Jefferson County Republican Party

Please join the Jefferson County Republican Party for our 2008 Campaign Kickoff event!

We will be joined by featured guest Reince Priebus, state Republican Party chairman.

This will also be an opportunity for grassroots Republicans to meet our new GOP candidates:

Peter Theron for 2nd Congressional District

Peter Tempelis for District Attorney

Candidates for the 37th Assembly District

WHAT: GOP Election Kickoff 

WHEN: Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hi-Way Harry’s, 710 Glover Lane, Johnson Creek (near the I-94/STH 26 interchange)

A generous gift of $10 is suggested to conver our costs and raise important resources for the election season.

Inside this week’s Grassroots E-Gazette

July 16, 2008

Campaign Update

Van Hollen Roundtables

Campaign Ads

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

2008 Campaign Update

With last Tuesday’s filing deadline, our GOP team is taking shape and it’s clear that yet again we have a solid core of candidates ready to take on the Democrats this fall.

The opportunity is here to take back the Senate and increase our majority in the Assembly but we need your help.  We cannot afford to let the tax-happy Democrats take over in Madison or Washington. We must put the full weight of our grassroots army behind all of our candidates and let our neighbors know that Democratic leadership is something Wisconsin taxpayers cannot afford.

Contact your local GOP candidate and get on board to get them elected this fall.

Over the next few months the media campaigns of candidates like Obama and Kagen are sure to clog the airways with misinformation and suspect facts.  It’s our duty to expose them for what they are and in doing so we will help elect candidates that truly stand for our Wisconsin values.  The following examples are just a few of many that need to be brought to light:

Obama’s Enigma.  David Broder said it best in the New York Times last week when he highlighted that the most liberal Senator in Washington is changing his tune.  Since he began running for president, Barack Obama has released a smokescreen of campaign rhetoric in an attempt to conceal his ultra-liberal voting record.  We cannot let this go unnoticed, we must remind our communities that actions speak louder than words and Obama’s liberal voting record speaks volumes.

To view Broder’s article click here

The Facts on Obama’s Record ( National Journal’s 2007 Vote Record):

• Most liberal voting record in 2006.
• 2007 Obama voted the liberal position on 65 of the 66 key votes on which he voted.
• On foreign policy, Obama’s liberal score of 92 and conservative score of 7 indicate that he was more liberal in that issue area than 92 percent of senators.

Kagen Full of Hot Air on Gas Prices.  Steve Kagen is blowing nothing but hot air on the issue of rising fuel prices.  Kagen has called on Bush to immediately act to lower gas prices but then opposes any real solutions to solve the problem.  Kagen opposes offshore drilling and the opening up of federal lands for exploration.  John Gard supports real solutions like drilling in ANWAR and off our coasts to relieve the heavy burden of high gas prices.

The Real Steve Kagen’s record on energy:

• Kagen voted in lock-step with his Washington leaders for the Democrats’ “No Energy” bill, killing jobs and increasing dependence on foreign energy (House Roll Call 1140)
• Kagen voted for $6.5 billion in new taxes on American energy producers. Voted for higher energy prices for American consumers. Voted to stifle domestic energy production. And voted to increase America ’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. (House Roll Call 40)
• Kagen voted against a measure which would have required that all energy bills be certified to prevent higher energy prices for consumers. Kagen also voted to allow for a reduction of domestic energy supplies and an increase in foreign energy dependence. (House Roll Call 578)

John Gard out raises Kagen!  According to FEC reports, John Gard has raised over half a million dollars for his election campaign over the past three months – out raising Kagen.  We need to keep this support going, a challenger out raising an incumbent is almost unheard of and it shows that voters are fed up with Kagen.  With more support like this we will be well on our way to bringing the 8^th congressional district back into Republican hands!

Law Enforcement Roundtables with J.B. Van Hollen

J.B. Van Hollen has embarked on a statewide tour where he will meet with local law officials in each of Wisconsin ’s 72 counties.  In contrast to the policies of Jim Doyle, who acts more like the Governor of Dane County rather than Wisconsin , J.B. is taking a hands-on approach to learn about local issues.

