Dan Cirucci

Dog Safety Vest: World's Cutest Dog Stays Safe

2012-02-01T09:02:00.000-05:00

The world's cutest dog is wearing a bright safety vest when he ventures through the woods these days. This is to make sure that hunters don't mistake him for fair game.
Of course, he looks great no matter how you dress him.
And we're assured he will stay safe.

Here's How To Guarantee A 'One Term Proposition'

2012-01-31T21:24:00.002-05:00

'Broke' Corzine Still Raising Big Bucks For Obama

2012-01-31T21:19:00.000-05:00

We love the following post from Matt Rooney at the Save Jersey blog and we thank him for allowing us to post it here as well. Make sure you visit Save Jersey often. It's one of the best!

Jon Corzine is the gift that keeps on giving for conservative bloggers!

: Former Governor Jon Corzine: Sugar Daddy for Corrupt Politicians!

His problems at MF Global are now common knowledge. We know $1.2 billion disappeared on his watch.

That’s “billion” with a “B,” Save Jerseyans.

Unsurprisingly, that didn’t stop our well-heeled former governor from raising $500,000 for Barack Obama this cycle alone! Click here to see his honorary “$500K+” designation on the President’s campaign donor website.

It goes without saying that President Obama’s campaign should immediately return the money. $1.2 billion is still unaccounted for; plenty of hard-working Americans lost their shirts including 38,000 farmers who have already filed suit against Corzine.

We know the president is perfectly comfortable surrounding himself with crony capitalists. And he’s pocketed plenty of campaign cash from Corzine’s efforts in the past. But wouldn’t you think he’d draw the line somewhere? Particularly in an election year?

Sometimes, I think he’s beyond caring… we’re too far below him!

Why Romney Won Big In Florida: Five Reasons

2012-01-31T20:48:00.000-05:00

Behind the big Romney win in Florida are five significant factors that turned the tide of the election:

1) Romney's stellar debate performances leading up to the primary. Romney stumbled in early debates. But then he got a new debate coach and came roaring back. Romney showed he's willing to fight -- willing to mess things up a bit -- and GOP voters liked that. They want to see somebody who's gonna take it to Obama in November -- someone who's not afraid of a good fight; someone who can be sharp, feisty, fearless. Romney began to show them that and they liked what they saw.

2) Gingrich's crazy ideas. Gingrich's looney ideas about a colony on the moon and other pie-in-the-sky schemes began to catch up with him. The man likes the sound of his own voice so much that he doesn't pay very much attention to what he's actually saying. He's undisciplined. He's peripatetic. Sloppiness doesn't win elections. Discipline does. See my column in the Philadelphia Daily News tomorrow for more on this.

3) Senior citizens. Seniors vote -- and they went big for Romney. They like his steadiness, his sensibility and his stability. They like the fact that Romney looks and acts like a President -- that he appears to be ready to assume the office; ready to run the country. My hunch is they also like the fact that he has a real, intact family and that he's been married to the same woman his whole married life.

4) The economy. The more people worry about the economy, the more they turn to Romney, the businessman. Romney's business acumen plays well during economic upheaval and economic hard times.

5) Electability. Among those who made their decision based who has the best chance to actually be elected in November, Romney won running away. More and more people see him as a winner -- the one candidate who can lead the party to victory this year.

Now, look for calls from party leaders for Gingrich to get out of the race and for everyone to begin to coalesce around Romney. The GOP doesn't like long, bloody battles -- especially once a clear leader has emerged. There will be a lot of pressure on Gingrich. A lot. He would do well to pay attention to those who have the best interests of the party at heart.

Fox Calls It: Florida Goes To Romney!

2012-01-31T20:01:00.000-05:00

ROMNEY

WINS

FLORIDA

PRIMARY!

Christie Files Nominations, Announces Other Picks

2012-01-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie filed the following nominations with the State Senate. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

NOMINATIONS

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Nominate for appointment Bruce A. Harris (Chatham Borough, Morris)

Nominate for appointment Phillip H. Kwon (Closter, Bergen)

JUDGE OF SUPERIOR COURT

Nominate for appointment Paula T. Dow (Maplewood, Essex)

Nominate for appointment H. Matthew Curry (Lopatcong Township, Warren)

Nominate for appointment Kathi F. Fiamingo (Kenilworth, Union)

Nominate for appointment J. Christopher Gibson (Cape May Courthouse, Cape May)

Nominate for appointment Robert G. Malestein (Hopewell Township, Cumberland)

Nominate for appointment James R. Swift (Millville, Cumberland)

JUDGE OF THE PASCACK JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT

Nominate for appointment Harry D. Norton, Jr. (Ramsey, Bergen)

JUDGE OF THE FRANKFORD JOINT MUNICIPAL COURT

Nominate for appointment James G. Devine (Scotch Plains, Union)

DIRECT APPOINTMENTS

Last week, Governor Christie filed direct appointments for the Task Force on the Closure of State Developmental Centers with the Secretary of State’s Office.

TASK FORCE ON THE CLOSURE OF STATE DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS

Public Members – Gubernatorial Appointee

Appoint Craig A. Domalewski, Esq. (Randolph, Morris)

Appoint Colin M. Newman, Esq. (Pennington, Mercer)

Appoint Nancy R. Thaler (Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania)

Public Member - Senate President Recommendation

Appoint Allison Murphy (Cape May Court House, Cape May)

Public Member - Assembly Speaker Recommendation

Appoint Valessa Rocke Goehringer (Wenonah, Gloucester)

Sweeney Promised Action In March; Now What?

2012-01-31T12:59:00.002-05:00

NJ STATE SENATOR STEVE SWEENEY (on May 2, 2011): The Governor has a couple nominations come March of next year and you know, one of the things I hope the Governor keeps in mind is the racial diversity of the Courts. We need to make sure we have a racially diverse Court that looks like the state of New Jersey. But there’s a commitment from me to move the nominations come March also.

Every Day, Philadelphia Is COMPLETELY Yours!

2012-01-31T12:37:00.000-05:00

This video is a new community asset, produced by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau with Bozeken, highlighting the best of Philadelphia, from its universities and life sciences community to dining, shopping and culture, and features a welcome by Mayor Michael A. Nutter.
In addition to being used to welcome meeting attendees and visitors from around the globe, it is available to any business or resident looking to spread the word about Philadelphia as a destination of choice, whether it's to live, work or visit.
Click here to share it with others!

DemTime: In Trenton 'Timely' Means 'No Time Soon'

2012-01-31T12:25:00.000-05:00

Trenton To English Translation: “Timely” and “Expedited”

Senate Judiciary Chairman Nicholas Scutari Says That Governor Christie’s Supreme Court Nominees Will Not Have Hearings “Any Time Soon,” Which Seems To Contradict Senator Sweeney’s Promise Of A “Timely” And “Expedited” Confirmation Process

___________________________________________________________________

TRADITIONAL USE:

timely

adjective

1. Coming early or at the right time

2. Appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

TRENTON TRANSLATION:

timely

adjective

1. Coming after months of delay and political posturing

2. “No time soon”

EXAMPLES

· “Although the governor called on the state Senate to take up the nominations as soon as possible, Scutari said the hearings would begin ‘no time soon.’” (Christopher Baxter, “N.J. senator: State Supreme Court nominee's confirmation chances 'jeopardized' by legal issues,” Star-Ledger, 1/31/12)

· Sweeney “agreed the Senate would hold timely hearings when Christie makes nominations to permanently replace Wallace, as well as Justice Virginia Long, who also faces mandatory retirement in 2012.” (Maya Rao, “Sweeney, Christie End Impasse Over N.J. Supreme Court Nomination,” Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/3/11)

TRADITIONAL USE:

expedited

verb

1. To execute promptly

2. To accelerate the process or progress of

TRENTON TRANSLATION:

expedited

verb

1. To delay for delay’s sake

2. To slow down a process for political expediency, as in: State Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson’s expedited confirmation process took 420 days.

EXAMPLE

· “As part of the agreement, the Senate President agreed to provide the same expedited process in 2012, holding hearings for Christie’s nominees in sufficient time to have them seated by March of 2012, if confirmed.” (Kevin McArdle, “Diversity And NJ’s Surpreme Court,” NJ 101.5, 11/3/11)

Congressman Runyan Reacts To Challenger's Candidacy

2012-01-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

Congressman Jon Runyan has released the following statement on Shelley Adler's candidacy for Congress:

I welcome Mrs. Adler into the race,” said Rep. Runyan. “If she is ultimately the Democratic nominee, I look forward to a spirited campaign on the issues that matter to the residents of Burlington and Ocean counties.”
“I intend to run on my record of standing up to President Obama’s failed big-government agenda, fighting to restore fiscal responsibility and implement pro-growth economic policies that create jobs and opportunity for all Americans, preserving and strengthening Medicare for current and future generations, and strongly supporting our veterans, active military and the operations at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.”
Runyan consultant Chris Russell pointed to Mrs. Adler’s decision to run despite not living in the newly-configured 3rd Congressional District.
“After the Carl Lewis fiasco and the public backlash towards him, you would think candidates would be more wary of seeking elected office in a district that they don’t actually live in,” added Russell.

Obama: Your Husband's Joblessness Is 'Interesting'

2012-01-30T22:55:00.000-05:00

Obama is stumped that an semiconductor engineer cannot find a job.
He flails as he tries to explain it away. Then, he simply says it's "interesting."
Without a telepormpter, he seems helpless.

Video: Obama Bungles Job Numbers!

2012-01-30T22:46:00.000-05:00

During his live online interview Pres. Obama claims that his administration helped create 22 million jobs (January 30, 2012). He should only wish. What a joke!

Did Michelle Really Spend $50,000 On Lingerie?

2012-01-30T19:28:00.000-05:00

WHILE PRICES CLIMB, HOME VALUES DROP, THE POVERTY RATE SOARS AND MILLIONS SEARCH FOR JOBS: Britain's Telegraph and other sources say that First Lady Michelle Obama conducted an estimated $50,000 lingerie shopping fest at NYC's chic Agent Provocateur. Reportedly, the First Lady closed off Madison Avenue to go on a shopping spree with the Queen of Qatar. Zillions on elaborate vacations, $2,000 for a dress, $1,000 for a skirt, tens of thousands in lingerie, unprecedented amounts on showy White House parties -- all this during an ever-lingering recession.

Where does it end?

Why Do So Many 'Conservatives' Oppose Gingrich?

2012-01-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

One would think that conservatives would be rushing to support Newt Gingrich.
After all, Gingrich presents himself as a sort of conservative champion.
Again and again he wraps himself in the cloak of conservatism.
But lots of conservatives simply aren't buying it.
Peter Wehner has a wonderful column in Commentary that examines why so many genuine conservatives actually oppose Newt Gingrich -- why they district him and his candidacy.
Here's an excerpt:

The reality is that conservative/”establishment” opposition to Gingrich generally falls into three categories. One is that if he won the nomination, he would not only lose to Barack Obama, but he would sink the rest of the GOP fleet in the process. A second area of concern is that Gingrich is temperamentally unfit to be president –he’s too erratic, undisciplined, and rhetorically self-destructive. A third area of concern is the suspicion that the former House speaker is not, in fact, a terribly reliable conservative, that he is not philosophically well-grounded

Click here to read more.

Guadagno Welcomes Watson Pharm's NJ Expansion

2012-01-30T17:34:00.000-05:00

Today’s announcement by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that the company is establishing its global research and development center in North Brunswick shows that the New Jersey Comeback is in full swing, said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. Watson develops and distributes generic pharmaceuticals and specialized pharmaceutical products focused on urology and women’s health.

"Watson's decision to further expand in New Jersey shows the Christie Administration’s strategy to attract business, rebuild New Jersey's economy and create jobs is working," said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. "Strengthening the state's competitive position in the life sciences is a priority, and the commitment by a global pharmaceutical leader like Watson is proof that companies are finding New Jersey increasingly attractive."

In 2010, Watson moved its global corporate headquarters to Parsippany, a move that included relocating certain corporate leadership functions that had been located at the company’s Corona, California site.

During the Christie Administration’s first two years in office, New Jersey added more than 60,000 new private sector jobs and attracted scores of companies. In fact, 2011 was the best private sector job growth year in New Jersey since 2000, according to Rutgers University economist Joseph Seneca.

Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Guadagno, the New Jersey Partnership for Action (PFA) worked with Watson to encourage the company to choose New Jersey for its global research and development center. The center, which will employ about 50 professional and support staff, will undergo a $4.5 million renovation and is expected to open in the spring of 2012.

The Partnership for Action is a three-pronged public-private approach to economic development and the starting point for all initiatives, policies, and efforts to grow New Jersey’s economy and create quality, sustainable jobs in our communities. The three elements of the PFA include the Business Action Center, which reports directly to the Lt. Governor and provides the business community with a single point of contact, applying a proactive, customer-service approach to businesses’ interactions with State government; the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, serving as the state’s “bank for business”; and Choose New Jersey, an independently funded and operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation created to encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey.

“The jobs Watson is bringing to North Brunswick are precisely the type of jobs we’re working to bring to New Jersey,” continued Lt. Governor Guadagno. “Watson’s move further strengthens the state’s already robust and admired life sciences industry cluster.”

Businesses considering a move or in need of assistance are encouraged to call New Jersey’s Business Action Center at (866) 534-7789 or visit the State’s Business Portal at www.newjerseybusiness.gov.

Click here for an audio clip of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno discussing Watson’s move to New Jersey. A transcript of the Lt. Governor’s comments is below:

“New Jersey has targeted life sciences as one of the six key industries for New Jersey job growth in the 21st century.
“Watson Pharmaceuticals announcement today is just an early win, with Watson’s already strong presence and its plans to continue to invest millions of dollars in New Jersey, we have plainly begun to make New Jersey a home for growth again.”

Romney's Positive Message Resonates With Floridians

2012-01-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

Florida voters will have a chance to begin the process of putting our country back on the right track by voting for Mitt Romney. After three years of failed leadership in Washington, it is time that we have a proven leader in the White House.
Wherever you live, you can get involved and help Mitt Romney right now. Click here to get involved.

Christie Names Two New Cabinet Members

2012-01-30T16:44:00.001-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced the nomination of two cabinet members to lead the Departments of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and Banking and Insurance (DOBI). Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, who has served as Acting Adjutant General since December 16, was today nominated to assume permanent leadership at the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Ken Kobylowski, currently chief of staff and Acting Director of Banking at DOBI, was nominated to replace Commissioner Tom Considine, who is resigning to return to the private sector.

“I am proud today to nominate Brigadier General Cunniff as New Jersey’s next Adjutant General, making permanent his leadership of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said Governor Christie. “Over the past month, General Cunniff has impressed me with his effective leadership of the Department and its operations. I’m pleased he has agreed to continue that service and leadership to the people of this state as Adjutant General.”

Governor Chris Christie appointed Brigadier General Michael Cunniff to serve as Acting Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs on December 16. Prior to that, General Cunniff served as the 108th Air Refueling Wing Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard. In that capacity, he was responsible for two flying units and the command of more 1,300 members in over 25 support units.

