The following three paragraphs are from an e-mail I wrote to a friend. I will expand on these comments in Monday's column. Most conservatives are against Campaign Finance Reform (CFR), but frankly, something has to be done -- otherwise our congressional elections will continue to look more like coronations. Any suggestions?
In my blog, I write reularly about John Murtha's financing, which is basically bribery money. In 2004, when he had NO opponent (he got 100% iof the votes cast), he spent nearly $1.6 million on his "campaign." Can any of my readers figure out how he "spent" $1.6 million in a race with NO OPPONENT?
Apparently, he has spent nearly $1,000,000 in 2007 (for a race in 2008). Think your very worst thoughts about where that money is going. The exact figures should be out in approximately 10 days on www.OpenSecrets.org.
The best way you do something about this situation is to send a contribution to William Russell.
Showing posts with label William T. Russell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label William T. Russell. Show all posts
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
CALLING ALL BLOGGERS: RUSSELL CAMPAIGN
Can we beat the liberals at their own game?
The blogging community will play an important part in helping Lt. Col. Bill Russell defeat John Murtha. If you look on my other site (one that has the same postings as this one), you'll discover approximately 40 blogs listed as "4 Russell." All these blogs have printed material supportive of Russell; several of the bloggers have contributed to the campaign; a few are actively involved in their own fundraising efforts for the campaign; an important group of the bloggers (Douglas Gibbs, Eric Dondero, Jenn of the Jungle, and Snooper) have interviewed Bill and other people supporting him on BlogTalkRadio.
Traditionally, liberal, the "netroots" (or "nutroots," as some call them) have been better than we conservatives at online politics. That's changing -- as it must if we're to say competitive.
In 2004, Joe Trippi ran the successful Internet campaign for Howard Dean, and it was a tremendous success. In Trippi's book The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, he says that Dean's "Meetup" site had 600,000 participants. The Dean Campaign raised more than $50 million, much of it coming from people online.
No Republican Campaign has come anywhere close to those numbers, although Ron Paul is setting some records of his own. In one day, Paul raised a total of $10 mllion from people contributing online.
To defeat John Murtha (who will spend $4 million-plus in this election cycle), Bill Russell needs to raise at least $500,000 -- preferably more. As usual, the Murtha campaign will throw money at his supporters in ways that are of questionable legality. In contrast, the Russell effort will be scrupulously legal and very efficient, with every dollar aimed at finding and getting votes.
In terms of contributions, Russell is doing well online, but needs to keep doing better. Correction, those of us campaigning online have to do better. We have to keep spreading the message that Murtha can be beaten -- and will be with the supportive of the conservative online community.
Yes, John Murtha will receive many millions of dollars from lobbyists and companies that he's essentially bought and paid for with federal dollars, a percentage of which are returned to him in the form of campaign contributions. You can check out the malicious mess that is the Murtha Campaign by going to http://opensecrets.org and keying in the name "Murtha." You'll see that for the 2008 election, he'd already spent by last September 30, a total of almost $700,000. By the December 31 Federal Election Commission reporting date, Murtha will have spent more than a million dollars.
I assure you the contributions didn't come from lobbyists and shady companies committed to Good Government.
How can those of us committed to Russell overcome that avalanche of payoffs to "The Prince of Pork?" We can do it by outsmarting him in the campaign, which luckily won't be that hard. We can also do it by making the maximum use of an inexpensive medium -- the Internet. For example, this particular communication is not costing me anything, aside from the blood, sweat, and tears always involved with writing.
What do we need? At least 30,000 people online backing the Russell Campaign by advocating his candidacy (relax, we apparently have more than 1,000 already). Of the 30,000 as many as 2,000 should be bloggers. We also need 3,000-plus people to go the Russell web site and contribute money. A lot of contributions of $20, $50, and $100 will go a long way toward defeating Murtha.
Politics isn't brain surgery. It consists of the three M's: message, mobilization (of supporters), and money, which is necessary to get the message out and to mobilize thousands of people to win this race.
What can you do? Be one of those people that spreads the message; also, be a person who asks others to join you in volunteering to help Russell.The third part is the most important.
We conservatives need to start out-contributing the liberals. Go the Russell web site and so what you can to make sure this outstanding candidate has the support he needs. Trust me: you'll feel good about it.
The blogging community will play an important part in helping Lt. Col. Bill Russell defeat John Murtha. If you look on my other site (one that has the same postings as this one), you'll discover approximately 40 blogs listed as "4 Russell." All these blogs have printed material supportive of Russell; several of the bloggers have contributed to the campaign; a few are actively involved in their own fundraising efforts for the campaign; an important group of the bloggers (Douglas Gibbs, Eric Dondero, Jenn of the Jungle, and Snooper) have interviewed Bill and other people supporting him on BlogTalkRadio.
Traditionally, liberal, the "netroots" (or "nutroots," as some call them) have been better than we conservatives at online politics. That's changing -- as it must if we're to say competitive.
In 2004, Joe Trippi ran the successful Internet campaign for Howard Dean, and it was a tremendous success. In Trippi's book The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, he says that Dean's "Meetup" site had 600,000 participants. The Dean Campaign raised more than $50 million, much of it coming from people online.
No Republican Campaign has come anywhere close to those numbers, although Ron Paul is setting some records of his own. In one day, Paul raised a total of $10 mllion from people contributing online.
To defeat John Murtha (who will spend $4 million-plus in this election cycle), Bill Russell needs to raise at least $500,000 -- preferably more. As usual, the Murtha campaign will throw money at his supporters in ways that are of questionable legality. In contrast, the Russell effort will be scrupulously legal and very efficient, with every dollar aimed at finding and getting votes.
In terms of contributions, Russell is doing well online, but needs to keep doing better. Correction, those of us campaigning online have to do better. We have to keep spreading the message that Murtha can be beaten -- and will be with the supportive of the conservative online community.
Yes, John Murtha will receive many millions of dollars from lobbyists and companies that he's essentially bought and paid for with federal dollars, a percentage of which are returned to him in the form of campaign contributions. You can check out the malicious mess that is the Murtha Campaign by going to http://opensecrets.org and keying in the name "Murtha." You'll see that for the 2008 election, he'd already spent by last September 30, a total of almost $700,000. By the December 31 Federal Election Commission reporting date, Murtha will have spent more than a million dollars.
I assure you the contributions didn't come from lobbyists and shady companies committed to Good Government.
How can those of us committed to Russell overcome that avalanche of payoffs to "The Prince of Pork?" We can do it by outsmarting him in the campaign, which luckily won't be that hard. We can also do it by making the maximum use of an inexpensive medium -- the Internet. For example, this particular communication is not costing me anything, aside from the blood, sweat, and tears always involved with writing.
What do we need? At least 30,000 people online backing the Russell Campaign by advocating his candidacy (relax, we apparently have more than 1,000 already). Of the 30,000 as many as 2,000 should be bloggers. We also need 3,000-plus people to go the Russell web site and contribute money. A lot of contributions of $20, $50, and $100 will go a long way toward defeating Murtha.
Politics isn't brain surgery. It consists of the three M's: message, mobilization (of supporters), and money, which is necessary to get the message out and to mobilize thousands of people to win this race.
What can you do? Be one of those people that spreads the message; also, be a person who asks others to join you in volunteering to help Russell.The third part is the most important.
We conservatives need to start out-contributing the liberals. Go the Russell web site and so what you can to make sure this outstanding candidate has the support he needs. Trust me: you'll feel good about it.
"SUPPORT OUR TROOPS": ELECT RUSSELL
In his campaign against John Murtha, Bill Russell's campaign slogan is: "Embrace The Future!" It's a great tagline, because Murtha with his corruption, his bullying manner, and his total incomprehension of the War on Terror is certainly "The Voice of Christmas Past."
Russell, a husband, a father of two young children, and an Army Ranger who saw action in Desert Storm, the Balkins, and Iraqi Freedom is the Voice of the Future, for America generally and PA's 12th District specifically.
I've suggested another slogan, perhaps for bumper stickers: "Support Our Troops . . . Elect Russell." In fact, our troops -- in their role of killing or capturing terrorists -- will play a major role in advancing our country's future. We can't afford another 9/11 -- materially, psychologically, or spiritually. If we couldn't stop al Qaida from launching terrorist attacks against the U.S. and our allies, we would have a very uncertain future.
One critical way we can support our troops is to vote for soldiers -- and their staunchest supporters -- running for federal offices. That's why this blog is backing Iraq War vets like Bill Russell (PA), Eric Egland (CA), and Duncan Duane Hunter (CA), as well as the only female veteran in Congress, Heather Wilson. I'm also supporting Melissa A. Hart (PA), who's not a veteran but is a true Warrior in her commitment to our military, and I'm supporting Rep. Jean Schmidt of Ohio for the same reason.
We need ALL these people in the Congress, and I urge you to visit their web sites. It's important that we get Representatives and Senators in Washington, DC who are familiar with the situation we face in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Russell, Egland, Hunter, Hart, Schmidt, and Wilson are people who know what must be done to protect America -- and to turn around the dangerous situations in the MidEast (e.g., Iraq and Iran) and Pakistan.
In the past, Jack Murtha has received significant support from veterans and their families. But with Murtha's defeatist -- and demonstrably false -- statements about the Haditha Marines and others, there's no excuse for ANY veteran voting for him. A vote for Murtha is a vote against American soldiers and veterans.
Frightened people -- and Murtha is one -- in Congress are trying to turn military victory, which we're achieving, into political defeat. As Bill Russell has pointed out, they are trying to turn Iraq into another Vietnam.
Murtha wants to "redeploy" soldiers in war zones to faraway Okinawa. He might as well call for a disbanding of the military. He's basically inviting al Qaida to turn Iraq into a terrorist playground.
Active duty soliders and veterans in the 12th District -- as many as 50,000 individuals -- understand that Murtha now has "blood on his hands." His statements, so comforting to America's enemies, domestic and foreign, have certainly led to the deaths of many Americans -- and others.
Calling American Marines "cold-blooders killers" is not the kind of statement any decent human being makes. It was false in every particular, and it did nothing but benefit the enemy. People who truly support our troops will not back Jack Murtha. They will not give him money -- basically payoffs for his federal handouts -- and they will not give him their votes.
Everyone who believes Murtha Must Go should volunteer to join Team Russell. Also, patriotic Americans must provide Russell the funds he needs to win. Hundreds of people have contributed to the campaign -- and many thousands more will do so. Today is the time to make your donation.
NOTE: I'm getting questions about Melissa Hart, who is running in my own district (PA 4th) against Jason Altmire, a pseudo-conservative Democrat, to regain her seat. You can contribute to Melissa, a wonderful conservative, by sending a check to the following:
People With Hart
PO Box 435
Wexford, PA 15090
At the same time, please send a check to:
William Russell for Congress
PO Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Please look at your contributions as an Investment in America's Future.
Russell, a husband, a father of two young children, and an Army Ranger who saw action in Desert Storm, the Balkins, and Iraqi Freedom is the Voice of the Future, for America generally and PA's 12th District specifically.
I've suggested another slogan, perhaps for bumper stickers: "Support Our Troops . . . Elect Russell." In fact, our troops -- in their role of killing or capturing terrorists -- will play a major role in advancing our country's future. We can't afford another 9/11 -- materially, psychologically, or spiritually. If we couldn't stop al Qaida from launching terrorist attacks against the U.S. and our allies, we would have a very uncertain future.
