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Reminder to our Followers

2009-07-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Real Republican Majority would just like to remind our readers that the official RRM Blog has been moved to Wordpress. The blog can be accessed at:
http://realrepublicanmajority.wordpress.com/

Please continue to follow us for updates and information!

Daily News Round-Up for July 2, 2009

2009-07-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu, considered by many the strongest Republican candidate to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Judd Gregg, said yesterday he will not seek any elected office in 2010.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Gov. Mark Sanford's long and emotional interview with The Associated Press Tuesday appears to have been the final straw for South Carolina's Republican establishment, much of which is now actively seeking his resignation.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
At some point last month, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) said she would refuse to fill out anything more than the number of people in her household on her Census questionnaire. Republican colleagues have now called her boycott illogical and illegal and are calling for her to end the boycott.

Daily News Round Up for July 1, 2009

2009-07-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Al Franken in the Minnesota Senate race. Former Senator Norm Coleman (R) conceded last night when given the news, and Democrat Franken should be seated after the July 4th holiday.

Google News (USA)
Legislators in more than a half-dozen states, their revenues evaporating in the recession, frantically worked to stave off government shutdowns and devastating service cuts. California failed to meet a midnight deadline and now may need to issue IOUs instead of paying bills.

The State (Columbia, SC)
Six of 27 members of the conservative Senate Republican Caucus Tuesday night issued a letter calling on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign.

Politico (Washington, DC)
A hard-hitting piece on Sarah Palin in the new Vanity Fair has touched off a blistering exchange of insults among high-profile Republicans over last year's GOP ticket - tearing open fresh wounds about leaks surrounding Palin and revealing for the first time some of the internal wars that paralyzed the campaign in its final days.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Sen. Daniel K. Inouye's staff contacted federal regulators last fall to ask about the bailout application of an ailing Hawaii bank that he had helped to establish and where he has invested the bulk of his personal wealth.

Daily News Round-Up for June 30, 2009

2009-06-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
House Minority Leader John Boehner has tapped Rep. Pete King (R-Long Island) for a slot on the intelligence committee -- a move that is likely to put the outspoken security hawk on the sidelines for the 2010 GOP Senate primary in New York.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
The Supreme Court's rejection of a decision against white firefighters endorsed by Judge Sonia Sotomayor gives Republicans a renewed chance to attack her speeches and writings but is not expected to imperil her confirmation to the high court, political and legal sources said yesterday.

The Hill (Washington, D)
Republicans looking for resurgence in the Northeast will probably need some stumbles by President Obama and the Democratic majority, but they are getting the pieces they need to take advantage.

Daily News Round-Up for June 29, 2009

2009-06-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Virginia Republicans, eager to rejuvenate their party, already are turning to an issue that has been one of their most reliable: taxes.

The State (Columbia, SC)
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Sunday that his first thought as the scandal broke about his extramarital affair with an Argentinean woman was to leave office with 18 months to go in his last term.

New York Times (New York, NY)
Republicans on Sunday roundly criticized an energy plan passed by the House that is intended to address global warming and change the way the United States produces and uses energy.

Real Republican Ally Moves Up in GOP

2009-06-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected to serve as chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee after John Ensign (R-NV) stepped down last week.

Real Republican Ally Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) was chosen to take Senator Thune’s seat as vice chairman of the Senate GOP conference. The Real Republican Majority feels that this is a definite first step in the right direction for the GOP.

After the 2008 election defeat, the GOP has finally realized that common sense wins elections, not extremism. RMC, has always supported candidates with a message of inclusiveness and moderation and is proud that Senator Murkowski is moving up within the Party. RMC is hoping that with your help and our allies, like Senator Murkowski, we can return the GOP to its original big tent philosophy by supporting and electing common sense Republicans.

Daily News Round-Up for June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was elected to take new Chairman Sen. Jon Thune's place as vice chairwoman of the Senate GOP conference.

Google News (USA)
The man who would replace South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford if he resigned over his affair with a woman in Argentina says the governor should remain in office.

Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, PA)
The strong backing of Democratic Party leaders has done little to change slumping public support for the party's newest convert, U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. Only 28 percent of all those surveyed say that he deserves re-election, according to the latest Keystone Poll, and double that number say it's time for a change.

Bloomberg News (USA)
President Barack Obama prodded lawmakers to approve a "historic" bill to limit greenhouse-gas emissions as part of intensifying lobbying efforts for a vote in the U.S. House that could come today.

Daily News Round-Up for June 25, 2009

2009-06-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
In an attempt to highlight what they refer to as a House Democratic "culture of corruption," Republicans have zeroed in on the alleged ethical improprieties of a handful of senior Democrats with ties to the now-defunct PMA lobbying group.

The State (Columbia, SC)
Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday to an extramarital affair with a woman living in Argentina and to lying to South Carolinians to cover up his tryst - then asked everyone, including his family, for forgiveness.

Times Union (Albany, NY)
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has offered a proposal for a constitutional convention to address many of the issues that have roiled the state in recent years, and the Capitol in recent weeks.

Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
The Republican Party needs to rebuild itself from the bottom up, said Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour last night before addressing a gathering at a New Hampshire State Republican Committee reception.

Daily News Round-Up for June 24, 2009

2009-06-24T09:05:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia Business Today (Philadelphia, PA) RMC Ally Rep. Mike Castle (DE-AL) in the News
Rep. Mike Castle (R., Del.) turns 70 next month, and he's facing a tough career decision. "They've asked me to run for the Senate as a Republican. I don't know if I'm going to do that."

The Hill (Washington, DC)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is moving forward with a floor vote on climate change legislation this week even though many Democrats are undecided on the controversial bill.

Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, UT)
Lt. Gary Herbert hasn't even been sworn in as governor yet and already there is a movement afoot in the Utah Republican Party to challenge him in the 2010 special election. GOP sources are buzzing about a draft Kirk Jowers movement. The plan is for Jowers to run for governor and Josh Romney, the son of 2008 presidential candidate Mitt Romney, to run as his lieutenant-governor running mate.

USA Today (USA)
President Obama delivered his harshest criticisms of Iran, saying Tuesday he is "appalled and outraged" by the killings of protesters and questioning for the first time the "legitimacy" of the June 12 presidential election.

The State (Columbia, SC)
S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford arrived in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this morning, having wrapped up a seven-day visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, he said. Sanford said he had not been hiking along the Appalachian Trail, as his staff said in a Tuesday statement to the media.

Daily News Round-Up for June 23, 2009

2009-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
You could almost see the campaign commercials as Sen. Chris Dodd - hard at work in shirt-sleeves - presided last week over three very long days of committee action on health care.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
In a surprising development, House Democrats have reached an agreement to bring a sweeping climate change bill to the floor by the end of the week, Democratic aides announced late Monday night.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
A key part of the landmark Voting Rights Act survived a constitutional challenge yesterday in the Supreme Court, but justices made it clear that a law forged in the darkest days of the nation's civil rights struggles may no longer be appropriate in a new era of American racial politics.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)
Neda Agha-Soltan, 26, 'was a beam of light' and not an activist, friends say. The video footage of her bleeding on the street has turned her into an international symbol of the protest movement.

Daily News Round-Up for June 22, 2009

2009-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
Nearly a month after President Barack Obama picked her for the Supreme Court, Republican senators say Sonia Sotomayor isn't serving as the political lightning rod some in their party had hoped she would be.

New York Daily News (New York, NY)
Republican senators slammed President Obama as "timid" Sunday for not strongly supporting Iran's protesters.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)
Republicans questioned the cost of healthcare reform plans Sunday, and even Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) acknowledged similar concerns and said she wasn't sure there were enough votes among President Obama's fellow Democrats to pass a plan at the moment.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Despite signs that the recession gripping the nation's economy may be easing, the unemployment rate is projected to continue rising for another year before topping out in double digits, a prospect that threatens to slow growth, increase poverty and further complicate the Obama administration's message of optimism about the economic outlook.

Daily News Round-Up for June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Washington Post (Washington, DC) RMC Ally Sen. Olympia Snowe (ME) in the News
Seven senators have formed a bipartisan group to find consensus on health-care reform legislation, a sign of fresh momentum after a week of setbacks.

Politicker NJ (Trenton, NJ)
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani talking to current Mayor Michael Bloomberg about endorsing Republican Chris Christie for Governor of New Jersey.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele urged supporters Thursday to "fight" ABC News over the network's planned televised town hall on health care that is set to air directly from the White House.

Daily News Round-Up for June 18, 2009

2009-06-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

Daily News Miner (Fairbanks, AK) RMC Ally Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the News
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, has decided to seek a spot in the Senate Republican leadership that suddenly became available Wednesday.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Health care reform hit a serious setback Wednesday, with the Senate Finance Committee blowing its own deadline for a bill and the Health Committee breaking sharply along partisan lines - developments that place President Barack Obama's August deadline for passing a bill in doubt.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
President Obama's plan to rein in federal spending on health care could end up shifting costs to the private sector, economists say.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
GOP congressional candidates in the notoriously libertarian Mountain West believe they have an issue that could reap electoral gains in 2010 - government spending.

Daily News Round-Up for June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Sen. John Ensign (Nev.), considered a rising star in the Republican Party, yesterday acknowledged an extramarital affair with a former campaign staffer who is married to one of the lawmaker's former legislative aides.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Republicans in both chambers are calling for the White House to develop an "exit strategy" for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the $700 billion rescue plan conceived by the previous administration.

St. Louis Today (St. Louis, MO)
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is under pressure from top Democrats to abandon her long-expected campaign for governor and instead seek President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat next year.

New Orleans Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA)
The treasurer of Gov. Bobby Jindal's state campaign organization has asked another group of the governor's supporters to cease and disband its activities as a federal campaign organization for a future Jindal presidential bid.

Extremist Views Will Not Win in 2012

2009-06-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

It’s only the summer of 2009, but the first signs of the 2012 Presidential elections are already appearing in the GOP. Over the weekend, both MN Governor Tim Pawlenty and supporters close to LA Governor Bobby Jindal made moves that have lead most to believe that they are seriously considering a run for the GOP nomination. Both Pawlenty and Jindal hold far right views on many social issues and will be watched closely to see how they will reconcile their positions with those of the majority of voters. At RRM, we join the millions of Republicans who are looking for a common sense candidate who will promote common ground and moderation of the extreme social agenda which has dominated the GOP in recent years.

