Yesterday, New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani endorsed Pat Toomey in Blue Bell, PA before a large crowd of excited supporters.
In a demonstration of the building enthusiasm for Pat’s candidacy, supporters came from all over southeast Pennsylvania to voice their excitement for Pat’s vision of bringing fiscal sanity to Washington and stopping the out-of-control extremism that Joe Sestak and Nancy Pelosi are supporting.
Mayor Giuliani predicted a strong finish for Pat in 10 days. “I know Pat will be victorious on November 2nd, because his vision of fiscal responsibility, cutting taxes, and creating jobs is exactly what our country needs right now, and it is exactly what people in Pennsylvania and all across America are clamoring for. Pat has proven that he will fight for taxpayers, while Congressman Sestak has proven that he will fight for his extreme friends like Nancy Pelosi. We need a true taxpayer hero like Pat in the U.S. Senate.”
“I am honored to have Mayor Giuliani’s endorsement and support,” Pat Toomey said. “As mayor of New York City, he took on the establishment, cut taxes, reduced spending, cut the bureaucratic red tape, and the result was economic growth. Those are exactly the kind of policies we need to bring to Washington instead of the disastrous policies Congressman Sestak has embraced over the past four years.”
Saturday, October 23, 2010
About The Costs Of The ARC NY/NJ Tunnel Project
From Michael Drewniak, press secretary to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie:
Secretary LaHood confirmed yesterday what we knew two weeks ago – the ARC Tunnel project is over budget and puts New Jersey taxpayers at risk of being saddled with billions of dollars in added costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the newly estimated cost of the ARC project ranges from $9.775 billion to $12.708 billion. In August, federal transportation officials provided New Jersey Transit with cost estimates for the project ranging from $10.88 billion to $13.7 billion. Both the August and the currently revised ranges of estimated costs do not include the $775 million New Jersey expense of building a new bridge needed for the sole purpose of creating a new connection from the Northeast Corridor line to the ARC tunnel.
Therefore, based on yesterday's confirmation from Secretary LaHood, the total project cost ranges from $10.55 billion to $13.475 billion (based on the August federal data, total project cost ranged from $11.665 billion to $14.475 billion).
The hurdle remains unchanged. Governor Christie continues to recognize the need and advantages of expanding rail capacity between New Jersey and New York. But as Governor Christie has repeatedly stated, he is not willing to saddle New Jersey taxpayers with a public works project with such a large, indeterminate cost overrun projection with no way to fund it. Critics who seem to be using the moment for political advantage need to answer the question that remains today and was brought into focus by Secretary LaHood: how would they pay for potentially billions of dollars in cost overruns?
Secretary LaHood confirmed yesterday what we knew two weeks ago – the ARC Tunnel project is over budget and puts New Jersey taxpayers at risk of being saddled with billions of dollars in added costs.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the newly estimated cost of the ARC project ranges from $9.775 billion to $12.708 billion. In August, federal transportation officials provided New Jersey Transit with cost estimates for the project ranging from $10.88 billion to $13.7 billion. Both the August and the currently revised ranges of estimated costs do not include the $775 million New Jersey expense of building a new bridge needed for the sole purpose of creating a new connection from the Northeast Corridor line to the ARC tunnel.
Therefore, based on yesterday's confirmation from Secretary LaHood, the total project cost ranges from $10.55 billion to $13.475 billion (based on the August federal data, total project cost ranged from $11.665 billion to $14.475 billion).
The hurdle remains unchanged. Governor Christie continues to recognize the need and advantages of expanding rail capacity between New Jersey and New York. But as Governor Christie has repeatedly stated, he is not willing to saddle New Jersey taxpayers with a public works project with such a large, indeterminate cost overrun projection with no way to fund it. Critics who seem to be using the moment for political advantage need to answer the question that remains today and was brought into focus by Secretary LaHood: how would they pay for potentially billions of dollars in cost overruns?
Friday, October 22, 2010
Christie Fires Up Runyan Troops
From left: NJ Assembly members Dawn Marie Addiego and Scott Rudder,
Governor Christie, Jon Runyan (behind Christie) and Loretta Runyan.
