An Open Letter to Governor Scott Walker: No Obamacare Exchange

An Open Letter to Governor Scott Walker

Hand delivered, November 12th, 2012

Governor Walker:

Last January, Wisconsinites cheered when you sent back to the federal government a $38 million Early Innovator Grant that had bound the State of Wisconsin to establish an Obamacare exchange, along with an additional $11 million intended for integration of the state’s Medicaid system into that planned exchange.

We weren’t the only ones.

You earned the respect and gratitude of citizens across the United States and garnered the status of national hero for your principled courage in telling the Federal Department of Health and Human Services that Wisconsin would not move ahead with an exchange that compromised, in numerous respects, our state and its people. It made us want to fight that much harder to get you through the recall debacle and keep you in office.

Moreover, your actions provided valuable impetus to other state governments in standing against federal overreach, protecting their own sovereignty, and continuing to guarantee the liberty of their own citizens. Unquestionably, our nation would be far better off had the states not forgotten these clear duties for so long. Fortunately, with the help of leaders such as yourself, they have started to remember them.

Today, in the struggle against Obamacare, we have reached an even more critical juncture than that of last January. Wisconsin must remain in the vanguard of states declaring “NO!” and moving toward nullification.

The numbers alone demonstrate that there is no good reason to comply. The unfunded liabilities that an Obamacare exchange would force Wisconsin to absorb – estimated between $70 and $100 million dollars per year for our state – along with the costs to business, together quickly cancel out any and all of the gains you have thus far achieved via Act 10 and other economic steps taken over the past two years. The blow to businesses and families would be devastating in an already bleak economy.

Worse still, it would obliterate the constitutional liberties that you, as governor, are sworn to uphold and defend. If the sovereignty of the State of Wisconsin is sacrificed, the personal liberty of every single one of its citizens will likewise disappear. Such an outcome is unthinkable. It must not be permitted.

Wisconsin must stand.

As a significant and highly active portion of your base, we have defended you tirelessly through all of the battles of the last year and a half. We also came to the aid of legislators who stood with you on Act 10. We have done right by you. We now urge you to once again do right by us.

You are unquestionably being pressured by powerful lobbying firms and by the federal government alike as you make this decision. Undoubtedly, you face great temptation to take the path of least resistance. This is the moment of truth. What will you do?

The sovereignty of this state and the personal liberty of every single Wisconsinite is at stake – including the lives of the unborn, on whose behalf you have, to date, always advocated. No other considerations can compare to life and liberty.

As noted, a yes to Obamacare is not an option. We will not accept it. We are therefore waiting for you to issue an unequivocal, “NO!” When you do, we expect all Republican state legislators to stand with you, as will we.

Sincerely, the Undersigned:

Kim Mork Beloit Patriots Beloit, WI
Brian Garrow The Group Appleton, WI
Jayne Gohr Mayville TEA Party Mayville, WI
Joanne Terry Ozaukee Patriots Mequon, WI
Jeff Horn Prairie Patriots Sun Prairie, WI
Georgia Janisch Rock County Voter Education Forum Janesville, WI
Dan Horvatin Rock River Patriots Fort Atkinson, WI
John Meegan Sauk County Tea Party Baraboo, WI
Oriannah Paul Sheboygan Liberty Coalition Sheboygan, WI
Paul Lembrick Southern Wisconsin Alliance of Taxpayers Janesville, WI
Paul Bruno Tea Party Perspective Racine, WI
Charles Brey United in Freedom Beaver Dam, WI
Meg Ellefson Wausau TEA Party Wausau, WI
Kirsten Lombard  The Wisconsin 9/12 Project  Madison, WI
Seth Cowan Wolf River Area Patriots New London, WI
Ed Perkins and John Pierce Fox Valley Initiative  Appleton, WI
James Murphy Green Bay Tea Party Green Bay, WI
Ed Willing Founders Intent Caledonia, WI
Greg Luce La Crosse Tea Party La Crosse, WI
Darin Danelski Lake Country Area Defenders of Liberty Oconomowoc, WI

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Hoping, praying for a Chick-fil-A kind of election day

In 2010, JT Harris asked the crowd of about 150 people waiting to see US Senate candidate Ron Johnson at the Waukesha County Republican Headquarters, How many of you are asking God for one more chance to turn this around? My hand shot up as did most in the room.

At the time, we had no idea how that 2010 midterm election would change the course of our state and nation. Nor did we have any idea how much worse things would get in the 2 years that followed.

Who could have envisioned our national debt hitting $16 trillion? Or unemployment never falling below where we started in 2009? Who could have predicted President Obama disregarding the 1st Amendment with his attack on Catholic hospitals? Or the Dream Act immigration reform by fiat? And the list goes on and on. The election hasn't even concluded and the President is killing off the coal industry through the EPA. A ban on fracking for oil won't be far behind. No legislation, just regulation.

So as the polls report Romney is ahead--no, it's Obama, I'm praying it will be a Chick-fil-A kind of election day.

Remember back in August, how people stood in lines that wrapped around the block, just to buy a sandwich to show support for Chick-fil-A? The fast food company's CEO had made a statement against gay marriage and was suffering some backlash for it. So Mike Huckabee cooked up a "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" to affirm a business that operates on Christian principles, by eating at the restaurant. And appreciate they did! Some customers that day were gay but joined in because they believed in free speech. The public had finally had enough, and they voted with their pocketbook to show support, with record breaking sales and crowds.

