The present state of the U.S. economy has been very troubling for the past few years not only to politicians and lawmakers but to ordinary citizens as well. Unemployment levels are at a record high that is now standing at 9.6%. With the continuous failure of the Obama administration to stimulate economic growth and create jobs for the millions of individuals who are currently unemployed, people began feeling weary, discontented and frustrated. And the GOP has been seeing this as an opportunity to finally regain power in the U.S. Congress most especially in the Senate.
The GOP firmly believes that most Democrats who supported Obama during his campaign period will eventually shift sides this time and favor Republican candidates as the President and the Democratic-dominated Congress is unable to save the nation from the recession. But a recent poll by AP-GfK showed that 59 percent of respondents disapproved of the way Democrats in Congress are handling the economy while 64 percent also said that same about Republicans. This is a clear indication that voters are displeased with both political parties.
Millions of voters now have shifted their support and become involved with the Tea Party Movement for the reason that it gives them opportunities to have their voices heard. It is worth remembering how Democrats used to put down and ultimately ignored concerned citizens in public forums. This is the very reason why Democrats of today are constantly attacking Tea Party people with attack ads and other propagandas. The GOP and Republicans also don’t like the party for the very reason that the party contradicts to their very principles and may prove to be hindrance in achieving their goals.
Despite of their non-approval to the party, Republicans are generally benefiting from the efforts of the Tea Party. A recent poll showed that 54 percent said that they hated Democrats for this coming election while 40 percent of respondents said the same was true for Republicans. In terms of voter turnout, 49 percent are now backing Republican congressional candidates and are expected to vote these elections while only 39 percent was rooting for Democrats. Another poll conducted by Rasmussen last week indicated 52 percent of voters saying their views were closely relevant to Tea Party figure Sarah Palin as opposed to President Obama’s views.
The recent victory by Tea Party-backed candidates during Republican primaries is just a taste of what’s to come. The Tea Party Movement is slowly showing its true strength and is ready to make upsets this November. Despite of the massive publicity and popularity that the party today is gaining, they will still be battling against rich and powerful Democrats who are going to spend tons of money for their campaigns. Regardless of the outcome, the Tea Party will eventually influence U.S. politics today and with the years to come.
Showing posts with label US senate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US senate. Show all posts
Monday, September 27, 2010
Recent Polls Show GOP Candidates with Big Business Ties are Leading their Respective Races
The economic recession that started in yearly 2007 is perhaps the worst financial crisis to hit the United State and the rest of the world since the Great Depression. The poor decision and implementation of regulations amongst Wall Street companies resulted in a liquidity shortfall that affected major financial institutions worldwide. As a direct result, thousands of people lost their jobs that significantly affected the quality of living in the United States. People directly blamed Wall Street professionals and financial institutions for such mess they have created. With failed attempts of the Obama administration to stimulate the economy such as the Stimulus package, people only grew weary and disgusted.
With just barely 5 weeks away from the November Midterm elections, there is a huge expectation for elected politicians to save the economy from total failure. Despite of the negativity that is attributed to Democrats for its current failures in the government, there is still no clear indication yet that we are expecting a Republican victory this coming November. There are still numerous issues to be tackled and there are even rumors of a record-low voter turnout come Election Day. Also, the Tea Party has been showing signs of strength especially during Republican primaries where they were able to achieve significant victories over established Republican candidates.
While they are strongly being tagged by Democrats to be the primary reasons for such failure in the economy, GOP candidates who are business-oriented professionals, Wall Streeters, free traders and Big Business profiteers may even have a stronger chance of defeating their Democratic rivals this November. The Democratic Party has strongly been criticizing GOP candidates who previously have ties with Wall Street institutions or those that have worked for the Bush administration. Despite of this, several of these candidates are even outperforming their counterparts in various polls.
