Video: Crist lies about supporting Obama's stimulus

Two unusual sources for this catch: MSNBC's Chris Matthews and Daily Kos:

Yeah, that's gonna leave a mark.

Charlie Crist's Ponzi-scheme pal

Scott Rothstein paid $52,000 to have his name emblazoned on a birthday cake for Florida Gov. Charlie Crist at a July 2008 GOP fundraiser:

"[Rothstein] spent money like it wasn't his," said one person who was there. "Now we know why."
Indeed, Rothstein’s now at the center of an alleged Ponzi scheme in which he bilked investors for what some say could be up to $1 billion. Though many in the legal community had suspected Rothstein was up to something (he couldn't have that much disposable cash legally, they said), politicians and political parties didn't ask many questions. Big checks at the very least buy gratitude and a see-no-evil attitude in politics. Rothstein's $52,000 check from his law firm was the biggest single contribution for the Republican Party of Florida fundraiser, which raised about $1 million for the party.

Q-and-A with Crist, who takes a see-no-evil stance on Rothstein's swindling. Inside Rothstein's law office:

The walls of Rothstein's office and other hallways are lined with framed photos of the lawyer with politicians including Gov. Charlie Crist, former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, U.S. Sen. John McCain and Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti.

Rothstein "raised at least $675,000 for Crist’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign and donated close to $80,000 during the first 50 days of Crist’s U.S. Senate campaign," Judicial Watch reports, noting that two other major Crist contributors have also recently been indicted:

A few months ago, south Florida ophthalmologist Alan Mendelsohn, a prolific fundraiser and political power broker, was charged with fraudulently using money from political action committees to pay for a mistress’s love nest, a luxury car for himself and his children’s education. Mendelsohn was so tight with Crist, a former Florida attorney general, that the governor gave him a spot on his coveted gubernatorial transition team in 2006.
In February a Jordanian businessman (Ala'a al-Ali) was indicted for making tens of thousands of dollars in illegal contributions to various political candidates, including Crist, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Arizona Senator John McCain. Ali, who lives in the Dominican Republic, circumvented federal limits on individual contributions as well as a ban on foreign donations by using bogus donors that he later reimbursed. . . .

Read the whole thing.

It's a Hoffman Victory After All

Well it seems it's a victory for Doug Hoffman after all, but not in the way he intended. While he isn't going to Congress (this year), he has gotten the attention of the NRSC. ABC News reports that John Cornyn got the message loud and clear:

"There's no incentive for us to weigh in," said Cornyn, R-Texas. "We have to look at our resources. . . . We're not going to throw money into a [primary] race leading up to the election." Cornyn said his pledge extends to races for open Senate seats -- not incumbents who may face primaries next year.

The NRSC so far has endorsed candidates in four open Senate seats -- Florida, Missouri, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Cornyn's commitment is most immediately relevant in Florida, where the NRSC's candidate, Gov. Charlie Crist, is facing an aggressive challenge on his right from state House Speaker Marco Rubio.

Ed at Hot Air is willing to give credit where credit is due:

We understand that the role of the national party and the NRSC and NRCC is to elect Republicans. However, that role comes into play in the general election, not the primaries. A party that talks abut federalism and limited national government should have more trust in the people to choose their representatives in the primaries. Cornyn and the NRSC have taken a circuitous route to the right decision, but at least they got there.

That's fine - I'm all for optimism. Just color me a little cynical. I'll believe it when I see it. I'm not clear on how this statement is going to play with the Crist/Rubio duel. The NRSC has already endorsed Crist and I can't see them yanking support now. While Cornyn makes light of endorsements in general, he indicates that the only reason the NRSC endorsed Crist was because Crist asked them too:

Cornyn said the NRSC is only endorsing in races where -- like in Crist's case -- the candidate specifically requests its stamp of approval.

So if Rubio had asked first....?

I hope the Republican establishment has learned something, I really do. The fact remains that as a party Republicans still have to come together and decide how big this tent is going to be. You can't abandon your principles just to stack the deck in your favor. And to my mind, there is still no strong Reagan conservative to lead us out of this mess, although there is still time for one to emerge.

