Wright County Republican

U of M Elections Forum

2009-07-12T12:13:00.000-04:00

Justice Ginsberg Calls 'Em Likes She Sees 'Em

2009-07-10T09:38:00.004-04:00

Did you see this? Do you have a problem with this? I do.

This woman has been on the United States Supreme Court since 1993. What a great testimony to the wisdom of the court. She made this statement just days ago, in 2009!!!

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

"Frankly I had thought that at the time Roe was decided, there was concern about population growth and particularly growth in populations that we don’t want to have too many of."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/magazine/12ginsburg-t.html?pagewanted=4&_r=2&ref=magazine

MNGOP Saves 1000s of Ducks Lives

2009-07-09T16:53:00.002-04:00

If you are a waterfowl hunting enthusiast and a republican activist you have a very difficult choice to make this year. Do you go to the MNGOP State Convention scheduled for October 3 in Saint Paul or do you maintain your family tradition of attending the Duck Opener?

I haven't missed a duck opener in a long, long time. It's one of my favorite events of the year. But miss it I will this year. The waders will have to wait another week. Thousands of ducks will live thanks to the MNGOP Executive Committee.

The good news is that MNGOP decided to change from the the original September 19 date of the convention because it is also Rosh Hashanah. It wouldn't be kosher to conflict with the Jewish New Year.

Vote Early and Often – Minnesota Doesn’t Begrudge an Extra Vote Now and Then

2009-07-09T15:31:00.001-04:00

"Election Records Suggest Some People Voted More than Once in 2008 Election

St. Paul – A Wisconsin couple was recently arrested for casting extra votes in the 2008 elections, but it appears that some voters in Minnesota might be getting away with the same crime. Minnesota Majority, a conservative non-profit issue advocacy group, has discovered evidence that at least 280 individuals may have voted more than once in the Minnesota’s 2008 general election. The group compared 2008 voter histories records and discovered that some records exactly matched one another on the criteria of first, middle and last names, year of birth and telephone number.

Before the 2008 election, Minnesota Majority had alerted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie that it had discovered similar double-voting phenomena in the records of previous elections. The Secretary of State’s office suggested that the group contact individual county attorneys in which the apparent violations had occurred.

Minnesota Majority made multiple attempts to contact 30 county attorneys requesting an investigation. Eight months later, 19 county attorneys failed to respond to Minnesota Majority’s request. Two county attorneys flatly refused to investigate. Another county attorney responded by saying he had sent a letter to the voter who had allegedly voted twice reminding her that she was only entitled to one vote and asking her not to do that again.

Minnesota state law requires a county attorney who is informed of a potential election violation to immediately investigate the matter or potentially be charged with a misdemeanor and be subject to forfeiture of his or her office.

“It appears that everyone wants to look the other way when we present evidence of apparent problems in our election system,” said Jeff Davis, president of Minnesota Majority. “The dogma seems to be that Minnesota has this fantastic election system with unparalleled turn-out and clean results beyond reproach. When someone points out evidence to the contrary, nobody wants to hear about it and nothing is done.”

Minnesota Majority plans to provide their new evidence of double voting to the appropriate county attorneys. “We’ve been down this road before. We’ll do our civic duty and alert the appropriate law enforcement officials,” said Davis. “Perhaps this time these officials will obey the law, do their jobs and actually investigate these incidents.”
## [from Minnesota Majority]

Governor's Race Will Unite MN House Republicans

2009-07-08T16:02:00.004-04:00

With all due respect here's a counterpoint to the opinion expressed by Twice Blessed HERE at Conservative Cravings:

There is nothing like a robust endorsing process to infuse a flagging party with new energy and fresh perspective. In stead of imploring the House republicans to narrow their choices for Governor, I think this is a more the merrier proposition. The suggestion that members are going to compromise their integrity to use floor votes as leverage in the governor's race is an unfortunate insult to the folks we have serving in the House that have also stepped forward to pursue the GOP endorsement for Governor.

We need more leaders in the republican party. I believe that sincerely with regard to the precincts all the way up to the folks who represent us in Washington. We have spent far too much energy in the GOP tearing each other down. Instead of focusing on constructive ideas to move us forward some of our cadre have expended huge energy spreading rumors and defaming good people who they call "colleague" out of the other side of their mouths.

