked hard to achieve it, and instead start encouraging, rewarding, and thanking them for their ability to do so.

Mainstream media fails to question Ben Lange about his $120,000

Headline:  Lange has raised $120,000 toward new Braley challenge

That's the headline from the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

First line of the story:  Republican Ben Lange is reporting that he’s raised $120,000 for a rematch with Democratic 1st District Rep. Bruce Braley.

Sounds great right?  Rah-rah stuff right?

Wrong.

The Gazette, The Iowa Republican, KCRG simply took Lange's claim at face value.  They failed to ask the who, what, where, when, why questions.  Journalism 101.  Ben Lange said he raised $120,000, he's not even an officially declared candidate and the news publications basically said, Duh, gee, OK, we'll print what you said.....

Below is the who, what, where, when, and why the media failed to address.  Republicans in Iowa's First Congressional District should be concerned. 

Folks should know that Lange is skirting FEC rules.  A news publication that cares about the truth would check it out and not just post Wow, look at Ben Lange, he raised $120,000!  They didn't even ask where the contributions came from. They didn't ask for proof Lange actually has that kind of money, for all we know it's sheer propaganda.  How is that a service to you?

Mr. Lange’s conduct in this matter should be questioned, not congratulated and promoted. Lange has violated rules and regulations set forth by the FEC and that should be put out for public review.  No one, but no one is above the law, not even a lawyer from Independence named Ben Lange.

This isn’t some witch hunt, it isn't personal on my part. It’s about the law, right vs. wrong and making sure we have top quality candidates running for office. I can't stress that enough!  We don't 'protect' Ben or look the other way just because he has a 'R' next to his name.

I have personally communicated with The Federal Election Commission on several occasions asking questions and discussing this matter in depth prior to making any statements or writing any articles about it. I wanted to be absolutely sure I was correct before I put anything out there in the public eye. That's how I operate. My concerns are valid.  But don't take my word for it, do your own homework folks, here's a link http://www.fec.gov/pdf/candgui.pdf to the FEC Rules and Regulations along with a brief tutorial (below) to illustrate my point. And hey pick up the phone, here’s the toll free telephone number for the FEC: 800-424-9530. Call them and learn for yourself.  Don't take my word for it, take theirs. Once you’ve dialed, follow the prompt by pressing 6 for the ‘Information Division’.

I find it unfortunate that the media has chosen to give Ben Lange a pass.

 So... in checking out the FEC rules & regs:

Please click on the link provided above and scroll to page 1, entitled; “Testing the Waters.”

Then go directly to the right side of the page and read Sec 1. Entitled; “Testing the waters vs. campaigning.”

Now read the paragraph entitled, “Campaigning”.

To simplify things even further, here’s exactly what it says...

“Certain activities, however, indicate that the individual has decided to become a candidate and is no longer testing the waters. In that case, once the individual has raised or spent more than $5,000, he or she must register as a candidate. Note that, when an individual decides to run for office, funds that were raised and spent to test the waters apply to the $5,000 threshold.

Campaigning (as opposed to testing the waters) is apparent, for example, when individuals:

• Make or authorize statements that refer to themselves as candidates (“Smith in 2012” or “Smith for Senate”);

• Use general public political advertising to publicize their intention to campaign;

• Raise more money than what is reasonably needed to test the waters or amass funds (seed money) to be used after candidacy is established;

• Conduct activities over a protracted period of time or shortly before the election; or

• Take action to qualify for the ballot.” (In other words you cannot seek out petition signatures)