In 2008, we saw divisive social issues again sully the waters and Americans reject this method of fishing for votes that has been recently favored by the GOP. Americans don’t want the government to control their personal decisions, but are looking for solutions to the tough problems that are facing us currently, including real ideas to cut our deficit and help our economy rebound. Republicans that are going to be nominated and continue to bring the extremist dialogue to the table are not Republicans who can win in 2012.

RRM wants to know from other moderate Republicans- who would you like to see on the 2012 GOP ticket?

Daily News Round-Up for June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T08:59:00.000-07:00

The Hill (Washington, DC)
Congressional Republicans pushed back immediately against the Obama administration's healthcare promotion on Monday, warning of solid opposition to any plan that includes a government role.

New York Daily News (New York, NY)
The White House dangled the ambassadorship to Ireland in front of GOP Rep. Pete King, even before that coveted post went to the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Daily News has learned.

Kansas City Star (Kansas City, MO)
Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh dropped out of the 2010 race for governor Monday, saying he just couldn't compete with fellow Republican and U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday that he hopes his "old friend," CIA Director Leon Panetta, was "misquoted" in a magazine story suggesting that Cheney seems to be wishing for the United States to suffer a new terrorist attack just to prove that Cheney is right about the United States being less secure under the Obama administration.

Real Clear Politics (USA)
Florida Senate candidate Marco Rubio will be joined in Washington tomorrow by a leading right-wing voice in the Senate, Jim DeMint of South Carolina.

Daily News Round-Up for June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

Google News (USA)
Republicans are lining up behind a pointed political attack line: President Barack Obama is nationalizing American industry and socializing medicine.

US News and Reports (USA)
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has decided against running for a third term in 2010, will spend the next two years traveling the country to see if he can build enough support to run for president in 2012, according to associates.

Southern Political Report (La Grange, GA)
Once written off for dead by the media, the Northeastern Republican is poised for a huge comeback in 2010.

Politico (Washington, DC)
In the nearly five months since he was sworn into office, embattled Dem Senator Burris (IL)has not been the lead sponsor of any of the 1,300 amendments filed for Senate floor consideration.

Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA)
A group of Gov. Bobby Jindal's political supporters, including an uncle of the governor's wife, Supriya Jindal, are forming a federal political action committee to support a presidential run by the 38-year-old Republican.

Daily News Round-Up for June 12, 2009

2009-06-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Hill (Washington, DC)
The suspecting in the Holocaust Museum shooting had the office address of a member of Congress. The Capitol Police has stated that there is no immediate threat to the member at this time.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
The Virginia Gubernatorial election is being closely watched as many observers see it as the first referendum on President Obama's policies.

Politico (Washington, DC)
With so many key pieces of legislation, such as heath care, energy, war funding, and the Supreme Court nomination hearings facing the congress this summer should be intense.

ABC News (Washington, DC)
Gov. Palin says she sees 'a lot of disagreement' within the Republican Party in an interview on what her future roll will be in the party.

ABC News (Washington, DC)
The Iranian election has the potential to offer an early verdict on the impact of Obama's new approach to foreign policy and the Middle East.

News Round-Up for June 11, 2009

2009-06-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

The Hill (Washington, DC)
U.S. Capitol Police have tightened security around the Capitol after a security guard at the Holocaust Memorial Museum was shot and killed by an elderly man with ties to white supremacist groups.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
Republicans are hoping to use House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's poor approval ratings as a method to gain national support for republicans in the mid-term elections. Republicans hope they can use Democratic policies that have met with widespread opposition for their political gain.

Politico (Washington, DC)
The Republican Party must gain a significant portion of the Hispanic vote in order to win national elections.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)
Gov. Schwarzenegger has threatened to shut down the state government rather than agree to a high-interest loan to keep the state afloat if he and the legislature do not close the yawning budget gap in coming weeks.

Newsweek (Washington, DC)
There is a potential compromise on one of the most difficult issues of the health care overhaul debate - whether to create a new government-sponsored health plan to compete with private insurers. The compromise would create health care cooperatives owned by groups of residents and small businesses, similar to how electric or other cooperatives operate.

ABC News (Washington, DC)
Rep. Eric Cantor predicted today that Republicans would trounce Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections and could take back control of the House of Representatives.

Alert: Affordable healthcare, but at what cost?

2009-06-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

While affordable healthcare should be a main concern for the U.S. government, the newly released healthcare reform bill offers a resolution for the estimated 46 million uninsured Americans, but the results would be bigger government, more restrictions and higher costs for those that are already insured.

The only way to obtain the goals of the healthcare reform bill would be to raise taxes, co-pays and premiums of the millions of Americans who already have insurance. Moreover, if the government aims to keep costs low, patients will most likely not have a say in which doctors, procedures, and hospitals they can chose.

In an ideal situation, affordable healthcare would be available to each citizen of the United States, while keeping overhead and costs low; however, the healthcare reform bill offered by Democrats has lofty goals with no real prescription for obtaining them. However, with Democrats so eager to pass the bill, it is probable that they will compromise with Republicans, resulting in a more comprehensive and cost-effective plan.

Real Republican Majority would love to hear your views on this complicated issue! Affordable healthcare is a crucial element in achieving RRM’s goals, but is this the best viable plan? Should the American people take whatever plan we can get our lawmakers to pass? Or should we demand a plan that actually works?

News Round-Up for June 10, 2009

2009-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA)
Democratic voters and local party officials have begun bucking the party establishment by encouraging U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak to make a run against Sen. Arlen Specter in the primary, Sestak said Monday.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
House Democratic leaders gave members their first glimpse of their version of President Obama's healthcare overhaul on Tuesday, with liberals leaving the meeting happy and centrist Democrats walking away skeptical.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
A new survey indicates that self-identified Republicans do not feel like there is a clear leader and that a third of them do not think of the Republican Party in a "favorable-light".

Politico (Washington, DC)
In a surprising victory State Senator Creigh Deeds crushed two opponents Tuesday to win the Democratic nomination for the Virginia Governorship.

Politico (Washington, DC)
The Republicans are getting ready for a N.Y special election in the 23rd. Democrats have picked off five GOP-held upstate House seats, whittling down the state's GOP House delegations to just three members. Now, Democrats are eyeing McHugh's district, which, if lost, would leave Republicans with just two of New York's 29 House seats.

Alert: Virginia Gubernatorial Primary Results

2009-06-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, State Senator R. Creigh Deeds won Virginia’s three-way Democratic primary for governor. Deeds won 50% of the vote, followed by former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe with 26% and former Alexandria delegate Brian Moran with 24%.

It was a surprising victory for Deeds as his two opponents were better-funded and better-positioned. Despite having a more conservative message, which is uncharacteristic of the people of Northern Virginia, Deeds was able to combat McAuliffe and his estimated six million dollar campaign. It was an upsetting loss for McAuliffe who outspent both candidates, had a larger campaign staff and even had the endorsement of President Bill Clinton.

Deeds will face Republican Robert F. McDonnell in the general election, reminiscent of the race for attorney general four years ago, which McDonnell narrowly won after a late surge by Deeds.

Will the Real Republican Please Stand Up?

2009-06-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, the Republican Party has been less concerned with the fact that its popularity is dwindling and more so with the debate of who is the real Republican—Cheney or Powell? Instead of trying to unite the Party and move forward using the original big-tent philosophy of the GOP, key members of the Party have set out to divide, with the only consequence being the ultimate demise of the once majority-holding GOP.

Last night, however, Newt Gingrich offered a new message, one of inclusion. Gingrich and other Party leaders are finally responding to the mainstream majority in the GOP who know that the promotion of a true big-tent is the only way our Party will ever win elections. Gingrich said, “History teaches us that there is a road back to the majority, if we are prepared to be inclusive and not exclusive. I am happy that Dick Cheney is a Republican. I am also happy Colin Powell is a Republican." He reminded members at the annual GOP fundraiser that within a majority-holding party there would always be debate about he direction of the Party, but it is only with the support of conservatives, moderates, and even Democrats that the GOP will have a chance of defeating their opponents.

We at RRM have long championed the return of the Party to its core big-tent beliefs and hope that Party leaders have finally joined us in supporting this call. Please let us know what you thought of Newt Gingrich’s speech and other statements made at last night’s fundraiser.

For full audio version of Newt Gingrich’s speech please visit this link.

Daily News Round-Up for June 9, 2009

2009-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Politics Daily (Washington, DC)
The Republican Party seems to have faced a number of existential choices recently -- Powell or Limbaugh? Limbaugh or Cheney? Gingrich or Palin? The Gingrich/Palin question provided the highly dramatic backdrop for Monday's annual fundraising gala for the Republicans' House and Senate campaign committees.

Newsday (New York, NY)
A sudden state of confusion in the leadership of the NY State Senate has the potential for significant leadership shifts in the committee structure of that legislative body not to mention the legislative agenda of Gov. David Patterson.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
President Obama is pushing for new pay-as-you-go rule that would require lawmakers to pay for increases in entitlement programs or tax cuts through spending cuts or tax increases.

Bloomberg News (New York, NY)
House Democrats drafting health-care overhaul legislation will lay out proposals today that include creating a government-run program to help cover the uninsured, even as Republicans stiffen their resistance to that idea.

Richmond Times-Dispatch (Richmond, VA)
Primary voting is underway across Virginia this morning and the turnout is expected to be light despite a contentious three-way race for the gubernatorial Democratic nomination between R. Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe and Brian J. Moran

A Parliamentary Coup on the NY State Senate

2009-06-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

In a stunning and rapid series of events yesterday, the majority in the NYS Senate shifted back to the GOP after Democratic Senators Pedro Espada (Bronx) and Hiram Monserrate (Corona) joined the GOP in a vote to oust Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.

The genesis of this coup began months ago when Smith was named Majority Leader with a lot of help from Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano the titular head of the state Independence Party. Golisano quickly became disenchanted with the new majority when the new state budget significantly increased taxes on upper incomes. His next move was to lobby for shared non-partisan leadership in the Senate.

The two defecting Senators were interesting choices, considering one is currently under indictment for a domestic violence charge and the other is being investigated for living outside his district and failing to file campaign finance reports. If the former is convicted and removed from office the the GOP and Democratic Party will essentially be tied in the State Senate. If the investigation results in further legal action for the other the majority could swing back to the Democrats by a single vote.

