Marco Rubio has concerns about Arizona's new law

Marco Rubio is the former speaker of the Florida House who has taken on the Republican establishment of Florida and pulled ahead of Florida Governor Charlie Crist in the Republican primary campaign for the Senate in 2010. After Rubio pulled ahead of Crist in the polls, Crist withdrew from the race as a Republican and is running as an independent.

While it looks like Rubio could have won the race handidly in a two-man race, with the vote split three ways, the future of this contest is in doubt. Rubio has had wide support from the tea party movement.

For those who tend to believe everything they hear from Limbaugh, Levine, Beck or our own Steve Gill, please consider what Marco Rubio has to say about the new Arizona immigration bill.

Our legal immigration system must continue to welcome those who seek to embrace America’s blessings and abide by the legal and orderly system that is in place. The American people have every right to expect the federal government to secure our borders and prevent illegal immigration. It has become all too easy for some in Washington to ignore the desperation and urgency of those like the citizens of Arizona who are disproportionately wrestling with this problem as well as the violence, drug trafficking and lawlessness that spills over from across the border.

States certainly have the right to enact policies to protect their citizens, but Arizona’s policy shows the difficulty and limitations of states trying to act piecemeal to solve what is a serious federal problem. From what I have read in news reports, I do have concerns about this legislation. While I don’t believe Arizona’s policy was based on anything other than trying to get a handle on our broken borders, I think aspects of the law, especially that dealing with ‘reasonable suspicion,’ are going to put our law enforcement officers in an incredibly difficult position. It could also unreasonably single out people who are here legally, including many American citizens. Throughout American history and throughout this administration we have seen that when government is given an inch it takes a mile.

I hope Congress and the Obama Administration will use the Arizona legislation not as an excuse to try and jam through amnesty legislation, but to finally act on border states’ requests for help with security and fix the things about our immigration system that can be fixed right now – securing the border, reforming the visa and entry process, and cracking down on employers who exploit illegal immigrants.

Will movement conservatives now turn on Rubio and denounce him as a RINO? Please consider that there are valid reasons to have concerns about this bill. I want someone like Rubio in the Senate who has solid conservative values and who is a thoughtful person and who does not approve of laws that would allow the government to trample the rights of citizens. He is the kind of person I think we need in the U. S. Congress. I just sent him a contribution. Click here to contribute to the Rubio campaign.

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Hartline Responds to Rep. Jim Cooper’s Latest Op-Ed Pretending to Be a Fiscal Conservative

NASHVILLE – Jeff Hartline, the leading candidate for the Republican nomination in Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, has issued the following statement in response to the editorial by Rep. Jim Cooper published in The Tennessean this week in which the long-time incumbent attempts to explain how we should “Slice Government, Close Loopholes.” (Link: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100428/OPINION01/4280353/1007)

Rep. Cooper, I must say I was surprised by the content of your editorial. You succeed in bashing former President Reagan for raising spending, yet our current spending level is 1.2% higher (based on GDP) today than it was during Reagan’s Presidency, as evidenced by your editorial. You say the key is to find balance in government. This probably sounds great to most of the folks living in the Fifth District. However, I believe you miss the point entirely.

The key to our success as a nation does not rest within finding an acceptable level of size for our federal government. They key rests within the people, working hard, paying their bills, operating their homes within a reasonable budget, and making tough choices. The key is reducing our government to a size that pales in comparison to its current size. Our government is working to maintain its size, thanks partially to your voting record. Although your words express a desire to see a smaller government, your votes say otherwise.

Rep. Cooper, you talk of the budget as though you are an outside observer and are merely commenting on it and then tell us you are fighting for resolution. You are sorely out of touch; your record proves it. You voted for these incredibly expensive programs: Health care reform, bailouts for US Automakers and Wall Street Investment companies chosen by the government, the Cap and Trade energy bill, TARP bailouts, Cash for Clunkers, increasing the available debt limit an additional 2.1 trillion dollars, and Stimulus packages 1 and 2.

