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Washington Prowler
Gumming Up Bears
Jim DeMint’s Appropriations Committee additions. Also: Mike Pence for governor?
WHO’S MINDING DEMINT?
Look for Sen. Jim DeMint to use his leverage
and newly expanded caucus of fiscal-conservative Senators to
influence the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senate leadership
staff expect that — depending on Democrat turnover and Republican
gains that have cut into the Democrat majority — the GOP will gain
at least two additional seats on most committees, and with
retirements and losses from last Tuesday, a number of more seats
will be open to the GOP.
In the case of Appropriations, Republicans are looking at as many as six or seven open seats, depending on the outcome of the Alaska contest and the status of Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who currently serves on the committee, plus at least one new seat due to the increased size of their conference (and the shrinkage of the Democrats’ caucus).
“One of the clearest sign that [Sen. Mitch] McConnell got the message from this election and the importance of cutting spending and changing the way we do business is going to be reflected in the Appropriations assignments,” says a legislative aide with ties to DeMint.
Indeed, with a potential one-vote majority on the committee, and several Democrats on that committee looking at a tough re-election race in 2012 — Nebraska’s Ben Nelson and Montana’s Jon Tester, for example — the ability of Republicans to make real inroads on spending cuts is greatly enhanced.
DeMint and his advisers are looking to place at least three Republican seats on the committee. Those in line might include Utah’s Mike Lee (who knocked off current Appropriations Committee member Robert Bennett), Wisconsin’s Ron Johnson, and either Pat Toomey (who aided in the knockoff of current committee member Arlen Specter) or Marco Rubio.
McConnell and his leadership team are said to be concerned about putting DeMint allies on the Appropriations Committee, because, as one leadership aide put it, “they could really gum up the works.” But DeMint and his team believe that when it comes to spending, “gumming up the works” is exactly what the American people want.
GOVERNOR PENCE?
While Rep. Mike Pence may be dipping his toe
in the waters of national politics — and encouraging talk of his
running for President — sources close to him say that he
understands that if he were to run for President he needs to have
additional experience to build on his rock-ribbed conservative
principles.
“He wants some executive experience, and knows he needs it,” says a Pence adviser in Indiana, who says that the plan for many months has been for Pence to build a national fundraising network now, and seeking the Indiana governorship when it opens up in 2012. “It would be tough to be a sitting governor and build out a national donor pool, particularly in the first term, so why not take advantage of the notoriety and start doing it now? That helps set you up for 2016, which is probably more realistic for Republicans anyway.”
Pence, according to the source, believes that it will be difficult for any Republican to win in 2012 against a sitting President, but replacing a successful governor in Indiana — Mitch Daniels, who is said to be mulling a 2012 run himself — who will most likely leave office with a strong majority in the state legislature and a solid economy for his successor, would set up Pence nicely.
“Mike has the time. He’d be about 55 or so when the 2016 cycle starts, so he has the time to build the résumé and the national ID that he needs, while helping other conservatives around the country,” says the adviser.
Others inside the Pence camp believe that if Daniels chooses not to enter the presidential race for 2012, and there is are no other clear-cut conservatives in the race, then Pence might consider a run.
“Let’s face it, [Mitt] Romney and {Mike] Huckabee aren’t going to cut it for conservatives, just like they didn’t cut it for them last time,” says the adviser. “If you don’t have a Daniels or a [Haley] Barbour or DeMint in the race, then you need someone to fill that void.”
Both Pence and Sen. John Thune (SD) are viewed as potential 2012 primary entrants who would be running to build national name recognition and the beginnings of a national fundraising base with a more serious and realistic eye toward the 2016 election cycle.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (61) | Leave a comment
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wodiej| 11.8.10 @ 6:30AM
good grief, where has this writer been? Not one mention of Sarah Palin who has been the main driving force behind the energy of the Tea Party which handed the GOP their victory last Tuesday. She is passionate, has executive experience and a proven successful record.
I like Pence but he seems too subdued. Where's the enthusiasm?
canuckistani| 11.8.10 @ 2:26PM
The US does not need "enthusiasm" in its leaders right now. Sounds peculiar, but it has only given us enormous sensationalism while the foundations of our country have literally and figuratively begun to fall apart.
I am desperate to vote for a conservative that is neither hostile nor anti-intellectual, outlines his/her principles and is able to articulate how those principles turn into real policies that will withstand SCOTUS scrutiny - in other words, more bedrock leading than TMZ buffoonery.....Pence would get my vote in a nanosecond if he can cut through the razzle-dazzle train wrecks of the Palins and Demints and Huckabees and Romneys.