As of today the NYS Senate Majority Leadership has been recaptured by Republican Dean Skelos of Rockville Center, while Democrat Pedro Espada has been named President Pro Tem of the state Senate, the second most powerful position today due to the absence of a Lt. Governor.

It is anticipated that a series of law suits will be filed by this afternoon nullifying or at the least suspending yesterdays actions so no additional changes in powerful committee leadership positions can be made.

Daily News Round-Up for June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Connecticut Post (Hartford, CT)
Former Congressman Chris Shays is looking forward to take on new but satisfying roles in both the public and private spheres.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) made his debut before the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.

The USA Today (USA)
Nine Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee have sent a letter to President Obama voicing their opposition to a government-run or public insurance program that would compete with private companies.

The Hill (Washington, DC)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) is set to announce Monday that she will not seek her state's open Senate seat in 2010.

Daily News Round-Up for June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Hill (Washington, DC)
With potentially competitive Senate races forming in the seven most populous states in the union, the scope of campaign finance could reach new heights in 2010.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Senate Republicans showed growing frustration Thursday with President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats over a public insurance plan, calling it a deal breaker that would kill prospects for a bipartisan health care reform bill.

Virginian-Pilot (Richmond, VA)
Once considered a favorite to win the June 9 Democratic primary, Terry McAuliffe now finds himself in a tight race days before the election.

The State (Columbia, SC)
The SC's top court ruled unanimously Thursday that Gov. Mark Sanford must apply for the disputed $700 million in federal stimulus money.

Daily News Round-Up for June 4, 2009

2009-06-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, D)
Former GOP House Speaker Newt Gingrich took a step back from his sharp criticism of Judge Sonia Sotomayor Wednesday, and some Republicans couldn't be happier.

BBC News (United Kingdom)
US President Barack Obama urged an end to suspicion and discord between America and the Muslim world when he delivered a speech in the Egyptian capital Cairo on 4 June 2009. Here is some international reaction from Islamic leaders.

Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
New Hampshire became the fifth state in New England yesterday and the sixth in the country to allow same-sex marriage, as lawmakers approved and the governor signed revised legislation designed to balance personal and religious freedom.

Huffington Post (USA)
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn seems to be softening his expectations for Norm Coleman's effort to appeal the Senate election in Minnesota.

New Jersey GOV Primary Results

2009-06-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, the votes were tallied and counted in the New Jersey Republican Primary between former US Attorney Chris Christie and former Mayor Steve Lonegan, with Christie coming out as the winner by 55%. The race has been closely watched due to the fact that NJ is a traditionally blue state that is deeply unhappy with it’s current Democrat governor, Jon Corzine. A Republican could pick up this seat, according to polling. While RRM did not endorse either candidate, it should be noted that Christie is running on a more inclusive and “Big Tent” platform by stating that he will not drag divisive social issues into his race.

Christie will now face off in November against Governor Corzine in what is sure to be a heavily watched race. RRM will keep you updated on this race.

Daily News Round-Up for June 3, 2009

2009-06-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)

Chris Christie, the former U.S. Attorney, won the Republican nomination for Governor last night, beating back conservative Steve Lonegan.

New York Times (New York, NY)

New York is not thought of as a big military state. But Representative John M. McHugh, who was selected Tuesday to be President Obama's secretary of the Army, has long stood out among his New York colleagues for his attention to military matters.

Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)

Clearing the way for what could be an attempt at higher office, Gov. Tim Pawlenty abruptly announced Tuesday that he would not seek a third term -- a move widely seen in political circles as the first step in a possible presidential run.

Christian Science Monitor (USA)

On Thursday, President Barack Obama will take the stage at Cairo University to deliver a long-awaited address to the Muslim world in which he is will attempt to smooth relations after years of tension.

Daily News Round-Up for June2, 2009

2009-06-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Newsweek (USA)
The GOP needs to move to a neutral or big-tent approach on most social issues, the way Democrats did with gun control and the death penalty.

Bloomberg News (New York, NY)
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine will begin his re-election campaign tonight, seeking to grab the spotlight from Republicans who will simultaneously decide who will oppose the first-term incumbent in the GOP Primaries today.

Politico (Washington, DC)
Senate conservatives have a bill. House moderates have a bill. The House GOP study group is looking at writing one. So is a group of physicians in the House. Then on Monday, New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg put in his own plan.

San Francisco Gate (San Francisco, CA)
Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is armed with money and the support of well-placed Republicans for a possible run against Democratic U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer next year. But she's also got something that has dogged other wealthy political neophytes - a spotty voting record.

New Blog from RMC

2009-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

RRM and RMC are proud to announce the launch of GOPChoice Blog, where individuals will be able to discuss and monitor issues surrounding highlighted campaigns and Party policy and politics. We encourage you to take part in the discussion by voicing your opinion and ask you to help spread RMC’s message of protecting personal freedoms and liberties. Please visit the website at http://gopchoice.wordpress.com/

Daily News Round-Up for June 1, 2009

2009-06-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Colorado Statesman (Colorado Springs, CO)
Moderation is and has been seen by many on the left and right as a political and ideological limbo of little value - a place where white bread and slow progress hold sway. In truth, nearly every sensible, practical, executable idea emerges from the political center.

Detroit Free-Press (Detroit, MI)
President Barack Obama will announce on Monday the bankruptcy of General Motors Corp., launching a complicated, $59-billion effort to prevent the century-old juggernaut of American manufacturing from collapse.

Star-Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
Almost seven months after a U.S. Senate election that was too close to call, five justices of the Minnesota Supreme Court will hear arguments today on whether problems with absentee ballots justify reversing a lower-court ruling that declared Democrat Al Franken a 312-vote winner over Republican Norm Coleman.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)
The dust-up between Rush Limbaugh and Colin L. Powell over whether Powell is still a Republican is more than the political equivalent of a show-business feud. It reflects the perennial -- but for Republicans in 2009, painfully pertinent -- question of whether it's good for a major political party to be a big tent or whether too much inclusiveness turns it into a three-ring circus.

Cheney Backtracks on Powell Remarks

2009-05-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Former VP Dick Cheney is scaling back his remarks on General Colin Powell, stating that he misunderstood Powell’s Party affiliation. This comes after a bitter week of back and forth between Cheney, Powell, and extremist talk radio host Rush Limbaugh on whether or not moderate Republicans like Powell belong in the GOP. Cheney’s previous comments made it sound as if the former VP was advocating purging General Powell from the Party. Powell fired back, saying that he is indeed a Republican and that there is a large group of Republicans like him- real Republicans who are interested in fiscal conservatism and solutions, NOT social extremism- waiting to take over the Party. RRM was following this story closely, and we are pleased to see the former Vice President now making common sense statements of inclusion, such as the following:
"We're in the mode where we welcome everybody to the party.”

However, while making these comments on MSNB Cheney did warn not to back away from traditional “Republican” principles. RRM knows that the true, founding tenets of the GOP are fiscal conservatism, limited government, personal freedoms, and a strong national security. We hope that this is something the Vice President would agree with us.

Daily News Round-Up for May 29, 2009

2009-05-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

NPR (USA)
Senator John Cornyn (TX), head of the NRSC, says that while he will question nominee Sonia Sotomayor during the Supreme Court confirmation process, other GOPers calling her "racist" for a comment she once made is "troubling".

Business Week (USA)
Arizona Sen. John McCain wants Meg Whitman to be California's next governor.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
Former presidential candidate Ralph Nader went public Thursday with an allegation that Virginia gubernatorial hopeful Terry McAuliffe offered his campaign money to stay off the ballot in key states during the 2004 elections -- a disclosure timed to raise questions about McAuliffe's fitness for public office.

Daily Record (Morris County, NJ)
Gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie raised nearly twice as much as his main Republican rival and has more than seven times cash on hand heading into the weekend before the primary.

Daily News Round Up for May 28, 2009

2009-05-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT)
Democratic Senator Chris Dodd (CT) continues to trail his Republican challenger and suffer from unfavorable job approval ratings.

Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA)
Rep. Joe Sestak (D., Pa.) has begun telling close supporters that he intends to run against newly Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter in the 2010 primary, setting the stage for a battle that party leaders hoped to avoid.
Politico (Washington, DC)
Continuing on the Sestak news, new polling shows that Senator Specter is still having problems convincing Pennsylvanians to re-elect him after his Party switch.
CQ Politics (Washington, DC)
The Alaska Democrat who almost toppled Rep. Don Young last year is gearing up for another statewide race -- against Gov. Sarah Palin, if she chooses to run for re-election.

Boston Globe (Boston, MA)
Tainted from the day he was appointed, Senator Roland Burris again finds himself denying any role in a pay-to-play scheme as newly revealed wiretaps show him begging for his Senate seat and offering to donate to the campaign of Illinois's ousted governor, Rod Blagojevich.

Daily News Round-Up for May 27, 2009

2009-05-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

New York Daily News (New York, NY)

Rep. Anthony Weiner told supporters he is dropping his mayoral campaign and plans to make a formal announcement Wednesday morning.

Politico (Washington, DC)

Extremist groups know they want to oppose Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor - but exactly how that campaign will be conducted is a major unanswered question that is splitting the Republican right.

Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL)

A month before his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Roland Burris agonized with the brother of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich about how to raise campaign cash for the governor without creating the perception he was buying his way into Congress, according to a federal wiretap unveiled Tuesday.

Google News (USA)

A conservative group that's been running ominous ads warning that President Barack Obama will institute government-run health care is expanding its campaign this week ahead of congressional action.

Daily News Round-Up for May 26, 2009

2009-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
President Barack Obama will select New York federal judge Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Supreme Court justice, naming the first Hispanic justice to the high court and adding a second woman to the panel.

New York Times (New York, NY)
Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has emerged as a tempting target for Republicans as he prepares for re-election next year: unpopular at home, identified with partisan battles in Washington and shadowed by the memory of the election defeat suffered by the last Democrat who held his job, Tom Daschle of South Dakota.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)
The Republican Party needs to broaden its base rather than move farther to the political right to make gains against President Barack Obama's Democrats, former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Sunday.