In the state of Ohio, GOP candidate John Kasich is having a comfortable lead over incumbent Democratic governor Ted Strickland. Kasich is an ex-Lehman Brothers executive and a former Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Also, Republican candidate for U.S. senate Rob Portman is also a favorite to win the state’s senate seat against Democrat and the state’s lieutenant governor Lee Fisher. Portman is the appointed head of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the U.S. Trade representative during the previous Bush Administration. Interesting enough, there are numerous TV and radio ads, flyers and blast emails about the participation of Kasich in the Wall Street plunder that made him reach. There were also rumors about the contribution of Portman to George W. Bush’s record of deficits. Despite of these efforts, voters have seemed to ignore these ads and stayed firm with their votes.
In the Pennsylvania senate race, Republican nominee Pat Toomey is heavily favored to snatch the state’s senate seat which is currently held by newly minted Democrat Arlen Specter over the party’s nominee, Congressman Joe Sestak. Toomey is known to be a Wall Street derivatives trader where he made a fortune. As head of the conservative group the Club for Growth, he peddled personal savings accounts as a cure for Social Security’s troubled balance sheet. Sestak and some of his Democratic allies have continued to attack Toomey of his past but have failed to gather enough support to him. In fact, recent polls show that Sestak has been lagging way behind in the polls. Efforts of Democrats to show voters of the unfavorable pasts of various Republican candidates have continuously failed. While Republicans might not win all seats this November, they will certainly have a higher fighting chance to win most of them.
With just barely 5 weeks away from the November Midterm elections, there is a huge expectation for elected politicians to save the economy from total failure. Despite of the negativity that is attributed to Democrats for its current failures in the government, there is still no clear indication yet that we are expecting a Republican victory this coming November. There are still numerous issues to be tackled and there are even rumors of a record-low voter turnout come Election Day. Also, the Tea Party has been showing signs of strength especially during Republican primaries where they were able to achieve significant victories over established Republican candidates.
While they are strongly being tagged by Democrats to be the primary reasons for such failure in the economy, GOP candidates who are business-oriented professionals, Wall Streeters, free traders and Big Business profiteers may even have a stronger chance of defeating their Democratic rivals this November. The Democratic Party has strongly been criticizing GOP candidates who previously have ties with Wall Street institutions or those that have worked for the Bush administration. Despite of this, several of these candidates are even outperforming their counterparts in various polls.
In the state of Ohio, GOP candidate John Kasich is having a comfortable lead over incumbent Democratic governor Ted Strickland. Kasich is an ex-Lehman Brothers executive and a former Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Also, Republican candidate for U.S. senate Rob Portman is also a favorite to win the state’s senate seat against Democrat and the state’s lieutenant governor Lee Fisher. Portman is the appointed head of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the U.S. Trade representative during the previous Bush Administration. Interesting enough, there are numerous TV and radio ads, flyers and blast emails about the participation of Kasich in the Wall Street plunder that made him reach. There were also rumors about the contribution of Portman to George W. Bush’s record of deficits. Despite of these efforts, voters have seemed to ignore these ads and stayed firm with their votes.
In the Pennsylvania senate race, Republican nominee Pat Toomey is heavily favored to snatch the state’s senate seat which is currently held by newly minted Democrat Arlen Specter over the party’s nominee, Congressman Joe Sestak. Toomey is known to be a Wall Street derivatives trader where he made a fortune. As head of the conservative group the Club for Growth, he peddled personal savings accounts as a cure for Social Security’s troubled balance sheet. Sestak and some of his Democratic allies have continued to attack Toomey of his past but have failed to gather enough support to him. In fact, recent polls show that Sestak has been lagging way behind in the polls. Efforts of Democrats to show voters of the unfavorable pasts of various Republican candidates have continuously failed. While Republicans might not win all seats this November, they will certainly have a higher fighting chance to win most of them.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Independents are Shifting Their Support to Republicans
The upcoming midterm elections this coming November is projected to be a seesaw battle between the Democrats and Republicans. With control of the senate at stake, both political parties are doing whatever they in order to win most of the vacated seats. It is remembered that the Republicans strong declared their intentions to regain control of the senate and other key legislations. But recent Tea Party victories have deeply impacted the GOP campaign even up to the point where they predict massive losses. Despite of this, the republican spirit moves on and will look forward to victory come election time.
