Democratic National Committee: South Carolina

Morning, Ah, Er, Um, I Mean, Open Thread?

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 07:53:28 -0500

Here's a topic for your discussion this Monday morning:

Even Governor Mark Sanford (R-South Carolina) agrees that John McCain is a third Bush term on the economy. From CNN Late Edition with host, Wolf Blitzer on Sunday:

BLITZER: Are there any significant economic differences between what the Bush administration has put forward over these many years as opposed to now what John McCain supports?
SANFORD: Um, yeah. For instance, take, you know, take, for instance, the issue of -- I'm drawing a blank, and I hate it when I do that, particularly on television. Take, for instance the contrast on NAFTA. I mean, I think that the bigger issue is credibility in where one is coming from, are they consistent where they come from.

Huffington Post noted that Blitzer called out Gov. Sanford on his initial answer of NAFTA:

Sanford finally came up with an answer -- McCain has opposed earmarks while President Bush hasn't -- but Blitzer twisted the knife a bit further, following up on Sanford's initial mention of NAFTA. "He's a huge supporter of free trade, John McCain, the Bush administration supports free trade. I don't see a big difference."

Watch the video.

Barack Obama's Coattails in the South

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:23:35 -0500

Senator Barack Obama's appeal to African-American and youth voters may reshape the political landscape of the South this November.

Stateline columnist Louis Jacobsen writes:

Some Democrats hold out hope that Obama could actually win one of the six Southern states that he won so convincingly during the primary season — Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina — all of which have voted strongly Republican in recent presidential elections .
But while it’s an outside possibility in North Carolina, most analysts believe Obama’s likelihood of picking off any of the other five Southern states is a long shot.

More plausible, though, is a November scenario in which the voters Obama draws to the polls also pull the lever for Democrats up and down the ticket — in statewide posts, congressional seats, state legislative seats and even county positions.

Democrats in the region have been salivating over this possibility for months. Consider Waring Howe, a Democratic National Committeeman from South Carolina and, until recently, chairman of the Charleston County Democratic Party. When Howe first realized that Obama might become the party’s nominee, “I used that as a candidate recruiting tool. But I actually didn’t have to use it much, because a lot of the prospective candidates already felt that way anyway.”

Mitt's Snit Shatters Credibility, Drives Him Out of South Carolina

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:05:23 -0500

Smooth talking Mitt Romney is at it again. Yesterday, Romney was caught on tape playing semantics with an Associated Press reporter over the role of lobbyists in his campaign. Romney grew visibly irritated when the reporter challenged his claim that he did not have lobbyists running his campaign or sitting in on strategy meetings, despite the fact that veteran Republican lobbyists like Ron Kaufman, Barbara Comstock and Al Cardenas have served as high-profile advisors and strategists since he announced his candidacy. [Associated Press, 1/17/08]

Mitt's snit over lobbyists is the latest in a pattern of exaggerations, flip-flops and shameless semantic debates that have destroyed Romney's credibility throughout this campaign. Last month, Romney was caught misleading the voters on his father's civil rights record by claiming he "saw" his father march with Martin Luther King even though Romney's father had never appeared with Dr. King. After reports revealed that Romney falsely told Meet the Press that the National Rifle Association had endorsed him in 2002, Romney tried to debate the definition of the word "endorsement." After Romney called himself a "lifelong hunter," media reports revealed he had only been hunting twice in his life and never held a hunting license. Romney also told an Iowa audience he was "very proud of the fact" that he had "made it tougher for people with meth labs" despite that fact that his proposed legislation never became law. [New York Times, 12/21/07]

Now, with polls showing South Carolina voters rejecting Romney's latest attempts to smooth talk himself out of his record by trying to reposition himself as an economic populist, Romney is simply leaving town and banking his increasingly desperate campaign on Nevada--a state where no other leading Republican is even competing. [New York Times, 1/18/08]

"Smooth talking Mitt Romney may be running for linguist-in-chief, but he has already redefined terms like 'craven panderer' and 'shameless flip-flopper' for the American people," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera. "Romney's parsing, pandering and empty promises can't hide the fact that he has spent the last year running for a third Bush term on everything from health care and the economy to the war in Iraq."

ROMNEY'S OUTSIDER RHETORIC…

Romney: No Lobbyists "Tied To Me." "I don't have lobbyists that are running my campaign. I don't have lobbyists that are tied to me.... Somebody doesn't put the kind of financial resources that I've put into this campaign and the personal resources that I've put into the campaign in order to do favors for lobbyists." [CBSNews.com, 1/17/08 http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/01/17/politics/fromtheroad/entry3724226.shtml ]

….DOESN'T MATCH HIS INSIDER CAMPAIGN

Washington Lobbyists Advising Romney:

Ron Kaufman: Ron Kaufman a Senior Advisor. Since the beginning of his presidential run, Romney has relied upon close advisor and lobbyist Ron Kaufman. Kaufman has nearly three decades experience in national Republican politics, beginning his career with George H.W. Bush in 1978, managing his NH primary campaign, and working as the White House political director for Ronald Reagan. Kaufman works as a top lobbyist for Dutko Worldwide and serves on the board of Representative Chris Cannon's (UT) Eagle Leadership PAC. [Evote, 12/16/06; Dutko Worldwide Online, accessed 4/19/07; Salt Lake Tribune, 4/13/07]

Barbara Comstock: Noted Republican Lobbyist, Attorney, and Campaign and Media Advisor. "The Philadelphia-based law firm formally launched a separate lobbying arm in Washington, Blank Rome Government Relations, which included the three former White House staffers and the Dyer Ellis principals. Later that year, the firm also brought on Barbara Comstock, a former congressional staffer who had served as the chief spokesperson for then-Attorney General John Ashcroft -- after becoming notorious as the head of the opposition research team at the Republican National Committee (RNC) in 2000; The Washington Post dubbed her a 'one-woman wrecking crew.' Since joining Blank Rome, Comstock also has led a public relations campaign on behalf of Tom DeLay and is spokeswoman for former Cheney aide I. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby's legal defense fund." [American Prospect, 12/18/05]

Gary Marx: Romney Paid Focus on the Family Lobbyist More Than $70,000. Gary Marx was paid nearly $71,431 by the Romney campaign for consulting in the first three quarters of 2007. Marx's experience includes serving as the coalition's director for the national Bush/Cheney 04 campaign, working as a lobbyist for Focus on the Family, and working at Ralph Reed's political consulting firm, where his primary client was Pres. Bush. [Judicial Confirmation Network, judicialnetwork.com; FEC Data]