The House GOP made a great decision a few weeks ago when they chose Kurt Zellers as Minority Leader. Kurt being chosen is the first step toward uniting what was a fractured caucus and paving the way toward true teamwork, widely shared responsibilities and widely shared credit.

Fear not! The House GOP Caucus is poised to thrive in 2010. The gov endorsement race is only going to improve our stead.

Do Non-Citizens Have the Right to Vote in Minnesota?

2009-07-07T11:11:00.002-04:00

from Minnesota Majority

Election records suggest non-citizens cast ballots in the 2008 election

St. Paul – In the course of its ongoing research into irregularities into Minnesota’s election system, Minnesota Majority has discovered evidence that non-citizens may have voted in the 2008 election.

In September 2008, Representative Laura Brod (R, New Prague) contacted Secretary of State Mark Ritchie with concerns that non-citizens were apparently present on Minnesota’s voter registration rolls. State law requires drivers licenses issued to non-citizens residing in Minnesota on temporary visas must bear the mark “status check.” That mark acts as a flag to law enforcement officials to check the expiration date of the individual’s visa to verify they are still legal visitors. Visa information also appears in the computerized Department of Public Safety Records. A comparison of DPS records with the statewide voter registration list revealed several non-citizens had somehow become registered to vote, which is in itself illegal.

Several weeks prior to the election, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie held a press conference in which indicated that he was unaware that the DPS had, for nearly two years, been providing his office with a monthly list of drivers’ license records containing non-citizen visa information. He thanked Representative Brod for bringing the issue to his attention. He also assured the public that his office would be checking this information prior to the election and that appropriate challenges would be issued at polling places to prevent non-citizens from voting.

A review of 2008 election records by Minnesota Majority shows that many of the non-citizens Representative Brod originally brought to the attention of the Secretary of State prior to last year’s election are still on active voter registration rolls and several actually appear to have voted in the 2008 general election.

“I can’t understand it,” said Jeff Davis, Minnesota Majority’s president, “Representative Brod provided the Secretary of State with the list of names. She pointed right at the problem. Secretary Ritchie acknowledged the problem and said that he had corrected it. But now we find that election records show these people are still on the rolls and several actually voted. If these records are accurate, this is an unconscionable failure to safeguard the integrity of our elections.”

Minnesota Majority has also received reports from election poll watchers that same-day registrants with “status check” flags on their identification cards were allowed to register and vote in the 2008 election. A formal complaint filed by one poll watcher states that an official from the Secretary of State’s office told precinct election officials that the words “status check” on a voter’s identification card was not justification to deny a vote to anyone. Only non-citizens have driver’s licenses or state-issued identifications marked “status check” as this is an indication that the person is visiting the US on a visa.

##

Delano Amazes Me!

2009-07-05T13:00:00.006-04:00

I was going to say that the 4th of July defines Delano. But as I think it through, Delano also defines the 4th of July. Whatever the case, the experience of the 4th of July in Delano is an adventure in patriotism, community pride and just plain old decent neighborliness (if that's even a word).

Last week a nomadic band of carnival workers moved into the field just east of the levy. It's as if they showed up in an instant with virtually no disturbance to the town. A day later the rides were set up and everything wa ready to go. For $22 per kid they had unlimited access to the rides on Thursday night. You don't really comprehend the Delano 4th of July carnival until you talk to a seven year old about his anticipation of the event. Even the locals who don't partake in the fun tolerate the bands playing til midnight. The carnival has been around as long as anyone can remember. Being there is to experience a slice of Americana that you don't see too often any more.

The 4th of July started for me at 3 Crows on River Street. All-American pancakes replete with decorative flag and all. The parade launched at 10:30am as the rain clouds began to clear. And the parade is what really touched me this year.

Congressman Michele Bachmann lead the group of Wright County Republicans, riding on the back of Star West Chev's SST convertible. For as much crap as Michele endures in the media it was simply incredible to watch the parade onlookers welcome her with outbursts of applause and a general sense of respect.

