Hallowe'en at the GOP House Of Horrors

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Thanks to Jerimee at NCDP

Pat's deputy district director rehabilitates his reputation not

If I wanted to assure the public that my point one three DUI was an aberration, behaving this way and having my PHOTO TAKEN might not be my first choice.

Oh, but Brett Keeter probably drank himself this silly during his Pat-ordered two-week job suspension. My bad.

Look at Pat lie

Thanks to Greg Flynn at BlueNC we discover what McHenry posted at the RSC blog.

Raising Taxes Is An Accomplishment?

So now we've seen the Democrats' Mother of All Tax Hikes. But Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. The federal government is set to spend more money next year than the GDP of every country on Earth other than Japan. The Democrats have already voted to raise taxes by more than $100 billion this year, so it’s not surprising that their idea of tax reform simply means higher taxes. The surprising part is that they’ll tell you with a straight face that a trillion dollar tax hike is a major accomplishment.

Posted by Rep. Patrick McHenry (10-25-2007, 02:49 PM) filed under Taxes

And, as he lies, he doesn't mind ignoring the trillion the Republicans have spent on a war they lied about to get us into. Oh, yeah and a war that has taken so many lives they don't have the guts to count them.

Johnson announcement coverage roundup

The headline for the Hickory Daily Record:

Hickory Navy hero enters congressional race

And you've gotta like their lead:

A Hickory military hero officially embarked on a congressional campaign Wednesday.

The Raleigh N&O stepped back into Republican framing:

Former sailor, assistant DA announces run for McHenry's seat

A sailor? Since when does a military hero get downgraded to sailor? Oh, right, when the "mainstream" media is talking about a Democrat, of course.

CharO did one step better than their Raleigh cousin:

Ex-Wake prosecutor, a Hickory native, known for saving fellow sailor

Carolina Politics Online's lead:

Pledging to represent the values of North Carolina with character and integrity, Daniel Johnson announced today that he is running to represent North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District in the United States Congress.

And from the North Carolina Democratic Party:

Daniel Johnson served in the United States Navy from 1998-2000, receiving the Navy Marine Corps Medal, the Navy's highest peacetime award for heroism. For the past three years, Daniel Johnson served as an assistant district attorney in North Carolina. As a prosecutor, he began by prosecuting charges of DWI and other misdemeanors and rose to prosecute a wide range of felony cases that included drug trafficking, robbery, and murder.

“I will be a leader who is part of the solution in Washington, not part of the problem. I promise to rise above the divisive politics that have plagued our government for too long, and focus on representing the values and priorities of North Carolina,” Johnson continued. “This means making sure our kids have the heath care they deserve, our families and small businesses get the tax breaks they need, and our veterans are taken care of when they return home.”

Daniel Johnson earned an undergraduate and law degree from the University of North Carolina, where he met his wife, Creecy. He currently resides in his hometown of Hickory.

This is just a sample. Google Daniel Johnson and comment (where possible) on the article to let people know how excited we are about our candidate!!!!

The fun is just beginning folks.

It's official: Johnson announces!!!!

Jerimee has it at BlueNC.

“Running for Congress is a continuation of my service to America and the people of North Carolina,” said Johnson. “I look around the area I grew up in, and see people struggling with keeping their jobs, affording their health care and just making ends meet. It is time for a new brand of leadership – one that the people of this district can be proud of. I have the character and the experience needed to be an effective representative for my state.”

Pat's peep Fraley evades assault charges

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McHenry parties with Delay

at the opening of his new company, First Principles. I guess Delay is trying to invoke the spirit of Thomas Paine who advocated for a government by election and representation rather than one succession and heredity.

But if you look at the list of party-goers, you have to think Delay has chosen his heirs. In crime and politics.

From the Crypt at politico.com

Tom DeLay: used to controlling a party

He wasn’t gone for long, but Tom DeLay has returned to Capitol Hill.

His new firm, First Principles, had its opening party last night . . .

