Flag City Politico

Going Up...Going Down - 11/30/07

Farewell to November - it was truly an exciting month! Before we leave, let's see who is up/down..

	Tony Iriti Coming off the victories of RiverPlace and port authority (securing a legacy), one would hope that the mayor would be doing everything in his power to help make the transition to Pete Sehnert an easy one for the sake of the city. He still has a month left in office, I hope he decides to stay on the high road and leave office in style; the last impression is often the one that the community remembers.
	Pete Sehnert You think that Mayor Iriti not being helpful is an issue? Wait until you face your own 'RiverPlace'-type issue and then see what type of response you receive the community-at-large. Even if you are not receiving cooperation, rise above it and just do your best. Complaining about it in the news does not endear you to the community; it makes you seem like a whiner. You have a month until taking office - don't ruin your political reputation before you begin your new job.
	CNN Whether you believe or not that the questions the Cable News Network selected, or their methodology, were above board, one thing does not change. No matter who the person was asking the question - or whether they support someone else - candidates have to answer difficult questions (even if quite a few were irrelevent). If CNN would have truly not used a question or two if they knew more about who submitted them, then shame on them for not vetting the individuals fully.
	Hillary Clinton Planted questions...Obama catching (or passing her) in Iowa...polls showing Republicans would beat her head-to-head...receiving Streisand's endorsement...and now the hostage situation in Rochester. When you are in front, people find more faults because they are looking harder. But no matter how you look at it, this has not been a good week for her PR department.
	Mike Huckabee Just the opposite, it seems like the former governor of Arkansas can do little wrong these days. He is tied with or ahead of everyone in Iowa...he is surging in New Hampshire and South Carolina...almost every story I read/watched had him winning the YouTube debate...and Chuck Norris endoresed him. Despite the first attack ad of the season directed at him (and Romney - from Thompson), this has been a good week for his PR department.span>

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 11/16/07

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 11/09/07

It's been a few weeks, but like a faithful friend, GUGD is back.

	National Presidential Straw poll participants The group that got together tonight was small, but we discussed many serious issues. It was very encouraging to see people from different walks of life come together to share their opinions, and have an intelligent discussion about the things important to us and the Presidential candidates in the next position to tackle them. Even though there were a few differences of opinion, everyone was respectful, asked questions and listened...what a concept in this era of bitter, partisan politics. Coming out on a Friday night...to talk politics...right after an election (when people are usually tired of the subject; I cannot give enough credit to those who attended! I have never been part of a straw poll/caucus before, but after this experience I am looking forward to December.
	The answer: 71.41 The question: The percentage of Hancock County registered voters, who didn't.
	Pete Sehnert Since Findlay is a Republican town, his election was expected. Despite the victory, there are still plenty of skeptics about whether he is up to doing the job. With less than two months to go before he takes office, he needs to get his team in place and start planning. He may not be in a position to do anything about River Place or a port authority, but other issues are on deck and awaiting his leadership...and while he's at it, maybe keep the ball rolling on flooding.
	Latta-Buehrer I As bitter and mean-spirited as this thing got, don't believe that this thing is over. Latta may have won the battle, but the war is going to continue. There is a primary election right around the corner, and whether Latta defeats Robin Weirauch or not in December, these two gentlemen (even though they don't deserve that title) will be back at it in short order.
	The Tip Did she, or didn't she? Clinton's campaign said they left a $100 tip after a visit to a Toledo, Iowa restaurant. One of the waitresses said she never saw anyone from the campaign leave one. I'm not taking sides on the issue; I just can't believe that the media jumped on this and made it a huge story within hours. With all the other important, and nonsensical, issues that candidates deal with, is this really worthy of the column space and airtime it has taken? Just say no!