Al Cardenas: Federal Lobbyist Heads At Least Four Romney Steering Committees National Hispanic Committee. Alberto Cardenas, former Florida GOP chair, holds a number of positions in the Romney campaign, heading up Romney's National Hispanic Steering Committee, and serving on his Latin American Policy Committee and his Florida Statewide Steering and Finance Committees. Cardenas is also a partner of Tew Cardenas, the expansive law and lobbying firm with offices in Tallahassee, Miami and Washington DC that bears his name. While on FEC reports he has neglected to note his position as a lobbyist, identifying himself as an attorney instead, Cardenas has defended his lobbying. "I do lobby, am proud of it and have (to my knowledge) always registered on behalf of [the] firm's clients for whom I have personally done lobbying work," Cardenas wrote in an email to The Hill. [Romney Release, 2/7/07; Romney Release, 2/22/07; Romney Release, 6/7/07; Romney Release, 1/28/07; The Hill, 4/18/07]

Cindy Gillespie: "Senior Romney Campaign Aide" Turned Health Care Lobbyists Serves on Romney Healthcare Advisory Group. Before leaving her paid position on the Romney campaign in September 2007, Cindy Gillespie served as a senior Romney campaign aide and trusted advisor. During his term as MA governor, she served as Romney's counselor and chief of legislative and intergovernmental relations. She joined McKenna Long & Aldridge's Government Affairs practice, where she "focuses on healthcare and legislative matters." During her time with the Romney campaign, she was paid nearly $50,000. She remains involved in the campaign as a member of his Healthcare Policy Advisory Group. [Romney Release, 8/22/07; McKenna Long & Albridge, www.mckennalong.com/people-1113.html ; Washington Business Journal, 9/21/07]

Washington Insiders On The Romney Campaign:

Glen Hubbard: Chairman of Bush's Economic Council. Romney's Economic team mirrors President Bush's 2001 Social Security Commission. According to Fox News Network's Carl Cameron, "Many on Romney's economic team worked for President Bush, including Glen Hubbard, the former chairman of the president's Council of Economic Advisers, and Robert Posen, who helped craft the president's failed 2005 plan to reform Social Security with private accounts." [Special Report with Brit Hume, FNN, 2/7/07]

Cofer Black: Former Bush CIA Counterterrorism Chief Now Romney's Counterterrorism Policy Chief. In April 2007, Mitt Romney named J. Cofer Black, State Department Counterterrorism Coordinator and Central Intelligence Agency Counterterrorism Chief, as his "Senior Adviser for counterterrorism and national security issues." In September 2007, Romney expanded Black's role, naming him as chair of his counterterrorism policy advisory group. [Romney Release, 4/26/07; Romney Release, 9/13/07]

Beth Myers: Romney Campaign Manager a Karl Rove "Protégé." Beth Myers, who formerly served as Romney's chief of staff during his term as MA governor, is Romney's campaign manager and closest aide. Myers is a protégé of Karl Rove, having served as a deputy campaign manager under him in 1986 during the campaign of former Texas Gov. Bill Clements (R). [Washington Post, The Fix blog, 4/9/07; Washington Post, 1/7/07]

Carl Forti: Former NRCC Spokesman Hired as Romney Political Director. Forti, hired by Romney to be the campaign's political director, was formerly the communications director for the Republican Congressional Committee. Forti worked at the NRCC for seven and a half years and also headed up the NRCC's independent expenditure program for the 2002, 2004, and 2006 cycles. [Washington Post, The Fix blog, 1/11/07]

Matt Rhoades: RNC Research Director Hired as Romney Communications Director. Matt Rhoades, highly-regarded by GOP insiders for heading up the RNC research efforts in the 2006 cycle for the RNC and 2004 for Bush's reelection, is another high-profile addition to the Romney camp. Rhoades is also friendly with Matt Drudge -- founder of the conservative Drudge Report. [Washington Post, The Fix blog, 4/9/07]

Kevin Madden: Former Tom DeLay, John Boehner Spokesman Hired as Romney Press Secretary. Kevin Madden, hired as Romney's spokesman, was "a staple of Capitol Hill," having worked as the spokesman to former Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and current Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio). Madden also worked as the Ohio spokesman for Bush's 2004 reelection campaign. [Washington Post, The Fix blog, 4/9/07; USA Today, 11/30/06]

Aaron Baer: Bush-Cheney Rapid Responder Running Romney's "War Room." Aaron Baer, who worked on the Bush-Cheney'04 campaign, maintains the Romney "war room" where 16 televisions line a wall showing everything from CNN and C-Span to the major networks and cable stations. [Deseret Morning News, 4/3/07]

South Carolina Dogfight

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:57:13 -0500

South Carolina is no New Hampshire. Unfriendly faces greet McCain in the Palmetto State:

In his maverick 2000 presidential bid, South Carolina was McCain's Waterloo, where he was crushed by the state establishment's favorite, George W. Bush.
The senator from Arizona now returns to that blood-soaked political battlefield hoping to prove his appeal to the conservative party regulars he needs to keep his resurgent campaign on track for the long haul.

But South Carolina remains littered with political land mines for McCain. There are more evangelical conservatives here than in New Hampshire, and they view him with suspicion. And no one has forgotten the 2000 battle, which featured scathing personal attacks from both sides.

South Carolina's Seniors Won't Find a Friend in Mitt or Fred

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 14:19:19 -0500

Washington, DC - While both Republican presidential candidates are skipping this week's AARP forum on issues affecting seniors, South Carolina voters will get a firsthand look at how dangerous Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney's policies would be for seniors in the Palmetto State and across America. Not only do both candidates support President Bush's failed plan to privatize Social Security, which the American people already flatly rejected, but they have both gone even further by supporting cuts in Social Security benefits that would increase the number of seniors living in poverty.

While he opposed cutting Social Security benefits while running for Senate in Massachusetts, smooth talking Mitt Romney has since flip-flopped on the campaign trail and now says he is considering "deep cuts" in benefits.

Fred Thompson, whose inability to articulate a clear vision for the future of America has hurt him with voters, recently outlined a plan to slash benefits. After co-sponsoring legislation to create personal savings accounts while in the Senate, Fred now proposes cutting benefits to seniors by 24% if implemented next year and deepening those cuts to 40% by 2050. [Washington Post, 10/12/07]

"Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson surely know their ideas on Social Security aren't going to win them many new friends. It's probably why they're both ducking an opportunity to talk with seniors at an AARP debate. But after years of incompetent leadership by the Bush Administration, voters are looking for a president who will tackle the issues facing our country, not one who will recycle President Bush's failed plans. Republicans should know by now that following Bush's lead is a recipe for failure," said DNC spokesman Damien LaVera.

