Friday, January 30, 2009
Jason Chaffetz CNN Coverage
Good press for a freshman Congressman on CNN's front page today. Dedication and frugality go a long way to show he means what he speaks about on the campaign trail. Read it here.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Kings of Congress
With Jason Chaffetz taking office in January, it is time to take the fight to the socialist democrats. President-to-be Obama gets a chance to show us what he's made of now that he's the BMOC. Sadly we are still stuck with Reid, Frank, Pelosi and others who are proven left-wing crazies, and we have to stop their madness.
"Fiscal responsibility": I know these words have a lot of syllables, but their meaning is not hard to grasp.
Today's crazy quote comes in the discussions to expand the leftist bailout of bad business. Up next, payouts to the Detroit auto makers. Here is the take from Democratic Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee" "There's no downside to trying."
You HAVE GOT to be KIDDING me!!! No downside??? How about wasting billions of taxpayers' dollars? Rewarding risky behavior and incompetent management? How can this man be a leading voice of a major US political party? He treats government as royalty, where we ungrateful serfs just need to keep plowing the fields and handing over the fruit of our labors so the kings and queens can make the world go round.
What a jerk!
If the dems want to convince me that change for the better is on the way, you have got to get rid of these awful people leading your party. Do it, and you might get to run the country for the next 20 years. Fail, and you'll fall just as fast as the post-Clinton-years GOP.
"Fiscal responsibility": I know these words have a lot of syllables, but their meaning is not hard to grasp.
Today's crazy quote comes in the discussions to expand the leftist bailout of bad business. Up next, payouts to the Detroit auto makers. Here is the take from Democratic Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee" "There's no downside to trying."
You HAVE GOT to be KIDDING me!!! No downside??? How about wasting billions of taxpayers' dollars? Rewarding risky behavior and incompetent management? How can this man be a leading voice of a major US political party? He treats government as royalty, where we ungrateful serfs just need to keep plowing the fields and handing over the fruit of our labors so the kings and queens can make the world go round.
What a jerk!
If the dems want to convince me that change for the better is on the way, you have got to get rid of these awful people leading your party. Do it, and you might get to run the country for the next 20 years. Fail, and you'll fall just as fast as the post-Clinton-years GOP.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Jason Chaffetz Elected to Congress
Jason Chaffetz will be the third district's new Congressman.
In fact, the returns are showing he had the largest margin of victory among the three Utah Congressional races. And that despite having a very good 3rd party candidate (Noorlander for the Constitution Party) grabbing over 5% of the vote and even beating the democrats in some counties.
It was telling how well Chaffetz did despite having the most popular democratic presidential candidate in years. My interpretation of this race ever since the convention and primary is that Utah is tired of the national version of the Republican party which talks on way and acts another. We are enthusiastically sending Jason Chaffetz as our legislative rep but perhaps more importantly to stand on conservative principles and be a voice guiding party trends.
In fact, the returns are showing he had the largest margin of victory among the three Utah Congressional races. And that despite having a very good 3rd party candidate (Noorlander for the Constitution Party) grabbing over 5% of the vote and even beating the democrats in some counties.
It was telling how well Chaffetz did despite having the most popular democratic presidential candidate in years. My interpretation of this race ever since the convention and primary is that Utah is tired of the national version of the Republican party which talks on way and acts another. We are enthusiastically sending Jason Chaffetz as our legislative rep but perhaps more importantly to stand on conservative principles and be a voice guiding party trends.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day Is Here!
Please get out and vote (especially if you are voting for Jason Chaffetz in the 3rd district...hopefully my past posts are enough to convince you!).
More importantly, get informed before you get to the polls and try to inform others that you know. I hear so many half-joking comments about people just voting for a person because they like their name or that they just voted at random because they didn't understand a candidate or referendum issue. Voting is important, but informed voting is what will really make a difference!
Also, I voted by mail this year, and it was a great experience. There were a few names and issues on the ballot I hadn't heard of, and it gave me time to do a bit of research before "pulling the lever." I recommend you sign up for the next election cycle.