General Cunniff entered the United States Air Force in July 1982, and was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science in October 1983. He received his pilot's wings at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, in 1983. General Cunniff has served in many operations including Operations Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Allied Force, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Ken Kobylowski, currently Chief of Staff and Acting Director of Banking at the Department of Banking of Insurance, will replace Commissioner Tom Considine, who will leave the Administration effective February 10 for a position in the private sector. Considine will join MagnaCare, a health plan services company, as Chief Operating Officer.

“New Jersey's insurance regulatory climate and reputation in the banking sector have improved considerably because of the work of Tom Considine,” said Governor Christie. “Under Tom’s leadership, the Department was a model for bringing private sector metrics and performance management to state government. In just two years, 59 new insurers have come into New Jersey while 64 others have expanded their authority. I thank Tom for his service and demonstrated record of achievement to the State and people of New Jersey.

“At the same time, I am pleased to announce my nomination of Ken Kobylowski to succeed Tom and continue the important work at the Department. Ken is a person of considerable talent, expertise and accomplishment, who has been instrumental every single day in the Department’s successes over the last two years in his capacity as chief of staff. I thank him for taking on this new challenge and have no doubt he will build on DOBI’s strong record of the last two years,” Governor Christie continued.

Ken Kobylowski joined the Department of Banking and Insurance as Chief of Staff in February 2010 and took on the additional role as Acting Director of Banking in October 2011. He serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Department with full responsibility for all legislative, regulatory, operational and administrative matters. Ken also serves as the Department’s liaison with other State departments and federal agencies, notably the Federal Reserve and the FDIC. Ken is a gubernatorial appointee to the State Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee and the School Employees’ Health Benefits Plan Design Committee.

Prior to joining the Department, Ken was in private law practice for 20 years, beginning at Connell, Foley & Geiser in Roseland, New Jersey, and then moving to Herrick, Feinstein LLP, first in its New York City office and then in its Newark, New Jersey office. He represented a wide array of clients, including banks, insurance companies, lenders, developers and public and private entities. Before practicing law, Ken began his professional career as a bank analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Seton Hall University and a cum laude graduate of New York Law School, where he served as Executive Editor of the Journal of International and Comparative Law.

Shortly after becoming Commissioner in 2010, Considine raised confidence in the banking community when he revised the government unit deposit banking regulation. In addition, he was instrumental in reforming New Jersey’s reinsurance and surplus lines laws and in establishing New Jersey’s captive insurance market. He also launched the Bureau of Fraud Deterrence at DOBI, making the fight against civil insurance fraud a key component of DOBI’s portfolio. Considine has played a significant role in reforming New Jersey’s PIP regulation to stem the upward pressure on auto insurance rates.

"When the Governor named me Commissioner in January 2010, I said that we would hang out a sign saying New Jersey is open for business for financial services companies,” said Commissioner Considine. “I am proud of the achievements and inroads the department has made in bringing a seismic cultural change that promotes growth in the banking and insurance industries as demonstrated by our repeal or scale-back of 21 burdensome regulations, as well as the reduction of our new product review and approval time by up to 58 percent. I thank Governor Christie for the opportunity to serve New Jersey and the positive changes we’ve been able to accomplish.”

Christie To Newt: Stop Attacking Romney's Character

2012-01-30T13:43:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday made the following statement on Newt Gingrich’s comments about Mitt Romney’s character:

“I know Mitt Romney. I know the kind of father he is, grandfather he is, and husband he is. I have seen Mitt Romney with his kids, and even with my own. Mitt Romney is man of impeccable character. Even though I am not the one being attacked, it offends me that Newt Gingrich would attack the character of Mitt Romney. If Americans are looking for a leader with character, there is no better choice than Mitt Romney.”

Click here to learn more or to become involved.

Obama Has Failed; Washington's Still Broken

2012-01-30T13:09:00.001-05:00

Pep Boys Sold; Inquirer/Daily News On Market Again

2012-01-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

The legendary Philly-based auto parts chain Pep Boys has been sold for $1 billion ($15 a share) to private equity buyer Alan Gores. Pep Boys chief Mike Odell says he expects his management team to stay in place "for now."
So, another Philadelphia institution slips into the hands of an outsider.
Also, the New York Post is reporting that the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News and philly.com are up for sale -- again! The report claims that the current owner, Philadelphia Media Network is hoping to get roughly $100-million for the papers and the website.
Philadelphia Media Network is mum on all this, refusing any comment. That's not a good sign.

See Elmo In Camden Today, At Liacouras In March

2012-01-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

Sesame Street Live’s most popular fuzzy friend Elmo follows his imagination to the Adventure Aquarium at 1 PM today, Monday, January 30 to join young children at the underwater destination.

Elmo is in town in preparation for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” coming to the Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18.
“1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” is a high-energy musical that will transport audiences to far away places using the power of imagination. In the show, Elmo’s friend Bert meets an octopus who has the blues and Ernie captains the high seas. This story of adventure and fun teaches children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere.
Tickets for Sesame Street Live “1-2-3 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends” at Liacouras Center from Thursday, March 15 to Sunday, March 18 are available exclusively through ComcastTIX online at ComcastTIX.com/elmo, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Liacouras Center box office.

Chocolate Raspberry Valentine At Seasons 52!

2012-01-29T19:43:00.000-05:00

Seasons 52, the highly acclaimed fresh grill and wine bar restaurant, is offering a special, limited-time addition to its menu of Mini Indulgence desserts this February.

From the 1st to 15th of the month, the seasonally inspired restaurant will offer guests Chocolate Raspberry Valentine, which features a combination of decadent chocolate cake layered between ribbons of chocolate syrup, raspberry puree and raspberry mousse, garnished with whipped cream and a chocolate “kiss.”

“Chocolate and raspberry are a classic dessert combination, as the richness of the chocolate balances the contrasting fruit flavor,” said Chef Clifford Pleau, Senior Director of Culinary at Seasons 52. “The Chocolate Raspberry Valentine is the perfect ending to your dining experience at Seasons 52, especially as we approach Valentine’s Day.”

Seasons 52 originally pioneered the smaller-portioned dessert concept at its first restaurant in Orlando, FL, in 2003. Mini Indulgences offer guests classic dessert flavors featuring top quality ingredients and highly creative presentations. The idea is to provide all of the pleasure of finishing your meal with a great dessert, but none of the guilt. In addition to perennial guest favorites like Rocky Road, Pecan Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, the Mini Indulgence lineup also features seasonal favorites such as Pumpkin Pie with a ginger snap crust, Strawberry Shortcake and now the Chocolate Raspberry Valentine.

The ideal destination for any occasion, Seasons 52 changes its menu four times a year, with weekly fresh features to truly capture the flavors of the season. Nothing on the menu is above 475 calories, from the signature flatbreads and appetizers to every entree and the Mini Indulgence desserts. Seasons 52’s promise of “a fresh dining experience that celebrates living well” has been consistently praised by restaurant critics across the country and people’s choice awards alike.

About Seasons 52
Seasons 52 <http://www.seasons52.com/> , which debuted in 2003, is a fresh grill and wine bar that provides guests with a fresh dining experience, enabling them to celebrate living well. The menu is orchestrated by award-winning Chef Clifford Pleau, and is inspired by the seasons and the fresh appeal of the farmers’ market – 52 weeks a year. The award-winning wine list created and developed by Master Sommelier George Miliotes – one of 180 Master Sommeliers worldwide – is consistently praised for its diverse international selection of 100 wines, including more than 52 offered by the glass. Seasons 52 is recognized as a forward-thinking restaurant concept that is “right for the times” and always offers guests something new to discover.

Seasons 52 currently operates 21 locations in 12 states across the country and will open additional restaurants in Garden City (Roosevelt Field), NY, and Oak Brook (Oakbrook Center), IL, in spring 2012, and in Santa Monica (Ocean and Broadway), CA, in autumn 2012. For more information, please visit Seasons52.com, or find us on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/Seasons52> and Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/Seasons52> .

Space Program Leaders Endorse Romney

2012-01-29T13:34:00.000-05:00

Leaders in America’s space program today wrote an open letter in support of Mitt Romney. The full text of the letter is below:

ROMNEY WILL RESTORE AMERICA’S SPACE PROGRAM

The U.S. space program is a strategic national asset, which makes critical contributions to our scientific knowledge, technological innovation, economic competitiveness, national security, and international leadership. We have watched with dismay as President Obama dismantled the structure that was guiding both the government and commercial space sectors, while providing no purpose or vision or mission. This failure of leadership has thrust the space program into disarray and triggered a dangerous erosion of our technical workforce and capabilities. In short, we have a space program unworthy of a great nation.

Restoring the U.S. space program to greatness will require the leadership, management skill, and commitment to American exceptionalism possessed by only one candidate in this race: Mitt Romney. We support Mitt’s candidacy and believe that his approach to space policy will produce results instead of empty promises. As his long record of success in both the private and public sectors attests, Mitt will do more than provide our space program with an inspiring vision and mission of exploration. He will also set aggressive yet achievable goals, adhere to realistic budgets, and execute on a carefully drawn plan.

As president, Mitt Romney will facilitate close collaboration not only within the government’s civil and national security space sectors, but also with the private sector and with research institutions. He will create conditions for a strong and competitive commercial space industry that can contribute greatly to our national capabilities and goals. And he will ensure that NASA returns its focus to the project of manned space exploration that uniquely affirms American strength and values around the globe. Under his leadership, America will once again lead the world in space.

Scott Pace, Chair of the Romney Space Policy Advisory Group
Director, Space Policy Institute, The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University
Former Assistant Director for Space and Aeronautics, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy

Mark Albrecht
Chairman of the Board, USSpace
Former Executive Secretary, National Space Council

Eric Anderson
Chairman and CEO, Space Adventures
Chairman, Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Gene Cernan
Commander, Apollo XVII

Bob Crippen
Pilot, First Space Shuttle Mission
Former Director, NASA Space Shuttle Program

Michael Griffin
Former NASA Administrator
Former Head of the Space Department, The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Peter Marquez
Former Director of Space Policy, National Security Council
Former Director of Special Programs, Department of Defense

William Martel
Associate Professor of International Security Studies, The Fletcher School at Tufts University
Former Alan B. Shepard Chair of Space Technology and Policy Studies, Naval War College

*Organization names are provided for identification purposes only.

Romney's New Debate Coach Sends Him Soaring

2012-01-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

THIS is the Mitt Romney we've been waiting for: More alive, more animated, more engaged, more pugnacious and unwilling to continue to allow himself to be misrepresented or maligned.
Those of you who were here for my live blogging during the debate will recall that I immediately noted that were seeing a more aggressive, sharper, feistier Mitt Romney.
Turns out Romney has a new debate coach and this change has certainly made a huge difference.
BTW: Check out Romney's body language and note that how you say it is as important as what you say.

Noonan: Gingrich As Heir To Reagan? Not Quite!

2012-01-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

Peggy Noonan has written a wonderful column in this weekend's Wall Street Journal about the Romney/Gingrich matchup in Florida, all the talk about the legacy of Ronald Reagan and the future of the Republican Party.
Here are some excerpts.

One way Newt is unlike Reagan is that Reagan was a constructive figure, not destructive. If Newt is the donkey who knocked down the barn, Reagan's the guy who'd build it. He wasn't driven by need, and anger wasn't his fuel. He was equable, even-tempered, personally content. Martin Anderson always said Ronald Reagan didn't need high office to feel good, Ronald Reagan dated Lana Turner. He already thought he was quite a fella. . . .
Mr. Gingrich does not disdain Reagan and surely never did. He says he loves him and he probably does, in the way that people come to love what they need to love. They come up with reasons!
But the point is Newt senses the lay of the land. If a new and modern strain of Rockefeller Republicanism looked like it was about to take hold, he'd see the virtues in that. Right now the growth area looks like it's in opposition to elites and establishments. So that's where he is.

Click here to read the entire column.

Why Did Bush & Bush Give Obama This Photo-Op?

2012-01-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

First. former Florida Governor Jeb Bush pulled away from making any endorsement in his state's GOP primary. In the all-important Romney/Gingrich battle he decided to remain neutral.
Then, he and his dad President George H. W. Bush paid a call on President Obama at the White House and effectively allowed the current occupant to take advantage of them via this photo which the White House promptly posted on Flickr.
Word is the Bushes were in DC to attend the super-exclusive Alfalfa Club dinner tonight that the President will also attend. No one will say why father and son Bush visited the White House or what they talked about.
But they did give the President an unnecessary photo opportunity. On the eve of the Florida primary, he gets to look non-partisan and they participate in the ploy.
George H. W. Bush has always had a goofy make-nice gene. But I didn't know that it extended to Jeb as well. Why play into the hands of someone who has attempted to batter you and denigrate your accomplishments -- and would gladly do it again once you're out of his sight?
Beats me.

Ten Ways That Obama Is Destroying The Middle Class

2012-01-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

President Obama spent a lot of time during his State of the Union speech talking about protecting, preserving and helping the middle class.
But the record shows that his policies are actually contributing to the destruction of the middle class.
In fact, the statistics paint a sobering picture for just what President Obama has achieved in his fight to “help the middle class reclaim a sense of economic security that will benefit the entire economy”:

Unemployment: The number of people unemployed has grown by over one million.
Long-term Unemployment: The average duration of unemployment has more than doubled, to an astonishing 40.8 weeks.
Jobs: Nearly 1.7 million jobs have been lost.
Income: Median household income has declined by nearly $1,000.
Poverty: The number of people in poverty has grown by over six million.
Hunger: Food stamp participation has increased by more than 14 million people, to a devastating 46.2 million.
Health Care: Average family health insurance premiums have increased by more than $1,500.
Energy: Gas prices have nearly doubled, to $3.38 per gallon.
Housing: Foreclosures have spiked to a record one-million-plus annually.
Debt: Each family’s share of the publicly-held national debt has skyrocketed by more than $35,000, to nearly $90,000.

When Barack Obama ran for the presidency, he promised to “fundamentally transform the United States of America.” Sadly, he is succeeding. He is pushing America toward a European-style entitlement society that would have been unrecognizable to our parents’ generation – let alone the Founders’ – with diminishing economic opportunity and ever-growing government programs and regulations.

The election this November will be about whether the America want to continue in this direction, or reverse course and rebuild the Opportunity Society that has made her the greatest in the history of the world. Mitt Romney looks forward to offering voters that choice.

Mitt Romney Gains Support Of Puerto Rico Governor

2012-01-28T14:51:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Puerto Rico Governor Luis G. Fortuño.

“It is an honor to have Governor Fortuño’s support,” said Mitt Romney.

“As president, I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on the issues most pressing for the people of Puerto Rico – job creation, public safety and resolving the Island’s 113-year political status question. Every job created on the Island is another American job added to our nation’s economic comeback. Working together to continue Puerto Rico’s economic recovery will ensure Puerto Rico is part of the United States’ economic revitalization. By implementing pro-growth policies that promote job creation, we can help Puerto Rico and the rest of the country.