They list the guests: Texans Sen. John Cornyn, former Rep. Henry Bonilla, Rep. Mike Conaway, NC's Rep. Patrick McHenry, as well as Pastor Rick Scarboro of Vision America, former Rep. Bill Paxon and Ken Blackwell.

Being D.C., things got started at 6 p.m. but went into the wee hours of the night — goers were probably encouraged by the fully stocked bar and cigars.

Hmm cigars.

Full disclosure, the photo is from an engagement party and not the Capitol Hill Tom Delay gala.

Xposted at Pat'sGone, BlueNC.

Roll Call blasts McHenry

Thank God someone in the traditional media (with far more resources than yours truly) finally started asking Pat McHenry the financial questions we've been picking at for months.

In a subscription-only article Roll Call not only questions McHenry's new-found wealth, but also has the reportorial balls to highlight his appalling hypocrisy about openness.

Particularly of note, Roll Call uncovered a third unreported property. We'd already told you that McHenry owns two homes in the district whose ownership and financing he is not required to disclose publicly. However, he inherited a $40,000 share of lakefront property in Lincoln County he has also never reported.

And, remember, McHenry sits on the House Committee on Financial Services, whose legislation directly affects companies in the real estate financing business.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) took to the House floor late last spring and ripped into Democrats for blocking his proposal requiring Members to disclose the existence and value of their personal residences. “We’ve seen in recent Washington scandals the results of this loophole that allows Members to hide ownership of properties,” McHenry said.

Roll Call went on to say that McHenry has "taken considerable liberty himself with the House’s personal property exemption" not disclosing two homes and that third lake front property they say adds up to over $300,000.

In addition, since he was first elected in 2004, McHenry’s financial statements overall offer only vague hints into myriad land deals that are transforming Congress’ youngest Member from a college student, who is a licensed real estate agent, into a prosperous man in less than a decade.

Check out my article at PageOneQ.com.

Here are a few more tidbits:

For example, on this year’s forms McHenry disclosed his October 2006 purchase of a house in central North Carolina. Public records show McHenry paid $87,500 for the property, which he bought from a local politician. Within months of the sale, tax assessors determined the house was worth 30 percent more.

UPDATE: The local pol: Gaston County Commissioner Allen Fraley who within a week donated $500 to McHenry's campaign.

And last summer McHenry, his four siblings and a business partner sold a 40-acre plot to a local developer for $1.5 million. The developer, Charlotte-based E.C. Griffith Co., plans to soon break ground on a 1,000-plus-unit suburban housing development. McHenry made a short-term profit of at least 200 percent on the deal.

It's particularly amazing to me how much he won't even respond to their questions.

What do you have to hide, Pat? Or, perhaps I should be asking, is there anything you aren't hiding?

Meet future NC Senator Jim Neal

Read what he has to say for himself taking questions from strangers as he live-blogged on BlueNC for an hour on Saturday.

LINKS: Here's his Senate campaign website. And his ActBlue page.

Here's what BlueNC's Anglico had to say after talking to Jim privately for an hour last week.

On family. Jim Neal raised his two sons as a single parent for 15 or so years. I met one of his sons, who is a bright and warm young man. It was clear that both father and son adore each other. As a person who myself was a single parent for many years, I know what it takes to do what he's done. That should tell you all you need to know about Jim Neal's family values.

On North Carolina. Jim was born in Greensboro. He has also lived in South Carolina, California and probably elsewhere. But he is a Tar Heel through and through. Not a carpet-bagger. Not an occasional visitor. Not a fair-weather friend. He is one of us, and it shows.

On money. Jim Neal knows how to do fundraising. He has done the work of meeting and greeting many of the Big Cheeses, and I feel certain he will be able to raise the $12+ million necessary to run an effective campaign.

On politics. Jim first got involved in politics back when LBJ was running for president. He has been something of a political junkie ever since, though he has not run for office until now. That said, he has been chomping at the bit and his children are now old enough - they have given him their blessing to run.