Well, I'm hoping for much the same in voter turnout for Romney and other conservative candidates today. I'm praying for an election day where voters, in record numbers, go to the polls and vote for the founding values our country was built upon.

People are praying about this election, and its not just superficial. There is a sense of urgency here. Two friends of mine each emailed me how they were praying about the election. (Neither know each other and we are of different faiths.) One wrote, "I'm praying a couple of times a day (yes, me!) that America find a clear path to Her future Tuesday." Another emailed, "I voted early for him - now I've got everything crossed & praying daily (hourly!). Here's hoping!"

By 10 PM Tuesday, we should have some idea which way the election will go. It has been a long 4 years.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Nov. 6, 2012 Wisconsin ballot picks: Romney, Thompson, Ryan, Hutton, Kooyenga, Gudex ...

In person absentee voting is over in Wisconsin, so this Tuesday, the big "E" day* is it! It's the day we can return the United States to its Constitutional roots. Voter turnout is key, so disregard the latest polling data, which is often very skewed (CNN called it a tie but used D+11 to get there. In 2008 it was D+7 !) Just go vote Republican to preserve liberty.

If you still need some inspiration, watch these young teens' plea in Voices Without a Vote.



Voting and Poll Information: If you don't know what districts you live in, specific directions for finding your specific ballot here.  

This year, depending on where you live, you may need to vote for the same person in 2 different races on the ballot: Residents in Congressman Paul Ryan's Congressional District 1, MUST remember to vote Ryan for Congress  IN ADDITION to voting for the Romney/Ryan Presidential ticket. If you fail to remember, the Democrat Congressman could win and Republicans will lose the seat.

Same situation for Wisconsin State Assembly District residents in Paul Farrow's District 98 and Chris Kapenga's District 99. Constituents must vote for them in TWO places on their ballots:Once in the Assembly race and again in the 33rd Wisconsin State Senate District Primary. If you forget to vote for Farrow or Kapenga in their Assembly races, the opposing Democrat candidates could prevail.

Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. If you aren't in line at 8pm, you will not be allowed to vote. Listed below are my picks for the major races on Brookfield's and neighboring areas Nov. 6, 2012 Presidential & General Election ballot. Being the conservative I am, I am voting for the Republican in all races, because we don't belong to the government as Democrats declared at their convention, the government belongs to us!  However, you must vote for each individual candidate, because Wisconsin no longer offers a straight party ticket choice. 

So here it goes, from the major races to the more specific in our area of the state, in the same order they appear on your ballot. Each race and candidate name will be in bold, so you can easily scroll down and find them, with candidate websites and pertinent links below.

However, before you scroll down the page to find your specific district races, Waukesha County voters should know the only contested county government race on their ballot is WAUKESHA COUNTY CLERK.  Kathleen Novack the Republican is running against a Democrat. This might seem like an unimportant race, but as anyone involved with election observing, poll watching, or observing recounts knows, we need a Republican in this position!  Vote Novack.

PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES:  Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan (Republican) 
This is the most important election of my lifetime. Like Ronald Reagan after Jimmy Carter, I believe Mitt Romney is the right man for such a time such this. Romney supports biblical values, repealing ObamaCare, lower taxes, energy independence, job creation, etc. He offers Real Change From Day One. In fact, Madison's liberal Wisconsin State Journal endorsed Mitt Romney: "Not enough hope and too little change. ...This is not an easy endorsement to make. ...We endorsed Obama for change last time around. Now we’re endorsing change again: Mitt Romney."
Romney for President
21 Newspapers Switch to Romney 
Ann Coulter: Romney is what the country needs now
CNN's Erin Burnett fact-checked Obama's second term plan, it's old and doesn't add up.

US SENATOR:  Tommy G. Thompson (Republican)
All of Wisconsin votes for US Senator. My vote goes to Tommy Thompson for a whole host of reasons but mainly to be the 51st vote to repeal ObamaCare and help Republicans gain the majority in the Senate. If they don't, the gridlock continues: Democrat Senate Majority Leader already said he won't work with Romney (or the Republican House). Tommy would also be another vote against Supreme Court activist justices (think Kagan and Sotamayor) and a vote for Supreme Court Originalist Justices, who would follow the Constitution.
Tommyforwisconsin
Madison's Wisconsin State Journal: Tommy best to tackle Washington  gridlock
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin's voting record places her among top liberals

Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin & all of U.S need you to stop ObamaCare


US CONGRESSIONAL RACES                                                                            

CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 1:  Paul Ryan (Republican)
In addition to voting for the Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan ticket for President, residents in District 1 will vote for Ryan in the Congressional race. This is because Paul Ryan was picked by Mitt Romney for Vice President, and Wisconsin's Favorite Son Rule allows him to be on the ballot twice. If the Romney/Ryan ticket prevails, there will be a special election next year to fill his seat. District 1 includes parts of New Berlin, and fans out from there to cover the southeastern corner of the state.
Paul Ryan House Website
Paul Ryan for U.S. Congress

CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 4:  Dan Sebring (Republican)   
Vote Dan Sebring so"In November we can say, 'No Moore'!" District 4 has been redistricted to now include Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale, Brown Deer, most of Milwaukee, and south along the shoreline to South Milwaukee. People I know in these areas are livid that they lost Jim Sensenbrenner and now have Gwen Moore as their representative.