One critical way we can support our troops is to vote for soldiers -- and their staunchest supporters -- running for federal offices. That's why this blog is backing Iraq War vets like Bill Russell (PA), Eric Egland (CA), and Duncan Duane Hunter (CA), as well as the only female veteran in Congress, Heather Wilson. I'm also supporting Melissa A. Hart (PA), who's not a veteran but is a true Warrior in her commitment to our military, and I'm supporting Rep. Jean Schmidt of Ohio for the same reason.
We need ALL these people in the Congress, and I urge you to visit their web sites. It's important that we get Representatives and Senators in Washington, DC who are familiar with the situation we face in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Russell, Egland, Hunter, Hart, Schmidt, and Wilson are people who know what must be done to protect America -- and to turn around the dangerous situations in the MidEast (e.g., Iraq and Iran) and Pakistan.
In the past, Jack Murtha has received significant support from veterans and their families. But with Murtha's defeatist -- and demonstrably false -- statements about the Haditha Marines and others, there's no excuse for ANY veteran voting for him. A vote for Murtha is a vote against American soldiers and veterans.
Frightened people -- and Murtha is one -- in Congress are trying to turn military victory, which we're achieving, into political defeat. As Bill Russell has pointed out, they are trying to turn Iraq into another Vietnam.
Murtha wants to "redeploy" soldiers in war zones to faraway Okinawa. He might as well call for a disbanding of the military. He's basically inviting al Qaida to turn Iraq into a terrorist playground.
Active duty soliders and veterans in the 12th District -- as many as 50,000 individuals -- understand that Murtha now has "blood on his hands." His statements, so comforting to America's enemies, domestic and foreign, have certainly led to the deaths of many Americans -- and others.
Calling American Marines "cold-blooders killers" is not the kind of statement any decent human being makes. It was false in every particular, and it did nothing but benefit the enemy. People who truly support our troops will not back Jack Murtha. They will not give him money -- basically payoffs for his federal handouts -- and they will not give him their votes.
Everyone who believes Murtha Must Go should volunteer to join Team Russell. Also, patriotic Americans must provide Russell the funds he needs to win. Hundreds of people have contributed to the campaign -- and many thousands more will do so. Today is the time to make your donation.
NOTE: I'm getting questions about Melissa Hart, who is running in my own district (PA 4th) against Jason Altmire, a pseudo-conservative Democrat, to regain her seat. You can contribute to Melissa, a wonderful conservative, by sending a check to the following:
People With Hart
PO Box 435
Wexford, PA 15090
At the same time, please send a check to:
William Russell for Congress
PO Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Please look at your contributions as an Investment in America's Future.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Russell Meeting Upcoming
There will be an important "Meet the Candidate" upcoming (details will follow later) in Johnstown, PA. The featured candidate will be Lt. Col. William T. Russell of Johnstown, who's running for the 12th District congressional seat against John Murtha.
Very soon the campaign will begin circulating petitions to get Russell on the ballot. If you're a Republican registered in the 12th District, please let me know (at TalkTop65@aol.com) , or write directly to campaign manager Larry Stiles (Marine Corps Vietnam vet) at the address below. If you live in the 12th District, you can register by going to the web site and filling out the form.
Many people have contributed to Bill Russell and many, many more will. If you haven't contributed yet, do at the Russell web site. If you'd like to send a check by mail, it should go to:
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
It's critically important to raise "early money" in order to establish a foundation for victory. This is a national effort that's getting support from all 50 states.
I've written many columns here on exactly how Murtha can be defeated. However, the key to victory lies with people like you who believe deeply that the Murtha era must come to an end for the good of our troops and the country as a whole.
Lobbyists and others who have benefited from Murtha's government handouts are pouring money into his campaign. These people need to be confronted with the error of their ways, as their "contributions" are compromising our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as causing economic harm to the country.
To defeat both Murtha and the special interests that support him, people of moderate and conservative views need to step up and back an outstanding American, Lt. Col. William T. Russell.
The total focus of this campaign is victory on Election Eve. Team Russell needs your strong support. You'll be part of an army of volunteers.
Very soon the campaign will begin circulating petitions to get Russell on the ballot. If you're a Republican registered in the 12th District, please let me know (at TalkTop65@aol.com) , or write directly to campaign manager Larry Stiles (Marine Corps Vietnam vet) at the address below. If you live in the 12th District, you can register by going to the web site and filling out the form.
Many people have contributed to Bill Russell and many, many more will. If you haven't contributed yet, do at the Russell web site. If you'd like to send a check by mail, it should go to:
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
It's critically important to raise "early money" in order to establish a foundation for victory. This is a national effort that's getting support from all 50 states.
I've written many columns here on exactly how Murtha can be defeated. However, the key to victory lies with people like you who believe deeply that the Murtha era must come to an end for the good of our troops and the country as a whole.
Lobbyists and others who have benefited from Murtha's government handouts are pouring money into his campaign. These people need to be confronted with the error of their ways, as their "contributions" are compromising our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as causing economic harm to the country.
To defeat both Murtha and the special interests that support him, people of moderate and conservative views need to step up and back an outstanding American, Lt. Col. William T. Russell.
The total focus of this campaign is victory on Election Eve. Team Russell needs your strong support. You'll be part of an army of volunteers.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Vice-President Sarah Heath Palin!
Save a place for Sarah, please . . .Vice-President Sarah Heath Palin!
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's inexorable journey to the vice-presidency of the U.S. -- and ultimately to the Presidency -- continues. Adam Brickley, founder of the Draft Palin Movement, sent the following message today:
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's inexorable journey to the vice-presidency of the U.S. -- and ultimately to the Presidency -- continues. Adam Brickley, founder of the Draft Palin Movement, sent the following message today:
Hello Palin fans,In yet another big media development, the Draft Palin Movement was mentioned (and linked) this morning in a Associated Press story by Steve Quinn. The story just hit the front page of Yahoo! News' "U.S. News" section, and has also been added by a number of news outlets, the most prominent (so far) being FoxNews .com, TheNew York Times, Newsweek.com andTownhall.com.
The story details Palin's meteoric rise, and includes quotes from Claremont McKenna University professor John J. Pitney pegging her as a VP candidate. Folks, we have just broken another glass ceiling by getting national-level mainstream media coverage!
(Adam Brickley)
Take a bow, Adam -- and all the others (like Trish Houser of Alaska) associated with this great movement. In my own blog's support for military people (including Gov. Palin's son, Track), veterans, and their families, Gov. Sarah Palin, a Blue Star mom, occupies a special place in my heart. Is she a "female Reagan?" No, she's better.
I strongly urge Sarah -- the nation's most popular elected official -- to come to PA and other states and campaign for strongly pro-military candidates, including William T. Russell (12th Congressional District) and Melissa A. Hart (4th Congressional District).
I look at the faces on Mt. Rushmore and I hope I live long enough to see two new figures added: Ronald Wilson Reagan and Sarah Heath Palin.
Note: Sarah has also been endorsed for the Republican nomination for Vice President by Emily Zanotti of The American Princess, Pulitzer Prize nominee Les Kinsolving of WorldNetDaily, Mayor Sam of California's Second City Blog, Cindy at ThePinkFlamingo, and many, many others.
And more good news for Sarah Palin . . .
This week, we picked up and endorsement from Charleston Daily Mail coulmist Don Surber. which caught the attention of Instapundit, resulting in over 2,000 hits in one day! (shattering our previous record.)
Then, we found out that Gov. Palin will beappearing in the February issue of Vogue. This means that Sarah Palin will literally be staring thousands (if not millions) of women in the face right as the primaries end and VP speculation heats up.
Then, we found out that Gov. Palin will beappearing in the February issue of Vogue. This means that Sarah Palin will literally be staring thousands (if not millions) of women in the face right as the primaries end and VP speculation heats up.
If you'd like to vote in an online poll for Sarah Palin, click on the following link: ....this one does.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Truthboating John Murtha: "Moldy Bacon"
John Murtha is known in the 12th congressional district as the man "who brings home the bacon."
Unless the "bacon" is a metaphor for low household incomes through the district, then it's the wrong term. The median household incomes in the 12th District are among the lowest in Pennsylvania. Population in 12th District has been in a steady decline -- including Murtha's hometown of Johnstown -- a sure sign of economic distress.
What I'm saying about median household income will come as news to quite a few people in the 12th. If John Murtha has been so good for the district, why are economic conditions so bad?
If you have any doubts about what I'm saying, go to the web site dedicated to outlining conditions in towns across America. It's called epodunk.com.
Fill in the names of towns in the 12th, including Johnstown, Windber, Latrobe, Monongahela, Monessen (hometown of Joe Namath), Waynesburg, and even beautiful Washington, PA. Check the median household incomes against the national averages -- and against Pennsylvania averages. The web site uses data from the U.S. Census Report.
William Russell's campaign manager (Larry Stiles) tells the story of meeting two middle-aged women in Johnstown. Both of them were quick to sing the praises of Congressman Murtha. But when Larry pressed them about economic conditions, one woman said, "Well, the kids get a good college education, but when they graduate from college there are no jobs for them, so they all move away."
If you're a corporate executive, a lobbyist, or a cancer surgeon in the 12th, John Murtha probably done well for you. If you're member of the other 90%, he's done little or nothing for you.
What's wrong with that picture?
What's right with the 12th District in this election cycle is William T. Russell.
The people in the 12th District are wonderful, and the area is beautiful. It deserves better than Jack Murtha.
Stephen R. Maloney
Unless the "bacon" is a metaphor for low household incomes through the district, then it's the wrong term. The median household incomes in the 12th District are among the lowest in Pennsylvania. Population in 12th District has been in a steady decline -- including Murtha's hometown of Johnstown -- a sure sign of economic distress.
What I'm saying about median household income will come as news to quite a few people in the 12th. If John Murtha has been so good for the district, why are economic conditions so bad?
If you have any doubts about what I'm saying, go to the web site dedicated to outlining conditions in towns across America. It's called epodunk.com.
Fill in the names of towns in the 12th, including Johnstown, Windber, Latrobe, Monongahela, Monessen (hometown of Joe Namath), Waynesburg, and even beautiful Washington, PA. Check the median household incomes against the national averages -- and against Pennsylvania averages. The web site uses data from the U.S. Census Report.
William Russell's campaign manager (Larry Stiles) tells the story of meeting two middle-aged women in Johnstown. Both of them were quick to sing the praises of Congressman Murtha. But when Larry pressed them about economic conditions, one woman said, "Well, the kids get a good college education, but when they graduate from college there are no jobs for them, so they all move away."
If you're a corporate executive, a lobbyist, or a cancer surgeon in the 12th, John Murtha probably done well for you. If you're member of the other 90%, he's done little or nothing for you.
What's wrong with that picture?
What's right with the 12th District in this election cycle is William T. Russell.
The people in the 12th District are wonderful, and the area is beautiful. It deserves better than Jack Murtha.
Stephen R. Maloney
Monday, December 24, 2007
John Murtha: Deceiving Conservative Democrats
"We are here to make history." (An American soldier in Tikrit, Iraq)
"The problem with a lot of people is that what they know is true . . . isn't." (Mark Twain, who never met Jack Murtha but certainly knew his kind)
When Lee Atwater ran Republican campaigns in Columbia, SC during the early 1970s, he faced a situation where registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans by more than two-to-one -- by 44% to 18%. Atwater won most of those campaigns by convincing voters that the "conservative" Democrats running against his candidates really weren't . . . conservative Democrats. (See John Brady's book Bad Boy)
Most people in PA's 12th District believe that Jack Murtha is "pro-military." He isn't.
