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.
Showing posts with label 12th Congressional District of PA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 12th Congressional District of PA. Show all posts
Thursday, December 27, 2007
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.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
William Russell, Heather Wilson: Excellence
San Franciscan Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Johnstown, PA to Endorse John MurthaBulletin: If you want to support our troops -- and all of you do -- please be aware of the veterans who are running for Congress, including William T. Russell, Eric Egland, and Duncan Duane Hunter (the presidential candidate's son). Please be good enough to go to their web sites and offer them any assistance you can.
http://williamrussellforcongress.com/
http://ericegland.com/
http://hunterin08.com/
It's clearly time to send people to Congress who actually have first-hand knowledge of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Russell, Egland, and Hunter do.
Air Force veteran and former Rhodes Scholar Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico is running for the U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico. She's the only female veteran ever elected to Congress. Heather is a staunch supporter of the military and an expert on foreign affairs, especially in the Middle East. She's exactly the kind of person we need to improve the quality of government in DC. You can find her site at:
http://heatherforsenate.com/.
Every conservative in America needs to look in the mirror, and then reach into his or her wallet and contribute to these fine individuals.
A Vets4Russell web site will be appearing soon, and I urge everyone to visit it. Veterans are a critical constituency for Murtha opponent William T. Russell. There are approximately 50,000 veterans in Russell's 12th Congressional District of PA. We won't get all of them, but we will get the vast majority of them. The damage Murtha has done with his irresponsible comments about Haditha is incalculable.
I'll be one of the contributors to the site.
I also urge everyone to visit the Web site of the only female veteran ever elected to Congress -- Air Force Academcy graduate and Rhodes Scholar Heather Wilson. She's running for the New Mexico Senate seat to replace Sen. Pete Domenici. You can find her at: http://heatherforsenate.com/.
The absolute best way we can "support our troops" is to elect quality people like William Russell and Heather Wilson. Contributing to these fine people is the best step we can take to improve the quality of our government. Please do so today!
steve maloney
http://camp2008victorya.blogspot.com/
http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/
The absolutely critical challenge in the Russell Campaign are how to "detach" conservative Democrats from the Murtha column. In the 12th District, there are twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans.
However, many of those Democrats -- up to 45% -- have shown themselves willing to vote for Republican candidates. In 2004, President Bush -- not the most popular figure in PA -- got 49% of the vote against John Kerry. In fact, Bush won Murtha's home county (Cambria).
Murtha's recent statement that "The Surge is working" reflects the fact that he's feeling the "heat" from the Russell Campaign. Many veterans in the district look at Murtha's disgraceful statements about the Haditha Marines and wonder, "Gee, what's wrong with good ole John?" The Russell Campaign needs to convince such people that Murtha has "lost it," that he's more concerned with preserving his own political power than protecting the troops. Many Democrats are beginning to recongize that but they're not quite willing -- yet -- to vote against Murtha.
Of course, Murtha gets conservative votes because many people in the District believe "He brings home the bacon!" As I've pointed out previously -- using Bureau of Labor Statistics data -- Murtha DOES NOT bring home the bacon.
Yes, he does use taxpayer dollars to bring some "captive jobs" to the Johnstown area. However, most of the District remains economically depressed. The median household income in the 12th is one of the lowest in the state -- about the same as inner-city districts in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Do conservative Democrats in the 12th know these things? A growing number do, but a majority still believes that Murtha has done great things for the District.Murtha's focus in the 21st century has been to raise huge amounts of cash for his campaigns.
Until the year 2000 -- and you can find this in OpenSecrets -- his campaign funds were about average, even though he rarely even had any opposition. He's had strong opposition only once in this century, but every two years he raises Brobdinagian funds that are double the congressional average.
In other words, if you want tens of millions in federal handouts ("earmarks") from John Murtha, you'd better be prepared to pony up with huge "donations." Apparentely, the funds get distributed back to various supporters, including his former aide Paul Magliochetti (of the PMA lobbying Group). Magliochetti makes millions from Murtha's actions -- and returns hundreds of thousands in campaign gifts. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has received tens of millions in federal dollars via Murtha.
UPMC, also the former employer of Rep. Jason Altmire, is known for wildly overcharging patients and their insurers. This supposed "non-profit" generated a surplus (i.e., profit) of $460 million in the first nine months of 2007. UPMC has given more than $300,000 to Murtha in this century -- including $100,000 in 2007.
