Palm Beach Post Endorses Ted Deutch (Oh – and Joe Budd too)
In the typically insulting way that the Palm Beach Post treats conservatives everywhere, the primary endorsement of the editorial board starts:
“After the party’s upset Senate victory in Massachusetts, Republicans got so giddy as to wonder whether — even though party registration is 2-to-1 against them — they could win the congressional seat held since 1996 by Democrat Robert Wexler.
Unfortunately for the GOP, the two best candidates in Tuesday’s primary are Democrats. Among the three Republicans, by process of elimination, The Post recommends Joe Budd.”
Read the the whole sorry article HERE.
What do you think of Florida’s new High Speed Rail?
Here are some facts (as found on google and calculated)
| $1,250,000,000.00 Hi Speed Rail System | ||
| 330 Miles between Orlando and Tampa, Orlando and Miami (via Cocoa Beach) | ||
| $3,787,878.79 Cost per Mile | ||
| 18,300,000 Florida’s Population in 2009 | ||
| $68.31 Cost Per Resident | ||
| 80,000,000 Est. Annual Visitors | ||
| $15.63 Cost Per Visitor | ||
Donna from Manatee County sends the Donna from Manatee asked the following:
Do you remember?
In 2004 The state of Florida asked the citizens to vote on whether not to fund the proposed high speed rail project that the President Obama plans on implementing on our behalf.
WE REPEALED THE PROJECT AND DENIED THE STATE OF FLORIDA THE FUNDS FROM THE TAX PAYER TO BUILD THE PROJECT!
THIS IS THE LAW OF FLORIDA. Please go to the following Florida state website to see the actual outcome.
http://election.dos.state.fl.us/initiatives/initdetail.asp?account=34876&seqnum=2
If Governor Crist accepts the federal funding to start the project, he is – without authority of the citizens – superseding the 4,519,423 voters ( in a landslide – 64% of Florida) who repealed the law.
What legal authority does he have? Do you know? I would like to know why would we vote if our leaders can ignore us?
Convential Wisdom in the District 19 Race
The Sun-Sentinel is running a story today by political writer Anthony Man which suggests that the coronation of Ted Deutch is practically assured, barring a “politically cataclysmic surprise”.
He points out the lack of experience of the Republican candidates, and the popularity of Ted Deutch whose State Senate district 30 contains more than half of the registered voters in CD19. He argues that just about every Democrat politician and interest group in the area has endorsed Deutch.
Read the full story HERE.
What is missing from the article is any more than a cursory mention of Scott Brown’s win in Massachusetts – something he considers a fluke. Since on the national level, the spin machine is cranked up to paint that win as “anger against 8 years of George W. Bush”, we should not expect any better understanding on the local level.
It is a long shot for sure, but there are several things that could favor a Deutch opponent:
1. Ted Deutch can be defeated in this district with only 25% Republicans if he is effectively tied to the Obama Agenda – something as unpopular here as it was in Massachusetts. In particular, the Obama attack on Medicare should be driven home with 53% of the voters being over the age of 56.
2. Turnout in a special election can be expected to be low. Effective grass roots get-out-the-vote efforts can help swing this factor in our favor, but the other side knows this too and the Democrat strongholds like Century Village are easier to mobilize than the suburbs. A large volunteer force that has put aside its primary differences and united behind a nationalized message will be needed to make a difference.
3. The Democrat has a large advantage in fund raising and name recognition. When the primary is over though, the Republican candidate may be able to tap a nation-wide pool of resources, much like Brown and Hoffman. This is definitely a race where the national grass roots networks can make a difference.
If any of the Republican candidates appear at our lunch meeting on 1/27, we should ask them for their own assessment of this article and what their strategy will be to overcome the disadvantages in party identification and campaign cash. If not, there is an opportunity to see them in a Town Hall format at the 9-12 Project event in Wellington that evening.
Article by Kimberly Mitchell in 1/24/10 Sun-Sentinel
Kimberly Mitchell, West Palm Beach City Commissioner and daughter of our club’s 2nd VP Anita Mitchell, has a cover page article/opinion piece in the Outlook section of today’s Sunday Sun-Sentinel. Congratulations Kimberly!
Entitled: Promising program to battle issues facing children living in poverty getting a start in West Palm Beach Harlem’s “Children’s Zone” tackles issues block-by-block the article begins with:
When a child’s eyes open for the first time, the future is bright and filled with promise. But for children in the impoverished parts of our communities, that future is often diminished by the time they take their first steps.
All too often, it is a life that begins with a teenage mother and, sometimes, a 35-year old grandmother. Poorly educated, under-employed and facing an uncertain future — these parents often do not know how to raise a child.
The entire article can be found here.
January 27 – Inaugural Evening Meeting (Duffy’s)
For our friends who cannot make lunch,
WE HEARD YOU! —
In 2010, we begin a new era (as in the new era when we take back our Congress). Come meet our SURPRISE, SPECIAL GUEST.
