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Giuliani Notes: Yesterday Texas – Tomorrow South Carolina
Pat Oxford of Bracewell and Giuliani
Houston Chronicle: Rudolph Giuliani mines for Texas funds
With his distinctive New York accent and his liberal stands on social issues, Rudolph Giuliani hardly seems like the kind of possible presidential contender who would warm the hearts of Texas Republicans.
Nevertheless, the former New York City mayor has been mining the state for money, including a fundraiser Thursday evening in Houston, as part of an aggressive Lone Star courtship bolstered by his decision to hook up in 2005 with the local law firm now known as Bracewell & Giuliani.
“I think he’s got tremendous potential for fundraising in Texas because of the law firm,” said Charles Black, a GOP consultant who worked on George H.W. Bush’s presidential campaigns.
Giuliani clearly is capitalizing on his Bracewell ties, with the firm’s managing partner, Pat Oxford, expected to be chairman of Giuliani’s presidential exploratory committee.
Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace
Sugar Land Mayor David Wallace, who calls himself “a strong hard right wing when it comes to social issues” and who was a host of the Giuliani event in Houston, said many conservatives will back the former New York mayor for pragmatic reasons. He noted that polls show that Giuliani has wide support and could beat leading Democratic contender, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“I think that Rudy Giuliani appeals to a broader universe of people throughout the United States,” he said.
The Giuliani fundraiser, which included a reception followed by dinner, was held at The Houstonian, which was the legal residence of former President Bush when he was in the White House. Guests were limited under the law to giving $2,100.
More than 100 attended the cocktail reception, where Giuliani talked — quite humorously at times — for 20 minutes, said some in attendance.
He answered questions on issues such as running against Clinton and the war in Iraq, they said.
After the reception, more than 30 donors — each reportedly paying $30,000 — went to the compound’s Manor House for a private dinner.
Pay to Play.
But, the Presidential hopefuls must raise $100 million for a bona fide media campaign.
And now onto South Carolina on Saturday.
CNN: Giuliani scores key South Carolina supporter
When former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani visits a meeting of South Carolina Republicans Saturday, he will be escorted around by a guide well-traveled in Palmetto State GOP circles.
Scott Malyerck, who just recently stepped down as executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party, is supporting Giuliani’s bid for president. This is a big get for the former New York City mayor, because Malyerck not only has a firm understanding of Palmetto State politics, but also has strong ties to New Hampshire. Malyerck, a Granite State native, also served as the executive director of the New Hampshire Republican Party in the late 1980’s.
“The country and the party both hunger for leadership,” Malyerck said in an interview. “Even though there are a lot of fine men seeking the nomination, there is only one that has demonstrated the kind of proven leadership our country needs at this time.
“Republicans are not looking for fluff. They are looking for the real deal, and they have it with Rudy Giuliani,” he added.
Tomorrow morning Hizzoner will speak to the South Carolina GOP Executive Committee.
Stay tuned……
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Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani
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President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary – The Response Part Two
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and GOP Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
California Republican Assemblyman responds to Flap’s post: President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary
And Assemblyman DeVore responds to the second post: President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary – The Response
Dear FullosseousFlap:
The following statement of yours reveals a delightful naïveté:
“Now, the Assemblyman mentions the cost of the election – $90 million. Why not move the entire primary election from June until February. This would entail NO additional cost to Californians.â€
To “…move the entire primary election from June until February,†as you suggest would defeat the whole purpose of this exercise as the leadership in the Assembly and the Senate could NOT FILE FOR REELECTION as they are termed out! Therefore, they would never approve such a money-saving plan.
Thus, we are back to my original suggestion as a way to have an early influence and not cost the taxpayers one penny: have a convention select 53 of the 165 delegates.
All the best,
Chuck DeVore
State Assemblyman, 70th District
www.ChuckDeVore.comComment by Chuck DeVore — February 2, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
*********
Yes, I agree that it would be naive for anyone to think the Democrat leaders would do anything that would not be in their own political self-interest.
But, to change the California GOP rules may change more than just the number of delegates from a direct primary.
Steve Frank has the following from his blog: Change In Presidential Delegate Selection Process?
I think Steve has a point about opening up the CRP rule making process and the possibility of going back to pre-1998 rules of “Winner Take All.” And Assemblyman DeVore’s proposal appears to be a rush to change for certain candidates and party leader manipulation.
So, where does that leave us?
Bipartisan agreement with term limit and redistrictiing change proposals on a February 2008 ballot with an increase of expenditure of $90 million, Assemblyman Devore’s proposal (if adopted by a 2/3 vote at next weekend’s California Republican Party Convention) or the status quo – June 2008 primary election.
Frankly, I think it will be difficult to obtain the necessary votes from the GOP in the legislature unless concessions are made by the Democrats on redistricting. Redistricting may be the deal maker or killer.
