It seems that we don't know to much about Sarah. This is what I've found out:
She likes cheeseburgers and moose burgers.
She likes to hunt and fish.
She plays the flute.
She likes to snowmobile.
She owns a float boat.
She is a hockey mom.
She was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 1964.
She moved to Alaska shortly after she was born.
She played high school basketball (point guard).
She won the Miss Wasilla pageant.
She was 1st runner up to Miss Alaska.
She received a scholarship to the University of Idaho.
She got a bachelors degree in journalism.
She was a sports anchor in Alaska.
She worked as a commerical fisherman with her husband.
She is a PTA member.
She served 2 terms on the Wasilla, Alaska city council.
She served as mayor of Wasilla.
She was elected as president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors.
She served as Ethics Commissioner of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
She was elected as Governor in 2006.
She was the first woman Alaskan Governor and youngest at 42 years old.
She put a stop to the Bridge to Nowhere project.
She is pro-life.
She supports capital punishment.
She opposes same sex marriage.
She is a life long member of the NRA (National Rifle Association).
She eloped with Todd Palin (her high school sweetheart), a native Yup'ik Eskimo.
Todd works for BP, an oil field on the North Slope.
She has 5 kids: son - Track (18 yr. old son, will be leaving for Iraq next month), daughters - Bristol (17 yrs.), Willow (13 yrs.) and Piper (7 yrs), and son - Trig Paxson Van Palin, who has Down syndrome (4 months, born April 18, 2008).
She returned to work 3 days after giving birth!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
McCain's Vice President Pick
It is being reported that John McCain has finally settled on a running mate. This person will be officially revealed in a noontime rally on Friday (tomorrow) in Dayton, Ohio. That evening they will be in Pennsylvania at a minor league baseball stadium, located southwest of Pittsburgh. On Sunday, they will be in the St. Louis Missouri area at a minor league baseball stadium. This event will also feature Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee — the GOP presidential finalists who effectively divided the vote three ways in Missouri's Super Tuesday primary.
Speculation is that one of these 3 men will be announced as the running mate:
former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.
I'm still hoping for Mitt!
Update (Friday morning): I have to admit that I am somewhat shocked that McCain had it in him to pick a women, the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, to be his running mate. I guess the analysts had that one all wrong!!! I'm excited though. What an election year this is turning out to be!
Speculation is that one of these 3 men will be announced as the running mate:
former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.
I'm still hoping for Mitt!
Update (Friday morning): I have to admit that I am somewhat shocked that McCain had it in him to pick a women, the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, to be his running mate. I guess the analysts had that one all wrong!!! I'm excited though. What an election year this is turning out to be!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Drive the Speed Limit
Yesterday on the way to school one of the students was hit by a car. It wasn't the driver's fault the child was crossing through a red light. Thankfully the child was not hurt at all, neither was the bike or car for that matter. But it was definitely a wake up call. We have all been so worried about all of the kids making it to school safely, especially around Geneva Road. After this accident they had the police issuing tickets. At last I heard they issued over 40 speeding tickets yesterday during school.
Please, please, please for the safety of our loved ones drive the speed limit. Which is greatly reduced in a school zone!!!
Please, please, please for the safety of our loved ones drive the speed limit. Which is greatly reduced in a school zone!!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
National Conventions Coming Up
August 25-28, 2008
Democratic National Convention in Denver
September 1-4, 2008
September 1-4, 2008
Republican National Convention in Minneapolis - St. Paul
visit their website and sign up for email updates http://www.gopconvention2008.com/
visit their website and sign up for email updates http://www.gopconvention2008.com/
A.G. Visit with President George W. Bush
Dear Supporters,
An email has been circulating around the web about A.G. Mark Shurtleff's attendance when President Bush was in town. Many have asked if A.G. Shurtleff actually wrote that email. WE WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. HE DID WRITE THIS EMAIL (which is the same one that has been circulating) and we wanted to share it with you.
-Jessica Fawson
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff 2008
May 2008
From Attorney General Mark Shurtleff:
I had an extraordinary experience this week with President Bush's visit and wanted to share it with you. I was on the host committee and, because I was able to raise a couple hundred thousand from friends, I was able to be at all the meetings and with a small group that welcomed him. He spent over two hours in two appearances speaking and answering questions and the most common remarks people had of the experience was that (1) he seemed so relaxed, happy, and "at peace," and (2) he is nothing like what the media portrays him to be; in fact, he was articulate, personable, and very spiritual.
I believe he was in such high spirits because he knows that Utah is one of the few places where he still has a favorability rating above 50 percent. He joked that he was surprised by the friendly welcome. "In fact, while I was driving up here in my motorcade, most of the people were waving at me with all five fingers!"
