Flag City Politico

Time Out for Humor

"Arnold Schwarzenegger got together with Al Gore for a climate change summit. Even though he's a Republican and Al Gore's a Democrat, it's good they could talk robot to robot."
Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

"Yesterday at a global conference on poverty and education, former President Bill Clinton met with actress Angelina Jolie. Before the meeting, Clinton looked at himself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and said, 'Bill, this is moment you've been training for your whole life.'"
Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien

"As you all know, America is facing a health care crisis ... in that the Democrats are trying to provide health care. Every Democratic presidential candidate has a plan to just give away health insurance. From Obama, Edwards and Hillary's mandatory coverage plans, which would all be funded by repealing Bush's tax cuts, to Mike Gravel's plan of rummaging through pharmacy dumpsters, which he would pay for by playing the saw on the subway."
Stephen Colbert
The Colbert Report

"There was a debate between the Republican candidates for president in Baltimore tonight. The debate focused on minority issues, and it was at Morgan State University, which is a black college. ... None of the top four Republican candidates were there. Giuliani, McCain, Romney and Thompson -- not one of them showed up. Apparently, they all had scheduling conflicts that prevented them from going to a place where nobody will vote for them."
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel Live

"But did you see Ahmadinejad's speech at the U.N.? One odd moment: In the middle of the speech, he took a cell phone call from Mrs. Giuliani."
David Letterman
The Late Show with David Letterman

"With the streets here gridlocked by security, how would Ahmadinejad have the time to make all these commitments? Simple. He gets to drive in the Holocaust Deniers Lane. One thing you can't deny is the time you'll save."
Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Keep smilin'!   :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Gingrich decides against White House run
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) decided Saturday morning not to run for president just as his staff was preparing to launch a website to seek $30 million in pledges, his spokesman told Politico. >>>
Mike Allen
The Politico

Dodd questions Clinton's electability
U.S. Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut questioned on Friday the electability of Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton, saying she sports a confrontational brand of politics that turns off voters. >>>
Jonathan Roos
The Des Moines Register

Getting close to crunch time
Unofficially, the New Hampshire presidential primary campaign has been under way for more than a year. Officially, it will begin in 16 days, when candidates can begin filing their names for the primary ballot. >>>
John Distaso
New Hampshire Union Leader

GOP candidates send the wrong message
President Bush advised the party's presidential candidates yesterday to reach out to minority voters. That's good advice, but the candidates don't seem to be paying attention. Up to now, they've turned a cold-shoulder to every offer to debate before brown and black audiences this year, and the impression grows that they're afraid to face questions about issues that matter to these voters. If they favor a ''big tent'' philosophy, they have a strange way of showing it, and they're likely to pay a price for it when election day comes around. >>>
The Miami Herald

Obama strives to put race aside
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, the only African-American running for president, is leading a campaign that ambitiously seeks to transcend race. >>>
Roddie A. Burris
The State

Republicans come, but just for the money
Rudy Giuliani was in Las Vegas on Thursday, but unless supporters were willing to fork over $250 or $2,300 for dinner and a photo, they weren’t going to see him. It was a touchdown for cash only. >>>
J. Patrick Coolican and Michael J. Mishak
Las Vegas Sun

Huckabee takes aim at Bush's 'bunker mentality'
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee criticized the Bush administration's war against terrorism Friday, delivering a bold and potentially risky speech that could establish the former Arkansas governor as the maverick among top Republican candidates and test his party's loyalty to President Bush. >>>
Steven Thomma
McClatchy Washington Bureau/The Sacramento Bee

Iowa, N.H. Eye New Caucus, Primary Dates
Iowans could still be humming Auld Lang Syne as they gather to choose among presidential candidates, thanks to decisions by other states to move up their election dates. >>>
Mike Glover
Associated Press/My Way News

Coming up on the Sunday news shows:

• ABC: former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA), former President Bill Clinton (D-AR)
• CBS: Governor Bill Richardson (D-NM)
• CNN: Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari
• FOX: Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)
• NBC: former President Bill Clinton (D-AR)

