Now that I blew off some steam from the 2nd Amendment betrayal.... Today I was the Americans for Prosperity event in Livonia. It was a summit for economic conservatives. All the presidential campaigns on the GOP side has some support there, and three candidates were there themselves. Mitt Romney, John McCain, and Duncan Hunter. Steve Moore (Wall Street Journal), Grover Norquist (Americans for Tax Reform), and the token libertarian from ABC News, John Stossel, was there as well.
Most of the speakers talked about the biggest problem in this state. Too much government. Too many taxes. Too much spending. Too much regulation. Who can do a better job running our lives - us, or the government.
Nick from Right Michigan and EM Zanotti from American Princess also liveblogged the event and commented on the speakers and candidates there.
Romney - He did well. I though he laid an egg at Mackinac considering he is a very capable speaker. Mitt sounded "real" here. This was a purely meat and potatoes economic and change speech. That's his strength. He's not Washington. He talked about cleaning up the Olympics and Massachusetts, balancing budgets, and not raising taxes. He dropped most of the social issues talk, especially the gay marriage stuff.
McCain - McCain has two strong things going for him. One is his military background. The other is his consistency on the earmarks. On Bridges to Nowhere, he walked the walked. I also have to give him some credit. I almost NEVER see any candidates take questions from the crowd anymore. The only one I've seen do so this election season was from Duncan Hunter at his Troy event. McCain's stance on immigration doesn't sell well out here at all. That's no surprise considering the jobs situation here. (Buchananism is making a comeback in these parts) He answered them. I don't support some of the heckling from the crowd when he was interrupted. I wanted to hear why he supported what he did. Some people there were undecided voters and wanted to hear what he had to say.
Duncan Hunter - Too bad nobody gave him a chance in the beginning. If everyone had equal time and chance to win, I'd vote for him in a minute. If he was getting 5-10% in the polls, I'd have voted for him. He didn't have a good time slot, but he made the best of the time he had. Hunter is an ex Army Ranger. The most cheering in the crowd I think came for him during the talk of his accomplishment of building the fence near his home of San Diego. He also talked about his vote againt NAFTA, GATT, and those bad trade deals, as well as the cheating from the Chinese Government with their currency devaluation. One of the other issues not talked about much outside of Hunter is that China is using our money to build a stronger military while we outsource our manufacturing. We need to build our defense here. I hope Hunter stays active and runs for Senate or is tapped for the VP or cabinent position. We need some help there. On a side note, his son, also named Duncan, is running for his dad's spot in Congress. Duncan D. Hunter is a Marine Captain who served two tours in Iraq, and one in Afghanistan. His stances on the issues are very similar to his father's. I wish him the best of luck in his race.
Overall, it was a good event. I hope AFP stays active, especially in this state as we have three more years of the Matt Millen of Governors, as well as at least one more year of a leftist democrat controlled state house, and three more years of a center-left majority in the senate (even if Republicans control it). Our work is cut out for us and we must stay vigiliant.
Showing posts with label Duncan Hunter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Duncan Hunter. Show all posts
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Romney wins Straw Poll, Huckabee finishes 2nd
Interesting results. Giuliani and McCain skipped. Fred Thompson was on the ballot, but not an official candidate. From the AP/Forbes:
The Results:
1. Mitt Romney - 4516 - 31.5%
2. Mike Huckabee - 2587 - 18.1%
3. Sam Brownback - 2192 - 15.3%
4. Tom Tancredo - 1961
5. Ron Paul - 1305
6. Tommy Thompson - 1039
7. Fred Thompson - 203
8. Rudy Giuliani - 183
9. Duncan Hunter - 174
10. John McCain - 101
11. John Cox - 41
Analysis:
The Winners:
Mitt Romney - He was expected to win. Anything less would be considered a loss. He met expectations and won by over 10% His biggest strength is his organization, and it came through for him.