Not only were you a participant, but a generally silent participant in these votes. You are complicit in the very spending you despise. Your benchmark for federal spending is based upon the outrageous spending of an ineffective and wasteful Congress. I believe we can do far better than the 20.0% of GDP you suggest in the editorial.

In all fairness, it’s nice to know you want to change your tune. However, the song you are singing does not match the music. You are way off-key. You say, “Greatness does not come cheap.” I say that Liberty comes with a price. The spending you continue to support in Washington is the biggest threat to our liberties in this nation. You say that reducing taxes on Americans will not build a stronger America. Are you suggesting that taking more money from tax-paying citizens WILL create a stronger nation? I certainly don’t believe that to be the case.

Fundamental tax reform cannot take place as long as representatives like you remain in office. It will require a new breed of Congressman to see to it that our future is secured, especially our economic future. After all, Reagan did understand that a smaller federal government is directly correlated with economic security, something you and the current leadership continue to ignore. Instead of solely reducing federal spending, why not reduce the tax burden on productive Americans? That’s a slice we would be happy with.

Jeff Hartline, a former medical practice management consultant and business owner, is a leading candidate for the Republican nomination to challenge Cooper in the November election. Hartline’s campaign, which raised more money from individual donors than any other candidate in the GOP primary, in the first quarter, announced on Tuesday that prominent healthcare business executive and venture capitalist Andy Miller will serve as the campaign’s finance chair.

Learn more about Jeff by visiting his campaign website, HartlineForCongress.com.

Link to Jeff's blog: http://jeffhartline.wordpress.com/2010/04/29/a-response-to-rep-coopers-slice-government-editorial/

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Candidate Bob Schwartz's Reponse to Jim Cooper's OpEd

Bob SchwartzJim Cooper's OpEd yesterday hurts, not helps the budget situation. The truth of the matter is that Congress --- where Mr. Cooper has languished for 16 years --- is largely responsible for federal appropriations. Instead of look at his and his Congressional peers' performance, Mr. Cooper blathers about the good old days under Pres. Clinton and the bad old days under Pres. Reagan. This is much easier than rolling up his sleeves and digging into tough questions like entitlement spending and foreign aid.

Why isn't Jim Cooper on the new federal commission on budget and debt? That's where the real work is being done. Mr. Cooper thinks that voters in the Fifth District will mistake his OpEd piece for real work toward real solutions. Come November, he is going to be surprised!

ONWARD!
Bob Schwartz
Republican Primary Candidate,
robertrschwartz@yahoo.com

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The Arizona Law has its Conservative Critics.

While the bombastic, loud-mouthed, angry, radio conservative entertainers have been very vocal and enthusiastic in support of Arizona’s new immigration law, some of the more thoughtful conservative commentators say the law is flawed and goes too far.

I heard Mark Levine today and I think he was foaming at the mouth. I thought he was going to blow a casket. He argued we have a right to protect our borders and this new law is the way to go about it. He was very hostile to critics of the law and belittled and attacked David Brooks and Jeb Bush who have been critical of the new law. Several of the other talk show conservative have been equally supportive of the law and critical of the laws critics.

Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard and Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post both disapprove of the bill. Barnes says the bill goes "way too far" and calls it "draconian." Krauthammer agrees with those who argue the bill could create civil rights abuses. David Brooks says the law is "terrible" and "an invitation to abuse."


Jeb Bush, former Florida governor has said, "I think it creates unintended consequences." "It's difficult for me to imagine how you're going to enforce this law. It places a significant burden on local law enforcement and you have civil liberties issues that are significant as well."

Actually the new law, while bad, may not be quite as draconian as I first thought. The law may not amount to much. The text of the bill, “Requires officials and agencies to reasonably attempt to determine the immigration status of a person involved in a lawful contact where reasonable suspicion exists regarding the immigration status of the person, except if the determination may hinder or obstruct an investigation.”

That is nuanced. The police are required to enforce the law but yet still must make some judgment calls. The original police contact has to be “lawful.” I am not sure what a “lawful” police contact means and I am not sure what constitutes “reasonable suspicion.” I’m glad I am not a policeman. I suspect that the first time a Hispanic American citizen is thrown in jail for not having proof of citizenship the law will be challenged and we will find out what the law means.