Keep smilin'!!   :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 09/28/07

	Bill Schedel Kudos to the 6th ward councilman who requested the town hall meeting about flooding and rebuilding. It is nice to see the city is going to have an open forum in an effort to get the community some answers. It seems that this sort of thing should have been done right after the flood (and a few times since), but better late than never.
	John Edwards Because of the financial reality he faces, Edwards was forced to accept public matching funds for his campaign. While this will keep him in the race during the January primary season, he won't be able to come near what Clinton and Obama can raise. The silver lining is that he can now start talking about campaign finance reform and point out that you shouldn't be able to buy the Democratic nomination. Side note: does this mean he starts going to MasterCuts? I have a coupon!
	Giuliani, Romney, McCain, Thompson By not showing up at Thursday night's minority issues debate at Morgan State University, these four perpetuated the stereotype of a party driven by stodgy, older white men. On the heels of the Univision debate being canceled because no one except McCain agreed to participate, these individuals need to look inside themselves and see if they will truly represent the entire country.
	Newt Gingrich This may be the wild card we were waiting for to shake things up. With Thompson not wowing Christian conservatives like everyone thought he would, Newt is poised to fill the void. If he can raise $30 million in October, Republicans will have their savior: an older, white, male (known to be grumpy) running for President.
	National Presidential Caucus Have you heard about this? Your opportunity to participate in grass-roots democracy, and a great chance to meet new people from the area and talk a little politics. For more information, check out this posting, and then go here to sign-up for the fun on November 9th.

-RSKnopfJr

Who will be the next representative of the 5th Congressional District?

poll conducted September 22-28, 2007

-RSKnopfJr

Latest Numbers

Who is ahead in the early states (percentage over their nearest competitor)...

Notice any trends emerging? HRC vs _______.

-RSKnopfJr

An Invitation (update)

Back on August 16th, I told you to mark a few dates down on your calendar. Well, I have an update.

Mark these two dates down on your calendar: November 9th and December 7th. Go ahead...I'll wait.

OK - now that you're back...these are the dates for two new events on the national election cycle: the National Straw Poll (in November) and the National Presidential Caucus (in December).

What is this all about? The organizers have put a system into place that allows communities from across the United States to hold a straw poll and caucus before the first official Presidential elections are held...you get to voice your opinion before the folks in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, Florida, Nevada and South Carolina narrow the field dramatically.

So what happens on these two days? Well, the November event is basically a trial run of the system to make sure everything is going to work correctly, but the real fun comes in December. Here is what the NPC website has to say:

"NPC Caucuses are 2-hour meetings anytime between 3pm and 8pm local time on National Caucus Day. Organizers facilitate a discussion round where participants may each speak to their most important issues and to establish a group consensus on the top 2-3 issues for that caucus. Then, a second round of discussion to express candidate preferences. The organizer then posts the results at www.NationalCaucus.com for aggregation and general reporting."

You may be wondering how you fit into all this...well, as I told you, I signed-up to host a meeting here in Findlay (first up, November 7). Right now I have it scheduled for my home, but as we get closer, we may try to organize something a little more social (fun).

To sign-up (and you know you want to), go to www.NationalCaucus.com, click on the 'Find a Caucus' button and follow the directions If we're good, maybe The Courier or WFIN will do a story on this event (hint, hint) and help us publicize it. Just in case, however, start telling everyone you know.

Democracy in action - live the excitement!

-RSKnopfJr

Time Out for Humor

"Yesterday at a campaign fundraiser, Hillary Clinton criticized Vice President Cheney and called him 'Darth Vader.' Cheney denied it and said, 'Darth Vader is evil, half-machine and always wears a cape. And I don't own a cape.'"
Conan O'Brien

"There are now allegations that New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick may have tampered with the stadium's audio frequencies to eavesdrop on the other teams' conversations. But the good news of these spying allegations is that today Belichick was offered a job with the Bush administration."
Jay Leno

Fred Thompson Fears Presidential Run Will Typecast Him As Politician
Veteran character actor and Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson expressed worries to reporters Tuesday that a successful White House bid could spell "total career death." >>>
The Onion

"Tonight we talk about the video we've all seen, the video of the University of Florida student, Andrew Meyer, being tasered at a John Kerry speech. By the way, considered one of the most pleasant outcomes of attending a Kerry speech. Many people, from what I've seen, choose to be tasered."
Jon Stewart

"Mexican President Vicente Fox has a new book coming out. In it, he says ... George Bush is the cockiest guy he's ever met. Apparently, the first time they met, Bush kept demanding to meet the Taco Bell chihuahua. ... Fox also says Bush speaks grade school Spanish. Well, in fairness, he speaks grade school English too."
Jimmy Kimmel

