Remember with our wallets & in November? Should stores be held accountable for their signs?

Many Americans have vowed this year to “Remember in November”, to remember voting records, to remember bill sponsors, and to hold elected officials accountable for their own actions.  An interesting question was brought to my attention last evening, should business owners be held accountable as well? Should shoppers spend (or not spend) their hard earned dollars at a store or place of business based on the political signs they chose to display on their premises?

In Delaware there has been much buzzing about Pete Schwartzkopf, the House Majority Leader and Representative from Rehoboth Beach.  Many in the state feel that Schwartzkopf has over stepped his bounds in many aspects of legislature.  Schwartzkopf is currently running against Chris Weeks to keep his seat in the Delaware House of Representatives.

Websites have been dedicated to getting Pete Schwartzkopf out of office, including the infamous “Only When Pigs Fly” site.  Voting Pete Schwartzkopf out of office has been a topic of very much discussion on a local “conservative” talk radio station, 92.7 WGMD (as much as a business may be called conservative) as Schwartzkopf is the opposite of what anyone would call conservative.

Interestingly enough, a company that pays a large amount of money to advertise on WGMD has now decided to display a 4ft by 8ft Pete Schwartzkopf sign on the premises.  Atlantic Liquors has been an advertiser which stands out considering many of their ads are actually spoof songs which help lay the foundation that Atlantic Liquors is the “greatest liquor store in the world”.

Last year Pete Schwartzkopf was the primary sponsor of House Bill 212.  HB 212 was essentially defeated, but it was a raise in Delaware’s alcohol taxes.  In fact, according to the synopsis:

“This Act increases the State’s alcoholic beverage tax rates. The rate for beer increases by 2¢ per 12 ounce can. The rate for wine increases by 3¢ per 5 ounce serving. The rate for spirits containing more than 25% ethyl alcohol by volume increases by 15¢ per 750 ml bottle.”

If a concerned citizen can remember this small fact, it seems surprising that a business, especially one which would have to mark up all their products if HB 212 had passed, cannot do the same.  I actually called Atlantic Liquors (302-645-5229) to verify that it was the choice of the business to put the Pete Schwartzkopf sign up underneath one of their large billboards.  The Manager on Duty assured me they had the choice in the matter.

One of my readers, when asked what they would say to Atlantic Liquors right now, responded thusly:

“You may not mind paying more in taxes, but we do! … We are tired of you raising the cost of product to pay for the higher taxes!”

In America, you have the right to display whichever political signs on your property you chose too, but as an American, I have the right to drive down the street to Outlet Liquors (a competitor which may not be the “greatest liquor store in the world” but certainly doesn’t display the sign of a politician who tried to raise the stores own product taxes just last year).

Mike Castle write-in campaign may be an effort to reassert establishment GOP

We have all heard that Chris Coons is “masturbating for Delaware” however it looks like Mike Castle is considering something along the same lines.  Rumor has it that Mike Castle is considering a write-in campaign.

A spokesperson for Castle said “A lot of encouragement has come in, nice calls from people in Delaware who want an independent voice.” In fact, Priscilla Rakestraw, Delaware GOP National Committeewoman claims to have fielded “dozens of calls… mostly from Democrats” who want to help organize a Castle write-in campaign.  Rakestraw, who calls herself a “cheerleader” and specializes in “campaign management”, was first elected Delaware Republican National Committeewoman in 1975.  Rakestraw, with her deeply embedded Republican ties, claims “everyone knows of my relationship and loyalty to Mike Castle. I make no secret of that. I might have to make a tough decision.”

Mike Castle will have to make his decision bySeptember 30th, 2010 at 4:30pm.

One wonders if Priscilla Rakestraw and many members of the establishment GOP in Delaware are behind the call for a Mike Castle write-in campaign.

Tom Ross, to date, refuses to endorse Christine O’Donnell although he has grudgingly apologized.

What would the Republican Party have to gain from a Mike Castle write-in campaign?

There have been calls for the resignation of Tom Ross as well as other heads of the Republican Party.  People have said the Republican leadership in Delaware has proven they are no longer on the same page as the people.  If Christine O’Donnell were to lose against Chris Coons than Tom Ross might feel he is able to keep his position in the Delaware GOP.

What do Chuck Norris and Glen Urquhart have in common? Mike Huckabee

I have heard people ask what the fascination was with Chuck Norris.  They then get kicked in the face by an unseen leg and never ask again.