The term limit proposal may be a tough sell as well. But, I don’t think it will kill the deal.
However, Hillary may need an early California primary and deals may be cut. Maybe Nunez and Perata will like Washington D.C.?
And where is the Governator? He likes Los Angeles Mayor AV but maybe he enjoys being California’s Governor and would like a shot at another term.
Stay tuned……..
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, left, and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appear at a news conference to announce their support for the city’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Both favor moving the California Presidential primary election to Super Tuesday, February 5, 2008.
Previous:
President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary
Giuliani Notes: California Dreamin’ Part 2
Giuliani Notes: California Dreaming and Fund-Raising Today
Giuliani Notes: Rudy Coming to Orange County, California
Rudy Giuliani Watch: California LIKELY To Move Presidential Primary to February 5
Technorati Tags: ArnoldSchwarzenegger, ChuckDeVore, President2008, RobertSalladay
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President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary – The Response
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and GOP Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
California Republican Assemblyman responds to Flap’s post: President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary
Dear FullosseousFlap:
The February primary is not a sure thing. It will cost $90 million to hold, as it is a stand-alone affair. Further, the real reason for it is to extend term limits. There are enough Democrats who covet a leadership position that there may not be the two-thirds vote to place the term limits extension on the ballot. No term limits extension and — poof — the rationale for the election goes away. If no election, then how does California have a voice? I suggest awarding 53 of the 165 delegates at a convention in February 2008. It will cost the taxpayers nothing and it will make the candidates pay attention to California.
Oh, and before you dismiss the use of conventions in our representative democracy, please allow me to observe that it was a convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln in 1860…
All the best,
Chuck DeVore
State Assemblyman, 70th District
www.ChuckDeVore.comComment by Chuck DeVore — February 2, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
******
Thank you Asesemblyman DeVore for the comment.
Now, let’s look at your argument.
The Governor and Democrat Leaders of the California Legislature all support the move of the California Primary election from June 3 to February 5, 2008. The rationale to change the election is (Flap quotes the Governor):
“I mean, right now, think about it: We are the No. 1 state in the union, we’re the No. 1 place in the world, and yet we are kind of an afterthought when it comes to presidential campaigns…”
Granted the bipartisan nature of the agreement to move the primary has an ulterior motive: to change California term limit law to allow California Democrat Speaker Nunez and California Senate Pro Tem Don Perata to serve longer in their respective offices. The governor has a horse in this race as well since he could run for re-election from which he is now barred.
Therefore, the ticket of moving the California Primary election to February may be allowing the people to vote on a change of the term limit law.
Flap thinks the price of the ticket is not too high and allowing California voters have an early say on who will be their next President is worth the price of admission.
Now, the Assemblyman mentions the cost of the election – $90 million. Why not move the entire primary election from June until February. This would entail NO additional cost to Californians.
Granted this would piss off the special interests who wish more elections (with lower voter turnouts, too) to pass initiatives. And granted the existing members of the legislature would have to campaign longer in a general election race.
But, hell, the legislative and Congressional districts are gerrymandered anyway.
Again, a small price to pay for having a say in the Presidential race early.
The idea of changing the time honored California primary election system from direct election to part-election and part-caucus disenfranchises voters. Isn’t one of the goals of the parties to increase participation of voters in the electoral process?
Voter participation is already at all time lows and when GOP voters discover their vote only selects a portion of the GOP Presidential Convention delegates, how many do you think will stay home?
Answer: MANY
Lastly, you use the example of Abraham Lincoln. In 1860 there were already differences from today’s elections:
Women couldn’t vote
United States Senators were not directly elected.
In California, there were no initiative, referendum or recall.
So, Mr. Assemblyman times have changed and I will submit voters want to vote and “smoke-filled room” choice of delegates is best left in the past.
Previous:
President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary
Giuliani Notes: California Dreamin’ Part 2
Giuliani Notes: California Dreaming and Fund-Raising Today
Giuliani Notes: Rudy Coming to Orange County, California
Rudy Giuliani Watch: California LIKELY To Move Presidential Primary to February 5
Technorati Tags: ArnoldSchwarzenegger, ChuckDeVore, President2008, RobertSalladay
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Giluiani Notes: Latest New Hampshire Poll Has McCain Leading
Union Leader: Hillary widens lead; McCain holds an edge
Democrat Hillary Clinton begins her presidential campaign with a large lead in the first-in-the-nation primary state, while Republican John McCain holds a smaller lead over his two top rivals, according to a new poll.
Polling results provided exclusively to UnionLeader.com today by the Manchester-based American Research Group show:
— New York Sen. Clinton leading Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, 39 to 19 percent, with former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 13 percent. No other candidate received more than 2 percent, and 21 percent of likely Democratic primary voters were undecided.
