The Battle is Over...

Yesterday, Conservatives and Republicans won a historic battle against the liberal mania which has shaken our country to the core. Amidst our celebrations, however, comes the realization that this is just the beginning.

We won the battle, but we must continue to fight this war

for the soul of our country.

For me, this midterm Election Day was entirely bittersweet. For the first time in four years of general elections, I actually walked into a voting booth

and cast my ballot. I didn't stand at the polls greeting voters, nor did I go to an Election Night party. Instead, I cast my vote, went to work, then came home to watch the returns in the comfort of my own home. And it felt so wrong. Anyone who's worked a campaign knows what I'm talking about.

It's not that I didn't care about the election or failed to see the significance of the day. It was simply the result of my daily life.

Election Night, I stayed up following returns on line, watched acceptance speeches, and had my own celebration. Like all Conservative Republicans, I rejoiced in the tidal wave victory that will lead us to a probable 65 seat gain in the House, resulting in the oust of Speaker Pelosi, and the 6+ Senate pick-ups that will halt the liberal agenda.

(Results and map as seen on abcnews.com, 11/3/10, 10:18pm EST)

I know that it's a great day to be a Conservative, a great day to be a Republican, a great day to be a Pennsylvanian, and a great day to be an American. Today, I can proudly say that Pennsylvania - at least for now - is again a red state.

With epic force, the Pennsylvania GOP picked up a Governor's mansion, Senate seat, net gained 5 House seats, maintained control of the State Senate, and took control of the State House. Come January, Pennsylvania will be in a very good place.

It is a great day.

At the same time, I know what it's like to be on the other side. So while last night I celebrated, tonight I cannot help but think of all those candidates and campaign staff that aren't celebrating. All across our country, campaign offices are beginning the process of shutting down, candidates do difficult soul searching, and campaign workers wonder what could be next for them. Losing a campaign is no picnic.

But given the chance, I'd do it all over again. This state and this republic are completely worth it.

We must keep fighting for liberty and justice for all. We must remember upon what our nation was founded, and Who it was that has prospered us and allowed us to become the greatest nation in the world.

In Him we trust... win, lose, or draw, He is unchanging. Our country was founded on His unchanging principles, and for them we must always fight.

So enjoy this victory... but don't stop fighting the war.

On to 2012!

ONE WEEK!

We've just entered the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas music is officially standard in my car for the rest of the year (as of this past weekend), and the mid-term elections are but one week away. Throw my birthday in-between, and yup, it's definitely the best time of the year.

(Side note: tomorrow is the last day for Pennsylvania counties to receive absentee ballots, so if you live in PA and haven't applied yet and won't be able to make it to your polling place next Tuesday, scurry over to the Bureau of Elections at your county seat and pick one up, ASAP!)

Basically, for political junkies, this whole week is Christmas Eve. The last-minute push, the end of campaign ads, and FINALLY seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... all while wondering if the last year of your life will mean anything after next Tuesday... it's almost undescribable.

Then comes that crucial day when volunteers, campaign staff, and candidates -whose adrenalin will rush an entire 24 hours- will brave the elements to stand all day at the polls to greet you and I, hoping to influence our vote at the last minute. As the polls close, they will retreat to elaborate parties to watch in nervous anticipation as the results come in.

And what will those results be?

Democrats have been closing the gap in Pennsylvania and across the US over the past week. However, I believe Republicans will pull it out, possibly even sweeping both the House and Senate for a total takeover of Congress. But it's simply wait and see.

Now, my choices for those of you who live in my district:

TOM CORBETT for Governor

• His opponent, Dan Onorato, is Rendell reincarnate. While Sam Rohrer was my first choice, he's no longer in the race, and I've been very impressed with Corbett throughout the campaign. So go with Corbett. A vote for anyone other than Corbett is a vote for 4 more years of Ed Rendell.
• The Lt. Governor candidate, Jim Cawley, I would not recommend voting for. However, as he and Corbett run as a team, there's not really any alternative. The PA GOP has some apologizing to do about that one.

