Gov. Napolitano’s intricate side-step

It will be interesting to see how Janet Napolitano handles the state legislature’s employer sanctions bill awaiting her signature. She obviously preferred the federal “solution,” which failed miserably earlier this week. This places her in the uncomfortable position of having to explain whatever she does to disparate constituencies expecting action.

On one hand, she declared last year’s bill too lenient, and vetoed it. But Arizona’s citizens have been vocal in their desire to have action taken on securing our porous southern border. Napolitano is also aware of the need to placate the business community, obviously not keen on the employee verification aspect.

This woman is a stoic player, not wanting to veer too far into an abyss that might cause her harm when she runs for the senate seat currently held by McCain. Her options pack her into a tight box, since a much tougher, and likely to pass, citizen’s initiative looms on the horizon.

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More bad news for Superintendent Dowling

Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sandra Dowling, had a momentary reprieve before the county filed a new suit against her. After an attorney representing the County Board of Supervisors requested the suit be dropped, Dowling, elected in 1988, must have felt the weight of the world lift from her shoulders.Within minutes, however, a new suit was filed—this one naming Dowling personally, rather than the positions she holds. Dowling also ran the school district that operates the nationally acclaimed Thomas J. Pappas School for Homeless Children, which she founded.

“We had to dismiss that case because suing the superintendent of education for the county would basically be suing ourselves to recover money,” said Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox.

The new suit alleges Dowling misspent nearly $2 million.

Congress: Great job merits a pay increase—-to themselves

Don’t you wish you had that ability? After all, it’s just other people’s money. Yet another reason to See Red.

Despite plummeting approval ratings, Congress is about to gift itself with a robust pay raise, putting aside concerns of inconsistencies with campaign messages of fiscal responsibility. The increase of approximately $4,400 pushes their salaries to nearly $170,000. Nationwide, the average increase hovers at 3%, although not every worker can expect an annual salary increase.

This cost-of-living raise endorsement ensures lawmakers are once again positioned for automatic pay raises. Inter-party bickering last year was responsible for twice decimating the usual increase due this year, resulting in the first termination of the annual Congressional pay raise in seven years.

Last session, Democrats held to campaign tactics to deny further pay increases until Congress raised the minimum wage. The ensuing delays in implementation of that bill cost every lawmaker about $3,100 in salary boosts this past year. In 1989 an ethics bill removed congressional ability to accept honorarium or payment for speeches and guaranteed automatic annual cost-of-living pay increases unless the lawmakers voted otherwise.

By a 244-181 vote, congressional representatives of both parties voted to kill a motion by Reps. Jim Matheson (D – UT) and Lee Terry (R – NE), urging a direct vote to block the COLA, which is automatically given unless lawmakers vote to block it.The pay raise would also apply to the vice president who is President of the Senate, Congressional leaders and Supreme Court justices. Vice President Dick Cheney, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chief Justice John Roberts receive yearly compensation of $212,100. The salary of Associate Justices is $203,000. House and Senate party leaders are paid $183,500.

June 13, 2007 Rasmussen Report polling data indicated only 19% of American voters believe that congress is doing a good or an excellent job. That’s down from 26% the previous month.

This is how your Arizona delegation voted:

Yea: Shadegg, Pastor, Grijalva
Nay: Renzi, Franks, Mitchell, Flake, Giffords

Put a fork in McCain—he’s done

We have yet to see a statement from the McCain camp on the failed amnesty bill. It’s clear Arizona’s senior senator has suffered irreversible damage to his Presidential aspirations. Sinking quickly, even before the collapse of his much touted legislation, John McCain was encountering serious trouble raising the much needed dollars to finance his presidential bid, with polling and first quarter filing figures verging on disastrous.

Onetime McCain loyalists are wisely casting their sights in the direction of other candidates. Even an undeclared entrant, such as former Tennessee Senator, Fred Thompson, is polling better than our erstwhile Arizona media magnet. When a former office holder who has yet to announce is outpacing a current senator and two-time presidential candidate, the writing, as they say, is on the wall.

Aside from his hot temper, arrogant manner, age (he’ll be 71 in August) and ongoing health issues, McCain has been less than forthright since his days as a carpetbagging congressman. Barely escaping with his own political skin after questionable associations with convicted financier, Charlie Keating, McCain’s reversal of position placed him in the forefront of “campaign finance reform.” Such efforts further exacerbated internal rifts in the GOP base, since opponents argue the measure violates First Amendment rights, infringing upon free speech. His renowned penchant for “bipartisan” alliances with liberals such as Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Russ Feingold (D -WI). has further inflamed conservatives.

As leader of the so-called Gang of 14, he drew criticism for his deal-making regarding judicial filibusters. Support of embryonic stem cell research and his repeated votes to block drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which would lessen American dependence on foreign oil, antagonized party regulars. Although his steadfast support of the Iraq war has earned him praise from those who see this action as an integral part of the war on terror, he inexplicably desired to reduce reliable border security as it relates to the national defense of the United States, by promoting an unsavory plan granting citizenship to those who flagrantly and illegally enter our country. Add to this his vicious dismissal of mostly Republican evangelical Christians and calling Revs. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, “:forces of evil,” he enflamed rather than endeared himself to the very people he needs to court. .