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 10/12/07

	Candidate Information Here we are, less than a month away from the election, and people are still asking me for the names of the people running for various offices. I used to wonder how the public could not be aware of what is going on, until it dawned on me that I haven't seen much come from the candidates, scant information by the local media, and no support for a series of forums or debates amongst all the candidates. How is the public supposed to get educated about the people they are voting for?
	Hancock County Commissioners A sales tax increase? Whether you agree with it or not, it is probably inevitable that one will be needed to pay for the costs resulting from the flood and aftermath. A permanent increase...or just for 3-5 years? The temporary hike may be more palatable to voters who enjoy one of the lowest rates in the state. The next question is, what is the City of Findlay going to do?
	Al Gore After Winning the Nobel Peace Prize for his work warning of the threat posed by climate change and an Academy Award for 'An Inconvenient Truth', what else does Gore have to prove? That he can win the White House? Probably not...but deciding who to support makes him a potential king-maker and the most important person in the Democratic Presidential sweepstakes.
	Rudy Giuliani In polling done in early primary states, he has pulled even or passed Mitt Romney in all but Iowa and New Hampshire. It appears that the little fracas about certain conservatives bolting if he was the nominee hasn't hurt him too much. Or is he doing well because GOPers believe he is the only Republican candidate who is going to be able to challenge Clinton?
	October Cooler weather, leaves changing color, my birthday...and campaign signs appearing in yards. In another annual tradition, signs for candidates running in November are starting to pop up all over the city. The most I have seen so far are for Pete Sehnert and Mario Bower. A sign of things to come, or just early supporters? Let's check back in a few weeks to see how many others blossom.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 10/05/07

Another special edition of GUGD...this time regarding the Presidential third-quarter fund-raising numbers. It's not necessarily about how much you raise, but managing the expectations game. That is why Ron Paul can feel better about how much he raised compared to candidates who raised almost twice as much.

-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

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

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

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

Going Up...Going Down - 08/31/07

	Thomas Knopf and Pete Sehnert Both have been wooing those attending the Hancock County Fair. I wonder what people were talking to them about? Could it have been the 'f' word; around these parts, that stands for flood! People are waiting to hear their planned course of action, and it had better be good.
	Mike Huckabee and Chris Dodd They receive surprise endorsements from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (Huck) and International Association of Fire Fighters (Dodd). Just goes to show how little the initial polls mean.
	Senator Larry Craig Once you plead guilty, it doesn't matter what you say. If you're willing to admit you did something to save your hide from a worse sentence, then you probably deserved it.
	Rove, Gonzales and Snow GWBush's top strategist, attorney general and press secretary are all leaving. Good riddance or happy trails? As with this President, only history will tell.
	GWBush and Ted Strickland Thanks for approving Hancock County and Findlay as disaster areas. Let's hope that we fare better a year from now than others recently helped by FEMA.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 08/24/07

	Candidate's Spouses Elizabeth Edwards...Michelle Obama...Elizabeth Kucinich...and who could forget William Jefferson Clinton. They are not going to sit on the sidelines during this election. At least on the Democratic side, the spouses are producing as many headlines and sound-bytes as the candidates.
	Mitt Romney & Mike Huckabee In the first major poll after the Ames Straw Poll, Romney has a solid lead in Iowa, and Huckabee joins the top tier at fourth place. Both have maintained their gains while the others have fallen a little.
	Recall Petition A petition to recall Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner fell short by 3000 people. The organizer, Thomas Morrissey, burned the papers and said he decided not to turn in the signatures collected because some of the signers feared retribution from the mayor.
	Homeowners With millions of homeowners teetering on the brink of foreclosures and economic ruin, the government took it's sweet time in trying to shore up the ongoing credit crisis. Let's hope something is done to help these individuals instead of creating a new class of homeless families.
	Leadership after flood Let's hope that the response to our area's disaster does not devolve into the political grandstanding and finger-pointing that has happened after other national emergencies. Fingers are already being point at the Army Corps of Engineers. Let's work together to solve the problem instead of trying to find someone to blame. A flood of this magnitude is unprecedented, and there is no guarantee that any fixes made would have stopped this amount of devastation. Let's continue the neighborly spirit and bipartisan support...because it will be gone all too soon.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 08/17/07

A special Republican Party Presidential candidate issue of GUGD.