PAT TOOMEY for US Senate

• Joe Sestak is your alternative. To quote one of the best ads of the season, "There's left. There's far left. Then there's Joe Sestak." This dude is way out there. Stick with Toomey.

DAVE ARGALL for Congress

• A wanna-be conservative when it's convenient, Tim Holden is the Democratic incumbent. While Holden DOES actually act like a conservative at times, and probably is one to some extent, we must take back the House to put a halt to the liberal left permeating DC. Vote for Argall.

JAKE CORMAN for PA Senate

• Corman is a fantastic Senator who has served our district incredibly well. He's going to keep this seat for as long as he wants and deserves it.

MARK KELLER for PA House

• Basically the same story as for Corman. Keller is to Perry County and the PA House what Joe Pitts is to Lancaster County and the US House, an all around great representative!

For those of you in PA who do not live in my district and your options are not on this list... for these midterms, I'd highly recommend you simply vote Republican in the categories I mentioned. I do not know of any Democrats or Independents anywhere in Central PA who would be better options than the GOP candidates on the ballot. Here are some that might be your options for Congress: Bill Shuster, Jim Gerlach, and Joe Pitts. All are worthy of your support.

VOTE, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2nd

Independence Day ~ The Tea Party of MY Generation

A GOP take over of Congress is... A Good Thing?

Yes, there is a question mark at the end of the title of this post.

And I believe it's a legitimate question. Is a Republican takeover of Congress a good thing?

A GOP takeover of both the House and Senate is not out of the realm of possibility. I'll be celebrating along with the rest of the GOP & conservative faithful if this becomes a reality.

However, even with control of both houses of Congress, the GOP will be able to accomplish little. Anything we can actually get through to the President's desk will be vetoed... and we won't have a veto proof majority.

Thus, while taking control of Congress will slow down and probably result in a temporary halt to the ultra-liberal agenda permeating Washington today, there is little a Republican Congress will be able to actually DO.

Then comes 2012, and what happens? Republicans are portrayed as having accomplished nothing with the opportunity given them.

So unless the Conservative frenzy continues for another two years, a GOP takeover now could cost us the White House and Congress in 2012.

Therefore, taking back Congress, yes, is good for now. But could we just be delaying the inevitable?

Imagine an energized Democratic party with control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives... and an Obama Administration with nothing to lose.

Ouch.

Predictions revisited

It's time for more predictions, but first, some explanation...

I haven't posted anything here, well, basically since the PA Primaries in May. It's not that I no longer care about politics, far from it! I did, however, desire a break after the emotional roller-coaster that was the primary elections this year. Additionally, I spent the summer at Camp, my brother got married, I took a three week vacation, and am now in what is becoming a desperate search for a job.

And yes, those were all excuses.

I'll be coming back into the blogosphere slowly (hopefully - unless I get a job which consumes my every moment), so this first re-entry post will be short. Just warning you.

The elections loom, and it's time for some updated predictions.

I disagree with Dick Morris - probably not wise on my part - but I don't think the GOP will take back the House. I think we'll fall 1 seat short. I have no real proof to support this thought, it's just a hunch... I hope Dick Morris is right on this one!

Courtesy coast-usa

I agree with Dick Morris - this is the better paragraph already - the GOP will take back the Senate in less than a month. I further believe Speaker Pelosi will no longer be in office come January.

Coming back to Pennsylvania...

Toomey's been a trooper and looks to pull out a victory over Sestak. He has some terrific ads, "Say it ain't so, Joe!" He will be a fantastic Senator. Too bad our party passed him by 6 years ago. But history looks to correct itself and leave us with Senator Toomey before long.

The surprise, for me, has been that Tom Corbett has maintained his double digit lead over Dan Onorato. Frankly, I'm almost shocked by this... especially after Onorato's ridiculous "this is how you say my name" ad gained him 10 points in the polls - virtually overnight.

Courtesy Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Somehow, though, Corbett's managed to hang on to his lead. I'm still not ready to call this one for Corbett, but unlike my previous thoughts that Onorato had this one in the bag, I'll now call it a toss up.