Tom's experience was heartwarming. Our parade group was huge, thanks largely to Steve Hackbarth's John Deere and Stacy Morse and David FitzSimmons coordination. So many reached out to thank Tom for the work he has done in Saint Paul. Many of them voiced their support for Tom to run for Governor. The sweaty hockey player shook a lot of hands. And he heard from a lot of people. It was awesome to behold.

The fireworks last night were the best I've ever seen. But as well run as the whole 4th of July experience was in Delano, it really comes down to the fact that Delano is a community that stands for something. It's a community that reveres Independence Day. Thank you Delano!

God Bless Delano! God Bless America!

The Greatest Question....

2009-07-05T12:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater perhaps never was nor will be decided among men. A resolution passed without one dissenting colony, "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States."

— John Adams, Letter to Abigail Adams [July 1776]

MN Tea Party Patriots

2009-07-03T09:37:00.001-04:00

Minnesota Tea Party Patriots Contact
Kellie Cripe: MN State Coordinator
Direct: 952-217-3092
info@mnteapartypatriots.org
http://mnteapartypatriots.org
Tea Party Patriots of the Twin Cities Contact
saintpaulteaparty@gmail.com
http://www.teapartypatriotsofthetwincities.org

Minnesota Tea Party Patriots Announces Tea Parties Throughout the State on July 4th

Minneapolis, MN June 30, 2009. The Minnesota Tea Party is pleased to announce several tea parties throughout the state on July 4th. Events will be held in: Saint Paul, Chanhassen, Milaca, Bemidji, Watertown, Fergus Falls, Aitkan, Owatonna and other locations throughout the state. In addition to the town wide rallies many tea party patriots will host tea party celebrations in their own neighborhoods and at holiday BBQ's. On July 4th we celebrate the gifts bestowed upon us by the vision of our Founders. Join us for this patriotic celebration and tribute to our country, our founding fathers, and their lessons and messages for all American citizens.

The Tea Party Patriots of the Twin Cities are hosting a rally on the upper and lower malls of the State Capitol on July 4th 2009. The event will run from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Chanhassen Tea Party Patriots will be marching in the local parade from 2-4pm in downtown Chanhassen. The Owatonna Tea Party will be at Central Park from 5-9pm.More details for these and other rallies can be found at http://www.mnteapartypatriots.org

For donations for the State Capitol rally please send to
Tea Party Patriots of the Twin Cities
P.O. Box 21418 Columbia Heights, MN 55421

About the Minnesota Tea Party Patriots

Tea Party Patriots is a non partisan grassroots organization that is centered around supporting the individual tea parties throughout Minnesota and the nation. We share the common core values of tea party participants throughout the nation: Fiscal Responsibility, Limited Government and Free Markets. The Tea Party Patriots mission is to bring together like-minded individuals, educate and inform others about the core values and to secure public policy and elected officials consistent with those values.

###########

Dick Morris:Obama's War On Talk Radio

2009-07-02T22:32:00.004-04:00

Draft Tom Emmer for Governor 2010

2009-07-02T15:38:00.004-04:00

If you've been struggling to find a reason to join facebook this might be it. A bunch of Tom's friends have created a page called DRAFT TOM EMMER FOR GOVERNOR 2010.

You can manage your privacy to share or withold as much of your information as you like. And it just might be the way of the future in terms of social , and political netwroking.

Minnesota Supreme Court Decision in Coleman-Franken Contest Does Not Resolve Questions Surrounding the Integrity of Minnesota’s Elections

2009-07-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

NEWS RELEASE: MNMAJORITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 2, 2009
Contact: Jeff Davis, 612-605-3303 ext 702

"The Minnesota Supreme Court has brought an end to the highly contested Coleman – Franken election battle by declaring Al Franken as the winner in the US Senate race. But the Court’s ruling fails to settle other questions surrounding the integrity of the 2008 elections. The Coleman – Franken case focused almost exclusively on the question of counting ballots. But questions involving who actually voted in the 2008 election have not been adequately addressed.