Wednesday, January 27th
5:30 pm Meet & Greet
6:00 pm Program Begins
Duffy’s Sports Bar (Private Room)
701 Village Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL
$5 Members / $5 Guests
RSVP by noon Mon., Jan 25
(561) 697-4911-BA Starkey
or E-mail: info@gopclubpb.com
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January 27 Club Meeting – Guest Former Florida Senator Curt Kiser
Jan 27 Curt Kiser – History GOP (Bear Lakes CC)
Former Florida Senator Curt Kiser
General Counsel,
Florida Public Service Commission
(former Gen. Counsel to Gov. Claude Kirk; & champion of environmental concerns with Theodore Roosevelt Society and Governor’s Commission on the Everglades)
TOPIC: Perspective of the history of Florida’s Republican Party and the Legislature; how we got where we are today.
Wednesday, January 27th
11:30 am Meet & Greet
12:00 pm Program Begins
Bear Lakes Country Club
1901 Village Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL
$20 Members / $25 Guests
Complimentary Valet
Please No Jeans and No Cell Phones
RSVP by noon Mon., Jan 25
(561) 697-4911-BA Starkey
or E-mail: info@gopclubpb.org
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Sid Dinerstein’s Letter to Editor Rejected
Chairman Dinerstein pinned a letter to the Palm Beach Post which was promptly rejected. I think it hit too close to home for Mr. Schultz!
To the editor:
Your editorial of January 20, A Clear-Eyed Look At Obama, needs a new pair of glasses. President Obama is the earliest lame duck president in American history, and deservedly so. Multi trillion dollar annual deficits may get kudos at the Post, but it’s frightening to our children. Rationed health care may be acceptable to your editors, but it’s a price too steep for our Seniors. The Stimulus was a job killer for all but your editorial writers and the beneficiaries at ACORN, unions and other free riders.
Chicago politics is no substitute for the Constitution of the United States of America. President Obama has failed because he uses appointed Czars rather than confirmed Cabinet Secretaries, secrecy rather than transparency, threats rather than compromise and apologies rather than boasts for America, the world’s last, great hope.
The voters of Massachusetts became America’s proxy in asking: “Can you hear me NOW?” Your editorial board remains an enabler for a President who is too smart to listen and too elitist to care. President Obama came with no experience, and it shows. The Post, on the other hand, should know better.
Sid Dinerstein
Chairman
Republican Party of
Palm Beach County
American Democracy at its BEST!
The January 19th VICTORY in Massachusetts is a loud thunderous ROAR from the people. I am reminded, thankfully so, by friends, colleagues and fellow business professionals about the feelings, opinions and determination from the LEFT side of the aisle as well as the RIGHT.
As we venture into the 2010 political arena, let us focus on the ISSUES.
On February 2nd South Florida will be gain national attention as we hold a special election for US Representative for Dist 19. There are THREE candidates for the Republican Party. They each want our vote, our time and our dollars. April 13th is the General Election. Get to know them and their stand on the ISSUES.
Serious times are before us. Each Member of Congress matters just as much if not more than the Presidential elections. I encourage each of you to get to know the Candidates. Each Candidate has been invited to our Club’s January 27th lunch and evening meetings – AND each candidate has been asked, “should you be victorious – would you be our KEYNOTE Speaker for February 24th?”
The world is listening. I received this via Facebook: “Mass. is a state that represents 2.11% of the US population, and the election had 40% turnout. So, if everyone in Mass. was registered to vote, which is obviously not the case, 0.84% of the population made this decision. And, most ironically, they’re the only state with healthcare.” I applaud the sender for sharing (although I left off her opinion); and I applaud the State of Massachusetts for TWO reasons: 1) having policy to provide for its own and 2) sending the message to the rest of the nation.
I don’t want to interpret what each person’s motivation was when they went to the Massachusetts’ polls yesterday – but the message to me was LOUD AND CLEAR— We need Legislation that works without increasing the deficit – and legislators that will listen to their constituents.
I close with this—National attention is coming to South Florida. The issues are emotional for many. My personal opinion is that the health care bills in their present forms do too much at once – with too many earmarks.
PLEASE GET TO KNOW YOUR CANDIDATE; VOLUNTEER, MAKE CALLS, HOLD SIGNS and most importantly CONTRIBUTE.
In your service,
Melissa
Allen West on Martin Luther King Day
Coalition of Candidates Team Up to Save Lives in Haiti
This was provided by the Palm Beach County Republican Party.
Contact: Bernard Sansaricq Campaign or Yomin Postelnik Campaign
Tel: (954) 701-7167 or (954) 353-5955
Email: director@insidersreview.org
Website: ; www.Sansaricq4Congress.org;
On Tuesday night, devastation struck the island of Haiti. As soon as news broke, candidates Bernard Sansaricq and Yomin Postelnik and Central Florida candidate Commander Tom Garcia got in touch to plan an effective relief effort. They discussed what most immediate relief needs were.