"We must also commit ourselves to stopping drug trafficking into Puerto Rico as a priority of the Federal Government and the required resources need to be assigned. I will never neglect the U.S. Caribbean border and will continue to support strong trade and economic opportunity, and robust border security. In addition, I pledge to work with Congress to help the American citizens residing in Puerto Rico resolve their century-long status issue by choosing from the constitutionally-viable status options. I look forward to working with Governor Fortuño on these issues as well as many other issues.”
Announcing his support, Governor Fortuño said, “Mitt Romney is the one candidate who has the record, leadership, experience, and pro-growth plan to continue the course of private-sector job creation we’ve begun in Puerto Rico and provide economic stability for generations. Mitt Romney has shown throughout his life that the principles learned in the private sector can be applied to all challenges, whether it was saving the 2002 Olympics or balancing the budget as Governor.”

Background on Governor Fortuño:

Governor Luis G. Fortuño Was Elected in 2008. As Governor, he has reduced government size, closed the biggest deficit in the country and set the course for a balanced budget in his first term, cut taxes and revitalized the local economy. He serves as Chairman of the Southern Governors Association and President of the Council of State Governments. Prior to his election, he represented the people of Puerto Rico in the U.S. Congress. During his time in the U.S. House, Fortuño served as Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference and was a co-sponsor of the Puerto Rico Democracy Act.

Newt's Favorite President: NOT Reagan; NOT Any 'R'

2012-01-28T14:28:00.000-05:00

Video: Gingrich Can't Run Away From His Record

2012-01-28T14:03:00.001-05:00

Romney To Obama In Michigan: Where Are The Jobs?

2012-01-27T16:01:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today wrote an open letter to President Obama ahead of his visit to Michigan. The full letter will run in the Detroit Newsand the Detroit Free Press.

Dear Mr. President,

Welcome to Michigan. I have a simple question for you: where are the jobs?

As we enter the fourth year of your term, unemployment here is a staggering 9.3 percent. Nearly half a million men and women are fruitlessly seeking work. Many others have simply given up looking. They’ve given up hope.

I recognize, of course, as do all Americans, that you inherited an economic crisis. But you’ve now had three years to turn things around. The record of those three years is clear. Your policies have failed, and not only in Michigan, but across the nation. We have now had 35 consecutive months of unemployment over 8 percent, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression. Your policies, from Obamacare to your regulatory onslaught to your out-of-control spending on a pork-barrel stimulus bill to your crony-capitalism “green” investments in companies like the now-bankrupt Solyndra, have gotten in the way of economic recovery.

The results are a continuing tragedy for millions upon millions of people. I’ve met too many Americans who’ve lost their homes to foreclosure, who’ve had to put aside retirement plans and take work at minimum wage, whose dreams of sending their children to college have been shattered, whose lives have been upended. This is not the way it is supposed to be in America. This is not the way it needs to be.

It is plain that your policies have made things worse, not better. You pressed hard for legislation that your team promised would hold unemployment below 8 percent. The price tag on that legislation was $787 billion, which vastly expanded our nation’s deficit and contributed to an unprecedented downgrade of our nation’s credit rating. And yet for all the taxpayer money that was spent and borrowed, unemployment remains tragically high.

Mr. President, forgive me for being blunt, but when it comes to economic affairs, you’re out of your depth. Unlike you, I am not a career politician. Unlike you, I’ve spent more than two decades working in the private sector, starting new businesses and turning around failing ones. Undoing the damage you’ve done will be a daunting challenge. But I’ve learned a thing or two about how government policies can kill private investment and stifle job creation and I have a plan to get government out of the way and unleash the potential of the American people.

Mr. President, Four years ago, campaigning for the presidency, you declared that you were “absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick and good jobs to the jobless; this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.” Mr. President, the American people are tired of the grandiose promises. And they are even more tired of the paltry results.

Mr. President, your promises now ring hollow. If you have brought new ideas to Michigan for creating jobs, why have you waited three years to unveil them? Have you suddenly had a revelation, or is it because 2012 is an election year? Whatever the case, what you are offering Michigan now is too little, too late. What Michigan needs, and what the country needs, is not four more years of economic mismanagement and failed leadership, but a fundamental change in direction. I was born and raised in Michigan at a time when our state was the pride of America. With new leadership, Michigan can feel that pride once more.

Mitt Romney

Romney On Holocaust Remembrance Day: Stand Firm!

2012-01-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney made the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“On this day, we pause to remember the millions of Jews murdered in Europe.

"But it is not enough merely to reflect on those horrors and the evil that brought it about. We must also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that there will never be a recurrence of such terrible events.

"At a moment when the state of Israel is under threat from violent terrorists, from tyrants seeking nuclear weapons, and from a campaign to deny the legitimacy of a Jewish state, the United States must stand shoulder to shoulder with our ally in its quest for peace and security.”

'Welcome Back Kotter' Actor Dies At 60

2012-01-27T15:37:00.000-05:00

You remember him as Phillipo de Huevos Epstein.
But his real name was Robert Hegyes and he was jersey born and bred.
Hegyes, who played Jewish Puerto Rican wheeler-dealer on the 1970s classic TV comedy "Welcome Back Kotter," died from an apparent heart attack this morning. This happened shortly after he sufferd chest pains at his Metuchen, NJ home. He was 60.
Hegyes, later co-starred on "Cagney and Lacey" and taught occasional master classes at his alma mater, Rowan University, in Glassboro NJ. But he was best known for his work on "Kotter," in which he performed alongside a young John Travolta.
Hegyes was one of the tough remedial students called the Sweathogs.
Hegyes and nearly all of the original cast members reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to recognize the show's 35th anniversary.
Click here to read more.

Ann Romney Wows Hispanic Crowd In Florida

2012-01-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

The Palm Beach (FL) Post has been reporting on Mitt Romney's campaign in Florida.
Here's an excerpt on a story that notes the huge success that Ann Romney (and the Romney sons) are having with Hispanic audiences:

Romney was introduced to the crowd in Spanish by the couple’s youngest son, who spent several years in Chile. After a quick “Ola!” from one of their 16 grandkids, Ann Romney delivered what appeared to be a heartfelt, funny and down home assessment of the rigors of being a candidate’s wife and raising five children while her husband traveled on business and why she agreed, once again, to join him on the campaign trail.
“Four years ago, I was definite about one thing: I would never do it again,” she said of her husband’s failed 2008 campaign. “Mitt said, you say that after every pregnancy. All the women out there know what I’m talking about.”
When he broached the subject again, she said she was reluctant. Before she was going to endure another campaign, she asked him to answer one question: “Can you fix it?” When he answered yes, she was in.

Click here to read more.
Click here to get involved with the Romney campaign.

Here Are This Weeks BIGGEST Stories

2012-01-27T06:43:00.001-05:00

Here are the most-visited stories on the Dan Cirucci blog this week:

Naked Bike Ride Photos, Philadelphia

Sep 6, 2010, 1 comment

653 Pageviews

The Bikini: How It Was Born; Why We Like It

Jul 19, 2011, 1 comment

373 Pageviews

Rutgers Pays Trashy Snooki $32,000 To Lecture

Apr 2, 2011, 1 comment

220 Pageviews

THIS Christie Video Will Give You Goosebumps!

Jan 25, 2012, 2 comments

177 Pageviews

Movie Review: How The Iron Lady Lost Her Backbone

Jan 22, 2012

98 Pageviews

Christie Orders Flags Lowered For Fallen Marine

2012-01-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the following Executive Order:
Executive Order No. 86 - Ordering all State buildings to fly flags at half-staff on Monday, January 30, 2012 to honor the service and sacrifice of United States Marine Corporal Kevin J. Reinhard, who was raised in Woodbridge and attended Ramapo College and Middlesex County College, and in 2008 interrupted his studies to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Corporal Reinhard lost his life serving on active duty in Helmand Province, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Romney On Gingrich: 'A One Man Band'

2012-01-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

Senator Bob Dole today release this statement:

I have not been critical of Newt Gingrich but it is now time to take a stand before it is too late. If Gingrich is the nominee it will have an adverse impact on Republican candidates running for county, state, and federal offices. Hardly anyone who served with Newt in Congress has endorsed him and that fact speaks for itself. He was a one-man-band who rarely took advice. It was his way or the highway.

Gingrich served as Speaker from 1995 to 1999 and had trouble within his own party. Already in 1997 a number of House members wanted to throw him out as Speaker. But he hung on until after the 1998 elections when the writing was on the wall. His mounting ethics problems caused him to resign in early 1999. I know whereof I speak as I helped establish a line of credit of $150,000 to help Newt pay off the fine for his ethics violations. In the end, he paid the fine with money from other sources.

Gingrich had a new idea every minute and most of them were off the wall. He loved picking a fight with Bill Clinton because he knew this would get the attention of the press. This and a myriad of other specifics helped to topple Gingrich in 1998.

In my run for the presidency in 1996 the Democrats greeted me with a number of negative TV ads and in every one of them Newt was in the ad. He was very unpopular and I am not only certain that this did not help me, but that it also cost House seats that year. Newt would show up at the campaign headquarters with an empty ice-bucket in his hand—that was a symbol of some sort for him—and I never did know what he was doing or why he was doing it.

In my opinion if we want to avoid an Obama landslide in November, Republicans should nominate Governor Romney as our standard bearer. He has the requisite experience in the public and private sectors. He would be a president we could have confidence in.

Debate: Santorum Embarrasses Himself

2012-01-26T21:21:00.001-05:00

Rick Santorum tried hard to rattle Mitt Romney in the Florida GOP debate.
And he failed.
It's hard to figure out exactly what Santorum's game plan is.
He peaked in Iowa.
He's beyond desperate now.
Now he's becoming pathetic.

Ron Paul Has Best Line Of Debate

2012-01-26T21:01:00.001-05:00

At the Florida GOP debate, Ron Paul has the best line of the night: "I don't think we should go to the moon. I think we should send some politicians there."

Investments: Romney Hits Homer

2012-01-26T20:52:00.001-05:00

Romney just hit a homer on the matter of investments and success in business.
Romney holds firm and demands accounting from Gingrich for his repeated attacks. Gingrich has been squirming somewhat tonight and clearly seems unsettled when the attacks are turned on him.
These questions and challenges are good for Romney. Let him answer them now and get sharp on the uptake because he's going to get plenty of attacks like this when the Dems launch all out class warfare on him if he becomes the nominee.
Romney will be strengthened by this of he handles himself well.
Paul is now scoring points on the issue of his age. Actually, his boyish demeanor belies his age. If elected, he would be the oldest president ever.

Debate: Romney Hitting Hard

2012-01-26T20:38:00.001-05:00

Romney just hit Gingrich hard on supposed "investments" in FannieMae and FreddieMac.
Gingrich is now becoming defensive. He's been thrown off his game tonight.
Paul is scoring points now as Gingrich fades.
Watch out for Paul. He aims to pick up enough delegates at caucuses to be
a player at the convention. He should not be viewed lightly even though he has some seemingly wacky ideas.

Live Blogging The GOP Debate

2012-01-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

We're watching the GOP debate and it's off to a fast start and so far Mitt Romney has clearly gained the initiative. Mitt has taken the offensive and has wasted no time in calling Gingrich on his inflammatory rhetoric.
Right now Santorum and Paul are arguing about Latin America.
And once again Gingrich has been caught on a past inflammatory quote in which he called Spanish the language of the ghetto.

THIS Christie Video Will Give You Goosebumps!

2012-01-25T22:14:00.001-05:00

Do you make jokes about New Jersey?
Even when the state had the good sense to elect the most genuine, most credible Governor in America?
Even while the whole country is now watching America's most compelling public figure transform New Jersey into a model for the nation?
Even while millions are wishing that this native of Newark, NJ was the President of the United States?
Obviously, you need to stop making those jokes. And you need to stop it right now.
For a lot of reasons. But here's another reason why.
This video of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie answering a question from a young Giants fan at a recent Christie Town Hall will give you goosebumps -- no matter where you live or what team you root for.
It not only shows Chris Christie at his best but it also demonstrates his pride in his home state and his understanding of New Jerseyans' keen sense of identity with the Garden State.
He says it. He means it. He does it!

Romney And Cuba: Record And Policies Are Clear

2012-01-25T21:59:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney will adopt a clear policy toward the Cuban regime: no accommodation, no appeasement. The United States should not relent until the day when the Castros’ regime meets its end and their history is written among the world's most reviled despots, tyrants, and frauds. The North Star that guides Mitt Romney’s policy toward the island is the realizable dream of a free Cuba.
Unfortunately, President Obama has adopted a strategy of appeasement toward the Castro regime. He unilaterally relaxed sanctions without making any demands of the regime. Predictably, the Castros responded to these naïve concessions by tightening their grip on the island and by taking an American, Alan Gross, as a political prisoner. Now, increased travel and remittances to Cuba prop up a regime desperate for foreign currency.

Mitt Romney will break sharply with President Obama’s appeasement strategy. Mitt Romney believes unilateral concessions to a dictatorial regime are counterproductive, helping to secure a succession of power and greater repression instead of a transition to freedom. Mitt Romney will send a strong message to both the regime and the Cuban people that the United States stands with the courageous pro-democracy movement on the island, and that our support will never waver. Mitt Romney’s policy toward Cuba will include:

Reinstating Travel & Remittance Restrictions. Mitt Romney will reinstate the 2004 travel and remittance restrictions that President Obama naively lifted.

Adhering to the Helms-Burton Act. Mitt Romney will strictly adhere to the Helms-Burton Act, including Title III, to place maximum pressure on the Cuban regime.

Demanding Release of Alan Gross. Mitt Romney will demand the immediate release of Alan Gross.

Democracy Promotion Programs. Mitt Romney will fully fund and effectively implement democracy promotion programs to support Cuba’s brave pro-democracy movement.

Breaking the Information Blockade. Mitt Romney will commit to breaking the information blockade the Castro regime places on the Cuban people. He will order effective use of Radio and TV Marti’s broadcasts to the island and employ robust Internet, social media, and other innovative steps to bring information to the Cuban people and help them send information out.

Publicly Naming Oppressors. Mitt Romney will publicly identify by name those police officers, prison officials, judges, state security personnel, and regime officials who mistreat, torture, and oppress the Cuban people so they know they will be held individually accountable.

Holding the Castros Accountable for the Brothers to the Rescue Shoot Down. Mitt Romney will explore all avenues — including criminal indictment — to ensure that Fidel and Raul Castro are held accountable for the killing of four Americans in the downing of the Brothers to the Rescue airplanes.

Mitt Romney recognizes the wider threat to freedom posed by the anti-American Bolivarian movement across Latin America that is led by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and the Castro brothers. This movement threatens the principles enshrined in the Inter-American Democratic Charter and poses a serious national security threat to U.S. regional allies and the U.S. homeland in the form of an enhanced drug-terror nexus. Mitt Romney will pursue a resolute policy toward Latin America that will include:

Bolstering the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The precepts of the Inter-American Democratic Charter will form the cornerstone of U.S. policy in the hemisphere. There will never be a Cuban exception to the Charter.

Campaign for Economic Opportunity in Latin America. In his first 100 days, Mitt Romney will launch a vigorous public diplomacy and trade promotion effort in the region — the Campaign for Economic Opportunity in Latin America (CEOLA) — to extol the virtues of democracy and free trade and contrast them with the ills of the model offered by Cuba and Venezuela.

Hemispheric Joint Task Force on Crime & Terrorism. Mitt Romney will form a unified Hemispheric Joint Task Force on Crime and Terrorism to coordinate intelligence and law enforcement among our allies against regional terrorist groups and criminal networks.

