Clinton Keeps it Clean

Today, I spent my afternoon with Bill Clinton. You might know that the former President was in Gastonia at the Highland School of Technology giving a speech supporting his wife, Hillary, in her bid for President. What you may not know is that the speech was of the highest caliber and made up for a lot of the tarnishing of the man’s legacy due to his campaigning of late.

I have always been an ardent supporter of President Clinton, and in recent years a strong Edwards supporter. It was only when forced to really look at the policy differences between Hillary and Obama that I could make a choice on who to support in the upcoming primary. My basis for choice had nothing to do with personality or popularity. I thought that Hillary’s plans were more detailed, well-organized and aligned with my own issues.

However, I have been disappointed in both sides of the debate in the manner they have conducted themselves.

President Clinton made a huge step toward making me a happy and satisfied Hillary supporter. His speech in Gastonia focused on the issues. He did draw some distinctions in regards to Hillary and Obama, but nothing could be considered negative. His speech contained details about why the economy is in the shape it is in and how we can salvage it. It also detailed Hillary’s plans for making this country an even better place to live. Highlights below:

Environment: President Clinton spoke about creating a new economy by training workers to make our buildings greener. He said the best thing about that would be that none of the jobs could be outsourced!! He spoke for a long time about bio-fuels (not the inefficient corn kind, but many other ideas), and investing in creating hybrids that can get 100 mpg. He also talked about real investment in wind-energy technology.

Healthcare: President Clinton explained the details of Hillary’s plan. He talked about the importance of 100% coverage and how that translates into costs.
War: He talked about the responsible withdrawal from Iraq, the use of diplomacy vs. force, and the continuing cost and obligation to our veterans.

Economy: President Clinton explained why we feel like we have been in a recession even though by economists standards we have not. The average income of US Households has gone done instead of up over the last decade. During the Clinton administration the opposite was true. Because of trickle down economics the top part of the economy has kept us from the true definition of recession but the average family has felt it anyway. President Clinton talked of Hillary’s plan to focus on the middle class instead of giving money to the rich.

Trade: This was the most interesting point to me. President Clinton said that the trade regulations in the country are enforced 1/5 of the amount they were under his administration. The key is in the reason: We now have a $9 Trillion national debt. Our biggest trade partners are China, Japan, S. Korea, and oil countries such as, Saudi Arabia. The biggest owners of our national debt are China, Japan, S. Korea, and oil countries such as, Saudi Arabia.

The entire speech was classic Clinton. It reminded me that he is still the smartest person I have ever met in real life, and that issues and answers can be just as intriguing as personal attacks. Thanks, Bill.

Things Look Bad for Pat

Things aren't going so well these days for the 10th's Pat McHenry, aka Patty McHorny (for those of us who like to get in some image framing with our news).

This started as a quick and easy short post but as the list grew and grew, I decided to present it in three parts. Starting with:

The Little Things

Yellow Brick Redux gave Patrick McHenry the Laziest Politician Award Gold for "Feeding at the Public Trough while accomplishing nothing." They noted that in the 110th Congress, Pat proposed one "feel-good" bill, four "bills that did something" and 6 amendments to bills. The poorest record for the entire NC state delegation to Congress.

Even Republicans like news@norman like Democratic opponent Daniel Johnson better.

Old time Lincoln Republican leader Jonas Harvey Jr. endorsed his primary opponent Lance Sigmon.

And last, but certainly not least, poor Pat lost 49 - 11 to Lance Sigmon Catwaba straw poll

Next in our series "Things Look Bad for Pat"

Part II: The National Situation for Republicans

"Photo Op" McHenry avoids debate with Iraq trip

I guess it's a good excuse to avoid debating a respected conservative opponent. And I suppose for security, he wasn't "allowed" to say where he'd be. But Democrat congressional candidate Daniel Johnson hit the nail on the head about Pat McHenry's recent publicity stunt to be seen with non-district troops in Iraq. From the Statesville Record & Landmark:

Hickory attorney Daniel Johnson, a Democratic candidate for McHenry’s seat, is not sure trips like this are necessary.