His condemnation of the Haditha Marines -- without evidence and without any sort of charges being lodged -- is an anti-military act. Clearly, by making unfounded statements damaging to American soldiers and the effort in Iraq, he harmed our soldiers and encouraged al-Qaida, which was quick to publicize his words.
He thought he was advancing his chances to be Nancy Pelosi's "number two" in Congress, but he didn't even come close to winning. Steny Hoyer, now the Majority Leader, and other Democrats emphasized that Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) had him pegged as one of the nation's most corrupt congressmen.
Thus, people who want to vote for Murtha because he's a friend of the military are dead wrong.
Some citizens want to vote for Murtha because he "brings home the bacon," that is, procures lots of federal handouts for his district. However, most of 12th District was an economically depressed area at the beginning of Murtha's career -- and remains such now.
As the Almanac of American Politics points out, the median household income (MHI) in the 12th is about the same as in inner-city districts of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.I live in the 4th District, one that contains many aging mill towns, and the MHI here is above $43,000. In the 12th, the number is just above $30,000. Some bacon!
Of course, the congressman does everything in his power to perpetuate the Myth that he's been an economic savior for the District. Obviously, he hasn't.
Thus, people who want to vote for Murtha because he's been a force for economic revival are dead wrong.Most Democrats in the 12th are conservative not only on military affairs but also on social issues. They believe Murtha is one of them, a "conservative Democrat." In fact, he's not.
Yes, he votes against abortion, but he's also voted in favor of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As far back as the Clinton era, he voted to fund international efforts (led largely by Planning Parenthood) that involved pro-abortion measures.
Yes, he does vote (like just about every other Pennsylvania congressman) for Second Amendment rights. That has earned him the support of the NRA and other gun-rights organizations who sometimes wear blinders.However, how does his supposed support for gun rights square with the kind of people he backs for leadership positions in Congress?
Murtha ran Nancy Pelosi's campaign to become minority leader -- and was a staunch supporter of her for Speaker of the House.Nancy Pelosi is opposed to gun rights. She is pro-abortion. In fact, she voted against the ban on partial birth abortion. Like Murtha, she even opposed President Bush's drug plan for seniors -- one that's saved my wife and I more than $4,000 in two years. He's financially supported other Democratic candidates, such as Jason Altmire, who also voted against the Bush drug plan but cast his vote for Pelosi as Speaker.
People in the 12th who vote for Murtha on the basis of his being a "conservative" Democrat are kidding themselves. He's done everything he can to ensure that far-left, anti-military Democrats like Pelosi, Obey, Rangel, and Waxman have the maximum degree of power.
In terms of back-room deals, Murtha is little different from Howard Jefferson, the Democrat who gave new meaning to the term "cold cash." Murtha procures hundreds of millions in earmarks, special projects, for companies that don't need the money. They've rewarded him in the past 7 years with roughly $10 million in campaign contributions.
Go to OpenSecrets.org, type in the name "Murtha," and you can see the process for yourself. Murtha has spent millions of dollars in contributions paying off supporters. They hand the money to him, and he hands it back to them.
A few Democrats in the 12th will ignore Murtha's misdeeds, but more and more of them are ready to "Embrace the Future" and support Lt. Col. William Russell. It's about time.
If Murtha doesn't support the military, doesn't bring real economic renewal to his district, and doesn't support conservative Democrats for leadership positions, exactly what good is he?
"The problem with a lot of people is that what they know is true . . . isn't." (Mark Twain, who never met Jack Murtha but certainly knew his kind)
When Lee Atwater ran Republican campaigns in Columbia, SC during the early 1970s, he faced a situation where registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans by more than two-to-one -- by 44% to 18%. Atwater won most of those campaigns by convincing voters that the "conservative" Democrats running against his candidates really weren't . . . conservative Democrats. (See John Brady's book Bad Boy)
Most people in PA's 12th District believe that Jack Murtha is "pro-military." He isn't.
His condemnation of the Haditha Marines -- without evidence and without any sort of charges being lodged -- is an anti-military act. Clearly, by making unfounded statements damaging to American soldiers and the effort in Iraq, he harmed our soldiers and encouraged al-Qaida, which was quick to publicize his words.
He thought he was advancing his chances to be Nancy Pelosi's "number two" in Congress, but he didn't even come close to winning. Steny Hoyer, now the Majority Leader, and other Democrats emphasized that Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) had him pegged as one of the nation's most corrupt congressmen.
Thus, people who want to vote for Murtha because he's a friend of the military are dead wrong.
Some citizens want to vote for Murtha because he "brings home the bacon," that is, procures lots of federal handouts for his district. However, most of 12th District was an economically depressed area at the beginning of Murtha's career -- and remains such now.
As the Almanac of American Politics points out, the median household income (MHI) in the 12th is about the same as in inner-city districts of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.I live in the 4th District, one that contains many aging mill towns, and the MHI here is above $43,000. In the 12th, the number is just above $30,000. Some bacon!
Of course, the congressman does everything in his power to perpetuate the Myth that he's been an economic savior for the District. Obviously, he hasn't.
Thus, people who want to vote for Murtha because he's been a force for economic revival are dead wrong.Most Democrats in the 12th are conservative not only on military affairs but also on social issues. They believe Murtha is one of them, a "conservative Democrat." In fact, he's not.
Yes, he votes against abortion, but he's also voted in favor of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As far back as the Clinton era, he voted to fund international efforts (led largely by Planning Parenthood) that involved pro-abortion measures.
Yes, he does vote (like just about every other Pennsylvania congressman) for Second Amendment rights. That has earned him the support of the NRA and other gun-rights organizations who sometimes wear blinders.However, how does his supposed support for gun rights square with the kind of people he backs for leadership positions in Congress?
Murtha ran Nancy Pelosi's campaign to become minority leader -- and was a staunch supporter of her for Speaker of the House.Nancy Pelosi is opposed to gun rights. She is pro-abortion. In fact, she voted against the ban on partial birth abortion. Like Murtha, she even opposed President Bush's drug plan for seniors -- one that's saved my wife and I more than $4,000 in two years. He's financially supported other Democratic candidates, such as Jason Altmire, who also voted against the Bush drug plan but cast his vote for Pelosi as Speaker.
People in the 12th who vote for Murtha on the basis of his being a "conservative" Democrat are kidding themselves. He's done everything he can to ensure that far-left, anti-military Democrats like Pelosi, Obey, Rangel, and Waxman have the maximum degree of power.
In terms of back-room deals, Murtha is little different from Howard Jefferson, the Democrat who gave new meaning to the term "cold cash." Murtha procures hundreds of millions in earmarks, special projects, for companies that don't need the money. They've rewarded him in the past 7 years with roughly $10 million in campaign contributions.
Go to OpenSecrets.org, type in the name "Murtha," and you can see the process for yourself. Murtha has spent millions of dollars in contributions paying off supporters. They hand the money to him, and he hands it back to them.
A few Democrats in the 12th will ignore Murtha's misdeeds, but more and more of them are ready to "Embrace the Future" and support Lt. Col. William Russell. It's about time.
If Murtha doesn't support the military, doesn't bring real economic renewal to his district, and doesn't support conservative Democrats for leadership positions, exactly what good is he?
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Russell-Murtha: Warrior Vs. Wimp
Russell-Murtha: Warrior Vs. Wimp
Veterans and William Russell: In the 12th District of PA, there are approximately 50,000 veterans and active duty soldiers.
It's critical that the Russell Campaign comes as close as possible to contacting every one of them. Any veteran who's been paying attention to Murtha's antics is not going to vote for him. In this case it's the Warrior, Russell, versus the Wimp, Murtha.
With his despicable comments about the Haditha Marines, Murtha is going to learn the full meaning of an old saying: "Sin in haste, repent at leisure."
In additions to the vets, there may be 100,000-plus family members (mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and cousins) of current or past soldiers. Again, it's necessary to contact as many as possible. Face-to-face contact is the best kind.
Mailings can be expensive. Sending out 100,000 letters will have a postage cost alone of $41,000. That's going to be a lot of money for the Russell Campaign, one that frankly needs your donations.
One key is to holding costs down is to send mail to the "right" people, who are those will read it and tend to react positively.
Mass mailings over the Internet are relatively inexpensive, but tricky. It's not easy (or necessarily cheap) to get e-mail addresses for a lot of people, although the Russell Campaign should have tens of thousands by next fall. Successful political operatives are pack-rats. They save everything, especially names, home addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
The major focus should be on contacting Democrats and Indepedents*. Russell is not going to have a problem attracting Republican supporters. They will find him rather than the other way around.
The most important "Democrats" are those who have a history of voting for Republicans, especially in presidential elections. Such people tend to congregate in certain zip codes, and so they're not especially hard to target.
Murtha does not have a lock on Democrats in the district, who have a 2.2 to 1.0 registration edge. In 2006, Democrats apparently went for Murtha by 3-2, which is a far cry from the registration picture. A good number of Democrats aren't Murtha fans.
Another segment of Democrats apparently has given up on voting. (Compared to adjoining districts, the 12th has very low vote totals.)If Russell can turn the Democrat vote ratio for Murtha from 3-2 into 4-3, then on election eve, John Murtha will turn into the political equivalent of Pumpkin.
That won't be an easy task for Russell, but it's certainly not impossible. Of course, some people would vote for Murtha if he was sporting an orange jump suit and shackles, which he probably should be.
*"Independents" is sometimes a euphemism for people who aren't very interested in politics and are unlikely voters. Those Independents who do vote have a tendency to split roughly 50-50. With a strong campaign of volunteers, Russell should be able to move that to 60-40 in his favor.
You can contribute to William T. Russell by going to: http://williamrussellforcongress.com.
If you'd prefer a mailing address, it is:
William Russell for Congress
P. O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Veterans and William Russell: In the 12th District of PA, there are approximately 50,000 veterans and active duty soldiers.
It's critical that the Russell Campaign comes as close as possible to contacting every one of them. Any veteran who's been paying attention to Murtha's antics is not going to vote for him. In this case it's the Warrior, Russell, versus the Wimp, Murtha.
With his despicable comments about the Haditha Marines, Murtha is going to learn the full meaning of an old saying: "Sin in haste, repent at leisure."
In additions to the vets, there may be 100,000-plus family members (mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and cousins) of current or past soldiers. Again, it's necessary to contact as many as possible. Face-to-face contact is the best kind.
Mailings can be expensive. Sending out 100,000 letters will have a postage cost alone of $41,000. That's going to be a lot of money for the Russell Campaign, one that frankly needs your donations.
One key is to holding costs down is to send mail to the "right" people, who are those will read it and tend to react positively.
Mass mailings over the Internet are relatively inexpensive, but tricky. It's not easy (or necessarily cheap) to get e-mail addresses for a lot of people, although the Russell Campaign should have tens of thousands by next fall. Successful political operatives are pack-rats. They save everything, especially names, home addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.
The major focus should be on contacting Democrats and Indepedents*. Russell is not going to have a problem attracting Republican supporters. They will find him rather than the other way around.
The most important "Democrats" are those who have a history of voting for Republicans, especially in presidential elections. Such people tend to congregate in certain zip codes, and so they're not especially hard to target.