Are most conservative Democrats aware of the strange goings-on with campaign funds?
Apparently, very few of them are. The notion that Murtha is "a good guy" is one of the abiding myths in the 12th District. But grown-ups eventually stop believing in myths.
There are real opportunities here for the Russell Campaign. Murtha's past electoral successes are based on illusions about who he is and what he does.
http://williamrussellforcongress.com/
http://ericegland.com/
http://hunterin08.com/
It's clearly time to send people to Congress who actually have first-hand knowledge of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Russell, Egland, and Hunter do.
Air Force veteran and former Rhodes Scholar Heather A. Wilson of New Mexico is running for the U.S. Senate seat in New Mexico. She's the only female veteran ever elected to Congress. Heather is a staunch supporter of the military and an expert on foreign affairs, especially in the Middle East. She's exactly the kind of person we need to improve the quality of government in DC. You can find her site at:
http://heatherforsenate.com/.
Every conservative in America needs to look in the mirror, and then reach into his or her wallet and contribute to these fine individuals.
A Vets4Russell web site will be appearing soon, and I urge everyone to visit it. Veterans are a critical constituency for Murtha opponent William T. Russell. There are approximately 50,000 veterans in Russell's 12th Congressional District of PA. We won't get all of them, but we will get the vast majority of them. The damage Murtha has done with his irresponsible comments about Haditha is incalculable.
I'll be one of the contributors to the site.
I also urge everyone to visit the Web site of the only female veteran ever elected to Congress -- Air Force Academcy graduate and Rhodes Scholar Heather Wilson. She's running for the New Mexico Senate seat to replace Sen. Pete Domenici. You can find her at: http://heatherforsenate.com/.
The absolute best way we can "support our troops" is to elect quality people like William Russell and Heather Wilson. Contributing to these fine people is the best step we can take to improve the quality of our government. Please do so today!
steve maloney
http://camp2008victorya.blogspot.com/
http://stevemaloneygop.blogspot.com/
The absolutely critical challenge in the Russell Campaign are how to "detach" conservative Democrats from the Murtha column. In the 12th District, there are twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans.
However, many of those Democrats -- up to 45% -- have shown themselves willing to vote for Republican candidates. In 2004, President Bush -- not the most popular figure in PA -- got 49% of the vote against John Kerry. In fact, Bush won Murtha's home county (Cambria).
Murtha's recent statement that "The Surge is working" reflects the fact that he's feeling the "heat" from the Russell Campaign. Many veterans in the district look at Murtha's disgraceful statements about the Haditha Marines and wonder, "Gee, what's wrong with good ole John?" The Russell Campaign needs to convince such people that Murtha has "lost it," that he's more concerned with preserving his own political power than protecting the troops. Many Democrats are beginning to recongize that but they're not quite willing -- yet -- to vote against Murtha.
Of course, Murtha gets conservative votes because many people in the District believe "He brings home the bacon!" As I've pointed out previously -- using Bureau of Labor Statistics data -- Murtha DOES NOT bring home the bacon.
Yes, he does use taxpayer dollars to bring some "captive jobs" to the Johnstown area. However, most of the District remains economically depressed. The median household income in the 12th is one of the lowest in the state -- about the same as inner-city districts in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
Do conservative Democrats in the 12th know these things? A growing number do, but a majority still believes that Murtha has done great things for the District.Murtha's focus in the 21st century has been to raise huge amounts of cash for his campaigns.
Until the year 2000 -- and you can find this in OpenSecrets -- his campaign funds were about average, even though he rarely even had any opposition. He's had strong opposition only once in this century, but every two years he raises Brobdinagian funds that are double the congressional average.
In other words, if you want tens of millions in federal handouts ("earmarks") from John Murtha, you'd better be prepared to pony up with huge "donations." Apparentely, the funds get distributed back to various supporters, including his former aide Paul Magliochetti (of the PMA lobbying Group). Magliochetti makes millions from Murtha's actions -- and returns hundreds of thousands in campaign gifts. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has received tens of millions in federal dollars via Murtha.
UPMC, also the former employer of Rep. Jason Altmire, is known for wildly overcharging patients and their insurers. This supposed "non-profit" generated a surplus (i.e., profit) of $460 million in the first nine months of 2007. UPMC has given more than $300,000 to Murtha in this century -- including $100,000 in 2007.
Are most conservative Democrats aware of the strange goings-on with campaign funds?