The National Phenomenon known as Chris Christie -- New Jersey's OWN Governor Chris Christie -- came to South Jersey this afternoon to fire up GOP troops working hard in the campaign of 3rd district congressional candidate Jon Runyan.
Christie delighted a large crowd outside Runyan's campaign headquarters in Mt. Laurel as he reminisced about his own election more than a year ago. "I know how happy you were to finally elect a Republican Governor in New Jersey after 12 long years. And believe me, I like it. It's better than losing," Christie joked. "But we need to do that again. We need to repeat that triumph here."
Fresh off a cross-country tour and interviews by national media, Christie was in his element as he told the Burlington County party faithful that "no race in New Jersey is more important to me than this one, this year." The Governor quickly added that "I do not say this to diminish the importance of any other race and all of our fine Republican candidates all over the state."
But Christie said, "I have been with Jon Runyan over these past several months and I have been impressed with him. I like his direct, honest approach. We have a chance in this district to replace a Corzine liberal with a common sense conservative and we need to do that. It's time to send John Adler back to the practice of law. It's time to send Jon Runyan to Congress," Christie added.
The Governor joked that his father lives in the third district (in Ocean County) and "he's working, making phone calls for Jon Runyan. And he tells me all the time when he working Jon's phone bank. And I know I don't want to disappoint my father and neither do you."
After he spoke I told the Governor how happy I was to see him in South Jersey since no Governor in my lifetime has visited this part of the state this often in the space of one year. "Thanks, Dan," he answered. "I appreciate it and I LOVE the blog."
Following the event, the Governor headed to nearby Marlton to greet patrons at a diner and then he was off to Gloucester County and Salem County -- more time in South Jersey with the good people of this part of the state during this lovely time of the year.
CCGOP Freeholder Hopefuls Take To Airwaves
Camden County Republican Chairman Rick DeMichele announced that Freeholder candidates George Zallie and Scot DeCristofaro are launching a cable television campaign that will last through Election Day.“We simply could not let McDonnell and Rodriguez’ claim of being ‘reformers’ go unanswered”, said DeMichele, “because it is so ludicrous. McDonnell, Rodriguez and their cronies have run Camden County without any balance of power from another party for the past twenty years. And the results haven’t been good at all for Camden County taxpayers.”
“Property taxes are skyrocketing, jobs are leaving our county, and millions of taxpayer dollars are being spent without any check and balance,”said Zallie.“Camden County voters deserve so much better.”
“McDonnell and Rodriguez are part of the problem. They both collect two taxpayer-funded salaries and will receive pensions paid for by the taxpayers,”said DeCristofaro.
“George and I will take only $1 as salary if we’re elected, and pledge to not take any other government job, and we will decline taxpayer-funded health benefits. That’s real reform.”
Here's How To Protest Juan Wlilliams' Firing
I've been told that NPR's web site has crashed.
I've also been told that you can't get through to their ombudsman via e-mail.
And I've been told that their phone lines in Washington are also down.
They're flooded -- flooded -- with protests over the idiotic firing of Juan Williams.
But this doesn't mean that you still can't protest.
Here's what to do: Call or write or e-mail your local NPR affiliate radio station. There's one near you.
Click here for the printable station list.
Then contact that local station and give them a piece of your mind. Do it now! You'll be glad you did.
I've also been told that you can't get through to their ombudsman via e-mail.
And I've been told that their phone lines in Washington are also down.
They're flooded -- flooded -- with protests over the idiotic firing of Juan Williams.
But this doesn't mean that you still can't protest.
Here's what to do: Call or write or e-mail your local NPR affiliate radio station. There's one near you.
Click here for the printable station list.
Then contact that local station and give them a piece of your mind. Do it now! You'll be glad you did.
Christie To NBC & NYT: 'I Don't Really Care!'
This clip is classic Chris Christie. Classic.
When Brian Williams of NBC News reads Chris Christie some negative comments from the New York Times regarding a recent Christie decision, Christie answers: "I’ll take a deep bow for that, Brian. I don't really care."
Christie notes that the New York Times is not responsible for the future of a state that is deeply in debt -- a state that simply does not have the money to fund massive new projects. Of the Times, he says: "They don't have the responsibility to balance the [NJ] budget."