ROMNEY FLIP-FLOPS, SETTLES ON BUSH'S FAILED PLAN

Romney Does Not Have a Plan to Fix Social Security

Romney Does NOT Have a Plan to Fix Social Security; Might Consider Cutting Social Security Benefits. Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said, "Governor Romney has not put out a specific plan with regard to Social Security,but he has stated his opposition to raising taxes." Fehrnstrom said Romney might consider cutting benefits to "high income individuals," but Romney hasn't said who fits that definition. [Boston Globe, 10/15/07]

Another Mitt Romney Flip Flop

Old Mitt: Romney Said He Would NOT Cut Social Security to Balance Federal Budget. In 1994, when Mitt Romney ran for U.S. Senate, he said he would not cut Social Security to meet his goal of balancing the federal budget. Romney said, "I don't think you go back and rewrite the contract the government has with people who've retired, but I do think there's a wide range of action we can take on entitlement programs: government pensions is one, our whole welfare system is another, and I think Medicare and Medicaid costs could be brought down by much more aggressive management." [Boston Globe, 10/17/94]

New Mitt: Romney Weighs Deep Cuts in Automatic Benefit Programs. Romney is weighing a cut in the top individual tax rate from the current 35 percent; a reduction in the corporate income tax; and deep cuts in automatic-benefit programs such as Medicare and Social Security. [Bloomberg, 2/7/2007]

ROMNEY EMBRACES BUSH'S PRIVATIZATION PLAN

Romney Praised Personal Accounts for Social Security. Mitt Romney supported the notion of personal accounts for Social Security recipients, a key component of President Bush's Social Security reform plan that failed in Congress. Romney said it would be a good idea to use the Social Security trust fund to allow personal accounts, which could earn higher rates of return for beneficiaries. Romney said, "Personal accounts would be a big plus." [New Hampshire Union Leader, 6/7/07]

Romney Intrigued by Idea of Gradual Reduction in Benefits and Privatization. Romney aides say he is intrigued by the ideas of Democrat Robert Posen who served on Bush's 2001 Social Security Commission. Posen's plan calls for "progressive indexation" that maintains the current Social Security benefit formula for the poor while providing gradual benefit reductions for wealthier individuals. The plan also allows people who receive reduced benefits to put as much as 2 percent of their pay into private investment accounts. [Salt Lake Tribune, 2/7/07]

Romney Supports Cuts in Benefits & Raising Retirement Age

Romney: Big Beef on Spending Cuts is in Entitlements. Larry Kudlow asked Romney, "Where's the beef on the spending cuts?" Romney answered, "Well the big beef of course is in entitlements. We're going to have to make sure that we honor our promises to seniors, but we reform the long term trajectory of Social Security for the 20, 30, 40-year-olds in Medicare and Medicaid." [Romney for President Press Release, 10/9/07; CNBC Debate Coverage, 10/9/07]

Romney Supports Raising Retirement Age to Make-Up for the Social Security Shortfall. "Romney praised Bush's idea of personal accounts and said they would make up for some of the expected shortfall in the trust fund. He also said changing the retirement age could be considered, as well as basing the Social Security cost of living adjustment on a different inflation gauge." [New Hampshire Union Leader, 6/7/2007]

Romney's Against Raising Social Security Taxes

Romney Opposes Social Security Tax Increase. Mitt Romney's presidential campaign issued "The Romney Agenda," which laid out a blueprint for strengthening the economy. The agenda read: "Governor Romney Opposes Any Increase In Social Security Taxes. We can strengthen Social Security without resorting to higher Social Security taxes that will impact all Americans. Governor Romney will oppose any proposed increase in Social Security taxes." ["The Romney Agenda: A Conservative Blueprint to Strengthen the Economy," 10/9/2007]

Romney Plans to Evaluate the "Notch Babies" Policy

Romney Said He Would Assess Fairness of "Notch Babies" Policy. When questioned about "notch babies," who receive less social security benefits than others, Romney said, "I'll take a look at it. ... I'll see if there's something we can do to provide fairness." [News-Press, 10/7/07]

THOMPSON SUPPORTS BUSH'S PLAN AND WANTS TO GO EVEN FURTHER

Thompson's Plan For Social Security Would Results In A Loss of Benefits For Retirees. Thompson's plan for 'saving' Social Security is to replace the current system of indexing to wages "with a system indexed to the growth in inflation, which typically grows at a lower rate than wages," which would mean that "now-promised benefits could be cut for some workers by 10 percent in the short term and possibly much more in the longer term." Thompson's campaign acknowledged this and even provided an example: "a $40,000-per-year worker born in 1975 would receive $1,562 per month under the current system, compared with a $1,424 a month under Thompson's proposal." [Boston Globe, 10/15/07]

Thompson's Benefit Cuts Plan Would Most Adversely Affect Low Income Workers. According to the Congressional Budget Office, if Thompson's plan were enacted, "would have benefits 24 percent lower than promised under the current system if the change were implemented next year. Those eligible for benefits in 2050 would receive 40 percent less." In addition, the change Thompson is proposing "would be hard on lower-income workers, who rely heavily or entirely on Social Security in retirement." [Washington Post, 10/12/07]

. . .And Cause Poverty Among the Elderly. According to the Congressional Research Service, "if we were doing what Thompson wants, there would be 10 million elderly Americans living in poverty today instead of just three million." [MSNBC, 10/11/07]

Fred's Unpopular Plan Is Costing Him Valuable Congressional Support. The majority of Fred Thompson's Congressional endorsers do not support his plan to 'fix' Social Security by indexing benefits to inflation instead of wage growth. Thompson supporter Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.), "said he was skeptical about any proposal that could cut benefits by as much as 25 percent." When asked if he agreed with Thompson's risky proposal, Rep. John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.), another supporter, said "No, I don't. . . I think there are other things we can do." And, "Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, is another Thompson supporter who said he would not support restricting projected Social Security benefits to the growth of inflation." [The Hill, 10/1/07]

Thompson Supported Bush's Failed Social Security Plan. Fred Thompson vigorously supports President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security. In 2000, when speaking to a group of Tennessee Republicans, he "applauded Bush for his plan to change Social Security," and in 2001 he appeared on CNN and defended the president's plan as providing a better return in the long run. [Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN), 8/22/00; CNN's Wolf Blitzer Reports, 3/24/01]

Thompson Co-Sponsored Legislation To Create Personal Savings Accounts. In 1999, Fred Thompson co-sponsored legislation that would allow Americans "to divert a portion of their payroll taxes to a personal savings account." [Fred Thompson Weekly Senate Column, 5/28/99, http://web.archive.org/web/19990902113121/thompson.senate.gov/052899.html]

Thompson Voted To Create Personal Retirement Accounts. Thompson supported a sense of the senate amendment that the Senate Finance Committee should report legislation that would include the establishment of personal retirement accounts. He also voted for a similar amendment that any federal budget surplus should be used for the creation of personal retirement accounts. [Senate Vote #56, 4/1/98; Senate Vote #77, 4/2/98]

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South Carolinians Know Giuliani's Numbers Just Don't Add Up

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:49:03 -0500

Rudy Giuliani is in South Carolina today, where he will likely continue to exaggerate his fiscal record as Mayor of New York City to score political points as he did earlier this week at the CNBC Debate. Yesterday, the New York Times took a closer look at Rudy's exaggerations and "misleading statements," debunking his tax-cutting claims. [New York Times, 10/10/07]

Contrary to his claims during the debate, during Giuliani's time as mayor the City's debt reached historic highs, city spending grew by 30%, and the payroll was larger - in dollars and people - when he left office than when he started. In fact, independent fact checkers have also debunked Giuliani's tax-cutting claims, finding that many - including the largest - of the tax cuts he claimed credit for either came from the state or were actually ones he strongly opposed.

