Is there a demographic left that hasn’t been attacked by one of Obama’s leftist pals? By the way Barack, good luck with the Catholic vote in November. Hee, hee…

Cardinal Francis George of the Archdiocese of Chicago just issued this statement about Father Michael Pfleger’s ridicule of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in a sermon at the church of Sen. Barack Obama, Trinity United Church of Christ, on Sunday:

“The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.

“Racial issues are both political and moral and are also highly charged. Words can be differently interpreted, but Fr. Pfleger’s remarks about Senator Clinton are both partisan and amount to a personal attack. I regret that deeply.

“To avoid months of turmoil in the church, Fr. Pfleger has promised me that he will not enter into campaigning, will not publicly mention any candidate by name and will abide by the discipline common to all catholic priests.”

Source: ABC News

(May 30, 2008) — Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on Rev. Michael Pfleger’s remarks at Sen. Barack Obama’s church that led the Catholic priest to apologize and the Democratic hopeful to renounce them:

“Most commentators are already focusing on the inappropriateness of the race-baiting comments by Father Pfleger. More serious is the venue in which he delivered his diatribe and his long-standing ties to Sen. Obama.

“Father Pfleger’s tirade would be inexcusable anywhere, but it is even more offensive when it happens in a church. It does not matter that it was not his own, nor does it matter that it happened in a church that has a record of allowing demagogues to exploit it. When churches become forums for political rallies, both religion and the First Amendment are corrupted.

“Obama and Pfleger are no strangers. Indeed, when Obama was in the state senate in Illinois, he conveniently arranged for Father Pfleger’s St. Sabina’s Church to receive state monies for its social programs. Of course, the guardians of church and state separation said nothing then and they are saying nothing now. That’s because they’re all in the tank for Obama. Just as important, why is it that of all the wonderful Catholic priests in the Chicago Archdiocese, Obama long ago chose Pfleger to hang with? Truth be known, Pfleger has a very troubling history: he has welcomed the anti-Semite Louis Farrakhan to preach in his church; he has hired prostitutes to worship there; he has been arrested for defacing billboards; and he once urged the crowd at an anti-gun rally to hunt down a gun store owner ‘like a rat’ and ‘snuff’ him.

“Senator Obama says he wants to bring people together. Then why does he choose as his clerical friends people like Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Pfleger? They are two peas in a pod, both equally divisive, separated only by the color of their skin.”

Source: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights

In a letter to the General Manager of WJAR NBC10, Lisa Churchville, Governor Carcieri’s Senior Advisor for Communications, John Robitaille, took WJAR NBC10 to task for “a carefully orchestrated partisan attack on the Governor” during a taping of NBC10 News Conference on May 22.

Mr. Robitaille reminded Ms. Churchville that, during that show, Channel 10’s political reporter, Bill Rappleye, “made an unsupported and poorly researched accusation of an ethics violation on the part of the Governor. That same night, Channel 10 aired a lead story accusing the Governor of an ethics violation in the hiring of his niece-in-law which took place over five years ago.” (click here for a detailed response by the Governor to this accusation).

“Mr. Rappleye knew that the story had previously been printed by the Providence Journal and that no ethics concerns had been raised. The Governor’s Media Office provided Mr. Rappleye with that information. Additionally, Mr. Rappleye’s story did not mention a change to the regulations that occured on or around 2007 that broadened the scope of the existing Ethics Code. But still, he badgered the Governor about the alleged violation during the taping of the show,” Mr. Robitaille’s letter noted.

He concluded, “NBC10 has allowed Mr. Rappleye to cross the line between professional journalism and political commentary. The Governor deserves an apology from NBC10.”

Text of the original letter

Looks like Bob Dole is still going strong. Good for him!

Bob Dole yesterday sent a scalding email to Scott McClellan, excoriating the former White House spokesman as a “miserable creature” who greedily betrayed his former patron for a fast buck.

In an extraordinary message obtained and authenticated by Politico, Dole uses his trademark biting wit to portray McClellan as a classic Washington opportunist.

“There are miserable creatures like you in every administration who don’t have the guts to speak up or quit if there are disagreements with the boss or colleagues,” Dole wrote in a message sent yesterday morning. “No, your type soaks up the benefits of power, revels in the limelight for years, then quits, and spurred on by greed, cashes in with a scathing critique.”

Michael Marshall, Dole’s spokesman and colleague at the Alston Bird law firm, confirms the message came from the former senator and presidential candidate. “Yes, it is authentic,” Marshall wrote in an email.

