WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “I want to congratulate Rick Lazio on becoming the Republican candidate for Governor today.  Runaway spending, never-ending tax increases and endless indictments are not what the voters of New York need for four more years.  They need and deserve the kind of leadership and policies Rick Lazio is offering.  I look forward to working with Rick and New York Republicans as they begin to turn around their great state.” 

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Congratulations to all the New Mexican Republican candidates who won their primaries, and especially to Susana Martinez, who today becomes the first Hispanic woman nominated for Governor by either of the major parties in the United States.  Republicans everywhere can be proud of Martinez’s landmark achievement and the major national significance of her nomination by the Republican Party to be the next Governor of New Mexico.  “New Mexico’s strong Republican leaders will stand up to Barack Obama’s spend first, tax later policies that have resulted in nearly 10 percent national unemployment, government-run healthcare, and a culture of political bailouts.  The Republican Party is excited to march towards the November elections with a clear message of less government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, and support for small businesses.”

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “In the three months since Joe Sestak first made his allegation the White House has denied, stonewalled and is now trying to downplay the claims with an unsubstantiated memo. This memo frankly raises more questions: What was Bill Clinton authorized to offer?  Did President Obama sign off on this conversation before it took place?  Now more than ever it is clear that this White House is not capable of policing itself and needs to open itself to an independent investigation.  But perhaps most disturbing is that this is an administration that claims to be the most transparent, accountable and ethical White House in history.  The only thing we know for certain now is that they have failed on all three counts.” – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “For the first time in our nation’s history, the national debt has exceeded $13 trillion, further evidence of the Obama Administration’s blatant disregard for the American taxpayer.  At a time when American families are tightening their belts, President Obama and his enablers in Congress have been on a binge spending spree.  From his misguided stimulus that has failed to create jobs to his reckless health care experiment, President Obama has refused to allow financial reality to temper his liberal, big government, free-spending agenda.  Americans are begging for accountability in Washington, and this November they will vote for leaders who will stand up against the spending and produce common sense solutions to reduce our nation’s debt.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “For the first time in our nation’s history, the national debt has exceeded $13 trillion, further evidence of the Obama Administration’s blatant disregard for the American taxpayer.  At a time when American families are tightening their belts, President Obama and his enablers in Congress have been on a binge spending spree.  From his misguided stimulus that has failed to create jobs to his reckless health care experiment, President Obama has refused to allow financial reality to temper his liberal, big government, free-spending agenda.  Americans are begging for accountability in Washington, and this November they will vote for leaders who will stand up against the spending and produce common sense solutions to reduce our nation’s debt.”