Rudy will also likely exaggerate his record on health care. He may claim that he stands for America's families, but the truth is that Rudy supports President Bush's veto of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP), which would provide health care for 10 million children in America, including over 122,000 children in South Carolina.

"Rudy Giuliani is at it again, exaggerating his record and telling the voters just about anything to score political points," said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney. "How can families in South Carolina trust Rudy Giuliani to stand with them when he won't give them honest answers about his record? Rudy should know that Americans are looking for a leader they can trust, not one who will bring them four more years of the deception and failed policies of the Bush Administration."

Exaggerating on Tax Cut Record:

Giuliani repeated his exaggerated claim that he cut taxes 23 times as mayor, which has been repeatedly debunked by independent analyses:

Giuliani Exaggerates His Record On Taxes, Taking Credit For Nine Tax Cuts Where None Is Due. In an article entitled "Giuliani's Tax Puffery," independent watchdog FactCheck.org found Giuliani's claims on cutting taxes highly misleading. They wrote that "the mayor takes credit for too many tax cuts" and called his claims an "overstatement." Their research showed Giuliani can't claim credit for nine of the 23 cuts he cites. They also found that "he takes personal credit for eight cuts that were initiated not by him but by the state, according to the city's Independent Budget Office, a publicly funded, nonpartisan watchdog agency that puts out highly regarded budget analyses." [FactCheck.org, 7/27/07 (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/giulianis_tax_puffery.html]

Largest Cut Giuliani Claims Credit For Is One He Actually Opposed. FactCheck.org wrote that for example, with the personal income tax surcharge, "he strongly opposed one of the largest cuts for which he claims credit, reversing himself only after a five-month standoff with the city council." The personal income tax surchage reduction, worth an estimated $821 million in FY01, was a full 26% of the overall tax reductions reported by the Giuliani administration for that year and by far the largest of the 23 on the list of tax cuts he claims credit for. CNBC called it "the granddaddy" of the city's tax cuts, noting his original opposition to it. [FactCheck.org, 7/27/07 (http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/giulianis_tax_puffery.html); "Tax Reductions - Already Enacted," Budget Summary, City of NY Executive Budget FY 02, p. 50; "Squawk Box," CNBC, 10/5/07]

CNBC's Truth Squad: In a segment called "Truth Squad," CNBC's Squawk Box found that "But a closer look at the numbers show he's claiming credit for some tax cuts that weren't his idea to begin with and others that he actively opposed." ["Squawk Box," CNBC, 10/5/07]

Daily News: "Not Really True." The New York Daily News wrote that Giuliani's claim is "not really true, say tax-cutting allies of the former mayor, as well as experts at the city's Independent Budget Office and elsewhere." [Daily News (NY), 7/29/07]

Exaggerating on Spending Record:

Rhetoric: Giuliani claimed NYC spending "went down 7%."

Reality: Spending Under Giuliani Went Up 30%. In New York City, spending went up 30% under Giuliani as mayor, or by $9.5 billion. Even stopping the tally at the end of FY01, before costs related to 9/11, finds a 28% increase, or $8.9 billion more in annual spending then before he took office. ABC's Rick Klein wrote "Rudy Giuliani claims to have 'lowered spending' in New York City - big asterisk has to be there for that to be accurate." [NYC Independent Budget Office Revenue and Expenditure Summary (http://www.ibo.nyc.ny.us/iboreports/RevenueSpending/RevandExpSummary.xls); Rick Klein's Blog, ABC, 5/15/07]

Giuliani No Friend of Working Families:

Rhetoric: Giuliani claimed he had a strong record in support of labor, even claiming that "I think unions have made a positive contribution." [Debate, 10/9/07]

Reality: A Lousy Record For Workers, Venomous Relationship With Unions

Giuliani Mimics Bush Opposition To Minimum Wage. On MSNBC's Hardball, Giuliani said that "The president is thinking about any increase in the minimum wage usually means less jobs." He explained on Fox, "I think the president sees the complexity of that. I mean, he's sees the fact that the minimum wage -- it's very politically appealing to say it should be raised, but the minute you raise it, you're going to cost jobs, lose jobs, create a lot less flexibility at the lower levels in terms of entry-level jobs." [Fox News Network, 10/13/04; Hardball, MSNBC, 10/13/04]

Giuliani Vowed To Mount "Revolution" Against Labor. "Vowing to mount a 'revolution' in labor negotiations, a campaign-bound Mayor Giuliani yesterday said he would stiff municipal unions in upcoming contract talks unless they surrender their claim to across-the-board wage hikes..The surprise announcement in the mayor's preliminary budget speech angered union leaders" [Daily News (New York), 1/28/00]

Teachers Union President: Giuliani Was Provocative; Unions Had A Hard Time. "Teachers union president Randi Weingarten looks back at Giuliani's tenure and observes simply, 'Labor had a really hard time with Rudy Giuliani. His rhetoric was inflammatory. He wanted to be provocative and was. I don't think it was helpful.'" [Los Angeles Times, 9/13/07]

Giuliani Refuses to Rule out Florida Coastal Drilling:

Rhetoric: Get More Alternative Energy. Today, Giuliani insisted that "you don't draw the line anywhere," when it comes to alternative energy, and wouldn't rule out even drilling off the coasts of Floridaand California.

Reality: Giuliani Profiting From Expanding US Dependency On Foreign Oil.

