Is the above state now a Republican stronghold? It might be. Massachusetts is on the brink of electing a Republican to fill the seat vacated by the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy. This is good news on many levels for the GOP. Even if Scott Brown falls short, his candidacy is a wake-up call for the Democrats and for all of America. It sends the important message that average Americans are fed-up with the spending and out-of-control government in Washington. It also pokes a hole in the theory that the GOP is now a southern, regional party. The pendulum is swinging back fast and it couldn't be a better time. I'll predict a Scott Brown victory in Massachusetts.
And...
The disaster in Haiti is biblical in its proportion. Consider helping the Haitian people in this tragedy by donating through the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org. You can also text the word "Haiti" to the number 90999 and this will donate $10 to the Red Cross. I did it. It was easy. And I'll do it again, today.
And...
Congratulations to John Kasich and Mary Taylor for coming together to form a super-ticket for the November election. Failed Governor Ted Strickland is in big trouble because he is a traditional Democrat who believes that economic growth and prosperity are the job of government not the private sector. Free markets drive economic growth--not big government. By next year, failed Governor Strickland will find himself in the same predicament as thousands in Ohio under his watch. He will be unemployed. That's one job-loss that will do us all some good.
And...
We continue to see a strong influx of great conservatives motivated by the Tea Party movement coming into our party. In Green Township on Wednesday night, one couple said to me, "we are off the couch and so are our neighbors." That is great news for our movement, our party, and our ideals. Changing America starts by electing leaders with the guts to make tough decisions and to have the support of the people to do so.
And...
There is a very real angst among people in America right now that cannot be denied. In so many ways, the country is headed in the wrong direction. The same old solutions from the same old politicians has many people angry--and rightfully so. I share that angst. We have a government we can't afford. We have leaders who seem out-of-touch. We spend far too much money on far too many things outside the scope of what government ought to do. We have empowered the federal government to do things far beyond its original purpose. The challenge for the Republican Party is going to be to act DIFFERENTLY when we are empowered by the people to make decisions in government. Let's hope we've learned our lesson.
And...
I had a nice discussion yesterday with Dr. Al Tuchfarber, a noted political scientist and pollster from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Tuchfarber is predicting a huge year for the GOP. Although we all seem to keep hearing and feeling it, it was nice to have someone as scientifically skilled as Dr. Tuchfarber confirm much of what we believe for 2010.
And...
Our ticket of judicial candidates is lining-up very nicely. Several new and exciting names have surfaced over the last few days and I couldn't be more excited. In a strong Republican year, I see us having another great year in the courthouse. And I anticipate picking-up a couple of seats, too. Look for some surprises there. The planning for our judicial salute fundraiser is well under way and our party is energized to win in 2010.
And...
John Kasich announced his running mate selection via Twitter yesterday. If you're not on Twitter, do it right now. www.twitter.com. By "following" the right tweets, Twitter has become my best and fastest source of news and information. One glance at my Twitter page on my phone typically gives me all the news I need with links to learn more. It is an incredible tool of this generation and people who shun it do so at their own loss. We are in the greatest information age of all time and, as Republicans, we must embrace this new technology or fall behind and fall victim to the stodgy stereotypes that are improperly assigned to conservatives.
And...
Justice Maureen O'Connor from the Ohio Supreme Court was in Cincinnati yesterday. It is always great to see the Justice. She delivered remarks to our Early Bird donors and to our Leadership Council. Justice O'Connor is running for Chief Justice--a position I expect her to win. Justice O'Connor won every single county (all 88!) in Ohio in 2008 and earned more votes than President Obama.
And...
When do pitchers and catchers report?
And...
Temperatures in the 40s this weekend. Is it too soon for a little D2D?
And...
Have a great weekend.
