Sen. Burr Critiques "Stimulus" Bill Headed to Senate

"It's not a stimulus bill because few things, if any, in the bill actually stimulate economic growth."

Listen to the full audio here.

NCGOP E-Letter - January 29, 2009

NEW SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS

NCGOP Press Release
January 28, 2009

RALEIGH— A new General Assembly was sworn in today as the North Carolina House and Senate gaveled in the 2009 session.

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:

"As state legislators return to Raleigh for a new session today, North Carolina faces many of the same problems we have struggled with for years. Our state is facing crippling unemployment rates that have skyrocketed to make our jobs situation the eighth worst of any state in the nation. Our state budget is facing an ever increasing shortfall now estimated to be at $2 billion. The State Health Plan is in a crisis situation due to mismanagement, poor oversight, and a lack of accountability. We face seemingly perpetual challenges to our state's mental hospitals, our roads, and our schools. There is a need for a bottom-up and top-down assessment of what is working in state government, what is broken, what can be eliminated, and what can be consolidated.

Our present difficulties may challenge but will never break the conservative commitment to creating a better, more efficient form of government for North Carolinians. This crisis presents us with an opportunity to increase transparency and accountability in state government and re-imagine how government might work better to truly serve the most pressing needs of the people without overextending into areas that should be left to the private sector. I am encouraged by many of the conversations currently taking place and by the resolve among elected officials to cut inefficient, ineffective programs and streamline those that are already working. The challenges we face will require hard work and dedication from Republicans and Democrats alike. In the past, Republicans in the minority have been shut out of crucial negotiations and even not allowed to speak about legislation being offered. I am hopeful these shameful tactics will become a practice of the past and that Republican ideas will receive a fair hearing in this session. I am hopeful that this year we will find promises of a new openness and transparency from the campaign trail make their way into action in the General Assembly. There are far too many important debates facing our state for us to silence certain voices or allow petty, partisan bickering to distract legislators from doing the people's business."

Stam wants to start over on the state budget

By Ryan Teague Beckwith, Mark Johnson, and Keung Hui
News & Observer
January 28, 2009

State Rep. Paul Stam of Apex says the legislature should start from scratch.

Given a potential $2 billion shortfall in tax revenue, the House Republican leader says the legislature should use zero-based budgeting.

Traditionally, the budget is based on incremental increases or decreases from the previous year's budget. But Stam argues that legislators should do a wholesale rewrite of the state budget, looking at each expense.

"We need to go back and see if the stuff we added in decades ago is still working," he said.

In addition, Stam wants to know whether the state's Medicaid program has the controls in place to determine whether providers and recipients are eligible to receive payments. That could save several hundred million dollars, he said.

On other issues, he expects the legislature to rehash old debates about whether to restrict smoking in public places, how to protect schoolchildren from bullying and whether to reinstate the death penalty, along with less controversial issues.

"Ninety percent of legislation is not partisan," he said. "It's often common sense -- or common nonsense." …

Click here for the full article…

Pro-Life Advocates Face Uphill Battle

By Congresswoman Sue Myrick
For The Washington Times
January 27, 2009

I don’t believe any issue has been more controversial than abortion since I came to Congress in 1994. Since 1973, when the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that a mother may end a pregnancy up until the point that the child could be “potentially able to live outside the mother’s womb”, there has been debate about when life begins, when a fetus is considered “potentially viable”, and the ongoing battle between a child’s “right to life” and a woman’s “right to choose”.

Interestingly enough, the U.S. Supreme Court has made more laws on this subject than Congress has. This is partially due to the lack of consensus in Congress to work toward any real alternative to the status quo. However, that lack of consensus is poised to change. We have a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate. We also have a president who is revered by Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups, and who has the potential to appoint judges who share his beliefs. It is clear that pro-life Members of Congress face an uphill battle with respect to abortion, and we must uphold our principles by continuing to support the sanctity of human life.

Human life is precious and is often taken for granted in today’s society. I believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is wrong. I hold a fundamental belief that innocent life should be valued and protected, and this extends beyond abortion. I am opposed to using federal tax dollars for any abortion-related activities, including the scientific use of fetal tissue from discarded embryos and funding to provide abortions for military families overseas or to American organizations that provide foreign abortions.

In 2007, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban, passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. While proponents of abortion argue that such a ruling is unconstitutional and goes against the ruling in Roe v. Wade, partial-birth abortion is nothing short of a horrific act of unconscionable violence. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of the bill, proud to vote for it, and proud for the government of the United States for protecting human life.

In 2004, both houses of Congress voted in favor of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, or the Laci and Connor Peterson Act. This bill was signed into law by President Bush, and protects unborn children from assault and murder. Why then, is abortion still legal in our country, since abortion amounts to taking a human life?

I believe abortion is America’s “Holocaust”. Ninety-two percent of American people say they believe in God. Do they also believe in God’s laws? Look around at the condition of society today – the lack of integrity, the disregard people have for one another, greed, hypocrisy, self-centeredness – on and on. So God sees over 50 million lives snuffed out since Roe v. Wade. It looks like a case of 92% of Americans believe in God; but look at the state of our nation. Does God still believe in us?

Thankfully, the rate of abortions continues to decrease here in America. I believe that this is due in part to the increased education of our youth with regard to pregnancy and the education of women as to their options outside of abortion. We must continue to fund abstinence education in our schools. Too often, the importance of abstinence is given little attention in our education system. However, it is these programs that impart the self-confidence and self-respect that many young people lack. Also, crisis pregnancy centers are equipped with the resources to help women choose options besides abortions. Many of these centers operate on a nonprofit basis because they are faith-based, and are supported by donors. Some prefer to operate without government funds, while others feel that they could better help their communities with access to service-related grants. While charitable organizations cannot be replaced by government programs, it is beneficial that the two can work together.

Now, it is more important than ever that pro-life advocates continue to work for a change from the status quo that places unborn lives in the balance.

What Are We Stimulating Again?

Seeing Red Again
January 27, 2009

Thomas Sowell makes a strong argument in this article that it is not the economy that Democrats aim to stimulate with a package before Congress but instead their power and their future political prospects.