“In my nearly 36 years of public service I’ve known of a few like you,” Dole writes, recounting his years representing Kansas in the House and Senate. “No doubt you will ‘clean up’ as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, ‘Biting The Hand That Fed Me.’ Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years”

Dole assures McClellan that he won’t read the book — “because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high profile job”

“That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively,” Dole concludes. “You’re a hot ticket now but don’t you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?”

He signs the email simply: “BOB DOLE”

Source: The Politico

To my friends,

As most of you already know, I have announced my candidacy for the Office of State Representative in Rhode Islands 67th House district.

When I moved to Rhode Island in 2002 I saw what this great state had to offer and came to love it. When I had to leave school and RI that very next year I vowed that I would return to RI and to finish school and I have done just that. I see the future of RI as a bright one and hope that you do, too.

As we go through these tough times we look to our elected officials to bring our State in the right direction, however we should also look to them for answers as to why it has become this bad. It is the hope of a brighter future that drives me in this race. We need fiscally responsible elected officials, who will put the greater interests of the State before their own personal interests. We must act now to effect change in Rhode Island, our future begins now.

Please join me Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at The Nat Porter Restaurant on Water Street in Warren RI, as I make my formal announcement for the Office of State Representative in Rhode Island’s 67th House District, representing Warren and part of Barrington. I look forward to seeing you there!

All the best,

Dana Joseph Peloso
Candidate for State Representative
House District 67 - Warren / Barrington
dpeloso291 [at] hawks [dot] rwu [dot] edu

You are cordially invited to join Governor Donald Carcieri, Mayor Steven Laffey, and many other Republican leaders, dignitaries, concerned citizens and supporters for an informative and enjoyable evening at Cassarino’s Restaurant, 117 Atwells Avenue, in Providence.

Mark Zaccaria, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress from District 2, is hosting this event on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM to meet and greet fellow enthusiasts at this important campaign event. Your support can help elect Mark Zaccaria as the next U.S. Congressman from Rhode Island’s Second District, and help put America back on the Right track again.

If you are not able to attend but would like to contribute to the campaign please mail your check to:

Mark ZACCARIA for U.S. Congress District 2 - Rhode Island
35 Congdon Hill Road
Saunderstown, RI 02874

401-294-3191
http://www.markz4ri.org/index.html
campaign [at] markz4ri [dot] org

Text of Memorial Day remarks delivered at Arlington National Cemetery today by President George W. Bush:

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Mr. Secretary, thank you for the kind introduction. Members of my Cabinet, members of the administration, Admiral Mullen, members of the United States Congress, Senator Warner and Congressman Skelton, members of the military, our veterans, honored guests, families of the fallen: Laura and I are honored to be with you on Memorial Day and thank you for coming.

A few moments ago, I placed a wreath upon the tomb of three brave American[s] who gave their lives in service to our nation. The names of these honored are known only to the Creator who delivered them home from the anguish of war — but their valor is known to us all. It’s the same valor that endured the stinging cold of Valley Forge. It is the same valor that planted the proud colors of a great nation on a mountaintop on Iwo Jima. It is the same valor that charged fearlessly through the assault of enemy fire from the mountains of Afghanistan to the deserts of Iraq. It is the valor that has defined the armed forces of the United States of America throughout our history.

Today, we gather to honor those who gave everything to preserve our way of life. The men and women we honor here served for liberty. They sacrificed for liberty. And in countless acts of courage, they died for liberty. From faraway lands, they were returned to cemeteries like this one, where broken hearts received their broken bodies — they found peace beneath the white headstones in the land they fought to defend.

It is a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom that the number of headstones in a place such as this grows with every new Memorial Day. In a world where freedom is constantly under attack and in a world where our security is challenged, the joys of liberty are often purchased by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater than themselves. Today we mourn and remember all who have given their lives in the line of duty. Today we lift up our hearts especially those who’ve fallen in the past year…

Read More: The White House

RYAN BILODEAU TO REPRESENT RI Congressional district 1 IN 2008 U.S. MODEL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Prestigious program allows students to experience life as a Congressman for 1 week

(Woonsocket, RI) - The 2008 United States Model House of Representatives has been announced by the American Youth Scholarship Foundation. The United States Model House of Representatives draws one student from each Congressional District to Capitol Hill from May 27-31, 2008 for a simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives. This program will provide Ryan Bilodeau and other participating students with the foremost experience and education about the inner workings of Congress.