Looking back at the previous presidential elections where Mr. Obama convincingly won, his campaign was fueled by the massive support which he got from independent voters. But today’s situation is much different considering the struggles most American citizens are facing. With an unemployment rate nearing 10%, more Americans are now desperate to find ways to solve this crisis. The failure of the Obama-led stimulus package to generate adequate jobs resulted in more discontent and disappointments.
A recent survey in August which was conducted by Douglas E. Schoen LLC on behalf of Independent Women’s Voice showed that more independents are now transferring their support to the Republican Party. 50% of respondents showed support for the Republicans compared to only 25% for the Democrats. Also, 52% of independents think that that their views are much more aligned with the Republican Party compared to the Democratic Party. The result of the survey comes as a surprise considering that independents generally have negative views towards the GOP.
A follow-up interview which was conducted after the victory last week of Tea Party-backed candidate Christine O’Donnell showed how the Democratic influence is rapidly decreasing. The Republican lead in the upcoming congressional election has reached 22 points, 40% to 18%, with all likely-to-vote independents. Independents have also showed strong support for the extension of Bush-era tax cuts among all Americans. It is good to note that Pres. Obama and several democrats have proposed the continuation of the tax cuts only to people who earn less than $150,000 a year.
Independents have also indicated that they want candidates to cut spending and taxes, have a balanced budget, reduce budget deficits and the federal debt, reduce the power of special interests and unions, repeal and replace the health-care legislation, and decrease partisanship. Though Independents believe that both the Republicans and Democrats are big spenders, they see Democrats as the worse. Despite of the clear advantage by the GOP, they should still be able to persuade the Independents on their true intentions. Failure to do so would result in Independents being disgusted and might refrain from voting at all.
There is still a possibility that Independents may bring back their support to Pres. Obama and his democratic party especially if Republicans are unable to present a clear platform for development. Present trends still suggest Independents favoring the GOP over the Democrats. The support that Independents may give to Republicans may still depend though on what agenda the party can clearly present to them.
Looking back at the previous presidential elections where Mr. Obama convincingly won, his campaign was fueled by the massive support which he got from independent voters. But today’s situation is much different considering the struggles most American citizens are facing. With an unemployment rate nearing 10%, more Americans are now desperate to find ways to solve this crisis. The failure of the Obama-led stimulus package to generate adequate jobs resulted in more discontent and disappointments.
A recent survey in August which was conducted by Douglas E. Schoen LLC on behalf of Independent Women’s Voice showed that more independents are now transferring their support to the Republican Party. 50% of respondents showed support for the Republicans compared to only 25% for the Democrats. Also, 52% of independents think that that their views are much more aligned with the Republican Party compared to the Democratic Party. The result of the survey comes as a surprise considering that independents generally have negative views towards the GOP.
A follow-up interview which was conducted after the victory last week of Tea Party-backed candidate Christine O’Donnell showed how the Democratic influence is rapidly decreasing. The Republican lead in the upcoming congressional election has reached 22 points, 40% to 18%, with all likely-to-vote independents. Independents have also showed strong support for the extension of Bush-era tax cuts among all Americans. It is good to note that Pres. Obama and several democrats have proposed the continuation of the tax cuts only to people who earn less than $150,000 a year.
Independents have also indicated that they want candidates to cut spending and taxes, have a balanced budget, reduce budget deficits and the federal debt, reduce the power of special interests and unions, repeal and replace the health-care legislation, and decrease partisanship. Though Independents believe that both the Republicans and Democrats are big spenders, they see Democrats as the worse. Despite of the clear advantage by the GOP, they should still be able to persuade the Independents on their true intentions. Failure to do so would result in Independents being disgusted and might refrain from voting at all.
