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?
Right now, the congressional candidate who has the most money wins 94% of the time. Is that really what the Founding Fathers had in mind?
In my blog, I write regularly about John Murtha's financing, which is basically bribery money. In 2004, when he had NO opponent (he got 100% of 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? (Hint: It's going to pay off supporters for their votes and donations. Yeah, I'm saying he's transferring back money that orginally came about as earmarks. Yikes.)
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 http://www.opensecrets.org/.
The best way you can do something about this situation is to send a contribution to William Russell.
James H. said the following in the Comments section:
Let ME say this about Campaign Finance reform. I think the key to reform is not limiting money but it being very transparent!!!
If I wish to spend my money promoting political cause x I think that is sacred. I think that should be protected.
As to Murtha. I guess after last year and his weird comments on troop deployments I can never understand why people would vote him in. I suppose as Tip O'Neil said All politics is local and he must have an angle there that I am not seeing a thousand miles away.
The following is my response:
James: I hope there is a debate about campaign finance. Some of the donations (so-called) are transparent. In Murtha's case, they are from people (UPMC, PMA Group, CTC) who have benefited from huge handouts (earmarks) and are paying Murtha back for them.
If Murtha accepts a bag-full of money from the PMA Lobbying Group, it's illegal. If it comes in the form of checks, it's legal. The Democratic Left (George Soros and friends) is winning the fund-raising battle.
As long as that happens, "democracy" becomes something of a sham, a process designed to re-elect incumbents unto something approaching eternity. We will have the "right" to go out and vote for candidates who don't have a chance of winning. (We will win the race against Murtha, but it won't be because we outspent him.)
All that said, I hope you'll contribute to William Russell, which you can do by going to: http://williamrussellforcongress.com/. He's an outstanding candidate.
My Fellow Conservatives, Please Grow Up!
Like my fellow conservative Cindy, at The Pink Flamingo, I must be part of a declining breed: i.e., someone who'd rather win an election with a good candidate than lose one with an ideologically pure individual. On one board, someone was writing about how Republican presidential candidates had to be more conservative. I wrote the following:
My response is that the candidates seem to be running for President of the United States not the President of Alabama and Mississippi. I've just been reading the wonderful Almanac of American Politics about the election of 2006. All the Democrats in the House (more than two-thirds of them) who voted against the border fence got re-elected -- not most of them, all of them.
Many of the Republicans who voted for it (and all but six did) lost. That scenario is of course the opposite of what some people are assuring us will happen in 2008, though there's no poll evidence to suggest they're right. Do we really need to make ourselves into a permanent minority? We're very much headed in that direction.
Look at it this way: in 2006, many Republican conservatives (in the upper house, Sen. George Allen, Sen. Jim Tallent, Sen. Mike DeWine, Tom Kean, and Sen. Rick Santorum) lost. Who won against them? Oh, a bunch of Democratic liberals. Anyone who ignores that development has nothing to say on the political situation.
Showing posts with label Campaign Contributions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Campaign Contributions. Show all posts
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
WHERE DOES MURTHA'S MONEY GO?
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.
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.
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
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Murtha: Art of the Payoff
In 2004, John Murtha faced no opposition for his congressional seat. He got 100% of the vote.
That same year, Murtha’s fundraising for his “campaign” added up to $2.3 million. His “expenditures” on the “campaign” totaled $1.56 million.
So, he spent more than a million-and-a-half dollars to vanquish a non-existent opposition. Huh?
It wasn’t as if he was expecting a well-financed contender to raise lots of money and contest vigorously for the seat. In 2002, Murtha raised $2.4 million and got 74% of the vote. His opponent, Republican Dr. Bill Choby, raised only $17,000 and got just 25% of the vote.
Let’s focus on the $1.56 that Murtha “spent” in the uncontested year of 2004. As you’ve noticed, I’ve been putting lots of words in quotes, including “campaign,” “expenditures,” and “spent.”
The reason I’ve done so is that such concepts don’t apply to Murtha.
