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2014 Midterm Elections

2014-06-03T21:27:53Z

PatrickB: /* Democrats */

The '''2014 Midterm Elections''' begin with the [[Texas]] primary on March 4, and continue with a primary or a "runoff" nearly every week somewhere in the [[United States]] until Tuesday, September 9th.<ref>[http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G14/events.phtml?format=chronological Election days listed chronologically or 2014]</ref> Soon thereafter [[early voting]] begins in some areas, culminating in the general election day on Tuesday, November 4th.

Successful political forecaster Nate Silver says Senate Republicans are now slight favorites to win at least six seats and capture the chamber. <ref>[http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/fivethirtyeight-senate-forecast/ FiveThirtyEight Senate Forecast: GOP Is Slight Favorite in Race for Senate Control, FiveThirtyEight.com, March 23, 2014]</ref>

==Senate==
===Democrat Incumbents===

*'''Alabama'''

[[Jeff Sessions]]

*'''Alaska'''

[[Mark Begich]]: Three GOP candidates are running to challenge Begich: Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell, Iraq veteran [[Joe Miller]], and State Natural Resources Commissioner Dan Sullivan. April 5th polling, Treadwell (47) Begich (43)

*'''Arkansas'''

[[Mark Pryor]]: Republican Rep. Tom Cotton is the challenger and April 5th polls show a dead heat (46) to (46).

*'''Colorado'''

[[Mark Udall]]: Two-term GOP Rep. Cory Gardiner will challenge Udall. April 5th polling, Gardiner (40) Udall (42).

*'''Delaware'''

[[Chris Coons]]

*'''Hawaii'''

[[Brian Schatz]]

*'''Illinois'''

[[Richard Durbin]]: GOP Jim Oberweis will face Durbin. The establishment has already conceded the race to Democrats. Fellow Illinois liberal Republican Mark Kirk endorses Democrat Dick Durbin. Jon Cornyn held a fundraiser in Illinois and wouldn't give Oberweis any support. <ref>[http://wakingamericaup.wordpress.com/tag/john-cornyn/ What Leadership Isn't, Waking America Up Blog]</ref>

*'''Iowa'''

[[Tom Harkin]][1]: Democrat Rep. Mark Braley has declared. Conservative Republican Sam Clovis and former U.S. attorney Matt Whitaker has declared. The GOP establishment chooses liberal Republican Mark Jacobs. [[Sarah Palin]] and the Heritage Foundation have endorsed former Iraqi veteran and state Senator [[Joni Ernst]]. Despite Joni outspent 100-1 on TV ads, she has taken the lead among Republican candidates. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/04/09/Joni-Ernst-Leading-in-Iowa-Over-Mark-Jacobs JONI ERNST TAKES IA LEAD DESPITE BEING OUTSPENT 100-1 ON TV, Breitbart.com, April 9, 2014]</ref> April 5th polling, Jacobs (38) Braley (41).

*'''Louisiana'''

[[Mary Landrieu]]: The establishment [[GOP]] picks [[RINO]] Bill Cassidy for the nomination. The [[Senate Conservatives Fund]] picks Air Force Col. Rob Maness. <ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2013/11/08/maness-looks-to-shake-up-louisiana-senate-race/#ixzz2kD0wxeWf Maness looks to shake up Louisiana Senate race, DailyCaller.com, November 8, 2013]</ref> April 5th polling, Cassidy (46) Landrieu (42).

*'''Massachusetts'''

[[Ed Markey]]

*'''Michigan'''

[[Carl Levin]][1]: GOP Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land will face Democrat Rep. Gary Peters. April 5th polling, Land (40) Peters (38)

*'''Minnesota'''

[[Al Franken]]: Franken polls at just 45%. Sarah Palin endorsed Julianne Ortman and is now the frontrunner over establishment Republican Mike McFaden. April 5th polling, Ortman (41) Franken (44).

*'''Montana'''

[[Max Baucus]][1]: Obama appointed Baucus as the Ambassador to China. Democrat Lt. Gov. John Walsh was appointed interim Senator and is the 2014 nominee. Republican state representative Steve Daines leads in April 5th polling (51) Walsh (37)

*'''New Hampshire'''

[[Jeanne Shaheen]]: Shaheen is poised for reelection in liberal NH. Republican [[Scott Brown]] is challenger and is losing by double-digits.

*'''New Jersey'''

[[Cory Booker]]

*'''New Mexico'''

[[Tom Udall]]

*'''North Carolina'''

[[Kay Hagan]]: Hagan will face Thom Tillis (Endorsed by [[Karl Rove]], [[Mitt Romney]], [[Jeb Bush]], [[Republican Main Street Partnership]]). April 5th polling, Tillis (46) Hagan (45)

*'''Oregon'''

[[Jeff Merkley]]

*'''Rhode Island'''

[[Jack Reed]]

*'''South Dakota'''

[[Tim Johnson]][1]: Democrat Rick Weiland to face former Republican Gov. Mike Rounds. Rounds is projected as taking Johnson's seat. April 5th polling, Rounds (51) Weiland (31).

*'''Virginia'''

[[Mark Warner]]:Republican Ed Gillespie has declared his intention to run against Warner.

*'''West Virginia'''

[[Jay Rockefeller]][1]: GOP establishments seeks House Rep. Shelley Capito. Democrats will likely run Natalie Tennant, West Virginia Secretary of State. Capito leads in polling by double digits. April 5th polling, Capito (49) Tennant (35).

===Republican Incumbents===

*'''Georgia'''

[[Saxby Chambliss]][1]: Democrat Michelle Nunn will face the winner of the Republican runoff between businessman David Perdue and Rep. Jack Kingston.

*'''Idaho'''

[[James Risch]]

*'''Kansas'''

[[Pat Roberts]]: Republican Dr. Milton Wolf is challenging Roberts. Wolf is endorsed by the Senate Conservatives Fund.

*'''Kentucky'''

[[Mitch McConnell]]: McConnell will face Democrat challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes. April 5th polling, McConnell (43) Grimes (42).

*'''Maine'''

[[Susan Collins]]

*'''Mississippi'''

[[Thad Cochran]]: Conservative Chris McDaniel, endorsed by Sarah Palin, is challenging Thad in the primaries. May polling has McDaniel beating Cochran 43 percent to 39 percent. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/05/19/POLL-Tea-Party-s-McDaniel-edges-out-slim-lead-over-Thad-Cochran-two-weeks-out POLL: TEA PARTY'S MCDANIEL LEADS COCHRAN 43-39, Breitbart.com, May 19, 2014]</ref>

*'''Nebraska'''

[[Mike Johanns]][1]: Conservative Ben Sasse will challenge the Democrat David Domina. April polling has Sasse (52) Domina (27).

*'''Oklahoma'''

[[James Inhofe]]

[[Tom Coburn]][1]: State Rep. James Lankford is endorsed by the establishment GOP. Sarah Palin has endorsed T.W. Shannon.

*'''South Carolina'''

[[Tim Scott]]

[[Lindsey Graham]]; Five GOP challengers have emerged; Nancy Mace, state Sen. [[Lee Bright]] (Constitutional Conservative), Richard Cash, Bill Conner, and Christian Pastor Det Bowers. Det Bowers has raised $417,000. since declaring in February. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/04/08/A-Challenger-to-Lindsey-Graham-Who-Can-Raise-Money-Emerges, A CHALLENGER TO LINDSEY GRAHAM WHO CAN RAISE MONEY EMERGES, Breitbart.com, April 8, 2014]</ref>

*'''Tennessee'''

[[Lamar Alexander]]; Alexander faces Tea Party-endorsed Rep. Joe Carr. Dr. George Flinn is suspected of being a spoiler candidate Alexander brought in to weaken Carr’s chances. Though he barely registers in the polling.

*'''Texas'''

[[John Cornyn]]: Cornyn will face the winner of the Democrat primaries, anti-Obama and anti-Obamacare Kesha Rogers or multimillionaire dentist David Alameel.

*'''Wyoming'''

[[Mike Enzi]]

==House==
Every seat of the 435 member chamber is up for election. The new term will be the 114th United States Congress.

===Notable Races===

* [[John Boehner]] (Ohio) - Republican Majority Speaker Boehner will face Miami University professor Tom Poetter in November.
* [[Eric Cantor]] (Virginia) - Republican Majority Leader Republican David Brat seeks to defeat Cantor in the primaries.
* [[Kevin McCarthy]] (California) - Republican Majority Whip
* [[Nancy Pelosi]] (California) - Democrat Minority Leader
* [[Steny Hoyer]] (Maryland) - Democrat Minority Whip

==Governors==

===Democrats===

*[[Neil Abercrombie]] (Hawaii)
*[[Mike Beebe]] (Arkansas) [1]
*[[Jerry Brown]] (California)
*[[Lincoln Chafee]] (Rhode Island) [1]
*[[Andrew Cuomo]] (New York) 
*[[Mark Dayton]] (Minnesota)
*[[Maggie Hassan]] (New Hampshire)
*[[John Hickenlooper]] (Colorado)
*[[John Kitzhaber]] (Oregon)
*[[Dan Malloy]] (Connecticut)
*[[Martin O'Malley]] (Maryland) [1]
*[[Deval Patrick]] (Massachusetts) [1]
*[[Pat Quinn]] (Illinois)
*[[Peter Shumlin]] (Vermont)

===Republicans===

*[[Robert Bentley]] (Alabama)
*[[Jan Brewer]] (Arizona) [1]
*[[Terry Branstad]] (Iowa)
*[[Sam Brownback]] (Kansas)
*[[Tom Corbett]] (Pennsylvania) Corbett is considered vulnerable due to his poor approval rating. He is quick to fold when challenged; giving up on voter ID and the state's recent gay marriage ruling.
*[[Dennis Daugaard]] (South Dakota)
*[[Nathan Deal]] (Georgia)
*[[Mary Fallin]] (Oklahoma)
*[[Nikki Haley]] (South Carolina)
*[[Bill Haslam]] (Tennessee)
*[[Dave Heineman]] (Nebraska) [1]
*[[John Kasich]] (Ohio)
*[[Paul LePage]] (Maine)
*[[Susana Martinez]] (New Mexico)
*[[Matt Mead]] (Wyoming)
*[[Butch Otter]] (Idaho)
*[[Sean Parnell]] (Alaska)
*[[Rick Perry]] (Texas) [1] Republican Attorney General [[Greg Abbott]] will face off against Democrat Wendy Davis. Abbott leads by double digits. <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/02/24/Poll-Republican-Greg-Abbot-Lead-Soars-to-11-points-over-Dem-Wendy-Davis-in-Texas-Governor-Race POLL: GOP'S GREG ABBOTT SOARS OVER WENDY DAVIS IN TX GOVERNOR RACE, Breitbart.com, February 24, 2014]</ref>
*[[Brian Sandoval]] (Nevada)
*[[Rick Scott]] (Florida) RINO turned Democrat [[Charlie Crist]] seeks to unseat Scott.
*[[Rick Snyder]] (Michigan)
*[[Scott Walker]] (Wisconsin)

[1] Indicates a term-limited or retiring candidate

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Politics]]
[[category:Obama Presidency]]
[[category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Democratic Party]]

Barack Hussein Obama

2014-03-02T21:31:19Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Barack Hussein Obama
|image=President Barack Obama.jpg
|party=[[Democratic Party]]
|spouse=[[Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama]]; may have had a prior marriage.<ref>http://www.wnd.com/2012/07/was-barack-obama-married-in-college/</ref>
|religion=see [[Obama's religion]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/president
|country=the United States
|number=44th
|terms=January 20, 2009-Present
|vp=[[Joe Biden]]
|preceded=[[George W. Bush]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Illinois
|terms=January 3, 2005 – November 16, 2008
|preceded=Peter Fitzgerald
|former=y
|succeeded=[[Roland Burris]]
}}
}}

'''Barack Hussein Obama II''' (reportedly born in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]] on August 4, 1961) is the 44th President of the [[United States]]. Through heavy use of [[early voting]] by the Democrat political machine, Obama was elected president in 2008 with 365 [[electoral vote]]s and 53% of the popular vote. In 2012 he was elected to a second term with 332 electoral votes and 51% of the popular vote. Promoted heavily by [[liberals]], as demonstrated by his unjustified receipt of the 2009 [[Nobel Prize|Nobel Peace Prize]], Obama won the presidency despite a short and unremarkable political career by outspending his opponent, [[John McCain]], by hundreds of millions of dollars in 2008<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contriball.php?cycle=2008 Candidate Comparison: Top Contributors 2008 Cycle]. OpenSecrets.org.</ref>, and spending more than a billion dollars from special interests to attain reelection in 2012.<ref>[http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/index.php 2012 Presidential Race]. OpenSecrets.org [http://www.opensecrets.org/pres12/indus.php?cycle=2012&id=N00009638 Opensecrets.org Barack Obama], 33% Individual contributions, 67% large and corporate.</ref>

The [[liberal claptrap]] that helped elect Obama as president seems silly today. It was claimed, for example, that Obama has millions of followers on Twitter, when allegedly some 70% of them are fake.<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2012/08/obama-has-millions-of-fake-twitter-followers/1#.UDfQVqA2et_</ref> And although the [[lamestream media]] promoted Obama as a great orator, in fact he relies almost entirely on teleprompters for his speeches and press conferences, and at one point even had teleprompters set up for him in a middle school classroom in order to speak to the media.