Putting one of them up against BHO in a recovering economy, a schismatic GOP and a hysterical MSM will undermine our chances.
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 5:22PM
There ya go !
Another reason to urge Jim DeMint to run for The Presidency in 2012.
Faux Canuck Badmouths The Tea Party Kingmaker & Our Senate Point Man Jim DeMint.
If Againster Negative Attention Cravers, like RCV & Alan Brooks & Faux Canuck are Badmouthin' Jim DeMint, ya know to urge Jim DeMint to Run for The Presidency in 2012.
Mark | 11.8.10 @ 8:00PM
Perfectly stated We want true conservative who are passionate and express it. Robert Bork stated that
25 years ago why the left keeps winning because they are passionate conviction. 40 righteous men is a majority against 60 lawyers.
Donna| 11.8.10 @ 6:39AM
Here! Go Palin, she is the only one (and she is not in office) who even explained to the American People what QE2 is going to do to our country. UGH, I listen to top Republican leadership yesterday on Fox New Sunday and not one of those representatives mentioned this looming danger. Either Fox didn't get it right by not entering the topic or it's the GOP's on the show.
Still freaking out over the GOP ineptness.
Sean| 11.8.10 @ 8:11AM
Ever hear of Ron Paul and Peter Schiff? They have been talking about the FED for years now. I am glad to see Palin finally giving it some air time.
Angel | 11.9.10 @ 4:12PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5rr4MJK_iY
End the FED! They are crooks! Pencil Neck Thieves!
Shamus| 11.8.10 @ 9:05AM
Palin would probably lose to Obama if she were nominated. She has poor communication skills.
1FreeMan| 11.8.10 @ 9:36AM
Stuff it, Shamus,
Palin has EXCELLENT communication skills. Her battle is with shills like you trying to convince us that she is stupid, inexperienced, doesn't get it... Palin is exceptionally bright and has changed the face of the political landscape more than any other conservitive holding office. Only the likes of Rush, Beck and Hannity can make that same claim. GET A CLUE Shamus.
Shamus| 11.8.10 @ 11:29AM
I've watched her being interviewed by O'Reilly and I'm just not impressed. She came off as being baffled by the questioning.
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 1:24PM
You get 'em, sir.
Bravo!
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 1:30PM
My post was directed to 1FreeMan, not Sham-us.
Margie | 11.8.10 @ 8:13PM
I'm Posting To Myself Now.
Who Am I Today ,Sybil ,Victor or Margie ?
My Meds Please !
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 11:13PM
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.5.10 @ 3:30PM
Margie, say hi to Vick for me.
If I were to waste the breath to help Tim*.....
I would merely suggest to him that he go out, get drunk, and be somebody...somewhere else.
He sounds like every nasty runty spoiled brat we all remember from fifth grade, and you dear lady let him bait you.
Do you remember the old song: "I love to hit myself in the head, 'cause it feels so good when I stop" ?
...so stop already.
Look, Margie, the guy is not old enough to vote, heh, I don't care how old he is. Ignore him.
He can crouch in anonymity and stay all safe and warm. Stop and think about it. If he said those things to you in my presence..heh...heh...or in Vick's presence, his hiney would be a hump between his shoulder-blades. (Picture that and grin).
In the fifth grade, the Tims* hid behind big dumb inarticulate bullies. Today they hide behind their computers.
Margie, the next time he tempts you...please just copy paste my post here.
~And thus I have.
Thanks again, friend.
Sheriff Cogburn| 11.9.10 @ 1:38AM
Sybil-Victor-Margie saves her Posts on Her Computer, because she's such a Fanatic Apocalyptic Crank Lady.
Old Man Kenny The Squirrel ain't gonna help Ya.
I mean to kill you in one minute, Sybil-Victor-Margie . Or see you hanged in Fort Smith at Judge Parker's convenience. Which'll it be?
Old Joe| 11.8.10 @ 9:40AM
Shamus,
Are you crazy? Have you ever seen the croud's reaction when Palin speaks? And, she has the added advantage of being able to speak without a telepromptor.
Shamus| 11.8.10 @ 11:23AM
The crowd likes her because they identify with her. I think she's reasonably bright, and has a quality of charisma, and she does seem to be improving her communications skills. But the comparison I would make is between Reagan and Palin. Reagan could boil things down so that people understood what he meant. Palin doesn't show this ability. I'd vote for her if she were the nominee, but I think she would be a weak candidate.
cchasecfi| 11.8.10 @ 2:21PM
Shamus,
I am amazed at how some people, even on our side, who can watch Sarah and come away thinking the she is a bubble headed bimbo beauty pageant queen ditz who is not qualified for office.