Coming local, we've got high hopes for David Argall to topple Tim Holden for Congress. Unfortunately, Holden has at least one fantastic ad... and the district, for some strange reason, still seems to like him. I'd say this one is still a wait and see, too.

There's my thoughts on the upcoming election. Next post will hopefully be related to the administration or policy or something more interesting. Until then...

PA Primary Summary

A lot has happened in the past two months wherein I have failed to blog... it's not that I've been uninspired, more like up to my ears in fighting for the soul of our Party and our Commonwealth... but more on that another time... maybe...

For now, a few thoughts on the Pennsylvania Primary:

Picture, Fox News

1. Stop rejoicing Arlen Specter lost. Of course he lost, he was easy to beat. If he had won now, he'd have lost in the fall. He was an easy target. The smart Dem's voted for Sestak because he's the candidate with the really good chance to beat Toomey; Specter didn't have a prayer. This one will be hard to pull out, but I think (helped along by the White House job offer... which could result in impeachment, but I doubt it...) we'll have Pat Toomey edging out Joe Sestak to become our next Senator, but it will be very close.
2. Sam Rohrer got 30% of the vote in an Election that was Corbett's to lose. Corbett had the name id, familiarity with voters, and he's done a great job as Attorney General. The fact that he didn't garner 80-90% of GOP support does not bode well for the fall.
3. Strike two against Corbett is the fact that while 70% of the Party voted for him, 64% of the Party voted AGAINST his running mate, making it quite clear that the PA GOP does NOT want a self-proclaimed progressive a heart-beat away from the Governor's mansion. This also means that Corbett is virtually on his own to garner support statewide; clearly, Cawley will do nothing if not hurt the ticket in the fall.
4. And the nail in the coffin for why I think Corbett will lose in the fall: Dan Onorato. The smooth talking Allegheny County Executive has the support of an energized party. He's a pro-life, pro-gun Catholic Democrat in a pro-life, pro-gun Catholic Democrat state. Not to mention the money factor. He has a lot of it.

Here's my call: support Toomey for the fall and he will probably pull it out and become a great Senator. Support Corbett for Governor or our Commonwealth slides into a California-like state.

I supported Rep. Sam Rohrer for Governor in the primary, and I know there's been talk of a write-in campaign, but the fact is, Rohrer hasn't called for one. Going that route will split the vote and give dems control of the Governor's mansion once again. I know many will not agree with me, feeling they cannot throw their principles under the party bus on this one. That's ok. This is just my opinion, but I hope you will join me in voting for Corbett (note: I said "voting" not necessarily "supporting"). Corbett will be better than Onorato, and a Sam Rohrer write-in would be a definite Perot in this race. (And we all know what he gave us.)

...But, if you must write in Sam Rohrer, I strongly encourage you to write-in Chet Beiler as his Lieutenant Governor. I think that'd be Rep. Rohrer's wish, as well. =D

Perhaps I will write more on the Primary later, but for now, one thought on Arizona and illegal immigration.

If illegal immigration is actually illegal, why would we not fully support Arizona in enforcing our laws? And if Arizona decides to make a law which will help them carry out the law the feds have established, but are not enforcing, wherein those who are illegal are held responsible for their actions, why would we question them? Shouldn't we be praising them? Shouldn't it be more like every state following suit? How is it possible that we have drifted so far that our Nation is actually considering taking one of our States to court for enforcing our own laws?

Illegal or not illegal? That is the question. Because if illegal immigration is, well, illegal, then more power to Arizona.

Yes, I have a thought

Yes, I have a thought. Actually, many thoughts, regarding the "Health Care" fiasco. (Just in case you were wondering since it's taken me this long to post... campaigns, you know, are busy events and leave little time for blogging... fyi.)

To be honest, I am one of the few who always thought this bill would pass. Our President may not be many things, but one thing he is, is very, very smart. (Smart in the sense of clever, crafty, and liberalistically intelligent, that is.)

Whenever I was asked if I thought the bill would pass, I would respond, "Yes, I do." Inevitably, I would get a shocked look and, "Well, if it passes, there will be a revolt!" Or, "It can't pass, there'll be murder in the streets!"