Murtha does not have a lock on Democrats in the district, who have a 2.2 to 1.0 registration edge. In 2006, Democrats apparently went for Murtha by 3-2, which is a far cry from the registration picture. A good number of Democrats aren't Murtha fans.
Another segment of Democrats apparently has given up on voting. (Compared to adjoining districts, the 12th has very low vote totals.)If Russell can turn the Democrat vote ratio for Murtha from 3-2 into 4-3, then on election eve, John Murtha will turn into the political equivalent of Pumpkin.
That won't be an easy task for Russell, but it's certainly not impossible. Of course, some people would vote for Murtha if he was sporting an orange jump suit and shackles, which he probably should be.
*"Independents" is sometimes a euphemism for people who aren't very interested in politics and are unlikely voters. Those Independents who do vote have a tendency to split roughly 50-50. With a strong campaign of volunteers, Russell should be able to move that to 60-40 in his favor.
You can contribute to William T. Russell by going to: http://williamrussellforcongress.com.
If you'd prefer a mailing address, it is:
William Russell for Congress
P. O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Friday, December 21, 2007
Christmas Stories: McCain & Spears
Picture of downtown Pittsburgh, with the Monongahela River on the right and the Allegheny River on the left. The two come together at Point State Park to form the Ohio River.My Christmas Story
As a POW, my captors would tie my arms behind my back and then loop the rope around my neck and ankles so that my head was pulled down between my knees. I was often left like that throughout the night.
One night a guard came into my cell. He put his finger to his lips signaling for me to be quiet, and then loosened my ropes to relieve my pain. The next morning, when his shift ended, the guard returned and retightened the ropes, never saying a word to me.
A month or so later, on Christmas Day, I was standing in the dirt courtyard when I saw that same guard approach me. He walked up and stood silently next to me, not looking or smiling at me.
After a few moments had passed, he rather nonchalantly used his sandaled foot to draw a cross in the dirt. We stood wordlessly looking at the cross, remembering the true light of Christmas, even in the darkness of a Vietnamese prison camp. After a minute or two, he rubbed it out and walked away.
That guard was my Good Samaritan. I will never forget that man and I will never forget that moment. And I will never forget that, no matter where you are, no matter how difficult the circumstances, there will always be someone who will pick you up and carry you.
May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays,
John McCain.
As many of you know, I'm giving John McCain another look. I continue to believe that he and Rudy Giuliani would be outstanding presidential choices. I'm also hopeful that both of them would lean toward Gov. Sarah Palin when they're considering vice-presidential choices. Finally, on the basis of their past performance, both McCain and Giuliani would be willing to campaign for Melissa Hart and William Russell in their efforts to win congressional seats.
Mike Huckabee and Jamie Spears
I heard on CNN that candidate Mike Huckabee described the pregnancy of 16-year-old Jamie Spears (Britney's younger sister) as a "tragedy." Frankly, that's a misuse of the word "tragedy," which is not a synonym for every unfortunate event that occurs in the world. The sad thing is that there's no solid evidence that young Miss Spears is ready to have and care for this child. Huckabee did salute her -- and wisely so -- for apparently never considering an abortion.
I wonder if her responsible behavior in choosing to have the child doesn't over-ride the irresponsible part: getting pregnant at age 16. At this point, all we can do is wish her and child well -- and provide whatever support we can for this young-mother-to-be.
The untold story in this event is what steps, if any, Miss Spears and her family are willing to take to ensure the child is loved and well-cared-for. Is she, like her older sister, intends to continue "partying" and devoting her life to a series of pointless activities, then the child truly will need our prayers.
I hope Jamie decides from this point on to be a role-model for the 800,000 American teenagers who become pregnant annually. In avoiding the easy way out of having an abortion, she may in fact be off to a good start.
As for Mike Huckabee, he needs to read up on the concept of tragedy. I suggest he start with Aristotle's "Poetics." Also, as a Christian minister, he needs to emulate Jesus Christ in staying away from judgmentalism. "Nor do I condemn you . . . Go and sin no more."
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Murtha Opponent RUSSELL Needs YOU
If you're a Blogger 4 Russell (or want to be one), please repost this on your blog. Alternatively, please send this via e-mail to your friends and associates. With your help, Russell can defeat Murtha. Thanks for your help!
WILLIAM RUSSELL
FOR CONGRESS
“Embrace the Future”
Friends:
The holidays are in full swing, and we're all making lists and shopping for gifts for our friends and family. Add Bill to your list and make sure that he has a Merry Christmas and a happy election season! We are counting down the 7 days leading to Christmas with a variety of important items the campaign needs to roll full steam ahead into the 2008 election season.
Your gift will be the difference in how the 2008 election season starts for Bill. His campaign needs the resources to travel, run ads on TV, host rallies and contact voters directly. The contribution you make to Bill's campaign will buy tangible things that will go a long way towards making Bill's bid for Congress successful.
Your gift of $1000 will make a day on the bus possible. $500 today will allow the campaign to run four television ads in the 12th Congressional District. Even your gift of $50 or $25 can make a big difference in what we're doing. These are things that Bill's campaign needs and this is your opportunity to give Bill a gift that will really help him in his bid for Congress.
Bill has a vision for a secure, unified and prosperous 12th Congressional District and America, but we can only make it real if his campaign has the funds to win. Making a contribution to Bill's campaign in the 7 days leading to Christmas will ensure that. Give his campaign a Christmas present that will help carry Bill to victory!
“You know, I am a strong consistent common sense conservative, but the most important issue facing our country and will be for a long time, is national security, and the safety of our people. I've spent a lot of time both in and out of the 12th Congressional District traveling, and talking to leaders. I know the country and the community we live in and I know what we need to do. I know that it's going to require strong leadership.”
Thanks for your help.
Bill Russell
PS: Give Bill a Christmas gift of $1000; $500; $100 or even $50 or $25 to help him beat Mr. Murtha.
Larry Stiles, USMC-Vietnam Veteran
Campaign Manager
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
http://williamrussellforcongress.com
Phone: 814.243.8662
Please volunteer for William Russell for Congress at http://williamrussellforcongress.com
PAID FOR BY WILLIAM RUSSELL FOR CONGRESS
WILLIAM RUSSELL
FOR CONGRESS
“Embrace the Future”
Friends:
The holidays are in full swing, and we're all making lists and shopping for gifts for our friends and family. Add Bill to your list and make sure that he has a Merry Christmas and a happy election season! We are counting down the 7 days leading to Christmas with a variety of important items the campaign needs to roll full steam ahead into the 2008 election season.
Your gift will be the difference in how the 2008 election season starts for Bill. His campaign needs the resources to travel, run ads on TV, host rallies and contact voters directly. The contribution you make to Bill's campaign will buy tangible things that will go a long way towards making Bill's bid for Congress successful.
Your gift of $1000 will make a day on the bus possible. $500 today will allow the campaign to run four television ads in the 12th Congressional District. Even your gift of $50 or $25 can make a big difference in what we're doing. These are things that Bill's campaign needs and this is your opportunity to give Bill a gift that will really help him in his bid for Congress.
Bill has a vision for a secure, unified and prosperous 12th Congressional District and America, but we can only make it real if his campaign has the funds to win. Making a contribution to Bill's campaign in the 7 days leading to Christmas will ensure that. Give his campaign a Christmas present that will help carry Bill to victory!
“You know, I am a strong consistent common sense conservative, but the most important issue facing our country and will be for a long time, is national security, and the safety of our people. I've spent a lot of time both in and out of the 12th Congressional District traveling, and talking to leaders. I know the country and the community we live in and I know what we need to do. I know that it's going to require strong leadership.”
Thanks for your help.
Bill Russell
PS: Give Bill a Christmas gift of $1000; $500; $100 or even $50 or $25 to help him beat Mr. Murtha.
Larry Stiles, USMC-Vietnam Veteran
Campaign Manager
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
http://williamrussellforcongress.com
Phone: 814.243.8662
Please volunteer for William Russell for Congress at http://williamrussellforcongress.com
PAID FOR BY WILLIAM RUSSELL FOR CONGRESS
BLOGGERS FOR RUSSELL: "THREE Ms"
BLOGGERS FOR RUSSELL AND THE "THREE Ms"
Here's how the Bloggers 4 Russell will work: When we get to approximately 100 Bloggers 4 Russell, they'll all be asked to make modest contributions to the Russell Campaign -- and to ask their thousands of blog visitors to do the same. Such requests for donations will be made in January, March, and May, times when it's essential that Russell store up enough monetary "acorns" to get his message across and mobilize supporters (the Three "Ms," message, mobilization, and money). As we get above 200 Bloggers 4 Russell, they'll be asked to contact bloggers and friends in PA and -- especially -- in the 12th congressional district. As the campaign goes into the spring and summer, there will be a heavy emphasis on the state and district. My personal goal is to play a role in soliciting 1,000 volunteers for Russell who will work in the district, making calls, registering and canvassing voters, stuffing envelopes, answering phones, and the like. If Russell can get 1,000 active volunteers -- people who collectively influence tens of thousands of votes -- he will win, much to Murtha's amazement. Note: Be sure to read the column below on "President Hillary Clinton."
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Peg Luksik & Defeating Murtha
Peg Luksik & Defeating Murtha
Well-said: "When government gives a shekel, it gives a shackle." By Peg Luksik, Johnstown, PA, mother of six children and a former candidate for Governor and Founder of "Mom's House," an alternative to abortion.
"With government coins, comes government control." (Me)
I met Peg in Johnstown at a William Russell function a month ago and found her to be a very impressive person. I believe I disagree with her about John Murtha's stance on the sanctity of life -- and also perhaps on the best way to campaign against him. At some point, I'd like to write more on Mrs. Luksik, with an emphasis on our different views about what's possible in American government and what's not. If you want to know more about her views while she ran for Governor (in 1998), go here.
The best way -- the only way -- to campaign against John Murtha is to attack him -- for his gratuitous comments about the Haditha Marines and the War generally, for his abject failure to "bring home the bacon" to his economically depressed congressional district, and for his total sell-out to lobbyists, most of them living the high life in the Washington Beltway.
It's true that many people in the Johnstown area (Cambria County) look at John Murtha as "a decorated veteran of Viet Nam" and a man who has "brought home the bacon" to the 12th Congressional District.
In fact, there are serious questions -- ones Murtha has never put to rest by providing his medical records -- about his "wounds" (very minor ones) in Viet Nam. Former Democratic congressman Don Bailey has said Murtha told him he basically fabricated his heroism in Viet Nam. (See: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=%5CPolitics%5Carchive%5C200601%5CPOL20060113d.html
In fact, Viet Nam -- like ABSCAM, another less-than-stellar moment for Murtha -- was long ago. Voters in the 12th District, like many across the nation, tend to put a "statute of limitations" on past misdeeds. In 2006, Diana Irey focused her TV campaign mainly on ABSCAM, and it didn't seem to help her that much.
On the other hand, Murtha's exaggerated claims about producing some sort of economic rebirth in the 12th District are absurd. As I've pointed out in a previous column -- with statistics from the Almamac of American Politics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- very few people in the 12th have benefited from the huge amounts of federal dollars Murtha has brought in.
The Median Household Income (MHI) in most of the 12th, especially Greene County, is below the MHIs in inner-city districts in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Murtha's failures to energize local economies should be a major issue, as should his self-serving -- and false -- accusations about the "Haditha Marines," one of whom (Justin Sharratt) is in Murtha's District. Did he know that Sharratt lived in Washington County? Frankly, such considerations don't seem to matter to Murtha.He was running for Majority Leader and anti-military remarks helped him with far-Left Democrats like Obey and Waxman.
