Tag: US Senate (page 3)

Sorry, all the bloviating is for naught.  94 - 3.  No, Sen Paul wasn't one of the three.

The House approved Paul's Federal Reserve Transparency Act, H.R. 459, in a bipartisan 327-98 vote. The vote split Democrats almost evenly -- 89 for and 97 against -- while only one Republican, Rep. Robert Turner (R-N.Y.), voted against it.

OK maybe a lot.

Gary Glenn announced last night that he would withdraw from the race and endorse charter school founder Clark Durant.  Citing Hoekstra's voting record, Hoekstra's record on right to work, and the ability for Durant to reach out across lines to a greater base in the general, Glenn made it clear Hoekstra was not the best choice to oppose Debbie in November:

"To help save our country from the brink of bankruptcy, our highest priority must be defeating big-spending liberals like Debbie Stabenow.  I've grown more convinced over the course of this campaign that because of the obvious vulnerability of his own big-bailout, big-debt, big-spending record, nine-term Congressman Pete Hoekstra can't beat Stabenow."

"Since Pete Hoekstra can't beat Debbie Stabenow, my sense of duty requires me to step aside and assist the conservative candidate whose broad and growing range of support from all corners, financially and otherwise, makes him clearly more likely to defeat Congressman Hoekstra in August so we have a chance to defeat Sen. Stabenow in November. That's clearly Clark Durant."

A point man who had passed Right-To-Work in Idaho along with Charlton Heston, Glenn made specific reference to a comfortable relationship with Jimmy Hoffa JR by Hoekstra.  That comfortable relationship insinuated along with a record of Hoekstra opposing RTW.

More than 40 tea party groups throughout Michigan had recently selected Glenn as their preferred candidate through the Michigan For Conservative Senate campaign. Glenn was identified through a series of debates and events as the most conservative,  yet the cost of a statewide campaign proved to be too much in the end.  Hoekstra's visible absence from most of the events where the other candidates attended will likely mean those groups break for Durant or Hekman, rather than the man who seemingly didn't consider their effort to be worth his time.

Durant was well received in those events as well making him a likely favorite for their efforts going forward.  Randy Hekman may receive considerable support as well, given his recent endorsement by tea party favorite Dave Agema, who recently defeated Saul Anuzis for Republican National Committeeman.  Anuzis, an NPV supporter backs Durant.

He is a true constitutional conservative, and would represent those of us who still believe in the rule of law. It was not destined to happen however, as his candidacy was not strong enough to survive in a full field, and finally a challenge for the number of signatures sealed his fate. I have made suggestions in the past on how he could have better promoted his campaign.  

Sometimes however, as good a constitution follower we might be, political skills are a prerequisite for elected positions.

He writes:

Dear friends and supporters.

I have decided that it is time to step down from this race.

I did not collect enough signatures to survive a challenge and have been removed from the ballot of the republican primary this August. After carefully considering several plausible options which would allow me to remain in the race, I have decided to that it is much more important to concentrate on removing Barrack Obama from the White House, retaining control of the House, and gaining control of the Senate. All my efforts will be focused towards these tasks.

I truly appreciate all the support received from you, my friends and supporters, throughout the state. One of the most rewarding aspects of this race was going door to door, business to business, talking to people who are the true backbone of this state. The people of this state understand our American values and want our country back.

With great respect and gratitude,

Peter Konetchy

Today's vote: ONLY NINE Senate Republicans worthy of being in DC... Coburn (R-OK), DeMint (R-SC), Hatch (R-UT), Lee (R-UT), Moran (R-KS), Paul (R-KY), Risch (R-ID), Rubio (R-FL), Vitter (R-LA)

Gary Glenn today announced over 27,000 signatures collected. State law requires U.S. Senate candidates to gather a minimum of 15,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, the highest requirement in the nation, and 100 signatures from at least half of the state's 15 congressional districts.  Glenn far exceeded both requirements, submitting signatures from all 83 counties in the state and more than 500 signatures from all 15 districts.

But it was not as much as the gun to the head method employed by labor for Debbie Stabenow's 30,000 signatures.  Ones that still may include a few from voters of a posthumous state.

And Glenn's goal, buttressed by the truly grass roots Mi4CS effort has not only been met but has apparently exceeded the signature counts of each of the other opponents.  Some of whom had to pay for signature gathering.  Hoekstra stopped at 22,000 a month ago, Durant, yesterday, with 24,407, Hekman and Konetchy both today with 19,323, and 15,500 respectively.  Konetchy for his part, is likely to be now crossing both sets of fingers and toes.

Yet it is all quite Impressive.

The argument can now begin on the philosophical strengths of each candidate.  The requirements alone are a test of will and ability to pursue the office.