ADN buries Palin's letter to the editor

I check Anchorage Daily News almost every day, along with other Alaska news sites, to see the latest news on Palin and what's going on in Alaska. Today I found a letter to the editor that Sarah wrote to the ADN but it was buried in their politics blog. I can't believe I didn't see it yesterday or over the weekend. I don't think her letter ever got top-billing on their site. What a surprise.

This letter is awesome. Palin articulates how dangerous it would be to accept federal stimulus money and spells out how it would only damage Alaska instead of helping it. No wonder ADN buried it. I can hear thunderous applause of support for Palin reading this letter. I'm sure they hate that.

Palin on stimulus: 'More dependence on Washington'
Posted by Alaska_Politics
Posted: March 27, 2009 - 4:29 pm

Here's an op-ed column from the governor to be published in print over the weekend:

“Shovel ready or digging a hole?”
By Gov. Sarah Palin

Some question my decision to accept job-ready stimulus funds, while leaving on the table for discussion other funds that grow government. Washington dollars are tempting, but we must consider whether they create sustainability, help develop our resources, reduce dependency on Washington, and all without mortgaging our kids’ futures.

Under federal law, I must certify that every stimulus dollar will create new jobs and stimulate the economy. I take that charge seriously. Accordingly, I’ve requested $514.4 million for capital projects that legitimately create new private sector jobs. Shovel-ready projects are certifiable because they put people to work and grow Alaska’s private-sector economy.

Unfortunately, a disproportionate percentage of the federal package available to Alaska would increase government operations. It’s a stretch to certify that more spending on more bureaucracy actually grows an economy.

When stimulus money runs out in two years, who will pay for the expanded government programs, when Alaska currently has a budget shortfall of over a billion dollars? My administration will not willingly and knowingly dig a hole for Alaskans to fill under this enormous, debt-ridden, Washington spending plan. That's why public discussion on budget increases must happen through open, transparent legislative hearings so everyone is aware of the cost.

I am deeply committed to quality public education, so I appreciate questions concerning my $20 million dollar request for certifiable funds. Regarding other available funds, I have sought public discussion on school district spending plans. Alaska’s children are my priority, as proven by my unprecedented increases to K-12 funding, including intensive needs programs, which we currently fund at historic levels.

I moved the education discussion to the legislative arena because the public, lawmakers, and our schools must consider what will happen in 24 months. The districts should present spending plans that don’t dig huge fiscal holes when temporary federal funds disappear. Will they wisely and prudently fund training for existing positions, or just create new positions, leaving Alaskans to foot the increased bills? When one-time funding ends, will they lay-off all those new teachers? Are Alaskans willing to shoulder the expanding programs in the education bucket, including questionable priorities, like proposed increases to the National Endowment for the Arts? Alaskans must have confidence the additional funds will produce actual results for our children and not simply increase bureaucracy. Remember, these dollars aren’t “replacement dollars,” they are “additional dollars,” and obviously increase budgets.

I’m approaching federal funds and mandates with caution, but won’t stand in the way of organizations or communities applying to the feds for funding their own expansions.

Some, enticed with as much Washington money as possible, assume this is free money. It is not. America is $11 trillion in debt. They also may fail to consider the level of federal intrusion. For example, Alaska’s communities would have to adopt building energy codes that compliment the most recent International Codes. These standards should be locally determined, not federally mandated. And, if we take additional unemployment compensation funds, Alaska would have to extend eligibility guidelines. This federal involvement locks us into government dependency for longer periods. Alaskans must read the fine print on these federal mandates, because certain allocations also require state-matching funds.

When Alaska was granted statehood, it was with the expectation that our independent, innovative spirit and rich resources would largely sustain us, rather than depending on federal government. Creating more dependence on Washington steers us away from Alaska’s magnificent potential and destiny, and that, to me, is a problem.

My job is to help Alaskans count the cost for the long term, not sell our birthright for short-term gain. Alaskans must acknowledge that if we dig a fiscal hole, it will be filled by our families and businesses. Reliance on Washington is not our only option. We could exercise fiscal responsibility and prudent planning, develop our resources, energize Alaskans, and revitalize our spirit. We are up to the challenge. This is the best lesson we can teach our children.

New MSM meme: Palin doesn't know how to run PAC

I've seen an influx of MSM stories about Palin and the premise of all of them recently has been that Palin and her PAC are not communicating and creating "embarrassing gaffes." The fact that this meme has been pushed by several sources looks to me as if it's another planned attack. MSM is watching every single move she makes and everything she does gets reported on. Any tiny mistake is blown up to be a huge "gaffe." They're trying to push the idea that she's just an idiot mom who doesn't know how to be a politician.

Take this article from Politico that was picked up by CBS news:

Allies Rip Palin Inner Circle
Politico: Sarah Palin Loyalists Say Her Circle Is Composed Of Not-Ready-For-Primetime Players
(The Politico) This story was written by Andy Barr And Jonathan Martin.

A seemingly unending series of public relations gaffes has Sarah Palin loyalists frustrated and worried she is diminishing her stature. And they blame an inner circle they say is composed of not-ready-for-primetime players.

Interviews with Alaska and Washington-based GOP political professionals who are familiar with the Palin operation describe the governor’s team as a gang that couldn’t shoot straight, a staff whose failure to execute basic blocking-and-tackling maneuvers too often entangles the governor in awkward and embarrassing situations that could have easily been avoided. The state of confusion is compounded by two separate Palin spheres that don’t communicate with each other, one based in the governor’s office and another based in the D.C.-area, where Palin’s political action committee is located-and the incongruous presence of a high-profile Democratic trial lawyer among her political advisers.

They will push this, and push it, and shove it down people's throats until they're satisfied that the general public thinks Palin is an idiot. But the more they do it, the more people will realize it's just another attack and will do their own research on Palin.

Two things I take from these types of stories:

(1) We need to push the good things Palin is doing as much as we can to counter-act these attacks. MSM just showed their hand as to their plan of attack. Now we can make ours.

(2) Palin still cannot trust her inner circle. It seems like everyone from McCain's camp to her own Governor aides and peripheral people involved in the PAC are leaking info as anonymous sources. This tells me that MSM, Democrats and some Republicans are contacting these people asking for info specifically to hurt Palin. They're not just coming out of the woodwork, they're being drawn out.

Palin fills open Senate seat

Today Palin named Tim Grussendorf to fill the vacated Senate seat left by Kim Elton, who took a position in Obama's administration. As you may remember, the gang of lefties that do business behind closed doors only offered one name, Beth Kerttula, as the replacement for Elton. Palin didn't play that game and instead asked for applications be sent directly to her office. By law she had to choose a democrat, and I'm glad she didn't choose Kerttula.

The press release states that Grussendorf was a commercial fisherman and is currently president of the Southeast Alaska Fishermen's Alliance.

Palin Names Grussendorf to Senate Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-68

Governor Names Grussendorf to Senate Seat

March 29, 2009, Juneau, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin today named Tim Grussendorf as her designee to replace Kim Elton as the state senator from District B, representing the City and Borough of Juneau. Grussendorf has worked as a commercial fisherman and serves as chief of staff to Alaska State Senator Lyman Hoffman. He is currently president of the Southeast Alaska Fishermen’s Alliance and a board member of the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association. Grussendorf is active in the Juneau community, volunteering his time to coach soccer and basketball teams. He is the assistant basketball coach at Floyd Dryden Middle School.

Grussendorf’s father, Ben Grussendorf, was a representative from Sitka and served as Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives.

“Tim’s solid credentials and thorough understanding of the issues facing our state will serve his constituents well,” Governor Palin said. “I am confident he will be able to hit the ground running.”

Governor Palin said she appreciates the interest shown by so many qualified applicants for the position. “It is encouraging so many dedicated Alaskans stepped forward to offer their services to the constituents of District B and the State of Alaska,” said Governor Palin. “I’m confident the good people of our capital city can look forward to Tim joining Representatives Kerttula and Munoz in fine service.”

Grussendorf is married with two teenaged sons who are involved in Juneau sports teams. He must be confirmed by a simple majority of Senate Democrats.

