What Other Have Said About Holt

Jim Holt's opponent's negative comments can be expected from a liberal arriving in Arkansas after many years and seeking immediate election. Let's review just a few of the many statements by others who have lived in Arkansas and know Jim Holt:

In a report on Senator Holt's military records: Reporters found that on evaluations, supervisors said Holt "exhibits high morals" and is 'totally trustworthy and honest' They also reported he held a "top secret" clearance under three presidents. by Laura Kellams Article, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 9/12/04

"Sen. Paul Miller, D-Melbourne, who doesn?t count Holt as an extremist, said Holt votes his conscience.' You have to give him credit for that. Against all odds he will stick with what he believes in,' Miller said. Sen. Jimmy Jeffress, D-Crossett, called Holt 'a good man and a well-principled man and a man of good morals.'"

Article on Holt in Democrat Gazette by Wickline 7/2/06

Jimmy Cunningham (a Democrat), the superintendent of the Danville district and the past president of the Arkansas Rural Education Association, said, ?"He [Holt] never wavered and we never had to lobby him because we knew where he stood. Everyone who didn't know already, learned that if Senator Holt tells you something, you can count on him to keep his word." read more

Lavina Grandon, who heads up "Save Our Schools" and who organized the entire state to fight consolidation had this to say,. "We could always count on him to keep his word concerning any legislation we asked him to support even when he faced extreme pressure from other legislators."

Holt said some of his supporters advised him to vote for the Minimum Wage. When a retired Jonesboro teacher said she tried to convince Holt "his opponents would hammer him incessantly on this." Political campaigns revolve around "sound bites," she said, and it's hard to explain a vote against the wage increase in a sound bite. Holt answer was he has never voted for his own political gain. Article on Holt in Democrat Gazette by Wickline July 2, 06

"He is a true rarity in politics today: He says what he means. Voters know exactly where he stands on issues and why. He doesn?t peddle his views to the highest bidder or spin his positions according to some handler?s advice, even if his beliefs mean lost votes." "Holt?s poll vault" by Mike Masterson, May 30, 06, Arkansas Democrat Gazette. 5/30/06

Every election year, people ask me why Holt does so well. In more or less descending order, here are my best guesses. People get tired of lip service on things they believe are important.Article by Doug Thompson, Arkansas News Bureau, "Loaves and Fishes" 9/23/06

Authenticity is a resonating market force today, and Holt seems very genuine and sincere? People still cling to simple truths, and they crave simpler distinctions in politics. Holt goes back to basics and keeps it simple,"

by Dana Kelly, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, "The Holt Phenomenon" in trying to explain Holt's success in the Primary 5/19/06

His vote reflects his words, and He is not afraid to be in the minority when voting his conscience. He has done that over and over. Senator Holt has experience; he has faced the heat, stood the test, and responded with integrity. Senator Holt is the type of committed legislator with strong convictions that many of us Arkansans have been looking for now for a long time." Bob Hester former President of American Family Association and now President of Arkansas Family Coalition. read more

Here's hoping and praying that Arkansans see through the truth and won't allow Halter (who has lived out of state most of the last 25 years, invested more than a million dollars in his own campaign, who has received only 5% of his money from Arkansas, who has received 50% of his contributions from California) to defame with all his deceptive ads, the character of a true Arkansan - Jim Holt. Vote for Jim Holt for Lt. Governor

Asa Leads in Latest Poll

The latest Zogby/Wall Street Journal poll issued this morning shows momentum building behind Asa, with him having overtaken the lead now by three points -- 48.2 to 45.3. Poll says Hutchinson is benefiting from an "energized GOP base" and has a 14-point lead among independents. Review Poll

Huckabee Says Arkansas at a Crossroads

Mike Huckabee discussing the need to keep the state from going back to the days of one-party rule and machine politics.

"The Morning New" (Springdale, AR) endorses Jim Lagrone

The Springdale, AR newspaper - The Morning News yesterday endorsed Jim lagrone for Secretary of State:

"Lagrone, a Desha County native who grew up in Trumann, struck us fully capable of handling the secretary of state's responsibilities. He is ambitious and this likely won't be the last office he'd seek, but we're willing to let him test his political wings as secretary of state. The alternative is to return Democrat Charlie Daniels to office. He is seeking his second term as secretary of state but spent 18 years as land commissioner before term limits forced him to job hop. If we had our way, we wouldn't have term limits and we'd be advocating former Secretary of State Sharon Priest's re-election. Instead, the choice is Daniels or Lagrone. We choose Lagrone."

Hutchinson Advocates for Arkansas Agriculture at USDA Meeting

Washington D.C. - Asa Hutchinson, the 2006 Republican nominee for Governor, met today with the high-ranking federal officials to advocate for Arkansas farmers' interests in the development of the 2007 farm bill, including calling for more federal funding for biofuels research. Hutchinson met Monday morning with Chuck Conner, the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to discuss the needs of Arkansas farmers and how the next farm bill could better serve this vital sector of the Arkansas economy. Hutchinson noted that Conner would play a key role in developing the 2007 Farm Bill that will come before Congress next year, so it's important to let him know about the situation facing Arkansas farmers.

"I emphasized that this is a tough time for Arkansas farmers, with the high cost of fuel and other agricultural inputs making it more difficult for them to stay afloat," Hutchinson said. "I told him that the farm support payments and the safety net that was put into place in the '02 Farm Bill have helped tremendously, but we need to continue the work of providing for the needs of our farmers through more investment in biofuels research, expanding grants for surface-water retention programs for irrigation and other key initiatives." Hutchinson has vowed to be a strong advocate for Arkansas farmers and agricultural producers by drawing on his extensive experience in Congress to fight for the state's needs in the 2007 farm bill and by supporting the new state Department of Agriculture.

In addition, Hutchinson wants to help Arkansas lead the nation in the development and marketing of biofuels and other bioproducts derived from Arkansas agricultural commodities. He argues that these innovative products offer tremendous opportunities for the future for the state's rice, soybean and cotton farmers. Hutchinson has focused on support for the bio-industry in Arkansas, which is why he has called for increased investment in research and development at the state's universities, which are on the cutting edge of such research around the nation. Arkansas State University's program in biosciences and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's aquaculture research program are just two examples of the great work taking place in Arkansas, Hutchinson has noted.

There Comes A Time - Berry Deserves to Lose It

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette editorial today: THERE COMES a time in certain elections not for endorsements but catharsis. Such as right now in the First Congressional District of Arkansas. By now Marion Berry and his tirades have become one inseparable embarrassment to the whole state. The man is a walking, talking bad temper. Just because Ol' Marion keeps getting re-elected doesn't mean Arkansas has to like it. What most repels about the Hon. Marion Berry (D), Hysterical, has less to do with his views than the way he presents them - inevitably in the coarsest, most tasteless way. We're talking about his regular little tantrums. ...

- One of these days the good people of the First District of Arkansas are going to get fed up with Marion Berry's mouthiness. One of these days they'll take a chance on a candidate they don't really know, .... We don't know what kind of congressman Stubby Stumbaugh would make, so we're not endorsing him, but we do know what kind the incumbent has made, and it hasn't been pretty. Does Mayor Stumbaugh deserve to win this election in the First District? We don't know. But we're sure Marion Berry richly deserves to lose it. Read Complete Editorial

Daniels says it's not his role to manage elections

JONESBORO SUN, OCT. 23, 2006 - Quote by Charlie Daniels: "It is not the Secretary of State's role to manage elections." Daniels has already been criticized for hiring his son and daughter-in-law to work in the office. Daniels now says his office is meeting with the company's (ES&S) project managers at least once a week to ensure they are meeting pre-set goals. Daniels should have been doing this 4 years ago, but then he also said "it's not the secretary of state?s role to manage Arkansas Elections." Time for Daniels to retire - Vote for Jim Lagrone - He Will Make All Voter's (democrats, independents, greens, or republicans) Vote Count!