But, for now, I'll take Cornyn's words to heart and I'll send Doug Hoffman a thank-you check. He was brave, honest, and he woke up the NRSC. That's the kind of guy I can get behind!

(More at Memeorandum)

Cross posted at And So it Goes in Shreveport

Are You Listening Now?

While you're watching election results come in tonight, take a minute and read Paul Ibrahim's column at The North Star National. An excerpt:

No one’s life is a waste,” a colleague wrote me in reaction to Dede Scozzafava’s withdrawal from the NY-23 congressional election. “You can always serve as a bad example.”

While we can certainly agree with this statement, it is about time we ask, how many bad examples does the Republican establishment need before it learns its lesson?

In 2004, strong support from the Republican establishment allowed liberal senator Arlen Specter to survive a Republican primary challenge from conservative congressman Pat Toomey by a minuscule margin.

Ibrahim goes on to outline just exactly why so many are fed up with the Republican establishment. Dede Scozzafava was just the latest example. He closes with this line:

Thus, until the Republican establishment truly gets it – and it might take a long time – conservatives must unite in pledging not one more cent to the Republican Party. There is no sense in subsidizing a permanent Republican minority – and one that isn’t even true to its principles.

I couldn't agree more.

H/T: Hot Air

NY-23 Conference Call

After participating in the conference call tonight hosted by the American Conservative Union's PAC to discuss NY-23 it seems to me that the biggest concern for Doug Hoffman now might be getting a fair election. Hoffman's campaign feels the momentum of the past couple of days but this election is by no means in the bag.

Rob Ryan, spokesman for the Hoffman campaign, said that what they need more than anything "is bodies." He expressed concern about "the amount of people coming in" for the Owens campaign, specifically ACORN and the WFP. The WFP is already under investigation in New York for forging absentee ballots and this is something that the Hoffman campaign wants to be sure doesn't happen in NY-23. As Ryan said tonight, "We want a clean, legal election because if that's the case, we win."

To that end, they need volunteers. Ryan asks that if you're in the area and able to help, get in touch with the Hoffman campaign and do what you can. Here is the list of campaign offices (in pdf). Stacy McCain described the 23rd district as "huge; it's the largest congressional district east of the Mississippi River." It's a gerrymandered district and covers a large, oddly shaped territory, mostly suburban. Watertown is probably the largest city in the district with about 40,000 people.

What Stacy McCain hears from voters in the district are concerns about out of control spending and the cost of Obamacare. He says "Hoffman is widely respected by those who know him" despite the fact that he's not an affable or charismatic kind of guy. He's not your typical Washington politician. He's honest and hard working and has genuine concern for the district and the country.

I asked Stacy what the expected turnout for this election is likely to be. As a special election in an off year, you would normally expect turnout to be low. In a sense, this may work to Hoffman's advantage because those that do get out to vote will be those hard-core people that follow the issues. Those moderate, indifferent voters may not turn out. The Democrats have been advertising very heavily in the district, however, and their on-the-ground canvassing is very strong.

This is why volunteers are needed. Even though the RNC and the NRCC are sending resources Hoffman's way, the election is only two days out. If you live anywhere near the area, or know someone who does, the Hoffman campaign needs you.

Matt Burns, former spokesman for Dede Scozzafava, now supporting Hoffman, says that the main thing at this point is to elect someone who will stand up to the aggressive agenda of Nancy Pelosi, and Doug Hoffman is that candidate.

Related:
Jimmie Bise was in on the call and his impressions are here.
Ed Morressey's thoughts are here.

(Cross posted at And So it Goes in Shreveport)

The Other McCain: NY23: Rumors swirlConfirmed

The Other McCain: NY23: Rumors swirlConfirmed

Here's a question no one's asking yet: "How many MORE of these Democrats-in-mufti have the bumbling apparatchiks of the RNC, NRCC and NRSC ALREADY put in office elsewhere?"

Hoffman sends out call for help

Donald Douglas has word from the Hoffman camp that they are needing canvassers.