McCain defends Palin on prayer remarks

Remember that silly little comment about prayer that MSM tried to smear Palin with last week? Well, John McCain responded and he has nothing but kind words for her. Way to go, John.

McCain has only kind words for Palin
Christina Bellantoni and Joseph Curl
Sunday, March 29, 2009

While Sen. John McCain's former vice presidential candidate has criticized his campaign recently for not sharing her religious fervor, the Arizona senator has nothing but kind words for the Alaska governor who electrified Republicans last year.

"Listen, I love and respect Sarah Palin," the 2008 Republican presidential candidate said, speaking softly in an interview Friday with reporters and editors at The Washington Times. "I love her family. I am convinced that her running on the ticket energized the Republican Party in a way that, let's have some straight talk, that I couldn't or didn't."

Mrs. Palin, the self-described "hockey mom" whose evangelical Christianity often played a prominent role in her campaign, got a laugh when she told a Republican audience in Alaska earlier this month that there was "nobody I could find that I wanted to hold hands with and pray" with within the McCain campaign just before her vice presidential debate with then-Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., Delaware Democrat.

The governor later said she meant no disrespect, and Mr. McCain on Friday said he took no offense.

"I just read that in the press about not having someone to pray with in my campaign. Obviously, I was not with her, I was in Denver, as a matter of fact. But I thought she did a great job in that debate. I wish I had done as good a job in my debates as she did," Mr. McCain said.

"I think she's a woman, a person, of great principle. I will always appreciate her friendship. Will I always agree with everything she says? Of course not. She's a very independent person. By the way, she and my daughter are in the same category," he joked, referring to his outspoken daughter, Meghan.

Mr. McCain also put his former running mate in the top tier of Republicans queuing up for presidential runs in 2012 although he mentioned Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty four times, more often than anyone else.

"And, uh, who am I forgetting?" he asked. "Yeah, yeah, Mitt Romney, so many that Mike Huckabee there's a bunch of voices out there that need to be heard," he said, going on to urge Republicans to "let a thousand flowers bloom."

But he also said that "it's another year-and-a-half before we have our first big election" and that all of the 2012 talk is a bit premature: "People are saying, 'Hey, give us a breather here. Let us relax a little bit.'"

Legislators canceled meeting with Palin regarding stimulus

Photo of Alaska Legislators when they couldn't meet with mommy

As I wrote previously, the Alaska legislators want to accept more federal stimulus money despite Palin's warnings and concerns. She agreed to meet with them to discuss what would happen if they accepted all the federal stimulus money. Instead, they canceled the meeting and decided to waste more of the state's time in order to create a war with Palin over this.

Governor Comments on Stimulus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 09-66

Governor Comments on Stimulus

March 26, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Sarah Palin was scheduled to participate telephonically in a meeting with legislative leadership today when legislative leaders cancelled the meeting to host their own press conference.

Earlier, legislators had expressed concern over whether the governor might veto funds the legislature might add to the governor's request for federal stimulus funds. The governor has made her position clear on stimulus funds and would not speculate on what she might do with legislation that continues to change and has not passed. While legislative leadership might want to take all federal funds, the legislature would still have to pass an appropriations bill that they might choose to amend in the legislative process after hearing more public testimony.

“I can't predict how much or what funds legislators might add to my request, and we haven't heard all the public testimony yet,” Governor Palin said. “To say now what might happen with an unknown bill would be premature."

Governor Palin expressed her concerns about accepting federal dollars that come with strings attached and would require the state to provide additional oversight. The state has requested federal clarification on those funds.

The governor went on to note, "I have to certify that these funds will create jobs and stimulate the economy, and that's why I requested federal funds for job-ready projects. If the legislature wants to add funds to grow government, then I also want to hear how we will get out of the fiscal hole we'll be in just two years from now when those temporary stimulus funds are gone."

The legislators responded with this:

Legislative leaders blasted Gov. Sarah Palin this afternoon for issuing an "absolutely false" press release and denying lawmakers direct access to discuss the federal stimulus and the state's budget.

Palin and legislative leaders were to meet today. But, her legislative liaison, Gerry Gallagher, asked Senate Pres. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, if lawmakers would be willing to meet with staff instead.

"The decision was, there is really limited value in our meeting with the staff, when in fact we need to meet with the governor," Stevens said.

So allegedly Governor Palin said members of her staff would meet with the legislators and then they got pissy. They wanted face time with her. IF this is true, that Palin offered her staff instead of herself, then I say to the legislators "take it." Take what you can get and do everything you can to convince her you need the money. If you really cared about the money you would meet with her staff if necessary. They are abandoning their responsibilities to their constituency and instead playing games with Palin. These people are just political hacks. Suck it up and meet with her staff if you need to. Explain your case and don't whine and cry like a 2-year-old who wants mommy.

Remark about prayer during campaign angers former McCain staff

I just saw this on CNN:

Palin told the story in a speech to a GOP dinner in Alaska last Friday.

"So I'm looking around for somebody to pray with, I just need maybe a little help, maybe a little extra," she said of the moments before the debate. "And the McCain campaign, love 'em, you know, they're a lot of people around me, but nobody I could find that I wanted to hold hands with and pray."

As the audience laughed, Palin noted that she meant no disrespect to the McCain campaign and that ended up saying a prayer with her daughter Piper.

A handful of the McCain campaign staffers who traveled with the former vice presidential nominee nearly every day for two months caught wind of Palin's remarks on Thursday morning — and they aren't thrilled with her quip.

The speech was at a GOP dinner and it was a casual event. She was likely among many old friends at this dinner. I'm surprised the former aides are upset about this. I take this to mean in a certain context: she is a devout Christian who prays daily; she was looking for others with a similar background to pray with and there were none. Now, if I were one of those aides and a devout Christian who prays daily I would feel bad and offer my apologies for not offering to pray or giving the impression that I would not pray with her. But if I were not a devout Christian why would I feel bad or upset? I guess this is a veiled jab at the staff who stabbed her in the back during and after the campaign. The staff who actively tried to destroy her image. She is saying they're un-Christian, as in not embodying Christ-like behavior and she's right.

She was only trying to help the ticket. She did everything she could to help McCain win. She was chosen by McCain and his staff should have respected that. Instead they didn't hide their extreme dislike of her and tried to destroy her along with MSM. I won't forgive them for that and I'm sorry, but I think Palin is okay to express her hurt feelings over this.

Lawmakers, Palin set to discuss stimulus funds on Thursday

As you know, Palin only accepted about two thirds of the federal stimulus for Alaska. But Alaska lawmakers could still apply and for and receive more stimulus money on their own. Palin says she wants them to decide and see for themselves how dangerous it could be to accept this money. She still has the option to veto anything they apply for, though. Palin is really committed to the legislature's purpose of serving the people. She knows they were elected to represent their constituency and that what she's allowing them to do. It's not a dictatorship. She's being very generous when others could have just said "my way or the highway." You know with Palin that is not the case.

In this article, you can see Republican Representative Mike Hawker going against the Governor as usual. He's one of the cronies of the "good ol' boy" Republican party in Alaska who hates Palin's policies of non-corruption. He goes against her on nearly every issue.

You can also see people laying the groundwork to falsely accuse Palin of not spending money for special needs education. Not accepting federal stimulus money for the cause gives that impression but it's not the truth. If they listened to Palin's arguments for not accepting the money instead of just creating strawmen they would know that plenty of state funding goes to special education. Palin's warning has always been the "strings attached" to this federal money and accepting it could actually do harm to the state programs they have in place. Hopefully they'll understand that.

Lawmakers, Palin set to discuss stimulus funds on Thursday
KTUU.com
by Rhonda McBride
Wednesday, March 25, 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska -- Senate and House leaders are scheduled to meet with Gov. Sarah Palin on Thursday to ask her a question that could be worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the state:

If legislators choose to accept federal stimulus money Palin has left on the table, how much of it would she veto?

Alaska's share of the stimulus pie is about $900 million. Palin says she'll ask for two-thirds of it and leave it to lawmakers to decide on the rest.

"The strings attached to Washington's stimulus package are real and they're binding," Palin said at a press conference announcing her decision last week.