RMC Newsday Op-Ed

2009-05-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Newsday ran an Op-Ed by Republican Majority for Choice Co-Chair Candace Straight regarding Obama's commencement speech to the University of Notre Dame and the importance of common ground. You may read the piece in its entirety by following the link below:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-opstr2412799907may23,0,6643399.story.

Daily News Round-Up for May 22,2009

2009-05-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Thursday that he'd be "proud to appear with the vice president anywhere, anytime." But in the next breath, Cornyn said it would be up to individual GOP candidates to decide whether they want Cheney campaigning for them in 2010.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)
With deficit forecasts growing darker by the day, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is considering a plan to slash California's safety net for the poor by eliminating the state's main welfare program, health insurance for low-income families and cash grants to college students.

Star Ledger (Trenton, NJ)
The ad wars in the New Jersey governor's race escalated yesterday, as national Democrats launched a television campaign targeting Republican frontrunner Chris Christie just a few weeks be fore the June 2 GOP primary.

Daily News Round-Up for May 21,2009

2009-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Boston Globe ( Boston , MA )
Former Secretary of State and Join Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Colin Powell (Ret.) commented on some criticisms of his party allegiance from other GOP stars last night before approximately 1,500 business leaders in Boston .

The Plum Line ( Washington , DC )
Dick Cheney's big national security speech at the American Enterprise Institute tomorrow is going to get wall-to-wall cable coverage - giving a major assist to those who hope that his speech will be seen as "dueling" with the one that Obama is planning to give on the same topic tomorrow.

Baltimore Sun ( Baltimore , MD )
The Republican National Committee approved a watered-down resolution Wednesday evening that called on President Barack Obama and the Democrats to stop "pushing our country towards socialism and government control."

Politico (Washington, D)
The House GOP is introducing a resolution calling for a bipartisan investigation into Pelosi's charges that the CIA misled her during a Sept. 2002 briefing on enhanced interrogation methods.

Meghan McCain on the Colbert Report

2009-05-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Meghan McCain was featured on the Colbert Report last night, where the young blogger and outspoken Republican talked to Colbert about being a moderate Republican. McCain, who has stated she is “pro-sex and pro-life”, seems to understand that being personally pro-life doesn’t mean forcing her views on others, and has recently advocated comprehensive sex education in her blog at the Daily Beast. Meghan told Colbert that she worried about the path the GOP seemed to be going down, saying that the Party was being taken over by those who “want to make it more extreme”.

Ms McCain seems to “get” what many Republican leaders seem to be ignoring, that for young people to be attracted to the GOP, we must remember that we are the Party of limited government intrusion- and that should extend to people’s personal lives. As a young Republican and someone who watched her father’s campaign for President fall, one would think Meghan would be welcomed with open arms. However, the far-right continues to take shots at Meghan rather than understand her thinking is more in line with the vast majority of younger voters than the current GOP Platform is.

Combining Meghan’s remarks with yesterday’s Gallup polling and it’s clear that common sense conservatives like us are the is the key to the GOP turning around and winning again.

Watch Meghan’s interview with Stephen below:

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Meghan McCain

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Gay Marriage

Daily News Round-Up for May 19,2009

2009-05-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Gallup (USA)The decline in Republican Party affiliation among Americans in recent years is well documented, but a Gallup analysis now shows that this movement away from the GOP has occurred among nearly every major demographic subgroup.
Politico (Washington, DC)The GOP needs to turn a corner, writes Michael Steele, RNC Chairman. To accomplish this goal Republicans are turning a corner in three important ways.
CNN Political Ticker (USA)Meghan McCain again took aim at some leaders of her party Monday night, declaring the GOP is currently being hijacked by those trying "to make it more extreme."
Huffington Post (USA)Another leading Republican strategist has voiced concerns about the direction of the GOP. John Weaver, a top adviser to Utah Governor John Huntsman, said this week that the Republican Party is headed for an electoral "blowout" if it continues to be defined by "Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney."
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)The battle over six state budget propositions on today's ballot sputtered to a close Monday with a burst of low-profile campaigning that belied the gravity of California's fiscal crisis.
Washington Times (Washington, DC)When Michael S. Steele took over as chairman of the Republican National Committee earlier this year, he brought along longtime personal assistant Belinda Cook and gave her a salary nearly three times what her predecessor made.

Gallup polling shows GOP losses trend is nearly universal

2009-05-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Gallup has released new polling today showing that the Republican Party’s in-party losses have come from almost ever major demographic since 2001. The only demographic not to show losses were strict churchgoers. However, the Republicans lost in lower, middle, and upper class income categories; we lost women and men; we lost college educated and those who didn’t go to college. We lost in the South, the North, the Midwest, the West Coast. So, as the GOP moved farther and farther to the right, allowing more extremists to take over the Party and influence our Platform and our elections, we lost voters and Republicans pretty much across the board- except for those who are more likely to belong to this extremist group.

Here at RRM, we don’t think it’s worth the trade. Click here to read over the polling and tell us what you think

Daily News Round-Up for May 18, 2009

2009-05-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT)

President Obama chose UT Governor and Republican rising star Jon Huntsman Jr. as the new US Ambassador to China.

Pioneer Press (Minneapolis, MN)

In the last argument to the court before his attorneys appear before the justices June 1, MN Senator Norm Coleman (R) said elections officials used "different shortcuts" to evaluate absentee ballots, leading to unconstitutional treatment of voters.

Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT)

While many in the state and national Democratic Party have lined up behind U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd, he is nevertheless about to get his first official Democratic challenger.

Politico (Washington, DC)

The President has a lofty goal: try to get at least some moderate Republicans to back big-ticket items such as Obama's health care plan, but avoid the public spectacle of being rejected a second time around.

Republican Majority for Choice Issues Statement on New Gallup Polling

2009-05-15T13:52:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, DC (May 15, 2009) - The Republican Majority for Choice Executive Director, Kellie Ferguson, and co-Chairs Candy Straight and Susan Bevan, issued the following statement on the newly released Gallup Poll regarding reproductive choice:

"The polling released today by Gallup confirms what common sense Republicans have been saying for decades -- Americans believe abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Naming the report "More Americans "Pro-Life" Than "Pro-Choice" for First Time" leaves out vital points and further confuses the debate. Simply using the labels pro-choice and pro-life is somewhat misleading and does not accurately portray voters' beliefs on government policy that affects reproductive choice.

Polling consistently shows that being personally pro-life and wanting so-called "pro-life government policies" are two very different things. National polling conducted last year confirmed that 66% of self-identified pro-life Republicans felt that while they personally would never choose to have an abortion, they believe the decision should be left to the woman - not the government.

What this poll confirms is that regardless of the labels, 77% of the country believes that abortion should remain legal. Yes, voters support restrictions to varying degrees; but they also, by vast majorities, support keeping abortion safe, legal and rare. The fact that this poll confirmed that only 23% of Americans believe abortion should be illegal supports the argument that the GOP Platform calling for a Constitutional amendment banning all abortion, even in the case of rape and incest, is not only off the mark but far out of the mainstream.

No matter what label voters choose, we cannot lose sight of the fact that there are active steps both sides can take today to lessen the incidence of abortion. Common sense policies such as comprehensive sex education and ensuring access to affordable birth control are initiatives both Parties should embrace as ways to achieve this goal."

Daily News Round-Up for May 15, 2008

2009-05-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wall Street Journal (USA)

Given House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's acknowledged skill at torturing the Bush Administration in recent years, it no doubt afforded her critics some pleasure yesterday to watch her twist in the wind in front of the press over what she knew and when about the CIA's terrorist interrogations.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)

The Republican National Committee raised almost $5.8 million in April and ended the month with $24.4 million on hand, a rare bright spot for a committee whose chairman -- Michael Steele -- has struggled badly in his first few months on the job.

Philadelphia Daily News (Philadelphia, PA)

Democrat Joe Torsella is dropping out of the 2010 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race, a casualty of five-term Sen. Arlen Specter's decision last month to become a Democrat.

Extremists call for NRSC boycott

2009-05-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, RRM blogged about Daily Kos’s cheeky message to the Club for Growth and pointed out that organizations that target moderate Republicans, with the hope of “purifying” the Party, help Democrats more than they help the GOP.

Today, it appears that RedState is answering Daily Kos’s plea for help. RedState, a conservative blog that touches on a number of issues, including some that RRM agrees on and others we don’t, has asked its readers and members to boycott donating to the National Republican Senatorial Committee until Sen. John Cornyn (TX) steps down. Their reasoning is that the NRSC is supporting primary candidates, such as Florida Governor Charlie Crist, and had supported Senator Arlen Specter when he was still a member of the GOP over former Rep. Pat Toomey.

The NRSC has had a long policy of supporting incumbents over challengers, which Cornyn reiterated while being asked about Toomey's challenge before the Specter switch. However, RedState seems to be far more upset that Crist is being supported by the NRSC over Marco Rubio, the former FL House Speaker who is much more extremist in his views. RedState is charging that Crist is “abandoning his Governor’s seat to Democrats”- to challenging Rubio, who is a “rising Republican star” (Crist being an established, popular Republican star).

As common sense Republicans, and Republicans who want to win, I bring you the following quote as to why RedState’s agenda seems rather un-Republican.

“Moderate Republicans can complain all they want about the Pat Toomey primary challenge to Arlen Specter, but make no mistake: in this race, it’s the moderate picking a fight to muscle out a conservative in a state where there is no serious question that conservatives have won and can continue to win races statewide.” (RedState's Dan McLaughlin)

Remember, Arlen Specter was a Republican incumbent with a history of winning in PA. The Florida Senate Seat is an open seat due to the retirement of republican Mel Martinez, and the GOP should be looking for the strongest candidate who can appeal to the largest spectrum of voters, not one based on an ideological litmus test. Has RedState forgot that Barack Obama carried this state by over 51%- indicating that this state can swing either way, and that a candidate who is too extreme may not win?

Extremists in the GOP are making it clear to moderates that they will continue to strangle the Party regardless of its negative impact on our future successes. They don’t want a Big Tent Republican Party, or even a winning or majority Republican Party. We can’t help but read RedState and wonder, who are they really working for- Republicans or the DSCC?

Daily News Round Up for May 14, 2009

2009-05-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

Real Clear Politics ( USA )

Leaders of the GOP's 2010 election efforts are showing they don't think ideological purity is the answer, and are embracing more moderate candidates.