— Arizona Sen. McCain receiving support from 27 percent of likely GOP primary voters, followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani at 20 percent each and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich at 11 percent. No other candidates drew more than 1 percent, while 21 percent of likely Republican primary voters were undecided.
Pollster Dick Bennett said his firm surveyed 600 likely voters in each party primary between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. The margin of error is 4 percent.
Clinton has widened her lead since ARG’s late December poll, in which she drew 27 percent, compared to 21 percent for Obama and 18 percent for Edwards.
In December, McCain received 29 percent compared to 25 percent for Giuliani — a statistical dead heat — and 9 percent for Romney.
Looks like a good poll for Senator McCain and a good pick-up for Mitt Romney who has pushed Hizzoner to a tie for second.
Will this encourage the Romney folks even more?
You bet.
And it will encourage the Giuliani campaign to step it up.
Update:
Flap has recogitated this poll and thinks that it is incomplete, since in New Hampshire independent voters figure into the mix. Should the Democrats have Hillary blowing out Obama and Edwards in the late polls wouldn’t these independent voters then swing to vote for a GOP candidate? A vote in a race where they could make a difference?
And who would be that GOP candidate? Not John McCain.
Likely, Rudy GiulianiNow, the question Flap has is how do you poll for this?
Stay tuned…….
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Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani
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Hillary Clinton Watch: Hillary Heckled at DNC Meeting
Hotline: HRC Heckled During Her Speech
As Sen. Hillary Clinton, in her speech to the Democratic National Committee today, promised to end the war in Iraq as president, protestors from the anti-war group “Code Pink” stood up and shouted “End it Now! End it Now!”
Hillary, you going to try to TRUMP Obama in the anti-Iraq War rhetoric?
Code Pink exposes Hillary’s hypocrisy on the Iraq War here and here.
Previous:Michael Ramirez on Hillary Clinton’s Campaign for the Presidency
Rudy Giuliani Watch: New Jersey Quinnipac Poll Has Rudy Beating Hillary
Hillary Clinton Watch: McAuliffe Puts The ARM on HollywoodJohn McCain Watch: McCain Hearts Hillary?
Hillary Clinton Watch: Jokes on Bubba Bill
Hillary Clinton Watch: “Evil and Bad Menâ€
Michael Ramirez on Hillary Clinton’s Quest for the White House
Hillary Clinton Watch: Hillary Blog Ads on Center-Right Blogs
Hillary Clinton Watch: Out of Africa – Or Not Ready for Prime Time?
Hillary Clinton Watch: Saturday Night Live – Trouble with the Hollywood Media Left?
Hillary Clinton Watch: Clinton – I’m “IN TO WINâ€
Technorati Tags: HillaryClinton
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President 2008 Watch: California Conservatives Move to Thwart Early California Presidential Primary
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and GOP Assemblyman Chuck DeVore
Los Angeles Times: Conservatives Move To Tweak McCain, Schwarzenegger Primary
Disdainful of party heretics like Sen. John McCain, conservative California Republicans are devising a plan to short-circuit the early presidential primary when they meet this weekend in Sacramento. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says a Feb. 5 California primary would make the state a player in national politics once again, but political analysts believe it also would give a big advantage to established candidates like McCain.
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore and his conservative colleagues are drafting a bylaw change that would allow Republican Party Central Committee members to pick a big portion of their presidential delegates in early February 2008, instead of just holding a statewide election among the entire party. The state GOP leadership is generally more conservative than the rest of the party, and such a rule change would certainly dilute McCain’s support and quell whatever momentum he had gained.
“The activists on the state central committee here have still not forgiven him (McCain) for the McCain-Feingold assault on the First Amendment nor do they appear comfortable with his incoherent philosophical agenda,” DeVore told the Washington Times. “Senator McCain seems to be more a product of the New York Times than of the party of Ronald Reagan.”
BAD MOVE, Chuck.
California Republican voters are tired of “SMOKE-FILLED ROOMS” and GOP party big-wigs selecting who their candidates are.
Flap knows you hate Schwarzenegger, but he and the Democrat Legislature are right on this one.
Californians want to be a part of the presidential electoral process not relegated to being the purse for Iowa and New Hampshire media campaigns. California voters want to make a difference in who will be our next President.
So, are you worried about term-limit changes and legislative redistricting proposals at the same election – on the same ballot?
And the voters shouldn’t have a shot at voting yea or nay, why?
DeVore, you sit in a gerrymandered safe GOP district that guarantees you six years in the Assembly – if you keep your nose clean. Democrats enjoy the same electoral safety.
And California legislative and congressional districting is fair, how?
Please…..