Lawmakers are now looking under the hood to see if the governor's budget mechanics are right.

"Once you dig into it, some of the concerns go away about the strings attached. That's overblown in my estimation," Senate Majority Leader Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage, said.

"This issue here has a lot of moving parts that needed to be sorted out in a short timeframe," Sen. Burt Stedman, R-Ketchikan, said.

Weatherization is one of the moving parts that lawmakers are looking into. Rep. Mike Hawker took the Palin administration to task for its decision to leave $18 million in weatherization money on the table.

"We're a little concerned there that there has been a myth perpetrated on folks who are now using it," Hawker, R-Anchorage, said.

Hawker says the administration has given the impression that tapping these funds would require changes in building codes, which he says is not necessarily true.

One of the biggest slices of the uneaten pie is $170 million in education funds. Educators say a lot of this money could be used to develop training programs that will live on long after the money runs out.

And for special needs kids, it's worth it to get the money, even if it's only temporary.

"It's our most vulnerable kids that are going to be affected if we don't take this education money," said Babrbara Angaiak, president of the National Education Association Alaska, during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.

"It's a very important component in our budget this year. We're looking at losing 60 teaching positions and four nurses," said Jim Colver, president of the Mat-Su School Board.

Both the House and Senate will soon vote on resolutions asking Congress for the entire available stimulus funding.

"It's like making a reservation at a restaurant -- all it does is get you the table," legislative finance aide Larry Persily said. "You don't have to show up. If you show up you don't have to order any particular thing from the menu."

Lawmakers also know there are some things on the menu Palin could refuse to pay for.

"I want to make sure we're not spinning our wheels here, applying for funds the governor has no intention of accepting," Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said.

And that for lawmakers is the bottom line. Palin has not said what she would veto, nor is she necessarily opposed to accepting the money she left on the table.

Palin says she did this so the Legislature and the public will understand what's at stake before taking it.

Some areas of potential disagreement include $16 million in stimulus money to improve services for the unemployed. It would require the state to expand eligibility but would help the state to modernize its job centers and allow another 1,000 workers to receive benefits.

It would cost employers about $10 a year for each employee, or $2 million. Some lawmakers say it's worth the trade-off. Those against it say it requires permanent changes in state law.

Democrats at a new low in trying to bankrupt and smear Palin

This really low, pretty much the lowest you can get without resorting to physical violence. Conservative Jedi reported on this phenomenon last Saturday and I read another article about it at the Campaign Spot at NRO.

Democrats who are afraid of Palin are filing numerous frivolous ethics complaints against her. The reason is two-fold. First, it smears her image when people see how many ethic complaints were filed against her. Second, it forces her to fight them in court, bankrupting her family.

They really, really do not want her to run in 2012.

Lefty Foes Attempt to Bankrupt Palin Family
Jim Geraghty - The Campaign Spot at National Review Online

Since Alaska governor Sarah Palin was named John McCain's running mate, her foes and various Alaskan liberals have begun a new exercise, attempting to bankrupt the Palin family through legal fees, by filing endless ethics complaints against her.

In her term, ten ethics complaints and 150 FOIA requests have been filed. (One of the complaints, about improperly firing her state public-safety commissioner, predates her national prominence.)

While holding elected officials accountable is laudable, most of the matters are beyond trivial. One of the complaints against her was for talking to reporters about the presidential campaign while she was in the governor's office. Another objected to her office press secretary offering a statement to clarify a statement put out by her political action committee. The latest complaint is that Palin wore snow-machine gear advertising her husband Todd's sponsor, Arctic Cat Inc, while "in her official duties as governor" when she served as the "official starter" of the race.

Palin owes $500,000 in legal fees, almost four times her annual salary. She says she may be forced to create a legal defense fund.

03/24 04:07 PM

Jindal defends those who want Obama to fail

Jindal isn't going to fall for the Democratic trap either. Good for him! I'm glad he's not afraid to speak out and express his opinions on this matter.

Jindal defends those who want Obama to fail
Posted: 08:00 AM ET
From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

Gov. Bobby Jindal is offering a spirited defense of Republicans who say they want President Obama to fail.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — It's OK for Republicans to want President Obama to fail if they think he's jeopardizing the country, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal told members of his political party Tuesday night.

Jindal described the premise of the question — "Do you want the president to fail?" — as the "latest gotcha game" being perpetrated by Democrats against Republicans.

"Make no mistake: Anything other than an immediate and compliant, 'Why no sir, I don't want the president to fail,' is treated as some sort of act of treason, civil disobedience or political obstructionism," Jindal said at a political fundraiser attended by 1,200 people. "This is political correctness run amok."

Since conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said that he hoped that Obama would fail, Republicans have been pressed by Democrats and the media about Limbaugh's comments.

Jindal, a potential 2012 presidential candidate, told the Republican audience he would "not be brow beaten on this, and I will not kowtow to their correctness."

"My answer to the question is very simple: 'Do you want the president to fail?' It depends on what he is trying to do."

Kim Elton had more per diem charges than Palin

Remember how Kim Elton made it his personal mission to destroy Palin's career - completely abandoning his duty to his constituency? Well, it came back to bite him in the rear. One - one - of his charges against Palin was the ridiculous "per diem" charges to the state of Alaska. He claimed they were excessive and inappropriate. Well it turns out he, as an Alaska state Senator last year, charged more than Palin did in per diem - and she was the Governor.

I guess one of the benefits of him being appointed to the Obama administration is that he'll be costing the state of Alaska a lot less money.

Northern Exposure
Townhall.com
Posted by: Matt Lewis at 10:40 AM

Remember the Palin per diem story from last year? Well, Adam Brickley is reporting that the State Senator who pushed that story actually charged Alaska even more per diem than Palin last year. It looks like Kim Elton, who has since been appointed to the Obama Administration, charged the state of Alaska more than $20,000 in food and lodging expenses last year. The best part is that he was the State Senator representing the capital city of Juneau, so he didn't have any of the travel or hotel expenses that the other Senators did.

Redoubt explodes a 6th time; ash falls in Susitna and Kuskokwim valleys

Redoubt explodes a 6th time
KTUU.com
by Andrew Hinkelman, Jill Burke, Sean Doogan and Casey Grove
Monday, March 23, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A new explosive eruption occured at 8 p.m. Monday at Mount Redoubt. Radar indicates a cloud height of at least 60,000 feet above sea level. The Alaska Volcano Observatory says ash emmission ended around 9 p.m.

Mount Redoubt ended weeks of seismic unrest and suspense with a series of five powerful eruptions late Sunday night and early Monday morning, depositing ash in the Susitna and Kuskokwim valleys.

The eruptions, which began at 10:38 p.m. Sunday, also disrupted air traffic into and out of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

"These events were very large, explosive eruptions of Redoubt Volcano," geophysicist John Power with the U.S. Geological Survey and Alaska Volcano Observatory said at an early morning press conference.

Reports of ash fall came in from Skwentna, Talkeetna, Wasilla and Trapper Creek throughout Monday morning, ranging from one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch.

Monday afternoon the National Weather Service reported ash fall at Denali National Park headquarters along the eastern Alaska Range, as well as farther south in Cantwell.

Views of the volcano from Kenai, just 50 miles away, were obscured by clouds.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality advisory for the Susitna and Kuskokwim valleys effective until 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Read more...

AK volcano Mount Redoubt errupts 4 times in 3 hours

A little scary.

Mount Redoubt erupts 4 times in 3 hours
Anchorage Daily News
By GEORGE BRYSON
Published: March 22nd, 2009 11:33 PM
Last Modified: March 23rd, 2009 03:19 AM

A fourth explosion rocked long-threatening Mount Redoubt at 1:39 a.m. after three eruptions earlier tonight sent an ash cloud an estimated 50,000 feet into the air, the Alaska Volcano Observatory reported.

The first eruption came at 10:38 p.m. Sunday followed by another at 11:02 p.m., and a third at 12:14 a.m. today.

Winds are carrying the ash plume north toward the Susitna Valley, and an ash advisory has been issued for the area until 4 a.m., the National Weather Service said.