	Mitt Romney Anytime you win two straw polls within a week, you are doing something right. Let's see how he does outside the Midwest...let's say, South Carolina.
	Mike Huckabee Anytime you finish second in the Ames Straw Poll, you are doing something right. Let's see how he does with the other top-tier candidates in the mix.
	Fred Thompson Anytime you finish above other top-tier candidates in the straw polls, and you yourself have not yet announced, you are doing something right. Let's see how he does once he makes things official and appears side-by-side the others in a few debates.
	Rudy Giuliani Anytime you finish below a candidate who has not entered the race, you may have something to think about. Let's see how his strategy of waiting for Super Tuesday (Feb 5) works out.
	Ron Paul Anytime you finish higher in the straw polls then people expect, you must be doi...oh, forget it. Ron Paul (and his supporters) has to be excited. Top 5 in Ames, and Top 3 in Illinois? On to Texas!! Paul is going to be expecting some more questions and air time come the next debate in September.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 08/10/07

	Findlay City Council City council going against the city planning commission recommendation and listening to the community when it came to the possibility of an apartment complex on TR212 was to be commended. I wonder how the people along TR236 feel about this.
	Andy Peters "I struggled with it (see above) all night. It’s one of those cases where they need to be careful what they wish for. Something is going to go in that field. It’s not going to remain an empty field forever. I mean, a trailer park can go in there under A-residential." It may have been an off-hand comment, but those living in trailer parks probably did not enjoy the (perceived) slight.
	Hancock County Board of Elections The board did not receive the money to purchase a computer voter verification system, yet. I am all for making elections easier and more secure; but as someone who has worked at the polls and experienced what happens, the system in place isn't that difficult to understand. Perhaps getting some younger people involved (who aren't new to the technologies being used) and additional training for everyone could help alleviate some of these issues.
	Fostoria City Council It is exciting to see how a fledgling government is working to make things better (improving upon the city charter approved by voters last November). I think their ideas about longer, staggered terms for council members (to keep some experience) and non-partisan elections (so the best candidates move through to the general election) are something to consider looking at along this stretch of SR12.
	Iowa Governor Chet Culver Culver has moved (for now) into the pantheon of my political idols by dismissing the thought that the Iowa caucuses will move to 2007. With statements such as "The bottom line is Iowa will have the first caucus and we're going in January." and "This is a 2008 election process and it should begin in 2008.", a new movie needs to be made for the upcoming winter holidays: The Governor Who Saved Christmas.

Late tonight or early tomorrow, predictions about Ames.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 08/03/07

	Jon Husted Ohio Speaker of the House Jon Husted is trying to pass a bill that would fix a problem where Ohio lawmakers could affect the governor's veto power. Another sign of bipartisan cooperation, or getting ready for his campaign for governor in 2010? For now, think happy thoughts.
	John Edwards Calls on Democratic candidates to return any campaign donations from Robert Murdoch and News Corp. Funny how he didn't mention anything about returning the $800,000 he received for a book he had published by HarperCollins...owned by News Corp.
	Barack Obama Says that nuclear options are not an option when dealing with terrorists in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Either a bold statement that shows he is a new kind leader, or a testament to charges that he is in over his head on foreign policy. Wait and see.
	Fred Thompson fundraising All the anticipation was not enough to help Thompson raise that massive amount of money people were expecting. With 'only' $3.4 million raised, he needs to do something soon to get (all) his numbers, and excitement about his candidacy, back up.
	U.S. House of Representatives Democrats gaveling an immigration vote to a premature close...Republicans chanting "shame, shame, shame". Accusations of stealing the vote, procedural shenanigans and boisterous demonstrations. What is this, Florida circa 2000?

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 07/27/07

	Findlay Mayoral Candidates Pete Sehnert and Thomas Knopf were both interviewed on WFIN's 'Good Mornings with Chris Oaks' this week. Economic Development (Sehnert) and flooding (Knopf) were issues highlighted by the candidates. We're still in July, but their positions are starting to take shape. The question that remains...does a write-in candidate (or two) emerge to make this more interesting?
	Michael Sessions The 19-year-old mayor from Hillsdale, Michigan had a recall petition rejected by a 2-1 vote of the Hillsdale County Board of Elections. The young mayor, who pleaded no contest to a charge of hacking into and sending e-mails from his ex-campaign manager's account, is likely to face another recall petition drive from Councilman Jeff Buchop who feels a 'heartfelt' apology from Sessions is unlikely.
	Carty Finkbeiner Was the threatening language to his neighbors (Wood County) justified? Whether you believe he was right or wrong, he is usually effective and gets what he wants; that is why Toledo voters returned him to the Mayors office. However, it is in the best interest of Lucas/Wood/Hancock counties to get along in an effort to shift some of the state's economic and political power away from the I-71 corridor and into Northwest Ohio.
	YouTube Debate The experimental format gains near-universal praise from participants, spectators and critics. I'm wondering how the candidates and media are going to mess this up...just a matter of when.
	Mitt Romney It appears as if September 17th was the answer to the question above. That is the date for the Republican debate in Florida sponsored by CNN and YouTube. So far, only John McCain, Tommy Thompson and Ron Paul have said they are coming. Mitt Romney was quoted, "I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman." Dangerous talk from someone looking for every possible vote in a tight race for the Republican nomination. If he's afraid of answering difficult questions, the time for him to exit the race is now.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 07/20/07