In this century, Murtha has raised (and most spent) nearly $10 million. Although he comes from one of the poorer districts in the Northeast, he’s one of the biggest fundraisers in Congress. He raises about twice as much as the average U.S. congressional representative.
To hold his seat, given the huge Democratic edge in registration, he didn’t have to raise $10 million. In fact, he probably didn’t need to raise anything.
The $1.56 million he spent in 2004 is a giant red flag. How does someone spend such a huge amount of money in a race that’s already decided before the election season even begins? How does an unopposed candidate in a safe district spend more than candidates locked in tight races?
I mean: WHERE DID ALL THE MONEY GO?
To understand, you need to know how Murtha conceives of being a federal representative. It’s merely a matter, as he’s said, “of making deals.” Campaign funding? He gets large earmarks, federal dollars, for companies that really don’t need them, and they reward him with giant contributions. They’re so grateful for all your federal dollars that they name buildings after him.
And what campaign expenditures – all those millions that never had to be raised or spent? Those are also payoffs to various people – printers, writers, photographers, billboard companies, and others – who support Murtha. The monies are basically payments for votes by various companies and their employees. “You scratch my back, and I scratch your back.”
It doesn’t really cost great piles of cash to campaign against nobody, as happened in 2004. The expenditures are really reminders to people of whom they’re dependent on: that is, Murtha.
In short, you give to Jack Murtha, and he returns the favors. The “expenditures” are a form of vote-buying. It's like a huge recycling projects, with basically the same dollars going back-and-forth. Since it's essentially your money, you have a stake in what's happening.
What I’m telling you here is something that’s well-known in the 12th congressional district. Increasingly, the people in that area think it stinks, which it does. What does is not exactly what The Founding Fathers had in mind.
Like Diana Irey before him, William Russell is a breath of fresh air. He needs and deserves your support. He may just be Jack Murtha's worst nightmare.
POLITICS: THE FUNDAMENTALS AND VICTORY
In the generally wonderful OpenSecrets.org, you'll read that, in federal races, the candidate who spends the most money wins 90%-plus of the time. That statistic is somewhat misleading.
William T. Russell is not going to spend nearly as much money as John Murtha, who may end up forking out $4 million. I don't know how much money Russell will raise, but it won't be anywhere near Murtha's financial numbers.If Russell does everything right, he should win anyway.
One thing he definitely needs is to try to shake every hand in the district. The best way to get someone's vote is to ask for it. Ask enough people -- say, 100,000 of them -- and you will do well. The key is to convince enough Independents and, especially, Democrats that Lt. Col Russell is an outstanding person, a good man.
He's a Republican, a fact he won't emphasize in this Democrat-intensive area. He needs to share the other positive aspects of his story -- that he's a husband a father, that he's basically spent a lifetime in the military (born on an Army base), that he has defended American interests in Desert Storm, the Balkans, and Iraqi Freedom.
Also, he's firmly asserted that he doesn't want any buildings named after him, unlike his narcissistic opponent.
John Murtha is an angry guy who's not aging well. He's widely known as a bully, especially in his dealings with younger congressmen and congresswomen. His major accomplishment is getting large handouts of federal money for companies that don't need the assistance. He's been a major supporter of people like Pelosi and Waxman, who have nothing in common with the people of Murtha's district. He's sold out to every lobbyist with a bagful of cash.
If Russell can get these points across, this could be real horserace.
That same year, Murtha’s fundraising for his “campaign” added up to $2.3 million. His “expenditures” on the “campaign” totaled $1.56 million.
So, he spent more than a million-and-a-half dollars to vanquish a non-existent opposition. Huh?
It wasn’t as if he was expecting a well-financed contender to raise lots of money and contest vigorously for the seat. In 2002, Murtha raised $2.4 million and got 74% of the vote. His opponent, Republican Dr. Bill Choby, raised only $17,000 and got just 25% of the vote.
