YRFV Convention 2008 Update - All-Star Conservative Line Up; Early Bird Registration Ends Tomorrow, 3-31-08

Convention Newsletter No. 4

March 29, 2008

Dear Young Republicans:

Welcome to the fourth issue of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia's Convention Newsletter! We wanted to let you know about the many updates and the registration deadline quickly approaching! The convention planning committee has been busy preparing for your arrival to beautiful Richmond for the Convention. This year's convention will be held on April 4-6, 2008. We can't wait to see each of you!! There will be some great opportunities to network with other YRs from across the commonwealth and meet leaders from around Virginia.

The deadline to keep in mind is Monday, March 31st, which is the last day for the $40 Early Bird registration fee. The registration rate goes up to $65 on April 1st. You can register online here. Payment can be made either online or via snail mail.

Please check out our exciting agenda and line up of Virginia leaders!

We look forward to seeing you in Richmond!!

Yours in Republican Victory,
Lori-Ann Miller- YRFV Chairman

The YRFV Would Like to Thank Its Sponsors*
Platinum
U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Gilmore
Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Silver
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
Speaker of the House Bill Howell
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart

Bronze
Del. Sam Nixon

Friend
Sen. Ryan McDougle
Del. Jeff Frederick
Del. Brenda Pogge
Del. Lee Ware
(*) As of 3-29-08

The YRFV Convention Site is the Omni Richmond Hotel
100 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

The YRFV Convention will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, so where will you be staying? The Omni Richmond is where YRFV Convention attendees should make their reservations. You can stay in a beautiful hotel room overlooking the State Capitol and be near the nightlife. To make reservations, please call the hotel at 804-344-7000 (make sure you mention the Young Republican Federation of Virginia) or click here to reserve online. The special room rate has expired but please do indicated you are with our group when reserving the room. If you have any questions, please contact Cristen Vehorn at cristenrvehorn@gmail.com.

Details, Details
The YRFV Convention on April 4th and 5th, 2008 will be a great way to network with various young professionals from across the Commonwealth and there are various panels being held that will captivate your attention. We are expecting great speakers such as Virginia Lt Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, U.S. Senatorial Candidate Jim Gilmore and many others. We will talk about important topics such as immigration and using new media in communicating to YRs.

Now, I know that you really want to register, so click on the link that will take you to the YRFV website. If you apply before April 1st, you will receive the Early Bird Registration Fee of $40. However, starting on April 1st, the fee will be $65. Additionally, there will be a Welcome Reception on Friday, April 4th, and a brunch on Sunday, April 6th.

Agenda:
Friday, April 4th
7-9 p.m.-Evening Welcome Reception, BlackFinn Restaurant, 1001 Haxall Point
9:30-11:30 p.m.-Hospitality Suite sponsored by Attorney General Bob McDonnell

Saturday, April 5th
7-8:30 a.m.-Conference Registration
8-8:30 a.m.-Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.-Welcome from Attorney General Bob McDonnell
8:45-9:45 a.m.-General Assembly Update: Senators and Delegates from around the Commonwealth
9:45-10 a.m.-Break-includes coffee, teas and sodas. Meet and Greet with Senators and Delegates, including Senator Ryan McDougle and Delegate Bill Janis
10-11 a.m.-Issues Roundtable-Immigration, including Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Corey Stewart and PWC Pro-Legal Immigration Activist Greg Letieq
11-12 p.m.-YRFV Business Meeting-Vote on Proposed Amendment proposals
12-1:15 p.m.-Lunch (buffet)-Luncheon Speaker-U.S. Senate Candidate and Former Governor Jim Gilmore
1:15-1:30 p.m.-15 min. Break
1:30-1:50 p.m.-RPV Chairman John Hager--Looking Forward: Where we are and Where we are headed
1:50-2:10 p.m.-Del. Jeff Frederick, candidate for RPV Chairman
2:10-2:20 p.m.-PM Break, includes snacks and drinks, Meet and Greet with Hager and Frederick
2:20-2:40 p.m.-Lt. Governor Bill Bolling--Looking Forward: Where we are and Where we are headed
2:40-3 p.m.-Jessica Colon, Chairman of the Young Republican National Federation
3:30-4 p.m.-Issues Roundtable-New Media, including Chris Beer from the Mason Conservative and Shaun Kenney from ShaunKenney.com
4-5 p.m.-Tours of the Newly Renovated Capitol (for those interested)
3:45-4:45 p.m.-YRFV Executive Board Meeting

Please join us for our evening event to celebrate being Young Republicans! Our evening event will be taking place at Sine Irish Pub or Cha Cha's Cantina starting at 8 p.m. We will then head to Toad's Place to catch a live band and the Hospitality Suites.

Sunday, April 6th
10:30 a.m.-Brunch (Location-TBD)
1-2 p.m.-Tours of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

Two Big McCain Virginia/DC Functions Coming Up for Supporters

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Alexandria, VA
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting (Admission Free)
WHEN: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 10:15 AM
WHERE: Episcopal High School - "Fortiter, fideliter, feliciter"
1200 North Quaker Lane (Quaker & Braddock)

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Washington, DC
WHO: Senator John McCain
WHAT: Fundraiser and Meet & Greet
WHEN: Tuesday, April 8, 2008
VIP Reception & Photo 5:30PM ($2,300)
General Reception 6:00PM ($1,000)
WHERE: The Willard
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20004

Big 2008 Virginia Polling News: McCain Extends Double-Digit Lead in Virginia Over Obama and Clinton

Virginia: McCain Widens Lead Over Both Democrats
McCain 52% Obama 41%; McCain 58% Clinton 36%
Rasmussen Reports
Saturday, March 29, 2008

Since wrapping up the Republican nomination, John McCain has gained ground on his two potential Democratic challengers in many states. Virginia is no exception. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Virginia voters found McCain ahead of Barack Obama by eleven percentage points, 52% to 41%. McCain leads Hillary Clinton by an enormous twenty-two point margin, 58% to 36%.

The survey was conducted on Thursday, March 27, following several days of media coverage concerning Clinton’s comments about Bosnia.

The new numbers reflect a significant gain for McCain in the Old Dominion. Last month, McCain had a five-point lead over Obama and a ten-point lead over Clinton. The Republican candidate also leads both Democrats nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.
***
When it comes to the War in Iraq, 57% of Virginia voters say the U.S. and its Allies are winning. A fifth (20%) of voters say the terrorists are winning. Those figures are more optimistic than the national average....

Sixty-nine percent (69%) of Virginia voters think American society is fair and decent, while 21% find it unfair and discriminatory.

Over the past month, McCain has gained ground in Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. He also hold a solid lead in North Carolina, Georgia and Arkansas....

Virginia is rated as Leans Republican in the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator. This Calculator aggregates data from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state-by-state race for the White House....

Click heading at top of post for complete Rasmussen Article.