Fingers crossed for good results tonight!
-Matt
More importantly, get informed before you get to the polls and try to inform others that you know. I hear so many half-joking comments about people just voting for a person because they like their name or that they just voted at random because they didn't understand a candidate or referendum issue. Voting is important, but informed voting is what will really make a difference!
Also, I voted by mail this year, and it was a great experience. There were a few names and issues on the ballot I hadn't heard of, and it gave me time to do a bit of research before "pulling the lever." I recommend you sign up for the next election cycle.
Fingers crossed for good results tonight!
-Matt
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Chaffetz leads - but not relenting
Other than a few minor blogs, there hasn't been any substantive news about this race for a long time. I have received a few e-mails from the Chaffetz campaign, mostly reminders to not respond to personal attacks and to keep up the civil dialogue in blogs and - my favorite places - the Trib and DNews comment sections. The other big reminder: don't take a poll lead for granted!
In terms of news, the debates have been pretty predictable. Chaffetz looks comfortable on his talking points. His Dem opponent tries to paint himself as a me-too candidate but with a "D" after his name. Mostly I fear he is grasping at straws over immigration issues. The biggest news is really how well the Constitution party candidate has fared. He's represented 3rd party candidates well! (Note: I voted C.P. two years ago and will go 3rd party on a number of races this year, but not on this one.)
The latest polls show a 35% lead for Chaffetz over his closest challenger. Great news! Now I hope all of those pulling for Jason won't get lazy. This looks to be an ugly season for Republicans, especially the incumbents, so make sure you get your vote counted. The primary polls were off by 20%+, so don't take chances.
In terms of news, the debates have been pretty predictable. Chaffetz looks comfortable on his talking points. His Dem opponent tries to paint himself as a me-too candidate but with a "D" after his name. Mostly I fear he is grasping at straws over immigration issues. The biggest news is really how well the Constitution party candidate has fared. He's represented 3rd party candidates well! (Note: I voted C.P. two years ago and will go 3rd party on a number of races this year, but not on this one.)
The latest polls show a 35% lead for Chaffetz over his closest challenger. Great news! Now I hope all of those pulling for Jason won't get lazy. This looks to be an ugly season for Republicans, especially the incumbents, so make sure you get your vote counted. The primary polls were off by 20%+, so don't take chances.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Reminders
Winning the primary was teh hardest part, but I cannot abandon my blogging for Chaffetz just yet, November is coming!
I have not seen anything inspiring from the Dems in this race. Seems like they found a nice guy, but I get the impression he would simply be a party follower if elected. He barely seems to be running a campaign, everything I hear comes from attacks on Chaffetz via the Dem party. Noorlander is a solid 3rd party candidate who I would have voted for if Cannon had won the GOP primary. On issues, remember:
1. The deficit. Our government has overspent and we're going to pay for it. Jason Chaffetz is the first Utah politician I've seen take a stand against the corrupt practices that lead to taxpayer money heading to campaign donors. It is not being naive when a man takes a stand on principles. I would love to have my rep NOT participate in the money-grabbing that defines Washington. We should lead by example. The Chaffetz campaign won the primary because of spirited volunteers and has not incurred any debt in seeking election - that action speaks louder than anything you can say.
2. Stand up to your own party. I don't need another yes-man representing me, especially given the corruption and fallen status of the Republican party. If that ticks some people off, FINE. Rock the boat a little, even a lot, our nation is in crisis mode.
3. Consistency. Most attacks from Jason's opponent attack his immigration stance. In fact, his opponent rarely attacks on his own, he mostly says "look at what these other Democrats said about Chaffetz." You want the truth rather than a twisted headline? Go to the Chaffetz website and you will see the exact same positions that were posted since before the caucuses and primaries. Listen to his convention speech on YouTube. Chaffetz has never wavered - his opponent seeks to distort the truth for political gain and has been all over the map on his positions ("don't drill...oops, I mean drill everywhere").