This past week Attorney General Van Hollen held a roundtable in Dodge County with judges, local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald and Assembly Majority Leader Jeff Fitzgerald.  Van Hollen has already visited 14 counties and plans on at least 10 more roundtables by the end of this summer.

New Campaign Ads

Senator McCain’s new TV spot “Love”  Senator John McCain doesn’t always tell us what we hope to hear because beautiful words aren’t going to make our lives better. McCain has a strong track record of making the tough decisions to make our nation better and has always put his country and its people before himself.  To view click here

RNC’s new Energy Ad “Balance”  Sen. McCain’s energy platform advocates a balance of conservation and increased production at home whereas Obama wants to rely solely on unproven technology and taxes on businesses.  To view click here

Paul Stark on Energy Solutions:  Third congressional district candidate Paul Stark released a web ad addressing high gas prices.  Stark, who personally visited ANWAR this month believes in quick and effective solutions to solving our energy problems.   

Get to know Paul Stark

Click to view Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less

In Case You Missed It… AFL - CIO Falsely Attacks McCain.  “The AFL - CIO is attacking McCain with a TV spot saying he voted “against increasing health care benefits for veterans.” Actually, he voted for increases in those benefits.”- (FactCheck.Org)

News from Washington

Obama confirms trip to Iraq is nothing but a ploy for votes.

As the Illinois senator approaches 1000 days since he last visited Iraq , one would think Obama would use his upcoming visit to learn from military commanders on the ground.  Instead, Obama laid out his strategy for Iraq yesterday, a week before he travels to the Middle East .  Obama’s message comes despite previous statements that his plan would be based on conditions on the ground and the advice of military commanders.

Obama Said He Would “Refine” His Iraq Policy Based On Conditions On The Ground.  “I’ve always said that I would listen to commanders on the ground . I’ve always said that the pace of withdrawal would be dictated by the safety and security of our troops and the need to maintain stability. That assessment has not changed. And when I go to Iraq and have a chance to talk to some of the commanders on the ground, I’m sure I’ll have more information and will continue to refine my policies.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Press Conference, 7/3/08 )

Obama Communications Director Robert Gibbs Previously Admitted That Obama Was Only Traveling To Iraq To Determine How He Could Begin Removing Troops.: “I think we would want to go over there and talk to them and see what sort of difficulties they’re facing and see how it is that we can begin to carefully remove them and carefully bring them back to their families and bring them back to the United States.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 5/29/08 )

FLASHBACK: Before Obama’s Last Trip To Iraq In 2006, He Said He Would Go There Seeking A Timetable For Withdrawal:

“Obama …Met With U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad And Iraqi President Jalal Talabani On Saturday. He Said Before His Two-Day Trip To Iraq That He Wanted To Ask U.S. Commanders What A Realistic Time Frame Was For Bringing Troops Home.” (The Associated Press, 1/7/06 )

“‘There have been hints by the administration about draw downs of troop levels, but there hasn’t been anything very definite,’ Obama said in an interview before he left Washington . ‘I don’t know whether I’ll get that or not, but that’s what I’ll be asking.’“ (Chicago Tribune, 1/5/06 )

SAVE THE DATE

2^nd Annual Taxpayer Tailgate and Hot Air Tour

July 26, 2008

The event includes a Brewers ticket, tailgate food, music, hotair balloon ride.

To register click here

Inside this week’s Grassroots E-Gazette

July 3, 2008

Obama Campaign on Military Service

McCain’s Energy Plan

State Capitol News

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

Happy Fourth of July

It’s hard to believe it but the Fourth of July is already here! As we celebrate the birth of our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy as Americans with family, friends, and lots of good Wisconsin food, lets all remember the words of President Ronald Reagan:

“Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people.

We sometimes forget that great truth, and we never should.”

McCain Campaign Gear

John McCain merchandise is here! Contact your county chairman for campaign gear including signs, bumper stickers and Packer/Badger schedules. Spread the McCain message at your local fairs and parades and enjoy your 4^th of July weekend!