First 2008 General Election Ad: John McCain: The American President Americans Have Been Waiting For

Click above to see John McCain's first 2008 General Election Advertisement

I tell you this is what I saw in John McCain in New Hampshire even when I was an ardent Fred Thompson supporter. There is something intangible about John McCain that makes you want to be proud of him, his service and America. Talk about contrasts, I have now completely changed my mind. I hope Obama rather than Hillary wins the Democrat nomination. If he does, I believe while close, we will win a victory for Republicans. As you can see, Obama's judgment is quite poor when it comes to who he surrounds himself with: Wright and McPeak. We cannot take such risks as a Country and that is why McCain will win the Day.

John McCain 2008 Releases First Ad Of General Election, Launches "Service To America" Tour
March 28, 2008

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the first television ad of the general election. The ad, entitled "624787," poses important questions to the American people about what values they want in their next president, and highlights John McCain's experience, character and optimistic vision for our future. "624787" will run statewide in the important battleground state of New Mexico.

VIEW THE AD [ABOVE OR] HERE: http://johnmccain.com/service/

The campaign further announced that on Monday, John McCain will embark on a "Service to America" tour where he will introduce himself to the nation through a series of speeches and visits that trace the life of a man indebted to his nation, humbled by the opportunity to serve his country, honored by his family's love and deeply moved by his fellow Americans' courage and sacrifice. The tour will highlight the events and figures that shaped his views of right and wrong, forgiveness and grace and the tradition of service and sacrifice ingrained in him from generations of McCains. This "Service to America" tour will fundamentally be about the future of America and the change John McCain will bring as president, informed by the values that have guided his life.

Further details on the "Service to America" tour will be released today.

Outrage II: Obama's Top Military Adviser: NYC/Miami Jews and Born-Again Christians are the Problem

[Note: Wow, after last week, it just keeps getting worse for Obama. First, the racially-charged anti-USA issues created by Pastor Jeremiah Wright. Now the anti-Semitic views voiced by his top military adviser. Obama your closest allies "are coming home to roost." As a Catholic with Jewish roots, this type of bigotry is disgraceful and unacceptable. I assume Obama will defend his top military adviser as well? This may be an electoral blowout for McCain]

McPeak on Display
By Robert M. Goldberg
The American Spectator
Published 3/24/2008

Last week, Barack Obama's military adviser and national campaign co-chairman Merrill "Tony" McPeak accused former President Bill Clinton of "using divisive tactics and unfairly trying to question Barack Obama's patriotism."
***
Well, it is likely that Obama will soon be having to retract Merrill McPeak. McPeak, who was arrested last year for driving under the influence, apparently has a problem controlling more than his thirst for fermented beverages. He also has a penchant for bashing Israel or, more particularly, Jews who oppose negotiating with terrorists.
***
In recent years McPeak has echoed the Mearsheimer-Walt view that American Middle East policy is being controlled by Jews at the expense of America's interests in the region. In a 2003 interview with the Oregonian, McPeak complained of that the "lack of playbook for getting Israelis and Palestinians together at...something other than a peace process....We need to get it fixed and only we have the authority with both sides to move them towards that. Everybody knows that."

The interviewer asked McPeak: "So where's the problem? State? White House?"

McPeak replied: "New York City. Miami. We have a large vote -- vote, here in favor of Israel. And no politician wants to run against it."

Translation (as if it's needed): Jews -- who put Israel over every American interest -- control America's policy on the Middle East. And McPeak has the audacity to accuse Bill Clinton of McCarthyism.

McPeak also claims that a combination of Jews and Christian Zionists are manipulating U.S. policy in Iraq in dangerous and radical ways: "Let's say that one of your abiding concerns is the security of Israel as opposed to a purely American self-interest, then it would make sense to build a dozen or so bases in Iraq. Let's say you are a born-again Christian and you think that Armageddon and the rapture are about to happen any minute and what you want to do is retrace steps you think are laid out in Revelations, then it makes sense. So there are a number of scenarios here that could lead you in this direction. This is radical...."

***

Click here to read the entire article about Obama's top military adviser.
Robert Goldberg is vice president of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest.

Also, you can find this story about Obama's top military adviser and his hateful "views" carried here, here, here, here and here.

Clinton Takes Stand Against Obama; She Would Have Walked Out on Obama's Racially-Charged Pastor

[Note: Sounds like Hillary is finally taking Obama to task for his defense of Pastor Jeremiah Wright. With Churches in Tampa, FL and Houston, TX canceling visits by Pastor Wright, maybe Rep. Jim Moran (VA-8) would be kind enough to invite Pastor Wright to visit Arlington. Based on published Washington Post articles here, here and here over the past few years, I think it is reasonable to believe that Moran and Pastor Wright have the same view on Israel, which is not my view, and should not be any American's view. Israel is a solid friend of the U.S. and deserves our support.]

As Obama Tries to Move Beyond Pastor Flap, Clinton Takes a Stand
by FOXNews.com
Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Just as coverage of Barack Obama’s pastor and his controversial sermons began to fade, Hillary Clinton took a stand on the issue for the first time Tuesday, saying she would have left the congregation if her pastor behaved like Obama’s.
***
Though Obama has come under intense scrutiny for the anti-U.S. and racially charged sermons of his long-time pastor, until now Clinton has declined to make a political point of it.

She broached the topic twice Tuesday, first in a newspaper interview and later at a press conference.

“He would not have been my pastor,” Clinton told reporters in Greensburg, Pa.

“You know, we don’t have a choice when it comes to our relatives. We have a choice when it comes to our pastors and the churches we attend,” she said. “Everyone will have to decide these matters for themselves. They are obviously very personal matters … I think the choice would be clear for me.”
***
Some polls showed Obama’s support slipping at the height of the Wright controversy a week ago, when the Illinois senator gave a major speech in Philadelphia on race that addressed his church ties. Obama decried Wright’s sermons for not recognizing the progress that’s been made with regard to racial equality, but would not denounce the pastor himself.

Obama has said he was not in church when many of Wright’s anti-U.S. statements were made, but admits hearing remarks he found objectionable and knowing that Wright was controversial.
***
Click here to read the article about Clinton’s take on Wright in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Click here to read about Wright’s canceled appearance at a Tampa church.

Virginians: Win a seat on the Straight Talk Express Service to America Tour

My Friends,

Next week, I will embark on a "Service to America" tour visiting numerous locations that have played a significant role in shaping who I am today; places where I have had the honor of serving our nation. This tour will take me through Mississippi, Virginia, Florida and my home state of Arizona. I look forward to visiting sites that have left an imprint on my life aboard my campaign bus, the Straight Talk Express.

My campaign has come up with an opportunity for a supporter to join me on the Straight Talk Express for a day of conversation and campaigning. As a token of my appreciation for your financial support, you will be entered to win this seat aboard the Straight Talk Express if you make a contribution before midnight on March 31st. I hope you'll consider joining me by making a donation today. If you can give $50 or more, not only will you be entered to win a ride on the Straight Talk Express, but you'll receive a commemorative Straight Talk Express ticket.

March 31, 2008 marks an important deadline for our campaign. We will file a report with the FEC outlining the amount of money we have raised during the past three months. I'm reaching out to you to ask for your support by following this link to make a donation of $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 - anything you can contribute up to the legal limit of $2,300.