Ash is not expected in Anchorage or Wasilla at this time, the Weather Service said.

An ash cloud is headed up the Susitna Valley west of Willow and is expected to arrive in the Talkeetna area around 3 a.m., said Dave Stricklan at the Weather Service's Anchorage office.

"It looks like (Anchorage) might dodge the bullet," Alaska Volcano Observatory geophysicist Peter Cervelli said.

An FAA official at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport early Monday said there were no immediate plans to close the airport. Alaska Airlines canceled some flights today after the eruptions as a safety precaution. The airline's Web site suggested travelers check for updated flight information.

The AVO describes the eruptions as "four large explosions."

Observatory staffers notified Federal Aviation Administration officials immediately following the eruption.

The AVO staff also warned authorities at the Drift River Oil Terminal -- on the western shore of Cook Inlet downriver from the volcano -- that mud flows and flooding from melting glaciers might be headed their way. At a short 3 a.m. press conference today John Powers of AVO said given the hot material landing on snow, mud and snow slides could be expected and staff would check the Drift River area at first light today.

Protective dikes have been constructed at the terminal since Redoubt last erupted in 1989.

Powers also said looking at the history of Redoubt eruptions the event could be expected to go on for some time, even months. Eruptions in 1989 and 90 lasted about five months as did some prior events, he said.

For two hours, prior to the eruption, AVO scientists reported heightened seismicity at Redoubt and warned there could be a quick escalation to eruptive activity.

The volcano had been on Orange "watch" status for most of Sunday after activity began increasing Saturday.

Palin and many others respond to Obama's remark

Palin officially responded to President Obama's "joke" about special needs children.

March 20, 2009, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sarah Palin responded to remarks made last night by President Obama related to the Special Olympics on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

“I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics,” Governor Palin said. “This was a degrading remark about our world’s most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world.

“These athletes overcome more challenges, discrimination and adversity than most of us ever will. By the way, these athletes can outperform many of us and we should be proud of them. I hope President Obama’s comments do not reflect how he truly feels about the special needs community.”

Maria Shriver also added her comments:

“While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a primetime audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability."

Shriver added: “Oftentimes we don’t realize that when we laugh at comments like this it hurts millions of people throughout the world.”

And best of all, the top bowler for the Special Olympics, Kolan McConiughey, had this to say:

"He bowled a 129. I bowl a 300. I could beat that score easily," Michigan's Kolan McConiughey told The Associated Press in an interview Friday.

He's also bowled five perfect games since 2005.

Meanwhile, here is Governor Palin's address to the 2009 Special Olympics on March 7. It'll warm your heart. No teleprompter needed, either.

Absolutely disgraceful: Obama makes fun of people with special needs

Where's the class Mr. Harvard alum? I thought the sooooo classy President would not make fun of people with special needs. Isn't that what the Left told us? Isn't that what the Left stands for - special interests? Interests of the minority? What a shameful display of hypocrisy.

This is our President. Not an actor. Not a pop star. Our President. The fact that he even went on Jay Leno's Tonight Show rustled the feathers of many, but his disparaging, hurtful remark toward the Special Olympics and people who participate in them was shameful. He needs to set an example for us and not humiliate people who have special needs.

This is what happened:

He bowled a 129, Obama said. "That's very good, Mr. President," Leno said sarcastically. "It's like the Special Olympics or something," Obama said.

People who participate in the Special Olympics should be celebrated, not humiliated. Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, accepted Obama's apology but said: "[it's] important to see that words hurt, and words do matter and these words can in some way be seen as humiliating or put down to people with special needs do cause pain and they do result in stereotypes, and they do result in behavior that's neglectful and almost oppressive moment of people with special needs."

Here is someone who understands how precious these kids are:

I would like to take this moment to highlight Robert Bianco, an AP writer whose story was picked up on USA Today. These are his remarks from Obama's appearance on the Tonight Show, in a column titled "Presidential dignity still intact after Leno's couch":

Calm, witty and in control, he came to deliver a message — the economy is in trouble, but it will recover — and that's what he did, with very few diversions.

And he did it, you'd have to think, without inflicting any damage on the integrity of the presidency. Whatever one thinks of his policies, no one can accuse Obama of lacking gravity or dignity. He doesn't need any particularly setting to bestow those qualities on him; he carries them with him.

Not one word about the Special Olympics remark. Mr. Bianco, you are a deluded, brainwashed idiot who has lost all journalistic integrity and appear as though you are worshipping at the altar of Obama. How could anyone who makes fun of the Special Olympics be considered having dignity? You need some psychological help, sir.

I will not let this go. I'm going to bring it up every chance I get to show how hypocritical he is and the Left in general. I'm going to bring it up constantly to show that the Harvard alum is not a sophisticated and classy as the dingbats on the Left think he is.

Sarah Palin is more intelligent and classier than Barack Obama ever will be in his entire life.

Palin rejects nearly half of federal stimulus money

From KTUU.com

Palin rejects nearly half of federal stimulus money
by Rhonda McBride
Thursday, March 19, 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska -- Gov. Sarah Palin says she will accept only 55 percent of the federal stimulus money available to Alaska.

Palin says she's rejecting the other 45 percent because it would subject the state to more federal control and would force state government to grow its budget in the future.

The Palin administration's budget director, Karen Rehfeld, estimates federal stimulus funds available to Alaska at about $931 million. Of that, Palin is requesting $515 million for capital projects and turning away about $177 million in education funds.

Included in the money the governor is accepting is $262.6 million in transportation and aviation projects. She's also asking for $20.7 million for education and job training, $68.6 million for water and sewer projects and storage tank replacements, $3 million for the Alaska Vocational Training Center, $2.5 million for fire fuels and forest management and almost $40 million for public housing projects through the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. There's also $116 million requested for a University of Alaska Fairbanks research vessel.

Rep. Les Gara, D-Anchorage, says it's irresponsible for the Governor to reject Federal education funds, especially in a state with one the highest drop-out rates in the nation.

Contact Rhonda McBride at rmcbride@ktuu.com

This is a breaking news story. Return to KTUU.com for updates and watch the Channel 2 News evening broadcasts for a full report.

New poll: Palin remains popular in Alaska

Anchorage Daily News-Alaska Politics Blog
Posted by Alaska_Politics
Posted: March 17, 2009 - 4:18 pm



From David Hulen in Anchorage --
A new poll from Hays Research Group shows Gov. Palin remains popular among Alaskans. This tracks with other polls in recent months. While her negatives have increased and her off-the-charts positives have fallen, she still has strong approval ratings.

The results:
Very positive 40.5 percent
Somewhat positive 20.8 percent
Somewhat negative 12.5 percent
Very negative 20.2 percent
Don't know/Didn't answer 6 percent

The sample: 400 people age 18 and over interviewed by phone statewide on March 13. From the Hays Web site: "The survey sample used was a computer generated random list derived from a database of all households within the State of Alaska with working telephone numbers who have at least one member who has voted in at least two of the last four local or state elections."

Margin of error: 4.9 percent.

Anchorage pollster Ivan Moore had similar results when he polled 500 Alaskans in January, and a poll commissioned in December by the left-leaning Daily Kos had Palin approval numbers in the same ballpark.

Palin won't back down on AGIA license with TransCanada

Palin is being pressured heavily right now by those who want to stop the AGIA [Alaska Gas Inducement Act] from happening. Their assertions are politically motivated. She's not backing down. Go Sarah!

Palin affirms support for AGIA license with TransCanada
Fairbanks Daily Newsminer
By Rena Delbridge
Published Wednesday, March 18, 2009

JUNEAU — Gov. Sarah Palin reinforced her commitment to the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act license issued to TransCanada today, and said AGIA is delivering as promised by creating competition to build a large-diameter natural gas pipeline between the North Slope and Outside markets.

Her gasline team, including instate gas coordinator Harry Noah, AGIA coordinator Dr. Mark Myers, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Irwin, and special assistant Joe Balash, accompanied her at a lengthy press conference on Wednesday.

The conference was largely a response to a resolution filed by Rep. Jay Ramras, R-Fairbanks, calling on the governor to re-evaluate the state's $500 million investment under AGIA in light of changing economic and natural gas market dynamics.