Obama is [[pro-abortion]]. During his campaigns Obama said that he intended to "[[Redistribution of wealth|spread the wealth around]]" and has been portrayed as saying that entrepreneurs and employers deserve no credit for building their businesses.<ref>Zuckerman, M.B. (2010, July 16). [http://www.usnews.com/opinion/mzuckerman/articles/2010/07/16/obamas-anti-business-policies-are-our-economic-katrina Obama's Anti-business Policies are our Economic Katrina]. ''U.S. News''. Barnes, F. (2009, July 22). [http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/016/619dvjlm.asp An Anti-Business President]. ''The Weekly Standard''. Vol. 14, No. 38 Shedlock, M. (2010, August 20). [http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2010/08/small-businesses-are-not-hiring-why.html Small Businesses are not hiring. Why should they?] Globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com. Wright, C.E. (2012, February 12). [http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/02/dear_mr_president_why_we_are_n.html Dear Mr. President: Why we are not hiring]. ''American Thinker''.</ref> On March 1, 2013 Obama issued [[Executive Order|executive orders]] to implement his [[Budget sequester|sequester]] of budget cuts which<ref>http://weaselzippers.us/2013/02/27/dnc-boosts-obama-sequester-job-loss-threat-of-750000-to-2-million</ref> has been widely criticized for destroying jobs in what was an anemic and fragile recovery.<ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-26/news/chi-20130226-foys_briefs_1_sequester-president-obama-press-secretary-jay-carney President Obama's sequester,] ''Chicago Tribune'', February 26, 2013.</ref>

Warren L. Dean Jr., an adjunct professor of law at [[Georgetown University Law Center]], wrote:
*{{obama income inequality}}

Former [[Democrat]] Presidential candidate [[Joe Lieberman]] endorsed Obama's opponent in 2008 and has declined to endorse Obama for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 presidential election]].<ref>Lillis, M. (2012, April 22). [http://thehill.com/video/campaign/222929-lieberman-declines-to-endorse-in-presidential-race Sen. Lieberman declines to endorse in presidential race]. ''The Hill''.</ref>

Following the 2011 debt ceiling standoff between Obama and House Republicans,<ref name=Swann-Aug>{{cite web|url=http://www.standardandpoors.com/servlet/BlobServer?blobheadername3=MDT-Type&blobcol=urldata&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobheadervalue2=inline%3B+filename%3DUS_Downgraded_AA%2B.pdf&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadervalue1=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobheadername1=content-type&blobwhere=1243942957443&blobheadervalue3=UTF-8 |title=United States of America Long-Term Rating Lowered to 'AA+' on Political Risks and Rising Debt Burden; Outlook Negative |publisher= [[Standard & Poor's]] |date=August 5, 2011 |accessdate=April 3, 2013}}</ref> the United States Government's credit rating was, for the first time in its history, downgraded from AAA to AA+, and [[poverty]]<ref>[http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/poverty/data/incpovhlth/2009/pov09fig04.pdf Figure 4: Number in Poverty and Poverty Rate: 1959-2009]. ''U.S. Census Bureau''. Current Population Survey, 1960 to 2010 Annual Social and Economic Supplements.</ref> increased markedly. By and large his programs, said to combat the recession, unemployment, slow growth, and deficits, have failed<ref>"The vast majority (73%) of respondents reported the fiscal stimulus enacted in February 2009 has had no impact on employment to date. While 68% also believe a jobs bill, such as the one recently enacted into law, will have no impact on payrolls, 30% do believe it will boost payrolls moderately". [http://www.nabe.com/press/ind1004.pdf Industry Survey], ''National Association for Business Economics'', April 2010, p. 2.</ref> leaving the the country saddled with a $16 trillion [[national debt]] and climbing.<ref>Under Obama the U.S. National Debt has tripled. Source: [https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=86836 U.S. Treasury]; Federal Reserve Board.</ref> One of his most well known tactics is blaming someone else, such as George W. Bush, for all his failures instead of taking responsibility. Also on the domestic front, Obama passed an expensive [[health care]] bill in 2010 with no national concensus or [[bipartisan]] support and 34 Democrats dissenting. Recently, the [[Congressional Budget Office]] wrote an open letter to [[John Boehner]], the Speaker of the House, outlining the effects of repealing [[Obamacare]] and explaining why net loss of over 100 billion dollars would occur from the repeal. [http://cbo.gov/publication/43471]

Americans deaths in [[Afghanistan]] have more than doubled under Obama's leadership compared with the preceding eight years of George Bush, according to the Congressional Research Service <ref>Chesser, S.G. (2012, July 12). [http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R41084.pdf Afghanistan Casualties: Military Forces and Civilians - CRS Report for Congress]. Pg. 3. ''Congressional Research Service'''.</ref> Against his own Defense Secretary's advice, Obama [[Libyan uprising 2011|attacked Libya]] - a possible violation of the [[War Powers Act]]. After he he took credit for the killing of [[September 11th]] mastermind terrorist [[Osama bin Laden]], the [[U.S. State Department]] warned of increased risk to the lives and safety of Americans.<ref>''KABC-TV/DT'' (2011, July 27). [http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/national_world&id=8273909 Risk of anti-US violence up after Osama bin Laden's death]. On ''ABC7 News''.</ref> Bin Laden's successor, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]] confirmed the [[Benghazi Attack]] which killed four State Department employees, was motivated by revenge.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/libya-attack-jihadists/index.html Pro-al Qaeda group seen behind deadly Benghazi attack], By Nic Robertson, Paul Cruickshank and Tim Lister, CNN, September 13, 2012.</ref> Bin Laden's killing, however had negligible impact on Obama's approval ratings.<ref>''Gallup''. [http://www.gallup.com/poll/113980/gallup-daily-obama-job-approval.aspx Gallup Daily: Obama Job Approval].</ref>

Obama's bizarre gaffes are frequent and embarrassing, but typically unreported by the [[liberal media]]. Many hardworking American businessmen took offense to a 2012 campaign speech about the economy where he says "You didn't build that." Obama offended [[Poland]] by referring to the [[Nazi]] death camps there as "Polish death camps." Later Obama apologized.<ref>Sink, J. (2012, June 1). [http://thehill.com/blogs/global-affairs/europe/230419-obama-letter-says-he-regrets-polish-death-camp-gaffe Obama apologizes in writing for 'Polish death camp' verbal gaffe].''The Hill''.</ref> Even the ''New York Times'' was critical of Obama's incessant boasting about the killing of bin Laden.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/us/politics/critics-pounce-on-obamas-trumpeting-of-bin-laden-death.html?_r=0 Obama Trumpets Killing of Bin Laden, and Critics Pounce], By PETER BAKER and MICHAEL D. SHEAR, April 27, 2012.</ref>

Every problem that has ever occurred in the world can be traced back to Obama.

==Biography==
===Birth===
{{TOC right}}
:''Main article : [[Early life and career of Barack Hussein Obama]]''
:''See also : [[Barack Obama's Muslim Heritage]]''
Obama claims to have been born in Hawaii to Stanley Ann Dunham and [[Barack Obama Sr.]] - who had married just six months prior - on August 4, 1961 in [[Honolulu, Hawaii]].<ref name=msnbc>''MSNBC'' (2008, February 20). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23257295/ns/msnbc_tv-documentaries/t/obama-becomes-rising-star-among-democrats/ Obama Becomes Rising Star Among Democrats]."</ref> Some contend that this story is a complete fabrication. After many leading conservatives -- including the leadership of this site and [[Donald Trump]] -- called for Obama to release his birth certificate he produced a document that he claimed was his birth certificate on April 27, 2011. Sheriff [[Joe Arpaio]] of Maricopa County in Arizona conducted an investigation of Obama's eligibility and questioned whether the alleged "birth certificate" was a fake; however, no charges have been filed. [[Obama]] was reportedly assigned a social security number whose area code was assigned to applications coming from zip codes in Connecticut.<ref>Beginning in 1972, all Social Security numbers were issued from a central office in Baltimore, Maryland.[http://www.ssa.gov/history/ssn/geocard.html]</ref>

The original claims that Obama was born in Kenya come from the Obamas themselves. In 1991, Obama's literary agent, Acton & Dystel, published a promotional booklet that stated that Obama was born in Kenya. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/The-Vetting-Barack-Obama-Literary-Agent-1991-Born-in-Kenya-Raised-Indonesia-Hawaii</ref><ref>http://www.examiner.com/article/publisher-s-1991-booklet-says-barack-obama-was-born-kenya</ref> The claim that Obama was born in Kenya remained on the agent's web site until 2007. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/17/Obama-pamphlet-in-use-2007</ref> Internet archives confirm this information. <ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20070403190001/http://www.dystel.com/clientlist.html</ref> In addition to the information from literary agents, Michelle Obama stated in an interview that Kenya is Obama's "homeland".<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzJz2A2N1c</ref>

Barack Obama Sr. was not a [[Natural born citizen|citizen of the United States]]. At the time of Obama's birth, Kenya was a British colony, meaning that not only was Obama Sr. a British subject, but he passed that status on to his son. When Kenya gained independence, Obama and his father both ceased to be British subjects and became Kenyan citizens. Barack Obama was a dual citizen of the United States and Kenya until his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired in 1984, as he had failed to renounce US nationality and swear loyalty to Kenya. Even if he had been born with US citizenship through his mother, it has been argued that as he was born with dual nationality, he is not a natural-born citizen of the United States, and thus constitutionally ineligible to become President. Despite this, no court that has considered such arguments has accepted the proposition that Obama is not a natural-born citizen.<ref>See [http://www.scribd.com/doc/88910250/Purpura-Moran-Initial-Decision-of-ALJ-Masin Initial Decision by Jeff S. Masin] in ''Purpura and Moran v. Obama'' at 7 ("Thus, accepting for the point of this issue that Mr. Obama was born in Hawaii, he is a “natural born Citizen” regardless of the status of his father."), Tisdale v. Obama (E.D.Va 2012) Order at 2 ("It is well settled that those born in the United States are considered natural born citizens." (citing ''United States v. Wong Kim Ark'', 169 U.S. 649)), ''aff'd per curiam'' by 4th Cir., ''Ankeny v. Governor of the State of Indiana'', 916 N.E.2d 678, 685 (Ind. Ct. App. 2009) ("With regard to President Barack Obama, the Plaintiffs posit that because his father was a citizen of the United Kingdom, President Obama is constitutionally ineligible to assume the Office of the President....we hold that the Plaintiffs' arguments fail to state a claim upon which relief can be granted")</ref>

===Early Life===
Obama's birth parents divorced in 1963 when his mother discovered Barack Obama Sr. was already married to a woman living in Kenya.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/books/article-2024819/Barack-Obamas-father-Bigamist-drunk-wife-beater.html Barack Obama's father: Bigamist, drunk and wife-beater], By Ian Birrell, 12 August 2011. dailymail.co.uk This is one of the first misleading statements about Barack Obama when he was introduced to America as Keynote Speaker at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. Advance publicity billed him as the "son of Kenyan economist" when infact Obama Sr. was forced out of the graduate program at Harvard because of his bigamy. He returned to Kenya. Obama at the age 9 once briefly met his father who served in the corrupt Kenyan socialist regime's Department of [[Economic Planning]]. Obama Sr. killed himself in a drunken car accident.</ref> When Obama was 2 years old his mother married Lolo Soetoro, an [[Indonesian]] geologist. At age 6 his mother and adoptive father took him to Jakarta, Indonesia for 4 years while his mother pursued a Ph.D. in Anthropology requiring fieldwork there.<ref name="db mother">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-03/a-singular-woman-by-janny-scott-review-by-stacy-schiff/#|work=The Daily Beast|format=HTML|language=English|title=Dreams of His Mother|author=Stacy Schiff}}</ref> His mother then abandoned him in Hawaii with his grandparents (Stanley and Madelyn Dunham, who had moved to Hawaii in 1959) <ref name=revealed>Malveaux, Suzanne (2008, August 20). "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0808/20/se.02.html Barack Obama Revealed]." ''CNN''.</ref> so she could return to Indonesia after her divorce. Obama's grandfather arranged for his friend, the noted communist writer [[Frank Marshall Davis]], to serve as a mentor and role model for an impressionable African-American youth.