Well, the bill has passed. There hasn't been murder in the streets (unless I've been more news sheltered than I thought), but there is a revolution underway.

And there must be a revolution. I believe we still live in the greatest nation on earth. Yes, even with the health care bill.

That said, however, if we hope to remain the greatest nation on earth, this bill must be repealed and/or thrown out via the Supreme Court. (As it is completely un-Constitutional, I personally believe we have a better shot at destroying this thing via the courts than by the Congress.)

I think of it this way. We, conservatives, have witnessed liberty on life support for years. We have fought tirelessly to keep our liberty on that support.

Now, the plug has been pulled. Liberty is no longer on life support. With the passage of "Health Care," we have been left to ourselves, and the only way we will survive is by fighting with every breath for our very life.

We must vote. We must exercise our right to free speech. We must talk to our friends, family, and neighbors. We must get involved.

There is no choice. We fight or liberty dies.

Yesterday it was reported that more than 75 Maryland doctors chose to retire early rather than face the wonders of our socialized medical system.
To put that in perspective, according to Hospital-Data.com, two of Central Pennsylvania's most prominent hospitals have a combined total of 65 practicing physicians. (Holy Spirit = 22, Harrisburg = 43 [not including those in residency]).

Let me repeat, yesterday, more than 75 Maryland doctors (enough to staff two entire Central PA hospitals), retired early rather than work under Obamacare.

Have you ever stood facing our flag with your hand over your heart and said the Pledge of Allegiance? In doing so, you pledged your allegiance to our Republic, with liberty and justice for all.

This bill is directly opposed to liberty and justice for all. Thus, it also stands in direct opposition to our Republic.

For the first time in our history, Americans will be forced by our federal government to lay aside our personal beliefs and comply with an angenda. Those who do not comply will be fined, imprisoned, or both. This is not liberty, nor is it just... but I guess it would explain the early retirement of enough Doctors to staff two hospitals.

On another note, I don't know that I have ever been more proud to call myself a Republican. Not a single Republican voted for this freedom-stripping bill. Not one. Yet, we must ensure that our Republican leaders continue to live by true Republican principles. If they will waver, they, along with every Democrat in Congress, must be voted out of office this November.

But before November comes May. In Pennsylvania, May 18th is our primary election. The primaries give us an opportunity to ensure we have CONSERVATIVE Republicans on the ballot in November.

Because we live in a Republic, we have the ability, freedom, right, and RESPONSIBILITY to vote. Exercise your right, do your duty. Vote on May 18th.

Fight for your country, conservatives. Otherwise, you will lose her forever.

Quick note to PA Republicans

A quick note for you PA Republicans!

Lately, you've probably noticed a lot of Facebook & Twitter updates from me regarding petitions and the Lt. Governor's race. In case you don't know what it's all about, here's a summary of my thoughts for you...

Jim Cawley, Bucks County Commissioner, is the endorsed Republican candidate for Lt. Governor. In the past, he has dubbed himself a "Progressive Republican." When asked about what that meant at a caucus breakfast at the recent PA GOP Convention, he said he was misquoted, and that what he meant was that he views himself as a progressive in the mold of Teddy Roosevelt.

I think he thought that was a good thing. Or something. The truth?

Glenn Beck on Teddy Roosevelt: "He wasn't a conservative. The first thing he did as president was to fire off 40 lawsuits to try to trust bust and federally control large corporations. He said, he said that he, quote, had the greatest contempt for the rich. He also said, we grudge no man a fortune in civil life if it is honorably obtained and well used. It is not even enough that it should have been gained without doing damage to the community. We should permit a fortune to be gained only so long as the gaining represents benefits to the community."

See Beck's book, Arguing with Idiots, pages 214-220 for more on Cawley's Progressive Republican hero.

We need a conservative as Lt. Governor. Our alternatives?