Palin said Ramras' resolution is "unnecessary," and that the open process underlying AGIA protects Alaskan sovereignty in managing its resources.

She said the state is closer to a pipeline than ever before.

"There had been no progress in the decades of talks and dreams and back-room deals and everything else in terms of hoping for some kind of natural gas pipeline to be built to commercialize Alaska's rich resources, until AGIA came along," she said.

She also said the state is "open to whatever it takes" to make sure a gas line is built. That could mean changes to the state's gas tax structure or rates, pending such a request by producers looking for a sweetened deal.

Palin's team was unwavering in its commitment to stick with AGIA, and in its assessment that AGIA is working by driving competition and spurring new gas basin exploration.

Irwin spent some time articulating TransCanada's credentials as a pipeline builder, and detailing the company's progress in Alaska so far. That work included opening an Anchorage office, flying the proposed pipeline routes and beginning summer field work in 2008.

He also said there's no doubt that TransCanada's proposal and a similar large-diameter line proposed by producers BP and ConocoPhillips as Denali will eventually result in a single line.

Palin's AGIA coordinator Dr. Mark Myers said rich shale gas reserves in the Lower 48 will be more costly to develop than conventional gas, but will bridge the gap between increasing demand now and the time when Alaska's gas flows south, projected in 2018 or 2019.

"Alaska is a huge source of natural gas for the country," Myers said. "If we look at where future energy is going to come from, clearly Alaska has to be a player if we're going to become less domestically dependent on external sources of energy, particularly natural gas."

Several lawmakers, including Ramras, questioned the commercial value of Alaska's gas in a Lower 48 market expected to be saturated with shale gas.

Even the LA Times knows Palin is focusing on Alaska

I'm not a fan of the LA Times, but I thought their recent take on Palin was interesting. Palin detractors in Alaska keep repeating the worn-out line "she's not focused on Alaska and only cares about running for President in 2012," despite massive amounts of evidence to the contrary. The LA Times Top of the Ticket blog actually got this part right.

"Palin remains probably the biggest Republican name out there. Despite numerous invitations and interview requests in recent weeks, she's clearly made a decision to stay close to home for the legislative session and be seen to focus on the business of Alaska, where she faces an election next year."

The non-Palin parts of the article are cringe-worthy per usual of the LA Times, but I liked what they said about her.

AK Rep. Les Gara (d): "Opposing Palin on gasline is a mistake"

Les Gara, an Alaska Representative who is also a democrat wrote an article for the Alaska Dispatch blasting Palin critics simply because they don't like her. It's a great article and he tells it like it is. He says they should focus on the issues themselves instead of letting personal vendettas get in the way of what's good for Alaska and the pipeline.

One of the points he makes I believe is key. He said the oil companies are the major players who are against the pipeline. Big Oil - they have been holding Alaska hostage for years. They are so powerful that they've exploited Alaska's resources uninterrupted until Palin got elected. They threatened to pull out of projects if they weren't involved and Palin let them. I would guess that they're behind some of the Palin smear campaigns in MSM and from Democrats. I wonder how much money they've paid to journalists and legislators to get what they want.

But Les Gara's article is awesome. He sounds like a lifelong Alaskan who has wanted this pipeline for years. He knows Palin's been doing great things to get it done. I hope he can bring everyone's focus back to it instead of them flinging lies about her. It's great to get support from a Democrat. This is how democracy works.

Opposing Palin on gasline is a mistake
Rep. Les Gara
March 17, 2009

There's a disturbing thing going on in Alaska politics, and it threatens to kill our chances to build an Alaska gas pipeline. Any casual observer of Alaska politics has seen that Gov. Palin's created a growing list of detractors across the political spectrum. A growing number of people are starting to take the opposite position from the governor on nearly everything. If she's for it, they're against it. Alaska's politics now float in treacherous waters.

Some of Gov. Palin's detractors see things the way the major oil companies see them. They've willingly joined the oil company cause to stop the TransCanada pipeline - Alaska's best chance at a gas pipeline project - in its tracks. Others have joined their cause unwittingly. There are growing numbers of Republicans and Democrats who are predisposed to agree with anyone on the other side of the governor. Gov. Palin's become a lightning rod, and many Alaskans have chosen to be "with her" or "against her" - all the time, no matter what. That's unhealthy. If we keep playing this sport, we won't have a gas line at all. Or we'll get one built only on Exxon, Conoco and British Petroleum's very unfavorable terms.

I can't play this game. The stakes are too high. When I disagree with the governor, I'll say so. But when I see a chance for common ground, and a path to the most important development project on Alaska's horizon, I'll work to find it. Some of my supporters are rigging up the guillotine right now.

The truth is the governor and I have some great disagreements, and some substantial areas of common ground. In both cases, I've said so. No one's ever accused me of being shy about my opinions. Finding common ground may not be exciting politics. But I have an obligation to get things done when I can, and to call things honestly instead of politically. Throwing bombs for the sake of it doesn't lead to a very long or happy career.

So, those who oppose "Everything Sarah" are making a mistake on the gasline.

For decades Alaskans have been right to join in a common goal to build a atural gas pipeline. We need it for local energy. And we need it because as oil production declines, we'll need a job and tax base. Without oil or natural gas revenue every Alaskan worker would have to pony up roughly $15,000 in sales or income tax payments, maybe their PFD, and then property taxes on top of that. That's a recipe for pain, bad roads, bad schools, and no progress on our greatest problems.

So, why is the TransCanada license we agreed to sign so important?

1. The major oil companies likely oppose a gasline.

Why isn't clear, and until we get access to their Board minutes, we won't know for sure. There is evidence that Exxon, Conoco and British Petroleum may want to delay a project because sending Alaska gas to the Lower 48 will reduce the price they get for the natural gas there. Or they may not want a gasline until later because that's what fits their business plans. They may want to keep using their natural gas as long as possible to pressurize oil out of their North Slope oil fields, even if delay kills a gasline project forever.

2. The TransCanada project places pressure on the oil companies to move forward.

Remember what we had before TransCanada? The Frank Murkowski proposal with Conoco, Exxon and BP? The one that would have, by contract, prohibited us from fixing the flawed oil tax law he signed, and that's put the FBI on overtime? The one that included billions of dollars in tax concessions, and great financial risk for the state?

That's closer to what you'd get if you only negotiated with the oil companies to build a gasline.

Where do the oil companies get their leverage? Well, they hold the leases to the major known reserves of natural gas on the North Slope. If they know we are relying on them to build a gasline, they can withhold their cooperation until they get the tax breaks they want, and the terms they want. If they're the only game in town, they won't build a gasline until we say "Uncle." The terms they demand won't be in our favor.

Today, with TransCanada moving ahead, the oil companies have quickly created their own pipeline company, Denali. To date we don't know whether the major oil companies have any real intent of building a Denali line, or whether they have done this for show, to get the public to fall out of love with the TransCanada project. My belief is that if we stopped moving ahead with the TransCanada project, the Denali project would disappear, or remain only if we promised the billions in tax and other concessions the oil companies will demand.

3. What other terms will the oil companies demand?

Our experts call what the major oil companies want "Basin Control." What's that? They don't want other companies to make money off North Slope natural gas. If there's a gas pipeline, the major oil producers want as many North Slope leases as possible for themselves. How can they make sure they get their way? Well, if a pipeline is built, the initial one will be sized to fit the gas reserves the major oil companies hold. In an ideal world, independent companies will then look for gas, hire workers, and produce gas that produces more state revenue. But it's not that easy.

New production will likely require an expansion of the original gas pipeline. If the pipeline is owned by the major producers, they'd want the independent companies to pay for the full cost of the expansion, through what's called "incremental rates" - transportation rates that charge the new producers for the cost of expanding the pipeline. That could make production by new producers cost-prohibitive.

