The New Hampshire Primary featured six Republican Presidential Candidates, as Michelle Bachmann had withdrawn from the Republican Primary after the Iowa Caucus. The results of the vote were significant win for Former Governor Mitt Romney, and a significant showing for Ron Paul. John Huntsmann arrived in 3rd place with a surprisingly unexpected showing. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum tied for the fourth place spot. Rick Perry had a negligible response, and though the Perry campaign had shown early strength, after the results were released Perry’s campaign gave indications that they were preparing to suspend efforts.
The New Hampshire Primary Results
January 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Team Haridopolos
June 20, 2011 By 1 Comment
Originally this article was going to be published on June 13th and was just going to be about FL Senate President Mike Haridopolos, with the speech and interview that he gave at the Broward Event. However, we learned that the wife of Sen. Haridopolos, would be speaking at the Central Broward Republican Club later last week, so an article featuring the Haridopolises seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.
The Candidate…
On the 11th, Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos spoke to the attendees of the Broward GOP BBQ. He spoke of the need for proven leadership in the U.S. Senate. Of all the candidates running for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Bill Nelson, Haridopolos is the only candidate that is currently in office. He stated that Nelson has grown out of touch with the Florida voters he represents in the Senate. “He’s a nice guy but he’s voted the wrong way on issues… Bill Nelson been in office since I was 2 years old…”.
Haridopolos has been criticized for legislation that has not passed in the short 7 months since his ‘swearing-in’ as President of the Florida Senate. While criticism is a regular part of any Republican’s political life, it normally comes from the opposite side of the aisle. Haridopolos has had to endure criticisms both from Democrats condemning the legislation he has passed, and from Republicans pushing for even more legislation to be passed. Haridopolos takes it in stride, and points out the legislation that he has worked on and carried through the political process. It is legislation and a conservative agenda that has earned Haridopolos the endorsement of Florida CFO Jeff Atwater, who has stated that it is “the boldest, most conservative agenda ever passed by a legislature in Florida history”, and frankly, the list of accomplishments is pretty impressive. View the video of his speech at the Broward GOP here:
In the 7 months since taking the reins as Florida Senate President, Haridopolos has worked on and passed legislation that will have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of Florida taxpayers such as: legislation that requires welfare recipients to take mandatory drug tests prior to receiving benefits; A balanced budget amendment that eliminated $4 billion in spending, yet added no new fees or taxes; the Health Care Freedom Act, a constitutional amendment which provides a shield for Floridians against the Obama’s Healthcare insurance mandate; legislation that provides funds for a prescription drug database, and increases penalties for the owner/operators of pill mills. View the interview with Hridopolos here:
These are just a few of the accomplishments that Haridopolos reminds the voters of each time he speaks, and are an important part of his campaign’s election strategy, but there is another aspect to his race which is invaluable to Haridopolos’ ability to shake off criticism: The support of his family – specifically that of his wife Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos.
Behind every great man…
Historically, the wives of politicians were (wrongly) relegated to a role of “smile, look pretty, and wave”, completely o
verlooking the vital support, strength and charisma their efforts created for campaigns. In the modern era, political wives regularly publically champion their spouse’s qualifications, and their support adds a powerful dynamic to the candidate’s campaign. Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos is a prime example of this teamwork between candidate and spouse.
In her speech to the Central Broward Republican Club, Dr. Haridopolos demonstrated that she is well informed on the issues, and far exceeds the historical notion of a “campaign wife”. She covered the accomplishments of her husband as Florida Senate President thus far, and stated her admiration for his determination on an issue that was of particular importance for her – Florida’s pill mill situation. View the video of her speaking to the CRBC here:
As a practicing physician, Dr. Haridopolos knows better than most the destructive effects of prescription drug abuse. She spoke about the scrutiny that their family goes through, and the time spent apart, but that those hardships are worth it because of the work her husband is doing. When the gathering at the CBRC turned to the question & answer portion, the doctor was in! Stephanie Haridopolos showed a significant depth of knowledge on the issues facing Florida and America, and won the hearts of many in attendance with her charm, knowledge, and humor.