Cynics say that we here in Utah still look favorably on him only because we are "sheeple" not "people" and used to "blind obedience," or that we must not be educated enough. I believe that, in fact, we here hold the office of the president in high regard because we are led by the example of our prophet to pray for President Bush and to support him in a very difficult task. I know he felt that special spirit while he was here. In over two hours of comments about such pressing national issues such as the economy, war on terror, energy crisis, immigration, etc. he spent a lot of time talking about faith, religious freedom and prayer!
When I greeted him at the Stewart mansion for his luncheon appearance, I had a moment to speak to him and told him that we here in Utah love him and are praying for him. I told him my brother had served recently in Afghanistan and that he had informed me that the troops support him. He seemed very touched by that and, as I said, he spent a lot of time while here speaking about spiritual matters. Members of his entourage said that was unique--that he didn't often speak so much about religious things.
He spoke of the importance of religious freedom and emphasized that "it didn't matter whether we were Mormon or Catholic or Jew or Vegetarian..." He paused while people chuckled, and then he said with a wink, "See, this is why I didn't let cameras in here." I know that Vegetarian isn't a religion, but if someone had been filming that, the only news out of my entire visit to Utah would be how stupid Bush is for thinking Vegetarian is a religion" He laughed and then got serious again.
"My point is, it...doesn't...MATTER! What matters is that we are FREE. You see, that's what makes us so different from our enemies in radical Islam. They want to kill those who have different religious views. And that is why we must persist in our war against them. THEY MUST NOT PREVAIL!"
He spoke about the relationships he had developed with world leaders and that he often bore his testimony to them. (That's right, our president!) For example, he spoke of his relationship with the communist leader of China, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
He said, "I wanted to impress upon him how positive religion can be." He said, "I told him that God had changed my life. I was a drunk, Mr. Prime Minister! I had a serious problem and, if it hadn't been for God, I would not be here today. He saved my life! He had a little help from Billy Graham who was his messenger, but it was God who helped me with my addiction and turned my life around. Religion can make your people better, Mr. Prime Minister! Won't you please consider giving them their religious freedom?"
Isn't that extraordinary? Let me share another special story. He talked about King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He invited him out to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, because he felt it was important to get to know him and develop a relationship of trust and a spiritual bond. He said that King Abdullah, of course, is a strict practicing Muslim with many wives, just like his father and grandfather before him, but noted that the King's son and heir has decided to have only one wife. He said he wanted to impress upon the King that, as a Christian nation, we are not enemies of Islam and that we have much in common. He told King Abdullah, "I am a believer. I believe in God. I believe he is the same God as Allah. Now, we differ a little in that I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and my Savior and Redeemer, while I know you consider him to just be a prophet, but we are 'People of the Book,' like you." King Abdullah wasn't really responding so he felt impressed that they needed some time alone so he invited him to go for a ride in his pickup truck around the ranch. The two got in alone and started down a dirt road (can you picture all the staff and security scurrying after them?)
President Bush was pointing out different trees and his cows when they came around a corner, and there stood the biggest tom turkey he had ever seen in the middle of the road just looking at them. He said that he was surprised because he didn't raise turkeys and had never seen a wild turkey on his ranch. King Abdullah sat upright and was suddenly very interested. They stopped and King Abdullah asked, "What is that?" "That my friend, is a turkey!" answered Bush, "and I've never seen one on my ranch before." "What is it's significance?" asked the King. President Bush said all he could think of was to tell him that Benjamin Franklin once wanted to make it the symbol of our nation, but we chose the eagle instead.
"I will tell you what it means," replied Abdullah as he touched President Bush on the arm. "The turkey is sacred in my religion, and Allah has sent it as a sign to me that you are a believer and a good man!"
Pretty cool huh? President Bush talked a lot about his difficult decisions and became very emotional when he admitted he has made mistakes and bears the terrible burden of knowing that his decisions have led to the deaths of thousands, and then he got very quiet and said that he doesn't think he could go on without the prayers of the people. He said that, when he was a young man and heard people say, "I pray for you," he didn't give it much thought. But, at age 61 and the President of the United States, he said it means the world to him to know that millions are praying for him. He said, "Like it says in Second Corinthians, 'I am filled with Comfort'!" And he thanked us for that and said he would try to listen to the promptings and make the right and best choices for our nation and our people.
I want to bear you my testimony that whatever your politics or criticisms of President Bush and his decisions and the way he has prosecuted this war, he really is a good and decent man who believes in our Heavenly Father, who recognizes the terrible costs of his mistakes, and who seeks to do the right thing, and is buoyed up and supported, comforted, and guided by our prayers. He loves this country and is dedicated to service and has tried to do the right thing to keep us safe and to help others enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty.
He spoke of his strong relationship with the Prime Minister of Japan and how important they are as friends and allies--notwithstanding that, when his father was 19, he was fighting them as mortal enemies and nearly lost his life in that war when he was shot down in the South Pacific. And now, just 65 years later, Japan has a vibrant democracy and is our friend. He told the graduating class at the Air Force Academy just prior to flying to Salt Lake that he believed that sixty years from now, their children would be friends and allies with Arab and Muslims around the world because we stood up to oppression and evil today in the quest for freedom and peace for all.
