-
CA-26: Linda Parks Avoids Question Who She Will Support for House Speaker
Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks and Congressional candidate
It is not really a question you can dodge when running for Congress as a no party preference candidate, but Linda Parks did – multiple times.This audience, it seems, really wanted Linda Parks to answer the question: Who would she vote for to be speaker of the House?
Parks, who is running as an independent in the 26th Congressional District U.S. House race, would have none of it.
She repeated what she’s been saying since dropping her GOP affiliation last month and re-registered as having no party preference: She rejects the emphasis on party domination; partisanship is keeping the country from dealing with real issues; it’s what’s wrong with the country.
David Maron, a League of Women Voters of Ventura County member who moderated a forum Friday afternoon for candidates for the House seat, tried again. Seven question cards had been submitted by audience members with some variation of the question, he told her.
“I am going without the baggage of a party label,” Parks said, and began to elaborate again.
Maron interrupted her midsentence, saying he needed to move on.
“I just wanted to give you one more chance,” he said.
Ventura County voters are not going to be satisfied with avoiding the question. It is simply answered either Republican Speaker John Boehner or former Speaker Democrat Nancy Pelosi or abstention.
But, you see, Supervisor Parks wants to appeal to voters of both parties and independents.
You cannot have your cake and eat it too, Linda.
Boehner or Pelosi?
I have embedded video of the League of Women Voters’ forum below.
-
CA-25: Rep Buck McKeon Defends Paying Wife Patricia McKeon for Campaign Work
Rep. Buck McKeon and his wife, Patricia, a candidate for California Assembly with House Speaker Boehner
You remember the Flap, the hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to his wife and the report that was issued previously.Now, Rep, Buck McKeon has gone on the record defending the practice of paying his wife, Patricia, for working on his campaign.
McKeon, a Santa Clarita Republican who is the powerful chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, defended the decision to hire his wife.
“My wife, Patricia, has been an essential component of my campaign,” he said in a statement. “She had daily roles as my treasurer and district fundraiser, as she worked an incredible amount of time preparing FEC reports, putting on district fundraisers, and managing my full-time campaign office throughout the years. Her duties have been in total compliance with the rules of both the House Ethics Committee and the Federal Election Commission.”
Patricia McKeon is a Republican candidate for California’s 38th Assembly District, which includes Simi Valley, Santa Clarita and a portion of the San Fernando Valley.
Well, I say B.S. and there is more than an appearance of Buck taking money from the special interests in the defense industry (He is Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee) and lining his own pocket.
Is there any wonder why many consider politicians crooks?
There is no exception here.
-
The Morning Flap: March 26, 2012
These are my links for March 23rd through March 26th:
- Poll: 47% disapprove of Obama health care law – As the Supreme Court embarks on three days of historic arguments over President Obama’s health care law – two years after the law was enacted – Americans remain skeptical about the legislation.
A CBS News/New York Times poll shows 47 percent of Americans disapprove of the president’s Affordable Care Act, including 30 percent who strongly disapprove. In the poll, conducted March 21-25, only 36 percent of those questioned said they support the law either somewhat or strongly.
- 5 things to watch in health law oral arguments – The Super Bowl for Supreme Court watchers kicks off this week as the justices hear three days of oral arguments in what could be the blockbuster case of a generation: whether President Barack Obama’s signature law overhauling the American health care system is constitutional.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Obama, for the balance of power between the states and federal government and for the reputation of the court itself.
- Day By Day March 26, 2012 – Back in the Hood | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Day By Day March 26, 2012 – Back in the Hood
- El Monte Union High School District Fills Vacant Seat Left by Tran – With a vacant seat open for over a month, the El Monte Union High School District Board of Trustees has chosen to appoint Maria-Elena Talamantes to replace former board member John Tran.
Currently, Talamantes is a special education teacher at Margaret Heath Elementary School in Baldwin Park. Talamantas was selected out of nine possible candidates.
In early February former board member John Tran resigned from office, do to allegations of soliciting and accepting more than $10,000 in bribes from a developer. Yesterday morning, Tran appearing in U.S Central District Court, pleaded guilty to bribing a developer who had intentions of building a mixed-use office and residential project in Rosemead. Awaiting his August 6th sentencing, Tran may face up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
According to sources, the El Monte Union High School District is happy to have Mrs. Maria-Elena Talamantes as a colleague and looks forward in helping their students throughout the district.
