Congressman Perriello fooled many VA5 voters during the last election. Although he was able to ride a wave created by the perfect storm and only pulled off a questionable 727 vote victory, he is slick and not to be underestimated. Starting next month, little Tommy and his friends will most likely own the news media in VA5. It is my understanding he is going to hit the town hall circuit again, and will get his made-for-TV face all over the news. This will begin to eat away some of the very impressive lead Robert Hurt enjoys at the moment.
When considering the size of Tommy’s war chest, the open checkbook being provided by the Obama machine, George Soros, SEIU, and an untold numbers of leftist organizations, the GOP and the Hurt campaign need to be very careful in their calculations. They might want to review some of the early polls from the last contest showing Virgil Goode with comfortable margins as well. However, we all know that the GOP suffers with a type of congenital political memory defect, coupled with an overinflated ego that typically leads them to being overly confident is such situations as they find themselves now. They have proved this repeatedly.
NOTE to GOP: Stop gloating and GO TO WORK!
Robert Hurt and his team deserve congratulations for their primary victory. They earned it by playing the political game better than anyone else. You obviously get what you pay for. They hired the best, and routed the rookies. But, there is a tiny little problem that exists that many in the GOP refuse to see. The problem is that during the GOP primary campaign the rules of the game changed a bit. Most of the old guard GOP was replaced and now a new group of either Tea Party members and supporters hold key positions in the VA5 GOP leadership. And they do not see things the same way as the old guard who set up the old rules.
That’s good. We needed some new blood in the local GOP – just as do local GOP infrastructures all across the country. In VA5, it is almost a fresh start, and with the leadership of Bill Stanley, I anticipate some very positive changes. I have seen many already. I am very grateful for him and his willingness to reach out to Tea Party conservatives, most of whom are disgruntled with the old GOP, disgusted with politicians and politics in general, and/or scared out of their minds watching both parties destroy the Republic. Bill Stanley’s outreach has made a huge difference to many of the newly awakened conservatives in VA5.
Simply put: the latest polls show that Robert Hurt is in a commanding lead at this moment in the campaign. Frankly, if these poll numbers hold, Robert may feel that he does not need the energetic support from the Tea Parties in VA5. After all, the pundits say the Tea Parties are useless, ineffective, lack message, lack structure, lack leadership, lack the ability to really make any difference in the race at all. There are many in the Virginia GOP, and the national GOP, who agree with that assessment. And they are betting their political lives – and our country – on that assumption.
So, as Tea Party patriots who don’t really trust, or feel welcomed by the RPV, the Hurt campaign, and the remnants of the old guard; what do we do? I want to encourage all the Tea Party patriots of VA5 to consider this before you schedule more vacation time, or decide to just let someone else worry about it; the GOP is not known for making accurate calculations. Pure and simple. They tend to have no backbone, to put it bluntly, and they simply believe that they can fool the public into supporting them because they are “not the liberal democrat.” So, in football terms (it is that time of the year), they will be satisfied to let the air out of the ball and try to sit on their “lead.”
Big mistake.
Sure, there is going to be some of the anti-socialist backlash about Perriello/Pelosi/Obama. But to depend on people to be angry and scared enough to vote against the “other guy” is not a good plan. It has never been a good plan, and it is not one now. To rely on that is a risk that this nation can not afford to take. So, all you disappointed Tea Party patriots please cancel your vacations until after November. You are needed to to awaken and teach people about the dangers coming our way if the Perriello/Pelosi/Obama machine is not defeated in VA5 and in every congressional district in the Republic.
Reference this comment about the latest SurveyUSA poll (it’s not Rassmussen, but it’s what we have to work with at the moment):
“A new poll suggests that Republican challenger Robert Hurt holds a 23-point advantage over 5th District incumbent Tom Perriello, D-5th…. SurveyUSA contacted 800 registered voters in the 5th District. Of the 591 who said they were likely to vote, 42 percent identified themselves as Republican and 27 percent Democrat…..SurveyUSA wrote that even if the survey were adjusted to include an even number of Democrats and Republicans, Hurt would have led by 11 points….. Among the groups that most strongly support Perriello are those who have unfavorable opinions of the tea-party movement, according to the poll.” (They identified that Perriello supporters have unfavorable opinions of the Tea Party movement . . . go figure. Did they actually pay someone to ask that question?)
The sad fact is that many astride the GOP have a similar unfavorable opinion. But for different reasons. The establishment GOP has a hard spot with us, because we cannot be controlled in our opinions and actions. They would really like to have our passion and energy, but they seem to want it on demand, and expect us to support them just because they are NOT “the other guy.” The incomprehensible part of this is the arrogance they tend to display in even having such expectations.
This poll, and all the pundits, are gleefully spreading the word you, as a Tea Party activist, are insignificant. Don’t listen to that garbage! They have an agenda. Those on the establishment GOP side want you to just adopt them as your chosen leader and do as you are told. We can all understand their desires, but why don’t they consider yours? They want your adoration, time, and money, and can’t seem to realize that you, the individual voter, owe them nothing. They owe you, and for years have not delivered – not with John McCain, not with Mitch “I-Won’t-Campaign-Against-My-Buddy- Harry” McConnell, not with Michael “Dede-Scozzafava-is-my-kinda-gal” Steele.
On the other side, the big government socialist types supporting Tommy/Nancy/Barack are frightened senseless. These enemies to freedom will say and do anything to divide us, demoralize us, and destroy us. Sometimes those claiming to be our friends do the same thing behind our backs. But, the Obamunists do it right to our face. So, as Gen. Chesty Puller said, “They got us surrounded. Good, now we can shoot in any direction.”
We certainly have a dilemma, don’t we? The Tea Parties in VA5 have been attacked and ridiculed by the GOP for not “endorsing” Robert Hurt (for the record, and to his great credit Robert has never said a word about it publicly). This has had an effect on many in our membership, but it has turned a surprisingly few against the leadership across the district. Has Robert Hurt, or the establishment GOP endorsed the Tea Party? I believe they support much of what we stand for, but not enough to offer an endorsement. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.
Then there is independent candidate, Jeffrey Clark. Jeff is a great guy. He is a Tea Party member, and he is seen by many in our little ‘insignificant’ band to be the salve to ease the pain of consciously choosing to vote principles over pragmatism. This, I suppose, is the age old problem with politics anyway. I predict, like other indy candidates he is going to draw some votes. But like others in the past he will be viewed as a “spoiler.” Jeff has a political future if he chooses. People like and trust him, and he does “endorse” the Tea Party movement. But, history tells us, indy candidates only win when the perfect storm aligns with them. The forecast is simply not in Jeff’s favor at this time.
