Feed Your Family on $10 Billion Per Day...

Must. Read. From. I o w a h a w k

Memo to John Hinderaker

Castle lost. O'Donnell has won. Get over it. Despite your elitist leanings, an ordinary citizen with the right ideas and principles CAN not only win, but no doubt govern a hell of a lot better than the current crop of monkeys we have in Congress, Mike Castle, included.

So what if she 'dabbled' in witchcraft over a decade ago. We have a full-time witch holding the gavel in the House of Representatives right now.

So instead of crying in the sandbox and threatening to take away all the toys, instead of trying to satisfy your insatiable desire to say, "told you so," at any cost, get behind and support the candidate who will advance the conservative cause.

Read this, and grow up.

That is all.

This is BIG---

The American Spectator Reports:

Lech Walesa, the Polish Cold War hero who is coming to Illinois to campaign for Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski, will join Andrzejewski tomorrow afternoon at a Tea Party rally at the Dirksen Federal Building in Chicago.

It was in Chicago, of course, that the Tea Party movement began last February when CNBC's Rick Santelli delivered "The Rant Heard 'Round the World." No word yet on whether Santelli will be at Friday's event.

It's no accident that Andrzejewski got Lech Walesa to stump for him. Having grown up in the Chicago area, I know that Chicago has the highest Polish ethnic population in the world, outside of Warsaw itself--right in the middle of Obama territory.

And if it's anyone who understands the sweet taste of freedom, what it's like not to have it, and what it's like to fight for it, it's Lech Walesa.

Quite a coup, if you ask me.

Send A Message to the Left

Many, if not most of you may have heard about the woman of whom I am proud to have as my Minnesota 6th District Congresswoman, Michele Bachmann, who is continually under assault for doing what she does best, speaking the truth. As of now, there is a ton of money pouring into her opponent's coffers from big unions, Moveon.org, George Soros and others. As a result, Congresswoman Bachmann is asking for our help:

"Everyday, it must seem that Washington just isn’t listening to you. In fact, it must seem they’re doing their best to work against your interests. Those of us who call ourselves Republicans, or worse yet conservatives, are denigrated as crazy, nuts, wacko, extreme, racist, fill in your derogatory adjective. They say we’re more interesting in stopping progress than in making reforms. The White House refuses to work with Fox News, saying it is a “wing of the Republican party.” This isn’t conjecture; these are the words of the Communications Director of the White House.

You and I know the truth: We’re not being obstructionists. The problem is that the proposals coming out of Washington – from cap-and-trade to bailout mania to socialized medicine – are simply bad public policy. We don’t believe that government is inherently evil, set out to destroy the hopes and aspirations of its citizens, no matter how some media outlets portray us. We realize that an unchecked government can get too big for its own good. And,we know that right now in Washington, this Administration and this Congress have forgotten the tried and true principle of our founding – that the government works for the people, not the other way around.

They seem intent on plowing forward with their agenda no matter how many town halls you speak at or tea parties you attend.

Look around and you’ll see the warning signs about the plummeting value of our dollar. Overseas, the sharks are circling and calling for a reevaluation of the prominent spot the dollar has long enjoyed. Yet, Washington continues to spend and spend and borrow and spend with no regard to our skyrocketing debt and annual deficits. Something has got to give."

Republicans have put forth alternatives to every proposal — and our alternatives won’t break the bank. When we’re lucky, they get lip service from the Democrat majority. More often, they don’t even get a debate. And this from a majority that promised to end partisan bickering and bring true transparency to the legislative process!

They have an agenda of their own and they’re on a path to increase spending as well as the size and scope of government on every issue. They’re out to protect their friends — like ACORN — regardless of what it costs you and what it will cost our nation’s future.

Don’t give up! I hear you. And, there are others in Congress who hear you, too. Today, let’s send a message to Washington that they can’t ignore. I promise to keep speaking the truth for all of you, but I need your help to do it. Is it worth just a few minutes of your time and a few dollars to make sure Washington gets the message that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH?