- Open mic catches Obama asking Russian president for space on missile defense – CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs – RT @PoliticalTicker: Open mic catches Obama asking Russian president for space on missile defense –
- Governor 13.3% – Jerry Brown – It’s hard to believe now, but Jerry Brown once ran for President as a reformer who favored a flat tax with a 13% top federal rate. That was 1992. Nowadays in his second stint as Governor, he’s running to give California alone a higher top income-tax rate.
The incredible shifting Governor recently agreed to adjust his November ballot initiative to include an even higher top tax rate. Previously he favored an increase to 12.3% from 10.3% today. But the government-unions that live off tax revenues had threatened to sponsor their own ballot measure raising the top rate even higher.
The Governor feared that divided support might doom both. So he and the unions agreed to back only one initiative with a top rate of 13.3%. The measure would also raise the state sales tax by a quarter of a percentage point to 7.5%, or more than 9% including the sales tax in some cities. Oh, and instead of lasting five years, the income-tax increase would last for seven.
- VIDEO: Santorum blasts New York Times reporter | Campaign 2012 | Washington Examiner – RT @dcexaminer: VIDEO: Santorum blasts New York Times reporter
- Sen. Mike Lee to endorse Romney – The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room – RT @briefingroom: Sen. Mike Lee to endorse Romney
- Poll: 47% disapprove of Obama health care law – Political Hotsheet – CBS News – RT @KNX1070: Poll: 47% disapprove of Obama health care law – Political Hotsheet via @CBSNews
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-26 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-26
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 » Flap’s California Blog – Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25
- Gregory Flap @ Ronnie’s Diner – foursquare – With Alice and Tara after LA Running Club recovery run (@ Ronnie’s Diner)
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 » Flap’s California Blog – Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24
- Flap’s Dentistry Blog: The Morning Drill: March 23, 2012 – The Morning Drill: March 23, 2012
- Untitled (http://getglue.com/tv_shows/sweet_16_ncaa_tournament?s=tch&ref=Fullosseousflap) – Indiana vs. Kentucky @GetGlue #Sweet16
- President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich
- L.A. jobless rate is unchanged at 11.8%, but payrolls are up – February’s 11.8 percent rate is still very high – nearly a full percentage higher than California’s jobless rate of 10.9 percent (also unchanged from January). The U.S. unemployment rate in February was 8.3 percent. Somewhat better news: the separate payroll survey shows that L.A. gained 28,900 jobs in February; in all of California, the increase was 4,000.
- Facebook warns employers not to demand passwords – Facebook is warning employers not to demand the passwords of job applicants, saying that it’s an invasion of privacy that opens companies to legal liabilities.
The social networking company is also threatening legal action.
An Associated Press story this week documented cases of job applicants who are being asked, at the interview table, to reveal their Facebook passwords so their prospective employers can check their backgrounds.
In a post on Friday, Facebook’s chief privacy officer cautions that if an employer discovers that a job applicant is a member of a protected group, the employer may open itself up to claims of discrimination if it doesn’t hire that person.
“If you are a Facebook user, you should never have to share your password,” Erin Egan wrote.
- AD-38: Patricia McKeon Leads in Fundraising With Scott Wilk Second » Flap’s California Blog – AD-38: Patricia McKeon Leads in Fundraising With Scott Wilk Second
- Physicians are gloomy about health reform – Fully 60% of respondents believe that health care reform will negatively affect patient care. Comments included “too much interference with patient care”, “without private practice, quality of patient care or choices for patients goes away,” and “physicians have no input/control in providing care.”
- Capitol Alert: Bill would stop requests for job seekers’ social media logins – RT @CapitolAlert: Bill would stop requests for job seekers’ social media logins
- California Unemployment Rate Unchanged At 10.9 Percent « CBS Sacramento – RT @CBSSacramento: California unemployment rate unchanged at 10.9 percent
- The 2012 U.S. Senate Races That Will Determine Who Controls the Senate | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – The 2012 U.S. Senate Races That Will Determine Who Controls the Senate
- Untitled (http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/districts/AD38/) – AD-38: Fundraising Report: McKeon and Wilk
- The Morning Flap: March 23, 2012 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – The Morning Flap: March 23, 2012
- Texas and the Feds Take Action on Orthodontic Medicaid Fraud | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Texas and the Feds Take Action on Orthodontic Medicaid Fraud
- Flap’s California Morning Collection: March 23, 2012 » Flap’s California Blog – Flap’s California Morning Collection: March 23, 2012
- Poll: 47% disapprove of Obama health care law – As the Supreme Court embarks on three days of historic arguments over President Obama’s health care law – two years after the law was enacted – Americans remain skeptical about the legislation.