On campaigning. Jim wakes up every morning with one mission: defeat Liddy Dole. Like many of us, he knows from people all across the state that she is extremely vulnerable. Because despite her efforts to try to distance herself from the Decider, there is one fundamental truth in this campaign. Liddy Dole = George Bush. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

On soft drinks. Mr. Neal favors Diet Coke.

On a primary. Will anyone else enter the race and create a primary contest? Jim says it doesn't really matter to him. A primary would create some visibility, but it would also siphon off resources. In any case, he's very clear that the person he's running against Elizabeth Dole.

On personality. Jim Neal is a nice guy with a razor sharp edge. You can tell within two seconds of meeting him that he is totally driven. He shares our outrage about what Republicans have done to our nation and he is committed to setting things right. He is soft-spoken and articulate, and very, very clear about what's important to him. He asks good questions and he listens to the answers. He seems like a person who does what he says he will do, which is my number one measure of integrity.

Other links:WUNC article, News & Observer profile, Radio Left, Daily Kos, Pam Spaulding.

McHenry votes against our kids (again)

From Lattice of Coincidence: 156 representatives who hate poor, sick kids...

...and who would rather spend the money on 3 weeks of s#it blowing up in Iraq:

"Democrats":
Jim Marshall (GA), Gene Taylor (MS)

"Putting Families First" Republicans:
Robert Aderholt (AL), Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Michele Bachmann (MN), Spencer Bachus (AL), Richard Baker (LA), J. Gresham Barrett (SC), Roscoe Bartlett (MD), Joe Barton (TX), Judith Biggert (IL), Brian Bilbray (CA), Gus Bilirakis (FL), Rob Bishop (UT), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Roy Blunt (MO), John Boehner (OH), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Charles Boustany (LA), Kevin Brady (TX), Paul Broun (GA), Henry Brown (SC), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Dave Camp (MI), John Campbell (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Eric Cantor (VA), John Carter (TX), Steve Chabot (OH), Howard Coble (NC), Tom Cole (OK), Michael Conaway (TX), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Barbara Cubin (WY), John Culberson (TX), Geoff Davis (KY), David Davis (TN), Nathan Deal (GA), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), Thelma Drake (VA), David Dreier (CA), John 'Jimmy' Duncan (TN), Terry Everett (AL), Mary Fallin (OK), Tom Feeney (FL), Jeff Flake (AZ), Randy Forbes (VA), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Virginia Foxx (NC), Trent Franks (AZ), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Elton Gallegly (CA), Scott Garrett (NJ), Phil Gingrey (GA), Louie Gohmert (TX), Virgil Goode (VA), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Ralph Hall (TX), J. Dennis Hastert (IL), Doc Hastings (WA), Robin Hayes (NC), Dean Heller (NV), Jeb Hensarling (TX), Wally Herger (CA), Peter Hoekstra (MI), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA), Bob Inglis (SC), Darrell Issa (CA), Sam Johnson (TX), Tim Johnson (IL), Walter Jones (NC), Jim Jordan (OH), Ric Keller (FL), Steve King (IA), Jack Kingston (GA), John Kline (MN), Joe Knollenberg (MI), Randy Kuhl (NY), Doug Lamborn (CO), Ron Lewis (KY), Jerry Lewis (CA), John Linder (GA), Frank Lucas (OK), Daniel Lungren (CA), Connie Mack (FL), Donald Manzullo (IL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Kevin McCarthy (CA), Michael McCaul (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Jim McCrery (LA), Patrick McHenry (NC), Buck McKeon (CA), John Mica (FL), Jeff Miller (FL), Gary Miller (CA), Marilyn Musgrave (CO), Sue Myrick (NC), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Devin Nunes (CA), Ron Paul (TX), Stevan Pearce (NM), Mike Pence (IN), John Peterson (PA), Chip Pickering (MS), Joe Pitts (PA), Ted Poe (TX), Tom Price (GA), Adam Putnam (FL), George Radanovich (CA), Thomas Reynolds (NY), Mike Rogers (AL), Mike Rogers (MI), Hal Rogers (KY), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Peter Roskam (IL), Edward Royce (CA), Paul Ryan (WI), Bill Sali (ID), Jim Saxton (NJ), Jean Schmidt (OH), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI), Pete Sessions (TX), John Shadegg (AZ), John Shimkus (IL), Bill Shuster (PA), Lamar Smith (TX), Adrian Smith (NE), Mark Souder (IN), Cliff Stearns (FL), John Sullivan (OK), Tom Tancredo (CO), Lee Terry (NE), Mac Thornberry (TX), Todd Tiahrt (KS), Timothy Walberg (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Zachary Wamp (TN), Dave Weldon (FL), Jerry Weller (IL), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Ed Whitfield (KY), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC)