Ms. Bachmann is one person in Washington who isn't afraid to loudly proclaim that our current socialist 'emperor' has no clothes. If you agree with this, please let Ms. Bachmann know by supporting her with a generous contribution.

Taking America Back, One Mile at a Time!

Driving east on Highway 10, just outside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, I came across this fellow:

Ross Ueckert (pronounced EH-kert) is the real deal.

I had heard about Mr. Ueckert a couple of weeks ago on the Scott Hennen show while vacationing in Detroit Lakes, and when I passed him up today on Highway 10, I just had to meet him in person.

A nicer, more courageous man you will not meet. His lips parched on a hot, sunny, August day, Mr. Ueckert had a smile as large as the Red River valley itself, and he appeared overjoyed when I pulled my Dodge Durango along side the road, and, along with my son Darrin, approached him. He immediately held out his hand in friendship as Darrin and I thanked him for what he was doing.

Mr. Ueckert went on to explain that he was walking for two reasons: one, was to raise an awareness among U.S. citizens regarding the encroachment of government upon our freedoms, and the need to take our nation back from the special interests and lobbyists, to push for term limits, and lead us back to the days of "citizen legislators."

The second reason that Mr. Ueckert is walking is for veterans. He thinks it shameful how many of them are treated by the V.A. He related a story, tearfully at times, of walking through North Dakota, when a lady stopped by the roadside to talk with him. When she asked him why he was walking, he told her, "For freedom, and for our veterans." According to Mr. Ueckert, she immediately broke down crying, and gave him a bracelet, bearing the name of a brother of hers who died in Iraq. She then asked him to wear it all the way to Washington, and to give legislators the message that we must not forget our veterans, and to honor their sacrifices.

Mr. Ueckert's sister, Myrna Miller, is an equally patriotic, Godly woman who believes in her brother's mission and is accompanying him, mile after mile. Both Ueckert and Miller derive strength from the passers by who stop to say hello, or just honk their horns in support. "It gives me a bounce to my step," he said. "It makes me wanna walk even faster!"

Mr. Ueckert made it a point to say that his beliefs and his mission were beyond political. "I'm not Republican or Democrat. I'm an independent!" he said. "What I believe in is that we are losing our freedom in this country and heading toward all-out socialism, which is the opposite of which this country was founded. Members of both parties have been responsible for this trend," he stated. He also lamented the chilling effect political correctness has had on our public discourse. "It's getting to the point where people are afraid to speak out. My mission is to let people know that it's okay to speak what you believe. Don't be afraid to say what you think! I'm not perfect; I have a past that people will try to use against me. But I don't care. My message is bigger than I am." By doing what he's doing, Ueckert's dream is to build up an overwhelming groundswell of independent conservatives whose voice cannot be ignored. "If we can get everyone together, to know that they are not alone, that will embolden people to take action, and Washington will have no choice but to listen," he said.

Ueckert also spoke of the power of GOD in giving him the strength to carry on his mission. "I have people around the country praying for me," he said. "and I can feel the presence of God on this road and in my travels!"

What was expected to be a five minute conversation turned out to be 25 minutes; but an enjoyable 25-minutes, at that. We were talking like people who have known each other for decades, not minutes. We left with hugs and handshakes, but not before a pleasant surprise. I explained to Mr. Ueckert that we were going to be having a TEA party in St. Cloud this Saturday at 10am at Lake George, and asked him if he would like to speak. Mr. Ueckert seemed genuinely excited at the opportunity. He also has a commitment to speak at a Fergus Falls Tea Party rally, but will try to do both on the same day.

As I drove the Durango with Darrin and my wife in tow, I sensed that my life was now richer; that there was indeed real hope left in this crazy world, and that hope has a name.

And that name is Ross Ueckert.

A Speech for Our Time...

From here:

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an
adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the
next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard
shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution
and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying
supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our
enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a
proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.
The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a
country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy
can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.
There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will
raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the
strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we
have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to
retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery!
Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston!
The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--
but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps
from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our
brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that
gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as
to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!
I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or
give me death!

So where's Patrick Henry now when you need him?

And what are we left with?

Chump change.