McCain: Gingrich Was 'A Failed Leader'

2012-01-25T17:39:00.000-05:00

“Sen. John McCain tore into Newt Gingrich Wednesday, accusing the former House Speaker of encouraging an explosion of earmarks that ultimately led to corruption in congress and for having a leadership style that would be problematic as president. ‘I saw these earmarks explode. I saw the corruption that resulted from it,’ the former Republican presidential nominee said on a conference call with reporters organized by Mitt Romney's campaign. McCain endorsed Romney after the Iowa caucuses.”

“McCain Blasts Gingrich On Earmarks And Leadership”

Obama's Sorry Record: Prices Up, Wages Down

2012-01-25T14:31:00.001-05:00

Since Obama took office the price of gas has jumped 83%.
The price of ground beef has jumped 24% during the same period.
The price of a half-gallow of ice cream has jumped 19%.
The price of a pound of sliced bacon has jumped 22%.
Even the price of whole wheat bread has increased 5%.
Is this what he means by "helping the middle class?" Wages down, prices up. NOT a good record.

Christie Endorses Med Education, Research Proposals

2012-01-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie endorsed the final recommendations of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) Advisory Committee, calling it a blueprint to achieve long-overdue reform of the State’s higher education system and usher in a new era for medical education throughout the State.

The final recommendations offered by the Committee will ensure that New Jersey meets its potential as a national leader in medical education and biomedical research, increasing the collaboration and innovation between these institutions and New Jersey’s research based industries. These recommendations build on the Committee’s September 2011 interim report and further provide concrete and comprehensive steps to secure the future of medical and health sciences education, research and associated clinical activities in the state.

“Ensuring that New Jersey’s higher education community delivers world-class medical education and training to students is a long-term imperative of our state that has been ignored for too long. These recommendations finally provide an innovative and bold blueprint to transform the structure of our public medical and health science schools for a secure and successful future,” said Governor Christie. “I want to thank Dr. Barer and the entire Committee for spending nearly a year developing these innovative and necessary steps to transform what is a complex and deeply important system affecting the lives of so many New Jerseyans each and every day. I am proud to stand behind these recommendations which will serve as my Administration’s guide to strengthen and elevate medical education in New Jersey.”

Notable among the recommendations of the Committee, chaired by Dr. Sol J. Barer, is a complete transformation of UMDNJ, refocusing the institution on its Newark-based schools and granting a significant level of autonomy to the institution’s most successful components. The Committee recommends that the school be renamed the New Jersey Health Sciences University.

By providing significant levels of autonomy to the School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, and University Behavioral Health Care in Piscataway, as well as to the Public Health Research Institute in Newark, UMDNJ will be able to focus on the success of its primary academic units in Newark and achieve a streamlined bureaucracy. This will allow New Jersey taxpayers to get the most from the investment they make into medical education in Newark.

For the future of University Hospital in Newark, the Committee recommends a long-term public-private partnership for the hospital’s management to allow for its continued role as a Level One Trauma Center and a hub of medical care for New Jersey and the Newark community, enabling continued high quality medical programs, increased efficiency in operations and investment in capital improvements in the future.

Equally as notable is the Committee’s recommendation to fully integrate Rowan University and Rutgers University–Camden into a broader institution, known as Rowan University and based in Glassboro and Camden. Through this integration, the Committee recommends that this new institution be positioned for public research university status. The Committee found this change will both support the development of Rowan’s new medical school and provide an enhanced academic and health care education and delivery system that would bolster the regional economy.

In summary, the Committee made the following recommendations to Governor Christie:

A revamped and recast health sciences university based in Newark, which they suggest being named the New Jersey Health Sciences University (NJHSU). This powerful academic institution, with significantly increased autonomy for three units – University Behavioral Health Care, the School of Osteopathic Medicine and the Public Health Research Institute – will establish the foundation for a new era of medical education and patient care in our State.

An affirmative and strong endorsement of support for the critical mission and role of University Hospital for the Newark community and for the State. The Committee recognized the hospital’s vital role while also noting that its precarious fiscal position must be addressed. To that end they are recommending a public‐private partnership that would provide for the improved operations and long‐term sustainability of University Hospital.

A broader, expanded research university in southern New Jersey comprised of the assets of Rowan University and Rutgers University in Camden and encompassing, as well as the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

· Reaffirms Committee’s interim recommendation for institutional realignment of UMDNJ’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey into Rutgers University.

“Governor Christie’s charge was not an easy one, but we want to thank him for his willingness to address the critical issues facing New Jersey’s medical education community. We believe our recommendations will positively contribute to keeping New Jersey a leader in medical education and health sciences training,” said Dr. Sol J. Barer, who chaired the Committee. “We also believe there are no fundamental bars to impede the transformation we’ve recommended and now is the time to act to strengthen our institutions and ensuring continued high quality healthcare delivery to our State.”

The UMDNJ Advisory Committee, created through Executive Order No. 51, was chaired by Dr. Sol J. Barer, former CEO and Chairman of Celgene, and members include Robert E. Campbell, former Vice Chairman of Johnson & Johnson; Joyce Wilson Harley, Esq., Executive Director of Administrative Services at Essex County College and former Essex County Administrator; Anthony J. Perno III, Esq., President & CEO of Cooper’s Ferry Development Association, Inc., and Harold T. Shapiro, Ph.D., former President of Princeton University. At the direction of the Governor, Acting Secretary of Higher Education Rochelle Hendricks joined the Committee in a consultative role.

Obamanomics: The Numbers Don't Lie

2012-01-25T12:14:00.002-05:00

'V' Is For Van Gogh At Art Museum 'Rocky' Steps

2012-01-25T12:07:00.000-05:00

Beginning today there will be one more “V” awaiting those who proclaim “Victory!” after a run up the Rocky Steps! At the East entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 7 banners will be mounted across the entrance to the Museum, each blue banner measuring over 14’ tall and bearing a single letter of the world-renowned artist’s name. The banners’ installation announces the major exhibition Van Gogh Up Close, which opens to the public on February 1 and runs through May 6, 2012.

Van Gogh Up Close opens in Philadelphia, the only U.S. stop for this international show which presents some of the artist’s most daring and innovative paintings that have never been seen together. The exhibition features over 70 works including 46 still lifes and landscapes van Gogh made in France that are “close-ups” of flowers, trees, open fields, forest interiors, and countryside vistas. Loans from major museums and private collections in Europe, North America, and Japan include van Gogh’s famous Almond Blossom, Sunflowers, Iris, Sheaves of Wheat, and Vineyard at Auvers.

Click here for more information.

Christie Video: 'It's YOUR Money; We'll Get It Back!'

2012-01-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

Romney Wins Solid Support From Miami-Dade Leaders

2012-01-25T11:02:00.000-05:00

In a show of overwhelming strength in Miami-Dade County, the Mitt Romney campaign today announced the support of a list of local elected officials who have endorsed Mitt Romney for President.
“I am proud to have the support of these respected leaders,” said Mitt Romney. “Like me, these leaders believe that our President has failed to lead, and stand ready to join our effort to restore prosperity to America, so the hard-working people and families in every corner of our nation can find jobs and move forward.”
“Mitt Romney is a committed conservative who believes in the American Dream, and we believe in him,” said Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez. “Governor Romney is principled, hard-working, and honest; and he has the real-world experience necessary to bring our country out of economic recession. We are proud to endorse him and support his candidacy.”

The following leaders have endorsed Governor Romney for President:
Ana Rivas Logan, State Representative
Anitere Flores, State Senator
Carlos Hernandez, Mayor of Hialeah
Dan Espino, Vice-Mayor of Miami Springs
Eddy Gonzalez, State Representative
Isis Garcia-Martinez, Hialeah City Councilwoman
Jeanette Nunez, State Representative
Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner
Jose Bermudez, Mayor of Doral
Jose Caragol, Hialeah City Councilman
Jose Felix Diaz, State Representative
Jose Oliva, State Representative
Katharine Cue, Hialeah City Councilwoman
Luis Gonzalez, Hialeah City Councilman
Michael Pizzi, Mayor of Miami Lakes
Nelson Hernandez, Miami Lakes City Councilman
Paul Hernandez, Hialeah City Councilman
Pete Cabrera, Doral Councilman
Tim Daubert, Miami Lakes City Councilman
Yioset de la Cruz, Mayor of Hialeah Gardens
Zavier Garcia, Mayor of Miami Springs

Click here for more information or to get involved.

Clean Up Trenton: NJ Reformers Launch Second TV Ad

2012-01-25T10:57:00.000-05:00

Committee for Our Children’s Future (CCF), a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, today launched a second $1.5 million-dollar television campaign to highlight Governor Christie and reformers’ efforts to strengthen the economy, improve education and cut income taxes in New Jersey. The new ad is airing on New York and Philadelphia broadcast and New Jersey statewide cable stations over the next four weeks. The television ad will be accompanied by a sophisticated statewide online advertising campaign.

Click here for more.

Speech Registers At Eighth Grade Reading Level

2012-01-25T10:50:00.000-05:00

You can call it the "dumbing down of America."
Or, you can call it "making yourself perfectly clear."
No matter what you call it the fact is that a scientific test has shown that President Obama's State of the Union Speech last night registers at an eighth grade reading level.
This, according to the University o0f Minnesota's Smart Politics which conducted an analysis of the speech using the Flesch-Kincaid readability test.
The "Flesch Formula" is a way to measure how clearly and simply something is written -- whether it is easily understandable. The lower the Flesch score, the lower the reading level.
Obama's State of the Union last night registered the third-lowest Flesch Formula score of any State of the Union address since 1934.
The Flesch Formula considers length of sentences and words, among other factors.
Each of Obama's three addresses are among only seven of 70 in the modern era that were written shy of a 9th grade level, and among the six that have averaged less than 17 words per sentence.

The lowest Flesch score was attained by President george H. W. Bush in 1992 with a speech that was written at a reading level of 7.5 (seventh grade and six months). The second, third and sixth lowest all came from Obama in 2011, 2012 and 2010 respectively.

Click here for more.

State Of The Union: Haven't I Heard This Before?

2012-01-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

Christie On Same Sex Marriage: Let The Voters Decide

2012-01-25T10:17:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Christopher Christie:

This issue that our state is exploring – whether or not to redefine hundreds of years of societal and religious traditions – should not be decided by 121 people in the State House in Trenton.

The fact is we’re discussing huge change and I believe we need to approach this not only in a thoughtful way, not in a rushed way, but also in a way where we’re able to get the most input that we can from the public.

So, if New Jersey is seriously looking to overturn hundreds of years of societal, legal and religious tradition, we need to give the issue the weight that it merits.

So, I think that this is not an issue that should rest solely in my hands, in the hands of the Senate President, or in the hands of the Speaker or the other 118 members of the Legislature.

Let’s let the people of New Jersey decide what is right for the state.

Let’s put the question of same-sex marriage on the ballot this fall, in the hands of the people, at the time where the most people will be voting, in the presidential election year.

I support giving New Jerseyans the ability to give voice to their support or their opposition to this issue.

We have an opportunity now to take away political maneuvering and political advantage and the inherent issues that existed the last time this issue was before the legislature when it failed.

Let’s make sure that political maneuvering is not what judges this, and let’s make sure this is not just someone trying to have fun and create a campaign issue. It’s too serious – the institution of marriage is too serious to be treated like a political football.

So, my message to the Legislature – and this is simple – and I’m doing it today because today is the first day they’re beginning to consider it. Let’s stop treating this like a political football and let’s let the people of New Jersey decide.

That way those who are in favor, those who are opposed, will have the opportunity to make their case over the next nine months to the people of New Jersey. And then, in the year when the most people will be voting, we get a decision. And the people decide whether or not they believe same-sex marriage should exist in this State or not.

I would certainly be willing to be governed by the decision of the people this State, especially in a year that the most people will be voting in the State.

And I would hope that the legislature would be willing to trust the people, the way I’m willing to trust the people.

This issue is too big and too consequential not to trust the people who will be governed ultimately by any change in law or maintenance of the current law.

Oscars: More 2012 Nominees Listed

2012-01-24T10:37:00.000-05:00

Here is the rest of the complete list of Oscar nominees:

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
"The Descendants," Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
"Hugo," John Logan
"The Ides of March," George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"Moneyball," Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin. Story by Stan Chervin
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Screenplay by Bridget O'Connor & Peter Straughan

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
"The Artist," Michel Hazanavicius
"Bridesmaids," Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig
"Margin Call," J.C. Chandor
"Midnight in Paris," Woody Allen
"A Separation," Asghar Farhadi

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
"Bullhead," Belgium
"Footnote," Israel
"In Darkness," Poland
"Monsieur Lazhar," Canada
"A Separation," Iran

DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
"Hell and Back Again," Danfung Dennis and Mike Lerner"
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front," Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory," Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
"Pina," Wim Wenders and Gian-Piero Ringel
"Undefeated," TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Richard Middlemas

DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement," Robin Fryday and Gail Dolgin
"God Is the Bigger Elvis," Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson
"Incident in New Baghdad," James Spione
"Saving Face," Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom," Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen

SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
"Dimanche/Sunday," Patrick Doyon
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore," William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg
"La Luna," Enrico Casarosa
"A Morning Stroll," Grant Orchard and Sue Goffe
"Wild Life," Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby

SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
"Pentecost," Peter McDonald and Eimear O'Kane
"Raju," Max Zähle and Stefan Gieren
"The Shore," Terry George and Oorlagh George
"Time Freak," Andrew Bowler and Gigi Causey
"Tuba Atlantic," Hallvar Witzø

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Guillaume Schiffman, "The Artist"
Jeff Cronenweth, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Robert Richardson, "Hugo"
Emmanuel Lubezki, "The Tree of Life"
Janusz Kaminski, "War Horse"

COSTUME DESIGN
Lisy Christl, "Anonymous"
Mark Bridges, "The Artist"
Sandy Powell, "Hugo"
Michael O'Connor, "Jane Eyre"
Arianne Phillips, "W.E"

FILM EDITING
"The Artist," Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
"The Descendants," Kevin Tent
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
"Hugo" Thelma Schoonmaker
"Moneyball," Christopher Tellefsen

MAKEUP
"Albert Nobbs," Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston and Matthew W. Mungle
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight and Lisa Tomblin
"The Iron Lady," Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
"The Adventures of Tintin" John Williams
"The Artist" Ludovic Bource
"Hugo" Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse" John Williams

MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets" Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie
"Real in Rio" from "Rio" Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown Lyric by Siedah Garrett

SOUND EDITING
"Drive" Lon Bender and Victor Ray Ennis
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Ren Klyce
"Hugo" Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
"War Horse" Richard Hymns and Gary Rydstrom

SOUND MIXING
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Bo Persson
"Hugo" Tom Fleischman and John Midgley
"Moneyball" Deb Adair, Ron Bochar, Dave Giammarco and Ed Novick
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, Jeffrey J. Haboush and Peter J. Devlin
"War Horse" Gary Rydstrom, Andy Nelson, Tom Johnson and Stuart Wilson

VISUAL EFFECTS
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" Tim Burke, David Vickery, Greg Butler and John Richardson
"Hugo" Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossman and Alex Henning
"Real Steel" Erik Nash, John Rosengrant, Dan Taylor and Swen Gillberg
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, R. Christopher White and Daniel Barrett
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon" Scott Farrar, Scott Benza, Matthew Butler and John Frazier

While Florida Families Struggled, Newt Cashed In

2012-01-24T10:25:00.001-05:00

While Florida families struggled during the housing crisis, Newt Gingrich cashed in while working for Freddie Mac. After being sanctioned for ethics violations and resigning in disgrace, Newt Gingrich cashed in as a D.C. insider. President Obama and his campaign would be very happy if Newt Gingrich is the nominee.

