A Word About Eric Knowles

Those who know me know that I do not write on my political site often. I only write when I feel strongly about something or someone.  Today is such an occasion.  I want to share with you why I support Eric Knowles for the Maryland State Senate.

Before I consider a candidate for public office I look at three factors.

Conservative:  While I do not have to agree with the candidate on every issue I do have to be comfortable that they are conservative and support and understand the Constitution.  Eric is committed to remaining true to the real ideals of conservatism.  He is committed  to reign in the size and scope of government. Spending is the key to this.  Eric believes that there is no way we can justify the continuous and perpetual increases in our budget. Naturally leading from that, he would like to reduce taxes and let people keep more of their own money... He is interested in  helping  promote the gubernatorial candidate's proposed income tax repeal. Accountability is another issue.  Eric feels this will only be achieved by imposing term limits.  Eric has a philosophy about government that differs from what we have today. I believe that less is more. And he is committed to lead by example.

Effective:  The next factor is that if elected they would be effective in the job.  This means that they can work well with others while maintaining their principles.  I believe Eric will do both.  Eric is knowledgeable, reasonable and understands the importance of the Constitution.  He is able to disagree with people without being disagreeable but he is not going to abandon his principles just to get along.  I believe Eric possesses the sound judgment to know what  can be compromised and what must never be compromised.   So he passes this test with flying colors.

Electable: There are many who can pass the first two tests (factors) with flying colors but for one reason or another are just not electable.  Eric proved himself as a tireless campaigner in his uphill battle against Congressman Sarbanes and this is where he really grabbed my attention.  In my opinion he ran the best campaign a Republican has run for that seat and that is saying something because I am saying he ran a better campaign than I did 20 years ago.  He showed that he has the energy, knowledge and poise necessary to be a credible candidate.  He also has a strong and loyal base of support.  He is now running for a seat that is winnable. He is a long time resident of the district, has demonstrated the desire to run a full court campaign and his willing and capable of holding his opponent's feet to the fire.  He will hold the incumbent Senator accountable for his voting record.  He will effectively make the case that the incumbent's voting record is not in the best interests of his district.

I urge everyone to get behind Eric's campaign and send Eric to the State Senate.  Visit this page for a simple and easy way to help out.
https://www.facebook.com/events/745401275490246/?ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

Why Conservatives Should Be Happy With Christie Win.

On Facebook and on conservative blogs I am reading how some conservatives are not happy that Chris Christie was re-elected in New Jersey.  Granted Chris Christie is not your classic conservative and certainly can ruffle feathers but let's take a look a what we have here.

New Jersey is a very blue state but will elect moderate Republicans statewide.  In New Jersey moderate Republican normally meant "Pro Choice".  Remember Christine Todd Whitman and Tom Keane?  Chris Christie is open about being "Pro Life."  Maybe not as strong as some would like but he did veto funding for Planned Parenthood, opposes partial birth abortions, supports parental notification and a 24 hour waiting period.  It is also important to point out that Christie is the first N.J. Governor since Roe vs. Wade to be "Pro Life".  His opponent, Barbara Buono used his "Pro Life" positions against him and said she would fund Planned Parenthood and she supports abortions after the 22nd week.

Christie also successfully stood up to Teacher's unions and held the line on taxes. Christie supports chartered school, merit pay for teachers and tax credits for parents who sent their children to parochial and private schools.  He  vetoed Democrats’ bill to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 and then annually based on the CPI.

Christie is far from perfect.  Everyone will have issues they disagree with him on but he is no liberal and has been able to check the legislature in this very blue state.  He has been able to do this while maintaining approval ratings in the 70% range and was re-elected in a landslide. Why?  I think people like that Christie calls it as he sees it.  You never have to wonder where Chris Christie stands.  Chris Christie is clearly better for conservatives than his Democratic opponent and quite frankly better than any Republican Governor NJ has had in modern time.  By any objective view Chris Christie is no liberal.