-
President 2012: Missile Defense Becomes Campaign Issue As Obama Is Caught on Open Mic
So, what the hell does this mean, Mr. President?Unaware that a microphone was recording him, President Obama asked outgoing Russian President Dmitry Medvedev Monday for breathing room until after Mr. Obama’s re-election campaign to negotiate on missile defense.
“On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved, but it’s important for him to give me space,” Mr. Obama told Mr. Medvedev at the end of their 90-minute meeting, apparently referring to incoming Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr. Medvedev replied, “Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…”
“This is my last election,” Mr. Obama said. “After my election, I have more flexibility.”
The Russian leader responded, “I understand. I transmit this information to Vladimir.”
The exchange was picked up by microphone of a Russian reporter as journalists were allowed into the meeting room for remarks by the two leaders. It was first reported by ABC News, which said it verified the conversation. A Washington Times reporter heard a portion of the tape that begins with Mr. Obama saying, “This is my last election.”
The two leaders are in Seoul for a nuclear security summit involving the heads of more than 50 nations. Mr. Obama and Mr. Medvedev were huddling close together in their respective chairs when the conversation took place.
The President and the Democratic Party have never been in love with the National Missile Defense system first started by President Reagan and greatly accelerated by President George W. Bush. During the Obama Administration, the issue has been quiet as cuts were made to the program but slow deployment and research progress was made.
So, did President Obama just elevate the issue of missile defense into the political arena?
The President has some answers to deliver to the American people and undoubtedly will be asked about the level of his support for the program during the Presidential debates.
-
Day By Day March 26, 2012 – Back in the Hood
Chris, sadly another Obama “Rush to Judgment.” -
@Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-26
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 » Flap's California Blog http://t.co/qVWAJCDD #
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 | Flap's Blog – FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog http://t.co/ytzvq5pH #
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 http://t.co/vzRynqtM #
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25 http://t.co/EgVOPoq7 #
Powered by Twitter Tools
-
@Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-25
- Gregory Flap @ Ronnie's Diner – foursquare http://t.co/j4EuFbiY #
- With Alice and Tara after LA Running Club recovery run (@ Ronnie's Diner) http://t.co/h4yHs85O #
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 » Flap's California Blog http://t.co/wt3lthcJ #
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 http://t.co/H1HS9aoF #
- Off soon to Santa Monica and Los Angeles Running Club. 3 easy mile recovery run today. Temps in the 50's and Ronnie' Diner after #
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 | Flap's Blog – FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog http://t.co/Ao2OVzSm #
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24 http://t.co/HVODY4Nb #
- Flap's Dentistry Blog: The Morning Drill: March 23, 2012 http://t.co/GOFs1DQ2 #
- The Morning Drill: March 23, 2012 http://t.co/aj4aqdfQ #
- Untitled (http://t.co/yXnSaM3q) http://t.co/KmpW6axj #
Powered by Twitter Tools
-
@Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-24
- Indiana vs. Kentucky http://t.co/l7aWbVho @GetGlue #Sweet16 #
- President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich | F… http://t.co/VoHDuQrs #
- President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich http://t.co/vrahUtch #
- L.A. jobless rate is unchanged at 11.8%, but payrolls are up http://t.co/x1qnaSHj #
- Facebook warns employers not to demand passwords http://t.co/VQnCJnjZ #
- Physicians are gloomy about health reform http://t.co/VW2maU7H #
- AD-38: Patricia McKeon Leads in Fundraising With Scott Wilk Second http://t.co/VHriWCEs #
- California Unemployment Rate Unchanged At 10.9 Percent « CBS Sacramento http://t.co/hC0zC1v4 #