Obama Campaign on Military Service

Last Weekend On CBS’ “Face The Nation,” General Wesley Clark Attacked John McCain’s Military Service. CLARK: “But he hasn’t held executive responsibility. That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded? It wasn’t a wartime squadron. He hasn’t been there and ordered the bombs to fall. He hasn’t seen what it’s like when diplomats come in and say, ‘I don’t know whether we’re going to be able to get this point through or not, do you want to take the risk, what about your reputation, how do we handle this publicly?’ He hasn’t made those points Bob.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 6/29/08)

When Pressed, Clark Said “I Don’t Think Riding In A Fighter Plane And Getting Shot Down Is A Qualification To Be President.” CBS’ BOB SCHIEFFER: “Well, General, could I just interrupt you. I have to say, Barack Obama has not had any of those experiences either nor has he ridden in a fighter plane and gotten shot down.” CLARK : “Well, I don’t think riding in a fighter plane and getting shot down is a qualification to be President.” (CBS’ “Face The Nation,” 6/29/08)

After appearing to separate himself from the general, Obama made it clear he now thinks smear attacks on McCain’s military service are fair game – taking back his repudiation of Clark’s statements and asking why an apology to McCain would be necessary.

Time and again, we see Obama practicing the same old dirty politics while claiming to stand for some kind of change. Cheap, baseless attacks like these prove Obama is just a typical politician who will say anything to get elected – regardless of how absurd. These antics don’t help make our nation more secure or help Americans struggling with high gas prices and lost jobs.

Listen to retired Captain Dan Buttery discuss the value of McCain’s military service on Vicki McKenna’s show Wednesday.  

Editorials on General Wesley Clark’s Attack:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:Patriotism as weapon

Barack Obama felt the need to make a speech about patriotism on Monday. He was reacting, in part, to remarks made by a surrogate, a former general who is now an Obama supporter, that supporters of John McCain say maligns their candidate’s military service.

Boston Herald: Words vs. reality about patriotism

Sometimes in politics you just can’t have it both ways - well, you can, but then you run the risk of having no one believe anything you say.   

McCain’s Energy Plan

With skyrocketing gas prices, John McCain has unveiled his comprehensive plan to break our dependence on foreign oil – a far cry from Barack Obama’s plan to simply raise gas prices more gradually. McCain’s plan includes:

·        Expanding Domestic Oil And Natural Gas Exploration And Production.

• Taking Action Now To Break Our Dependency On Foreign Oil By Reforming Our Transportation Sector.
• Investing In Clean, Alternative Sources Of Energy.
• Protecting Our Environment By Addressing Climate Change.
• Promoting Energy Efficiency.
• Addressing Speculative Pricing Of Oil.

Read more about McCain’s Lexington Plan on energy

State Capitol News

• Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen recently announced he will return $1 million to the taxpayers after just over one year in office. Saying he believes the government spends too much of our hard-earned money, Van Hollen set spending priorities, created efficiencies and eliminated politically motivated lawsuits to run a leaner Justice Department.

Van Hollen also unveiled a new website this week designed to keep you up-to-date.

• Its campaign season for the state Assembly and state Senate with candidate nomination papers due next week. With that, the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute recently issued a report detailing one of the biggest issues of this years’ campaign: Healthy WI. Read the following excerpt from the report:

 “However, as this report details, Healthy Wisconsin would turn every aspect of the health care system over to state government. Government involvement in health care would not only be likely, it would be required. As with every other aspect of the state budget, the Legislature will have to set the level of payroll tax that supports the plan and establish a global budget for the plan. Further, given that the tax will be by far the largest levied by state government, and that spending on Healthy Wisconsin will exceed the entirety of the state’s general fund budget, it is inevitable that health care finance and spending will be prominent political and campaign issues.” Read the entire WPRI report

News from Washington

The Washington Post Reported That Obama Received A Sweetheart Mortgage Deal For His ChicagoMansion:   Read the Washington Post story

Obama Received A Discounted Rate On His $1.32 Million Mortgage For His GeorgianMansion In Chicago . “Shortly after joining the U.S. Senate and while enjoying a surge in income, Barack Obama bought a $1.65 million restored Georgian mansion in an upscale Chicago neighborhood. To finance the purchase, he secured a $1.32 million loan from Northern Trust in Illinois . The freshman Democratic senator received a discount. He locked in an interest rate of 5.625 percent on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, below the average for such loans at the time in Chicago .” (Joe Stephens, “Obama Got Discount On Home Loan,” The Washington Post, 7/2/08)