2007: Giuliani Firm Representing Saudi Oil Ministry. While Giuliani campaigned on America's needs to reduce its dependence on foreign oil, in March 2007, Giuliani's law firm began representing Saudi Arabia's oil ministry in a Texas court case. [Associated Press, 5/14/07]

2005-2007: Giuliani Defends Law Firm Lobbying For Hugo Chavez's Citgo. Starting weeks after Giuliani joined the firm in 2005 and continuing into 2007, Bracewell and Giuliani received as much as $250,000 to lobby for Citgo, the oil firm controlled by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. On June 21st, Giuliani "defended his law firm's work for the company, saying Citgo employs 'thousands and thousands of people in America.[The law firm] represented them honorably. They represented them well.'" [Bloomberg, 3/14/07; Newsday (New York), 6/22/07]

2007: Giuliani Continued To Make Money Helping Increase Use Of Foreign Oil in Kazakhstan. Since 1997, Bracewell and Giuliani has operated an office in the Republic of Kazakhstan "to service oil producers and their lenders in the Caspian Sea region" Among their clients is "BMB Munai, which develops oil wells in Kazakhstan" [Associated Press, 3/20/07, 5/15/07]

Giuliani Failed To Answer Question on Private Equity:

This afternoon, Giuliani was asked about private equity: "Can you explain it as New Yorker where these billions of dollars come from? Where were they before, and is there any downside to this amazing bonanza in the hedge fund and private equity firms?"

Since Giuliani failed to answer the question, here are some key facts:

Giuliani Backs Private Equity Firms on "Carried Interest" Tax Battle on Capitol Hill. Rudy Giuliani opposes any efforts to increase taxes on private-equity-firm executives, who currently enjoy only a 15% tax on what is generally considered to be partners' share of profits at private equity and hedge funds. Giuliani, campaigning against any increases those taxes said recently in New Hampshire, "Who knows what you're going to do to capital markets?" He continued to say that Wall Street is "quite sensitive right now" about tax and regulatory issues. [The Wall Street Journal, 8/3/2007, 8/30/2007]

Giuliani Chairs Private Equity Fund. In his most recent personal financial disclosure, Giuliani reported "compensation he earned as chairman of Leeds Equity Associates IV, a private-equity fund that gave him the option of taking a $150,000 stipend or an undisclosed share of future profits. Mr. Giuliani opted for the share." [The Wall Street Journal, 5/17/2007]

Giuliani's Campaign has Received $800,000 from Hedge Fund Industry. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Giuliani's campaign has received $800,750 from the hedge fund industry. The "securities and investment" industry gave even more, almost $3.5 million in the first half of 2007, which is higher than any other candidate for president. [Opensecrets.org, 10/4/2007]

Giuliani Opposes Children's Health Insurance:

Giuliani Calls the Children's Health Insurance Program "Socialized Medicine." "[I]t would have the really odd effect of moving children who presently have private insurance to becoming wards of the state, basically having to move in the direction of - and I know the Democrats get all upset when you say this, but they're taking us toward socialized medicine…It is not - it's not really good to move this thing, in terms of more government control health care." [This Week, ABC News, 8/5/07]
Giuliani Supported Bush's Veto Threat. Hardwood reported, "Giuliani also weighed into the controversy now brewing in Washington over children's healthcare. President Bush has threatened to veto what the Democrats have proposed to dramatically expand that program, saying it will lead to single payer. Giuliani condemned socialized medicine and he said Bush is right." Giuliani said, "If in fact the analysis is correct, and you know we have to see the final version; if it in fact is going to move children away form private insurance to government controlled healthcare, I think then you have to veto it." [CNBC, July 2007, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgnOhJtJ6_E]

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South Carolina Rejecting Romney's Smooth Talk on Health Care

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:15:02 -0500

During a campaign stop in the Palmetto State today, smooth talking Mitt Romney once again refused to say how he would address America's health care crisis, saying only that he would leave it up to individual states to decide. [Associated Press, 8/31/07] Yet, in the face of intense criticism from conservative activists, Romney has been working overtime to distance himself from the Massachusetts health care plan he championed and once bragged about passing.

Romney also flip-flopped this week on the question of whether his health care agenda would include tax exemptions to help uninsured Americans pay for health care. During a nationally televised debate on August 5, Romney said tax exemptions are not the way to provide health insurance to every American because many uninsured Americans don't pay taxes. But just two weeks later, he outlined a plan to use tax exemptions to expand health coverage. [Wall Street Journal, editorial, 8/27/07] Worse still, Romney's latest health care plan also rehashed President Bush's failed plan for health savings accounts.

With so much confusion and shameless political posturing, it is no wonder Romney is stuck in single digits among South Carolina Republicans. The most recent American Research Group poll of South Carolina Republicans showed Romney tied for fourth place, with just 9 percent. [Campaigns & Elections, 8/30/07]

"Smooth talking Mitt Romney's flip-flops and blatant pandering are not a prescription for the kind of health care reform the American people want," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera. "While Romney is busy running from his own health care record and rehashing President Bush's failed agenda, the voters are looking for real leaders who can defend their records and tackle the tough challenges facing our country."

Become a delegate - South Carolina

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:03:30 -0500

State parties will publish their delegate selection rules and clearly explain how to participate in the summer of 2007.

South Carolina Democratic Party
1529 Hampton Street, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29201
800-841-1817 (toll free)
803-799-7798 (local)
803-765-1692 (fax)

District-Level Delegates: 29
At-Large Delegates: 10
Pledged Party Leader & Elected Official (PLEO) Delegates: 6
Unpledged Delegates: 9
TOTAL Number of Delegates: 54

Alternates: 8

TOTAL DELEGATION SIZE: 62

System type: Party-run Primary

State convention page: None available.
State plan: Plan Available (PDF)
State filing form: Not available online. Please contact the state party to receive a copy.

** This information is prepared by the DNC's Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection and may be subject to change. For more information, please call 202-863-8000.

College Democrats of America's "Training Today's Leaders for Tomorrow" Convention Kicks Off

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:17:35 -0500

College Democrats of America today announced updated logistical information for this year's annual convention July 26-29 in Columbia, South Carolina. This year's convention held on the campus of the University of South Carolina will be a valuable opportunity for young activists to get involved in electing a Democratic President in 2008. Students will participate in intensive trainings that center around grassroots organizing, communications and getting other young people active in the Democratic Party.

Additionally, this year's participants will also hear from an exciting line-up of speakers including several Democratic Presidential contenders from the strongest and the most diverse field yet.

"CDA has a great opportunity to help elect the next Democratic President of this country," said College Democrats of America President Lauren Wolfe. "This convention will provide a great springboard to empower young people to get geared up for the next election. We are enthusiastic about a great line up of speakers and look forward to one of the most successful conventions yet."

