Fl. Senate Candidates give more depth to their positions

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About 200 folks attended the  town-hall debate for Florida Senate Districts 25 and 27 GOP Primary candidates jointly hosted by SouthFlorida 912 and the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches (RCPB) at the First Baptist Church (FBC) in WPB.  There were a lot of new faces in attendance and we hope that we’ll see many of them in future events by both groups!  The FBC crew did a fantastic job in setting up the venue for us and many thanks go to them.

Joy Stone (past president of RCPB, 912 member and a parishioner at FBC) kept the agenda flowing.  Assistant Pastor Brandon Shields led us in the Invocation and the Pledge.  He was followed by Lou Galterio singing our national anthem.  Shannon Armstrong (founder South Florida 912) laid out the debate rules and spoke a little bit about the founding of the organization and the importance of getting involved.  Joy introduced the panelists: John Jamason – RCPB First VP, Ed Fulop – South Florida 912 organizer, Fred Scheibl – RCPB leadership and South Florida 912 leader and David DiCrescenzo -SouthFlorida912 leader, as our timekeeper. Melissa Andrews (president RCPB) spoke briefly about the club and reiterated the importance of getting involved, and then introduced each of the candidates with candidate biographies.  After the debate, Joy turned the microphone over to Shannon, who introduced other candidates who each got a minute to introduce themselves:  Sherry Lee for County Commissioner District 2, Tami Donnally for FL District 85, Joe Budd for Congressional District 19, Francisco Rodriguez and Pat Rooney for FL District 83, Michael E. Arth for Governor, and Steven Rosenblum for FL District 89.  Jason Shields (SouthFlorida 912 leader) concluded with the 50/50 drawing – won by Dean Taffell.  The candidates and many in the audience mingled afterwards and it was a good opportunity for people to question the candidates directly.

The debate questions were intended to try and draw out differences between the candidates: Lizbeth Benaquisto, Mike Lamayer and Sharon Merchant for FL Senate 27; Ellyn Bogdanoff and Carl Domino for FL Senate 25.  Each candidate was given 2 minutes for introductions, 2 minutes to respond to each question, and 2 minutes to wrap up.  Each candidate answered the same questions.  The audience was given an opportunity to score the candidates and then turn in their scoring sheets at the conclusion of the meeting.  About 1/4 of the folks turned in their sheets and we’ll compile the responses in a future post, recognizing that it’s not statistically significant nor scientific nor an endorsement.  People rated candidates for whom they can’t vote.  But it should be useful to candidates to see which topics resonated (or not) with the mostly conservative or GOP audience.

The following summaries of responses to questions are mine alone – and I didn’t take detailed notes.  So attendees – feel free to post comments with additions/your perspective :

Immigration – Arizona has passed a law effectively giving state law enforcement the authority to enforce federal immigration law incidental to other criminal investigation. Have you read this law and would you support such a statute in Florida?

– Domino – hadn’t read either bill but supported the immigration bill in the FL House that did not get voted on in the FL Senate
– Benacquisto – supports dealing with immigration and concerned about all residents – no direct response
– Merchant – absolutely believes in strict enforcement and would back a similar law.
– Lamayer – has read both bills and very strongly supports enforcement and 10th amendment rights
– Bogdanoff – expressed concern about the impact of illegal immigration on the state

States’ Rights: Do you support the lawsuit against the Affordable Health Care for America Act brought by AG Bill McCollum? What are the strongest / weakest arguments being made?

– Lamayer – yes – since federal government forcing mandate on individuals and states unconstitutional
– Benacquisto– supports the lawsuit – the healthcare bill poses potential impacts from a fiscal and social perspective
– Merchant– strongly opposed Obamacare and is in support of McCollums bill
– Bogdanoff– concerned about the cost of healthcarebillto FL (and other states)  – with great expansion of Medicaid
– Domino – will impact FL by $2 billion

Transportation: Two of you were in the legislature last year and voted for the “Sunrail” bill. Many think that this is not a good thing because high speed rail projects rarely pay for themselves and end up with endless subsidies. Others argue that it will bring “federal dollars” into the state that would have gone elsewhere. How do you defend your vote or how would you have voted on Sunrail? Why?