Just got this in my in-box from folks working with the Doug Hoffman campaign:


Hoffman's biggest need now is volunteers. (1) Nothing is written in stone yet, (2) the margin of victory will determine how hard the losing side fights next year, and (3) in a special election, turnout is everything. They just need people to show up at their campaign offices. It would be terrific if you'd help spread the word.
The link to the campaign locations page is here:
OK, there you go, keep fighting!

A final slap in the face of the Newtists!

Pat Austin beat me to this news, but, hey, a guy HAS to go grocery shopping sometime doesn't he? Pat writes that, not surprisingly, Dede Scozzafava is "quietly" endorsing Democrat Bill Owens.

First, in a Watertown Daily Times' editorial switching its endorsement from Scozzafava to atty Bill Owens (D), the Daily Times notes that Scozzafava "began to quietly and thoughtfully encourage her supporters to vote for" Owens after her withdrawal announcement 10/31.

What a slap in the face of the Newtists the ultimate masters of diminished expectations. The Big Tent GOP idealists insisted that the only way the GOP could ever hope to regain a majority in the House was to reach out and cuddle with Liberal Republicans like Scozzafava. My contention, although not from a political genius like Newt, was that the Scozzafava-type Republican would vote WITH Democrats, thus rendering our "majority" impotent. Well, Newt, looks like I and the others backing Hoffman were right.

We were optimistic, as Conservatives usually are, and believed that the Conservative message would triumph over the Liberal message. We rejected the diminished expectations and the "hold your nose" and vote for whoever the party elites tell you mentality. In other words, we believed in our PRINCIPLES. The GOP leadership should listen and learn. The time for sacrificing our ideals on the altar of "Meghan McCain Republicanism" is over! It failed, it failed because it has no principles, it has no soul. It is lacking substance. It isn't about standing for the Constitution and the ideals of the Founders. It is about none of that. Rather, I have come to believe it is about keeping the "elites" in place, and the people who ARE the GOP, content with diminished expectations!

NY-23: Is Dede Endorsing Hoffman or Owens?

Via Hot Air, Hotline reports that Dede Scozzafava and her husband are quietly endorsing Bill Owens in the NY-23 race. This comes as no real shock as they disagree on absolutely nothing with regard to policy issues.

Hotline quotes both the New York Post and the Watertown Daily Times:

First, in a Watertown Daily Times' editorial switching its endorsement from Scozzafava to atty Bill Owens (D), the Daily Times notes that Scozzafava "began to quietly and thoughtfully encourage her supporters to vote for" Owens after her withdrawal announcement 10/31.

And, according to the New York Post, Scozzafava's husband -- Central Labor Council pres. Ron McDougall -- wholeheartedly endorsed Owens late last p.m. McDougall: "As a life-long labor activist, I know that Bill Owens understands the issues important to working people. On the other hand, Doug Hoffman has little regard for the interests of workers. Hoffman's opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, coupled with his support for the failed policies of the Bush Administration make him a poor choice to serve the citizens of the 23rd Congressional District."

Stacy McCain is still on scene in upstate New York and also notes the Watertown Times story:

The Watertown (N.Y.) Daily Times -- which previously endorsed Scozzafava -- stirred the pot this morning with an editorial backing Democrat Bill Owens and claiming that this was also Scozzafava's agenda.

I don't think in the end that Dede's recommendation is going to be a game changer. The bigger picture here, to me, is her nomination in the first place. That the Republican establishment ever thought she was a viable candidate for that district is the real issue. She is not distinguishable from the Democrat in any significant way. Why did the RNC think this boat would float?

Stacy McCain phoned me from Watertown a couple of nights ago and,pointed me to this TCOT Report story by Michael Patrick Leahy about Dede's selection process:

Scozzafava was nominated on July 22 at a meeting of the eleven county chairmen. Prior to this meeting, a series of four regional meetings were held throughout the district, at which time nine candidates were given a chance to appear in front of a select group of Republican committeemen and State Party Officials. Many conservative Republicans in the 23rd Congressional District were insulted by the Speaker's blatant mischaracterization that Scozzafava was the "unanimous" choice of the four regional meetings that preceded the nominee selection meeting held on July 22. Contrary to the Speaker's assertions, Scozzafava received a majority of the support in only one of these four meetings.