4. Chaffetz earned a chance. I'm one of the quickest people to turn against a politician once they betray my trust in office. Jason Chaffetz has worked hard to win this election and he deserves a chance to prove his mettle in Washington. I don't agree with him on every topic (confession: I think he's overly focused on nuclear energy), but I trust him to do what is right on those issues that matter most to me.
5. Throw the bums out. I joined the Chaffetz campaign because I was disgusted with our elected officials. I will be voting for very few incumbents this election. Luckily we Republicans cleaned house in the primary so I don't have to worry about going with another party on this particular vote. Chaffetz has it.
I have not seen anything inspiring from the Dems in this race. Seems like they found a nice guy, but I get the impression he would simply be a party follower if elected. He barely seems to be running a campaign, everything I hear comes from attacks on Chaffetz via the Dem party. Noorlander is a solid 3rd party candidate who I would have voted for if Cannon had won the GOP primary. On issues, remember:
1. The deficit. Our government has overspent and we're going to pay for it. Jason Chaffetz is the first Utah politician I've seen take a stand against the corrupt practices that lead to taxpayer money heading to campaign donors. It is not being naive when a man takes a stand on principles. I would love to have my rep NOT participate in the money-grabbing that defines Washington. We should lead by example. The Chaffetz campaign won the primary because of spirited volunteers and has not incurred any debt in seeking election - that action speaks louder than anything you can say.
2. Stand up to your own party. I don't need another yes-man representing me, especially given the corruption and fallen status of the Republican party. If that ticks some people off, FINE. Rock the boat a little, even a lot, our nation is in crisis mode.
3. Consistency. Most attacks from Jason's opponent attack his immigration stance. In fact, his opponent rarely attacks on his own, he mostly says "look at what these other Democrats said about Chaffetz." You want the truth rather than a twisted headline? Go to the Chaffetz website and you will see the exact same positions that were posted since before the caucuses and primaries. Listen to his convention speech on YouTube. Chaffetz has never wavered - his opponent seeks to distort the truth for political gain and has been all over the map on his positions ("don't drill...oops, I mean drill everywhere").
4. Chaffetz earned a chance. I'm one of the quickest people to turn against a politician once they betray my trust in office. Jason Chaffetz has worked hard to win this election and he deserves a chance to prove his mettle in Washington. I don't agree with him on every topic (confession: I think he's overly focused on nuclear energy), but I trust him to do what is right on those issues that matter most to me.
5. Throw the bums out. I joined the Chaffetz campaign because I was disgusted with our elected officials. I will be voting for very few incumbents this election. Luckily we Republicans cleaned house in the primary so I don't have to worry about going with another party on this particular vote. Chaffetz has it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
No Bailout
Just a note that Jason Chaffetz opposes the bailout bill that is being supported by our senators form Utah, and soon to be ex-Congressman Cannon.
With calls coming in close to 10-to-1 against the bailout in almost all Congressional offices, do we even have to say "pretty please." This think cannot pass. Interesting that I hear the Senate is trying to get a bill together, even though the Constitution states that all revenue raising bills but originate from the House. But who cares about that antiquated document anyway, we have real problems to solve right?
With calls coming in close to 10-to-1 against the bailout in almost all Congressional offices, do we even have to say "pretty please." This think cannot pass. Interesting that I hear the Senate is trying to get a bill together, even though the Constitution states that all revenue raising bills but originate from the House. But who cares about that antiquated document anyway, we have real problems to solve right?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Financial Meltdown?
Not yet. My biggest problem with this bail-out (or "rescue" plan as Senator McCain calls it) is the speed with which it moves. I fundamentally oppose government intervention to save businesses that ought to fail. Many argue that we MUST do something to avoid a meltdown, and that any action is better than no action. Congressman Cannon is on that bandwagon. I disagree, and I am not alone, nor am I ignorant of all the "complexities" of the situation.
Many economists and Nobel winners think that Paulson's plan is a bad idea. Read the linked article, it is very insightful.