The progressives that advocate the legalization of marijuana are conveniently empathetic; a mind altering drug is acceptable if it potentially raises revenue, despite the societal Pandora's Box that it opens.<br /><br />California has become consumed with an extremely perverse form of progressivism. This ideological drug is so addictive, that its physical counterpart, marijuana, has qualified as a ballot measure for legalization.<br /> <br />Last month I wrote a piece called <span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="http://blog.cagop.org/2010/04/back-to-reality.html">Back to Reality</a></span>, in which I explained the harsh realities of drug abuse, urban decay, and other societal woes. I was completely mystified by the response. Marijuana users e-mailed me in droves, relying on half-baked and unsubstantiated medical reasons for statewide legalization as if to say that marijuana is the only drug capable of alleviating pain. <br /><br />How pathetic. Since appealing to compassion doesn't work, let's try a more logical and analytical approach.<br /><br />Just think of the mountains of new laws and regulations that will have to be enacted to regulate legalized marijuana. What would be the legal limit for drivers? What about passengers who are smoking-will there be a law prohibiting contact buzz? Go for a jog and ask yourself these questions. How will we determine who is too high? Will the state create an apparatus? Wouldn't that cost more money... where would the revenue come from to enforce these laws? If you guessed out your pocket...bingo.<br /> <br />Let's have a look at the potential impact on business. How will HR departments across the state handle this? Will businesses be forced to allow their employees hourly "pot breaks?" How will that affect productivity? I can tell you... probably for the worse.<br /> <br />There is a tax for everything in this state. If you don't believe me, ask all the small business owners who have fled California in search of tax asylum. Marijuana would only lead this state down a similar tax-ridden path. Who would enforce these new laws and regulations? Would the state create a tax to fund a bureau of marijuana control? Or would it rely on the already understaffed and overburdened local police departments? Both answer leads to more money coming out of your pocket to support someone else's habit.<br /> <br />So many questions, not enough answers.<br /> <br />A drug dealer is not going to give up his income. It's just not going to happen. Even if they did, marijuana is a cash only business. Drug dealers don't walk around with a sign that says "VISA and MASTERCARD accepted". Drug dealers could rake in thousands of dollars and report as little as 50 cents if they wanted to, and the Board of Equalization wouldn't able to do a thing about it. I can only imagine that the medical marijuana system would suffer as well. If everyone can grow marijuana, what happens to those small businesses that legitimately produce the drug? It is not a sustainable system.<br /> <br />Everybody knows somebody who, while stoned, suddenly came up with the "idea of a lifetime." Unfortunately, those great ideas tend to look not so great the next morning after the buzz wears away. The people who believe taxing marijuana makes perfect sense, man, sound like they've been busy smoking the same stuff they want legalized.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4415342305243133312-637317794131866284?l=blog.cagop.org' alt='' /></div>

  WASHINGTON – Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) will hold a press conference call tomorrow at 2:00 PM ET to discuss President Obama’s meeting with small business owners. Details of the press conference call are as follows: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 WHAT:             Press Conference Call WHO:               Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) WHEN:              2:00 PM ET                               

  WASHINGTON – Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) will hold a press conference call tomorrow at 2:00 PM ET to discuss President Obama’s meeting with small business owners. Details of the press conference call are as follows: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 WHAT:             Press Conference Call WHO:               Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) WHEN:              2:00 PM ET      CALL-IN:         800-475-8401                          Pass Code: ILLINOIS

  WASHINGTON – Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) will hold a press conference call tomorrow at 2:00 PM ET to discuss President Obama’s meeting with small business owners. Details of the press conference call are as follows: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 WHAT:             Press Conference Call WHO:               Congressman Aaron Schock (IL-18) WHEN:              2:00 PM ET      CALL-IN:         800-475-8401                          Pass Code: ILLINOIS

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Sitting next to me on Fox News Sunday this morning, DNC Chair Gov. Tim Kaine made it clear that the White House must deal with questions surrounding the job offer made to Joe Sestak to keep him out of the Pennsylvania senate race.  It is time for the White House and Joe Sestak to come clean and answer the question: What did the President offer and when did he offer it? Given all of its talk about openness and transparency, the White House cannot stonewall on this issue any longer.” To view a video of Kaine’s statement, plus a statement from Rep. Joe Sestak on this morning’s Meet the Press, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qZdbB-hQ9Q.

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Sitting next to me on Fox News Sunday this morning, DNC Chair Gov. Tim Kaine made it clear that the White House must deal with questions surrounding the job offer made to Joe Sestak to keep him out of the Pennsylvania senate race.  It is time for the White House and Joe Sestak to come clean and answer the question: What did the President offer and when did he offer it? Given all of its talk about openness and transparency, the White House cannot stonewall on this issue any longer.” To view a video of Kaine’s statement, plus a statement from Rep. Joe Sestak on this morning’s Meet the Press, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qZdbB-hQ9Q.

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “Sitting next to me on Fox News Sunday this morning, DNC Chair Gov. Tim Kaine made it clear that the White House must deal with questions surrounding the job offer made to Joe Sestak to keep him out of the Pennsylvania senate race.  It is time for the White House and Joe Sestak to come clean and answer the question: What did the President offer and when did he offer it? Given all of its talk about openness and transparency, the White House cannot stonewall on this issue any longer.” To view a video of Kaine’s statement, plus a statement from Rep. Joe Sestak on this morning’s Meet the Press, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qZdbB-hQ9Q.