"If the Beltway politicians aren't really trying to solve this crisis as quickly as they could, what are they trying to do?

One important clue may be a recent statement by President Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emmanuel, that "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste."

This is the kind of cynical revelation that sometimes slips out, despite all the political pieties and spin. Crises have long been seen as great opportunities to expand the federal government's power while the people are too scared to object and before any opposition can get organized."

How exactly will money spent on family planning and money given to ACORN stimulate the economy? Shouldn't we put more money into the hands of American families and small businesses to stimulate the economy?

Democrats are fond of making the argument that government is the only player big enough to stimulate the economy, but they're wrong. The only players with enough clout to stimulate the economy are the same ones who are in control of the government: the people. We should be the ones deciding how our money is spent, not politicians in D.C. looking to get "free" (read "our") money for their favorite constituencies.

Click here for the full article…

House Republican Leader John Boehner Weekly Republican Address

Click here to view the video…

Myrick, Coble, Foxx, Jones, and McHenry Vote No on Stimulus

Congresswoman Sue Myrick and Congressman Howard Coble released the following statements today indicating they would vote against the Stimulus Bill currently being considered by the House of Representatives.

Congresswoman Sue Myrick:

“Why are we going to spend $825 billion on a plan that won’t achieve its goals?” said Rep. Myrick. “Instead, let’s get this money back to taxpayers and businesses who help grow the economy and create jobs.”

Myrick supports an alternative plan that will:

Cut income tax rates by 5% across the board
Increase the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $5,000
Make 15% tax rate on capital gains and dividends permanent
End capital gains tax on inflation
Repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax
Make all IRS withdrawals tax and penalty free during 2009
Increase tax deduction for student loans and higher education expenses by 50%
Allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of business-related assets purchased in 2009
Cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%
Allow small-business owners a tax deduction equal to 20% of their overall income

Congressman Howard Coble:

“I oppose the bill because the most effective and efficient means of jumpstarting our economy, without wasteful spending, is providing tax incentives to working families and small businesses,” Rep. Coble stated. “There are more than 778,000 small businesses in North Carolina with 500 or fewer employees. These businesses represent more than 98% of all of the firms doing business in our state, and they create more than 54% of the new jobs in North Carolina. We know tax incentives are effective stimulants, and we also know they will generate revenues that will minimize the cost to taxpayers.”

Rep. Coble added that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that only 15 percent of the bill’s funding will be utilized this year. “Job cuts have been predicted to continue into the summer,” Coble noted, “and our working families cannot afford to wait for stimulus years from now, they need it immediately. Rep. Coble added that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that only 15 percent of the bill’s funding will be utilized this year. “Job cuts have been predicted to continue into the summer,” Coble noted, “and our working families cannot afford to wait for stimulus years from now, they need it immediately. I don’t see how spending $335 million to combat sexually-transmitted diseases or $600 million for new cars for government workers will create or protect North Carolina jobs.”

UPDATE: Congresswoman Virginia Foxx also put out a statement this afternoon.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx:

“The economic challenges facing our country today are great. Americans expect Congress to take seriously the need to get the unemployed back to work and to help small businesses, the engine of our economy, create most of those jobs. Doing the right thing means we must cut taxes for small businesses and all American families rather than spending billions on pet projects that do nothing to stimulate the economy.

“This $825 billion borrow and spend plan that shells out $7.7 billion for programs that already have a budget surplus, that spends more than $330 million for sexually transmitted disease programs and that fritters away another $400 million for NASA global warming research does not measure up.

“We are being told that action is urgent but only 15 percent of the spending in this bill will get into the economy in 2009 and only 35 percent in 2010. That’s why today I will vote for an alternative plan that focuses on tax relief which leaves more money in the hands of working families instead of giving more money to government which is little more than pork barrel spending.

“Borrowing and spending the equivalent of $10,500 for every household in America will do little to nothing to create new jobs and will put us further down the road to a national debt catastrophe. I urge my Democrat colleagues to consider the proposals put forth by Republicans to bring fast, efficient economic relief through targeted tax cuts for families and employers.”

UPDATE: Congressman Walter Jones put out a statement.

Congressman Walter Jones:

“Problems that have been caused by too much spending and too much debt simply can’t be solved by more government spending and more federal debt. While there is no doubt that our nation’s economy is suffering a severe downturn, this so-called economic ‘stimulus’ bill is a borrow-and-spend plan with no guaranteed benefits for our economy. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), this legislation will increase the federal budget deficit by more than $800 billion, with additional interest costs of $347 billion. This brings the total cost of the package to an astounding $1.2 trillion.”

“Economists agree that real fiscal stimulus must be ‘targeted, timely, and temporary,’ yet that is not the kind of remedy this bill provides. Our economy is said to need immediate help, yet the CBO estimates that less than 21 percent of the funds in this bill would be spent in 2009. This legislation also outlines new government spending in at least 150 different federal programs – including $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $600 million for federal cars and $7.7 billion for federal buildings. The package even calls for spending $54 billion on 19 programs that the Office of Management and Budget has already deemed ‘ineffective.’”

UPDATE: Congressman Patrick McHenry also opposed the legislation as all House Republican voted no to the bill. It passed the House by a vote of 222-188 and moves onto the Senate.

They Said It! Hoyle's Pay More, Get Less Plan for Education

"The state of North Carolina pays more for public education than any other state in the Southeast. As bad as we are and as much as we don't do for you, we do a lot for you." Sen. David Hoyle (D-Gaston) touting the state budget dollars that go to education to produce a 30% dropout rate and subpar test scores.

Translation: We spend a lot of your money and produce very few results for your children.

Gee, thanks.

Pro-Life Advocates Face Uphill Battle

By Congresswoman Sue Myrick
For The Washington Times
January 27, 2009

I don’t believe any issue has been more controversial than abortion since I came to Congress in 1994. Since 1973, when the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that a mother may end a pregnancy up until the point that the child could be “potentially able to live outside the mother’s womb”, there has been debate about when life begins, when a fetus is considered “potentially viable”, and the ongoing battle between a child’s “right to life” and a woman’s “right to choose”.