No matter, I guess, that the remarks energized al Qaida in Iraq. Murtha's comments have cost American lives.
I've written before on John Murtha's shaky stance on issues related to the sanctity of life. Peg Luksik -- mentioned above -- differs with me on this issues. She believes Murtha has taken steps to advance the pro-life cause, and I disagree vigorously. Murtha has endorsed many extremist Democrats, most notably Nancy Pelosi, who favor partial birth abortion and other abominations. If Murtha opposed abortion as a matter of principle, he would not be head cheerleader for Democrats who want nothing done to reduce abortions.
Jack Murtha lives in a world that would be incomprehensible to most 12th District voters, including the Democrats. Here's how author John Brady describes the DC of the past (and present): "Washington was a men's club, basically, where the key to success was building relationships." (From Bad Boy: The Life and Politics of Lee Atwater)
Brady adds, "Washington was also about men making deals, using a smiling face . . . as a front for carrying on with some of the most ruthless behavior in the land." This is a world people like Peg Luksik, Diana Irey, and even William Russell only know from a distance. John Murtha? He's one of the one men who created that world.
Political guru Lee Atwater (who also knew the world of "ruthless behavior") was an expert on defeating Democrats in districts that were staunchly Democratic. (He was talking about the South in early 1970s, but his remarks apply to Murtha's district.)
Atwater said, "Republicans in the South [in 1970] could not win elections by talking about issues. You had to make the case that the other candidate was a bad guy."
Precisely. You can's defeat Murtha by saying that he's basically "a good guy who's somehow gone astray." Frankly, if he was a 'good guy," which he's not, he'd deserve to be re-elected until he was carried out feet-first from the House.
Murtha may be a good something, but he's NOT a good man.
Granted, some people in the 12th enjoy living life in a veil of illusion. But many voters are aware that he's a self-aggrandizing bully, and they're the ones a candidate like Russell should be appealing to.
If you read the statistics (economic, voter registration, vote totals) about the 12th carefully, they tell the story of how Murtha can be defeated. You'll hear more about those statistics in the days ahead.
The critical moments for Lt. Col. William Russell will occur in the coming winter and spring. He will need to raise enough money to mobilize supporters and get his message across. If he does those things, he can win.
Well-said: "When government gives a shekel, it gives a shackle." By Peg Luksik, Johnstown, PA, mother of six children and a former candidate for Governor and Founder of "Mom's House," an alternative to abortion.
"With government coins, comes government control." (Me)
I met Peg in Johnstown at a William Russell function a month ago and found her to be a very impressive person. I believe I disagree with her about John Murtha's stance on the sanctity of life -- and also perhaps on the best way to campaign against him. At some point, I'd like to write more on Mrs. Luksik, with an emphasis on our different views about what's possible in American government and what's not. If you want to know more about her views while she ran for Governor (in 1998), go here.
The best way -- the only way -- to campaign against John Murtha is to attack him -- for his gratuitous comments about the Haditha Marines and the War generally, for his abject failure to "bring home the bacon" to his economically depressed congressional district, and for his total sell-out to lobbyists, most of them living the high life in the Washington Beltway.
It's true that many people in the Johnstown area (Cambria County) look at John Murtha as "a decorated veteran of Viet Nam" and a man who has "brought home the bacon" to the 12th Congressional District.
In fact, there are serious questions -- ones Murtha has never put to rest by providing his medical records -- about his "wounds" (very minor ones) in Viet Nam. Former Democratic congressman Don Bailey has said Murtha told him he basically fabricated his heroism in Viet Nam. (See: http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=%5CPolitics%5Carchive%5C200601%5CPOL20060113d.html
In fact, Viet Nam -- like ABSCAM, another less-than-stellar moment for Murtha -- was long ago. Voters in the 12th District, like many across the nation, tend to put a "statute of limitations" on past misdeeds. In 2006, Diana Irey focused her TV campaign mainly on ABSCAM, and it didn't seem to help her that much.
On the other hand, Murtha's exaggerated claims about producing some sort of economic rebirth in the 12th District are absurd. As I've pointed out in a previous column -- with statistics from the Almamac of American Politics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics -- very few people in the 12th have benefited from the huge amounts of federal dollars Murtha has brought in.
The Median Household Income (MHI) in most of the 12th, especially Greene County, is below the MHIs in inner-city districts in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Murtha's failures to energize local economies should be a major issue, as should his self-serving -- and false -- accusations about the "Haditha Marines," one of whom (Justin Sharratt) is in Murtha's District. Did he know that Sharratt lived in Washington County? Frankly, such considerations don't seem to matter to Murtha.He was running for Majority Leader and anti-military remarks helped him with far-Left Democrats like Obey and Waxman.
No matter, I guess, that the remarks energized al Qaida in Iraq. Murtha's comments have cost American lives.
I've written before on John Murtha's shaky stance on issues related to the sanctity of life. Peg Luksik -- mentioned above -- differs with me on this issues. She believes Murtha has taken steps to advance the pro-life cause, and I disagree vigorously. Murtha has endorsed many extremist Democrats, most notably Nancy Pelosi, who favor partial birth abortion and other abominations. If Murtha opposed abortion as a matter of principle, he would not be head cheerleader for Democrats who want nothing done to reduce abortions.
Jack Murtha lives in a world that would be incomprehensible to most 12th District voters, including the Democrats. Here's how author John Brady describes the DC of the past (and present): "Washington was a men's club, basically, where the key to success was building relationships." (From Bad Boy: The Life and Politics of Lee Atwater)
Brady adds, "Washington was also about men making deals, using a smiling face . . . as a front for carrying on with some of the most ruthless behavior in the land." This is a world people like Peg Luksik, Diana Irey, and even William Russell only know from a distance. John Murtha? He's one of the one men who created that world.
Political guru Lee Atwater (who also knew the world of "ruthless behavior") was an expert on defeating Democrats in districts that were staunchly Democratic. (He was talking about the South in early 1970s, but his remarks apply to Murtha's district.)
Atwater said, "Republicans in the South [in 1970] could not win elections by talking about issues. You had to make the case that the other candidate was a bad guy."
Precisely. You can's defeat Murtha by saying that he's basically "a good guy who's somehow gone astray." Frankly, if he was a 'good guy," which he's not, he'd deserve to be re-elected until he was carried out feet-first from the House.
Murtha may be a good something, but he's NOT a good man.
Granted, some people in the 12th enjoy living life in a veil of illusion. But many voters are aware that he's a self-aggrandizing bully, and they're the ones a candidate like Russell should be appealing to.
If you read the statistics (economic, voter registration, vote totals) about the 12th carefully, they tell the story of how Murtha can be defeated. You'll hear more about those statistics in the days ahead.
The critical moments for Lt. Col. William Russell will occur in the coming winter and spring. He will need to raise enough money to mobilize supporters and get his message across. If he does those things, he can win.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Schwartz, Murtha Say "Bah Humbug"
John Murtha Showing His Joy at Nancy Pelosi's Appearance in San Francisco Regalia This weekend I'll be writing about political guru Lee Atwater and his political tactics as outlined in John Brady's book Bad Boy. Atwater knew how to get the extra 3-5% that makes the difference between winning and losing an election.
Lee has a way with words. As George H. W. Bush's campaign head in 1988, Atwater said of Michael Dukakis, "I'm going to strip the bark off him." About Dukakis' "furloughing" of a murderer and rapist, Atwater promised, "I'm going to make Willie Horton [the rapist] his running mate."
But my emphasis is going to be on the practical side of Atwater's campaigns. In his early career, Atwater emphasized the use of billboards and, especially, radio spots during drive time. Those are favorites of mine also. He voted "no" to spending money on political buttons, which he correctly said, "Nobody wears them." He did accept bumper stickers and yard signs.
Winning campaigns is not a matter of spending huge amounts of money. If it were, Rick Santorum (who spent $27 million in 2006) would still be the Senator from Pennsylvania. Rick probably spent around $12 million on TV ads, and he might as well have saved his money.
If you're going to one political good deed this December, I suggest that you contribute to William Russell's campaign.
What [Do] Allyson Schwartz [And John Murtha] have against Christmas?
Posted by Brett Lieberman/The Patriot-News December 12, 2007 16:22PM
Categories: Federal government, Murtha, Schwartz, U.S. House
The Philadelphia Democrat [Allyson Schwartz] was one of a handful of House members and one of two from Pennsylvania who didn't vote Tuesday night for a resolution that recognized the importance of Christmas, the Christian faith and condemning Christian persecution.
Posted by Brett Lieberman/The Patriot-News December 12, 2007 16:22PM
Categories: Federal government, Murtha, Schwartz, U.S. House
The Philadelphia Democrat [Allyson Schwartz] was one of a handful of House members and one of two from Pennsylvania who didn't vote Tuesday night for a resolution that recognized the importance of Christmas, the Christian faith and condemning Christian persecution.
"Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz decided to simply vote 'present' rather than take a stand on such a controversial issue as Christmas," noted Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania.
Speaking of presents, we're wondering why Schwartz was even in the House chamber last night rather than spending time at home with her family spinning the dreidel, eating potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce, and opening gifts during the last night of the Jewish Festival of Lights, aka Hanukkah.
Even without Schwartz' vote, the non-binding resolution narrowly passed 372 to 9.
That distinction, or religious tolerance for that matter, didn't matter much to Gramley, who noted all nineteen Pennsylvania House members voted for an equally non-binding resolution in October supporting the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
That distinction, or religious tolerance for that matter, didn't matter much to Gramley, who noted all nineteen Pennsylvania House members voted for an equally non-binding resolution in October supporting the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
"Apparently on that day Congresswoman Schwartz did not hesitate to vote for a resolution supporting the religion of the nineteen hijackers of 9/11 who brought down the World Trade Center, flew their airliner/missile into the Pentagon, and caused the death of the crew and passengers of Flight 93 as it crashed into a field outside Shanksville, PA," said a statement from the conservative group.
"I believe there are more Christians in her district than Muslims and they deserve an explanation for her vote last night," said Gramley.
Schwartz's office had no comment this afternoon.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, was the only other Pennsylvanian not to support the Christmas measure and was among 40 members who did not cast votes.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
POLITICAL ACTIVISTS DOING "THE WAVE"
SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS COLUM FOR "THE SARAH PALIN WAVE"
POLITICAL ACTIVISTS DOING "THE WAVE"
If you're a sports fan, you know about -- and probably have participated -- in something called "The Wave." It's a sports phenomenon that has significant political implications.The Wave occurs when people throughout the stadium – section by section -- stand up and raise their arms. The effect is to make tens of thousands of people behave in a way that resembles the rise and fall of an ocean wave.
It sounds like an exercise in silliness, but increasingly researchers studying human behavior and leaders have studied The Wave. They believe that it exemplifies a situation where the actions of the few – the people who start The Wave – end up influencing the behavior of the many – nearly everyone else.
To perceptive researchers, that sounds suspiciously like something similar to management and leadership. In fact, The Wave is a metaphor for those things.
Leadership -- in society, business, and politics -- means getting people to act spontaneously to influence others. It also means having them work in concert to achieve an end. The Wave occurs because people want to do something that helps the home team win.
