Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Interesting Thread at the Lakewood Buzz

Opening comment on the thread that started back in May, I was hoping someone else would make a comment, but it seems to have died away. Here the opening statement:

By Thomas Powell Bullock

"Can we spark neighborhood engagement in Lakewood issues through political party activities
(i.e. Democratic or Republican), or are parties and their labels a hindrance?"

An interesting premise, however the thread then leaps over to Campaign Finance Reform for Local and State Candidates and that is where I think these folks have no concept of the costs of a local campaign and where the money comes from.

For Example:
Bob White writes:

"...I'm afraid that until we get real campaign finance reform to where we publicly fund
candidate campaigns, then local and national candidates will remain addicted to partisan
politics in both parties if they are to receive their endorsements and party funding. Today
that's how the system works."

In a local race, there is one of three ways to fund a campaign, (1) use your own money; (2) Raise money through various sources or (3) A combination of both. In my case, it was the third choice. Although my fundraising was anemic at best, I did have a fair amount of donations that allowed me to do get my message out.

What was interesting, is that I sat down with a former mayor prior to the election and asked him about fundraising, he stated that if you can fund your own campaign with personal money then do it, because raising money from private donations, will cause you to spend more time on that, then actually campaigning. Since the election that is something that I will think very hard about doing should I ever jump into a race again.

GOVERNOR'S RACE - DEBATES

Received the following on Monday:

BLACKWELL ACCEPTS STRICKLAND'S CHALLENGE TO DEBATE
"The frustrated Democrat said that any time Blackwell wants to debate face-to-face, he'll be ready." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, June 7, 2006)

COLUMBUS - Republican gubernatorial nominee Ken Blackwell today enthusiastically accepted Democrat Ted Strickland's challenge to debate. Last week, Strickland called for debates after the Democrat sent a policy advisor and his wife to address Ohio's university trustees. Blackwell shared his vision for higher education with the group personally.


Blackwell, attending another joint speaking engagement that Strickland declined, made the case for debates.

"Ted Strickland and I have very different approaches for addressing Ohio's enormous challenges," said Blackwell addressing the Ohio Hospital Association's Health Policy Luncheon and Forum. "These approaches are too important to be reduced to 30 second TV ads. If Ted will join me in a series of debates this summer, Ohioans will receive a real opportunity to access and compare our preparedness and competency to lead this great state."
"I am ready now," added Blackwell. "Let's begin."


Blackwell proposed the following dates, cities and times for the upcoming two weeks:

Thursday, June 15, Youngstown, 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
Monday, June 19, Cincinnati, 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m.
Tuesday, June 20, Columbus, 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21, Columbus, 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 22, Columbus, 1 p.m. 2 p.m.


Each week, Blackwell will issue a new list of proposed times and dates with the hope a few will accommodate Strickland's schedule. In addition, he invited Strickland to assign a team that will work with the Blackwell campaign to coordinate logistical issues.

THEN ON TUESDAY, I RECEIVED THIS:

STRICKLAND RETREATS FROM 'ANY PLACE, ANY TIME' CHALLENGE
Democrat Wants to 'Negotiate' Debates

COLUMBUS - Yesterday, Republican gubernatorial nominee Ken Blackwell accepted Democrat Ted Strickland's challenge to debate 'any time, in any place about the issues facing Ohio.' Strickland, campaigning in California, quickly retreated.
'He threw down the gauntlet, he threw down the hammer,' Blackwell told reporters Monday. 'I'm picking it up.' In addition, Blackwell proposed dates, cities and times for the upcoming two weeks.
Strickland campaign spokesman Keith Dailey backtracked from his boss's earlier boast, explaining he really didn't mean any place, any time. Dailey further clarified Strickland would have to 'negotiate' any debates and that former DNC Chair and campaign consultant David Wilhelm would do the negotiating.
What a difference a week makes.


THAT WAS STRICKLAND THEN

'I am willing to debate Mr. Blackwell at any time, in any place about the issues facing Ohio,' Strickland said. (Cincinnati Enquirer, Sunday, June 4, 2006)

'The frustrated Democrat said that any time Blackwell wants to debate face-to-face, he'll be ready.' (Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, June 7, 2006)

THIS IS STRICKLAND NOW

'Ted certainly believes it would be viable to debate this summer, if possible,' Dailey said. (Associated Press, June 12, 2006)

'Dailey said Strickland believes it would be 'ideal' to start the debates in the summer.' (Dayton Daily News, Tuesday, June 13, 2006)

Each week, Blackwell will issue a new list of proposed times and dates with the hope a few will accommodate Strickland's schedule.

Which is it Mr. Strickland, you in or out? I think this would a heck of debate, were people will finally see where each candidate stands on the issues.

Brings New Meaning to Cash & Carry

VIA AP

"GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, who has been seeking to raise money for the financially strapped government, returned to the
Gaza Strip Wednesday with a suitcase full of cash, Palestinians officials said.


An official said Zahar was believed to be carrying up to $20 million. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media. An official statement was expected later Wednesday."

Click on the title to read the whole article

Thursday, June 08, 2006

DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD

With the death of Al-Zarqawi it should improves things in Iraq both in the short and long term. Any successor will have to consolidate their base and that may take time. Until that happens, you will see behind the scenes various cell leaders probably jockeying for position by tipping off the OIF forces as to the location of the other leaders, it would create confusion but should help the Coalition begin to make major inroads in knocking down the cells.

In my opion this is a major step towards our troops to begin coming home!

I am not a military expert, so go to www.mudvillegazette.com and read what is being said by those on the ground in Iraq dealing with the WOT on daily basis.