It’s a Day for Love – and Snow
Happy Valentine’s Day! Hope you survived the nastiest winter storm of the year. This global warming really is getting old.
Valentine’s Day at the Legislature is always fun, especially with a Senate president named Valentine, and lots of interest groups delivering cards, roses and candy to legislators in hopes of getting their attention. Here’s a romantic thought: Perhaps a couple of interns will fall in love! (I’m really a romantic guy; just ask my wife.) Check out Valentine’s Day’s very interesting history.
Leavitt Opens Offices
The Leavitt for Congress campaign has announced the opening of two additional campaign offices in Utah's Third Congressional District; one in Provo and another in West Jordan. These offices complement the campaign headquarters located in Nephi.
"We are now spread throughout the Third District in such a way that we are better able to communicate with the voters on a one-on-one basis," said candidate David Leavitt. Leading up to the Utah State Republican Convention, both offices serve as a working place for campaign staff members, interns who act as field coordinators, and volunteers throughout the Third District. The Provo office is located at 495 North University Avenue, Suite 201. The West Jordan office is located at 6783 South Redwood Road, Suite 102. Volunteer opportunities with Leavitt for Congress are available through both offices. Contact Breanne Didenhover at 801-427-7971.
Today in Political History
Feb. 14, 1803: U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall rules that any act of Congress which conflicts with the Constitution is null and void. The Marbury v. Madison case establishes the Court as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution. (Quoted from The People's Chronology,from Henry Holt and Company, Inc. Copyright © 1995, 1996 by James Trager.)
Feb. 14, 1859: Oregon is admitted as the 33rd U.S. state.
Feb. 14, 1903: U.S. Department of Labor and Commerce is created.
Feb. 14, 1912: Arizona is admitted as the 48th U.S. state. (Perspicuity)
Feb. 14, 1929: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre takes place in a Chicago garage as seven rivals of Al Capone's gang are gunned down. (New York Times)
Wise Words on Valentines Day
I hold it true, whate'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all.
-- Alfred Tennyson (Love Quotes)
Campaign Tip
Time to Decide
Over the next few weeks, hundreds of current and prospective politicians throughout Utah will be making a life-changing decision: whether to run for political office or seek re-election. The filing period for public office runs from March 7 to 17. Not much time is left for the big decision to be made.
Prospective politicians should rate themselves on these questions:
-- Do I really have the passion, drive and go-for-broke attitude to go forward once I make the decision and not look back, worry, and second-guess my decision?
-- Do I have a motivation, cause, a mission, a reason to run? Why am I really running?
-- Do I have sufficient financial and employment security to make the sacrifices necessary to run hard and serve if I win?
-- Is my spouse/family supportive of me running and will they make necessary sacrifices with me?
-- Am I outgoing and people-oriented enough that I like meeting people, talking a lot, being the center of attention?
-- Do I have a thick enough skin and strong enough self-worth to withstand criticism, media scrutiny, and the possible anger of taxpayers, other citizens, and even neighbors?
To be a successful politician you don’t have to score a perfect 10 on all those questions. But you should score pretty high or your campaign might be a miserable experience.
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- The Politico: "Hillary Rodham Clinton is now on a path to the Democratic nomination that is remarkably similar to the one that failed for Republican Rudy Giuliani. ... [T]he New York senator is banking on wins in Ohio and Texas next month to revive her campaign after a February string of back-to-back-to-back losses."
-- FOX News: "Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said on a conference call that it is now 'next to impossible' for Clinton to close Obama's lead in pledged delegates. 'We couldn't be in a stronger position right now, and the last really five days, we believe, will be looked back at as a very decisive period in the nomination contest,' Plouffe said. 'We think it really put us on the path to the nomination.'"
-- ABC News: John Edwards is seriously considering endorsing Clinton.
-- The Hill: "President Bush on Wednesday signed the $152 billion stimulus package that he hopes will jump-start the economy in the coming months. 'Congress passed a really good piece of legislation, and they did so in a very expeditious manner,' said Bush, who was flanked by congressional leaders, prior to signing the bill."
Blog Watch
-- At The Senate Site, Sen. Chris Buttars says: "This is the statement no elected official wants to make, but I made a mistake and owe the Senate and the people of Utah an apology. [Tuesday] in discussion on the Equalization Bill, I made a comment which could reasonably be understood as offensive. It was a dreadful choice of words and I recognize that my words were damaging. I want to thank Senator Romero for speaking out immediately and President Valentine for allowing me to address this matter. Again, I apologize to anyone that may be hurt by my remarks. I did not mean to be degrading in any way to anyone, and I am truly sorry."
-- Also at The Senate Site, Sen. Allen Christensen's wife Janis shares some "very personal experiences" to "help some of you understand who my husband really is and why I am angered by those who would depict him as a heartless, inhumane animal-hater. The persons promoting that image have also misrepresented how SB 117 compares to legislation nationwide and what it will really accomplish. The Allen Christensen I know and love is on the side of animals and is promoting a strong animal rights bill which can actually make it into our law books. I hope you will support his efforts on behalf of the animals in our midst -- and I hope you will help refute false impressions of good people wherever they occur."
Lighter Side
Valentines Day Edition
(Love Quotes)
“Love: A temporary insanity, curable by marriage.” -- Ambrose Bierce
“Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.” -- Amy Bloom
“If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don’t have it, no matter what else there is, it’s not enough.” -- Ann Landers
“The love we give away is the only love we keep.” -- Elbert Hubbard
“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round; love is what makes the ride worthwhole.” – Franklin P. Jones
“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” – Ingrid Bergman
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” – Jimi Hendrix
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