Top Ten Little-Known Facts About Mitt Romney
The Late Show with David Letterman 
10. Name is short for "Mitzi"
9. In favor of tax-cuts for hunky, white dudes 
8. Starts each day by wrasslin' a gator 
7. Made his fortune selling counterfeit Prada handbags 
6. Won NRA endorsement by vowing to shoot twice as many old guys as Cheney 
5. Once defeated Chuck Liddell for Ultimate Fighting Championship title
4. Is the model on packages of Jockey underpants 
3. When he leaves politics, plans to spend golden years with his hair 
2. Would be the first Mitt in the White House since Mitt Quincy Adams 
1. Besides Hillary, only candidate who wears a bra

"At the California Republican State Convention last Friday, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was forced to whip out one of his trademark cinematic gems, saying the Republican Party is 'dying at the box office.' And I take very seriously warnings about dying at the box office from the man who made 'Jingle All The Way.'"
Stephen Colbert

"How many saw the president's speech last night? He pre-empted regular programming, which is nice, because viewers tuning in to see 'Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader' for once got to feel they actually were. Yeah, he offered really no new strategy that I saw, but, of course, a new slogan: 'Return on Success.' Sounds like a Dr. Phil book."
Bill Maher

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Edwards lays out education plan
Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards vowed Friday to end disparities in education, help train and encourage teachers and "radically overhaul" the No Child Left Behind Act. >>>
Tony Leys
The Des Moines Register

GOP hopefuls to meet with family-values group
Five long-shot Republican presidential hopefuls will be in Columbia tonight, touting their candidacies to a key GOP constituency. >>>
Aaron Gould Sheinin
The State

Nevada fades in the fray of caucuses
After a promising start, the Nevada caucuses have all but dropped from the national media agenda. >>>
Michael J. Mishak
Las Vegas Sun

Paul tops GOP straw poll in Manchester
Texas Congressman Ron Paul grabbed support from two-thirds of the people voting in a Republican straw poll over the weekend in Manchester, a result that an organizer said shows the enthusiasm of Paul supporters. >>>
Mark Hayward
New Hampshire Union Leader

During big speech, Giuliani answers the call of the wife
For a presidential candidate whose messy personal life has been an issue, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani made it official yesterday: Wife trumps gun lobby. >>>
Susan Milligan
The Boston Globe

Unions To Spend $200M On '08 Elections
The AFL-CIO and its unions said Friday they will spend an estimated $200 million on the 2008 elections, with the nation's largest labor federation devoting $53 million exclusively to grass-roots mobilization. >>>
CBS News/Associated Press

Hillary's Turn: A Revised Health Plan for a New Debate -- And Why It Just Might Work
Hillary Clinton's health plan received a warm reception when it was released Monday. Ezra Klein of the American Prospect, Jon Cohn of The New Republic, and Paul Krugman of The New York Times each offered fulsome praise. Even resident Times conservative David Brooks opined that the plan was "a huge step forward from 1993. It's better than the GOP candidates' plans." Rich Lowry of National Review admitted, "She re-enters the health care debate from a position of strength." >>>
Jacob S. Hacker
The Huffington Post

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 09/14/07

	Mario Bower and Thomas Knopf They both received the first endorsements of the local campaign season, receiving support from the local United Auto Workers CAP council. Is this a sign of widespread support and validation of their message and ideas, or is it because they are Democrats and this was a union doing the endorsing?
	Latta, Buehrer and Weirauch Is this the newest law firm forming in northwest Ohio? No - it is the group of candidates who have currently announced they are running for the 5th District Congressional seat. It will be interesting to to see how this evolves due to the accelerated and unique nature of the race. The only question I have is, should Buehrer win, how do the dominoes start to fall (John Kostyo, Mike Gilb or Tony Iriti in Columbus?).
	George W Bush approval rating At 36%, his approval rating is at it's highest point since April. Even though this number is incredibly, it has risen slowly since July. Is this a sign that the public is slowly warming to him again with signs the surge in Iraq may be working, or was it because of the recent reminders of September 11 and people remember how things used to be?
	Congressional approval rating No matter how bad things are for the President, they are worse for Congress. With their approval rating at 24%, it ties for the second lowest since February this year. Is this a sign of Democrats failing to do what voters wanted last November (get the troops home), or a temporary blip because of the less-than-horrific report about Iraq?
	"Don't Tase me, bro!" Words uttered by Andrew Meyer as he was pinned to the floor by police after he disrupted a Q&A session during John Kerry's recent trip to UF (that's the other UF...the University of Florida). If you haven't heard of this story or seen one of the many videos...where have you been? The phrase is already entrenching itself into pop culture as much as the Star Wars Kid. The first time I see this phrase on a t-shirt or bumper sticker, the arrow is turning red.

