Flag City Politico

Patterns?

Let's see if you find a pattern with the following...

Obama Raises More than $40 Million
The Obama campaign has issued a press release saying it raised more than $40 million in March. This amount is less than the $55 million it raised it February -- but it's still a significant haul. >>
MSNBC

Hillary Raises $20 Million in March
The AP is reporting -- and First Read has confirmed with a campaign source -- that Clinton raised $20 million in March, about half of Obama's haul for the month. Still, as the AP notes, it is Clinton's second-best monthly performance. >>
MSNBC

Obama close to Bush record
The "over $40 million" the Obama campaign says it raised in March would put the total contributions the Illinois senator has raised in his presidential campaign at approximately $234 million — enough to surpass both the $200 million mark as well as the $215 million that 2004 presidential nominee John Kerry raised for that presidential primary season (then the Democratic record). >>
CNN

Jane Fonda: 'Obama!'
Jane Fonda, the actress and ardent anti-Vietnam war advocate who visited North Vietnam during those hostilities, has endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president. >>
Chicago Tribune

Carter Hints at Support for Obama
Former President Carter wouldn't quite say it, but he left little doubt this week about who he'd like to see in the White House next year. >>
Breitbart

Why the Democratic race could end in North Carolina
The end could be near. Or the endgame, at least, of a surprisingly drawn-out Democratic presidential contest. Four months and 42 states after the opening Iowa caucuses, the primary in North Carolina on May 6 now looms as a pivotal final showdown between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. >>
USAToday

Speaking of North Carolina, here is a look at the latest polling that shows Obama slowly pulling away...

Not to worry Clinton-backers - here are the numbers from Pennsylvania that show Clinton maintaining her lead (once again, see if you can find the trend - here's a hint, in a March 16 poll, Clinton led 56-30)...

Some good news, however, for the Clinton campaign...

DNC stance surprises campaigns
The Democratic National Committee said Tuesday that Florida and Michigan members will be seated on the three standing committees — including the critical Credentials Committee—at the party’s 2008 national convention, a position that could affect the selection of the Democratic nominee. >>
Politico

Just when things are looking up, something always happens...

Clinton Denies Saying Obama 'Cannot Win'
ABC News Eloise Harper Reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., denies she told Governor Bill Richardson, D-N.M., that her Democratic nomination rival, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., "cannot win" a general election against presumptive Republican nominee, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. >>
ABC News

At least one thing about this election is certain...

John Edwards says would not accept VP nomination
Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards said on Thursday he would not accept the nomination for U.S. vice president as he did four years ago. >>
Reuters

-RSKnopfJr

Random Musings

Some random questions and thoughts...

Does the planned half-percent tax increase pay for just the jail expansion, or does that include the library expansion, parking garage, taking down buildings and everything else? Is the tax temporary? If so, for how long?  Don't the city leaders worry about being land-locked with no room for expansion of their own? It seems like there are a lot of questions that need to be answered - must be time for another town forum.

Is the color of the new building going to be fuchsia?

Since when does not having a basement solve a flooding problem?  Being located at the corner of Main and Main Cross, seems to me everything on the first floor is in danger as well.

Consolidate three middle schools into two? Where did that idea come from? Has anyone heard of that idea before? If this happens, who gets control of the auditorium - Arts Partnership? Or do they do away with it because there will be a fine arts pavilion opening up down the road?

John McCain, please pick Condoleezza Rice as your VP nominee. That way, we might be able to have an intelligent debate over the issues this year instead of everyone claiming sexism or racism every time you open your mouth.

Hey Rush Limbaugh and crossover Republicans voting for Clinton in the primaries because you think she would be the weaker candidate...be careful what you wish for!

Hey Rush Limbaugh and crossover Republicans voting for Clinton in the primaries because you think she would be the weaker candidate...grow up - I am ashamed by a party that would not hope the two best people were the final two candidates come November. Even if my candidate didn't win, I would hope that the victor would be the second-best person for the job.

Oh, BTW, those last two statements don't make me a bad Republican or a traitor to the party. I just happen to have a core set of values that supercedes following the company line.

Democrats, don't think that I forgot about you. For the party that preaches inclusion, why all the talk, accusations and allegations about sexism and racism? I hoped that we had moved into an era where we could talk about the person running for President...not the first woman or African-American who happen to be seriously in the running for President.

When the primaries are over, if candidate A has more delegates pledged to them, and has won more of the popular vote, and won more overall states...how can candidate B claim that because of their credentials and assumption of political strength they should win the election? Just because they say so? And no one calls them out on this? Please, someone explain that to me because I am confused how that can happen.