I am very blessed to have had this experience. Please remember President Bush in your prayers tonight.
Mark
An email has been circulating around the web about A.G. Mark Shurtleff's attendance when President Bush was in town. Many have asked if A.G. Shurtleff actually wrote that email. WE WANTED TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. HE DID WRITE THIS EMAIL (which is the same one that has been circulating) and we wanted to share it with you.
-Jessica Fawson
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff 2008
May 2008
From Attorney General Mark Shurtleff:
I had an extraordinary experience this week with President Bush's visit and wanted to share it with you. I was on the host committee and, because I was able to raise a couple hundred thousand from friends, I was able to be at all the meetings and with a small group that welcomed him. He spent over two hours in two appearances speaking and answering questions and the most common remarks people had of the experience was that (1) he seemed so relaxed, happy, and "at peace," and (2) he is nothing like what the media portrays him to be; in fact, he was articulate, personable, and very spiritual.
I believe he was in such high spirits because he knows that Utah is one of the few places where he still has a favorability rating above 50 percent. He joked that he was surprised by the friendly welcome. "In fact, while I was driving up here in my motorcade, most of the people were waving at me with all five fingers!"
Cynics say that we here in Utah still look favorably on him only because we are "sheeple" not "people" and used to "blind obedience," or that we must not be educated enough. I believe that, in fact, we here hold the office of the president in high regard because we are led by the example of our prophet to pray for President Bush and to support him in a very difficult task. I know he felt that special spirit while he was here. In over two hours of comments about such pressing national issues such as the economy, war on terror, energy crisis, immigration, etc. he spent a lot of time talking about faith, religious freedom and prayer!
When I greeted him at the Stewart mansion for his luncheon appearance, I had a moment to speak to him and told him that we here in Utah love him and are praying for him. I told him my brother had served recently in Afghanistan and that he had informed me that the troops support him. He seemed very touched by that and, as I said, he spent a lot of time while here speaking about spiritual matters. Members of his entourage said that was unique--that he didn't often speak so much about religious things.
He spoke of the importance of religious freedom and emphasized that "it didn't matter whether we were Mormon or Catholic or Jew or Vegetarian..." He paused while people chuckled, and then he said with a wink, "See, this is why I didn't let cameras in here." I know that Vegetarian isn't a religion, but if someone had been filming that, the only news out of my entire visit to Utah would be how stupid Bush is for thinking Vegetarian is a religion" He laughed and then got serious again.
"My point is, it...doesn't...MATTER! What matters is that we are FREE. You see, that's what makes us so different from our enemies in radical Islam. They want to kill those who have different religious views. And that is why we must persist in our war against them. THEY MUST NOT PREVAIL!"
He spoke about the relationships he had developed with world leaders and that he often bore his testimony to them. (That's right, our president!) For example, he spoke of his relationship with the communist leader of China, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.
He said, "I wanted to impress upon him how positive religion can be." He said, "I told him that God had changed my life. I was a drunk, Mr. Prime Minister! I had a serious problem and, if it hadn't been for God, I would not be here today. He saved my life! He had a little help from Billy Graham who was his messenger, but it was God who helped me with my addiction and turned my life around. Religion can make your people better, Mr. Prime Minister! Won't you please consider giving them their religious freedom?"
Isn't that extraordinary? Let me share another special story. He talked about King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He invited him out to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, because he felt it was important to get to know him and develop a relationship of trust and a spiritual bond. He said that King Abdullah, of course, is a strict practicing Muslim with many wives, just like his father and grandfather before him, but noted that the King's son and heir has decided to have only one wife. He said he wanted to impress upon the King that, as a Christian nation, we are not enemies of Islam and that we have much in common. He told King Abdullah, "I am a believer. I believe in God. I believe he is the same God as Allah. Now, we differ a little in that I believe Jesus Christ is the son of God and my Savior and Redeemer, while I know you consider him to just be a prophet, but we are 'People of the Book,' like you." King Abdullah wasn't really responding so he felt impressed that they needed some time alone so he invited him to go for a ride in his pickup truck around the ranch. The two got in alone and started down a dirt road (can you picture all the staff and security scurrying after them?)
President Bush was pointing out different trees and his cows when they came around a corner, and there stood the biggest tom turkey he had ever seen in the middle of the road just looking at them. He said that he was surprised because he didn't raise turkeys and had never seen a wild turkey on his ranch. King Abdullah sat upright and was suddenly very interested. They stopped and King Abdullah asked, "What is that?" "That my friend, is a turkey!" answered Bush, "and I've never seen one on my ranch before." "What is it's significance?" asked the King. President Bush said all he could think of was to tell him that Benjamin Franklin once wanted to make it the symbol of our nation, but we chose the eagle instead.