Here's the fair way to price natural gas transportation. Natural gas is a public Alaska resource. As Alaskans we want to encourage production, and under Alaska law - and the TransCanada license - we have required the pipeline owner to agree to what's called "rolled in rates," and to argue for rolled in rates before the Federal Energy Regulator Commission. What are rolled in rates? Those rates would charge all gas shippers, including the major producers, the cost of expanding the line. That would make gas production more economic for new producers, would likely spur new production, and is not to the advantage of the major producers. This is one of the rules the major oil companies have vocally opposed. The Denali line will not abide by the requirements on rolled in rates that TransCanada has agreed to.

4. Where Can We Stumble?

Next year TransCanada is required to hold an "open season." This is where the battle for Alaska's gasline future will be waged next. In an open season the major oil companies will state whether they'll agree to sell their gas into the TransCanada line. It is expected they will say "no," and try to cause TransCanada to fold. No one can build a gasline if they don't have a promise that there will be gas they can charge to ship.

5. The $500 Million Question.

The critics of the current proposal have focused on the $500 million contribution the state has promised. Though, by the way, we'll get much of that back if a gasline is built. By law, the rates TransCanada charges, and that come out of state taxes, can't include this $500 million contribution - that is, the $500 million state contribution will lower the transportation charge allowed by FERC on this line.

So, why did we have to contribute $500 million? Well, it's pretty disingenuous of the major producers to complain about this provision in the law. The state had to provide it to help TransCanada through the delay and uncertainty in this gasline that will likely be caused with the oil companies don't show up at open season. That is, we all know the major oil companies may try to slow this project down, and possibly kill it. To get independent companies to bid on the gasline, we had to provide a financial contribution to help them through the uncertainty.

At that point we may have to threaten to sue to require the major producers to sell their gas (they likely have a legal obligation to sell gas into a pipeline if the pipeline charges a rate that makes gas production economic).

Alaska's gasline future is in our hands.

We shouldn't play politics with it. In this case, joining the chorus against the TransCanada project is joining Exxon. It's joining British Petroleum. It's joining those who want you to give up your state's sovereignty.

In politics it's rare that your political opponents are always wrong. And it's rare that those you support are always right. I hope you'll keep that in mind when you hear, next year, that the major oil companies haven't shown up at open season. That should be call for us to stand together with resolve, not to celebrate the failure of the TransCanada proposal. It should be a call for us to stand together in our effort to move the TransCanada project forward.

Les Gara, is a Democratic state representive for Anchorage's 23rd District.

Conde Nast article

Today, an article was published in Conde Nast that I will not copy here. It was written by someone who has an axe to grind against Palin. His article was misleading, full of lies and ridiculous expectations. The story was intended to make Palin appear as an obstruction to the pipeline project, which is completely false. She's the reason it's finally getting off the ground.

He completely re-wrote history by saying Obama wanted the pipeline all along - false. Obama was against it until it became clear that Palin's work was going to be a success. It wasn't until the past couple of weeks that Obama stated he wants to put federal money into it. The author completely lied when he said Palin is being obstructionist because Obama wants the pipeline. This is totally false accusation! For one thing, she's been working on this pipeline since Day 1 in office, two years before being selected as VP candidate. Secondly, Obama has had nothing to do with this pipeline, nothing. So the accusation is completely without basis. Thirdly, Palin would never let party politicking get in the way of doing what's right for Alaska. She doesn't participate in petty political games and obstructions like most career politicians do.

I don't want this guy to get traffic and publicity from this story so I'm not copying his name or linking to it. He's clearly out there to make a name for himself so I'm not going to aid in that cause. Luckily his story is so completely false from the first sentence that it looks like he just has a personal vendetta against Palin. Anyone who has even the vaguest notion of what Palin is doing in Alaska will know this guy is a clown.

Palin hires brand managers

from the Washington Post Politics Blog:

The Protecters of the Palin Brand
washingtonpost.com's Politics Blog
The Fix by Chris Cillizza

There is no brand in Republican politics as powerful -- or as tenuous -- as that of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

She is simultaneously the hottest commodity on the Republican fundraising circuit and a figure of ridicule among Democrats (and even many Independents) who believe that her status as a national figure is entirely undeserved.

Even Palin and her political team seem to be struggling somewhat with how much or little to expose her at the national level.

Witness the odd back and forth over the past 24 hours regarding her involvement in the annual Republican House-Senate fundraising dinner in June.

Yesterday afternoon the National Republican Congressional Committee and National Republican Senatorial Committee issued a joint press release touting Palin as the keynote speaker at their fundraising dinner on June 8 in Washington. Then the governor's spokesman told the Anchorage Daily News that the NRSC and NRCC were mistaken in announcing Palin as the keynoter, insisting that she had agreed to no such thing.

The misunderstanding appeared to be the result of a miscommunication (or lack of communication) between Palin's office in Alaska and her still-forming political team running Sarah PAC. (The dinner, as we understand it, is on.)

"A lot of people may be able to overlook the campaign, because the McCain team was calling the shots," said one D.C.-based source familiar with Palin's political operation. "But even since the election she has not been served well by her inner circle. Going forward, there needs to be a seamless operation if they want to position her as a serious contender for 2012."

So, who are the figures charged with guiding Palin's political image in Washington? Here's the lineup based on our conversations with informed strategists.

• John Coale: Coale, a well-known Washington lawyer and the husband of Fox News Channel's Greta Van Susteren, drew national media attention when he endorsed Sen. John McCain's presidential bid in protest of the way in which Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who he backed in the primary, was treated. Coale, in an interview with the Fix, described himself simply as a "friend" of the Alaska governor but acknowledged that he suggested she start a leadership PAC and helped her navigate through some of the questions surrounding her family that lingered after the campaign. Others familiar with Palin's political team insist that Coale has far more power than he is letting on -- essentially helping to run Sarah PAC. Coale demurred on that front, noting only that he talks to Palin regularly and that she is a "fascinating person" who is "definitely not what the right thinks or the left thinks."

• Meg Stapleton: Stapleton serves as the Alaska spokeswoman for Sarah PAC after having played a similar role for the governor during the vice presidential campaign and in the governor's office. Stapleton has been the lead defender of Palin from barbs thrown at her -- often from those allied with McCain -- in the aftermath of the 2008 campaign and, generally, wins positive reviews from Washington insiders not directly allied with the governor.

• Pam Pryor: Pryor is the Washington spokesperson for Sarah PAC after serving as a senior adviser to the Republican National Committee during last year's general election campaign. Pryor has previously served in a variety of political jobs in Washington including as press secretary and chief of staff to former Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts.

• Becki Donatelli: Donatelli, as we reported a few weeks ago, is officially running Sarah PAC. She is the chairman of Campaign Solutions, a fundraising and Internet strategy firm based in Virginia.

Obama's creepy takeover, still attacking Palin

Because he's facing resistance and public scrutiny about his policies that even the MSM can't ignore, Obama is engaging in a new form of governance. In perpetual campaign mode, Obama, through his grassroots organizations, is going straight to the people with his message to demonize Republicans and puff himself up as a king-like figure. The tag line of their latest ad:

"Call the Republicans in Congress at [phone number]. Tell them we want our President and America to succeed."

Could it be any clearer that Obama has no idea how to be President? He is perpetually campaigning. I don't want my President wasting time convincing me to call my Senators to vote his way. I voted for them. I want the President and Congress and the Senate to all work together. They all have jobs to do.

David Plouffe, Obama's 2008 campaign manager: “In the next few weeks we'll be asking you to do some of the same things we asked of you during the campaign—talking directly to people in your communities about the President's ideas for long-term prosperity.”

It sounds like they're strong-arming citizens into agreeing with Obama...or else.

The last thing I wanted to mention is that one of the TV ads the new organization published contains an image of Sarah Palin.

In an ad called “Crickets” that begins Sunday, Americans United for Change, a labor-funded ally of the White House, says: “President Obama has proposed a budget plan to turn the page on the failed economic policies of the past – creating jobs and changing the way things are done in Washington. The Republican response?” Then the viewer sees Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) each saying, “No!”

What does Palin have to do with the federal budget plan? She isn't in Congress or the Senate and can't propose new a budget plan or make any changes. Obama only wanted her image in the ad to demonize her because she's one of the faces of the Republican party.