Other siblings of Obama's include his half-sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and 7 other children born to his father by 4 different women.<ref name=raisingobama>Purdum, Todd (2008, March). "[http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803 Raising Obama]." ''Vanity Fair''.</ref> For much of his early life, prior to his transfer to Columbia University, he went by his nickname, "Barry." In the summer of 1988, before attending Harvard Law School (he'd just been accepted), he visited Kogelo, Kenya, to learn more about his father's family. When his mother died in 1995, he and his sister Maya scattered her ashes over Hawaii's south shore.<ref name=revealed />

===Personal Life===
[[Image:Michelle Obama.jpg|frame|right|Michelle (Robinson) Obama, wife of Barack Obama.]]
Barack Obama met his future wife, an attorney named Michelle Robinson, herself a recent Harvard Law School graduate, while he was an intern and she was on staff at Sidley Austin LLP, a prestigious corporate law firm.<ref name=msnbc /> Despite company policy prohibiting relations between staff and interns, the two started dating. The two continued dating long-distance while he finished law school, and on October 18, 1992,<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/03/obama-anniversary-20-years-married_n_1935840.html Huffington Post says it was October 3, 1992.]</ref> were married by Reverend [[Jeremiah Wright]] at Trinity United Church.<ref name=revealed /> In 1999, their first child was born, Malia, and in 2001, another daughter, Natasha (often called Sasha).<ref name=msnbc />

Obama attended Reverend Jeremiah Wright's Trinity United Church from 1984-1988 during his time as a [[community organizer]] (''See [[Barack_Obama#1984-1988.2C_Community_Organizer|1985-1988, Community Organizer]] section''). Obama credits Wright with his alleged conversion to Christianity, and had both his daughters, Sasha and Malia, baptized there.<ref name=revealed />

===Education===
At age 6, Obama attended schools in Indonesia, the first a Catholic School while he was in Kindergarten, and later a public school. The school had mostly Muslim students (since most Indonesians are Muslim). In ''Dreams from My Father'', Obama writes, "In the Muslim school, the teacher wrote to my mother that I had made faces during [[Koran]]ic studies."<ref>''Dreams from My Father'', by Barack Obama, p.142 Aug 1, 1996. [http://www.ontheissues.org/Archive/Dreams_From_My_Father_Principles_+_Values.htm]</ref> ''Insight Magazine'' first reported [[Hillary Clinton]]'s organization had "questions about Obama’s Muslim background: ''Are the American people ready for an elected president who was educated in a [[Madrassa]] as a young boy and has not been forthcoming about his Muslim heritage?"''<ref>[http://www.debbieschlussel.com/2899/hillary-clinton-agrees-with-schlussel-obama-suspicious-deceptive-on-muslim-background/ Hillary Clinton Agrees With Schlussel: Obama Suspicious, Deceptive on Muslim Background], By Debbie Schlussel, January 19, 2007.</ref>

In 1971, at age 10, Barack Obama moved to Hawaii, and his grandparents helped him gain entrance to the prestigious Punahou Academy in Honolulu where he began substance abuse and illegal drugs.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/25/obama-pot-smoking-details_n_1545904.html Obama Pot-Smoking Details Revealed In David Maraniss Book], ''The Huffington Post'', By Luke Johnson, 05/25/2012 . </ref> He was accepted through a scholarship for disadvantaged minorities while he was in 5th grade.<ref name=revealed /> At this elite high school with 1,200 students he was just 1 of 3 black students, and couldn't make the starting lineup of the state champion basketball team his senior year. He wrote a poem for the school's literary magazine, ''Ka Wai Ola''.<ref name=raisingobama />

In 1979, he began a 2-year stint at Occidental College college in Los Angeles,<ref name=msnbc /> and then transferred to Columbia University in New York, which he graduated from in 1983.<ref name=pragmatic>Scott, Janny (2007, July 30). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd]." ''New York Times''.</ref> During this time he published an anti-military tirade embracing Soviet General Secretary [[Leonid Brezhnev]]'s <ref>Obama supported CPSU General Secretary Brezhnev's foreign policy over both Presidents [[Jimmy Carter]] and Ronald Reagan's decision to deploy the MX Missile in Europe. [http://www.csmonitor.com/1981/1124/112439.html Brezhnev offers Schmidt moratorium on nuclear missiles], Elizabeth Pond, ''CS Monitor'', November 24, 1981. See also [http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/images/nytint/docs/obama-s-1983-college-magazine-article/original.pdf Breaking the War Mentality], Barack Obama, Columbia ''Sundial'', March 10, 1983.</ref> proposal for a nuclear freeze in the campus newspaper and allegedly spoke at an Anti-Apartheid rally,<ref name=revealed /> although several prominent student leaders said they did not remember him there. Professor Michael L. Baron was impressed by Obama and wrote him a recommendation for Harvard Law School.<ref name=differs>Scott, J. (2007, October 30). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30obama.html?pagewanted=all Obama's Account of New York Years Often Differs From What Others Say]." ''New York Times''.</ref> In the winter of 1988 Barack Obama decided to attend Harvard Law School, and left Chicago for Cambridge, Massachusetts. In his 2nd year a power struggle broke out among the dominant white liberals over control of the ''Harvard Law Review''. Obama was elected its first black president as a compromise candidate largely with help of conservatives following a "marathon voting session" in which he finally won on the 19th ballot.<ref name=raisingobama /> This led to national attention and numerous job offers, which Obama passed up, at age 30, to pursue his political career in Chicago.<ref name=msnbc /><ref name=revealed />

===Early Employment===
====1983-1984, Financial Analyst and Writer====
In 1984 Obama worked as a writer and financial analyst for Business International Corporation to help pay off some of his student loans. Business International Corporation was a small newsletter-publishing and research firm which aided multinational companies understand overseas markets. Obama served as a writer/researcher for a company reference service, Financing Foreign Operations, and wrote for their newsletter, ''Business International Money Report''. His supervisor was Cathy Lazere. <ref name=differs /><ref>Henig, J. (2008, June 21). "[http://www.factcheck.org/2008/06/obama-polishes-his-resume-2/ Obama Polishes His Resume]." ''FactCheck.org''. [http://www.analyzethis.net/2005/07/09/barack-obama-embellishes-his-resume/ Barack Obama Embellishes His Resume] ''analyzethis.net''. </ref>
====1984-1988, Community Organizer====
In 1984, Obama was hired by the New York Public Interest Research Group, a non-profit organization promoting environmental, consumer, and government reforms. He also was paid just under $10,000 annually as a full-time organizer for Harlem's City College to mobilize student volunteers.<ref name=differs />

From 1985-88, Obama worked as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago <ref>The Developing Communities Project (DCP) of the Calumet Community Religious Conference (CCRC)</ref> funded with a $25,000 grant by [[Bill Ayers]]' Woods Fund. The ''New York Times'' reported he was paid $1,000 a year, with $2,000 extra for a car<ref name=revealed /><ref name=streetwise>Scott, Janny (2007, September 9). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html?pagewanted=all In 2000, a Streetwise Veteran Schooled a Bold Young Obama]." ''New York Times''.</ref> however stories vary wildly. Jerry Kellman, who hired him, says it was "$10,000 a year and a $2,000 car allowance". Obama himself gave different numbers; his memoir says $10,000 (as well as the car), in his Wesleyan speech he gave it as "$12,000 a year plus $2,000 for an old, beat-up car", and when he announced his candidacy for president, it was "a group of churches had offered me a job as a community organizer for $13,000 a year".

Ryan Lizza at ''The New Republic'' reported that "Jean Rudd of the Woods Fund...had provided Kellman with his original $25,000 to hire Obama". Ari Berman reported in ''The Nation'' that the "[Woods Fund] gave a $25,000 grant to the Developing Communities Project, which hired Obama". CBS Channel 2 in Chicago ran a story with a document showing that Obama's proposed salary in 1987 was $25,000, a number that the Obama campaign confirmed while insisting at the same time his original salary was $13,000.<ref>[http://theobamafile.com/obamaworks.htm Community Organizing], The Obama File. http://theobamafile.com.</ref>

During this time Obama joined Reverend Wright's Trinity United Church because in the words of Suzanne Malveaux of ''CNN'', "It was the church to join if you wanted to be one of Chicago's black movers and shakers." At the time, community organizing involved close affiliation with churches, which was how Obama met Wright. Obama abandoned the fight against asbestos contamination in the Altgeld Gardens housing project to pursue personal interests and a career by enrollment at Harvard Law School in the winter of 1988.<ref name=revealed />
====1988-1996, Law Practice====
In 1988 Obama gained work as a Summer Associate at one of the most prestigious corporate law firms in the world, Sidley Austin LLP<ref name=austin>Lattman, P. (2007, May 11). "[http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2007/05/11/sidley-austin-when-barack-met-michelle/ When Barack Met Michelle]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref name=revealed />, owned by Newton Minow, thanks to the recommendation of Minow's daughter Martha, a professor at Harvard Law School. It was at Minow's law firm that Obama would meet Michelle Robinson, his future wife.<ref name=raisingobama /> From 1993-96 he practiced civil rights law including suing Citibank to force them into making [[Subprime loan|subprime mortgage]]s to unqualified minority borrowers.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/03/community-reinvestment-act-mortgages-housing-opinions-contributors-peter-schweizer.html A Poisonous Cocktail: Expanding the Community Reinvestment Act], Peter Schweizer, ''Forbes'', 10.05.09. In ''Selma S. Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank'', lead attorney Obama alleged that although his clients had been denied mortgages "because of delinquent credit obligations and adverse credit," they were really victims of institutional racism. The suit was brought about by the Community Reinvestment Act, so called affirmative action mortgage lending. The plaintiffs won $60,000, Obama and two other attorneys were paid $950,000.</ref> After graduating from Harvard he was hired by Miner, Barnhill, & Galland, a small politically-connected law firm.<ref name=austin /> It was at Miner, Barnhill, & Galland that he would meet influential real estate developer Tony Rezko.<ref name=revealed />
====1991-1992, Project Vote====
In 1991 Obama was recruited by Sandy Newman to head the Chicago chapter of Project Vote!<ref name=revealed />, and in 1992 was the Executive Director, overseeing a voter registration drive which registered 125,000 black voters and was credited with defeating an incumbent Democrat in the primary and electing U.S. Senator Carol Mosely Braun.<ref name=raisingobama /><ref name=pragmatic />

====1992-2004, Lecturer at University of Chicago====
Obama taught part-time at the University of Chicago Law School<ref name=raisingobama /> from 1992-2004. Though Obama erroneously describes himself as a "constitutional law professor"<ref>http://www.examiner.com/article/obama-complains-of-being-constrained-by-a-system-founding-father-put-place</ref>, he was actually only a senior lecturer and the class he taught the most times was called "Current Issues in Racism and the Law".<ref>http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/09/20/obamas-favorite-course-to-teach-at-the-university-of-chicago-revealed/</ref> He was a Lecturer from 1992-96, teaching 3 courses per year<cite>, and a senior lecturer from 1996-2004. After Obama was criticized for lying about his job title, the University of Chicago released a statement stating that senior lecturers are considered Law School faculty and regarded as professors but not full-time or tenured. Obama was invited to join the faculty in a full-time, tenured track position several times during this period but declined each time.<ref>"[http://www.law.uchicago.edu/media Media Inquiries: Statement Regarding Barack Obama]." ''University of Chicago Law School''.</ref>

====1995, Author====
In 1995 Obama published ''Dreams From My Father'' about his life and family background.<ref name=msnbc />

===Personal Awards===
====2009 Nobel Peace Prize====
On October 9, 2009 Barack H. Obama became the third sitting U.S. President<ref name=wilsons>Wilson, Scott (2009, October 10). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100900914.html President Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize]. ''Washington Post''.</ref> to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "''for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples''".<ref>NobelPrize.org (2009, October 9). "[http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2009/press.html The Nobel Prize for 2009: Press Release]." Oslo, Norway. Accessed May 13, 2012.</ref> Obama stated that he was "surprised and deeply humbled" to receive the unexpected award,<ref>(2009, October 9). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-09/world/nobel.peace.prize_1_norwegian-nobel-committee-international-diplomacy-and-cooperation-nuclear-weapons?_s=PM:WORLD Obama: Nobel Peace Prize is 'Call to Action']." ''CNN''.</ref> and also said, "To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who have inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace".<ref name=wilsons /> The award was widely criticized given Obama's then lack of accomplishments.<ref>Chazan, G. & MacDonald, A. (2009, October 11). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125509603349176083.html Nobel Committee's Decision Courts Controversy]." ''Wall Street Journal''. (2009, October 9). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/09/obamas-peace-prize-draws-criticism-liberals/ Obama's Peace Prize Draws Criticism, Even From Some Liberals]." ''Associated Press''.</ref>

==1996-2003, Illinois State Senate==
===1996 Election===
{{main article|Radical roots of Barack Hussein Obama}}
In 1995 a cadre of like minded individuals gathered for a fundraising event in the early career of Barack Obama hosted by [[Weather Underground]] (WUO) [[terrorist]] [[William Ayers|William "Bill" Ayers]]. Besides Obama, those in attendance were Ayers wife [[Bernardine Dohrn]],<ref>Georgie Anne Geyer and Keyes Beach "Cuba: School for U.S. Radicals", ''Chicago Daily News/Chicago Sun-Times'' five part series October 1970, excerpted in [http://foia.fbi.gov/filelink.html?file=/weather/weath1c.pdf FBI file Weather Underground Organization (Weatherman),] Part 1c pp. 5-7 pdf (113-115 in original). [http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2009/06/07/clandestine-agents-of-the-cuban-government-ayers-dohrn-myers/]</ref> and Carl Davidson, veterans of [[guerrilla warfare]] training in [[Cuba]] just prior 1968 Democratic National Convention riots. Ayers and Dohrn have taken credit for, and never denied, bombing the [[U.S. Capitol]], the [[Pentagon]] and the [[State Department]].