I see these Southern "christians" never seem to vote the way Jesus would. Hmmm, maybe dat's because they're FULLA$#I+?

Suckers:
"Eight in 10 Americans favor expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or S-CHIP, including large majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. While the president has raised concerns about the additional cost of expanding S-CHIP, those who favor the proposal say they'd even be willing to pay more in taxes to help the program cover more children. "

Rats jumping ship

From the Charlotte Observer:

Hat trick of resignations for McHenry

They say things happen in threes. That seems to be the case in the office of Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-Cherryville:

1. His chief of staff, Jon Causey, left to become legislative director for Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.

2. His press secretary, Aaron Latham, has returned to his alma mater, the University of Alabama, to be communications manager of its law school.

3. And his campaign's finance director, Chris McClure, is the new chief of staff for the N.C. Republican Party.

All have been replaced with existing staff.

Hickory Vigil for Children's Health

When our kids get sick, having health insurance can mean the difference between life and death. Next week, Congress will decide which fate awaits poor children across America, when they consider whether to override President Bush's veto of kids' health care.1

To win, we only need 15 more Republicans to switch sides—and the best way to make that happen is with nationwide outcry. So, on Tuesday night, we'll gather at candlelight vigils for the millions of U.S. children who won't get health care if the Republicans block the bill.

Vigil To Save Children's Health Care
In front of Rep. Patrick McHenry's Office
87 Fourth St NW
Hickory, NC 28601
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2007, 6:00 PM

To sign up for this event, click here:
http://political.moveon.org/event/kidshealthvigil/41518

Dan Johnson, the 10th's next representative

From BlueNC by DharmaPup:

Daniel Johnson ... the next representative from the 10th district? God/Allah/YHWH/Shiva willing. Some interesting info from the Denver Post from some time back tells a little bit of his story:

Johnson joined the Navy to see the world, and this certainly was a good start. The USS Blue Ridge was being pulled from port by tugboat at Pusan, South Korea, last August when Daniel spotted one of his men in trouble. Seaman Steven Wright, 21, of Pine Bluff, Ark., was working the large cables connecting the tugboat with the ship and had become entangled. The tugboat began pulling Wright toward a small hole in the ship's side. That could have ripped him apart.

An official "summary of action" report noted that seven other personnel were on the scene but only Ensign Johnson rushed to the seaman's aid. When Johnson tried to loosen the cable from Wright's leg, his own legs got caught.

Each survived. However, Wright lost a foot and four fingers. Johnson lost his lower legs below the knee for his actions.

On September 24th, 1999, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johnson received the Navy/Marine Corp Medal (photo) for his actions.

"It says a lot about him that he didn't hesitate. He just wanted to save the guy's life even if it meant risking his," Will Johnson said. "That was one of his men. That's what he was thinking about."

Here's another interesting article from All Hands, the magazine of the US Navy.

I'm just wondering how that great warrior and military hero Patrick McHenry (the hyperinflated little fart) will try to swiftboat Johnson if/when he runs. It'll happen ... shades of an AWOL Texas National Guard pilot calling a decorated Vietnam veteran unpatriotic. If he does step in (and I'm hopeful), he'll need all the help NC Dems can give.