Now let us look at what lies ahead: In 102 days we are going to the polls. Let’s look at the ticking clock, the math, some facts, and upcoming events:
Today, Robert Hurt holds a 23 point lead in the SurveyUSA poll. 52% of the GOP voters in the primary voted for someone other than Robert. 8% of eligible voters turned out for the primary. This was a HUGE turnout, most primary races will pull 3-4%, if lucky. The candidates that arguably seemed to have to most Tea Party affection were Jim McKelvey and Mike McPadden, totaling roughly 34% between them.
Right now, Robert is being trounced by Perriello’s fund raising. Robert has less than $200,000, as of June, on hand compared to almost $2,000,000 for lil’ Tommy. Ten to 1 is not good news for Robert, no matter how you try to spin it. Next month Tommy will be in the district doing his town-hall traveling dance and slight-of-hand act, and he will dominate the VA5 media for a month. The usual band of liberal thug organizations will start dumping money into the district to stir up the base, and begin the propaganda campaign, while the Pelosi/Soros/Obama gang begins finding miraculously massive sums of money from all the global anti-Liberty crowd.
All this, coupled with the fact that some of the more gullible are just now coming to the realization that there is actually a problem, or an election, will be driven by massive media to think cute l’il Tommy is all about taking care of them with magical Obama money. This will eat away a Robert Hurt’s comfortable lead. Then Jeff Clark is going to pull 3-4%, and with SEIU, the next rendition of ACORN, and non-stop political commercials smearing the GOP and YOU as mean old, racist, greedy, conservatives who only care about power, money, and not following the god-like dictates and visions of Barack Obama, and his little clone Tommy Perriello.
In short, the GOP and Robert are going to have one heck of a mess. Then if they manage to win it, they will take all the credit for it, and if they lose they will blame the Tea Party and the sour grapes crowd for not getting behind Robert Hurt.
Let me be clear . . . My Tea Party cohorts, we have ourselves a conundrum (as do other Tea Party activists nationwide): we can either get back in the game and help the Republican win (after extracting some in-stone guarantees from him, and make them understand their first term is probationary!). Or, we can sit on the sidelines – and lose whether he wins or not. It is a Defining Moment. Let’s make a decision.
This is the view from inside the Tea Pot . . .
Mark Lloyd
Chairman, Lynchburg Tea Party
morprfctgovt, I have NO agrument with the “you first” stance. The Tea Party has had that stance all along, IMO. I agree it is 100% incumbent on Robert Hurt to close the gap between himself and the Tea Party. We agree on this.
The GOP has jerked the grassroots around and taken us forgranted for years. We agree on this.
It looks like our disagreement is on the “sideline” sitting issue. I contend that to do NOTHING to remove Perriello and stop the destruction of our country is “sitting on the sidelines.” I mentioned that IF one can not, in good conscience “support” the Hurt campaign, then be involved in other activites. But, be involved. There are tons of issue oriented groups that need help speading the word about impending financial disaster, and a host of social issues. Not everyone can/will do everything, but everyone can do something.
I can’t condemn those that are not as engaged as I wish they were as unworthy. I just don’t believe they are as aware as you, or I, may be. There are varying degrees of interest and concern, and I believe it is going to be up to us to share our passions and beliefs with those we come in contact with. We have to stay in the game wherever we can.
All the things I have said about the GOP were true, and remain true. It is up to them, and the Hurt campaign to reach out to us, and earn our trust.
IMO-it is also up to us offer them a fair hearing. What they make of that is totally up to them.
Mark Lloyd:
We do, of course, agree on most issues. I do, however, think there is a big difference between engagement and awareness (or knowledge). Engagement will produce knowledge. Lack of engagement will keep one in ignorance and is a stupid position to take. If folks have become disengaged, shame on them. If folks remain ignorant, there exists plenty of self-help materials, both in electronic format and hardcover (for us older folks). It is never too late to learn, but for those unwilling to put forth the time and effort, I say they are indeed sunshine patriots who cannot be trusted to “stick closer than a brother” when the truly difficult times come.
I quote you: ” I agree it is 100% incumbent on Robert Hurt to close the gap between himself and the Tea Party. We agree on this.” From my perspective, this is the crux of the issue, or at least exposes the crux, which is: why has the Hurt campaign not even attempted to close the gap? Why is it that Tea Partiers even need to (essentially) beg the supposed conservative candidate to engage? It should have been his first step – that is, to engage the most active and vocal group in the District.
And quite honestly, the longer he takes the more suspicious I think we will become.
I have not met or talked to even one person (I am sure some exist) who has uncategorically written off the Hurt campaign. A fair hearing is certainly what Hurt or Clark (or for that matter, Perriello) would get. However, I venture to say a fair hearing for Hurt or Clark will look far different from a fair hearing for Perriello. But, fair nonetheless.
morprfctgovt wrote:
“From my perspective, this is the crux of the issue, or at least exposes the crux, which is: why has the Hurt campaign not even attempted to close the gap? Why is it that Tea Partiers even need to (essentially) beg the supposed conservative candidate to engage?”
Huh? Hurt met with the Jefferson Area Tea Party last week. He spent a lot of time answering questions, and I thought he did quite well. I doubt he was begged to come. (Perrielo on the other hand has yet to accept an invitation.)
Have the Lynchburg and Danville tea parties invited him to a come to one of their meetings?
The Lynchburg Tea Party has an open invitation to all candidates and feelers have been put to the Hurt campaign from individuals. As far as I know, Hurt has not responded in kind.
I am not in leadership in the Lynchburg Tea Party and do not know what steps it has taken in this regard.
But an appearance is not scheduled.
How did it occur that Hurt spoke with the Jefferson Area Tea Party? What triggered the meeting?
Robert Hurt is confirmed for the meeting at the Lynchburg Tea Party. Yet to be confirmed is Bob Goodlatte.
@cardinalcrossing. Maybe I need to be edumacated on what everyone else in the movement sees for the future of the Tea Party because I want it to become the national powerhouse needed to tear out the big government thinking career politicians that have ruined our country. What some of you fail to realize is that the Tea Party movement has the potential to become a third party that could have an enormous impact on our political system (at least that’s what I want). Currently, whether you like it or not, we have to work within our two-party system for our concerns to be heard, and with Sen. Hurt we have someone that will listen to us. Regardless of where you feel the Tea Party movement needs to go, if we fail to come together with a focused purpose in the 5th district, we will become as insignificant as Ross Perot along with the same outcome, incompetent representation. I haven’t been actively participating in the Danville group just to become insignificant.
“How did it occur that Hurt spoke with the Jefferson Area Tea Party? What triggered the meeting?”