	U.S. Senate Democrats Designed to bring the debate over Iraq to the forefront and force a Republican vote, the plan hatched by Harry Reid and his supporters quickly turned into 'midnight madness'...highly anticipated across college campuses in October, but recognized as a cheap political stunt when done in Washington, D.C. mid-summer.
	John McCain His newest campaign strategy is called 'Living Off the Land: A Plan for Financial Viability'. Simply put, his newest campaign manager outlines the road to success in simple terms: spend less and raise more. He should have added 'Pass GO and collect $200' to the list...as long as the strategy is derived from advice a teenager looking for gas money receives from their parents, they may as well be looking for Monopoly money.
	Republican Presidential Candidates The latest FOX News/Opinion Dynamics poll shows Democratic candidates besting their Republican competition in hypothetical one-on-one match-ups. Bad news since "Ronald Reagan isn't walking through that door" (thank you to everyone who e-mailed or stopped me to say how much they enjoyed that).
	Hancock County Commissioners County Auditor Charity Rauschenberg reports revenues are down compared to last year, and the sheriff's office needs a new radio system. Time for the commissioners to make a decision about whether to get a special sales tax on the ballot for November. With one of the lowest county tax rates in the state, how will Hancock County voters react to this latest plea? Let's hope the commissioners explain this to the people better than they have in the past.
	U.S. Intelligence Community Billions and billions of dollars spent by the United States over the past several to bolster security and intelligence...and the best we have to show for it is a 'gut feeling' by Michael Chertoff that something is going to happen this summer. Watch out...if he accidentally eats something that doesn't agree with him, we may be moving to terror threat level red.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 07/13/07

	John Edwards & Hillary Clinton We know it is going to happen, but it is not up to John and Hillary to determine who should be invited to debates. Once again, an open microphone gives us a clearer picture of what really happens inside the 'party of inclusion'.
	John McCain Down...but not out. It wasn't a very good week for McCain with his campaign manager and chief strategist resigning, daily announcements of other campaign workers quitting. Still, McCain says he is not dropping out unless he contracts a 'fatal disease'. Fund-raising drying up may be the knockout punch that decides otherwise.
	Congress With all the attention given to President's Bush low approval numbers (33% in the latest AP-Ipsos poll), you find few mentions that Congress is perceived as doing a worse job. Now at 24% (AP-Ipsos), lawmaker's rating has dropped 11 points since May. Why isn't the liberal media giving this more coverage? I think I just answered my own question.
	Live Earth I really do not want to rain (no pun intended) on an event that was supposed to spur the world's citizens into taking global warming/environmental concerns seriously. Smaller than anticipated crowds in some areas, critics panning the acts and performances in other areas, and the launch of Al Gore's run for President orchestrated by NBC-Universal can do the job for me.
	Mike Huckabee The lone bright spot in this week's list - Huckabee did something that no other GOP Presidential candidate did...he accepted an invitation to speak in front of 10,000 people at the National Education Association's Presidential forum. Even though the NEA is considered home for a liberal mission (and voters), one-third of the membership is Republican, and Huckabee impressed the audience with the moving tale of his own education.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 07/06/07