Politico ( Washington , DC )

Republicans know they can't stop Henry Waxman's ambitious climate change

bill from clearing the Energy and Commerce Committee, but they're promising to make the ride as bumpy as possible.

USA Today ( USA )

President Obama is considering a list of more than six contenders for the Supreme Court that is dominated by women and Hispanics, one that includes judges and leaders from own his administration who have never donned a judicial robe.

Savannah Now ( Savannah , GA )

Four of the six Republicans who want to be governor apparently favor disbanding the federal government if it imposes new firearms restrictions.

Why the Club for Growth Hurts the GOP

2009-05-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

If there ever was a time or moment for common sense conservative Republicans like us, Republicans who want to win and want our real Republican Party to survive, to speak up and reveal the truth about the Club for Growth - it’s now.

Why? Because DailyKos, the infamous liberal netroots blog, has posted a cheeky note to CfG on Gov. Charlie Crist’s Senate run (which currently gives Dems little chance of winning this seat). This post shows that if there’s one thing the Dems love, it’s having the far-right do their work for them- and that the Club for Growth is one of their favorite tools.

RRM has to ask, so, who are better Republicans? Republicans who don't adhere to an extreme GOP Platform, one that most Americans don’t agree with, but work hard for their Party and fight off Democrats from gaining more seats; or the Republicans who work hard for their own personal gain and help Democrats win.

To us, the answer is clear.

Daily News Round Up for May 13, 2009

2009-05-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Chronicle ( San Francisco , CA )

Rather than debating what the national GOP position should be on foreign policy, health care, education or social issues - which the party will decide when it chooses a nominee in 2012 - the GOP should focus now, and unite now, on what it will stand against- and the answer is not social issues.

Politic o ( Washington , DC )

A member of the Republican National Committee told me Tuesday that when the RNC meets in an extraordinary special session next week, it will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the "Democrat Socialist Party."

The Hill ( Washington , DC )

The No. 2 Democrat in the House on Tuesday said Americans should be provided answers on what Speaker Nancy Pelosi knew about interrogations of suspected terrorists and when she knew about it.

Salt Lake Tribune ( Salt Lake City , UT )

UT Attorney General Mark Shurtleff suffered a Twitter spasm, shooting out a series of messages while on a trade mission to Israel, apparently announcing to more than 1,600 followers that he was also going against Bennett- except, he didn't really mean to send this out.

RMC Op-Ed is running on the Huffington Post!

2009-05-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

A powerful RMC Op-Ed is running in the Huffington Post today. This article addresses the need for the Party to get back on track with an agenda focused on our core tenets of limited government intrusion. In this piece, RMC’s co-chairs explain that the tactics of exclusion are strangling the GOP, and that the common sense social moderate base is vital to the survival of the Party.

Moderate Republicans have to keep this message front and center. We strongly encourage our readers to comment on this story, which will help keep the story on a featured page and talked about, while allowing others outside RMC and RRM to see that the common sense majority of the Party is standing strong.

Please, click here, read the story and leave a comment to help spread the moderate message. Bloggers, Facebookers, and members who want to help spread our message in other ways, feel free to post the link to the story, or forward this email onto your friends and family.

Daily News Round-Up for May 12, 2009

2009-05-12T09:35:00.001-07:00

Miami Herald ( Miami , FL )

In a news release from the Republican Party of Florida e-mailed at 9:12 a.m., Gov. Charlie Crist confirmed the worst-kept secret in Florida politics: He'll run for the seat to be vacated by the retiring U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez.

Los Angeles Times ( Los Angeles , CA )

More than 1 million immigrants became U.S. citizens last year, the largest surge in history, hastening the ethnic transformation of California 's political landscape with more Latinos and Asians now eligible to vote.

The Hill ( Washington , DC )

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's (R) camp is not happy with Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele's suggestion that base Republicans had a problem with the 2008 presidential candidate's Mormonism.

New York Times ( New York , NY )
Forty-five House Democrats in the party's moderate-to-conservative wing have protested the secretive process by which party leaders in their chamber are developing legislation to remake the health care system.

Orange County Register ( Orange County , CA )

GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman continues to pull out the stops early in her campaign. She's bringing out Sen. John McCain for a town hall at 10 a.m., May 29, in Tustin .

Daily News Round-Up for May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Politics Daily ( USA )

CNN reports that FL.Gov Charlie Crist is close to announcing a run for Senate, perhaps early next week.

Louisville Courier-Journal ( Louisville , KY )

If Republicans embrace the message from extremists - further reduce a shrinking party in the name of ideological purity - they may face a long stay in the political wilderness.

PA 2010 ( Harrisburg , PA )

Former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton's name has been bandied about a lot in recent days as Republicans have cast about for a new Senate candidate. But in an interview Scranton made it clear he's not interested.

Baltimore Sun ( Baltimore , MD )

As the RNC prepares to hold a rare, special meeting later this month in the same Maryland county where he began his political rise, Michael Steele's standing as a national leader may be on the line that could stop him from sliding into irrelevance and becoming little more than an object of ridicule for his enemies.

Political Hotsheet ( USA )

"Well, if I had to choose in terms of being a Republican, I'd go with Rush Limbaugh, I think," Former VP Dick Cheney said when asked who he sided with, Limbaugh or Colin Powell- who served in the Bush Administration with Cheney.

Daily News Round-Up for May 8, 2009

2009-05-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Washington Post's The Plum Line Blog ( Washington , DC )

In a move that will surprise gay activists and liberals, a spokesperson for Focus on the Family, a top religious right group, tells me that his organization has no problem with GOP Senator Jeff Session's claim today that he's open to a Supreme Court nominee with "gay tendencies."

Gallup Polling ( USA )

Among women, Democrats maintain a solid double-digit advantage in party identification over Republicans, 41% to 27%.

Politico ( Washington , DC )

The party's road to winning back a Senate majority, it seems, is paved with moderates whose records are sure to make conservatives blanch.

Pioneer Press's Political Animal Blog ( St. Paul , MN )

Republican Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today further laid out his thinking on whether he would sign a U.S. Senate election certificate after the Minnesota Supreme Court makes its final ruling in the Franken-Coleman case.

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

The modest proposal to slice $17 billion from 121 government programs quickly ran into a buzz saw of opposition on Capitol Hill yesterday, as an array of Democratic lawmakers vowed to fight White House efforts to deprive their favorite initiatives of federal funds.

The Hill ( Washington , DC )

Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) said he would like to keep his job in the Senate, but will make a formal decision whether to seek reelection in the next few weeks based on his ability to raise money for a campaign.

Moderates are needed to win

2009-05-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Former Vice President Dick Cheney took to the airwaves yesterday and spoke to talk show host Scott Hennen. Some people are seizing on Cheney’s statement that he does not believe the Party should moderate. However, Cheney was speaking about fiscal conservatism as the core tenet of the GOP and how this must be what Republicans rally around- and how the GOP cannot become the Party of big spending. Cheney also spoke about finding real Republicans who can win across America. RRM knows that this includes moderates who can win in centrist districts, and moderates who support common sense social initiatives- which includes them being pro-choice and pro-environment. We hope that what is really meant by the former VP is that these values are the one the Party must embrace, and that the real Republican tenets are what will win us elections. RRM will be working to ensure that this message continues to be heard loud and clear, and hopes that the moderate base of the GOP continues to keep speaking out: on the blogosphere, in the news, and by contacting the GOP yourselves and telling them that real Republican candidates need to be supported- and divisive and distracting litmus tests must not be used any longer to decide who merits the Republican name.

Read Cheney’s interview here.

News Round-Up for May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

New York Times ( New York , NY )

President Obama on Thursday will unveil additional budget cuts for the coming fiscal year.

CNN ( USA )

Rush Limbaugh is continuing his ill-advised crusade to purge moderates from the GOP, and is now targeting the distinguished General Colin Powell.

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

Do primaries allow the best candidate with the most compelling message to rise to the top? Or are they typically bloody and expensive contests that distract from the general elections where there are real differences between the candidates?

Daily News Round-Up for May 6, 2009

2009-05-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Real Clear Politics ( USA )

Quinnipiac released a poll yesterday showing Tom Ridge running just a few points behind Arlen Specter in a hypothetical match-up. Importantly, the results also showed Specter below 50%. Today, Chris Cillizza reports that Ridge is interested in running.

Washington Times ( Washington , DC )

Capitulating to critics on the Republican National Committee, embattled Republican Party Chairman Michael S. Steele has signed a secret pact agreeing to controls and restraints on how he spends hundreds of millions of dollars in party funds and contracts.

PA 2010 ( Harrisburg , PA )

A small number of Pennsylvania conservatives are quietly floating an unexpected alternative to Pat Toomey for the GOP Senate primary next year: longtime Republican operative Joe Watkins.

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

Less than 24 hours after Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman's national profile received a nice -- and unexpected -- boost from the man who managed President Obama's 2008 campaign, comes words that John Weaver is providing strategic guidance to the governor who is becoming a frontrunner for the 2012 GOP Presidential candidate rumors.

Daily News Round-Up for May 5, 2009

2009-05-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

Former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge (R) is seriously considering a 2010 bid for the Senate seat held by Republican-turned-Democrat Arlen Specter and will make his decision in the next two weeks, according to several sources familiar with his thinking.

Tennessean ( Nashville , TN )

A big sign is now hanging over the GOP's "big tent" that says "No moderate need apply."

CNN Political Ticker ( USA )

A few hours after Rush Limbaugh told listeners GOP leaders launching a Republican re-branding effort hated and feared Sarah Palin, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor announced that the Alaska governor had finally accepted an invitation to join the group.

Politico ( Washington , DC )

After talking to President Barack Obama on the phone today, Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch says he believes the White House will move swiftly on its Supreme Court nominee, perhaps making an announcement by the end of this week.

Daily News Round-Up for May 4, 2009

2009-05-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Buffalo News ( Buffalo , NY )

Former Rep. Jack Kemp is today remembered in many ways following his Saturday death from cancer - Buffalo Bills quarterback, Western New York congressman, Cabinet secretary and vice presidential candidate.

Roll Call ( Washington , DC )

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge is considering running for the Republican Senate nomination in his home state, according to a senior Republican aide with knowledge of the situation.

Politico ( Washington , DC )

Senator Arlen Specter warned Republican leaders on Sunday to stand up against the right-wing Club for Growth, which helped drive the Pennsylvania senator into the Democratic Party last week.