All of the candidates were invited to come to one of the monthly meetings. Clark was invited and came to the previous month’s meeting. Hurt came to this month’s meeting. Perriello was invited to next month’s meeting, but said he couldn’t make it. So Carole Thorpe told his office, just name the time your are available, and we will schedule a meeting at that time, whenever it is. I think she is still waiting…
The future of the Tea Party? I don’t see us becoming a 3rd party. IMO-once we become a party then we start acting like a party and just turn into #3 and will develop the same internal politics that the others have. Human nature is human nature. I see the beauty of the Tea Party movement is the unpredictible independence of each member which creates a bottom up organic grassroots that IS truly representative of “WE THE PEOPLE.” I am impressed with Tea Party members that do have their own thoughts and opinions and acting on them as individuals. Once a traditional party structure is established then it will become a top-down directed organization, and then it loses it’s real power. George Washington warned against parties.
I have NO clue as to where the “movement” is headed, that is up to us. I think too many people are looking for the Tea Party to represent a specific platform and ideaology. That is the traditional view of a top-down party organization, and a mistake for anyone to look for that since we are NOT directed from the top. That is what drives the party bosses crazy!
I believe the best way to look at the Tea Party movement is an ATTITUDE. I believe it is exactly the attitude possessed by the founders that allowed them to sacrifice and accomplish so much and establish a nation built on the foundation of true freedom and liberty.
We are NOT a party, we are simply the most blessed people of any in the history of the planet, we have been blessed by God to have the opportunities of FREEDOM and LIBERTY as NO other people. We are NOW being called upon to protect and defend that FREEDOM and LIBERTY that we have taken for granted for so long. This is our time to do something other than grumble and complain. We have to evaluate our resources and use them as best we can to defeat the evil that would remove our freedom, and destroy this Republic We need to become the Americans that the founders hoped we would be. We need to follow their examples, since we are fighting the same tyranny the did.
I have met Jeff Clark, Like quite a few people at tea party meetings. I like him I think he has good ideas sound reason and is running because he truly believes that it is the right thing to do. Yes he does understand how fragile our constitution is that is why he doesn’t want ANYONE in office who would damage it further, just because you have an (R) beside your name does not mean you will protect the constitution.
As per the question about where he is I’m not sure today but he was door to door, tea party meetings all over the 5th district, on the radio mostly on the schilling show but also thomas and other local talk radio programs. local news, festivals, but lets not forget the man is not a career politician either he has 2 businesses to run and children and elderly family members to care for.
He will be included in the debates along with Congressman Perriello though Hurt still has not committed.
oh and no I don’t work for his campaign. I just support him.
Watchdog:
What is the date Hurt is to meet with the Lynchburg Tea Party? I see nothing on the site announcing it. Did Hurt ask you not to announce the date? He has not announced the meeting on his site either.
Ron:
I think all of us feel the frustration at the current political environment. But I agree with Mark Lloyd. And I agree with you. I do not think we NEED to become a political party, but that we need to work within the GOP. This does not mean we become beholden to the GOP or that we pledge to support whomever the candidate is. Our loyalty lies with the Republic first before any loyalty to the Republicans. Working within the GOP will provide opportunity to put true conservatives on the ballot. This is the goal of most Tea Partiers, I think.
But what to do this cycle? Watchdog has stated time and again, as have others, that losing this election (the GOP failing to recapture one or both houses of Congress) will signify a point of no return on the road to a USSR of America. This is perhaps true. But what I fear almost as much is giving encouragement and reinforcement to a GOP that has yet to learn the lessons of 2006 & 2008. If we unconditionally support the GOP candidate and the GOP takes over, but then shows only a half-hearted effort at turning back the Obama agenda, what will we have achieved? At what cost? Loss of integrity and loss of our prophetic voice. That is a steep price for the coming days.
I am under no false delusion that all of the GOP are not to be trusted. Probably the majority of them can be (Price of Ga., Demint, Coburn, Pence). But some in the GOP leadership, particularly Cantor and Boehner, I do not think can be trusted. And Hurt is one of Cantor’s Young Puppies, or whatever he calls them. This worries me. This is why I cannot support Hurt until he makes the effort to show a principled understanding of the concerns of the Tea Party and is willing to go on record.
Stephen:
In a previous blog post (in the article named “A Revisit of Hurt’s Conservative Record”) you mentioned the meeting the Jefferson Area Tea Party had with Hurt. To quote: “This was a lot better environment to get to know him than the ‘forums’ held during the primary. He was poised, articulate, and said most of the right things. He was believable and likable. He didn’t agree with all of the questioners and wasn’t afraid to say so.” I believe your words, Stephen, and do not doubt your sincerity. I suppose I can only say that, after watching Hurt’s abysmal performances during the primary campaign, I will just have to see for myself. I look forward to meeting with Hurt and I sincerely hope to come away with the same impression you had after meeting with him.
You also had this to say: “H[urt] had a dopey answer about allowing for legal immigration so there will be people to do the jobs Americans don’t want to do, and he really needs to re-think his ‘I voted to raise taxes to avoid a government shutdown’ explanation. I would be a lot happier if he were to just say that he is older and wiser now, and that he admits it was a mistake.” This statement of Hurt causes me worry that he is prepared to vote to grant amnesty to ILLEGALS already in the U.S. Was this your impression of what Hurt meant by this? What are we to take from it? Does Hurt support the current law on immigration and complete enforcement of it, beginning with a secure border? This is what I want to know.
What of Hurt’s failure to acknowledge the wrongness of his vote on the tax increase? Does this not show a weak constitution? Does it worry you he may go to Washington and fold in similar fashion? What of Hurt’s campaign press releases stating Hurt is against the Obamacare legislation because it hurts businesses and seniors, without any mention whatsoever of its unconstitutionality? Does this bother you? Most folks I know who are upset over the bill cite the unconstitutionality of the bill, and only secondarily mention its ill effects on businesses and families. These statements tell me Hurt does not understand the concerns of the Tea Party, which tells me he is simply another typical GOP politician awaiting his turn for promotion, the heir-apparent who got a lucky break in 2008 when Goode lost the seat.
I think I have stated before that Clark’s candidacy is still-born. He needs to get out. Even if he knows the issues and can articulate the conservative message better than Hurt, he will not win the election. He can only take votes from Hurt. He should have gotten into the race in the primary. I said as much to Clark after he spoke to the Lynchburg Tea Party in May. His supposed plan to recover the Republic is built upon so many “if this, if that, if the other thing, all combined with these and those, we can achieve success”, is so hopelessly fantastic as to be laughable if I did not also believe in the sincerity of Mr. Clark.
It is in this mindset that I lament the failure of Hurt to take positive steps to engage the base of the conservative voters in the 5th District, which is another way of saying engaging the Tea Party to support him.
I fear Hurt is ambivalent about meeting with the Lynchburg Tea Party because he does not know what type of reception awaits him. But sometimes, like Aragorn, you have to enter the Black Mountain of uncertainty. But this requires guts. I think if Hurt thought he could win without the Tea Party he would not bother to meet with any of the Tea Party organizations. I hope I am wrong.
morprfctgovt:
I did not take away from Hurt’s answer that he was for amnesty, but that would be a good specific follow-up question.