"I will tell you what it means," replied Abdullah as he touched President Bush on the arm. "The turkey is sacred in my religion, and Allah has sent it as a sign to me that you are a believer and a good man!"
Pretty cool huh? President Bush talked a lot about his difficult decisions and became very emotional when he admitted he has made mistakes and bears the terrible burden of knowing that his decisions have led to the deaths of thousands, and then he got very quiet and said that he doesn't think he could go on without the prayers of the people. He said that, when he was a young man and heard people say, "I pray for you," he didn't give it much thought. But, at age 61 and the President of the United States, he said it means the world to him to know that millions are praying for him. He said, "Like it says in Second Corinthians, 'I am filled with Comfort'!" And he thanked us for that and said he would try to listen to the promptings and make the right and best choices for our nation and our people.
I want to bear you my testimony that whatever your politics or criticisms of President Bush and his decisions and the way he has prosecuted this war, he really is a good and decent man who believes in our Heavenly Father, who recognizes the terrible costs of his mistakes, and who seeks to do the right thing, and is buoyed up and supported, comforted, and guided by our prayers. He loves this country and is dedicated to service and has tried to do the right thing to keep us safe and to help others enjoy the blessings of freedom and liberty.
He spoke of his strong relationship with the Prime Minister of Japan and how important they are as friends and allies--notwithstanding that, when his father was 19, he was fighting them as mortal enemies and nearly lost his life in that war when he was shot down in the South Pacific. And now, just 65 years later, Japan has a vibrant democracy and is our friend. He told the graduating class at the Air Force Academy just prior to flying to Salt Lake that he believed that sixty years from now, their children would be friends and allies with Arab and Muslims around the world because we stood up to oppression and evil today in the quest for freedom and peace for all.
I am very blessed to have had this experience. Please remember President Bush in your prayers tonight.
Mark
Huntsman & Herbert
Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
Please join Governor Huntsman and Lt. Governor Herbert for an old fashioned ice cream social.
Bring the kids for ice cream and fun!
Saturday, August 23rd 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Smooth Canyon Park in Alpine
Suggested Contribution: $25 per family(Contribution is suggested but not required. Make checks payable to Huntsman for Governor.)
For more information, please contact Jeff Hartley @ (801) 557-3772 or jeff@huntsman08.com
DIRECTIONS: Smooth Canyon Park is at 900 East Healy Blvd. in Alpine. From SR92, go north on 4800 West about 1 mile to Healy Blvd. Follow Healy Blvd. east until it ends at Smooth Canyon Park.
huntsman08.com
Romney endorses Chaffetz
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY ENDORSES JASON CHAFFETZ
Calls Chaffetz "Principled Leader" in Utah's Third Congressional District Race
19 August 2008
Former presidential hopeful and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney today formally endorsed Third District Congressional candidate Jason Chaffetz.
"I am committed to a strong military, a strong economy and strong families," said Romney. "I know Jason Chaffetz shares those values. We will need strong leadership in the Congress to move America forward."
Romney, who earned more than 90% of the vote in Utah's February Presidential Primary, is still considered a possible pick for vice president. "We need principle-driven people who are committed to the public good," said Romney of Chaffetz. "We need people who are willing to stand up, participate in the process and do what is right for America."
In a letter to be distributed in the coming weeks, Romney wrote of Chaffetz, "I know Jason personally and have had the pleasure of working with him. I can say, unequivocally, that there is no one more dedicated to Utah than Jason." Chaffetz and Romney worked together during the time Romney headed the Republican Governor's Association and Chaffetz served as Chief of Staff to Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. Chaffetz also volunteered time on Romney's presidential campaign.
"It's an honor to have the support of Governor Romney," Chaffetz said. "He is admired in Utah for his commitment to public service, his exceptional business and leadership skills, and his efforts to strengthen America's families. His support will mean a lot to the people of Utah and for that I am very grateful."
In his letter, Romney praised Chaffetz for running a "fiscally conservative, grass roots primary campaign using more than 1,000 volunteers in lieu of a paid staff." Chaffetz has used an all-volunteer staff to run his campaign and dominated the primary election despite being outspent by $600,000.
"Utah - and America - will be lucky to have this principled leader in Congress," Romney told supporters in the letter, which asked recipients to donate generously to the Chaffetz campaign.
Paid for by Utah Republican Party
Authorized by Chaffetz for Congress, LLC
www.utgop.org
Calls Chaffetz "Principled Leader" in Utah's Third Congressional District Race
19 August 2008
Former presidential hopeful and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney today formally endorsed Third District Congressional candidate Jason Chaffetz.
"I am committed to a strong military, a strong economy and strong families," said Romney. "I know Jason Chaffetz shares those values. We will need strong leadership in the Congress to move America forward."