“I think a lot of politicians like to have their pictures taken with the soldiers in Iraq,” Johnson said.

Of course, Johnson, a decorated former Naval officer would know all about that . . .

“Iraq is one front on the war on terror,” he said. “And the question becomes, ‘Do we have enough troops and forces to deal with the other fronts?’ ”

Johnson said he believes the Taliban has been able to “re-establish a foothold” in Afghanistan.

“And al-Qaida, the people responsible for 9/11, are still out there,” he said.

Johnson said trips like the one made by McHenry are valuable only if “new” information can be gathered.

“But my concern is that too many politicians are going over there for the photo ops,” he said.

And why didn't McHenry go to Afghanistan? Not enough publicity boom for the risk? Those troops and those citizens have been virtually forgotten by both legislators and the press.

No word on the trip's cost to taxpayers, of course.

McHenry and Foxx regularly vote against children

According to the Statesville Record & Landmark:

[Iredell] county’s two members of the U.S. House of Representatives are among the least apt to vote for legislation favoring the youngsters.

Reps. Virginia Foxx and Patrick McHenry both scored 10 percent on matters deemed by the Children’s Defense Fund Action Council to be those that most affect the lives of children in the United States.

. . .

Only 37 House members scored 10 percent or lower.

“Whether members of Congress are liberal, conservative or moderate; Democrat, Republican or independent, children need all of them to vote, lobby, speak for and protect them,” CDFAC President Marian Wright Edelman said in a released statement.

Nice.

Bring Them Home

From Linda Osbon, Hickory, NC:

Despite rain showers and gusty winds Wednesday night, citizens from Hickory, Taylorsville, Lincolnton, and Morganton gathered on Union Square in Hickory to mark the 5th anniversary of the Iraq war. The candle light vigil was one of hundreds held across the nation by MoveOn members and allies in the progressive movement.

The group gathered to honor the fallen and call upon leaders to end the war and set new priorities for our nation. Participants listened to stories from veterans and military families and how they have been impacted personally. Stories from some of the many people that have paid the true cost of this war in human life and precious resources.

Close to 4,000 American soldiers have died. Many more have been seriously injured. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed or forced out of their homes. On top of all that, people here at home – far from the front lines in Iraq -- are suffering due to a slowing economy and we don't have the resources to help them because we're wasting billions in Iraq.

It’s time to bring our troops home and invest in clean energy, affordable health care, access to education, and jobs.

It's time for new priorities, and a new page in American foreign policy.

McHenry leaves US to avoid debating Lance?

According to PGBB commenter joyfulrunner (with thanks):

A friend of mine called his office to find out where he was that was so important that he could not attend - he was told that McHenry was "out of the country". Maybe he should stay out!!

Okay, maybe he had already planned the junket before the debate was scheduled. No wonder they were so touchy about it. Obviously, they don't want people to know. Is it because he's traveling abroad on your dime? Or because of where he's going in particular.

One would guess it's not Iraq since NC Congressmen went there just last month. Of course, if that is the destination, it would explain the secrecy (for security one would suppose).

And we know veterans pretty much despise him these days. But if it isn't Iraq, what could it be that would require such coyness? Public records will give it away, McHenry folks. Can't keep it secret forever . . . . and why do you want to?

Anyone else make the call? I'd love to hear if they're telling different things to different people. Or, if they think they can keep his travel secret, especially if we're paying for it (as is the case for most Congressional foreign travel)

Here's his contact info on your representative in Congress:

Washington, D.C. Office:
Phone: (202) 225-2576
Fax: (202) 225-0316

Hickory Office:
Phone: (828) 327-6100
Fax: (828) 327-8311

Pat refuses to attend debate

Hickory Record's Andrew Mackie wrote: "McHenry spokesperson said he couldn’t attend due to a non-disclosed scheduling conflict."