I have said many times before that this campaign will be the most expensive campaign in our history, and I have no doubt that both Senators Clinton and Obama will continue to report historic, record-breaking fundraising numbers. With your support today, my campaign will have the resources necessary to compete with either Senator Clinton or Obama in what will be a great contest come November.

I'm looking forward to traveling on the Straight Talk Express again next week, visiting directly with voters, hearing their concerns, offering my vision for the future and highlighting those among us who are serving our country and communities, dedicating themselves to causes greater than their own self interest. Your support makes this possible, and I am grateful for any assistance you are able to give.

Sincerely,

John McCain

P.S. You have an opportunity to join me aboard the Straight Talk Express by making a generous contribution before March 31st. With your donation of $50 or more, we will send you an exclusive, commemorative Straight Talk Express ticket as a symbol of your commitment to our campaign. Thank you.

What do Barack Obama, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds have in common? How they would answer a 3:00A.M. phone call

Even liberals have to admit this is pretty funny. In an effort for a quick political ad photo shoot, note how Barack Obama is holding the telephone.

Note to Obama campaign: When faking a pose for a photo opportunity, at least you can get the handset turned in the right direction!

Can't you see Creigh Deeds or Brian Moran answering the phone the same way. The U.S. can do better with John McCain and Virginia can do better than these two.

A Message from Bob McDonnell on LG's Decision to Run for Re-election

[Note: This is a great week for the Attorney General, with Lt. Gov. Bolling deciding to run for re-election, this clears the way for a unified GOP ticket anchored by McDonnell-Bolling. The only question now is who will run for AG and complete one of the strongest statewide tickets in modern Virginia GOP history! There is a lot of work to do yet for 2008 to make sure McCain beats Barack Obama, Gilmore beats Warner and Rep. Thelma Drake and Candidate Keith Fimian win, but 2009 is now looking much better for Republicans in the Commonwealth.

Virginians are also starting to realize that the version of the transportation bill he assisted with instructed localities to make the tax increase decision (which Sen. Creigh Deeds and Jim Moran's brother voted against) and that only after Governor Kaine amended the provision to take away the power from the localities and shift it to the regional authorities and strip the high drunk driver fees from being applicable to out-of-staters. So Kaine made sure to penalize only in-state drivers. After these Kaines-made changes, only then did Sen. Creigh Deeds and Del. Brian Moran vote FOR the bill.]

A Message from Bob McDonnell

3/24/2008

www.bobmcdonnell.com

Friends,

As you may know, earlier today Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling announced that he will seek re-election as Lieutenant Governor next year. I strongly endorse Bill in his re-election effort. As I begin to prepare for my campaign for Governor, I greatly look forward to running with Bill on a Republican ticket that will advance prosperity and opportunity and bring new energy and conservative leadership to Virginia.

Bill Bolling is a talented, principled Lieutenant Governor. He has led on the floor of the Senate, in the halls of the Capitol, and all across Virginia. This past session alone, Bill Bolling discovered the unconstitutional misappropriation of lottery funds in the state budget process. I was pleased to be able to back Bill up on this with an official legal opinion verifying his findings after he brought them to my attention. Bill also fought hard to restore budget funding for abstinence education. Rarely has a Lieutenant Governor taken the lead on two such high profile issues during a legislative session. Virginia is better managed because of Bill's leadership.

Bill and I have spoken at length about his decision to seek reelection. We speak often, discussing everything from how our children are doing to the crucial issues facing our Commonwealth. Bill is someone whose opinion I place in the highest regard. We are f riends who share the same values, and the same commitment to solving problems, making government work better, and improving the quality of life for all our citizens.

In the course of our recent conversations Bill and I discussed next year's elections, and the tremendous opportunity in front of us. Virginia Republicans have not held the office of Governor for the last two terms. That is a lifetime in the public policy arena. There are pressing challenges in education, immigration, spending, public safety and other areas that demand innovative Republican leadership to be effectively addressed.

The first key to winning back the office of Governor is returning unity to our party. By Republicans uniting early, and listening to all Virginians, while the Democrats face a lengthy primary contest, we will gain a significant and powerful advantage heading into the general election next November. Bill and I will work hard to ensure this happens.

We are prepared to do something rare in Virginia politics. We will run as a ticket: McDonnell-Bolling. Bill will have a significant and visible role in my campaign. He will not only be my running mate, he will be a trusted advisor and sounding board. We will travel Virginia together, to earn the trust of the citizens in order to return practical, conservative leadership to Richmond.

Over the next year, while continuing to serve you as Attorney General of this great Commonwealth, I will also be speaking more about the upcoming campaign, meeting with all of you, and preparing to meet the opportunities that lie in front of us. And, I will be vocally and vigorously promoting the reelection campaign of my great friend, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling. It is time we bring conservative common-sense leadership back to Richmond. That effort starts today.

Bob McDonnell

Big News In Virginia: Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling will seek a second term (Covered by 30 Virginia Blogs)

[Note: Big announcement yesterday from the Lt. Governor. He will seek re-election as Lt. Governor and will not seek to run against AG Bob McDonnell for Governor in 2009. This clears the way for a unified ticket on the GOP side.]

Bolling to Seek Re-election for Lieutenant Governor in 2009
March 24, 2008

Dear Friends:

Over the past several months, many of my good friends and supporters have repeatedly asked me the same question – do I plan to seek the Republican Party’s nomination for Governor in 2009?

I have tried my best to avoid answering that question, because I believe it is important for our party to keep our focus firmly fixed on 2008 and the elections at hand.

If we are going to retain the presidency this November, elect a Republican to the United States Senate and retain the eight Republican seats we hold in the House of Representatives, we must focus on these elections and not look ahead to future elections.

Nonetheless, the interest in 2009 has continued and has intensified in recent months. Therefore, I have decided that I need to disclose my future political intentions now and not wait until after the November 2008 elections.

While Jean Ann and I deeply appreciate the encouragement we have received from countless people all across our state, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009.

It would be a great honor to serve as Governor of Virginia and I think I would make a good Governor. However, I have decided that this is simply not the right time in my personal and professional life for me to embark on a gubernatorial campaign.

If there is one thing I learned from my campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2005, it was that a statewide campaign is a very demanding thing and a campaign for Governor is an all consuming thing.

Given the all consuming demands of a gubernatorial campaign, I do not believe that anyone should seek that office unless they are able to dedicate their full time and attention to the campaign.

At the present time, I have concluded that numerous personal and professional responsibilities simply prevent me from dedicating my full time and attention to a campaign for Governor.

As you may know, in Virginia the office of Lieutenant Governor is considered to be a part time office. Because I’m not independently wealthy and do not currently have a full time government position, I have to work for a living, just like each of you, to pay the mortgage, college tuition, the power bill and all the rest.

My first responsibility has to be to my family and I have reluctantly concluded that it would be impossible for me to hold down a very demanding job in the private sector, fulfill my duties as Lieutenant Governor, and run a successful campaign for Governor at the same time.

In addition, five years ago I had the privilege of joining a wonderful group of people in starting up a new business operation in Richmond. We have done well, but ours is still a young and growing business. Until that business has matured and reached its goals, I cannot walk away from the commitments I made five years ago to my business associates.