Stop the political machinations at the California GOP convention next weekend (as if you would be able to achieve a 2/3rd plurality anyway) and support a February, Super Tuesday primary for California GOP voters.
NOTE for Robert Salladay:
The proposed change by DeVore is not an affront to John McCain but also a slap at Rudy Giuliani. Sounds like Mitt Romney’s shill, Congressman John Campbell has a hand in this cauldron as well as DeVore.
Stay tuned……..
Assmblyman Chuck DeVore making faces during the Governor’s State of the State Address.
Previous:
Giuliani Notes: California Dreamin’ Part 2
Giuliani Notes: California Dreaming and Fund-Raising Today
Giuliani Notes: Rudy Coming to Orange County, California
Rudy Giuliani Watch: California LIKELY To Move Presidential Primary to February 5
Technorati Tags: ArnoldSchwarzenegger, ChuckDeVore, President2008, RobertSalladay
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Giuliani Notes: Tim O’Brien Hired as Giuliani Campaign Rapid Response Director
Hotline: Giuliani Hires Rapid Response Director
Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani is adding a rapid response veteran to his campaign staff. Tom O’Brien was the dep. research director at the NRCC in the ’02 cycle, part of a team that the Hotline said at the time “ran circles” around Democrats. Most recently, O’Brian was the dep. comm. dir. of the MTA in NY. O’Brien took a law degree from Fordham and has taught American history.Flap loves you guys at Hotline but PLEASE do some spell and fact checking.
It is TIM O’BRIEN who has been hired by the Giuliani campaign.
OOOPPS…….
Oh, BTW, Flap called the MTA. No Tom O’Brien.
And you guys better check your rapid response because this misnomer has been posted for hours.
Flap loves your daily Hotline TV though…….
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Rudy Giuliani Watch: Dean Says Rudy is Sunk in GOP
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, right, applauds as Senate Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nev. speaks at the DNC Winter Meetings in Washington, Friday, Feb. 2, 2007.
New York Daily News: Rudy Sunk in GOP, Dean Says
Rudy Giuliani crushes Sen. John McCain in most categories of a new poll, but Democratic Chairman Howard Dean believes that Giuliani will be rejected by Republican voters.
Dean says he thinks the former mayor will be ousted during the GOP’s primaries because of his support for gay and abortion rights.
“Giuliani has taken positions that are admirable but are out of step with the mainstream of his party,” Dean said in an interview with the Daily News. “He’s going to have a hell of a battle.”
Yeah Right!
The Clinton Cabal of Paul Begala, James Carville and Slick don’t like Rudy’s poll numbers against Hillary – so HIT him NOW and EARLY.
Remember the old adage – DIVIDE AND CONQUER?
Mayor Giuliani has characteristics and policy views that are within the mainstream of America. The polls show this here and here.
Look at who are pulling Democrat National Chairman Dean’s strings:
The Giuliani campaign response:Giuliani spokeswoman Katie Levinson scoffed, saying, “Republican voters will ultimately choose their candidate for President based on who they believe will lead most effectively.”
Howard Dean has been told to “POISON GIULIANI’S WELL,”
If there is any ONE candidate that could BEAT UP on Hillary it is Rudy Giuliani and EVERYONE knows it.
Stay tuned…….
Previous:
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Gallup Poll Part II
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Gallup Poll Part I
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani LEADS in Latest Rasmussen GOP Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Latest New Hampshire Survey USA Poll
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Los Angeles Times Hits Rudy’s “Prickly Styleâ€
Giuliani Notes: Dollars for Rudy
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Who Has the Vision and Who Can Perform?
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Scouting New Hampshire at Littleton Chamber of Commerce
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Bush Iraq Plan Should Be Given A Chance
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Paul Cellucci, Former Massachusetts Governor Endorses Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani Watch:Giuliani 30% Leads McCain 22% and Romney 10%
Rudy Giuliani Watch: Latest Time Magazine Poll Has McCain Leading Giuliani by 4 Points
Rudy Giuliani Watch: What Does a Mayor Know About Iraq?
Technorati Tags: RudyGiuliani
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Day By Day by Chris Muir February 2, 2007
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Where in the World is Flap Watch: Hosting Matters Suffers Outage
The Press Room at the California Republican Party Convention, September 2005
Sorry readers.
Last night around 6PM PST my hosting company, Hosting Matters suffered a fiber optic cable cut in Atlanta – remote from their operations in Florida.
Since they host a number of the largest blogs e.g. Instapundit, and Captain’s Quarters some of the blogosphere was OUT last night.
In the future, I would like Flap’s readers to know that Flap has a back-up emergency site at Blogger.
Also, most of the time Flap is on AOL IM and MSN IM at Drillemdoc. And in emergencies will certainly be online there. E-mail remains: fullosseousflap at gmail dot com.
Thanks and back to regular blogging.