Kelly Ayotte Won't Answer Whether Obama is a Socialist?

Somebody please (4.00 / 5)

ask her if she thinks Obama is the anti-christ.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.

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by: rambler american @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 06:32:43 AM CDT

you do a lot with a flat head 6 n/t (4.00 / 1)

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 07:16:12 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you (4.00 / 1)

and it only cost $1500.00 new.

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.

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by: rambler american @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 10:46:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

(SlapsForehead) (4.00 / 1)

WOW!  I coulda had a V8!

...the Doo Dah Man once told me you've got to play your hand. Sometimes the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.

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by: rambler american @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 12:42:39 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Winning In 2010 (4.00 / 2)

Dean -- The fact is that she, or another Republican nominee, will be strong entering toward November, 2010.  The results of 2006 and 2008, whether the 10% bump Barack Obama had last November or the success of Democratic candidates during the past two election cycles, won't predict what happens in 2010.  It's another election.  New conditions.  Much will depend on national issues like the economy, Afghanistan and Iraq, and the way Congress finally passes, or not, health insurance reform.

That's why we need a candidate for United States Senate who will contrast on the national and international issues.  Paul Holdes, if he's the nominee, needs to be stronger in his position to withdraw from Afghanistan and Iraq -- and not have the "I'll follow the President" approach.  The Republican is likely to say about the same thing -- in fact, some are already calling for getting out of Afghanistan and not surging more troops there.  We'll shortly go over the 1,000 Americans killed body-bag count as we enter our 9th year of that war in October -- plus many thousands of other human beings killed.

And he has to be sure he's not vulnerable to attacks about his fundraising, which right now seems to be an "I'll take it" attitude for just about any interest offering dollars.  

If he doesn't do that, we should be open to another candidate who might.  Too much is at stake nationally and internationally to play politics as usual, or to give up an opportunity to win the United States Senate seat in 2010.

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 06:51:48 AM CDT

JonnyBBad - Troll Rating (4.00 / 1)

I thought Troll Rating was reserved for those commentaries that are excessively negative and don't contribute to positive dialogue.

I would think a warning about what we're facing in November 2010, and urging a potential nominee of our party to beware of his/her fundraising and positioning on Afghanistan and Iraq, is a positive thing.  

Cut me off, don't listen, troll rate me -- the fact is we're not learning from the lessons of the past, either in our international involvements, or elections.  We're far from assured of victory in November, 2010 -- those of us who lived through other "ups" and "downs" of New Hampshire politics can attest to that.  

Not to involve and listen to voices questionning the prevailing political attitudes on www.BlueHampshire.com puts us in ever more peril.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 07:29:46 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

The news this morning, (0.00 / 0)

which seems not to have been widely reported is that Russia has announced it won't put missiles near Poland, since the U.S. is not putting up its miserable missile fence there.

Of course, I'm still of the opinion that the Poland thing was a red herring.  Though the Poles had dollar signs in their eyes.  It's easy to give up something you weren't wanting to do anyway.  

That said, prior "ups" and "downs" are no more predictive than the last two election cycles.  Only when you've got zombie voters can you count on an unwavering base.  The investigations of Bush/Cheney are a real wild card and going forward without a lot of fan-fare.  Just like the resolution of the missiles for Poland.

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by: hannah @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 09:48:18 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Jim - Why do you want our candidates to be underfunded? Do you LIKE losing? (4.00 / 3)

Jim -

I disagree with the Emperor's decision to troll rate you.  Your words and opinions do not deserve that.

And I won't tackle the Hodes/Afghanistan issue here, as that merits a separate diary.  It is worth noting, though, that Paul is not taking the "I'll follow the President" approach; in contrast, he challenged the Obama Administration to develop an exit strategy.

I want to discuss this point, which you have made in several other diaries during the past few days:

And he has to be sure he's not vulnerable to attacks about his fundraising, which right now seems to be an "I'll take it" attitude for just about any interest offering dollars.

 

As a proud Hodes contributor, I take offense to this statement, especially since Paul's #1 campaign donor this cycle is ActBlue.  He has also received more contributions from organized labor than almost any other member, a reflection of his steadfast dedication to the rights of America's workers.