The Left has a huge majority in Congress and the Senate. They're facing criticism from Republicans but I'm sure they could easily pass anything they want because of their sheer numbers. This is not about passing budgets, plans and bills, though. This is a long-term strategy to demonize the Republican party just because they can and want to. They don't care about the country or working together. They only care about staying in power and will do anything to accomplish that - including attacking their potential rivals 55 days into their term.

Obama launches message war
Politico.com
By MIKE ALLEN 3/16/09 8:37 AM EDT

The White House on Sunday began harnessing every part of the Democratic Party’s machinery to defend President Obama’s budget and portray Republicans as reflexively political, according to party strategists.

At a time when Capitol Hill has begun to resist the sweep and cost of his agenda, Obama's aides used the Sunday interview programs to launch an aggressive case that his bold budget for health care and other issues will help fuel an economic recovery.

On ABC’s “This Week,” White House economic adviser Larry Summers said the president had proposed a “strategic budget” that “will let us have a sound economic expansion” through a combination of “substantial cuts” and new spending on education, health, energy and environment.

The president himself plans to carry that message in the coming week, “engaging directly with Congress more, and speaking more forcefully on behalf of his budget,” a top adviser said.

And officials throughout the party plan to hammer the idea that Republicans are just saying “no” to the president’s budget plans without offering their own alternative.

Vice President Cheney, speaking on CNN's "State of the Union" articulated the harshest conservative case against the president's plans, accused the Obama administration of "using the current set of economic difficulties to try to justify a massive expansion in the government, and much more authority for the government over the private sector."

"I think the programs that he has recommended and pursuing in health care, in energy, and so forth, constitute probably the biggest or one of the biggest expansions of federal authority over the private economy in the history of the republic," Cheney said.

The Democrats' new plan follows the private complaints of some Democrats that Obama let the GOP get the better of him during the debate over pork in the budget bill he just signed, and growing concerns among some Democrats that charges of big spending could stick to the president.

A participant in the planning meetings described the push as a successor to Democrats’ message that Rush Limbaugh is the Republican Party leader. “We have exhausted the use of Rush as an attention-getter,” the official said.

David Plouffe, manager of Obama’s presidential race, helped design the strategy, which includes the most extensive activation since November of the campaign’s grassroots network. The database—which includes information for at least 10 million donors, supporters and volunteers—will now be used as a unique tool for governing, with former canvassers now being enlisted to mobilize support for the president’s legislative agenda.

Others involved in the planning included White House senior adviser David Axelrod; the DNC chairman, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine; and DNC Executive Director Jennifer O'Malley Dillon.

House Republicans, who released an alternative to the stimulus bill, say they’ll issue their own budget proposal in the next few weeks.

House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) told David Gregory on NBC's "Meet the Press": "The Republicans will have a plan. We had a stimulus plan. Part of the problem with being in the minority is, David, that sometimes your colleagues in the press don't want to cover the ideas that the minority has. We had a plan on the stimulus. It was tailored to small business tax relief. It was focused on what a stimulus plan should be which is the preservation, protection and creation of jobs."

read more...

Obama's approval rating tanks in Rasmussen poll

Good news for a Friday. Today I read at Ace of Spades and The Corner the good news that Obama's approval rating has tanked.

Obama Cratering [Andy McCarthy]

Though his media fans tell us incessantly that he is a uniquely popular president, nearly 60 million Americans voted against Obama (i.e., more than had ever voted for any presidential candidate in U.S. history other than President Bush in 2004), and the professional pollsters apparently have a very different take on America's reaction to "change."

Here's the opening exceprt of what Douglas Schoen and Scott Rasmussen write in today's WSJ:

It is simply wrong for commentators to continue to focus on President Barack Obama's high levels of popularity, and to conclude that these are indicative of high levels of public confidence in the work of his administration. Indeed, a detailed look at recent survey data shows that the opposite is most likely true. The American people are coming to express increasingly significant doubts about his initiatives, and most likely support a different agenda and different policies from those that the Obama administration has advanced.

Polling data show that Mr. Obama's approval rating is dropping and is below where George W. Bush was in an analogous period in 2001. Rasmussen Reports data shows that Mr. Obama's net presidential approval rating — which is calculated by subtracting the number who strongly disapprove from the number who strongly approve — is just six, his lowest rating to date.

Overall, Rasmussen Reports shows a 56%-43% approval, with a third strongly disapproving of the president's performance. This is a substantial degree of polarization so early in the administration. Mr. Obama has lost virtually all of his Republican support and a good part of his Independent support, and the trend is decidedly negative.

03/13 08:47 AM Share

Obama putting fingerprints on Alaska, continued

Yesterday I wrote that I feared Obama is going to take credit for Palin's pipeline if it's a success. Plans are in the works to turn it into a federal public works project. Today I read that Obama is planning even more federal intrusion in Alaska's energy production. He suspended offshore drilling for six months. This is not good. I hate to see the federal government telling the states what they can and can't do. Senator Lisa Murkowski says it better than I can:

"Every state should have the opportunity to decide for itself whether it wants to develop its offshore resources. Those states that choose to allow development should benefit by receiving a fair share of federal revenues from production."

Amen sister. You go girl. Obama hasn't even been to Alaska (and is proud of it). He shouldn't be making decisions that so deeply affect Alaskan livelihood without doing major research first. Also, isn't there a recession going on? A catastrophic apocalypse that Obama must fix or else the world will explode? It seems like Alaskan offshore drilling would be way far down the list considering. He really is determined to f*%# up Palin's chances of running isn't he?

Interior Department announces 6-month hold on offshore drilling
KTUU.com
by Ted Land
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced Tuesday that offshore drilling on the outer continental shelf is on hold, saying more input is needed from communities affected by oil and gas development.

This was the first major announcement from President Barack Obama's administration on the energy front.

"The oil and gas industry should not see the Obama administration as their enemy," Salazar said.

It's not that they're against drilling. Rather, the new Interior secretary and his boss see this as a necessary step away from the policies of former President George W. Bush.

"Frankly I think what this shows is a dramatic change from the last eight years where you had a one-road highway to energy independence which was drill, drill, drill," Salazar said.

The outer continental shelf is federally controlled waters miles off shore. The Bush administration opened it to oil and gas drilling this past year. It made the move in the interest of energy independence, but some were concerned it was getting out of hand.

"The conservation community sees a place for oil and gas development, but it was so much, so fast, so extreme that people felt like it was time to slow down," said Eleanor Huffines, regional director for The Wilderness Society.

During the six-month moratorium, Salazar will hold a conference in Alaska so people here can weigh in on the issue.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski already has, saying "every state should have the opportunity to decide for itself whether it wants to develop its offshore resources. Those states that choose to allow development should benefit by receiving a fair share of federal revenues from production."

Sen. Mark Begich added: "I am pleased the secretary wants to take a comprehensive look at the country's energy needs and will allow more time for full discussion of offshore oil drilling as well as other energy options."

The Alaska Oil and Gas Association said they are disappointed whenever a timeline is extended, but are encouraged the Obama administration wants to make the OCS part of their energy plan.

Plans to drill in the Chukchi Sea and Bristol Bay are not affected by this latest decision.

My heart goes out to Bristol

I don't mean that in a sappy way; I mean it genuinely. My heart really does go out to her. Imagine being a teenager, going through the agony of having a baby out of wedlock and having every detail of your life splashed over the news. It's not fair because she didn't ask for or seek this out. I'm not blaming Sarah, either. Sarah has her own life and her career and it's not fair to say that she shouldn't have run for VP because of this exposure to her family. It happens to everyone in the spotlight - children of famous people are famous, too.

MSM and Democrats are beating the same drum in response to this: "great family values huh?" and "their relationship was a sham!" and "they were props for Sarah's career!" Those are shallow statements. Anyone with two eyes could see Bristol and Levi were uncomfortable, anyone would be in that situation - but they tried their best. Todd and Sarah supported them wholeheartedly. The fact that MSM and Palin haters are getting a little smirk or laugh out of their breakup is disgusting, but nothing surprises me these days.

