BUSINESS, LIFESTYLE, POLITICS…FROM THE CENTERRIGHT
California Water Politics McCain’s Moment of Decision MEDVED: Embracing Life’s Losers Volume 2 Issue 2
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HUG H HEWITT
A Divided Court, A United Party: B H H
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JAMES L I L E K S
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Jerry Slusiewicz Principal/Portfolio Manager Pacific Financial Planners 660 Newport Center Drive Ste. 800 Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel: 949.219.0692 Fax :949.219.0695 email: jerry@pfpinvest.com
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Almost two years ago to the day, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-C A), announced that she had a “commonsense plan to help bring down skyrocketing gas prices.”
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MATTERS OF STATE
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The Big Picture
Delta Smelt
California Aquaduct
SoCal Solutions
MakingStrides
is Always Greener with Aqua-PhyD 14
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CO MMU N IT Y
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The Gnatcatcher, Pocket Mouse and surfers all have a say in stopping the completion of the 241. 16
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Governor Bobby Jindal and his wife,Supriya at his gubernatorial inauguration. 18
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A Track Record of Results
An American Story
Jindal and family at church services.
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A Conservative Core Ideology
Moving the Needle
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Tad Baltzer, Senior Associate
Photo: Michael J. Gilmore
Photo: Michael J. Gilmore
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Photo Courtesy NIxon Library
Photo Courtesy NIxon Library
V. I . P. S I N T H E O C
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God Gold Written by Walter Russell Mead
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Most conservatives and even some liberals acknowledge thatSenator McCain is an effective legislator and possesses the gravitas and leadership skills necessary to be president. As a bona fide American hero, he has valiantly defended American principles, and his resume contains sterling national security credentials. McCain is quite capable of leading this great republic into a challenging future, but the burning question remains. Who will he tap as a running mate at this summer’s GOP National Convention and how will his decision impact the November election? Also, how much will the Democrat’s choice of a presidential candidate impact McCain’s choice as a running mate? Moreover, what other considerations must be factored in to the final selection given the complexities of this election cycle? Playing the fictional role of McCain’s personal V.P. selection advisor, let us take a closer look at the likely choices.
Controversial V. P. Choices History has taught us that some Republican presidents have chosen running mates that were controversial. McCain should avoid choosing a fusion candidate as Abraham Lincoln did by selecting Andrew Johnson for his second term. Johnson was actually a War Democrat, who served out the balance of Lincoln’s term (1865-69), as an ineffective president following Lincoln’s assassination. Johnson opposed civil rights for freed slaves, and barely escaped an impeachment conviction by one Senate vote.
McCain’s Moment of Decision B C M
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Eighty-eight years later, Dwight D. Eisenhower gave the nod to Richard Nixon, a man with whom he had a frosty relationship. Eisenhower and Nixon were said to have been on ambivalent terms throughout their eight years together (1953-1961). Nixon made the leap from vice president to president in 1968, and was generally effective until the Watergate scandal unraveled his administration and led to his resignation. George H.W. Bush tapped a young Dan Quayle to be his V.P., and Bush ended up as a one-term president. Quayle was a lightweight with limited legislative experience. If Bush had chosen a heftier candidate and kept his no new taxes pledge, he might have been able to defeat Clinton/ Gore, but we’ll never know for sure.
would allow individuals to have greater autonomy in choosing health care and retirement programs. An excellent V.P. would favor fair taxes, tax cuts, and a greater use of the
Some Republican presidents made strong VP selections.
Constitution as they interpret laws and render opinions on legal cases. A wise running mate would advise McCain to be more assertive when exposing the socialist anti-liberty agenda of his Democratic opponent.
Stronger V.P. Choices
tandem. After McKinley’s untimely death in late 1901, Teddy Roosevelt served out the remainder of the term, then was elected in his own right in 1904. Roosevelt was a larger than life president who had a wealth of experience before he became vice president. Roosevelt was an effective, popular president who coined the phrase, “Speak softly, and carry a big stick; it will take you far.” He applied this bargaining practice to both domestic and foreign policies. He also beefed up the armed forces, established our national park system, and won the Nobel Peace Prize. In Campaign 2000, George W. Bush gave the nod to Dick Cheney, an older man with a substantial resume. Usually, vice-presidents aren’t highly visible, but Cheney has parlayed his experience into a formidable role as advisor and steady partnership. So who should McCain choose and what should he consider?