-RSKnopfJr

Have the county commissioners, mayor and city council communicated enough during the recent flooding and aftermath?

poll conducted September 15-21, 2007

-RSKnopfJr

Local Endorsements I

Tonight in Fostoria, the United Auto Workers CAP (Community Action Program) Council invited candidates from Seneca, Sandusky, Wyandot, Wood and Hancock counties to speak at it's 16th annual candidate's night. The Fostoria Area U.A.W. CAP Council is the local representative of The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

From the Findlay area, Democratic candidates Mario Bower (running for an at-large city council seat) and Thomas Knopf (running for Mayor) had an opportunity to address the assembled audience of union workers and members of the community. Both candidates received an official endorsement from the UAW CAP Council and a financial contribution to their campaigns.

Bower spoke of the history of flooding in Findlay, and how even though past city councils have not addressed the issue, and some people believe that this is not council's role, he wants city council to look out for the welfare of the community by initiating solutions. Knopf used his time to once again talk about the role he envisions for community members, and stated goals of a balanced budget, no income tax increase, and asking city council to pass a living wage law.

A surprise guest for the evening was Henry County Democrat Robin Weirauch, who is running for the 5th District Congressional seat. She spoke about fun her day has been and the amount of traveling she has done since announcing her candidacy. She shared her campaign website address (www.robinforcongress.com) and told how she made her official announcement on YouTube.

-RSKnopfJr

Values Voter

Monday night the first ever Values Voter Presidential Debate/Straw Poll was held in in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Now, before you dismiss this as a fringe group, keep three things in mind...

1. Christian conservatives are a huge voting block that can sway election results
2. The straw poll participants were not selected by the candidates, but by national conservative leaders
3. A majority of Republican candidates showed up to participate

With that said, the top four candidates (Giuliani, Romney, Thompson, McCain) all skipped this event citing scheduling conflicts (even though Giuliani was in Florida on Monday, and Romney & Thompson were in Florida today). Their absence was noted:

“How can we expect these no-show candidates to take on Osama Bin Laden and other world leaders when they’re afraid to show up and answer questions from Phyllis Schlafly?”
Rabbi Aryeh Spero
Jewish Action Alliance

“If you care about our votes, you need to care about our values enough to show up.”
Rick Scarborough
President of Vision America

Mike Huckabee


So, who did the Values Voters respond to the best, and who did they select:

• Mike Huckabee - 64%
• Ron Paul - 12%
• Alan Keyes - 5%
• Sam Brownback - 5%
• Duncan Hunter - 4%
• Fred Thompson - 4%
• Tom Tancredo - 2%
• Rudy Giuliani - 1%
• John McCain - 1%
• John Cox - 1%
• Mitt Romney - 0%

A couple of interesting things.

1. Mike Huckabee is clearly resonating with conservative voters more than Sam Brownback (his main competition from Iowa)
2. Mitt Romney's percentage was not rounded down...he did not receive 1 vote
3. Ron Paul continues to gather support from little pockets of voters

Ron Paul


The big question to ask is, will this have any effect on how this block of voters acts during the primary season. According to Janet Folger, a member of the debate’s host committee and president of Faith 2 Action, believes so:

“They (the candidates who did not appear) have the mentality of, ‘Look, we’re going to get you guys anyway because you don’t have anywhere to go. What literally happened last night is values voters moved from the back of the bus to the driver’s seat. We’re now going to see a united front.”

According to the New York Times, she said that many Christian conservatives had been praying for a clear winner to emerge from the debate, which is what happened. As a result, she said, she will be casting her lot in now with Mr. Huckabee. “The values voters have spoken. It’s loud and clear. It’s unmistakable.”