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie has publically acknowledged that state election records as of the end of April indicated a discrepancy of 40,000 more ballots than voters accounted for in the voter history records. State law requires voter history updates to be completed within 6 weeks following a general election. But 8 months latter, Minnesotans still do not have an accurate account of who actually voted in the 2008 election.

The ballot-voter discrepancy was the basis of a lawsuit filed against the Secretary of State and 30 county attorneys in May of this year. Minnesota Majority, a conservative watchdog group, filed the lawsuit with the Minnesota Supreme Court claiming that election officials had violated state election laws. In addition to ballot-voter discrepancy, the group says it has discovered other irregularities in election records, including:

· deceased individuals who are recorded as having voted in the election,

· non-citizen voters,

· felon voters,

· individuals who appear to have voted more than once, and

· voters residing at non-existent and vacant addresses.

State law requires election officials to perform certain verification and validation procedures designed to prevent these situations from occurring. Minnesota Majority’s lawsuit claims that election officials failed to comply with these laws.

Minnesota Majority initially contacted the Secretary of State to report irregularities it had found in Minnesota’s voter registration file in October 2008. But the Secretary of State’s office was dismissive of the group’s concerns and refused to conduct an investigation.

There also remains a question regarding ACORN’s role in the election. In September of 2008, ACORN had publically acknowledged that it had registered over 80,000 new voters in Minnesota. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie was endorsed by ACORN in his 2006 election bid. While election officials in other states have launched formal investigations into ACORN’s activities, a similar investigation has not been initiated in Minnesota.
##

Yeah, But We Still Don't Know Who Voted

2009-07-01T10:11:00.003-04:00

Senator Al Franken. Eight arduous months of labor and finally out pops that sarcastic cheesy Saturday Night Live smile. Minnesota's new Senator. He's good enough, smart enough, and dogonit the supreme court likes him. All joking aside, I sincerely wish Al and Frannie the very best as they embark on a wonderful Washington D.C. adventure.

But I'm still perplexed. No matter how you slice it Minnesota's voting procedures invite monkeybusiness. The Secretary of State is deeply complicit with ACORN. The conflict is undeniable. ACORN has been sued in almost every state it operates in, except Minnesota. The unwillingness of Minnesota's trusted leaders to do ANYTHING about investigating ACORN is unconscionable.

You either believe that every vote counts, or you don't. You either believe that voting must be an exact science to be true to the individual, or you believe voting is just an approximation, and nothing to be too concerned about.

The list of potential registration and voting irregularities is long. Felons voted. Non-residents voted. It is concievable that some voted more than once. Some ballots were counted twice. Some ballots weren't counted. But no one in a position of authority is willing to scrutinize our process. No one!

Senator Al Franken. Alright already. But we still don't know who voted.

We The People Stimulus Package

2009-06-30T11:09:00.000-04:00

Rep. Conyers' Probe of ACORN Blocked by 'Powers That Be'

2009-06-29T14:49:00.002-04:00

Friday, June 26, 2009 8:20 AM
By: S.A. Miller, The Washington Times Article Font Size

"House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers Jr. has backed off his plan to investigate purported wrongdoing by the liberal activist group ACORN, saying "powers that be" put the kibosh on the idea.

Mr. Conyers, Michigan Democrat, earlier bucked his party leaders by calling for hearings on accusations the Association of Community Organization for Reform Now (ACORN) has committed crimes ranging from voter fraud to a mob-style "protection" racket.

"The powers that be decided against it," Mr. Conyers told The Washington Times as he left the House chambers Wednesday.

The chairman declined to elaborate, shrugging off questions about who told him how to run his committee and give the Democrat-allied group a pass. "

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST AT NEWSMAX

Here's the part that really irks me:

"ACORN and its affiliates are currently the target of at least 14 lawsuits related to voter fraud in the 2008 election and a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act complaint filed by former ACORN members.

The group's leaders have consistently denied any wrongdoing and previously said they welcomed a congressional probe.

The group did not respond to questions about Mr. Conyers being convinced to drop those plans.