Election administrator resigns over ES&S' Gross Incompetence

Texarkana Gazette (Oct 28) reports that Miller County Arkansas Election Administrator Robby Selph will resign effective Dec. 31 because employees of the company providing the voting machines and software are grossly incompetent, mean-spirited and can't spell.

Selph, a certified public accountant, turned in his letter of resignation Thursday. As the county's election administrator, he coordinates all elections from ballot preparation to hiring the election workers for the general elections, party primary elections and school elections. Selph helped coordinate the change from paper ballots to the electronic balloting required by federal law.

Election Systems and Software (ES&S) was selcted bu Secretary of State Charlie Daniels to provide election machines and related software. Selph said he was leaving because the ES&S "lacks competency to make their equipment work timely and effectively. They are grossly incompetent and make a difficult job impossible to do. They can't spell, meet deadlines, send documents to the right address or code elections correctly. They leave races off the ballot for us to correct, they can't program their software to work and you have to hand add the results. And they don't return phone calls."

Selph has served five years as the election administrator." While this has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life, it was one of the most rewarding as well. Although upset with ES&S incompetence, Selph praised several peopel working and helping with the elections, his fellow election commissioners, and the Miller County Clerk and Voter Registrar and her staff.

Snyder is trying to divert attention

Mayberry Campaign 10/26 - Republican challenger Andy Mayberry said today (10/26) that Rep. Vic Snyder is trying to divert people's attention away from Snyder's voting record by accusing Mayberry of "picking on" Snyder's wife. The controversy centers around remarks about gay marriage that were made during Tuesday's debate on AETN.

"I have not said a single negative word about Rev. Singleton, and Vic Snyder knows that," Mayberry said. "This is the standard 'I'm offended' line that Rep. Snyder often offers up when he is backed into a corner trying to defend his unpopular stance on an issue or a vote of his that is not reflective of his constituents' beliefs."

Snyder's wife, Betsy Singleton, is the senior pastor of Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church in Little Rock, where Snyder attends. Snyder originally brought his wife into the discussion earlier in the debate when he said, "My wife is a minister. She believes in second chances and redemption," and went on to imply that he, too, follows those same beliefs held by his wife and pastor.

Later, when discussing the issue of gay marriage, Snyder said that he voted against a federal constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage because states have traditionally handled marriage law. Mayberry has said a federal amendment is needed because state laws are at risk of being stricken down by judges. (Note: New Jersey's highest court ruled on Wednesday that gay couples are entitled to the same legal rights and financial benefits as heterosexual couples. The New Jersey Supreme Court gave the state's Legislature 180 days to either expand existing laws or come up with new ones.)

Following Snyder's statement of why he voted against the federal marriage amendment, Mayberry said, "(Congressman Snyder) says his personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman. However, that is not what is preached in his church by his pastor -- by what you would consider his spiritual leader -- who also happens to be his wife. She has preached sermons that say that homosexual marriage should be blessed. This is available on their web site. I only bring this up because I know that my wife, and my pastor, my spiritual leaders influence how I think about things, and I think that takes place with most people. And how you think about things, you can?t separate that when you go to do your job. And part of your job is to vote on issues, and to vote the way that the people of your district would have you vote on those issues. I want to be a better representative for the people of the Second Congressional District and I want to stand up for what's right, and what?s right is that marriage is between a man and a woman."

Snyder said, "I tell you what, the only response I'm going to make to you, Mr. Mayberry, is I'm going to give you just a little bit of advice: You don?t get very far in Arkansas politics picking on a man?s wife or spouse." "That absolutely, certainly, is not my intention," Mayberry said. "I think that it?s only relevant, though, to see how someone?s mindset is in terms of how they vote on issues. I have nothing against -- at all -- Rep. Snyder?s wife, the Rev. Singleton. She can preach and teach whatever she wants to preach and teach in her church. That?s her right under the Constitution of the United States, the freedom of religion. I respect that."

Snyder followed up in a television interview on Wednesday to say that Mayberry "misquoted" his wife?s sermon on homosexuality. The sermon, as it appears on the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church Web site (www.qqumc.org), states, "The problem for readers (of the Bible) today is that we also take into account that homosexuality may be 'natural' for some and thus not chosen, sinful behavior." Rev. Singleton?s sermon goes on to say, "? I believe that the church must find some way to offer blessings to committed gay and lesbian couples ?"

"If Vic Snyder believes that gay marriage is OK, then he should just say so -- instead of giving voters some political double-speak about states' rights. Federal judges are continuing to take away states' rights in this matter, so we are forced to turn to the federal government for protection of traditional marriage," Mayberry said. "I encourage Rep. Snyder to let voters know, in a straightforward manner, how he stands on the issue. Give voters all the necessary information to make an informed decision, and let them decide who best represents their own ideas about this and other issues. I believe voters would just like a straight answer regarding whether Vic Snyder agrees with the full text of the sermon that is preached in his church by his pastor and his wife. Voters are waiting on an answer."

It's time to take Mayberry thinking to Washington, D.C.!

1st Cong. District Debate Reveals Berry's Poor Performace

In the 1st US Congressional District debate on AETN, Wednesday, Oct 25, Stubby Stumbaugh clearly would be the winner if one were selected. Berry plugged his usual mantra of send me back to Washington and President Bush is terrible. Stumbaugh accused the incumbent of ineffectiveness but Berry tried to ignore his opponent and claimed that he was proud of his accomplishments in office and that he would do better if he returns to Congress as part of a potential Democratic majority.

Stumbaugh said that Berry's lack of effectiveness, particularly in getting approval for a highway bill that benefits the 1st District, stems in part from how he deals with other members of Congress. He referred to Berry calling another lawmaker on the floor of the Congress a "Howdy-Doody-looking nimrod." Howdy Doody was the freckled-face, grinning star of a children's marionette-puppet show on television in the 1950s. "No wonder we can't get anything done," Stumbaugh said. "Our congressman is busy out there calling other congressmen names." Stumbaugh presented documented statistics of Berry's failure to bring home even a fraction of what the other three Arkansas Congressmen have in highway funding. The 1st District continues to be the poorest district in the State under Berry's tenure in Congress.

Berry wouldn't respond but said he was proud of the work that had been accomplished, with federal help, on improving the infrastructure of the district in eastern Arkansas. He alleged that this helped attract Hino Motors manufacturing plant at Marion. Unfortunately it was Republican Governor Huckabee, not Berry, who worked to secure Hino Motors. Berry said he was proud of having voted for the strongest anti-illegal-immigration measure ever approved by the House of Representatives but did not identify that he had also failed to support limiting illegal aliens, is in favor of amnesty and only voted for the latest bill because he had an opponent for office. Then Congress failed to appropriate adequate funding for this bill.

On immigration, Stumbaugh accused Berry of acting to benefit himself in a way contrary to what Berry says he believes. Berry had knowingly employed illegal immigrants in his Arkansas County farming operations. "Berry says he doesn't support amnesty [for illegal immigrants], but he continues to support illegal immigration because it is a dollar in his pocket," Stumbaugh said, and then identified that Berry Farms had received close to a million dollars in farm subsidies.

In his closing statement, Stumbaugh said "we need new leadership, and Stubby Stumbaugh is that leader." Berry's closing statement focused on his party affiliation. Stumbaugh sharply criticized Berry's record, saying he puts politics above the needs of the district. Among other things, he has faulted Berry for his vote against adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare in 2003, not obtaining enough federal dollars for highway projects for the district and not doing enough to try to reduce gas prices and create jobs in the district.

2nd Congressional District Debate Comments

In Tuesday's 2nd District congressional debate on AETN, U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder (Democrat) and Andy Mayberry (Republican) actively trading heated comments on gay marriage and abortion.

Mayberry said the marriage issue is a "defining difference" he has with Snyder. He said a federal amendment is needed because federal judges could strike down Arkansas' constitutional ban on gay marriage. Snyder said he disagreed with a 2004 proposal for a federal constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage because states have traditionally handled marriage law. He said some gay people want to be able to pass job benefits to a partner. He advocated civil unions for gays.