Chet Beiler - Lancaster County, Businessman - www.chetbeiler.com

Steve Johnson - York County, Businessman - www.stevejohnson2010.com

Russ Diamond - Lebanon County, Musician - www.russdiamond.org

Naturally, I'd like for you to pick Chet... and tell ALL your PA Republican friends to do the same. I've been circulating petitions to get his name on the primary ballot because I believe this race is crucial to the future of Pennsylvania... and that's what all the hubbub's about.

CHET BEILER FOR LT. GOVERNOR

But really, we need a conservative, so anyone but Cawley will do. Read more on Jim Cawley at http://www.jrjim.blogspot.com.

VOTE CONSERVATIVE ON MAY 18th!!

Endorsements and the PA GOP convention

This past weekend, the Pennsylvania Republican Party held its' annual winter meeting and endorsement convention.

There's been a lot of hoopla lately about endorsements and whether or not we should endorse candidates or let the people choose, etc.

The fact is, we the people elect the State Committee members who vote to choose our candidates. Unfortunately, I'm afraid most average citizens (on either side of the isle) have no idea who they're voting for when they come to that portion of the ballot that says, "State Committee," nor do they realize the importance of the office that person will fill.

So my first thought on endorsements... if you're a Republican and you don't like how your county State Committee members voted this past weekend, vote them out of office. I know I'll be working against 2 of the 3 in Perry County when their terms come around.

More importantly, though, I think is not the fact of if we endorse, but WHOM we endorse. As far as I'm concerned, I think the PA GOP did a pretty good job overall this year.

For Senate, we endorsed Pat Toomey. A more passionate conservative candidate for Senate you'd be hard pressed to find... and I haven't heard anyone complaining about that endorsement. (Which they shouldn't be.)

My problem here: Pat Toomey is no more conservative today than he was 6 years ago when he sought the Party's endorsement. Back then, however, he was running against the Party child... but not really the Party child... he was running against Philly's own homeboy, Arlen Specter.

And one thing I've learned about Philly politics in the Republican Party... they get what they want. Period.

(That has to change.)

Thus, 6 years ago Pat Toomey was ridiculed, mocked, and criticized by the same individuals who are now gaga over his candidacy. That's just wrong. In fact, one could make the argument that the PA GOP (led by the Philly hacks), via their endorsement, is responsible for the Democratic successes of late through their empowerment of Benedict Arnold.

For Governor, the PA GOP endorsed our great Attorney General, Tom Corbett. Our other gubernatorial candidate is Rep. Sam Rohrer.

This is the race drawing the most criticism for an endorsement. Frankly, either of these gentlemen would make an excellent Governor. Both are strong conservatives and either of them are worthy of endorsement. The Republican Party can be proud of our candidate however the upcoming primary turns out.

I do understand this endorsement, however. Tom Corbett is a household name in Pennsylvania. He has an outstanding record in law enforcement and a terrific campaign record. I am extremely confident that if Tom Corbett is our nominee, Tom Corbett will be our Governor.

While I like Sam Rohrer, as well, I cannot say the same of him. His name recognition just isn't what Corbett's is... not that he couldn't win the general election, but I understand the logic behind the Corbett endorsement... and if I had to pick between the two of them today, I'd have to go with Corbett.

Now onto the most shameful move by the PA GOP this convention. We have endorsed Jim Cawley for Lt. Governor.

It's not that Jim Cawley is an especially terrible candidate. But we had SO MANY superior candidates to choose from!!!

Particularly, I believe either Joe Watkins or Chet Beiler would have made a terrific Lt. Governor and one of them should have earned the endorsement. Neither of them have yet announced if they will run in the primary, but I hope one of them will.

Why do I believe Jim Cawley is a mistake for Lt. Governor?

First, he dubbed himself a "Progressive" Republican. I don't know what that is. I'd like to stick with a conservative Republican, thank you.

Second, he has stated that he would meet with Planned Parenthood to discuss the use of authorizing tax dollars for their family planning process. Does he just not know what "family planning" is? Or is that part of his "Progressive" Republicanism?

Third, Jim Cawley has never worked among us regular people. He's a Philly lawyer, worked for a State Senator while serving at a law firm, and was APPOINTED (not elected) to the position of Bucks County Commissioner... further, his father and grandfather were both Union bosses. The

last time I checked, Republican + Union Boss rarely = Conservative.