Ayers and Dohrn used their celebrity status among [[leftist]]s to launch Obama's career. Ayers, Dohrn and [[Jeff Jones]]<ref>[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=106653 ''Obama's 'green jobs czar' worked with terror founder] Van Jones served on board of activist group where ex-Weatherman serves as top director'', By Aaron Klein, [[WorldNetDaily]], August 13, 2009.</ref> are authors of ''[[Bill_Ayers#Prairie_Fire_Organizing_Committee_and_Maoist_thought|Prairie Fire: The Politics of Revolutionary Anti-imperialism]],'' the title taken from ''The Sayings of Mao Zedong.''<ref>[http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/mao/works/red-book/]</ref> The book declares "we are [[communist]] men and women."<ref>Harvey Klehr, ''Far Left of Center: The American Radical Left Today'' (Transaction Books, New Brunswick, 1988), 109.</ref> Ayers later jokingly, publicly admitted to ghostwriting Obama's book, ''Dreams From My Father''<ref>Cashill, J. (2011, March 28). [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2011/03/ayers_affirms_he_wrote_dreams.html Ayers Affirms He Wrote Dreams From My Father]. ''American Thinker''.</ref> and Obama was to appoint several openly avowed Maoists to prominent White House and Executive Branch positions.<ref>Fund, J. (2009, October 21). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704597704574487431322664964.html From Mao to Obama]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref>

====Knocking Candidates Off the Ballot====
Barack Obama ran for the Illinois state senate in 1996. He was initially supported by incumbent [[Alice Palmer]], who declared she would run for the U.S. Congress. However, when her bid for Congress failed on November 28, 1995, she tried to run for her old seat in the March 1996 election. Her supporters asked Obama to step aside, although whether this was with her permission remains uncertain.<ref name=pragmatic /> Not only did Obama not step down, he gathered a team of high-priced lawyers, including fellow Harvard Law School graduate Thomas Johnson, to challenge his opponent's petition signatures on technicalities after the filing deadline had passed. Such tactics are legal and frequently used in Chicago; in 2006 they eliminated 67 of the 245 aldermanic candidates;<ref name=bareknuckle>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 4). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-0704030881apr04-archive,0,1523598,full.story Barack Obama: Showing His Bare Knuckles]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> yet nevertheless led to the term "hardball" by the ''New York Times''<ref name=pragmatic /> and "cutthroat" by David Mendel as reported by both ''CNN''<ref name=revealed /> and ''MSNBC''.<ref name=msnbc /> The ''Chicago Tribune'' declared Obama had mastered "the bare-knuckle arts of Chicago electoral politics", noting "The man now running for president on a message of giving a voice to the voiceless first entered public office not by leveling the playing field, but by clearing it."<ref name=bareknuckle /> As one of Obama's four opponents, eliminated through his ballot challenges, would put it: {{cquote|"Why say you're for a new tomorrow, then do old-style Chicago politics to remove legitimate candidates? He talks about honor and democracy, but what honor is there in getting rid of every other candidate so you can run scot-free? Why not let the people decide?"
-Gha-is Askia, 1996 Illinois Senate candidate<ref>Jackson, David & Long, Ray (2007, April 3). "[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-070403obama-ballot-archive,0,5297304,full.story Obama Knows His Way Around a Ballot]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref>}} Mark Ewell, another candidate, filed 1,286 signatures, and Obama's challenges left him 86 short of the minimum requirement (757<ref name=spivak>Spivak, Todd (2008, February 28). "[http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-02-28/news/barack-obama-screamed-at-me/ Barack Obama and Me]." ''Houston Press''.</ref>). Ewell filed a federal lawsuit contesting the election board's decision but Tom Johnson intervened, and Ewell's case was dismissed just a few days later. Ewell and other Obama opponents were using early 1995 polling sheets to verify signatures of registered voters, but city authorities had just purged 15,871 unqualified people from the 13th district list, and Obama's challenges used the more recent, updated list. Askia was left 69 signatures short of the requirement. If names were printed instead of signed in cursive, they were declared invalid. If they were good but the person registering the signatures wasn't a registered voter (e.g. underage) they were invalid.<ref name=hardball>Griffin, Drew & Johnston, Kathleen (2008, May 29). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-05-29/politics/obamas.first.campaign_1_obama-campaign-barack-obama-chicago-politics?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Played Hardball in First Chicago Campaign]." ''CNN''.</ref> Palmer had according to Obama campaign consult Ronald Davis, used two children to help gather her petition signatures. To this day Palmer denies the challenges were valid, and maintains she could have overcome the objections with more time and resources.<ref name=bareknuckle /> Thanks to his lawyers, Obama would win the election without a single other candidate on the ballot.

===2000 Election===
: ''Main Article: [[Illinois 1st congressional district election, 2000]]''
In 2000, Obama lost his only political election when he chose to run against experienced incumbent and former [[Black Panther]] and Bobby L. Rush for the U.S. Congress in a 65% black district. Rush's name recognition began at 90%, Obama's at 11%. Michelle Obama opposed taking on an such an iconic figure dear to the community and threatened divorce.<ref>[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2145035/Michelle-Obama-prepared-divorce-papers-separate-Barack-leaving-suicidal.html New book claims Michelle Obama prepared divorce papers to separate from Barack], By Daniel Bates, 16 May 2012. dailymail.co.uk</ref> Establishment Democrats considered Obama "a white man in blackface".<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/government-elections-politics/choice-2012/transcript-29/ PBS Frontline Transcript, The Choice 2012.</ref> Rush said of Obama, “He went to Harvard and became an educated fool,” adding, “We’re not impressed with these folks with these eastern elite degrees.”<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/28/bobby-rush-in-2000-obamas-a-harvard-educated-fool-who-thinks-he-knows-all-about-the-civil-rights-protests/ Bobby Rush in 2000: Obama a Harvard ‘educated fool’ who ‘thinks he knows all about’ the ‘civil rights protests’], Daily Caller, 03/28/2012.</ref>Todd Spivak would give voice to this impression of Obama, noting that{{cquote|"My view of Obama then wasn't all that different from the image he projects now....One thing I can say is, I never heard him launch into the preacher-man voice he now employs during speeches. He sounded vanilla, and activists in his mostly black district often chided him for it."<ref name=spivak />}}Rush would go on to win the Primary with 61.02% of the vote; Obama received 30.36%.<ref name=streetwise /> The loss led to Obama considering dropping out of politics altogether, particularly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, since his name sounds similar to "Osama bin Laden".<ref name=msnbc />

===State Senate Voting Record===
[[File:O-2002-antiwar-rally-davidson.jpg|right|thumb|250px| Obama speaking at the October 2002 [[War on Terror|anti-War rally]] in Chicago organized by [[Carl Davidson]].<ref>Davidson is a longtime [[Mao]]ist and champion of the ''Thought of Mao Tse Tung.'' Davidson's anti-Trotskyite polemic, [http://www.wengewang.org/read.php?tid=10925 ''Left in Form, Right in Essence''] defends Maoist doctrine. </ref> Unlike Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, Obama took the rather unpopular position against "dumb wars".]]
Obama entered the Illinois Senate promising change to a corrupt system. He mixed often radical votes with more pragmatic agreements. Possibly one of his most radical votes was against requiring medical care for aborted children who survive [[abortion|the procedure]] - in fact the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council ascribed him a 100% rating for his consistently pro-choice votes.<ref name="cbs illinois">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/17/politics/main2369157.shtml|title=Obama Record May Be Gold Mine For Critics|work=CBS|format=HTML|language=English|last=Clark|first=Amy S.|date=Jan. 17, 2007}}</ref> He was criticized for using the statehouse as a stepping stone for a more illustrious career: Steven J. Rauschenberger, a [[Republican]], said prior to Obama's election as president: “He is a very bright but very ambitious person who has always had his eyes on the prize, and it wasn’t Springfield. If he deserves to be president, it is not because he was a great legislator.”<ref name="nyt illinois">{{cite web|work=The New York Times|title=In Illinois, Obama Proved Pragmatic and Shrewd|last=Scott|first=Janny|format=HTML|language=English|date=July 30, 2007|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/30/us/politics/30obama.html}}</ref>

The statehouse was majority Republican, so the Senator was sometimes forced to compromise. He formed allegiances across party lines to pass [[campaign finance]] reform that banned most gifts by lobbyists, prohibited spending campaign money for legislators’ personal use and required electronic filing of campaign disclosure reports.<ref name="nyt illinois"/> Obama also helped pass a so-called “driving-while-black bill”, which required the police to collect data on the race of drivers they stopped as a way to monitor [[racial profiling]].<ref name="nyt illinois"/>

Obama established himself as a chief spokesperson in opposition to the [[War on Terror]] during an October 2002 rally at Federal Plaza in Chicago<ref>The rally was organized by Chicagoans Against War in Iraq (CAWI) later renamed Chicagoans Against War and Injustice. [http://www.noiraqwar-chicago.org/?page_id=2 About CAWI] by Carl Davidson, Nov 02 2006. Retrieved from Chicagoans Against War and Injustice, March 15, 2010.</ref> [[community organizing|organized]] by veteran [[Mao]]ist and webmaster of [[Progressives for Obama]],<ref>[http://www.linkedin.com/in/carldavidson Carl Davidson,] LinkedIn.com, retrieved March 13, 2010.</ref> [[Carl Davidson]].