Mike Huckabee - A strong 2nd. Most have not really heard of him. I thought he may be a darkhorse, but he exceeded my expectations there. He's an excellent speaker from a swing state and IMO won every debate I've seen him in. This is a big win, especially since it is not in the South.
Sam Brownback - He probably needed top 3, and got it. Iowa neighbors Kansas, and a less than top 3 showing may knock him out.
The Losers:
Tommy Thompson - He said if he didn't finish in the top 2, he would probably drop. 6th place is not even close, and that goes double for a Midwesterner.
Duncan Hunter - I like Hunter, but he needed to get momentum. If you just looked at background without taking in name recognition, money, and current office, he'd probably be the best candidate. 9th place finishing behind non candidates is a disaster. That's too bad. I think Tommy Thompson (Who I was considering) and Hunter (where I have been leaning) may be knocked out from this. At best, their campaign is in trouble. That's unfortunate.
John Cox - I don't know anything about him. Last place however is last place.
Too early to tell:
Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul - They showed that they are real candidates. They didn't get top three, but they placed and have something to build on in the next few months. I kind of thought that Ron Paul would finish top three, but internet support is different than ground support. Can he use it to his advantage. As far as Tancredo goes, immigration is a major issue. Can he branch off from that and go to other issues? We'll see.
Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain skipped the poll. Whether this hurts or helps remains to be seen. They didn't finish last either, and that's good for their campaign.
The biggest news I think was Huckabee's 2nd place finish. The question is will he build on this and join Romney, Giuliani, McCain, and Fred Thompson in the "Top Tier." South Carolina will be his big test.
AMES, Iowa - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney won an easy and expected victory in a high-profile Iowa Republican Party Straw Poll on Saturday, claiming nearly twice as many votes as his nearest rival.
Romney had been expected to win the test because he spent millions of dollars and months of effort on an event that was skipped by two of his major rivals.
The Results:
1. Mitt Romney - 4516 - 31.5%
2. Mike Huckabee - 2587 - 18.1%
3. Sam Brownback - 2192 - 15.3%
4. Tom Tancredo - 1961
5. Ron Paul - 1305
6. Tommy Thompson - 1039
7. Fred Thompson - 203
8. Rudy Giuliani - 183
9. Duncan Hunter - 174
10. John McCain - 101
11. John Cox - 41
Analysis:
The Winners:
Mitt Romney - He was expected to win. Anything less would be considered a loss. He met expectations and won by over 10% His biggest strength is his organization, and it came through for him.
Mike Huckabee - A strong 2nd. Most have not really heard of him. I thought he may be a darkhorse, but he exceeded my expectations there. He's an excellent speaker from a swing state and IMO won every debate I've seen him in. This is a big win, especially since it is not in the South.
Sam Brownback - He probably needed top 3, and got it. Iowa neighbors Kansas, and a less than top 3 showing may knock him out.
The Losers:
Tommy Thompson - He said if he didn't finish in the top 2, he would probably drop. 6th place is not even close, and that goes double for a Midwesterner.
Duncan Hunter - I like Hunter, but he needed to get momentum. If you just looked at background without taking in name recognition, money, and current office, he'd probably be the best candidate. 9th place finishing behind non candidates is a disaster. That's too bad. I think Tommy Thompson (Who I was considering) and Hunter (where I have been leaning) may be knocked out from this. At best, their campaign is in trouble. That's unfortunate.
John Cox - I don't know anything about him. Last place however is last place.
Too early to tell:
Tom Tancredo, Ron Paul - They showed that they are real candidates. They didn't get top three, but they placed and have something to build on in the next few months. I kind of thought that Ron Paul would finish top three, but internet support is different than ground support. Can he use it to his advantage. As far as Tancredo goes, immigration is a major issue. Can he branch off from that and go to other issues? We'll see.
Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain skipped the poll. Whether this hurts or helps remains to be seen. They didn't finish last either, and that's good for their campaign.