In politics, “the home team” is a candidate who wants to win and needs popular support to do so.The Wave occurs when a few people start a movement. Quickly, people throughout the stadium being reacting in the same way – and influencing the actions of others near them. Soon, the people throughout a stadium are moving in unison.
Recently, I’ve written about a number of “wave-makers” who are assisting in the Russell Campaign. One of them is Pennsylvanian Melanie, a highly social and insightful restaurant worker. There's also Cindy (S.J. Reidhead) in New Mexico, who posts on the extremely popular site named ThePinkFlamingo. She's a professional writer who has a huge following and is directing many people to Russell's web site.
Another one is "Samantha West," a businesswoman who lives in Texas and is vigorously raising funds for Russell. Also, there’s “Jenn of the Jungle,” a Californian with a popular show on BlogTalkRadio and someone who recently interviewed William Russell. Douglas Gibbs of Political Pistachio radio has strongly supported Russell and had him on his show. As you've probably noticed, I'm a Pennsylvanian trying to "Make Waves for Russell."
Another extremely important figure in the Russell camp is Brad Marston from Massachusetts. He’s devoting most of his current energy to supporting John McCain’s effort to win the Republican presidential nomination – but he’s also a solid supporter of Russell.
The following is an e-mail Brad recently sent to "1,000 of his closest (political) friends":"Political muscle is built by talking to one person at a time. That is why I am reaching out to you today. This e-mail is going out to over 1000 people because I talked to 10 people who in turn, talked to ten more people. Help us make it 10,000 people simply by forwarding it on to your friends, family and contacts."
"So, 'What have you done today to make you feel proud?' It is a line from one of my favorite songs, 'Proud.' Another lyric is 'We need a change...Do it today...I can feel my spirit rising!' I think that says it perfectly. We do need a change."
"To make it happen, we need you to JOIN US ! We need you to DONATE , whether it be time, talent money or some combination thereof! Let's all end each day knowing 'I did something for the future of this nation I love so much. I did what I could to elect John McCain and I am proud of that.' If you can do that, I would be both proud and grateful. And so will the hundreds, perhaps thousands more who join us."
Sincerely,
M. Brad MarstonNational Chair
McCainVictory08
Brad Marston started small – like “The Wave” – but has quickly built a strong base of support for his candidates. His e-mail above has gone to 1,000 people. He’s asking each of the recipients to contact at least ten friends and political allies. In fact, I’m doing just that in this column.
Do you want to change the political outlook in America? If so, you need to emulate people like Brad, Melanie, Samantha, Cindy, Jenn, and Douglas. Someone like Brad is potentially influencing the votes – and contributions – of tens of thousands of people.
And that translates into real political clout!
Note: If you'd like to join Bloggers 4 Russell, please either leave a comment or send me an e-mail at: TalkTop65@aol.com. Thanks!
SARAH PALIN WAVE
Hey Palin fans,
This showed up on Instapundit this morning:
"THE SARAH PALIN JUGGERNAUT is gathering steam!"
The link will lead you to yesterday's endorsement of our movement by Charleston (WV) Daily Mail columnist Don Surber, which is big news in itself.
Instapundit is one of the biggest conservative blogs on the entire net (probably THE biggest); and if they call you a juggernaut, you're a juggernaut.
-- Adam Brickley, Founder, "Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President"palinforvp.blogspot.com
POLITICAL ACTIVISTS DOING "THE WAVE"
If you're a sports fan, you know about -- and probably have participated -- in something called "The Wave." It's a sports phenomenon that has significant political implications.The Wave occurs when people throughout the stadium – section by section -- stand up and raise their arms. The effect is to make tens of thousands of people behave in a way that resembles the rise and fall of an ocean wave.
It sounds like an exercise in silliness, but increasingly researchers studying human behavior and leaders have studied The Wave. They believe that it exemplifies a situation where the actions of the few – the people who start The Wave – end up influencing the behavior of the many – nearly everyone else.
To perceptive researchers, that sounds suspiciously like something similar to management and leadership. In fact, The Wave is a metaphor for those things.
Leadership -- in society, business, and politics -- means getting people to act spontaneously to influence others. It also means having them work in concert to achieve an end. The Wave occurs because people want to do something that helps the home team win.
In politics, “the home team” is a candidate who wants to win and needs popular support to do so.The Wave occurs when a few people start a movement. Quickly, people throughout the stadium being reacting in the same way – and influencing the actions of others near them. Soon, the people throughout a stadium are moving in unison.
Recently, I’ve written about a number of “wave-makers” who are assisting in the Russell Campaign. One of them is Pennsylvanian Melanie, a highly social and insightful restaurant worker. There's also Cindy (S.J. Reidhead) in New Mexico, who posts on the extremely popular site named ThePinkFlamingo. She's a professional writer who has a huge following and is directing many people to Russell's web site.
Another one is "Samantha West," a businesswoman who lives in Texas and is vigorously raising funds for Russell. Also, there’s “Jenn of the Jungle,” a Californian with a popular show on BlogTalkRadio and someone who recently interviewed William Russell. Douglas Gibbs of Political Pistachio radio has strongly supported Russell and had him on his show. As you've probably noticed, I'm a Pennsylvanian trying to "Make Waves for Russell."
Another extremely important figure in the Russell camp is Brad Marston from Massachusetts. He’s devoting most of his current energy to supporting John McCain’s effort to win the Republican presidential nomination – but he’s also a solid supporter of Russell.
The following is an e-mail Brad recently sent to "1,000 of his closest (political) friends":"Political muscle is built by talking to one person at a time. That is why I am reaching out to you today. This e-mail is going out to over 1000 people because I talked to 10 people who in turn, talked to ten more people. Help us make it 10,000 people simply by forwarding it on to your friends, family and contacts."
"So, 'What have you done today to make you feel proud?' It is a line from one of my favorite songs, 'Proud.' Another lyric is 'We need a change...Do it today...I can feel my spirit rising!' I think that says it perfectly. We do need a change."
"To make it happen, we need you to JOIN US ! We need you to DONATE , whether it be time, talent money or some combination thereof! Let's all end each day knowing 'I did something for the future of this nation I love so much. I did what I could to elect John McCain and I am proud of that.' If you can do that, I would be both proud and grateful. And so will the hundreds, perhaps thousands more who join us."
Sincerely,
M. Brad MarstonNational Chair
McCainVictory08
Brad Marston started small – like “The Wave” – but has quickly built a strong base of support for his candidates. His e-mail above has gone to 1,000 people. He’s asking each of the recipients to contact at least ten friends and political allies. In fact, I’m doing just that in this column.
Do you want to change the political outlook in America? If so, you need to emulate people like Brad, Melanie, Samantha, Cindy, Jenn, and Douglas. Someone like Brad is potentially influencing the votes – and contributions – of tens of thousands of people.
And that translates into real political clout!
Note: If you'd like to join Bloggers 4 Russell, please either leave a comment or send me an e-mail at: TalkTop65@aol.com. Thanks!
SARAH PALIN WAVE
Hey Palin fans,
This showed up on Instapundit this morning:
"THE SARAH PALIN JUGGERNAUT is gathering steam!"
The link will lead you to yesterday's endorsement of our movement by Charleston (WV) Daily Mail columnist Don Surber, which is big news in itself.
Instapundit is one of the biggest conservative blogs on the entire net (probably THE biggest); and if they call you a juggernaut, you're a juggernaut.
-- Adam Brickley, Founder, "Draft Sarah Palin for Vice President"palinforvp.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 2, 2007
MURTHA: "PORK" OR PIG-STY>
My comment today to someone who thought I might be too vigorous in my condemnations of John Murtha: "This will not be a pillow fight."
I stand by the veracity of every observation I've made about "The Prince of Pork," including my statement that "He has blood on his hands." Murtha has created his own political pig sty and calling attention to that is in no way "unfair."
Note: On my other blog, today's column is: "Ten Commandments for Conservative Activists." I urge you to read it. It shows, figuratively at least, how you can have a lot more than just one vote.
The Russell Campaign released the following today. If you have a blog, please consider reprinting this material. And be sure to join "Team Russell."
William brings to the race a conservative ideology, and willingness to tackle the difficult problems we face together. But he cannot do this alone.
Join the kick off challenge today.
Make your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or $500. Don't forget to also send the request to your family and friends and ask them to help as well.
Finally, I wanted to let you know about a new and exciting application we launched today Join Team Russell. Team Russell is an online volunteer network for Russell where you can sign up your friends, donate online, and volunteer for Team Russell.
To sign up please visit my website. Join Russell.com. It's people like you that keep this campaign going, and we couldn't do it without your help.
Sincerely,
Larry Stiles (USMC Veteran)
Campaign Manager
William Russell for Congress Committee
P.S. After you watch the Russell speech, make your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or $500.
Here's my comment on Larry's request:
There two things that didn't happen in the last campaign (2006) against Murtha that are happening now. One, the campaign keeps asking people for money, which is vital to our winning this tough race. The fourth or fifth time people hear the request will be the charm.
Second, we need to keep BUILDING support. Veterans are a critical support group, but we need to get their families (e.g., Bev Perlson and her band of mothers) and friends involved. We need to ask the vets and their families to talk to their neighbors and co-workers about the critical need to put William Russell in Congress.
In politics, if you aren't building your base of support, you're heading for a sad time on Election Day. If you ask people to "honor you" with their vote they'll very likely to do so. We need to make that request of 125,000-plus people in the 12th District.
In the last campaign against Murtha, we "hit the wall" -- and stopped growing. The support of the core groups, including veterans, was very strong, but we weren't "growing our base."
As the Russell Campaign is doing, we need to keep hammering Murtha when he says something stupid (as he's done about the surge). We shouldn't show an ounce of "mercy" when he makes statements that obviously play into the hands of what's left of al-Qaida in Iraq. The media is not going to pay attention to any "measured" comments we make.
Getting people's attention on what Murtha is saying and doing will sometime be like breaking up a huge block of ice. Sometimes we need to use a sledge-hammer.
Overall, we have to keep stressing -- truthfully -- what a great reception William's candidacy is getting. We need to convince people that, like the Pitt football team last night (Saturday, Dec. 1) in its improbable victory against West Virginia University, we can defy the oddsmakers -- and win!
In 2004, George W. Bush, not a big favorite in PA generally, got 134,000 votes in the 12th District. If we get anywhere near that number, we will the race. It's hard, but it's doable.
With a strong presidential and vice-presidential nominee, there will be a huge number of people posed to vote Republican. William Russell needs help from the top of the ticket, and there's every evidence he's going to get it. Current poll data shows at least two possible Republican presidential nominees beating the Democratic candidate -- and doing so handily.
Voters just love bandwagons, and we one that's chock full of supporters.
I've made some harsh statements about Murtha in my blog(s). I don't believe anything I've said is false or over the top.
He knew exactly what he was doing when he condemned the Haditha Marines on the basis of zero evidence. He was running for Majority leader in a Party that has too many (20%) people who want the U.S. to lose in Iraq.
The country is NOT going to lose in Iraq, and the Russell campaign is NOT going to lose in the 12th Congressional District of PA. With your help, Lt. Col. William T. Russell will be the next congressman from that District.
(Note: I said yesterday that I'd be writing about certain demographics of the 12th congressional district. However, the research is so explosive that I'll hold the information for the right moment. Suffice it to say that Murtha is taking credit for accomplishments that don't exist.)