===2003 Emil Jones Deal===
: ''Main Article: [[2003 Barack Obama deal with Emil Jones]]''
When Illinois' U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald announced he would be retiring in April 2003, Obama jumped at the opportunity, declaring that he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2004.<ref name=msnbc /> To boost his chances Obama approached the newly crowned president of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones Jr., with a proposal. According to Jones, whom Obama has since called his "godfather"<ref name=godfather>''Associated Press'' (2009, June 18). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-250_162-3983147.html Obama's Political 'Godfather' In Illinois]."</ref> the conversation went as follows:
{{cquote|"After I was elected president, in 2003, he came to see me, a couple months later. And he said to me, he said, ‘You’re the senate president now, and with that, you have a lot of pow-er.’ And I told Barack, ‘You think I got a lot of pow-er now?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah, you got a lot of pow-er.’ And I said, ‘What kind of pow-er do I have?’ He said, ‘You have the pow-er to make a United States sen-a-tor!’ I said to Barack, I said, ‘That sounds good!’ I said, ‘I haven’t even thought of that.’ I said, ‘Do you have someone in mind you think I could make?,’ and he said, ‘Yeah. Me.’ "<ref name=raisingobama /><ref name=pragmatic />}}
Because of the deal, Obama's entire Illinois Senate legislative record was, as longtime Obama reporter Todd Spivak put it, built in a single year. During his 7th and final year in the Illinois Senate, Obama sponsored an incredible 26 bills into law, including many he now points to when criticized as inexperienced<ref name=spivak /> - as ''CNN's'' Suzanne Malveaux observed, "With help from on high, Obama got his name on hundreds of bills that he pushed through."<ref name=revealed /> Jones not only had Obama craft legislation addressing daily tragedies to raise his political profile<ref name=godfather />, he also appointed Obama head of almost all high-profile legislation in the Illinois Senate, angering other state legislators with more seniority who'd spent years supporting the bills.<ref name=spivak /> Illinois State Senator Rickey Hendon, the original sponsor of the famous racial profiling bill requiring videotaped confessions in police interrogations, complained bitterly about Jones' decision.<ref name=revealed /><ref name=intheblack>Spivak, Todd (2004, March 25). "[http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-922-in-the-black.html In the Black]." ''Illinois Times''.</ref> Jones' influence had a major impact on Obama's chances in the 2004 elections, preventing major political players from backing Obama's opponents. To quote Emil Jones,{{cquote|"He knew if he had me in the run for the Senate, it would put a block on the current mayor. The current mayor and the father of the controller, which was Dan Hynes, they were roommates in Springfield when the mayor was a state senator, so they had a relationship. Another big financial backer for the governor was Blair Hull. Barack knew if he had me it would checkmate the governor, ’cause the governor couldn’t come out and go with Blair Hull, ’cause the governor needs me. Same with the mayor. So he had analyzed and figured all of that out. He knew I could help him with labor support. And I could put a checkmate on some of the local politicians that didn’t know him, but they couldn’t really go against me."
-Emil Jones<ref name=raisingobama />}}

==2004-2008, U.S. Senate==
:''See also: [[Early_life_and_career_of_Barack_Hussein_Obama#U.S._Senate_.282004-2008.29|Barack Obama:U.S. Senate (2004-2008)]], [[United States Senate election in Illinois, 2004]]''
[[Image:obama.jpg|thumb|left|Senator Barack Obama]]
===2004 Primary Election===
Despite initially trailing in the polls to frontrunner [[Blair Hull]]<ref name=intheblack />, Obama greatly benefited from what the ''Chicago Tribune'' called "the most inglorious campaign implosion in Illinois political history"<ref name=mendell>Mendell, David (2004, March 17). "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-03-17/news/0403170332_1_blair-hull-gery-chico-blacks-and-liberal-whites Obama Routs Democratic Foes]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> when pressure from journalists and opposing candidates, just weeks before the election, forced the unsealing of Hull's messy divorce files.<ref name=blairhull>Voegeli, William (2004, March 19). "[http://www.claremont.org/publications/pubid.339/pub_detail.asp The Rise and Fall of Blair Hull]." ''The Claremont Institute''.</ref> The files revealed Hull's ex-wife's accusations of verbal and physical abuse.<ref name=spivak /> Hull would afterwards criticize the media, stating, "As for the press, I will never read the newspaper the same way again."<ref name=mendell /> Obama would go on to win the Primary with 53% of the vote.<ref name=blairhull /> Obama's unexpected victory led to him being termed a "rising star" by the media.<ref>Howlett, Debbie (2004, March 18). "[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/2004-03-18-obama-usat_x.htm Dems See a Rising Star in Illinois Senate Candidate]." ''USA Today''.</ref>
===2004 General Election, Jack Ryan===
Once again Obama found himself trailing to popular frontrunner [[Jack Ryan]], and once again a candidate's campaign imploded thanks to media intervention. In an unprecedented move, the ''Chicago Tribune'' and local TV station WLS sued to force the unsealing of Ryan's divorce files, despite opposition from both Ryan and his wife, Jeri Ryan, who in the files accused Jack Ryan of trying to coerce her to perform sex acts in public. Though Ryan advisors told him he could still win if using a negative attack on Obama, Ryan refused to engage in what he considered dirty politics.<ref name=abandon>''Associated Press'' (2004, June 26). "[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/state/2004-06-25-ryan_x.htm Jack Ryan Abandons Senate Bid]."</ref> Ryan then dropped out of the race (per request by the Illinois GOP<ref name=idealist>Sangwan, Rahul (2004, October 1). "[http://www.dartmouthindependent.com/archives/2004/10/jack_ryan_81_th.html Jack Ryan '81: The Conservative Idealist]." ''Dartmouth Independent''.</ref>), following which the Illinois GOP scrambled to find a replacement, leaving Obama uncontested for weeks to campaign and build up public support. On top of all this, Obama was selected to give the keynote speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention (July 27<ref>''Washington Post'' (2004, June 26). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19751-2004Jul27.html Illinois Senate Candidate Barack Obama]."</ref>), catapulting him into the national spotlight, and leading to further media publicity terming him a "rising star".<ref>Page, Susan & Despoignes, Peronet (2004, July 28). "[http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-07-28-obama-speech_x.htm Rising Star Brings Democrats to Their Feet]." ''USA Today''.</ref>
===2004 General Election, Alan Keyes===
: ''Main Article: [[Obama born alive controversy]]''
After a number of candidates including former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka declined to run<ref>''CNN'' (2004, August 9). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2004-08-09/politics/il.keyes_1_senate-candidate-senate-race-illinois-senate?_s=PM:ALLPOLITICS Keyes Challenges Obama for Illinois Senate Seat]."</ref>, the Illinois GOP finally settled on fiery [[Alan Keyes]], a former Ambassador to the Economic and Social Counsel of the United Nations<ref name=spivak />, with less than 3 months left before the November 2004 election.<ref name=msnbc /> His sudden entrance into the state for the election was initially attacked in the press as "carpetbagging".<ref>''Chicago Tribune''. "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-08-06/news/0408060313_1_mr-keyes-judy-baar-topinka-alan-keyes The GOP's Rent-A-Senator]." ''Washington Post'' (2004, August 9). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A50885-2004Aug8.html Mr. Keyes the Carpetbagger].</ref><ref name=pearson>Pearson, Rick (2004, September 5). "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-09-05/news/0409050304_1_selfish-hedonist-alan-keyes-illinois-republican-party Keyes, State GOP Gearing Up Blame Campaign]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> Keyes repeatedly claimed his primary motivation for entering a race he had seemingly no chance of winning was his disgust at Obama's votes on the popular [[Born Alive]] bills.<ref>Keyes, Alan (2004, August 18). "[http://www.mail-archive.com/newsandviews@chuckmuth.com/msg00699.html How You Can Help Alan Keyes for Senate!]." ''Keyes2004 Inc.''</ref> Keyes, from his first day of arriving in Illinois (August 9, 2004)<ref name=assails>''Associated Press'' (2004, August 9). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5654128/ Keyes Assails Obama's Abortion Views]."</ref>, accused Obama of having voted against bills mandating medical care for newborn children, and supporting "infanticide" (the term twice used in the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act<ref>''United States Congress'' (2003, March 13). "[http://news.findlaw.com/wp/docs/abortion/2003s3.html S.3: Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003]."</ref>) where hospitals left newborn infants to die like garbage.<ref>Smiley, Tavis (2004, August 31). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=341 Alan Keyes on the Tavis Smiley Show]." ''NPR''. ''CBS2 Chicago'' (2004, August 30). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=337 Alan Keyes on CBS2 Chicago This Morning]." This Morning.</ref> Obama in a debate on October 13, 2004, defended himself against Keyes' accusations of infanticide by claiming that Illinois law was already sufficient.<ref>''Chicago Tribune'' (2004, October 13). "[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2004-10-13/news/0410140004_1_alan-keyes-senate-race-first-of-three-debates Debate or Discussion?]"</ref>

However, Keyes' rhetoric, calling Obama's votes "the slaveholder's position"<ref name=assails /> and saying "Jesus Christ would not vote for Obama"<ref>Thomas, Scott (2004, September 7). "[http://www.keyesarchives.com/transcript.php?id=348 Alan Keyes on the Scott Thomas Show (AM1160 - WYLL)]." ''Scott Thomas Show''. Chicago, Illinois.</ref> was widely ridiculed by the press. Keyes' unabashed criticism of homosexuality as "selfish hedonism" was also targeted.<ref name=pearson /><ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5897569/ Keyes: Cheney's Gay Daughter Practicing Selfish Hedonism]." Pallasch, Abdom M. (2004, September 2). "[http://web.archive.org/web/20071017122135/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040902/ai_n12560727 Topinka Says He Should Apologize for 'Idiotic' Comment]." ''Chicago Sun-Times''.</ref> Obama would ultimately win the election, 70% to 27%.<ref>''CNN.com''. "[http://cnn.hu/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/IL/S/01/index.html Election Results: U.S. Senate/Illinois]." Election 2004.</ref>

===U.S. Senate Voting Record===
Obama's incomplete term in the U.S. Senate was largely unoteworthy. In voting against raising the [[debt limit]] in 2006 Obama famously said, "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can’t pay its own bills. ... I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit."<ref>''Washington Post'' FACT CHECKER, [http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/annotating-obamas-2006-speech-against-boosting-the-debt-limit/2013/01/14/aa8cf8c4-5e9b-11e2-9940-6fc488f3fecd_blog.html Annotating Obama’s 2006 speech against boosting the debt limit], Glenn Kessler, 01/15/2013.</ref><ref>Kaplan, R. (2011, April 11). [http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2011/04/obama-once-opposed-debt-ceiling-hike/237129/ Obama Once Opposed Debt Ceiling Hike]. ''The Atlantic''.</ref> In 2008 as candidate for president Obama called George W. Bush's request to raise the debt limit "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic".<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kuTG19Cu_Q Obama says adding $4 trillion to debt is unpatriotic.] Youtbue.</ref>

The ''National Journal'' ranked him the most liberal senator in 2007.<ref name="ranked">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502163_162-3775451-502163.html|title=National Journal: Obama Most Liberal Senator In 2007|author=Brian Montopoli|date=January 31, 2008|work=CBS}}</ref>

Obama frequently used the [[filibuster]] to obstruct the operations of government,<ref>O'Keefe, E. (2010, February 4). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020303801_pf.html Obama criticizes Senate Republicans for delaying confirmation votes]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> and voted against the [[minimum wage]] bill<ref>[http://uspolitics.about.com/od/legislatio1/a/HR2206.htm HR 2206 - Emergency Appropriations], Kathy Gill, Your Guide to U.S. Politics: Current Events. May 26 2007. [http://more.gov.mtopgroup.com/2007/05/votes-hr-2206-iraq-supplemental.html Votes - H.R. 2206: Iraq Supplemental], May 28, 2007. Retrieved from Deeper Inside the Mountain, June 4, 2007.</ref> he introduced because it included a provision to pay active duty U.S. troops. He voted for the $700 billion TARP program to bailout the big banks after receiving more than $120,000 in contributions from [[Fannie Mae]], a government sponsored entity<ref>more than any other political candidate for office since 1989. [http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2008/09/update-fannie-mae-and-freddie.html Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Invest in Lawmakers], By Lindsay Renick Mayer, September 11, 2008. opensecrets.org</ref> taken into conservatorship for mismanaging its affairs and responsible for all the big bank's problems.

