Showing posts with label " Nancy Pelosi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label " Nancy Pelosi. Show all posts

Saturday, August 2, 2008

McCain, not Hussein, HS Howlers

I received the following message from a person (don't know name, but must find it out) at http://www.hillaryisourchoice.com/: "She" is joining NoBama Mission Bloggers. Her site is: http://hillaryisourchoice.com/ [Note: Take a short break from politics and scroll down to read the posting on "High School Howlers." They're priceless]



She adds, "I also have a very extensive email list..so let me know when you want a mass mailing. Thanks."We need the names (first name is okay) and e-mail addresses of people like this. I told her that the mailing list is "golden." If this person has 50 (or 100 -- or 500 -- or 5000) on the her list, she can ask people to join her in opposing the election of Barack H. Obama.


If friends, family members, and other connections realize this person is opposing Obama -- for some compelling reasons -- it will influence how they vote. The reasons for opposing Obama? That he is unqualified (no foreign policy or military experience), inexperienced (half a term in the U.S. Senate, most of it spent on the campaign trail), too untrustworthy (telling false stories about his life and "accomplishments"), and too dangerous (suggesting that the U.S. might "reinvade" Iraq and that we might invade Pakistan, an ally and one with nuclear bombs). This message (inexperienced, unqualified, untrustworthy, and dangerous) works to create doubts about -- and opposition to -- Obama.


What about positives regarding Obama's opponent who, in the General Election, would be John McCain? That time will come (soon), and the positives are the opposite of Obama's deficiencies. McCain is qualified, experienced, honest, and NOT dangerous.


He is right on critical issues (such as producing more domestic energy and thus helping keep prices down) where Obama is just plain wrong. Rather than having to invent imaginary "uncles" with bogus military "accomplishments," McCain (and his father and grandfather) achieved exemplary records of military service and foreign policy knowledge.


The key is to contact people who will in turn contact others. The goal is to send out messages that have a cascading effect. If someone sends out 60 "NoBama" messages to people who in turn send out 60 messages (some will send more, some will send fewer), then there are 3600 contacts. If each of the 3600 new contacts send out 60 messages, we're up around 200,000. If the 200,000 send out another 60 e-mails, then we're up around 12 million. And if the 12 million in turn send out, then the total contacts could exceed the population of the U.S.!


Of course, it won't be exactly that easy. It will necessary to urge people to contact everyone they can -- face-to-face, over the phone, or through the Internet -- in order to ensure victory in November. The point to get across to people like "hillaryisourchoice" is that "somebody else" is not going to do the job of making important contacts about the need to defeat Obama. You and I, along with everyone else in the NoBama Movement, must do the things -- make the contacts -- necessary to win the Nov. 4 election.


Within a day or so, you will be able to find NoBama fliers at: http://clintons4mccain.com/. What if you don't like something in the fliers made available? In that case, use the fliers as a model -- and create your own. This is largely a "do-it-yourself" effort.


Winning the Nov. 4 election is crucail to achieving the other changes many people want, such as reforming BOTH political candidates and ensuring that future candidates don't come with the liabilities of a Barack Obama. Right now, we have a Congress controlled by Nancy Pelosi, one of the main villains who torpedoed the campaign of Hillary Clinton. That Congress, rather than dealing with sky-high energy prices, has now gone on vacation for five weeks! The lack of concern for the American public is appalling.


We can do better. We MUST do better.

HIGH SCHOOL HOWLERS BELOW
My favorite: "John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met." Though "shots rang out, as shots are wont to do" is a close second.
Love help: Funny metaphors used in high school essays - Help.com

Funny metaphors used in high school essays

Just in case you need some writing inspiration. Every year, English teachers from across the USA can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year’s winners:
1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife’s infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn’t.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you’re on vacation in anothercity and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease. 14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan’s teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Hillary Supporters Taking Out Revenge

Well said by Jean Avery at Moms4McCain: "Last week, Howard Dean and friends gave delegates to someone who wasn't even on the ballot and took half the delegates from a candidate who was. And, by the way, she was also the first woman with a serious shot at the Presidency. Suddenly millions of American women who hung their hopes on Hillary are the Desirable Voting Bloc. (Sure, Hillary had male supporters, but because many women's motives differed, their response to her rejection may differ too.)"