Mayberry noted that Snyder voted against "indicting" Saddam Hussein and that he has an F rating from the National Rifle Association. Mayberry has an A rating by the NRA. Snyder said, "That vote in 1997 was not to indict Saddam Hussein. That was a vote to say he's a bad guy but we're not going to do anything about it." Snyder said he would not vote for anything that takes away weapons from "law-abiding" citizens.

On abortion, the candidates positions were at odds. Mayberry is "100 percent pro-life" and would like a "life at conception act" to prevent abortions. He criticized Snyder's vote against bans on partial-birth abortions. After warning parents to protect their children's ears, Mayberry described the practice of partial-birth abortion. 4,000 abortions occur each day. Snyder said there should be fewer abortions but that most medical decisions should be made between a patient and doctor. Snyder also voted against parental notification to take a their minor child across state lines for an abortion.

Mayberry is endorsed by the National and Arkansas Right to Life.
Snyder has the most liberal voting record of any Arkansas congressman. Snyder has a career grade of "F" in addressing immigration problems and even voted against securing our nation's borders and supports amnesty for illegal aliens.

4th Congressional District Debate Summary

In Tuesday's very short ( and most boring) 4th District congressional debate on AETN, the choice was between Ross and Ross: U.S. Represenative Mike Ross (D) from Pescott and Joe Ross (R) from Eldorado. Joe Ross said, "I think freshness and new ideas. Our whole country was built on new ideas. Seems like we ran out of them." but then offered none for the voters to consider or reasons for voters to vote for him. Congressman Ross reminded the voters that "During my short time in congress I have helped secure over a quarter of a billion dollars for highway, road, and infrastructure improvements." Mike Ross could only lose this race is if the democrat voters were also so bored that they accidently voted for Joe Ross by mistake.

3rd Congressional District Debate Summary

On Monday's AETN 3rd District congressional debate candidates on significant issue was on how the U.S. can succeed in Iraq. U. S. Rep. John Boozman (Republican) said he trusts the word he's gotten from the military on the ground in the five trips he's taken to Iraq. "Do we need to be fluid? Do we need to change strategy? Of course we do. But we need to get that from our military people," he said. "They're the ones that are there, fighting the battle."

Woodrow Anderson, (Democrat) said U. S. troops should be out of Iraq in 18 months, with troops beginning a pullout in no more than 12 months. "We have to do something different. We cannot continue to talk about Iraq in generalizations." He offered no basis for his timeline to remove troops.

On border security, both candidates opposed "amnesty" for illegial aliens. On importance of social issues, Anderson said such issues can show the values of a candidate, but he said they're overdone by Republicans. "I don?t know why we continue to debate that particular topic. We?ve got to move on and address ... more important issues... ." Boozman said the federal government can talk about both. He said he gets a lot of mail from constituents who are worried about the definition of marriage.

On energy policy, Boozman said the U.S. needs to build more oil refineries to protect against volatility in gas prices. He said the nation needs to do more toward energy conservation, produce more nuclear power and drill for oil in Alaska. Anderson said more oil refineries won't end the nation's dependence on foreign oil and the U.S. should focus more on its coal reserves and alternative fuels.

Beebe's Involvement in Nick Wilson's Corruption Scam

El Dorado, Ark. - Governor Mike Huckabee today disputed claims by Attorney General Mike Beebe that he was Nick Wilson's "biggest opponent" when Wilson was bilking the state of millions, a corruption conspiracy that resulted in felony convictions for Wilson and his accomplices in 1999. Huckabee pointed out that Beebe helped to override the Governor's veto of the legislation setting up the scam; opposed efforts to censure Wilson and other colleagues in the Senate; and opposed efforts to evict Wilson and the others after they were convicted.

Huckabee was particularly disturbed that Beebe is now trying to claim he was actively involved in trying to stop Wilson, "Mike Beebe helped ensure that this scam became law. Today he claims he didn't know what he was voting for. I don't know what that says about his leadership, but even Nick Wilson says everyone knew. How could somebody who is campaigning on his record as a leader of the Senate also claim he was utterly oblivious to one of the worst political scandals in the history of the Legislature taking place right under his nose?"

Huckabee was also surprised by Beebe's latest claims, issued yesterday, to have led the effort to evict Wilson and the other guilty senators from the Senate. Beebe opposed calls to censure Wilson and the other senators, and, after their felony convictions were handed down two years later, opposed calls to evict the senators from the Legislature immediately. "Back then, Beebe said it was 'un-American' to censure Wilson and his gang," Huckabee said. Beebe said that "evicting Wilson from the Senate after he was convicted would be like running up the score in the football game." Today he says he was Wilson's biggest opponent. This is revisionist history at its best - or worst."

Huckabee noted that while Nick Wilson emerged as the most notorious of the senators in the fraud, he wasn't the only one. Other senators included friends and colleagues of Beebe's when he was in the Senate. "There was a powerful political machine that dominated the Senate, and Beebe wanted to control that machine. He ruffled as few feathers as he could."

Martha Shoffner Criticized for Poor Record on Civil Rights

At a news conference in the state Capitol, Chris Morris said, "It's very important, again, for African-Americans to know who they need to vote for." Chris Morris, the only black candidate in the General Election for a statewide race in Arkansas, criticized his opponent Martha Shoffner for voting against legislation important to civil rights.

Dale Charles, chapter president of the NAACP, even recalled Shoffner being particularly hostile to a civil rights' bill in her questions and statements and that she "went out of her way" to tell crime victims that they hadn't experienced what they said they experienced.

"My party, the Republican Party, actually has the doors open, they've been open for African-Americans to come home," Morris said. "This is the party of Lincoln, the original party that African-Americans first joined." Read More

Arkansas Eagle Forum Opposes Same Sex Unions

Little Rock, AR - Eagle Forum of Arkansas today (10/24/06) voiced strong opposition to the issue of same sex civil unions while reaffirming staunch support for traditional marriage in Arkansas. "When 75 % of Arkansans voted in favor of the marriage amendment, it is difficult to comprehend why the Democratic Party removed language from their party platform regarding the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman" stated Randy Minton, chairman of Arkansas Eagle Forum.

Minton continued "Obviously the latest move regarding the issue and promotion of same sex civil unions is an effort on behalf of the democratic ticket to force the people of Arkansas to accept homosexual unions, regardless of the overwhelming majority of Arkansans opposed to it." Referring to statements to the press by democrat candidate for attorney general Dustin McDaniel that he would be supportive of same sex unions for Arkansas, Minton said "McDaniel and the entire ticket for the democrats are simply out of touch with every day people in our state when it comes to the issue of gay marriage, gay adoption and gay civil unions."

Eagle Forum President Betsy Hagan said that Arkansans "spoke with a loud and clear voice regarding the issue of gay marriages and so called same sex unions. For a statewide candidate to promote actions that would undermine traditional marriage in our state is a slap in the face of the voters. Arkansas is a conservative state with conservative values and morals; the voters are smart enough to see through this effort from left field by the Democratic Party to promote civil unions, which in fact would provide gay couples with many, if not all of the same rights and privileges that are and should be offered only to traditional married couples.

The people of Arkansas have never had a clearer choice regarding leadership in the area of protecting traditional marriage; it is simply wrong to promote acceptance of same sex civil unions. We strongly urge the voters to send a message on Election Day that we will stand strong and not yield to the liberal ideals being promoted by the democratic slate of candidates whose values are better suited to Vermont and not Arkansas."

The Stakes This Election

The AP reports the Republican National Committee "will begin airing a hard-hitting ad this weekend that warns of more cataclysmic terror attacks against the U.S. homeland." The below ad portrays Osama bin Laden and quotes his threats against America dating to February 1998. "These are the stakes," the ad concludes. "Vote November 7."