According to Opensecrets.org, of the 671,269 contributions to Obama during his time in the Senate, [[Goldman Sachs]], JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley were among the top 20 biggest money donors to his campaigns. [http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cid=N00009638&cycle=2008][http://www.votesmart.org/finance.php?can_id=9490] All four subsequently received approximately $70 billion in taxpayer assisted [[bailout]] money from the [[TARP]] program he voted for.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2008/10/14/business/14bailout.graphic2.html ''Beneficiary Banks'', New York Times. 2008-10-14.]</ref> UBS AG, a foreign bank and the 12th largest donor to Obama,<ref>http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638</ref> was fined $780 billion in February 2009 in a U.S. Federal Court on charges it helped thousands of Americans evade taxes.<ref>[http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20090219/FREE/902199983 ''UBS fined $780 million in tax evasion scandal,''] Investment News, February 19, 2009.</ref>

==2008 Presidential Election==
{{main article|Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign}}
Unlike Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, Obama's hands were not stained with a vote for the Iraqi war resolution, as he was not in the Senate at the time; a minority of Democrats who wanted to punish candidates for exhibiting [[bi-partisan]]ship began calling for his candidacy after liberals lauded his 2004 [[Democratic National Convention]] speech.
====Primary Election====
In 2007-08, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton competed for the Democratic nomination. Hillary Clinton cleverly resurrected the "Born Alive" controversy surrounding Obama that had lain largely dormant since 2004 (notwithstanding the continuing mentions by Jill Stanek), by accusing Obama of not being pro-choice for voting "Present" on a number of abortion-related bills<ref>Bettelheim, Adriel (2008, February 13). "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/feb/13/obamas-present-tension/ Obama's 'Present' Tension]." ''PolitiFact''.</ref> - including the Born Alive ones,<ref name=clinton>Berman, Russell (2008, January 17). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/clinton-obama-should-vote-no-on-abortion-issue/69700/ Clinton: Obama Should Vote 'No' On Abortion Issue She Backed]." ''New York Sun''. Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20obama.html?pagewanted=all It's Not Just 'Ayes' and 'Nays': Obama's Votes in Illinois Echo]." ''New York Times''.</ref> and cowardly ducking the votes.<ref>''Politi-Fact''. "[http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2008/feb/13/hillary-clinton/yes-but-its-complicated/ Response to Hillary Clinton Comment for January 21st, 2008]." Truth-o-Meter. Dorning, Mike (2007, December 20). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/12/criticism_of_obama_present_vot.html Clinton Camp Criticizes Obama 'Present' Votes]." The Swamp. ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> This led to criticism of Obama by two pro-choice organizations, Emily's List, and the National Organization for Women.<ref>Dorning, Mike (2008, January 14). "[http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2008/01/obama_campaign_mounts_defense.html The Swamp: Obama Campaign Defends His Abortion-Rights Record]." ''Chicago Tribune''. Dorn, Michael (2008, February 6). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/02/obamas_voting_record_on_aborti_1.html Obama's Voting Record on Abortion]." ''Washington Post''. Newton-Small, Jay (2008, January 14). "[http://swampland.time.com/2008/01/14/obama_campaign_defends_present/ Obama Campaign Defends 'Present' Abortion Votes]." ''Time Magazine''.</ref> However, Pam Sutherland, the long-time head of Illinois Planned Parenthood, came to Obama's aid, criticizing Clinton for making the attack, and stating repeatedly that Obama's present votes were part of a broader strategy used by Planned Parenthood to keep Illinois voters from knowing their state senators were voting against the controversial and popular bills.<ref>Hernandez, Raymond & Drew, Christopher (2007, December 20). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20cnd-obama.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin Obama's Vote in Illinois Was Often Just 'Present']." ''New York Times''. Follmer, Max (2008, March 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/14/obama-emphasizes-prochoic_n_81460.html Obama Emphasizes Pro-Choice Voting Record as Clinton Questions 'Present' Votes]." ''Huffington Post''.</ref>
{{cquote|"He came to me and said: ‘My members are being attacked. We need to figure out a way to protect members and to protect women. A ‘present’ vote was hard to pigeonhole which is exactly what Obama wanted. What it did was give cover to moderate Democrats who wanted to vote with us but were afraid to do so" because of how their votes would be used against them electorally. A ‘present’ vote would protect them. Your senator voted ‘present.’ Most of the electorate is not going to know what that means."
-Pam Sutherland, President/CEO of Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, 1980-2012<ref>Davis, Teddy (2007, July 17). "[http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2007/07/obama-abortion/ Obama Abortion Dodges Blessed by Planned Parenthood], ''ABC News''.</ref>}}As the contest in Iowa drew near and the former First Lady's inevitability was being usurped by a challenger, Hillary Clinton organizers began circulating rumors that Obama was secretly a Muslim.<ref>[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/10/barackemail/ Obama Under the Clinton Microscope], By JEFF ZELENY, ''New York Times'', December 10, 2007; [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/06/clinton-volunteers-anti-obama-e-mail-causes-stir/ Clinton volunteer's sending of anti-Obama e-mail causes stir]. December 6, 2007. CNN; [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=92143 Hillary Clinton Press Release - Sen. Obama Rewrites History], December 2, 2007, references Obama in the Muslim school in Indonesia in 3rd grade, quoting the ''The Los Angeles Times'', 3/15/07; [http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/americas/article1995587.ece Obama ‘was educated in madrassa’], Tim Reid and Tom Baldwin, ''The Times'' (London), January 20, 2007.</ref> Clinton also made the claim repeatedly that while Obama was leading in Delegates she was winning the Popular Vote<ref>Koffler, Daniel (2008, May 28). "[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-koffler/hillary-clinton-and-the-p_b_103913.html Hillary Clinton and the Popular Vote: Not Wrong, but Meaningless]." ''Huffington Post''. Barone, Michael (2008, March 28). "[http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/barone/2008/03/28/projection-clinton-wins-popular-vote-obama-wins-delegate-count Projection: Clinton Wins Popular Vote, Obama Wins Delegate Vote]." ''U.S. News''.</ref>, though this was in part because Obama hadn't been registered in Michigan.<ref>Romano, Andrew (2008, August 2). "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/blogs/stumper/2008/06/02/clinton-s-popular-vote-claim-close-but-not-quite.html Clinton's Popular Vote Claim? Close--But Not Quite*]." ''Newsweek''. ''RealClearPolitics''. "[http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/democratic_vote_count.html 2008 Democratic Popular Vote]."</ref> Obama's advantage with super-delegates over Clinton was about 2-to-1.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Superdelegate endorsements for Friday 6/6|work=Democratic Convention Watch|url=http://demconwatch.blogspot.com/2008/06/superdelegate-endorsements-for-friday.html}}</ref> Obama was able to attract the support of [[liberals]] by pointing out that he had come out against the [[Iraq War]] "from the beginning" whereas Clinton had voted in favor of the war in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-01-31-democrats-debate_N.htm|title=Obama, Clinton stress differences on Iraq, issues|author=David Jackson|work=USA Today|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> On June 7, 2008, Hillary Clinton withdrew from the Primaries, conceding the race and endorsing her opponent<ref>''Associated Press''. "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24993082/ns/politics-decision_08/t/clinton-ends-historic-bid-endorses-obama/ Clinton Ends Historic Bid, Endorses Obama]."</ref>, when Obama passed the 2,118 Delegates required; winning 2,201 delegates to Clinton's 1,896.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/scorecard/#D Election Center 2008].</ref>

====Born Alive Record Resurfaces====
On June 30, 2008, Obama's voting record on the "Born Alive" bills came once more to the forefront when CNN gave voice to the growing controversy and revealed the defense Obama had been using since 2004-2008, that the Illinois bills he'd voted against were different from the federal bill, was false, since he'd brought up for a vote a bill word for word identical to the federal bill in the Health and Human Services Committee he chaired, and voted against it, defeating it.<ref>''CNN''. "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPZCXcTwZPY How He Really Voted on Abortion: Obama's Record Under Attack]." ''The Situation Room''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by Jill Stanek. ''CNN''. "[http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0806/30/sitroom.02.html Transcripts: June 30, 2008]." The Situation Room.</ref> This led in August to a confrontation between Obama and the [[NRLC]].<ref>''National Right to Life Committee''. "[http://www.nrlc.org/news/2008/NRL08/ObamaCoverup.html Obama Cover-up Revealed on Born-Alive Abortion Survivor's Bill]." NRL News, Vol. 35, Issue 7-8, pg. 5.</ref> After Obama accused critics of 'lying'<ref>Brody, David (2008, August 16). "[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skq5M1Ksp_c McCain/Obama Forum]." ''CNN''. Uploaded to ''YouTube'' by Jill Stanek. David Brody (August 16, 2008). "[http://blogs.cbn.com/thebrodyfile/archive/2008/08/16/obama-gets-heated-on-born-alive-infant-protection-act.aspx Obama Gets Heated on Born Alive Infant Protection Act]." ''CBN News''. The Brody File.</ref> the NRLC challenged the assertion, and the Obama campaign conceded he "misspoke" and had voted against an identical bill to the "federal bill that everybody supported" but focused on Obama's new claim, that Illinois law was already sufficient to protect newborn children.<ref>Berman, Russell (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nysun.com/national/obama-facing-attacks-from-all-sides-over-abortion/84059/ Obama Facing Attacks From All Sides Over Abortion Record]." ''New York Sun''.</ref> The NRLC promptly declared "Senator Barack Obama's four-year effort to cover up his full role in killing legislation to protect born-alive survivors of abortions continues to unravel."<ref>Johnson, Douglas (2008, August 18). "[http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/Obamacoveruponbornalive.htm Obama Cover-up on Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Continues to Unravel After Sen. Obama Says NRLC is 'Lying']." ''National Right to Life Committee''.</ref>
====Jeremiah Wright====
:''See also: [[Barack Obama and Liberation Theology]]''
One major dilemma that arose for Obama during his campaign was his connection to his preacher [[Jeremiah Wright]]. Obama and his wife (raised a Baptist) were members of the Trinity [[United Church of Christ]]<ref>http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1776246/posts</ref> in Chicago, a church that embraced [[black liberation theology]] and its emphasis on empowering so-called "oppressed groups" against "establishment forces". This denomination was the first in America to ordain gays as ministers.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/31079.html, Obama's church pushes controversial doctrines, March 20, 2008</ref> Church pastor Jeremiah Wright had been making inflammatory comments and posting his sermons online for sale. These include the statement "G-d damn America," and in describing the September 11th attacks, "We have supported state terrorism against the Palestinians and black South Africans, and now we are indignant because the stuff we have done overseas is now brought right back to our own front yards. America's chickens are coming home to roost."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4443788 Obama's Pastor: G-d Damn America, U.S. to Blame for 9/11]</ref> In addition, Rev. Wright blamed America saying "We supported Zionism shamelessly while ignoring the Palestinians and branding anybody who spoke out against it as being [[anti-Semitic]]."

In April 2008, after 20 years in the church, candidate Obama made public statements poised to set him at odds with the man who conducted his wedding and baptized his children. With the negative publicity persisting, a month later Obama ended the friendship, left Wright's church, and blamed the media.<ref>[http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/05/31/obama-resigns-church-membership-in-chicago/], Obama Drops Church Membership in Chicago, May 31, 2008</ref> Obama claimed “It’s not fair to the other members of the church who seek to worship in peace...", and distanced himself from Wright's sermons as "a bunch of rants that aren't grounded in the truth."<ref>USA TODAY, ''Obama breaks with former pastor, Candidate cites rants on U.S. role in terror, AIDS'', by Kathy Kiely and David Jackson [http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080430/1a_offlede30_dom.art.htm]</ref><ref>''Obama Says He Is Outraged By Wright's "Rants"''[http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080430.htm]</ref>

====Result====
Obama made an effort to portray John McCain as similar to George W. Bush, drawing attention to McCain's refusal to criticize the unpopular president. McCain was particularly criticized for saying of how many years we should be willing to stay in Iraq, "Make it a hundred."<ref>Dobbs, Michael (2008, April 2). "[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2008/04/mccains_100year_war.html FactChecker: McCain's '100-Year War']." ''Washington Post''.</ref>{{cquote|"John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half years. John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?"
-Barack Obama<ref>Zeleny, Jeff (2008, April 18). "[http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/obama-criticizes-mccain-on-economic-stance/ Obama Criticizes McCain on Economic Stance]." ''New York Times''.</ref>}} On August 22nd, Obama selected [[Joe Biden]] as his running mate for the vice presidency<ref>''CNN'' (2008, August 23). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2008-08-23/politics/biden.democrat.vp.candidate_1_biden-john-mccain-barack-obama?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Introduces Biden as Running Mate]."</ref>, which would be contrasted one week later with John McCain's selection of [[Sarah Palin]].<ref>Cooper, Michael & Bumiller, Elisabeth (2008, August 29). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/30/us/politics/29palin.html?pagewanted=all Alaskan is McCain's Choice; First Woman on G.O.P. Ticket]. ''New York Times''.</ref>

On November 2, 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election with 365 electoral votes to John McCain's 173.<ref>(2008, November 14). "[http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/explorer.html Electoral Explorer]." Election Results 2008. ''New York Times''.</ref> Obama received 53% of the popular vote to John McCain's 46%.<ref>(2008, November 17). "[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/president/ President]." Election Center 2008. ''CNN''.</ref>

==2009-2013, U.S. Presidency==
{{main article|Obama administration}}
[[File:Obama and George H. W. Bush.jpg|thumb|right|300px|President Barack Obama meets with former President George H. W. Bush in the Oval Office, Feb. 15, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza).]]
Five years into Obama's presidency the number of people holding jobs still was 3 million below the all time high of 138 million<ref>The effectiveness of [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009|Stimulus]] and deficits: [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112811 Job growth under President Obama's first term;] Source: United States Department of Labor.</ref> workers - despite an increase of 10 million people in population over the same period of time.<ref>[https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=112809 U.S. Population growth during Obama's first four years in office.] Source: U.S. Census Bureau.</ref> Under Obama and Senate Democrats<ref>The Democratic controlled Senate did not propose, vote on, or pass a budget for nearly five years. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/23/politics/senate-budget-bill/index.html Senate passes its first budget proposal in four years,] Ted Barrett and Alison Harding, CNN, March 23, 2013.</ref> budget management, the United States suffered its largest [[Federal budget deficit|deficit]]s<ref>Edwards, B. et. al. (2009, November 6). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/107xx/doc10708/11-06-mbr.htm Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2009]. ''Congressional Budget Office''. Delisle, E.C. et. al. (2010, November 5). [http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/118xx/doc11873/NovemberMBR.pdf Monthly Budget Review: Fiscal Year 2010]. ''Congressional Budget Office''.</ref> in history and its credit-worthiness downgraded from Standard & Poors. Obama assured Americans that unemployment would not rise above 8% if his [[economic stimulus]] program was adopted, however it rose and stagnated in the 8-10% range<ref>Di Leo, L & Lynch, S.N. (2010, August 20). [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704476104575439172480870774.html Jobless Claims Jump in New Sign Recovery is Sputtering]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref><ref>Bureau of Labor Statistics. [http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?data_tool=latest_numbers&series_id=LNS11300000&years_option=specific_years&include_graphs=true&to_month=1&from_month=2 Databases, Tables & Calculators by Subject: Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey]. ''United States Department of Labor''. Data extracted on: July 19, 2010 (4:31:11 PM).</ref> for the entirety of his first term.