I am so happy we have Michele!

She seems to be one of the few who are really on top of things:

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN) has introduced legislation that would "bar the dollar from being replace by any foreign currency." A statement from Bachmann's website:

“Yesterday, during a Financial Services Committee hearing, I asked Secretary Geithner if he would denounce efforts to move towards a global currency and he answered unequivocally that he would," said Bachmann. "And President Obama gave the nation the same assurances. But just a day later, Secretary Geithner has left the option on the table. I want to know which it is. The American people deserve to know."

On Monday, Geithner and Bernanke both rejected the idea of a global currency in Congressional testimony. But in remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations yesterday, Geithner indicated he was open to the idea.

Bachmann is one of the few who will actually step up and ask Obama and Geithner, in effect, "What have you been smoking?!?"

One of the few voice of reason these days in the whole wilderness that is now Washington, D.C., and I'm proud to call her my congresswoman! (Youtube h/t LFR)

MN SD-15 BPOU Convention

Well, we got some fresh blood in the leadership of MN SD 15 BPOU (Basic Political Organizational Unit, for those of you in Rio Linda); not that I'm complaining about the old blood.. My hat's off to Jeff Johnson and Josh Behling, who both did a bang-up job helping our BPOU; especially during the unprecedented turnout that was experienced at last winter's BPOU caucus, in which by all accounts over 1,000 SD 15 Republican faithful showed up to make a difference.

We will certainly miss Jeff's and Josh's leadership and expertise, especially in integrating our BPOU into the electronics age. On top of that, it would be difficult to find two nicer guys if you searched the world over with binoculars.

As of now, Jeff Radcliffe and newcomer Rick Vanden..(gads, can't remember the last name--sorry Rick) will co-chair SD15; Barbara Banaian (yes, King's wife), will be SD 15B vice chair, Dan Ochsner will be 15A vice chair, Dorothy Thompson will remain on as treasurer, and yours truly (yes, me) was elected as the new SD 15 secretary. Additionally, I was elected as an alternate delegate for State Central.

There were some surprises in store tonight, as well; specifically, I was honored as a recipient of two recognition awards; one a "suitable for framing" award from Michele Bachmann for Congress campaign, and another beautiful wooden plaque for service to SD-15 and "toward the cause of conservatism." Fellow SCBA bloggers Gary Gross and King Banaian were given similar awards. Truth be told, I was at once flabbergasted and honored, as I have never before received such recognition.

Another surprise was that my 18-year old son, Leo III, who was basically at his first BPOU meeting as a voting-aged citizen, ran for State Central delegate. He got up and gave a speech, the whole nine yards, saying that he was no longer going to sit on the sidelines, and that he wanted to make a difference.

Even though he was not elected, to say that I was proud of him this evening would be a gross understatement.

He is a fine young man, and is destined, as he says, to make a difference in his lifetime.

Legislative Update From Steve Gottwalt

One of the continuing bright spots that shine on in CD-6 and in Minnesota Senate District 15A in particular, is our Minnesota State Representative, Steve Gottwalt. Gottwalt, along with many Minnesota House Republicans, has been a consistently conservative voice, and his commonsense ideas and ideals, are, unfortunately for us, out of place with the current mainstream of idiocy so prevalent in St. Paul nowadays, thanks in part if not in toto due to our leftist friends in the DFL camp. Below is an email that Steve sent to his constituents.

At your State Legislature, it has been an interesting couple of weeks. First, we learned Minnesota’s budget deficit grew by more than a billion dollars (from $4.8 billion to $6.3 billion). That’s not quite as bad as many had predicted, but it is a record deficit for Minnesota, and it underscores the need for us to get to work. Majority leadership has now spent nearly half of this session getting virtually nothing done that will help balance the state budget – our number one priority this session. Instead, committees have spent countless hours listening to various briefings and reports, and hearing bills that do little to help balance the budget. Each day, Minnesota is spending $3 million more than it takes in, and we need leadership willing to grapple with the tough decisions necessary to balance our budget without increasing the burden on already stressed families and businesses.