Republican Dan Sebring hopes to change that with his candidacy. He says, "You have a choice of whether you would like to embrace my opponent’s collectivist vision that “it takes a village” and you need government assistance in order to succeed, or my vision that you, the individual should be making decisions that determine your own destiny, without government interference." Sebring is endorsed by 4 Pro-life groups, Senators Alberta Darling and Leah Vukmir, among many others. Check out his issues page. He has pledged to oppose any debt limit increases unless Congress adopts Cut, Cap, and Balance.

Even though we are bombarded with non-stop political ads, I never tire of hearing his 'No Moore' ad featuring Gwen herself screeching, "Scott Walker, you gotta go baby, cuz we don't want you no more!" 
District 4 map
Dan Sebring for US Congress
Listen to Sebring's 'No Moore' ad on job creation

CONGRESSIONAL - DISTRICT 5 - REPUBLICAN - F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. 
Jim Sensenbrenner is running unopposed, but he still gets my support.

STATE SENATE    -    Wisconsin needs to regain its majority here 

STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 4:  David D King (Independent)
Independent David King is running for State Senate against Democrat Lena Taylor in the 4th district. He would be a welcome change! Certainly more favorable to job creating,  pro-family, and pro-business legislation.
David King for State Senate
Senate District 4 map includes Assembly Districts 10, 11, 12

STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 18:  Rick Gudex (Republican) Sen. Leah Vukmir alerted me to Rick Gudex, a pro-jobs, fiscal conservative. He is in the Fond du Lac area running against the incumbent Democrat, who won in the 2011 recall election against Republican Randy Hopper. I would love to see this district return to the Republican column. We need to gain a healthy majority in the State Senate if we want to see good for Wisconsin legislation passed such as the mining bill. Don't forget voter ID and Act 10 are mired down in the Dane County Judicial snare.
Rick Gudex for Senate
Senate District 18 map includes Assembly Districts 12, 13, 14

STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 20:  Glenn Grothman (Republican)
Grothman is a solid conservative in the West Bend area.

STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 28: Mary Lazich (Republican)
Lazich from New Berlin represents suburbs to our south.

STATE SENATE - DISTRICT 33:  Vacant Seat - Primary election in District 33 between Republican Assembly Representatives Paul Farrow and Christ Kapenga.
Former State Senator Rich Zipperer resigned his Senate seat to join Governor Walker's administration as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Legal Counsel to the Governor. Residents of the 33rd Senate District will choose between Farrow and Kapenga, who presently each serve in Wisconsin's Assembly (If I lived in the 33rd, I would be hard pressed to choose between them.)

Chris Kapenga is a CPA and business owner, who states he's pro jobs, pro business, pro life, for limited government.
Paul Farrow platform is much the same. He is endorsed by Lt. Gov. Kleefisch, Sen. Leah Vukmir, and a host of others.
Senate District 33 map includes Assembly Districts 97, 98, 99 - Hartford, Lisbon, Pewaukee, west Brookfield, Waukesha areas.

WISCONSIN STATE ASSEMBLY                                                                       

ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 13:   Rob Hutton (Republican)
This is an open seat due to redistricting, so there is no incumbent. However, Brookfield native Rob Hutton does have a very  liberal Democrat opponent from Wauwatosa, who signed the recall, failed in bid for mayor, and is adamantly against voucher schools.

The new new district now includes southern Brookfield, Elm Grove, Wauwatosa, West Allis and Milwaukee. In Brookfield, it combined the southern half of the former 98th and former 14th Districts. I was not too pleased when I was redistricted out of the 14th Assembly District, because it meant losing my Rep. Dale Kooyenga. But Conservative businessman Rob Hutton will be a very worthy replacement.

Hutton is in fact endorsed by Representative Kooyenga, as well as former State Senator Ted Kanavas. Hutton ran a vigorous primary campaign by visiting  over 7,000 homes in District 13, "...talking to people and really listening to what are their top-of-mind issues". By restructuring his responsibilities at his business Rock Transfer & Storage, Inc., Hutton is ready to make representing us in Madison his priority.
Rob Hutton Website: Conservative Republican for Wisconsin State Assembly 13th District
Facebook: Rob Hutton
Past Post: Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction 

ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 14:  Dale Kooyenga (Republican Incumbent)
Dale Kooyenga, served in Iraq, now is a Captain in US Army Reserve. He brings his CPA skills and small business experience to Madison. Kooyenga was my former representative prior to redistricting. He now represents northern Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and a small portion of Milwaukee. "On a daily basis I am working for fiscal accountability, freedom and liberty (e.g. free market principles) and for an overall strong Wisconsin."

In spring, Kooyenga was appointed as Vice-Chair to a Legislative Council Study Special Symposium Series to Study State Income Tax Reform Did you know Wisconsin was rated 43rd least favorable tax states for business, and that some Wisconsinites pay no income tax but still receive a tax refund? We need reform!
Past Post: Sept. 7, 2010 "I have decided on Dale Kooyenga. His platform and endorsements resonate with me..."