At the end of the night, Tom Garcia located a water purification expert who had previously done disaster relief, loaded up a Cessna and flew into Haiti on the spot. Sansaricq and Postelnik organized drop off locations and relief efforts, with plans for future trips in the works. Sansaricq met with local Haitian leaders as Postelnik established a virtual hotline, providing phone numbers of established task forces to those with families in Haiti.
At the same time, two party chairmen put forward valiant efforts to assist with the crisis. Broward GOP Chairman Chip LaMarca spent an entire day coordinating relief efforts with Tallahassee. At one point, he even made his personal office the central drop off point for East Broward. Palm Beach GOP Chairman Sid Dinerstein met with Haitian leaders, encouraging them and promoting relief efforts. Both chairs have shown an unprecedented level of leadership throughout the crisis.
On Wednesday morning, candidate Ed Lynch, rallied his entire campaign team. In spite of being weeks away from a primary election, his staff decided to put everything on hold. Ed worked to get tickets to go to Haiti and the campaign turned their headquarters into a drop off location for food and supplies.
Candidate Robert Lowry secured 6 tickets to travel to Haiti and planned to make the trip down there. He also helped coordinate medical relief supplies and needs. Candidate Dennis Lamb stayed in touch with local Haitian clergy, offering to assist in any way.
In the meantime, Sansaricq was placing calls to Haitian leaders both on the island and in South Florida. Calls were placed demanding that Haitian refugees be given temporary status within the Bahamas. Unbeknownst to the campaign, the pressure worked.
Postelnik and a campaign volunteer were busy advising local businessman Marc Eisenmann, who was preparing to travel to Haiti to offer relief. Postelnik prepared a list of supplies, as well as a list of what not to bring, advising relief volunteers not to wear jewelry or bright clothing. At the same time, his line, made public in a press release, was flooded with calls from people seeking the numbers of agencies to locate family members on the island, as well as requests to establish drop off centers.
Garcia went on to deliver electricity to a three room clinic, making power out of four car batteries and an inverter. He also delivered food and helped administer medical relief to hundreds, while working hard with relief expert Joe Hurston on water purification.
In the meantime, Eisenmann, guided by Postelnik, traveled throughout the Port au Prince area. Eisenmann came upon a crumbling building with children and adults stuck in it. Speaking with Postelnik for at least some form of guidance, Eisenmann managed to pull two people out of the structure. Republican leader Chad Lincoln also helped with construction knowledge and advice.
Late on Thursday night, Eisenmann came across a five year old boy with a shattered arm and a hematoma. Postelnik, the only point of contact, worked frantically to find a doctor to talk Eisenmann through the situation. When calls to two physicians didn’t work, Postelnik reached out to his network on twitter. Karin Hoffman and Lowry campaign manager Chris Leggatt worked to locate a neurosurgeon.
The boy was airlifted to Miami. Postelnik visited the boy and his father on Sunday, and appealed to the media to help reunite the family. The boy and his father plan on returning to Haiti, where they led a relatively successful life, upon the completion of treatment. Marc Eisenmann has agreed to house the family for the months of therapy that are needed.
On Friday Postelnik assembled a small team of volunteers. Later in the day, he worked to help the owner of a cargo ship that was having trouble unloading relief supplies in Haiti.
When one of the volunteers got stranded, efforts were coordinated with Sheela Venero of Sen. LeMieux’ office, the office of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart and Chairman Chip LaMarca to help redirect him to Port au Prince. These efforts were successful.
Throughout this time, Bernard Sansaricq kept reaching out to Haitian leaders and candidates Ed Lynch and Robert Lowry organized another mission to Haiti.
On Saturday night, Commander Tom Garcia flew home with a two year old girl in need of follow up medical care, at the behest of a Haitian orphanage. Airport workers asked for follow up documentation, but the girl was held in limbo for over seven hours.
Garcia telephoned Postelnik, who mobilized a team to reach out to elected officials. State Senator and candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture Carey Baker phoned Postelnik at 10:00 pm on Sat. night. This call was followed by ones from Sen. LeMieux. Eventually Congressman Bill Posey and Broward Chairman Chip LaMarca were made aware of the situation and also got involved, despite the late hour. The situation was resolved after midnight.
Relief efforts continue. On Sunday, Chad Lincoln organized a rally for Haiti with Ed Lynch and Robert Lowry. Sansaricq and Postelnik continue to work on getting relief supplies into the country and on reuniting the boy who needed medical treatment with his mother. Several other candidates have allowed their offices to become drop off locations for supplies, and more are in the works.
Anyone who would like to assist in any of the above efforts is encouraged to contact (954) 353-5955 or email director@insidersreview.org and they will be put in touch with the appropriate candidate or citizen leader.