Patrick H. Caddell and Douglas E. Schoen, writing in the [[Wall Street Journal]], noted, "Rather than being a unifier, Mr. Obama has divided America on the basis of race, class and partisanship." The commentators also note Obama's approach to governance has encouraged radical leftists to pursue a similar strategy on his behalf. Mary Frances Berry, former head of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, acknowledged that the [[Obama administration]] has taken to polarizing America around the issue of race as a means of diverting attention from other issues, saying, "Having one's opponent [[race card|rebut charges of racism]] is far better than discussing [[Unemployment|joblessness]]."<ref>Berry, M.F. (2010, July 20). [http://www.politico.com/arena/perm/Mary_Frances_Berry_91E3D9D5-C40D-440C-9D48-1C50CBC60C87.html Energy Arena, Driving the Conversation: Contracting Out U.S. Security? And will Branding Tea Party Racist Work?] ''Politico''.</ref> Caddell and Schoen, who worked for President Carter and Clinton, respectively, further stated, "Mr. Obama has also cynically [[class warfare|divided the country on class lines]]. He has taken to playing the populist card time and time again. He bashes Wall Street and insurance companies whenever convenient to advance his programs, yet he has been eager to accept campaign contributions and negotiate with these very same banks and [[corporation]]s behind closed doors in order to advance his political agenda... President Obama's divisive approach to governance has weakened us as a people and paralyzed our political culture."<ref>Caddell, P.H. & Schoen, D.E. (2010, July 28). [http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:SB10001424052748703700904575391553798363586.html Our Divisive President]. ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref>
===Domestic policy===
====Economic policy====
[[File:Keynes.jpg|thumbnail|right|190px|[[Barack Obama]] advocates the use of discredited [[Keynesian economics|Keynesian economic concepts]]<ref>
*[http://centurean2.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/fabian-john-maynard-keynes-the-stealthy-enemy-of-human-freedom/ John Maynard Keynes the stealthy enemy of human freedom]
*[http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-02-22/deathbed-of-keynesian-economics-will-be-in-u-k-matthew-lynn.html Deathbed of Keynesian Economics will be in the UK]
*[http://www.iwf.org/inkwell/show/23102.html Will the G8 Repudiate the Philosophy of Living Beyond Our Means?]
*[http://www.keynesatharvard.org/book/KeynesatHarvard-ch09.html KEYNES AT HARVARD Economic Deception as a Political Credo BY ZYGMUND DOBBS]
</ref> ]]
{{see also|Obamunism|American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009}}
Critics of the Obama administration have coined the word "[[Obamunism]]" to describe Barack Obama's [[socialism|socialistic]] and "[[fascism]] light" [[economic planning]] policies.<ref>[[Benito Mussolini]] defined fascism as the wedding of state and corporate powers. Accordingly, trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] labels [[Obama administration corporate bailouts|Obama's corporate bailouts]] as being "fascism light" in nature.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebigmoney.com/articles/daily-intel/2009/07/20/obamunism-inc|work=The Big Money|publisher=WashingtonPost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC|format=HTML|language=English|title=Obamunism, Inc.|author=David Sessions|date=July 20, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smallbusinessadvocate.com/small-business-interviews/gerald-celente-6944|author=Jim Blasingame|title=Is the government creating a bailout bubble?}}</ref> Obamunism can also refer to Obama's [[Obama administration fiscal policy|ruinous fiscal policies]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|reckless monetary policies]].<ref name="gerard">{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/120883-monetary-policynot-obama-s-stimulusis-what-needs-watching|title=Monetary Policy-Not Obama's Stimulus-Is What Needs Watching|author=Gerard Jackson|date=February 16, 2009|work=Seeking Alpha}}</ref><ref name="bam">{{cite web|work=New York Post|date=May 17, 2009|url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/05172009/postopinion/editorials/bams_wise_words_169731.htm|title=BAM'S WISE WORDS}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/|title=Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures|work=The Foundry|publisher=The Heritage Foundation|author=Conn Carroll|date=March 24th, 2009}}</ref> As seen in his own actions, Barack Obama instructed his advisors to find loopholes that would enable the president to act as a [[dictator]] by pushing through legislation and increases in spending without congressional authority.<ref>Naked Emperor News (2011, October 12). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/executive-dictatorship-obama-instructs-advisers-to-push-through-stimulus-projects-without-pesky-congressional-authorization/ Exclusive Dictatorship: Obama Instructs Advisors to Push Through Stimulus Projects Without Pesky 'Congressional Authorization']. ''The Blaze''.</ref>

Nevertheless, budgets passed under President Obama have included the smallest average annualized growth of federal spending (1.4%) since before President Reagan. Federal spending grew an average of 8.7% per year during Reagan's first term and an average of 8.1% per year during George W. Bush's second term.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbes.com/sites/rickungar/2012/05/24/who-is-the-smallest-government-spender-since-eisenhower-would-you-believe-its-barack-obama/|title=Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It's Barack Obama?|publisher=Forbes|author=Rick Ungar|date=May 24th, 2012}}</ref>

[[Wall Street]] firms and banks that were bailed out were among Obama's biggest campaign supporters.<ref>''OpenSecrets.org''. [http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/contrib.php?cycle=2008&cid=N00009638 Barack Obama: Top Contributors]. The Center for Responsive Politics.</ref> Therefore, the Obama administration bailouts of corrupt, unproductive, and reckless Wall Street firms was hardly surprising, and many argue that it was not helpful in making the United States economy more productive and prosperous by encouraging more risk taking through letting banks off with a slap on the wrist. Others argue that bailing out the banks kept credit flowing and prevented a much deeper recession and a total collapse of the financial system. The government will recoup some though not all of its capital infusions over time. A 2005 study found that government corporate bailouts are often done for mere political considerations and the economic resources allocated exhibit significantly worse economic performance than resources allocated using purely business considerations.<ref>Faccio, M. et. al. (2005, March 1). [http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=676905 Political Connections and Corporate Bailouts]. ''Social Science Research Network''.</ref> Proponents of [[free market]] capitalism said Bernanke should not have bailed out failing firms and instead should have allowed free market capitalism to quickly recover as it did in the depression of 1920 without government intervention (free market capitalists assert that government intervention drags out economic recessions and depressions).<ref>Woods, T.E. (2009, April 10). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czcUmnsprQI Why You've Never Heard of the Great Depression of 1920]. ''Ludwig Von Mises Institute''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref>

Top trend forecaster [[Gerald Celente]] predicts that the corrupt economic policies of the Obama administration will lead to a second [[Great Depression|great depression]] (Celente predicted the 1987 US stock market crash, the dot.com crash, the US 2008/2009 recession, and the collapse of the USSR in the early 1990s) and may lead to a "second [[American Revolution]]" (Celente predicted the [[Tea Party Movement|tax protests]] that are now occurring in America).<ref name="celente1">Celente, G. (2009, August 1). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MMX3SKzrfU&feature=channel_page pt 2/2 Gerald Celente on Financial Sense Newshour Aug 1st 2009]. ''Financial Sense Newshour''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref><ref name="celente2">Celente, G. (2009, August 2). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy9bfw1ebgw&feature=response_watch ]. ''Financial Sense Newshour''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref> Celente also asserts that the costly and inefficient temporary short term methods that the Obama administration is using to alleviate economic problems in the short term (which is causing massive increases in [[Obama administration deficit spending]]) is only making matters worse and will not prevent the worse economic depression in United States history from occurring.<ref>Celente, G. (2009, August 11). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C8K7rWkGGw pt 1/2 Gerald Celente on Howestreet.com 11 Aug 2009]. ''HoweStreet.com''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref><ref>Celente, G. (2009, August 11). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LBffdIW0XA&feature=response_watch pt 2/2 Gerald Celente on Howestreet.com 11 Aug 2009]. ''HoweStreet.com''. Hosted on ''YouTube''.</ref>

The Obama administration has been sharply criticized for [[Obama administration deficit spending|its massive deficit spending]] and [[Obama administration monetary policy|its reckless monetary policy]] via vast increases in the [[money supply]], although inflation under Bernanke has been below the historic mean.<ref name="gerard"/><ref name="bam"/><ref>Carroll, C. (2009, March 24). [http://blog.heritage.org/2009/03/24/bush-deficit-vs-obama-deficit-in-pictures/ Bush Deficit vs. Obama Deficit in Pictures]. ''The Foundry''. The Heritage Network.</ref> Celente predicts that if a "second American Revolution" occurs in a peaceful and productive manner, it may include a [[Third Party System|third party movement]] of governance that will advocate a more [[free market]] [[capitalism]] approach to the American economy and a more strict interpretation of the [[United States Constitution|United States constitution]] as far as the authors' [[original intent]].<ref name="celente1"/><ref name="celente2"/>

During what the [[White House]] billed as [[Recovery Summer]], one half million workers per week continued losing their jobs. His signature legislative achievement, [[ObamaCare]],has been found to be [[unconstitutional]]<ref>Schoenberg, T. & Fisk, M.T. (2010, December 13). [http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-13/u-s-health-care-law-requirement-thrown-out-by-judge.html Obama's Health-Care Law Ruled Unconstitutional Over Insurance Requirement]. ''Bloomberg''.</ref> by several judges and constitutional by others, and is credited as a major cause of uncertainty, high [[unemployment]],<ref>http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33220</ref> lagging job creation,<ref>Foster, J.D. (2010, August 5). [http://blog.heritage.org/2010/08/05/it%E2%80%99s-official-medicare%E2%80%99s-finances-shadowed-by-uncertainty/ It’s Official: Medicare’s Finances Shadowed by Uncertainty]. ''The Foundry''. The Heritage Network.</ref> and risk of a credit default crisis.<ref>Samuelson, R.J. (2010, March 29). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/28/AR2010032802353.html With health bill, Obama has sown the seeds of a budget crisis]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>Cramer, J. (2010, March 16). [http://www.thestreet.com/story/10703361/cramer-obamacare-will-topple-the-market.html Cramer: Obamacare Will Topple the Market]. ''The Street''.</ref>

His 2012 Budget plan has been roundly criticized in the mainstream and liberal press as not a serious effort to deal with the nation's economic crisis.<ref>[http://republican.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=blogs.view&blog_id=1551d6f5-2ac9-4b8d-97ab-74def354024e Newspapers Call Out White House: ‘What Would That Path Be, Mr. President?’]</ref>