Team Haridopolos
While most political candidates display their family while on the campaign trail, it is clear that Haridopoloses are a team, and dedicated to working for the future of our country. The Republican primary to challenge Bill Nelson will be a hard fight, but Mike and Stephanie Haridopolos have made it clear that they are in it for the long haul. The Florida Senate President stated it clearly in his interview “… this isn’t just about winning a primary, it’s about being a principled conservative, and winning the general election…” All the candidates in the Republican Primary are coming on strong, but “Team Haridopolos” continues to gather speed, and will be one to keep watch on!
Keep Watch!
Hasner gives fiery speech at Broward GOP event
June 11, 2011 By 1 Comment
June 11, 2011 – In a fiery speech at Broward GOP event on Saturday, Adam Hasner’s words demonstrated why he is considered to be the most conservative candidate in race to be the next U.S. Senator from Florida.
“This is a line in the sand moment for America, and we cannot be worried about the political consequences – we need to be worried about what are the consequences to our country if we fail to take action…” Hasner stated in his speech to approximately 500 attendees of the Republican event.
The former Majority Leader for the Florida House of Representatives has been actively engaging with constituents Statewide, speaking on a return to conservative values and ideals. His platform and principles have earned him comparison to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in the minds of many of his supporters, and are typified in his statements like this from his speech Saturday – “Right now we are in a battle for the heart and soul of America. Our taxes and spending, our taxes and regulations are stifling economic growth and preventing job creation.”
Hasner isn’t parsing words on the importance of this next election, and how significant unshakable principles and dedication are going to be in serving in office – “We can’t just send ANY republican to Washington, DC, we need to send republicans who have the courage to say what needs to be said, and do what needs to be done…”
Watch the video here:
These aren’t just campaign promises to Hasner, who has pledged unequivocal support of the Paul Ryan budget plan, and regularly emphasizes the need for elected officials to stand for traditional Judeo-Christian values. Despite criticisms from certain Islamic groups, Hasner has shown courage in calling attention to Muslim extremism and various known terrorist groups. Hasner has also firmly expressed the need for smaller government, free market principles, and lower taxes.
Hasner’s message is resonating with many voters who have grown tired of the politics of “compromise”. As one female attendee from Weston, FL stated “I like him (Hasner) because he won’t let a ‘bad’ slide, for a ‘good’ to be gotten. He’s just going to go and fight for the ‘good’.”
Hasner made it clear that he committed to the success of Florida and America, and is challenging other Floridians to make that commitment as well. As the candidate for U.S. Senate said in his speech Saturday, “Today I am asking : ‘Where do we want America to be 5 years from now?’ “. It is a pivotal question, and based on his statements at this event, it is a question Adam Hasner wants to answer on behalf of Florida voters.
Keep Watch!
Florida’s Senate race could get a little ‘sizzle’
June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
June 9, 2011 – Orlando – Florida’s race for the Senate seat currently held by Bill Nelson could be getting some fresh meat. Craig Miller, former CEO of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse has made it clear that he is “seriously considering” mixing it up with Mike Haridopolos, Adam Hasner, and George LeMieux in the Florida Republican Primary for the Senate seat. In an interview with the staff of the pithy and sharp Daily Caller, Miller explained that he had been meeting with National Republican Senatorial Committee, as well as supporters for his potential bid, and is “so far, very, very encouraged”.
Unlike current Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Former State Representative Adam Hasner, and Former U.S. Senator George LeMieux, Craig Miller does not have a great deal of political experience. His narrowly unsuccessful run for the U.S. House seat in Florida’s 24th District has not, however, lowered the flames of his political aspirations and apparent passion for a business approach to federal governance.
“So many people in Washington think that Washington can create jobs,” said Miller. “Washington can’t create jobs.” He states in the recent Daily Caller interview, citing his business experience as a clear alternative to those currently elected. “I’m a different candidate than the other people in the race. I’m not a career politician … I’m a business person.” Although that statement may be an oft-used cliché, in Millers case it may resonate with the majority of voters. Grassroots groups have been consistently rejecting ‘professional politicians’ and favoring more ‘life experience’ candidates in recent elections.