Which leads to the second point of interest. Senate DFL leaders this week announced what many of us have been expecting: They want to raise taxes $2 billion, mostly on businesses and those who invest to create jobs. They also want to cut K-12 education funding by more than $1 billion. While I give them credit for finally coming forward with something, this approach demonstrates poor judgment in the midst of a deep recession. We need to help businesses grow good paying jobs, not add insult to injury by raising taxes. State Economist, Tom Stinson, stated clearly that increasing taxes on businesses and job creators would "not be helpful" to Minnesota's economic recovery. While I remain a strong proponent of better outcomes in education, given the $14,000 we spend per K-12 pupil (all funds), and expanding the dialogue beyond only funding, I do not believe cutting K-12 spending by $1 billion is wise.

I have authored and co-authored several pieces of legislation that would help state government live within its means, just like the rest of us:

* Freezing state spending at the current level, or the amount of revenue we are taking in, whichever is less. By itself, this would get us most of the way toward balancing the budget. Keep in mind, when people talk about “cuts” in state spending, they’re usually describing less of an increase -- not actual cuts. The truth is, Minnesota’s budget has not experienced a literal decrease in more than three generations, and in recent decades it has grown an average of 11 percent per year – much more than inflation or people’s wages.

* Freezing state employee wages so we live within our means and preserve jobs (instead of cutting jobs).

* Officially, in legislation and across-the-board, cutting legislators' wages and reimbursements.

* Reducing the compensation of all state employees making $100,000 or more by 5%.

* Cracking down on welfare fraud to preserve aid for those who really need it. It is estimated 15% of our welfare dollars are eaten up byfraud, costing Minnesotans more than $1 billion each year. Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue there is no significant welfare fraud, but at a recent briefing with welfare fraud investigators, and in meetings with county social service workers, we have heard dozens of examples of welfare fraud and abuse. Welfare fraud prevention should be an issue with strong, bi-partisan support!

This coming week, I will introduce legislation that would continue coverage for adults on MinnesotaCare through a consumer-driven, market-based solution that would provide better coverage, better payments to providers, and save the state as much as $100 million.

I will also offer a reasonable prevailing wage reform bill that would bring Minnesota in line with other states, saving taxpayers $100 million per bonding cycle, allowing us to create more jobs with those dollars, and repair more roads, bridges and buildings. It is imperative we make the most of our available state funds, especially as Minnesota faces a $6.3 billion deficit.

One way we can help local governments put taxpayer dollars to better use is by providing them with the flexibility they need to tailor their budgets. I have co-authored a local mandates reform bill (HF1195) brought forward by a bi-partisan working group. If approved, it will help local units of government by repealing some state-imposed mandates that add costs to local taxpayers. The bill passed in our Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Committee last week.

Mandates handcuff local governments by dictating how much money must be spent in particular areas. This is especially troublesome when local governments are told they must maintain certain spending levels, even if they are operating with smaller budgets due to the recession. Because of the deficit, Minnesota has had to cut Local Government Aid (LGA) payments to cities, including our own here in District 15A. As we remove state aid, it makes common sense to allow cities the flexibility to do what they and their residents decide is best at the local level.

Two somewhat controversial elements of the bill include its allowance for lifting of local levy limits, and its allowance for discontinuing truth in taxation hearings (which the working group felt were both costly and ineffective). Instead, it encourages local governments to find more meaningful ways to involve residents in local budgeting and spending decisions.

HF1195 also establishes a Legislative Commission on Mandate Reform to continue the discipline of reviewing and reforming state mandates on local units of government. It's not another permanent piece of bureaucracy either, since the commission would expire in 2013.

An interesting and sobering statistic regarding the recently passed federal deficit spending package of more than $700 billion: It amounts to about $2,600 debt for every man, woman and child in this nation. That's on top of the previous spending packages designed to jump start our economy. We cannot continue living beyond our means with money we do not have -- privately, or in government! That is precisely what got us in trouble in the first place. When you're in a hole, the first thing you need to do is stop digging. It's time to cut spending, and live within our means.