Representative Dale Kooyenga Home Page
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction 
Dale Kooyenga For State Assembly  Conservative Republican

ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 15:    Joe Sanfelippo  (Republican)
Joe Sanfelippo, a voice of sanity on the Milwaukee County Board,  states he is running for Wisconsin Assembly District 15  "To protect the future for our kids by building on the progress we have made so far."  This is an open seat. He is endorsed by  State Reps Kuglitsch, Craig, Knodl, Voss, Honadel, and Kooyenga.

Joe Sanfelippo State Assembly 
Assembly District 15 map 
GOP Assembly Candidates from District 13, 14, 15 Share Belief Wisconsin is Headed Right Direction 


ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 24:   Daniel Knodl (Republican)
Dan Knodl, incumbent, currently serves as Assistant Majority Leader for the Republicans

Knodl for Assembly  "Dan Knodl is somebody who understands that Madison had a spending problem."
Dan Knodl Assembly District website
Assembly District 24 map includes areas in Germantown, Menomonee Falls, River Hills, Glendale, Brown Deer

Don't forget, Assembly District 98 and 99 residents also must vote for Farrow and Kapenga respectively  for Wisconsin Assembly

ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 98:    Paul Farrow (Republican)

ASSEMBLY - DISTRICT 99:   Chris Kapenga (Republican)


That's it. The polls will be busy tomorrow;  don't wait until the last minute, especially if you need to register.

*Nickname courtesy of Mark Levin


2012 Blog Posts:

• Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin & all of U.S. need you t...
• Top 5 reasons to vote Romney, short, simple YouTube...
• Understanding Romney momentum
• Clever, unique, homemade pro Romney campaign signs...
• Christian, don't sit this election out, vote God's Values...
• "Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?"
• How ironic! Voter Fraud billboards pulled during Free Speech week...
• Still time to see 2016: Obama's America
• Ryan/Biden 'debate': What in the world was that?
• 'Big Bird' joins AARP in telling Obama, Don't mention us again...
• 1st Debate: Romney? Presidential, capable, Obama? ..clearly a drag.
• Max Lucado's 40 Days of Prayer For USA starts today...
• Middle East unrest: Romney? presidential, Obama? busy campaigning...
• Great 1st week for Romney/Ryan ticket
• Rob Hutton for Wisconsin Assembly District 13, ...

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Specific instruction for finding your Wisconsin voting, polling information

Remember that residents in Congressman Paul Ryan's Congressional District 1, MUST remember to vote Ryan for Congress  IN ADDITION to voting for the Romney/Ryan Presidential ticket. If you fail to remember, the Democrat Congressman could win and Republicans will lose the seat.

Wisconsin State Assembly District residents in Paul Farrow's District 98 and Chris Kapenga's District 99 must vote for them in TWO places on their ballots:Once in the Assembly race and again in the Wisconsin State Senate 33rd District Primary. If you forget to vote for Farrow or Kapenga in Assembly races, the opposing Democrats could prevail.

Voting and Poll Information: If you don't know what districts you live in, you can find your specific ballot by looking up your sample ballot at the GAB's My Vote Wisconsin website. Once there, click the Click here to visit My Vote Wisconsin link at lower left side of the page. Then pick your voter category; most of you will click the Regular Voter link on the left side of the page. Then you fill in your name and birth-date in the Voter Search section, and click the Search button. This will bring up your voting address status below the thick maroon line. Click on YOUR NAME written in caps to the left of your address.  Now your specific Voter Profile page comes up, with municipality and ward listed. Click the Sample Ballot link on the left link list (5th from the top). At last you will see the races and candidates names and party affiliation listed! If you don't know where to vote, click the 4th from top Election & Polling Place Info link, and your polling location will be listed. (You can also bring up your entire Voting History at your address, by clicking the 8th link down. Interesting.)

Phew! Doesn't the government make this easy? If you know what districts you live in for Congressional, State Senate, and Assembly, you can just look up who is on the ballot here.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Tommy Thompson, Wisconsin & all of U.S. need you to stop Obamacare

It may sound dramatic, but it is true: America must have a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, if we have any hope of repealing ObamaCare, reducing the size of government, and just plain getting anything done in Washington D.C. Though I supported another candidate in the primary, I wholeheartedly support Wisconsin's Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate now. Most importantly, Thompson is a social conservative: pro-life, pro traditional marriage, and pro family. He has a record of being able to get things done, even with a Democrat controlled legislature.

In addition, Thompson pledged to be the "51st vote" to repeal "ObamaCare," something the majority of Americans consider to be a #1 priority. From his website: "The law isn’t even close to being fully implemented, but its flaws are already so clearly obvious and the threat to our economy so real that we must start completely over."

The economic threat Thompson referred to is the $716 billion Obama removed from Medicare to pay for ObamaCare, the $800+ billion in new ObamaCare taxes that will kick in on Jan. 1 2013, our rising insurance premiums to cover all the people included in ObamaCare, and my personal favorite, the IRS' latest intrusion coming into your life (and wallet) by adding a new tax form. It will require you to report what qualifying insurance plan you have, or pay the penalty tax--2.5% of adjusted gross income--for not being insured. (That is the fine; it doesn't purchase insurance!)