While the law may not be quite as bad as I thought it was the first time I read it, it still is a transfer of power from the individual to the state. “Reasonable suspicion” following a “lawful contact” is no doubt a less stringent standard than “probable cause.” If it is not, then nothing really changes.

I find it disturbing that so many conservatives are ready to take the side of a lessening of the rights for the individual and a support more power for the state. Conservatives who generally profess love of the constitution and really like the 2nd Amendment and the 12th Amendment don’t seem equally as keen on the 6th Amendment. They don’t care for all that pansy-ass liberal stuff about “right of the people to be secure in their persons” and they don’t like all that stuff about “probably cause.”

And all that talk about “limited government?” Well, conservative want a government that is not powerful enough to force you to purchase health insurance but that doesn’t mean they want a government unable to throw you in jail if you are not carrying proof of citizenship.

Although they risk being labels “RINO,” or attacked as “elitist,” or labeled “inside the beltway,” or members of the "chattering class," I am glad that we have conservatives like Krauthammer, Barnes and Brooks who will do more than just feed people’s anger. I am glad that we have conservatives who will think and analyze. I am glad we have conservatives who will stand by their support of the constitution and stand for less government even when it is not the popular position to take.

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David Hall, Republican seeking the 5th Congressional District seat.

The following questionnaire has been submitted to each candidate running in the Republican primary seeking the nomination for Republican candidate for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. This seat is now held by Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper. Whoever wins the primary on August 5 will most likely face Cooper in November.

Tell me about yourself. Where are you from, what to you do for a living, what is your educational background, your political experience?

I have been supporting my family as a small business owner since 1989. I am a licensed general contractor and electrician for the State of Tennessee. I own, manage and operate www.DavidHallHomes.com, in Nashville.

In 1985 I married my best friend, Michelle. She and our five children are my most dedicated, enthusiastic and supportive volunteers. We live in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on a small 5 acre farm with pet dogs, horses, chickens, ducks and a miniature donkey we call “Jim". We attend Hillview Baptist Church. I am an NRA member and I have a Right to Carry Permit.

In the early 1990's I began work with FEMA.Through my work, I've spent years traveling to Africa, Egypt, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Scotland and many places in between. As great as many of these places are, they always remind me how great the United States is.

Why are you running for this office:

Michelle and I, our sons and daughters are very proud of America and Tennessee. We are thankful to live here. We believe in the same ideals that our government was founded on. When we committed to run in '08, we committed to more than that race. We will continue working as a team until the government is headed in a different direction. I ran against Haynes in '08 because his liberal record was so alarming and no one cared enough to try and shut him down. Dave is running in State House District 50 for the same reason.

If conservatism, liberty and constitutionalism offer the best road, we don’t understand why people abandon the road when limbs are down and it seems impassable. We should just clear the blockage and keep on moving. Michelle is running because for 36 years we haven’t had Davidson County Primaries. We always have a laundry list of races that allow Democrats to run unopposed. This year there is even a struggle to fill the need to have Republicans working the polls. We don’t have our Davidson County voting precincts organized with active, involved leaders willing to work their small area for candidates. Michelle's vision is to organize precincts, call primaries and recruit candidates. Davidson County will remain in the Democrats hands, at least until we run and support candidates against them.

As for the race against Cooper, the Halls discerned in ‘o8 that Cooper would be “salt in our wounds,” if America ended up with an Obama Administration. Turns out we were more painfully right than we ever dreamed. Even while running against Haynes, our campaign coordinated what resources we could spare with Gerard Donovan. Also, our oldest son, Dave, donated $1,000.00 to Donovan’s post primary campaign. All along our plan was to help Gerard's race in '10, but then he needed to pull out. We did what we could in '08, and we are still doing what we can, not because it is easy, not because it is likely, because it is necessary.