Regarding his explanation on his tax vote and worries that he will fold in Washington in a similar fashion. Whether he openly admits it was a mistake or not, I think he has learned his lesson, and I think he will vote as a fiscal conservative. I think if you asked him the direct question – Does he regret that vote now?, I guess he would probably say yes. Perhaps this is another good question for the Lynchbrg Tea Party meeting.
Regarding his statements on Obamacare and it reflecting a lack of understanding of the tea party concerns, let me say, for the most part, his ideals are the tea party ideals. He gets it. Start by going to his web site and reading his issues page. Most of this stuff could have been written by a tea partyer.
When you step back, and look at this race objectively, the Hurt nomination is a gift to the conservatives of the 5th district (and to America in general). Here we have a good conservative that can defeat Perriello. So, as much as we like to malign the process and rail against the “GOP establishment”, the process yielded a good conservative candidate, who can win, and who I will be very happy to have serving as my representative, rather than Perriello. We really need Hurt to win.
But you all, who are not sure about him, have got to meet with him, hear him out, ask the hard questions, and make up your own minds…
Stephen:
Thank you for your suggestions.
I will say, however, regarding your statement that Hurt’s nomination was a gift to the 5th and to America, that it appears you may have sipped the kool-aid Mark Lloyd referenced earlier. There were a few much more competent candidates than Hurt in the primary. His performance during the primary campaign was embarrassing. I became involved in the primary fray with a presumption Hurt was the better candidate because he was already experienced as a legislator and because, as an attorney, he would have a superior grasp of the issues. I found that both of my presumptions were entirely wrong.
Be that as it may, Hurt is the GOP candidate, and the independent run by Clark, as I said, is still-born. Our choice is either Hurt or stay at home. My contention since the primary has been that Hurt should take positive, energetic steps to reach out to the Tea Party. Perhaps he is now doing this. I hope the results will be satisfying.
I was a McPadden supporter. I thought he was a better candidate than Hurt, but so what?
It’s irrelevant that McPadden was a more articulate consititutional conservative than Hurt.
The primary is over, and Hurt won the nomination by a wide margin.
So, we are left with a choice between Hurt and Perriello, and for conservative this should be an easy choice.
The thought of staying home or voting for Clark doesn’t seem rational to me.
What is rational, is throwing our support behind Hurt, a good conservative candidate who can win, and then holdng him acountable once he is in office.
Stephen:
I agree with you staying home is irrational. But not everyone agrees this is so and many see a vote for Clark as a “vote of conscience.”
In 2008 I intended on staying home until McCain picked Palin to run with him, and I only voted for McCain because he did. My “vote of conscience” (not voting) then would have been based on McCain’s record of repeated compromises with the liberals and the fact that he did not deserve the support of conservatives. Nevertheless, a win for McCain would have boosted the pro-life, conservative cause. So I did vote.
My plea for Hurt to engage the Tea Party is for several reasons all having to do with winning: If he engages the Tea Party and convinces them, they will then perhaps, as the most energetic of the voters, volunteer for his campaign, whether convassing neighborhoods, manning the phone bank, placing signs, etc. A wealth of energetic supporters can overcome the deficit in monetary wealth the Perriello campaign will and does have.
I have no intent on trying to trip Hurt if he addresses the Lynchburg Tea Party. But he best come with concrete proposals 100% better than his press releases, and he best be consistent, honest, forthright, and WITHOUT CLINTONIAN NUANCE. I will not hold his past mistakes against him. I just hope he is man enough to admit the mistakes. And he needs to take the lead in the admission rather than have someone drag it out of him. He need not give a campaign speech more than he needs to convince the members.
I am willing to work for the campaign IF I sense a genuineness and competency that I yet to see in Hurt.
Stephen:
I meant to add that invigorating the Tea Party may induce some of the stated supporters of Clark to move into the Hurt camp; and, that an energetic base will be more likely to attract otherwise uninterested people to the polls in November.
Again, the onus is on Hurt.
morprfctgovt:
Things would have to be pretty bad for me to not vote. I suppose if the republican candidate was not that different than the democrat, that would do it, but that is clearly not the situation here.
I agree Hurt should reach out to the tea partyers (and I agree they could be a big help to him), and I think that is what he is doing.
It is too bad that the Lynchburg TP came out shortly after the primary saying they wouldn’t endorse a candidate. I’d say let’s give Hurt a chance to address the people, and then the different tea party groups should have a member vote on endorsement or not.
Wouldn’t it be great if in a month or two, the Jefferson Area, Lynchburg, and Danville Tea Partys held a joint press conference endorsing Hurt? I have a vision in my mind, of these folks on the front steps at Monticello, maybe Virgil is there too…snap, back to reality.
I am afraid this will never happen. It seems like many who have been outspoken tea party idealists can’t bring themselves to support a guy with only a few bad votes to his name and the support of the “GOP establishment”. It’s a damn shame.
Btw, I found some video of the beginning of the Hurt JATP event. This is the first 18 minutes and includes his opening remarks and a couple of the questions from the audience. There were many more questions asked/answered that are not shown in these videos…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkbDS6ahBoc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HjGbmVCOOM
As a former Republican, and someone who had high hopes for the TeaParty movement, I am so disappointed in the path you have chosen. I realize now, this was never about getting back to the principles of our founders. This has been about getting a Republican in office. I am ashamed of most of you. Can’t you see the golden opportunity you are wasting? If you care so much about the future generations: your children and grandchildren, why would you be so willing to lend support behind someone so lacking in principals. We do not know what Robert Hurt believes, other than he believes it is “his turn”. There is a slogan, I’m not sure where it started, but it’s really quite simple: Stand on Principle or Stand Aside. The Tea Party of Lynchburg and Danville have sold out. You have proven your critics right, but most importantly, you have let down the future generations by being short sighted. God bless us if this is the best we could do: Robert Hurt?
“former rep” How has the LTP sold out? Your knee jerk response reeks of someone that is clearly NOT informed or engaged. I doubt that you are even a member of any tea party. As I’m fond of saying “PUT UP OR SHUT UP”. You don’t like the direction of these groups. Get involved. Help chart the course or accept the destination that the ship ends up in. OR you can continue to be another worthless keyboard patriot.
we sent out a mass email here in Lunenburg about a Robert Hurt function next Friday. Naturally, there will be a few Dems in a 250-odd addressee email. One emailed back that Perriello had cut expenses & brought jobs to Southside so she hopes he remains in office!
delusional.
and to former Republican: yes, we know alot about what Robert Hurt believes: it is in his legislative record, like it or not.And in 10 years, he has compiled a huge voting record: 99% of it would tickle even the most ardent TEA partier.