There is still a possibility that Independents may bring back their support to Pres. Obama and his democratic party especially if Republicans are unable to present a clear platform for development. Present trends still suggest Independents favoring the GOP over the Democrats. The support that Independents may give to Republicans may still depend though on what agenda the party can clearly present to them.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Biden to Democrats: Never Underestimate Tea Party Candidates
Just recently, we all heard about the shocking defeat of popular GOP Rep. Mike Castle to Tea Party-backed candidate Christine O’Donnell at the Republican primary in Delaware. The upset was so huge that it is now the talk of the town and one that deserves a political story. We all know that Washington is currently led by Democrats as they form the majority. Republicans, have designed a master plan to take back control of the House most especially the U.S. senate. In order to do this, they should ultimately win most of the seats that are up for grabs during the coming midterm elections.
Delaware is one of the nation’s smallest and least populous states. Despite of this, the defeat of Castle at the race may have already jeopardized the chances of GOP in taking control of the Senate in November. Castle was a veteran congressman and was highly favored to win easily in the race. He was the kind of Republican that Delaware wanted; fiscally conservative but moderate in social issues. Then after came O’Donnel who was endorsed by the Tea Party Express. She is pro-life and was successful in positioning herself as the anti-establishment candidate.
Initially, the Republicans thought that the coming of the Tea Party Express was a significant boost to their campaign especially that Tea Party activists are Anti-Washington. They are discontented with the things that are happening today in the country and would certainly favor change in governance. It was just until recently when they realized that the Tea Party may in fact hurt the Republican cause. Another problem is that Republicans can’t rely too much on Tea Party anger in order to win this November. They also have to appeal to independents especially most of them are easily turned off to O’Donnell’s extreme rhetoric and far-right views.
Despite of an impending Republican defeat, Democrat leaders are not taking things lightly. On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden urged his fellow Democrats to not underestimate Tea Party Candidates. He further emphasized that if progressives are not energized come this November election, they may well be faced with unforeseen circumstances that will endanger that things that they most care about. It is good to note that aside from O’Donnell’s upset victory, there are 8 other Tea Party victories that were registered during the senate primaries.
Biden also said that the present accomplishments of the Obama administration such as the reform in the U.S. health care system, establishment of laws with regards to hate crimes and the regulation of tobacco will all be put at risk if Democrats become too complaisant. There are other major issues such as the Bush-era tax cuts that they should thoroughly discuss. The main point of Biden’s speech is to make every Democrat aware that the opposition is real and will give them a real fight this coming November.
Delaware is one of the nation’s smallest and least populous states. Despite of this, the defeat of Castle at the race may have already jeopardized the chances of GOP in taking control of the Senate in November. Castle was a veteran congressman and was highly favored to win easily in the race. He was the kind of Republican that Delaware wanted; fiscally conservative but moderate in social issues. Then after came O’Donnel who was endorsed by the Tea Party Express. She is pro-life and was successful in positioning herself as the anti-establishment candidate.
Initially, the Republicans thought that the coming of the Tea Party Express was a significant boost to their campaign especially that Tea Party activists are Anti-Washington. They are discontented with the things that are happening today in the country and would certainly favor change in governance. It was just until recently when they realized that the Tea Party may in fact hurt the Republican cause. Another problem is that Republicans can’t rely too much on Tea Party anger in order to win this November. They also have to appeal to independents especially most of them are easily turned off to O’Donnell’s extreme rhetoric and far-right views.
Despite of an impending Republican defeat, Democrat leaders are not taking things lightly. On Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden urged his fellow Democrats to not underestimate Tea Party Candidates. He further emphasized that if progressives are not energized come this November election, they may well be faced with unforeseen circumstances that will endanger that things that they most care about. It is good to note that aside from O’Donnell’s upset victory, there are 8 other Tea Party victories that were registered during the senate primaries.
Biden also said that the present accomplishments of the Obama administration such as the reform in the U.S. health care system, establishment of laws with regards to hate crimes and the regulation of tobacco will all be put at risk if Democrats become too complaisant. There are other major issues such as the Bush-era tax cuts that they should thoroughly discuss. The main point of Biden’s speech is to make every Democrat aware that the opposition is real and will give them a real fight this coming November.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Firefighter's Labor Union Fight for their Pay Amidst City Budget Cuts
Since the start of the recession, there have been hundreds of businesses declaring bankruptcy resulting in the removal of thousands of jobs in the U.S. With an unemployment rate which stood at 9.6%, it is now wonder that the U.S. government is facing a daunting task of saving the economy and getting the country out of the recession. Government employees are perhaps the most affected by the crisis as thousands of them are being removed from their post every week in response to the proposed budget cuts within the government.