Our family isn't all that eager to spend limited donor dollars battling against other like minded Conservatives. We would much rather see those resources conserved for use in the general, where the democrat incumbents are so well funded. I know that the obvious question then is, "If that is true, why are you among the baker’s dozen of Republican Primary Candidates for Cooper's seat?" Well, just as in the 08 race against Haynes where the incumbent was so deeply entrenched and so well funded, Cooper’s general 2010 election challenger is going to face the same challenges that we faced in ’08, only on an even greater monumental scale.

The primary winner has to be someone who can have a wild card chance at beating Cooper. My race isn’t about defeating any one of those good men (or one good lady), it is about a last ditch effort to give Cooper’s seat to someone with the strength to vote on legislation using the sound voice of conservative wisdom. I feel that I am the only candidate, who is both wise enough to be that voice and, from a campaign strategy perspective, experienced enough to have even a snowball’s chance in the general race against Cooper.

We haven’t deceived ourselves. The reality for these primary candidates is that they are competing amongst themselves for the chance to stand alone after August 5th. While there may be more support from the party and from donors than Donovans’ bid for the same seat in ’08, it won’t be near enough for a candidate who lacks knowledge and experience in getting Moderates/Dems to vote Republican in Davidson Co. We are already aware of how hopeless the State Party thinks this race is. But they thought that about Joe’s seat too, and look how they almost had his seat handed to them. What worked for my Senate race in ’08 can work again in 2010. We would have had Joe’s seat in ’08 had it not been for the Obama Surge voters.

Voting patterns over the previous four elections told us that 60,000 votes were the most ever cast in that race – that includes the years the incumbent was challenged and unchallenged. We identified 31,000 voters and we worked our tails off, being outspent 7 to1, going after them. We ended up with 31,800 votes. In a normal year, that would have placed the Republican Candidate over the top. If you will remember, my race in '08 pulled more votes for the Republicans than any other election for that seat in history. The one piece of good news in this year’s election is that those surge voters will most likely not return to the polls.

What do you see as the primary issue is this race?

The state of our economy is on the minds of most Tennesseans, and rightly so. Headlines and household budgets remind us daily of the housing crunch, high energy prices, manic swings in the markets and the threat of inflation looms in the minds of most responsible consumers. America's working families are responding to these difficult times with frugal responsibility and our government should acknowledge their efforts. Our citizens are tightening their belts and streamlining their household budgets. Many middle-class families have shared with me how they no longer have land lines in their homes. To save money they have cut the expense of these non-essentials and informed family and friends that their cell numbers have replaced their home numbers. Why shouldn't taxpayers expect similar restraint from their Congress with our Nation’s budget?

If you are successful in wining the Republican nomination and you are successful in defeating Jim Cooper, when serving in the US Congress what issue will be your primary focus? What will be your priorities?

A Pandora's box, created by the fall out affects of the new health care bill, the weak economy and this accelerated government spending, awaits the next Congressman from Tennessee's 5th district. I will remain focused on legislation that gets our economy growing while protecting our children and grandchildren's futures from massive hyper government debt. Congress must consider proven measures that encourage job creation in the private sector, increase private investment and encourage consumer spending. These proven measures are not new ideas, they include immediate tax relieve, decreasing the capital gains tax, working families' income tax and small business tax.

2010 has brought health care to the forefront of our national attention. Too many are asking what is wrong with America’s health care. There is plenty wrong. However, first we should acknowledge what is right about America’s health care. We have the best health care delivery system in the world and our politicians should not be ashamed to admit that. The national health industries of pharmaceutical companies, professional providers, research and development programs, equipment producers and operators, work inside a system that is responsible for improving and extending lives far beyond what was possible just a generation ago. That is amazing and that is America!

Obviously, the escalating cost for health services and treatments is unacceptable. Creating the Government–run health care system, forcing 1/6th of our nation’s economy into the hands of bureaucrats and denying doctors and their patients the control of health care decisions is a foolish non-solution and threatens what is exceptional about our health care. The best solution is an American solution. Historically, it is competition that is known to bring down cost and improve service. Wise Benjamin Franklin knew that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, let’s combine competition with an investment in wellness and prevention.