Apparently, very few of them are. The notion that Murtha is "a good guy" is one of the abiding myths in the 12th District. But grown-ups eventually stop believing in myths.
There are real opportunities here for the Russell Campaign. Murtha's past electoral successes are based on illusions about who he is and what he does.
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.)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
MURTHA ECONOMICS: JOHNSTOWN, PA'S LOOMING DISASTER
NOTE TO ALL VISITORS: I've started another blog, one that deals with personal finances -- basically living better on less. It's meant to be humorous, insightful, and eye-opening. Please pay me a visit at: http://livebetteronless.blogspot.com. Then, bookmark it, keep coming back, and tell all your friends -- even your enemies -- to visit. It will have a new column every day. And God bless the blogosphere. -- Steve
JOHN MURTHA: PORTRAIT OF A POLITICAL BULLY
If John Murtha went to his Eternal Reward tomorrow, most of the bogus “jobs” he’s brought to Johnstown would disappear before the funeral Mass.
Voters who habitually cast their ballots for John Murtha are unintentionally ensuring that their kids and grandkids aren't going to be able to live in Johnstown, PA
John Murtha, congressman from Pennsylvania's Johnstown area, is a master of the nasty political business called "earmarks." These are basically federal grants that powerful congressmen get for special projects -- basically, no bid contracts -- in their districts.
The most famous earmark in modern times is the one Congressman Young of Alaska got for "The Bridge to Nowhere." Recently, Alaska's no-nonsense Governor, Sarah Palin, torpedoed the Bridge to Nowhere. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania's Governor, Ed Rendell, lacks the intestinal fortitude to do the same with Murtha's make-work earmarks.
Here's what the Harrisburg Patriot recently said about Murtha's earmarks:
"Murtha's a master of the 'earmark,' those pet projects and special interest items that lawmakers tuck into appropriations bills with little public scrutiny. Taxpayers for Common Sense estimates that Murtha has directed $600 million in earmarks to his district in the last four years."
"Over his 33 years in Congress, the [Wall Street] Journal found, many of his earmarks were for projects opposed by the Pentagon and other federal agencies as inefficient or unnecessary."
"Earmarks have become the way of doing business in Washington, where they were perfected to an art form by the previous Republican Congress. But Murtha's use of them is almost legendary."
Not only has he brought home the bacon, but the nonprofit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, which recently listed Murtha as one of the most corrupt members of Congress, says he uses his power as subcommittee chairman to threaten to withhold earmarks from others who don't see certain political matters his way."
Murtha defends the earmark process as a good one. He says individual members of Congress are in the best position to determine how money should be doled out in their districts.
"That could be, but it has little to so with this system, which shortchanges taxpayers whose representatives and senators lack the seniority necessary to take the lid off the cookie jar"
The Harrisburg Patriot concludes, "And that should serve as a warning to those in Murtha's district. Enjoy it while it lasts, because he won't be there forever. Someday the gravy train will be redirected by some other political bully. By Murtha's own philosophy, that's as it should be in Washington."
Of course, Murtha's earmarks are very popular among short-sighted people in the Johstown area. However, as the Patriot indicates, the problem is that, when Murtha's politicalcareer comes to an end, the earmarks will dry up. At that point, the companies that bought Murtha's favors with campaign contributions have no reason to stay in the area. One supects that, before Murtha's funeral mass concludes, many of them will be gone.
At that point, Johnstown might soon be back at the situation it had in 1983, with 24% unemploymnet.
There are many things wrong with "earmark politics." It's essentially a very expensive way of increasing employment. Also, it essentially raises taxes in order to benefit one region at the expense of the rest of the country. It certainly increases Americans' cynicism about how politics works.
Let's compare Johnstown, population of about 27,000, to Blue Springs, Mississippi, population 150, a village near Tupelo, Mississippi (where "Elvis" was born). The prospects of that tiny town are much better than those of Johnstown.
Why? Because Toyota is building a large auto assembly plant there. Soon, Toyota will be the world's largest automaker -- and one of the most profitable.
Unlike Murtha's phantom companies, the Toyota plant should be around for many years. It will provide many good jobs for the current generation in the area -- and probably for their children and grandchildren. With the multiplier effect, the Toyota facility will lead to the creation of many small businesses -- and perhaps some large ones.
In other words, Toyota in Blue Springs will be a real company providing real jobs. Its future will not be dependent on some congressman's clout in extracting earmarks from the political system. In contrast, John Murtha's "accomplishments" in Johnstown will largely fade away when his tenure ends.