Early Voting Starts Today!

To vote early, visit the County Clerk's office at your county courthouse during regular business hours to get your ballot. And remember: You can vote on Saturday, as well. Once you?ve cast your vote, be sure to tell your friends, family and co-workers about early voting, so they can vote for the Republican candidates - see the voter's guide posted on Oct 21 for Arkansas State & National offices.

But the job's not done when you?ve cast your vote! With two weeks to go till November 7, the candidates still need volunteers to help out at county headquarters with phone calls, mailings, and distributing yard signs. Contact your local County Republican Headquarters / Committee. If you need help finding the number or location, call the Asa campaign at 501.978.4334 and ask for the contact in your county.

Early Voting Begins Monday Oct 23rd

Please Vote - early voting begins Monday Oct 23rd!
Arkansas Voter Guide State & Federal Offices:
Governor - Asa Hutchinson
Lt. Governor - Jim Holt
Attorney General - Gunner Delay
Secretary of State- Jim Lagrone
Treasurer - Chris Morris
U.S. Congress District 1 - Mickey "Stubby" Stumbaugh
U.S. Congress District 2 - Andy Mayberry
U.S. Congress District 3 - John Boozman
U.S. Congress District 4 - Joe Ross

Beebe Fails the Character Test

An Arkansas Democrat Gazette editorial blasts Beebe for his opportunistic attacks on Asa?s service in a recent negative attack ad that the ADG calls "low," "sleazy," and "illogical": "Few more telling tests of character have ever been devised than an American political campaign. Mike Beebe may have failed that test when he okayed this low commercial, but that was just par for the low political course. Which Mike Beebe are we supposed to believe, ... Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?" the editorial notes. Read More

WHO IS BILL HALTER?

Bill Halter who is the candidate for Lt. Governor opposing Senator Jim Holt. The website www.WhoIsBillHalter.com documents Bill Halters connection to pornography and online gambling industry with links to newspaper articles and press releases documents. Bill Halter sat on the Board of a company (Akamai Technologies) that secretly piped porn touted as the "Web's youngest teen girls" in sex acts into several universities and high schools. All Arkansas voters have both the need and a right to this information before they vote.

NRA Rates Mayberry an "A" vs. Snyder an "F"

Vic Snyder was 1 of only 2 members in the U.S. House of Representatives to vote NOT to prosecute Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi officials who are responsible for crimes against humanity. H. Con. Res. 137 passed by a vote of 396 to 2.

The NRA gave Andy Mayberry an "A" rating. The NRA gave Vic Snyder an "F" rating,

Compare the Candidates: Andy Mayberry vs. Vic Snyder.

Democrat Leadership Calls Black GOP Candidates "Slavish" & "Token"

U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer said that black Senate candidate (Maryland Lt. Gov.) Michael Steele acts "slavishly" in supporting the Republican Party. In addition, four years ago, Hoyer called Steele a "token" candidate. Hoyer this week gave an "insincere" apology by saying that "no offense was intended in his remarks. I should not have used those words." Hoyer's apology continued to criticize Steele politically: "If Mr. Steele did in fact take offense, let me assure him that none was intended," Hoyer said. "But Mr. Steele continuously tries to divert attention from the fact that he is an unwavering supporter of the Republican agenda ..."

Republicans like Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, former Sec. of State General Colin Powell and Sec. of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice rebuff these insults and continue to win the hearts of voters. In Arkansas, the Republican Party is reaching out to our fellow black citizens. It was the Republican party that came into existence to fight for the emancipation of black Americans from slavery. It was Democrat party officials who kept blacks from voting in the South. Blacks in Arkansas have voted Democrat in the past primarily because the State was a one-party system. Expect this to change because Republican beliefs and values align with the traditional values of black voters.

Arkansas Gov. Huckabee's staff member Chris Morris has been getting the word out to the black community. Chis is the 2006 Republican candidate for Arkansas State Treasurer. He needs your support. Vote for Chris Morris!

Same-sex Marriage supporters, foes continue on collision course

Even though 46 states have passed amendments or statutes defining marriage as solely a relationship between a man and a woman, Alliance for Marriage founder Matt Daniels is wary. Daniels knows the decision of only one judge could undermine the pronouncements of 20 voter-approved state amendments and 26 state legislatures protecting traditional matrimony.

It almost happened in July. The Washington State Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act limiting marriage to one man and one woman. But an imminent breakthrough is possible in any of half a dozen other states where homosexual marriage activists have argued their cause before the highest courts. By a 4-3 vote, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in 2003 determined that same-sex couples have a fundamental, constitutional right to marry. But the law there restricts such marriages just to Bay State residents.

"The forces that are behind these lawsuits are absolutely committed to impose this on our nation through the courts," says Daniels. "They eventually will succeed in more states than Massachusetts." The national battle will become more intense. Many media, business and education forces have lined up against the amendment. Yet in every state where a ballot referendum has occurred, traditional marriage has triumphed, frequently by lopsided tallies.

"We are inevitably going to have a national standard with respect to marriage," Daniels predicts. "Marriage is too fundamental a social institution to have radically different definitions in different states." Another reason a federal constitutional amendment is necessary is the full faith and credit clause in Article 4 of the U.S. Constitution. A ruling allowing homosexual marriage in one state could invalidate the Defense of Marriage Act passed by Congress a decade ago. Read More

Voting is Paying Our Dues

Election Day gives us a choice to give our values wings and voice. It's spending time to pay respect to what makes freedom ring. When we neglect our treasured right, we fail to leverage godly might. When we forget or just don't vote, we leech off liberty. Yes, voting is like paying dues. We mark our ballots and we choose. And in the process we invest in funding freedom?s cost. Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos Presidential Prayer Team

Polls Show Immigration Definitely an Election Issue

On 10/17/06, the population of the United States topped 300 million, joining China and India as the only nations on the planet to reach that plateau. That's according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. In 1970, immigrants constituted less than 5% of the U.S. population -- but that has changed dramatically. Per Carl Haub, Population Reference Bureau, over half of U.S. population growth today comes from immigration and then the children of immigrants, the births they have after they arrive. The biggest change appears to be the growth in the country's Hispanic population. In the 1970 census, there were only 9.6 million Hispanics living in the U.S. The estimated number today is roughly 43 million.

Center for Immigration Studies Poll results:

Voters are less likely to vote for candidates who favor increasing legal immigration.

Voters prefer the House version of immigration legislation over that put forth by the Senate.

Poll indicates that 44 percent of voters prefer across-the-board enforcement of current immigration laws, which happens to be the basis of the House bill; another 20% prefer large-scale deportations.

Three-fourths of those polled blamed "grossly inadequate" enforcement efforts in the past for the illegal immigration problem in the U.S. Voters strongly reject the argument that illegal immigration is caused by overly restrictive legal immigration policies.

A strong majorities of Americans want immigration laws enforced and illegal immigrants to go home. And one of the strongest findings, it adds, is that voters "overwhelmingly" oppose increases in legal immigration like that found in the Senate bill passed earlier this year. Read More

Beebe Era - More Taxes! More Pork for Politicians!

Columnist Paul Greenberg of the Arkansas Democrat Gazette identifies what a Mike Beebe Era if elected Governor would look like: "To judge by his long, long record in the state Senate and his vagueness in this campaign, a Beebe administration would mean higher taxes for the people and more pork for the politicians. But always served up with articulate excuses." Read More

McDaniel Support Civil Unions for Gay Couples

LITTLE ROCK - Democratic attorney general nominee Dustin McDaniel said Monday he supports the state's ban on gay marriage but said Arkansas couples who cannot marry should be allowed to enter civil unions. "If two people want to go into a relationship where they can co-own a home or share medical records with one another, get to see each other in the hospital, those kinds of things, I think the law should protect those rights," McDaniel said. Read AP Interview

Mass. governor attacks gay marriage

Mitt Romney, Governor of Massachusetts, the only state where gay marriage is legal, said in a broadcast to religious conservatives. "The price of same-sex marriage is paid by the children," the governor said. "The child's development is enhanced by the nurturing of parents of both genders. Every child deserves a mother and a father." He also said churches are being denied the right to religious freedom, citing Catholic Charities' decision to drop its adoption program because it was legally required to consider gay couples. Read More Let's pray the our Governor does the same. Note the difference in the current positions of the candidates for Governor.

