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Washington Watch
Hatch Responds to Veto Threat
Sens. Orrin Hatch and Chuck Grassley respond "to the Bush Administration's veto threat of the reauthorization of the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), a bipartisan compromise that the two Republicans helped negotiate on the Senate Finance Committee" (see press release); Hatch pens op-ed encouraging fair pay for federal judges (Roll Call -- subscription required).
Utah Foundation Quick Poll
The Utah Foundation has posted a new quick poll question on its homepage: "What is your biggest concern about Utah public education?" Head on over and vote.
Today in Political History
July 18, 1969: Mary Jo Kopechne and Senator Edward Kennedy plunge off Chappaquiddick bridge. Kennedy escapes but Kopechne drowns. Kennedy fails to report the incident for almost 10 hours and is later found guilty of leaving the scene of the accident and given a two-month suspended sentence. (Source: Perspicuity)
July 18, 1972: Jane Fonda delivers an anti-war speech on Hanoi Radio, one of a series of six, an act many view as an act of treason. (Source: Perspicuity)
Wise Words
“The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred as the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence. If `Thou shalt not covet' and `Thou shalt not steal' were not commandments of Heaven, they must be made inviolable precepts in every society before it can be civilized or made free.”
-- John Adams, A Defense of the American Constitution (Source: Patriot Post)
Campaign Tip
Use Digital Printing to Save Money
Small campaigns that only print a few thousand pieces of mail or literature at a time have always had to pay a premium because of the high setup fees charged for jobs done on traditional off-set printing presses. That’s no longer the case with digital off-set printing. Digital off-set presses are basically big color laser printers designed specifically to print high-quality pieces in small quantities. Be sure to shop around for a printer who has one. The cost savings will be significant. With digital printing it’s also much easier to personalize printed campaign literature. (Source: Campaign Tips)
National Politics
Best Stories From …
-- The Politico: "In his first national interview since the near-collapse of his presidential campaign, John McCain promised Monday to stay in the race at least until the first caucuses and primaries are over in the early part of 2008."
-- New York Magazine: "[McCain's] campaign operation is in meltdown, his poll numbers are anemic, no one thinks he can win. But is the GOP lost without him?"
-- Washington Post: "He raises tens of millions of dollars over a few months. His supporters are passionate, almost fanatical. And his grass-roots movement threatens a more established rival. A description of Howard Dean in 2003 or Sen. Barack Obama today?"
-- Los Angeles Times: Columnist Jonah Goldberg: "At a candidate forum for trial lawyers in Chicago on Sunday, Hillary Clinton proclaimed that the Bush administration is 'the most radical presidency we have ever had.' This is, quite simply, absurd. But such boob-bait for the Bush bashers is common today in Democratic circles, just as similar right-wing rhetoric about Bill Clinton was par for the course a decade ago. The culture war, it seems, has distorted how we view politics more than we realized. Trust in government is at historic lows, but faith in one's own 'team' remains remarkably durable."
Sierra Club Newsletter
The Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club has released its Late Summer newsletter. This edition looks at the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, which would designate almost 10 million acres of wilderness in Utah.
Blog Watch
-- At The Senate Site, Sen. John Valentine reports: "After scrutinizing 80 applicants, selecting finalists and conducting interviews, the hiring committee recommended Jon Ball be appointed as Utah's new Legislative Fiscal Analyst. This afternoon Legislative Management voted to accept their recommendation. ... For those who don't know him, Mr. Ball's character traits include a high energy level, a thorough knowledge of the state budget & the budgeting process, leadership & organizational ability, raw candlepower, a sense of humor, and expertise in cutting-edge technology. He earned his Masters of Public Policy at Georgetown, and has put it to use through 15 years of public service at both the state and federal level. Best of luck, Jon. We look forward to working with you in your new capacity."
-- Tim Beagley says: "Is there nobody out there willing to quit dancing around the teacher shortage problem? Now, even the Utah Foundation has done the two-step. Their latest report is certainly better than the dreadful one released by the K-16 alliance a few weeks ago but they miss the point like everybody else. ... While the differential pay and mentoring pieces will be of great help, by themselves they can not stop the attrition. The real problem is that our public schools have become the latest reflection of a society that shuns personal responsibility and our teachers are standing on the front lines of the battle to set our culture back on course."
-- Rep. Steve Urquhart stands by his assertion "that extreme environmental groups have sued to stop reseeding efforts (native grasses for flammable non-native grasses) after fires," and furnishes evidence to back up his claim. (See also related posts at Part of the Plan and KVNU's For The People.)
Lighter Side
Favorite Headlines
At Least Until Rigor Mortis Subsides
"Man Who Was Killed Keeping a Stiff Upper Lip"--headline, Daily Mail (London), July 17
The Yankees Are Looking to Sign the Thrower
"Texan Injured When Rock Thrown at Taxi in Pittsburgh"--headline, KCEN-TV Web
News You Can Use
"Humans Walk Upright to Conserve Energy"--headline, Associated Press, July 16 |