Logistics:
Satellite truck parking: Green Street
Press parking: Bull Street parking garage
Press riser throw: 87 feet
Cable run: between 1500-2000 feet

Below is a list of updated speakers and times (listed in order of appearance on the program):

Thursday, July 26, 2007 Opening Ceremonies 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Russell House Ballroom
CDA President Lauren Wolfe
CDA Convention Chair Jamarr Brown
Rev. Romal Tune
Columbia Mayor Bob Coble
Senator Barack Obama

Friday, July 27, 2007 Block Party 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Russell House Patio/Davis Field
SC Democratic Party Chair Carol Care Fowler
DNC Chairman Howard Dean
Senator John Edwards

Saturday, July 28, 2007 Morning Plenary 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Russell House
House Majority Whip James Clyburn
Senator Hillary Clinton
Congressman Dennis Kucinich
Senator Mike Gravel

Saturday, July 28, 2007 Closing Ceremonies 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Russell House Ballroom
State Representative Bakari Sellers
Director of Floor Operations for House Majority Whip - Jaime Harrison

For press credentials please contact: Amaya Smith at 202-863-8148 or smitha@dnc.org

Giuliani Should Condemn Ravenel's Racist Comments

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:08:40 -0500

Appointment of Racially Divisive Figure Raises Questions about His Mayoral Record on Race Relations

Rudy Giuliani will face tough questions today about whether or not he condones the racist comments of Arthur Ravenel, Jr., the new co-chair of his campaign in South Carolina. When he campaigns in the Palmetto State today, Giuliani should condemn Ravenel's long history of racially divisive statements, including his reference to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as the "National Association for Retarded People" at a flag rally in 2000. When asked about the comment at the time, Ravenel said, "I made a rhetorical slip, and they want to lynch me for it." [Austin-American Statesman, 1/9/00, The Post and Courier, 10/18/06]

When Arthur Ravenel Jr. was a member of Congress, he talked about "a white committee chairmen who operated on 'black time,' which he said meant fashionably late." And in 1993, Ravenel proudly addressed the Council of Conservative Citizens (CofCC), the country's largest white nationalist organization which opposes "all efforts to mix the races of mankind, to promote non-white races over the European-American people through so-called 'affirmative action.'" [The Post and Courier, 10/18/06, CofCC's Citizens Informer, Vol. 24 No. 3 1993, page 5]

The selection of Ravenel is not surprising in light of the way Rudy Giuliani poorly managed race relations as mayor of New York City. Under his watch, Giuliani reignited racial tensions by refusing even to meet with the city's African American elected officials. He also was criticized for his handling of the high-profile shooting deaths of three unarmed black men. As Harriet Michel, a former president of the New York Urban League, said, "the black community was written off during the Giuliani administration. There was a disrespect and a disdain." [Cox News Service, 6/10/07]

"Rudy Giuliani should immediately condemn the racist comments of his South Carolina campaign chair," said DNC Communications Director Karen Finney. "This appointment is consistent with his poor record on race relations when he was mayor of New York City. Giuliani doesn't understand that as President you need to represent all Americans and bring the country together. Americans are looking for a leader that puts an end to the divisiveness of the past six years and makes what is best for the people a priority again."

ARTHUR RAVENEL JR.

Arthur Ravenel Jr., Giuliani Lowcountry SC Chair, Had A History Making Racist Comments. On June 25, 2007, six days after his son was indicted on federal cocaine charges and stepped down as Giuliani's South Carolina Chairman, Arthur Ravenel Jr., former US representative, State Senator, and State Representative, and current member of Charleston County School board, was named Giuliani's Lowcountry SC Chairman. Ravenel had a history of making racist comments and often failed to apologize for his inappropriate comments. [Giuliani Campaign press release, 06/25/07, http://campaignsandelections.com/nh/releases/index.cfm?ID=1512; The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC), 7/11/03; 1/14/00]

Ravenel Called The NAACP The "The National Associated For Retarded People" Twice And Then Refused To Apologize To The NAACP. Arthur Ravenel Jr. called the NAACP the "the National Association for Retarded People" twice in 2001, first at a pro-Confederate flag rally at the Statehouse and then, according to The Post and Courier, "repeated the offending remark.during an interview outside the Senate chamber with four print reporters, three of whom had tape recorders running." Ravenel apologized only to people with mental and physical, saying "No apologies to the NAACP or the national NAACP." Speaking to a New York Times reporter, Ravenel said "they [the NAACP] are the enemy." [The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC), 7/11/03; 1/14/00; New York Times, 1/20/00]
Ravenel Described Black Lawmakers As "Venomous." In an interview with the New York Times, Ravenel "described black lawmakers as 'venomous.'" He said that the Legislative Black "Caucus has formed itself into a 'firing squad to kill me. But the firing squad, they have arranged it in a circle.'" [New York Times, 1/20/00]
Ravenel Headlined Event for White Supremacist Hate Group. On October 9, 1993, Ravenel headlined an event in South Carolina sponsored by the now-defunct Confederate Heritage Preservation Society and the Council of Conservative Citizens (CofCC), described by The Nation as "America's largest white nationalist organization..[that] represents the reincarnation of the White Citizens Councils that battled integration in the Jim Crow South." The CofCC's statement of principles included, "We also oppose all efforts to mix the races of mankind, to promote non-white races over the European-American people through so-called 'affirmative action' and similar measures, to destroy or denigrate the European-American heritage, including the heritage of the Southern people, and to force the integration of the races." [Campaign Matters, The Nation, 7/2/07, http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=210015]
Ravenel Proclaimed His "Support for Secessionist." The Nation wrote, "The extent of Ravenel's radicalism was exemplified by a startling proclamation of 'support for secessionists' he delivered on the House floor on June 25, 1991." Ravenel said, "I must take exception to a remark made by Mr. Solarz last week wherein he said, Abraham Lincoln made the point that once the Southern States joined the Union, they were part of it permanently. The fact was and still is that no constitutional prohibition of secession exists. I join those who applaud todays secessions." [Campaign Matters, The Nation, 7/2/07, http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=210015]
Ravenel: Being Late Is Operating On "Black Time." According to the New York Post, "Earlier in his career, he drew fire when he said that white congressmen were operating on 'black time' - meaning fashionably late." [New York Post, 06/26/07; Giuliani Campaign press release, 06/25/07, http://campaignsandelections.com/nh/releases/index.cfm?ID=1512; The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC), 7/11/03; 1/14/00; New York Times, 1/20/00; Campaign Matters, The Nation, 7/2/07, http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=210015; New York Post, 06/26/07]

With Ravenel As Campaign Leader, Giuliani Moves To Right On Confederate Flag. In 2007, "Answering a question that has become a litmus test of sorts for Republicans campaigning in the South, Rudolph W. Giuliani said Tuesday that he would leave the decision about whether to fly the Confederate battle flag over the State Capitol here to the people of Alabama. 'One of the great beauties of the kind of government we have, which is a national/federal government, is that we can make - on a broad range of issues - we can make different decisions in different parts of the country,' Mr. Giuliani said. 'We have different sensitivities, and at different times we are going to come to different decisions, and I think that is best left up to the states.'" However, in 1998, Giuliani "urged South Carolina to remove the Confederate flag from atop its state capitol." [New York Times, 4/11/07; New York Post, 9/3/98]