Random Thoughts While on The Road

GUEST EDITORIAL: While traveleing and listening to the Canadian Broadcasting Company, we learned that all the provinces of Canada had now adopted Homosexual Marriage and redefined marriage as between two human beings. The commentator seemed awfully glad, even smug, about the decisions. We were deeply saddened.

Something very serious has happened to Western Civilization over the past 50 years or so. We seem to have given up the ideas of disgust and perversion; erased them. Due to political correctness, we now simply disregard anything two consenting adults do in private, regardless. Soon, we'll be disregarding any sexual behaviors at all, even when they involve children, as being only the partner's personal business. The idea that one person's actions just might constitute a violation or desecration of another person's body , even when the other person consents, has almost slipped from our collective ideas of morality and legality.

Someday soon, there may no longer be any age limit on sex acts with children. Certainly, the day is coming when law suits will require judges set lower limits for the age of consent. The Man-Boy Love Association has been trying for years to legalize pre-pubescent sex with children. Internet Pornography featuring both adults and children feeds on adult perversion and it is so pervasive, the legal system cannot deal with it.

Oh sure, no matter how polymorphusly perverse any person might be, they still will find some acts and desires that disgust them, at least somewhat. If they have retained any capacity for love, they will recognize that the body of another whom he desires is not an object merely to be used and discarded but a subject to be venerated. They'll recognize there is such a thing in sexual conduct and desire that amounts to desecration though that term is normally used in conjunction with others such as modesty, decency, and morality, terms many prefer to ignore. Even pornographers recognize that there is more to sexual morality than mere consent.

But our ideas of disgust over sexual immorality are nearly gone. A recent president had sex with a young intern in the Oval Office (mis-using his powers for mere moments of sexual pleasure) but there was little outrage expressed within the nation. In fact, his own political party defended him with the mantra, ?Everyone does it.? implying (falsely) that every president had his little fling and it was no big thing. Forgotten was the age and vulnerability of the girl, that president's past sexual escapades, and the indignity of the act made public. Lately, he defended himself in a book by saying the reason he did it was because he could. And he has come to personify a complete political party of millions.

The sexual revolution tried to sweep away all "irrational" barriers, prejudices, repressions, and taboos. In fact, it is "repression" that has become identified as the only true sin. The advocates of liberation have persuaded us that the only sins are those against pleasure. Christians are scoffed at because they still preach against Biblical Sins.

We must define what is legally perverse or we will eventually lose all sense of morality. We must be able to define what is normal, natural desire and what is abnormal and deviant. We cannot rely on consent alone. Otherwise we will eventually lose our ability to define rape, pedophilia, and masochism that victimizes our children and other innocents.

Marriage has always been treated as a sacrament whereby two people consecrate their lives not just to each other but to the family that will spring from them. Thus, marriage is not the mere rubber stamping of sexual consent! It marks the point when concerns move away from the present self to future generations, when parties renounce other sexual license and mere self gratification, and become the benefactors of other's futures. To treat marriage as mere conjunctive consent is to jeopardize not only the future of our yet unborn children but also our nation, indeed, even Western Christian civilization as we know it. [PL Booth 07/16/04]

Final Debate Reveals Clear Contrasts Between Asa and Beebe

GOP Candidate Lays Out Differences On Immigration, Gay Foster Care, and Other Issues

Asa Hutchinson, the 2006 Republican nominee for Governor, said tonight that there are clear contrasts between him and his opponent when it comes to showing leadership and laying out clear plans for the future of Arkansas. Hutchinson and Beebe squared off tonight (10/17) in Little Rock for the third and final debate in the Governor's race. Questions focused on a wide range of issues, including education, health care, the use of the Governor?s clemency powers and fighting illegal immigration and drugs.

In his opening statement, Hutchinson noted that Beebe has attacked his record of service at the Department of Homeland Security in recent television ads and defended his service at the national level. "I believe that public service is not about taking the easy path, but about taking on the hard missions of life," Hutchinson said. ?He has attacked my national service. That's fine - leaders understand that goes with the turf. I've been in the arena, not on the sidelines."

Hutchinson addressed the problem of illegal immigration in Arkansas and discussed his four-point plan for giving the state a stronger role in fighting illegal immigration by training state police to enforce the law, cracking down on hiring of illegals and cracking down on document fraud. Beebe criticized Hutchinson's plan, arguing that "the bulk of the responsibility" for immigration enforcement is on the federal government. "What you have just heard is no solution," Hutchinson said of Beebe?s response. "He has not offered a plan. I have presented a specific plan. It is matter of leadership. I think leadership is about solutions and not casting blame." Hutchinson was blunt in his assessment of Beebe?s stance. "You don't understand immigration enforcement at all," Hutchinson said. "Don't mischaracterize it, misrepresent it, or make light of a solution when you offer no solution to this problem."

Hutchinson also criticized Beebe's plans for fighting meth as incomplete after Beebe noted that as Attorney General, he supported legislation to move cold tablets, a common ingredient in meth, behind sales counters. Hutchinson noted the vast majority of meth - 70 percent - comes from outside Arkansas borders. "Mr. Beebe has just presented a 30 percent solution," Hutchinson said. "He has no solution that he has addressed for the 70 percent of the problem. I have addressed that" through proposals to create an Arkansas Bureau of Drug Enforcement and expand drug treatment courts in Arkansas to get non-violent offenders off drugs and back into the workforce.

Hutchinson also noted that Beebe "dropped the ball" in failing to step up to defend Arkansas values when the ACLU challenged a state agency?s ban on gay foster care. "He refused to step in" to defend the state in the case, Hutchinson said. "I believe that is dropping the ball."

In a question about divorce rates, the candidates debated the issue of covenant marriage, with Hutchinson calling the arrangement an excellent program for strengthening marriage in Arkansas. He emphasized the value of covenant marriage for young couples. "It helps send a signal to our young people that marriage is serious," Hutchinson said. "It's a way for couples to reinforce their vows." Hutchinson noted that, as a state Senator, Beebe voted against the covenant marriage act, and said that Beebe was wrong to have done so.

The candidates were also asked about how they would use the Governor's clemency powers for convicted felons, and Hutchinson emphasized that these powers should be used sparingly, with deference to the jury system and with full notification of crime victims and law enforcement. "I've been a federal prosecutor. I've put people in jail, I've prosecuted terrorists, I understand what it is for a jury to agonize over a life and death decision," Hutchinson said. "I've heard confessions in the courtroom. And I say, "God will forgive you, but there is accountability, and that is our system of justice."

Class action lawsuit against Tyson for hiring illegal aliens

A federal judge granted class action status to a lawsuit that contends Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat producer, depressed wages by hiring illegal immigrants at eight plants: Shelbyville; Corydon, In.; Gadsden, Al., Blountsville, Al., Ashland, Al.; Sedalia, Mo.; Center, Tx and Glen Allen, Va. The lawsuit contends the company violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act by knowingly hiring illegal immigrants who were willing to work for wages below those acceptable to Americans. The lawsuit says Tyson relied on a network of recruiters and temporary employment agencies that brought illegal workers into the United States and supplied them with false identification. Read More

Holt-DeLay Team Up to talk about "Illegal Immigration"

Jim Holt, candidate for Lt. Governor, and Gunner Delay, candidate for Attorney General, teamed up for a fly-in tour to major cities in Arkansas on Monday and Tuesady to speak with the public about illegal alien problem in Arkansas and what are the actions should be done to curbe this serious problem. The majority of Arkansans are tired of people telling us we have to accept 12 million illegal aliens. So far state democrat candidates are supporting illegal aliensor stating they can't do anthing because it is a Federal problem. Only the GOP state candidates are laying out actions that Arkansas official can take to address this problem. Go Jim and Gunner - continue to speak for all of us on this issue!