And You must know more about him than I if you think Robert Hurt believes it to be “his turn”.
Former Rep, I have had many converstaions with many people, Tea Party folks, Tea Party sympathizers, all types of Republicans, even a few democrats, and Libertarians – all of them are frustrated, some are just downright angry and scared for what is going on in this race, and across the country. None of them are getting what they want, and all are sick of settling for something less than what they see is needed to make a permanent, and much needed change.
I got a phone call from a friend, a libertarian leaning republican, and he said there is just NO WAY he could support Robert Hurt, and that even though he sees the destruction coming, he could not and would not support Hurt. He said, “if this country is going to die anyway, I would rather have a quick death, and be done with it.” I did not know what to say to him. He is passionate about his position, and claims he is taking a stand on principle.
Each of us has to make the choice, and it is a personal one. I do agree with my friend that we are fighting for national survival. I don’t know how many are willing to perform national euthanasia just to avoid what might happen. Are you?
The laziness, apathy, and entitlement attitude of so many Americans has brought us to this point, and we did NOT get here in one election cycle. I suspect it is going to take a motivated, engaged and self reliant group of Americans to turn this thing around. To win this we, patriotic Americans, will need to change our way of life, and make involvement with government on ALL levels a top priority. I believe this is what the founders where hoping when they made their sacrifices anyway.
Y’all:
Just thinking. I think we need to get over the idea that the liberal/socialist types have “good intentions.” Their intent is to, as O says, transform this country. A tranformation is a change from one type to another. We are/have been a republic. They want to transform us into a socialist democracy on the road to a soft tyranny or so-called benevolent dictatorship. Every step these people have taken since the early part of the 20th century has been for the purpose of realizing this goal.
You may ask how these many folks from all walks of life, socio-economic groups, with different educations and upbringings, can all desire to achieve the same ends, without coordinated action across the decades. My answer to you is with an example: The question is often asked, regarding the Bible, how it is that many different writers whose works span centuries can present a united, coherent, and cohesive narrative, even though, of course, they did not know each other or live at the same time. The many folks who contributed to the Bible came from all walks of life and times and yet spoke a central theme that runs throughout the Old and New Testaments. Their unity came from revelation, yes. Revelation in the words of the author. But it was a unity based on religious belief.
Likewise, the liberal/socialist left is united by a religious fervor and belief. That belief can be explained by a statement from one of its founders. He said, “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change [the world].” Change, in the same way Obama means change. That quote, of course, is from Comrade Karl Marx.
These folks actually, really, literally, genuinely want to fundamentally change this nation. They tried under Clinton but the constitutional system and process prevented them from doing it. This is why Obama is by-passing the constitutional safeguards placed by OUR FOUNDERS. He cannot achieve his transformation by going through the constitutional processes. I call as witness the multiple czars amounting to a shadow government; threats from the EPA and other agencies to the Congress, who created and funds the agencies, to either pass legislation to get what the agency wants or the agency will pass regulations itself to get what the agency wants, by-passing the legislative role of Congress; forcing through the healthcare bill with lies, distortions, and secrecy; passing a financial regulatory and health care bill so large not even the congressmen could read and understand it – with both bills we do not find out the effects of the bill until AFTER it becomes law!!! This is abdication of the fact-finding role of the Congress – they have abdicated their responsibility because their hearings are supposed to be open to public scrutiny and these bills would not have survived public scrutiny; appointment of people to positions without the Senatorial consent process using blatantly false pretensions for doing so, etc.
To the lying left the U.S. Constitution is old parchment less valuable than toilet paper, unless they use to call upon us to follow it while they subvert and by-pass it to no end. At the end of the day, folks, they are counting on us, the conservatives who have to this time put up with and accepted so much, to accept their evil machinations, to behave as sheep and go along, or to role over and play dead. However, “when a long train of abuses and usurpations … evinces a design to reduce [us] absolute despotism, it is [our] right, it is [our] duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new safeguards for [our] future security.”
This is a battle, a war, for the heart and soul of the American people, for our constitutional republic, for our way of life, and for the world-wide cause of human freedom and human dignity.
Kelly, Marty, Stephen, et al: I want a representative who not only understands the nature of the war and the nature of the enemy. I also want someone who will at least go on record committing to join the battle in Washington and to not compromise, whether the offer for compromise comes from the D’s or the R’s.
These are times that call for great moral courage, a firm commitment to principle, a sharp grasp of the issues and what is at stake, and a willingness to accept that winning is not everything. A handicap of every person in high office in the perceived need to be a winner. We must redefine the term win. This is why I have previously intimated that a stand on principle can be a victory. If the primary concern is “success”, such so-called success will be a compromised legislative record, a demoralized base, and, in the end, defeat.
The Founders did not know in 1775 the ultimate results of the Revolution. The odds were against them. But they were willing to lose in the cause of right. “Liberty or Death” was their motto.
Does Robert Hurt, or anybody in the GOP leadership, understand this? Hurt’s hometown is near Patrick Henry country. Perhaps a visit to Red Hill, or St. John’s Church in Richmond, or heck, a re-reading of the “Liberty or Death” speech (when consequences of death were a real possibility) will help Hurt find his inner Henry and he can then become the damned warrior we need and are looking for.
Because, it is a war to fundamentally change the America we know and love. The final battle is soon to be fought. If I KNOW Hurt understands this, and is in it for the battle, he will have my support.
mpg,
Robert Hurt truly believes that this is the election that will define America for the next generation. He understands and believes in the points you just outlined. He went to Red Hill on Independence Day, and spoke about his experiences in Patrick Henry’s home county.
Where do you live? Robert Hurt is continuously around this district. Maybe he will be near you sometime soon.
Sorry, y’all. But these hypocritical liberals are about to drive me mad.
I quote here from the Wikipedia article on Karl Marx:
“Marx’s major source of income was from the support of Friedrich Engels, who was drawing a steadily increasing income from the family business in Manchester. This was supplemented by weekly articles written as a foreign correspondent for the New York Daily Tribune. Inheritances from one of [his wife's] uncles and [Marx' mother-in-law] allowed [his] family to move to somewhat more salubrious lodgings…on the … outskirts of London. In 1864, a further inheritance of money and a house from an old colleague, Wilhelm Wolff allowed [his] family to live more comfortably.”
When you read the tenets of the Communist manifesto, you see that Marx and Engels called for abolition of private property, abolition of inheritance rights, abolition of private enterprise. But this did not stop the hypocrit Karl Marx from accepting inheritance, from accepting the gifts of money EARNED from private enterprise – someone else’s enterprise, that is. It did not stop Marx from privately owning a home. The fool would have been a destitute beggar had it not been for the capitalist system he so self-righteously sought to destroy. He is a damned liar and it seems all his evil progeny occupy our government these days.