As for corporate contributions, they certainly have not dampered Paul's support for comprehensive health care reform, strong environmental protections, fair tax policy, global human rights, congressional ethics, and corporate accountability.  Congressman Hodes has been one of the House's most fervent proponents on all of these issues, and will continue this record in the Senate.

Paul is also a dedicated supporter of campaign finance and lobbying reform.  But he won't unilaterally disarm and cede the airwaves to the right-wing nutbags and their designated liars.

Jim, I haven't been engaged in NH politics for as long as you have, but I remember the pre-Shaheen days -- when our candidates were consistently unable to make their voices heard in a one-party state.  I was around when Steve Merrill turned Wayne King into an extremist, and Craig Benson savaged Mark Fernald, all without means for a rebuttal.  I remember 1998, when Mary Rauh (following her husband's lead) stupidly capped her own contributions at $250 a person, and then was outspent 2:1 -- blowing a clean shot at Bass in a Democratic year.  And I recall supporting folks like Barney Brannen, Bill Verge, Jim Donchess, Paul Hodes ('04), and a litany of other fine progressives who were savaged by right-wing lies and lacked the resources to rebut them.  

If you care about winning, Jim, then you must ask yourself:  Do we expect that Republican lies and slanders will not be a problem in 2010?  And, if  they are, why do we want to deny ourselves the ability to fight back?

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 08:46:43 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hodes PAC Contributions (4.00 / 4)

Since you have repeatedly cast aspersions on Paul's fundraising, I am posting below a complete list of PACs that have donated at least $5K to the Hodes for Senate campaign in this election cycle.  (See any themes?)

Int'l Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ($12K)
United Food and Commercial Workers Union ($10K)
American Association for Justice ($10K)
AFSCME ($5K)
American Postal Workers Union ($5K)
Boilermakers Union ($5K)
BRIDGE PAC - Rep. J. Clyburn ($5K)
Fund for the Majority - Sen. M. Udall ($5K)
Glacier PAC - Sen. M. Baucus ($5K)
Green Mountain PAC - Sen. P. Leahy ($5K)
Impact - Sen. C. Schumer ($5K)
Ind. Insurance Agents and Brokers ($5K)
Laborers Union ($5K)
Machinists Union ($5K)
National Community Action Foundation ($5K)
National PAC - Pro-Israel ($5K)
National Ass'n of Insurance and Fin Advisors ($5K)
Operating Engineers Union ($5K)
Plumbers and Pipefitters Union ($5K)
Prairie PAC - Sen. R. Durbin ($5K)
Priority PAC - Sen. M. Pryor ($5K)
SEIU ($5K)
Sheet Metal Workers Union ($5K)
Teamsters Union ($5K)

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 09:04:02 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thank you (4.00 / 2)

Thank you for posting, as not only does Congressman Hodes have nothing to be defensive about, Jim Splaine has nothing to complain about. That "I'll take it" coment was way off base.  



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 10:49:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here's a theme (4.00 / 2)

No group has donated enough that their contribution is absolutely vital, so let's not worry too much about anyone being beholden to anyone.

Furthermore, the huge majority of candidates for Congress take what money they can get.  They have to.  Unless there's evidence that it influences their legislative behavior (and in this case, there isn't), it's unfair to condemn a candidate for it--especially when the other candidates in the race do the same.

--
@DougLindner

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 11:58:37 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Want To See Us Win... (0.00 / 0)

...and not be underfunded.  But that also means being very careful as to where one raises money, so you're not vulnerable to attacks on those sources.  

It's also not how much you raise; it's how you spend on your campaign.  It's your messages. It's your selection of issues.  It's the way you express your positions on those issues.  While money counts, it doesn't talk -- the candidate does that.  

Money can indeed fund a campaign, and I'm not going to focus on attacking our candidates on where they are getting their funding -- our opponents will do that, and I'd rather bring attention to where the Republicans get their money.  

But I do think we have to encourage our candidates to be careful, and I want to raise that concern.  We have to be extra careful in OUR fundraising if we are to be effective at attacking the fundraising of the Republican candidates, and their eventual nominees.

And yes, I DO think people care about who influences their elected officials.  EVERY contribution from a PAC comes with something attached -- either an indication of a vote on an issue, or access, or an agreement to back an issue.  