Interestingly enough, the U.S. Supreme Court has made more laws on this subject than Congress has. This is partially due to the lack of consensus in Congress to work toward any real alternative to the status quo. However, that lack of consensus is poised to change. We have a Democratic majority in both the House and the Senate. We also have a president who is revered by Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups, and who has the potential to appoint judges who share his beliefs. It is clear that pro-life Members of Congress face an uphill battle with respect to abortion, and we must uphold our principles by continuing to support the sanctity of human life.

Human life is precious and is often taken for granted in today’s society. I believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is wrong. I hold a fundamental belief that innocent life should be valued and protected, and this extends beyond abortion. I am opposed to using federal tax dollars for any abortion-related activities, including the scientific use of fetal tissue from discarded embryos and funding to provide abortions for military families overseas or to American organizations that provide foreign abortions.

In 2007, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban, passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. While proponents of abortion argue that such a ruling is unconstitutional and goes against the ruling in Roe v. Wade, partial-birth abortion is nothing short of a horrific act of unconscionable violence. I was proud to be a co-sponsor of the bill, proud to vote for it, and proud for the government of the United States for protecting human life.

In 2004, both houses of Congress voted in favor of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, or the Laci and Connor Peterson Act. This bill was signed into law by President Bush, and protects unborn children from assault and murder. Why then, is abortion still legal in our country, since abortion amounts to taking a human life?

I believe abortion is America’s “Holocaust”. Ninety-two percent of American people say they believe in God. Do they also believe in God’s laws? Look around at the condition of society today – the lack of integrity, the disregard people have for one another, greed, hypocrisy, self-centeredness – on and on. So God sees over 50 million lives snuffed out since Roe v. Wade. It looks like a case of 92% of Americans believe in God; but look at the state of our nation. Does God still believe in us?

Thankfully, the rate of abortions continues to decrease here in America. I believe that this is due in part to the increased education of our youth with regard to pregnancy and the education of women as to their options outside of abortion. We must continue to fund abstinence education in our schools. Too often, the importance of abstinence is given little attention in our education system. However, it is these programs that impart the self-confidence and self-respect that many young people lack. Also, crisis pregnancy centers are equipped with the resources to help women choose options besides abortions. Many of these centers operate on a nonprofit basis because they are faith-based, and are supported by donors. Some prefer to operate without government funds, while others feel that they could better help their communities with access to service-related grants. While charitable organizations cannot be replaced by government programs, it is beneficial that the two can work together.

Now, it is more important than ever that pro-life advocates continue to work for a change from the status quo that places unborn lives in the balance.

What Are We Stimulating Again?

Thomas Sowell makes a strong argument in this article that it is not the economy that Democrats aim to stimulate with a package before Congress but instead their power and their future political prospects.

If the Beltway politicians aren't really trying to solve this crisis as quickly as they could, what are they trying to do?

One important clue may be a recent statement by President Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emmanuel, that "A crisis is a terrible thing to waste."

This is the kind of cynical revelation that sometimes slips out, despite all the political pieties and spin. Crises have long been seen as great opportunities to expand the federal government's power while the people are too scared to object and before any opposition can get organized.

How exactly will money spent on family planning and money given to ACORN stimulate the economy? Shouldn't we put more money into the hands of American families and small businesses to stimulate the economy?

Democrats are fond of making the argument that government is the only player big enough to stimulate the economy, but they're wrong. The only players with enough clout to stimulate the economy are the same ones who are in control of the government: the people. We should be the ones deciding how our money is spent, not politicians in D.C. looking to get "free" (read "our") money for their favorite constituencies.

McHenry Takes Leadership Post

Congratulations to Congressman Patrick McHenry who has been appointed as deputy Republican whip for the 111th Congress.

McHenry takes leadership position in U.S. House

WASHINGTON - New House Republican Whip Eric Cantor has named Congressman Patrick McHenry of Cherryville to be a deputy Republican whip for Congress. ...

The role of a deputy whip is to assist the House Republican leadership in managing its legislative priorities on the House floor. McHenry served in the same capacity in the 110th Congress under then-House Republican Whip Roy Blunt.

"The Democratic majority is ideologically-driven to address every problem with a tax, borrow, and spend philosophy that is burying generations of working families in debt and driving the economy deeper into recession. It has never been more important for House Republicans to defend American taxpayers from the expensive whims of the least popular Congress in history," said McHenry. ...

NCGOP E-Letter - January 23, 2009

WE NEED JOBS NOW

NCGOP Press Release
January 23, 2009

RALEIGH—North Carolina's unemployment rate has reached 8.7 percent, the highest jobless number since 1983 according to a new report out Friday. According to the N.C. Employment Security Commission, the number of workers unemployed but seeking work is at an all-time high. The state's rate remains above the national average of 7.2 percent unemployment and some economists are predicting that the percentage of those unemployed in North Carolina could reach double digits in 2009.

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:

"The economic crisis in North Carolina is nothing short of dire. With so many people unemployed and looking for work, Governor Perdue and the Democrat leadership of the General Assembly must resist the urge to delay and hope that President Obama comes up with a magic jobs program for North Carolina. We must take care of ourselves. One thing we must do immediately is cut our high business taxes which are damaging the economic climate of our state and costing us jobs as companies move their operations to neighboring states with better business climates. Republicans and Democrats must work together in the upcoming legislative session to craft a budget that will encourage job creation, aid small business owners, and encourage investment to stimulate the economy. There is no silver bullet to solving our economic woes, however strong leadership that applies common sense, conservative principles will chart a course for recovery. Republicans will stand up for the unemployed and the business owners and entrepreneurs who can offer them work."