Ms. Heidelbaugh, who spearheaded an unsuccessful lawsuit last year to stop ACORN's Pennsylvania voter-registration drive, testified in March that the nonprofit group was violating tax, campaign-finance and other laws by, among other things, sharing with the Barack Obama campaign a list of the Democrat's maxed-out campaign donors so ACORN could use it to solicit them for a get-out-the-vote drive.

ACORN also provided liberal causes with protest-for-hire services and coerced donations from targets of demonstrations through a shakedown it called the "muscle for the money" program, said Ms. Heidelbaugh, a member of the executive board of the Republican National Lawyers Association."

"Why We Are Not Leaving MNGOP"

2009-06-26T09:57:00.003-04:00

"In his Opinion piece "Why I am leaving the Minnesota GOP," Lt. Col. Joe Reypa paints a pretty damning picture of the Republican Party of Minnesota. As Republican grass-roots activists, we have witnessed and experienced what Joe described as "tyrannical domination over the grass-roots" of the party.

We agree with Joe when he says "it is time to stop enabling bad behavior from that party." Joe is a friend who has been a principled champion of freedom and liberty for many years; he remains a friend. We disagree, however, with his conclusion that "the Minnesota GOP is no longer capable of being saved."

This is why we are not leaving the Minnesota GOP. Not only can the Minnesota GOP be saved, it must be saved."

READ ENTIRE COUNTERPOINT ARTICLE HERE

Ellison's Moral Compass Continues To Disappoint

2009-06-26T09:35:00.001-04:00

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/49125787.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

"Ellison's office has maintained that the Mecca trip was "personal,'' but it also says the Ethics Committee is revisiting the question of whether the costs must be reported.

Ellison, a second-term congressman, is making a freshman mistake. If he has nothing to hide, why is he declining to release a detailed summary of his expenses? And why has he refused to release the entire letter from the Ethics Committee explaining why the trip was approved?

Under the 2007 ethics reform legislation, lobbyists are prohibited from sponsoring trips for members of Congress. Nonprofit entities, such as the Muslim American Society, can cover the costs of such trips, but the travel is subject to ethics guidelines that require detailed disclosure."

Cap What? And Trade What?

2009-06-26T09:13:00.003-04:00

By Tom Butz

What are we capping, and what are we trading? We have succeeded in reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Now the environmental movement is about to attempt to apply the same concept to carbon dioxide (CO2). This is a very big mistake, for the following reasons:

-The SO2 reduction program was successful because there were PROVEN technologies of reducing SO2 at the time, and the technologies continued to improve to result in reduced costs.

-Power plants that had the right to emit defined levels of SO2 suddenly were faced with an economic advantage of being able to sell the allowances, and shut down the less efficient plant, to allow for a newer larger plant, with lower emission levels of SO2 than the older plants.

-The economic engine of making the right choices was in full bloom. Emissions were reduced, additional power plants were built, technologies improved, and this is a great example of letting the market be free to make the right choices.

The same concept of Cap & Trade is being blindly touted as a means of reducing CO2. The concept is being sold under the guise that we can implement wind, solar, and conservation in order to accomplish a new version of Cap and Trade. There are some very important differences in implementing Cap and Trade for CO2 reduction.

First, let’s take a look at the level of reduction that is being called for. We are looking at a current level of CO2 emissions in the range of 6 billion tons of CO2. The bill is calling for a reduction from the 2005 levels (about 5 billion tons) of 40% of 2005 levels by 2030, and 83% reduction of the 2005 levels by 2050. This sounds very aggressive, and could be considered “forward thinking”. I consider this targeted reduction as completely ridiculous for the following reasons:

-There are currently no technical means of reducing CO2 from the emissions of power plants. No proven technology, but there are billions of research dollars being invested for a means of cleaning up the flue gas and capturing CO2. The best target for this technology being available in 2015, but this is not certain, and there are likely to be HUGE unknowns in trying to remove CO2 from such a huge amount of gas volume.

-Another major issue on capturing CO2 from plants is that it will take the equivalent of 30% of the plant output. This means that for a total fleet of about 300,000 MW of generation providing 50% of our total electricity needs, it will require an additional third, or 100,000 MW of additional generation to power this reduction technology.