	Barack Obama Final numbers aren't out until July 15, but it's clear that Obama won the most important April-June poll...money raised. Bringing in $10 million more than Hillary, and equaling the amount of the top two Republicans COMBINED, Barack puts himself squarely in front; now, if only the polls would reflect this enthusiasm and interest, he may not be stopped.
	Ron Paul He currently has more money in the bank than John McCain...after he was omitted from a debate in Iowa, a rally he held brought in more people than the official event he was not invited to...he is leading the Republican pack of candidates on YouTube subscriptions. If enjoying the underdog's success is wrong, I don't want to be right.
	Al Gore With Live Earth a few days away at the time, Gore was all set to bask in the glory of what he helped organize...until his son was arrested for suspicion of possessing drugs. Gore immediately canceled TV and radio interviews (citing scheduling conflicts), but has continued to communicate via e-mail. Kudos, however, for getting the concerts organized and people talking about the environment.
	Summer Blockbuster Pirates? Shrek? Transformers? Spiderman? Nope...the most anticipated release of the summer around Washington is the phone list from the D.C. Madam. According to the woman, there are plenty of high profile names on the list, and a federal judge lifted the restraining order stopping it's release. Let's see how much airtime this gets on the entertainmentinfogossip shows.
	Mike Oxley He may be gone from this district, but he is keeping busy. He is currently a lobbyist for Nasdaq, and on the 4th he participated in the AT&T National Pro-Am in Washington, D.C. Oxley was considered one of the top golfers in Congress before he left (a 7.9 handicap according to Golf Digest in 2005). What makes me think he never hooks a shot to the left?

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 06/29/07

	George W Bush With the latest defeat of the immigration bill, and with it the final opportunity to salvage something from his second term, the President who is fond of giving everyone else a nickname has earned one for himself: 'lame duck'.
	Dick Cheney Not quite in the executive branch, and not quite in the legislative, Cheney's latest attempt to straddle governmental hierarchy to avoid external oversight further tarnishes the VP's stature and credibility.
	The Supreme Court With the Supremes handing down quite a few 5-4 decisions this past week, do you think whom gets nominated will be an issue in the Presidential election? Contradictory decisions regarding two free speech cases is not very Solomon-like.
	Ann Coulter and Elizabeth Edwards The latest verbal spat between the two involves something more important than values...money. Book sales for Coulter, campaign donations to Edwards' husband. Let's call this one a (disappointing) push.
	Hillary Clinton I hate to sound like a broken record, but still being ahead in the polls and near-unanimous agreement she 'won' Thursday night's debate at Howard University has got to count for something...until you see the poll that says she is the only major candidate where more than half of those surveyed say they would not vote for her. However, until that happens...

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 06/22/07

	Subway Series No, not the Yankees vs Mets...we're talking about the possibility of a real contest. In this corner, the former mayor of New York (a Republican that became EXTREMELY popular after 9/11)...in this corner, the current mayor of New York (who used to be a Democrat, then Republican, now Independent...the comeback kid of New York), and in this corner, the current Junior Senator from New York (who is a Democrat and is beloved by her state). Imagine the fun if all three end up on the ballot next November.
	John McCain Immigration bill in limbo...report comes out that military personnel are contributing more money to Christoper Dodd than him...polls are starting to show him in fourth place...rumors that his campaign is in real trouble. For the candidate whom critics say have been doing well at the debates, his message is being lost amongst the voters.
	Mitt Romney On the flip side, he is now leading the polls in the early primary states, he is poised to come out on top in this fund raising cycle, and people are most notably attacking him because of his...religion. If that is the worst that people can come up, he may be sitting pretty...until the opposition gets smart and starts reminding people about all the flip flops.
	Randy Ward Maybe I had to be at the last City Council meeting to get this in context, but since when does spending a large amount of taxpayer's money (on new water meters) not count as an ordinance that affects people's rights? It may be just me, but I am pretty sure that 2nd and 3rd readings of the legislation could have occurred without any significant damage to the budget (remember, there is a surplus).
	Mike Eier The voice of the people...he seems to be the only council member (in recent memory) that is willing to challenge decisions (like the water meter legislation). In this case, he wondered that the emergency clause would not give the public enough time to comment..."If it's passed today or passed July 17th, is that going to hold up a five-year plan?"...I respect someone who is looking out for me, even if it did not make a difference in the final tally.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 06/15/07