Let’s focus on the $1.56 that Murtha “spent” in the uncontested year of 2004. As you’ve noticed, I’ve been putting lots of words in quotes, including “campaign,” “expenditures,” and “spent.”
The reason I’ve done so is that such concepts don’t apply to Murtha.
In this century, Murtha has raised (and most spent) nearly $10 million. Although he comes from one of the poorer districts in the Northeast, he’s one of the biggest fundraisers in Congress. He raises about twice as much as the average U.S. congressional representative.
To hold his seat, given the huge Democratic edge in registration, he didn’t have to raise $10 million. In fact, he probably didn’t need to raise anything.
The $1.56 million he spent in 2004 is a giant red flag. How does someone spend such a huge amount of money in a race that’s already decided before the election season even begins? How does an unopposed candidate in a safe district spend more than candidates locked in tight races?
I mean: WHERE DID ALL THE MONEY GO?
To understand, you need to know how Murtha conceives of being a federal representative. It’s merely a matter, as he’s said, “of making deals.” Campaign funding? He gets large earmarks, federal dollars, for companies that really don’t need them, and they reward him with giant contributions. They’re so grateful for all your federal dollars that they name buildings after him.
And what campaign expenditures – all those millions that never had to be raised or spent? Those are also payoffs to various people – printers, writers, photographers, billboard companies, and others – who support Murtha. The monies are basically payments for votes by various companies and their employees. “You scratch my back, and I scratch your back.”
It doesn’t really cost great piles of cash to campaign against nobody, as happened in 2004. The expenditures are really reminders to people of whom they’re dependent on: that is, Murtha.
In short, you give to Jack Murtha, and he returns the favors. The “expenditures” are a form of vote-buying. It's like a huge recycling projects, with basically the same dollars going back-and-forth. Since it's essentially your money, you have a stake in what's happening.
What I’m telling you here is something that’s well-known in the 12th congressional district. Increasingly, the people in that area think it stinks, which it does. What does is not exactly what The Founding Fathers had in mind.
Like Diana Irey before him, William Russell is a breath of fresh air. He needs and deserves your support. He may just be Jack Murtha's worst nightmare.
POLITICS: THE FUNDAMENTALS AND VICTORY
In the generally wonderful OpenSecrets.org, you'll read that, in federal races, the candidate who spends the most money wins 90%-plus of the time. That statistic is somewhat misleading.
William T. Russell is not going to spend nearly as much money as John Murtha, who may end up forking out $4 million. I don't know how much money Russell will raise, but it won't be anywhere near Murtha's financial numbers.If Russell does everything right, he should win anyway.
One thing he definitely needs is to try to shake every hand in the district. The best way to get someone's vote is to ask for it. Ask enough people -- say, 100,000 of them -- and you will do well. The key is to convince enough Independents and, especially, Democrats that Lt. Col Russell is an outstanding person, a good man.
He's a Republican, a fact he won't emphasize in this Democrat-intensive area. He needs to share the other positive aspects of his story -- that he's a husband a father, that he's basically spent a lifetime in the military (born on an Army base), that he has defended American interests in Desert Storm, the Balkans, and Iraqi Freedom.
Also, he's firmly asserted that he doesn't want any buildings named after him, unlike his narcissistic opponent.
John Murtha is an angry guy who's not aging well. He's widely known as a bully, especially in his dealings with younger congressmen and congresswomen. His major accomplishment is getting large handouts of federal money for companies that don't need the assistance. He's been a major supporter of people like Pelosi and Waxman, who have nothing in common with the people of Murtha's district. He's sold out to every lobbyist with a bagful of cash.
If Russell can get these points across, this could be real horserace.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
YOUR Thoughts on Russell's Campaign
Note: This blog is different from most others. They generally offer tidbits of political gossip (gleaned from CNN) -- or poll data that will be out-of-date within a week. The emphasis here is on HOW -- on how candidates in tough races can raise enough money and build enough support to win. Politics is not about idelogical preening. It's about taking practical elections that lead to celebrations on Election Eve. If you don't win elections, your complaints and suggestions will fall on deaf ears.