– Bogdanoff (voted for bill) – while she was reluctant to vote for the 3 part bill, and in general, opposes taking federal stimulus $$, she felt that using federal dollars to build infrastructure while creating a lot of new jobs was worth it.
– Domino (voted for bill) – would rather have the money spent in FL.  He also mentioned the 3 parts to the bill and felt that getting funds for the south Florida trans. authority would give it some breathing room
– Merchant – strongly against.  Mentioned that in the bill CSX got total immunity from any liability.
– Lamayer – quoted from a CNN article on how mass transit NEVER pays for itself and is a black hole
– Benacquisto – while it’s troubling to put so much cost to FL in the future, we need to find a way to create jobs while reducing our dependence on oil

State Amendments: There are 9 constitutional amendments on the ballot in November, involving redistricting, “home town democracy”, class size, health care and other matters. Which of these do you think are the most significant, and what outcome would you like to see for them?

–Benacquisto – against Amendment 4 – Hometown Democracy – because it will shut down growth and incentives for people and businesses to move to our communities.  We need growth now.
– Lamayer – against Amendment 4.  For Amendment 7 redistricting – using FL Senate 27 as an example of geographic and unemployment having so many differences in a single district
– Merchant – for redistricting (although she didn’t mention which of the 3 amendments) and against Amendment 4
– Bogdanoff – concerned about the way FL constitution has so many amendments and people generally vote for them without knowing the issues.  But she is for the class size Amendment 8 because the consequences of the class size bill was to force children to be bussed to another school when class size got to 19.  This gives parents and schools more flexibility.
– Domino– sponsor of Amendment 3 – Additional homestead exemption for first time homebuyershould help with the glut of houses.  Also caps property tax increases to 5% instead of 10% year.  He is against Amendment 4 as anti-growth and anti-business.  For Amendment 8 for the flexibility.

Education: Since its inception, the FCAT has been controversial. This year several thousand students in the state failed their second try at the test and could not graduate. Does this suggest there is a problem with the test or the instruction, or is it working as advertised? What action (if any) should be taken by the Legislature?

– Domino– HS students get 6 chances to pass the FCAT from 10th grade on.  HS graduation rate has gone from 54% to 74% and Florida schools have improved greatly.  If you don’t test, you don’t care.  We must have standards.
– Bogdanoff – For accountability, but when FCAT passed, people started teaching to the test.  Teachers needs to be trained now to teach, not just teach the test.  She prefers end of course exams.
– Merchant – Parents have a major role in making sure their children are learning.  Teachers should also be accountable.  She would have voted no on SB6.  She believes in merit pay but not having everything decided by Tallahassee.
– Lamayer – SB 6 is a bad bill.  Quoted that only 40% of juniors passed FCAT.  Education isn’t matching testing.
– Benacquisto – doesn’t like FCAT.  Puts too much stress on the students.  Too much emphasis on one test..  Testing should be done at the beginning of the year so that student’s weakness can be addressed over the school year to focs on helping the students succeed.

Spending/Taxes: The budget for last year and this was balanced with considerable help from federal stimulus funds for which the governor and the legislature has been criticized, since the stimulus comes with future mandates and other entanglements. Should the budget have been balanced without the stimulus? If so, what would you cut or what additional revenue would you have gone after?

– Merchant – the budget, instead of being over $70 billion, should be around $64-65 billion with significant cuts instead of relying on Uncle Sam.  Need to entirely rethink the budget and against using various trust funds to balance the state budget.
– Lamayer – enforcing illegal immigration would save $$ right away.  Stop moving money from one fund to another.  Reduce government.  Lawsuit reform like in TX generated lots of jobs.  Also oil and gas reserves in FL equal those in Alaska.
– Benacquisto – government is spending too much of our money.  Streamline process using infrastructure technology.  Create jobs by incentives to corporations.  Clean energy and information technology is the answer
– Bogdanoff– the budget is driven by Education, Medicaid and the prison system.  Only about $1billion left that can be addressed.  She would give tax credits to businesses that create jobs.  Saved $3.8 billion with the Gov’t Efficiency Act of 2010 – this will be repeated every year to address spending.
– Domino– Every department has to justify spending.  Our growing elderly population is increasing costs.

Each of the candidates made closing statements.  District 25 candidates Carl and Ellyn focused on their attributes, although Ellyn specifically asked the audience for their vote.  The District 27 candidates, however, did direct criticism against each other – and I could hear the crowd reacting.

Although the number of questions was limited and we didn’t have time for all topics and time for audience questions, we hope that this event gave the public an opportunity to learn more about the candidates and the issues.  Thanks to all of the folks from the South Florida 912  and Republican Club of the Palm Beaches and First Baptist Church for all of their hard work!