And a lot of those PACs also raise THEIR money from sources which are hidden -- the money is flowed into a neat-sounding PAC (such as "Committee For A Wonderful America") and thereby essentially laundered.  That's also why we should encourage our candidates to be careful, and to critically think about, where they raise their funds.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 19:30:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

In Response (0.00 / 0)

But that also means being very careful as to where one raises money, so you're not vulnerable to attacks on those sources.

Based on the contributions that Paul has received, there is not the slightest reason to believe that he's "vulnerable to attacks" of any kinds.  Do you object to labor unions and Democratic Senators, Jim?

It's also not how much you raise; it's how you spend on your campaign.  It's your messages. It's your selection of issues.  It's the way you express your positions on those issues.  While money counts, it doesn't talk -- the candidate does that.

Agreed.  Unfortunately, no one hears the candidate talk if he/she isn't dedicated to the back-breaking, humbling work of fundraising before the general election.  (Dennis Kucinich had a great message in the last primary.  But how many voters had even heard of him?)

EVERY contribution from a PAC comes with something attached -- either an indication of a vote on an issue, or access, or an agreement to back an issue.

 

As opposed as I am to our current system of campaign financing, your statement is untrue.  Some PAC money just goes to candidates who share the views of the PAC -- like the labor money that was donated to Paul.

Given that right-wing corporations will give multiples of these amounts to Ayotte, why don't you think that labor should have a place at the table?  Do you really think that Paul is "vulnerable" because of the money that postal workers and firemen have given him?

That's also why we should encourage our candidates to be careful, and to critically think about, where they raise their funds.  

Jim, your repeated insinuations about Hodes for Senate fundraising -- as a "vulnerability" and a reason to recruit another candidate -- are beneath you.  There is no reason to believe that Paul has done anything other than fight like hell for progressive principles and raise the money to defend them against a Republican attack machine that is already targeting this Senate seat as a "must win" prize.  

Congressman Hodes deserves better than these back-handed assaults. And, based on the high quality of commentary you normally bring to Blue Hampshire, you KNOW better.

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by: Dartmouth Dem @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 21:21:52 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

pardon me...rating rescinded (4.00 / 3)

I was too lazy too write.

Annie 2012!

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by: JonnyBBad @ Mon Sep 21, 2009 at 09:21:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Improper use of troll rating. n/t (4.00 / 4)

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 08:52:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A shift in attitude toward government solving problems? (4.00 / 4)

So Ayotte will run to preserve the Republican model of government failing to solve problems, from Katrina to health care?

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by: elwood @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 07:37:54 AM CDT

As opposed to government telling people how to behave? (0.00 / 0)

Is she for it or agin it?

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by: hannah @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 09:51:50 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

These people are nuts (4.00 / 1)

To win a Republican primary these days, you have to be to the right of Attila the Hun.  

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by: Scoonie @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 08:34:13 AM CDT

I resemble that remark. Atilla the Hun is what my houseguest calls me. n/t (4.00 / 1)

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by: hannah @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 09:52:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

A few other questions (4.00 / 1)

Do you agree with the Bush doctrine?

Do you believe in evolution?

Have you ever smoked nonmedical marijuana?

Have you ever had an illegal immigrant clean your house?

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by: JimC @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 11:19:36 AM CDT

There is no Bush Doctrine (0.00 / 0)

Let's not pretend Iraq was an example of pre-emptive war against an imminent threat.

--
@DougLindner

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by: Douglas E. Lindner @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 12:04:48 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Cokie's Law (0.00 / 0)

It's out there.

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by: JimC @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 14:34:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Is the President of the United States (4.00 / 1)

a United States' citizen?

birch, finch, beech

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by: Dean Barker @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 14:11:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Questions? (4.00 / 3)

Whatever happened to Amelia Earhart?
Who holds the stars up in the sky
Is true love just once in a lifetime?
Did the captain of the Titanic cry?

Does anybody know the way to Atlantis?
Or what the wind says when she cries?

And why is Kelly Ayotte running for senate?



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Sat Sep 19, 2009 at 19:06:37 PM CDT

[ Parent ]