• “The Loan Was Unusually Large, Known In Banker Lingo As A ‘Super Super Jumbo.’ Obama Paid No Origination Fee Or Discount Points, As Some Consumers Do To Reduce Their Interest Rates.” (Joe Stephens, “Obama Got Discount On Home Loan,” The Washington Post, 7/2/08)

Obama’s Discounted Rate Could Have Saved Him More Than $300 Per Month. “Compared with the average terms offered at the time in Chicago , Obama’s rate could have saved him more than $300 per month.” (Joe Stephens, “Obama Got Discount On Home Loan,” The Washington Post, 7/2/08)

The Obamas Secured Their Discounted Home Loan Despite The Fact That They Had “No Prior Relationship With Northern Trust When They Applied For The Loan.” “The Obamas had no prior relationship with Northern Trust when they applied for the loan. They received an oral commitment on Feb. 4, 2005, and locked in the rate of 5.625 percent, the campaign said. On that date, HSH data show, the average rate in Chicago for a 30-year fixed-rate jumbo loan with no points was about 5.94 percent.” (Joe Stephens, “Obama Got Discount On Home Loan,” The Washington Post, 7/2/08)

NOTE: Obama Also Has Received $71,000 In Campaign Contributions From Northern Trust Employees. “Since 1990, Northern Trust employees have donated more than $739,000 to federal campaigns, including $71,000 to Obama, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.” (Joe Stephens, “Obama Got Discount On Home Loan,” The Washington Post, 7/2/08)

Read more about Obama’s glass house problem glass house problem

SAVE THE DATE

Congressman Sensenbrenner Corn Roast

August 10, 2008

1:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Bob Dohnal at publisher@widigest.com

Inside this week’s Grassroots E-Gazette

June 28, 2008

A Win for Second Amendment Rights

Doyle’s Transportation Raids Harm Taxpayers, Local Governments

Obama’s New Strategy

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

A Win for Second Amendment Rights

In a 5-4 vote, the United States Supreme Court overturned the WashingtonD.C. gun ban – the strongest in the country – ruling in favor of second amendment rights Thursday.

The decision is a victory for gun owners across Wisconsin and for those who wish to uphold individual rights for law-abiding citizens. Unlike Barack Obama who has said small town Americans cling to guns out of bitterness, we know the right to bear arms is an individual right protected by the constitution. Read the entire RPW statement.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen filed a brief to the Supreme Court advocating for the right to bear arms and to point out that the wrong decision might give license to the federal government’s unwarranted intrusion into our traditional rights and the rights established by Wisconsin ’s constitution. Read the entire AG press release. 

Voting in favor were Justices Roberts, Alito, Kennedy, Thomas and Scalia. Judicial rulings like these are exactly why a McCain presidency is so vital for our country. McCain has promised to appoint justices in the mold of Roberts and Alito – two strict constructionists who refrain from judicial activism. After reading this story , you’ll realize we still have work to do with appointing good judges to the court. If Obama is elected president, you can bet we’ll see more rulings like these.

The following talking points on the Supreme Court decision, among others, are on the RPWActionCenter to assist you in writing letters to the editor to your local papers directly from the RPW website:

• Obama’s background and actions prove him to be the most anti-gun presidential candidate in the history of our nation;
• Obama has stated that he supports any legislation that would ban the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns;
• Obama served as the director of the Joyce Foundation, which spends millions of dollars funding extreme anti-gun organizations;
• McCain co-sponsored legislation that contributed to the Supreme Court’s decision to rule the gun ban on the citizens of D.C unconstitutional;
• McCain has openly stated that he will continue to fight for our constitutional gun rights, ensuring that extreme anti-gun organizations do not succeed in limiting our innate right to bear arms.

Doyle’s Transportation Raids Harm Taxpayers, Local Governments

After years of helplessly watching Governor Doyle raid hundreds of millions from the transportation fund to pay off his special interest causes, Wisconsinites are seeing the effects with the state potentially left unprepared after floods damaged much of Wisconsin .

