Given the current state of politics in the nation and the impending November elections, I’ve decided to write about Politics, Political Parties, and Current affairs in general. (This is one of my longwinded winding posts, get ready.)

We could be seeing the most public and open political climate of my brief 30 years on the Earth 7 plus months out from a general election. In what was at one time off the radar unless you were a union goon or die-hard Pro-lifer, we have seen unprecedented attention paid to politics. Due to blogs and the growing involvement in politics, we’re experiencing excitement and activism like I’ve never seen. Maybe I wasn’t paying attention, but that is my point.

The news of the day is Gas prices and Bush’s actions on the strategic reserves. What you haven’t seen unless you’ve looked is that he also put a hold on EPA standards for fuel. Surprise gas and oil prices domestically have fallen in mere hours since. Go figure, get Government out of the way, and things get cheaper. Huh!

What should be news is the War on Terror. Iran has promised/threatened to take it’s unpermitted nuclear program underground and start selling technologies to other pro-terror/anti-West countries. Oh and that the ‘Terror Chief” in Iraq Zarqawi, has dismissed the Iraqi government. Both stories are huge and should shed light on to the global nature of the threat we face, but the media is burying these 2 stories.

Iran, who is by many accounts the World’s number one sponsor of terror is threatening to sell the ability for nuclear attacks to anyone who would want to attack nuclearly. We should be scared out of our wits that nut jobs like Mousaui would get his hands on a nuke or dirty bomb, as we can see how easy it is for a nutter to get close enough to kill. Zarqawi, a Jordanian, is saying that Iraq’s new Government is not legitimate. Considering the clammering by some that the US has no right ot impose it’s will on Iraq and Afghanistan, there should be an equal outrage that a foreigner is leading the charge against a democratically elected Iraqi Govenrment.

But the US media is sensationalizing gas prices.Why? It hurts Bush and the Republicans. And that is the sad state of politics. Everything that is the focus of the media is bad for teh Republicans. Meanwhile teh conomy is roaring along despite all the troubles, like high energy prices, increased regulations since 9-11, and the all out negativity portrayed to the public.

With the picture painted I am surprised and relieved that people get it. Politics do matter! I figured out a few years ago that politics is everything. If it matters to you, politics is involved. Given the political excitement around the country, even though negative, I am happy for the concern.

I am not happy with what the Republicans are doing though. Like how I felt the Republicans misread teh 2004 elections in Minnesota as a referendum on conservative policies, the National Republicans seem to caving to similar worries.

For some reason, Bush and teh Republicans are catering to the climate created by the media, and only reacting to what is on CNN or the Strib editorial page. Instead they should focus on what got them in the elected positions they are in. Judges, the War on Terror, and spending should be priorities.

I’d like to see Congress get back to work by slowing the growth of Government. Bush needs to be commander in chief and control the message on the war on terror, rather than let pundits and ex-generals question his leadership, he needs to lead like he never has before.

In local politics, I see a troubling trend forming. It is the same trend that led to the deficit and budgetary problems of teh late 90’s early 00’s. Government spending. During the economic boom of the 90’s state and local governments were flush with cash, aka revenue, and they spent it. Thus creating the hhhh that government should spend money when they have it, on whatever. Grease the wheels if you will.

They see a need, no want, and since the money is available or can be found, they spend it. But what they fail to realize is that revenues are not constant. There is a natural up and down to the money coming into government. Sure things seem all peachy right now, but give=n time that will change.

The economy, what creates revenue for government, will eventually slow down and go into a recession. When that happens, revenues dry up, and government feels the need to continue paying for the fringe benefits or programs it created or took on during the good times. In order to do that, it has to raise taxes, which will do nothing more but send the economy into a deeper recession.

It is clear to me that the best way to keep this from happening is to re-prioritize what Government does. For needs not want. (FYI: That was the second choice for this blog’s name) Needs first, political wants second. Don’t make stupid commitments to junk science and special interest initiatives. Focus on the core responsibilities of government, what ever the level.

So the political climate is not boding well for the Republicans, but the ball is in their court. They are behind the steering wheel. Will they take the lead and drive the debate, or let the media give them directions.

Jeffers is a Libertarian. (Oh, I bet Tony is having a fit with that. Ready set, over react.)

So, everyone thinks Sue Jeffers has every right to have full and equal access to the Republican Convention?

The why the hell did she file as a Libertarian?

Click on the image to enlarge.

Sorry but if she is a Republican Candidate for Governor, why’d she file the way she did?

For more on Jeffer’s supporters go to MDE.

The Hotline notices the food fight underway in the 6th. (HT Wingman)

Party activists will play an outsized role in determining the nominees to succeed Rep. Mark Kennedy (R-MN 06).

Over the weekend, all four GOP candidates agreed to select a nominee early at the district convention, held in two weeks (5/5-6).

The decision will likely render the late 9/12 primary meaningless, and give the nominee a head start on the campaign.

Last month, both Dem contenders (’04 nominee Patty Wetterling and Elwyn Tinklenberg) reached a similar, informal agreement for their 5/13 convention.

