Bush Packs the Metra Last Night for Burns and Rehberg!

President Bush was in Billings and packed the Metra last night to support Conrad Burns' and Denny Rehberg's campaigns. There were over 5000 great Republicans in attendance.

Bush was fantastic as he focused on the importance of the war on terror.

"I've got a message to the terrorists," Bush said. "America does not flee in the face of thugs and assassins."

In justifying his actions and legislation sought from Congress, Bush used the "different kind of war" preface to assert the need for the Patriot Act, interception of overseas telephone calls, interrogation of terrorist captives, including the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed.

"In this new kind of war, America must take threats seriously before they come to the homeland," Bush said.

He added, "We have a plan for victory in Iraq. I'm not going to leave our troops there unless I can tell you we are going to win. And our plan for victory is an Iraq that can govern itself, sustain itself and defend itself and serve as an ally in the war on terror."

Tester had some comments, of course, and brought out the same tired argument that Bush has not plan, blah, blah, blah. What, exactly, is your plan, Mt. Tester? You fumbled that answer when you were speakingn at the Missoula Downtown Association Luncheon a few weeks ago.

Tester, in a prepared statement, said: "Today we heard more of the same from President Bush and Senator Burns. There is still no plan for Iraq and no end in sight. Our military men and women have served our country incredibly bravely in Iraq, and they deserve a senator who will fight to give them all the tools and resources they need, and who will hold the president accountable for a plan to get them home safe."

Lindeen even had some comments. In case you're wondering who she is, she's running for the House of Representatives against Denny Rehberg.

State Rep. Monica Lindeen, D-Huntley, the Democratic nominee opposing Rehberg, said Thursday afternoon that "Montanans love their country, they respect the office of the president as do I, but at the same time, it doesn't mean we agree with the direction" the country is going.

While the war is important and Bush is focused on our country's resolve in winning the war, Burns had other issues and concerns he thought were important to his re-election.

Burns said taxes, the economy, infrastructure policies and the welfare of the next generation are his focus.

"Montana has a very solid, moving economy," Burns said.When voters cast a ballot will that be their focal point?"I think so," Burns said.

"We have growth, low unemployment. People are working. That's a good thing. These are good-paying jobs and they do not want to give the money back in taxes."

Thank you, President Bush for coming to our great state and showing your support and exciting our base for Conrad Burns and Denny Rehberg. You are a great leader who history will be kind when all is said and done.

Andy's 2006 Election Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2006 Election.

National
Senate:
According to the New York Times' 2006 Election Guide there are 40 safe Dem and 8 leaning Dem for a total of 48. There are 47 safe GOP and 2 leaning GOP for a total of 49. There are 3 toss ups.

With this information my prediction is that the GOP will maintain control of the Senate by a 51 to 49 margin.

House:
According to the NYT Guide there are 190 safe Dem and 23 leaning Dem for a total of 213. There are 187 safe GOP and 22 leaning GOP for a total of 209. There are 13 toss ups.

With this information my prediction is that the GOP will maintain control of the House by a 218 to 217 margin.

Note: I am generalizing on these predictions based on the NYT numbers. They are basically even - not the landslide that the liberals are predicting - and I think the GOP will maintain control based on National Security, Taxes, and the current strong economy.

Montana
Senate:
Conrad Burns (R) will win by 51% to 49% over Jon Tester (D)

I think Burns will pull this one out. Montana is a conservative (red) state and the only reason he is in trouble is his verbal mistakes and his association with Abramof. Tester is a true blue liberal and I don't believe that Montanans want the Patriot Act or Bush's tax cuts repealed

House:
Denny Rehberg (R) will win by 65% to 35% over Monica Lindeen (D)

This will be a landslide. Lindeen looks foolish and silly, to the average Montanan, driving around in her bio-diesel "hippy-mobile". She is in over her head.

State Initiatives:
CI-97 - Balanced Budget & Spending Limits - will pass
CI-98 - Judge Recall - will pass
I-154 - Eminent Domain - will pass
I-151 - Minimum Wage - will pass
I-153 - Prohibition of lobbying by former government personnel- will pass

These will all pass because the average Montanan will read them for the first time on the ballot and they all have a positive appeal to the average uninformed voter.

Who Pays Taxes?

I took some time yesterday, before the debate, to read the article in the Missoulain about Monica Lindeen's stance on taxes. She's been completely off the radar screen and overshadowed by Jon Tester and I have not paid any attention to her. But I wanted to find out a little about her.

Like a good Liberal she attacked the rich and brought out the tired old class warfare argument. But what struck me the most in the article was her complete ignorance to who really pays the taxes in America.

I quote from the article:
Lindeen also said it is wrong that the wealthy - those who benefit most from American capitalism - are not asked to pay for wars to defend this nation.

Sadly, I think she honestly believes this as do her like minded Liberal supporters.

I am going to attempt to set the record straight here by using actual facts from the IRS. This is from the latest data released in Oct 2005 for the calendar year 2003.

• The top 1% of wage earners pay 34.27% of all income taxes.
• The top 10% of wage earners pay 65.8% of all income taxes.
• The top 25% of wage earners pay 83.88% of all income taxes
• The top 50% of wage earners pay 96.5% of all income taxes.
• The bottom 50% of wage earners pay 3.5% of all income taxes.

Note: The share of total income taxes paid by the top 1% of wage earners rose to 34.27% from 33.71% in 2002. Their income share (not just wages) rose from 16.12% to 16.77%. However, their average tax rate actually dropped from 27.25% down to 24.31%.

So, who actually pays the taxes that keep this country running?

Who pays the taxes to pay for the war?

Who gets the benefit when there is a tax cut? Those that actually pay taxes!

Come on Monica, learn the facts.

Ms. Magazine Promoting Abortions

Ms. Magazine is promoting abortions by encouraging readers to sign an electronic petition. It's sad that these people are so pro abortion that they feel the need to promote it.

We know how the four Montana candidates feel about abortion.

Most Americans are Pro-Life, according to polls. Most Montanans are also Pro-Life.

Those who are Pro Abortion, like Ms. Magazine, must be concerned.

Why won't Jon Tester and Monica Lindeen follow the polls and support what 53% of American's support - Pro-Life?