When Williams quotes a columnist who infers that Christie may be spending too much time traveling around the country, Christie reminds Williams that they are conducting the interview in Scotch Plains where Christie is participating in a community Town Hall meeting. "I am home," he explains. "And I think in the last two months I’ve spent a total of six days out of New Jersey, out of 60. I don't think the people of New Jersey are all that upset about that. And candidly it gives me an opportunity to go around the country and rebrand New Jersey."
Don't try to snooker this guy. Chris Christie is sharp.
He's not intimidated by the New York Times or the mainstream media.
He doesn't govern according to the Times or NBC.
He governs the way he says he was going to govern -- straightforward, direct, decisive. He remembers who elected him.
Christie Christie says what he's going to do and then sets about doing it. And he makes no apologies for it.
Now, ain't that refreshing!
The Stark Choice Facing The First State
Former Delaware Governor Pete DuPont (no wild-eyed radical, he) has written a superb column for the Wall Street Journal in which he talks about the recent debate between Coons and O'Connell and the stark choice facing voters in the First State.
Here's part of what he says:
When Mr. Blitzer asked Mr. Coons, "Did you increase taxes as the county executive?" Mr Coons ducked the question. But he did in fact increase property taxes in New Castle County, by 48%. And his website says "High-Income Bush Tax Cuts Should Expire on Schedule," so he would raise federal tax rates, too. In the debate, Mr. Coons said that "every increased tax cut, every extension that's given is going to cost, it's going to increase the deficit."
In truth, Delaware's state income tax rate reductions in the 1970s through the '90s-cutting
them in half, and then again in half--increased income-tax receipts by more than 300%. The 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts--the ones that will expire Jan. 1 unless Congress acts--also raised receipts, by $608 billion over four years. Lower tax rates have proved to be good for America, and higher tax rates would hurt it. Ms. O'Donnell would vote not to raise the Bush tax rates and also proposes a two-year tax holiday on capital gains to encourage reinvestment in business. She would also eliminate the death tax that goes up in January.
Click here to read the full column by Pete DuPont. It's worth your time!
Here's part of what he says:
When Mr. Blitzer asked Mr. Coons, "Did you increase taxes as the county executive?" Mr Coons ducked the question. But he did in fact increase property taxes in New Castle County, by 48%. And his website says "High-Income Bush Tax Cuts Should Expire on Schedule," so he would raise federal tax rates, too. In the debate, Mr. Coons said that "every increased tax cut, every extension that's given is going to cost, it's going to increase the deficit."
In truth, Delaware's state income tax rate reductions in the 1970s through the '90s-cutting
them in half, and then again in half--increased income-tax receipts by more than 300%. The 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts--the ones that will expire Jan. 1 unless Congress acts--also raised receipts, by $608 billion over four years. Lower tax rates have proved to be good for America, and higher tax rates would hurt it. Ms. O'Donnell would vote not to raise the Bush tax rates and also proposes a two-year tax holiday on capital gains to encourage reinvestment in business. She would also eliminate the death tax that goes up in January.
Click here to read the full column by Pete DuPont. It's worth your time!
Runyan: Calm, Confident Focused In Stretch
I had a chat with NJ third district congressional candidate Jon Runyan yesterday and I can report to you that Jon is calm and confident as the election approaches.
In fact, throughout this campaign, I have never seen Jon Runyan flinch. He is a well-grounded man who knows who he is -- someone who pursues goals clearly and steadily,
In more ways than one, this man is solid. And that builds confidence and brings out the best in others. To me, these are the marks of a leader.
Jon Runyan told me that he thinks that incumbent Congressman John Adler wants to talk about anything but the imbroglio surrounding the Adler campaign's alleged involvement in placing a fake Tea Party candidate on the ballott to siphon off votes from Runyon.
"He's trying to cover up on a lie that has been created," Runyan said. "He doesn't want to answer questions about this. He dismisses it." And Runyan said that he believes Adler "knows his campaign manager was involved" in the alleged scheme.
Runyan said he feels the trickery and the subsequent stonewalling are "an insult to the voters."
I asked Runyan how much of an impact the fake candidate incident is having on the election.