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “I would like to congratulate Charles Djou on his incredible victory in Hawaii’s First Congressional District. His success and this victory came in Barack Obama’s hometown, a district the President carried by a margin of 70-28% in 2008.  Charles’ victory is evidence his conservative message of lowering the tax burden, job creation and government accountability knows no party lines.  It is a message Americans want to hear from candidates across the country.  This race was about the people of Hawaii and not the union bosses and special interest groups that tried to influence the outcome.  Charles Djou is the type of candidate and ran the type of campaign that will help lead us to historic gains this November.  Along with the NRCC who worked so hard in this race, we are proud to welcome him to Congress and know his future is bright in the Republican Party.”

  WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele released the following statement today: “I would like to congratulate Charles Djou on his incredible victory in Hawaii’s First Congressional District. His success and this victory came in Barack Obama’s hometown, a district the President carried by a margin of 70-28% in 2008.  Charles’ victory is evidence his conservative message of lowering the tax burden, job creation and government accountability knows no party lines.  It is a message Americans want to hear from candidates across the country.  This race was about the people of Hawaii and not the union bosses and special interest groups that tried to influence the outcome.  Charles Djou is the type of candidate and ran the type of campaign that will help lead us to historic gains this November.  Along with the NRCC who worked so hard in this race, we are proud to welcome him to Congress and know his future is bright in the Republican Party.”

  WASHINGTON – Senator David Vitter (R-LA) released the following weekly Republican address.  The address is available in both audio and video format and is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, May 22, 2010. NOTE: The address is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Audio of the address is available here. Video of the address is available here. TRANSCRIPT: “Hi I’m Senator David Vitter of Louisiana. “What a month it’s been since the initial explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform just off Louisiana’s coast. “While the Gulf oil spill most directly impacts Louisiana and our immediate neighbors, people all across the country certainly share in our feelings of anxiety as the ongoing gushing of the well continues.  “They’ve also shared by joining together to provide relief for those most affected by this tragedy.  And, I know I speak for all Louisianians when I express how grateful we are for that outpouring of support.  “As we continue to work toward a recovery solution, none of us should lose sight that there are families who’ve lost loved ones.  That is the greatest tragedy – something everyone in Washington should try a little harder to remember. “I’ve also been all along Louisiana’s coast over the last few weeks meeting with those economically devastated - oystermen and fishermen, mayors and local officials and others hit hard by the impacts of the spill.  They have clearly expressed that they don’t want a handout – they want a job and a paycheck.  And through the Vessels of Opportunity program, many of these folks have been hired to man the coastline and marsh protection efforts underway.  “But clearly more needs to be done.  “From the annual blessing of the boats in Chalmette – a somber event this year - to the public meetings with the Vietnamese community in New Orleans that continues to struggle in working with BP on claims issues, I’ve listened, learned, and left with a much deeper perspective on how people’s lives all along the coast have been disrupted. “That’s why it’s so frustrating to many Louisianans that while the crisis actually continues in the Gulf – while we’re still fighting to contain the well – Washington Democratic Committee Chairmen have rushed to create media events for television cameras instead of devoting full attention to stopping the immediate problem. “I guess it’s typical of the culture in Washington for politicians to believe that they can solve an ongoing crisis with statements and testimonies in Congressional committee rooms.  But the time for committee hearings is for after the well has been capped – not before. “Folks closer to the scene understand that.  We want 100 percent of the attention of all parties focused on our two most immediate problems: stopping the gushing oil, and protecting our coastlines and marshes from the oil. “In addition to capping the well, coastal communities are in desperate need of more floating containment barriers, known as ‘boom.’  And I’ve talked numerous times to Admiral Thad Allen about this need. “But this boom is really just a band aid to the larger wound of the spill.  A greater, more substantial solution would be for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work immediately with our state to build up and extend our barrier islands made from materials dredged from the immediate area – our rivers and deltas.  With BP, by the way, appropriately paying the bill. “To prevent this type of incident from ever happening again, I’ve also worked with other Gulf Coast Senators to introduce legislation that addresses two specific areas: the liability cap for the responsible party of a spill, and greater technological preparedness to address any future incidents much more rapidly and effectively. “Our Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act would establish a new liability cap equal to the last four quarters of the responsible party’s profits or double the current limit, whichever is greater.  “The bill would establish much greater reserve requirements for the amount of boom –capable of withstanding up to six-foot waves – and would direct work on technology to effectively cap leaks like the one currently gushing in the Gulf.  “That would make offshore drilling safer, smarter and more reliable, but not extinct.   “Some in Washington have tried to seize on this real human tragedy in the Gulf to advocate for a radical new energy agenda.  “That only cheapens the loss of those who’ve lost loved ones and brushes aside the ongoing, unsolved problem to spring forward with an emotionally-charged political agenda. “That’s wrong and, frankly, an example of bankrupt leadership. “Both Republicans and Democrats say they want to decrease our foreign dependence on oil, but ending all domestic energy production offshore would only make us that much more dependent.   “And this false choice on how to proceed in the future of energy exploration in the wake of a terrible accident contributes little to the debate. “We all acknowledge that alternative fuels are the future, but the sad reality is that they are still very much in the future from a practical-use standpoint.  “That’s why domestic energy production is critical to free ourselves from foreign energy sources and should provide a bridge toward that more renewable, cleaner future.  “I believe Americans understand that, even in the midst of this tragedy.  And I know Louisianans do.  Thank you.” 