Giuliani's Record On Race Relations

New Yorkers Thought Giuliani Botched Race Relations. "Mayor Giuliani's approval rating fell to a new low yesterday, and an overwhelming majority of registered voters in New York City say he has botched race relations and education, a survey found...More than 70% think he has flubbed race relations." [Daily News (New York), 4/20/00]

City Paid For Giuliani's Racial Profiling. In the Diallo case, then- New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his police commissioner, Howard Safir, constantly rejected racial profiling charges against the Street Crime Unit. But the city finally settled a multimillion-dollar civil lawsuit filed by Diallo's parents against the New York Police Department. The lawsuit charged that officers profiled Diallo, approaching him primarily because he was black. Although the city acknowledged no wrongdoing in the settlement, officials did express their condolences. [Lexington Herald Leader (Kentucky), 2/6/04]

Giuliani Drew Criticism Over Timid Reaction to Deputy's Use of Racial Slur. As the New York Times' editorial page wrote, Giuliani "did not go far enough in chiding Deputy Mayor John Dyson for using racially loaded language in a discussion involving a black-owned investment firm. Mr. Giuliani acknowledged that his aide erred when he said that Alan Hevesi, the City Comptroller, 'ought to know the difference between a bid and a watermelon.' Coming in the context of a disagreement over Mr. Hevesi's desire to hire a minority firm, the wording was blatantly insensitive." [Editorial, New York Times, 7/2/94]

Giuliani Compared Al Sharpton to David Duke. Giuliani compared black activist minister Al Sharpton to notorious former Ku Klux Klansman David Duke. When a reporter commented Sharpton had a sizable following in the black community, Giuliani said, "David Duke had a large following. So what. You make judgments about the people you think you should respond to or the people you think you shouldn't respond to." Asked specifically if he was comparing Sharpton to Duke, Giuliani said, "I think it's a pretty apt comparison." [Daily News (New York), 1/19/06]

Giuliani Said To Be "Last On Their [African-American Community's] Totem Pole." On CNN, Bob Pickett, KISS-FM New York, said, "Probably and foretelling as well, because I think as far as the African-American community is concerned, Giuliani is probably last on their totem pole." [CNN, 6/20/06]

###

Is it All in Vain?

Tue, 15 May 2007 12:32:01 -0500

Mitt Romney is running close to last in South Carolina:

There are two interesting things about the most recent poll out of South Carolina, done by Ayres McHenry & Associates: 1) Mitt Romney is in a weak fifth place, despite a massive effort in the state (though he is still ahead of Lindsay Lohan), and 2) Rudy Giuliani is in a strong second place, despite an ugly last couple months.
First things first. The Romney folks always blame his weak showing nationally on his low name ID. He does have weak name ID, but not in South Carolina. There, at least 69% of likely Republican primary voters know enough about him to have an opinion (his fav-unfav is: 54%-15%), and only 13% claim not to have heard of him. Meanwhile, 30% of likely Republican primary voters haven't heard of Fred Thompson, yet he comes in third with 16% of the vote.

Mr. Romney's been running ads, he's been having robo-calls go out with the popular Sen. DeMint's voice, and he's been doing other on-the-ground work. Yet Mr. Thompson beats him by 8 points, Mr. Giuliani beats him by 12 points, and Mr. McCain beats him by 17.

As the Republicans prepare to debate tonight in South Carolina (9 p.m. EDT), you can get information about Mitt Romney and the rest of the candidates at our Resource Center.

McCain "Announcing" Candidacy

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:58:42 -0500

Just reminding everyone that he's still running...

McCain has been running for president unofficially for months, but next week’s tour will mark the start of his official campaign.

But McCain thinks that he's too good for SC Party Conventions:

Andrews was disappointed, he said, that U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., did not attend the convention. While the other candidates barnstormed through Greenville, Spartanburg and Richland counties on Saturday, McCain did not.

Judging from poll numbers, he may want to reconsider his strategy:

The weekend before Arizona Sen. John McCain makes his official presidential announcement in South Carolina, polls show he's not popular with local Republican voters.
The Republican parties in Greenville, Spartanburg and Richland counties held conventions Saturday, where the candidates had the chance to speak and voters participated in polls. McCain did not attend and opted to send former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating to appear in his place. Spartanburg County Republican Party Chairman Rick Beltram blamed McCain's absence for his poor showing.

"I thought that McCain missing these South Carolina conventions was a major error in his strategy," Beltram said. "I don't understand what [McCain's strategists] were thinking. McCain is coming here next week to announce that he's running for president, and the newspapers have stuff about him doing so poorly in the straw polls. It is beyond me what their strategy was."

Romney Heads to South Carolina After Skipping First NRA Conference

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:31:09 -0500

Smooth talking Mitt Romney heads to South Carolina today, one day after skipping his first National Rifle Association Annual Meeting since purchasing a “lifetime” NRA membership in August. While Romney has told audiences that he is “after the NRA’s endorsement,” he dodged the NRA convention in St. Louis despite being in the same town at the same time for a fundraiser.

Romney’s decision to duck the NRA meeting raises important questions. Was Romney afraid to be ridiculed by real NRA members over his claim to have been a hunter “pretty much all my life,” despite having never been issued a hunting license and having been on just two hunting trips? [Associated Press, 4/05/07; Associated Press, 04/06/07] Or was Romney simply trying to avoid explaining his real record on gun control issues?

A new analysis of Romney’s gun control record by prominent gun owner's rights activist Dave Kopel found that Romney “has a thin record to back up his claims of support for the Second Amendment.” Not only is there “little evidence of executive leadership by Romney on Second Amendment rights,” but Kopel noted that “Romney occasionally considered the Democratic-dominated Massachusetts legislature too soft on gun owners.” Kopel also highlights that, as part of the $500 million in new fees Romney imposed on Bay State taxpayers, Romney quadrupled the fee for a Firearms Identification card (FID). [National Review Online, 4/11/07]

“Either Mitt Romney’s brand new NRA lifetime membership card wasn’t activated in time to get him into the convention or Romney was afraid he wouldn’t be able to smooth talk his way out of his record on gun issues,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera. “Either way, Palmetto State voters are right to wonder what else Romney is willing to say to convince them to ignore his record on the issues they care about.”