Apparently, Murtha assumes that Johnstown can't survive without the distribution of billions in dollars in government handouts.
The situation in Johnstown would be much different if Murtha had taken a page from Blue Springs, a town where taxes are low, the labor conditions are good, and the climate for private business is excellent. Is the climate for such businesses in Johnstown good? Apparently, only for those companies whose commitments to Johnstown depend directly on their receipt of federal dollars.
If you go to http://www.opensecrets.org/, you'll find that several companies -- including University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and PMA -- have given Murtha hundreds of thousands of dollars. That from companies that have received hundreds of millions (in taxpayer funds) from the congressman's efforts. When Murtha stops "giving," as the Patriot suggests, the companies will get going -- right out of Johnstown.
Johnstown will be able to tackle the real issues confronting the community when it elects a new congressman. That person will be William Russell, who's committed to putting the area on a sound economic footing -- and on creating jobs that will outlast the tenure of any congressman.
Friday, November 2, 2007
RUSSELL PRESS RELEASE ON HADITHA SAYS: MURTHA, APOLOGIZE NOW!
Contact: Larry Stiles
Campaign Manager
Phone: (814)243-8662
PO Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
William Russell for Congress
“Turning the Tide”
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RUSSELL RENEWS CALL FOR CONGRESSMAN MURTHA TO PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE TO MARINES
Johnstown, PA – November 2, 2007: Congressional candidate William Russell said, “The time has come to for Congressman Murtha to publicly apologize to Justin Sharratt, the other Haditha Marines, their families, and every single serving Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman (and their families) who has served in or is currently serving in the Middle East”.
“At the very least, he must acknowledge that he has slandered the bravest of our young citizens and increased their risks of death and injury as they confront the evil that is Islamic Radicalism”. “He has provided aid and comfort to an enemy that is seeking to impose its version of totalitarian Sharia law on all of the Middle East, as well as Europe and the United States”. “He has undermined the efforts of the United States to stabilize Iraq”.
For those not familiar with him, US Marine Lance Corporal (L/CPL) Justin Sharratt, from Cannonsburg, PA, is an American Hero. On 19 November 2005 at a town called Haditha, Justin’s convoy was attacked. The explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) killed his friend and squad mate L/CPL Miguel Terrazas. This ambush included not only the bomb but also sniping and rifle fire at the Marines as they secured and evacuated the wounded out of the vehicle in which L/CPL Terrazas had been killed.
L/CPL Sharratt assisted in the security, recovery and offensive efforts to capture or kill the enemy combatants who initiated the complex ambush. When he moved into a building with some of his squad mates, L/CPL found himself in a close fight with four armed insurgents. When his machinegun jammed, he was forced to engage them with his 9mm pistol. Congressman Murtha not only accused him, but stated repeatedly as fact that Justin and his comrades committed “cold-blooded murder” of innocent civilians.
“Justin and the other members of his unit were facing an enemy who fights by a different set of rules in which there is no such thing as atrocities when committed for their cause.” “This enemy hides behind civilians in order to protect themselves and to create propaganda opportunities by accusing Americans of atrocities when innocents are caught in the crossfire, “Russell said. “ The enemy does this because they are seeking to create My Lai type incidents for propaganda use on the Arab street as well as the anti-war movement in the US. Innocents were caught in the cross fire in the heat of combat that day”. “But those who were identified were safe guarded and protected by the Marines”.
“By publicly stating that the US Marines committed murder and denying that there was a firefight and roadside bomb (specifically, the bomb which killed L/CPL Terrazas), Congressman John Murtha endorsed the enemy’s propaganda effort and confirmed in the minds of millions of Arabs, as well as many Americans, that US Marines had committed atrocities against Arab civilians as an extension of US Policy.
”By making such inflammatory statements of guilt against the bravest of Americans when the investigation had just, Congressman Murtha not only denied the Marines the rights that he and his colleagues so adamantly want to bestow on the terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, he helped the enemy fabricate a lie which has done more damage to our efforts in this war than any other politician,” Russell said.
“The lie Mr. Murtha helped the terrorists create has been repeated by Al Qaida and other terrorists organizations for recruiting purposes throughout the Arab World.” “It has also been repeated by Code Pink, KOS, MoveOn.org, and other anti-war elements in their effort to undermine the US efforts in the Middle East”.