The biggest news I think was Huckabee's 2nd place finish. The question is will he build on this and join Romney, Giuliani, McCain, and Fred Thompson in the "Top Tier." South Carolina will be his big test.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
2008 GOP Candidates - Debate Report
I caught the debate (taped, saw it tonight) on MS-NBC between the 10 presidential candidates on the GOP side. This was in my normal transcript shorthand format when I watch these things and can be difficult to read. Overall, I thought the winner was Mike Huckabee, although I did not care much for the format.
--------------------------------------------
10 candidates
Mitt Romney – Former Mass. Governor
Sam Brownback – Kansas Senator
Jim Gilmore – Former Virginia Governor
Mike Huckabee – Former Arkansas Governor
Duncan Hunter – California Congressman (San Diego area)
Tommy Thompson – Former Wisconsin Governor
John McCain – Arizona Senator
Ron Paul – Texas Congressman (Surfside)
Rudy Giuliani – Former NYC mayor
Tom Tancredo – Colorado Congressman (Littleton)
Debate 90 minutes. Chris Matthews, John Harris – Questions
Some view questions
60 second answers to Matthews/Harris Q’s, 30 seconds for viewer Q’s
Rebuttals – 30 seconds
No open/closing statements or thank yous to hosts for time purposes.
Some Q’s A’s. I skipped most of the fluff. Some of the more interesting answers IMO (Whether I agree or disagree)
Iraq:
McCain – I need to show success in Iraq to people. He takes Congress to task over the Democrat’s bill, Harry Reid specific for his comment. “IF we lost, who won?” The house cheered surrender. We must win in Iraq. If we withdraw, genocide will happen and it will follow us home.
Thompson. First, we must support the troops. 3 things also need to happen.
1. Iraqi Government must vote if they want us there for legitimacy.
2. 18 territories. They need to elect governments there, prevent civil war
3. Split oil. 1/3 fed, 1/3 state, 1/3 every man, woman, child. Investing in their own country.
Duncan Hunter – Key to winning in Iraq is standing up 128 batallions in Iraqi army. They need to be ready and displace American units. Right way to leave Iraq.
Polls say 55% is unwinnable in Iraq:
Romney – If we want polls to win, we let TV run the country. That’s not want America wants. We need president of strength. We want troops home, in right way. If we leave wrong way, we could have more regional conflict. We may have to come back again.
Huckabee on Rumsfeld – “I would have fired him before the election. I certainly would not have said that I wouldn’t fire him, and then do so, but that’s the president’s call” Real error in judgment by listening to civilians in suits and silk ties and not listened to generals with real mud on boots and medals on chests. Those generals told us early on it would take 300,000 troops to stabilize Iraq. We gave limited troops/budget. That was mistake, but we need to finish the job, do it right, and not go back and do it over.
Ron Paul (asked about voting against war) – We need a non-intervention traditional foreign policy. That was Republican foreign policy in 20th Century. Eisenhower got us out of Korea, Nixon out of Nam. In 2000, we ran on no nation building and humble foreign policy. Declare war if we go, not for UN resolutions or political reasons.
Iran
McCain – We need to bring greater pressures to Iran. Diplomacy, economic, etc with Iran, which is very cultural. Greatest fear – Iran getting nuke and giving to terrorist. There are lots of options, but not war right now.
Constitution to allow foreign born candidates to run for president.
Romney – probably not
Brownback – no
Gilmore – no – don’t like to amend constitution
Huckabee – after 8 years, yes
Hunter – no
Thompson – no
McCain – consider it
Ron Paul – No, strong supporter of original intent
Rudy – yes
Tancredo – no
Ron Paul – Phase out IRS?
Absolutely! Immediately. If we want to lower taxes, change policy (Spending)
Okay Abortion first 8 weeks?
Gilmore – Yes. But I have a pro-life record. Waiting period. Partial Birth Abortion
Thompson – Leave abortion up to the states. I have a prolife record. Signed pro-life bills (listed them). States law.