YOUR Thoughts on Russell's Campaign
One of the great things about the campaign of Lt. Col. William Russell against John Murtha is Russell’s willingness to be creative – to “think outside of the boss.” Also, the campaign is very willing to consider ideas from voters, both those in the 12th Congressional District and outside it.
All the campaigns I’ve endorsed (see the names above) will be uphill battles. It will be difficult to prevail in them, but at the same time, all of them could be winnable with excellent political tactics. I’m asking all bloggers and their visitors to put on their thinking caps. When I get ideas from you I’ll pass them along to the candidates.
I’m starting with the Russell Campaign, and these are the questions I’d like you to reflect on. You can leave the comments on this site or e-mail me at TalkTop65@aol.com. Here are some key questions:
First, how would you suggest Russell go about raising significant amounts of money given Murtha’s penchant for seeking revenge against those in his District who support his opponents?
Second, Since most people don’t contribute to campaigns is there an approach that will change that fact?
Third, what issues – three at the most – would you suggest Russell emphasize in his campaign?Fourth, how would you go about attracting conservative Democrats, a huge group in the 12th District, to vote for Russell? (There are twice as many registered Democrats in the District as Republicans.)
Fifth, what are the best ways for Russell to communicate with voters: face-to-face (hard because of the size of the district)? Television? Radio? Bumper stickers? Buttons and Tee-shirts? Yard signs? If all of them, which would you stress?
Sixth, to what degree would you emphasize by name the lobbyists and other special interests currently pouring money into the Murtha campaign?
Seventh, would you discuss Murtha’s close links with Nancy Pelosi and other far-left Democrats?
Eighth, are either Murtha’s advanced age (75) or his 34-year-reign in Congress significant issues?
Ninth, what’s the best use Russell can make of the many bloggers from around the country who are advocating his candidacy?
Tenth, how much should Russell make of the fact that Murtha will refuse to debate (almost a certainty).
I hope everyone who visits this site – or for that matter, your own site – will speak out on one, two, or more of these questions. They’re all very real for William Russell and his supporters, and the answers are not always completely clear. Please help out. It doesn’t matter where you’re located. Remember, my e-mail address is: TalkTop65@aol.com. I'll tell you the results soon.
YOUR Thoughts on Russell's Campaign
One of the great things about the campaign of Lt. Col. William Russell against John Murtha is Russell’s willingness to be creative – to “think outside of the boss.” Also, the campaign is very willing to consider ideas from voters, both those in the 12th Congressional District and outside it.
All the campaigns I’ve endorsed (see the names above) will be uphill battles. It will be difficult to prevail in them, but at the same time, all of them could be winnable with excellent political tactics. I’m asking all bloggers and their visitors to put on their thinking caps. When I get ideas from you I’ll pass them along to the candidates.
I’m starting with the Russell Campaign, and these are the questions I’d like you to reflect on. You can leave the comments on this site or e-mail me at TalkTop65@aol.com. Here are some key questions:
First, how would you suggest Russell go about raising significant amounts of money given Murtha’s penchant for seeking revenge against those in his District who support his opponents?
Second, Since most people don’t contribute to campaigns is there an approach that will change that fact?
Third, what issues – three at the most – would you suggest Russell emphasize in his campaign?Fourth, how would you go about attracting conservative Democrats, a huge group in the 12th District, to vote for Russell? (There are twice as many registered Democrats in the District as Republicans.)
Fifth, what are the best ways for Russell to communicate with voters: face-to-face (hard because of the size of the district)? Television? Radio? Bumper stickers? Buttons and Tee-shirts? Yard signs? If all of them, which would you stress?
Sixth, to what degree would you emphasize by name the lobbyists and other special interests currently pouring money into the Murtha campaign?
Seventh, would you discuss Murtha’s close links with Nancy Pelosi and other far-left Democrats?