100.72(b) and 100.131(b).

~~~~~~~

Lange has made statements or authorized statements referring to himself as a candidate.  Unless you have officially registered yourself as a candidate with the FEC, that's a no-no.  

Lange has raised more money, a lot more, than what is reasonably needed to 'test the waters'.  That's a no-no. 

Lange put nomination petitions out in all 20 counties throughout Iowa's First District on Caucus night, without being an officially declared candidate with the FEC.  That's a no-no.

Lange had campaign volunteers carry out the above task, unless you're an officially registered candidate, which Ben isn't, that's a no-no.

Most likely, the petitions people signed on Caucus night to put Ben's name on the primary ballot are no good.  Lange wasted Republicans' time and effort.  The petitions most likely will have to be done all over again. 

These aren't innocent mistakes folks.  Lange is blowing off the rules.  He's an experienced Congressional candidate, he's been there, done that and for crying out loud he's a lawyer.  HE'S SUPPOSED TO KNOW THE RULES AND MAINTAIN THEIR INTEGRITY.  He also violated FEC rules in 2010.  There's a pattern of behavior here folks.  It's a problem for Republicans hoping to win another seat in Congress.

Shame on the media outlets that failed to ask the who, what, where, when, and why questions before running with a story.  Shame on the media outlets that just took what a guy said, at face value. 

And where is the Republican State Central Committee on this?  They can no longer remain silent.

Respect your elders

"Without wishing to damp the ardor of curiosity or influence the freedom of inquiry, I will hazard a prediction that, after the most industrious and impartial researchers, the longest liver of you all will find no principles, institutions or systems of education more fit in general to be transmitted to your posterity than those you have received from your ancestors." -- John Adams, letter to the young men of the Philadelphia, 1798

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Florida GOP Primary: Romney 44%, Gingrich 28%

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has opened a double-digit lead in Florida as the perception grows among Republican primary voters that he is the strongest general election candidate against President Obama. The state's GOP Primary is on Tuesday.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Republican Primary Voters, conducted Saturday, shows Romney up by 16 points with 44% support. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is a distant second at 28%. 

SENIOR ADVISOR BEHIND IOWA CAUCUS VICTORY NAMED SANTORUM CAMPAIGN'S DEPUTY CAMPAIGN MANAGER

 Jill Latham Named Deputy Campaign Manager For The Rick Santorum For President Campaign

Verona, PA - The Rick Santorum for President campaign is proud to announce that Jill Latham has been named Deputy Campaign Manager.   Jill Latham said: "I am honored to take on this role with the Santorum campaign. Rick is not only the hardest working man in politics; he is the one candidate who has the conservative record to match his rhetoric. Rick won the Iowa caucuses the right way, traveling to all 99 counties, getting to know Iowans and understanding what they want in our next President - a man of conviction, honesty and the values we need in a President. I am proud to have the opportunity to join his national team as we work to defeat Barack Obama this fall."    Rick Santorum said: "When expanding our national team, there is no one who would better fit this role than Jill, because it was through her planning and diligence that we were able to craft the campaign to defeat both Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich in the Iowa Caucus. Jill's experience on several presidential campaigns will be a terrific asset to our growing national campaign, and the entire team looks forward to working with her as we advance toward the nomination and a victory this November."   Jill Latham served as the Senior Iowa Advisor to the Rick Santorum for President campaign's victorious Iowa Caucus campaign. Prior to joining the Santorum Team, Latham served as Iowa Political Director for Governor Mitt Romney's 2008 presidential campaign, Political Director for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, and as part of President George W. Bush's successful 2004 re-election campaign.   To learn more about former Senator Rick Santorum, please visit www.RickSantorum.com.

Allen West to Obama, Reid, Pelosi: ‘Get the Hell Out of the United States of America’

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) had a strong message Saturday for President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz: “Get the hell out.”

West made the comments during a speech at a Palm Beach County GOP event in West Palm Beach.

Read On at theblaze.com

 

Texas/Oklahoma drought driving up the price of beef

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture reports, beef prices went up 9 percent in 2011.  The price of beef is estimated to go up another 5.5 percent in 2012.

Why?

Long-term drought in Texas and Oklahoma, fewer cows around as a result.  The number of cows in Texas alone decreased by about 600,000 in 2011 according to David Anderson, a livestock economist based in the Longhorn state.  The drop is a 12 percent reduction in herd numbers totaling 5 million cows.

Drought has caused feed prices to skyrocket and some cattle has died off from the lack of water.  Due to the conditions, ranchers have been forced to sell cattle and slaughter early to cut losses. 

Beat inflated prices with delicious, storable foods from GoFoods!