-RSKnopfJr

Time Out for Humor

"Everybody's talking about the MTV Awards. ... Did anybody see Britney Spears? ... They said that she appeared sluggish. They said she was glassy-eyed. Sounds to me like somebody could use another hour in rehab. ... Although, General Petraeus thought it went quite well."
David Letterman
The Late Show with David Letterman

"Intelligence officials believe that video of Osama bin Laden that came out last week is authentic. This is his first new tape in almost three years. I guess he wanted to time his comeback to coincide with Britney Spears."
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel Live

The New Axis of Evil

"Now one man the Lefties are not going to mess with is former Tennessee Senator and pretend Admiral Fred Thompson, who last week officially announced he was running for president. Who saw that coming? You could have knocked me over with his remaining hair. Now Thompson announced the same way Lincoln did ... on his website. In the next few years, serious challenges, dangerous time, grave issues. No other candidate has not quite said what America might possibly face more eloquently than Fred Thompson."
Stephen Colbert
The Colbert Report

"Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson are now tied neck and neck in national polls. Actually, you know, if they were on the ticket together, that would be a tough team for the Democrats to beat. I mean, if they could just get all their ex-wives to vote for them."
Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

41

"The general had hard data. He backed up his arguments with real numbers, charts of sectarian death, graphs of car bombs, tables of troop levels because it's an important reminder that our troops and the Iraqis aren't just fathers, sons, mothers and sisters, they're also statistics."
Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

"Another big day on Capitol Hill. General Petraeus testified again today before Congress about the Iraq war. Some Democrats are claiming that Petraeus' answers are scripted by President Bush. Which explains Petraeus' use of the word 'surgerrific.'"
Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Huckabee keeps busy during visit to state
Mike Huckabee sounded tired during a morning conference call with reporters Friday - and he had reason to. >>>
Jared Strong
The Des Moines Register

Florida Democrats backing down on Jan. 29 primary
Florida Democrats, unable to work out a compromise to avoid harsh sanctions imposed by the Democratic National Committee, appear ready to give in and declare the Jan. 29 presidential primary meaningless. >>>
Gary Fineout and Mary Ellen Klas
The Miami Herald

Catch you next time? Richardson elusive as a presidential candidate
Do you remember that indelible moment when you finally got an inkling your crush didn’t really like you? >>>
Michael J. Mishak
Las Vegas Sun

Women key in '08
The key to winning South Carolina’s Democratic presidential primary will be winning over undecided black women, a new poll suggests. >>>
Aaron Gould Sheinin
The State

A new debate: Let's change the format
After Hearing Fred Thompson lament the format of the so-called presidential debates while announcing his presidential candidacy on Jay Leno last week, fellow GOP candidate Mike Huckabee challenged Thompson to a genuine debate here in New Hampshire. Sadly, but understandably, Thompson declined. >>>
New Hampshire Union Leader

Coming up on the Sunday news shows

• ABC: Jack Reed (D-RI), Defense Secretary Robert Gates
• CBS: Carl Levin (D-MI), Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
• CNN: Chris Dodd (D-CT), Evan Bayh (D-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), retired General Wesley Clark
• FOX: Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Joseph Biden (D-DE)
• NBC: John McCain (R-AZ), John Kerry (D-MA)

Keep smilin'!!  :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 09/14/07

Coming up next...a very special edition of GUGD.

	General David Petraeus For months, we have been waiting on his report. It was interesting watching him before the U.S. House and Senate; even with his impartiality and motives questioned, Despite tough questioning and being in such a difficult position, I think he handled the moment fairly well. With the next update coming in early 2008 (presumably after both party's nominees for President are locked-in), the political fervor will be at a fever pitch.
	MoveOn.org Whether you agree or disagree with their ulterior motives, the attack on General Petraeus as General 'Betray Us' was widely regarded as being wrong. For someone who has spent a lifetime defending their country, the general (and every other service person) deserves our respect. Let's hope this situation does not degrade into one similar to how soldiers were treated during/after Vietnam.
	Democrats So, what's the next move? They agreed to wait on Petraeus' report, and the news was too good. Key members of the party admit that they do not have the votes to force any more action by the administration. MoveOn's actions have moved the debate from the war to how the Democrats are now being classified as being in concert with the far left. Where is the leadership from Pelosi/Reid/Dean?
	Republicans What a windfall this week has been for a lot of the party members. They have been against the ropes since last year's election, but a semi-favorable report by Petraeus combined with MoveOn's attack ad energized the base (and talk shows). Presidential candidates swiftly moved the talk from the war to why the Dem candidates would not denounce the ad. Expect this to be part of a few campaign ads over the next 15 months.
	President George W Bush He received a little reprieve against criticism about the war with the Petraeus report. His action of announcing a cut back in troops seemed to reflect that the surge has worked. With the Dems not able to do much to derail him, it appears that he is holding all the cards despite dismal approval ratings. He has 17 months left to secure his legacy and prove that he can manage a 21st century conflict...we'll see if this plan involves taking on Iran.