Romney, who earned more than 90% of the vote in Utah's February Presidential Primary, is still considered a possible pick for vice president. "We need principle-driven people who are committed to the public good," said Romney of Chaffetz. "We need people who are willing to stand up, participate in the process and do what is right for America."
In a letter to be distributed in the coming weeks, Romney wrote of Chaffetz, "I know Jason personally and have had the pleasure of working with him. I can say, unequivocally, that there is no one more dedicated to Utah than Jason." Chaffetz and Romney worked together during the time Romney headed the Republican Governor's Association and Chaffetz served as Chief of Staff to Utah Governor Jon Huntsman. Chaffetz also volunteered time on Romney's presidential campaign.
"It's an honor to have the support of Governor Romney," Chaffetz said. "He is admired in Utah for his commitment to public service, his exceptional business and leadership skills, and his efforts to strengthen America's families. His support will mean a lot to the people of Utah and for that I am very grateful."
In his letter, Romney praised Chaffetz for running a "fiscally conservative, grass roots primary campaign using more than 1,000 volunteers in lieu of a paid staff." Chaffetz has used an all-volunteer staff to run his campaign and dominated the primary election despite being outspent by $600,000.
"Utah - and America - will be lucky to have this principled leader in Congress," Romney told supporters in the letter, which asked recipients to donate generously to the Chaffetz campaign.
Paid for by Utah Republican Party
Authorized by Chaffetz for Congress, LLC
www.utgop.org
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Declaration of Independence in UTAH
The Declaration of Independence is coming to Salt Lake City this weekend, August 15th & 16th.
See history as one of the original copies sets up shop in the State Capitol this Friday and Saturday. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see an integral piece of this nation's history on display. The Declaration will be on the Rotunda at the State Capitol building this Friday from 10am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-8pm.
Letter from Stan Lockhart
August 12, 2008
Recently, I attended a patriotic service keynoted by talk show host Glenn Beck. He left us with a memorable anecdote. He described his own experience during September 11th when he visited ground zero; his inability to process what had happened and his knowledge that the world had changed that day. He received comfort by reading the words of a pioneer song with the refrain, "All is well! All is well!"
Glenn suggested that we live in a time when everyone is begging for a leader. He said, "Where is the leader and when will he/she step forward?" While rising fuel and food prices, an economy in flux and international conflict are at the forefront of everyone's mind, Glenn Beck reminds us who we are. He said about the people of Utah and America, "You are the leader, the leader we need has always been you."
Batman "The Dark Knight" - An Analogy about President Bush This is not a movie for everyone, but I thought you might be interested in the analogy between Batman and President Bush as written in the Wall Street Journal.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121694247343482821-lMyQjAxMDI4MTI2NTkyNDUyWj.html
Comprehensive Energy Policy With Barack Obama saying that saying proper tire pressure would save as much energy as drilling for oil in the continental shelf and Nancy Pelosi recessing Congress without allowing a vote on additional domestic oil drilling, is it any wonder that people are getting angrier by the day about $4 per gallon gasoline.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/drill_and_conserve.html http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/276234/57/ http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/07/from-the-fact-1.html
Republicans in Congress including Utah's Rob Bishop are still in Washington DC during the recess calling Democrats to come back and vote. And they intend to stay there indefinitely until Democrats are willing to help find a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Democrats have refused to address this issue in every way possible.
Read below the transcript between George Stephanopoulos and Nancy Pelosi or view it at http://blog.nrcc.org/.
And there is an entertaining Rush Limbaugh version. http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/08/03/stephanopoulos-pelosi-why-no-or-down-vote-drilling http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_080408/content/01125107.guest.html
Our Utah delegation has been working on a comprehensive energy policy that aims to increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technologies. Its not an "either or". It's an "all of the above" solution. But Democrats aren't budging. House Congressional Republicans are protesting by remaining on the House floor during the month of August even though Democrats have left. Congressman Bishop is there right now continuing to address this critical issue. Read the articles below and send Rob an email of encouragement at votebishop@gmail.com
http://townhall.com/Columnists/HarryRJacksonJr/2008/08/11/politics_as_usual_-_pursuing_energy_reform http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-planning-to-revolt-right-up-to-dem-convention-2008-08-06.html
New Republican Party Website You may have noticed when you go to http://www.utgop.org that there is a new fresh look to the website. I'd like to thank our IT committee Chris Kenney, Suzy Mortensen, Seth Juarez, Rick Votaw, Ric Cantrell, Nathan Rathbun, Dave Hansen and Randall Achziger for all of their hard work. In addition to a new look, in the near future you will see new features like e-donations and a blog.