I guess it isn't the funeral or he would've said so.

Anyone want to find out where he is going to be hanging out?

If you use the EMAIL ME option on the upper left and ask for confidentiality I guarantee it.

Pat , fellow Rs gag abused credit consumers

Last week, Consumer Credit Subcommittee Republicans, including Patty McHenry, effectively silenced consumers who flew to DC to testify on abusive industry practices. Golly gee, do you think they thought the testimony might be too emotionally painful for their banking donor buddies?

But, in their efforts to keep these stories out of the press and away from the tender eyes and ears of the weak-bellied banking industry, House Republicans kinda blew it. No wonder none of 'em are returning reporter's phone calls.

It was at a hearing for the Credit Card Holders Bill of Rights, proposed by Finance Committee Chair Barney Frank (D-MA) and Consumer Credit Subcommittee Chair Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY). Yeah, a bill of rights for consumers. Scary stuff. Just imagine not having your credit card rate unjustifiably hiked from 9 to 30 percent right after you make a big purchase.

Sure, I know you can't imagine being treated that fairly. And neither can the banks. They are certainly not going to give up the right to jack up your rates for no reason. So, in their fear and weakness, they took some of the money they made off of you and spent it on Republicans in Congress. They probably are pretty pissed at the bad publicity they were paying the Republicans to stifle. But at least the networks have no footage (to run for one night and forget). Yet.

Last week, Republican tactics (of trying to force witnesses to sign waivers making their personal financial particulars public) worked like a charm, at least inside the Capitol. Not one consumer said a word. And the bankers got to speak all they wanted. As well, they didn't have to back up anything they said with facts or waivers or anything so gaglifying.

March on McHenry Monday, vigil Wednesday

Two rallies are being held this holy week in most likely vain attempts to influence Pat. On Monday, it's for worker's rights, fair trade, immigration. On Wednesday, and people will gather to honor those who've died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Of course, Pat won't change his stances because what his constituents think is irrelevant to him (unless he needs to know so he can manipulate you). But each time someone does something newsworthy and it doesn't get covered appropriately in the local print media, the prejudice of the press becomes more obvious. Each time the events are covered, perhaps people will realize what an completely incompetent and self-serving "representative" is using their district to promote Bush and Cheney's self-serving corporations-count-more-than-people agenda. Either way, we learn more about who we are as citizens.

MONDAY:

From CharO religion news:

The Carolina Interfaith Taskforce on Central America, CITCA, is holding a statewide journey for Holy Week. The walk begins at 2 p.m. Monday at the Galaxy grocery store at the intersection of 33rd Street S.W. and First Avenue S.W. in Longview. Marchers will walk three miles to Rep. Patrick McHenry's office at 87 Fourth St. N.W., Hickory.

A dinner and program on faith community response to immigration realities will be 5-7 p.m. at Morning Star First Baptist Church, 126 Fourth Ave. S.W., Hickory, followed by a worship service.

The march is the 21st annual CITCA statewide Holy Week Pilgrimage and begins in Asheville. Participants walk from Palm Sunday through Good Friday with farm workers and others to connect Jesus' suffering and death with the struggles of workers and immigrants, praying for changes in working conditions and policies that cause poverty.

This year, walkers are walking for fair trade, reducing poverty, creating living-wage jobs and just working conditions, changing immigration policies, and changing trade policies.

WEDNESDAY:

Press Event Wednesday, March 19, 2008 7:00PM

Hickory Residents Gather to Mark 5 Years of Devastating War

MoveOn Members in Hickory urge Congress: "Invest in America, Not Endless War in Iraq"

Candlelight vigil in front of World War I Cannon on Union Square in Downtown Hickory

[HICKORY] – Residents of Hickory and surrounding communities will hold a candlelight vigil Wednesday to mark the end of the 5th year that the US has been mired in the devastating war in Iraq. The event will honor the sacrifice of American soldiers killed in Iraq and participants will read personal accounts written by veterans and members of military families affected by the war.