Congressional candidate William Russell said, “Mr. Murtha should apologize not only to Justin Sharratt and his family, but to all of the Marines whose lives and professional service has been dragged through the mud because of his accusations and to every single Service Man and Woman and their families for placing them at greater risk by encouraging the enemy to attack them and placing that inkling of doubt in their minds that may lead them to hesitate when engaging the enemy”.
# # #
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
Campaign Manager
Phone: (814)243-8662
PO Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
William Russell for Congress
“Turning the Tide”
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RUSSELL RENEWS CALL FOR CONGRESSMAN MURTHA TO PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE TO MARINES
Johnstown, PA – November 2, 2007: Congressional candidate William Russell said, “The time has come to for Congressman Murtha to publicly apologize to Justin Sharratt, the other Haditha Marines, their families, and every single serving Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman (and their families) who has served in or is currently serving in the Middle East”.
“At the very least, he must acknowledge that he has slandered the bravest of our young citizens and increased their risks of death and injury as they confront the evil that is Islamic Radicalism”. “He has provided aid and comfort to an enemy that is seeking to impose its version of totalitarian Sharia law on all of the Middle East, as well as Europe and the United States”. “He has undermined the efforts of the United States to stabilize Iraq”.
For those not familiar with him, US Marine Lance Corporal (L/CPL) Justin Sharratt, from Cannonsburg, PA, is an American Hero. On 19 November 2005 at a town called Haditha, Justin’s convoy was attacked. The explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) killed his friend and squad mate L/CPL Miguel Terrazas. This ambush included not only the bomb but also sniping and rifle fire at the Marines as they secured and evacuated the wounded out of the vehicle in which L/CPL Terrazas had been killed.
L/CPL Sharratt assisted in the security, recovery and offensive efforts to capture or kill the enemy combatants who initiated the complex ambush. When he moved into a building with some of his squad mates, L/CPL found himself in a close fight with four armed insurgents. When his machinegun jammed, he was forced to engage them with his 9mm pistol. Congressman Murtha not only accused him, but stated repeatedly as fact that Justin and his comrades committed “cold-blooded murder” of innocent civilians.
“Justin and the other members of his unit were facing an enemy who fights by a different set of rules in which there is no such thing as atrocities when committed for their cause.” “This enemy hides behind civilians in order to protect themselves and to create propaganda opportunities by accusing Americans of atrocities when innocents are caught in the crossfire, “Russell said. “ The enemy does this because they are seeking to create My Lai type incidents for propaganda use on the Arab street as well as the anti-war movement in the US. Innocents were caught in the cross fire in the heat of combat that day”. “But those who were identified were safe guarded and protected by the Marines”.
“By publicly stating that the US Marines committed murder and denying that there was a firefight and roadside bomb (specifically, the bomb which killed L/CPL Terrazas), Congressman John Murtha endorsed the enemy’s propaganda effort and confirmed in the minds of millions of Arabs, as well as many Americans, that US Marines had committed atrocities against Arab civilians as an extension of US Policy.
”By making such inflammatory statements of guilt against the bravest of Americans when the investigation had just, Congressman Murtha not only denied the Marines the rights that he and his colleagues so adamantly want to bestow on the terrorists at Guantanamo Bay, he helped the enemy fabricate a lie which has done more damage to our efforts in this war than any other politician,” Russell said.
“The lie Mr. Murtha helped the terrorists create has been repeated by Al Qaida and other terrorists organizations for recruiting purposes throughout the Arab World.” “It has also been repeated by Code Pink, KOS, MoveOn.org, and other anti-war elements in their effort to undermine the US efforts in the Middle East”.
Congressional candidate William Russell said, “Mr. Murtha should apologize not only to Justin Sharratt and his family, but to all of the Marines whose lives and professional service has been dragged through the mud because of his accusations and to every single Service Man and Woman and their families for placing them at greater risk by encouraging the enemy to attack them and placing that inkling of doubt in their minds that may lead them to hesitate when engaging the enemy”.
# # #
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
Friday, October 26, 2007
WILLIAM RUSSELL: RUNNING HARD AGAINST JOHN MURTHA
NOTE: IN TWO PERMANENT PLACES ON THIS BLOG I'VE NOTED THAT I RECEIVE NO FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR DIRECTION FROM ANY CANDIDATE SUPPORTED HERE. THE CANDIDATES I'VE ENDORSED ARE: RUDY GIULIANI FOR PRESIDENT, SARAH PALIN FOR V--P, HEATHER WILSON FOR U.S. SENATE (NEW MEXICO), DIANA IREY FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER, MELISSA HART FOR CONGRESS (4TH CD, PA), AND WILLIAM RUSSELL FOR CONGRESS (12TH CD, PA). i WILL SUPPORT THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT -- PERIOD, END OF SENTENCE.