A Wink and a Nod

Seeing Red Again
January 22, 2009

When a study on the possibility of offshore drilling for North Carolina was commissioned by Senate Leader Marc Basnight and House Speaker Joe Hackney in November of last year, Chairman Daves made a statement intoning her skepticism about the true nature of the project. With the announcement of the 24-member committee, Basnight and Hackney have confirmed the reasons for our suspicions. By appointing one co-chair of the committee who works for the Environmental Defense Fund and has already written a memo entitled, "NC oil drilling: no impact on gas prices, high impact on coastal economy," Basnight and Hackney have shown that their true commitment isn't to a "long, careful look" at the facts of drilling but instead to a predetermined outcome suited to their political predilections.

Of course, this is just the way Democrats try to handle an electorate in support of initiatives at odds with their liberal base. North Carolinians want a vote on a marriage amendment to the state constitution. Joe Hackney can just pocket it. North Carolinians want an up or down vote on support for the death penalty. Tie it up in committee and use procedural rules to keep your members from having to go on the record for or against. Parents want more educational choices and freedom. Allow charter schools but cap them at 100. That's how Democrats do business in state government. With a wink and a nod. Make promises. Do just enough to pretend you are doing something without angering the liberal base. Hold up progress for North Carolina. Conservatives are up in arms. Liberal bloggers are satisfied.

Like in so many other areas of life, when liberal bloggers are happy, I'm uncomfortable.

Click here to view the post…

Perdue reception raises eyebrows

ABC11.com
January 22, 2009

A high dollar reception celebrating Governor Perdue's birthday is drawing some criticism.

Party goers are being asked to pay as much as $10,000 to wish the Governor happy birthday. The event was held Thursday at a home off of Raleigh's West Lake Drive.

The invitation asked partygoers to give anywhere from $500 to $10,000 to the North Carolina Democratic Party.

"It's not illegal, but it's unethical, and it's not upfront with North Carolina voters and that's what they expect of our Governor and our leaders," offered North Carolina Republican Party Spokesman Brent Woodcox.

Woodcox said he's concerned the Democrats are going to use the donations to pay off Perdue's more than $900,000 loan to her campaign. …

"Once they put this money into the general fund, really they can use it for anything legal under the sun. And one of those things is paying off campaign debt." …

"We're just trying to put Governor Perdue on notice that until she fulfills her promises, we are going to be watching and we're going to hold her to them," said Woodcox.

Click here for the full story…

House Votes to Block TARP Funds

Media General News Service
January 22, 2009

WASHINGTON-The House voted Thursday to block President Barack Obama from accessing the second wave of funds from the $700 billion bailout of financial institutions.

Because the Senate killed an identical measure last week, the passage of the bill sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., is unlikely to stop Obama from distributing to ailing banks and foreclosed homeowners the $350 billion remaining in the Troubled Assets Relief Program.

Congress created TARP at the behest of the Bush administration last fall to help thaw frozen credit markets.

The Bush administration's oversight of the first wave of funds prompted protests by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers after banks held onto the cash instead of lending it and the program was expanded to include auto companies.

Foxx, like many Republicans and some Democrats, opposed the program from the start. She and other early TARP opponents argued that it would reward financial firms that made bad decisions while expanding the deficit, projected to hit $1.2 trillion this year.

"Any money that Congress spends is taken from hardworking Americans paying taxes or is borrowed from foreigners," Foxx said Thursday while leading debate on the House floor.

The measure was approved 270-155, with all five North Carolina Republicans in the House voting to block the release of the money. North Carolina Democrats were split.

In the Senate vote last week, Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C., voted to release the funds, while Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., voted to block them.

At this point, only approval of Foxx's bill by both chambers could block the release of the funds. There is little chance the Senate will bring Foxx's version up for a vote, because the Democratic majority wants to let Obama access the money. …

Click here for the full article…

CLOSING GUANTANAMO

By Linda Chavez
Townhall
January 23, 2009

President Obama is learning it is a lot easier to reverse unpopular positions of his predecessor than it is to come up with better ones of his own. On Thursday, he signed executive orders aimed at shutting down the prison at Guantanamo Bay, which houses some of the most dangerous terrorists in the world. His orders also restricted interrogation methods that can be used by the CIA to elicit information from suspects and eliminated secret overseas detention facilities run by the CIA. Earlier, he suspended military commission hearings that were established to hear cases against those held at Guantanamo, including Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.

Now he has to decide what to do with the 245 men held at Guantanamo. And, if he is lucky enough to see Osama bin Laden or Ayman al-Zawahiri captured on his watch, he'll have to decide what to do with them. Ensure they're read their Miranda rights and appointed taxpayer-funded legal counsel, perhaps?

It's no joke. The philosophical shift between treating accused terrorists captured on foreign soil as enemy combatants or simply heinous criminals is an important distinction. …

It is tempting to believe that the worst is over -- that we won't be hit again, maybe even harder than we were just eight years ago. Some Democrats are sure that nothing George W. Bush did made us safer, and many of them would argue Bush sacrificed important constitutional guarantees without gaining any measure of security. But I think it is highly implausible that pure luck has protected us. Waterboarding may be nasty business, but if the technique indeed forced KSM to reveal details in 2003 of planned attacks and thus saved lives -- as Bush officials have asserted -- is it responsible to say that there are no circumstances, ever, in which it might be used again? And would the Obama administration go further, as Attorney General nominee Eric Holder hinted in his confirmation hearings, and seek to prosecute those who ordered or carried out waterboarding?

So what will the Obama administration do with KSM and the others at Guantanamo? If the military commission established to try these men will no longer do so, will they be turned over to criminal courts in the U.S.? If so, it is likely that many would be acquitted on the basis of "tainted evidence" and lack of due process alone. Then what? Do we put them on airplanes and ship them home? …

As President Obama no doubt has figured out, closing Guantanamo while preserving national security will take more than a stroke of the pen. He risks alienating the leftwing base of his party if the barbed wire doesn't come down immediately. But the stakes are much higher if he lets terrorists loose on the world.

Click here for the full article…

Thank you, President Bush

Editorial
WorldNetDaily
January 20, 2009

As President Bush leaves office today, I stand in respect and gratitude for a man who did an enormous amount of good in the last eight years. …

Thank you, Mr. President, for standing up against a flood of criticism to do what is right.