And just recently, firefighters were in danger of being removed from their jobs or at least receive less compensation and benefits. This came as a direct result of the budget cuts and the lack of funds by U.S. states. A recent survey conducted by the National League of Cities reported that over one-fifth of U.S. cities have reopened contracts in order to reduce the compensation of public employees which includes firefighters. For example, official in the city of Miami has approved across-the-board cuts amounting to $76.9 million which directly affects the salary and benefits of public employees.
The cities of Los Angeles, Milwaukee and Philadelphia have different approach to the situation. They prefer temporarily shutting down fire stations or putting several fire trucks out of service. Last month, Philadelphia started the closure of several fire stations and was intended to save over $3.8 million. It is interesting to mention that the 2008 municipal bankruptcy of Vallejo, Calif. was directly blamed for excessive compensation of firefighters. Before the town went busted, the average firefighter’s pay along with its benefits was pegged at $193,000 which is relatively high.
The Obama administration skipped the June 2009 U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Providence in order to please the International Association of fire fighters which is a strong and influential labor union with 300,000 members. It was reported that Harold Schaitberger, the Labor Union’s President, placed a call to the office of Vice-President Biden indicating that the union plans to stage some protest in support of Local 799’s six-year contract fight with the city.
Chris Lehane, a Democratic political consultant, said that the firefighter’s endorsement is one of the most influential and most sought after in the labor front. He added that these unions can provide political candidates with thousands of volunteers and financial backing during their campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the IAFF’s political action committee has contributed over $2.7 million to federal candidates during the 2008 election cycle.
Schaitberger is now pushing on a legislation that will require U.S. states and municipalities to allow collective bargaining rights to police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Schaitberger also stated that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has already assured him that he'll try to pass the measure unto senate. One thing is certain; Schaitberger is fighting against city budget cuts in order to protect the pay and pensions of firefighters.
And just recently, firefighters were in danger of being removed from their jobs or at least receive less compensation and benefits. This came as a direct result of the budget cuts and the lack of funds by U.S. states. A recent survey conducted by the National League of Cities reported that over one-fifth of U.S. cities have reopened contracts in order to reduce the compensation of public employees which includes firefighters. For example, official in the city of Miami has approved across-the-board cuts amounting to $76.9 million which directly affects the salary and benefits of public employees.
The cities of Los Angeles, Milwaukee and Philadelphia have different approach to the situation. They prefer temporarily shutting down fire stations or putting several fire trucks out of service. Last month, Philadelphia started the closure of several fire stations and was intended to save over $3.8 million. It is interesting to mention that the 2008 municipal bankruptcy of Vallejo, Calif. was directly blamed for excessive compensation of firefighters. Before the town went busted, the average firefighter’s pay along with its benefits was pegged at $193,000 which is relatively high.
The Obama administration skipped the June 2009 U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Providence in order to please the International Association of fire fighters which is a strong and influential labor union with 300,000 members. It was reported that Harold Schaitberger, the Labor Union’s President, placed a call to the office of Vice-President Biden indicating that the union plans to stage some protest in support of Local 799’s six-year contract fight with the city.
Chris Lehane, a Democratic political consultant, said that the firefighter’s endorsement is one of the most influential and most sought after in the labor front. He added that these unions can provide political candidates with thousands of volunteers and financial backing during their campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the IAFF’s political action committee has contributed over $2.7 million to federal candidates during the 2008 election cycle.
Schaitberger is now pushing on a legislation that will require U.S. states and municipalities to allow collective bargaining rights to police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Schaitberger also stated that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has already assured him that he'll try to pass the measure unto senate. One thing is certain; Schaitberger is fighting against city budget cuts in order to protect the pay and pensions of firefighters.
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