So why would we be talking about Chuck Norris? (Certainly brownie points to keep from getting that random kick to the face may be a part of it) Is anyone else a subscriber to the Governor Mike Huckabee email list? If you are not, you missed an email from Chuck Norris today.  Huck PAC (which boasts Chuck Norris along with Huckabee himself as spokespersons) has endorsed Glen Urquhart for Congress.  That’s right; Chuck Norris vicariously endorses a Delaware candidate.

What does Chuck Norris say in his email? (By the way, Chuck Norris doesn’t use spell check, if he misspells a word they change the dictionary) Chuck specifies that he “supports Mike Huckabee’s vision and the Huck PAC mission of investing financially to help elect the best candidates possible… pro-life, pro-marriage, fiscal conservatives running for office nationwide.”

Chuck urges us to “do this together, today” (although when Chuck Norris urges, many obey).  Then, Chuck gets even more serious:

“Here’s a hard fact: Elections have serious consequences. We must get more involved today and help Mike Huckabee and Huck PAC fight for strong conservatives. If we don’t, then we will have lost a great opportunity to elect candidates who will work to turn this country around.”

Although there may seem to be a lot of jokes in this piece (and you may find many more here) Chuck has a serious message.  Elections do have serious consequences.  No matter who you vote for, remember you are giving them power.  As James Madison said “The essence of Government is power; and power, lodged as it must be in human hands, will ever be liable to abuse.”

RNC and NRSC vs. O’Donnell: the Republican party in Delaware may soon be changing

Today was another monumental day for Christine O’Donnell, although many are talking about Michael Steele and Karl Rove. Tuesday evening, after the announcement of the primary results in Delaware (and Christine’s “shocking” win) Karl Rove took to the airwaves. Rove’s attack on Christine sounded much like the Castle attacks she had been dealing with for weeks.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) had announced Tuesday evening as well that they would not be financially supporting Christine O’Donnell as it was seen as a waste of money.
Somewhere along the line, someone had a clustermug.

Wednesday Michael Steele and the RNC announced they would be supporting Christine, including the $42,000 that is the maximum amount allowed for donations by the NRSC. Karl Rove must have not only gotten a slap on the wrist, but also a firm flogging (in the true Sussex County style). Steele stated:

“This isn’t thought up in some board room and then spilled out onto the streets of America. This is coming from the streets of America, this is coming from small towns, this is coming from neighborhoods wide and large,” Steele said. “And the establishment in this town is so clueless and so out of touch with what real people are going through every day.”

What Steele points out is an interesting concept, that the establishment GOP in out of touch. People like Tom Ross and Ron Sams should be not only listening, but crying next to their computers as they type their resignation letters (if I were in their shoes, I would also be perpetually drinking right now). Not only did Christine cause a major upset, but so did Glen Urquhart. In fact, the only statewide Republican primaries were won by candidates that were not nominated by the Delaware Republican Party.

So how does the Delaware GOP react? If you go to their offices on Thursday, you will not be able to get literature or signs for O’Donnell or Urquhart. Maybe they need the same speaking to which Karl Rove obviously received behind closed doors…

The Tea Party Movement is teaching many establishment candidates new lessons. “Politics as you know it is dead. We will not accept mediocrity. We will not be a happy medium. We want our standards met or we want you out.” It seems we will get them out. After the leadership has resigned or been voted out, we will rebuild. One thing, however, must be remembered.

Rebuild on principles, not paychecks.

O’Donnell STORMS THE CASTLE! Mike Castle loses to O’Donnell and the Tea Party Express

Tears openly and unashamedly flowed tonight at Christine O’Donnell’s campaign victory watch.  As the results were announced the anticipation mounted, some districts taking longer than others.  Many O’Donnell supporters have shown the kind of dedication and loyalty one rarely sees when dealing with politicians, all building up for this final moment.  Her win tonight shows the country that establishment candidates have no place in the First State.

Tea Party Express endorsed Christine long before many others, seeing something in her that would appeal to conservatives all over the country.  Tea Party Express rolled into Delaware fresh from the Joe Miller campaign in Alaska, bringing with them an unprecedented enthusiasm which Delaware sorely needed and had not seen the likes of before.  Rush Limbaugh, holding true to his record of not endorsing primary candidates, still dedicated large portions of his show to discussing the Delaware Senate primary race, pointing out Mike Castle’s voting record.  Sarah Palin, the NRA, and Jim DeMint endorsements soon followed.