Two kids made a mistake. They planned on getting married and tried their best to make a go of it. It didn't work out. Bristol had the choice of having an abortion and she didn't. I think everyone involved in this situation was hoping like hell they would make it. The good news is that the baby has a family who loves him immensely; he will be cherished and provided a very good life. The Palins have great family values and they were completely honest about this situation from the beginning.

I do, however, find it extremely hypocritical that the New York Times failed to report a single story on Obama's attempt to appoint Chas Freeman to chairman of the National Intelligence Council - but they are running with the Bristol/Levi breakup. "All the news that's fit to print" my ass.

Obama is afraid of Palin, still campaigning

There are strong clues and hints that Obama is going to try and take credit for Palin's pipeline. Alaska lawmakers returned from a trip to DC this week worried about "federal oversight" of the project.

From a KTUU.com story yesterday:

They also say there's a disturbing trend coming down the pipeline: more federal oversight of energy projects, even talk of turning the pipeline into a federal public works project, which Republicans feel might mire the project in bureaucracy.

"I'm nervous about that," Coghill said. "Nobody said that out loud."

Said Rep Lindsey Holmes, D-Anchorage: "One of the interesting things is I was told by people within the administration that the Alaska gas pipeline project is one of Obama's seven top energy priorities for the country. That's a big deal."

This pipeline has been Palin's baby since day 1. She was the only one who got the project moving after having been caught in bureaucratic red tape for nearly 30 years. She's done unimaginable amounts of work, research, legislation, negotiating and string-pulling to get this done. She is truly the driving force behind it. All credit should go to her. That "federal oversight" is going to be part of it scares me, and hints to me that Obama has plans to twist this story for his 2012 campaign.

Why am I scared? Obama was the one who orchestrated Troopergate, in order to defame Palin because he knew how much the American public loved her. Obama has a history of defaming and going to great lengths to disqualify his opponents in order to win elections. See dirty Chicago politics here and here. Obama orchestrated the attack on Rush Limbaugh while already in the White House as President. Is he in constant campaign mode or what?

Since everyone knows Palin's first priority is this pipeline he won't be able to simply say "I did it." It won't be that transparent. He's going to say that Palin tried to do it and failed, and the only way it got done was when he stepped in and took it over. Obama has been against the pipeline and using Alaska's oil from the beginning, but he's also a politician and will flip-flop accordingly when he finds out the project is good. He could very well endorse it in 2012.

I know Sarah is strong and can fight against dirty politics like this. But Obama has a history of doing this to his opponents and winning. He'll do it to anyone who runs against him - even in his own party! We need to make sure the word gets out that Palin is the one doing everything right with this pipeline project. Palin's doing all the work; it was her brainchild, she deserves the credit.

David Frum doesn't have many friends left at NRO

It appears that way. David Frum has been very busy lately, making the talk show rounds and discussing his dislike for Rush Limbaugh. What I find interesting is how the public support for him at NRO has faded and many have openly argued against his views.

After Frum left NRO, he still had many friends who would link to his new website and bring his articles up as topics of discussion. But his recent harsh criticism of Limbaugh, including personal insults, has made him lose even his staunchest holdout supporters. The last straw seems to be that he wrote an article for the current issue of Newsweek, flinging more personal insults at Limbaugh about his appearance and past drug abuse. But probably the most constroversial aspect was the Newsweek cover - a photo of Limbaugh - menacing, where they added tape over his mouth and the word "ENOUGH!" written over the tape.

The image of a person with tape over their mouth is horrifying. It is the graphic representation of denying someone their basic human right to use their voice. I'm surprised an editor let it through. This particular photo, in context, is one that discourages a political discourse of differing opinions. I would even go so far to say that it disallows free speech. A publication, discouraging free speech. No wonder newspapers all over the country are going bankrupt.

Frum's article being the force behind the cover photo is what I believe made some of his friends at NRO publicly distance themselves from his views. Frum also appeared on Chris Matthews' show and allegedly claimed that Limbaugh is racist, or has racist tendencies. At NRO many statements of "David Frum is a great friend of mine, but..." are posted. And yesterday, Andy McCarthy wrote probably the most scathing criticism I've ever read there. This gives me hope that they're not as quick to embrace moderate-conservatism as I thought.

Here are a few articles where I noticed that they finally broke with Frum:

Frum, Rush, Rudy [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

Congratulations David Frum [Andy McCarthy]

The Rush Slow Crawl To Judgment [Jonah Goldberg]

Re: The "They did it" presidency [Mark Steyn] (at the end)

That Newsweek Cover [Ramesh Ponnuru]

Re: That Newsweek Cover [Mark Steyn]

The Rush wars [Mark Steyn]

Rush on Our Minds [Jay Nordlinger]

Palin fights corrupt Alaska politics again

Last year when Palin ran for vice president, Alaska state Senator Kim Elton led the charge to hurt Palin as much as possible through the "abuse of power" investigation, Troopergate. Palin was eventually cleared of all charges. It was a completely unsubstantiated and unnecessary investigation and Elton knew that; he and his cronies just wanted to hurt Palin's chances and smear her image.

For his smear work, Elton was rewarded by Obama with a seat in the Obama administration.

The story doesn't end there. By law, Palin must choose a democrat to fill his vacated Senate seat. The democratic leaders in Juneau got together and submitted one name, one name!, to fill his seat. The person who they chose is Kim Elton's pal and crony in Troopergate, Beth Kerttula. This group of democrats are really showing their true colors aren't they? They're not even trying to hide their corrupt political processes anymore. They are desperate to take Palin down.

Palin blindsided them yesterday when she announced she's not accepting the Kerttula nomination. She reached out to all democrats to send her applications to fill the seat. She circumvented the corrupt leaders in Juneau. Go Sarah!

What is it with these Alaska politicians? They played dirty politics in the Supreme Court nomination, forcing Palin to choose either a pro-choice candidate or a wackaloo environmentalist, and now the corruption with this vacated Senate seat. I see extreme jealousy on the part of these Alaska Democrats and Republicans. They really can't stand that she doesn't play the corrupt political games they do and has such a high approval rating. They want to take her down.

Here's the latest from the ADN Alaska politics blog.

Palin wants more choices for state Senate appointment (Updated)

Posted by Alaska_Politics
Posted: March 9, 2009 - 4:44 pm
Comments (0)

From Sean Cockerham in Juneau –

Gov. Sarah Palin isn’t satisfied with Beth Kerttula being the only choice offered for the state Senate seat vacated when Juneau Democrat Kim Elton left to take a job in the Obama administration.

So she’s asking for others interested in the job to send her an application.

“We know there are many qualified Alaskans who would fill this post enthusiastically,” Palin said in a written statement.

Kerttula’s was the only name Juneau Democratic leaders sent Palin to consider for the appointment.

It’s traditional, but not required, for governors to follow the party recommendation when filling an open seat in the Legislature. But Palin’s press office said it’s also recent tradition for political parties to send three names for a governor to choose from -- and that didn’t happen here.

(UPDATE -- There were at least three names submitted by the Republican party for consideration when Palin appointed Wes Keller to the Legislature, when Frank Murkowski appointed Dan Ogg, Nick Stepovich, Charlie Huggins and Gary Stevens, as well as when Tony Knowles appointed Ben Stevens.)

Kerttula has been very critical of Palin since her run last year as Republican nominee for vice president.

Palin spokesman Bill McAllister said this doesn’t mean Palin won’t pick Kerttula, just that the governor wants more choices. McAllister said the governor’s office has already received more than two dozen unsolicited recommendations and applications for the Senate seat.

Palin is taking applications until Friday. At that point, McAllister said the governor’s office will release the names of the applicants.

Palin has until April 1 to choose a replacement for Elton.

Juneau Democratic Chair Kim Metcalfe said she was very disappointed in Palin’s call for more names. She said Kerttula, who represents downtown Juneau and Douglas Island in the state House, was the overwhelming choice of Juneau Democrats for the Senate appointment.

“Beth Kerttula was head and shoulders above everyone else in terms of her length of service, in terms of her readiness to step into the position,” Metcalfe said.

Metcalfe said parties don't always give three names to a governor to choose from.

Palin has to pick a registered Democrat from Juneau for the seat and she needs a majority of Democrats in the state Senate to approve her choice.