Already, the Doyle-appointed transportation secretary thinks the legislature may need to step in as a result of the governor’s mismanagement. His use of the state’s transportation fund as his own personal slush fund now threatens local governments and property tax payers. See the entire RPW press release.

Obama’s New Strategy

Barack Obama’s entire campaign is based on his superficial change rhetoric instead of specific solutions he has for America ’s future. Obama would rather stay up in the clouds and talk about his optimism for America and his diversity than his socialist plans for our healthcare, taxes and energy.

Over the next few months we must work together to bring him back down to earth. When Americans go to the polls November 4^th, we must make sure they understand they would get the following big government policies with an Obama presidency:

• In effect, he would legislate a 60 percent tax bracket for upper-income Americans, killing all initiative and innovation. He’d raise the top bracket to 40 percent. He’d apply FICA taxes to all income, not just that under $100,000 as at present. So add 40 percent plus FICA’s 12.5 percent plus Medicare’s 2 percent plus state and local taxes averaging, after deduction, at 5-6 percent, and you have a 60 percent bracket.

• He would double the capital gains tax, saddling the 50 percent of Americans who own stock with dramatically higher taxes.

• He’d double the dividend tax, hitting elderly coupon-clippers now retired and depending on fixed incomes.

• He wants to cover 12 million illegal immigrants with federally subsidized health insurance, dramatically driving up costs and forcing federal rationing of healthcare. As in the U.K. and Canada , you will not be permitted certain medical procedures if the bureaucrats decide you are not worth it.

• He does not oppose $5-per-gallon gasoline but only says that he wishes there had been a more “gradual adjustment” to the higher prices.

Read about more of Obama’s policies in Dick Morris’ column Obama’s new strategy

News from Washington

With Hillary Clinton out campaigning for Obama, here is a sampling of Clinton attacks on Obama that show a less than unified Democratic Party.

DISUNITY DAY

Can The Clinton/Obama Rally Cover Up Their Attacks Over The Past Year?

Sen. Clinton Attacked Obama’s Candidacy As Dangerously Oversimplifying America ’s Challenges:

Sen. Clinton Said The “Phenomenon Associated With His Candidacy … Dangerously Oversimplifies The Complexity Of The Problems We Face, The Challenge Of Navigating Our Country Through Some Difficult, Uncharted Waters.” Sen. Clinton: “I think that there is a certain phenomenon associated with his candidacy, and I am really struck by that because it is very much about him and his personality and his presentation. And that’s perfectly legitimate in politics, or any other walk of life, but I think it dangerously oversimplifies the complexity of the problems we face, the challenge of navigating our country through some difficult, uncharted waters. We are a nation at war. That seems to be forgotten.” (Christian Broadcasting Network’s “The 700 Club,” 2/26/08)

Sen. Clinton Attacked Obama’s Policies:

Sen. Clinton Accused Obama Of Wanting “A $1 Trillion Tax Increase.” Sen. Clinton: “I do not want to fix the problems of Social Security on the backs of middle-class families and seniors. If you lift the cap completely, that is a $1 trillion tax increase. I don’t think we need to do that.” (Sen. Hillary Clinton, CNN Democrat Presidential Debate, Las Vegas , NV , 11/15/07)

Sen. Clinton Attacked Obama’s “Continuing To Say That He Would Meet With Some Of The Worst Dictators In The World Without Preconditions.” Sen. Clinton: “And I disagree with his continuing to say that he would meet with some of the worst dictators in the world without preconditions and without the real, you know, understanding of what we would get from it.” (Sen. Clinton, NBC Democrat Presidential Debate, Cleveland , OH , 2/26/08)

Sen. Clinton Said Obama’s Health Care Plan “Simply Flunks The Test.” Sen. Clinton: “Sen. Obama’s plan does not and cannot cover all Americans. He’s called his plan universal, then he called it virtually universal, but it is not either. And when it comes to truth in labeling, it simply flunks the test.” (Sen. Hillary Clinton, Remarks On Health Care, Des Moines , IA, 11/28/07)

Sen. Clinton Attacked Obama’s Readiness To Serve As Commander In Chief:

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Said That While She And Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) Had Crossed “The Commander In Chief Threshold … You Will Have To Ask Senator Obama With Respect To His Candidacy.” Sen. Clinton: “In this election we need a nominee who can pass the commander-in-chief test. Someone ready on day it defend our country and keep our families safe. We need a president who passes that test. The first and most solemn duty of the president of the United States is to protect and defend our nation. And when there is a crisis and when the phone rings whether it’s 3:00 p.m. or 3:00 a.m. In the White House, there is no time for speeches and on the job training. Senator McCain will bring a time of experience to the campaign. I will bring a lifetime of experience and Senator Obama will bring a speech he gave in 2002. I thi nk that is a significant difference. I think since we now know Senator McCain will be the nominee for the party, national security will be front and center in this election. We all know that. I think it’s imperative that each of us be able to demonstrate we can cross the commander in chief threshold. I believe that I have done that and certainly Senator McCain has done that. You will have to ask Senator Obama with respect to his candidacy.” (CNN’s “Newsroom,” 3/8/08)

Sen. Clinton Mocked Obama For Arguing That “Living In A Foreign Country At The Age Of 10 Prepares One To Face The Big, Complex International Challenges The Next President Will Face.” Sen. Clinton: “Now voters will judge whether living in a foreign country at the age of 10 prepares one to face the big, complex international challenges the next president will face. I think we need a president with more experience than that.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 11/21/07)

May 20, 2008

State Convention Wrap-Up

GOP Farm Team

Breske Seat Open – GOP Well Positioned for November

Kagen’s Inconsistencies on Pet Projects

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

State Convention Wrap-Up

Wisconsin Republicans held a successful state convention in Stevens Point last weekend, gearing up for the important campaign season.

On Friday grassroots activists participated in three training seminars focused on Information Technology, motivating the youth vote, and strategizing Get Out the Vote efforts. Following the training seminars, the Banquet Honoring County Chairmen included a keynote speech from Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Watch Chairman Reince Priebus address the Banquet Honoring County Chairmen Friday night courtesy of the conservative blog No Runny Eggs. Check the RPW website later this week for full coverage of the 2008 GOP State Convention.

On Saturday, delegates and guests to convention heard from elected officials and RNC Chairman Mike Duncan and passed the 2008 Party Platform and Resolutions.

Watch Priebus address the 2008 State Convention

Read full coverage of the RPW State Convention on the Wispolitics.com convention blog 

Listen to Chairman Priebus give a convention summary on Wisconsin Public Radio Monday morning.

Read convention coverage:

Republicans plot McCain victory in Wis.

GOP puts trust in McCain

Pawlenty gives advice to GOP

GOP Farm Team

In case you missed it… last weekend in Stevens Point our grassroots participated in a training seminar geared toward reaching out to the youth vote. With Senator Obama mobilizing liberals on college campuses, we must start reaching out to young conservatives. Here are a few action items identified by our young panelists that are easy for any county party or grassroots member:

• Reach out to area youth by holding events geared toward their attendance or involve them in planning of events;
• Provide discount rates for youth to attend county party events;
• Have a youth position on your county executive committee;
• Teenage Republican (TARS) groups should have regular meetings at the same day, time, location every time;
• Create a mentor program in your area.

Read about the Farm Team seminar

Learn more about Republican Teens

Breske Seat Open – GOP Well Positioned for November

In a rare election year move, Governor Doyle appointed state Senator Roger Breske as the railroads commissioner, leaving his already Republican-leaning seat in the 12^th Senate District vulnerable to GOP takeover in November.

Charlie Sykes wonders if the move was a payoff for Breske’s vote on gaming compacts. That, or Doyle wanted to spite Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker more than he wants a Democrat Senate.

In any event, the race in the 12^th just got even more interesting giving the GOP an excellent opportunity to flip the district into Republican hands.

See GOP candidate Tom Tiffany’s website

Kagen’s Inconsistencies on Pet Projects

After promising to eliminate pork barrel spending to get elected, Steve Kagen secured $25 million in pork for his district.

When asked about the differences between his campaign promise and legislative action, Kagen said there weren’t any inconsistencies, trying to redefine “pork barrel spending” to suit his needs.