In the past five years, our nation has lost nearly 4,000 American soldiers with over 30,000 wounded. Between 100,00 - 1,000,000 Iraqi civilians have died with over 4,000,000 displaced. Our country has spent almost $1,000,000,000,000. With no political progress in sight and a sinking economy, American voters are questioning the priorities of leaders who squander billions of dollars in Iraq while leaving basic needs at home unmet.

"It is time to end the war in Iraq and set new priorities for America" said Linda Osbon, a MoveOn.org Political Action member. "We urge Senators Dole and Burr along with Congressman McHenry to pass legislation to begin redeploying American troops out of Iraq this year and start investing to help folks who are hurting at home."

People will gather at candlelight vigils holding signs that say "Invest In America, Not Endless War In Iraq" and "Keep 'em safe, Bring 'em home."

Vigil details:

Who: Residents of Hickory and surrounding communities, MoveoN members
Where: World War I Cannon on Union Square Downtown Hickory
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Why: To honor the sacrifices of American soldiers killed in Iraq

Pat fights FOR predatory lenders and AGAINST credit unions

Greg Flynn at BlueNC and Daily Kos did the research we expect of all journalists covering McHenry and has uncovered and delineated a sordid story.

I highly encourage you to follow the link for many more details but I'll give you more than a few tidbits here:

• Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has written Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass), Chairman of the House Financial Services, seeking a hearing on the issue of individuals and organizations allegedly using non-profits to manipulate real estate and other markets.

• As an example of this possible manipulation, McHenry used the Center for Responsible Lending, an affiliate of the Durham, North Carolina based Self Help Credit Union.

• The basis of McHenry's complaint is a bogus report February 21st by the Consumer Rights League a front group for the predatory lending industry whose sole purpose appears to be attacking the Self Help Credit Union and, in particular, the affiliated Center for Responsible Lending (with, no mere coincidence, the same acronym, CRL) calling it a "predatory charity".

• McHenry has long been an enemy of the Self Help Credit Union, the Center for Responsible Lending and founder Martin Eakes. According to a Credit Union Times article March 14, 2007 McHenry was quoted giving an address at America's Community Bankers' Government Affairs Conference:

  McHenry said he feels there is no need for predatory lending legislation because "the marketplace will sort these things out best."

• In 2005 McHenry was a co-sponsor of the weak-kneed HR 1295 "Responsible Lending Act" in opposition to HR 1182 "Prohibit Predatory Lending Act" sponsored by Brad Miller.
  
  HR 1295 is filled with loopholes including far less protection against prepayment penalties, and limited protection for those without "high cost" loans (loans with reasonable interest rates and less than 5% upfront fees), encouraging more "creative" means of tacking on fees. Most significantly, HR 1295 preempts effective state laws.

• McHenry was also a primary sponsor of a 2005 bill, HR 3206 "Credit Union Charter Choice" designed to make it easier for credit union conversion to banks at the expense of members and for the greater benefit of directors.

• The self-styled Coalition for CU Charter Options has fought NCUA efforts to regulate conversions for at least five years and is represented in its suit by long-time thrift lobbyist Jim Butera . . . [who] also represents the American Bankers Association, and he helped craft the proposal to ease credit union conversions to thrifts, which failed in the last Congress.

• McHenry's "failed bill" is at the heart of his success in Congress. In the now infamous Washington Monthly article about McHenry, "Getting Ahead in the GOP: Rep. Patrick McHenry and the art of defending the indefensible." Benjamin Wallace-Wells writes:

One of the first bills authored by McHenry, whose district has 172,000 credit union members, would make it much harder for government to regulate or block the conversion of credit unions into banks, a process that tends to benefit the credit union's directors (who get to cash in stock options and can sometimes make millions) and hurt the union's members, who can no longer borrow and save at the same generous terms.