-RSKnopfJr

If the election were held today, which mayoral candidate would you vote for?

poll conducted September 8-14, 2007

-RSKnopfJr

Latest Numbers

Now that Fred Thompson has entered the race, we begin to see the significant bump that he has received in a few of the states. Also, with Michigan passing the law that moves their primary to January 15, early victories in the Midwest are going to benefit someone. Let's see how Romney's history in Michigan (because of his father) translates to success.

Anyway, here are the numbers from the early states...

---

-RSKnopfJr

I forgot

To be totally honest with you, I forgot today was September 11th. With family, work, and a Bengals victory on my mind this morning, I did not watch any morning news...did not see the paper...did not get on the Internet when I arrived at work.

After a staff meeting this morning, one of my co-workers asked me, out of the blue, 'Do you remember where you were on September 11?'. It finally dawned on me what day it was...and to answer his question, I remember exactly where I was on that day.

Eagles, Bengals and...I know there was something else!

Was there anything going on today? Let's see...

My daughters finally started the school year (both are attending Glenwood - Go Eagles!), my favorite team is playing on Monday Night Football (Go Bengals!), and General David Petraeus was notifying Congress about the progress in Iraq.

So, yes, there's a little bit going on today.

Time Out for Humor

"President Bush announced he plans to help out homeowners in this mortgage-lending crisis thing that's going on. He said millions of people could lose their house, and you know, he knows what he's talking about. Last November he lost a House and the Senate."
Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

"How about that President Bush, he makes that surprise trip to Iraq. Was pretty impressive don't you think? He spent a few quick hours visiting with the troops, and then he left. You know, it was just like his days in the National Guard."
David Letterman
The Late Show with David Letterman

Too Old To Be President?

"President Bush is very busy. Tomorrow President Bush is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao. President Bush says he plans to deliver a message of 'concern and encouragement,' or as Bush calls it, 'concouragement'."
Conan O'Brien
Late Night with Conan O'Brien

"Alberto Gonzales resigned this week. Our Attorney Generalisimo. President Bush said he was looking for a replacement, someone equally versed in the law. In fact, he's out front of Home Depot right now picking up some guys."
Bill Maher
Real Time with Bill Maher

Our Representative To The World

"On the Democratic side of things, Oprah Winfrey is throwing a huge fundraiser for Barack Obama on Saturday on the grounds of the Promise Land, that's her huge ... estate on Montecito, California. It's projected to raise $3 million, $2 million of which is expected to come from the 'Dunk Steadman' booth."
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel Live

-RSKnopfJr

Around the Country

Michigan fuels a political revolution
If you think the squabble over when to hold Michigan's 2008 presidential primary is much ado about nothing, think again. >>>
Brian Dickerson
Detroit Free Press

Thompson woos Sioux City voters
Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson, campaigning Friday in Iowa's socially conservative northwest, stopped short of supporting a constitutional amendment explicitly banning gay marriage. >>>
Thomas Beaumont
The Des Moines Register

Obama seeks to appeal to working class Democrats
Barack Obama would clean up in a Whole Foods straw poll. >>>
J. Patrick Coolican
Las Vegas Sun

Thompson, Giuliani in dead heat among Republicans
Republican presidential hopefuls Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson are in a statistical dead heat, according to The Clemson University Palmetto Poll. >>>
The State

Tancredo: 'We are at war with radical fundamentalist Islam'
Colorado congressman and presidential candidate Tom Tancredo declared yesterday that the United States was the last great hope for western civilization. >>>
New Hampshire Union Leader

Dodd wants to end Cuba embargo
On the eve of a presidential forum targeting Hispanic voters, Democratic candidate Chris Dodd seeks to one-up his more popular rivals by coming to Miami today to demand an end to the trade embargo with Cuba. >>>
Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald

Coming up on the Sunday news shows

• ABC: John McCain (R-AZ), John Kerry (D-MA)
• CBS: Edward Kennedy (D-MA), retired general Brent Scowcroft
• CNN: Mike Huckabee (R), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), retired general George Joulwan, Iraq National Security Adviser Mowaffak al Rubaie
• FOX: Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), homeland security adviser Frances Townsend, Giuliani campaign manager Michael DuHaime
• NBC: retired general James Jones, Joseph Biden (D-DE)