While his lack of political experience may be viewed as a detriment by some, Craig Miller has been in pressured situations before. He is a veteran of the war in Vietnam, and has been in the top spot of one of the most successful restaurants nationwide well-known for its excellence in service. During the tenure of Jeb Bush as Florida Governor, Miller was also former chairman of the National Restaurant Association, and a commissioner for Florida tourism.
Miller may have an uphill battle against the field of candidates thus far in the race. Hasner has made significant progress with many voters with his unabashedly conservative platform and speech. Haridopolos has led the Florida Senate through some tough votes, and has the charisma and drive to garner the support of Florida voters. LeMieux, despite his ties to former Governor Charlie Crist, can make the case that he has already served in the U.S. Senate and held his ground on several issues important to the majority of Florida voters. Miller seems unfazed by this though as he stated in his interview with the Daily Caller “There’s no game changer in the race…”
The race to be Florida’s Republican choice for the U.S. Senate will no doubt continue to build with pressure, and with Craig Miller’s possible entry into the race the challenge will become that much more heated. Each of the candidates will have to consider the old axiom ‘If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.’ Florida voters will select the candidate with principles and beliefs that they can sink their teeth into, and while Craig Miller may be that candidate, there is still a long trail ahead.
We are looking forward to our interviews with each of the candidates in the weeks ahead.
Keep Watch!
Game Plan to win the White House
May 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A five point Republican Presidential Candidate Platform for defeating Obama in 2012.
May 06, 2011 – If you
’ve been living under a rock for the past year and a half, you would have no idea about the disappointment, vitriol, and oft-expressed ‘buyer’s remorse’ regarding the Obama administration and the agenda they have expressed and implemented.
Average Americans nationwide have voluably voiced their disapproval, and are expressing their readiness for a dose of the REAL American Dream and Values, rather than the ‘change’ proffered by one of the most expanding administrations since FDR.
The time is ripe for a Republican candidate to step in and take the White House, but so far the Republican field has missed the mark. No one candidate has distinguished himself (and potentially herself), and most are giving disappointing showings at this article’s time of publication.
In an attempt to help Republican candidates get their messaging straight, I humbly offer this five point platform as a foundation for victory. If they can give it more than lip service, and can make it the bedrock of their platform, Republican and Independent voters will flock to the conservative banner. Furthermore, if they stick to their guns on these points, America’s course can be righted and prosperity can return. Here are the five points:
1) “My administration will make use of AMERICAN natural resources to the fullest degree possible”
Americans are paying more and more at the pump, both as companies and individuals. For companies, this means increasing the price of their goods to cover the cost of transport, and for individuals, more money spent at the pump means less money available to purchase goods. Both make for a sluggish and stagnating economy, and the current administration continues to demonstrate it’s ignorance toward this basic economic fact.
2) “My Administration will eliminate duplicate federal government agencies and bureaucracies”
Recently President Obama joked about how salmon (yes, the fish) fell under 3 separate agencies because of their migration between fresh and salt water. He JOKED about it, saying that we should probably do something about it. Overlapping agencies waste billions of dollars on overlapping projects, in many cases with two agencies paying for the same research to be done or action to be taken. Research costing millions of taxpayer dollars, and actions which often go in opposite directions from each other – Think of an airplane on a runway getting orders from two seperate tower controllers looking at the same air traffic pattern. One says “You’re clear” while the other says “Stand by, we’ve got a bit of a jam”. And elected officials wonder why the majority of Americans are ticked off at the government.
3) “My Administration is going to move our country to a fair tax/flat tax”
Currently the graduated tax system that we use in America provides loopholes, shortcuts, and generally punishes the people who are providing the greatest economic stability to our country. From those who are here illegally, no monies are collected in taxes other than sales taxes. In order to return our country to prosperity, our country has to change it’s taxation system. Americans will rally behind this point, and the candidate with the courage to propose either of these two options as a goal of their administration will be the candidate that emerges the victor.