Above: Last Democrat SuperDelegate holdout gives candidate Obama a wary look. (Note: This is the first in my daily "Odd Picture" series. You send me an odd picture at TalkTop65@aol.com and I supply the political caption.




The sound of the voice is that of PA Rep. Patrick Murphy, but the words coming out always seem to be those of Nancy Pelosi



Why is Republican congressional candidate Tom Manion smiling these days?

Today (Wednesday), I'll be writing more about a fascinating phenomenon I revealed yesterday on my Hillary Supporters for McCain site: the presence of a very large number (it may be in the millions) of Democrats (Hillary Supporters) who will NOT vote for Barack Obama.

Of great interest to GOP congressional and senatorial candidates, those Hillary Supporters are beginning to target "SuperDelegates" who went against the voters of their districts or states to support Obama. Such people include SuperDelegates (a profoundly anti-democratic concept in itself) like John Kerry, Bob Casey, Jr., Ted Kennedy, and Jay Rockefeller. Such individuals now look a lot more beatable than they did a few weeks ago.

I've been discussing one particularly odious individual, Rep. Patrick Murphy of PA's 8th congressional district, centered in Bucks County in Southeastern PA. Murphy, one of Nancy Pelosi's particular favorites, came out for Obama last summer.

How did Obama do in Bucks County? He got skunked by Hillary Clinton -- 70,253 votes to 41,791. So, how exactly does Murphy's endorsement of Obama square with the wishes of his constituents. Of course, it doesn't. It shows that his constituents' views play little part in his actions.

Can Tom Manion get a large chunk of those primary votes that went to Mrs. Clinton? Exit polls and political developments on the Internet (see another of my columns) suggest he might be able to get at least one-third of them -- and perhaps more. A lot of those Hillary voters are going to look at people like Murphy as Public Enemy Number 1.

Murphy's opponent is 30-year Marine Corp veteran Tom Manion. Mr. and Mrs. Manion lost their son, Travis, a Naval Academy graduate, in Iraq. Frankly, a totally politicized and cynical creep like Murphy has no business being in Congress. Manion is a better candidate and a better man.

Hillary Supporters value toughness and authenticity in a candidate. They certainly won't support a Hillary hater like Murphy. It's clear how Manion should proceed with the Hillary voters.

First, he can ask for them. Second, he can point out how Murphy shafted Mrs. Clinton in the race for the nomination. Third, he can use the primary results to show how Murphy's views are totally at variance with those of Bucks County Democrats -- let alone with the views of Republicans and Independents. Overall, the best thing Tom Manion has going for him will be the fact that he's not Patrick Murphy.

Tom Manion: go out and win this election. To do so, he needs your help -- including your donations. Murphy has money pouring into his campaign from special interests, including far-left extremist groups like Moveon.org and the Daily Kos. In fact, the Daily Kos, which loves the Murphys of the world, expelled Hillary supporters from its web site. Its constant message could be summed up in two words: "Hate Hillary."

If people like you support Tom Manion, he can win this race.


I've suggested that people who are really serious about getting rid of Murphy give a part of their economic stimulus check to Manion. But even donations of as little as $20 will be very helpful.




Monday, April 14, 2008

Melissa Hart Blasts Altmire, Obama

"American in 2008 is a mean place." (Michelle Obama, who wants to be First Lady)

The most important and fiercely contested congressional race in the nation is taking place in the 4th District of Pennsylvania. It pits conservative Melissa Hart against liberal Jason Altmire, one of Nancy Pelosi's favorites. The following is a press release issued today by Ms. Hart.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2008 CONTACT: Alicia Collins
724-779-4750 office
724-612-9490 cell

HART QUESTIONS JASON ALTMIRE’S SILENCE ON OBAMA’S ‘BITTER’ PENNSYLVANIA REMARKS

Cranberry Township, PA – Former Congresswoman Melissa Hart questions why Jason Altmire refuses to condemn Democrat Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s comments disparaging Pennsylvanians.

For weeks, Congressman Jason Altmire has basked in the attention from media and other politicians as an a “uncommitted” delegate, fawning over Barack Obama and regularly appearing at Obama's side while stopping just enough short of using the word “endorse” to allow him to continue to play both sides.