Forbes Ranks Utah #2 For Best States For Business I often think of what Utah was like 30 years ago. It seemed as if we were in a perpetual downturn. Many people were underemployed. Our economy was based largely on agriculture and mining. We weren't even a blip on the national economic scene. Today, we have high paying jobs in high technology, nutritional supplements, bioscience, medical devices, industrial banks, oil and gas exploration and a whole host of other industries.
This change didn't come by accident. Over decades, our Republican leadership created a business friendly environment consisting of solid tax policy and reasonable regulations.
Yet another recognition for Utah's economy came out last week in Forbes Magazine.
For the second year in a row, Utah is #2 in America for the Best States For Business. These awards are the fruits of many years of hard work both in the private and public sectors. While Utah's entrepreneurs should take full credit for their efforts, a Republican led legislature has created a low tax, business friendly atmosphere and our Governor has made growing the economy his top priority. This Republican leadership has helped raise the standard of living for many Utahns; better jobs, more opportunity. It's a great example of the "I can" campaign. Personal responsibility. Freedom and liberty. I can start a business. I can find a better paying job. I can provide for my family. I can help create a business friendly environment.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/30/virginia-georgia-utah-biz-cz_kb_0731beststates_table.html
Another Example of "Suppress the Republican Vote" Efforts As only a reporter can do, one has taken my last Chairman's letter with a plethora of Republican success stories and tried to turn it into a negative. Here it is in case you missed it: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700247119,00.html
The McCain VP Watch (We Like Mitt) It looks like John McCain may wait until the Republican National Convention to name his running mate. I don't have any inside information here, but thought I would share with you what I'm hearing and reading. As long as the economy, budgetary/management competence and fundraising are the key issues for this election, Mitt Romney is going to be high on the radar screen. He may be able to turn swing states Michigan, Colorado and Nevada to the Republican side.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12179.html
And for those who want to read more about Mitt, here are two of my favorite speeches: http://www.conservative.org/pressroom/2008/speech_romney08.asp http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16969460
National Convention On February 5, 2008, Mitt Romney won the Utah Republican Primary with over 90% of the vote. On February 29, 2008 and after officially dropping out of the race, he sent the Utah Republican Party a letter that says in part, "Because I am no longer a formal candidate for the presidency of the United States, please consider this an official release, to the extent allowed by party rules and state law, of all delegates bound, committed, or otherwise pledged to vote for me at the 2008 Republican National Convention. I strongly encourage all released and uncommitted delegates to cast their votes for Senator John McCain at the Convention."
On May 10, 2008 at the Utah Republican State Convention, delegates overwhelmingly voted to postpone a bylaw change that would have released Utah delegates from voting for Mitt. At the time, the RNC was concerned that a bylaw change would expose our delegates to a credentials challenge. The deadline for such challenges was August 2.
Since the State Central Committee is the governing body of the Utah Republican Party, only they can take up a postponed bylaw change. A committee member requested that the postponed issue be resolved, so we have begun that effort.
I have had many discussions with the Romney campaign on this issue. They are firm in their desire for their delegates to be released and believe Utah can best help Mitt by doing so. It is highly unlikely that Mitt's name will even be placed in nomination at the convention, so a vote for Mitt will be meaningless.
I think it's important to note that the real choice today for President is between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Our national convention is being held to show America why John McCain is the better choice.
The State Central Committee will meet on August 23rd to resolve the matter. The meeting will only be open to committee members.
Preparing for the November 4 Election The general election season is fast approaching and we have a strong slate of candidates preparing for November's election. These candidates are capable, qualified men and women who are willing to put their name out there in the public arena. They stand for Republican values and principles. They believe in our platform. They want to represent you. I encourage you to help them. Here are a few ideas:
Get to know your Republican candidates. Call them. Tell your friends and neighbors why you support them.
Find a place to hold a cottage meeting for them in your neighborhood. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend.
Put a lawn sign in your yard.
Pass out fliers.
Get out the vote. Encourage friends and neighbors to use early voting opportunities, absentee ballots or voting early on Election Day.
Be a poll watcher for your County Party. We need people to volunteer to check who has voted in each precinct on Election Day and then call those who haven't voted yet.
More Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck made a powerful case that the leadership we seek as Americans begins with "We the people". The first three words of The Declaration of Independence. A document that changed the world. Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address, "government of the people, by the people, for the people" Gettysburg Address. Let us invest our time, talents and resources to educate friends and neighbors that timeless traditional values are never out of style. Constitutional principles that protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can be as relevant today as they were over 200 years ago. That is what Republicans stand for. That is what has made Utah a model state in this great nation. That is why we need to elect Republicans in November.
Best Regards,
Stan Lockhart
Utah Republican Party Chairman
Recently, I attended a patriotic service keynoted by talk show host Glenn Beck. He left us with a memorable anecdote. He described his own experience during September 11th when he visited ground zero; his inability to process what had happened and his knowledge that the world had changed that day. He received comfort by reading the words of a pioneer song with the refrain, "All is well! All is well!"