Political Philosophy
McCain should choose an individual that shares similar conservative views on the role of government, as well as conservative cultural and social values. A V.P. should also focus on the long-term interests of strong border security, natural liberty, and legal immigration.
goal of the fanatic extremists is to demolish the foundations of democracy and liberty. A potential running mate must also know that peace through strength is best in confronting nations such as China, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela. Moreover, a strong candidate can be a crucial tie-breaking vote in the Senate, and could endorse balanced budgets, streamlined government, and an overhaul of several unsustainable entitlement programs. Structural reforms
Newt Gingrich. A strong candidate would remind McCain that this country must further develop its own energy resources to in Alaska’s ANWR, other U.S. land areas, offshore areas, and increasing energy trade with Canada. Most Americans favor environmental protection, but they also want to balance it with economic prosperity. McCain’s V.P. ought to share his values regarding nonactivist judges that refrain from enforcing, or writing
Demographics First, the selection process should consider the issue of age. If he is elected 44th president in November, he will be 72 years old, which would make him the oldest president an energetic, younger V.P. that will add a sense of vitality to the ticket. By selecting a mature V.P. (not too young and not too old) and one that the electorate could foresee taking the reigns as president, it would reinforce the notion that the office will be in capable hands should McCain leave office sooner than expected. With regard to religion, McCain might want to consider selecting a Catholic to help carry important communities in swing states. However, as is the case with age, ethnicity, gender, region, and religion, no single demographic trait will offer a silver bullet solution. A strong partner will need to be well-rounded and be a viable presidential candidate in 2012.
Geography It is crucial McCain choose a running mate that represents a geographic balance to McCain’s Southwest. Physical distances can be moderate, as evidenced by the successes of the Bush/Cheney and Clinton/Gore tickets, but balance is important. By selecting a governor or a popular legislator from an important swing state, McCain could leverage that individual’s name ID and their extensive grassroots political organizations.
Bottom Line A VP selection on the Republican ticket must appeal to a broad range of voters with diverse backgrounds. A successful partnership will resonate with middle class workers, the conservative base, some libertarians, moderate democrats, independents, and swing voters.
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Continued from page 31
The Short List
Longshots
Mitt Romney Mitt Romney is a seasoned leader and executive from the Northeast. He was the governor of Massachusetts and a wildly successful business executive. As a former presidential campaign rival of McCain, Mitt Romney has an existing political organization and national name ID. Romney appeals to the fiscal and social conservative base, and he offers a strategic balance to the ticket. Importantly, he is energetic and understands how the real world operates. Romney lacks national security experience (which would be offset by McCain’s extensive national security resume). While Romney’s faith as a Mormon has been endlessly scrutinized during the primary, it still represents a wildcard factor in a general election.
Mike Huckabee / Rick Perry Former Arkansas governor and ex-presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, and Texas governor Rick Perry could also be on the short list. Both have deep roots in the South, both are youthful, and both men have successfully coped with the burdens of bipartisan leadership. Additionally, they both endorse sound fiscal policies and socially conservative values. It is unknown how either of these two would resonate in a general election outside the South. Jon Huntsman / Dirk Kempthorne / Ed Schafer Jon Huntsman, Jr. is only 48 years old, comes from a business background, and speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese. He could assist with any future negotiations with China and Taiwan. Some of his policies have facilitated economic growth in Utah. He could be ready to serve and is wrapping up his term this year. Like Romney, the impact of his Mormon faith is an unknown in a general election. Dirk Kempthorne of Idaho is a former Senator and governor. He is currently the Interior Secretary in the Bush Cabinet. Ed Schafer is a former two-term North Dakota governor and is currently serving as the Agriculture
Tim Pawlenty Minnesota governor, Tim Pawlenty would be an excellent complement to McCain. Pawlenty is a self-made success story and is currently serving his second term. He has exercised fiscal and social conservative leadership wisely, and has led trade delegations to several countries. He firmly endorses free markets and free trade. At age 47 his youth could be a factor, but he appears to be mature beyond his years. Jeb Bush His last name is “Bush” and his brother is the relatively unpopular two term president. reform minded former two-term governor of Florida. He has loads of private sector and civic experience that has appealed to a broad spectrum of voters. Unlike the federal government after Hurricane Katrina, he went on offense when Florida was hit by hurricane disasters. With the help of current Florida governor, Charlie Crist and Senator Mel Martinez, a very important swing state could end up in the McCain column come November.
age, geography, and political philosophy. Both men would enhance McCain’s standing in the Northwest.