Just like Marx, Obama and all his cohorts have thrived and benefited under the capitalist system though they decry it at every turn. Although most of them have no real-world business experience, they all attended colleges and universities supported by large endowments from capitalists, and from public funding propped on the backs of capitalists. And now they are using the capitalist system to perpetuate their stranglehold on government while simultaneously working to destroy the capitalist system, thereby destroying any hope that we or our children will ever have the opportunity to succeed. Hypocrits all!
If anyone is under the delusion that the end game for the Lying Left is not the end of America as we know it, you need to look at what has occurred the past 18 months, and the MANNER with which it has been done, and see it with wide open eyes, and compare it the MANNER in which the system is designed to work, and tell me it isn’t war.
If anyone is under the delusion as to what it will take to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”, you need to quickly read about the American Founding, from 1750 through 1800, and re-read the Constitution, the Declaration, the speeches of the Founders, and ask yourselves whether you are worthy of the heritage passed on to you by these Patriot Forefathers, and ask yourselves what it will take to Restore your Honor in being an American.
Any of you with chilren or who plan to have children – think of the day your child will look you in the face and say to you, “Daddy, when the ship was sinking, what did YOU do to make a difference?”
Notice I did not pose a question as to what you or I did to achieve victory. Victory in this case is not assured. But what did you or I do at the critical hour – this will be their question then and is the question for us now. The answer you give then will depend upon your actions now.
“No regret” living means being able to pass the rocking chair test.
@morprfctgovt et al: “Restoring Honor” I hope to see you on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug 28th. (10AM – 1PM) Bring your family, friends, neighbors; this maybe the last peaceful protest in America before the Socialists find a way to ignore the Right of Redress.
Restoring Honor is the Rally Cry!
Here is the website for more information: http://www.glennbeck.com/828/
Will, responding to your 07/24/10 comment, please show us where anyone in the HURT campaign promised a boatload of cash! It hasn’t happened, has it, Mr Will?
But I did promise you during the primary that Hurt would run a campaign that was so extraordinary that it would be taught in high school and college classes for decades to come.
And, I was right! He won in fantastic numbers considering the opposition of the likes of you! And, I’ll promise you another thing!
He will similiarly win the general election! I have to wait until it’s over, but I do promise YOU personally, WILL, a lesson in how to win a congressional election in a 3 way race. Again, it will be one for the history books! So, WillWhite, please pay CLOSE ATTENTION!
“As a former Republican, and someone who had high hopes for the TeaParty movement, I am so disappointed in the path you have chosen. I realize now, this was never about getting back to the principles of our founders. This has been about getting a Republican in office . . . Can’t you see the golden opportunity you are wasting?”
What they forgot to include was, “PAID FOR BY TOM PERRIELLO FOR CONGRESS.”
Hands down, this was written by a Tom Perriello hack.
VaPatriot time will tell this is Hurt’s race to lose and if he does I will remind you.Im glad you think Hurt doesn’t need people like me I will be glad to vote for Clark as a protest vote.The establishment elite chairman have been replaced in most counties with conservative leaders in the 5th district.Tucker Watkins has lost his grip on the 5th district.Sure he still has a few puppets like Rachel and Tim but in two years they will be replaced also.It is a new day in the 5th district but people like you VaPatriot are still trying to cling on to the past.You still haven’t answered my question about why we now have a Tea party.
VaPatriot you sure sound alot like Kelley in Virginia are you really her ?
Why does this blog have to morph into a forum for personal attacks?
WatchDog: are there any rules regarding this?
No, I am not WillWhite, or Kelley, or VaPatriot, although I have also been called a Perrielo supporter by some of these.
Let’s stick to the issues, guys. And quit being so damn sensitive and arrogant.
There are no hard and fast rules here. Unfortunately some people have a lot of false bravado that they would never display face to face but think that their anonymity will protect them.
jstwndrng I have never called you a Perriello supporter.
WillWhite, you and the others are acting childish by throwing jabs back and forth. One will not vote for Hurt, the other will not for anyone but Hurt, and the other will only vote for….?
OK, you all have stopped giving good reasons for your positions (in this string of comments) are are just trying to one-up the other.
Make your point and leave it alone.
So jstwndrng you think I should just set aside my beliefs and just vote for Robert Hurt just because he isn’t Perriello. So the next Democrat I talk to can throw it into my face that Hurt isn’t a conservative ? I have spent a lifetime working and voting for Republicans that in the last 10 years were not very conservative at all.I think that is the very reason we now have a Tea Party. I would bet you most of the Tea Party members are Republican that are fed up with the establishment’s next man in line way of picking candidates.Call me anything you want but not this time, Robert Hurt won’t get my vote unless he agrees to let the chairman decide if he gets a primary or convention when he is up for re-election but maybe Hurt doesn’t need/want my vote.
WillWhite, Have I said anything about you needing to set aside your beliefs?
Please get my point that these discussions do not need to turn into personal, tit-for-tat, one-upmanship.
You describe your position, and I think you do a good job at pointing out important issues and raising good questions. This is what the discussion should be about and where it should stay.
That’s all. We are all conservatives, I think. I do not blame you for holding a principled position. Others believe just as strongly. While I may disagree with some I should do my best to maintain respect for others, thereby maintaining my self-respect.
Should I respect a commie-leftist attempting to take our country down the road of no return. Hell no.
Should I respect a person who desires the same goals as I yet thinks we should take a different path to get there? Yes, I should. This is my only point, WillWhite. Let’s keep it respectful and not delve into personal attacks.
http://www.takeourcountrybackpac.com/news/press-releases/188-statement-on-the-virginia-fifth-district-congressional-race
Who went to the LTP meeting to hear Hurt? What did he say? How was he received?…
Stephen:
The meeting consisted of hearing from both Goodlatte and Hurt. Goodlatte did the overwhelming majority of the talking. I was embarrassed for Hurt as most of the time he had to stand with Goodlatte while Goodlatte talked and talked and talked …. The billy goat gave up and tossed his ears.
Hurt made some statements that has me wondering if he is reading this blog. I hope he is. More so, I hope he means what he says and understands the depth of the concerns.
The meeting was somewhat ani-climactic for the reasons stated above. Overall I think Hurt helped himself more than hurt himself. But it was not the type of forum I hoped it would be as it really did not allow the give & take I think is needed to provide Hurt with the opportunity to close the deal for many of us.
Perhaps others had a different impression.
morprfctgovt: Thanks for the report. I guess two headliners is one too many. Maybe the LTP will invite Hurt back to give you all some quality time with him…
In this case with Hurt and Goodlatte, two was too many.
I doubt Hurt will be invited back as the next two scheduled meetings leading up to the election are taken by other candidates. If Clark drops out….