I stand by the veracity of every observation I've made about "The Prince of Pork," including my statement that "He has blood on his hands." Murtha has created his own political pig sty and calling attention to that is in no way "unfair."
Note: On my other blog, today's column is: "Ten Commandments for Conservative Activists." I urge you to read it. It shows, figuratively at least, how you can have a lot more than just one vote.
The Russell Campaign released the following today. If you have a blog, please consider reprinting this material. And be sure to join "Team Russell."
William brings to the race a conservative ideology, and willingness to tackle the difficult problems we face together. But he cannot do this alone.
Join the kick off challenge today.
Make your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or $500. Don't forget to also send the request to your family and friends and ask them to help as well.
Finally, I wanted to let you know about a new and exciting application we launched today Join Team Russell. Team Russell is an online volunteer network for Russell where you can sign up your friends, donate online, and volunteer for Team Russell.
To sign up please visit my website. Join Russell.com. It's people like you that keep this campaign going, and we couldn't do it without your help.
Sincerely,
Larry Stiles (USMC Veteran)
Campaign Manager
William Russell for Congress Committee
P.S. After you watch the Russell speech, make your contribution of $25, $50, $100, $250 or $500.
Here's my comment on Larry's request:
There two things that didn't happen in the last campaign (2006) against Murtha that are happening now. One, the campaign keeps asking people for money, which is vital to our winning this tough race. The fourth or fifth time people hear the request will be the charm.
Second, we need to keep BUILDING support. Veterans are a critical support group, but we need to get their families (e.g., Bev Perlson and her band of mothers) and friends involved. We need to ask the vets and their families to talk to their neighbors and co-workers about the critical need to put William Russell in Congress.
In politics, if you aren't building your base of support, you're heading for a sad time on Election Day. If you ask people to "honor you" with their vote they'll very likely to do so. We need to make that request of 125,000-plus people in the 12th District.
In the last campaign against Murtha, we "hit the wall" -- and stopped growing. The support of the core groups, including veterans, was very strong, but we weren't "growing our base."
As the Russell Campaign is doing, we need to keep hammering Murtha when he says something stupid (as he's done about the surge). We shouldn't show an ounce of "mercy" when he makes statements that obviously play into the hands of what's left of al-Qaida in Iraq. The media is not going to pay attention to any "measured" comments we make.
Getting people's attention on what Murtha is saying and doing will sometime be like breaking up a huge block of ice. Sometimes we need to use a sledge-hammer.
Overall, we have to keep stressing -- truthfully -- what a great reception William's candidacy is getting. We need to convince people that, like the Pitt football team last night (Saturday, Dec. 1) in its improbable victory against West Virginia University, we can defy the oddsmakers -- and win!
In 2004, George W. Bush, not a big favorite in PA generally, got 134,000 votes in the 12th District. If we get anywhere near that number, we will the race. It's hard, but it's doable.
With a strong presidential and vice-presidential nominee, there will be a huge number of people posed to vote Republican. William Russell needs help from the top of the ticket, and there's every evidence he's going to get it. Current poll data shows at least two possible Republican presidential nominees beating the Democratic candidate -- and doing so handily.
Voters just love bandwagons, and we one that's chock full of supporters.
I've made some harsh statements about Murtha in my blog(s). I don't believe anything I've said is false or over the top.
He knew exactly what he was doing when he condemned the Haditha Marines on the basis of zero evidence. He was running for Majority leader in a Party that has too many (20%) people who want the U.S. to lose in Iraq.
The country is NOT going to lose in Iraq, and the Russell campaign is NOT going to lose in the 12th Congressional District of PA. With your help, Lt. Col. William T. Russell will be the next congressman from that District.
(Note: I said yesterday that I'd be writing about certain demographics of the 12th congressional district. However, the research is so explosive that I'll hold the information for the right moment. Suffice it to say that Murtha is taking credit for accomplishments that don't exist.)
Saturday, December 1, 2007
BLOGGERS WILL DEFEAT JOHN MURTHA
Note: On my other column (in the second half) today I'm going to start writing about the 12th Congressional District of PA -- what's it like and what real opportunities exist for William Russell.
John Murtha with his fingers arranged in a such a way that he must be addressing a Republican member of the House.
How much money will John Murtha spend in this election cycle? Apparently, he will spend approximately $4 million. That's an obscene sum, much more per voter than Hillary Clinton spent in her big bucks Senate "race" in 2006. Murtha's contributions will come mainly from lobbyists in MD, VA, and DC. Some of them will appear to come from "captive residents" of the Johnstown and Cambria County area, but they'll really be from companies on which Murtha has showered federal money -- that is, ones he provided with YOUR tax dollars.
You may be disgusted by the fact that YOU'RE unintentionally paying for Murtha's campaign -- but trust me, he thinks it's a wonderful system.
(If you want to know how much Murtha has raised for the next election -- and who's providing the money -- go to http://opensecrets.org/. Type in "John Murtha" and then take your trip through the "Political Ooze" that is Jack Murtha. You'll be shocked; the Founding Fathers will be turning over in their graves.)
How can Lt. Col. William Russell win -- and, trust me, he WILL win -- as he confronts a thorougly corrupt opponent? The people supporting Russell aren't doing so because he loads their wallets or purses with money. They're doing because they realize the future of their country depends on imposing on Murtha an involuntary "early retirement."
The way we will beat Jack Murtha is by outsmarting him and outworking him. We don't have any other choices.
On my other site, you will see this weekend approximately 45 "Bloggers 4 Russell." All of them are "active blogs" who get a number of visitors every week. Some of the blogs may get 30 visitors in a week. Others, like The Pink Flamingo (Cindy's site), 911 Families (Tim's site), and the band of mothers (Bev's site) get tens of thousands of visitors in a week. Michelle Malkin has one of the most popular blogs in the universe, and she's strongly supporting William.
The Blogging effort does three things. First, it creates "buzz," that is talk about Russell's candidacy by many thousands of people. Second, it attracts volunteers who will mainly seek out voters. Third, it will draw contributors to Russell's site. Right now, the contributors are critical because a campaign can't run on "air."
If you have a blog and support William Russell, you need to sign up now. You can do so by leaving a comment (with your e-mail address and/or blog link) or by e-mailing me at TalkTop65@aol.com. By the end of this year (it's still 2007, isn't it?) we should have 100-plus Bloggers 4 Russell. By next October, a month before the election, we should have more than 500 -- and perhaps as many as a thousand.
If bloggers approach the Russell-Murtha race systematically and frequently, they should attract (and include) thousands of voters in PA's 12th District. They should also attract many contributors.
Yes, we'd love to get the $2300 (or $4600) contributions that will flow into Murtha's coffers. But right now we're asking for $10, $25, and $50. We'll be overjoyed in those cases where we got larger contributions, as we have in several cases.
Some of the Bloggers 4 Russell find us. In most cases, however, we find them. They indicate in blogs and/or e-mails that they don't want John Murtha, which almost invariably means they do want William Russell.
Finding Bloggers 4 Russell isn't really as bad as looking for needles in haystacks. However, it does take time and energy.
We absolutely need people to help in this effort. We are few, and the potential online opportunities are many. But they do require some digging.
One way we find blogger-supporters is to use the Google Alert system to find out who's commenting -- usually negatively -- about John Murtha.
Here's an example of a Google Alert:
Rep. Murtha finds that surge is working and falsely claims he ...Power Line - Minneapolis,MN,USAJohn Murtha, having returned from a trip to Iraq, acknowledges that the US military surge is working. Murtha also reports that the morale of the ...See all stories on this topic
Friday's Mini-ReportThe Carpetbagger Report - USAWhen Jack Murtha was quoted yesterday saying that the "surge is working," it sparked all kinds of interest. As it turns out, that isn't what Murtha actually ...See all stories on this topic
Google Blogs Alert for: John Murtha Blogs
Murtha Backpedals from his Backpedaling on IraqBy Ferdinand T Cat Quite frankly, I don't care if the Iraqi government does everything Murtha wants. I don't even want the US government doing everything Murtha wants. In fact, I think that not listening to John Murtha is the key to making this world a ...Conservative Cat - http://www.conservativecat.com/
There are three Bloggers 4 Russell in the making, and similar alerts arrive every day. I'll be contacting the people above, asking them to reprint William's press release, and put up his web site link for supporters/contributors.
We need a lot of people working on the Bloggers effort. True, "blogs" are not the answer to all political matters. But they're one of the answers to a many-faceted challenge.
Does a blog approach work? Take a look (right-hand sidebar) at the many hundreds of bloggers supporting the presidential candidacy of Mike Huckabee. They're raising millions of dollars for "Huck." The blogs are a major reason why he has a good chance to win the Iowa primary. Very few of the blogs are from Iowas, but they have a way of crossing state lines very effectively.
If you are willing to help in our "Project Blog," please let me know -- by a comment or an e-mail. Trust me, you won't regret it.
John Murtha with his fingers arranged in a such a way that he must be addressing a Republican member of the House.TO DEFEAT MURTHA, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
How much money will John Murtha spend in this election cycle? Apparently, he will spend approximately $4 million. That's an obscene sum, much more per voter than Hillary Clinton spent in her big bucks Senate "race" in 2006. Murtha's contributions will come mainly from lobbyists in MD, VA, and DC. Some of them will appear to come from "captive residents" of the Johnstown and Cambria County area, but they'll really be from companies on which Murtha has showered federal money -- that is, ones he provided with YOUR tax dollars.
You may be disgusted by the fact that YOU'RE unintentionally paying for Murtha's campaign -- but trust me, he thinks it's a wonderful system.
(If you want to know how much Murtha has raised for the next election -- and who's providing the money -- go to http://opensecrets.org/. Type in "John Murtha" and then take your trip through the "Political Ooze" that is Jack Murtha. You'll be shocked; the Founding Fathers will be turning over in their graves.)
How can Lt. Col. William Russell win -- and, trust me, he WILL win -- as he confronts a thorougly corrupt opponent? The people supporting Russell aren't doing so because he loads their wallets or purses with money. They're doing because they realize the future of their country depends on imposing on Murtha an involuntary "early retirement."
The way we will beat Jack Murtha is by outsmarting him and outworking him. We don't have any other choices.
On my other site, you will see this weekend approximately 45 "Bloggers 4 Russell." All of them are "active blogs" who get a number of visitors every week. Some of the blogs may get 30 visitors in a week. Others, like The Pink Flamingo (Cindy's site), 911 Families (Tim's site), and the band of mothers (Bev's site) get tens of thousands of visitors in a week. Michelle Malkin has one of the most popular blogs in the universe, and she's strongly supporting William.
The Blogging effort does three things. First, it creates "buzz," that is talk about Russell's candidacy by many thousands of people. Second, it attracts volunteers who will mainly seek out voters. Third, it will draw contributors to Russell's site. Right now, the contributors are critical because a campaign can't run on "air."
If you have a blog and support William Russell, you need to sign up now. You can do so by leaving a comment (with your e-mail address and/or blog link) or by e-mailing me at TalkTop65@aol.com. By the end of this year (it's still 2007, isn't it?) we should have 100-plus Bloggers 4 Russell. By next October, a month before the election, we should have more than 500 -- and perhaps as many as a thousand.
If bloggers approach the Russell-Murtha race systematically and frequently, they should attract (and include) thousands of voters in PA's 12th District. They should also attract many contributors.