This week, I will also announce another series of Town Hall meetings to gather your ideas, concerns, input and feedback. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative, and I urge you to continue letting me know how I can help. As we enjoy the return of warm weather, I wish you and yours the very best in this first week of spring. You can contact toll-free at 1-800-683-0886.

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A
St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville

Paul Harvey.... Good Day!

Consummate Broadcaster Paul Harvey, dead at 90 years old:

(image courtesy WDJO Radio)

He was a broadcast legend; the early and great pioneer in the Conservative broadcast movement.

Although Mr. Paul Harvey has been working for ABC for 50 years, I became aware of him first as a teenager listening to him during the early 1970s on WGN-AM radio in Chicago. I grew up in the neighborhood of Roosevelt and Harlem in Berwyn, Illinois, just a number of blocks away from his home in Oak Park. His dulcitone voice, his trademark inflection and pregnant pauses immediately drew in the listener and made them a part of his world for 15 minutes a day, 6 days a week. Mr. Harvey was a "broadcaster's broadcaster." Oh, there were broadcasters, who would "announce" the news; and then there was Paul, who didn't merely announce the news; he drew you in to his living room, discussed it with you; not as a reporter, but as a confidant. Harvey commanded attention, respect, and instant credibility. His inimitable style became a personal inspiration to me as a 21-year entering the field of broadcasting in my early years as a commercial writer, producer, and voice-over talent.

Part of my duties as the lowest on the totem pole of a staff of four writers for WAXX/WAYY was to sit at the board of WAYY, tape Paul Harvey at 10:30am on the trusty Magnacord reel-to-reel, and at noon sharp pause the radio's automation system, and air the show. As the Paul Harvey "News and Comments" program would play, it would be my duty to listen for his declaration of "Page Three!" This was the cue to stop the tape and to run the only available local spot commercial, cue the tape past the PSA (public service announcement) and have the remainder of the show ready to run at the end of the 60 second spot. At the end of the program, it was my time to shine on real-live radio, as I would make the following announcment, "You have been listening to Paul Harvey News & Comments on Am-1150, WAYY; brought to you by Arrowhead Lodge; the time is 12:15pm, temperature is 54 degrees!" (My parents, who lived 70 miles away in Auburndale, Wisconsin, would listen every day. It was their way of knowing that their kid was still alright).

At any rate, Paul Harvey was a guiding force in my delivery as a commercial voiceover talent; in not simply "announcing" a product, but rather in bringing a listener in and capturing his or her attention and imaginaton via expression and voice dynamics.

Though Paul Harvey was not a far-right conservative, he was the closest thing to being conservative that could be found for the time on any medium. In the days when the "Fairness" Doctrine was in its heyday, and the espousing of conservative values was nearly unheard of, Harvey's voice was an early guidepost that would eventually guide my thinking toward conservative values. His unshakeable optimism made you feel great about being an American, even during the malaise of the Ford and Carter years. And to this day I can remember the moment and could almost hear him speak word for word of the great things that would come about at the dawn of the Reagan Revolution, as I was making my way on Highway 124 from Chicago to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, for my first radio gig.

I have a collection of old radios; every night I am lulled to sleep by bluetooth headphones as my smart phone is streaming Antioch Radio. No doubt that TV programs and movies are grand; but nothing can beat the theatre of the mind and personalization of experience proffered by the radio medium.

For this reason, and to this day I remain a rabid fan of radio; and I can attribute my devotion to it directly to Mr. Paul Harvey.

Closed-circuit to Mr. Paul Harvey-- Well done, sir! Well done!

The Seeds of a Revolt Are Being Planted.

Give this Man a Blue Ribbon:



How he got on CNBC I'll never know.

I just hope he still has a job tomorrow.

The Best Title for a Post. Ever.

And a damned good article, to boot.

An update on King..

From an email I received from Mrs. Scholar:

King was scheduled to have his gall bladder out at 8:15 a.m. (Tuesday) but is currently experience a high fever and heart palpitations.

He did not want me in the room, such was his pain.

We appreciate your prayers and concern and will keep you updated,

Continuing prayers would be appreciated..

Prayers, Please...

