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Becker Begins Formal Campaign
Rep. Ralph Becker officially kicks off his Salt Lake mayoral campaign on Saturday with a citywide tour of neighborhoods. He will stop at City Creek Park, Rose Park Elementary, Glendale, Sugarhouse, the east bench, central city, and the city library. Campaign co-chairs such as Norma Matheson and Sen. Scott McCoy will host the events around the city. For more information, see the Becker for Mayor web site.
Washington Watch
Hatch Endorses Romney
Article: "Former Massachusetts governor and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney on Monday received the endorsement of Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). 'Governor Romney has the leadership qualities we need to bring real change to Washington,' Hatch said. 'At a time of unprecedented challenges, we need to elect an innovative problem solver like Governor Romney.' The senator, who like Romney is Mormon, cited Romney's 'vision' and his record as governor as additional reasons for his support" (The Hill).
Matheson: Lift ILC Moratorium
Rep. Jim Matheson says of Wal-Mart's decision to withdraw its application for an Industrial Loan Corporation Charter: "It's unfortunate that a lot of misinformation about Wal-Mart in particular and industrial loan banks in general has been generated. These financial institutions are sound, they are well-regulated and they serve an important role in ensuring competition and serving customers in the financial services sector. Less competition in the market means less choice for consumers. As a supporter of the ILC industry and its importance to Utah's economy, I hope that the moratorium will soon be lifted and that applications can again move through the rigorous granting process" (see press release)
More Hot Air
Rep. Chris Cannon released a statement on the “Oversight and Government Reform Committee's examination of evidence and allegations of political interference with the work of government climate change scientists”:
“Today’s hearing did nothing to illuminate the Congress on climate change. Instead, it served only as a proselytizing platform for a taxpayer-funded climate change crusader who likens any restrictions on his zealotry to ‘Nazi Germany.’ With Academy Award winner Gore heading to the Hill this week, it is clear that the Democrat leadership would rather quash debate and provide microphones for political activists like Dr. Hansen and Mr. Gore, than encourage questions on serious problems. These hearings, like all the hearings held by this committee in this Congress, were promoted as unearthing huge problems for this administration and its processes. Like before, not a single question, even the harshest, was left unanswered.”
National Politics
Best Stories From . . .
-- Slate: Columnist Christopher Hitchens asks and answers several hard questions about his continuing support for the Iraq War, which began four years ago this month.
-- Roll Call: Columnist Stuart Rothenberg says Democrats may have a hard time duplicating their '06 election cycle successes in 2008.
-- Los Angeles Times: After their victories last November, Democrats "promised vigorous oversight in addition to an ambitious legislative agenda. So far, they appear to be accomplishing more through oversight. None of the bills that were part of the party's 100-hour spree has yet emerged from Congress. And with their razor-thin margin in the Senate, Democrats cannot count on passing any legislation that most Republicans oppose. But Republicans can do little to stop the investigative juggernaut. 'The Democrats' most powerful weapons aren't legislative bills, but subpoenas and hearings'…."
-- New York Times: Columnist Matthew Continetti says he's stunned by the "right's ambivalence, even antagonism, toward the [John] McCain candidacy. ... While Mr. McCain and the conservative activists who compose the Republican grassroots share many positions -- pro-war, pro-life, against waste in government and for low taxes -- a significant portion of those grassroots just ... doesn't ... like him."
Today in Political History
March 20, 1962: Sixty senators attend a Washington sneak preview of Advise and Consent, a film based on Allen Drury’s best selling novel involving a bitter Senate confirmation battle. A scene in which Washington state Democrat Henry “Scoop” Jackson appears as an extra and declines a drink from a passing waiter draws hearty laughs from colleagues. (Source: National Journal 2007 Calendar of American Politics)
March 20, 1816: The Supreme Court affirms its right to review state court decisions.
(Source: NBC5)
Wise Words
“America makes prodigious mistakes, America has colossal faults, but one thing cannot be denied: America is always on the move. She may be going to Hell, of course, but at least she isn't standing still.”
-- E.E. (Edward. E.) Cummings 1894-1962, American Poet (Source: americaquotes)
Communications Tip
Media Advocacy 101
Why deal with the news media?
Answer: You can’t afford not to and here is why:
-- Editorial exposure is hands-down more credible than any other kind of communication.
-- More people will read, watch or listen to editorial content than to paid advertising.
-- Whether proactively or not, politicians communicate with the news media.
-- Media relations cost less than advertising.
-- Positive media relations will give your organization leverage in a crisis.
-- Media relations are a game of averages: you “win” through repeated contact with the press. (Source: Media Relations Handbook by Exoro Group)
Lighter Side
Happy First Day of Spring
At precisely 6:07 p.m. MDT, the sun will cross directly over the Earth's equator. This moment is known as the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and marks the official beginning of spring. (Read about it at Factmonster.com.)
Rocky's Latest Speeches
The Salt Lake City Mayor's Office has posted speeches delivered by Rocky Anderson at recent anti-war rallies in Salt Lake City and at the Pentagon, and a speech to the City Council on the use of federal grant funds. |