McHenry's credit union bill, a high priority for the banking lobby, has received strong backing from DeLay. The Republican leadership awarded McHenry a seat on the House Financial Services Committee upon his arrival in Washington. "Most people would say it's the most plum assignment you can get," one conservative lobbyist told me, "because you can leverage it to do so much in fundraising." But first you have to prove yourself. Asking McHenry to author a bill that undermines the interest of half his constituents is the political equivalent of demanding a young Mafia enforcer kill his cousin as a test of loyalty.

• McHenry's latest attack on the Center of Responsible Lending come on the heels of his fawning over sub-prime lender Countrywide. His toadying obsequiousness to the credit union converters and the predatory lending industry . . . is despicable.

Again, props to Greg Flynn. Go to the Daily Kos version and comment if you can. We need more journalists like him.

Pat's DUI staffer Keeter runs Gaston GOP convention

It seems Republican Congressional candidate Lance Sigmon can go fuck himself, at least as far as Gaston County Republicans are concerned.

What else was the GOP thinking to have the deputy district director for one candidate run a convention that is allegedly for the entire party:

Here are a few 'graphs from the Gaston Gazette coverage:

Four Republican candidates for governor - Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, state Sen. Fred Smith, former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and Salisbury attorney Bill Graham - spoke first during Saturday's breakfast and then quickly departed for the Mecklenburg County GOP Convention in Charlotte.

. . .

Convention Chairman Brett Keeter said the attendance Saturday was better than past conventions of the Gaston GOP and that's a good sign during a heated presidential race.

Writer Daniel Jackson needs to talk to his sports staff about how not to drink the subject's koolaid when covering the news. Brett Keeter has been in their own paper for several months for getting suspended as McHorny's Deputy District Director for his September DUI arrest and February guilty plea.

Not only is it weird to write Brett Keeter's name as if his DUI wasn't fairly recent news, it's completely illegitimate reporting not to mention Keeter is a high-level (and well-paid) McHenry staffer (or staffer on suspension).

I've never heard of county conventions being run by either campaign or district staff of a Congressman, particularly the year of a contested election. 11th District Congressman Heath Shuler's District staffer Randy Flack had to step down from running for Buncombe County Democratic Party Chair because of the potential conflict of interest.

It looks like Pat McHorny doesn't care too much about conflicts of interest, potential or otherwise. He must have too much to hide.

Is Hickory's Andrew Mackie prejudiced for McHenry?

From Thoreau at Blue NC:

It has recently come to my attention that not only is our beloved Hickory Daily Record as politically twisted as a tornado, but it's being led around on a leash by Andrew Mackie, a man who leaves more good Op Ed columns on the cutting room floor than nighties in the Playboy Mansion. Who said the press was neutral?

Allow me to explain. We all know how hard it is to get good articles in the paper here in this primarily Republican state- hell, let's face it, we've done better branching out online (God bless BlueNC). But sometimes, to reach those of us without the internet or those intelligent enough not to use it, we have to resort to the good old gray and black paper, a tool of advertisement and information ever since the good old days.

However, unlike the good old days, one cannot expect fairness in journalism any longer, a prime example of this being the Hickory Daily Record. This paper has not only favored our "favorite" (failure of a) Congressman Patrick McHenry, but it has done so with not only two front page mentions with his pudgy face on the front, but also has "accidentally" misplaced many, many anti-McHenry Op Ed columns that attempt to knock editor Andrew Mackie off his Pro-McHenry track.

How do I know? I know plenty of people who have tried sending in articles, only to watch Andrew Mackie destroy them like an angry professor with a red pen. Thanks to Andrew Mackie, the Democratic candidate Daniel Johnson are never present in the paper, rather replaced with glowing (that's us old-folk speak for "ass kissing") commentaries on Patrick McHenry.