Needless to say, this was a very difficult decision for me and my family. It is difficult to have a goal and be so close to achieving that goal, only to have it deferred to another day. Nonetheless, that is sometimes the cards life deals us and we have to play them to the best of our ability.

I know that my decision will surprise most people, disappoint many people and it may even make a few people happy. However, I am confident that it is the right decision for me and my family.

Six years ago, when I first started my political travels across Virginia, I did so with a good friend and colleague, Bob McDonnell. Little did we know that we would have the privilege of serving the people of Virginia as Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.

Bob McDonnell is a good friend and a good man, and he has done an outstanding job serving as the Attorney General of Virginia for the past two and half years. It has been a privilege to work with him.

As you know, Bob has also expressed an interest in running for Governor in 2009 and I think he would make a great Governor. Should Bob decide to seek the office of Governor, he will have my full, complete and enthusiastic support.

While I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009, I do plan to seek re-election to the office of Lieutenant Governor and I would be honored to have your support in that campaign.

I have enjoyed serving as Lieutenant Governor for the past two and half years. I believe I have made a positive contribution to the betterment of our state and our party and I am willing to continue serving in that capacity if it is the will of the people of Virginia.

I have had the privilege of representing the people of Virginia in state and local government for the past 17 years – four years as a member and chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Hanover County, ten years as a member of the Senate of Virginia, and for the past two and a half years as Lieutenant Governor.

During that time I have done my best to provide the people of Virginia with aggressive and effective leadership in state and local government, and to consistently support the conservative principles and values that most Virginians believe in. I think that effort has been successful and I hope you agree.

As you have heard me say many times, Virginia is a great place to live, work and raise a family. However, we face some serious challenges in Virginia today, and to keep Virginia great we still have some work to do.

Likewise, this is a challenging time for our party. The political dynamics and demographics of our state are changing and we can no longer assume that we will win statewide campaigns just because we are Republicans.

While the challenges we face are significant, I know that we are capable of overcoming them. By working together, by focusing on conservative solutions to the challenges that confront us and by offering a positive vision for the future, I believe we will continue to win political campaigns and earn the right to lead Virginia.

Jean Ann and I deeply appreciate all you have done for us over the years. Without your friendship, confidence and support, our success would not have been possible. We look forward to growing our friendship over the coming years and working with you to build a better Virginia.

Very Truly Yours,
WILLIAM T. BOLLING
Lieutenant Governor
Commonwealth of Virginia

Positive McCain Buzz: As Dems Implode, Blue States Turning Purple

After great news about Michigan and Pennsylvania, which now appear in play for Senator McCain, we see that Minnesota is also shifting to the center...Also good news for the reelection of U.S. Senator Norm Coleman as well. Now if we can only add Wisconsin to this mix, the Democrats will have to spend all of their resources defending their former Great Lakes strongholds...Nice! To think, these results do not even include the whole Reverend Wright controversy and Obama's close links to the Reverend. I can't see the average voter from these blue collar states siding with Reverend Wright's opinions.

Minnesota shifts from Likely Democratic to Leans Democratic
Rasmussen Reports
Friday, March 21, 2008

In Minnesota, the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows Barack Obama leading John McCain 47% to 43%. The election poll also shows McCain essentially even with Hillary Clinton, leading her by a statistically insignificant 47% to 46%....

In other positive news, McCain is doing well in these other toss-up states
Ohio (3-14-08)
McCain 46%
Obama 40%

McCain 46%
Hillary 40%

Michigan (3-12-08)
McCain 44%
Obama 41%

McCain 46%
Hillary 43%

Pennsylvania (3-13-08)
McCain 44%
Obama 43%

McCain 46%
Hillary 44%

(h/t to HotAir)

Remembering a Living Faith on Easter - Vatican Style

(Pictured above: As part of this 2008 Easter celebration, Pope Benedict XVI baptizes Muslim-born Magdi Allam into Christianity)

Although the morning started out a little chilly, after a nice mass, then Easter dinner with family, all feels right in the world. Hopefully, you had a nice Holiday weekend as well regardless of your religion.

As you can see above, this Easter marked a special conversion of a prominent Italian Muslim to Catholicism. I couldn't help, but share this special and powerful story.

Muslim Conversion at Vatican on Easter
March 23, 2008
Reuters
By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict called in his Easter message on Sunday for an end to injustice worldwide and expressed joy at continuing conversions to Christianity hours after he baptized a prominent Italian Muslim convert.

The pope celebrated an Easter Mass for tens of thousands of people in driving rain in St Peter's Square as Christians around the world commemorated Christ's resurrection.

The wind and rain that has whipped most of Europe did not spare Rome as the German pontiff, wearing white and gold vestments, said Mass while the crowd huddled under umbrellas.
The mass came some 12 hours after an Easter vigil service on Saturday night where, in a surprise move, the pope baptized Muslim-born convert Magdi Allam, 55, an outspoken journalist and fierce critic of Islamic extremism.

At the morning Mass, the pope read a prayer saying that after Christ's resurrection some 2,000 years ago "thousands and thousands of people converted to the Christian faith" and he added: "This is a miracle that still renews itself today".

The Egyptian-born Allam's conversion to Christianity -- he took the name "Christian" for his baptism -- was kept secret until the Vatican disclosed it in a statement less than an hour before the Saturday night service began.

Allam, who is a strong supporter of Israel and who an Israeli newspaper once called a "Muslim Zionist," has lived under police protection following threats against him, particularly after he criticized Iran's position on Israel.

Writing in Sunday's edition of the leading Corriere della Sera, the newspaper of which he is a deputy director, Allam said he realized that he was in greater danger but he has no regrets.
***

Update on John McCain's Trip Abroad

(pictured above Senator John McCain with Senator Joseph Lieberman pray at the Wailing or Western Wall in Jerusalem)

John McCain's Trip Abroad
McCain '08 March 21, 2008 Update

John McCain traveled on official Senate business this week to the Middle East and Europe. He was joined by fellow Armed Services Committee members, Senators Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham.

In Iraq, John McCain met with General David Petraeus and other military leaders, toured Baghdad and talked with both Iraqi and American service members. This was John McCain's eighth official trip to Iraq since 2003.

While in Israel, he met with the country's leaders and promoted peace talks between Israel and Palestine. He also traveled throughout the country, visiting Sderot, the Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial, Jerusalem's Western Wall, the Gaza Strip, and other historic sites.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and John McCain met to discuss Iraq, climate change and the global economy. John McCain will meet with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris before he returns to the United States.

ICYMI: Reverend Wright's Imprint on Barack Obama Displayed by "Typical White Person" Comment

Obama typical white person
by dollarsandsense123

Yet another surprise from the liberal mainstream media to overlook this interview with Angelo Cataldi on 610 WIP in Philly. Not! Obama really doesn't get it and to me, this interview shows his true views on race.