Oscar: The List Of 2012 Nominees

2012-01-24T09:07:00.000-05:00

BEST PICTURE
"War Horse"
"The Artist"
"Moneyball"
"The Descendants"
"The Tree of Life"
"Midnight in Paris"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

LEAD ACTOR
Demián Bichir, "A Better Life"
George Clooney, "The Descendants"
Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"
Gary Oldman, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy "
Brad Pitt, "Moneyball"

LEAD ACTRESS
Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis, "The Help"
Rooney Mara, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo "
Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn"

BEST DIRECTOR
Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"
Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"
Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life"

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"br> Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"
Nick Nolte in "Warrior"
Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"
Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"
Jessica Chastain in "The Help"
Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer in "The Help"

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
"A Cat in Paris" Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli
"Chico & Rita" Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal
"Kung Fu Panda 2" Jennifer Yuh Nelson
"Puss in Boots" Chris Miller
"Rango" Gore Verbinski

ART DIRECTION
"The Artist" Production Design: Laurence Bennett; Set Decoration: Robert Gould
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
"Hugo" Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
"Midnight in Paris" Production Design: Anne Seibel; Set Decoration: Hélène Dubreuil
"War Horse" Production Design: Rick Carter; Set Decoration: Lee Sandales

2012 Oscar Nominations - Here's The List!

2012-01-24T08:50:00.002-05:00

Hugo swept the 2012 Oscar nominations announced in Hollywood this morning. Hugo got 11 nominations and the The Artist garnered 10.
Here are the nominees for Best Picture:
Hugo
The Artist
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse
The Help
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
The Descendants
Midnight in Paris

Christie Aims To Make NJ Leader In School Choice

2012-01-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

Continuing New Jersey’s leadership in a nationwide movement to provide high-quality education options for every child, Governor Chris Christie today signed a proclamation designating January 22 - 28, 2012 as School Choice Week in New Jersey for the second consecutive year.

“Every child, no matter what their zip code, deserves a quality education. With more than 100,000 children trapped in nearly 200 chronically failing schools in New Jersey, the need for education reform has never been greater,” said Governor Chris Christie. “From expanded charter school alternatives to renaissance schools, this Administration is delivering effective educational choices to bring hope and the opportunity for a brighter future to students and their families. I urge the Legislature to join me by acting on other key elements of our aggressive education reform agenda to make these goals a reality.”

In states across the country, parents and advocates for real education reform are standing up to during National School Choice Week to bring attention to the need for effective educational options for every child, regardless of their zip code or economic circumstances.

Governor Christie has made a reform agenda aimed at bringing a great education to every student a top priority of his Administration, and already secured several key achievements to provide more options for children and families trapped in failing schools:

· This month, Governor Christie signed into law the Urban Hope Act to provide more high-quality education options – renaissance schools – in some of the state’s worst performing school districts.

· On Friday, Governor Christie announced the approval of 8 new charter schools. Along with 25 charter applications approved in previous rounds, these approvals bring the total number of charter schools eligible to open in September 2012 to 33, pending approval during the Department’s readiness review. Currently, 80 charter schools operate in New Jersey, serving approximately 26,500 children;

· In Fall 2010, Governor Christie signed into law and has aggressively implemented the Interdistrict Public School Choice bill;

· Governor Christie has put forward a specific package of legislation to bring needed reform to public education in New Jersey – including a revamp of the state’s charter law, the Opportunity Scholarship Act and proposals to reform tenure, compensation and hiring practices to identify and reward the work done by the many excellent teachers in the state.

Christie Files Appointments, Nominations

2012-01-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie yesterday filed the following notices of intent to nominate, nominations, and direct appointments with the State Senate and Secretary of State’s Office. The Governor’s nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.

NOTICES OF INTENT TO NOMINATE

ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

Bruce A. Harris (Chatham Borough, Morris)
Phillip H. Kwon (Closter, Bergen)

NOMINATIONS

JUDGE OF SUPERIOR COURT

Nominate for appointment Ana C. Viscomi (Red Bank, Monmouth)

DIRECTOR OF THE DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL

Director

Nominate for appointment the Honorable Michael I. Halfacre, Esq. (Fair Haven, Monmouth)

NEW JERSEY CULTURAL TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Nominate for reappointment Bette C. Daniele (Edison, Middlesex)

NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Nominate for appointment Lawrence A. Raia, P.E. (Saddle River, Bergen)

PASSAIC VALLEY SEWERAGE COMMISSION

Contracting Municipality – Essex

Nominate for appointment Thomas Tucci, Jr. (Nutley, Essex)

Contracting Municipality – Passaic

Nominate for appointment William J. Roca, Esq. (Wayne, Passaic)

DIRECT APPOINTMENT

NEW JERSEY STATE BOARD OF ARCHITECTS

Landscape Architect

Appoint Anna Cheng Young, LLA, RLA, ASLA (Califon, Hunterdon)

Flags Ordered Lowered For Paterno. Do You Agree?

2012-01-23T20:35:00.000-05:00

Maybe you think it's perfectly justified.
Maybe you don't care one way or the other.
Maybe you're actually outraged.
Here's what we're talking about: Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett has ordered flags in the Keystone State lowered to half staff in memory of the late Joe Paterno, the legendary Penn State football coach who served at Penn State for more than half a century.
Often flags are lowered in memory of military personnel and/or first responders (police officers, firefighters, etc.) who lost their lives in service to our nation or to others.
Do you agree with Corbett's decision in this case?
Vote in our poll at the top right hand corner of their blog. Vote now!

Romney's Double-Barreled Attack On The Newtster

2012-01-23T16:43:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today on Newt's duplicity:

“By the way, saying that Newt Gingrich is a lobbyist is just a matter of fact. He indicates that he doesn’t fall within the narrow definition of lobbyists that he might have in mind. But if you’re working for a company, getting paid for a company through one of your many entities and then you’re speaking with Congressmen in a way that would help that company, that’s lobbying. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.”

Mitt Romney’s Remarks On Newt Gingrich’s Work For Freddie Mac:
To View Mitt Romney’s Complete Remarks Click Here

“The Speaker was very animated about my releasing tax records – I am.

"I think it’s an appropriate observation that people should know if there’s going to be an October Surprise.

"In the case of the Speaker, he’s got some records which could represent an October Surprise. We could see an October Surprise a day from Newt Gingrich. Let’s see the records from the ethics investigation. Let’s see what they show. Let’s see who his clients were at the time he was lobbying Republican congressmen for Medicare Part D. Was he working or were his entities working with any health care companies that could have benefited from that? That could represent not just evidence of lobbying but potentially wrongful activity of some kind.

"And finally, let’s also see the relationship with Freddie Mac and the work product of Freddie Mac. Let’s have full disclosure of what’s going on. By the way, saying that Newt Gingrich is a lobbyist is just a matter of fact. He indicates that he doesn’t fall within the narrow definition of lobbyists that he might have in mind. But if you’re working for a company, getting paid for a company through one of your many entities and then you’re speaking with Congressmen in a way that would help that company, that’s lobbying. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.”

Romney: March For Life Shows 'Compassion, Mercy'

2012-01-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today released the following statement on the March for Life:

“In great number, men and women from across our country are gathered today on the Mall in Washington in the cause of defending the rights of the unborn. In their ranks are many who remember the day when Roe v. Wade was announced. Also among them are thousands of young Americans born after 1973 whose idealism and good hearts will continue to represent the passion and resolve of the pro-life movement. All of them are marching today in the spirit of compassion and mercy, and I share their commitment to laws that protect the innocent and uphold a culture of life. We take heart that we are winning this issue step by step, and I look forward to working arm and arm with the pro-life movement until the wrong of Roe v. Wade has been set right.”

Christie's Historic Nominations Lauded

2012-01-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

New Jersey State Senator Kevin O’Toole, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement concerning the nominations of Phil Kwan and Bruce Harris as Associate Justices on the New Jersey Supreme Court:

“Governor Christie’s monumental decision today to nominate Phil Kwan and Bruce Harris to be Associate Justices of the Supreme Court highlights his desire to ensure that our State’s highest court not only be a model of diversity for the country but also have a compliment of the best and brightest legal minds our State has to offer,” said O’Toole.
Mr. Harris has degrees from Yale Law School, an MBA from the Boston University School of Management he is a graduate of Amherst College. His work experience includes AT&T, Riker, Danzig and Greenberg Traurig. Mr. Harris has been an active member of his community as a member of the Chatham Borough Governing Body, the Chatham Environmental Commission, the Chatham Historic Preservation Commission, as a Trustee of the UMDNJ Foundation and New Jersey Health Foundation, and The Eric Johnson House.
Mr. Kwan received his undergraduate degree in from Georgetown University and his law degree in from Rutgers University School of Law in Newark. He currently serves as First Assistant Attorney General of New Jersey. He was previously an assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey where he was Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, the Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit. Among the many cases Mr. Kwan tried, he prosecuted some of the most violent gangs in our state, the Bloods, the Crips, and the Latin Kings.
“Diversity for the sake of diversity is not a qualification to serve on the Supreme Court, however, being leaders in the legal community, as these two individuals are, with their vast experience in public and private sector law certainly does make them the best qualified candidates for New Jersey’s Supreme Court.”
“The historical impact of these nominees aside, I am fully confident that Mr. Harris and Mr. Kwan will bring their wealth of legal expertise and tremendous qualifications to the Supreme Court. These individuals have been leaders in their profession and their intellect will further show case our Supreme Court throughout the country as a model to emulate,” O’Toole concluded.

Video: Christie Announces Historic Court Nominations

2012-01-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

Kean: This Is A Proud Moment For New Jersey

2012-01-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R- Union) issued the following statement in reaction to Governor Christie's nomination of Phillip Kwon and Bruce Harris to the New Jersey Supreme Court:

"Governor Christie has picked two nominees with impeccable legal credentials to serve on our state's highest court. Mr. Kwon has helped lead the fight on public corruption in New Jersey in the offices of the Attorney General and U.S. Attorney. Mr. Harris, a constituent with whom I had the pleasure of campaigning this past fall, comes from two of New Jersey's most prestigious and influential law firms. The most important qualification for a nominee to the Supreme Court is his or her skill and knowledge as an attorney. The Governor has found in Phillip Kwon and Bruce Harris two extraordinarily qualified members of the Bar to serve the people of this state."
"However, one also cannot help but appreciate the historic nature of these appointments in addition to the qualifications these men offer. If confirmed, New Jersey will have its first Asian-American and first openly-gay associate justices on the Court, as well as only the third African American. Their nominations speak truth to the idea that ours is a state where people from all walks of life can achieve the American dream."
"Today is a proud moment for New Jersey. I call on the Senate President to make good on his commitment from last year to hold swift confirmation proceedings for these two nominees."

Coulter: Gingrich 'Least Conservative, Least Electable'

2012-01-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

Video: Christie Rightly Picks NEW JERSEY Giants

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000-05:00

Christie Picks Two Historic Nominees For High Court

2012-01-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today made two historic nominations to the New Jersey State Supreme Court with Bruce A. Harris, Mayor of Chatham, a lawyer with over 20 years of legal experience, and Phillip H. Kwon, First Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Law and Public Safety and former Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division. Both Harris and Kwon will not only bring accomplished and respected legal careers and records of service to the state’s highest court, but also a historic level of diversity to the membership of the Court.

“I am extraordinarily proud to announce these two historic nominations to the New Jersey State Supreme Court. Bruce and Phil are each accomplished and talented individuals with skilled legal minds who are highly respected in the legal community. Just as importantly, each of them has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to serving their state and communities,” said Governor Chris Christie.

“Additionally, not only do their different backgrounds and career paths bring distinctive and important perspectives to the Supreme Court, Bruce and Phil also capture our state's diversity in a way never before seen in the history of the Court," continued Governor Christie.

Today’s nominations build upon Governor Christie’s commitment to diversity on the courts in four historic ways. Bruce Harris will become the third African-American to serve on the State Supreme Court and the first openly gay member of the Court. Phil Kwon will become the first Asian-American to serve on the Supreme Court and the first immigrant to serve since the 1947 Constitution created the Court. Furthermore, Justice Anne Paterson, nominated by Governor Christie and confirmed, created the first female majority in the history of the Supreme Court, one of only five in the nation.

“Today is an important and historic symbol for New Jersey and our country. I am proud to be nominating two legal professionals who not only have a passion for this state and a dedication to the legal system, but also capture New Jersey’s great diversity,” concluded Governor Christie.

Bruce Harris is a lawyer with over 20 years of legal experience, most recently working at the law firm of Greenberg Traurig and previously at Riker, Danzi, Scherer, Hyland and Perretti. His work has focused primarily on issues of public finance and commercial lending. Harris graduated magna cum lade from Amherst College and graduated with honors from Boston University Graduate School of Management and Yale Law School.

Harris has a long record of service to his town and community, including his recent election as Mayor of Chatham Borough and previously service as a member of the Chatham Borough Council. He has served on the Chatham Environmental Commission, the Chatham Historic Preservation Commission, and on the boards of the UMDNJ Foundation and the New Jersey Health Foundation.

Phillip Kwon currently serves as First Assistant Attorney General where he has been the principal legal and strategic adviser to the Attorney General. Previously, he served New Jersey as part of the United States Attorney’s Office as the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, the Chief of the Violent Crimes Unit and the Assistant US Attorney of both the Special Prosecutions Division and the Criminal Division. In that capacity, he was the lead prosecutor on a diverse range of federal crimes and public corruption matters, in addition to taking on cases against some of New Jersey’s most notorious and violent groups, such as the Bloods, Crips, and Latin Kings.

Kwon graduated from Georgetown University and from Rutgers Law School where he was an editor of the Law Review.

Both nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. In an agreement reached last May to end the impasse over the nomination of Justice Anne Patterson, Senate President Sweeney promised an expedited confirmation process for these nominations, with an appropriate review process and up-or-down vote taking place in time for each to be seated by March of this year.

· Senator Sweeney: “The Governor has a couple of nominations come March of next year and one of the things I hope the Governor keeps in mind is racial diversity of the courts. We need to make sure we have a racially diverse court that looks like the state of New Jersey but there’s a commitment from me to move the nominations come March also.” (Senator Steven Sweeney, Press Availability, 5/2011)

Gingrich And Freddie Mac: What Is He Hiding?