Read the Associated Press story

News from Washington

From the Wall Street Journal: How to Enrage a Democrat

If nothing else, we now know what it takes to make a Democrat go nuts. One word: “appeasement.”

Notwithstanding that President Bush named no names in his speech to Israel ’s Knesset on Thursday, Barack Obama instantly called it a “false political attack.” On him, of course.

To House Speaker Nancy Pelosi it was “beneath the dignity of the office of the President.”

“Offensive and outrageous,” thundered Hillary Clinton from somewhere in South Dakota , followed by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: “reckless and irresponsible.”

When the party’s top four Democrats come roaring out of the blocks in unison, something has hit a nerve.

John Bolton explains why Obama is wrong on foreign policy

SAVE THE DATE

Syndicated columnist and bestselling author Jonah Goldberg

Thursday, May 29^th @ 6 p.m.

The Seven Seas, Hartland

Contact: staff@wicfg.com or call Valerie Johnson (920)326-5553

MCCAIN STORE

While the RPW is in the process of getting McCain merchandise, we aren’t sure when it will arrive. In the meantime, go to the McCain Store to order signs, bumper stickers and other campaign gear.

Jessie, Secretary of JCRP, thought you all would enjoy this article.  Enjoy… http://www.forbes.com/columnists/forbes/2008/0505/027.html

*** 2008 GOP

Convention Alert ***

The Wisconsin State Republican Convention in Stevens Point is

THIS WEEKEND!

Register Today and be a part of making Wisconsin a Red State in ’08!

Speakers:

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty

Senator John McCain says Governor Pawlenty is “the next generation of leadership in our Republican Party and in America .”  As Governor, Pawlenty resolved Minnesota ’s historic $4.5billion budget deficit without raising taxes, taking Minnesota out of the top ten highest taxed states in the country. Governor Pawlenty stands for core GOP principles, such as supporting pro-life measures, minimizing Big Government, and strengthening enforcement of illegal immigration.

RNC Chairman Robert M. (Mike) Duncan

Chairman Duncan a 30-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics, was elected as the 60th Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 2007.  Duncan has worked for and advised Republican candidates and parties at the local, state and national level his entire adult life, including serving on the campaigns of the last five Republican presidents.

Lodging Information

Please call one of the following hotels ASAP to reserve your room(s):

Fairfield Inn, Stevens Point: (715)342-9300

La Quinta Inn, Stevens Point: (715)344-1900

Convention Agenda

FRIDAY MAY 16, 2008:

Noon – 7 p.m. Registration

1 – 5 p.m. Nuts n’ Bolts Seminars

1 – 6 p.m. Voter Vault Training

5 – 6 p.m. County Chairs Meeting

6 – 6:30 p.m. VIP Reception w/ Governor Pawlenty

6:30 – 7 p.m. Cocktail Reception 

7 – 9 p.m. Banquet Honoring County Chairmen

9 – MIDNIGHT Hospitality Suites

SATURDAY MAY 17, 2008:

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registration

8 – 9 a.m. Prayer Breakfast

8 – 6 p.m. Voter Vault Training

9 a.m. – NOON Convention

NOON – 1:15 p.m. WFRW Luncheon

1:30 – 6 p.m. Convention

Register Today!

Inside this week’s Grassroots E-Gazette

Special State Convention Edition

May 14, 2008

RPW State Convention

Presidential Primary Update

Looking to the General Election…

Local Campaigns

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

RPW State Convention THIS WEEKEND

REGISTER NOW

Don’t forget to register for the GOP State Convention THIS WEEKEND at the HolidayInnConvention Center in Stevens Point .

Reserve your spot today! Pre-registration for all convention events will conclude Thursday at 5 p.m. You may register at the door, but registering in advance is highly recommended and appreciated to help ensure this weekend’s events are successful.

Register online or by calling (608)257-4765 by 5 p.m. Thursday.

EVENTS

Don’t miss Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty at the Friday night CountyChair’s banquet or Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan at convention on Saturday!

Start preparing for the upcoming campaign season at this years’ Nuts n’ Bolts sessions where we’ll discuss how to effectively use information technology and communication, motivating young Republicans, and Election Day preparedness.

Click here for more information on the 2008 RPW State Convention in Stevens Point , including an agenda, a description of events and to register online.