Romney –
Always personally pro-life, but question on government. I changed my mind 2 years ago.
States should make decision
Brownback asked if he can support GOP’er who is prochoice
I can – Reagan commandment. Agree with 80% But life is a central issue of our day.
Rudy – Asked Why support public funding for abortions? “I don’t” I support Hyde Amendment. State decision. I supported it in NY, other places can make decision.
Moral vs Libertarian with purpose
Paul – What is the goal of govt? Promote liberty – brings us together. Police weakens liberty. We’re fretting about 3rd war countries but stood up to Soviets.
Ok for private employee to fire gays
Thompson – Private decision
----
Hunter - We need to win the right way. Build the border fence, let people knock on the door.
Tancredo – Karl Rove wouldn’t be employed in my White House.
Thompson – Biggest problem in our party - We went to change Washington, and it changed us. I started Welfare Reform plan as governor. It would get democrats, independents to support.
McCain – We lost in 2006 – spending got out of control. I will veto a pork bill and make them famous.
What specific cuts:
McCain – Line item veto best tool. Start with defense aqusition. Stop pork spending, then go programs.
Fed funding of embryonic stem cell way.
Romney – None on farming embryos. Fine to be legal, not government. Support AlteredNuclear transfer.
Brownback – no
Gilmore – no Can’t create people to end life
Huckabee – no
Hunter – No, alternatives
Thompson – Not yes/no. A lot of research right now. Adult stem cell research right now.
McCain – We need to fund this.
Ron Paul – Not authorized on constitution. Market/states should deal with it.
Rudy –Yes if not cloning or created to destroy.
Tancredo – Not with tax money.
Flip Flops
McCain – No provisions on Social Security or contingency. Make tax cuts permanent, else it’s a tax increase.
Taxcuts
Romney – 0% Capital Gains tax on middle income
Brownback – Flat tax – choose between current or flat
Gilmore – I kept my word on taxes as governor. Cut Alternative minimum tax.
Huckabee – We need Fairtax! Get rid of IRS and all capital gians, individual/corporate
Hunter – Manufacuters getting killed with dumb trade deals with double tax. Eliminate manufacturing taxes.
Thompson –Vetoed 1990 items, reduced taxes. Alternative min tax – flat tax.
McCain – Line item veto on these. Alt min tax, 3000 tax credit for purchase health insueance. Flatter fair tax.
Ron Paul – Get rid of inflation tax and income tax. Printing too much money. Need sound money.
Rudy – AMT and death tax. Keep tax cuts. 2011 tax increase needs to be stopped.
Tancredo – Support fairtax. Repeal 16th Amendment or we’ll have both. We need to deal with mandatory structural problem.
What Govt does poorly:
Hunter – Secure border. People crossing Mexican border illegally – not just Mexicans. Communist China. Iran.
Romney asked - What cabinent would you keep? A: Entire new team.
Gilmore – I ran as conservative. I governed as conservative. I’m consistent and don’t flip and flop.
Ron Paul – We should NEVER interfere with internet. I always voted against regulating the internet. I trust the Internet a LOT more than mainstream media.
Mike Huckabee (Cronyism) – As president, we need to make it clear that we not going to continute to see jobs shipped overseas, and watch as CEO takes 100 million bonus to take jobs somewhere else and take pensions as well. We don’t stop it, we don’t deserve to win in 2008.
National ID Card
Rudy – support it, with immigration. Database, tamperproof. Foreigners
Romney – Agree with Rudy. Aliens, not citizens
Brownback – Don’t need to go this way. Secure borders and interior – Social Security number must mean something. Don’t need new system.
McCain – Support it if they want to work.
Paul – Absolutely opposed to national ID card. Contridiction to free society. Do not need it.
Tancredo – Do not need one for same reasons Dr Paul said.
Thompson – No national id.