Runyan told me that Adler wants to pretend that the affair isn't a factor. "But this whole thing is actually turning a lot of people off" [to Adler], he added.
"This is a backhanded way to try to win an election," Runyan said. "And there's a huge amount of arrogance involved here."
I also asked Jon Runyan how he would answer Washington pundits and others who say he has "underperformed" in his race against Adler.
"Maybe they see me that way because I'm an outsider," Runyan answered. "But I can tell you that I'm giving it everything I'm got. For the past two months, it's been nothing but 14 to 16 hour days for me. It's fun but it's a lot of hard work."
Speaking just like the former pro-football standout that he is, Runyan added: "If they want to judge performance, let's judge it after everything's said and done and we see who's won or lost."
Runyan said his campaign and his volunteer team are also working very hard. "People have been wonderful. Volunteer numbers and volunteer enthusiasm are huge," he explained. "We've got a whole group of people making phone calls right now just in the Mt. Laurel (Burlington County) office and that's going on every day."
Runyan also said he expects a big election day showing out of Ocean County where he has campaigned extensively. "People there are very fired up," he noted.
I asked Runyan if he expected any "October surprises" from the Adler camp. "Well, it's been very negative, very dirty, very personal," he answered. "I don't put anything past them. But, we're ready."
Like I said, Runyan is remarkably calm and focused.
He's not easily distracted from his goal. He's determined to be elected.
After my conversation with Jon Runyan, I read a somewhat laudatory profile piece on John Adler in the Philadelphia Inquirer. However, the reader comments that followed the story were largely negative.
Here's what one reader wrote:
In fact, throughout this campaign, I have never seen Jon Runyan flinch. He is a well-grounded man who knows who he is -- someone who pursues goals clearly and steadily,
In more ways than one, this man is solid. And that builds confidence and brings out the best in others. To me, these are the marks of a leader.
Jon Runyan told me that he thinks that incumbent Congressman John Adler wants to talk about anything but the imbroglio surrounding the Adler campaign's alleged involvement in placing a fake Tea Party candidate on the ballott to siphon off votes from Runyon.
"He's trying to cover up on a lie that has been created," Runyan said. "He doesn't want to answer questions about this. He dismisses it." And Runyan said that he believes Adler "knows his campaign manager was involved" in the alleged scheme.
Runyan said he feels the trickery and the subsequent stonewalling are "an insult to the voters."
I asked Runyan how much of an impact the fake candidate incident is having on the election.
Runyan told me that Adler wants to pretend that the affair isn't a factor. "But this whole thing is actually turning a lot of people off" [to Adler], he added.
"This is a backhanded way to try to win an election," Runyan said. "And there's a huge amount of arrogance involved here."
I also asked Jon Runyan how he would answer Washington pundits and others who say he has "underperformed" in his race against Adler.
"Maybe they see me that way because I'm an outsider," Runyan answered. "But I can tell you that I'm giving it everything I'm got. For the past two months, it's been nothing but 14 to 16 hour days for me. It's fun but it's a lot of hard work."
Speaking just like the former pro-football standout that he is, Runyan added: "If they want to judge performance, let's judge it after everything's said and done and we see who's won or lost."
Runyan said his campaign and his volunteer team are also working very hard. "People have been wonderful. Volunteer numbers and volunteer enthusiasm are huge," he explained. "We've got a whole group of people making phone calls right now just in the Mt. Laurel (Burlington County) office and that's going on every day."
Runyan also said he expects a big election day showing out of Ocean County where he has campaigned extensively. "People there are very fired up," he noted.
I asked Runyan if he expected any "October surprises" from the Adler camp. "Well, it's been very negative, very dirty, very personal," he answered. "I don't put anything past them. But, we're ready."
Like I said, Runyan is remarkably calm and focused.
He's not easily distracted from his goal. He's determined to be elected.
After my conversation with Jon Runyan, I read a somewhat laudatory profile piece on John Adler in the Philadelphia Inquirer. However, the reader comments that followed the story were largely negative.
Here's what one reader wrote:
Sharron Angle Welcomes Obama To Nevada
Click here to help Sharron Angle kick Harry Reid out of the US Senate.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)