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Washington Watch
Hatch: Don't Repeal Tax Rate
Sen. Orrin Hatch pens op-ed defending the reduced tax rate on capital gains and dividends, which some lawmakers want to repeal (The Hill); Hatch participates "in a rally for the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is up for reauthorization this year. Hatch was the key Republican player in implementation of CHIP 10 years ago" (see press release).
National Politics
Today's Best Stories
-- The Hill: Sen. Hillary Clinton has recruited "a network of lobbyists and political insiders three times the size of her closest Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) .... Citing what he suggests is a new brand of politics, Obama has taken an extraordinary step for a presidential candidate by declining contributions from lobbyists. ... This will force him to rely heavily on grassroots and Internet fundraising, a strategy that former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) used to considerable early success in the 2004 presidential race."
-- Washington Post: Columnist E.J. Dionne says 2008 promises to be "a disconcerting if exciting year" for the GOP "because for the first time since the 1964 Goldwater insurgency, the party is struggling over its philosophical direction. The old conservatism is in crisis, Bush Republicanism (of the son's variety but not the father's) is a tainted brand, and no candidate has emerged as the Next New Thing that the party wants or needs."
-- The Politico: Columnist Roger Simon says many Republicans are embracing Rudy Giuliani despite his liberal positions on social issues because "they want somebody who can win in November, rather than somebody who is more ideologically pure."
-- New York Times: Al Gore's anti-global warming film, "An Inconvenient Truth," has won him plaudits from Hollywood, environmentalists, and many scientists. But some in the scientific community are "[are] uneasy. In talks, articles and blog entries that have appeared since his film and accompanying book came out last year, these scientists argue that some of Mr. Gore's central points are exaggerated and erroneous. They are alarmed, some say, at what they call his alarmism."
Today in Political History
March 14, 1743: The first recorded town meeting in America is held at Faneuil Hall in Boston. (Source: NBC5)
March 14, 1989: The Congress of People's Deputies voted to elect Mikhail Gorbachev president of the USSR, a new post with extensive executive powers. (Source: perspicuity)
Wise Words
“A private man, however successful in his own dealing, if his country perish is involved in her destruction; but if he be an unprosperous citizen of a prosperous city, he is much more likely to recover. Seeing, then, that States can bear the misfortunes of individuals, but individuals cannot bear the misfortunes of States, let us all stand by our country.” ~Thucydides (Source: quotegarden)
Campaign Tip
Stay in Control of Media Interviews
One of the most common mistakes candidates make during interviews is allowing reporters to control the topic, tone, and pace of the interview. Reporters accomplish this with all kinds of tricks like speeding up, slowing down, addressing random topics, interrupting, acting upset, disagreeing, and that’s just the beginning. At the end of the day, interviews are simple. Go in with a clear message and a clear game plan. Then, stick with it and don’t let the reporter get you off balance. (Source: Campaigntips.com)
Lighter Side
“If you want to get a reputation as a good businessman, be sure to get into a good business.”
-- Warren Buffett, quoting a “wise friend” in his annual letter to shareholders.
Mayor Opposes Warhead
SLC Mayor Rocky Anderson has signed a proclamation opposing the development of the British Trident replacement warhead, which, if approved, "could be tested at the Nevada Test Site" (see press release).
Blog Watch
-- At Utah Senate Democrats, Sen. Gene Davis says: "Senate Bill 190, Animal Cruelty Offenses (dubbed Henry's Bill in honor of Henry, the dog placed in a hot oven by its owner's estranged spouse), passed in the Senate and the House by decisive margins. However, in the House, the bill was amended and passed at a late hour on the last day of the Legislative session -- too late for the bill to be returned to the Senate so senators could concur with the bill as amended. Again next year, I plan to sponsor Henry's Bill, and I'll work very hard for its passage. Public outcry continues. Have you been reading the newspaper? Numerous letters from readers have been published expressing disappointment about Henry's Bill. Email is still voluminous. Next year, Henry, let's do it" (for more Legislature-related posts, see Dave Burdick, Death Knell, and Simple Utah Mormon Politics).
-- Rep. Craig Frank says Utah's government spending rate is "unsustainable."
-- At New West, Tracy Medley reports: "[S]tate Rep. Ralph Becker has taken to courting/consulting Utah's blogosphere. Becker is the first mayoral candidate to tap into the interwebs, holding a 'Blogger Reception' Tuesday night at his rather lovely campaign headquarters in downtown Salt Lake City. Becker hoped to discuss issues and essentially pick the brains of Utah's political bloggerati and he probably got more than he asked for (in a good way). Those bloggers in attendance were eager to share their thoughts on a range of issues from the revitalization of Salt Lake's downtown to environmental concerns; from liquor laws to childcare. Ask a blogger a question and they will give you an answer" (see also Jen's Green Journal).
-- Ethan Millard says of Utah's new school voucher system: "I see the voucher program as an idea worthy of a chance. Many have made the point that families may still not be able to afford a different school even WITH the voucher, but I feel that is a decision each family has the right to make for itself. It's true not all schools will accept the money because of a (completely valid) fear of intrusive regulation. But that is a decision each school can make for itself. I don't believe we have anything to fear from this program."
-- Paul Rolly reports: "First it was presidential candidate Mitt Romney who came to Salt Lake City with his wallet open for donations from adoring GOP state legislators who apparently have decided that flip-flopping is actually a virtue and not the sin it was in 2004. Then it was presidential candidate John McCain who came with hands out and was shuttled around the city by our governor, Jon Huntsman Jr., who coincidentally was beat out for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics job by Romney five years ago. Now, it's Rudy Giuliani. ... Giuliani, the former mayor of New York who is pro abortion rights, pro gay marriage, and pro gun control ... will be in town March 30 for a fund-raiser at the home of former Salt Lake County Council member Steve Harmsen." |
