If the length of the meetings is any indication, our new chairman, Lyle Beefelt, is getting off to a good start. The meeting lasted a little an over hour. It allowed everyone to find out how the campaigns are doing and the status of upcoming campaign activities.
FIMIAN FOR CONGRESS GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
As scheduled, Keith Fimian appeared early and asked for support. He made a good speech. He talked about his campaign.
- He is not a throwaway candidate. He is in this race to win, and the race is quite winnable.
- His campaign is well financed. He has raised 1.1 million dollars.
- He has the support of enthusiastic volunteers. Last weekend he had thirty people out knocking on doors.
- His opponent is a career politician. He is a businessman. (Author’s note: Voters want citizen leaders, not a leader elite. Fimian fits the definition of a citizen leader.)
And he also talked about issues.
- Tax cuts work. When John Kennedy was president, even Democrats used to realize that tax cut work. Yes, government needs money to buy F-16′s and to pay for roads. However, we cannot tax people so much the economy stops growing. Fimian referred to Social Security and Medicare and noted that the success of supporting our aging population depends upon growing the economy.
- Fimian said we have to stop handcuffing ourselves. We need to drill for oil and build refineries. America has abundant energy resources, and we need to start using them.
- We need to let the free market work. The solution for America is Americans, not government.
The Fimian campaign sees name recognition as their biggest obstacle. So they have launched a GET THE NAME OUT campaign that depends on volunteers. To help call 703-232-1425 or Email: KF@fimianforcongress.com.
PWC GOP MEETING
The committee elected a new Treasurer, Kim Fotis. Our new Treasurer stood up and introduced herself. She seems well qualified.
There were a number of event announcements. These are coming up soon.
- Jun 28 — Prince William County Kickoff for Keith Fimian for Congress (see here).
- Jun 28 — Ice Cream Social for Senator Ken Cuccinelli. $25 for individual — $35 for family. Time is 4 – 6 PM. RVSP to 703-330-2969 or debfitz@earthlink.net
General Observations
An RPV rep, grassroots coordinator came to speak to us. He made several announcements.
- As promised when he ran to be the RPV Chairman, Jeff Frederick will not run again. So he is looking for someone who can keep his seat Republican.
- Frederick is focused his 100 day plan. He listed a couple of important appointments Frederick has already made, described plans to decentralize RPV(get people out of Richmond) with a staff of five grassroots coordinators, and improvements to the RPV website. Frederick’s goal is to double membership. See here for details.
We also had a representative from the McCain campaign speak. Listening to folks talk, it is apparent that enthusiam for McCain is lacking. Nonetheless, the alternative, Obama, is enough to scare people. Two Conservatives expressed the sentiment this way.
Of course, he (McCain) has some moderate and even liberal positions, but he has generally held them honorably, if stupidly. He’s hardly the choice of conservatives, but he is the choice of the Republican party. And an unfortunate part of being part of a party is that if you can’t get YOUR candidate nominated, you support the guy that is nominated. (from here)
Thanks to Obama, if not McCain, the Republican Party will unite, and hopefully win, in November.
Well, as an Independent, I’m glad to see a rather moderate Republican running. The radical partisanship that has overtaken (and contributed to the demise) of this nation must be stopped. If we don’t start building some bridges, we are going to end up drowning in our own political and social waters.
Tom, since you are a party guy, let me ask you a question. You said Fimian has 30 people knocking on doors. So does that mean he himself doesn’t do much of it? I’m always curious about that door knocking thing. I put myself in their place and I know I could never physically do it. What do people with health problems do in this case? Or do they just not run?
Incidentally, it IS impressive when candidates themselves show up behind your door so long as it’s not a pain to GET to the door. Seg to this question–does a “no soliciting” sign apply to political candidates?
While drilling for oil is a hot button topic, tax cuts are less so IMHO. Given that his time was limited I was still disappointed that he didn’t say anything illegal immigration, Iraq, the GWOT, earmark reform, or reducing the size of government. Hopefully he will forcefully address those issues as the campaign gets rolling.
kgotthardt — Not sure about whether Fimian is knocking on doors, but I would guess he is. Most Republican office holders at the state and local level knock on doors. Admittedly, I have complained more often than not about Congressman Tom Davis, but I know of once instance where he greeted folks at a grocery story. He talked to my wife and impressed her.
People want their leaders to be accessible. People expect their Congressmen to listen, and Davis did listen.
Ted — Good point! I suggest you email Fimian and ask his position. Currently, his web site does not state his positions on the issues.
No offense, but I cannot STAND Tom Davis (as a politician, that is. I have no idea what he’s like as a person). I get reports of what he does and does not vote for, and it seems he never votes for anything that will help the “little guy.” His most recent vote against the farm bill was just one more brick in the wall as far as I am concerned. I’m not saying Dems do a better job. I don’t even know the party breakdown on that issue, but I do know other Republicans voted for it. Davis aggravates me.
kgotthardt – The farm bill helped the little guy? I am curious to see how you arrived at that conclusion. Do you have a reference?
Okay, here’s one:
“Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said USDA’s announcement for signup beginning today in the 2008 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program (DCP) helps deliver certainty for the crop year and the option of a timely advance payment. Contracts are available today at USDA Service Centers and signup will continue until September 30, 2008.” So basically, farmers can depend on money coming in which is good because if they can’t, it becomes too expensive to run the farms. Little farmers around here can tell you that. http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_2KD/.cmd/ad/.ar/sa.retrievecontent/.c/6_5_P1/.ce/7_5_229/.p/5_5_1I5/.d/0/_th/J_5_9D/_s.7_0_A/7_0_2KD?PC_7_5_229_contentid=2008%2F06%2F0165.xml&PC_7_5_229_parentnav=FARM_BILL_FORUMS&PC_7_5_229_navid=FARM_BILL_NEWSRT&PC_7_5_229_navtype=RT#7_5_229
“Since 2002, USDA has issued approximately $40 billion in DCP payments to America’s agricultural producers.” Also good because we want to encourage farming in our own country. We don’t want to have to import all our food (too expensive and lack of regulation) and if a farm stays a farm, then it’s not a parking lot or another subdivision (i.e. Bristow).
“Mr. Bush has said he wants to sharply limit government subsidies to farmers at a time of near-record commodity prices and soaring global demand for grain.” BUT if farmers can’t get the money they need as they did in the past, they will cut production which will increase food prices even more. We who already have to endure increases because of gas would feel the crunch more than Mr. Bush and his rich friends who don’t have to worry about the cost of mayo. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/washington/15cnd-farm.html?ref=business
“The bill continues the United States’ long history of agricultural subsidy as well as pursuing areas such as energy, conservation, nutrition, and rural development.[1] Some specific initiatives in the bill include increases in Food Stamp benefits, increased support for the production of cellulosic ethanol, and money for the research of pests, diseases and other agricultural problems.” Good for the poor and for the planet as far as I can see. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food%2C_Conservation%2C_and_Energy_Act_of_2008
The fact that this bill has passed and then overrided Bush’s veto means there is SOMETHING good about it, even if it’s not “all good.” Sure, it’s controversial, as is every bill, but I think at a time of fiscal instability, impending recession, the housing market crash, the fuel crisis, etc. etc. etc. it’s not wise to mess with the farmers. If Congress wants to re-think the bill later when things are better, I’m sure that’s an option. Now is NOT the time IMHO.
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Why Tom! I am flattered.