Romney’s Rifle Pander Misfires

Romney in 1994: Gun Policies “Not Going to Make Me the Hero of the NRA.” After signaling support for the assault rifle ban and the Brady gun control law, Romney said, “That’s not going to make me the hero of the NRA.” He added, “I don’t line up with a lot of special interests groups.” He echoed that theme in his gubernatorial campaign when he said, “We do have tough gun laws in Massachusetts. I support them. I won’t chip away at them. I believe they protect us and provide for our safety.” [Boston Herald, 9/23/94]

Prominent Activist Dave Kopel: ”Little Evidence” of Romney Leadership. Kopel found that Romney “has a thin record to back up his claims of support for the Second Amendment.” Not only is there “little evidence of executive leadership by Romney on Second Amendment rights,” but Kopel noted that “Romney occasionally considered the Democratic-dominated Massachusetts legislature too soft on gun owners.” Kopel also highlights that, as part of the $500 million in new fees Romney imposed on Bay State taxpayers, Romney quadrupled the fee for a Firearms Identification card (FID). [National Review Online, 4/11/07]

Romney Today: I’m After the NRA’s Endorsement. Romney told a Derry, New Hampshire audience, “I’m after the NRA’s endorsement. I’m not sure they’ll give it to me. I hope they will.” [Associated Press, 4/4/07]

Romney Became “Lifetime” NRA Member...LAST AUGUST. “Mitt Romney, who has touted his support of gun owners since launching his presidential campaign, yesterday acknowledged he did not become a member of the National Rifle Association until last August, campaign officials said. A former advocate of gun control, Romney during his 1994 run for the US Senate backed measures the gun-rights group opposed, such as a five-day waiting period on gun sales and a ban on certain assault weapons. The former Massachusetts governor has been criticized for changing his positions to appeal to social conservatives voting in Republican primaries.” [Boston Globe, 2/19/07]

Romney: I’ve Been a Hunter “Pretty Much All My Life.” During an appearance in Keene, New Hampshire, Romney touted his hunting credentials to a man wearing a National Rifle Association cap. Romney said, “I support the Second Amendment. I purchased a gun when I was a young man. I’ve been a hunter pretty much all my life. I’ve never really shot anything terribly big. I used to hunt rabbits.” Romney added, “Shooting a rabbit with a single-shot .22 is pretty hard, and after watching me try for a couple of weeks, my cousins said, ‘We’ll slip you the semiautomatic. You’ll do better with that.’ And I sure did.” [Associated Press, 4/4/07]

But Romney’s Been Hunting TWICE. Romney has only been hunting twice: as a 15-year-old; and last year, when he attended an outing of major donors to the Republican Governors Association on a fenced gaming preserve in Georgia. [New York Times, 4/6/07; Associated Press, 4/4/07]

And Romney’s Never Held a Hunting License. Romney asserts that he hunted as a teenager mainly in Utah where a license is not required to hunt small game and animals. However, a recently passed law prevents public access to Romney’s hunting license. Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Michigan officials report that Romney was never issued a license to hunt. [Associated Press, 4/8/07]

Romney Misled Public About Gun Ownership. Romney also told the online The Glenn and Helen Show that "I have a gun of my own." Later, Romney was forced to admit to reporters in Orlando that he in fact did not personally own any guns. [Boston Globe, 1/14/06]

Democratic Majority Whip James Clyburn Named Honorary Chair of CDA Convention

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:53:52 -0500

Today, College Democrats of America (CDA) announced that House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina will be the Honorary Convention Chair for the 48th annual CDA convention. This year's convention will be held on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, July 26-29, 2007. South Carolina's role as an early primary state provides a great opportunity for College Democrats to begin mobilizing for the 2008 presidential election.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn issued the following statement:

"I am honored to accept the College Democrats' invitation to act as the 2007 Honorary Convention Chair and I am even more honored that it will be held in my home state of South Carolina. The next two years promise to be an exciting time in national and Democratic politics. I am especially proud to see young Democratic activists playing an important role in helping to elect the next Democratic president while training our young leaders for the future. I encourage Democrats to participate and show support for our young people who are on the forefront of Democratic grassroots politics."

College Democrats of America President Lauren Wolfe issued the following statement:

"College Democrats are enthusiastic that Congressman Clyburn has agreed to serve as Honorary Convention Chair for this very important convention. It is my hope that Congressman Clyburn will be the first of many prominent Democrats who will play an active role in the CDA convention in South Carolina. Democrats are offering strong leadership and a real vision for America by working to make college more affordable for all Americans to make health care more accessible and to increase the minimum wage. I look forward to working with Congressman Clyburn to make this one of the best conventions ever.

Must Read: South Carolina to Test Rudy's Line on Judges

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:19:43 -0500

An article in The Hill today highlights contradictions in Rudy Giuliani's remarks about abortion rights that will surely raise eyebrows when he addresses Republican conservative base voters in South Carolina this afternoon.

Even though Giuliani recently declared that he is against abortion, the piece shows that he praised NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2001 for "establishing freedom of choice for all of us" and argued that abortion "fit well within the Republican Party's philosophy of reducing the role of government in people's lives." And while he recently promised that he would appoint judges like Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel Alito Jr., the article also points out that in 2005 Giuliani said that "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fit criteria that would be important to him when picking a Supreme Court justice."

Giuliani's trip to South Carolina comes after he skipped the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention this past weekend and thus avoided tough questions about his position on social issues that put him squarely at odds with Republican base voters.

The Hill
February 21, 2007

South Carolina to Test Rudy's Line on Judges
By Alexander Bolton

"Giuliani's remarks to NARAL could prove embarrassing because the Roberts episode is still fresh in the minds of many conservative activists the former mayor hopes to win over to his side. "I thank NARAL for taking the lead in establishing freedom of choice for all of us, and as the mayor of New York City, I thank you for being here in New York City," he said in 2001. Giuliani also indicated then that he supported changing the Republican Party's platform on abortion. "In a recent poll by American Viewpoint, 65 percent of Republicans supported changing the plank in the Republican platform that calls for a constitutional ban on abortion," he said. "And over 80 percent of Republicans believe that the decision with regard to an abortion should be made by a woman, her doctor, and her family, rather than dictated by the government."

"Abortion rights, Giuliani said, fit well within the Republican Party's philosophy of reducing the role of government in people's lives. "So it is consistent with that philosophy to believe that in the most personal and difficult choices that a woman has to make with regard to a pregnancy, those choices should be made based on that person's conscience and that person's way of thinking and feeling," he said. "The government shouldn't dictate that choice by making it a crime or making it illegal." At the NARAL lunch, Giuliani also said he and the assembled guests were "upholding a distinguished tradition that began in our city starting with the work of Margaret Sanger," a founder of Planned Parenthood and a pioneer of distributing birth control to the poor."

"Now that Giuliani is pinning his abortion stance to a promise on federal court nominations, he could be haunted by other public comments. In July of 2005, he said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fit criteria that would be important to him when picking a Supreme Court justice.

"[W]hat's important to me is to have a very intelligent, very honest, very good lawyer on the court," he said. "Justice Ginsburg fit that category." Giuliani added that she was a "very qualified lawyer and a very smart person."

To read this entire article, pick up The Hill or click here.