2012-01-23T10:52:00.001-05:00

“Newt Gingrich says he was not a lobbyist – he was just a politician who was paid millions after he left Congress to influence his friends in Washington. When it comes to his work for Freddie Mac, we still have more questions than answers. Speaker Gingrich should immediately make his Freddie Mac contract and work product available to the public.” –Gail Gitcho, Romney Communications Director

Weeks Ago, Speaker Gingrich Said He Would Release Records of His Work For Freddie Mac:
In Mid-November, Gingrich Said He Would Release The Documentation Of His Contract With Freddie Mac.

“Gingrich’s campaign said today they will release all the documents they legally can of his contract with the once-beleaguered housing giant. Gingrich continued to staunchly deny reports that he ever lobbied for the group, but he skirted questions about the financial payouts he received from Freddie Mac for his contracting work.” (Huma Khan, “Newt Gingrich To Release Freddie Mac Records, Denies Lobbying,” ABCNews.com, 11/16/11)

Then His Campaign Said No Records Would be Forthcoming:
The Gingrich Campaign “Simply Released A List Of Facts” And Said “This Is It.” “It doesn’t appear that Newt Gingrich will be handing over his Freddie Mac records. … He told reporters that he would release as many documents as possible. But late this afternoon Gingrich’s campaign simply released a list of facts they wanted to reiterate. Spokesman R.C. Hammond said: ‘This is it’ when asked when the public could expect the documents Gingrich had earlier said he would try to provide.” (Jason Clayworth, “Newt Gingrich Won’t Release His Freddie Mac Records,” Des Moines Register, 11/16/11)
Gingrich First Claimed Freddie Mac Denied His Request to Release the Contract:

Gingrich Insisted His Campaign Asked Freddie Mac To Allow For Release Of Contract But That “They Wouldn’t Do It.”

“Gingrich told Bloomberg News in a Dec. 30 interview that he couldn’t make the documents public because Freddie Mac wouldn’t waive a confidentiality agreement. Gingrich’s consulting firm was paid at least $1.6 million over eight years for his services. ‘I don’t particularly want them to sue us,’ he said. Gingrich said his campaign had asked the company to lift the confidentiality clause. ‘They wouldn’t do it,’ he said.” (Lorraine Woellert and Clea Benson, “Freddie Mac Says Gingrich Can Release His Contracts as Adviser,” Bloomberg, 1/6/12)

Freddie Mac Then Directly Contradicted Gingrich’s Story, Saying He was “Welcome” to Release the Documents:
Freddie Mac Spokesperson: “He Is Welcome To Release The Contract.” “Newt Gingrich can release the details of his contract with Freddie Mac, a vice president of the mortgage giant told Bloomberg … [I]n an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday, Freddie Mac Vice President Sharon McHale told a different story. ‘We are not opposed to Mr. Gingrich discussing the broad terms of his consulting agreement with Freddie Mac,’ she said. ‘He is welcome to release the contract.’” (Jonathan Easley, “Gingrich ‘Is Welcome To Release’ His Contract, Freddie Mac Official Says,” The Hill, 1/6/12)

Gingrich Then Changed Course Again, Saying it Was Up to His Company to Decide:
On January 6, Gingrich Said It Was Up To His Former Firm, The Center For Health Transformation, Whether Or Not To Release The Contract.

“Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said today that he still can’t release his contract with Freddie Mac – even though the mortgage finance company gave him permission to do so – because the decision is up to his business partners in his consulting firm.” (Clea Benson and Lorraine Woellert, “Gingrich Leaves Freddie Mac Contract Release To His Partners,” Bloomberg, 1/6/12)

Unsurprisingly, Gingrich’s Old Firm Said it Would Not Release the Contract – The Announcement was Made by a Lawyer Who Represents Both Gingrich’s Company and the Gingrich Campaign:
On January 10, A Lawyer Representing The Center For Health Transformation Said It Would Not Release The Contract.

“A lawyer for a consulting firm founded by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich said he was barring the release of a contract between the Republican presidential candidate and Freddie Mac. … Even though Freddie Mac is willing to allow the document to be made public, allowing a release of the documents in this case might put the confidentiality of other Center for Health Transformation clients at risk, said Stefan Passantino, an attorney representing the firm.” (Clea Benson, “Gingrich’s Former Firm Declines To Release Freddie Mac Contract,” Bloomberg, 1/10/12)

The Attorney For The Center For Health Transformation Also Serves As Counsel For Gingrich’s Presidential Campaign.

“Calling attention to the more than $40,000 that Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich charged his campaign for use of his personal mailing list, the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington has called on the Federal Election Commission to investigate whether Gingrich violated campaign finance laws. … Stefan Passantino, Gingrich’s lawyer, [said] that to avoid violating any federal campaign finance rules, expenses for any events that involve the campaign and Gingrich Productions are strictly segregated.” (Kim Geiger, “Watchdog Group Files Complaint Over Gingrich's $42,000 List,” The Los Angeles Times, 12/19/11)

Video: Steven Tyler's DREADFUL National Anthem

2012-01-22T19:11:00.000-05:00

This was an abomination and a disgrace.
Shame on Steven Tyler!

Christie: Gingrich Has Been "Embarrassment' To Party

2012-01-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

Movie Review: How The Iron Lady Lost Her Backbone

2012-01-22T18:46:00.000-05:00

Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

To use a British term, Meryl Streep is absolutely splendid in The Iron Lady, the new film about British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Her performance is so complete, so natural and so seamless that's it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
But Streep is trapped in a hodgepodge of a movie that leaps forward, lapses backward and jumps all over the place. There are at least four different movies in The Iron Lady.
One is the story of the young Margaret Roberts, the rather introspective, studious grocer's daughter who adored her father and struggled to gain her mother's approval. Awkward and seemingly without many friends she was ridiculed by neighborhood girls but remained determined to "live a life that matters." For her, mattering meant embracing the conservative political philosophy and its cornerstone ethics of hard work, self-reliance, limited government and free markets.
The next is the story of Margaret and Denis Thatcher, a divorced World War II veteran and millionaire businessman who promised Margaret that she could pursue her then unconventional notion of a full career in politics. Though he was politically even further to the right than Margaret, Denis allowed his wife to take the lead on this and many other subjects. Theirs is both a love story and a story of accommodation.
The third story here is the story of MP and then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and how she rose to such prominence that she was eventually considered one of the most significant political figures of the 20th century. Fearless, relentlessly determined and almost shockingly forthright, Thatcher challenged long-held notions of political stability and compromise in a manner that disarmed her critics, intimidated her foes and fortified her allies, sometimes with tough love and sometimes with a chilling imperiousness.
Finally, we have the tale of what we are led to believe is the Margaret Thatcher of today -- a batty old lady plagued by turbulent memories, bad dreams and the ever-present ghost of Denis. She's cantankerous, distant, tired and often confused. And she wonders what it was all worth -- or whether it was worth anything at all.
This last story constantly intrudes on the narrative to the point where it's easy to lose track of time and place and we begin to wonder what's happening when, where and how.
Let's face it: Margaret Thatcher was a very significant leader. And the story of her rise to power and her reign as the longest-serving British prime Minister of the 20th century is one helluva tale. It would have made a great movie -- especially with Streep in the title role.
But what we have here is a choppy mess.
And we are left to wonder why the film turned out this way. Were the filmmakers fearful that their portrait of Thatcher would be too favorable? Is that why they had to turn so much of the movie over to the demented, almost-gothic Thatcher? Is thatcher's fall and dementia supposed to signify some kind of just punishment for her irrepressibly conservative policies?
We just don't know. And we never find out much about many other aspects of Thatcher's life as well including her time at Oxford, her life as a young mother of twins, her relationship with her children and the bond that kept the Thatchers together until Denis' death in 2003.
This could have been a great film; a real triumph.
And the sadness is that it's a good enough film that you can actually see how it could have been great.
For example, through much of the present-day narrative the dowdy old Baroness Thatcher talks about an upcoming return to 10 Downing Street for the unveiling of her official portrait. This was an unusual honor for a living British Prime Minister. And Thatcher did return for that portrait unveiling in 2009. That's where the film should have ended -- with that scene and that fittingly tender moment.
But that event is never shown in the film.
And the whole thing ends with the same spooky dubiousness that plagues the entire movie.
But for Meryl Streep this would have been one of the year's worst films.

Christie Announces Agreements With Two NJ Unions

2012-01-22T17:13:00.000-05:00

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced Friday that the membership of two state public employee negotiating units have ratified a four-year contract that appropriately holds salary increases to a level which recognizes the state’s fiscal realities and continuing budget constraints.

The negotiated settlement with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO Local 195, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 518, was ratified Thursday by a large majority, clearing the way for a new labor contract retroactive to July 1, 2011. Both union locals are covered under one contract.

“I appreciate the union membership’s recognition of the fiscal realities we continue to face as we work to bring New Jersey state government back to a stable, sustainable and affordable path,” said Governor Christie. “Just as in the private sector, public employees have had to face these economic realities.”

The across-the-board salary increases in the ratified agreement, which were first announced in December, are as follows: July 1, 2011 – 0 percent; July 1, 2012 – 0 percent; July 1, 2013 – 1 percent , and July 1, 2014 – 1.75 percent. As Governor Christie has previously noted, he has similar expectations from the other public employee unions with which the Administration continues to negotiate labor contracts , the largest being the Communications Workers of America, representing approximately 35,000 state employees.

IFPTE represents approximately 4,900 state employees throughout departments in the executive branch and at state colleges, with job titles falling into the categories of operations, maintenance and services; crafts (mechanics, engineers, plumbers, etc.); and inspection and security. SEIU represents approximately 190 employees at the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Together IFPTE/SEIU represents the third-largest state employee civilian negotiations unit.

Romney On Abortion: Lives Tragically Silenced

2012-01-22T17:04:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney made the following statement on the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade:

“Today marks the 39th anniversary of one of the darkest moments in Supreme Court history, when the court in Roe v. Wade claimed authority over the fundamental question regarding the rights of the unborn. The result is millions of lives since that day have been tragically silenced.
"Since that day, the pro-life movement has been working tirelessly in an effort to change hearts and minds and protect the weakest and most vulnerable among us.
"Today, we recommit ourselves to reversing that decision, for in the quiet of conscience, people of both political parties know that more than a million abortions a year cannot be squared with the good heart of America.”

Romney: 'It's Worth Fighting For; We'll Earn It!'

2012-01-21T22:13:00.001-05:00

A special message from Mitt Romney:

This is a hard fight because there is so much worth fighting for.

Tomorrow we take our fight to Florida -- a state that knows too well the failures of President Obama.

A lot is at stake in Florida in 10 days. But we cannot stop there. The road to the White House this November will go through Florida.

Help make Florida red in 2012 with a donation of $20.12 to receive a red special edition "Believe in America" shirt.

In the coming weeks, the ideals of free enterprise and economic freedom will need a strong defense. And I intend to make it.

Join the fight to restore America -- donate $20.12 today:

https://mittromney.com/donate/believe-america-shirt

Thanks,

Mitt Romney

Happy Anniversary, "Mr. Speaker"

2012-01-21T21:40:00.000-05:00

Today was the 15th anniversary of Newt Grinrich's formal reprimand by the House of Representatives on ethical violations.

Perhaps it's a good time to review this sorry chapter in our history:

“The House voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reprimand House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) and order him to pay an unprecedented $300,000 penalty, the first time in the House’s 208-year history it has disciplined a speaker for ethical wrongdoing. … Exactly one month before yesterday’s vote, Gingrich admitted that he brought discredit to the House and broke its rules by failing to ensure that financing for two projects would not violate federal tax law and by giving the House ethics committee false information.” (“House Reprimands, Penalizes Speaker,” The Washington Post, 1/22/97)

The House Voted 395-28 To Reprimand Speaker Gingrich – With Roughly Nine In Ten House Republicans Voting Against Gingrich. (H.Res. 31, Vote #8: Passed 395-28: R 196-26; D 198-2; I 1-0, 1/21/97)

The House Ethics Committee – Chaired By A Republican Member – Had Previously Voted 7-1 To Reprimand And Sanction Gingrich. “The House ethics committee recommended last night that [Gingrich] face an unprecedented reprimand from his colleagues and pay $300,000 in additional sanctions after concluding that his use of tax-deductible money for political purposes and inaccurate information supplied to investigators represented ‘intentional or … reckless’ disregard of House rules. The committee’s 7 to 1 vote came after 5 1/2 hours of televised hearings … ‘This is a tough penalty,’ Rep. Nancy L. Johnson (R-Conn.), chairman of the ethics panel, said after the vote. ‘I believe it is an appropriate penalty. It demonstrates that nobody is above the rules.’” (John E. Yang and Helen Dewar, “Ethics Panel Supports Reprimand of Gingrich,” The Washington Post, 1/18/97)

The Washington Post: “The House Imposed The Penalty … After Gingrich Acknowledged He Gave The Ethics Committee Untrue Information.” “The House imposed the penalty last year after Gingrich acknowledged he gave the ethics committee untrue information and failed to ensure that financing for two projects, including a college course he taught, would not violate federal tax laws. The penalty was to reimburse the ethics committee for added costs it attributed to investigating Gingrich’s misleading statements.” (Bill McAllister, “Gingrich To Pay Penalty With His Own Money,” The Washington Post, 9/15/98)

“Gingrich Confessed … To Violating The Rules.” “Gingrich confessed December 21 to violating the rules, admitting he should have sought specific legal advice about financing his college course and a town hall television project with tax-exempt donations. He took responsibility for inaccurate assertions that GOPAC, his former political organization, had no role in the college course.” (“Special Counsel Reportedly Recommends Gingrich Be Fined,”CNN.com, 1/17/97)

Gingrich’s Attorney told the Ethics Committee that his client had made “glaringly inconsistent” statements. “In his final opportunity to defend his client Friday night before the House ethics committee, an attorney for Newt Gingrich conceded that the speaker had made ‘glaringly inconsistent’ statements to the panel’s investigative subcommittee about a politically oriented college course financed with tax-exempt funds. The concession was among the most dramatic of any Gingrich representative.” (Charles R. Babcock and John E. Yang, “Files In Gingrich Case Detail Misstatements,” The Washington Post, 1/19/97)

Gingrich’s Claim That His Ethics Reprimand Was Partisan Was Rated “Pants On Fire”:

Gingrich Dismisses The Reprimand As A Partisan Matter, Saying It “Related More To The Politics Of The Democratic Party Than The Ethics.” GINGRICH: “I think what it does is it reminds people who probably didn’t know this that [Nancy Pelosi] was on the Ethics Committee, that it was a very partisan political committee, and that the way I was dealt with related more to the politics of the Democratic Party than the ethics. And I think in that sense, it actually helps me in getting people to understand – this was a Nancy Pelosi-driven effort.” (Fox News’ “On The Record,” 12/6/11)

PolitiFact, On Gingrich’s Assertion: “Pants On Fire.” “While it’s true that the Gingrich case became a vicious battlefield between the two parties, contemporary accounts and experts familiar with the proceedings agree that it was not ajudicated by ‘a very partisan political committee’ in a way that ‘related more to the politics of the Democratic Party than to ethics.’ The ethics panel’s case only moved forward with the express consent of Republicans, including the committee’s chairwoman, and it was led by a special counsel who was not a Democratic partisan and who focused on substantive legal matters. Most notably, when it became time to vote, the House – including nearly 90 percent of voting Republicans – voted to support the committee’s recommendation. We rate Gingrich’s statement Pants on Fire.” (PolitiFact.com, 12/7/11)

● “If He Didn’t Believe In The Fairness Of The Process, He Could Have Refused To Admit Wrongdoing…” “In essence, Gingrich is alleging that the investigation of his actions was biased by partisanship and, by extension, that the penalty he agreed to was tainted. … If he didn’t believe in the fairness of the process, he could have refused to admit wrongdoing and taken his chances on the House floor, where he led a sizable majority.” (PolitiFact.com, 12/7/11)

FactCheck.org: Gingrich’s Claims Are False And “Off Base.” “Newt Gingrich falsely claimed the House ethics panel that voted to reprimand him in 1997 was ‘a very partisan political committee.’ He was also off base when he said the inquiry was ‘a Pelosi-driven effort.’ In fact, the House Committee on Ethics is the only House panel evenly divided by party. And Pelosi was a relatively junior House member and not in a leadership position at the time. … The ethics panel was far from a ‘partisan’ committee.” (FactCheck.org, 12/8/11)

Report: Paterno Dead At 85

2012-01-21T21:14:00.001-05:00

CBS Sports has reported that former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has died.
Paterno was undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

Paterno Gravely Ill, Said To Be Near Death

2012-01-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

Joe Paterno is said to be gravely ill and near death.
According to the latest reports, family and friends have been summoned to say their final goodbye to the legendary coach and football icon -- indeed, the man who epitomized Penn State University.
Paterno, 85 years old, was the Head Coach of the Penn State football program for 46 years until he was let ago in 2011 after the arrest of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky for child sexual abuse charges. He still resides near the university in State College, PA.
Paterno was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after his termination. He was said to have been devastated by the scandal and the way that he was dismissed.