There are five, largely preventable, chronic diseases that cause two-thirds of American deaths and account for 75% of our nation’s annual health bill. Most grade school students can recognize the math in this equation requires eliminating the unnecessary expense of treating something that was less expensive to prevent. TORT reform is another common sense remedy necessary for an ailing health care industry.

When I make my decision who I will vote for for this office, not only do I want to vote for someone who has solid conservative values and who I think would make a good Congressman, but I want to vote for someone who I think can beat Jim Cooper. Best person and electability may not necessarily be the same thing. I have heard that it will take anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million dollars to mount a successful campaign. Do you have the support, the time and resources to conduct a wining campaign?

See # 2 above.

If one wants to know more about your campaign or contact you how to they do that?

www.DavidHallforCongress.com,
David@DavidHallforCongress.com

615.268.7555

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Jeff Hartline, Republican seeking the 5th Congressional District seat.

The following questionnaire has been submitted to each candidate running in the Republican primary seeking the nomination for Republican candidate for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. This seat is now held by Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper. Whoever wins the primary on August 5 will most likely face Cooper in November.

Tell me about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do for a living, what is your educational background, your political experience?

I was born in Rome, GA in 1955. My father is a lifelong minister and my mother has been a medical transcriptionist for as long as I can remember. I went to Freed-Hardeman University and graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies in 1976. I completed my Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies at Lipscomb University in 1997. In the time between I started a family, a business, and homeschooled my three children alongside my wife, Melodie. We have been married for over 31 years.

My work background is varied; I have worked as a physician recruiter, a medical practice manager, a custom-cabinet maker, kitchen-designer, a teacher, a coach, a minister, and a small business owner. My experience in politics is limited to the votes I have cast in my life. I am no career politician.

Why are you running for this office?

In 1994, Newt Gingrich led the charge to take back Washington with the “Contract for America.” At the time I considered running for the office but chose to wait. At the time I had three young children and a small business to run. Sixteen years have passed since that time and now my children are grown. My daughter has three sons of her own. My youngest will graduate in May from Lipscomb University.

I want to make certain that my grandchildren have all the same opportunities my parents and grandparents worked hard to afford me. I have been blessed in my life to have the full support of my friends and family. Many have approached me in the past about a possible run for office and I believe that now, more than ever, I am ready to carry the flag for the people of this district.

What do you see as the primary issue is this race?

The singular issue in this race is determining which candidate can beat Jim Cooper. We all want to beat him, but we need to determine who can accomplish the goal. Each candidate is very similar in his/her beliefs and can represent the conservatives in this district. We must put forth the candidate most likely to send Cooper home. I believe that my experience, maturity, grasp of the issues affecting our nation, ability to easily articulate possible solutions, and my passion for our republic makes me the best candidate. Almost all of the problems in our country are a direct result of federal government that has grown outside of its constitutional boundaries. We must rein our government in.


If you are successful in winning the Republican nomination and you are successful in defeating Jim Cooper, when serving in the US Congress what issue will be your primary focus? What will be your priorities?

Reducing the scope, size and spending of the federal government will be my primary focus when elected. Eliminating federal government control over the lives of individual citizens will allow our economy to thrive once more. The individual states must assume the responsibilities guaranteed by the 10th amendment.

My priorities include balancing the federal budget, annual real decreases in federal spending, securing our federal borders, revamping the tax system, protecting against enemies both foreign and domestic and reforming the legislative process (including no omnibus bills, no earmarks and encouraging single-issue legislation). I also committed to restoring our national defense to an appropriate level, defending 2nd amendment rights, and defending innocent life.

When I make my decision who I will support for this office, not only do I want to vote for someone who has solid conservative values and who I think would make a good Congressman, but I want to vote for someone who I think can beat Jim Cooper. Best person and electability may not necessarily be the same thing. I have heard that it will take anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million dollars to mount a successful campaign. Do you have the support, the time and resources to conduct a wining campaign?