A lot of corrupt people are pushing for this bailout out of self-interest. Have you ever gone to a sales pitch only to be told "if you don't act today then you miss the opportunity?" That is what we are hearing right now from Wall Street, many in Congress, the President, and the Treasury Department. When I hear that kind of sales pitch, I always walk away.
I leave you with Thomas Jefferson: "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currency, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
Many economists and Nobel winners think that Paulson's plan is a bad idea. Read the linked article, it is very insightful.
A lot of corrupt people are pushing for this bailout out of self-interest. Have you ever gone to a sales pitch only to be told "if you don't act today then you miss the opportunity?" That is what we are hearing right now from Wall Street, many in Congress, the President, and the Treasury Department. When I hear that kind of sales pitch, I always walk away.
I leave you with Thomas Jefferson: "If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issuance of their currency, first by inflation and then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all their property until their children will wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Federal Spending and Earmarks
Jason Chaffetz gained my support before the convention and primaries primarily on one topic: federal spending. He opposes earmarking despite criticism from all sides. He refuses to believe that the federal government ought to act as a redistribution of wealth machine. It's common sense that's been lost.
I just read an article that shows John McCain getting heat on the same topic.
One notable quote from Kirstin Brost, a spokeswoman for House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.), says all I need to know about where most politicians stand: “We’d be saying the White House, in its judgments, would decide what every community in America needs.”
No no no, nice try, but NO! Every community is free to spend its OWN TAX MONEY on the projects it needs. Federal money does NOT belong to communities via earmarks gained through a corrupt government system. This ought to be considered crazy talk but it is being treated as completely normal. No wonder we are so off course, too many of our leaders from both parties don't understand their job description. Sickening.
I just read an article that shows John McCain getting heat on the same topic.
One notable quote from Kirstin Brost, a spokeswoman for House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wis.), says all I need to know about where most politicians stand: “We’d be saying the White House, in its judgments, would decide what every community in America needs.”
No no no, nice try, but NO! Every community is free to spend its OWN TAX MONEY on the projects it needs. Federal money does NOT belong to communities via earmarks gained through a corrupt government system. This ought to be considered crazy talk but it is being treated as completely normal. No wonder we are so off course, too many of our leaders from both parties don't understand their job description. Sickening.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Attacks Continue...and Failing
Rep. Honda's uninformed comments about Jason Chaffetz continue to make news, mostly because Jason's opponent is trying to ride it as long as possible (having nothing better to talk about I guess). So far most people see through the distortions. This is the part of politics that turns so many people off.
Latest poll figures: Chaffetz up 60% to 18% among registered voters, the rest undecided.
If you want to look into the immigration positions of Chaffetz, just go to his website and read his own words. Or watch his convention speech on YouTube. As for myself, I've been following Jason Chaffetz since he was a huge underdog before the convention and I can say that there is no backtracking here. Jason is not playing on fears and isn't a proud, arrogant, racist, hateful person as I've seen some bloggers from the left insinuating. He is a nice guy who is sincere and cares about people, and he wants to help get Congress back on track.
I'm happy to chat with anyone who has doubts, just e-mail me. I'm not some anonymous blogger and DesNews/SLTrib comment poster, I really think the Chaffetz campaign is important and I'll do what I can to tell you why.
-Matt Madden
Latest poll figures: Chaffetz up 60% to 18% among registered voters, the rest undecided.
If you want to look into the immigration positions of Chaffetz, just go to his website and read his own words. Or watch his convention speech on YouTube. As for myself, I've been following Jason Chaffetz since he was a huge underdog before the convention and I can say that there is no backtracking here. Jason is not playing on fears and isn't a proud, arrogant, racist, hateful person as I've seen some bloggers from the left insinuating. He is a nice guy who is sincere and cares about people, and he wants to help get Congress back on track.
I'm happy to chat with anyone who has doubts, just e-mail me. I'm not some anonymous blogger and DesNews/SLTrib comment poster, I really think the Chaffetz campaign is important and I'll do what I can to tell you why.
-Matt Madden
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