Beebe's untruthful attack ad - The Real Truth!

Asa Hutchinson understands that Arkansas' future depends on its educational system. He has announced a detailed education policy that will ensure our children receive a World-Class Education. This proposal includes: (1) creating a Teacher Support Program - Teachers' Ongoing Opportunities and Learning Support; (2) Encouraging and promoting parental involvement by creating a First Teachers Foundation; (3) Promoting public school innovation by expanding public charter school opportunities (4) Preserving education opportunities in rural schools and the delta; and (5) Improving access to voluntary pre-k education programs.

However, since Mike Beebe has no plan, he released an untruthful attack ad on Asa's education record. So let's consider the real facts on what Asa has done to support education as a U.S. Congressman for Arkansas:

In 1998, representing Arkansas in the U.S. Congress, Asa Hutchinson voted for the Head Start Reauthorization (Roll Call). The reauthorization increased the amount of new appropriations that must be used for quality improvement activities until FY 2003.

Federal appropriations for Head Start substantially increased during Asa's tenure in Congress: 1998 - $4.347; 1999 - $4.658; 2000 -$5.267; 2001 - $6.200 billion.

U.S .Congressman Asa Hutchinson cosponsored House Resolution 139 that expressed the sense of the House of Representatives that the Department of Education, States, and local education agencies should spend a greater percentage of Federal education tax dollars in our children's classrooms (Dollars to the Classroom).

U.S. Congressman Asa Hutchinson supported the 1999 Omnibus Bill that included direct funding of $1.2 billion for emergency school renovation and repair (P.L. 106-554).

U.S. Congressman Asa Hutchinson voted yes on the original NoChild Left Behind bill, which increased education funding 27%. However, he did not get to vote on the final bill and subsequent appropriation because he left Congress to become the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where he worked to protect our children and the rest of the public from illegal drugs.

So about Mike Beebe's record:

While Mike Beebe was a leader in the Arkansas Senate: the State of Arkansas was involved in two lawsuits over inadequate education. This was a culmination of his failed leadership while in the Senate since 1982 to prevent these lawsuits from having merit by asuring that Arkansas' children were provided an adequate education.

While representing the State as Attorney General, Mike Beebe lost the State's appeal in an education lawsuit.

White House Upbeat About GOP Prospects

Amid widespread panic in the Republican establishment about the coming midterm elections, there are two people whose confidence about GOP prospects strikes even their closest allies as almost inexplicably upbeat: President Bush and his top political adviser, Karl Rove. ... To Rove and the small cadre of operatives who have been at his side throughout the administration -- including Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman and White House political director Sara Taylor -- confidence flows from a conviction that a political operation that has produced three consecutive national victories is capable of one more, despite voter disaffection with Iraq and GOP scandals in Washington. [Michael Abramowitz, 10/15/06 Washington Post]

Elephants On Parade At The Border

Raj Bhakta, Republican candidate for the 13th District U.S. House of Representatives seat in Eastern Congress in Pennsylvania, recently took a trip to the US-Mexico border, and to demonstrate the lax security, took three elephants and a six-piece mariachi band across the Rio Grande. "To my surprise, the band played on, the elephants splashed away, and nobody showed up," Bhakta said. "The elephant never made landfall into Mexico, but I tell you something, he could have made 15 laps back and forth, but no one showed up," said Raj Peter Bhakta, a former star on the NBC show "The Apprentice." Three elephants, two African and an Asian, were taken out to a ranch near Boca Chica beach to perform.

Bhakta was in Brownsville to raise funds with friends and decided to get a first-hand look at border security while he was here. In Brownsville, he witnessed half a dozen men swim under one of the international bridges "with complete immunity" which in turn prompted him to take the immigration issue to the next level. Bhakta decided to see if he could get an elephant accompanied by a six-piece mariachi band across the river. Bhakta favors supports a border fence, local law enforcement assistance with immigration laws and the use of the National Guard troops to help the U.S. Border Patrol.

ARRA Stands with Values Voters - Please Go To the Polls and Vote!

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

Don't surrender voting for the family values and traditional beliefs cherished by conservative value voters by staying home and not voting. We all have experienced real disappointment because of those who have gained access to the GOP who have defiled our traditional beliefs in traditional marriage and family. The ARRA stands with you! In Arkansas, we have good conservative candidates running for office against the liberal candidates that devalue our beliefs. These candidates need our votes! Cast your vote to save Arkansas this year - vote for the GOP candidates not because they are GOP candidates but because they are the candidates that most closely reflect our Arkansas values and beliefs!

NBC Squashes Bob the Tomato's Free Speech

All Bob the Tomato wanted to say is, "God made you special and He loves you very much," but the censors at NBC are worried that Bob's love for God might offend some viewers. Was NBC unaware that Veggie Tales teaches Judeo-Christian values when they offered Big Idea a Saturday morning slot? They were fully aware that veggie hosts Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber teach kids Bible stories that include Jesus' birth and resurrection, Moses in the basket, Gideon the warrior, and Queen Esther's courage. The stories always end with a Bible verse. Except on NBC.

At long last a wholesome TV series that teaches youngsters about God?s love and forgiveness is aired. Sadly, NBC's execs will not countenance Bob and Larry?s references to God. NBC's stated mission is to protect the sensibilities of the "broad audience." Hence, the demand for Phil Vischer to remove any mention of the Name of, well, you know Who! Read More

Rep. Ney Pleads Guilty; GOP Leaders Might Seek Expulsion

Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, pleaded guilty Friday in the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling investigation, the first lawmaker to confess to crimes in an election-year scandal that has stained the Republican-controlled Congress and the Bush administration. Ney did not immediately resign from Congress, and within minutes, Republican and Democratic leaders vowed to expel him unless he steps down. The White House also called for Ney's resignation.

The first charge accused Ney of conspiring to commit "honest services" fraud, a combination of mail and wire fraud often used in public corruption cases. The second count charges Ney with not revealing his gifts from Abramoff on financial disclosure forms. Ney acknowledged accepting all-expense-paid and reduced-price trips to play golf in Scotland in August 2002, to gamble and vacation in New Orleans in May 2003 and to vacation in New York in August 2003. The total cost of all the trips, in which others, including some aides, participated , exceeded $170,000, prosecutors said. Ney also admitted accepting meals and sports and concert tickets for himself and his staff. Read More

Bush Signs $400 Million U.S. Port Security Act

President Bush signed into law today a $400 million comprehensive port security bill designed to keep nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons out of the 11 million shipping containers that make it to the U.S. each year. Fox News 10/13/2006

Jim Holt Wins Debate but Will it Overcome Halter's Money

On Thursday, Oct 12, big money Washington DC bureaucrat and corporate board member, Bill Halter met Jim Holt again for a second debate. While Halter smiled and never really gave an good explanation of his positions and where he has lived for the last several years, Holt continued to present his record of service for standing up for Arkansans. Halter kept trying identifying that Holt had been the odd man out in his votes instead of joining the majority. This worked to Holt's advantage since many of Holts past stances on issues for the people of Arkansas have become the current position of those who opposed Holt in the past.

While Halter, backed by big out of state money, argued for a State Lottery and for numerous large government programs which will burden the taxpayers, Holt held his position that taxes are strangling Arkansans and preventing businesses outside the State from coming to Arkansas. Halter argued for more education (starting at age 3) and center of excellence at universities in hope more business would come to the state if we have more education. Holt detailed that Arkansas graduates are leaving the state in droves for jobs in neighboring states.