I am not convinced on Hurt, but I damn sure would like to get a chance to present a few questions to Perriello, the Pelosi milk baby. When will he be in the Charlottesville area? If that lying SSS thinks his idiotic campaign press releases will help him ….
Hurt may not be as forthright as we would like him to be, but for Perriello to attempt to take the high road on Hurt is comparable to a septic tank calling a comode a dirty rotten waste tub. At least the comode can be flushed and cleaned. You can try to clean the septic tank but more marxist manure keeps coming down the pipe.
Perriello, the Pelosi milk baby. Perhaps Perriello is so attracted to her because she has nipped and tucked her breats as much as her scarry face, and has injected a Kool-Aid appearing milky substance into her breasts, the taste of which Perriello, the Bachelor, finds so yummy. Or perhaps it is the tens of thousands of dollars she has paid the Bachelor for licking her toes during the health care debate. (She made many of these donations just after the bill was passed.) Perhaps she represents to him the Mama Figure he misses so much since he has been away from home (he is, isn’t he?).
Or perhaps he is simply the marxist “scum bum” (as enlightened and cleaned-up Buford T. Justice would say) he appears from his votes to be, fully engaged and supportive of the socialist agenda of HIS White House Occupant
This son of a ….
I’ll stop.
Perriello is going to be in Fluvanna tomorrow for one of his town hall meetings, and the JATP is holding a rally immediately before hand. Here is the email notice I got this morning:
VOTE “NO” or DON’T GO Rally
Saturday, August 7 at 11:00 AM
Carysbrook Performing Arts Center
Prior to and including the Tom Perriello town hall at this location from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has just called the House of Representatives back from recess early next week to rush through a vote to approve a $26.1 billion fiscal aid bailout bill for state and local governments.
This bailout bill was all but dead in the water until Maine Republican Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe rolled in the Senate and cast votes which allowed the bill to pass by a vote of 61-38.
Madame Pelosi is seeking to capitalize on this surprise turn of events by quickly summoning members of the House back on Monday to push the bill through the House before there is time for opposition to build.
While the Democrats agreed to make cuts in their own priorities, including food stamps, to pay for it, this reeks of yet another special interest bailout timed to gain them favor in time for the mid-term elections. This bill would allocate $16.1 billion to help meet Medicaid payments next year, and the other $10 billion would go to school boards – supposedly – to preserve teacher jobs.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, called the bill “a last-minute effort by Democrats to funnel more money to the public employees’ unions before an election.” House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the bill is being financed by a “job-killing tax hike.”
We plan to have a protest rally on Saturday at 11:00 AM outside of the Carysbrook Performing Arts, then move into the Tommy Town Hall scheduled to begin there at 11:30 AM and drop this into his lap.
We apologize for the short notice but this all came about today and feel it’s important enough to make a strong statement – not to mention to keep the heat on Tom Perriello all August long! We want to tell him in no uncertain terms to Vote “No” or Don’t Go back to the House next week — which would also likely cost his constituents in Nelson County and Scottsville their scheduled town halls.
Please take some time out of your Saturday, bring a sign and your outrage, and join us to send a message that we want an END to a big federal government bailouts of state and local governments that need to budget and meet their own responsibilities.
We will never end this cycle if we don’t take a strong stand!
stephen, I can not come but will be there with you in spirit. Perriello will be in Kenbridge on 9/2 & I will be asking if any of you might be in our area at that time.
could someone post Perriello’s townhall schedule in case any of us can go to the other meetings to support each other?
Following is blog site with the schedule in chronological order:
http://912member.blogspot.com/2010/08/congressman-tom-perriello-townhall.html
thanks for that info. Every town hall spot should be blanketed with Hurt for Congress signs. Perriello needs to know that we are not happy with his votes. Don’t be intimidated by his paid staff that number in the hundreds.
I attended the Perriello town hall meeting in Fluvanna county today.
A few observations…
He is proud of a 54% “conservative” ranking he got from some organization (he mentioned it twice).
He paints himself as a bit of an oustider and independent thinker. Distancing himself from Washington and the rest of the Democrats. Smart of him.
But, he is proud of his healtcare vote (when asked, he said he would make the same vote again). Good for Hurt.
A common theme was “fairness” to the middle class. Good sound bite, but not much substance to it.
A supporter actually asked (I’m paraphrasing), “After all the good things you all have accomplished over the last 18 months, why are people so negative about it?” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Perriello is good under fire. Slick too. Able to twist any negative into a positive. How does one learn that skill?
Hurt will have his hands full in a debate, but with good preparation he should be able to do well. One form of preparation would be listening to Perriello at theses town halls, and understanding his weaknesses and strengths. I hope he has people attending and filming.
Btw, the candidates go “head-to-head” in what is their first meeting (AFAIK) this Wednesday at a candidate “showcase” in Charlottesville:
http://rkastenmayer.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/fifth-congressional-district-candidates-showcase-august-11-senior-center/
Too bad its in the middle of the day, during the work week…
Also, with McKelvey having bailed on him, I hope Clark will do what is best for this country and step aside. I am sure even he knows he can’t win, and will just do damage to Hurt in any debates/forums.
one reporter wrote that Perriello isn’t facing the angry crowds he faced last year.
i say we come out strong & challenge him on his “conservative” record. Cite the stimulus money going to study ants, etc. Ask him about card check; ask him how he plans to further erode capitalism during the lame duck session.
A man employed at a local hospital spoke at our meet & greet with Sen Hurt. He said he lobbied Perriello against Obamacare. He said Perriello said that “we have to pass something–we can always fix it later”.(to the tune of how many more billions?) There are alot of horrible problems with Obamacare–keep hammering on that topic too.
Stephen, thanks for sharing.
If Robert Hurt really wanted to bring everyone together he would sign a pledge to let the chairmen of the 5th district decide if he had a convention or primary for his re-election if he wins this election.This would ease alot of peoples mind about Hurt staying conservative.If Hurt plans on being a true conservative he wouldn’t have any problem doing this hell he could even get my vote.
I also attended the Perriello Town Hall in Fluvanna County Saturday. Sorry, Stephen, if I knew how to recognize you I would have introduced myself.
If I may offer a few observations:
Perriello is a polished speaker. Since I was fresh off my Tea Party meeting with Robert Hurt the Thursday prior to Perriello’s Town Hall, I can say the difference is quite remarkable. Perriello will, I think, trounce Hurt in a head to head contest. Unless, that is, Hurt is armed to the teeth with FACTS with which he will be able to call Perriello’s hand at every turn. It can be done. It will be difficult because Perriello has a very broad base of knowledge and he is certainly more than a few feet deep. But he spins, lies, and distorts, almost as good as Obama.
Hurt must know the facts, not only of GOP proposals, but of the minutia of the health care bill, of the cap & trade bill, and of Perriello’s votes on a multitude of other pieces of legislation, including this week’s $26 billion teacher union payoff.