I just received a phone call from Gary, telling me that our good friend and fellow SCBA blogger, King Banaian, is in the hospital, in what I am told is not a serious, but still a very painful condition.

Please keep King and his family in your prayers.

"The Summer of Our Discontent"

Speed Gibson takes the word to the streets regarding the Ethanol scam.

The end of the American Republic?

“The American Republic will endure until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money.” -Alexis De Tocqueville

Politicians, especially since FDR, have long known that they can bribe the people with their own money. But since FDR, a healthy majority of the American people couldn’t be bought. They loved freedom, less government, and a secure nation more than the baubles and breadcumbs that may have flowed from Washington, D.C.

The nation, on the whole, was a conservative nation.

Nothing illustrated this more than the wholesale acceptance of Ronald Wilson Reagan in the 1980s, and of his legacy as borne in the Contract with America that launched the Republican Congressional revolution of 1994.

And nothing spelled out the repudiation of the conservative principles on which this nation was founded than the third place finish of Fred Thompson in South Carolina.

On point after point, from immigration, to national security, to taxes and to life itself, Fred Thompson mirrored the conservative ideals that, when put into practice, have been proven to be so effective in governing our nation since the penning of the Federalist Papers.

If there was anywhere in this nation where it couldn’t have been more clear, it would have been in South Carolina; traditionally a bastion of clear thinking, small government conservatives.

Yet John McCain, in every sense an opportunistic political populist with a liberal voting record as long as the Mississippi, ran the table.

Newt Gingrich caught a lot of flack when he proclaimed that Reaganesque conservatism was in its death throes, and that politicians needed to embrace a more “centrist” approach.

He was right in the sense that South Carolina is current living proof that Reaganesque conservatism is, if anything, on life support.

Maybe Rush Limbaugh was right last week when he said that it took a Jimmy Carter to give us Ronaldus Magnus.

Perhaps 2012 will be the year of Fred… if the liberals haven’t run us into the ground by then.

Michele Bachmann kicks off 2008 Campaign in St. Cloud

And in grand style.

Fresh in from a Christmas trip to Iraq, and an earlier trip to Israel, MN 6th District U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann kicked off her 2008 campaign today at a home in St. Cloud. Looking even better than she did a year ago, Bachmann was her usual firebrand self, yet even more confident in her convictions than she was a year ago.

Bachmann related that after the 2006 elections, the House Republicans had a "Come to Jesus" moment and realized that their poor showing in the 2006 elections were directly related to the fact that many in the Republican Party had forgotten how to be Republican, and that House Republicans stood firm in the face of a democrat majority that voted 40 times to declare defeat in Iraq, and who tried to put forth the largest tax increase in the history of the United States.

Bachmann related how when Republicans were in the majority, an average of 600 votes were cast during a normal legislative year. Last year, according to Bachmann, somewhere in the neighborhood of 1200 bills were put up for a vote in the House. Of those 1200, only around 140 passed; and of those 140 bills, nearly half of those were for re-naming post offices.

In other words, the U.S. House Democrat leadership got nothing done of substance. Bachmann described most of the 1200 bills brought to the floor as "vanity bills," bills designed to look good to constituents, but were short on substance and weren't even meant to pass.

This despite an inordinate amount of time spent in Washington at the behest of the House democrat leadership. In her talk, Bachmann lamented the fact that she was required to spend so much time in Washington, as she didn't get nearly as much of a chance to visit with her constituents as her predecessor, Mark Kennedy, who was in office during a Republican majority.

In her speech, Bachmann described herself as having an iron spine, and that she has not and would not bend from her principles of small government, sanctity of life, strong national defense, and low taxes.

Bachmann also related how she is one of 16 legislators in the U.S. House and Senate (Senator Norm Coleman being the other Minnesota legislator on the list) being targeted for extinction by George Soros and Moveon.org. She related how the democrats had outspent her campaign by $3,000,000 in 2006, yet she emerged victorious because she stayed true to the conservative message.

Bachmann closed her talk as she related her experiences in Israel and Iraq, having spent Christmas with our troops in Baghdad. She related how humbled she felt at their sacrifices, and the pride that she felt with regard to all that they accomplished since the surge began.

