The Grassroots Make it Happen!

By Caomhin

Congratulations to everyone who made the 2010 elections unfold the way that they did.  Without question the candidates worked their tails off and put in a tremendous amount of work, but the hardiest work, and the thankless work was done by the voters of every district.   This work has paid off wonderfully.

I have not blogged much as of late but I am still here and I am putting in the work, albeit offline.  Yesterday we had the opportunity to make numerous phone calls and distribute slate cards at a local polling precinct for the GOP ticket here in Pennsylvania.  Like many people across the Commonwealth we are greatly pleased that today we can call Tom Corbett our Governor elect, Pat Toomey our Senator elect, and here in the 15th Congressional district we have someone like Charlie Dent to represent us in Washington.  Congratulations are also due to Pat Meehan, Mike Fitzpatrick, and Lou Barletta among others.  I mention them because they are from our neighboring districts.  We also have taken control of the Commonwealth’s Legislature.  Yes, those small donations and the hours of work absolutely pay off.

With regards to the national elections, we did very well, but I am not satisfied.  I am not satisfied when someone as clueless and inept as Harry Reid retains his seat.  I am not satisfied when we lose a race like this and I am not satisfied when we essentially forfeited a very winnable Delaware race.  We need better candidates and we need to understand that electability matters.  If you don’t believe me now just think of that each time you see Harry Reid and Chris Coons on TV for the next six years.

At this hour I am still hoping Dino Rossi can pull out the win.  I am very happy that Marco Rubio won his race handily, ditto for Rob Portman and Kelly Ayotte.  Special congratulations are due to Jaime Herrera and Raul Labrador as well, a couple of candidates from Washington and Idaho respectively whom we very much liked.  (To The Tea Party Express and their candidate of choice Walt Minnick, I hope you enjoy your losses.  The Tea Party Express jumped ship at the last second once they realized Raul was going to win.  The better candidate won, yet another example of being both electable and having strong conservative values.)

Work starts now for the next election, 2011, where many state and municipal elections are going to be held and if you live in a state where you feel that you’re up against big odds, that’s good.  First, you’re motivated, and nothing is better than motivation.  Second, there is no off season and even more reason for you to be involved and to take on a leadership role.  The grassroots has and will continue to deliver tangible results and will continue to hold elected leaders accountable.  This process never stops nor should it.  It is when people like us let our guard down that we get trampled or neglect local elections where real in roads can be gained.  When we stop looking we get people like Lisa Murkowski who desperately cling to power and will say and do anything to maintain power.  We don’t’ let our guard down and we certainly don’t forfeit.  Let’s gear up for next year starting now.  One last note I’d like to add is that if you are in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or Northwest and are looking to contribute here or looking to network feel free to hit me up.

Toomey on the March

By Caomhin

After it became crystal clear that Arlen Specter didn’t have a shot at beating Pat Toomey in the GOP primary, Specter turned faster to the Democrats than Obama looking for his teleprompter at an impromptu event.  I didn’t put a post up on Specter’s jump, because, honestly, it doesn’t matter much to me.  Everyone knows I was going to do my damnedest for Pat no matter what no matter what Specter did.  Pat is exactly what this state and this nation needs.  I’m excited to be helping him in his bid for the Senate.

However, I will find it very satisfying if Specter loses to Joe Sestak in the Democratic primary, it will be a slap in the face for both Specter, who somehow fees as if he’s entitled to seat in the Senate, and to Obama, who now has Specter following him around like a puppy dog.  If I were a Pennsylvania Democrat, I’d be mighty angry at Obama and Specter for trying to impose their will upon me.  However, I’m not a statist.   I’m a fiscal conservative who wants this nation to return to capitalism, individual freedom, strong national defense, and the right to self determination.

Pat’s a realist and he knows how to make things work, he’s practical, highly articulate, and extremely intelligent.  He values individual rights and personal freedoms and he strongly believes in your right to make your own decisions in your personal life and to stop government from interfering.  He will fight to reel in government spending, lower taxes, control inflation rates, help you keep more of what you earn, and lower the unemployment rate.  Pat will be able to portray his positive message of growth and freedom and he will  handily win the US Senate seat in 2010.

In a very short period of time, Pat has closed a 20 point gap in the proposed general election race between himself and Specter.  The gap is now at 9% between he and Specter and Pat hasn’t even started yet.  Even before Pat announced, Specter was running TV ads attempting to smear Pat with false allegations.

I am fortunate enough to have had Pat as my Congressmen for two terms and to follow him as a member of the Club for Growth.  I had the opportunity to speak with him before and believe me when I tell you that he is a genuine person, very approachable, honest, and open.  I also had the opportunity to hear him give a speech.  His public speaking skills are impeccable.

If you haven’t already done so, please visit the official website at:

www.toomeyforsenate.com

The Social Networking aspect on the site is great as well, so please register for that as well.  Onward to Victory!

Tom Corbett to run for Governor of Pennsylvania

By Caomhin

Good news for the Commonwealth as current Attorney General Tom Corbett has filed papers, forming an exploratory committee to run for the office of Governor.  Corbett won re-election in 2008, the only Republican to do so in a state wide race from the last election cycle.  Corbett has performed exemplary in his current capacity and the people of Pennsylvania have recognized this for quite some time.

With Pat Toomey set to challenge Arlen Specter in the primary for one of Pennsylvania’s Senate Seat in 2010, Corbett becomes the clear front runner to win the GOP Primary in the race for the Governor’s mansion.  I will strongly support this honorable man in his bid to so.  I have high hopes that in 2010 both Toomey and Corbett can win their races and help to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.  Neither candidate has an official website as of yet, but I will be sure to link to them as soon as they do.  Also, please be sure to check out Chris Christie’s website in his 2009 bid to restore sanity to New Jersey by unseating Jon Corzine in New Jersey.