HOTELS

If you are looking for a hotel room for this year’s GOP State Convention, the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center is booked. Please call the hotels listed below to reserve a room.

Fairfield Inn in Stevens Point : (715)342-9300.

La Quinta Inn in Stevens Point : (715)344-1900.

Presidential Primary Update

Senator Obama suffered a big loss in West Virginia Tuesday with more than half of the Democrat electorate saying they would be unhappy if Obama was the nominee. Maybe even more telling was more than half of Democrats said Obama didn’t share their values and nearly half said they wouldn’t vote for Obama if he was the nominee.

Struggling to cover up his elitism, how does Obama try to relate to Americans Wednesday? Wear a flag pin and talk about God and country. Three things no one questions about Senator McCain.

The Democrat primary struggles on to Kentucky and Oregon next Tuesday.

Read an update after the West Virginia primary

Read about Obama’s strategy: After Big Loss, Obama Woos Blue-Collar Voters

Looking to the General Election…

With summer fast approaching, Wisconsin is getting attention as one of McCain’s best chances to win a state that went blue in 2004.

Between 2000 and 2004, Bush lost Wisconsin by an average of three tenths of a percent. And recent polls show McCain winning Wisconsin against both Obama and Clinton.

Read about McCain’s strategy in Wisconsin

Read about McCain’s national strategy

Local Campaigns

With all of the hype surrounding the presidential election this fall, we must remember it’s an important campaign season for state Assembly and Senate races too. Taking back seats in the Senate and building on our Assembly majority will allow state Republicans to focus on our core principles and take on Governor Doyle and the Democrat Senate.

We have great Republican candidates on the ballot this year, but they need your help.

Just this week Democrat Tara Johnson announced she is running against Republican state Senator Dan Kapanke in the 32^nd Senate District. If you live in La Crosse , Monroe , Vernon , Richland or Crawford County , get involved with Dan’s campaign Kapanke represents Western Wisconsin well with his experience with job creation and other economic issues.

News from Washington

As American families face higher prices at the pump, Barack Obama opposes immediate relief and lower taxes on fuel.  Instead, Obama has proposed new tax increases that will reduce oil production, increase dependence on foreign oil, and hurt American consumers.  Obama’s proposal was tried before by former President Jimmy Carter, resulting in a substantial reduction in domestic oil production, higher prices for gas at the pump, and increased U.S. reliance on foreign oil. 

Watch the Republican National Committee’s new “Carter-Obama Taxes”   web video. To watch other RNC Web videos, click here.

Read about Obama’s Faulty Tax Argument from the Wall Street Journal.

MCCAIN STORE

While the RPW is in the process of getting McCain merchandise, we aren’t sure when it will arrive. In the meantime, go to the McCain Store to order signs, bumper stickers and other campaign gear.

Inside this week’s Grassroots E-Gazette:

May 8, 2008

RPW State Convention

Presidential Primary Wrap-up

State Budget Update

McCain’s Judicial Philosophy

News from Washington

If you were forwarded this message from someone other than kkukowski@wisgop.org and wish to subscribe to the Grassroots E-Gazette, email Kirsten with “subscribe” in the subject line.

RPW State Convention, May 16-17

Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center

Click here for more information on the 2008 RPW State Convention in Stevens Point , including an agenda, a description of events and to register online.

Don’t miss Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty at the Friday night County Chair ’s banquet or Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan at convention on Saturday!

If you are looking for a hotel room for this year’s GOP State Convention, the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Convention Center is booked. Please call the hotels listed below to reserve a room.

Fairfield Inn in Stevens Point : (715)342-9300

La Quinta Inn in Stevens Point : (715)344-1900

Presidential Primary Wrap-up

Hoping to capitalize on a couple of damaging weeks for Obama, Senator Clinton barely lived to see another day narrowly winning Indiana and losing by double digits in North Carolina . With her campaign running out of momentum, solid arguments for staying in the race and campaign cash, the Associated Press is reporting Clinton gave $6.4 million to her struggling campaign in April. However, the race will go on to West Virginia next week.

Senator John McCain measures up extremely well against either Senator Obama or Senator Clintonwith his messages of fiscal responsibility,