Still, Johnson's own comment about his experience of recovering from his injuries seems to fit what he'll face if/when he runs against Patty:

"I now have more determination to focus on things that I didn't have before the accident," Johnson said. "Everyone has challenges you don't think you can overcome, but if you maintain a positive attitude and work toward it, life will turn out normal."

Ivester announces run for McHenry's seat

No chance in hell, of course.

Here's the Charlotte Observer blurb.

If this is all the press Steve can manage for his announcement, I doubt he can win a primary against "none of the above."

I know I'm being pretty mean here but get real, Steve. You don't have the campaign skills. You don't have the listening skills. And you don't have the fundraising skills to win dog catcher.

And what happened with your promise to withdraw if another candidate stepped up to run?

Sloppy seconds?

On Saturday, Minority Leader John Boehner came to a fund-raising breakfast for Congressman Pat. Thing is, he'd done a dinner for 5th District Congressman Virginia Foxx the night before.

Google Pat and John and you get only old stuff. Google Virginia and John and you get her inivitation.

Gee, wonder why John even came to the breakfast if he didn't want anyone to know or see them together?

What were the poll questions, Pat?

NC Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek wants to know. And so do I. Tel Opinion Research is known for push polling. That means they ask questions that are designed to dish dirt on the opposition. As well, many pollsters stay in business by designing polls that will tell their candidate (the customer) what he wants to hear.

Let's see the science behind that absurd poll whose results you released yesterday, Mr. Man.

RALEIGH -- In response to the release of a recent poll produced by Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry, NCDP Chair Jerry Meek today called upon Rep. McHenry to release all of his poll results, including the text of the questions asked.

Earlier this week, McHenry cheerfully released a poll purporting to state that 80 percent of Republicans approve of his performance. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the poll was a "push poll," in which questions are purposely biased to produce an intended result. The chest-thumping exercise also said McHenry would easily win if pitted against previous rival Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman and fellow Republican District Attorney Jay Gaither.

“Is McHenry trying to scare off potential rivals before they even file to run?” Meek said. “Or is he trying to convince voters that his obstructionism and abysmal record on issues they care about doesn’t matter? Any claim by McHenry that this poll shows his strength is simply not credible unless McHenry is willing to release the full poll results, include the text of the questions asked."

"It should be clear to the people of the 10th district that Patrick McHenry is more concerned about himself than about the people of his district,” Meek said. “With new questions emerging about his character and about the people he surrounds himself with, McHenry may find himself returning to his phantom real estate business in January of 2009."

Pat's worried

By Anglico at BlueNC:

I've seen a lot of bone-headed stunts in politics over the years, but this stupid move takes the cake.

HICKORY - Nearly 80 percent of Republicans approve of Patrick McHenry’s job performance - at least according to the congressman’s poll. And if the party’s primary matched him against two well-known GOP candidates, he would easily win.

These are the findings of a poll conducted by Tel Opinion Research and commissioned by McHenry’s campaign last month. McHenry’s re-election campaign announced the results Tuesday.

Hmmmm. Last month's poll conveniently released right on the heels of Patty's love-fest with the Prince of Darkness? Sounds a bit like paranoia to me.

McHenry would defeat Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman in a hypothetical rematch of their 2004 primary by a resounding 67 percent to 12 percent, according to the poll. McHenry defeated the sheriff by less than 2 percent in 2004.

The poll left Huffman confused and drew some rancor from the longtime politician, reminiscent of the bitter 2004 campaign. Huffman said the research was a “push” poll, where respondents are influenced into siding with one candidate. Huffman, who says he has no intention of running for Congress again, added the poll was “gutter politics.”

“I don’t understand why he would mention my name,” Huffman said. “It sounds to me like he’s paranoid. It’s very unprofessional. I hate to see politics stoop to this level.”

Did he say paranoid?

In another potential contest, McHenry beats District Attorney Jay Gaither by a 69 percent to 8 percent margin. Gaither’s campaign treasurer Eric Farr released a statement in response.