Conclusion offer support as McCain and his running mate take their leaders and GOP leaders will inspire new voter registration, and get out the vote initiatives. Rising GOP stars such as Governor Bobby Jindal (see feature article), and Governor Sarah Palin from Alaska, could pump up voters during the campaign, and inspire them with speeches at the GOP National Convention. If these leaders convey a persuasive message of individual empowerment, genuine change, and robust national security, John McCain and his running mate can emerge from this marathon election cycle as the victors in November. Likewise, McCain and his running mate could accelerate the aspirations of GOP political figures that seek office at the local, state, and national levels. In the final analysis, national elections aren’t won due to endorsements, media pundits, or highly flawed polls. Some would argue they are not even decided by the choice of a polling booths on the first Tuesday in November. n Christian P. Milord is an educator, a USCG veteran, and a writer .
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Voter ID:
Crawford v. Marion County Election Board B K C
In Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld an Indiana law, which requires—gasp—voters to show identification up their pre-written responses: “Voter suppression!” “Disenfranchisement!!” “Intimidation!” A dissenting Justice side replied: “What’s the big deal?” Well, what is the big deal? Have Indiana and the Supremes actually brought about the end of the Republic? Or, is it possible that a state might have an interest in making sure elections are fair in order to preserve the Republic? To increase fairness in its elections, Indiana now makes voters prove they are who they say they are. 99% of Indiana’s voting-aged citizens already have I.Ds. For the rest, the law allows a provisional vote.
“What we are also talking about is the modern liberal’s condescending view ofthe poor.” of registered voters having to vote provisionally speaks to where we are politically—and rhetorically—as a nation. For an example of the over-the-top response, the Wall Street Journal quoted the NAACP’s Hilary Shelton as saying the decision was “the Supreme Court…[deciding] to disenfranchise voters across Indiana.” In fact, the ruling was about protecting the legitimacy of elections versus undue burdens on voters. But in a country so closely divided politically, the case is rhetoric serves a political purpose: that fraction of 1% of voters might just turn an election. As we learned in 2000, a few hundred votes here and a few hundred there, and pretty soon we’re talking about the presidency. What we are also talking about is the modern liberal’s condescending view of “the poor.” Namely, they are incapable of taking care of themselves. It is, according to the liberal nannies, not possible for a ‘simple’ poor person to get an I.D. and take it to the poll. To demand as much unduly burdens their ability to vote.
But choosing the leader of the free world is a burden too. How ‘easy’ ought it to be, if ease invites fraud? If “the poor” cannot be “disenfranchised” by showing I.D., isn’t it possible that you might be disenfranchised by a scammer voting without an I.D.? For every fraudulent voter a real voter has been “disenfranchised.” And that is the heart of this case. Republicans in Indiana believe it is the state’s opponents see this as keeping some traditional Democratic voters might not be traditionally legal voters does not diminish their fervor—the sinister-minded might wonder if it actually increases their fervor.
Mimi Walters has twice authored anti-voter-fraud legislation in Sacramento. Her 2005 bill would have required, like Indiana, photo I.D. Her more recent bill would’ve required proof of citizenship to register. If your immediate response to those ideas is not “racism!” then you probably think “what the…those aren’t laws already?” Sadly, they are not. In California, poll workers cannot ask you for a photo I.D.—even if they know you aren’t who you say you are. Should the most solemn act in a democratic republic—voting—be limited to those that can prove they are citizens of that republic? Well, it depends on who you ask in Sacramento. Party-line conformity broke down, however, in Washington, D.C. Generally, the court is seen as center-right by a 5 to 4 margin. Justice Stevens is one of the “liberal four.” Yet he authored the Crawford decision. His ‘unliberal’ conclusion was that the state’s interest in protecting statute to the vast majority of Indiana voters is amply justified by the valid interest in protecting ‘the integrity and reliability of the electoral process.’” To translate the legalese, Justice Stevens answered our earlier question with a simple “I.Ds. are no big deal.” n
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THE POLITICAL BACKROOM
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Limited government. Low taxes. Pro-business. That’s not asking too much, is it? Fighting government expansion is a never-ending battle. As the 2008 election heats up, the Lincoln Club of Orange County will be at the forefront of defending political and economic freedom by promoting the principles of its namesake. Amplify your voice by joining with us. Find out how membership in the Lincoln Club can help promote and advance your values. To learn more, call (714) 505-0115 or email membership@lincolnclub.org.
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