| 
Washington Watch
Cannon: Bad EU Microsoft Ruling
Rep. Chris Cannon, a member of the House Judiciary Committee Anti-Trust Task Force, says the European Union Court of First Instance ruling against Microsoft was an “unfortunate decision” that will have serious ramifications and hurt European economies. “American tech companies will be hesitant to do business in Europe for fear of, ironically enough, being too successful and incurring the wrath of the regulators. Technology is the engine that drives economic expansion, GDP growth, and job creation. The EU fights progress at its own peril." (Read entire statement.)
Today in Political History
Sept. 19, 1893: New Zealand becomes the first nation to grant women the right to vote.
Sept. 19, 1796: George Washington's farewell address, in which he warned against public debt, large military developments, and permanent alliances with foreign powers is printed on this date.
Sept. 19, 1881: The 20th president of the United States, James A. Garfield, dies of wounds inflicted by an assassin. (New York Times)
Sept. 19, 1918: An epidemic of influenza, started in Europe, begins this month and spreads through the U.S., killing 500,000 people before it ends in 1919. (Source: Perspicuity)
Wise Words
“The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.”
-- George Washington, in his Farewell Address (Source: Wilstar)
Campaign Tip
Don't Let Overhead Weigh You Down
By Mark Martini
Overhead. It's a killer in business. And it's a killer for campaigns. The bad part about overhead is that it sneaks up on you. Thirty dollars a month here, a trip to Office Depot there, and the next thing you know, you're struggling to keep your head above water.
Here are two creative ways you can cut down on your overhead. Remember, money isn't the only thing people can contribute. Office supplies and equipment are helpful as well. Look to law offices on this front. They're gold mines. Just about every law office has phone systems, fax machines, printers, desks, chairs, and the like in storage. They won't be the latest and greatest, but they will be free.
You might also consider having a "Stock the HQ" open house when you open your campaign headquarters. Instead of asking people to give money, ask them to bring office supplies. Little by little, it all adds up. A notebook here, a fax machine there and you're talking an additional 500 pieces of GOTV mail. Pinch pennies today. You'll be thankful in October. (Source: Political Resources)
National Politics
Best Stories From …
-- Washington Post: Columnist E.J. Dionne: "The genius of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign has been her skill at turning liabilities into assets and weaknesses into strengths. By putting out a detailed health care plan on Monday, Clinton embarked on this year's most daring act of political jujitsu."
-- Wall Street Journal: Columnist Karl Rove explains how "Republicans can win on health care."
-- Newsday: Columnist James Pinkerton: "Let's hope that the nomination of Michael Mukasey to be the next attorney general proves to be good news for the country -- but it's already good news for Rudy Giuliani."
-- The Hill: "Just when the GOP was preparing for a good week on Tuesday -- touting a new attorney general pick and positive testimony on the war -- Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) made his surprise return to Capitol Hill."
Blog Watch
-- At The Senate Site, Sen. Wayne Niederhauser says: "[Today], we're holding a public hearing on property tax in the State of Utah. ... We're looking forward to hearing from citizens, County Assessors and other interested parties. Please join us, if you can -- or listen on-line. You can E-mail comments in advance to taxcomment@utah.gov. Many parts of the State have seen unprecedented increases in property values. I strongly believe that the people of Utah need a property tax system that fairly distributes the tax burden and that effectively limits taxing districts from runaway spending. I have spent some time scrutinizing the way property taxes are handled in other states. Utah's system is not perfect but it is one of the best in the nation. I believe great care should be taken to implement sound policy changes. However, recent tax assessments have hit citizens very hard and there may be ways to improve the system."
-- At UtahSenateDemocrats, Sen. Scott McCoy says: "Today I read an article in the Salt Lake Tribune suggesting that the Salt Palace Convention Center be named in honor and tribute to the late Governor Cal Rampton. While Governor Rampton surely deserves a lasting tribute, I don't think the Salt Palace is the right fit. ... There is another option for a fitting tribute to this great man and civic leader. Our impressive international airport, the gateway to Utah, should be renamed the Calvin L. Rampton International Airport. The airport is as much a symbol of Utah's modern economic ascendancy as the Salt Palace. I also think it simply has a better ring to it."
-- David Fletcher notes: "The town of Hyrum in northern Utah is considering annexation for the development of this resort. In order to open up the debate, they created a city blog and received this feedback from citizens. That's a great idea and a way to see what people are really thinking."
Lighter Side
"At a certain age, some people's minds close up; they live on their intellectual fat."
-- W. L. Phelps (Salt Lake Tribune cryptoquote) |