4) “My administration will equalize our trade deficit”
The United States has a significant trade imbalance. The tariffs imposed by the governments of other countries on our products makes it impractical for the citizens of that country to purchase American-made products. Conversely, we place no tariffs or token tariffs on low cost goods imported from other countries allowing baseline pricing that is significantly less than what an American-made product cost. These trade practices handicap American business, not only across the world, but also here at home. Granted the trade deficit has a multitude of factors contributing to it, but tackling the problem seems like a more effective strategy than saying “yeah, we need to do something about that”.
5) “My administration will end illegal immigration.”
This is a multi-headed problem, but the candidate who is willing to tackle it will take the lead. Americans are tired of hearing of the problems related to work issues, and are weary of getting lip-service from politicians on this issue, but no real action. Here’s a novel thought for those running. The people who are here illegally will not be voting for you anyway! This is not to make light of the issue. America needs a renovation and rework of our legal immigration process, but amnesty is not the answer. It’s like using a machete to take out a splinter. The candidate who will take on this issue will get a lot of heat from the press… all the way to the White House.
In the past few weeks we have watched one Republican Presidential primary debate and have seen very little to get us excited. Most of the excitement has been ginned up by big name political celebrities who we know and love (kudos to them for that). What needs to happen though is a GOP candidate who fires up the right side of the voting populous.
These five points are obviously not a full campaign plan for a Republican contender. In case you have never seen one, a campaign plan is generally several 3″ three-ring binders thick when printed out. These are just meant to be focus points and direction suggestions to help galvanize the right campaign’s focus… and if you don’t believe it, just ask your neighbor what’s ticking them off about the government!
Keep Watch!
Governor Scott’s response to High Speed Rail lawsuit – FL Sup. Court should stay out of it.
March 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
March 02, 2011 – In an attempt to strong arm Gov. Rick Scott into taking federal funding for the high speed rail, suit filed with the high court Tuesday by Sens. Thad Altman, R-Viera, and Arthenia Senators Thad Altman and Arthenia Joyner have filed a lawsuit against the governor in Florida Supreme Court Tuesday.
Gov. Rick Scott sent a 29 page response on Wednesday. The court set oral arguments for 3 p.m. Thursday. Scott officially rejected the federal money Feb. 16, he said it would have greater economic impact if directed to such projects as dredging ports to expand international trade opportunities.
The response from the Governor was written by general counsel Charles Trippe, who has worked for the CSX railroad company in North Florida, and states that Scott cannot be compelled to support a high-speed train between Orlando and Tampa, that the action is baseless, and should not be considered by the Florida Supreme Court. Trippe noted that the two lawmakers are acting as individuals and not on behalf of the Legislature, which he argued makes them ineligible to complain before the state’s highest court.
Attachments to the response include written releases from Senate President Mike Haridopolos, and House Speaker Dean Cannon, confirming their support of Scott’s decision to reject federal stimulus funds from the administration.
The Supreme Court, Trippe said, should not bother itself in what amounts to a squabble between legislators and the governor.
AFP-FL Calls For Action on High Speed Rail Funding
February 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
Florida Lawmakers Encouraging Reckless Spending
Tallahassee – February 17th, 2011 – members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation and the Florida Legislature set forth a plan to circumvent Governor Scott’s decision to reject $2.4 billion in federal funds to build a high speed rail from Orlando to Tampa.
Twenty-six State Senators, including ten democrats led by high speed rail supporter Paula Dockery, sent a letter to Obama’s Transportation Secretary asking him to circumvent Gov. Scott and send the dollars directly to a state commission created in 2009.
Americans for Prosperity- Florida quickly replied with an action alert to it’s 83,000 members encouraging to them to write their state and federal officials asking them to hold the line.
The alert noted, “Governor Scott’s decision to reject the federal stimulus dollars is backed by sound economic policy and represents the voice of fiscal conservatives – he doesn’t think it is in the best interest of the state to commit to a project we can’t afford down the road. The Federal Railroad Administration has proposed a plan for Florida that will cost an estimated $11 billion to build, and it is projected that along with SunRail and Tri-Rail it will cost $100 million per year to operate once completed. With unknown ridership numbers and a budget shortfall of $3.5 billion and growing, the state of Florida simply can’t afford Obama and Dockery’s High Speed Rail plan.”