Scooter libby pardon
Romney – don’t make decision until judiciary process. Fitzgerald.
Brownback – Let process go. (undecided) Not law that was violated
Huckabee – I was prosecutor. Law applies to discretion. Go to people and make case. Can’t make case, don’t do it.
Most others - no
Tancredo – Pardon him, and pardon Ramos and Camprien (Border Patrol)
Terri Schiavo Case:
Romney – Usually family decides. Courts decides. Florida did right thing, but Congress needed to stay out.
Brownback – Right decision. Life is sacred, stand for it in all circumstances.
McCain – We acted too hastily.
Rudy – Court decision. Family in dispute. Courts are for that.
On Clinton
Ron Paul - I voted to Impeach him
Overall:
The format sucked. Some of the candidates had a lot more facetime than others. All candidates IMO should have had the same questions. That is my biggest problem with this. The other problem was some of the questions were BS and fluff. Why ask 10 republican candidates about the Clintons? Right now we have a primary. I don’t want to know what Jim Gilmore thinks about Clinton. I want to know what Jim Gilmore thinks about policy.
The candidates were mostly cautious and my opinion of most of them did not change based on this. One thing I DID like about this was the lesser known candidates being allowed to participate. Ron Paul, Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Tommy Thompson, Sam Brownback, Jim Gilmore, and Mike Huckabee all bring something to the table and are running as well. It was good to see some of the “choice c” candidates involved to some degree.
If I had to pick a “winner” based on the limited format, I’d have to go with Mike Huckabee. I am more open to his candidacy than I was beforehand. I still have a lot of fiscal concerns with him, particularly on his record on taxes, but I’m more open to supporting him than before.
I liked Tommy Thompson's answer on Iraq, Huckabee's on Rumsfeld and Scooter Libby, Ron Paul on the National ID, Internet, and nationbuilding, Tancredo on Fairtax and Karl Rove, McCain on Pork, Romney on Stem Cell, and Duncan Hunter on trade.
I’m still undecided however, and will be for the foreseeable future.
--------------------------------------------
10 candidates
Mitt Romney – Former Mass. Governor
Sam Brownback – Kansas Senator
Jim Gilmore – Former Virginia Governor
Mike Huckabee – Former Arkansas Governor
Duncan Hunter – California Congressman (San Diego area)
Tommy Thompson – Former Wisconsin Governor
John McCain – Arizona Senator
Ron Paul – Texas Congressman (Surfside)
Rudy Giuliani – Former NYC mayor
Tom Tancredo – Colorado Congressman (Littleton)
Debate 90 minutes. Chris Matthews, John Harris – Questions
Some view questions
60 second answers to Matthews/Harris Q’s, 30 seconds for viewer Q’s
Rebuttals – 30 seconds
No open/closing statements or thank yous to hosts for time purposes.
Some Q’s A’s. I skipped most of the fluff. Some of the more interesting answers IMO (Whether I agree or disagree)
Iraq:
McCain – I need to show success in Iraq to people. He takes Congress to task over the Democrat’s bill, Harry Reid specific for his comment. “IF we lost, who won?” The house cheered surrender. We must win in Iraq. If we withdraw, genocide will happen and it will follow us home.
Thompson. First, we must support the troops. 3 things also need to happen.
1. Iraqi Government must vote if they want us there for legitimacy.
2. 18 territories. They need to elect governments there, prevent civil war
3. Split oil. 1/3 fed, 1/3 state, 1/3 every man, woman, child. Investing in their own country.
Duncan Hunter – Key to winning in Iraq is standing up 128 batallions in Iraqi army. They need to be ready and displace American units. Right way to leave Iraq.
Polls say 55% is unwinnable in Iraq:
Romney – If we want polls to win, we let TV run the country. That’s not want America wants. We need president of strength. We want troops home, in right way. If we leave wrong way, we could have more regional conflict. We may have to come back again.