(h/t to Power Line)

St. Patrick's Day United America on at least One Front: 92% of Americans Disapprove or are Not Sure about Obama's Uncle, the Reverend Jeremiah Wright

[Note: Yes, Ladies and Gentleman, my thoughts on Sunday seem to be consistent with most of America. I think this Pastor and his teachings over 36 years really hurts Obama's chances. More importantly, I do not think Obama's speech later today where he plans to defend his former Pastor and Mentor will help much in Pennsylvania or the Country for that matter. It will be interesting. As you can see below, 44% of Democrats now say they are less likely to support Obama because of his close ties and mentee relationship with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright]

Just 8% Have Favorable Opinion of Pastor Jeremiah Wright
Rasmuissen Reports
Monday, March 17, 2008

Pastor Jeremiah Wright, who has become part of the national political dialogue in recent days, is viewed favorably by 8% of voters nationwide. A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 58% have an unfavorable view of the Pastor whose controversial comments have created new challenges for Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign.

Wright was Obama’s Pastor until he retired last month, but Obama has repudiated the preacher’s comments.

Seventy-three percent (73%) of voters say that Wright’s comments are racially divisive. That opinion is held by 77% of White voters and 58% of African-American voters. In addressing the issue, Obama warned against injecting race into the campaign .

Most voters, 56%, said Wright’s comments made them less likely to vote for Obama. That figure includes 44% of Democrats. Just 11% of voters say they are more likely to vote for Obama because of Wright’s comments.

However, among African-Americans, 29% said Wright’s comments made them more likely to support Obama. Just 18% said the opposite while 50% said Wright’s comments would have no impact.

Overall, voters are evenly divided as to whether Obama should resign his membership in the Church—42% say that he should while 40% disagree. White voters, by a 46% to 33% margin, say that Obama should leave the Church. African-American voters, by a 68% to 16% margin, say he should not. Wright retired last month as Pastor of the Church.

The story became big news in the past several days and has had at least a temporary impact on public perceptions of Obama. Last Thursday, 52% of voters nationwide had a favorable opinion of Obama. That figure has fallen to 47% on Monday (see recent daily results). In recent days, Obama has also lost ground to John McCain in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of voters say they have read, seen, or heard news stories about Wright’s comments.

A recent Fox News report looked at the question of whether or not Wright is a political liability for Obama .

Attention Virginia Sports Fans: Time to Play John McCain's March Madness NCAA Basketball Bracket

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

With the "Luck O' the Irish" on your side, head over to JohnMcCain.com/brackets to join in the McCain 2008 Basketball Brackets. John McCain has made his picks, and this is your chance to compare your picks with his. You'll also be eligible for great McCain 2008 prizes.

Click here to sign up and fill out your bracket. Picks must be made before the start of the first games on Thursday, March 20th so make your picks today! After you've signed up, send your friends a quick note to invite them to join in the fun.

We're also offering another way to join in the bracket fun this year and get your friends involved as well. When you make your picks, you can select your favorite college or university and your points from your correct picks will go to your school. The school with the most points will win - so the more people you get to play, the better chance your school will have! Whether you're an alumni, current student or a fan, every correct point will help show your support for your school, even if they're not still playing in March! Be sure to spread the word to all of your friends to make sure they sign up today.


We're all looking forward to some great games in the weeks ahead, but even the excitement of March basketball doesn't compare with the excitement of electing the next President of the United States! While you're watching the games with your friends or lamenting your busted bracket over the water cooler, don't forget to tell your friends about your support for John McCain. We want to invite everyone to join our team as we continue our campaign to elect the man who has the experience, judgment and character to lead as commander in chief from day one, and your help building our team is critical.

Good luck with your bracket and don't forget to click here to make your picks before Thursday!

P.S. You can still get your "Irish for McCain" gear at the McCain Online Store. Visit today to get great McCain 2008 gear and show your friends that you support John McCain!

Barack Obama's Uncle: The Reverend Jeremiah Wright

After much thought on this Palm Sunday, a day of Unity and reverence, I could no longer sit idly by as I repeatedly hear this Reverend preach why he loathes America. In case you have been under a rock, just kidding, you should be aware of what is going on here.

Barack Obama tried to explain, as he put it, "His Uncle" and why the Obamas would attend a church for over 20 years, be married by Reverend Wright and have his children baptized by such a controversial preacher. Unfortunately, you can tell Senator Obama is a deer in the headlights trying to figure out how to explain his preacher's teachings. I cannot understand how someone walks out of that Church after a fiery sermon by this Reverend and does not walk out adopting the Reverend's tenets. Reverend Wright's America stands in stark contrast to where we should be taking America in the future.

Moreover, in Senator Obama's first book, he tells how Reverend Wright had such a profound effect on him. More importantly, the title of his latest book, The Audacity of Hope, was inspired by the Reverend Wright. It is one thing to say, well I didn't hear these comments or he is a supporter of mine, but I have many supporters. That explanation does not work. As common as these highly questionable speeches go, I cannot believe that Obama had no idea what was going on here.

It is one thing to give a one-time speech at a Church or University, but it is another thing to be so intertwined with a preacher for over 20 years with so much pinned up hate for America that Obama is trying desperately to distance himself. More importantly, based on the broadcast of some of his more highly questionable sermons, the Reverend Wright had decided to retire and is now on vacation and cannot be reached for comment.

At the end of the day, I now am starting to think that Obama is the weaker candidate and someone the Republicans can handily defeat in the fall.

For more information as to what I am talking about, check out the following articles:

National Review Online, March 15, 2008 by Mark Steyn
ABCNews, March 13, 2008 by Brian Ross
FoxNews, March 2, 2007 Interview

For John McCain, Tomorrow (3-15-08) Marks the 35th Anniversary of this American Hero's Journey to Freedom

VIEW THE NEW VIDEO BY CLICKING ABOVE OR HERE.

McCain Campaign Launches "Journey to Freedom"
March 14, 2008
For Immediate Release
From the McCain '08 Newsroom

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today launched a new web video entitled "Journey to Freedom," commemorating the 35th anniversary of John McCain's release on March 15, 1973 from the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" after being held for 5 1/2 years as a prisoner of war.

The web video features fellow former POWs LtCol. Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.) and Cdr. Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.), as well as John McCain's mother, Mrs. Roberta McCain.

John McCain is a decorated navy captain with a distinguished personal record and family history of service to our country. The son and grandson of two Admirals, McCain spent 5 1/2 years as a POW in Vietnam. He commanded the U.S. Navy's largest squadron. His Naval honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

A group of John McCain's fellow former POWs released the following letter commemorating the 35th Anniversary of his release:

Dear Friend,

March is a memorable time for the Americans who were released from captivity in North Vietnam during the month back in 1973. The pathway to freedom began in February, as the war in Vietnam was concluding for America.

John McCain, one of those American heroes, returned to freedom on March 15th, 1973, released from Hanoi that day along with other very happy American Prisoners of War. His journey home was the continuation of a remarkable story with chapters yet to be written. Having survived life-threatening and disabling injuries, along with the brutality of the POW experience, John had steadfastly resisted communist efforts to exploit him and his fellow POWs. John's homecoming began a new phase of his life. His courageous service and his political career are well known today, and now he is the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party to be the next President of the United States.