“Altmire's fellow liberal Obama displayed his true feelings about the communities of the Fourth Congressional District this week with a sneering reference to small towns in Pennsylvania,” said former Congresswoman Melissa Hart.

While speaking to a group of San Francisco donors Barack Obama said, "You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them... And it’s not surprising they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”

“Our country faces many challenges in the years ahead,” said Melissa Hart, “but among them are not the facts that many people in this part of the country attend church or temple services, cherish their hunting and sportsmen traditions, and are concerned about illegal immigration and the impact of free trade on the local economy. If Altmire were really the centrist Democrat he claims to be, he would have called on Obama to apologize immediately.”

“With each passing day, it becomes more clear that Jason Altmire pays more attention to his national political profile than his constituents concerns. Governor Rendell and other top Democrats have rightly criticized Obama’s remarks; I wonder why Jason Altmire remains silent on these demeaning comments.”

Yesterday, in the Washington Post the only thing Altmire had to say about Obama is "I have been really happy with the way that this has played out for western Pennsylvania," and "the more people get to know him, the more they like him."

“The reality is that the radical groups bankrolling Altmire share Obama's contempt for the people of this region and their values. Every day, it is becoming more apparent that these special interest groups are who Altmire really represents, not the people of New Castle, Beaver Falls, Cheswick or the other communities of western Pennsylvania,” said Hart.

Note from Steve: Jason Altmire is claiming to be a "conservative Democrat." In fact, Altmire described John Murtha as his "campaign manager" and voted for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. Altmire voted for the "Iraq timetable" after claiming in his campaign that he would not. He also claims to be "pro-life" but voted to provide federal funding (your tax dollars) to destroy viable embryos for stem cell research. He is also backing proposals (elimination of the President's tax cuts) that would increase taxes by 50% on those in the lowest-tax bracket. Candidate Hart speaks in her release about the radical groups supporting Altmire. You can analyze Altmire's contributors by going to http://www.opensecrets.org/ and typing in the name "Altmire." Hart's campaign is financed by thousands of individual donors, including the author of this blog. If you'd like to find out more about Melissa Hart (and hopefully, contribute to her grassroots campaign) please go to her web site at: http://peoplewithhart.com/. Thanks.

If you'd like to reprint the material above, please do so.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

McCain, Altmire, and Melissa Hart

Today (Saturday), I'm cross-posting from my Pennsylvania site (http://pennsylvaniaforjohnmccain.blogspot.com)


Starting this weekend, I'm be writing more about congressional candidate Melissa Hart and her opponent, a loathsome creature named Jason Altmire. He won the seat in 2006 mainly by spewing falsehoods about Melissa --she called them "a pack of lies" -- and by making false promises to the voters of the 4th congressional district (where I live).

For example, he told the voters he opposed a "timetable" for withdrawal from Iraq. However, when he got to Congress and Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha showed him the Democratic "trick," he fell all over himself to vote for the timetable. He claimed to be pro-life, but in Washington he voted for federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research. He claimed -- and claims -- to be a conservative Democrat, but he voted for the largest tax increase in history. His motto seems to be: "Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no truths." He's a piece of work, and he must be defeated.

Please visit Melissa's web site (http://peoplewithhart.com) and offer your support. If you can make a donation, I assure you it will be much appreciated.The Hart-Altmire will be one of the nation's most important. The national Democrat Party is pouring money into the race in order to prop up a weak and feckless candidate, Altmire, a former lobbyist. (Please check out Altmire's campaign funding on http://opensecrets.org. As you'll note, he is selling out to every interest group that comes bearing a bag-full of cash.

How does Melissa Hart's campaign relate to that of John McCain? Frankly, everyone in the 4th Congressional District -- and the country as a whole -- that wants to support McCain need to back candidates like Melissa. It will do little good if we send John McCain to the White House -- and confront him with a Congress full of Altmire types.

So, how can you support Melissa Hart? You can do so by linking your blog, if you have one, to Melissa's. Also, visit her site regularly. And if you can do so, please consider contributing to her campaign so you can counter the national Democrats' effort to buy the seat for Altmire.

Finally, if you know people who lives in the 4th congressional district -- mainly north and west of Pittsburgh -- please ask them to support Melissa. The best way to ensure John McCain has a successful presidency is to send people like Melissa to Congress. Thanks for your help!

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?

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.

"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.