Later today (Sunday), I'll post a column about how to run for Congress effectively -- without spending a fortune. In the 2008 race, John Murtha may raise as much as $4 million, most of the money coming as "paybacks" by wealthy lobbyists Murtha has helped to enrich. So, there's no way a candidate of modest means -- say, Iraq War veteran William Russell -- can outspend Murtha. A really good candidate (e.g., William) might be able to win the race by spending $250,000 -- or perhaps less than that. Don't get me wrong: William is going to need money, and now is the time to contribute, to make an investment in our country. If the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) will invest $5,000 NOW in William, it will pay great dividends.
His address is: P.O. Box 630 Johnstown, PA 15907
Later today (Sunday), I'll post a column about how to run for Congress effectively -- without spending a fortune. In the 2008 race, John Murtha may raise as much as $4 million, most of the money coming as "paybacks" by wealthy lobbyists Murtha has helped to enrich. So, there's no way a candidate of modest means -- say, Iraq War veteran William Russell -- can outspend Murtha. A really good candidate (e.g., William) might be able to win the race by spending $250,000 -- or perhaps less than that. Don't get me wrong: William is going to need money, and now is the time to contribute, to make an investment in our country. If the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) will invest $5,000 NOW in William, it will pay great dividends.
His address is: P.O. Box 630 Johnstown, PA 15907
About Sarah Palin, I believe she would appeal to young professionals, mothers of several children, ethics in government advocates, wives of workingmen, and military familes. Why? Because she and her family are all these things. As for Hillary Clinton, she's basically none of those things.
Rudy, John, Mitt, and Fred, are you listening?
I'm getting enquiries about the campaign of William Russell against John Murtha in Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District (Johnstown, Monongahela, Washington, Greene County, and other locations).
You can help William, an Iraq War veteran and a fine human being, get his campaign off to a good start by making a small contribution (or a large one if you wish!) to him by sending it to:
William Russell for Congress
P.O. Box 630
Johnstown, PA 15907
Phone: 814-248-3435
His Web Site is: http://www.williamrussellforcongress.com/
His E-mail Address is: william.russell@williamrussellforcongress.com
If you can't make a cash contribution right now, volunteer to help in other ways, such as by contacting neighbors, working at his campaign locations, or putting up a yard sign.
In 2004, President Bush, not the most popular figure in Pennsylvania, and Senator Kerry basically split the vote in the 12th District by 50-50. In other words, this district is winnable by a strong candidate, and Russell can be that candidate. If the national candidates (for President and Vice-President) are strong ones, William Russell may amaze the political world by dethroning John Murtha, known widely as "The Prince of Pork."
William is already running hard against Murtha, who's a thoroughly disreputable individual, someone that's made a career of trading his votes and influence for campaign cash. People who provide financial support to Murtha have zero interest in anything approximating good government.
William needs your help. As a veteran, he would very much appreciate getting strong support from veterans, active-duty soldiers and Guardsmen, and military families. If you can make a small contribution, please do so. Also, please start mentioning his campaign to your family, friends, and neighbors.
There's no way William can out-spend Murtha, but he can and will out-work him. To win, he needs your support.
steve maloney
ambridge, pa
Note: If you go to http://www.opensecrets.org/, you can find out what groups contributed huge sums of money to Murtha's campaign in 2006. (If you have any trouble finding the information, let me know at TalkTop65@aol.com, and I'll walk you through the process.)
You'll notice, for example, that Murtha got approximately $150,000 from wealthy doctors and administrators at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), which is supposedly a non-profit health empire. In the last fiscal year, this "non-profit" made a "surplus" (i.e., profit) of nearly $500,000,000.00 As long as the Murthas of the world are in Congress, such outrages will continue. (You can find out why UPMC fat cats love Murtha by "googling" Windber + John Murtha + UPMC.)
If you're interested in finding out exactly who the money-bags groups contributing to Murtha are -- and why they're doing so -- please contact me and I'll let you know. Hint: They aren't exactly individuals or groups who are living paycheck to paycheck.
(Additional column this weekend about who the people are who truly exert great influence in political campaign -- Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen. See the previous column for definitions. The terms come from Malcolm Gladwell's wonderful book called The Tipping Point.)
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