We are but representatives of over eighty former POWs who shared those heady days of freedom and those years of captivity and suffering with John McCain. Collectively, we are proudly doing all we can to help our dear friend, John McCain, become our next commander in chief. We are campaigning with him, helping him raise money, speaking on his behalf and, in constant conversations, promoting his candidacy among our friends and family all over the country. We are doing so because we believe in John McCain.

Our convictions about John's character were born in the crucible of adversity. We have witnessed his courage, integrity, character and intellect. We know and respect his sense of honor and his tenacity in the face of grave danger and prolonged hardship. These qualities, combined with his life experiences, make John ready for the enormous challenges facing the leader of our country. No one -- no one -- is more qualified to be president, to lead our country, to protect our nation and our children and grandchildren. We know him. We know his strengths, his love of country and his commitment to serve it. He has been severely tested, and we have witnessed him under pressure. We trust his judgment and his ability to lead our country in these difficult times.

We are joined in that trust by over 130 retired Flag and General officers who are members of Senator McCain's Military Advisory Council. They know and have worked with John McCain over the past three decades dealing with major national security challenges. They know leadership and they know danger and challenges. They know experience. They know quality. And they chose John McCain for president.

We must elect a leader who is ready on day one for these difficult and dangerous times. We need a leader who will insist that we win in the struggle against radical Islam. John is committed to let our troops win! We need a leader who will take on the big problems that most politicians seek to avoid. Leaders take on the tough issues. John McCain is that sort of leader. He knows the American spirit -- he has lived it like no other candidate. He knows we can do better and that America's best days are ahead.

Sincerely,

Commander Everett Alvarez, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 1/2 years

Colonel Bud Day, USAF (Ret.)Medal of Honor
POW Over 5 Years

Rear Admiral Robert Shumaker, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 years

Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.) Medal of Honor
POW for 6 years

Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 Years

Captain Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years

Major General John Borling, USAF (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 years

Captain Richard Stratton, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years

Lt Colonel Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years.

Blogger Buzz: McCain Moving Pennsylvania and Michigan from Slight Dem to Lean Dem to Toss Up in 2008!

After we just saw here that nearly 1/4 of Male Democrat Pennsylvania Primary Voters, 15% of the all PA Dems, support John McCain for President.

Now, we have received additional great news that this fall: John McCain WILL put Michigan in play. After all, Michigan has been in a one-state recession while the rest of the country has prospered. It is no wonder that they are angry with the failed Democrat leadership. Clearly, the tired Liberal Democrat mantra of higher taxes, high trade barriers and focusing on a Government handout instead of a Government hand up has not worked for Michigan voters. Yes, Barack it is time for change, but not the kind of BIG government change you were dreaming of...

Rasmussen Reports: Michigan 2008 Presidential Election
Michigan: McCain Leads Both Obama and Clinton by Three
Rasmussen Reports
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

In Michigan, John McCain has a very modest advantage over both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton during the early stages of Election 2008. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found McCain leading Clinton 46% to 43% and Obama 44% to 41%.

McCain leads both Democrats by double digits among men and trails by single digits among women. Nationally, McCain and both Democrats are locked in a close race as measured by the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Michigan has cast its Electoral College votes for the Democrat in four straight Presidential elections and it would be difficult for Obama or Clinton to reach the White House without carrying the state. However, the economically devastated state has been trending Republican in recent elections—Bill Clinton won Michigan by thirteen points in 1996, Al Gore won by five in 2000, and John Kerry won by just three points in 2004.

McCain is also essentially even with the two leading Democrats in Pennsylvania, another state that typically winds up in the Democratic column (see summary of recent state general election polling).

A month ago, Obama held an eight-point lead over McCain while the Republican hopeful was tied with Clinton. Since that earlier poll, McCain has clinched the GOP nomination and been endorsed by his former challengers. The Democratic race has become more divisive. McCain wins 83% or 84% of the GOP vote against the Democrats. Obama wins just 67% of the Democratic vote, Clinton 71%. McCain and Obama are essentially even among unaffiliated voters while the Republican has an advantage over Clinton among the unaffiliated.

Michigan is in the midst of a controversy concerning the seating of its delegates to the Democratic National Convention. Michigan Democrats favor a re-vote and a Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that a do-over Primary would currently result in a tie between Clinton and Obama.

Not surprisingly, the economy is the top issue for 50% of Michigan voters. Just 9% of Michigan voters rate the economy as good or excellent while 60% say it’s in poor shape. Just 6% say it’s getting better while 78% say it’s getting worse. Voters who say the economy is the top issue are evenly divided between McCain and the Democratic candidates. Against Clinton, voters who say the economy is most important favor McCain 46% to 45%. When McCain is matched against Obama, the Democrat leads by just three percentage points among these voters.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of Michigan voters say the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror while 28% disagree (that’s slightly more pessimistic than the national average). Thirty-seven percent (37%) say things are likely to get better in Iraq over the next six months while 34% take the opposite view....

Young Republican Federation of Virginia 2008 Convention Update (April 4-6, 2008)

Welcome to the second issue of the Young Republican Federation of Virginia's Convention Newsletter! We wanted to let you know about the many updates and a few deadlines quickly approaching! The convention planning committee has been busy preparing for your arrival to beautiful Richmond for the Convention. This year's convention will be held on April 4-6, 2008. We can't wait to see each of you!! There will be some great opportunities to network with other YRs from across the commonwealth and meet leaders from around Virginia.

The first deadline we would like to bring to your attention is the great rate the Omni Hotel in Richmond is giving us of $119/night! Your room must be reserved by Saturday, March 15th to take advantage of this great rate! Please refer to our YRFV website for more information! For more information, check out http://www.yrfv.org/convention!

The second deadline to keep in mind is Monday, March 31st which is the last day for the $40 registration fee. You can register online at http://www.yrfv.org/registration. Payment can be made either online or via snail mail.

Please check out our exciting agenda and line up of Virginia leaders!

We look forward to seeing you in Richmond!!

Yours in Republican Victory,
Lori-Ann Miller- YRFV Chairman

The YRFV Convention Site Is...Omni Richmond Hotel
100 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219

The YRFV Convention will be held at the Omni Richmond Hotel, so where will you be staying? Well, the Omni Richmond is offering a sweet special for all YRFV Convention attendees. At the cost of $119/night, you can stay in a beautiful hotel room overlooking the State Capitol and be near the nightlife. With a bargain like this, rooms are going to fly like the wind. To make reservations, please call the hotel at 804-344-7000 (make sure you mention YRFV) or click here to reserve online. You need to make your reservations ASAP, and the deadline is March 12, 2008. If you have any questions, please contact Cristen Vehorn at cristenrvehorn@gmail.com.

Details, Details

The YRFV Convention on April 4th and 5th, 2008 will be a great way to network with various of young professionals from across the Commonwealth and there are various panels being held that will captivate your attention. We are expecting great speakers such as Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, Attorney General Bob McDonnell, U.S. Senatorial Candidates Former Governor Jim Gilmore and Delegate Bob Marshall, and many others. We will talk about important topics such as immigration and using new media in communicating to YRs.

Now, I know that you really want to register, so click on the link that will take you to the YRFV website. If you apply between now and April 1st, you will receive the Early Bird Registration Fee of $40. However, after until April 1st, the fee would be $65. Additionally, there will be a Welcome Reception on Friday, April 4th, and a brunch on Sunday, April 6th.