Can you really feel bad for New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's wife? Here he is, caught in an international prostitution ring, breaking federal laws, and she is standing by her man. I know about a strong marriage and wanting to salvage a relationship...but seriously, why - money?...future book deal or spot on The View?...sympathy and empathy?...political aspirations of her own?... Seems to me I have seen this movie before.

If it was my wife, I would have been dead a long time before the press  or government ever found out. Just ask the PolitiGal...she'll tell you.

-RSKnopfJr

20160 minutes

Two weeks.

14 days.

336 hours.

When the clock hits zero on March 4, we will know who the Republican nominee for President will be, and we may be closer to knowing the identity of his opponent.

Watching the results from last night (between fits of coughing), it is amazing how far these races have come over the past few months. Clinton was supposed to be the nominee, and McCain was very close to being out of the race.

Listening to Obama and McCain give their victory speeches last night, you could not help but notice the differences that are sure to offer a clear choice between now and November: younger versus older, fresh candidate versus experienced candidate, new generation versus greatest generation.

It is still possible that Clinton could pull this out, but not probable, and last night, you saw McCain and Obama address each other during their speeches, giving us an early look at how their national campaigns will be.

Obama's speech (which was over 40 minutes) provided a laundry list of substantive issues that he believes (I didn't want to use the word 'hope') will be appealing to voters. McCain touched on patriotism, national defense and experience...not the sort of thing that might work in a campaign against Obama, considering this is what Clinton has been trying to rally around over the past few months.

My youngest daughter keeps asking me who I am going to vote for in the primary, so I used an old trainer's tool by asking her who she would vote for. She started telling me that they are talking about this in school now, and they started developing study packets on the candidates and issues. She had to write who she would vote for, and why.

To her credit, she must be paying attention to me at home because she wrote that she would vote for Mike Huckabee. Reading her paper, she tried to write about Huckabee's fair tax...pretty astute for a sixth grader (my goodness, they grow up quickly), making me proud that she is tuning in to current events, and taking an interest in something that her Dad has a passion about.

The most important thing about March 4th is not who is going to win the primary, or even if a candidate will clinch a nomination. I wish that people would just vote. We keep hearing about all of the other states breaking records in the number of voters coming to the polls, and it would be nice to have Ohio (or at least Hancock County) be part of this.

We have a few weeks for the yard signs to pop up, people to wear the buttons, and for neighbors to talk to each other about who (and why) they will vote for. I would really enjoy seeing long lines at the polls that day, and everyone taking, not only an interest, but an investment in our democracy and our future.

If you want to share your election stories with others, e-mail me and I will post them here. Send me pictures of what is going on in your neighborhood, or at your polling place, and I will make sure they get on-line so others can see the spirit and enthusiasm that is out there.

In the meantime, the clock is running.

-RSKnopfJr

Preview

Happy Presidents Day!!

We've been in a holding pattern for a week now. With the flurry of activity since the first of the year, it seems strange to be waiting for the next round of primaries to be held...but the wait will soon be over.

Tomorrow, Wisconsin and Washington hold primary elections, and Democrats in Hawaii will be caucusing. With every delegate counting more and more, these races are more important than everyone thought they would be at this point a year ago. I really enjoy that this election cycle is playing out as it is. We are experiencing something that hasn't happened for decades, and it is fascinating to watch and live through.

Just to get everyone up to speed, here are the latest delegate counts...

Obama - 1262
Clinton - 1213
Gravel - 0
needed to clinch - 2025

McCain - 830
Huckabee - 217
Paul - 16
needed to clinch - 1191

Since everyone believes that McCain is inevitable (that is a different topic for a different time), let's look at the numbers for the Democratic nomination. And when looking at poll numbers, remember how reliable they have been in the past. These numbers are for Wisconsin (92 delegates). Remember, Washington had a caucus on Feb 9, so this primary election is non-binding (and somewhat confusing). It is generally considered that Hawaii (29 delegates) will be for Obama.

Clinton - 49%
Obama - 43%
American Research Group - 02/15-16

Obama - 47%
Clinton - 42%
Research 2000 - 02/13-14

Obama - 47%
Clinton - 43%
Rasmussen - 02/13

In a race this close, let's see what's going on up north.