“Serving as a Student Representative in the U.S. Model House of Representatives is a great opportunity for college students across the country to learn about policy making, relationship building, and negotiation skills, within the walls of Congress,” said Aurelia Figueroa, Executive Director of the American Youth Scholarship Foundation, and Founder of the United States Model House of Representatives program.

Mr. Bilodeau will take part in events such as writing and voting on Bills and hearings in the committee rooms of the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill. Events will also be hosted by other prominent Washington, D.C. based organizations.

WaterFire, the popular multimedia fire installation by artist Barnaby Evans located on the rivers of Downtown Providence, kicks off its 13th season tonight!

The first full lighting of the 2008 season will commence later tonight, sponsored by Bank of America and Brown University. Sunset this evening is at 8:09 PM and the event will go on until Midnight. In addition, the Sovereign Plaza Ballroom will return featuring Foxtrot, Waltz, and Swing music and dancing!

We’ll be trying out something brand new in order to raise more money from the public in order to keep WaterFire burning brightly. You can visibly show your support for WaterFire by contributing $3 or more to receive a “Ribbon of Light” and be part of the river of blue on the shore. The ribbons are a very deep shade of blue, and the effect should be that of an undulating river in the darkness upon the shore. Contrasted with the orange flames on the water, it should be very beautiful. You can take the ribbons home at the end of the evening or recycle them. You can make your donation at any of the WaterFire stations marked by the illuminated blue balloon columns. Every dollar raised goes to support WaterFire!

Please remember that WaterFire Providence is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization, which derives the vast majority of its funding from private sources. Please contribute when you come or donate online!

Governor Donald L. Carcieri today disputed a suggestion by WJAR Channel 10 that he violated the state Ethics Code when he hired Stephanie Accaputo to work in his constituent affairs office in January 2003 and announced his intention to ask the Ethics Commission for an advisory opinion on her continued employment in state government. As the daughter of Suzanne Carcieri’s brother, she is the Governor’s niece-in-law.

In particular, the Governor noted that neither the statute nor the regulation in place at the time clearly barred the employment of a public official’s niece-in-law. No such provision was enacted until 2007. According to Rhode Island General Law 36-14-2, family members covered by the Ethics Code include:

“a spouse and any dependent children of any public official or public employee as well as a person who is related to any public official or public employee, whether by blood, adoption or marriage, as any of the following: father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother, grandson, granddaughter, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, halfbrother or halfsister;”

Neither a public official’s niece nor his or her niece-in-law is listed in this statute. Similarly, the Ethics Commission regulation that was in force at the time of Ms. Accaputo’s hiring in 2003 failed to bar the employment of a niece-in-law.

Instead, Regulation 36-14-5005 on nepotism stated:

“The prohibitions contained herein which relate to the spouse or dependent child of a person subject to this Code of Ethics, except as to that activity described in Section 5(h), shall also pertain to any of the following relatives of such person, whether by blood, marriage or adoption: Parents, grandparents, adult children, siblings, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and first cousins.”

As a result, Ms. Accaputo’s employment was appropriate under both state law and Ethics Commission regulations in force at the time…

Read More: Office of the Governor

This is certainly something that’s been talked about in many circles privately as to why she’s continued running despite the longest of odds, given the Clinton’s, er, interesting history (cough… Vince Foster, cough… Ron Brown), but no one actually thought she’d actually come out and say it in public! Was this merely an unfortunate slip of the tongue, or her subconscious “HOPE” coming to the surface? Remember, almost nothing with the Clinton’s is “accidental.”

Hillary cites RFK assassination in explaining why she’s still in race

Hillary Clinton today cited the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy during the 1968 presidential campaign to explain why she was remaining in the race despite long odds.

“We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California,” Clinton told the editorial board of a South Dakota newspaper. ” I don’t understand it,” Clinton added, alluding to the calls for her to quit.

Clinton made the statement after pointing out that her husband didn’t lock up the nomination until June of 1992, trying to point out that, by past history, it’s not late in the campaign.

But Barack Obama received Secret Service protection one year ago this month, the earliest ever in presidential history, after reports of threats.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement that “Senator Clinton’s statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign.”

Clinton’s made the comment to the Argus Leader newspaper in Sioux Falls, S.D.

UPDATE: Clinton’s campaign has put out a statement in her name, apologizing for the remark.