Agenda:
Friday, April 4th
7-9 p.m.-Evening Welcome Reception, BlackFinn Restaurant, 1001 Haxall Point
Hospitality Suites

Saturday, April 5th
7-8:30 a.m.-Conference Registration
8-8:30 a.m.-Continental Breakfast
8:30-8:45 a.m.-Welcome from TBD
8:45-9:45 a.m.-General Assembly Update: Senators and Delegates from around the Commonwealth
9:45-10 a.m.-Break-includes coffee, teas and sodas. Meet and Greet with Senators and Delegates
10-11 a.m.-Issues Roundtable-Immigration
11-12 p.m.-YRFV Business Meeting-Vote on Proposed Amendment proposals
12-1:15 p.m.-Lunch (buffet)-Lunch Speaker-Republican U.S. Senate Candidates
1:15-1:30 p.m.-15 min. Break
1:30-3:30 p.m.-Republican State Leadership/Candidates
3:30-4 p.m.-Issues Roundtable-New Media
4-5 p.m.-Tours of the Newly Renovated Capitol (for those interested)
3:45-4:45 p.m.-YRFV Executive Board Meeting

Please join us for our evening event to celebrate being Young Republicans! Our evening event will be taking place at Sine Irish Pub or Cha Cha's Cantina starting at 8 p.m. We will then head to Toad's Place to catch a live band! Hospitality Suites.

Sunday, April 6th
10:30 a.m.-Brunch (Location-TBD)
1-2 p.m.-Tours of the newly renovated Capitol (for those interested)

For Virginians, Obama v. McCain = Easy Choice; We Will Defend America Not Render Her Helpless

Believe it or not, these two YouTube videos put the entire 2008 Presidential election in perspective. If Barack Obama is the Dem nominee, in his own words, he would leave America defenseless, helpless and we could very well lose our position as the sole super power.

Just listen to his "own" words and you quickly start to imagine a Free World led by Barack Obama where his first goal as President is to Disarm America.

On the other hand, watch Man in the Arena. Clearly, John McCain would follow the strong, powerful leadership of some of the World's greatest leaders. Anyway, try to be objective for just 52 seconds as you watch the Obama video.

Do you really want our next President to disarm us as he promises in his own words here? I sure don't and I bet you didn't know this part of his Hope-filled mission. Remember as Reagan told us: The Only Guarantee of Peace is Surrender. America should never surrender.



Click above or click here to watch 52 seconds of Senator Obama detailing how he would make us a weaker nation in a dangerous world. (h/t HRC supporter)



Click above or click here to watch John McCain show the Pride and Loyalty he has for our Nation that we should all have. In good times and bad, we should support the USA and our troops fighting to protect our way of life.

McCain Issues Bold Challenge on Earmarks - Surely, Liberal Dems will not answer this call

[Note: Hasn't the Government spent enough of our hard-earned taxpayer money on Pork-Barrel Projects and Wasteful Spending? Spending is Out of Control at the State and Federal Level! Now Obama and Clinton want to do away with the Bush 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, meaning Harry Reid and Babs Boxer, the Liberal Dems want to raise our taxes. Take this no Earmark pledge first!]

Statement By John McCain On One Year Moratorium On Earmarks
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2008
Contact: Press Office 703-650-5550

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement in support of imposing a one-year moratorium on earmarks:

"Next week, as the Senate begins to address this year's budget, I will join with Senator Jim DeMint, in sponsoring an amendment to impose a one-year moratorium on earmarks. The American public has spoken: No More 'Bridges to Nowhere.' We should begin now.

"I call on my Democratic colleagues, Senators Clinton and Obama, to join me in supporting the DeMint amendment and make this a bipartisan effort to return the budget to a focus on genuine national priorities. And, in the spirit of openness and transparency in government, I call on them to fully disclose all of their earmark requests while serving in the U.S. Senate.

"I am committed to reforming the federal government. I hope that all those seeking higher office will support change in the right direction by taking action to rein in wasteful spending and begin to restore the trust in government that the American people demand."

For Planned Parenthood, It's all about "Abortion on Demand"

For Planned Parenthood, it's all about abortion
Letter to the Editor
By: Senator Ken Cuccinelli
March 7, 2008
The Virginian-Pilot
www.HamptonRoads.com

I WANTED TO RESPOND to a March 2 letter ["Breeding ignorance"] about a budget amendment defunding Planned Parenthood.

The letter contains factual errors, and it called into question my motives in introducing a budget amendment to remove state funding from Planned Parenthood.

It should be noted that Gov. Kaine stripped abstinence program funding from the budget, which is targeted at the same audience as the Planned Parenthood funding, and the writer seemed to have no problem with that.

The governor’s action was in spite of data from his own Department of Health showing positive results here in Virginia, demonstrating that abstinence education is contributing to a decline in teen pregnancy rates.

No such data exist for the sex education programs Planned Parenthood is conducting in our public schools.

The writer stated that the funding is for "STD treatment, cancer screening and a host of other medically proven treatments that affect the sexual health of all women and men in Virginia."

This is wrong on several counts. Most importantly, not one penny of this money goes for any such medical treatment. It all goes to sex education in the classroom.

It would surprise no one that Planned Parenthood’s view of what is appropriate in sex ed (aka family life education) differs radically from ordinary Virginia families and deviates dramatically from Virginia’s guidelines of emphasizing abstinence.

While Planned Parenthood’s version of sex ed often does not enjoy widespread support in the community, the abstinence programs targeted by the governor have met with overwhelming support by parents in the communities where they are being presented. There is a disconnect here between what Virginia’s government is funding and what Virginia’s families want their children taught.

The governor is attempting to remove very popular family life education programs from the schools while funding Planned Parenthood to provide its own version of sex ed to our children.

Finally, let’s dispense with the outrageous notion that Planned Parenthood is reducing teenage pregnancy on some mythical altruistic basis. Planned Parenthood reduces teen pregnancy by providing abortions, which both makes Planned Parenthood a lot of money and ends a pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood’s sex-ed programs in our schools are what a marketing executive might call a "loss leader," used to introduce their organization and all it has to offer, e.g., abortion on demand, to our children.

I believe most Virginians agree with me that such an organization should not receive the hard-earned tax dollars of Virginia’s citizens.

Ken Cuccinelli
Virginia State Senate
37th District, R-Centreville
Richmond

[h/t to Bearingdrift. I could not agree more with Senator Cuccinelli: How does Governor Kaine (who ran as a Catholic) defund abstinence education and object to defunding Planned Parenthood? If unchecked, Planned Parenthood's teachings would advocate that Virginians allow 12 year olds to have abortion on demand! In case you missed it, Senator John McCain is Pro-Life and objects to abortion on demand]

Rasmussen Pennsylvania Poll: Nearly a Quarter of Democrats Support John McCain

3:00 A.M. TV ad backfires on Lightweight '08 Democrat Candidates!

Friends, you heard it right. Pennsylvania is McCain Country!