The final week of campaigning for Christine was full of ups and downs, name-calling and back-stabbing, surprises and announcements.  This rollercoaster of a ride was due to the incumbent-type opponent Mike Castle and in large part, due recompense should be given to the Delaware GOP state chair Tom Ross.  Ross and his now infamous statements will be remembered by some as a sign that the “Good Ol’ Boy” party in Delaware needs to be reigned in check.  The media frenzy over his alleged “death threat” (which included the writer’s name and address) will not soon be forgotten.  One wonders if Tom Ross will feel it is honorable to resign from his position given his negative and often derogatory comments towards Christine.

Despite the now elated fans and supporters, Christine realizes the war is not over.  She won the most difficult battle; the tide now rests on the battle against the media and strongly entrenched Democrats in the state.  Will Christine O’Donnell beat Chris Coons? Mike Castle was considered unbeatable in the state yet she beat him.  Will the Delaware GOP’s name-calling hurt Christine or will it hurt the established “Good Ol’ Boy” party in the state? Only the voters of Delaware will tell yet it seems that they have spoken loud and clear tonight.

Can the DE GOP ever endorse O’Donnell? Will the DE GOP endorse Coons?

Somewhere not too far from me, people are in line at the metro, but before I get in line, there is a possibility which needs to be examined.

O’Donnell has now made national headlines, so has Tom Ross.  His statements (especially the dogcatcher one) have inflamed people throughout the country.  Discussions lean towards the fact that the GOP has turned against one of their own.

So… what happens on Wednesday? Rumors have begun to circulate about what the Delaware GOP will do if O’Donnell wins.  This now seems viable, so this should be examined.  Will the proud, tall, strong, might, unbreakable GOP eat their words? Will they tuck their tails in and shake O’Donnell’s hand?

Or will they endorse the Democrat Chris Coons?

Does the GOP (Tom Ross) hate Christine O’Donnell that much?

Here’s what I’m doing today; while at the rally I will be filming people and asking them words of advice for the Delaware GOP.  There will actually be a few of us doing the same thing.

Let’s play a game, let’s see what the establishment does when it’s held accountable to the people

GOP files FEC complaint against O’Donnell & Tea Party Express: includes quotes from accused & VID

The Delaware GOP has filed a formal complaint with the FEC (Federal Election Commission) against Tea Party and Palin favorite Christine O’Donnell.

As O’Donnell’s campaign continues to pick up traction and national recognition, the Delaware GOP (headed by Tom Ross) seems to be scared the establishment candidate Mike Castle may actually lose. Yesterday the GOP released their filing complaint on their website (including a link to the “official” FEC complaint). The link the Delaware GOP provided is no longer valid, so information regarding the complaint may no longer be verified. The GOP press release states the following reasons for filing the complaint (once again the link is no longer available to the general public so this information may not be verified):

 O’Donnell has knowingly accepted excessive contributions from the Tea Party Express that were directly solicited on behalf of the O’Donnell campaign.

 O’Donnell has accepted illegal excessive contributions from the Tea Party Express by engaging in a statewide coordinated communications effort in support of her campaign. This means that every advertisement that is being run by the Tea Party Express in support of Ms. O’Donnell is a violation of Federal law.

Tom Ross, as an afterthought, states the following:
“Christine O’Donnell needs to immediately call upon her third party supporters to cease and desist this illegal behavior. This type of behavior has no place in our political process, and O’Donnell should denounce these illegal ads. Donors deserve to know whether they made an illegal donation so they can demand a refund and get their money back.”

More memorable quotes from Tom Ross (the GOP state chair) include:
“She’s not a viable candidate for any office in the state of Delaware.”
“She could not be elected dog catcher,”

One would think “viable” was a poor choice of words there.  The video below shows Ross speaking at a Tea Party rally last year, it seems his opinions have changed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY8dEJavFVg

Despite the interest gained in the complaint filing, an FEC spokespersondoubts the issue will be resolved before the primary.