Then we have poor Lance Sigmon. One would think that Lance would have an advantage (being a Republican in a Republican district helps), but he's getting even worse treatment because he dares insult McHenry. While Andrew Mackie has done some rudimentary commentary on Lance (including posting him on his ever exciting blog no-one reads), he still apparently continues to shaft the legitimate Op Eds he gets, unless, of course, they involve the words "McHenry" and "amazing", presumably in one sentence, unless in the context of "McHenry is an amazing failure of a Congressman". Apparently, Mackie has even misquoted Lance, or done some sort of horsing around with his statements (including making some comment about "properly covering the debate"). What debate? You got me. Apparently, Mackie wrote about it sometime.

Translation? Go out and send Andrew Mackie an anti-McHenry Op Ed. And hey, if you don't want to write one, I will for you and you can insert your name like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Andrew Mackie, you better play fair or else when the Primaries are over and this Republican fight is over, us Dems will be on your case. And an angry Democrat can be a scary thing.

I'd like to hear from those of you who read this paper regularly. What do you think?

McHorny defends his predatory banking buddies

From Jerimee at BlueNC:

I have trouble talking about this in any terms other than a string of profanities. Durham's own Center for Responsible Lending has been reporting on the damage wrought by predatory lendors for at least a decade.

Republicans have vigorously defended the predatory lending industry. Even now, with the human cost illustrated by the 40,000 North Carolina families who have had their homes stolen by dishonest financial advisers, Republicans refuse to turn against their friends on the radically dishonest fringe of the banking industry.

During yesterday's hearing on CEO compensation, NC's own Patrick McHenry asked Countrywide executives, "Isn't it true that you love kittens?" and "Didn't Mother Theresa publically state that she considered you men to be personal role models?" Go to cspan to watch the hearing: CSPAN.

Obviously all the banks, and most elected officials, share some blame for this. Some are culpable by protesting too weakly, some by ignoring predatory lending, others by participating, and some by inventing and aggressively promoting it. McHenry looks toward those most personally and directly responsible and suggests we all give them a round of applause.

For what it is worth, Bank of America has at times stood up to oppose predatory lending practices. When we had a Republican majority, and all the sketchy ass banks wanted to push through radical legislation that would have made even easier for them to rip off America, BoA refused to sign up and reigned in the pillagers.

10th deemed a race to watch

Congressional Quarterly still calls our district "safe republican" but Election Inspection includes it in a list of "House races to watch:"

In the 10th District, Daniel Johnson has been a complete surprise. A Navy veteran and attorney, Johnson has raised more money than any challenger in this dsitrct in recent memory. While this district is heavily Republican territory, underfunded Democratic opponents hav consistenly gotten around 37% of the vote. Republican Patrick McHenry holds this seat and will be tough to defeat, but opportunities like this one can not be passed up in years like this.

And someone named John M. Setzler Jr. is obviously worried about the primary. He says Republicans don't have a reason to vote because the presidential candidate is already determined. But then (as he opines about how long it takes to change registration), he shows a photo of McHorny . . . and no mention of Lance but why else post the comments with the gigantic photo?

McHenry and money: what's he trying to hide?

Thoreau at BlueNC raises some good points:

It seems like Patrick McHenry has the stereotypical edge here in the 10th District- having claimed $140,000 earned in the last quarter (according to the Charlotte Observer). In fact, he's got a huge campaign fund, which he intends to use to blast his competitors off the map... or so we'd think. Unfortunately, due to his backwards view on finance, nepotism, and the money required to hide his illegal/immoral actions, McHenry may as well have no money at all.

Patrick McHenry is a man with many things to hide- be it his blatant homosexuality (which there is apparently photographic evidence of in some Dem. hands, though apparently they're hiding it... which should NOT be happening when he has so much of his term left), his misuse of finance (such as potential abuse when he was with the College Republicans), and basic problems all over the board. The man is a walking talking slew of secrets and coverups, which allows him to operate... though very nervously.