- The 2012 U.S. Senate Races That Will Determine Who Controls the Senate | Flap's Blog – FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog http://t.co/37nCa7WU #
- Untitled (http://t.co/sdP1REnZ) http://t.co/gHG4gPtg #
- The 2012 U.S. Senate Races That Will Determine Who Controls the Senate http://t.co/L4k1efL4 #
- AD-38: Fundraising Report: McKeon and Wilk http://t.co/sdP1REnZ #
- Obamacare on trial: The case's policy implications http://t.co/jYTLrb8D #
- Obamacare on trial: Oral arguments schedule http://t.co/tNLLsbSF #
- Obamacare: The reckoning http://t.co/YHvjVJlR #
- The Morning Flap: March 23, 2012 http://t.co/TSbD96Wa #
- Texas and the Feds Take Action on Orthodontic Medicaid Fraud http://t.co/R1UOxFJr #
- Flap’s California Morning Collection: March 23, 2012 http://t.co/Ykdhq3u5 #
- Day By Day March 23, 2012 – Cramps | Flap's Blog – FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog http://t.co/9Iq7T9Q7 #
- #ObamaCare = ObamaScared http://t.co/uqhO5KEB #
- Obama will avoid healthcare defense during court review http://t.co/ErMzJvnk #
- Health care law: 5 things Democrats got wrong http://t.co/UVGzgP30 #
- Day By Day March 23, 2012 – Cramps http://t.co/HU6Qanev #
- Flap’s California Blog @ Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-23 http://t.co/Ma6N8AyN #
- Liberty and ObamaCare http://t.co/h5bUhOAL #
- Mitch McConnell | Repeal Obamacare and make actual reforms http://t.co/eD97tTOf #
- @Flap Twitter Updates for 2012-03-23 http://t.co/fDR1HlFi #
- Untitled (http://t.co/jHFC87Mm) http://t.co/NOOhRHV3 #
Powered by Twitter Tools
-
President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich
According to the latest Gallup Poll.Mitt Romney’s national support among Republican voters has surged in recent days, coincident with his decisive victory in the Illinois primary and a prominent endorsement from Jeb Bush. Romney’s support has increased to 40%, the first time a candidate has reached that level in this campaign, and his lead over Rick Santorum is back into double digits after narrowing to four percentage points on March 20.
The data are based on Gallup Daily tracking from March 18-22, an eventful time in the GOP campaign. On March 20, Romney won the Illinois primary, and he got Bush’s endorsement the next day. That same day, a Romney aide hinted the former Massachusetts governor would “reset” his positions for the general election campaign in the same manner a child would shake an “Etch-a-Sketch” toy to clear it, which again raised concerns about Romney’s issue consistency.
Romney’s current positioning could also be affected by the results of Saturday’s Louisiana primary, with polls showing Santorum leading there.
Maybe with gaffes from Romney and Santorum this week, Newt Gingrich can make another comeback?
But, it is becoming apparent that Mitt Romney will be the nominee, unless a contested or brokered convention becomes a reality.
-
The 2012 U.S. Senate Races That Will Determine Who Controls the Senate
Tilting the toss ups — ranking toss-up Senate races from most likely to go Republican (top, dark red tint) to most likely to go Democratic (bottom, dark blue tint)
Larry Sabato et. al have the analysis here.Ah, the Senate. The battle for control fascinates us — and all election observers — because there are so many intriguing races and personalities. Yet, as we update our ratings today and move in a new direction on Congress’ upper chamber, it is worth stressing at the outset that no party will truly control the Senate come January 2013. There is no chance at all that Democrats or Republicans will hit the magic 60 seats required to break filibusters and thus run the Senate. Increasingly, it looks likely that the winning party will have a smaller majority than the Democrats do now (53 seats) — if there is a majority at all. The tiny margin for the winning party will enable the new Senate to do what Senates do best: a whole lot of nothing (discounting talk, of course).
I pretty much agree with their analysis. They deliver a good race by race analysis and it is worth the time to read.
The Senate races in Virginia and Nevada intrigue me and will be fiercely fought since they are key battleground states for the Presidency. If the GOP nominee, beats Obama in the state, then the Senate seat will likely go red.
In any event, there will not be a 60 vote majority obtainable by either party. So, the only people that will really care will be Harry Reid, Mitch McConnell and their staffs.