Lastly, Cawley's first budget action as an elected official was to raise taxes 7.1%. Additionally, Cawley has led Bucks County in over-budget spending his entire career as Commissioner. Conservative? I don't think so.

(For more on why Jim Cawley is the wrong choice for Pennsylvania, you can visit www.jrjim.blogspot.com... fyi, no affiliation with CFRS.)

This probably won't some as a surprise to you, but I'm supporting Chet Beiler for Lieutenant Governor should he run in the primary. Chet was scholar shipped to college, sold gazebos from the trunk of his car, and built his business into the nation's largest gazebo retailer. Last year, Chet had to close his California plant do to the tough times in the economy.

Unlike Jim Cawley, Chet knows how to make tough choices. He knows that what we need is lower spending and fewer taxes, not more.

Chet understands the needs of small businesses. He understands the problems facing average Pennsylvanians everyday... because he is one of us.

Chet is a conservative. He values every human life and would never discuss family planning with an organization known to butcher hundreds of thousands of helpless infants each year.

Chet comes from Lancaster County. He grew up on a dairy farm with 8 brothers and sisters. He's not a big city progressive. He's a conservative.

So why did Jim Cawley win the endorsement of the Pennsylvania GOP? Why, when we were doing so well with Toomey & Corbett, did we come out with Cawley?

Did I mention Jim Cawley is from Philadelphia?

Yeah, that's why... and that's where our endorsements went wrong. The Philly machine is trying to force its will upon us once again, just as it did with Specter 6 years ago. We cannot afford to make that mistake again.

We cannot have Jim Cawley on the ballot with Tom Corbett this November. The stakes are too high. We must stand for conservatism. There is no alternative.

In conclusion, I support endorsements... if we endorse passionate conservatives... who just happen to be Republican.

Quick Update

Apologies to everyone... I've been running back and forth across the state... when free time presents itself, sleep has become the priority, thus the dismal lack of updates to this blog. Hopefully, once the endorsements by the PA GOP are finalized next weekend, I'll be able to blog again on a more regular basis.

Here's a quick update on some points of interest:

• A poll released last week by Franklin & Marshall shows challenger Pat Toomey leading Sen. Arlen Specter 45 to 31%. Were Joe Sestak to somehow conquer the Specter machine to earn the Democratic nomination, the same poll has Toomey walloping Sestak an incredible 41 to 19%. While this may seem like incredible news, let's not get too optimistic too early. With more than 9 months till the general election - a political eternity - and the most winningest opponent in PA history (Specter's won more elections than all PA candidates from Benjamin Franklin to Bob Casey, Sr.), anything can happen.

• Another significant point of interest in the same F&M poll shows Pennsylvania voters approval rating for President Obama at a mere 38%, about 12 points lower than his current national approval rating.

• Also on the national level, our government has invested $2,500,000 on a 30 second Super Bowl ad on behalf of the Census Bureau, encouraging us to be counted. (That's more than $83,000 per second.) Wow.

• Take heart, that's just over a tenth of the census bureau's entire budget to publicize this years' census... they have a whopping $133,000,000 publicity budget alone. Did I mention the census consists of just 10 questions? The math: YOUR tax dollars at work: $13,000,000 per question. Just in advertising.

• And the big news of the day, Senator-elect Scott Brown (MA), is now expected to be seated tomorrow, Thursday,February 4th! A huge victory for the GOP, Brown will be the 41st Republican vote in the Senate, ensuring enough votes to fillibuster upcoming Dem initiatives.

Upcoming Votes

I love to blog... it just can't seem to sneak its way back up to the top of my to do list. Really wish I had more time for it, but just can't find it right now. However, there are a couple of upcoming votes I wanted to touch on, so here goes...

First off, a great Conservative and great Republican, Scott Brown, is running for Senate in Massachusetts. I'm sure you've probably heard of him by now...