Thank you for keeping our country safe from attack since Sept. 11, 2001. The president rightly said in his farewell address: "There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil." The results speak for themselves. We've been safe on our soil while President Bush was at the helm. Thank you, sir.

We went on with our lives as usual after 9/11, but as he stated in his address, President Bush "never did." And for that I am grateful. Thank you for understanding the battle against a hostile Islamic takeover is the struggle between "two dramatically different systems." It is not about two equal ideologies we should work to appease. Rather, as he stated in his farewell address, the colliding worldviews are not moral equivalents: "Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God and that liberty and justice light the path to peace."

I am grateful we had a president for eight years with moral clarity. As he said in his last address: "I have often spoken to you about good and evil. This has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two there can be no compromise."

You remember eight years ago when people were unable to recognize that highjacking planes and flying them into buildings was something we could uniformly recognize as "evil." We even had people like Bill Maher confuse that terrorism with an act of "bravery." What a confused society we have become. And I am grateful for President Bush's willingness to call evil evil. Woe to those who call evil good.

In that same address, the president also said: "Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere." Of course, "every time" and "everywhere" includes in the womb. It is wrong, and this president stood against it.

So I would encourage my fellow Americans to stop complaining about President Bush long enough to look at the incredible good he's done. Thank him. Thank God for him. And if you don't agree with my words, then just brace yourself for what's to come without him.

To send President Bush a thank you note, email gwbfarewell@gmail.com...

A Wink and a Nod

When a study on the possibility of offshore drilling for North Carolina was commissioned by Senate Leader Marc Basnight and House Speaker Joe Hackney in November of last year, Chairman Daves made a statement intoning her skepticism about the true nature of the project. With the announcement of the 24-member committee, Basnight and Hackney have confirmed the reasons for our suspicions. By appointing one co-chair of the committee who works for the Environmental Defense Fund and has already written a memo entitled, "NC oil drilling: no impact on gas prices, high impact on coastal economy," Basnight and Hackney have shown that their true commitment isn't to a "long, careful look" at the facts of drilling but instead to a predetermined outcome suited to their political predilections.

Of course, this is just the way Democrats try to handle an electorate in support of initiatives at odds with their liberal base. North Carolinians want a vote on a marriage amendment to the state constitution. Joe Hackney can just pocket it. North Carolinians want an up or down vote on support for the death penalty. Tie it up in committee and use procedural rules to keep your members from having to go on the record for or against. Parents want more educational choices and freedom. Allow charter schools but cap them at 100. That's how Democrats do business in state government. With a wink and a nod. Make promises. Do just enough to pretend you are doing something without angering the liberal base. Hold up progress for North Carolina. Conservatives are up in arms. Liberal bloggers are satisfied.

Like in so many other areas of life, when liberal bloggers are happy, I'm uncomfortable.

That Didn't Take Long

Barely a week after being sworn into the U.S. Senate, Kay Hagan has already found a new Washington state of mind. Although she campaigned against the federal bailout in the fall, she voted for $350 billion in bailout funds on Thursday. What has changed since then other than her address and title? Sen. Hagan is going to have some explaining to do on her first trip home.

In shift, Hagan supports new bailout dollars

...The Democrat from Greensboro was vocally opposed to the bailout measure during her campaign. She said at the time that Washington needed to be helping out regular Americans, not rushing to aid Wall Street leaders by "giving them our money and crossing our fingers."

"It's a fix for Wall Street, not Main Street, and this isn't a situation where we can afford to only address half the problem," she said in a statement at the time. Hagan avoided taking a position in October until after the Senate had passed the bill. ...

NCGOP E-Letter - January 14, 2009

Burr Named Chief Deputy Whip

Press Release
January 14, 2009

U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) was named by Senator John Kyl of Arizona, the Senate Republican Whip, to serve as Chief Deputy Whip in the 111th Congress. The announcement was made by Senator Kyl earlier today.

“I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the whip team I’ve assembled,” Kyl said. “Not only do the members represent the diversity within the Republican Conference, but each brings critical skills that will help our leadership develop the successful strategies needed for the session ahead. I’m also excited to put Senator Burr’s outstanding leadership skills to work as Chief Deputy Whip.”

"I am honored that Senator Kyl has asked me to serve as Chief Deputy Whip, and I look forward to working with him. From health care, to education, to getting our economy back on the right track, the votes in the Senate touch on so many important topics, and I look forward to helping articulate our caucus' solutions to the many issues we face,” Burr said. …

Click here for the full release...

Foxx sponsors bill to stop release of bailout money

By Mark Binker
Greensboro News & Record
January 14, 2009

RALEIGH - Rep. Virginia Foxx hopes to persuade her colleagues not to release the second batch of financial industry bailout money and will press her case before the House of Representatives.

The Banner Elk Republican is the lead author of a measure that Democrats in Congress will have to at least hear before allocating another $350 billion from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.

President George W. Bush has asked Congress to release the second half of a $700 billion bailout passed last fall. The money would be managed by Barack Obama's administration, which takes over Tuesday.

"I didn't approve of what President Bush did and if President Obama does the same thing, I just think it's the wrong approach," Foxx said.

The first half of the money has gone to banks, insurance companies and the like and is different from the much-talked-about stimulus bill for which Obama has been lobbying.

Critics have complained that the bailout funds have been poorly overseen and handed over to private industry with few restrictions.

The original bailout bill gives members of Congress the opportunity to shoot down the second release of funds by putting forward a resolution that must be heard and is free from obstacles that typically restrain legislation out of step with congressional leaders. …

Click here for the full release…

POLITICAL DEBTS, KICKBACKS, AND TRADE-OFFS

NCGOP Press Release
January 14, 2009

RALEIGH—Former President Bill Clinton will visit North Carolina later this month to pay back political favors done by State Sen. Julia Boseman and Rep. Heath Shuler during the 2008 campaign.

President Clinton's post-Presidential fundraising activities on behalf of his foundation have been the subject of intense scrutiny as Hillary Clinton undertakes the confirmation process to serve in the Obama administration.