Winter Storm Detours Democratic Candidates
Politics took a back seat to the weather Sunday as two Democratic campaign events had to be canceled. >>
WBAY

Candidates gear up for the big day
The two Democratic candidates for president appeared at the same dinner in Milwaukee Saturday, targeting the important Wisconsin delegation leading up to Tuesday’s primary. >>
The Badger Herald

Republicans for Obama
Arizona Sen. John McCain is going to be the party's nominee. That's good for Republicans, because for all his flaws, the Arizona senator is the most appealing prospect their party has to offer this year. >>
The Capital Times

Refusing to cry 'uncle,' Huckabee out-campaigns Republican rival
He can pick up a spare, but can he pick up the state? >>
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The pick? Obama makes it 10 in a row, narrowly edging Clinton in Wisconsin by 3%, winning Hawaii by over 30%, and...well, who knows why Washington is having a primary, but we'll say Obama by 22%.

- - - - -

I received the first reply to the letter I sent out last week. You'll have to wait to see who responded, but to give you a hint, this person has the same initials as me. Make sure you have your comments ready to go for when I post everything.

- - - - -

Reminder...tonight is the 2008 Candidate Forum sponsored by The Courier, WFIN and UFTV. The forum, featuring candidates for Hancock County commissioner and sheriff, can be heard on 1330-AM or seen on Findlay TimeWarner channel 20 starting at 6p. I'll be there...will you?

-RSKnopfJr

This & That

I thought he was going to do this during his speech after the South Carolina primary, but today it happened. Fred Thompson is officially out of the race:

"Today I have withdrawn my candidacy for President of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort. Jeri and I will always be grateful for the encouragement and friendship of so many wonderful people."

---

Ron Paul is still going strong, and in an e-mail sent today, he says that supporters raised over $1.85 million yesterday.

Speaking of money, there is a story in The American Spectator that Mike Huckabee is running out of money, and is having to curtail his activities in Florida...

Less than a month after a huge upset victory, and promises that fundraising would be ramped up, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is asking his senior staff to keep working for him without pay, while lower level campaign staff are seeing their salaries cut dramatically or eliminated altogether.

"The goal is to get a leaner, meaner campaign structure moving into Super Tuesday," says a senior campaign adviser.

But many of those being asked to take the cut are refusing, and walking away, leaving the campaign with holes to fill.

"The money simply hasn't come in at the rate that we expected," says the aide. "Florida is a $7 million commitment that we can't meet, and if we did, that leaves us exposed for Super Tuesday, where we have a lot of states and a lot media buys. We had to make tough decisions."

---

Looking ahead to South Carolina, Obama definitely needs a win if he is going to have any hope of stopping Clinton from the nomination. Everyone is making such a big deal that he should do well from the African-American vote in the state, but we heard similar arguments in New Hampshire (Obama was ahead in the polls by 7-16%) and Nevada (the union turnout was going to help Obama to a win). Looking at the recent polls, done before Nevada, show Obama still in the lead.

If you missed the Democratic debate on CNN last night, the gloves were definitely off. I almost felt sorry for John Edwards who seemed like a third wheel on stage at times. People have been wondering, if Edwards does not win in South Carolina (his territory), should he drop out?  As long as he is collecting delegates, and can influence who gets the nomination, he will stay in the race. This is (probably) the last time he runs for President, so he is going to make the most of it.

-RSKnopfJr

This & That

A busy day so far...

An Upbeat Richardson Bows Out
"It was an upbeat Gov. Bill Richardson who ended his quest for the presidency in a 14-minute speech, often interrupted by applause and chants of "We Want Bill" from a crowd that packed the State Capitol Rotunda shortly after 1 p.m." >>
Albuquerque Journal

Interesting that he did not endorse anyone. Does this leave the door open for him to be the VP choice of the eventual Democratic nominee?

Meanwhile, in South Carolina...

On Edwards' Turf, Kerry Backs Obama
"Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for the White House Thursday in a timely slap at Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as well as his own vice presidential running mate." >>
WYFF NBC 4

...and tonight, an important debate in Myrtle Beach. McCain needs to sustain the momentum, Thompson needs a win or he is out, and Huckabee needs to show he was not a one-hit wonder...

GOP takes the podium
"So different, so fast. The network official expressed surprise as she looked at the glowing American flag backdrop and the six candidates' podiums in the debate hall Wednesday afternoon." >>
Myrtle Beach Online

...also, it appears that McCain got a huge bump from his win in New Hampshire, because new polls show him ahead in South Carolina...

Fox News

• McCain - 25%
• Huckabee - 18%
• Romney - 17%
• Thompson - 9%
• Giuliani - 5%
• Paul - 5%

Rasmussen

• McCain - 27%
• Huckabee - 24%
• Romney - 16%
• Thompson - 12%
• Giuliani - 6%
• Paul - 5%

...while on the Democratic side, Obama does not seem to be hurt too much by his second place finish in New Hampshire. The latest poll in South Carolina still show him in the lead (but we have seen that before)...