Nearly 1/4 of Male Democrat Primary Voters in Pennsylvania Support American Hero, "Tough as Nails" and the Sage Experience of John McCain on what matters most! Overall, 15% of the ENTIRE Democrat electorate in Pennsylvania support Johnny Mac!

Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary
Pennsylvania: Clinton 52% Obama 37%
Rasmussen Reports
March 6, 2008

***
It is possible that the Clinton commercial about a 3:00 a.m. phone call at the White House has helped in Pennsylvania (see the commercial). Most Likely Democratic Primary voters have either seen the ad or have heard about it. Forty-eight percent (48%) of Likely Democratic Primary voters say that if such a call came, they’d want Clinton in the White House to answer it. Thirty percent (30%) would rather see Obama while 15% of these Democratic voters would prefer the Republican nominee, John McCain, to answer the call. Among men, 23% prefer McCain.
***

FoxNews: Rezko Revelations - Could this political time bomb hurt Barack Obama's candidacy?

OhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhBahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhMaaaaaaaaaaa! Yes ladies & gentleman, talk about BAD TIMING! This could get very ugly for BHO. Let's hope it does. :o)

Courtroom Wire: Notes From Tony Rezko's Corruption Trial
Thursday, March 06, 2008
FoxNews

CHICAGO — Real estate developer Antoin "Tony" Rezko is on trial in a Chicago federal courtroom on political corruption charges for allegedly buying influence with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration.

Rezko doesn't deny his role as a high-powered money man for major Democrats — including presidential candidate Barack Obama when Obama served in the Illinois Legislature — but he refutes prosecutors allegations that he tried to shake down companies that wanted to do business with the state.

FOX News producer Marla Cichowski is in the courtroom, following minute-by-minute developments.

Big General Election Issue: Obama Policy Adviser: Neither Hillary nor Obama are Ready for Prime Time as Commander-in-Chief! Ouch!

Click above or click Video to see the Obama Sr. Policy Advisor "Punk Out" her boss with a dose of reality saying that he is not Prepared to take tha 3AM National Security call.

The Caucus Blog: Obama Aide: Neither Candidate Ready For 3 A.M. Call
March 6, 2008
New York Times Politics Blog
By Kate Phillips

As Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton prepares for an afternoon news conference here in Washington, where she is to be surrounded by “military officers,” her campaign has put up a YouTube moment that you can bet will be replayed over and over.

In it, Susan Rice, a foreign policy adviser to Senator Barack Obama, discusses the foreign policy credentials of both Democrats against the tableau of Mrs. Clinton’s 3 a.m. phone call advertisement about who would be best prepared for an international crisis. (While your children are safely asleep.)

“Clinton hasn’t had to answer the phone at three o’clock in the morning and yet she attacked Barack Obama for not being ready,'’ Ms. Rice said. “They’re both not ready to have that 3 a.m. phone call.”

(The exit polls from Tuesday in Ohio and Texas showed that voters favored her more as commander-in-chief. Perhaps her 3 a.m. ad broadcast only in Texas but widely publicized helped to sway voters. Mr. Obama quickly released a response ad last week.)

[Note: In my mind, it is without question that Barack H. Obama is totally undermanned (no pun intended) for leading the free world, but we will see what the voters of Pennsylvania have to say about this...On the other hand, trying to mandate health care into some sort of socialized medicine program that will ruin our system while watching Bill Clinton's administration attack foreign policy issues is not the best training either!]

President George W. Bush Endorses John McCain for President

Today in Washington, D.C., there was a formal welcome for Senator McCain at the North Portico, followed by lunch in President Bush's private dining room and an endorsement in the Rose Garden, the White House said.

The President's endorsement concluded about 5 minutes ago and President Bush said that he would campaign, raise money, attend rallies and do everything he could for Senator McCain.

After the fifth question by the liberal media on the same topic to W: Doesn't campaigning for the 2008 Republican nominee by the President hurt Senator McCain's chances of winning in November?

Classic W: Well, if he [McCain] wants me to say I am not for him, I can do that too.

Seemed to be a nice little injection of humor by the President.

At the end of the day, I am sure Senator McCain will seek W's fundraising help in Texas, Utah, Kansas and certain other States as well as private home fundraisers everywhere, but I would imagine there will be few public appearances of them together in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota (other than the Convention), New Hampshire, Ohio and Florida.

McCain Wins Republican 2008 Presidential Nomination! The 2008 Race Begins Today...

Clean sweep. Johnny Mac wins all four primaries: Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Click here to watch John McCain's victory speech from Dallas, Texas. Transcript below. Senator McCain comes up big with some well-delivered lines furthering his message that united together, we, the United States of America, lead the World, we make history, we do not fall prey to it.

Remarks By John McCain On Tonight's Primary Victories

From the McCain '08 Newsroom

March 4, 2008 [Note: This is my favorite part below]

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain as prepared for delivery tonight in Dallas, Texas:

***

Nothing is inevitable in America. We are the captains of our fate. We're not a country that prefers nostalgia to optimism; a country that would rather go back than forward. We're the world's leader, and leaders don't pine for the past and dread the future. We make the future better than the past. We don't hide from history. We make history. That, my friends, is the essence of hope in America, hope built on courage, and faith in the values and principles that have made us great. I intend to make my stand on those principles and chart a course for our future greatness, and trust in the judgment of the people I have served all my life. So stand up with me, my friends, stand up and fight for America -- for her strength, her ideals, and her future. The contest begins tonight. It will have its ups and downs. But we will fight every minute of every day to make certain we have a government that is as capable, wise, brave and decent as the great people we serve. That is our responsibility and I will not let you down.

***

Virginia's RNC Committeeman and Leadership Institute Founder, Morton Blackwell, Endorses John McCain for President

Additional RNC Members Endorse John McCain For President
For Immediate Release
March 4, 2008
From McCain '08 Newsroom
Press Office 703-650-5550

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that 19 additional Republican National Committee Members have endorsed John McCain for president.

"The Republican Party continues to rally around John McCain," said RNC Vice Chairman Chuck Yob. "John McCain will unite our party, and his broad electoral appeal will lift all Republicans running for office against stiff Democratic competition this November. He has shown that he has the experience and tested judgment to lead our nation and our Party from his first day in office."

John McCain thanked the RNC members, saying, "I am grateful for these RNC delegates' support. Their service to our party has been admirable and I am proud to have them on my team." Members of the Republican National Committee are automatically seated as delegates at the Republican National Convention.

ADDITIONAL RNC MEMBERS FOR MCCAIN
Saul Anuzis, Michigan
Henry Barbour, Mississippi
Morton Blackwell, Virginia
James Bopp Jr, Indiana
Giovanni Cicione, Rhode Island
Sharon Day, Florida
Mark Ellis, Maine
Jim Greer, Florida
Virginia Haines, New Jersey
Ray Hoffman, Iowa
Douglas McKinney, West Virginia
Cindy Phillips, Mississippi
Steve Roberts, Iowa
Steve Robertson, Kentucky
Katherine Russell, Kentucky
Bob Schaffer, Colorado
Paul Senft, Florida
Robin Smith, Tennessee
Brian Sullivan, Minnesota