If you would read her 1st book, Going Rogue, you would find that every political opponant she has faced used the same tactic, that she is a bubble headed bimbo beauty pageant queen ditz that is not qualified for office. She is undefeated including a very popular incumbant Republican gov.
You know, when you lose an election it can be humiliating. When you lose to a bublle headed bimbo beaeuty pagaent queen ditz who is not qualified for office it is 10 times more humiliating.
When Sarah left office she had an 80+% approval rating. Not bad for a bubble headed bimbo beauty pageant queen ditz who is not qualified for office.
I can see the Democats are preparing the same tactic. Good.
Shamus, don't buy the tactic. The reason crowds identify with her is they get it. She sound just like Ronald Reagan to me. They are voters.
Tea drinker| 11.8.10 @ 3:56PM
She can't boil things down so people can understand her yet say people identify with her? That makes no sense. How can you identify with something you can't understand?
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 9:06AM
Jim DeMint, Kingmaker :
"One of the biggest winners on Tuesday was South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint. Not only did the Republican pound his Democratic opponent by a more than 2-to-1 margin but his Senate Conservatives Fund PAC helped win a series of races for the GOP.
The PAC was an early contributor to the campaigns of Pat Toomey in Pennsylvania, Marco Rubio in Florida; Mike Lee in Utah; Rand Paul in Kentucky; and Ron Johnson in Wisconsin. "We were for Toomey and Rubio and Rand Paul before it was cool," said the senator. Thanks in part to Mr. DeMint's efforts, there will be at least five additional fiscal conservatives in the upper chamber of the next Congress."
WSJ
kiwikit| 11.8.10 @ 9:17AM
Poor Communication Skills! She seems to have gotten her ideas across quite a lot better than the big fabulous orator: BO! What's this guy smoking?
danny| 11.8.10 @ 9:18AM
sarah is not presidential material. i love her politics but she just does not fit the bill. give me michele bachmann if we have to have a woman in the running.
dewey| 11.8.10 @ 9:23AM
I will only vote for Palin you bunch of damn Rhinos
Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 11.8.10 @ 10:03AM
No Dewey, you will not "only" vote for Palin, if it comes to pass that she's not the Nominee running against the President come 2012. First of all, she hasn't announced that she's running yet, nor has she won a Caucus or Primary yet (that's because they haven't started yet-thank God). So if she doesn't enter the race, are you saying that you'll vote for President Obama, so as not to give your support to the yet unnamed, still to be nominated Damn Rino running against him? Or maybe you won't vote at all because of it? Come on now Dewey? Let the process take place, and let the chips fall where they will. Now if she does enter the race, and she does become the Nominee, trust me, I'll be behind her 100% too, but let's not waste time predicting the future just yet (the mid-term Elections just ended last week).
One more thing, would you be highly insulted if she was offered, and then accepted the spot as the Vice President (again) on the National ticket, if she didn't win the Nomination herself outright? I wouldn't be, she would singlehandedly propel that Damn Rino/Palin ticket straight to the White House. It's never all or nothing in life Dewey, there's always options, but I'm sure you know that.
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 12:06PM
Right on, Lullaby's.
Some here would rather write their brother-in-law's name on the ballot than vote for Palin as V.P. with another Republican other than the one they wanted for President.
If they do this we will get Obama II.
Hopefully this silly mindset will be put down by those of us who are adults and want to defeat the Democrats.
Vicky-Margaretta| 11.8.10 @ 5:31PM
I Want My Mancrush Bebe To Be My Own Special President.
victor| 11.8.10 @ 6:52PM
Why am I suddenly reminded of Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates dressed as his dead mother?
Could it also be just the title of that movie?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 7:22PM
Probably, Because you're A Crossdressing RINO-CINO Neocon.
victor| 11.8.10 @ 7:29PM
Heh, knew that was you, freak.
Bebe| 11.8.10 @ 7:43PM
Come to Israel & Join Me Victor-Margie Sweetie-Pie. I miss your Big Fat Ass.
I have this recurring fantasy of You, Michelle & Hillary wearing Your Tutus & Dancing as The Sugar Plum Fairies.
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 7:50PM
Sieg Heil, Timmy*!
Keep up the great work.
The only people around here who "appreciate" you are those of your own despicable ilk.
Does your Religion approve of you, Timmy* constantly posting under different screen names to harass?
Just like you did with one of my best posts and added Catholicism at the end of it to turn others against me?
God is watching you.
You may think you're getting away with what you are doing, but you really aren't.
keep it up.
It suits you just fine.
And everyone sees you for what you really are.