When I made the decision to pursue this seat, I chose to take a leave of absence from my job in order to give the campaign my full attention. I believe that is what this race requires from start to finish. I initially assembled a team to begin formulating a strategy for securing support, funding and votes. Since that time, we have added more people to our steering committee and built a finance committee of dedicated conservatives working hard to raise the necessary funds to challenge our incumbent. We believe that our first quarter numbers speak volumes about my electability and also our ability to raise funds. Historically, this district has been perceived as solidly liberal. We believe the people of this district have proven they are ready to support a conservative candidate for Congress.

If one wants to know more about your campaign or contact you how to they do that?

We have set up many ways for the constituents to get in touch with our campaign. The easiest way is to visit the website at www.hartlineforcongress.com. Here you can join our email list, sign up to volunteer, contribute financially and much more. I also keep a blog at www.signersandframers.com where I discuss current issues affecting America. We also keep active Facebook and Twitter profiles in order to maintain an effective online presence. My cellphone and email address are available as well for those that want to speak with me directly.

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Arizona Hispanic Republicans React To SB 1070: We View It As An Attack Against Our Civil Rights

Friday, April 23, 2010 – 1330 hours, by Somos Republicans

Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Hispanic Republicans believe that it is unfortunate for Jan Brewer to support Pearce’s bill. The greatest leaders in our nation had courage, and we believe that Brewer made her decision in an effort to save her political career. Jan Brewer’s decision will mark today as the day in which Hispanic Americans will follow the footsteps of the Great Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Pearce and Brewer do not see the unintended consequences of their actions, and it appears that they were willing to make decisions that affect us at the cost of trampling on our Constitutional Rights.

We believe this party was founded by Abraham Lincoln, a man who was instrumental in doing away with evils towards people of color. We must never forget the price Abraham paid with his own life, and for that we at least owe a fight to bring this party back to our true roots. Later, the Republican Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. picked up Abe’s mantle and helped fight the injustice of racism. Republicans in that era fought to free blacks from slavery, which gave people of color freedoms and citizenship.

It is unfortunate that our own members of the Republican Party believe that we have to trample on our Constitution in order to “enforce our laws.” We believe that Pearce is easing the requirements for “probable cause” and his attempt in expanding our government. What Pearce’s bill proves is that he does not have the answer for illegal immigration within the confines of the American Constitution, and in fact he is not solving the problem by creating more problems.

We believe United States Hispanic citizens have a right to be safe in their person from illegal searches and seizures, and we believe Pearce’s efforts are violating that. SB 1070 is a direct slap in the face to Hispanic Americans who have fought and died for several American wars because this new law can be abused by authorities to pull us over with mere “reasonable suspicion”.

That said, and even though we are taking a stance against Jan Brewer and Russell Pearce’s law, we are ultimately holding President Obama accountable. Obama promised Hispanics that he would pass immigration reform within 90 days of his Presidency. Had Obama carried out his promises to Hispanics last year, the Hispanic community would not be experiencing the crisis we are experiencing right now. There has been recent criticism over our Senator John McCain because John McCain probably feels he cannot win the primary elections due to his previous stances on championing immigration reform and the consistent untrue attacks by Hayworth. It is understandable on why McCain believes he is in the fight of his life. For the record, Senator McCain has taken action in the past while Obama has not. McCain’s valuable experience contributed to Americans winning the Iraq war. The problem is this: There are more Latinos registered as Democrats in the State of Arizona that cannot vote for McCain in the primary elections and McCain wants to win. How can these hypocritical democrat leaders lay blame to the McCain when at the very least McCain has action to back his words? Why aren’t Democrat leaders holding Obama’s feet to the fire? Hispanics are more aligned with Republican values because of our social conservative values and our belief in the Creator; and if Hispanics want to make a real change to help change the face of our Party to bring it back to the Party of Abraham Lincoln, then I call upon all Latinos (Democrat and Independent) to register themselves as Republicans in order to bring it back to those roots.

Hispanic families are agonizing over this issue. Russell Pearce has not articulated a proactive approach to what will happen to American born children and their welfare as they are ripped apart from their parents. In fact, Russell Pearce believes that children born of illegal immigrants should not be declared as citizens.

Arizona Hispanic Republicans will not vote for Jan Brewer this year because we are holding her accountable for supporting a bill that violates the Constitution and our Civil Rights. I have sounded the alarm to all Republicans in this state that the passing of this bill is political suicide.