Schwartz is the only Jewish member of the state's House congressional delegation.
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.

"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.

Friday, December 7, 2007

PA's Odd Couple: Murtha, Altmire

PA's Odd Couple: Murtha, Altmire

"What country can preserve its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time that this people [Americans] preserve the spirit of resistance?” (Thomas Jefferson)

It’s time for a political revolution in the districts, the 4th and 12th, of Democratic congressmen Jason Altmire and John Murtha. It will be a peaceful revolution that culminates in many voting booths next November. It will be a revolution against two Democratic politicians who treat their constituents like a huge crowd of dunces.

If you’re a Democratic candidate statewide or in a congressional district outside Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, how do you get elected? You run on the proposition that you’re a “conservative Democrat.” You’ll announce that you’re favor of the rights of the unborn and gun owners.You’ll also say regularly that you “support the troops,” although you’ll be very vague about how you can do so without supporting their mission. You’ll talk about the need for fiscal restraint, but that won’t apply to Bridge-to-Nowhere-type projects supposedly benefiting either your district or a political ally’s.

In most cases, you’ll proudly note that you’re a Roman Catholic (like Congressmen John Murtha and Jason Altmire, as well as yours truly). However, you will under no circumstances talk about how your religious faith has affected your personal or political life. (I will, but they won't.)When you cast a vote in Congress that your constituents might not like, you’ll remain silent about your reasoning on the subject. You’ll maintain extremely close relations with Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the Party’s far-left leadership, and you’ll vote with them on critical issues.

The exception occurs in cases where your vote isn’t needed, when they’ll let you cast a vote that appears to be “conservative.”You’ll look at your elected office as a lifetime position, and you’ll do everything necessary to retain it. If you’re in Congress, you will never, ever do anything to offend John Murtha, who has a long memory and likes to exact revenge.

If you’re very old (like Murtha), you’ll take younger Democrats under your wing. In fact, during his race against Melissa Hart, Jason Altmire declared that Murtha was his “campaign manager.” Murtha’s Political Action Committee funded a good chunk of money to Altmire, which helped to ensure his vote for Murtha as Democratic Majority Leader.

On an important issue in Pennsylvania – the sanctity of life – Murtha and Altmire must assume their constituents don’t pay much attention. They are both “pro-life,” mainly in the sense that they talk a lot about being . . . pro-life. I call such people "Pro-Life, Inc."It’s true that Murtha voted against the hideous process known as “partial-birth abortion.”

If Altmire had been in Congress, he probably would have done the same. However, when Congress considered a bill providing for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, pro-life Jack Murtha voted for it. So did “pro-life” Jason Altmire. The destruction of viable embryos was okay, as long it didn't come under the heading of "abortion."I

In 1996, Bill Clinton called up John Murtha and asked him to vote for full funding of “family-planning” overseas. Murtha did so. In Congress, “family planning” is a euphemism for abortion.It bothers me greatly that the 30 or so Democrat congressional representatives who claim to be pro-life seem to have absolutely no influence on the vast majority of Democrats in their Party.

Frankly, it also bothers me that other Democrats, like Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy, who list their religion as Roman Catholic can't even bring themselves to vote against something as objectionable as partial-birth abortion. To many Democratic politicians, being "Catholic" is about equivalent to being in the Rotary Club.

On military matters: In his campaign against hawkish Rep. Melissa Hart, Altmire was a hawk. He proclaimed he was against a “timetable” Iraq. He said he would rely on “our commanders on the ground.”

Yet when he got to Congress as a Democrat, Altmire found hawkishness was not exactly in vogue. Murtha voted for an Iraq War timetable, and so did Altmire.

In Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era, there was an a humorous political saying: “As Maine goes, so goes Vermont.” In Congress, "as Murtha goes, so goes Altmire."

The porcine Mr. Murtha and his increasingly rotund younger colleague deserve not offices in Congress, but rather places at the buffet table.Isn’t it time send Melissa Hart, a superb human being, back to Congress in the 4th Congressional District? And isn’t it time to elect Lt. Col. William Russell to Congress in the 12th District.

They both need your help.

(A weekend column will be up about midnight on Friday. Thanks for visiting.)

Stephen R. Maloney
Ambridge, PA 4th Congressional District
("For Murtha and Altmire, no more 'Mr. Nice Steve'")