Yes, we'd love to get the $2300 (or $4600) contributions that will flow into Murtha's coffers. But right now we're asking for $10, $25, and $50. We'll be overjoyed in those cases where we got larger contributions, as we have in several cases.
Some of the Bloggers 4 Russell find us. In most cases, however, we find them. They indicate in blogs and/or e-mails that they don't want John Murtha, which almost invariably means they do want William Russell.
Finding Bloggers 4 Russell isn't really as bad as looking for needles in haystacks. However, it does take time and energy.
We absolutely need people to help in this effort. We are few, and the potential online opportunities are many. But they do require some digging.
One way we find blogger-supporters is to use the Google Alert system to find out who's commenting -- usually negatively -- about John Murtha.
Here's an example of a Google Alert:
Rep. Murtha finds that surge is working and falsely claims he ...Power Line - Minneapolis,MN,USAJohn Murtha, having returned from a trip to Iraq, acknowledges that the US military surge is working. Murtha also reports that the morale of the ...See all stories on this topic
Friday's Mini-ReportThe Carpetbagger Report - USAWhen Jack Murtha was quoted yesterday saying that the "surge is working," it sparked all kinds of interest. As it turns out, that isn't what Murtha actually ...See all stories on this topic
Google Blogs Alert for: John Murtha Blogs
Murtha Backpedals from his Backpedaling on IraqBy Ferdinand T Cat Quite frankly, I don't care if the Iraqi government does everything Murtha wants. I don't even want the US government doing everything Murtha wants. In fact, I think that not listening to John Murtha is the key to making this world a ...Conservative Cat - http://www.conservativecat.com/
There are three Bloggers 4 Russell in the making, and similar alerts arrive every day. I'll be contacting the people above, asking them to reprint William's press release, and put up his web site link for supporters/contributors.
We need a lot of people working on the Bloggers effort. True, "blogs" are not the answer to all political matters. But they're one of the answers to a many-faceted challenge.
Does a blog approach work? Take a look (right-hand sidebar) at the many hundreds of bloggers supporting the presidential candidacy of Mike Huckabee. They're raising millions of dollars for "Huck." The blogs are a major reason why he has a good chance to win the Iowa primary. Very few of the blogs are from Iowas, but they have a way of crossing state lines very effectively.
If you are willing to help in our "Project Blog," please let me know -- by a comment or an e-mail. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
"COMEDY CENTRAL" AND BLOGGERS FOR RUSSELL
NOTE: "COMEDY CENTRAL" IS IN THE PRECEDING COLUMN. YOU CAN ALSO FIND HUMOR AT MY OTHER BLOG. As you'll notice on the sidebar to the right there are now many "Bloggers 4 Russell" in his campaign against John Murtha. By the end of December, 2007, we'd like to have at least 60 Bloggers for Russell -- and by Election Day, 2008, we hope to have 500 or more.
If you'd like to join up -- and my friends from Queensland, Australia; Las Vegas, Juneau, Alaska; and other places around the world are welcome -- you should leave a message on the comments (below). Alternatively, you can e-mail me at: TalkTop65@aol.com. If you don't have a blog, well, join anyway by providing your e-mail address.
Anyone interested in offering contributions or volunteer efforts to Lt. Col. Russell should visit his site at: http://williamrussellforcongress.com/. Now is the time for all good men and women to come the aid of their country's best hope to defeat John Murtha. Take the plunge!
And if you're in need of some comic relief see the "humor moments" in the column below and the other one at: http://smartpolitics101.blogspot.com/. Enjoy -- and God bless.
Thanks to Snooper of A Newt One for joining the Bloggers 4 Russell. Right now, we have about three-dozen such bloggers, and we're on way to getting as many as 500. These are people who strongly support Lt. Col. Russell in his nationally significant race to beat John Murtha.
In mid-December, we're going to have a "Blogger Burst," a national effort by bloggers to enhance name recognition, raise funds, and sharply increase the number of supporters for William.
An important web site has joined the group supporting Russell. It's the Band of Mothers headed by Beverly Perlson, and it consists of mothers of American soldiers. I urge you to visit the "Band" site and participate in their noble activities.
William's "secret weapon" in this campaign isn't really a secret. It relies mainly on YOU, bloggers and those who visit blogs.
By October of 2008, the Russell-Murtha campaign will be one that amazes the world. The pundits and pollsters will start telling us that the race is "too close to call." Murtha will start handing out to voters some of the millions of dollars he basically extorts from lobbyists.
(Go to OpenSecrets.org, put in the name "John Murtha," and check out who's contributing to him. You'll find they's mainly lobbyists and companies Murtha had paid off with your tax dollars. In 2008, Murtha will raise about $4 million, a truly obscene figure. Hint: not one of those dollars will come from people interested in "good government." They're merely payoffs for federal dollars.)
However, in November, 2008, the Russell Campaign's superior organization will carry the day. You're an essential part of that organization. We need your help. "Embrace the Future," and do so today.
If you'd like to join up -- and my friends from Queensland, Australia; Las Vegas, Juneau, Alaska; and other places around the world are welcome -- you should leave a message on the comments (below). Alternatively, you can e-mail me at: TalkTop65@aol.com. If you don't have a blog, well, join anyway by providing your e-mail address.
Anyone interested in offering contributions or volunteer efforts to Lt. Col. Russell should visit his site at: http://williamrussellforcongress.com/. Now is the time for all good men and women to come the aid of their country's best hope to defeat John Murtha. Take the plunge!
And if you're in need of some comic relief see the "humor moments" in the column below and the other one at: http://smartpolitics101.blogspot.com/. Enjoy -- and God bless.
Thanks to Snooper of A Newt One for joining the Bloggers 4 Russell. Right now, we have about three-dozen such bloggers, and we're on way to getting as many as 500. These are people who strongly support Lt. Col. Russell in his nationally significant race to beat John Murtha.
In mid-December, we're going to have a "Blogger Burst," a national effort by bloggers to enhance name recognition, raise funds, and sharply increase the number of supporters for William.
An important web site has joined the group supporting Russell. It's the Band of Mothers headed by Beverly Perlson, and it consists of mothers of American soldiers. I urge you to visit the "Band" site and participate in their noble activities.
William's "secret weapon" in this campaign isn't really a secret. It relies mainly on YOU, bloggers and those who visit blogs.
By October of 2008, the Russell-Murtha campaign will be one that amazes the world. The pundits and pollsters will start telling us that the race is "too close to call." Murtha will start handing out to voters some of the millions of dollars he basically extorts from lobbyists.
(Go to OpenSecrets.org, put in the name "John Murtha," and check out who's contributing to him. You'll find they's mainly lobbyists and companies Murtha had paid off with your tax dollars. In 2008, Murtha will raise about $4 million, a truly obscene figure. Hint: not one of those dollars will come from people interested in "good government." They're merely payoffs for federal dollars.)
However, in November, 2008, the Russell Campaign's superior organization will carry the day. You're an essential part of that organization. We need your help. "Embrace the Future," and do so today.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
William Russell: Family Man, Congressional Candidate
Which one of these men do you want to represent the 12th District of PA in Congress? "One is fresh, and the other is extremely tired."
William Trower Russell III speaks to supporters as his wife, Katarzyna, and children, William Stanislaw and Anna Elizabeth, listen Monday evening in downtown Johnstown. Russell is hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha. Photo: Dave Lloyd/The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, PA. You can see the video of Russell's appearance by clicking on the following: http://www.tribdem.com/multimedia/local_story_324165353.html I have another piece today about Russell-Murtha on my other site.
My name is William T Russell. I am running for Congress against John Murtha as a Republican in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania in the November 2008 election.
I would like to introduce myself to you. I am a family man, a husband, and a father. I am also a small business owner and entrepreneur, as well as an American Soldier.
My wife, Kasia, is one of my heroes. For some strange reason, she saw fit to marry me eight years ago. She was born and raised in Poland where her father was one of the local leaders in the Solidarity movement against the communist government in the 1980s. We met and married while I was stationed in Germany. She moved to the US with me after we married, learned English, and became a US Citizen. After surviving the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11 (while six months pregnant with our son), she also raised our children by her self for 19 months while I was deployed to Kosovo and then to Iraq.
Until August 31st of this year, I was a fulltime Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, stationed at the Pentagon and a little over 2 years short of full, active duty retirement. Until March of 2007, Kasia and I were simply looking forward to finishing out my Army career and moving to southern or southwestern Pennsylvania. We have been attracted to this part of the country since our first visit to the state in 2000. We were attracted to people and lifestyle of the state as well as its natural beauty. We recognized it as a great place to raise our children and I saw it as a great place to begin a second career in business after retiring from the Army. Kasia and I were looking forward to moving here after I retired from the Army.
But last March I had the opportunity to meet with some of our Wounded Warriors during their visit to the Pentagon. I have always been impressed by the spirit and good cheer of so many of these wounded heroes but also understand the sullen responses from some. Seeing these Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen with missing and shattered limbs, two with missing eyes and wounded faces, I found myself wiping away the tears as I walked back to my office. I was both sadden and angered that the sacrifices these brave service men and women, like the others I have served with in combat, make for this country and the thought of how they are betrayed by politicians such as John Murtha.
Go to Lt. Col. William T. Russell’s web site to read more. At this good man's site, you'll be able to contribute to his campaign. Note: On my site smartpolitics101, I will be writing regularly about practical steps Republican candidates can take to win elections -- including William Russell. My practical politics site is: http://smartpolitics101.blogspot.com. Please visit.
William T. Russell's Story
My name is William T Russell. I am running for Congress against John Murtha as a Republican in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania in the November 2008 election.
I would like to introduce myself to you. I am a family man, a husband, and a father. I am also a small business owner and entrepreneur, as well as an American Soldier.
My wife, Kasia, is one of my heroes. For some strange reason, she saw fit to marry me eight years ago. She was born and raised in Poland where her father was one of the local leaders in the Solidarity movement against the communist government in the 1980s. We met and married while I was stationed in Germany. She moved to the US with me after we married, learned English, and became a US Citizen. After surviving the attack on the Pentagon on 9/11 (while six months pregnant with our son), she also raised our children by her self for 19 months while I was deployed to Kosovo and then to Iraq.
Until August 31st of this year, I was a fulltime Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve, stationed at the Pentagon and a little over 2 years short of full, active duty retirement. Until March of 2007, Kasia and I were simply looking forward to finishing out my Army career and moving to southern or southwestern Pennsylvania. We have been attracted to this part of the country since our first visit to the state in 2000. We were attracted to people and lifestyle of the state as well as its natural beauty. We recognized it as a great place to raise our children and I saw it as a great place to begin a second career in business after retiring from the Army. Kasia and I were looking forward to moving here after I retired from the Army.
But last March I had the opportunity to meet with some of our Wounded Warriors during their visit to the Pentagon. I have always been impressed by the spirit and good cheer of so many of these wounded heroes but also understand the sullen responses from some. Seeing these Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen with missing and shattered limbs, two with missing eyes and wounded faces, I found myself wiping away the tears as I walked back to my office. I was both sadden and angered that the sacrifices these brave service men and women, like the others I have served with in combat, make for this country and the thought of how they are betrayed by politicians such as John Murtha.
Go to Lt. Col. William T. Russell’s web site to read more. At this good man's site, you'll be able to contribute to his campaign. Note: On my site smartpolitics101, I will be writing regularly about practical steps Republican candidates can take to win elections -- including William Russell. My practical politics site is: http://smartpolitics101.blogspot.com. Please visit.
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