John McCain has a history as a flawed man of contradictions.. In these perilous times, we are in dire need of consistency and dedication of purpose–to this great nation—rather than one’s self..

HOW THEY VOTED:

U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110^th Congress – 1^st Session as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Cloture Motion (Motion to Invoke Cloture on S.1639 )
Vote Number:	235	Vote Date:	June 28, 2007, 11:04 AM
Required For Majority:	3/5	Vote Result:	Cloture Motion Rejected
Measure Number:	S. 1639
Measure Title:	A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes.

Vote Counts:	YEAs	46
	NAYs	53
	Not Voting	1

Vote Summary

By Senator Name

By Vote Position

By Home State

Alphabetical by Senator Name

Akaka (D-HI), Yea Alexander (R-TN), Nay Allard (R-CO), Nay Barrasso (R-WY), Nay Baucus (D-MT), Nay Bayh (D-IN), Nay Bennett (R-UT), Yea Biden (D-DE), Yea Bingaman (D-NM), Nay Bond (R-MO), Nay Boxer (D-CA), Yea Brown (D-OH), Nay Brownback (R-KS), Nay Bunning (R-KY), Nay Burr (R-NC), Nay Byrd (D-WV), Nay Cantwell (D-WA), Yea Cardin (D-MD), Yea Carper (D-DE), Yea Casey (D-PA), Yea Chambliss (R-GA), Nay Clinton (D-NY), Yea Coburn (R-OK), Nay Cochran (R-MS), Nay Coleman (R-MN), Nay Collins (R-ME), Nay Conrad (D-ND), Yea Corker (R-TN), Nay Cornyn (R-TX), Nay Craig (R-ID), Yea Crapo (R-ID), Nay DeMint (R-SC), Nay Dodd (D-CT), Yea Dole (R-NC), Nay

Domenici (R-NM), Nay Dorgan (D-ND), Nay Durbin (D-IL), Yea Ensign (R-NV), Nay Enzi (R-WY), Nay Feingold (D-WI), Yea Feinstein (D-CA), Yea Graham (R-SC), Yea Grassley (R-IA), Nay Gregg (R-NH), Yea Hagel (R-NE), Yea Harkin (D-IA), Nay Hatch (R-UT), Nay Hutchison (R-TX), Nay Inhofe (R-OK), Nay Inouye (D-HI), Yea Isakson (R-GA), Nay Johnson (D-SD), Not Voting Kennedy (D-MA), Yea Kerry (D-MA), Yea Klobuchar (D-MN), Yea Kohl (D-WI), Yea Kyl (R-AZ), Yea Landrieu (D-LA), Nay Lautenberg (D-NJ), Yea Leahy (D-VT), Yea Levin (D-MI), Yea Lieberman (ID-CT), Yea Lincoln (D-AR), Yea Lott (R-MS), Yea Lugar (R-IN), Yea Martinez (R-FL), Yea McCain (R-AZ), Yea McCaskill (D-MO), Nay

McConnell (R-KY), Nay Menendez (D-NJ), Yea Mikulski (D-MD), Yea Murkowski (R-AK), Nay Murray (D-WA), Yea Nelson (D-FL), Yea Nelson (D-NE), Nay Obama (D-IL), Yea Pryor (D-AR), Nay Reed (D-RI), Yea Reid (D-NV), Yea Roberts (R-KS), Nay Rockefeller (D-WV), Nay Salazar (D-CO), Yea Sanders (I-VT), Nay Schumer (D-NY), Yea Sessions (R-AL), Nay Shelby (R-AL), Nay Smith (R-OR), Nay Snowe (R-ME), Yea Specter (R-PA), Yea Stabenow (D-MI), Nay Stevens (R-AK), Nay Sununu (R-NH), Nay Tester (D-MT), Nay Thune (R-SD), Nay Vitter (R-LA), Nay Voinovich (R-OH), Nay Warner (R-VA), Nay Webb (D-VA), Nay Whitehouse (D-RI), Yea Wyden (D-OR

In the afterglow of today’s vote, let’s not forget our manners

Arizona Senators Kyl and McCain: MIA (missing in action) 

CALL OR EMAIL THESE SENATE STALWARTS AND THANK THEM

Links are provided here:

Sessions (R- AL) – (202) 224-4124
DeMint (R – SC) – (202) 224-6121
Vitter (R – LA) – (202) 224-4623
Thune (R – SD) – (202) 224-2321
Inhofe (R – OK) – (202) 224-4721
Dole (R – NC) – (202) 224-6342
Cornyn (R – TX) – (202) 224-2934
Bunning (R – KY) – (202) 224-4343
Coburn (R – OK) – (202) 224-5754
Hutchison (R – TX) – (202) 224-5922
Grassley (R – IA) – (202) 224-3744
Nelson(D – NE) – (202) 224-6551
Pryor(D – AR) – (202) 224-2353
Tester(D – MT) – (202) 224-2644
Baucus(D – MT) – (202) 224-2651
Dorgan(D – ND) – (202) 224-2551
Bayh(D – IN) – (202) 224-5623
Byrd(D – WV) – (202) 224-3954
Rockefeller(D – WV) – (202) 224-6472

“I’ll continue to listen….” Really, Senator? To whom?