Holt a product of Arkansas public education, military service, and years of working and public service in Arkansas is connected to the needs and beliefs of Arkansans. Bill Halter attended private elementary and secondary school in Arkansas and then left Arkansas to attend college in California and England. He did not return for 25 years until right before his decision to seek the Governor's office but withdrew from that race to seek the Lt Governor's office. Halter has the Clinton style, has no time experienced in the Arkansas education system and no experience living and working as an adult in Arkansas. Now funded with large amounts of outside cash, Halter asks the voters to trust his smile and promises for the future (big programs and higher taxes). Holt continues to stand firmly on the ground he has always stood fighting solely for Arkansans while remaining loyal to his moral beliefs and family. The question is whether the popular vote will be for the new liberal person with lots of out-of-state funding and the whimsical smile and voice saying trust me. However, the right choice is to vote for Jim Holt.

Secretary of State Debate

On Wednesday evening, Oct 11, Jim Lagrone and Charlie Daniels squared off in the AETN sponsored debate. When a reporter question about Daniels putting his son and daughter-in-law on the Secretary of State payroll, Daniels, an astute old-time politician, stepped right up and said "yes, I did." He claimed his two family members were the two most qualified people he new and obviously didn't see why he should hire his family. Supposedly, he has numerous other relatives working on the state's payroll at the Capitol. His repeatedly when confronted said that things have gotten better and will continue to get better at the SOS office. We should all hope so.

Jim Lagrone articulated the problems at the Secretary of State's office, specifically with the major Arkansas primary election problems in various counties including the disenfranchisement of many voters, especially military voters. When asked as a Baptist preacher if he was negatively campaigning, Lagrone pointed out that it is not negative to identify the major areas and examples of problems occuring under the direction of Daniels. Jim expressed his concern for the need to protect the rights of all legal voters.

Obviously Daniels has name recognition and wishes to stay in office as long as possible. As former Arkansas Land Commissioner who was term limited but he didn't follow voter expectations of retiring to private life but instead moved on to SOS. It was noted that Daniels left a lot of unfinished work which his replacement quickly cleaned up. Jim Holt is the first viable candidate that Daniels has faced in years. Arkansas has a real opportunity to see significant improvements in the Secretary of State office including the stopping of the Daniels' nepotism policy by voting for Jim Lagrone for Secretary of State.

Beebe Gets the Emperor has No Clothes Award

Tonight in an AETN sponsored candidate debate for Arkansas Attorney General, the Green Party candidate, Rebekah Kennedy, didn't beat around the bushes but clearly asserted that the present Attorney General Mike Beebe has not been doing his job protecting the citizens of Arkansas against fraud schemes. She identified that Beebe was willing to warn people about schemes after they occurred but that he was not proactive in stopping these schemes or in going after the sources of these predatory practices. This young left leaning Green party candidate focused on the proverbial "the emperor has no clothes" by identifying that Mike Beebe, candidate for Governor, has not been protecting Arkansans as Attorney General.

This imagery continues to apply to other areas of his apparent lack of performance as Attorney General. On example has been his failure to deal with the hiring of illegal aliens in Arkansas. Although he has said, "there is a law on the books" that it is illegal for employers to hire illegal aliens. He also has not protected Arkansas taxpayer from deception by fraud by illegal aliens and their employers. Maybe his lack of past performance is the reason he could only suggest using a "bully pulpit" if elected Governor to address illegal aliens in Arkansas. Mike Beebe in his pursuit to be Governor continues to reveal that he has been too busy ("party-ing - doing things within the Little Rock beltway") to dress himself in responsible performance as Attorney General. Mike Beebe deserves the "Emperor has no clothes award" and not the position of Governor.

Scary Liberals Controlling Congress?

Many of us know our Democrat Congressional Delegation (Berry, Snyder & Ross); at least, all of us know who they are. Most of us might find them to be nice fellows in spite of the fact that they have voted a majority of the time in opposition to the issues and values we hold dear as Arkansans.

This election, even if we agreed with the way they vote (which most of the times we don?t), a vote for any Democrat candidate for Congress could help put the most liberal people in the House in key positions of leadership. If the Democrats gain a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, the following ?Scary Liberals? will take control of the House:

Nancy Pelosi (D, CA) will become the next Speaker of the House. She vote liberal 95% of the time. She voted against cutting taxes, against renewing the Patriot Act, against reducing the death tax, and against making it illegal to desecrate our flag. She supports gay marriage, has backed legislation to fund abortions for military women and military dependents, wants a timetable for withdrawing our troops from Iraq, supports gun control, and opposes strengthening the enforcement of immigration laws. She would be third in line to the Presidency, right behind the Vice President.

Steny Hoyer (D, MD) would be the Majority Leader. All spending bills originate in the House. The first order of business will be to raise our taxes. Hoyer?s voting record virtually mirrors Pelosi?s, and he calls himself a ?tax-tax, spend-spend? Democrat. The Washington Post has called Hoyer one of ?the house?s 10 most prodigious suppliers of pork? spending.

Barney Frank (D, MA) would chair Financial Services. Openly gay, Frank founded the national gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Stonewall Democrats. Frank is all for gay marriage. When the Democrats last ran the House, Frank received a slap on the wrist when it was discovered that Frank?s boyfriend was running a male prostitution ring out of Frank?s apartment.

John Conyers (D, MI) would chair the Judiciary Committee. He has impeaching President Bush on the brain along with slavery reparations.

John Murtha (D, PA) would head up the Appropriations Committee?s Defense Subcommittee. He has been a leader of the cut-and-run crowd.

Charles Rangel (D, NY), who equates tax cuts with racism, would become chair of the Ways and Means Committee which writes the tax bills. Expect your taxes to escalate dramatically and quickly.

Alcee Hastings (D, FL) would chair the House Intelligence Committee. As a former federal judge, he was impeached on corruption and perjury charges. He accepted a $150,000 bribe in exchange for a light sentence and then lied about it under oath. Hastings was convicted and removed from the bench by the Democrat-controlled Senate, but they declined to forbid him to ever hold office again. He was reborn as a U.S. Representative.

This election is not just about voting for our local District candidates. It is also about who will be in control of the House, our troops, our money, and our security. Berry, Snyder and Ross have proven over and over that they will not go against this liberal crowd and vote to represent the majority values of Arkansas voters. It?s time to elect others who will represent the values of Arkansans and to keep the House leadership from falling into the hands of extreme liberals.
[Editorial credit: Robin Helm who wrote a similar "eye-opening"article in South Carolina.]

Democrat Campaign Play Book

Page 1: Release previously saved scandalous material to the media wing of the Democratic party.
Page 2: Exaggerate facts to make it look like more Republicans are involved than actually are.
Page 3: Claim it's a Republican conspiracy and cover-up of major proportions.
Page 4: Call for Congressional hearings and/or investigations.
Page 5: Try to involve Republican leadership figures in the Conspiracy whenever possible.
Page 6: Call for Republican leaders to resign (evidence of involvement isn't important).
Page 7: Conduct loaded media polls and report on them to show that Americans are turning against Republicans.
Page 8: Make the pre-planned poll results the headline story in the media and on the front page of the New York Times and Washington Post.
Page 9: Whenever possible, try to involve the President and his administration in the scandal.
Page 10: Continue the propaganda attacks and repeat the cycle (1 through 9) until election day.
[Copyright 2006 by Techniguy.com All Rights Reserved]

Beebe Not Being Honest with Public, Voters

An education advocacy group today charged Attorney General Mike Beebe with not being honest about his role in helping to close down Paron High School and other local schools around the state. "Mike Beebe claimed he had nothing to do with closing Paron High School and forcing the children of that community on three-hour bus rides, and I quite frankly don?t see how he can say that with a straight face," said Ron Crawford, President of the Rural Education Preservation Alliance (REPA). "Mr. Beebe not only sent his official staff to lobby against the Rural Schools Support Act, he sent his lawyers to court to ensure our school was killed and to ensure that other locals schools don't have a fighting chance to survive either." Read More