The State of Arizona already has a blemish because we were the last state of the Union to recognize Martin Luther King as an official holiday. Arizona Hispanic Republicans will write an open letter to our RNC Chair, Michael Steele, as he continues to consider where to hold our next 2011 GOP convention. We will caution our RNC Chair to consider the consequences of that because then it could be perceived as rewarding the state that implemented strong anti-Hispanic laws that has rattled our community and our Civil Rights.

Comment: By 2042 white Americans will be in the minority in this country. The Republican Party can not be a viable party and be the party of only white people. If we only honor the constitution when it is convenient we deserve to be a permanent minority party. We are driving Hispanics into the arms of the Democratic Party.

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Patrick Miranda, Republican Seeking 5th Congressional District Seat

The following questionnaire has been submitted to each candidate running in the Republican primary seeking the nomination for Republican candidate for Tennessee's 5th Congressional District. This seat is now held by Democratic Congressman Jim Cooper. Whoever wins the primary on August 5 will most likely face Cooper in November.

Where are you from, what to you do for a living, what is your educational background, your political experience?

I am a native Nashvillian. I attended Overbrook School and Montgomery Bell Academy. I graduated from St. Louis University with a BA in both political science and history with a minor in Spanish. I am the oldest of three siblings (all business owners) and the son of two physicians (Oncologists), one of whom fled his country, Chile, due to socialist rule and became an American citizen in 1986. My mother was the first female physician in her medical fraternity.

My wife, Meliah, and I have been married for two years and we live in Nashville with our children (one who has special needs). I run my own business with my wife; we invest in real estate markets across the country. My previous employment consisted of serving as the Director of Development for the Dominican Campus and as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America (focusing on minority recruiting for the BSA).

I have been very active in politics since high school. I interned for then US Senator Bill Frist. I was a member of the Missouri Federation of College Republicans, a member of the St. Louis University Young Republicans. I wrote as the lone Conservative columnist for our University newspaper and was asked to become a member of the Eagle Forum.

I have worked on numerous campaigns including former Attorney General John Ashcroft, Sen. Bill Frist, Rep. Ed Bryant, Councilman Karen Bennett and Juan Borges (just to name a few). I am currently a lifetime member of the NRA, I am one of the few candidates with a carry permit, I am a member of the Tea Parties, of the Eagle Forum and of Tennessee Right to Life (just to name a few).

Why are you running for this office:

Out of a sense of duty and obligation to my family and to my fellow Americans. Our politicians, Jim Cooper included, REFUSE to listen to the will of the American people. They have been called to serve "We the People" yet they only serve their special interests and their parties. I am running for office because I fear for the future of my parents and of my children (not to mention my generation). We have a Congress that is out of control...they spend way beyond their means and then punish the American people with rules and regulations designed in increase Congressional power, while limiting economic and personal freedoms of the American people.

I am running to protect my children from the massive debts that they will owe to the federal government, and to protect my parents from having their medicare payments cut further and for having some bureaucrat decide whether or not they deserve medical care. Bottom line, I am running because I have the solutions to STOP this government in its tracks, to reign in the spending and to actually REPRESENT the interests of my constituents.

What do you see as the primary issue is this race?

There are many, but government accountability is the main issue. As I mentioned before, we have an out of control Congress that spends money we don't have, and, when we the people complain, the politicians merely hide behind veiled rhetoric and vote AGAINST the will of the people. We need a candidate who is unafraid to fight these politicians and one who will NOT hide behind closed doors. I am that candidate.

If you are successful in wining the Republican nomination and you are successful in defeating Jim Cooper, when serving in the US Congress what issue will be your primary focus? What will be your priorities?

My primary focus will be to rein in and STOP excessive government spending. There are four issues that will be my primary focus (in order based on presentation of legislation): spending/the deficit, Health Care reform, Immigration Reform and Cap and Trade. My priorities will be to stop the spending, to fight to overturn this health care bill, to SHRINK our Federal Government, and then to do what is necessary to restore Americans faith in their government/politicians.