Huckabee on Rumsfeld – “I would have fired him before the election. I certainly would not have said that I wouldn’t fire him, and then do so, but that’s the president’s call” Real error in judgment by listening to civilians in suits and silk ties and not listened to generals with real mud on boots and medals on chests. Those generals told us early on it would take 300,000 troops to stabilize Iraq. We gave limited troops/budget. That was mistake, but we need to finish the job, do it right, and not go back and do it over.
Ron Paul (asked about voting against war) – We need a non-intervention traditional foreign policy. That was Republican foreign policy in 20th Century. Eisenhower got us out of Korea, Nixon out of Nam. In 2000, we ran on no nation building and humble foreign policy. Declare war if we go, not for UN resolutions or political reasons.
Iran
McCain – We need to bring greater pressures to Iran. Diplomacy, economic, etc with Iran, which is very cultural. Greatest fear – Iran getting nuke and giving to terrorist. There are lots of options, but not war right now.
Constitution to allow foreign born candidates to run for president.
Romney – probably not
Brownback – no
Gilmore – no – don’t like to amend constitution
Huckabee – after 8 years, yes
Hunter – no
Thompson – no
McCain – consider it
Ron Paul – No, strong supporter of original intent
Rudy – yes
Tancredo – no
Ron Paul – Phase out IRS?
Absolutely! Immediately. If we want to lower taxes, change policy (Spending)
Okay Abortion first 8 weeks?
Gilmore – Yes. But I have a pro-life record. Waiting period. Partial Birth Abortion
Thompson – Leave abortion up to the states. I have a prolife record. Signed pro-life bills (listed them). States law.
Romney –
Always personally pro-life, but question on government. I changed my mind 2 years ago.
States should make decision
Brownback asked if he can support GOP’er who is prochoice
I can – Reagan commandment. Agree with 80% But life is a central issue of our day.
Rudy – Asked Why support public funding for abortions? “I don’t” I support Hyde Amendment. State decision. I supported it in NY, other places can make decision.
Moral vs Libertarian with purpose
Paul – What is the goal of govt? Promote liberty – brings us together. Police weakens liberty. We’re fretting about 3rd war countries but stood up to Soviets.
Ok for private employee to fire gays
Thompson – Private decision
----
Hunter - We need to win the right way. Build the border fence, let people knock on the door.
Tancredo – Karl Rove wouldn’t be employed in my White House.
Thompson – Biggest problem in our party - We went to change Washington, and it changed us. I started Welfare Reform plan as governor. It would get democrats, independents to support.
McCain – We lost in 2006 – spending got out of control. I will veto a pork bill and make them famous.
What specific cuts:
McCain – Line item veto best tool. Start with defense aqusition. Stop pork spending, then go programs.
Fed funding of embryonic stem cell way.
Romney – None on farming embryos. Fine to be legal, not government. Support AlteredNuclear transfer.
Brownback – no
Gilmore – no Can’t create people to end life
Huckabee – no
Hunter – No, alternatives
Thompson – Not yes/no. A lot of research right now. Adult stem cell research right now.
McCain – We need to fund this.
Ron Paul – Not authorized on constitution. Market/states should deal with it.
Rudy –Yes if not cloning or created to destroy.
Tancredo – Not with tax money.
Flip Flops
McCain – No provisions on Social Security or contingency. Make tax cuts permanent, else it’s a tax increase.
Taxcuts
Romney – 0% Capital Gains tax on middle income
Brownback – Flat tax – choose between current or flat
Gilmore – I kept my word on taxes as governor. Cut Alternative minimum tax.
Huckabee – We need Fairtax! Get rid of IRS and all capital gians, individual/corporate
Hunter – Manufacuters getting killed with dumb trade deals with double tax. Eliminate manufacturing taxes.
Thompson –Vetoed 1990 items, reduced taxes. Alternative min tax – flat tax.