Hutchinson Won Round 2 of Debate

FAYETTEVILLE - To the extent that there are winners and losers, one candidate in Wednesday night's gubernatorial debate came out ahead for a very simple reason: He dictated the terms to his opponent. ... Hutchinson successfully framed the terms of the debate and finished strong. Beebe started strong, had to go on the defense and waned as he attempted to explain his positions in his closing statements. Read More ("Round 2 goes to Hutchinson" Sunday, Oct 8, 2006 by David Sanders, Arkansas News Bureau)

Unions Continue to Fund Democrat Incumbants

Arkansas has one of the lowest rates of union membership in the country, but one could hardly tell it by looking at the campaign contributions to Democrats in the state?s congressional delegation. According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 4.8 percent of Arkansas workers belong to unions. Only South Carolina and North Carolina have lower figures. For the three democrat congressment, organized labor has been the leading source of political-action-committee: Reps. Mike Ross ($945,500), Marion Berry ($682,200) and Vic Snyder ($495,000). Berry's next biggest source was agribusiness with $548,677

Unions have reasons for wanting to make sure that Democrats from Arkansas hold on to their congressional seats, political analysts say. First and foremost, they want Democrats to once again be the majority party in Congress, so that unions will have an easier time advancing organized labor?s agenda. Campaign contributions are given with the expectation that those receiving them "will carry water on their behalf," said Sheila Krumholz of the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group. [Arkansas Democrat Gazette 10/8/06]

Mark Foley - Good Riddance to this RINO

When asked about Mark Foley, the ARRA editorial staff says "good riddance to this RINO." We would that all people who practice immorality and forms of perversion would absent themselves from the Republican Party. We appreciate Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert telling Foley that if he did not resign, then the republican congressmen and women would demand his removal from Congress.

As identified in our masthead, the ARRA is the home of social, moral, and fiscal Conservative Arkansans who believe in God, family, and country and are working together to strengthen both the Arkansas and National Republican Party by upholding the traditional, Republican ideals. We cannot abide RINOs. We pray that fellow conservative family values voters will not be discouraged but encourage to go to the polls and vote for our pro-life, pro-family values candidates in November. To not do so would be to vote for people who do not uphold your values and to give into the "shark-feeding frenzy" of the press and news agencies. We pray for God's wisdom for our leaders and for voters.

Are Utility Companies & Others Buying the Arkansas Attorney General Race?

Utility companies and business lobby groups with whom Dustin McDaniel would have a conflict-of-interest if he were elected Attorney General are pouring money into McDaniel's campaign race. Why? Because they expect a return on their money! So far, McDaniel has raised roughly $ 1.4 million. His opponent Gunner Delay has raised a little more than $ 176, 000. This could the race where the voters "pay" dearly in the future.

Gunner DeLay has taken Dustin McDaniel to task for taking thousands and thousands of dollars in contributions from utility companies in an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette story. Delay makes the point that this is a clear conflict of interest since the Attorney General has the role of protecting Arkansas ratepayers from excessive rate hikes. Arkansas Code Annotated 23-4-302 states that it?s the attorney general?s responsibility to hold the line in hearings and other proceedings against excessive increases in utility rates.

Will the apparent buying of the Attorney General race get out to the general public? Will voters rise up to vote to protect their future? Haven't the utility companies and others in related industries made enough off the citizens of Arkansas in the last few years? If McDaniel wins this race, voters and their families can expect to pay higher utility rates and other fees. [P.S., the above did not address McDaniel's unwillingness to take action, if elected, to reduce the employment of illegal aliens in Arkansas - again Arkansas' legal voters and workers lose!]

Mike Beebe's Failure as Attorney General to Protect Arkansans

ARRA Blog Editorial: Mike Beebe is Arkansas' Attorney General is seeking the office of Governor. We can look at his prior legislative voting record and his performance as Attorney General. What is the responsibility of the Attorney General? Per the Arkansas constitution and the Arkansas Government website, the Attorney General is the chief law-enforcement officer of the State. In fact, on the Arkansas Government website, Mike Beebe states, "I work hard to safeguard the public?s interests."

Well what has Mike Beebe done in regard to safeguarding the public's interest with respect to "illegal" aliens invading Arkansas, taking government services falsely, and taking jobs of and reducing wages for legal residents of Arkansas? What did he do to stop employers from hiring "illegal immigrants? The answer so far is "nothing." Also, his prior legislative work reveals that he favored aid and benefits for 'illegal" aliens and their families while they are in Arkansas.

Asa Hutchinson is the only candidate with a plan to combat illegal immigration. Beebe opposes his proposal to train state troopers on immigration enforcement. Hutchinson also said he wants to ensure that the state and its contractors do not hire illegal immigrants (aliens)! Now when confronted repeatedly by Hutchinson's plan to reduce "illegal" aliens, Beebe responds (in a debate on Oct 4), that the state has had a law since the late 1980s prohibiting the hiring of illegal immigrants.

Then why didn't Mike Beebe as Attorney General fulfill his constitutional responsibility to enforce the law? In a prior debate, Beebe said illegal aliens are a federal responsibility and if elected he would use his "bully pulpit" to get the federal government to be more responsible. Beebe says he has "worked hard to protect the public interests," but what does he mean by "public interests." He has failed to protect Arkansas from illegal aliens and thereby failed to protect us from their performing illegal actions and crimes. Why should we trust him as Governor?

Beebe says he is there as "chief law enforcement officer" but then allows employers to violate the law and to hire illegal aliens. He allows illegals to roam our streets and communities and to commit additional crimes which low tiered law enforcement officers are then forced to clean-up after we as citizens have been harmed and violated. Even the illegals who keep a low profiles are taking benefits, services, jobs, etc. which is theft by deception. Illegals are driving Arkansas roads without legal driver's licenses or legal insurance. If by chance they are registering to vote with their driver's license, they are voting illegally. The list of illegal activities could extend for several paragraphs.

Beebe says we should elect him because he knows his way around the Government process. Well, what about protecting Arkansans! Mike Beebe -- as Attorney General you have failed to protect Arkansans -- why should we now elected you to the highest office in Arkansas?

Garland County short on voting machines

It appears that troubles continue to follow Charlie Daniels hand-picked election company - ES&S, which supplied hardware and software to most Arkansas counties for use this year, under a $15.9 million contract with the state. New voting machines in Garland County can't handle the number of ballots required for the November election, leaving officials without enough machines to handle early voting this month. Garland county's optical scan machines from Election Systems and Software (ES&S) can only be programmed for a maximum of 10 ballot styles whereas the Nov. 7 election requires 22 different styles. Read More

Bush signs Mexico border-fence bill

President Bush signed a bill in Arizona Thursday that provides $1.2 billion for fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border to curb illegal immigration. The $35 billion homeland security bill also includes an overhaul of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help the government better respond to emergencies and natural disasters by strengthening the capabilities. The bill also deploys nuclear detection equipment at our ports of entry, raise security standards at the nation's chemical plants, safeguard American cities against weapons of mass destruction and stop terrorists seeking to enter our country. Read More

How to reduce the amount of gas we use

The best way to stop using so much gas is to deport 11 million illegal immigrants! That would be 11 million less people using our gas. The price of gas would come down. -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA! [Truth in Humor from one of our blog readers.]

Huckabee says 1 school district per county may be Arkansas' solution

Today on his monthly radio program, a caller suggested Arkansas, which has 75 counties, should have 75 school districts. "That would be probably a help," Huckabee said in the show on the Arkansas Radio Network. Arkansas currently has 251 school districts. A House panel in 2005 rejected legislation that would have studied creating one school district for each county. Huckabee said later today that reducing the number of school districts to 75 would be difficult to accomplish. "I think is somewhat unrealistic to expect that we'd get there. In some counties it wouldn't work," Huckabee said. "What people have to understand is that it's not one school in one county, it's one administrative unit. We'd keep all the schools." He said Arkansas should focus more attention on children, classrooms and teachers, not necessarily the administrations.