TOWN HALL DEBATE ON THURSDAY 6/24

Of Lambs and Lions

Washingtoons
15 June 2010
By Lieutenant Colonel Allen B West (US Army, Retired)
Published by permission.

“I do not fear an army of lions if they are led by a lamb. I do fear an army of sheep if they are led by a lion”.
Alexander the Great

Greetings Wheels on the Road readers, fellow South Floridians, and indeed all Americans. It is time for our monthly political assessment and this one is rather personal. Last month we addressed what is at stake, and the response was the future of America. One of the factors affecting our Country right now relates to Alexander’s quote mentioned above.

Attorney General Eric Holder once lamented that America is a “nation of cowards”, that is far from the truth. The problem we have in America is that we are being led by lambs, by an effete ruling class elite. America is a nation of lions, warriors, but when we find ourselves being led by a cabal of weak, ineffective, and indecisive appeasers the result is evident.

Sure, the liberal progressives are dogged ideologues and tenacious poodles when it comes to nationalizing our production; healthcare, financial sector, energy sector, and automobile industry. They stand strong against the rule of law regarding illegal immigration. And there is no doubt no group will fight harder to redistribute wealth and turn America into a collective “balkanized” socialist Country.

However, what scares the liberals more than anything else is the “Warrior Class”. They abhor the men and women who find a commitment and conviction in believing in this Constitutional Republic and the principles which make America exceptional. This is a sentiment which over the past 30 days we witnessed being manifested from the highest office in our land, the President.

When Barack Hussein Obama made the decision to take a “vacation” back to Chicago rather than attend Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National cemetery that was a complete disregard and disrespect to those who gave the “last full measure of devotion”. I know, those who suffer from Bush Derangement Syndrome are frothing and recounting that Pres GW Bush missed an Arlington ceremony….but he was at Normandy, a very appropriate place to be.

But it was not just the missing Memorial Day, it was also the lack of any recognition of the 66th anniversary of D-Day. It was the failure to address Flag Day which was also the 235th birthday of the US Army. Lastly, Obama’s refusal for the second year in a row to attend the “Gold Star Family” events clearly telegraphs his regard for our military does not go beyond photo opportunities.

The malignant narcissism of the President, and the liberal progressives, is laser focused on the disrespect and the destruction of the American Warrior class. They detest anyone who has the courage of conviction and love of America, something which they find unconscionable.

It starts with a national security strategy which refuses to address the enemy of our Nation, islamic totalitarianism and radical islamic state sponsored terrorism. We have sheep who are so oblivious to the threats to our security that the Obama administation’s terrorism expert, John Brennan, stated that “terrorism is a state of mind and jihadism is a legitimate tenet of Islam”. When at the highest levels we project a recalcitrance to confront our enemy, you only embolden them.

When an enemy is emboldened, such as this one, they launch a “humanitarian aid” flotilla which is nothing more than a cover to supply a terrorist organization, Hamas. When you have a Sovereign State seek to protect itself, and even institute insidious rules of engagement, and yet is condemned for protecting its warriors, we are upside down……we are being led by sheep. Nothing pleasures wolves more than fresh lamb meat, and we are serving that up at every instance.

This seemingly is not just an American phenomenon, but a worldwide epidemic. North Korea sinks a South Korean naval vessel and we ask for an apology. The international community demands that Israel apologize and submit to an investigation.

We have created rules of engagement in Afghanistan which allows the enemy every opportunity to kill our men and women. We have considered such horrible ideas such as an award for “courageous restraint”. We even allow former Taliban members who have attacked, and maybe even killed, our troops to be released from detainment based upon a “pledge” signed by their fathers and tribal leaders.

Yet, we have our own Warriors such a Army 1LT Michael Behenna serving a 15 year prison sentence for killing a known Al Qaeda operative who attacked him. Worse however, is the fact that exculpatory evidence in his case was withheld by the Army prosecutors who also withheld a key witness. There in the military prison at Ft Leavenworth sit 10 Army Soldiers while Taliban fighters are being released. We just witnessed some of our finest Warriors, US Navy SEALS, having to endure a courts-martial because they “punched” a terrorist.

That is why I will be heading to Ft Leavenworth in September to rally for the release of our Soldiers so that they can be reunited with their families. Those families who willingly sacrificed their loved ones, believing that they could be severely wounded, or even killed….but never imprisoned for doing what we ask Warriors to do.