Rasmussen

• Obama - 42%
• Clinton - 30%
• Edwards - 15%

Since I am not going to be home this evening, I will not be able to blog the debate. If you want to watch, however, it will be on FOXnews.

Also, I am preparing questions to send to the individuals running for county commissioner, so if you have any suggestions, e-mail me or put them in the comments section.

-RSKnopfJr

White House Holiday Traditions

Season's Greetings
"Written on White House stationary in his own hand in 1927, President Calvin Coolidge issued the first official Christmas message to the American people. As a response to numerous requests for the President to send a holiday greeting, President Coolidge asked newspapers across the United States to publish his holiday greeting to the American people. Although he didn't speak, he participated in the first ceremonial tree lighting for the event now known as the Pageant of Peace."
more info

White House Tree
"The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison. The President's grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was lit with candles. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver-dollar-shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.

What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a "technology savvy" tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky."
more info

National Christmas Tree
"Sixty years ago, the holiday season in Washington, D.C. was overshadowed by a horrible event on December 7, the attack on Pearl Harbor. Increased security at the White House and the awareness of America's new war, however, could not dampen the spirit of the season.

President Roosevelt welcomed a crowd of thousands for the annual Christmas Eve lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Americans across the nation listening by radio heard the President's radiant voice speak words of comfort.

"Against enemies who preach the principles of hate and practice them, we set our faith in human love and in God's care for us all men everywhere," said President Roosevelt.

Then the crowd and radio listeners heard another distinctive voice-the voice of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whose last visit to the United States was forty years earlier. The Prime Minister's surprise appearance boosted the crowd's enthusiasm.

Churchill said, "Let the children have their night of fun and laughter. Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the stern task and formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied the right to live in a free and decent world."

The two leaders of the Allied Forces then joined the crowd in singing carols and each nation's national anthem."
more info

Menorah Lighting
"Celebrating the holidays with light is a custom common to people of faith. Many Presidents have participated in lighting ceremonies marking Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights.

President Jimmy Carter walked to Lafayette Park in 1979 and lit one candle or shammash (the candle used to light other candles) in the 30-foot electric silver menorah."
more info

Mrs. Bush's Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
6 T. Unsweetened cocoa
6 T. Sugar
Pinch of Salt
2 1/2 cup Milk
2 1/2 cup Light Cream
1/2 t. Vanilla (or more)
Pinch of Cinnamon Powder (optional)
Whipped Cream
Orange Zest

Directions
Mix cocoa, salt, and sugar.

Add milk. Heat to dissolve.

Add light cream, cinnamon, vanilla. Heat to just under boiling.

Mix very well and pour into warm mug.

Top with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and fine orange zest.


Happy Holidays!

-RSKnopfJr

Where in the world is Santa?

Growing up, I remember watching the television closely on Christmas Eve to see if the news had any reports of Santa flying around the globe. Every now and then, there would be some mention of it, and my parents would remind me that if I did not get to bed on time, he may not visit Findlay.

When I had children, I looked forward to helping them find this same information on Christmas Eve. At first, there was a toll-free number to call to find out his location, but I imagine that there were millions of children doing the same thing because you were lucky to ever get through.

A few years later, I came across the NORAD website that was designed to track Santa's travels. With the proliferation (no pun intended) of newer technologies, it has become much easier to find out where he is. Checking it a few minutes ago, I know that he is on his way, and I am sure he is going to make it to Findlay.

To my kids and nieces/nephews, be sure to get to bed tonight! And remember, Santa prefers oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate - I know he has always eaten them at our home!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

-RSKnopfJr

Election07, F.A.R.T. & NPC

What more can be said about the election that hasn't already been addressed by the media or in this - and other - blogs? Well, a little...

• Thank you to every candidate who ran for office. I know it is not easy to invest so much time, emotion and resources into campaigning; you all have earned my respect for doing so.
• Congratulations to everyone who won; we will be waiting with anticipation as you take on the complex issues that face our community.
• For everyone who made it out to vote, give yourselves a big pat on the back.
• To the 71.41% of registered voters who did not go to the polls yesterday - what happened?