 In a letter filled with words such as “concessions” and “consensus,” Jon Kyl tries to woo back the party faithful:          

The Senate voted this morning against invoking cloture on the immigration reform bill, taking the issue off of the Senate’s calendar for the time being. While there is still a chance that a reform bill could be resurrected, the legislative schedule for the remainder of the year is such that significant immigration reform is unlikely to be considered again in the near future. The result of the cloture vote demonstrates just how difficult it is to achieve the consensus necessary to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws. The bill before the Senate had something for everyone to love, and hate. For conservatives, the bill included unprecedented additional resources to help secure the border (including the dollars upfront to pay for them), an end to chain migration, an effective employee verification system to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining employment, and a temporary worker program that is truly temporary. For liberals, it offered a way to deal with illegal immigrants who are already here, though the automatic pathway to citizenship they wanted was eliminated. To get something done, both sides had to make concessions. Considering that Republicans are in the minority, I believe we won far more than we gave up. I’ve linked to an editorial from the Washington Post that illustrates how the liberal media and Democrat politicians scorn the bill’s strong enforcement bent and the common-sense amendments some of us offered. Nevertheless, Senators from both the right and the left ends of each party united to block the bill’s further consideration. It was a case of letting the pursuit of the perfect become the enemy of the good. Many people have rightfully criticized the federal government for failing in the past to enforce the law and deal effectively with the problem of illegal immigration. I agree with them. And they understandably look skeptically on our current efforts to strengthen the law, even while they demand that Congress act. But we will never be able to solve the problem by saying “no” to new legislation because of past failures. And we cannot simply say “enforce the law.” As I’ve said before, much of the current law is unenforceable. The Senate’s vote today regrettably means the status quo will continue, with thousands of illegal immigrants continuing to pour across our borders every day and millions who are already here continuing to receive silent amnesty. Senators have been listening to their constituents around the country – the number of calls, letters, faxes, and emails has been unprecedented, even jamming phone lines into the Senate earlier today. I, for one, have tried to turn constructive suggestions into meaningful amendments to enhance the enforcement provisions of the bill. Though the current legislation has been defeated, I’ll keep fighting for additional resources in upcoming appropriations bills for more Border Patrol agents, the construction of border fencing and other barriers, and improved technology along the border. I will urge the Bush administration to enforce those parts of the law that are enforceable in order to demonstrate to a skeptical public that our government is indeed committed to enforcing the law. I also intend to introduce legislation that will focus on enforcing immigration laws at the workplace and securing the border. Clearly, the American people want more enforcement before doing anything else. I’ll continue to listen, and I invite your comments, suggestions, and criticisms. Thank you. Sincerely, JON KYL

This solicitation will be a tough sell—especially today

 How would you like this man’s job?  It’s a good bet there won’t be an overload of gifts to this sellout President. 

Dear Republican Friend,

In a few short days, President Bush will celebrate his 61st Birthday.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to wish the President a Happy Birthday by signing the RNC’s eCard today.   

To make this an extra special birthday on July 6, Mrs. Bush will be presenting our President with this birthday wish from supporters like you.   To be included in this unique celebration, please click here.  

And if you can, I hope you will consider celebrating President Bush’s birthday with a gift our entire Party can share.  Your secure online donation of $61 (or whatever you can afford) will help keep the RNC’s preparations for electing more Republicans in the 2007-2008 election cycle on track.

Sincerely ,
Robert M. “Mike” Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

P.S. This is your last chance to join the First Lady in making this an extra special birthday celebration for our President – please take a moment to sign the Birthday eCard today.

To Forward This Email To Your Friends And Family,
Please Click Here

Contributions or gifts to the Republican National Committee are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. 

 

Senate Immigration Bill Defeated!

 

 THE BILL GOES DOWN!

Harry Reid pulls amnesty bill.  Senate switchboard shut down due to overload of calls from outraged citizens.

AZ GOP GRASSROOTS ACTION ALERT

SENATE VOTE EXPECTED TODAY: TWO VOTES NEEDED TO KILL AMNESTY

Senate sources tell us they are two votes away from defeating a cloture vote expected sometime early Thursday in the U.S. Senate. There are four U.S. senators that we believe are on the fence because their amendments were killed during debate, giving them a reason to be unhappy.If just two of these four senators switch their vote, our amnesty nightmare is over.

Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) – 202-224-6521
Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota) – 202-224-5641
Senator John Ensign (R-Nevada) – 202-224-6244
Senator Jim Webb (D-Virginia) – 202-224-4024

The greatest deliberative body in the world is not the United States Senate, but rather the American electorate. It’s time that your voices were heard! This is OUR nation; this OUR Republican Party!If you haven’t already joined the over 70,000 of your fellow Americans and signed US Senator Jim Inhofe’s petition for border security then CLICK HERE and sign it now!