-We also have a huge issue on where to store the CO2 once it is captured. Studies have been made looking at underground caverns of various types, but there are HUGE levels of uncertainty on how we can be sure the storage will work, if there is enough space, and how we can keep the CO2 stored. I call this the gopher hole problem. How can this possibly make sense?

-Trying to reduce CO2 from coal plants by fuel switching to natural gas is not feasible for coal generation, as it will result in such a huge increase of gas usage, that the price would go through the roof. Even if the fuel switch could be accomplished, the cost per ton of CO2 for this “cap and trade mirage” would double the cost of electricity.

-Renewable energy from wind currently provides about one half of a percent of our total energy needs. Wind generates power when the wind blows, and the electricity system has a unique characteristic of being “just in time delivery.” The electrical energy that we use is created in relatively the same instant it is consumed. Having wind on the system works to a certain level, but other generation needs to “follow the load” and adjust to both changes in the load, and changes in the wind.

-Irresponsible plans such as the www.google.org energy plan that called for retiring all coal and replacing it with wind would result in a third world electricity system that could not operate 24 hours a day seven days a week as we require. Let me say it as clearly as possible: huge implementation of wind generation will result in a blackouts that are beyond any acceptable level of service that we need to fuel our lives and economy. Intermittent resources such as wind can be “shaped” to follow load using a storage technology such as pumped hydro systems (not acceptable due to stirring up lake bottoms) or a battery storage system. Battery storage is feasible, but it has a fairly significant cost.

-Automobiles use about 17% of our total energy usage, and are projected to provide about 48% more vehicle usage, at roughly the same amount of energy, as driven by the mandated mileage standards. We are seeing a collision course that will blow gas prices through the roof, as we are restricting domestic drilling, and calling on some abstract ideal of having a huge influx of hybrid and electric vehicles. We need low priced access to oil products, as there will continue to be a large sector of vehicle usage that cannot be provided by electric vehicles. Increases in electric vehicles will require more electric generation, and where will this come from?

The bottom line with the cap and trade bill is that this is the most outrageous irresponsible idea that doesn’t have any real estimates of technologies available, costs, reliability, or viable alternatives. We cannot have such ridiculous levels of reduction, and claim that the “market” will find a solution. The republicans have proposed a much more responsible plan outlining funding for research and making sure that we continue to fuel our economy with low priced, reliable energy resources. The current path that we are on will result in much much higher prices, a stunted economy, and billions of dollars flowing from strapped consumers and businesses to all the favorite projects that are “green”. No thanks, this idea is terrible, and I can guarantee that if it passes, you will see a stifled economy suffer a kick in the gut.

The Irresponsibility Of Welfare For Politicians

2009-06-25T10:00:00.006-04:00

Laura Brod is right. The mad dash by politicians and political parties to squeeze the last drops of solvency out of Minnesota's Political Contribution Refund program just isn't right. The time has come to end welfare for politicians.

The PCR program is a state subsidy that pays donors up to $50 of what they donate to a politician or political party unit. It's argued that the program increases the number of small donors. But really, if you get a refund are you really making a donation?

Tim Pawlenty unallotted the PCR program effective July 1. That's because we are in a serious budget shortfall.

There's something philosophically perverse about the very nature of the PCR program. And for any self-respecting conservative to promote a mad dash to slurp up the last drops of the fund is fundamentally hypocritical.

What part of we're out of money don't you understand? If you can't afford to make an unsubsidized contribution to a candidate, then don't.

UPDATE: Republican Activist Threatens Pawlenty Over Un-allotment of PCR

"Tuesday, June 30th -- Bob Carney Jr. will be at the June 30th meeting of the Legislative Advisory Commission -- he is seeking to be allowed to address the Commission regarding the issues raised in his letter to Governor Pawlenty