One of the people the state GOP has accused had the following to say:
“It is a shame that Tom Ross, once a respected citizen of Delaware has taken such a sharp turn. In 2009 Tom Ross praised the thousands of Delawareans who came out in force on April 15th in favor of the TEA Party movement. Now, just over a year later, Tom Ross has resorted to attacking the TEA Party movement to further the career of a politician whose votes run exactly counter to the ideals of the TEA Party that he only a year ago supported. Mr. Ross has stooped to new lows in trying to portray Christine O’Donnell negatively and now has named me, a private citizen with no official affiliation with the campaign in a complaint alleging wrong doing on my part. I am considering legal options to defend myself and to counter their ridiculous and baseless claims. I believe that these events, coupled with sagging registrations and plummeting fundraising totals show that Mr. Ross is not a capable Chairman. I would ask that Mr. Ross sincerely apologize to all parties named in this complaint, withdrawal it and resign as Chairman. His series of inappropriate actions and comments are not in keeping with the principles and values of the GOP. I hope the RNC will join me in calling for his resignation. I also hope that Mr. Ross will renew his commitment to faith and return to the discourse as a principled individual.”

While Tom Ross may not be resigning anytime soon, it seems agreed by many that he has (in true Biden form) put his proverbial foot in his mouth.

Palin’s O’Donnell is attacked by the RNC while DE GOP attacks O’Donnell AND Tea Party Express

“The time has come for us to put down the protest signs and pick up the campaign signs” says Amy Kremer of the Tea Party Express.

Apparently Sarah Palin agrees. Yesterday Sarah Palin officially endorsed Christine O’Donnell for Delaware Senate on Sean Hannity’s show. Hannity tweeted about the incident after the show.

It also seems the RNC (Republican National Committee) agrees and is ready to pick up campaign signs… for Mike Castle. The RNC has allegedly been making “robo-calls” to voters in Delaware informing people of Castle’s fiscal conservatism. Many already frustrated Delawareans are now becoming angry. They are attempting to call the RNC office today and let them know that Delaware is tired of their establishment candidate (202-863-8500).

O’Donnell’s campaign, still most likely reeling from their unexpected Palin endorsement discussed Palin’s words (spoken and written). Palin had the following to say about O’Donnell: “The wave of positive change can really sweep across our land with the election of Constitutional Conservatives who promise to use common sense and rein in the federal government spending! Please support Christine O’Donnell in Delaware. She will support efforts for America’s energy security, patient-centered health care reform, cutting government waste, and letting the private sector thrive and prosper! We can’t afford “more of the same” in Washington. Christine will help usher in the real change we need to get America on the right track. Please visit her website at www.christine2010.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.”

The Delaware GOP’s response? Tom Ross (who claimed that “she could not be elected dog catcher,”) strangely enough has filed a FEC complaint against O’Donnell pointing to the Tea Party Express and claiming there is illegal activity. Strangely enough Tom Ross may also be heard on NPR (National Public Radio) discussing the O’Donnell and Castle race. One may find it interesting that Tom Ross “Tom Russ explains why candidate Mike Castle is right for the job” on a known Democrat station. Ross points to the number of people who attended a single O’Donnell rally “they had 50 people to rally for a United States Senate candidate”. Mike Castle certainly has more people than that when he shows up in Sussex County, but that may be because he refuses to have any pre-announced rallies in the fear that he may have to account for his voting record.

The Tea Party Express is holding a rally tonight in Sussex County. The 9-12 Delaware Patriots sent out some of the rally information:

“Sussex County – Friday, Sept 10th at 5:30 pm – American Legion Post #28, 3178 Legion Road, Millsboro.

Guest Speakers and Musical Stars:

Tea Party Musical Stars Lloyd Marcus, Rivoli Review and Diana Nagy as well as special guest speakers to include Tea Party Express Chairman, Amy Kremer and Gold Star mom, Debbie Lee.

The 9-12 Delaware Patriots along with other grass roots organizations and candidates will have a booth set up at both rallies. We will have tents set up for shade, please bring your chairs.

Candidates are invited to come and interact with the citizens of Delaware by setting up booths at the Mall. No RSVP is needed.”

Maybe Tom Ross is right and only 50 people will show up here as well… One hopes he is proven wrong. Of course, one life-long Republican state the following to myself and his friends:

” I gave notice to the Delaware GOP, I am dropping them after the Primary’s. I have to get my vote in for Christine O’Donnell. 38 years a Republican, now it is time I become an Independent.

I will not vote for any GOP backed person in Delaware.
Mike Castle, Michele Rollins, Tom Wagner and Colin Bonini.

Pass the word, we are sick of the good old boy network.