In a recent interview he tried to explain his actions with regard to the scandal. Paterno himself has never been implicated in the alleged crime and reportedly followed appropriate procedure in handling the matter the way he did.

Obamaesque: Gingrich Grandiosity Defies Boundaries

2012-01-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes when I listen to New Gingrich I have to scratch my head and wonder: "What the hell is he thinking? Does this guy's ego know no bounds whatsoever?'
Of course, we already know what it's like to have an outsized ego sitting in the White House. We have one there right now. And I'm convinced that in the case of the current occupant the ego is a mask for an often desperate insecurity. He's clearly in way over his head (and his ego).
But in the case of Newt, the ego is merely the seed -- the kernel. From it springs a breathtakingly audacious grandiosity.
So pervasive is this grandiosity that there's only one word for it Granditquitous!
This man has compared himself to Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Abraham Lincoln, Woodrow Wilson, Henry Clay, Charles De Gaulle, William Wallace, Pericles, The Duke of Wellington, the Vikings, Thomas Edison, Vince Lombardi, the Wright brothers and Moses.
Now, I know that Gingrich is a historian (he'll be the first to remind you that he has a Phd. in history) but give - me - a - break.
In placing himself in the company of these visionaries, innovators, and other heroic figures Gingrich has called himself "a transformational figure, a revolutionary," someone who aims at "saving civilization," a man with "enormous personal ambition" who wants to "shift the entire planet," a teacher of "the art of war" and a person of "big ideas."
This makes Obama talking about slowing "the rise of the ocean" and making the planet begin to heal seem like a mere audition.
Big ideas?
Well, yes. Like Obama, when it comes to himself, Gingrich does indeed have Very Big Ideas -- some of which seem to be in the realm of fantasy.
Gingrich says his campaign is patterned after that of Lincoln because like Lincoln all his "ideas come out of the Declaration of Independence." All of them? Really? Even the part about turning inner-city school students into janitors? I have to wonder about that.
Gingrich once told his Republican congressional colleagues that, like Moses he would help them cross the Red Sea "once again" but added that he would only do that if this time they would promise to stay on the other side. No wonder they eventually abandoned him. One could even conjecture about what took them so long.
Just last year Gingrich explained his "to-hell-with-everybody" (including his aides) campaign template by saying: "Much like Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, I’m such an unconventional political figure that you really need to design a unique campaign that fits the way I operate and what I’m trying to do.” But Reagan never liked to fire anybody and Thatcher willingly took the advice of trusted campaign aides as she rose to power in Britain.
And if Gingrich is so unique how come he sees himself as like so many others?
Take Thomas Edison, for example. Gingrich actually compared his creation of a political action committee (GOPAC) to Thomas Edison's invention of the telephone and the emergence of Bell Labs.
You have to wonder if The Newtster is living in the same world as the rest of us.
His answer clearly seems to be "No!"
Because we simply do not have the natural intelligence, the insight, the deep sense of history, the dazzling array of information, the courage, the wisdom borne of experience or the greatness of Newt Gingrich.
Yes, greatness!
Indeed, people who have watched Gingrich up-close report that he routinely "talks about four or five great people in history including Pericles and himself."
Like Gingrich, Pericles was a prolific writer and orator. And like Gingrich, Pericles was viewed by some as a populist.
But unlike Gingrich, Pericles served in the military, was highly disciplined, exhibited an admirable sense of calmness and self-control, surrounded himself with artists, philosophers, writers and patrons of the arts and was descendent from a wealthy, influential family.
So, how is it that Gingrich identifies with Pericles?
Well, Pericles did dump his first wife (with whom he had two children) and actually offered her to another husband. Then, Pericles and his mistress began living together openly and appearing in public together, against the wishes of his own children.
But we don't really want to go into all that messy stuff, do we?

Dotty Brown On How I Built (And Crossed) A Bridge

2012-01-21T10:57:00.001-05:00

When Dan Cirucci of Cherry Hill, N.J., emailed me about his “bridge” to a new career, I was intrigued. When he told me that he'd had 750,000 page views on his blog in 3 years and he hadn’t missed a single day, I was smitten.

This man I had to meet.
Dan suggested lunch at Ponzio’s on Route 70, the “power place” as he calls it, and arrived about 10 minutes after he’d blogged a video showing Mike Huckabee saying nice things about Romney.
“I promised myself that

Click here to read the rest of Dotty Brown's interview with me and watch the video as well.

Christie Video: Don't Be Shy When You're Right

2012-01-20T20:43:00.000-05:00

Christie says that Democrats only cry "fiscal responsibility" when he tries to return tax money to the taxpayers; but they don't give one hoot about the same "responsibility" when they're keeping our money and spending more and more of it.
And he's right.
And that's why he's not shy about it.

Video: How South Carolina Can Pick A President

2012-01-20T14:24:00.000-05:00

Click here for more.

Rock And Jazz Singer Etta James Dead At 73

2012-01-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

CNN is reporting that Etta James has died. Here's an excerpt:

Etta James, whose assertive, earthy voice lit up such hits as "The Wallflower," "Something's Got a Hold on Me" and the wedding favorite "At Last," has died, according to her longtime friend and manager, Lupe De Leon. She was 73.
She died from complications from leukemia with her husband, Artis Mills, and her sons by her side, De Leon said.
She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010, and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. James died at a hospital in Riverside, California. She would have turned 74 Wednesday.

Click here for more.

Christie's Tax Cut Plan Gets High Marks!

2012-01-20T12:10:00.000-05:00

What They Are Saying …

About Governor Christie’s “Bold, Courageous” Tax Relief Proposal

_____________________________________________________________

Business Leaders

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce:
“The governor's message is simple and direct. We are going to get New Jersey back to greatness. The business community has felt the turnaround in New Jersey's business climate and the governor has challenged us to accelerate the momentum. We need to embrace that, and start immediately.” (New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “What better way to kick-start than to reduce taxes 10 percent across the board, which is a bold, courageous initiative to help set us apart from our competitor states.” (New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “The governor has a plan that can't be achieved without leadership. We have a great leader and we have a strong Legislature, both of whom have proven they can work in a bipartisan, collaborative manner. It is now up to us, the business community, to work with the administration and the Legislature to help execute the plan.” (New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Press Release, 1/17/12)

National Federation of Independent Business State Director Laurie Ehlbeck: “This is a major priority for small businesses in New Jersey because they pay the highest income in the region.” (National Federation of Independent Business, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “The Governor clearly understands that the personal income tax is really a small business tax, and that it has to be lower if we’re going to be competitive. … We’re not built for competition with a tax rate that is higher than anywhere in America.” (National Federation of Independent Business, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “This is a great signal to the business community that New Jersey values hard work and that its leaders want people to keep more of the money they earn.” (National Federation of Independent Business, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “This is going to stimulate the economy, and it’s going to generate a lot of interest in New Jersey as a place to do business … Nothing will stimulate the economy more than letting everyone who earns a paycheck to keep more of their own money.” (National Federation of Independent Business, Press Release, 1/17/12)

Chamber Of Commerce Southern New Jersey: “
First, we support the Governor’s proposal to reduce taxes for all taxpayers, including for top and low income earners. His proposal to reduce the State Income Tax rate by 10 percent – equally and across the board, including for ‘job creators’ – is now possible because of the tough decisions that were made to reduce expenses.” (Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Press Release, 1/17/12)

Meadowlands Regional Chamber Of Commerce Chief Executive Jim Kirko: “For businesses, its all about momentum, and continuity and consistency of message … The idea of building on the momentum already established with a tax cut is proof of the continued commitment.” (John Reitmeyer & Hugh Morley, “Christie Proposes Income Tax Cuts In State Of The State,” The Record, 1/28/12)

New Jersey Business & Industry Association: “Governor Christie’s bold plan to cut New Jersey’s income tax rates for all New Jerseyans will boost the state’s economy and encourage businesses to expand and create jobs for New Jersey workers.” (New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “The Governor understands that putting more money in the hands of the private sector will generate the jobs and economic activity we need to not only solve our current fiscal problems, but also put us on a path to be an economic powerhouse again.” (New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Press Release, 1/17/12)

· “NJBIA looks forward to working with the Governor and the Legislature in a bipartisan manner to build on the solid foundation they have already laid for business to grow and succeed in New Jersey.”(New Jersey Business & Industry Association, Press Release, 1/17/12)

Commerce And Industry Association of New Jersey President John Galandak: “People know that it’s a new day here in New Jersey and business is welcome. This administration is continuing to try to reduce costs. By building on that momentum, people are continuing to take New Jersey seriously and they are more likely to start a business here and grow and expand.” (Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, Press Release, 1/18/12)

· “The debate is over whether tax cuts, are a stimulus or whether additional taxes are the path to restore New Jersey’s economy. This governor has staked out the belief that reduced taxes are the path to recovery, and we agree.” (Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, Press Release, 1/18/12)

Mayors

West New York Mayor Felix Roque (D): “Over the last two years Governor Christie has accomplished what decades of previous administrations have failed to do – make good on promises to get New Jersey’s fiscal house in order. Tough decisions and forthright leadership under Governor Christie have put our state in the position to deliver tax relief to all New Jerseyans, including a 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit. This is what progress looks like. This is the New Jersey comeback we have been waiting for. Now it’s up to both Republicans and Democrats to keep up the momentum and finish the job.”

Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry (R): “If there was any doubt that Governor Christie’s common sense reform are paying dividends for the people of New Jersey, today’s announcement of real tax relief for every New Jersey family should end the debate. Two years of hard work and tough decisions has put the Garden State back on track and poised to make even greater gains in the coming years. It has not been easy and it took shared sacrifice, but it is now clear that the Governor has put us on the right path. Now, leaders of both parties need to buckle down and get back to the work of improving this state for all New Jerseyans.”

Harrison Mayor Raymond McDonough (D):
“Governor Christie’s announcement of a 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit clearly shows what two years of hard work and tough decisions can deliver for the people of New Jersey. After years of fiscal irresponsibility and inheriting a $13 billion budget deficit, Governor Christie’s leadership has finally put the Garden State back on the right path, but it cannot stop here. The New Jersey comeback is underway and to keep it going both Republicans and Democrats need to join Governor Christie in taking on the next big challenges facing New Jersey.”

Manalapan Mayor Susan Cohen (R): “Very few elected officials make good on their campaign promises, but as the last two years and a 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax credit is proof Governor Chris Christie is making good on his. Despite facing both the political and economic baggage of failed previous administrations, Governor Christie’s common sense reforms are delivering real results. It is no coincidence that over 60,000 private sector jobs have been added and unemployment is down from 9.8% to 9.1% or that this year, property tax growth was at the lowest level in 20 years. This is the New Jersey comeback, and it is now to continue acting on the Governor’s agenda to keep us moving in the right direction."

Dennis Township Mayor Eugene Glembocki (R): “For decades the state of New Jersey lived under the cloud of failed administrations and for decades the people of this state have paid the price for this failure. Today’s announcement of tax relief for every single New Jerseyan is not just proof that our state is finally out from under this cloud of prior failures, but that Governor Christie’s strong leadership and common sense reforms are working. After two years of hard work and tough decisions, unemployment is down from 9.8% to 9.1% and this year, and property tax growth was at the lowest level in two decades. This is the New Jersey comeback and it is up to both Republicans and Democrats to keep it moving forward.”

Manchester Mayor Mike Fressola (R): “Governor Christie was elected to do the big things – to take on the problems that other administrations had failed to do and over the last two years he has done exactly that. By delivering a 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Governor is clearly showing what two years of hard work and making the tough decisions can do for the people of this state. But this is just the beginning. The New Jersey comeback is here but to keep it moving forward progress cannot take a back seat to partisanship. Both parties must work with Governor Christie to continue solving the biggest problems that facing New Jersey.”

Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy (R): “After two years of hard work and tough decisions, New Jersey is finally turning the corner and Governor Christie’s common sense reforms are the driving force behind this resurgence. Today’s announcement that the decisions and bipartisan progress of the past two years are getting results is the good news that all New Jerseyans deserve. A 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit will not only provide immediate help to every single New Jersey family but it sends a clear signal that the Garden State is moving in the direction of lower taxes, more efficient government and affordability.”

Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz (D): “Governor Christie promised to get New Jersey back on track and after two years of hard work and tough decisions, New Jersey is seeing progress. Now the people of our state will begin to feel the reward as well with a 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The New Jersey Comeback is a reality, and to keep it that way both Republicans and Democrats must continue working together and place the welfare of this state above partisan ideology.”

Egg Harbor Township Mayor James McCullough (R): “Getting New Jersey back on track was not easy, but after two years of Governor Christie’s principled and forthright leadership, the Garden State is clearly headed in the right direction. Private sector job creation, along with today’s 10% income tax cut and a restoration of the Earned Income Tax Credit, are the rewards for embracing common sense reforms and fighting the ideological gridlock that has plagued Trenton for years. But now it is not the time to rest on our laurels – now is the time to press ahead. Both parties need to pledge to continue to work together in the same bipartisan spirit that has begun our comeback.”

Romney To Heckler: America's Right; You're Wrong!

2012-01-20T12:00:00.004-05:00

RRRRRRRRomney!
Click here for more.http://www.mittromney.com/

Romney Gains Support Of Congressman Benishek

2012-01-20T11:52:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Congressman Dan Benishek.

“I’m proud to have Dan’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “Though he has not been in Congress very long, Dan has made his mark by being a staunch advocate for the same conservative policies that I look to implement as president. I look forward to working with him in the months to come as I spread my message of a simpler, smaller, and smarter federal government throughout my native state of Michigan and across the country.”