And Gov. Tommy Thompson's opponent? That would be Madison's extreme liberal, Democrat Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, a self-identified lesbian, favoring gay marriage and abortion on demand up until birth. She ranks so far to the left, Thompson quips, "Nancy Pelosi has to turn left to talk to her," and that isn't just campaign speak. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, Baldwin's voting record places her among top liberals: Baldwin scored 19th most liberal; Pelosi was the 43rd most liberal.

The Journal also stated, "Baldwin voted in favor of... No Child Left Behind; the $787 billion stimulus bill (now estimated to cost $831 billion); and was a backer of the Affordable Care Act [ObamaCare]" She was so liberal, though she voted for ObamaCare, she didn't think it went far enough--Baldwin really wanted "a single-payer system" a government takeover of our healthcare system that would pay for all healthcare costs.

During her 14 years in Congress, she voted against the Bush tax cuts, which means, she was in favor of raising taxes on the middle class, which is most of us. Baldwin also voted against "tougher sanctions against Iran four times" before she became a U.S. Senate candidate. Now that she is running for Senate, she voted 2 times in favor. Uh-huh.

"What about the claim that Baldwin has accomplished little as a legislator?" Well, the Journal mentioned she renamed a post office, expanded screenings for breast and cervical cancer and also helped visually impaired veterans get disability benefits in 2007. Last year, she introduced the Safe Cosmetics Act, a law that if enacted would put small personal care/cosmetic companies and beauty salons out of business. 

And it is on her lack of accomplishment that her own district's paper, Madison's Wisconsin State Journal endorsed Tommy Thompson! Amazing. They wrote:"Tommy Thompson has a long record of getting things done, often through compromise.His likeable but very liberal opponent, Tammy Baldwin, does not. ...Thompson still shows promise as a leader who will demand action [such as fixing "America's fiscal mess" and "jobs"] in Washington, rather than sticking to partisan games."

The LaCrosse Tribune, a pretty liberal area of the state, also endorses Tommy: Our view: Thompson best choice for Senate  It's clear, they admire Baldwin's passion but support Thompson because "[he] runs on a rich record of accomplishment in leading our state during a period when the governor and Legislature were on different sides of the political fence for 12½ of those 14 years. ...We think that ability is needed in Washington, too."

The Beloit Daily News echos the same sentiments in Thompson for US Senate: "Thompson has a proven track record as a deal-maker and problem-solver. Considering the magnitude of the issues facing the nation, and the get-nothing-done partisanship which has hogtied Congress, we believe Washington could use someone who knows how to get to the handshake." And there are others.

And so it seems, in light of the dire straits we find our nation in, even liberals see the need for common sense measures. We really must start addressing and solving some of our country's problems. Tommy Thompson is the man to do just that. 

Sadly, Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has stated he will not work with President Romney, should he win, and so, the gridlock in Washington will continue unless Republicans gain a majority in the Senate.

This is why Sen.Jim DeMint recently wrote: Why is electing conservatives to the U.S. Senate so important? "Without a conservative Senate, we won't repeal Obamacare... won't balance the budget.... won't secure our borders... we won't stop the bailouts... we won't enact the pro-growth policies needed to get America back to work."

I would add we won't be able to appoint Supreme Court Justices who favor judicial restraint or achieve energy independence by drilling here.

So you see, much is at stake here. We cannot do anything about the out of state senate races except donate to their cause, but in state, we can vote for Tommy Thompson for US Senate and the Mitt Romney / Paul Ryan ticket, 2 races even Madison's Wisconsin State Journal supports: Wisconsin State Journal Flips for Romney 


Side note: Don't forget your Republican Congressmen. If you live in Paul Ryan's Congressional District 1, you vote for him there as well. In Tammy Baldwin's District 2, vote for Chad Lee, a Republican businessman.

More Reading & Link List: 
Tommyforwisconsin
New ObamaCare Tax Form Mandates Americans Report Personal Health ID Info to IRS.
Five More ObamaCare Taxes Hitting in 60 Days  
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Baldwin's voting record places her among top liberals
Tammy Baldwin Sets Benchmark for Far-Left Ideologues

Madison's Wisconsin State Journal: Tommy best to tackle Washington  gridlock 
La Cross Tribune: Our view: Thompson best choice for Senate  
Beloit Daily News: EDITORIAL: Thompson for US Senate
Reid: We Won't Work With Romney
Do you want to repeal Obamacare?
Madison's Wisconsin State Journal: Wisconsin State Journal Flips for Romney "'This is not an easy endorsement to make,' the paper’s editorial board wrote. 'We endorsed Obama for change last time around. Now we’re endorsing change again: Mitt Romney.'"
21 Newspapers Switch to Romney

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Top 5 reasons to vote Romney, short, simple youtube

Well worth the 7 minutes!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Understanding Romney momentum

Update: As of Sunday, Nov. 4, Pennsylvania is too close to call

Why did Romney pull ahead so suddenly and continue to gain momentum? Because the American public finally saw him for themselves at that 1st debate, without the filter of the Praetorian Press*. (His performance in the 2nd and 3rd debates affirmed the 1st wasn't a fluke.)