  WASHINGTON – Senator David Vitter (R-LA) released the following weekly Republican address.  The address is available in both audio and video format and is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. ET, Saturday, May 22, 2010. NOTE: The address is embargoed until 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Audio of the address is available here. Video of the address is available here. TRANSCRIPT: “Hi I’m Senator David Vitter of Louisiana. “What a month it’s been since the initial explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil platform just off Louisiana’s coast. “While the Gulf oil spill most directly impacts Louisiana and our immediate neighbors, people all across the country certainly share in our feelings of anxiety as the ongoing gushing of the well continues.  “They’ve also shared by joining together to provide relief for those most affected by this tragedy.  And, I know I speak for all Louisianians when I express how grateful we are for that outpouring of support.  “As we continue to work toward a recovery solution, none of us should lose sight that there are families who’ve lost loved ones.  That is the greatest tragedy – something everyone in Washington should try a little harder to remember. “I’ve also been all along Louisiana’s coast over the last few weeks meeting with those economically devastated - oystermen and fishermen, mayors and local officials and others hit hard by the impacts of the spill.  They have clearly expressed that they don’t want a handout – they want a job and a paycheck.  And through the Vessels of Opportunity program, many of these folks have been hired to man the coastline and marsh protection efforts underway.  “But clearly more needs to be done.  “From the annual blessing of the boats in Chalmette – a somber event this year - to the public meetings with the Vietnamese community in New Orleans that continues to struggle in working with BP on claims issues, I’ve listened, learned, and left with a much deeper perspective on how people’s lives all along the coast have been disrupted. “That’s why it’s so frustrating to many Louisianans that while the crisis actually continues in the Gulf – while we’re still fighting to contain the well – Washington Democratic Committee Chairmen have rushed to create media events for television cameras instead of devoting full attention to stopping the immediate problem. “I guess it’s typical of the culture in Washington for politicians to believe that they can solve an ongoing crisis with statements and testimonies in Congressional committee rooms.  But the time for committee hearings is for after the well has been capped – not before. “Folks closer to the scene understand that.  We want 100 percent of the attention of all parties focused on our two most immediate problems: stopping the gushing oil, and protecting our coastlines and marshes from the oil. “In addition to capping the well, coastal communities are in desperate need of more floating containment barriers, known as ‘boom.’  And I’ve talked numerous times to Admiral Thad Allen about this need. “But this boom is really just a band aid to the larger wound of the spill.  A greater, more substantial solution would be for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work immediately with our state to build up and extend our barrier islands made from materials dredged from the immediate area – our rivers and deltas.  With BP, by the way, appropriately paying the bill. “To prevent this type of incident from ever happening again, I’ve also worked with other Gulf Coast Senators to introduce legislation that addresses two specific areas: the liability cap for the responsible party of a spill, and greater technological preparedness to address any future incidents much more rapidly and effectively. “Our Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act would establish a new liability cap equal to the last four quarters of the responsible party’s profits or double the current limit, whichever is greater.  “The bill would establish much greater reserve requirements for the amount of boom –capable of withstanding up to six-foot waves – and would direct work on technology to effectively cap leaks like the one currently gushing in the Gulf.  “That would make offshore drilling safer, smarter and more reliable, but not extinct.   “Some in Washington have tried to seize on this real human tragedy in the Gulf to advocate for a radical new energy agenda.  “That only cheapens the loss of those who’ve lost loved ones and brushes aside the ongoing, unsolved problem to spring forward with an emotionally-charged political agenda. “That’s wrong and, frankly, an example of bankrupt leadership. “Both Republicans and Democrats say they want to decrease our foreign dependence on oil, but ending all domestic energy production offshore would only make us that much more dependent.   “And this false choice on how to proceed in the future of energy exploration in the wake of a terrible accident contributes little to the debate. “We all acknowledge that alternative fuels are the future, but the sad reality is that they are still very much in the future from a practical-use standpoint.  “That’s why domestic energy production is critical to free ourselves from foreign energy sources and should provide a bridge toward that more renewable, cleaner future.  “I believe Americans understand that, even in the midst of this tragedy.  And I know Louisianans do.  Thank you.” 