In the past 30 days we watched the House of Representatives so concerned about the military that they just could not wait, and voted to repeal “Dont Ask Dont Tell”. This was done against the counsel of the Service Chiefs who asked for an opportunity to allow the men and women in uniform to offer their suggestions and insights. No, it is more important to have the military accomodate behavior rather than respect the professionalism of those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

We have seen the President nominate someone for Supreme Court justice who attacked the Solomon Amendment, allowing ROTC activities on our college campuses. We are willing to allow an Islamic victory tribute to be erected at Ground Zero in New York City because we have leaders who just cannot find the courage to stand….sheep.

We have a running gun battle occuring on our southern border but we allowed a foreign leader to demean our laws and attack a Governor of a sovereign American State.

There has never been a more critical time for our Republic and yet we find the worse possible individuals in control for this time. We have a Nation of men and women who embrace victory and detest the stench of defeat. However, all we get is more speeches, talk, empty rhetoric, and never an action plan….at least not an action plan which is commensurate with the foundational principles of America.

I stated earlier that this subject is personal to me and that is because of my story from Iraq in 2003. Yes, I fired my service 9mm over the head of a detainee to ensure my men were protected. Yes, I was removed from command and fined $5000. Yes, I withstood the attacks from the liberal sheep and will continue to do so because I am part of the Warrior class. I retired with Honor and remain a respected member of that group of men and women who feel pride when the National Anthem is played, and tear up at Taps.

When I look at Pelosi, Frank, Weiner, Clyburn, Klein, and Obama I see lambs, certainly not leaders. I see mundane deliberators, not decisive people of character. This 2010 election cycle has the most Veterans running for office since WW II and there is a simple reason.

America will not survive as a Nation in a world of wolves being led by sheep, it will take Lions.
Steadfast and Loyal, LTC(R) A B West

Shark Tank Video of Thrasher Remarks

For Javier’s commentary CLICK HERE

Senate District 25 and 27 Town Hall Debate – 6/24

Sponsored by the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches and South Florida 912

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District 27				District 25
Lizbeth Benaquisto	Mike Lameyer	Sharon Merchant		Ellyn Bogdanoff	Carl Domino

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On Thursday, June 24 at 6:30pm, the Republican Florida Senate candidates for districts 25 and 27 will share the stage for a “Town Hall” style debate, at the First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. Co-sponsored by the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches and South Florida 912, a non-partisan grassroots organization. The event will feature the candidates answering questions on current issues at the state level, chosen to give them an opportunity to contrast their positions with those of their opponents.

The church is conveniently located in downtown West Palm Beach, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. If you’re not sure how to get there, below are driving directions.

From the North and South
Take I-95 to Okeechobee Blvd. Okeechobee Blvd east to Flagler Drive. Turn right on Flagler Drive, church is about 1/4 mile down on the right.

From the West
Take Okeechobee Blvd east to Flagler Drive. Turn right on Flagler Drive, church is about 1/4 mile down on the right.

 

[RSVP]

Francisco Rodriguez Town Hall

This afternoon, in the picturesque seaside Palm Beach Shores Community Center, Francisco Rodriguez, candidate for Florida House District 83, held a town hall for members of that community.  Organized by Carol Hurst, a supporter and Palm Beach Shores community leader, the event was an opportunity for Francisco to give his views on a variety of issues facing Florida today.

When asked for his view of the Sunrail bill, passed by the legislature earlier in the year and sold as a way to bring federal stimulus dollars into the state, he was very clear.  It should not have been passed and he would have voted against it.  Accepting federal money now but obligating the state to provide significant funding for it in future years is a bad deal for Florida.

A common theme that pervades Francisco’s thinking on several subjects is the Constitution and the rights of states to determine their own destiny.  For example, the Federal Government is required to manage the border and control immigration – it is not a state responsibility.  That said, when the job is not being done it is acceptable for the states to see that federal law is enforced.  Arizona did not need to pass the controversial law, but by doing so it provides political cover for law enforcement.  In another example, states are free to adopt any fiscal model they wish – and spend and borrow as they see fit, but when the day comes that bad decisions lead to potential default, the other states (or their citizens through federal taxes) should not be asked to bail them out.  The time has come for states to stand up for their rights and start using the 10th amendment to push back against federal overreach.