Who will benefit from the early nominations? The GOP avoids an extended campaign, which has turned negative in the fight over delegates. While all candidates tout their conservative credentials, state Sen. Michelle Bachmann (R) may benefit most from the convention, where her outspoken social conservatism plays well.

Among Dems, Tinklenberg may also be eager for an early resolution. He trailed in money raised and CoH last quarter, but also outspent the field — sending out over a dozen direct mail pieces. However, Wetterling is a known commodity among activists, and her more liberal profile more closely reflects their viewpoints. Bottom line, if either convo reaches too far to the wings for its nominee, then the other party may have their opening. [JOSH KRASHAAR]

Hey hey hey, keep it positive. If I could get an early Christmas present this year, besides a buxom blonde under the mistletoe, it’d be to have all the campaigns take me off their mailing list. Everyday I get 2 or 3 different lit pieces. All attacking.

ufta

Dear Republican Party,

Andy

Obscene profits, oh my gosh!

Purdue University economist Wally Tyner calculates that at today’s fuel prices, even an ethanol plant costing $100 million can be fully paid off in less than a year. “They’re hugely profitable, that’s why so many of them are being built,” Tyner said.

Who’d a thunk that’d ever happen when Government was involved? You don’t think the people pushing this crap are getting some on the side do you? Why else would Government be so willing to give money to an extremely profitable industry?

Where’s the Congressional/Presidential probe into how much money Big Ethanol is making? Huh? Double standard? Yep!

She’s running again.

HT Deckless

Go vote for me over at NIGP.

I am only one vote out of first, and since Scott has probably already hit all the taxpayer funded internet cafes in Uptown, he’s maxed out at 19 votes. All of Kevin’s Aunts have already voted for him and he has garnered a total of 9 votes. Mitch has a whopping 2 votes. (Whoops, Mitch only has 1 vote.)

Go vote for me!

The following is an email from Sue Jeffer’s Campaign and my response. You may want to check out MDE regarding Jeffer’s campaign manager Dan Coleman.

To: Andy Aplikowski
SD 51 Chair

I am Dan Coleman, Campaign Manager for Sue Jeffers for Governor. Sue would very much appreciate the opportunity to speak either before you group or communicate with them before your Congressional District 6 meeting. I am sure you know of Sue’s intention to challenge Gov. Pawlenty for the Republican endorsement at the State GOP Convention.

As you have undoubtedly have heard the State GOP is attempting to unfairly block her challenge. All we are asking is the opportunity to be heard and give the convention a choice. The obstacles being placed before our campaign goes against the principles the Republican Party was built on – we are supposed to have this “big tent” where all are welcome – everyone but Sue apparently. (Attached is an article from Apr. 22, 2006 Star Tribune.)

We are available at your pleasure, please let me know when we can schedule a time to arrange a visit.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Dan Coleman

Dan Coleman
Campaign Manager
Sue Jeffers for Governor

My response:

Dan,

I do not have the ability to grant your request. Our BPOU Convention is long over. It was on March 25th. And as I understand it, only endorsed candidates are privy to our delegate lists. We have only endorsed Legislative candidates for the MN Senate and House, so I cannot help you.

You will have to contact Congressional District Chairs or the State Party. Had your campaign gone through the entire Republican process, which started on Caucus night (6 plus weeks ago), you’d have known the schedule.

Sorry,

Andy Aplikowski
SD51 Chair

PS: (Unofficial input) Your attitude is all wrong, you’re preaching ‘Big Tent’ but in fact Sue Jeffers is running ‘for the GOP endorsement’ on a platform that Pawlenty is not a Fiscally Conservative Republican and therefore, not a real Republican, aka ’small tent’. The attitude that Pawlenty is not a real Conservative and does not represent the Republican Party or ‘what the fiscal conservatives’ want, really does not indicate any credibility to her “Big Tent”, ‘anyone who wants to’ should belong in the party claim?

Spaghetti for dinner and liquid courage. mmmmmmmmmmmmm

24 is on in 5.

I’ll be out of pocket, as they say.

Coming up after tonight’s exciting hour of 24, my response to the Libertarian Party of Minnesota’s request to my Republican Delegate lists.

dum dum dummmmmmm
(that is supposed to be the nifty sound right before a commercial, not the dum, with a “B”.)

I know many MOBsters love like Flash. (Wake up, he feeds you beer once a year folks!) And I hear that Flash is a nice guy, but center minded, he is NOT. Proof of that is this post.

OK, so one of the stories brewing over the weekend was the fledgling GOP Gubernatorial Campaign of Sue (Stub and Herbs) Jeffers and her attempt to get access to the GOP delegate list in order to pursue the nomination. Now, I don’t even believe she thinks she has a legitimate shot at the nomination. But she should have a reasonable expectation to what should be an open process.

As I commented over there, Sue Jeffers is the Libertarian Candidate for Governor. Heck, I posted Saturday that another Party’s candidate should not be given access to the Republican’s list and vice versa.

This whole thing by Jeffers is an attention grabbing scheme, and lefties like Flash will be shouting this from the roof tops. But in the end, ask yourself why any party should allow another party’s candidate access to their private lists.

To imply that this is just some sort of strong arming by Carey and the Republicans is just plain Leftristic.