Huffington Post ( USA )

The loss of political moderates is perhaps the best indicator of a political party in decline. When the extremes on either side of the political aisle become the dominant voice in a two-party system it tends to suggest that their beliefs are normative, diminishing the value placed on compromise, which is where moderates most often exist.

ABC News ( USA )

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest serving Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on "This Week" Sunday that President Barack Obama used "code" for an activist judge this week when describing his ideal nominee to replace retiring Justice David Souter

The GOP Must Not Alienate Its Moderates

2009-05-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

The following blog was posted by RMC Executive Director Kellie Ferguson at the Hill's Congress Blog. You can read the original post here.

As an organization who has fought to elect Republicans to Congress, it is outrageous to hear the continuous cheers from members of the GOP over Senator Specter’s Party switch. Whether or not you agree 100% with every vote Senator Specter has taken, he is a three decades long Republican leader who served on key committees and carried the GOP banner dozens of times on major issues. More disturbing is that GOP leaders are missing the fact that Specter followed over 240,000 Pennsylvania voters who left the GOP last year. These voters were socially moderate, fiscally conservative Republicans who felt so alienated by the GOP’s strident moral agenda that they turned to the Democratic Party. They are a bellwether for what is happening in States across the Nation and this cannot be ignored. Moderate Republicans like Senators Snowe and Senator Collins need to know that the real Republican majority- the moderate majority- supports them in their work and as centrists who work for their Party AND for their electorate. Senator Boxer’s comments suggesting that there is no room for pro-choice leaders in the Republican Party are way off. We need more of them and we need the moderate majority to demand more from the Party leadership, which has pandered for too long to a small faction of extremists. We have compromised our foundations by promoting risky, divisive social wedge issues and we are paying for it by losing seats and legislators across the country. Without change and wooing back of social moderate voters, the Party will continue to collapse.

Daily News Round-Up for May 1, 2009

2009-05-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

Justice David H. Souter, the Republican-appointed New England jurist who has become a reliable centrist on the Supreme Court, has told friends that he plans to retire, according to a government official.

The Week ( USA )

It ought to be obvious to any Republican why we need to make room for politicians like Snowe and Collins in our party. It's not like we have so many votes that we can afford to throw them away. And yet, some Republicans responded to the defection this week of Sen. Arlen Specter by saying: "Good riddance-don't let the door hit you on the way out."

Politico ( Washington , DC )

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is recruiting Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) to run for the Senate because it views Pat Toomey as unelectable against Sen. Arlen Specter, according to Gerlach's lead consultant.

New York Times ( New York , NY )

A longtime Democratic consultant, Anita Dunn, has been coaxed into joining President Obama in the White House, agreeing to be his communications director for up to several months until a permanent appointee is named, an administration adviser said Thursday.

News Round-Up for April 30, 2009

2009-04-30T12:03:00.001-07:00

CNN (USA)

Senator John McCain (AZ) is launching a new initiative called the National Council for a New America to help rebuild the Republican Party. Unfortunately the tentative list of participants does not include any moderates or women.

Providence Journal (Providence, RI)

Former Republican Senator and Independent gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee said that he "got a little ahead of himself" and had not intended to make an announcement for his candidacy this week.

The Hill (Washington, DC)

Some Senate Democrats are angry that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) has let Senator Arlen Specter (PA) keep his seniority after he switched parties this week.

New York Times (New York, NY)

In last nights prime time address President Obama warned about the growing crisis in Pakistan, reflected on his first 100 days in office and reminded Americans to wash their hands to stop the spread of swine flu.

RMC's Press Release on Specter Announcement

2009-04-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

Republican Majority for Choice Issues Statement on Specter Switch

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
703-739-8905
April 28, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC (April 28, 2009) - Today the Republican Majority for Choice's co-Chairs, Susan Bevan and Candy Straight, and Executive Director Kellie Ferguson issued the following statement on Senator Arlen Specter's announcement to switch parties:

"Senator Specter's decision to switch from the GOP to the Democratic Party after decades as a Republican leader in Congress delivers another blow to a hemorrhaging Republican Party that continues its march away from the mainstream.

Specter is joining the more than 240,000 former Pennsylvania Republican voters who are a microcosm of voters nationally who switched last year to the Democratic Party. The vast majority of these voters were pro-choice, fiscal conservatives who believed that the Party had become too monolithic and extreme in their agenda.

If anyone in the GOP is celebrating this day, they are completely misguided. If the Party continues to be so inhospitable to anyone who does not adhere completely to their strict dogma, then they better get used to being in the minority. Without mainstream candidates the GOP will have no ability to compete in huge pockets of the country.

This is a sad day for the GOP and we cannot waste one more minute debating 'what's next'. It's clear that we will either create an agenda that attracts voters or we will sink even further into the political abyss. The GOP can - and we believe will - regain its political power once it begins to listen to the Real Republican majority that is concerned about smaller government, fiscal responsibility, our national defense and not the social agenda that has hindered our strength as a Party."

###

Republican Majority for Choice

www.gopchoice.org

703-739-8907

Breaking News: Specter Changes Parties

2009-04-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Breaking News

Senator Arlen Specter of PA will be running in the 2010 Pennsylvania Democratic Primary. Specter was one of the senior Republican Senators. Please look on the RMC and RRM websites for our statements as this story develops.

Daily News Round-Up for April 28th, 2009

2009-04-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

Washington Post ( Washington , DC )

President Barack Obama has not yet achieved the big campaign promises he'll be judged on years from now, on health care, war, the economy and so much more. It's early, it's a colossal load and Rome wasn't built in 100 days.

Union Leader ( Manchester , NH )

Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta said yesterday he is focusing his eyes on a run for federal office in 2010. Guinta, a Republican, said yesterday that he'll announce exactly which office he'd like within a few weeks, but he ruled out a run for governor.

USA Today ( USA )

A top senator says Barack Obama's Democratic allies in Congress have sealed agreement on a budget outline for next year that endorses the president's goals of expanded health care and more money for education and clean energy.

New York Times ( New York , NY )

It was only five years ago that opposition to gay marriage was so strong that Republicans explicitly turned to the issue as a way to energize conservative voters. Yet today, as the party contemplates the task of rebuilding itself, some Republicans say social issues may be turning into more of a hindrance than a help.

Tedisco Concedes in NY-20 Special Election

2009-04-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Republican Jim Tedisco has conceded in the NY-20 election seat as the odds became further and further stacked against him. The seat was closely watched, and the election first had a close margin of less than a handful of votes between Murphy and Tedisco. However, as the absentee ballot counting placed Murphy hundreds of votes ahead and it became clear that Tedisco would be hard-pressed to win, he gracefully bowed out.

The implications for NY-20 only last until 2010, when the next election will be underway and Republicans will make a play for the seat. However, the race was seen not only as a referendum on Obama’s policies, but also for the Republicans’ ability to recover from the steep losses of the last two election cycles of 2010. Part of Tedisco’s loss involved an inability to get the vote out in the same manner that Murphy was, even though large sums of money was poured into the race by both sides. Tedisco was also unable to convince voters that they could trust the GOP despite concerns over policies of the past Administration. The GOP leadership should head this loss as a warning that our Party must broaden our reach and bring in coalitions of voters including those more moderate views on social issues.

Daily News Round-Up for April 27th, 2009

2009-04-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

NY 1 ( New York , NY )

In an exclusive interview Friday with NY1, embattled Democrat Governor David Paterson vowed to run for governor next year and scoffed at the idea of a Republican or a Democrat beating him.

Dallas Morning News ( Dallas , TX )

Rick Perry's media mongering has raised his campaign funds for his race against Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, but his extreme positions will likely cost him in votes.

Fargo Forum ( Fargo , ND )

Tim Pawlenty's campaign Web site is undergoing an update, fueling speculation that he may seek a third term as Minnesota 's governor.

Boston Globe ( Boston , MA )

Christy Mihos, who as an independent sought the state's highest post in 2006, intends to run again for governor, this time as a Republican.

Daily News Round-Up for April 24th, 2009

2009-04-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Capitol News 9 ( Albany , NY )

A finish line could be in sight in the race for the 20th Congressional District. With the numbers not looking good for Republican Jim Tedisco, sources tell Capital News 9 that Tedisco could concede to Democrat Scott Murphy as soon as Friday afternoon.

Roll Call ( Washington , DC )

Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) said Thursday that he's leaning more toward running for Senate rather than another term in the House, if he decides to run for Congress again in 2010.

Review-Journal ( Las Vegas , NV )

A New York GOP banker with roots in Nevada is exploring a run against U.S. Sen. Harry Reid.

Star-Ledger ( Trenton , NJ )

While serving as U.S. attorney for New Jersey , Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie authorized the tracking of people through their cell phones without first obtaining a warrant, the American Civil Liberties Union said yesterday.

Cornyn knows that moderates are needed to win

2009-04-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

Senator John Cornyn, the head of the NRSC, is out with a new interview with The Hill where he talks about his worries about not losing any more seats in the 2010 Senate Elections. Interestingly enough, a seat that seems worrisome to Cornyn is the Pennsylvania Senate seat- the same seat that real Republican is fighting off extremist Pat Toomey for in an already bitter primary. Cornyn recently sent a letter to Pennsylvania GOPers saying that he needed Specter to win in 2010, and Cornyn seems to fully realize that a Toomey victory would spell disaster for the PA GOP and the NRSC.

However, Cornyn did speak about the fresher faces challenging embattled Democrats, many of which includes more moderate Republicans like former Rep Rob Simmons, who is challenging Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). This might be a sign that the NRSC understands that moderate Republicans must be welcomed into the Party and whole-heartedly supported if they are going to not dip any further below the number of seats they hold now- and even win a few more. Finally, after two cycles of brutal losses, the Party seems to be getting it. We can only hope that extreme fundamentalists are able to see the same and pay attention to the signs of life emerging from the moderate base.

Daily News Round-Up For April 22, 2009

2009-04-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Detroit News ( Detroit , MI )

Rumblings of change are beginning to be heard from deep inside the Republican Party from the moderate base.

Arizona Republic ( Phoenix , AZ )

Sen. John McCain blasted President Barack Obama's global-warming plan Tuesday, saying it would hurt an already battered economy by raising energy costs for consumers and costing U.S. companies billions.

