What Was It that MacArthur Got to be a War Czar
ArchPundit
If there was ever clear evidence of a position being created to scapegoat someone, this is it.
2007
Fine Lines
With all apologies to Eric Zorn:
“It’s not just talking tough, because the truth is nobody’s talked tougher than George Bush over the last six years. Being tough means, first of all, not having to talk about it all the time,” Obama said.
Back–a bit slow early.
Hysterical
Will definitely be back later today–work was hectic since vacation and, yes, yesterday was my birthday.
Help Out a Great Guy
Tim Hundsdorfer is a former Illinois House staffer and a political scientist. More than that, he’s just a great guy with a family. He is also pretty sick and could use some help. I’ll join Rich in asking you to donate a few dollars to Tim as a personal favor. Donate here
I may try and make the fundraiser in Springfield.
Back to regular posting later today.
When the Math Doesn’t Work
I’m on vacation in Minnesota so posting is somewhat sporadic.
Brad Cole has a new A-1 out.
| Contributed By | Amount | Received By | Description | Vendor Name | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Republican Party | $1,378.31 3/30/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Payroll | Siemer, Jayme | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $1,529.72 3/30/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Payroll | Sorenson, Paul | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $409.83 3/30/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Mileage | Sorenson, Paul | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $50.00 3/30/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Cell Phone | Sprint PCS | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $428.28 4/2/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Health Insurance | The Guardian | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $169.91 4/4/2007 |
5A Citizens for Cole |
Payroll Taxes | Illinois Deparment of Revenue | ||
| Illinois Republican Party | $1,146.40 4/4/2007 | 5A Citizens for Cole | Payroll Taxes | United States Treasury |
These numbers are problematic on several levels.
March 19, 2007 through and including April 16, 2007
Contributions including, IN-KIND and LOANS, received within the 30 day period preceding an election in an aggregate of more than $500 must be filed within covers
The report was filed on April 11th with the initial reporting due by April 2nd. Oops.
I’m sure Cole will insist it was an innocent mistake, but anyone who believes that is probably giving bank numbers to Nigerians. During the period of time is also when Cole used his ideological friends at the Southern to attack Simon for having big name Democrats endorsing Simon while his campaign was a direct operation of the Illinois Republican Party.
Let’s see, the IRP paid $2900 in salaries, but about $1150 in payroll taxes. Take a look at your pay stub and you’ll see the problem there.
Not to mention, these aren’t pimply faced kids working on the campaign–they are reasonably accomplished campaign/political pros–that’s not all they were getting.
IOW, these reports are late and incomplete and there is no way around it.
I have to say I’m impressed with Brad Cole though. It takes a lot to break Illinois campaign finance laws and he just pulled it off. Congratulations Brad!
Daily Dolt
She does zombie lies.
White House E-mails Just Vanished
Apparently back-ups aren’t used at the White House.
I have no idea if Perino knows this is one of the dumbest things ever said in a briefing or if she really is that clueless, but c’mon. No one believes the White House e-mail system isn’t backed up especially in a transition to a new e-mail system.
Another Blogroll Update
Added Wonkish and taxtales (Doug Kane) to the blog roll. Take a look at both, they have some excellent discussion of tax issues that doesn’t revolve around the simplistic taxes bad.
I Can’t Improve Upon the Title
Petey LaBarbera is really going beyond parody
Satan’s Talking Points? Human Rights Campaign’s Harry Knox Promotes Ultimate ‘Big Lie’ in MSNBC Debate with CWA’s Matt Barber
Cross posted at Illinois Reason
Rahm Again
I’m just enjoying posting Rahm stuff that really hard core netrooters will agree with so they have to sit there and be pissed that they agree with Rahm:
To: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn, Caucus Vice Chairman John Larson
From: House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel
Date: April 11, 2007
Re: Status of the Debate over the Iraq Supplemental
As we return from the district work period, the Congress continues to have an historic opportunity to change direction in Iraq, protect and provide for American troops, and pressure Iraqis to take responsibility for their own country.
We find ourselves in a strong position because the American people support our policy objectives and our plan for Iraq, especially as they measure up against the failures of the administration’s policies. As we continue through the process of sending an Iraq spending bill to the President for his approval, we need to go beyond the debate about the funding for the war, and remind the American people of the policies we are recommending — benchmarks for the Iraqis, support for our troops through training and equipment, and a plan for a responsible and strategic redeployment of our troops. It is also important that we remind the country of the policy position of Congressional Republicans on Iraq – their rubberstamping of the President’s Iraq policies, and their refusal to conduct responsible oversight.
This memorandum summarizes the current state of play on the Iraq supplemental, and the steps we must continue to take in the coming weeks to convey our message and position to the American people.
Where We Stand
President Bush has continued to demand Congress provide him with a blank check for an open-ended commitment of American troops in Iraq. Democrats and the American people agree that we must change direction in Iraq by providing our troops with the resources and protection they need, while planning for a strategic and responsible redeployment of US troops. Meanwhile, the President believes his attempts to ratchet up political pressure about funding the troops will persuade members of our caucus to abandon their support for the Democratic bill that changes direction in Iraq.
More after the jump