For example, Hurt better know how to deflect Perriello’s position that the health care bill will help the “middle class and small business” save money. He better be able to say more than “No it won’t”. He needs to be able to state studies and facts refuting Perriello’s (and Obama’s) claims on this. Perriello will stand by his vote on health care and claim it is constitutional. Hurt needs to be able to state why it is not constitutional. Hurt needs to be able to articulate that the $500 billion in supposed savings from waste, fraud, and abuse is nothing more than before-the-fact cutting of payments to hospitals and doctors, and not the actually finding of waste, fraud, and abuse. He needs to be able to articulate the evil effects of cutting Medicare Advantge, the only free-market aspect of Medicare. Hurt needs to be able to point out and articulate the double counting of the $500 billion supposed savings in Medicare as shoring up Medicare while the same money is used to “pay” for the healthcare bill. The democrats are counting the $500 billion twice – deceit from the word go. Perriello will state that he was for the health care bill because hospitals are required to take on the uninsured at the emergency room and that these costs are passed on to those who have health insurance, so that all he wants to do is make the currently uninsured pay their fair share. Hurt needs to remind Perriello that it is federal law forcing hospitals to take in the uninsured. Another example of federal law distorting market prices and causing the middle class to suffer and disappear. Besides, a congressman’s first responsibility is to ensure the constitutionality of each piece of legislation he votes on. How is it constitutional to force an American citizen to purchase anything. Where is my gun?
I wonder where Perriello stands on school choice, and why?
Perriello stated the stimulus had no earmarks in it. Hurt needs to be able to cite the thousands of earmarks and billions of dollars in earmarks in the $868 billion unstimulating stimulus. Remember 9.5% to 10% unemployment vs. what Obama said of fear of 8% if the bill not passed. It passed and unemployment skyrocketed to over 10% before it came down to 9.5%. And Hurt needs to be able to explain real unemployment at 16%-17% due to people getting out of the workforce because of being unable to find work. He needs to be able to tout the economic recovery of the Reagan years using the free market to do so. When Perriello chides Hurt for believing in “Trickle Down Economics”, Hurt better be able deride Perriello’s support for “Trickle Down Government.”
Perriello will state the cap & trade is supportive of promoting efficient energy consumption. Hurt needs to be able to counter that natural gas, oil, and even coal, are magnitudes of times more efficient than solar and wind (given all costs and reliability), and are infinitely more reliable. Perriello states a cap & trade system cleaned up acid rain and will do well for energy. Hurt needs to be able to point out that acid rain was a thing we wanted to get rid of, while fossil fuels is not. Hurt can use this deceitful tack to show Perriello and Obama actually DO want to price fossil fuels out of reach for most Americans. He needs to remind Perriello and the voters the words of Obama when speaking of his cap & trade scheme: “Electrical bills will necessarily skyrocket.” And Hurt needs to remind Perriello and the voters that “global warming” is far from proven, and that even if the globe is warming, the amount of green-house gases put in the atmosphere by ONE volcano is much greater than what humans and burping cows have put out. Hurt needs to state the arrogance of one such as Obama and Perriello believing they can roll back the tides, and expose cap & trade for what it is really about – statist control over every detail of our lives, what with the proposals to rax us for every mile we drive and every watt of energy we use, and government having ability to turn up or down our thermostats remotely. Big Brother, Big Brother.
Hurt will need to be able to call Perriello’s hand on his vote for the DISCLOSE Act. Perriello claims “the corporations” have been given a windfall by the Citizens United case, and that now the corporations will flood the campaigns with cash, including foreign corporations. Hurt needs to be able to defend the Citizens United case on free speech grounds, and he needs to be able to call Perriello’s hand on his humongous campaign subsidization by labor unions big and small, by his Mama Pelosi, by lobbyists, and by hated congressional democrats like Waxman and others. Hurt needs to be able to articulate that Perriello’s campaign chest is filled with donations from interest groups giving to unions, then from the unions to other campaigns, then from other campaigns to his campaign. Hurt needs to be able to remind folks the DISCLOSE Act exempted labor unions and the AARP from its requirements. Perriello likes to say that, where he’s from, people say whay they believe and stand by it – implying he has been completely upfront with disclosing his campaign donors, while Hurt and the GOP land big help from hidden “corporations.” Hurt need to be able to state that corporations are nothing more than groups of citizens united for common action. Citizens speaking through a body such as a corporation or individually like I am now, are one and the same. Hurt needs to point out it was Obama and the Democrats who received record donations from Wall Street – and point to the hypocrisy Perriello shows with his pretended moral indignation at corporate influence.
Perriello touts his alleged 54% conservative ranking by the National Journal magazine. Hurt needs to be able to counter with Perriello’s ranking from the National Taxpayers Union ands the American COnservative Union. Perriello’s calling himself a conservative is like Obama calling himself a America-loving fiscal disciplinarian. It ain’t so. It is a joke, and obviously so. Hurt needs to play it big.
Hurt neds to be able to refute the assertion Social Security has been saved from insolvency, from 9 years to 12 years. Hurt need to use common-sense explanation that just because the government has calculated that shirting money from here to there and robbing this account to pay that account does not a house in order make. When a government runs $1,500,000,000,000 (that’s $1.5 trillion) yearly, annual deficits, NOTHING IS SOLVENT, YOU DAMNED IDIOT!!!!
Sorry.
I will say again, the GOP really messed this up by jumping in to support Hurt when a far more articulate and knowledgeable candidate existed. And I think ALL of the other GOP candidates except perhaps for Verga and Boyd had more FIRE than Hurt has probably has ever had. That being said, the choice is either Hurt or stay home and staying home should not bre the choices are. And Clark, being still-born is no option at all because a vote for him rather than Hurt will be, practically speaking, one more vote in Perriello’s pocket.
I’ll be damned if I will be anything Perriello can count on.
Sen Hurt spoke to a crowd in Lunenburg Friday night. He was armed with facts about the stimulus & Obamacare. Cap ‘n trade & DISCLOSE didn’t come up except in general. A gentleman who had lobbied Perriello against Obamacare (& knew all the ins & outs of the bill) didn’t know any more about the legislation than did Sen. Hurt. the anti-Obamacare was pleased with Hurt’s knowledge of the bill & its disastrous outcome on our country.
And because Hurt was in state Senate & voted for our Commonwealth’s “freedom from Obamacare Act” (whatever it is called), he explained how KC’s lawsuit was a sound one & how the Fed law impeded on Va’s sovereignty.
If anyone mentioned fed judge overruling CA Prop 8, I didn’t hear it. But Sen Hurt also voted for Virginia’s Affirmation of Marriage Act so he will understand the legalities of that issue, too.
Sen Hurt comes at all of this from a state sovereignty perspective. I would say that most of us view Congressional overreach from the same perspective.