For immediate release
-------------------
Minneapolis, MN, June 25, 2009 -- Bob Carney Jr., editor, publisher and owner of www.republicancontract.com, and Minnesota Republican activist, called on Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty yesterday, to ask him to reverse his announced decision to unallot the Minnesota Political Contribution Refund. The Governor was not in his office when Mr. Carney visited. Mr. Carney left with the Governor's receptionist: a two page letter, two enclosures, and gifts (his recent book; a documentary excerpts dvd; "A Minnesota Republican State Legislator's Contract With Voters" coffee mug).
The Minnesota Political Contribution Refund program provides individual Minnesota taxpayers annual refunds of up to a $50 per person ($100 per couple) for contributions to eligible state political campaigns and political organizations. According to a June 23rd Star Tribune article: "It is the only such dollar-for-dollar refund program in the country."
"Governor Pawlenty is being challenged, and threatened with lawsuits, by many individuals and organizations, for the unprecedented scope and timing of his attempt to use unallotment provisions of Minnesota law to balance the state's budget for the new biennium, commencing July 1, 2009," Carney said. "However, aside from all the general and constitutional arguments against what Governor Pawlenty is attempting to do -- and they are powerful arguments -- we need to recognize the Political Contribution Refund is a tax refund -- something fundamentally different from the other unallocation targets," Carney added.
Carney addressed these points in his letter to Governor Pawlenty:
Standing to sue -- Because government programs typically effect everyone, and the amount each taxpayer contributes for any program is insignificant, courts typically hold that individual citizens lack legal standing to sue governments over questions of tax and spending policy. "But this is not true for the Political Contribution Refund program," Carney said. "If I meet the conditions of the program, the $50 rebate is my money. I have a right to sue if anyone illegally tries to seize it." Carney met for an hour on June 23rd with the head of a major Twin Cities law firm that specializes in class action lawsuits. "This attorney is checking for conflicts within his firm, and studying how the firm will be paid if an injunction is obtained. Other than these issues, he accepts my theory on legal standing, and we're good to go with a class action lawsuit if Governor Pawlenty does not unequivocally commit himself, and his administration, to not attempt to unallocate any funds that are taxpayer refunds," Carney added.
A dangerous precedent -- In Minnesota state law, tax refunds are privileged in many ways, and these privileges appear to extend to prohibiting the unallocation process from being used to seize, or delay, tax refunds. In his letter to the Governor, Carney stated: "Suppose for the sake of argument you do succeed in unalloting the campaign contribution refund. What is to prevent a future Governor from seizing everyone's property tax refund? Or all tax refunds of all kinds? Or selected tax refund percentages -- based on income? Note the language of the unallotment statute: '.the commissioner may consider other sources of revenue available to recipients of state appropriations and may apply allotment reductions based on all sources of revenue available.' How would any tax refund unallottment scheme -- including decisions to proportionately unallot tax refunds based on income -- be different in principle from what you are proposing to do with respect to the campaign contribution refund? Is this a precedent you want to establish?"
A call for reconsideration and an offer of support -- Carney recommended in his letter to Governor Pawlenty: "... you should do the right thing: state unequivocally that under no circumstances will you attempt to apply unallotment to the campaign contribution refunds due to Minnesota taxpayers according to law, and more generally, to any refund due to any Minnesota taxpayer according to law. I would be happy to meet with you, and/or your staff, to discuss this issue further. I would be happy to appear with you at a news conference where you announced you will not unallot the campaign contribution refund. At such a conference, I would be prepared explain the reasoning I am presenting to you. I would thank you for recognizing the way in which taxpayer refunds are fundamentally different from all other appropriations, and I would applaud you for your decision to place all taxpayer refunds off limits from unallotment. After all, consider this: isn't any unallotment of a taxpayer refund fundamentally equivalent in effect to a tax increase?"
Danger of a class action lawsuit -- Carney wrote to Governor Pawlenty as follows: "I have to tell you that if you don't place all taxpayer refunds off limits from unallotment, I feel I will have no choice but to proceed with a class action lawsuit, and to seek an injunction against what you are proposing to do with respect to the campaign contribution refund... I think such a cost would be unfortunate (the attorney I'm talking with sees this a little differently), but in my view it would be better for Minnesota to bear that cost now, than to have a precedent by which future Governors might claim a general power to unallot any and all taxpayer refunds, according to whatever scheme a future Governor might deem to be reasonable."
Additional information --
A copy of Carney's letter to Governor Pawlenty, and two enclosures, will be available at www.republicancontract.com by noon June 25th, 2009.
"

CALL TO ACTION!!!!!