From the Office of the Governor:

After nearly two dozen meetings by the Governor’s staff with leaders representing public employees, and countless hours spent crafting proposals to those unions, recent radio and television advertisements criticizing the Governor and smearing four individuals under the Governor’s authority in an almost sophomoric way are revealing that these union leaders are not serious about contributing to the solution of the budget crisis facing the state.

From the State of the State Address to the formal budget speeches at the beginning of the year, the Governor has made it clear that we must realize a certain level of savings in each of the three major areas of state expenses: Personnel, Social Services, and Aid to Towns and Cities. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the union leaders are perfectly willing to let Social Services and the Towns and Cities shoulder the whole burden of solving the budget crisis.

This is unfortunate and their recent ads on TV and radio are irresponsible. Worse than mocking the Governor, they are mocking the people who use our social services systems and those who are struggling to balance budgets in the cities and towns.

Sen. Barack ‘Appeasement’ Obama used his brief time on the Senate floor this morning to try to score a cheap political point by attacking Sen. John McCain’s principled position regarding the “new” GI Bill which was up for consideration before the Senate today. Obama’s comments follow his typical pattern of first heaping praise upon his opponent, then unleashing some kind of criticism. McCain would have none of it.

“I respect Sen. John McCain’s service to our country,” Obama said on the Senate floor this morning. “He is one of those heroes of which I speak. But I can’t understand why he would line up behind the president in opposition to this GI Bill. I can’t believe why he believes it is too generous to our veterans. I could not disagree with him and the president more on this issue.”

This was the response from Sen. John McCain:

“It is typical, but no less offensive that Senator Obama uses the Senate floor to take cheap shots at an opponent and easy advantage of an issue he has less than zero understanding of. Let me say first in response to Senator Obama, running for President is different than serving as President. The office comes with responsibilities so serious that the occupant can’t always take the politically easy route without hurting the country he is sworn to defend. Unlike Senator Obama, my admiration, respect and deep gratitude for America’s veterans is something more than a convenient campaign pledge. I think I have earned the right to make that claim…

“But I am running for the office of Commander-in-Chief. That is the highest privilege in this country, and it imposes the greatest responsibilities. It would be easier politically for me to have joined Senator Webb in offering his legislation. More importantly, I feel just as he does, that we owe veterans the respect and generosity of a great nation because no matter how generously we show our gratitude it will never compensate them fully for all the sacrifices they have borne on our behalf.

“Senators Graham, Burr and I have offered legislation that would provide veterans with a substantial increase in educational benefits. The bill we have sponsored would increase monthly education benefits to $1500; eliminate the $1200 enrollment fee; and offer a $1000 annually for books and supplies. Importantly, we would allow veterans to transfer those benefits to their spouses or dependent children or use a part of them to pay down existing student loans. We also increase benefits to the Guard and Reserve, and even more generously to those who serve in the Selected Reserve.

“I know that my friend and fellow veteran, Senator Jim Webb, an honorable man who takes his responsibility to veterans very seriously, has offered legislation with very generous benefits. I respect and admire his position, and I would never suggest that he has anything other than the best of intentions to honor the service of deserving veterans. Both Senator Webb and I are united in our deep appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives so that the rest of us may be secure in our freedom. And I take a backseat to no one in my affection, respect and devotion to veterans. And I will not accept from Senator Obama, who did not feel it was his responsibility to serve our country in uniform, any lectures on my regard for those who did. Read the rest of this entry »

I compliment the House leadership for getting it right, for now. “Disclosure,” when it comes to politics, is a very good thing. Sunlight is a great disinfectant — we need more; not less. If you allow people to make what are in effect anonymous, unlimited campaign contributions in order to support or oppose candidates, you are effectively neutering the need for any campaign finance laws.

We’re not simply talking about one person communicating with another. We’re talking about unions, myriad special interest groups, and perhaps even corporations directly influencing elections — anonymously. Anyone with enough money could cause as much mischief as they could afford without fear of repercussion. This would also have a chilling effect on potential candidates for office.

It is absolutely appalling that the Board of Elections would lend any credibility towards such an effort which would clearly be ripe for fraud and abuse.

Perhaps the House leadership came to the realization that they might be the primary targets of potential anonymous pamphleteers this election season?

(Projo.com) — House leaders have scuttled a planned vote today on a bill to provide anonymity to political pamphleteers and those placing political-attack ads in newspapers.