Providence Journal ( Providence , RI )

After weeks of delay by a handful of Republican opponents, the Senate voted handily on Tuesday to confirm Christopher R. Hill's nomination to be ambassador to Iraq .

Meghan McCain; McCain 08 Campaign Manager Call for Inclusion in GOP

2009-04-21T11:50:00.001-07:00

The widely covered news that Republicans who were heavily involved in the 2008 elections are openly embracing our call for the GOP had to abandon the rigid social extremism gives us hope that a return to the REAL Republican agenda could actually happen. Meghan McCain, though not a seasoned politician, does speak for a growing population. She recently took on Ann Coulter in her column with The Daily Beast, and joined Steve Schmidt, McCain 2008 campaign manager, at a gathering of the Log Cabin Republicans last week. Both McCain and Schmidt spoke out about the social extremism that grips our Party and how it is killing the GOP.

Schmidt cited the Party’s losses outside the deep South and its inability to attract younger voters is calling for the Party to drop the extremists’ favorite issue of banning gay marriage. McCain spoke personally as a young Republican and her generation’s viewpoint of the GOP. She spoke about how her love of fashion, punk rock, and tattoos makes her stand out as a Republican- along with her viewpoints on gay marriage, which she supports. McCain said the “Old Guard” of social extremists in the GOP are scared of the future. McCain’s widely covered and passionate speech is being repeated as the voice of young Republicans everywhere, who tend to be more moderate:

“What I am talking about tonight is what it means to be a new, progressive Republican. Now, some will say I can't do that. If you aren't this and that, then you're clearly a "Republican in Name Only" -- also affectionately known as a RINO. Suggesting the notion that one can be faithful to the original core values of the GOP while open to the realities of our changing world has really hit a chord with people. And it seems to be the next, natural stage of the journey I've been traveling.

It would be easy to say my generation views politics very differently from others. Maybe we're more progressive, socially liberal, or just hate arguing in lieu of actually solving the problems at hand. But what I've learned through my experiences is that these feelings are not contained to one age group. They're the growing beliefs and desires of people of all ages, races, genders, faiths, persuasions, and political parties.

So tonight, I am proud to join you in challenging the mold and the notions of what being a Republican means. I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people's lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican.

If there is one thing that gives me hope about the future of our party and the role you and the Log Cabin Republicans can play in it, it is this: There's never been a better time to speak out. People are listening. And they're more open-minded than ever before. Maybe it's because they're worried about the future. Maybe it's because they're so disenchanted with the past. It's probably a little of both.

But know this -- the moment to make a difference is now, and I am proud to share it with you. America's best days are ahead of us. And we will show our nation that we will get there together.”

While many social extremists are- as expected- condemning McCain and Schmidt for speaking out, many others are applauding their honesty. True conservatives who are fiscally responsible and socially inclusive are celebrating their statements. It’s obvious that the fight for the Party’s core is under way, and the GOP should be listening not to the social extremists who have proved that they lose with large pockets of voters; including women and younger voters. They should be working with real Republicans who champion limited government intrusion in the personal lives of Americans.

Daily News Round-Up for April 21st, 2009

2009-04-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Kansas City Star ( Kansas City , MO )

The White House rolled out its revamped office for faith-based and local charities for 60 leaders in the field last week, stressing that the office will offer a conduit to the administration but not to federal funding.

Star Tribune ( Minneapolis , MN )

Ignoring opponents' demands that he concede, Norm Coleman told the Minnesota Supreme Court Monday that a lower court got it all wrong when it ruled that Al Franken won the 2008 U.S. Senate election.

Los Angeles Times ( Los Angeles , CA )

In the first major disclosure of corruption in the $750-billion financial bailout program, federal investigators said Monday they have opened 20 criminal probes into possible securities fraud, tax violations, insider trading and other crimes.

New York Daily News ( New York , NY )

Rudy Giuliani went on the attack against Gov. Paterson and his fellow Democratic leaders Monday night, saying they should be "ashamed" about New York 's failing economy.

Daily News Round-Up for April 20th, 2009

2009-04-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

NPR (USA)

It's a bit early to be predicting winners and losers for the 2010 elections. But with lots of polls already out and fundraising figures being monitored daily, we thought it would be a good time to post our inaugural list of the top five Senate seats that are most vulnerable to switching parties in 2010.

Politicker NY (New York, NY)

With all the ballots counted (except for those that have been laid aside because of objections), Scott Murphy (D) finished with a 273-vote lead of Assemblyman Jim Tedisco (R). They will now go to court to decide if any rejected ballots will be counted.

St. Petersburg Tim es (Tampa Bay, FL)

Florida Republican Party Jim Greer chairman confirmed to the blog "The Buzz" that he's thinking of running against Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach, in 2010.

Review-Journal (Las Vegas, NV)

Rep. Dean Heller ducked questions about possible bids for U.S. senator or governor in 2010, telling reporters on Friday a re-election bid is his "plan today."

Arkansas Democrat Gazette (Fayetteville, AK)

Republican State Sen. Kim Hendren announced Saturday his plans to run in 2010 for the U.S. Senate seat held by Blanche Lincoln.

Daily News Round-Up for April 16th, 2009

2009-04-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Times Union (Albany, NY)

The Saratoga County Board of Elections finished counting ballots Wednesday, but absentee voters in the county a stronghold for Jim Tedisco did not give the Republican enough of a boost to lift him above Democrat Scott Murphy in the entire 10-county district.

The Examiner (Portland, OR)

30 years ago, Republicans made a deal with the devil when they got in bed with the religious right. Social conservatives, with their immoral and reckless war on drugs, draconian policies on women's reproductive health, and anti-intellectual, anti-science positions, have dragged the Republican Party into the mud of despair and confusion.

Hartford Courant (Hartford, CT)

Democratic U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd has jumped to an early and commanding fundraising lead over his two announced Republican challengers.

Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

In a report for federal campaign officials, Sen. David Vitter says he has more than $2.5 million in his campaign war chest. Vitter, a Republican, is up for re-election next year and has so far drawn no announced opposition -- either in the Republican primary or the general election.

Daily News Round-Up for April 15th, 2009

2009-04-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

New York Times (New York, NY)

Pat Toomey, the former head of the extremist Club for Growth, announced this morning on his new campaign Web site that he would again challenge incumbent Arlen Specter for the Republican nomination. Mr. Specter fought off a challenge from Mr. Toomey, a former congressman, in 2004.

St. Petersburg Times (Tampa Bay, FL)

His approval ratings may be sky high, but if Charlie Crist runs for the U.S. Senate, he still could face a serious primary challenge from former state House Speaker Marco Rubio.

The Hill (Washington, DC)

Several Republican lawmakers are expected at 750 Boston Tea Party-styled protests to mark the day federal taxes are due.

Star Ledger (Trenton, NJ)

State election law officials are questioning the campaign of Republican gubernatorial hopeful Steve Lonegan for stuffing dollar bills in mailings to grab the attention of donors, the candidate said yesterday.

Minnesota Court Makes Decision on Coleman/Franken Race

2009-04-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

New news has come out of Minnesota late last night on the Minnesota court decision that would help decide who will be seated as MN Senator. The court decided to throw out former Senator Norm Coleman (R)’s argument against the recount results that gave Democrat Al Franken the lead. The judges declared that the elections were held fairly and accurately, and that Franken had indeed won the election. Coleman‘s attorney has said they are filing the appeal, and he has ten days to do so before the state could seat Al Franken as Senator.

Daily News Round-Up for April 13th, 2009

2009-04-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Review Journal (Las Vegas, NV)

Republican Sharron Angle, a former assemblywoman from Reno, is exploring the prospect of running against U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2010.

Columbus Dispatch (Columbus, OH)

Republican Rob Portman, a former congressman from Cincinnati, told The Dispatch on Friday that he has collected more than $1.7 million since his first fundraising event just five weeks ago.

Times Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

In a move almost certain to fuel fresh speculation about his national ambitions, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Friday that he has agreed to write a book for a conservative publishing house about his life and policy ideas.

Nashua Telegraph (Nashua, NH)

Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta told the New Hampshire Sunday News that he will announce by the end of the month which office he will seek. He says he's been asked to run for governor, Congress and the Senate.

Daily News Round-Up for April 10th, 2009

2009-04-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Politico (Washington, DC)

The culture wars are making a comeback, but this time around, social conservatives find themselves in an unfamiliar position: playing defense.

Denver Post (Denver, CO)

State Senate President Peter Groff is poised to resign his legislative seat and take a job with President Barack Obama's administration, according to multiple sources.

Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA)

California is moving quickly to pump $415 million in federal stimulus money into upgrading job training and placement services at employment centers around the state, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Tuesday.

Fox News (USA)

The GOP needs to moderate and return to the core Republican values of standing against wasteful, big government spending if it wants to win elections.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)

U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan was irate when he accused the Justice Department of "hiding the ball" after its lawyers did not produce a document that undercut a key witness in the case of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens (R).

Daily News Round-Up for April 9th, 2009

2009-04-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

Forbes (USA)

Steve Forbes endorses Republican Chris Christie for New Jersey governor.

The Hill (Washington, DC)

A coalition of liberal groups are waging a broad national campaign to build pressure on conservative Democrats and centrist Republicans who may not support President Obama’s vision for healthcare reform.

Union Leader (Manchester, NH)

Former Republican New Hampshire U.S. Sen. Bob Smith is back at it. After mulling his future for a few months, he's announced he is a candidate for the Florida Senate seat being vacated by Mel Martinez.

Wall Street Journal (USA)

President Barack Obama plans to request new funding from Congress for the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, but he risks a backlash from antiwar lawmakers.

Another Special Election Wraps Up

2009-04-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

The special election to replace former Congressman and now Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in Illinois’s 5th District has wrapped up with Democrat Mike Quigley winning over 70% of the vote. The 5th District race had been hotly contested in the Democratic Primary, and as the Blageojevich scandal broke, many wondered if the GOP would be able to make inroads into heavily Democratic districts due to the scandal. However, it appears that no such inroads were made in this election. The remaining votes are split between Republican Rosanna Pulido and Green Party nominee Matt Reichel.This is a Democrat-safe district, and it has not been nearly as competitive as the New York 20th race to replace now Senator Kristen Gillibrand. That race is waiting on military absentee ballots and is still neck to neck.