So where is this huge amount of money from places like Time Warner, Lowes, and Wells Fargo going? Here are a few reasons why you WON'T be seeing it going to traditional campaigns:

- Patrick McHenry hires his sister as a Campaign Treasurer for $1,200 a month. To the best of our knowledge, he does nothing.
- Patrick McHenry may be bribing some Democrats to keep a certain collection of pictures secret.
- Patrick McHenry seems to be spending an inordinate amount of money (over $25,000) on retaining lawyers (Wiley Rein, LLC) for his campaign, who, quite ironically, specialize in "Election Law and Government Ethics"- and this is right after more news comes out about the elections (in which he won) being rigged. Hmm...
- McHenry also sends an amazing amount of kick-back to the NRCC (over $70,000), a lot of which is rumored to be ensuring that McHenry stays on their good side... and keeps their mouths shut. This group is rumored to possess more McHenry info. In comparison, he only "gifted" $2,000 to the NCGOP.
- McHenry has even spent his cash on one of his big supporters, the "Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree", which (to the best of my recollection) is one of the places that promotes his help in this district (which has never come). Fact: He spent over $4,000 there. I wonder.
- Despite McHenry Real Estate being... well, fake, McHenry still seems to get a LOT of money (over $40,000) from that realm- when he doesn't even own a house he lives in, and, according to the rumor mill, lives with his new female staffer or his lover Brett Keeter, Mr. DWI (you know, the guy who wants to work in government but refuses to obey the most basic of laws).

Thoreau got this information from OpenSecrets.

He concludes:

Congress is in control of our purse strings, and if we want to give them that control, we have to see how they handle what they give them. And if this election is any indicator, the last man we need touching any of our money is Patrick T. McHenry.

Rove loves McHorny

From an article about Karl Rove's appearance at Pitt:

Rove said he remembers what it was like to go to hear political figures speak. In high school in Utah, he said, had a teacher who took his class to see Ronald Reagan, Nelson Rockefeller, Richard Nixon, Hubert Humphrey and George Wallace.

"The Democrats do not have a hold on shaping young people," he said. "There are plenty of inspiring Republicans across the country holding congressional seats that are making a difference with shaping the youth." He cites Reps. Adam Putnam of Florida and Patrick McHenry of North Carolina as examples of men barely in their 30s talking to young people about the values of conservatism.

Gag. I guess he talks about "conservatism." He just doesn't vote or act conservatively.

Johnson on education reform

Shamelessly lifted from Andrew Mackie's column:

HICKORY, NC: Daniel Johnson, a candidate for Congress in North Carolina’s 10th District, will participate in “Read Across America Day” by reading to schoolchildren on Monday, March 3 at 9:00am at Sweetwater Elementary School in Hickory.

“As the son of a teacher and a graduate of the Hickory public schools, I understand the crucial role public education plays in our communities,” Johnson said. “’Read Across America’ is an innovative, creative way to invite community leaders to become involved in our public schools.”

In Congress, Johnson pledges to be an advocate for education. Johnson will work with Republicans and Democrats to reform “No Child Left Behind” so that the law contains the adequate funding and useful standards that struggling schools need to improve. Johnson contends that teachers need to receive compensation worthy of their honorable profession, and that more young people need to be recruited, trained, and encouraged to teach.

“Math and science must be a major focus in our schools,” said Johnson. “We must ensure that North Carolina’s young people enter the job market ready to compete in the global economy.”

Johnson will promote partnerships between our public schools and our business community to find practical solutions that give children every advantage. And Johnson will fight to make vocational school, community college, and four-year colleges affordable and accessible for every student that qualifies.

Johnson will be reading to “Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?” by Dr. Seuss to Mrs. Rachel Graham’s 5th grade class. Founded eleven years ago, the National Education Association’s “Read Across America Day” has grown into a nationwide literacy initiative that involves 45 million people each year.