She never had the local support the NRCC contended. Leahy asked Fulton County Republican County Chairman Susan McNeil if there was any support at all for Dede in Fulton County. McNeil's response? "In all of the calls I have received there is no support for Dede."

In fact, most of the support was for conservative Paul Maroun.

In other words, not unlike what they've done in the Florida Senate race between Rubio and Crist, the RNC inserted themselves into a local race because they thought they knew better than the locals what was good for them. In the Florida case, that's a primary race and the NRSC should have held off until Florida picked their own Republican candidate.

In the case of NY-23, the RNC should have listened to the locals. The fact that Dede and her big-labor husband are now coming out, however quietly, for the Democrat just shows that she is solidly a RINO and had no business representing the conservatives of that district.

The people of the district will speak on Tuesday and it's still not a "done deal" for Hoffman. He needs financial support and volunteers. But most of all, the RNC needs to listen to the conservative base. It's time to close ranks and come together as a party under the conservative principles that used to define us. No more RINOs!

(Cross posted at And So it Goes in Shreveport)

Newt endorses Hoffman

Color me pleased but thoroughly unimpressed. Newt had no other call to make now did he? Jimmie, guest blogging at the Other McCain echoes my lack of excitement.

It's clear that the only reason Gingrich flipped his endorsement is because Scozzafava suspended her campaign and dropped out of the race. He still holds to the delusion that Scozzafava is actually dedicated to lower taxes (she's not) and opposing the Pelosi/Reid/Obama agenda (except where it involves pro-life issues, massive government spending, support for ACORN and big labor, and pork-barrel projects as vote bribes).

My take is that Newt deserves zero credit for doing the right thing only when all other options were closed to him. But, I suppose Newt might start thinking clearly again since he has pulled his head out of his, well you know.

Dede Calls it Quits

I've spent the morning running scans on my desktop in an attempt to rid it of an intrusive trojan/virus. Then comes word that Dede quits NY-23. Oh the irony.

Robert Stacy McCain is on scene and broke the news, at least, that's how I found out. This is exciting stuff! Who would have thought that a small special election in upstate New York would have turned into such a referendum on the GOP, RNC, NRCC and, well, Newt.

Professor Jacobson is calling it an all out referendum on Obama now. Liberals vs. conservatives.

The talk on Twitter is sort of cautious; some are hesitant to get too excited just yet. Part of that is because Scozzafava was such a liberal some of her voters may go to Hoffman. The last poll had it a dead heat with Hoffman and Owens with Dede a distant third.

Hot Air reports that Hoffman supporters are headed to Scozzafava's campaign to seek her endorsement. Heh. She's so far left, I'm not even sure that's a good idea.

Things are happening quickly now. Stay tuned for more updates!

(Cross posted at And So it Goes in Shreveport)

Is the NRCC waking up?

Is the House Republican leadership finally ready to embrace a valid Conservative candidate in the race for NY-23?

The House Republican leadership is prepared to welcome Doug Hoffman into its ranks, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) said Thursday, a sign that the GOP establishment is recalibrating its approach toward the contentious New York special election and the Conservative Party nominee whose candidacy has divided the party.


“He would be very welcome, with open arms,” Sessions told POLITICO in an interview off the House floor.


Sessions’s comments came as polls showed Hoffman surging in the Nov. 3 special election against Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava, a moderate who supports abortion rights and gay marriage, and Democratic attorney Bill Owens. Nearly a dozen rank-and-file Republican members announced their endorsements of Hoffman Thursday.


While the NRCC–along with House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.)—have all thrown their backing to Scozzafava, grassroots conservatives have revolted against the GOP nominee, asserting that she is too liberal for them to support. Some have even called for conservatives to withhold donations from the NRCC in protest.

This is very positive news, of course we need MORE of this type of news, but, it seems we might be making a dent in the GOP leadership's heads!

Big H/T to Another Black Conservartive!
Cross-posted at The DaleyGator