	Ted Strickland His first attempt at the state budget passed 33-0 in the Senate and 97-0 in the House; strong bi-partisan support is a huge victory. Increases for health care and education are winners with the public. If Ohio's economy rebounds as well, his political clout will make him a player on the national stage.
	Immigration Bill Everyone thought is was dead, but negotiators have been working hard to come up with something that will satisfy everyone. Is something better than nothing? Let's see how this new version does...and if it helps resurrect McCain's presidential bid.
	John McCain Speaking of McCain...taking numerous hits about the immigration bill, expectations that fund raising results are going to be lower than expected and a seemingly constant drop in the polls have people asking out loud whether his campaign is doomed.
	George W Bush Senate and House leaders announcing the surge has failed, his Attorney General is still under siege, Scooter going to prison, more soldiers dying in Iraq, and he lost his watch while visiting Albania (or did he?). It is times like these I bet he wishes that Jeb was the one in charge.
	Buckeyes Girls/Boys State It is great to see young men and women interested in government, and are willing to give up some of their summer vacation to participate in this wonderful event. The program is a wonderful opportunity for our state's youth to participate in a program that promotes democracy in action.

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 06/01/07

Welcome to June!

	BILL RICHARDSON After a promising upward trend in the latest polls, an extremely disappointing performance on last Sunday's Meet the Press have many wondering what went wrong. With such a crowded field of candidates (from both parties) where every mention in the press is important, this is not the kind of publicity a person wants.
	HILLARY CLINTON Another week has passed by, and she is still leading in most state and national polls. As the front runner, the status quo is good. Let's hope her selection of an official campaign song is not a dud.
	FRED THOMPSON Is he the next Ronald Reagan; a dynamic communicator who can bring the different factions of the Republican Party together and energize independents as well as moderate Democrats to join his campaign? Time will tell...but for now, the announcement that he is entering the race has people abuzz.
	FINDLAY CITY SCHOOL BOARD Technology and infrastructure woes, not knowing that IWT was a Christian organization, seniors not being allowed to walk through graduation even though other districts allow it. Does this sound like a group of people who are soundly running our city's schools...or a group that is out of touch?
	PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES It is fun and exciting, seeing candidate's live and die with the constant fear that their next statement could be a gaffe that haunts then and possibly knocks them out of the race. The next opportunity on the schedule are coming up fast. Sunday, the Democrats...Tuesday, the Republicans. Live and in Technicolor from New Hampshire. Bonus: seeing who is going to win the 'crazy uncle' award, Ron Paul or Mike Gravel?

-RSKnopfJr

Going Up...Going Down - 05/25/07

	HILLARY CLINTON and BARACK OBAMA Voting against the latest Iraq funding measure smacks of pandering to the left. With the bill passing the Senate by a comfortable margin of 80-14, the two Senators could vote nay safely, knowing their vote was nothing more than a symbolic gesture that was done to strictly satisfy their base. What took more courage: these two voting no, or Democratic opponent Joseph Biden voting yes?
	ROSIE O'DONNELL LEAVING THE VIEW Coincidence, or not, but the latest blow-up with Elizabeth Hasselbeck may have been the last straw. Rosie announced that she is leaving the show immediately...not in three weeks when her contract was set to expire. Even if you do not agree with her politics, you cannot deny that it seems she was controversial even before her first day on the show. If anything, entering the public spotlight again and being a media (and ratings) magnet sets her up for a future show of her own.
	DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP Backing down on the Iraq funding bill is exactly the opposite of what the voters were looking for when Democrats were voted back into power last November. Now they are saying "Just wait til the fall" (supposedly, that will be the time of the new 'line in the sand')...let the spin begin now because they are going to need it.
	CLIFF HITE and JIM JORDAN They are willing to listen to area citizens and can empathize with us regarding mega-farms and rising gas prices, but admitting they are virtually powerless to do anything is indicative of a larger problem that we face on the state and national level. I wonder what would happen if we formed a lobbying group instead?
	THE AMERICAN MILITARY Looking back at Vietnam, it seems like our country learned a very important lesson; you can blame this nation's leaders for problems (in Iraq and elsewhere), but not the soldiers who are doing what they are ordered. It is too bad we learned this lesson after the fact, but better late than never. Anyway, a huge THANK YOU to those special individuals who protect our country. These people who currently serve, or have served in the past, deserve our respect, thanks and admiration. We need to keep this attitude longer than the last weekend in May.

-RSKnopfJr