Daily News Round-Up for April 8th, 2009

2009-04-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, AK)

Gov. Sarah Palin plans to raise money for the re-election campaign of Alaska Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and hopes to end speculation she might challenge Murkowski in the primary for the U.S. Senate next year.

Bloomberg News (USA)

Republican Norm Coleman’s dwindling chances of reclaiming his U.S. Senate seat largely depend on a broad reading of the Supreme Court’s Bush v. Gore decision, a ruling the court itself said should be applied sparingly.

Chicago Trib une (Chicago, IL)

Democratic Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley claimed victory tonight in the 5th District race to replace Rahm Emanuel in Congress.

St. Petersburg Times (Tampa Bay, FL)

Outgoing agriculture commissioner Charles Bronson confirms to bloggers that he's seriously looking at running for governor if Charlie Crist runs for Senate.

Chicago Sun-Times (Chicago, IL)

A congressional ethics board has launched a preliminary inquiry into U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.), related to President Obama's vacant Senate seat and the corruption investigation of ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Daily News Round-Up for April 7th

2009-04-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT)

Mitt Romney will be back in the state today to raise money for Sen. Bob Bennett's re-election campaign.

St. Petersburg Times (St. Petersburg, FL)

Gov. Charlie Crist stoked the coals of speculation Friday night at the black caucus dinner when he shook a few hands and said something not-so-cryptic to Democratic leader and Congressional candidate Al Lawson of Tallahassee.

Chicago Sun Times (Chicago, IL)

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) has already raised $1.1 million in the 28 days since he announced he was "exploring" a run for U.S. Senate.

Daily News Round-Up for April 6, 2009

2009-04-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Associated Press (USA)

The staid Capitol Hill Club dining room was quiet. Except for former Rep. Rob Simmons, who is taking on Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT).

Roanoke Times (Roanoke, VA)

Virginia Republicans took the extraordinary step of dumping extremist Chairman Jeff Frederick on Saturday, hoping to put an end to a tumultuous, 10-month period marked by missteps, controversy and defeat at the polls.

New York Daily News (New York, NY)

Officially, Rudy Giuliani says he won't decide until the fall whether to run for governor next year. Unofficially, his schedule reveals a man who's keeping his options open - very open.

St. Paul Pioneer Press (St. Paul, MN)

Former U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman is no longer denying the FBI has contacted him in its inquiry into allegations that a longtime friend and benefactor tried to funnel $100,000 his way via his wife's employer.

The Buffalo News (Buffalo, NY)

A familiar figure in New York politics who has evaded the spotlight for almost a decade surfaced in Buffalo on Saturday as he explores a possible Republican campaign for governor.

Daily News Round-Up for April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Politicker NY (Albany, NY)

As voting machines are re-canvassed, Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco has picked up 37 votes, evaporating Democrat Scott Murphy's lead in the race to replace Kirsten Gillibrand in Congress, according to county election.

Washington Times (Washington, DC)

Conservatives on the 168-member Republican National Committee are pressing a reluctant RNC Chairman Michael S. Steele to call a party meeting that would focus criticism on President Obama's stimulus package and its backers -- including three Republican senators who voted for it.

Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, AK)

Gov. Sarah Palin and the head of the Alaska Republican Party said Thursday that Sen. Mark Begich should give his Senate seat up to a special election now that prosecutors have abandoned their case against Ted Stevens.

Denver Post (Denver, CO)

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet raised $1.37 million in the first three months of 2009, a record for a Colorado Senate candidate in an off-year before an election.

New York Times (New York, NY)

The House and Senate approved budgets of about $3.5 trillion for the government on Thursday with no Republican support.

Tell the RNC What You Want for the Future of the GOP

2009-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

There's a great opportunity to tell the Republican National Committee what you think -- We need all mainstream Republicans to respond ASAP!

Real Republicans from across the country have received a new survey from the Republican National Committee. The RNC is requesting opinions about the national agenda and future GOP priorities. Not surprisingly, a focus on 'morality' issues and a 'pro-life' agenda are included heavily in this survey.

As mainstream Republicans, we support an inclusive GOP that does NOT focus on divisive issues. We want the Party to get back to business and back to our core principles as the champion of personal freedom and limited government intrusion.

The RNC needs to hear from REAL Republicans like you about the harm their divisive social tactics and the exclusionary Platform has done to the GOP. This is the time to make your voice heard - let's get the message through to Chairman Michael Steele and the rest of the RNC. Click here to fill out the survey.

Please read the responses below and feel free to use them or customize them for your response to the survey.

For question 3:

"What are the weaknesses of the Republican Party?"

Possible "other" answers

Emphasis on divisive social wedge issues

Pandering to the social extreme of the Party

Exclusionary tactics that drive away moderates

For question 6:

"What can the Republican Party do to earn and maintain your trust?"

Possible answers

The tactic of using divisive and private wedge social issues such as abortion is driving away voters. Women and moderate Republicans are not drawn to this incendiary and exclusionary tactic, and I feel that it violates the tenets of the GOP.

Be more inclusive and welcoming to socially moderate, fiscal conservatives. 240,000 voters switched from the GOP to the Democratize Party just last year in the very key swing state of Pennsylvania. The vast majority of them said they were pro-choice and thought the Party was too controlled by the religious right. We have to stop pandering.

Concentrate on small government and fiscal conservatism, not issues like abortion. This clearly isn't working- let's drop the extremism and bring back small government, personal responsibility, and fiscal conservatism- the real strengths of the GOP.

I'm a Republican because I want my rights protected and government kept out of my private business and decisions. I am saddened to see that the Republican Party has become so extreme on social issues that I cannot support it any further. For the Party to truly earn my vote and trust back, it must show a more inclusionary face and bring back the Big Tent.

Again, RMC strongly encourages each and every one of our members to make their voices heard. Now is the time to act: fill out the survey now.

Updates from the Northeast

2009-04-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today, RRM has two updates on races in the Northeast: the NY-20 Special Election that took place on Tuesday and has yet to be resolve, and the 2010 CT Senate Race. In NY-20, Democrat Scott Murphy’s lead of 59 votes has been sliced down by more than half to 25 votes, and this includes none of the military and overseas absentee ballots that will not be counted until April 13th. Both sides are predicting a win in this tightly contested and highly watched race. Keep checking back with RRM for more details as developments occur.

In Connecticut, the 2010 Senate race continues to heat up for Senator Chris Dodd (D) and former Rep. Rob Simmons (R). Simmons, a real Republican who represented Connecticut’s 2nd District as a strong fiscal conservative and bipartisan legislator, is still incredibly popular in the state. This is shown by a new Quinnipiac University poll, taken last week, which shows Simmons leading Dodd 50-34%. This has come after weeks of questions about Senator Dodd’s role in the recent financial crisis and his ties to AIG and Countrywide Financial. We will continue to update our members and our blog as this race continues to develop.

Daily News Round-Up for April 2, 2009

2009-04-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

The margin of votes between Jim Tedisco (R) and Scott Murphy (D) shrank to just 25 votes yesterday alone, and absentee ballots have not yet been counted.

Politico (Washington, DC)

The legal fight between Al Franken and Norm Coleman is headed to the desk of Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

New York Times (New York, NY)

House Republicans on Wednesday offered a budget vision sharply at odds with the Democratic proposal, calling for sweeping tax cuts, major changes in Medicare and a suspension of the economic stimulus program.

NY-20 Race Continues

2009-04-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Polls closed last night in New York's 20th District, but that doesn't mean that a winner has been declared. This morning, the race remains too close to call, with Scott Murphy leading Jim Tedisco by 59 votes. The election will be decided by the thousands of absentee ballots received, which are likely not going to be totaled until mid-April. Both sides refused to concede to the other. Both Parties have played large roles in this election, with the DNC and RNC paying close attention to this race. Here are the current votes as of this morning:

Murphy: 77,344

Tedisco: 77,285

RRM will be watching this race closely as the absentee ballots are tallied, and will update our blog on any important developments as the election is decided.

Daily News Round-Up for April 1, 2009

2009-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

The race in the 20th Congressional District between Republican Jim Tedisco and Democrat Scott Murphy is too close to call. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Murphy leads Tedisco by only 59 votes, 77,344 to 77,285.

St. Paul Pioneer Press (St. Paul, MN)

With a unanimous decision to examine only 400 more rejected absentee ballots, a Minnesota elections court Tuesday made it virtually impossible for Republican Norm Coleman to win his current challenge to Democrat Al Franken's lead in the U.S. Senate race.

Anchorage Daily News (Anchorage, AK)

Its official: Gov. Sarah Palin is out as the headliner at the one of the biggest Republican gatherings of the year, the Senate-House dinner in Washington D.C.

San Jose Mercury News (San Jose, CA)

In the strongest signal yet of her political ambitions, Carly Fiorina said Tuesday that she is "seriously considering" challenging U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer in next year's California Senate race.

Washington Post (Washington, DC)

The Justice Department filed court papers this morning asking a federal judge to toss out the conviction of former Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) on corruption charges.

Daily News Round-Up for March 31, 2009

2009-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

MSNBC (USA)

The Republican National Committee is shedding more staff under newly elected Chairman Michael Steele’s tenure.

New Britain Herald (New Britain, CT)

Embattled Democratic U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd acknowledged Monday “that there are those who want my job 20 months from now, but that’s politics. It looks like it will be a mud-throwing campaign. I didn’t get elected to get re-elected. No one’s indispensable.”

The Hill’s Briefing Room Blog (Washington, DC)

Republican Jim Tedisco and Democrat Scott Murphy are both getting help from big name players in their parties who have cut robocalls to aid their GOTV efforts as today's special election closes in.

The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City, OK)

Rep. Tom Cole announced Monday that he won’t be among running for Governor.

Washington Post’s The Plum Line (Washington, DC)

Multiple Democratic strategists say the party plans to increasingly elevate Gov. Sarah Palin in the same manner it has employed Rush Limbaugh, using her high-visibility, her social conservatism, and memories of her harsh attacks on Obama during the campaign to tar the GOP.

Bloomberg News (USA)

President Barack Obama’s steps to force a restructuring by U.S. automakers drew a mixed reaction from members of Congress, with some Republicans criticizing the forced resignation of General Motors Corp. Chief Executive Richard Wagoner.