Also present at the gala were Minnesota Representatives Steve Gottwalt and Dan Severson, as well as bloggers extraordinaire King Banaian (and his lovely wife) and Gary Gross; along with St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis, and soon-to-be returning KNSI talk show host Dan "The Ox" Ochsner.

Everyone there was fired up and ready to run through walls to ensure a successful 2008 election.

Folks, there is no greater conservative voice in the United States House of Representatives than Michele Bachmann. Although I was a bit skiddish in the beginning, since I have come to know her I have every confidence in her conservative, principled leadership, and the residents of Minnesota 6th are more than fortunate to benefit from her unwavering dedication to conservative ideals.

New in the Blogosphere

Frequent commenter at Blogs for Victo(R)y (formerly Blogs for Bush) Jeremiah has his own blog, now.

To say that Jeremiah is passionate about what he believes would be an understatement.

Strong in his faith, and nearly equally strong in his conservatism, Jeremiah brings a Christian conscience into today's political scene.

Check out Conservatives United!

A Fine MOB member passes ad astra

Paul Kuettel, owner of MOB-Member Wog's Blog, has passed away from liver disease.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Kuettel on a number of occasions; and he always struck me as being a down-to-earth, salt-of-the earth type of guy.

His writing, both prophetic and touching:

I have been pondering fate of late.

Tiny little confluences of innocent actions magnified by circumstances can really make a difference in a life, to say the very least.

I finished 2nd for a Fullbright Scholarship to Germany. The Fate of it was that I was an early loser in the new game of Affirmitive Action. My teacher/mentor/sponsor told me as much. They needed more women although I ranked better.

Instead I started a business and a family. Seemed like a good twist of Fate.

To save a long story, my Fate has twisted like a deadly tornado. Sometimes it's hard to appreciate all the good turns in favor of dwelling on the foundation ripping furies.

I'm not sure why I put this stuff up for all the world to read. Ego? Reaching out? Looking for sympathy? Maybe a combination of the three.

It's hard to live in a world of hurt all by oneself.

Thanks for your understanding and if you have any sort of Faith, put a good word into your Higher Power for me. God knows I need it.

Cheers, always

Cheers, always, Paul.

You will be missed.

Ben at Hammerswing has a good tribute to Paul.

One score and seven years ago...

From here:

Reagan Easily Beats Carter; Republicans Gain in Congress
By HEDRICK SMITH

Published: November 5, 1980

Ronald Wilson Reagan, riding a tide of economic discontent against Jimmy Carter and promising ''to put America back to work again,'' was elected the nation's 40th President yesterday with a sweep of surprising victories in the East, South and the crucial battlegrounds of the Middle West.

At 69 years of age, the former California Governor became the oldest person ever elected to the White House. He built a stunning electoral landslide by taking away Mr. Carter's Southern base, smashing his expected strength in the East, and taking command of the Middle West, which both sides had designated as the main testing ground. The entire West was his, as expected.

Mr. Carter, who labored hard for a comeback re-election victory similar to that of Harry S. Truman in 1948, instead became the first elected incumbent President since Herbert Hoover in 1932 to go down to defeat at the polls.

Concession by Carter

Despite pre-election polls that had forecast a fairly close election, the rout was so pervasive and so quickly apparent that Mr. Carter made the earliest concession statement of a major Presidential candidate since 1904 when Alton B. Parker bowed to Theodore Roosevelt.

At 9:50 P.M., Mr. Carter appeared with his wife, Rosalynn, before supporters at the ballroom of the Sheraton Washington Hotel and disclosed that an hour earlier he had telephoned Mr. Reagan to concede and to pledge cooperation for the transition to new leadership.

''The people of the United States have made their choice and, of course, I accept that decision,'' he said. ''I can't stand here tonight and say it doesn't hurt.''

At a celebration in the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Mr. Reagan claimed his victory and said: ''There's never been a more humbling moment in my life. I give you my sacred oath that I will do my utmost to justify your faith.''

And the rest, shall we say, is histoire.