But Mitt really answered the question for himself at the Al Smith dinner. He quipped, "Of course rules of fairness have to be enforced...because what other safeguard do we have besides the press? ...now I'd never suggest the press is biased, I recognize they have their job to do, and I have my job to do. My job is to lay out a positive vision for the future of the country, and their job is to make sure no one else finds out about it."(My emphasis)

Thankfully, voters are at last hearing what Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan have to say. Though far from a done deal, reports are coming in about growing positive poll numbers in swing states, and huge crowds Romney and Ryan are attracting at their campaign stops, such as the one in Ohio, where Romney spoke to 30,000!  These gigantic crowds for Romney / Ryan are contrasted by embarrassingly small crowds for Obama, Biden, and  Tammy Baldwin. (See all the links below. They're really quite remarkable.)

Another interesting development: Voters in Ohio lined the streets with posters stating: "We won't stand down ...Benghazi" and "What are you hiding?" While Obama may be able to avoid the questions, and the Praetorian Press may be able to keep the President's involvement in ignoring the Ambassador's requests for help from the mainstream media, Fox News and other internet sources have been covering Benghazi. Voters are paying attention. 

Campaign rally reports and new poll results are coming in at such a fast rate, I can't keep up. Drudge is a great source, so is the Daily Caller, and Breitbart for up to the minute developments, so check in often.

Regardless of what you hear, don't get complacent and stay home. Wisconsin is said to be a tight race.  Every Republican vote is needed across the nation, to maintain our House majorities and to gain a majority in our State and U.S. Senates. A large Republican margin would also avoid a recount and affirm a mandate for conservationism.


Romney and Ryan:
Path to victory cuts through Ohio "Romney spoke to a crowd of 30,000, according to West Chester Fire Chief Tony Goller – making it the largest rally of the campaign"
Thousands overflow Romney Speech in Wisconsin Some friends of mine were part of the 10,000 who turned out to see Romney. (Alas, I was downtown, observing the last day of in person absentee voting)
Last week's NPR poll: Romney at 48% to Obama's 47%, an 8 point swing from its last poll.   "The poll found that among likely voters, 34 percent said Romney's debate performances made them more likely to vote for [Romney] the challenger" (my emphasis)
Barone: Going out on a limb: Romney beats Obama, handily
 

Obama, Biden, and Baldwin:  
...Obama Draws 2,800 in Ohio  which was explained away as being a less populated area, however, it was 3x larger than Butler County, where Romney drew 30,000

Biden [and Baldwin] draw small crowds in Wisconsin and Iowa: Biden and Tammy Baldwin, running for US Senate, drew 1,000 in Beloit, WI on Friday. Biden drew 475 in Fort Dodge, Iowa on Thursday.
Ohio to Obama: 'What Are You Hiding?' [regarding Benghazi]
Obama's Cleveland Rally Attendance 20x lower than 2008
Catholics for Obama Denver event draws 45 people

If you haven't seen Mitt Romney at the Al Smith dinner, do watch. He really was quite funny and his gracious conclusion, describing the good work the foundation does, shows what a class act he is.




*Mark Levin coined the term, Praetorian press. It refers to the special military guard Rome set in place to guard their emperor. In America, it refers to the mainstream media that protects the President by rarely reporting anything negative about Obama. 

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

 

Clever, unique, homemade pro Romney campaign signs

In 2008, I would see some homemade pro-Obama signs and sentiments, such as a painted car window in WCTC's parking lot I blogged about in Barack O-Phenomena. This election cycle, I am not seeing this kind of homegrown enthusiasm for the president.

But I am seeing plenty of individually crafted pro Romney campaign statements on cars, front lawns, and even at Disney World!  One very brave Milwaukee Romney supporter sported this statement on her jeep's rear window:

 IN 2008 YOU VOTED TO PROVE YOU WEREN'T A RACIST

 IN 2012 VOTE TO PROVE YOU AREN'T A MORON 

I give her credit. I'm not brave enough to risk the vandalism to my car or personal retaliation.

One conservative, who lives on Pilgrim Road, had crafted a wooden structure to wear a white T-shirt that said something negative about Obama (being an empty suit perhaps?) After cruising past it numerous times, I made a point of stopping to snap a picture one day. Wouldn't you know, it was gone!

The homeowner then put up this sign, "My "OBAMA" was stolen. Don't let these thugs steal the White House, Vote November 6"

In mid September, I was at the Magic Kingdom and spotted this motorized scooter with this homemade bumper-sticker!  We told the driver, love your sign. He was a senior citizen who was adamant about getting Obama out of office.

Then there are the more professional efforts, such as the "AMERICA OR OBAMA, YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH" billboard a Tennessee Tea Party group sponsored on I-40!

And last, but not least, I found this great image in my inbox: Mr. President, You worry about saving that bird, I'll worry about saving this one.  I don't know who sponsored it, but it does have a Vote for America graphic in the corner.

I liked it because it reminded me of something I was envisioning for the last debate about foreign policy. I had literally started sketching up a cartoon of last minute debate prep, where Romney's podium had the Great Seal, and Obama's had Big Bird with a daisy.

One last comment about voter enthusiasm. When traveling across our state in early September, I spotted numerous, large billboards with sentiments like, Romney, save America, or Vote Romney between here and La Crosse along I-94. I saw only one Obama sign near Madison. Nothing had changed when I drove to the Dells area in October, that surprised me.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Christian, don't sit this election out, vote God's values

It is estimated that between 17 to 30 million Evangelical and self identified Christians did NOT vote in 2008. I know many conservative Christians (I know several) voted 3rd party in 2008, because they believed voting for the lessor of 2 evils is still evil.