The Health Care Freedom Act is one example of this, and Francisco would support a mechanism whereby the states could control the amount of taxes collected in the state that gets sent to the federal government.

On state taxes, Francisco is not a fan of property taxes – which he equates to “paying rent” on a property which you own, and instead prefers use-based taxes with defined purposes such as a gas tax to fund only roads.

Schools, he believes, should be controlled at the local level – including such things as curriculum content and testing approach.  He was not a fan of the recently vetoed education bill, saying it gave too much control over local decisions to the bureaucrats in Tallahassee.

Florida House district 83, currently held by Carl Domino who is running for Senate district 25, sits at the northeastern part of the county and includes parts of Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, along Singer Island and Palm Beach Island to just south of Southern Boulevard. ( Click HERE for map. ) In the Republican primary on August 24, Francisco faces Realtor Nancy Cardone and Palm Beach Kennel Club manager Pat Rooney.

A number of RCPB members were in attendance, including organizer Carol Hurst, Jim Vissi, Melissa Andrews,  Delia Garcia Menocal, Clair and Don Jones, Sue Varey, Bette Anne Starkey, Helen Wilkes, and Fred and Iris Scheibl. Following are a few pictures from the event.

Allen West Takes the Lead over Ron Klein in New Poll

In a survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies on April 18-19, Colonel Allen West leads Incumbent Ron Klein 44% – 42%.

West is now known by nearly 50% of the Congressional district and has a favorable to unfavorable ratio of 3-1 (23%-8%). Klein’s is viewed unfavorably by nearly one-third of the district (31%) and trails West even though over 90% of the voters have heard of Klein.

For the full press release from the West campaign, CLICK HERE.

Video from Allen West HQ Opening

Videos from Boris Balaban
Allen West


Joyce Kaufman


E Clay Shaw


Allen West thank you

CD 19 Election – A Look at the Numbers

In Tuesday’s election for Congressional District 19, Democrat Ted Deutch was the winner, receiving 62% of the votes cast. Voter turnout, an indication of voter interest (or lack thereof) was an anemic 15.2% of registered voters (10% in Broward and 17.4% in Palm Beach). The turnout in the 2008 election by contrast, was 73% in Broward and 72% in Palm Beach.

How did the vote compare?

Let’s look at the “liberal” vote versus the “conservative” vote in each election:

	Liberal	Conservative
2010	Deutch: 62.1%	Lynch + McCormick: 37.9%
2008	Wexler + Graber: 72.8%	Lynch: 27.2%

So the “conservative” vote increased by 10% for those that turned out.

Were the dynamics of 2008 overwhelmed by the candidacy of Barrack Obama which provided for the high turnout numbers, and coattail effect on other Democrats down-ticket? Absolutely not- in 2004, the turnout was 67% and 75% in Broward and Palm Beach respectively very similar to 2010.

To see if that mattered in CD19 we can look at previous elections, but there was no conservative candidate in 2006 or 2004. In 2002, Wexler won against Republican Jack Merkl with 72.2% of the vote with a turnout of 45-50% in the 2 counties. From this I conclude that the increase in conservative votes in 2010 COULD be significant, but it is certainly not a trend that will bring us a victory any time soon (barring a scandal or some other unexpected event).

How did all the grass roots support for Ed Lynch help? We know that South Florida 912, DC Works for Us, and the South Florida Tea Party were all making calls and walking precincts independent of the campaign, and many members of those groups helped the campaign directly. Hard to say objectively, but it surely didn’t hurt. Many calls were to people who were Lynch supporters but didn’t know about the election. Of course on the other side, Organizing for America ran 17 local phone banks for Ted Deutch, last weekend alone.

South Florida 912 selected a subset of the precincts in northern Palm Beach and did “saturation calling”. When the county releases the precinct vote tallies tomorrow or Monday, I will compare them to 2008 and see if there is a statistical difference between the years and contrasted with other precincts in 2010. Stay tuned.

Florida voters spurn Obama, new health care law

In a Sun Sentinel poll, there is bad news for President Obama and generic cialis 5 mg congressional democrats. The statewide telephone poll of 625 registered voters taken after the passage of health legislation on March 23-24 had this to say:

• President Obama favorability: 37%
• Senator Nelson favorability: 36%
• Support health care law: 34%, opposed 54%
• Support health care law(seniors 65+): 25%, opposed 65%

Good news for Ed Lynch maybe?

For the full story, click HERE.

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