McCain – Line item veto on these. Alt min tax, 3000 tax credit for purchase health insueance. Flatter fair tax.
Ron Paul – Get rid of inflation tax and income tax. Printing too much money. Need sound money.
Rudy – AMT and death tax. Keep tax cuts. 2011 tax increase needs to be stopped.
Tancredo – Support fairtax. Repeal 16th Amendment or we’ll have both. We need to deal with mandatory structural problem.
What Govt does poorly:
Hunter – Secure border. People crossing Mexican border illegally – not just Mexicans. Communist China. Iran.
Romney asked - What cabinent would you keep? A: Entire new team.
Gilmore – I ran as conservative. I governed as conservative. I’m consistent and don’t flip and flop.
Ron Paul – We should NEVER interfere with internet. I always voted against regulating the internet. I trust the Internet a LOT more than mainstream media.
Mike Huckabee (Cronyism) – As president, we need to make it clear that we not going to continute to see jobs shipped overseas, and watch as CEO takes 100 million bonus to take jobs somewhere else and take pensions as well. We don’t stop it, we don’t deserve to win in 2008.
National ID Card
Rudy – support it, with immigration. Database, tamperproof. Foreigners
Romney – Agree with Rudy. Aliens, not citizens
Brownback – Don’t need to go this way. Secure borders and interior – Social Security number must mean something. Don’t need new system.
McCain – Support it if they want to work.
Paul – Absolutely opposed to national ID card. Contridiction to free society. Do not need it.
Tancredo – Do not need one for same reasons Dr Paul said.
Thompson – No national id.
Scooter libby pardon
Romney – don’t make decision until judiciary process. Fitzgerald.
Brownback – Let process go. (undecided) Not law that was violated
Huckabee – I was prosecutor. Law applies to discretion. Go to people and make case. Can’t make case, don’t do it.
Most others - no
Tancredo – Pardon him, and pardon Ramos and Camprien (Border Patrol)
Terri Schiavo Case:
Romney – Usually family decides. Courts decides. Florida did right thing, but Congress needed to stay out.
Brownback – Right decision. Life is sacred, stand for it in all circumstances.
McCain – We acted too hastily.
Rudy – Court decision. Family in dispute. Courts are for that.
On Clinton
Ron Paul - I voted to Impeach him
Overall:
The format sucked. Some of the candidates had a lot more facetime than others. All candidates IMO should have had the same questions. That is my biggest problem with this. The other problem was some of the questions were BS and fluff. Why ask 10 republican candidates about the Clintons? Right now we have a primary. I don’t want to know what Jim Gilmore thinks about Clinton. I want to know what Jim Gilmore thinks about policy.
The candidates were mostly cautious and my opinion of most of them did not change based on this. One thing I DID like about this was the lesser known candidates being allowed to participate. Ron Paul, Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Tommy Thompson, Sam Brownback, Jim Gilmore, and Mike Huckabee all bring something to the table and are running as well. It was good to see some of the “choice c” candidates involved to some degree.
If I had to pick a “winner” based on the limited format, I’d have to go with Mike Huckabee. I am more open to his candidacy than I was beforehand. I still have a lot of fiscal concerns with him, particularly on his record on taxes, but I’m more open to supporting him than before.
I liked Tommy Thompson's answer on Iraq, Huckabee's on Rumsfeld and Scooter Libby, Ron Paul on the National ID, Internet, and nationbuilding, Tancredo on Fairtax and Karl Rove, McCain on Pork, Romney on Stem Cell, and Duncan Hunter on trade.
I’m still undecided however, and will be for the foreseeable future.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Duncan Hunter visits Michigan
I was at the Duncan Hunter event in Troy last night. I'm still undecided, but this is a guy I can back if he gets some traction. His main issue is trade. He's the first presidential candidate since Pat Buchanan to run on trade as his main issue. Unlike Buchanan, Hunter has held elective office. Some of his platform and stances.