Candidate Barack Obama won that election by about 10 million votes over opponent John McCain.

If we want our Republic as One nation under God to survive, this cannot happen again.

But what does a Christian do if they feel they cannot support Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, because they "don't agree theologically" with either one?

Dr. Greg Huffman, a pastor at Brookside Baptist Church, addresses this extremely important question in his 2 part radio program entitled: Why Is Our Country So Divided? PART 1 and PART 2  I urge you to listen to each 13 minute broadcast in its entirety.

In Part 1, Pastor Huffman eases the Christian's dilemma by clarifying, "we're not electing a pastor, we're electing a president." The real question becomes, "So who can do the best job leading our country, with all the conflicting ethical and biblical issues at stake?" He goes on to say that fifty years ago, there wasn't a "whole lot of difference between the platforms of the two major parties". But today, there is a stark difference. The issues involved are morally and ethically worlds apart which reveal totally differing views of human life and the institute of marriage.

Then he outlines how the Obama administration has already chipped away at our religious rights by appointing an "EEOC Commissioner [Equal Employment Opportunity Commission] who asserts that society should not tolerate my private beliefs, including religious beliefs, if they may negatively affect homosexual equality... Then in May of 2012, that same administration opposed legislation to protect the rights of conscience for military chaplains who didn't wish to perform same-sex marriages. ...They said, sorry, you must perform same-sex marriages. Then in June of 2012, Bibles for the American military, that had been printed ever since the American Revolutionary War, all of a sudden could no longer be printed with the military service emblems on those military Bibles."

"We are in a battle for the ethical values and biblical values of our country. ...The issues are of interest and concern to the Lord." Huffman then warns that God will give up on a nation  if they are promoting sins such as fornication, adultery, and homosexuality.(Romans 1:24-25, 26-28 ) "God has said that He gives up on a nation when we consider that we can make all the rules and become totally anti-God."

"We, as a church, need to be concerned about allowing God be God, but our country needs to allow the church to preach and teach the same message. That's why these are ethical and biblical principles that we are facing in the election today."

In Part 2, Dr. Huffman recaps Part 1 [my summation] Why are we so divided as a country? Basically it is a division in philosophy and therefore, it is a division of politics. For Christians, their foundation, their worldview, is based on the principles of the Bible. For a non-believer, that foundation is anything but the Bible. So our election is basically a worldview test.  

Then Dr. Huffman discusses other things that cause God to give up on a nation, such as the shedding of innocent blood (2 Kings 24: 1-4) in abortion. Psalm 106:36, 41 speaks of those who sacrificed their children to idols. "And God gave them into the hand of the heathen, and they that hated them, ruled over them." As a consequence for their sin of child sacrifice, God allowed other nations to come in and defeat His people, because they were the shedding innocent blood of their children.


"Our country today is so involved in a battle of pro-life and pro-choice."  This is indeed a moral conflict between anti-God philosophies and worldviews and  pro-God philosophies and worldviews." 

"God designed government to keep order in society" (Romans 13), and we are to "be subject  to higher powers for there is no power but of God, and powers that be [local authorities/government] are ordained of God." 

Dr. Huffman concludes, "When you vote, you will be taking a test, a worldview test, and that will tell so much about your theology, God or anti-God, biblical truth or humanistic lies... May the Lord give you wisdom and give you courage to take a stand for that which is right against that which is wrong. Let's reestablish the moral foundations upon which this nation was founded."


Many other religious leaders and groups, from Billy Graham's full page newspaper ads, to the Catholic church, to Evangelical Christians such as Ralph Reed and James Dobson, are making the same plea: vote for biblical values this November.

It is vital that we support all candidates who support God's values, the biblical principles our nation was founded upon. If we don't, we will find ourselves under Democrat leadership, the party that tried (unsuccessfully) to scour any reference to God from its party platform, the party that openly supports homosexuality and same sex marriage, and the party that advocates murder of the unborn at any time through abortion. Remember that Senator Obama voted 4 times to withhold comfort care to aborted babies who survived the abortion!

So, you see, this election is too important to vote 3rd party or not vote at all. We, His people, must vote to support His values. 


Post Script: Alveda King, Martin Luther King Jr's niece, in an opinion piece for the Washington Times implores, Blacks should vote God's way -- against Obama.
 
More Reading:
Dr. Greg Huffman's notes from both radio programs
Ralph Reed: 17 Million Evangelical Votes Can Lead to Obama's Defeat
James Dobson: Plea to Christians: Vote for sake of our children 
Billy Graham Ad Encourages Voting Biblical Values
A Plea to Catholics in Ohio: Help Us Win
Catholic Bishop: Florida Voters Should Vote Pro-Life First
How will you answer? Video of abortion survivor's plea
Obama on Partial Birth Abortion: Are you for or against? Yes 

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, WisPolitics Quorum Call, Wisconsin Reporter, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation, The Way <><

Dr. Greg Huffman: "Why is our country so divided" outline

The following are Dr. Greg Huffman's notes from his November 2nd and 5th
 Word for Life radio show - WVCY 107.7 FM, 6:15am: PART 1 and PART 2

WHY ARE WE SO DIVIDED AS A COUNTRY?