House spokesman Larry Berman said he was advised by House Majority Leader Gordon Fox, D-Providence, that the bill is being sent back to a House Judiciary Committee instead for a second look. Whether it will ever re-emerge is unclear.

Action on the bill was postponed for the first time last week after it created a ruckus on the House floor. House Minority Leader Robert Watson, R-East Greenwich, led the charge.

Reminding a Democratic colleague across the room of the bare-knuckled reelection campaign he endured a few years ago, Watson said: “At least you knew who was firing those missiles. At least you knew who was building those bombs and lobbing them into your lap.

“Mr. Speaker, we’re going to have a bunch of anonymous terrorists playing in our political sandbox and I’m not sure I agree with that.”

Current law bans the airing or distribution of any campaign flier, poster or newspaper advertisement that is designed to “injure or defeat” a candidate for public office, criticize “the candidate’s personal character or political action” or defeat a ballot question unless it contains the name and address of the person responsible for it and, with respect to print ads, the word “advertisement” is displayed on a separate line in the same typeface.

The bill sponsored by Representatives Nicholas Mattiello, D-Cranston, and Patricia Serpa, D-West Warwick, to repeal these requirements was recommended by the state Board of Elections, at the urging of the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union.

The Rhode Island Young Republicans will be sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates for National Committee” event on Thursday, May 22, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Knights of Columbus Hall
1047 Park Avenue
Cranston, RI

Come support your RNC National Committeeman and Committeewoman candidates of choice by voting for them as many times as you want in a straw poll! Winners will be announced at the end of the evening. Cash Bar available.

Cost: $10.00 per person or $25.00 per person to enter the event and to become an official member of the Young Republicans.

For more information please visit the YR’s website at : http://www.riyr.org or email YR Chair Ryan McFarland at ryan [at] riyr [dot] org.

Our Mission:
The YRs are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. We reach out to Ocean State Republicans, ages 18-40, and provide them with information on local and statewide issues. Not in that age bracket? No problem. There are plenty of YR alumni still active in helping us become a better organization.

Our Goal:
Energize and educate the next wave of R.I. Republicans. We understand you don’t have time to attend every event. So, through this webpage, we’re bringing Rhode Island Politics to YOU. Get to know Republican leaders via You Tube videos and interviews, interactive message boards, and more. Ask questions. Get answers. Be involved.

KEY VOTE ALERT
“NO” on Veto Override of the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419)

The Club for Growth urges all members of Congress to vote “NO” on the veto override vote for the Farm Bill (H.R. 2419). A vote in both chambers is expected as early as today. This key vote will be part of our 2008 Congressional Scorecard.

This bill is a massive spending proposal that would create increased dependency on the government and distort the market for agricultural products.

The Farm Bill is an amalgamation of special interest treats, financed with billions in hard-earned tax dollars and budget gimmicks. It would create higher and expanded subsidies and it would stifle global trade negotiations. For all of these reasons, plus the lack of true reform of the farm program, President Bush has rightly vetoed this bill. And we believe it should be vigorously sustained.

Our Congressional Scorecard for the 110th Congress provides a comprehensive rating of how well or how poorly each member of Congress supports pro-growth, free-market policies and will be distributed to our members and to the public.

Business and Community Leaders to Discuss Economic Development Priorities

Governor Donald L. Carcieri will host a meeting of the Economic Policy Council on May 21, 2008 and lead business and civic leaders in a discussion of the state’s economic development plan and priorities. This is the first meeting of the EPC since the council was consolidated into the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC).

“The turbulence of today’s economy makes it critically important that our state’s public and private sector leadership rally around a common vision for a brighter economic future and stay committed to plans that will help us achieve it,” Governor Carcieri said today. “We are grateful to have this prestigious group of leaders participate in a focused discussion about actions we can take today to create jobs and stimulate growth.”

The meeting will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s office at 555 Valley Street in Providence.

In March, Governor Carcieri announced his decision to consolidate the EPC into the RIEDC to ensure closer alignment around a single economic development strategy and sharpen the state’s focus on priority programs.

As an advisory body to the RIEDC, the EPC has an important role to play in the implementation of RIEDC’s 2008 Economic Growth Plan, which seeks to create jobs in key sectors of Rhode Island’s economy and increase the percentage of jobs in Rhode Island that pay above the national average wage of $42,000 from 40 to 60 percent over the next ten years, with increases each year…

Read More: Office of the Governor