Boseman's various ethical, legal, and moral problems have led to multiple investigations over the course of the last year. In a non-endorsement opinion piece printed in the Wilmington Journal two weeks before the election, editors wrote:

"Julia Boseman cannot be trusted. She believes that despite strong and undeniable evidence that she is a liar, a philanderer, an illegal drug user, and, according to sworn testimony given by a close friend under oath against her last December, a racist, that the voters of District 9 are stupid enough to look past all of that, and re-elect her to a third-term of wasting our time in office. …

"We pray that the voters will retire this disgraceful failure…" (Editorial, Wilmington Journal, 10/21/08)

Heath Shuler has been rumored to be mulling a bid to challenge Sen. Richard Burr in his bid for re-election in 2010.

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:

"Just when you think President Clinton could not possibly disgrace his former office anymore than he already has, he is reduced to paying back political favors to Julia Boseman.

Among the questionable characters linked to the former president through his various fundraising activities, we can place Julia Boseman right at the top of the list. Boseman's various moral, ethical, and legal lapses have landed her at the center of several investigations and made her the subject of intolerable claims. Even sources traditionally friendly to Democrats have termed her a 'disgraceful failure' and openly called for her resignation and defeat. She has never shown remorse for her actions so I would not expect anything to change. The former president has also never been one to display scruples when it comes to moral or ethical behavior.

The question remains how Heath Shuler is connected to all of this. Will he attend the Raleigh fundraiser in support of Julia Boseman? Does he support her despite these concerns and ongoing investigations? If Heath Shuler plans to launch a campaign for Senate on the basis of political favors and kickbacks, he is going to have to explain the questionable alliances he forms to North Carolina voters."

See! It is Possible!

Seeing Red Again
January 14, 2009

Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC) has proposed a budget for the new fiscal year that is actually a reduction in spending as opposed to last year. It is possible by applying conservative principles, finding areas of waste, and concentrating on making government more efficient that leaders can save the taxpayers money. In tough economic times, our elected leaders have to lead the way in forcing government to live within its means just as families must do. We can only hope that Gov. Perdue will follow the lead of our neighbor to the south.

Governor issues $5.8B proposal
Spending plan would eliminate several programs

By Yvonne Wenger
The Post and Courier

COLUMBIA — Gov. Mark Sanford released a 300-page prescription Friday for spending $5.8 billion on government in the next fiscal year, a plan he said would put South Carolina back on track after months of dramatically falling tax collections have shrunken South Carolina's state budget to $6.1 billion from more than $7 billion approved last year. ...

“We’ve said for the past four years that you can’t grow government faster than the underlying economy without having to pay for it sooner or later, and it’s unfortunate for everyone that day has arrived.” - Governor Mark Sanford

Click here for the full article from The Post and Courier…

The Saddest Thing I've Ever Heard

Seeing Red Again
January 14, 2009

"DOT is in the best condition it has ever been in its 75-year history." Former NC DOT Secretary Lyndo Tippett who led the department for eight years under the Easley administration.

If that were true, it may be the saddest thing I've ever heard. With little else coming out of the NC Department of Transporation other than reports of waste, mismanagement, and political favors, it is hard to believe the above quote. If the DOT is in such great shape, how come our roads have fallen into such disrepair? I was under the impression that the Department of Trasportation was in the business of providing transportation to the state's citizens. I could be wrong. It seems that is not the goal that is actually being pursued by the department. Careful how low you set the bar, NC Democrats. You might just trip over it.

Click here to visit the Seeing Red Again blog…

REDSURGENCE.ORG

A new blog is starting for North Carolina Republicans to discuss politics and policy on the state and national level as well as for general advocacy of conservative principles. I think it will provide a much needed outlet for grassroots Republicans across North Carolina to become involved in building the party we want to see in our state. While this is not specifically a state party effort, we plan to be a part of it. I also think that this new forum will benefit the most if committed Republican activists, like you, take an interest in growing the community. If you are interested in becoming a part of this new online community, please visit www.redsurgence.org and sign up for an account to begin blogging. Redsurgence is launching on January 20, 2009, Inauguration Day, and is going to mark a new day in Republican politics in North Carolina. Please consider being a part of this grassroots movement. If you know of anyone else who would be interested, please pass this info along.

To join the Redsurgence Facebook group, visit here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40500392478

Click here to visit Redsurgence.org…

The Saddest Thing I've Ever Heard

"DOT is in the best condition it has ever been in its 75-year history." Former NC DOT Secretary Lyndo Tippett who led the department for eight years under the Easley administration.

If that were true, it may be the saddest thing I've ever heard. With little else coming out of the NC Department of Transporation other than reports of waste, mismanagement, and political favors, it is hard to believe the above quote. If the DOT is in such great shape, how come our roads have fallen into such disrepair? I was under the impression that the Department of Trasportation was in the business of providing transportation to the state's citizens. I could be wrong. It seems that is not the goal that is actually being pursued by the department. Careful how low you set the bar, NC Democrats. You might just trip over it.

See! It is Possible!

Governor Mark Sanford (R-SC) has proposed a budget for the new fiscal year that is actually a reduction in spending as opposed to last year. It is possible by applying conservative principles, finding areas of waste, and concentrating on making government more efficient that leaders can save the taxpayers money. In tough economic times, our elected leaders have to lead the way in forcing government to live within its means just as families must do. We can only hope that Gov. Perdue will follow the lead of our neighbor to the south.

Governor issues $5.8B proposal
Spending plan would eliminate several programs

By Yvonne Wenger
The Post and Courier

COLUMBIA — Gov. Mark Sanford released a 300-page prescription Friday for spending $5.8 billion on government in the next fiscal year, a plan he said would put South Carolina back on track after months of dramatically falling tax collections have shrunken South Carolina's state budget to $6.1 billion from more than $7 billion approved last year. ...

“We’ve said for the past four years that you can’t grow government faster than the underlying economy without having to pay for it sooner or later, and it’s unfortunate for everyone that day has arrived.” - Governor Mark Sanford

I Will Do Exactly What Has Been Done Before

The Civitas Institute has released its report on the legacy of Mike Easley and his term as governor. Excerpted here is just the section on North Carolina's economy. The full report is well worth the read as we can study Mike Easley's "leadership" by the numbers. There is not much optimism in Raleigh for a better performance from Governor Beverly "I will do exactly what has been done before" Perdue.