---

 

On the road again

Greetings from Cleveland, where I am stationed for the next few days to attend some Adobe Flash training. I am here with a few of my colleagues from work, and even though we are in another city, it feels like we are in Findlay. We went to Red Robin for lunch today, and this evening we went to a restaurant called Hoggys. The trip to arrive at our dinner locale took 45 minutes, involving I-480 and I-77. When we were leaving the restaurant, we asked the waiter how we got back to the road where our hotel was...he said go down the street and then turn right at the second light. It turns out that the restaurant was five minutes away from my hotel; you can imagine how we felt when we pulled in.

We are looking for a few places to eat tomorrow, so if you have any suggestions, please add them to the comments or e-mail me. Our training center/hotel is right at I-480 & I-77, so if you know of someplace (relatively) close that is good, let us know. Because of the Indians being home for the American League Championship Series, we weren't going to venture downtown...but Independence is where we are at, and I am sure that there are a few local establishments that we are missing out on.

On my way over here, I decided to take the more scenic route and traveled via 224 instead of going up to the 80/90 turnpike. Since I was not in a hurry to get over here, I wanted to take my time, enjoy the trip, listen to the radio and relax from a hectic and tiring weekend. Thank goodness that the Patriots/Cowboys game was good; before I knew it, New England had won, and I was at the hotel.

As I drove toward Cleveland, it was fun to count how many different campaign signs I saw along the way. It is a variation of the license plate game, and I only kept a tally sheet, but so far I have encountered 42 (OK - there may have been a few duplicates, but at least it kept me entertained). In Independence, almost every home has a sign for someone...and most houses have a lot more than one. With so many people running for office, it is natural for candidates to have unique designs to stand out. Orange on blue...blue on green...yellow on black - not traditional political colors, but any way to differentiate yourself from the plethora of candidates is needed. If I have time tomorrow, I may take a picture of some of the more unusual combos.

I'm going to cut this short tonight...we are going to try to do something tonight, or watch the Indians game (they are up 2-0, top of the 4th as I post this - Go Tribe!!). Remember to leave me suggestions about where to eat tomorrow, and I'll report back to you.

-RSKnopfJr

I enjoy it so

It's official. South Carolina Republicans announced that they are moving their primary to January 19. The announcement was made in Concord, New Hampshire...a not-so-subtle reminder to the rest of the nation that New Hampshire supported this, but other states better not try. What about Nevada you ask? They are a caucus, but they would be wise to not move before New Hampshire.

New Hampshire is big on tradition. That is why it respects Iowa's status as the first caucus, and why it supported the move by South Carolina to retain their status as 'first southern primary' (thanks to Florida for moving to Jan 29). Since Iowa state law requires their caucus to be held eight days before any other state holds an event, expect New Hampshire to announce a new primary date for sometime between Jan 12-15.

All of this maneuvering by states to have more of a say during the selection of the nominees is going to cause a money problem for the candidates for the general election. Since the nominees will probably known by the second week of February, that means that running for the general election will start far earlier than before. With the conventions not coming until late summer, that leaves a lot of time between March-August for the candidates to run out of resources (not to mention the patience of the public)

---

As expected, activist Cindy Sheehan announced that she is running for the U.S. House of Representatives. The seat she is running for? The one currently occupied by the first ever female House speaker, Nancy Pelosi. Sheehan said that she will be running as an independent; the issues she is concerned about are universal health care, higher ethical standards, and making college affordable for all.

---

This Saturday is the Iowa Ames Straw Poll. For those who don't know, any Iowan who purchases (or has) a $35 ticket is eligible to vote. Candidates usually purchase tickets and bus supporters to the site of the vote (this year, Iowa State University). Rudy Giuliani, John McCain and Fred Thompson do not see an upside to participating in the straw poll, and are not dedicating resources.

For the other candidates, however, there is something to play for. Mitt Romney is trying to make a statement that he is the front runner, and wants to build momentum going into this fall. For the lower tier candidates, this is the time to prove their viability by finishing second (Romney is expected to win), or a close third. Mitt Romney notified organizers he is bringing 125 buses...Sam Brownback said he was bringing 100 buses...and Tommy Thompson said he has about 75. 

Tomorrow, check back for my official predictions. They ought to be good.  ;-)

---

Mitt Romney during a speech at the Abbey Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa:
"If you look at lists compiled on Web sites of sanctuary cities, New York is at the top of the list when Mayor Giuliani was mayor. He instructed city workers not to provide information to the federal government that would allow them to enforce the law. New York City was the poster child for sanctuary cities in the country."

Response from Rudy Giuliani communications director Katie Levinson:
"I am not even sure we should weigh in on this, given Mitt Romney may change his mind later today about it."

My goodness, I enjoy it so.

-RSKnopfJr