When I make my decision who I will vote for for this office, not only do I want to vote for someone who has solid conservative values and who I think would make a good Congressman, but I want to vote for someone who I think can beat Jim Cooper. Best person and electability may not necessarily be the same thing. I have heard that it will take anywhere from $500,000 to $2 million dollars to mount a successful campaign. Do you have the support, the time and resources to conduct a wining campaign?

Yes, we have the support, the team, the resources and the time to win. I am also a new breed of Republican...I like to say that I am the Marco Rubio of the 5th District (young, electable and someone who has the resources to win in Davidson County). Keep your ears open for major announcements coming up in the near future.

If one wants to know more about your campaign or contact you how to they do that?

If you would like to join the growing number of Team Miranda, please feel free to contact me at www.patrickmirandaforcongress.com. I will respond to you as quickly as possible. I need your support; we can't defeat Cooper without your help, and I would be humbled by any support my fellow Patriots can give this campaign. Thank you all again!

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Earth Day goes to the Dogs- Kill the dogs; Save the Planet

I went to Centennial Park last weekend for the Earth Day festivities. I enjoy almost any event where there are lots of people enjoying themselves, and food and music. I am not hostile to environmentalist and consider myself a moderate environmentalist myself. Actually I prefer the term “conservationist” but no one uses the term conservationist anymore so unless you are for dirty air and dirty water, I think you have to be an environmentalist. I like clean air and clean water, oppose mountain top removal, I recycle and I have always loved nature. I want to preserve endangered species. I support efforts to preserve the natural beauty of my home state of Tennessee and the world. I respect those who are working to set aside beautiful vistas and natural wonders for future generations.

I am sure many environmentalists would not consider me one of them and that is OK. I am not a radical environmentalist. I am not opposed to economic growth or development. I think we can safely drill for oil off our coast lines and I support drilling in ANWAR. I support nuclear energy. I am not 100% certain that global warming is a reality. If it is a reality, I am not certain that it is caused by human activity. If it is caused by human activity, I am not so sure the change is happening as fast as Al Gore says it is.

I probably have one of the smallest carbon foot prints of anyone you will ever meet unless it is some environmentalist fanatic or a hermit. For a normal person, I have a very small carbon foot print. For one thing, I don’t spend a lot of money. I just don’t like a lot of stuff and I hate to shop. I'm frugal. I hate waste. I don’t know that this value is derived from an environmental ethic, it just seems shameful to throw out good stuff and buy more. I eat mostly fish and seafood, some chicken but very little beef. I live in a modest size older home without a lot of unused square feet. One way in which I am living an environmentally friendly lifestyle is that almost everywhere I go is less than three miles from my home and then I sometimes ride a bicycle. If you profess to love the earth and choose to live thirty miles from where you work, I think you are a hypocrite.

I see a lot of environmental hypocrisy and empty environmental symbolism. I know someone who while at college lived in the environmental dorm yet burned the road up with weekend trips home. Living in a normal dorm and giving up one round trip home would have probably made for a smaller carbon foot print. When the Nashville contingent of my family goes home to Knoxville, there seldom is any attempt to carpool among the liberal Al-Gore-loving environmentalist. Sometimes four cars will make the trip when we could have all crowed into one. They profess they would use mass transit if it was available, but I don’t believe them.

At Saturday’s Centennial Earth Day event there were a lot of normal looking people there but there was also a lot of people who I am sure live the environmentalist lifestyle. They wore tie-dyed tee shirts or shirts with earth-friendly slogans and sandals and the women had hairy arm pits. Most of these people also had big dogs. I don’t own a dog. I used to when I was growing up. I like dogs and I may have a dog again someday.

Maybe the environmentalist don’t know it, but having a medium-sized dog has the same impact on the environment as a Toyota Land Cruiser driven 6,000 miles a year, while a cat is equivalent to a Volkswagen Golf. I have a member of my family who is a strong environmentalist yet always has four of five big dogs. I don’t want anyone to actually give up their dog; I just don’t want them to feel morally superior until they do.

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