(Word for Life Radio—Friday and Monday, Nov. 2,5)

·        Divided philosophically and therefore, politically

·        The foundations of a person’s belief system must be the same for similar ideas and goals to be supported.

o       The foundation for a non-believer?  Anything but the Bible

o       The foundation for a Christian?  The Bible

·        Our problem is:  America no longer believes in BIBLICAL MORALITY, only the desired results of it.

o       It’s OK to pray when our country is under terrorist attack or facing natural disasters of extreme proportions.

o       But the pressure is immense to leave the Bible out of all conversations

·        The election this year is a test:  “A Worldview Test”

o       We will reveal our worldview by our vote

o       The two candidates and their two major parties represent two very different worldviews.

o       Fifty years ago there wasn’t a whole lot of difference between the platforms of the two major parties.

§         But that’s no longer true

§         There’s a major difference that reveal stark differences in what is considered real and desirable.

·        These are morally and ethically world apart

·        The issues involved relate to totally differing views of human life and the institution of marriage.

§         2012 Democratic Party Platform = the first major political party to call for the legalization of same-sex marriage.

·        This is simply a follow up of the President’s earlier announcement that he has “evolved” in his position on the issue and had now reached a conclusion that he would support the legal right of same-sex couples to marry.

§         The Republican Party Platform stated:  We affirm our support for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

o       On the Issue of Abortion

§         The Republican Party states:  “We assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed.”

§         The Democratic Party platform states:  The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay.

o       These two issues demonstrate the vast differences of two world views.

o       But these two views are simply consequences of differing foundations – Bible, or public opinion?

o       Other biblical issues at stake:  See Summary Sheet

o       But, bear in mind, there is a definite battle going on to silence the Biblical values.

§         Illustration:  “The Righteous Right: hypocrisy, not ‘moral values.’”

§         Some Christians have stated that they are not planning on voting because the choice is between two men with whom they do not agree theologically.

§         But consider this:  We are electing a President, not a Pastor.  And one of them will come out the winner and we will live under his leadership for four years.

§         If you suddenly have great pain in your back and front, like I did one night, you begin to search for answers.

·        Ruth read the Medical Book

·        “Honey, do you have pain in your lower back as well as your front?”  Yes, I said.

·        Need to get to the hospital – symptoms of appendicitis

·        Called the surgeon and he met us there.

·        He confirmed it was appendicitis and surgery was needed immediately.

·        Now, I did not ask him at that point if he were a committed Christian.

·        He wasn’t going to be counseling me, he was going to be cutting me, and all I cared about was, could he do a good job in surgery?

·        In the same vein, we are not electing a Pastor, we are electing a President.  So, who can do the best job leading our country with all the conflicting ethical and biblical issues at stake?

·        WHAT CAUSES GOD TO GIVE UP ON A NATION?

o       Romans 1:24-25 = Fornication and Adultery

§         1:26-28 = Homosexuality

·        Sodomy is not an alternate lifestyle when the Lord calls it an abomination to Him.

·        We should be attempting to reach homosexuals with the gospel and then discipling them in the area of a biblical moral viewpoint and lifestyle.

§         II Kings 24:1-4 = Shedding Innocent Blood (Ps. 106:38)

·        The Pro-choice movement started in the Garden of Eden.

·        And men have been demanding to have their own choices in opposition to God ever since.

·        This indeed is a moral conflict between anti-God philosophies and worldviews and pro-God philosophies and worldviews.

·        Government has been ordained by God to keep order in society

o       Romans 13:1-7

o       Protect good people and punish evil people

§         That being true, there has to be an understanding of the definition of “good.” = right and wrong = moral law

§         That’s why it’s so devastating when our government declares homosexuality, same-sex marriages, and abortion as good and acceptable.

§         It has become a moral issue because it’s a biblical issue.

§         The “economy” is not the most important issue in this election in my opinion.  The platform for this election is now “morality.”

o       “God bless America” signs were all over our country after 9/11

§         But we all know God can no more bless America than he could bless Sodom and Gomorrah.

§         Prayer for our leaders must be backed up by prayer in our homes and repentance in our lives.

o       We need more statesmen who will proclaim what they believe and where they stand and not worry about what the opinion polls may say about them.

o       Illustration:  President Abraham Lincoln

o       The 2012 Election is about Principles, not Prosperity

§         Can you support political leaders who have abandoned biblical moral principles and taken an anti-God stand?

§         Can you vote for someone simply because you like the personality of the candidate?

o       When we stand before the Lord one day, I firmly believe we will give an account of our responses when our country was quickly losing its moral foundations and the churches were losing their burden for lost souls.

o       If you look around and are appalled with what you see, will it affect anything in YOUR LIFE?

o       Illustration:  THE TITANIC

o       So, when you vote in a few weeks, you’ll be taking a test:  A World View Test.

§         They will try to tell you it’s all about the economy

§         But really, it’s all about your theology.

·        God or Anti-God?

·        Biblical Truth or Humanistic Lies?

§         Pray for the courage to speak up like Daniel

§         Stand Alone like Noah

§         Weep over our nation like Jeremiah

§         And Cry Aloud like the Lord Jesus:  “When you discover the truth, the truth will set you free.”