Grading The Last Eight Years of Leadership in Raleigh: Is North Carolina Better Off?

In several key economic indicators, North Carolina has fallen behind regional and national averages.

Job Growth Trails Southeast Average, Unemployment Consistently Above National Average

• Job growth from Jan. 2001 to July 2008 in North Carolina was third lowest among Southeastern states1. The growth rate of 8.5 percent trailed well behind Florida (15 percent), Georgia (12.5 percent) and the Southeast regional average of 11 percent.2
  
• North Carolina’s annual unemployment rate has exceeded the national average for each of the last seven years, and is on pace to do so again in 2008. By contrast, for the 25 years prior to 2001, North Carolina’s annual unemployment rate was higher than the national average only once.3
  

Sluggish Income Growth Puts North Carolina Further Behind National
Averages

• Per Capita income growth from 2001 to 2007 in North Carolina was 22.4 percent, less than the national average growth rate of 26.3 percent and second lowest among Southeastern states. As a result, North Carolina’s per capita income dropped from 31st highest to 36th highest in the U.S.4
  
• Further, average annual per capita income growth from 2001 to 2007 in North Carolina was 3.4 percent, coming in second lowest in the Southeast, and well below the national average of 4.0 percent. North Carolina’s rate was tied for 4th lowest in the nation.5
  

Poverty on the Rise - Overtaking Several Other States

• Overall poverty rates in North Carolina rose from 12.5 percent in 2001 to 15.5 percent in 2007 (latest data available). For sake of comparison, NorthCarolina’s 2001 overall poverty rate was less than 1 percentage point above the national average, by 2007 that discrepancy had more than tripled to 3 percentage points.6
  
• The share of North Carolina families classified as living in poverty also climbed. In 2001, the rate of families in poverty was 9.5 percent, tied for the 18th highest rate in the nation. By 2007, North Carolina’s rate of families living in poverty jumped to 5th highest in the nation at 12.6 percent.7
  
• The percentage of children living in poverty also increased sharply under the current leadership. In 2001, the child poverty rate in North Carolina was 16.4 percent, placing it tied for 17th highest in the U.S. By 2007, that rate had shot past 11 other states to place North Carolina’s child poverty rate tied for 7th highest in the nation at 21 percent.8
  

The No Spin Zone

Brian Balfour over at Red Clay Citizen takes the Democrat political spin out of the $744 million in debt spending the state is taking on as a part of the supposed "stimulus" plan.

State "Stimulus" Without the Spin

"Taxpayers of North Carolina will be forced to finance $744 million worth of government projects over the next few years, essentially guaranteeing future tax increases as the debt will be paid back with interest. Further, said government projects will require millions more in tax support to staff and maintain into the unforeseeable future, sucking even more resources from the productive sector.

Meanwhile, tons of steel, concrete, labor and other scarce resources will be diverted away from private, wealth-generating projects created to satisfy consumer demand. These resources will be shifted to non-productive government projects chosen for their political considerations. Economic growth will be slower in the short term as a result."

Questions About Questions

An unasked question will never be answered. Questions about the spending of $700 million in state funds should be asked and answered.

In Case You Missed It...

Was this the best expenditure of 0 million?

By Tom Campbell
NC Spin
January 8, 2009

North Carolina’s Council of State made quick work of approving (700) million in construction projects this week. Unfortunately, too few questions were asked as the Governor and other constitutionally elected members of the Council, with two exceptions, loudly boasted the approval would stimulate the economy and create 25,000 new jobs. It also increased state debt.

Putting the ballyhoo aside, permit us to ask the questions that should have been raised. Why were so few questions asked when the legislature approved, without serious debate, the incurring of this much debt last year? Why are we borrowing such a large sum of money without the approval of voters as our Constitution requires? This method of financing, called Certificates of Participation comes with a higher interest cost than General Obligation voter approved bonds. We will owe approximately billion in debt when borrowings for all approved projects are complete, with almost one-half that amount in non-voted debt. The last time voters approved borrowing was in 2001, the billion referendum consisting largely of university projects. Why are our leaders unwilling to consult with us on borrowing large sums of money? ...

NCGOP E-Letter - January 8, 2009

CHAIRMAN DAVES WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

NCGOP Press Release
January 6, 2009

RALEIGH—Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, released the following statement today.

"Serving as the Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party has been a great honor. The ability to serve the interests of the people of North Carolina has been one of the great privileges of my life. The best part of this job has been the ability to meet the many diverse people who make up the fabric of our state. I have spent many years working alongside dedicated, hardworking Republicans in North Carolina as a grassroots activist. It is these good people who make up the heart and soul of our party. Having the ability to see their commitment to making our state the best that it can be has given me renewed hope for our future each day.

I am proud of what Republicans have been able to accomplish together for the people of North Carolina over the last two years. The fruit of the labor associated with party building takes time to grow.

I think it is good and healthy for an organization to have fresh, new leadership periodically. At the conclusion of my term in June, I will step aside and allow someone else the honor and responsibility of guiding this party into the future. I am an activist and I will continue my work with candidates and Republican leaders across North Carolina to ensure our progress forward and to advocate for conservative fiscal and social policies. Between now and June, when a new chairman will be elected, I will continue to work diligently with our activists and other party leaders to assess our strengths and weaknesses and to begin the process of rebuilding."

The North Carolina Republican Party will elect a new chairman at the 2009 NCGOP Convention held June 12-14 in Raleigh.

STOP WASTING MONEY
They All Know It Is True

By John Hood
Carolina Journal Online
January 6, 2009

RALEIGH – I know the quote isn’t new, but I’d like to take this opportunity to call attention once again to what Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand said last month during a public appearance at Fayetteville Tech.

Discussing North Carolina’s expected budget deficit for FY 2009-10, currently estimated at somewhere between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, Rand remarked that, “We’ve thrown money away in the past. Now, we’re going to make sure we can justify every penny we spend.”