“For my fellow Michiganders, this upcoming election is the most critical in generations. Our country simply cannot take four more years of President Obama’s broken promises and failed policies. Mitt Romney shares the values that made me run for office in the first place: a willingness to take on Washington, a commitment to repeal Obamacare and a promise to end Washington's runaway spending. I urge all my fellow conservatives to reject four more years of a failed presidency and join me in supporting Mitt Romney.”

Background on Congressman Dan Benishek:

Congressman Benishek was elected to the U.S. House in 2010. Congressman Benishek succeeded 18-year Congressman Bart Stupak, the deciding vote on Obamacare. Benishek previously was a general surgeon in the Dickinson County Healthcare System. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received his medical degree at Wayne State University. Dr. Benishek resides in Iron County, Michigan.

Mitt Romney Pens Open Letter To SC Voters

2012-01-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

Today, Mitt Romney wrote an open letter to voters in South Carolina. The full letter will run in The State and The Post And Courier. The full text of the letter is below:

An Open Letter to the Voters of South Carolina

It is an election year and our country faces a momentous choice. We can continue with the flawed policies of a failing president, or we can embark on a fundamentally new direction.
“Hope” and “change” were the watchwords we heard repeatedly from Barack Obama back when he was a presidential candidate campaigning here in South Carolina.

Three years into his presidency, he hasn’t delivered much in the way of hope. But we’ve seen a lot of change.

The change has come in the size and shape and reach of Washington. Barack Obama promised to fix our broken system. Instead, he’s grown it massively.

We have thousands of new regulations, many of them job-killers. We have hundreds of billions in new federal spending. The government workforce has grown by tens of thousands of new workers. The national debt now totals a stratospheric $15 trillion. We have a brand new and enormously expensive entitlement program known as Obamacare.

With government swelling at a rapid pace, the private sector, unsurprisingly, has stagnated. Nearly 24 million Americans are out of work, struggling to find full-time work, or no longer even looking. Here in South Carolina, unemployment is an appalling 9.9 percent. As I’ve traveled this state and traveled the country, I’ve heard story after story of heartbreak, of homes lost, of retirement plans replaced by jobs at minimum wage, of dreams shattered.

If we are going to undo the damage, this year’s election is critical. The destiny of our country is at stake. We can choose to live in the Entitlement Society that Barack Obama has been constructing, a society built around dependence on government. Or we can return to the merit-based Opportunity Society built by our Founding Fathers.

The drafters of the Declaration of Independence wrote that the Creator endowed us with unalienable rights, among them, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In America, we would be free to plot our own course. Ours would be the land of opportunity, where people achieve their dreams through hard work, education and daring.

Nearly two-and-half centuries of American history demonstrate the brilliance of our founding principles. America has produced pioneers and inventors of distinction in every field. We have excelled in science and industry. We have built an Opportunity Society that is prosperous and free and strong.

Barack Obama has taken us on a detour away from our founding philosophy. He’s mismanaged our economy, weakened our military, and apologized for America around the world. In October, I spoke at The Citadel, where patriotism is a passion. The spirit of sacrifice I found there, the love of our country and everything we stand for, only reinforces my belief that we need change in Washington DC and change in the White House. I want America to be respected around the world. I want to return America to the path of greatness and I know how to bring us where we need to go.
I’ve spent most of my life in the private sector. I’m not a career politician. I know how misguided government policies can choke off investment and kill jobs. I also know how government can get out of the way to foster economic growth.

My administration will make America the best place in the world for entrepreneurs, inventors, and job creators. I'll lower and simplify taxes, especially for middle-income Americans. I will repeal every unnecessary Obama-era regulation that kills jobs or hurts economic growth. I will fight the union bosses who build their power at the expense of the very workers they purport to represent.
I'll open up new markets for American goods. I’ll press to exploit fully our abundant energy urces. I will cut and cap spending, and lead us toward a balanced budget. And I will repeal Obamacare. On my first day as president, I will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to grant waivers from Obamacare to all 50 states.

Let’s not be under any illusions that change of the sort I am proposing will be easy. Barack Obama, the Democratic machine, and the entrenched interests behind them are going to fight to retain their power and their privileges at every step of the way. We need to fight back. Fortunately, we have a simple tool at hand: it’s called the truth. And the truth is that President Obama has failed, and his vision for America is wrong. Reversing that failure, and correcting our course, is what the election of 2012 is all about.

Virginia Governor McDonnell Endorses Romney

2012-01-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today announced the support of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell.
“Governor McDonnell’s leadership in Virginia is an example for the rest of the nation,” said Mitt Romney.
“Governor McDonnell has used the conservative principles of keeping taxes and spending low and creating a fair regulatory climate to make Virginia a top destination for job creators. These same principles can be used in Washington to fix our economy and make government accountable to the taxpayers. I am proud to have his support and look forward to working with Governor McDonnell.”
“As I have said throughout this primary process, we need a governor to serve as our next president,” said Governor McDonnell. “America needs leadership and that's what governors do: they lead. Governors actually have to find solutions and bring all parties together in order to get results for their citizens – they can't just sit back and cast votes. Mitt Romney has been an effective leader his entire life, in business, the Olympics and as governor. President Obama’s lack of leadership experience is now clear – he has failed to turn around the economy and end the gridlock in Washington. Mitt Romney used his leadership ability in a politically difficult environment to balance the budget every year, cut spending and taxes, and create jobs. He is a results-oriented conservative. This is the type of record that conservatives like me are honored to support – we need a leader like Mitt Romney in the White House to enact effective change that will put our country back on the right path and Americans back to work.”
Governor Bob McDonnell was elected in 2009. Prior to his election, McDonnell served as Virginia’s Attorney General and as a Delegate representing Virginia’s 84th District in Virginia Beach. Governor McDonnell is an Army Veteran who served his country for 21 years. Governor McDonnell is the current Chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Choice Clear: Romney Declares 'I'm Ready To Lead'

2012-01-19T13:07:00.000-05:00

Click here to get involved or learn more.

Defiant:, 'Catholic' School Hosts Abortion Rts. Guest

2012-01-19T13:01:00.000-05:00

Last week, The Cardinal Newman Society reported that Scranton University is hosting a former Congresswoman and advocate of abortion rights on campus to help train women to run for public office. On Tuesday, The Cardinal Newman Society sent the report to more than 90,000 online members.

Now, the Diocese of Scranton has issued a statement saying Bishop Joseph Bambera specifically requested the Jesuit university to withdraw the invitation but they’ve refused.

Bishop Bambera called the college’s decision “dismaying” and “personally disheartening.” He said:

“The gravity of this issue speaks to the heart and substance of who we are as Christians. Because of the incarnation of Christ, every human life has value and worth. As Christians, we must be committed to defending human life at every age and every stage from conception to natural death.”

“Although a forum such as this, designed to support and encourage women to engage in public service, is by its nature good and noble, for a Catholic institution in the Diocese of Scranton to invite a pro-abortion advocate to speak at a University sponsored event is dismaying and personally disheartening to me. And to do so within days of the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., is particularly demoralizing.”

According to the diocesan statment, University officials said that their invitation to former Philadelphia area Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies was not an endorsement of her personal views. But the diocese said that the inclusion of Ms. Margolies in a University sponsored program has created “concern and confusion” among members of the Christian faithful.

The diocese said that the University’s charge as a Catholic institution of higher learning has been “compromised.”

The keynote lecturer for The Ready to Run Campaign Training for Women program on January 28,2012, Marjorie Margolies, served in Congress from 1993 to 1995 and later, acted as director of a PAC committed to electing pro-abortion rights women.

Click here for more.

Bombshell Video: Gingrich Wanted 'Open' Marriage

2012-01-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

video platform video management video solutions video player

Here's the advance video from tonight's ABC-TV interview with Marianne Gingrich.

Why Perry Will Endorse Gingrich Today

2012-01-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

As I reported here this morning, Texas Governor Rick Perry will leave the GOP presidential race today.
And now it seems that Perry will endorse Newt Gingrich.
What's going on here? Why is Perry moving to Gingrixh? How did this happen?
The fact that Perry's campaign never really caught on is already established. But, why Gingrich and why now?
Here's what may have happened:
Facing possibly devastating revelations from his ex-wife (to be aired by ABC-TV tonight) Gingrich knew that he had to move quickly. His main thrust today (in advance of the interview) had to be diversionary. Somehow, he had to turn the spotlight away from the interview tonight and jump in feet-first with a possible game-changer today. It wouldn't be enough to win the debate tonight. Gingrich needed something sooner -- something bigger.
Perhaps Gingrich's people were courting Perry behind the scenes all along.
And maybe, within the past 24 - 48 hours these efforts were accelerated. Timing is everything.
It's hard to say what kind of a deal may or may not have been cut between Gingrich and Perry but both are hardscrabble street fighters and there's no love lost between them and Romney.
With regard to Romney, Perry feels outclassed by a man who he perceives to be an elitist. Gingich is simply being Gingrich -- he's smells power and he's out to grab it at any cost -- any cost. This really is his last chance; his final stand.
Also, Perry and Gingrich would be happy to elbow out Santorum. Perry sees Santorum as sanctimonious and has been referring to him again and again (rather snidely) as a "good Catholic but not a good conservative" Gingrich simply wants to go head-to-head with Romney, so he'd dismiss Santorum without a thought if he could.
So, Gingrich needs a Big Moment. And he turns to Perry. And Perry knows he suddenly has bargaining power.
This is the naked, bare-knuckled world of Big Time Politics.
It has nothing to do with ideology or conviction or even ideas. This is all about expediency.
We may never know what deals have gone down here. But we do get to be the ultimate deciders of all this in the end.
That's called democracy.

Perry Reportedly Will Drop Out Today

2012-01-19T08:48:00.001-05:00

Word is that Rick Perry will drop out of the GOP presidential race today in advance of tonight's debate.
Perry has been lagging in the polls and his campaign never really caught on.
He had a fairly good night at the most recent debate but many felt it was just too little, too late.
Perry stumbled at the starting gate and never seemed ready for prime time. He was often inarticulate, seemed ill-informed and out of his element.
How will this impact the race? At first blush it would seem that Perry's departure will help the other "non-Romneys" and hurt Romney. But it also may be too late for this to have any impact, especially if Romney continues to do well and if the Gingrich campaign suffers the Marianne-induced body blow that is expected.
The latest polls still have Romney with a nice lead in South Carolina and in Florida.
Who will Perry endorse? No word yet.
Stay tuned . . . . .

Gingrich Campaign Faces 'Shocking' Revelations!

2012-01-18T22:29:00.000-05:00

They say the revelations are shocking. Shocking and explosive.
Devastating revelations -- potentially of bombshell proportions.
And they're coming from an ex-wife -- a woman who reportedly says in an exclusive interview that she could destroy this candidate's campaign with what she knows and what she reveals.
She's already noted that he is a man who "believes that what he says in public and how he lives don't have to be connected."
The candidate is New Gingrich. The woman is question is Marianne Gingrich, the second of two wives that he cast aside before he married his current (much younger) spouse, Colista.
ABC has the interview with Marianne and it is said to be devastating. Since the story about the story is now already out, my bet is that the network will be forced to air the interview (with investigative reporter Brian Ross) sooner rather than later -- possibly as early as tomorrow night.
It's no secret that Gingrich has always had a reputation for being incredibly egotistical, baldly ambitious and often reckless. Others say that he can be breathtakingly mean -- even by Washington standards.
But how far did all this go with the people closest to him and how damaging was it?
We may be about to find out.
And what its revealed may spell the end of the Gingrich campaign.

Romney: Obama's Pipeline Rejection 'Shocking'

2012-01-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

Mitt Romney today made the following statement on President Obama’s decision to reject the Keystone XL pipeline:

"President Obama's decision to reject the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline is as shocking as it is revealing. It shows a President who once again has put politics ahead of sound policy. If Americans want to understand why unemployment in the United States has been stuck above 8 percent for the longest stretch since the Great Depression, decisions like this one are the place to begin. By declaring that the Keystone pipeline is not in the ‘national interest,’ the President demonstrates a lack of seriousness about bringing down unemployment, restoring economic growth, and achieving energy independence. He seems to have confused the national interest with his own interest in pleasing the environmentalists in his political base.”

Click here for more.

What's All This Fuss About Romney's Income & Taxes?

2012-01-18T17:08:00.001-05:00

Somehow, it doesn't make much sense.
But that's what happens when a biased Dominant Media holds sway.
Yes, the media are all over Mitt Romney who says he probably pays about 15% on income earned from his investments. But this is the allowable tax on what's called capital gains.
Now, I do seem to remember that when John Kerry ran for the presidency his income tax record showed that he was paying about 12% in taxes. And, by some accounts Kerry gave next-to-nothing to charity while Romney donates millions. Yet, one heard hardly a peep out of the media regarding the taxes paid by Kerry & Co. -- or the lack of generosity.
The other big hue and cry today is about the estimated $340,000 that Romney made from speaking engagements. Having booked many prominent big-name speakers I can tell you that fees in the $30-60,000 range are not uncommon. That's for a single speech. So, ten speeches would easily reap $300,000 - $500,000.
But the really top speakers receive in excess of $100,000 per speech.
Still, we've heard nothing from the media about the more than 80 million dollars that former President Clinton has earned from speaking engagements. That 'ole Arkansas snake-oil salesman is still rakin it in -- and nobody seems to mind one bit.
Here's my advice to Romney: Release all your tax records. Get it all out now. Put it all on the table. And never, ever apologize for being a successful businessperson.

Video: Huckabee's Words Lead In New Mitt Ad

2012-01-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

Is Mike Huckabee about to endorse Mitt Romney?
Stay tuned . . . . .

Christie OKs NJ School Elections In November

2012-01-18T10:37:00.001-05:00

Acting on his commitment to work in a bipartisan manner to get results for the people of New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie yesterday signed into law legislation allowing for local school board and budget elections to be moved from April to November. The bill, passed with bipartisan support in the legislature, puts into law a tool kit proposal originally introduced by Governor Christie in May 2010.

“After decades in Trenton of fruitlessly discussing the idea of moving school district elections to November, leaders in this state have again demonstrated that we can get things done for the people of New Jersey when we work together,” said Governor Christie. “This bipartisan tool kit bill finally gives real pathways for school boards or voters to move district elections to November, providing the bright prospect for both local government savings and increased voter participation in the process. With this legislation now law, I urge school board members and voters in every one of our districts to act as quickly as possible to take hold of these benefits.”

The legislation, A-4394/S-3148, establishes procedures for moving the date of a school district’s annual school election to the day of the general election in November. Under the first procedure, the date of the annual school election may be moved to November upon the adoption of a resolution by the board of education or the governing body of the municipality.

Alternatively, a ballot question would be presented to a school district’s voters for their approval if a petition is filed with the board of education, signed by not less than 15 percent of the number of legally qualified voters who voted in the district at the last presidential general election. The district would then hold a vote on the petition in the subsequent November election.

A district that has moved its annual school election to November would not require voter approval for a base budget, but any proposal to exceed the 2 percent tax levy cap would be presented for voter approval in November. District board members elected in November would take office at the beginning of January.