Keep smilin'!!  :-)

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 09/07/07

	Flood Blame Game I told you a few weeks ago that this was going to happen. We have moved past the emergency stage, and the finger pointing has begun. So, who is to blame: The Army engineers who didn't have this area as a priority? City council and the mayor for not doing anything preventative? The citizens for not demanding action be taken? Global warming? Immigrants? The guy who shot the police dog? See how stupid this starts to get? Let's fix the problem(s) and move on. Nothing gets accomplished by name calling and shouting...let's just get this taken care of so by 2101 flooding won't be an issue.
	John Edwards A great week for Edwards, as he gets endorsements from Transport Workers Union, United Mine Workers and United Steelworkers. As long as these announcements continue, and they translate into support (financial and votes) when the new year rolls around, he will be sitting pretty (and that was not a haircut joke).
	John McCain Or should we call him Lazarus? All of the pundits whom said his campaign was dead should take back their words after seeing the reaction McCain received from the on-site audience and the focus group at this week's Republican debate. Even though GOPers may not agree with him on immigration, his leadership and presence are enough to bring people back into the fold.
	Fred Thompson Well, he is now in the thick of it. The 'outsider' announced on the Tonight Show and his website after the Republican debate was over Wednesday night. He certainly has the Presidential presence, but now that he has to stand side-by-side with the rest of the candidates, does the shine come off a little? We'll find out at the next debate on the 27th.
	Paul Gillmor Thank you and Godspeed.

-RSKnopfJr

Do you think the City of Findlay should enact a residential building code?

poll conducted September 1-7, 2007

Presidential Endorsements III

United Mine Workers of America endorses JOHN EDWARDS

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced today that it is endorsing former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) for President of the United States.

"Senator Edwards' positions on the issues of importance to UMWA members make him the best fit for UMWA members of all the candidates for President," UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. "We are proud to support him and excited about the potential of an Edwards presidency for American working families.

"Senator Edwards believes, as we do, that the best way to rebuild America's middle class is to expand union membership, not shrink it," Roberts said. "He also believes, as we do, that the searing poverty that still grips many Americans is a stain on our great nation that must be eliminated.

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Transportation Communications Union endorses HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

At a meeting of TCU’s Executive Council, International President Bob Scardelletti announced today that TCU has endorsed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) for President of the United States.  The action was taken following a ‘Conversation with the Candidates’ forum at which a number of candidates appeared during the IAM national staff conference in Orlando, Florida, which TCU officers attended.

“This forum confirmed my belief that the best candidate for our members and all of labor is Hillary Clinton,” said Scardelletti. “She gives American workers the best opportunity to have a friend in the White House and an advocate pushing their issues.”

President Scardelletti urges all TCU members to get behind Senator Clinton and to work hard for her election.  He is encouraging all TCU members and their families to become active in their communities as campaigners for Hillary.

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United Steelworkers endorses JOHN EDWARDS

The United Steelworkers (USW) today endorsed Senator John Edwards as the Democratic nominee for President.

The USW, the nation’s largest private sector union, was joined in making its endorsement by the United Mineworkers of America (UMWA), giving Edwards the largest bloc of union support so far among the field of eight presidential candidates.

In making the announcement, USW President Leo W. Gerard said, “All of the Democratic candidates in the field share our values, and any one of them would be a major improvement over the current administration.

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Transport Workers Union of America endorses JOHN EDWARDS

The Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) today endorsed Senator John Edwards for president at the union’s international headquarters in New York City. Edwards was joined by TWU International President James C. Little, TWU Local 100 President Roger Toussaint, and rank and file members from early caucus and primary states for the announcement.

“I’m proud to stand in New York with members of the Transit Workers Union, who keep the city moving and help keep New Yorkers safe,” said Edwards. “The men and women of the TWU serve on the front lines of our country’s homeland security, protecting public transportation users, the nation’s railways, and skies. These are the workers who get us to our jobs and our families.

“For too long, these good union men and women and millions of other working families have been ignored by a broken system in Washington. I’m looking forward to campaigning with them in early primary states and key general election battleground states, and as president I’ll fight for them every day, so we can honor their hard work and make our transportation infrastructure safe and secure.”

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-RSKnopfJr

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