2009-06-24T15:42:00.001-04:00

“[U]nder my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” -- Barack Obama

An expensive new “tax” bill will be considered on the floor of the House as early as this Friday, June 26. This bill is known as the “American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009,” H.R. 2454, also known as the Waxman-Markey climate change bill.

Call these MN US Representatives TODAY! And TOMORROW. And FRIDAY!

Rep. Collin Peterson (Ag Committee Chair): 202-225-2165 ** (Peterson just caved and is now supporting the bill) **
Rep. Tim Walz 202-225-2472
Rep. Betty McCullum 202-225-6631
Rep. Jim Oberstar 202-225-6211
Rep. Keith Ellison 202-225-4755

1. I oppose the cap-and-trade Carbon Tax. This is an outrageous power grab by the federal government that will greatly expand government control and increase energy costs for my family.

2. This system of "allocations" has failed in Europe and will politicize America's energy policy.

3. Especially in these difficult economic times, Congress must not pass this tax on the American people!

Thanks for taking a stand!

Michele Bachmann: ACORN By Any Other Name Is Still ACORN

2009-06-23T12:30:00.001-04:00

Click Here For Whole Story

Iranian Heroism

2009-06-23T10:00:00.004-04:00

Regardless of whether they cheated or not, the disputed outcome of recent Iranian elections, and moreso the fervent public protest, is nothing less than remarkable.

There is no Bill of Rights in Iran per se. No provision for right to assemble, freedom of speech, or freedom of the press. Yet thousands march, demonstrate, protest. Truly heroic considering the risk of life and limb for such independent rebellion against the system.

America's organized media slowly but surely is becoming less effective, less independent, less capable to fulfill its crucial role of being the eyes and the ears of the people. News is not so much objectively reported anymore as it is produced and manufactured for entertainment value, for ratings. Murrow and Cronkite would not recognize their craft.

Independent citizens speaking up and speaking out against the tide of manufactured pabulum. God bless them!

Wright County To Consider Rejecting Health Care Cost Savings Recently Approved By The State Legislature

2009-06-22T10:38:00.000-04:00

"BUFFALO, MINN --- When the Wright County Human Services Agency meets today at 1:30 p.m., it will be the first municipal body in the state to vote on a controversial idea that would see them add an expensive new level of bureaucracy to the cost of county health care.

The meeting will see the county debate the merits of hiring Medical Transportation Management (MTM) to handle dispatching of non-emergency medical transportation for Medicaid recipients throughout the county. MTM did this work for the metro counties through a state contract for the past five years. This year, unimpressed with the reliability and the escalating cost of the service, the Minnesota Legislature voted in a bipartisan manner to remove MTM from providing these services. Rather than accept this fact, the company is now attempting an end around this ruling by going directly to the counties in an effort to retain a government funding source.

The company in question, MTM, has been removed from handling similar services in its home state of Missouri, as well as in several other states. In Missouri, the company settled out of court for several million dollars with the state over allegations of Medicaid fraud, contract problems and antitrust violations.

When it removed MTM from the equation this past session, the state utilized the resulting savings for bridging the budget gap. If the county were to, in effect, rehire MTM to manage these services, the question of how the program would be funded and how the county would be able to make such a major decision without seeking other bidders on the contract would loom. And after the Wright County hearing on Monday, other counties including Hennepin and Ramsey are scheduled to begin the debates in their counties on Tuesday.

An association of non emergency medical transportation drivers has come together to oppose the use of this extra level of bureaucracy. Until five years ago, these rides were all handled like they are outstate, by the patients calling the transportation providers directly to set up rides, and the transportation providers handling the eligibility checks and billing directly with the state. The drivers believe that this remains the most cost and time efficient method for dealing with this matter.

MORE INFO: For more information, or to set up an interview with a transportation provider, please contact Nate Dybvig at 651.488.2229. "

Glenn Beck: The Letter

2009-06-18T10:51:00.001-04:00

This is MUST reading!

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/26742/?ck=1

STOP GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE TAKEOVER

2009-06-17T09:57:00.001-04:00

Please SIGN THE PETITION