A liar.
An Anti-semite.
A Leftist hiding in conservative's clothing.
A vile human being.
And most of all, a COWARD!
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 7:59PM
What's the matter Anti-Catholic,Anti-Everybody Else's Religion Apocalyptic Crank Lady, Still Mad because We wrote in Protest Votes & didn't Asskiss The NeoCon's Israel Firster Poster Boy & The Serial Traitor to Conservatism John McCain of McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy,McCaib-Lieberman, Gang of 14, Opposing The Bush Tax Cuts of 2001 & 2003 Annnd Voting for TARP.
Move to Arizona & You can Vote for McCain Again in 6 Years.
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 8:02PM
Does AS pay you to do this, or do you do it for free?
Sieg Heil!
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 8:22PM
Does Bebe, The Former Bibi pay Your Psychiatric Bills ?
Bebe The Former Bibi| 11.8.10 @ 8:10PM
All This Because He wrote in a Protest Vote & Dare To Not Condemn Dr.Ron Paul & Dr.Rand Paul To HELLLLLLL !
ARMAGEDDDON BABY ! ARMAGEDDON !
victor| 11.8.10 @ 7:39PM
But you spelled Bibi wrong, *Timmy.
Sieg Heil!
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 7:50PM
You should Know Israel Firster NeoCon.
Aaaaand Look , The Anti-Catholic Victor-Margie Attempts Play The Nazi Card.
Margie| 11.8.10 @ 7:52PM
"You should Know Israel Firster NeoCon."
Sieg Heil!
BiBi ,Now BeBe| 11.8.10 @ 8:05PM
My, You're A Good Plumpy Fascist Victor-Margie.
Sieg Heil to You & Yours.
Aaand, I Love Your Little Mustache Sweetie.
Sybil | 11.8.10 @ 8:26PM
I'm Confused Tonight !
Am I Margie or Victor ?
Jimbo| 11.8.10 @ 10:56AM
I would love to see Palin appointed sec. of the Interior in a Republican administration. S he knows more about our natural resources and energy needs and energy sources within our lower 48 and Alaska than all the Rino's and Democrats put together.
Perusha| 11.8.10 @ 11:02AM
I love Sarah Palin----but:
Here’s a “timely” question about the wise or foolish use of time---
How old does one have to be in order to finally realize that paying attention to such future events, like who will be running for president in 2012, is a waste of time? Of course, if one tries to be objective and simply observes and understands the whole dance, in order to make their own personal wise choices, then it’s okay, IMHO.
Maybe it’s similar to playing the stock market.
The first requirement to do so is that one has MONEY, and/or the ability to get other people’s MONEY. Well, wrt politics, and reading and writing and thinking about it, no MONEY is needed. What is needed?
Free TIME.
This truth probably accounts for the fact that over 50% of the population that can vote doesn’t, because they are more interested in their own skin, since the most precious “commodity” is---TIME. Is MONEY.
Now, one can either invest by purchasing stocks et al, or by creating or buying their own business.
I’ve long thought that the easiest way to comprehend the whole “business” or “stock” human dimension is to see each person AS a business. We are truly singular enterprises seeking personal profit, in whatever form we choose. Minute by minute.
We each, by ourselves, always make money the old fashioned way---we EARN it.
There’s another concept I don’t read about much anymore, which deserves to be drummed into the lives of each of us, from the cradle to the grave:
Opportunity COST.
We do, indeed, live in an opportunity society. That means we continually face myriad forks in the choice “road”, instant by instant, and we have no choice but to CHOOSE some option or other!
Having opportunities means facing options---and choosing. Also, as has been famously pointed out, not to choose is to choose.
Well, Americans are still rich as hell, despite the current economic AND political downturn. And this means that we have lots of free time, which means we don’t HAVE TO work anywhere close to as long and as hard as our grandparents did. Thus, we can CHOOSE what to spend this free time on.
It all comes down to attention and feeling. We ARE body-minds, which physically feel, and mentally pay attention to---something! As well as deal with “our” emotions!
You become what you meditate on. So, “paying” attention on X cultivates X and over TIME it necessarily grows, and grows, and grows—until one starts spending TIME and energy and attention on, say, whether Sarah Palin will be a good president or is even electable.
Is it true that an uninspected life is (not even) worth living?
If so, it sure looks to me like the entire mass of humanity is---worthless!
And, how can what is be worthless? It just IS.
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 11:27AM
Oooooommmmm ! Oooooooooommmmm !
Do You Grasp My Drift Grasshopper.
Perusha| 11.8.10 @ 12:45PM
Yes.
Glad to read that you get it.