Glenn suggested that we live in a time when everyone is begging for a leader. He said, "Where is the leader and when will he/she step forward?" While rising fuel and food prices, an economy in flux and international conflict are at the forefront of everyone's mind, Glenn Beck reminds us who we are. He said about the people of Utah and America, "You are the leader, the leader we need has always been you."
Batman "The Dark Knight" - An Analogy about President Bush This is not a movie for everyone, but I thought you might be interested in the analogy between Batman and President Bush as written in the Wall Street Journal.
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121694247343482821-lMyQjAxMDI4MTI2NTkyNDUyWj.html
Comprehensive Energy Policy With Barack Obama saying that saying proper tire pressure would save as much energy as drilling for oil in the continental shelf and Nancy Pelosi recessing Congress without allowing a vote on additional domestic oil drilling, is it any wonder that people are getting angrier by the day about $4 per gallon gasoline.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/08/drill_and_conserve.html http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/276234/57/ http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/07/from-the-fact-1.html
Republicans in Congress including Utah's Rob Bishop are still in Washington DC during the recess calling Democrats to come back and vote. And they intend to stay there indefinitely until Democrats are willing to help find a solution to our dependence on foreign oil. Democrats have refused to address this issue in every way possible.
Read below the transcript between George Stephanopoulos and Nancy Pelosi or view it at http://blog.nrcc.org/.
And there is an entertaining Rush Limbaugh version. http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/08/03/stephanopoulos-pelosi-why-no-or-down-vote-drilling http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_080408/content/01125107.guest.html
Our Utah delegation has been working on a comprehensive energy policy that aims to increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote renewable and alternative energy technologies. Its not an "either or". It's an "all of the above" solution. But Democrats aren't budging. House Congressional Republicans are protesting by remaining on the House floor during the month of August even though Democrats have left. Congressman Bishop is there right now continuing to address this critical issue. Read the articles below and send Rob an email of encouragement at votebishop@gmail.com
http://townhall.com/Columnists/HarryRJacksonJr/2008/08/11/politics_as_usual_-_pursuing_energy_reform http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-planning-to-revolt-right-up-to-dem-convention-2008-08-06.html
New Republican Party Website You may have noticed when you go to http://www.utgop.org that there is a new fresh look to the website. I'd like to thank our IT committee Chris Kenney, Suzy Mortensen, Seth Juarez, Rick Votaw, Ric Cantrell, Nathan Rathbun, Dave Hansen and Randall Achziger for all of their hard work. In addition to a new look, in the near future you will see new features like e-donations and a blog.
Forbes Ranks Utah #2 For Best States For Business I often think of what Utah was like 30 years ago. It seemed as if we were in a perpetual downturn. Many people were underemployed. Our economy was based largely on agriculture and mining. We weren't even a blip on the national economic scene. Today, we have high paying jobs in high technology, nutritional supplements, bioscience, medical devices, industrial banks, oil and gas exploration and a whole host of other industries.
This change didn't come by accident. Over decades, our Republican leadership created a business friendly environment consisting of solid tax policy and reasonable regulations.
Yet another recognition for Utah's economy came out last week in Forbes Magazine.
For the second year in a row, Utah is #2 in America for the Best States For Business. These awards are the fruits of many years of hard work both in the private and public sectors. While Utah's entrepreneurs should take full credit for their efforts, a Republican led legislature has created a low tax, business friendly atmosphere and our Governor has made growing the economy his top priority. This Republican leadership has helped raise the standard of living for many Utahns; better jobs, more opportunity. It's a great example of the "I can" campaign. Personal responsibility. Freedom and liberty. I can start a business. I can find a better paying job. I can provide for my family. I can help create a business friendly environment.
http://www.forbes.com/2008/07/30/virginia-georgia-utah-biz-cz_kb_0731beststates_table.html
Another Example of "Suppress the Republican Vote" Efforts As only a reporter can do, one has taken my last Chairman's letter with a plethora of Republican success stories and tried to turn it into a negative. Here it is in case you missed it: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700247119,00.html
The McCain VP Watch (We Like Mitt) It looks like John McCain may wait until the Republican National Convention to name his running mate. I don't have any inside information here, but thought I would share with you what I'm hearing and reading. As long as the economy, budgetary/management competence and fundraising are the key issues for this election, Mitt Romney is going to be high on the radar screen. He may be able to turn swing states Michigan, Colorado and Nevada to the Republican side.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12179.html
And for those who want to read more about Mitt, here are two of my favorite speeches: http://www.conservative.org/pressroom/2008/speech_romney08.asp http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16969460
National Convention On February 5, 2008, Mitt Romney won the Utah Republican Primary with over 90% of the vote. On February 29, 2008 and after officially dropping out of the race, he sent the Utah Republican Party a letter that says in part, "Because I am no longer a formal candidate for the presidency of the United States, please consider this an official release, to the extent allowed by party rules and state law, of all delegates bound, committed, or otherwise pledged to vote for me at the 2008 Republican National Convention. I strongly encourage all released and uncommitted delegates to cast their votes for Senator John McCain at the Convention."