“Apryl Marie Fogel, Director of Americans for Prosperity Florida, stressed that, “Taxpayers throughout Florida have made clear their opposition to a high speed rail project that would leave taxpayers on the hook for years to come. We applaud Governor Scott for taking a tough stand and turning away federal money. Scott lends a voice of reason to a debate where special and self interest have become the priority over good policy-making. This project would saddle Floridians with a future that includes a looming threat of untold amounts of debt.
Fogel went on to emphasize, “The call for fiscal responsibility and good government has been loud and clear. The Senators who signed this letter need to take a step back and realize that they are held to the same standards as those in DC, many of them shook their fist at the Obama/Pelosi agenda campaigning against the same time of reckless and short sided governing that they are promoting.”
Access the full letter to Ray LaHood here: Letter to Ray LaHood
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.5 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 31 state chapters and affiliates. More than 70,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.
RNC Chairman Fires 2012 Convention Planners Following Financial Concerns
January 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
January 17, 2011 – The new Republican National Committee chairman cleared house over the weekend on his 2012 convention planning committee, firing staffers who under ex-Chairman Michael Steele had racked up a hefty bill before the 2010 midterm election had even been held.
In one of his first official acts, Chairman Reince Priebus announced Sunday that he had made “some changes” to ensure a “successful” Republican National Convention. He announced that he had fired the convention liaison and the employees of the Committee on Arrangements, the panel responsible for planning the event.
“We are committed to holding a world-class 2012 Republican National Convention that will be worthy of the next president of the United States,” Priebus said in a written statement. “I look forward to bringing on top-notch staff and planning a convention that all Republicans, especially our 2012 presidential nominee, can be proud of.”
The announcement was Priebus’ first step toward tackling a host of challenges at the Republican National Committee, including its $22 million debt and an image problem which festered under Steele’s leadership. The convention liaison whom Priebus fired, Belinda Cook, was a close Steele aide reportedly hired for the convention role on a $15,000-a-month salary.
Some had questioned whether the position was necessary and why the RNC was shelling out so much money for the post so early in the calendar. Politico.com reported that the Committee on Arrangements had also spent $636,000 on the convention through September.
The move to hit the reset button on convention planning sends a message that Priebus is looking to rein in spending while the RNC tries to dig out of debt and lure back donors.
Priebus won the chairmanship Friday after seven rounds of voting. Steele dropped out about halfway through the daylong election process. Priebus had pledged to fix the RNC’s troubled finances and hire competent staff.
January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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The Political Watchman adds to it's Florida Contributors
January 4, 2011 By 2 Comments
January 04, 2011 -
As the freshman Representatives and Senators take on the responsiblities their respective offices, the demands on our watchfulness continue to increase. Our inbox has been filled with suggestions, submitted articles, facts, and gossip.
The suggestions have been tremendous (for the most part), and we will be implementing them over in this New Year. The submitted articles have ranged from incredibly well-written to overtly insulting, but have brought to our attention several people whom we will be adding to our list of guest contributors.
Many of the facts we have received in our inbox are being researched by our garrison of watchmen, and will be yielding insightful articles in the coming months. Unlike many other political information sites, we strive to provide informed and verified articles, recognizing that our grand Republic is strong only if the citizenry is accurately well-informed. We will continue to provide such insight and information.
As we have mentioned before, our site is unabashedly conservative, and steeped in the values and ideals that founded this great nation, were faithfully recorded in the Constitution of the United States, and have made this country great.
Our new contributor have a variety of professions; some in the political realm and others just concerned citizens. Many of our additions are from the South Florida area, which seems to be an area plagued with political controversy, and in need of significant watchfulness.
So, it is with great pleasure that we welcome to our list of guest contributors Matt Campbell in the Corpus Christi area of Texas, Sharon Taylor and W.M. Hughes from the Broward County area of Florida, Rachel Schottenstein from the Orange County area of California, as well as numerous other guest contributors from various grassroots groups and local political organizations across the nation.
If you would like to join our list of contributors, send us an article and our staff will read through it and reach out to you!
We look forward to a tremendous year in 2011 as America’s citizenry renew their commitment to Constitutionally-guided watchfulness!