Tim*| 11.8.10 @ 1:11PM
Yes Master Po.
We are meditating on who will be running for President in 2012.
Oooooooommmm ! Jim DeMint ! Oooooooommm ! Jim Demint !
Chuck| 11.8.10 @ 11:44AM
Kudos to DeMint for defying the losers in the GOP establishment and helping out Tea Party candidates unlike NJ Governor Fat Head who criticized GOP supporters of Christine O'Donnell and did not help her.
loulou| 11.8.10 @ 1:22PM
Don't forget, Gov Christie also supports the Ground Zero Mosque.
But I do think he's educable.
Brad| 11.8.10 @ 12:18PM
I love Sarah Palin... no ifs, ands or buts. However, I think we Republicans need (as strongly as we possibly can) to SUPPORT WHOEVER IS THE GOP NOMINEE. I hope it is someone as conservative as DeMint or Palin, but even Romney or Huckabee are much, much better than our current Marxist-in-chief. The question I have is, are open or closed primaries more susceptible to fraud? I've often thought McCain was the GOP nominee because the primary process is flawed (especially open), but after reading comments on Hillbuzz and their concern with closed primaries, I wonder if there are risks either way.
Second thought is that it seems unfair to compare Sarah Palin with Ronald the Great. He had over 30 years communicating the conservative message and was governor of California BEFORE he was elected. Mrs. Palin, as good as she is, is not even close to comparing with Ronaldus Magnus. Anyone disagree with that?
Wayne | 11.8.10 @ 7:22PM
Reagan was a master communicator. His acting background didn't hurt. He kept things simple.
I have a fantasy of a team of Palin and Bachman. Imagine how the liberals would go bonkos.
Wayne | 11.8.10 @ 7:24PM
Oh btw Doug, an ACORN whistle blower went on record as saying that they helped Mc Cain win New Hampshire.
GOP Hot Babes| 11.9.10 @ 2:42PM
We liberals also have fantasies of Palin and Bachmann together - but they do not involve running for national office!
JimmyT| 11.8.10 @ 12:38PM
Why are we arguing about the repub prez candidate now? We have months to see the cream rise to the top. Someone you might like now could change dramatically in the next 10 months. Wait and see; and then support the candidate. The TP has changed the political landscape in this country to the point that nothing you think now could be true next year.
Adrian| 11.8.10 @ 12:51PM
Hard to win in 2016? Against Pres Obama? Is the GOP and the writer serious? It is like saying it will be hard to beat Carter or Ford...
รับทาสี | 11.8.10 @ 2:22PM
I would love to see Palin appointed sec. of the Interior in a Republican administration. S he knows more about our natural resources and energy needs and energy sources within our lower 48 and Alaska than all the Rino's and Democrats put together.
AJM| 11.8.10 @ 2:41PM
Mike Pence will not make a good presidential candidate. Once the media starts to call him "Race Bannon"( from Johnny Quest) its over.
njre| 11.8.10 @ 2:55PM
odevil will not be able to run in 2012 even if he wants to, because he will not be able to prove his eligibility to the states that have bills requiring elig proof, so his name won't get on the ballot of these states! Congress will have a similar elig proof bill as well. AND WE THE PEOPLE WILL LINE UP AT dnc TO DEMAND PROOF OF ELIG, AND/OR OBJECT TO HIS CANDIDACY DURING THE OBJECTION PERIOD!
There will be no sitting president running!
However, we do have to worry about Hillary running!
serfer62| 11.8.10 @ 3:19PM
Mike P would be best in the house for America...a great Conservative.
As to thune, remember he was one of McNasty's gang-of-14 that blocked a perment tax reduction, conservative judges, drilling in the US etc. He would delight the Kommies though.
As to Gov Palin, right now I see no better candidate. If she gets the nod, support her.
Perusha| 11.8.10 @ 6:42PM
Go American Spectator!
Wayne | 11.8.10 @ 7:18PM
I have no trouble with a "Let the best man or woman survive" in the primaries. We need to be careful that we the GOP does not let an ACORN cross over into GOP primaries like New Hampshire and vote in another Mc Cain however.
I know ones that I prefer may not be as electable as other candidates, so I must stay open to a variety as long as we can trust them, which is a tall order. Pence could be the guy. It will be an interesting two years.
PCP Smoker| 11.8.10 @ 9:19PM
I can't think of anything more boring than Mitch "Don't TALK ABOUT SOCIAL ISSUES AS I DON'T WANT TO BE BLASTED BY THE LEFT" Daniels for anything than Indiana governor. I hope Pence forgets the IN governorship and concentrates on becoming a national leader.