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced its fundraising numbers for April 2010.  The RNC raised $6.8 million in April. The RNC has $12.4 million cash-on-hand an increase of $1.1 million from March and $0 debt.   “I want to thank the many RNC donors who continue to ensure that the RNC remains on solid financial footing going into the mid-term elections.  Tuesday’s election results demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that Americans are ready for real and substantive change and Republicans stand ready to deliver.   Voters are clearly frustrated with business-as-usual and tired of the big spending liberal policies that President Obama and Washington Democrats are forcing on American families – the failed stimulus package, a 2.5 trillion dollar government-run health care experiment, a job-killing national energy tax, and the selling out of American allies across the world.  The RNC remains committed to spending the resources necessary to win back the majority and is working with state parties, grassroots activists and Republican candidates to ensure this happens. Because of our donors’ generosity, by next month, the RNC will have put nearly 100 Victory staffers into the field to aide Republicans on the path to victory. The generosity of Republican donors will continue to play a pivotal role in our victories this fall. ”  – RNC Chairman Michael Steele

  WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee (RNC) today announced its fundraising numbers for April 2010.  The RNC raised $6.8 million in April. The RNC has $12.4 million cash-on-hand an increase of $1.1 million from March and $0 debt.   “I want to thank the many RNC donors who continue to ensure that the RNC remains on solid financial footing going into the mid-term elections.  Tuesday’s election results demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that Americans are ready for real and substantive change and Republicans stand ready to deliver.   Voters are clearly frustrated with business-as-usual and tired of the big spending liberal policies that President Obama and Washington Democrats are forcing on American families – the failed stimulus package, a 2.5 trillion dollar government-run health care experiment, a job-killing national energy tax, and the selling out of American allies across the world.  The RNC remains committed to spending the resources necessary to win back the majority and is working with state parties, grassroots activists and Republican candidates to ensure this happens. Because of our donors’ generosity, by next month, the RNC will have put nearly 100 Victory staffers into the field to aide Republicans on the path to victory. The generosity of Republican donors will continue to play a pivotal role in our victories this fall. ”  – RNC Chairman Michael Steele