“I know that our District Attorney Jay Gaither’s time and attention is focused on protecting the families of Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties,” it read. “I am surprised that Patrick McHenry would spend time and money on attempting to gauge public opinion through a poll at this time. The current economic situation in the 10th District is not good, and we feel the congressman’s time and energy would be better spent focusing on bringing jobs to our district.”

Attempts to reach McHenry for further comment were unsuccessful.

"Attempts to reach McHenry for further comment were unsuccessful?" It sounds like this reporter is starting to understand how the people of McHenry's district feel.

PS The "research" company Pat hired is the same bunch of Replicants who do polling for the Civitas Circus. They've never met a question they couldn't twist to get whatever answer they want.

Blackwater and the Republican Party: follow the money

Greg Flynn has posted some of why our Pat supports Blackwater over at BlueNC.

Go read the whole thing but here are a couple of tidbits to tide you over before the link loads:

On July 27th, 2007, Erik Prince gave $20,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), listing his employer/occupation as “Self/Business Owner”. Today Erik Prince, chairman of Blackwater USA, testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Four Republican members of the House Committee are also members of the NRCC Executive Committee.

And never forget how often ne'er-do-wells hide their activities behind an assortment of names:

When pressed by the House Committe Prince declined to elaborate on the entities controlled by him and the Prince Group LLC. Here for the first time in one place is such a list, not definitive but certainly expansive:

Blackwater Armor & Targets LLC
Blackwater Logistics LLC
Blackwater ProShop LLC
Blackwater Target Systems LLC
BWT Services LLC
E & J Holdings, L.L.C.
E & J Leasing, L.L.C.
EP Investments, L.L.C.
Neptune Solutions LLC
Pelagian Maritime, LLC
Raven Development Group LLC
Toadstool LLC
Bearpaw Medical, PLLC
Blackwater Airships LLC
Blackwater Lodge and Training Center, Inc.
Blackwater West LLC
Neptune Holdings 1 LLC
Blackwater Security Consulting LLC
EP Management Services, LLC
Presidential Airways, Inc.
Aviation Worldwide Services, L.L.C.
Erik D. Prince
Erik D. Prince Living Trust u/a/d August 5, 1992, as amended
Erik D.Prince Grantor Retained Annuity Trust

All of these entities are associated with Blackwater operations in North Carolina. Prince Group LLC is not registered in NC but control entities listed above.

Blackwater, Olbermann, and Pat

Guess what MSNBC's Keith Olbermann found out about today's hearing. Someone from Blackwater wrote the initial State Department report on last month's reportedly unprovoked Iraqi shooting. As KO says, the whole thing reads like Catch-22.

Check out Olbermann with clips from our Pat:



Still want to know what are the ties between McHenry and Blackwater. His drooling is just too weird to be for no reason but he wishes he could have been a SEAL.

Pat supports Blackwater mercenaries. Anyone know why?

Thanks to Petulant Rumblings.

Pat wants to delay Blackwater investigation . . .

Pat's tied to Blackwater, too?

According to the Crypt, Pat and six other Republicans asked Oversight and Government Reform Chair Henry Waxman to delay Tuesday's hearing into the Blackwater mercenary atrocities in Iraq.

The Political Chase speculates why Republicans might want to wait:

I bet they do want the investigation delayed until after those reports are “revealed.” Cheney probably needs a little time to stamp every document that is remotely related (or not) classified and vet the reports. Indeed.

So mayhap he is just doing his pal Dick a favor. But getting tied to Blackwater? Wow, that's a pretty fragile limb for someone who has little chance of winning a primary to be climbing out on.

Here's some info on Blackwater:

Excerpts from the Committee's Majority staff memo.

The Money Trail (or lack thereof)

Unprovoked attack on Iraqis that started the investigation.

Bush Administrations questionable use of mercenary troops over cheaper, more trustworthy, more controllable American soldiers