But in case you haven't or you don't know what all the hoop-la is about, I'll give you a quick overview. Scott Brown is running against a liberal Democrat, Martha Coakley, to fill former Sen. Ted Kennedy's seat.

If Brown is elected, he would be the 41st vote needed by the GOP to stop government run health care and other Dem initiatives. This makes the special election, scheduled for next Tuesday, January 19th, huge. It could forever alter the future of our country by sparing us from the biggest mistake our Congress could have made in its' history.

However, there is a long way to go. Five days can be a political eternity, and while conservative pollsters are pushing a to-close-to-call race, other polls have Brown behind by double digits.

We must help Scott Brown win in Massachusetts. If you have any friends living in MA, call them, facebook them, tweet them, text them, email them and tell them to vote for Scott Brown on Tuesday!

If you would like to donate to his campaign visit: https://www.icontribute.us/scottbrown/ or sign up to help make phone calls to his constituents by visiting his home page here: http://www.brownforussenate.com/.

Getting Brown elected is just the first step. He then has to be sworn in, and many pundits suspect Dem's will demand recounts and delay his swearing in as long as possible in an attempt to ensure their health care bill goes through...

So let's work for a victory and pray for Scott Brown's swift certification and swearing in!

---------------------

Now, let's take a look at Pennsylvania and an upcoming vote very close to my heart. The Republican Party in Pennsylvania officially began their caucusing last Saturday when the Central Caucus met in Harrisburg for their straw poll. Our Attorney General, Tom Corbett, won handily for the nomination for Governor, as did Pat Toomey for US Senate (both results likely to continue across the state).

The interesting voting this year comes as we look at the Lt. Governor's race. Of the eight candidates voted on last Saturday, two are particularly viable: Chet Beiler and Jim Cawley.

Jim Cawley is a good guy, but moderate Republican from Bucks County. He's a city slicker lawyer and in all likelihood will automatically get the 89 votes of the Southeast Caucus simply due to his geographics.

Chet Beiler is a conservative Republican businessman from Lancaster County. After winning Central Caucus' straw poll vote on Saturday, he could be called Cawley's only real competition.

This leaves the state party in Pennsylvania with a choice. Will the Southeast continue to push us around and use their power to tell us what to do, or will we stand up and fight for the conservative principles we need and our constituents want?

I, for one, hope we go with the latter. Why can't we rally behind the conservative from Lancaster County? Why do we let the Southeast tell us what to do? Why wouldn't Central Caucus rally around our viable home boy?

Of course, I may be a bit biased. ;-) That does not make it any less true, however. It's time we stop letting the city-slickers (who NO LONGER produce the votes we need) push us around. Central, Northeast, and Western PA produce the conservative, GOP vote and it's time we stand up and fight for ourselves... and we can start by supporting Chet.

Tom Corbett is a great leader. Having a Corbett clone (Cawley) on his ticket will not in any way help him win. Chet brings geographic and vocational balance to a Corbett campaign... not to mention Chet is the ONLY Lt. Governor candidate who can and will campaign full time on Corbett's behalf.

January 30th is when western PA Republicans caucus, followed by the northeasters on February 6th. February 13th is the State Committee meeting... hopefully we make the right choice, and I believe the only choice to make is Chet.

Now shifting gears to other relevant political news: just when you thought FoxNews couldn't get any better, Gov. Sarah Palin signed on as a contributor... while Sen. Harry Reid remains engulfed in controversy over his racist remarks...

Lastly, our thoughts and prayers go out to all Haitians today. If you would like to donate to help those suffering in Haiti, you can do so through a secure online contribution with Franklin Graham and the Samaritan's Purse relief fund here: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Haiti_Donation/

Finance Reports

Annual campaign finance reports are proving not to be quite as difficult as originally anticipated. However, between holidays, weddings, and reports, blogging has been put on the back burner. I hope to be back at it soon...

Going to Pennsylvania's RSC Central Caucus meeting this Saturday. I look forward to hearing from many terrific, conservative candidates. Will let you know how it goes!

"Conservatism is a hard choice for a society that has become accustomed to big government and big entitlements promoted by liberals." ~Senator Jesse Helms