Rand’s candor invited some equal candid responses around the political world, ranging from ridicule to opprobrium along the lines of “what do you mean ‘we’?” But it’s worth considering for a moment that the senator is a smart and experienced state politician who knew what precisely what he was saying and how it would be perceived.

The fact of the matter is that anyone who has spent any significant time around the General Assembly knows well that Rand is correct. The state budget is full of waste, redundancy, and programs of dubious effectiveness. The problem has never been about public policy, about identifying areas to economize. The problem has been a political one. In most cases, the state spends many millions of dollars on questionable priorities because lawmakers have more of an incentive to placate spending lobbies, who are targeted and influential, than they have an incentive to placate the general population of taxpayers. …

Because these upswings in state spending growth were larger and longer than the recessionary downswings, the long-term trend is a substantial increase. Real state spending per capita today is 27 percent higher than it was 20 years ago. Obviously, the state budget would have to shrink quite a lot to offset the massive state spending increases of the 1990s. I’m not suggesting that the General Assembly will do so, or even that it should do so in a single year. But I will point out that North Carolina was still an attractive place to live and work in 1989, before the reckless fiscal policies of the ensuing years, and North Carolinians have not experienced large enough benefits – in better student performance, health outcomes, or public safety – to justify that 27 percent real increase in the scope and cost of state government.

Here’s hoping that Rand’s comments about the need for economical government in North Carolina translate into action. There is no shortage of good ideas on how to go about it.

Hood is president of the John Locke Foundation.

Click here for the full article…

NEW DEMOCRAT LEGISLATOR CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR

NCGOP Press Release
January 5, 2008

RALEIGH—Before the new session of the General Assembly even convenes, one Democrat legislator is already facing misdemeanor charges. Democrat Representative-Elect Nick Mackey (D-Mecklenburg) has been charged criminally with failing to turn over business documents in connection with a civil lawsuit and a judgment against him for nearly $100,000. Mackey has been ordered to pay interest until the amount is paid in full and the offense is punishable by up to 120 days in jail. The Democrat also faces an unrelated professional grievance. ("Mackey faces misdemeanor charge linked to civil suit," Charlotte Observer, 1/3/09)

Chairman Linda Daves, North Carolina Republican Party, made the following statement:

"It is a shame to start a new year and a new session of the General Assembly with the same ethical and moral cloud hovering over the state legislature. After being forced to expunge a member in last year's session, it is unacceptable that Democrats have learned so little from past mistakes. Until we have leaders we can trust in Raleigh, the public trust in the actions of state government will continue to erode."

Opening Remarks for the 111th Congress

January 6, 2009
Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) delivers opening remarks before the 111th Congress.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fim25fad2Ls

COBLE OPPOSES PAY RAISES

By Mark Binker
Capital Beat
January 6, 2009

Visiting with Coble in his Capitol Hill office tonight, I asked him what he wanted to tackle this session.

"Well my first order of business, old friend, is going to be maybe this week on this proposed pay increase," Coble said.

Rank-and-file members of Congress make $169,300 a year and are due for a $4,700 raise this year. That raise happens automatically unless Congress heads it off.

The automated raises were put in place more than a decade ago. In large part, they were supposed to avoid partisan wrangling over pay raise decisions. (No one would have to risk his neck or seat by sponsoring or debating in favor of a pay raise bill.)

Coble said that this year, with the economy tanking and people losing jobs, Congress should act to block its pay raise.

"When you have bills like this, it invites demagoguery," Coble said. "I'm not going to be a demagogue about it, but I think this is ill timed. You have thousands - strike that. You have tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs ... and then they're picking up the paper and seeing we're getting a $4,700 a year raise. I think it serves no good purpose."

Coble is not the first to this idea. …

Click here for the full post…

Networking on the Web gets politicians atwitter
Sites like Facebook offer unfiltered look

By Lisa Zagaroli
The News & Observer
January 5, 2009

WASHINGTON - His favorite movie is "Braveheart," and his favorite TV show is "24." He also loves playing tennis, running and sailing, according to his Facebook page. Job title: U.S. senator.

When it comes to using social networking sites and other modern forms of communication, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., is embracing new ways of reaching out to constituents. He has pages on MySpace, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter and some other Internet sites.

That makes him one of the more active members of Congress on the Web, at least in the Carolinas. Others have begun using the Web tools, too, to share news about their legislative work as well as campaign activity.

These days, that involves tweeting and friending and flickering and feeding.

"What we are seeing is it's probably more crucial policy- and legislative-wise now than from a campaign standpoint," said Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who has a sparse Facebook page but a souped-up Web site that will offer a blog and more audio and video features.

"I don't think we can ignore the folks that are more likely to get their news off of some type of online source or [talk show host] Jon Stewart versus ones that have subscriptions to the newspaper," he said.

The Internet is giving lawmakers and viewers a chance to share information that isn't filtered or prioritized by the traditional news media. …

The politicians' Facebook pages are different from others: Members become "supporters" instead of "friends," and you can't send e-mail or live chat. You can post messages, though.

Not all lawmakers are entering the new age of communication as quickly.

"We do send out our newsletters electronically these days," offers Corey Little, a spokesperson for Rep. Mel Watt, a Charlotte Democrat. …

Not all Web users are looking for personal information. The most common visitor to Burr's Web site, for example, is just looking for a way to send him e-mail about an issue.

DeMint has a blog on his official Web site, mostly updated by staff members with his public statements and television appearances, and he contributes to other blogs, as well.

"New technologies allow quick and dynamic communication that reaches many folks who wouldn't necessarily read a newspaper or watch C-Span," DeMint spokesman Wesley Denton said. "It's a way not to just share the senator's views with a wide audience, but to interact and get immediate feedback from constituents about their concerns."

DeMint "tweets," too, on a site called Twitter that allows people to write brief updates about what they're up to. According to an online gauge, he is the fourth most followed member of Congress on Twitter.

An update a couple of weeks ago seemed appropriate:

"On a blogger conference call."

Click here for the full article…

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