The majority of the Republican Party has expressed its displeasure with the healthcare reform law recently passed by the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress. However, there is one glaring exception. Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, of all people, supports the law. Frist, a former doctor himself, recently participated in an American Hospital Association panel when he made those statements. According to him, the law is relatively moderate. By no means does he consider the bill perfect. Dr. Frist gives the law’s cost control measures a “C” grade. That is still far better than the failing grade most of his ideological colleagues would give it, although the George W. Bush administration and Republican Congress prior to 2006 were also criticized for running up the budget deficit. Despite those concerns, he also said that he is proud of this administration for taking steps to expand access to affordable health insurance to over 30 million Americans. What does he think of those accusations that the law is socialism? First brushes them off. A nationalized health insurance plan would involve the government directly deciding on doctors’ compensation and owning hospitals, which the bill does not do. In addition, Frist predicts that the multi-state lawsuit against the health insurance mandate provision will fail. Will fellow Republicans listen to Frist? Being out of political office, he can afford to be more moderate. In addition, he is largely considered as part of the GOP establishment that repels Tea Party supporters almost as much as Democrats. In the past, he indicated that he would consider voting for the current bill if he had still been in the Senate, but we will never know if those were just empty words.
Texas ag-commissioner candidate touts reform in Abilene
The Democratic candidate for Texas agriculture commissioner unveiled what he called a comprehensive reform plan — including a call to restructure some of the state’s bureaucracies — during a stop Wednesday in Abilene.During a news conference at Frontier Texas!, Hank Gilbert said he sees several areas in which operations of the Texas Department of Agriculture could be improved. He said he chose …
Prospective candidates frequently approach us and ask how they should get started. While our business is specifically helping Republican candidates and organizations raise money, persuade voters, build visibility, recruit and motivate volunteers, and win elections, we can offer some general guidance to help someone become a candidate.
1) Contact the chairman of your local Republican Party. Introduce yourself and let him or her know of your interest in becoming a candidate. Your local Party’s reason for existence is to elect Republicans to office, so they are an excellent resource for any prospective candidate. Usually, they can provide you with a good overview of the local political climate, can help you make the ultimate decision about what office to seek or whether to run at all and can provide grassroots resources to help further your eventual campaign.
2) Evaluate your profile in the community in which you are considering running for office. In addition to your business or personal accomplishments, what have you done in your community that helps to position you as a viable candidate and to raise your visibility? Have you served on local commissions, held an elected office, championed a specific cause? If you have no previous civic involvement, you should consider acquiring some before running for elected office. What organizations count you as a member? Can you count on these groups to help promote your candidacy?
3) Do some research. The Federal Elections Commission (FEC) [link: http://www. fec. gov/ans/answers. shtml ] is the place to start if you are planning to run for Congress. For state level offices, visit the website of your state’s Secretary of State. For county or local level offices, start with your county clerk’s office or elections office.
4) Can you raise money? Face it, all campaigns cost money. If you are not comfortable asking supporters to help further your campaign by writing a check, you should seriously reconsider whether you are prepared to run for office. Few candidates, at any level are financially able to fund their entire campaign, so the ability to inspire people to contribute is a key asset of successful candidates. Candidates for the US House or Senate do not need to register with the FEC until they have raised or spent over $5,000 (check with state or local authorities for limits for other offices). So, starting with your closest family and friends, tell them about your aspirations to run for office and ask them to make a contribution, say, $100 or $200 each. If this goes well, that is, you are comfortable with the conversation and successful (!), you are likely to be a good fundraiser. But, if this experience isn’t one that you want to repeat, you are probably not meant to be a candidate.
5) Reach for the stars, but be realistic. It’s great to aspire to US Congress or the Senate, but if you have never held any elected office, are not prominent in your community or as a high profile business executive, there is probably little chance for you to succeed right out of the gate. Instead, plan a strategy that improves your chance for success. Identify a local office, maybe city council or school board that you can start with. You will gain experience, visibility and build your reputation to prepare for higher office. Alternatively, seek an appointment to a local board or commission. There is plenty of opportunity to contribute to your community in a way that will position you for higher elected office.
Once you have decided to become a candidate, contact Red State New Media. Let us know your starting budget and we will work with you to develop your online campaign to raise money, recruit and inspire volunteers and persuade voters! Our business is helping more Republicans win elected office – will you be our next success story?
lbjs-pens-and-obamas-peril
One wall of the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas celebrates “the thousand laws” Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society, and a showcase proudly displays legions of pens, row upon row, which he used to sign the various measures. Many of the laws were nation-changing in their sweep and impact — for example, the Voting Rights Act, federal aid to education, and Medicare. Some others, full-hearted in intent, were …
Va. Tea party to hold Richmond convention in the fall
The Virginia Tea Party has announced plans to hold its first Virginia convention Oct. 8-9 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Texas GOP State Senator Troy Fraser says “don’t ask me” when asked to explain, justify, or defend his controversial proposal to make Texans jump through new bureaucratic hoops before they are allowed to vote.
Key Republican calls Kagan a ‘dangerous’ nominee
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan picked up more GOP backing Wednesday in her drive toward near-certain confirmation next week, even as a top Republican lashed out at her as “dangerous.”