On May 10, 2008 at the Utah Republican State Convention, delegates overwhelmingly voted to postpone a bylaw change that would have released Utah delegates from voting for Mitt. At the time, the RNC was concerned that a bylaw change would expose our delegates to a credentials challenge. The deadline for such challenges was August 2.
Since the State Central Committee is the governing body of the Utah Republican Party, only they can take up a postponed bylaw change. A committee member requested that the postponed issue be resolved, so we have begun that effort.
I have had many discussions with the Romney campaign on this issue. They are firm in their desire for their delegates to be released and believe Utah can best help Mitt by doing so. It is highly unlikely that Mitt's name will even be placed in nomination at the convention, so a vote for Mitt will be meaningless.
I think it's important to note that the real choice today for President is between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama. Our national convention is being held to show America why John McCain is the better choice.
The State Central Committee will meet on August 23rd to resolve the matter. The meeting will only be open to committee members.
Preparing for the November 4 Election The general election season is fast approaching and we have a strong slate of candidates preparing for November's election. These candidates are capable, qualified men and women who are willing to put their name out there in the public arena. They stand for Republican values and principles. They believe in our platform. They want to represent you. I encourage you to help them. Here are a few ideas:
Get to know your Republican candidates. Call them. Tell your friends and neighbors why you support them.
Find a place to hold a cottage meeting for them in your neighborhood. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend.
Put a lawn sign in your yard.
Pass out fliers.
Get out the vote. Encourage friends and neighbors to use early voting opportunities, absentee ballots or voting early on Election Day.
Be a poll watcher for your County Party. We need people to volunteer to check who has voted in each precinct on Election Day and then call those who haven't voted yet.
More Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck made a powerful case that the leadership we seek as Americans begins with "We the people". The first three words of The Declaration of Independence. A document that changed the world. Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg Address, "government of the people, by the people, for the people" Gettysburg Address. Let us invest our time, talents and resources to educate friends and neighbors that timeless traditional values are never out of style. Constitutional principles that protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness can be as relevant today as they were over 200 years ago. That is what Republicans stand for. That is what has made Utah a model state in this great nation. That is why we need to elect Republicans in November.
Best Regards,
Stan Lockhart
Utah Republican Party Chairman
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Utah County Ramp Meters
Just thought you'd like to know ... (UDOT letter)
Ramp Meters Begin Operation in Utah County
System will help make commuting easier
Orem – The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) will turn on a ramp meter system on Interstate 15 in Utah County beginning Tuesday, August 12, 2008. Ramps between Lehi and Orem will now have traffic signals which will control vehicles entering the I-15. Each lane on the ramp will have its own signal. The green light will be long enough to allow one vehicle to enter onto the freeway per lane and will alternate between the lanes. There will also be an electronic sign at each ramp entrance notifying drivers when the ramp meter is on.
The following is a list of ramps that will now have the meter system and will be in operation the morning of August 12th:
SR 92, (southbound only) Lehi
Main Street, Lehi
Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Pleasant Grove
1600 North, Orem
800 North, Orem
Center Street, Orem
University Parkway, Orem
Initially, the meters will be in operation on northbound ramps from 7 AM to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. Meters on southbound ramps will be in operation from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. These times and locations are subject to change.
“During the morning and afternoon commute, groups of vehicles attempt to access I-15 at the same time, which slows down traffic. Ramp meters regulate how frequently vehicles access I-15 by creating gaps which allow motorists to merge safely without creating additional travel delays,” said John Higgins, UDOT Project Manager.
The ramp meter system will improve the overall operation of the freeway system, improve safety and reduce overall vehicle emissions. This is the second ramp metering system in Utah and the first in Utah county.
The following is a list of ramps that will now have the meter system and will be in operation the morning of August 12th:
SR 92, (southbound only) Lehi
Main Street, Lehi
Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Pleasant Grove
1600 North, Orem
800 North, Orem
Center Street, Orem
University Parkway, Orem
Initially, the meters will be in operation on northbound ramps from 7 AM to 8:30 AM and from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. Meters on southbound ramps will be in operation from 4:30 PM to 6 PM. These times and locations are subject to change.
“During the morning and afternoon commute, groups of vehicles attempt to access I-15 at the same time, which slows down traffic. Ramp meters regulate how frequently vehicles access I-15 by creating gaps which allow motorists to merge safely without creating additional travel delays,” said John Higgins, UDOT Project Manager.
The ramp meter system will improve the overall operation of the freeway system, improve safety and reduce overall vehicle emissions. This is the second ramp metering system in Utah and the first in Utah county.
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