1. Fair trade. Stop cheating on trade and allowing the Chinese Government to sweep American products off the shelves. He stated that while the Chinese tax American goods (a double tax as American goods pay American taxes as well) coming into their country, they subsidize their good going to the US. He's going after Bush's Mexican trucks plan right now. Latest bill
2. Immigration reform. Build the fence and stop illegal immigration. Deport those who are illegally here and make them come in the right way. He also stated he would pardon Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean Convicted for shooting an illegal immigrant/drug dealer.
3. Fairtax replacing income tax
4. Pro-life
5. Pro-2nd Amendment
6. Originalist judges
On foreign policy, Hunter supports peace through strength. He has a unique situation among politicians with Iraq, as his son served two tours there. Hunter himself was an Army Ranger in Vietnam.
He ended his speech early and took several questions. Impressively, he took everybody's question and understood the issues. Most candidates do not take questions. They time their speech so they have to leave immediately. Most of the questions are regarding immigration, border security, and trade. Those are going to be BIG in 2008.
In other news, there's a new congressional candidate for the 5th district based in Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City. Bill Kelly is taking on Dale Kildee. While it is a longshot race for Dr. Kelly, his populist views will fit the district well. You never know what can happen. Steve Stockman upset Jack Brooks in 1994.
I'm still undecided in 2008, but Hunter will be one of the candidates I will be considering. It was refresing for once to hear a candidate who was not afraid of questions from the audience.
1. Fair trade. Stop cheating on trade and allowing the Chinese Government to sweep American products off the shelves. He stated that while the Chinese tax American goods (a double tax as American goods pay American taxes as well) coming into their country, they subsidize their good going to the US. He's going after Bush's Mexican trucks plan right now. Latest bill
2. Immigration reform. Build the fence and stop illegal immigration. Deport those who are illegally here and make them come in the right way. He also stated he would pardon Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean Convicted for shooting an illegal immigrant/drug dealer.
3. Fairtax replacing income tax
4. Pro-life
5. Pro-2nd Amendment
6. Originalist judges
On foreign policy, Hunter supports peace through strength. He has a unique situation among politicians with Iraq, as his son served two tours there. Hunter himself was an Army Ranger in Vietnam.
He ended his speech early and took several questions. Impressively, he took everybody's question and understood the issues. Most candidates do not take questions. They time their speech so they have to leave immediately. Most of the questions are regarding immigration, border security, and trade. Those are going to be BIG in 2008.
In other news, there's a new congressional candidate for the 5th district based in Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City. Bill Kelly is taking on Dale Kildee. While it is a longshot race for Dr. Kelly, his populist views will fit the district well. You never know what can happen. Steve Stockman upset Jack Brooks in 1994.
I'm still undecided in 2008, but Hunter will be one of the candidates I will be considering. It was refresing for once to hear a candidate who was not afraid of questions from the audience.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Presidential Candidate in Michigan this Friday
I got this in an email. If I have time to make it, I will be there. I have not made a decision on who I am supporting, but Hunter is one candidate I am considering.
Conservative presidential Candidate Duncan Hunter will be visiting Michigan this coming Friday. Even if he's not the candidate you support, you should consider stopping by to meet him. Feel free to spread the world.
DUNCAN HUNTER is coming to Troy!
WHEN: Friday, March 30th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Rd.
(North of Big Beaver, Room #402 – enter through North doors)
Rep. Hunter is a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the U.S. House since 1980. He's currently the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee and served as Chairman for the past four years.
Rep. Hunter's support of pro-life and traditional marriage, fair trade, strict border enforcement and a strong national defense, will be real factors in our presidential primary.
Bring your questions and arrive early as seating is limited for this fun and informative evening with a great American and presidential candidate! Find out more at: www.GoHunter08.com .
"Meet a candidate you can say you agree with"
/ STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE
/ ENFORCEABLE BORDERS
/ A TWO WAY STEET ON TRADE
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