Eighth, are either Murtha’s advanced age (75) or his 34-year-reign in Congress significant issues?
Ninth, what’s the best use Russell can make of the many bloggers from around the country who are advocating his candidacy?
Tenth, how much should Russell make of the fact that Murtha will refuse to debate (almost a certainty).
I hope everyone who visits this site – or for that matter, your own site – will speak out on one, two, or more of these questions. They’re all very real for William Russell and his supporters, and the answers are not always completely clear. Please help out. It doesn’t matter where you’re located. Remember, my e-mail address is: TalkTop65@aol.com. I'll tell you the results soon.
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.)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Murtha Must Go!!: Uncanny
WELCOME TO THE MANY VISITORS FROM ANCHORAGE, JUNEAU, AND WASILLA -- IF ANY OF YOU WOULD LIKE TALK CONFIDENTIALLY, SEND ME AN E-MAIL AT TALKTOP65@AOL.COM. THANKS TO THE MANY PEOPLE BACKING THE CANDIDACY OF LT. COL. WILLIAM RUSSELL!
Contributions to William Russell (pictured above). He's not a rich man, and as a career soldier (Lt. Col., Retired, US Army) he hasn't spent a lifetime with rich people. The main way he will win against John Murtha is by getting thousands of relatively small contributions. In political jargon, a "small contribution" is one of $200.00 or less. However, 11 contributions of $20 each -- or 21 of $10 dollars each are better than one of $200.00. William's campaign will be one that's "lean and mean," without any wastage of money. If you've never contributed to a campaign before, well, now's a great time to start. You can contribute by going to William's web site at: www.williamrussellforcongress.com
According to federal law, the maximum contribution an individual can make is $2300.00 in the primary and an additional $2300.00 for the general election. If you have any question about donations to this campaign, you can e-mail to: william.russell@williamrussellforcongress.com
Knowing William, I can assure you that any contribution will be warmly appreciated.
If you'd rather contribute your time, William's site will tell you how to volunteer. In this campaign, volunteers will be absolutely critical to success. I intend to be in Johnstown, PA are before and on Election Day, 2008, and I hope hundreds of other patriots will be there asking people to vote for William.
John Murtha believes he's a "sure bet" in this election. However, Murtha's made a career of being wrong. He will receive millions of dollars in support from groups that he's essentially "bought" with your tax dollars. William will not receive one thin dime from such tainted sources.
(Scroll down to see other columns about the Russell-Murtha race. As noted elswhere, there is an independent blog that receive no financial support or direction from any candidate.)
According to federal law, the maximum contribution an individual can make is $2300.00 in the primary and an additional $2300.00 for the general election. If you have any question about donations to this campaign, you can e-mail to: william.russell@williamrussellforcongress.com
Knowing William, I can assure you that any contribution will be warmly appreciated.
If you'd rather contribute your time, William's site will tell you how to volunteer. In this campaign, volunteers will be absolutely critical to success. I intend to be in Johnstown, PA are before and on Election Day, 2008, and I hope hundreds of other patriots will be there asking people to vote for William.
John Murtha believes he's a "sure bet" in this election. However, Murtha's made a career of being wrong. He will receive millions of dollars in support from groups that he's essentially "bought" with your tax dollars. William will not receive one thin dime from such tainted sources.
(Scroll down to see other columns about the Russell-Murtha race. As noted elswhere, there is an independent blog that receive no financial support or direction from any candidate.)
Harrisburg Patriot Blasts Murtha
2 Nov 2007 //
. . . The Johnstown Democrat's gluttonous and unabashed appetite for pork also makes him a poster child for all that is wrong with the congressional appropriations process. No one in Pennsylvania can in good conscious criticize such boondoggles as the Alaskan "bridges to nowhere" without pointing the same sharp finger at Murtha.
As chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Murtha has steered more money -- $166.5 million -- out of the pending $459 billion military-spending bill to the Johnstown area than any other congressional district in the country, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
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 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 for 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.
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.
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