[[Jeffrey Tucker]] wrote, "President Obama's economic policy has been catastrophic for liberty, enterprise, and the American dream—the very archetype of what not to do to end recession." [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118186176/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=anncoulter-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118186176]
=====Stimulus=====
:''See also: [[Recovery Summer]]''
In early 2009, Obama lobbied Congress and the public to pass a sweeping Stimulus package<ref>(2009, January 3). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Obama Urges Congress to Pass Stimulus Plan]." ''Associated Press''. Parsons, C. & Nicholas, P. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28479998/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-urges-congress-pass-stimulus-plan/ Barack Obama Sternly Urges Congress to Pass Economic Stimulus]." ''Chicago Tribune''.</ref> known as ''The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009'' (H.R. 1).<ref>"[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1: Bill Text Versions: H.R. 1]." 111th Congress (2009-2010). ''Library of Congress''. "[http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204335,00.html The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Information Center]." ''IRS''.</ref> The report of the Congressional Budget Office mandated by law stated that the legislation would ultimately harm the economy.<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, February 4). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/04/cbo-obama-stimulus-harmful-over-long-haul/ CBO: Obama Stimulus Harmful Over Long Haul]." ''U.S. News''.</ref> Contrary to his promise of bipartisanship,<ref>Dinan, S. (2009, March 28). "[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/28/mccain-obama-breaks-campaign-promises-shuns-bipart/?page=all McCain: Obama Breaks Promise of Bipartisanship]." ''Washington Times''.</ref> the bill passed the House 244-188 on January 28, 2009 with 11 Democrats voting with the entire Republican caucus against,<ref>Calmes, J. (2009, January 28). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/29/us/politics/29obama.html House Passes Stimulus Plan With No G.O.P. Votes]." ''New York Times''.</ref> and received just 3 Republican votes when passing the Senate 61-37.<ref>Herszenhorn, D.M. (2009, February 10). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/washington/11web-stim.html Senate Approves Stimulus Plan]." ''New York Times''.</ref> One third of the massive $838 billion bill consisted of [[Backdoor_spending_authority#Backdoor_tax_expenditures|backdoor tax expenditures]]<ref>(2009, February 11). "Senate Passes $838 Billion Stimulus Bill]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> and the rest direct [[new spending]] on "just about every pent-up Democratic proposal of the last 40 years."<ref>(2009, January 28). "[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310466514522309.html A 40-Year Wish List]." ''Wall Street Journal''.</ref> In responding to criticism of the broken bipartisanship promise at the time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi famously quipped, "We won the election. We wrote the bill."<ref>Kane, P. (2009, January 23). "[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/22/AR2009012203961.html Stimulus Plan Meets More GOP Resistance]." ''Washington Post''.</ref> On February 18, 2009, the Stimulus was signed into law by Obama.<ref>(2009, February 17). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29231790/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-stimulus-lets-americans-claim-destiny/ Obama: Stimulus Lets Americans Claim Destiny]." ''Associated Press''.</ref> In August 2009, Republicans and Democratic Senator David Obey drew attention to mistakes on the Recovery.gov site claiming millions of Stimulus jobs created that didn't exist. Obama responded by saying the errors just indicate his accounting is an "inexact science".<ref>(2009, November 18). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/18/obama-calls-stimulus-data-errors-issue-says-focus-job-growth/ Obama Calls Stimulus Data Errors 'Side Issue,' Says Focus Is on Job Growth]." ''FOX News''.</ref>
=====[[Sequestration]]=====
According to [[Pulitzer Prize]] winning journalist [[Bob Woodward]] of the ''[[Washington Post]]'', Obama misled the American people in a Presidential debate only two weeks before the 2012 election when he said, "The sequester is not something that I’ve proposed,”<ref>[http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-02-22/opinions/37238840_1_jack-lew-treasury-secretary-rob-nabors Obama’s sequester deal-changer,] By Bob Woodward, ''Washington Post'', February 22, 2013.</ref> when in fact his chief budget negotiator and current Chief of Staff, [[Jack Lew]], made a call to Democrat [[Harry Reid]] at 2:30 pm on July 27, 2011 with the proposal after clearing it with Obama,<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2012/10/22/fact-check-woodward-wrote-that-obama-administration-proposed-sequester/ Fact-check: Woodward wrote that Obama administration proposed sequester]. dailycaller.com </ref> as fully documented in Woodward's book, ''The Price of Politics''. Federal Reserve Chairman [[Ben Bernanke]] warned of immediate jobloss of about 750,000 jobs - about the same level as under George W. Bush<ref>[http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109262 Monthly Jobloss under George W. Bush, Jan 2007 - Jan 2009]. See also [http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/graph/fredgraph.png?graph_id=109266 Initial Unemployment Claims] over the same period, annualized. Source: U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.</ref> - if Obama's budget and economic plans were allowed to take effect.<ref>[http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/26/news/economy/bernanke-burden-recovery/ Bernanke: Spending cuts add 'significant' burden to recovery,] By Annalyn Kurtz, CNN February 26, 2013.</ref>

Woodward, who's reporting on [[Watergate]] is credited with toppling the administration of [[Richard Nixon]], told Wolf Blitzer of CNN he was told by a senior White House official he'd regret talking about the President Obama's positions on the sequester.<ref>[http://www.businessinsider.com/bob-woodward-obama-sequester-white-house-reporting-price-politics-2013-2 Bob Woodward: White House Threatened Me On Sequester,] businessinsider.com </ref>

====Healthcare mandates====
{{main article|Obamacare}}
On March 23, 2010, Obama signed the unpopular Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The act originated in the [[Democratic]]ally controlled House and was amended and passed the Senate just prior to Sen. [[Ted Kennedy]]'s death largely along party lines with a significant number of Democrats voting to oppose. In what was construed as a de facto rejection of the bill, [[Massachusetts]] voters elected a [[Republican]] candidate, [[Scott Brown]], who promised to vote against the bill if given the chance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/senate/scott-brown-wins-massachusetts-senate-race.html|work=The Washington Post|author=Chris Cillizza|date=January 19, 2010|title=Scott Brown wins Massachusetts Senate special election race|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> After Obama made a promise to issue an [[executive order]] that would ultimately prohibit the use of taxpayer subsidies to pay for [[abortion]] services,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/22/nation/la-na-healthcare-passage22-2010mar22/3|work=The Los Angeles Times|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes historic healthcare overhaul|date=March 22, 2010|author=Noam N. Levey and Janet Hook}}</ref> the Democratic [[House of Representatives]] would pass the bill as it left the Senate 219-212, with 34 Democrats and all other parties dissenting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-21/politics/health.care.main_1_health-care-entire-house-democratic-caucus-pre-existing-conditions?_s=PM:POLITICS|date=March 21, 2010|author=Alan Silverleib|work=CNN|format=HTML|language=English|title=House passes health care bill on 219-212 vote}}</ref>

Amongst other things, the act mandated that everyone purchase health care coverage or face punitive tax measures, and was upheld by the [[Supreme Court]].

====Regulatory reform====
Obama criticized the "revolving door" of government and business.<ref>"We need to close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely, and lets them use their time in public service as a way to promote their own interests over the interests of the American people when they leave." [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-welcoming-senior-staff-and-cabinet-secretaries-white-house REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT IN WELCOMING SENIOR STAFF AND CABINET SECRETARIES TO THE WHITE HOUSE,] January 21, 2009. whitehouse.gov </ref> After appointing [[Peter Orszag]] his first Budget Director to dole out the stimulus cash, Orszag resigned to become Citigroup's Vice Chairman of Global Banking. Citigroup was the recipient of $476 billion in [[bailout]] money - more than any other bank - after the disastrous [[Financial crisis of 2008]].<ref>[http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2011/03/citibank_received_more_bailout.html Citigroup Received More Bailout Money Than Any Other Bank,] By Nitasha Tiku, 3/16/11. </ref> Before the bailout, Orszag's expert opinion of the chances of a mortgage meltdown were 1 in 500,000.<ref>[http://www.pierrelemieux.org/stiglitzrisk.pdf Implications of the New Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Risk-based Capital Standard,] by Joseph E. Stiglitz, Jonathan M. Orszag and Peter R. Orszag. Fannie Mae Papers, Volume 1, Issue 2, March 2002, Conclusion p.6. </ref>

====Environment and energy====
{{main article|Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster}}
President Obama authorized offshore oil drilling in the [[Gulf of Mexico]]<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0430/Gulf-of-Mexico-oil-spill-imperils-Obama-s-offshore-drilling-plan Gulf of Mexico oil spill imperils Obama's offshore drilling plan,] By Mark Clayton, ''Christian Science Monitor'', April 30, 2010.</ref> stating, "oil rigs today generally don’t cause spills"<ref>White House Press Release, [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-a-discussion-jobs-and-economy-charlotte-north-carolina Remarks by the President in a Discussion on Jobs and the Economy in Charlotte, North Carolina,] Office of the Press Secretary, April 02, 2010. Retrieved from whitehouse.gov 3 May 2010.</ref> and was widely criticized for his mishandling of the "[[Gulf oil spill disaster|worst environmental disaster]] in US history."<ref>[http://www.examiner.com/x-33986-Political-Spin-Examiner~y2010m4d29-Worst-environmental-disaster-in-US-history-Oil-slick-in-Gulf-of-Mexico-is-set-on-fire Worst environmental disaster in US history,] Maryann Tobin, ''Examiner'', April 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/04/30/the-oil-spill-is-obamas-fault/?src=twt&twt=NytimesKrugman Conscience of a Liberal: The Oil Spill Is Obama’s Fault,] Paul Krugman, ''New York Times'', April 30, 2010.</ref>
====Reverses Clinton era gay discrimination====
{{main article|Don't Ask Don't Tell}}
Candidate Obama promised to repeal a policy that originated with President Clinton and passed by a Democratically controlled Congress that prohibited inquiries into military personnel's [[sexual orientation]] while barring openly gay [[homosexuals]] from serving in the military. [[Liberals]] expressed anger when time passed and no effort to repeal the law was seen;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/21/obama-to-delay-repeal-of-dont-ask-dont-tell/|work=The Washington Times|format=HTML|title=Obama to delay ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal|language=English|author=Rowan Scarborough|date=November 21, 2008}}</ref> in fact, Obama's [[justice department]], as part of their duty to defend all laws passed by any administration, filed a brief arguing against the [[Supreme Court]] granting a [[writ of certiorari]] to a gay soldier challenging the law (the writ was not granted). In response, the soldier, James Pietrangelo II, a former Army infantryman and lawyer, said, “[Obama's] a coward, a bigot and a pathological liar. This is a guy who spent more time picking out his dog, Bo, and playing with him on the White House lawn than he has working for equality for gay people."<ref>{{cite web|work=Time Magazine|publisher=Time Inc.|format=HTML|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1903545,00.html?imw=Y|title=Dismay Over Obama's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Turnabout|author=Mark Thompson|date=Jun. 09, 2009}}</ref>

On December 15th, 2010, a bill was introduced in the [[House of Representatives]] to repeal the law - it passed a day later by a vote of 250-175;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2010/roll638.xml|title=FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 638|format=HTML|work=Office of the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives}}</ref> it passed the Senate three days later 65-31.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00281|work=The U.S. Senate|title=U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 111th Congress - 2nd Session|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> Obama signed the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 on December 22nd.<ref name="g dadt">{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/dec/22/obama-repeals-dont-ask-dont-tell|work=The Guardian|format=HTML|language=English|title='Don't ask, don't tell' repealed as Obama signs landmark law|date=22 December 2010}}</ref> The [[Pentagon]] itself could not immediately implement the repeal and questioned whether it would hurt combat readiness.<ref name="g dadt"/>

====Labor law and compensation to 9/11 first responders====
Obama's first act of office was to sign the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act - effectively nullifying the [[Supreme Court]] case ''Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.'', which ruled that Ledbetter had to have filed a pay [[discrimination]] suit within 180 days of the first time Ledbetter was paid less than her male peers;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/us/politics/30ledbetter-web.html|work=The New York Times|format=HTML|language=English|title=Obama Signs Equal-Pay Legislation|author=Sheryl Gay Stolberg|date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> the law made corporations subject to suit within 180 days of each time the employee was unfairly paid.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://writ.news.findlaw.com/grossman/20090213.html?=features|work=FindLaw|author=Joanna L. Grossman|date=Feb. 13, 2009|format=HTML|language=English|title=The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009}}</ref>

On January 2, 2011, Obama signed the James Zadroga [[9/11]] Healthcare and Compensation Act.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2011/jan/02/obama-signs-zadroga-act-law/|publisher=New York Public Radio|title=Obama Signs Zadroga Act into Law|author=Fred Mogul|date=January 02, 2011|work=wNYC|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> The act, which afforded 9/11 first responders who were sickened by the dust from the collapse of the [[World Trade Center]] health care and compensation, passed [[Congress]] after its sponsors agreed to scale down the pricing from 7.4 to 4.2 billion dollars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2010/dec/22/zadroga-911-bill-passes-senate/|publisher=New York Public Radio|work=wNYC|format=HTML|language=English|title=Congress Approves 9/11 Health Bill|date=December 22, 2010}}</ref>

===Foreign policy===
[[File:Western Wall Obama.jpg|thumb|left|320px|At [[Western Wall]], Jerusalem, 2008.]]
As Senator, Obama was highly critical of President Bush and promised change. As President, Obama has tripled down in Afghanistan, widened the war into Pakistan, multiplied drone attacks, bombed Yemen and Somalia, and started an undeclared NATO war in Libya. On presidential war powers, surveillance questions, Guantanamo, detention policy and habeas corpus, Obama has similarly stayed the course, or expanded Bush's precedents. In a speech on May 19, 2011 Obama fully embraced the [[Bush Doctrine]] of preventative war.<ref>Krauthammer, C. (April 19). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-news-in-obamas-speech/2011/05/19/AF4dFN7G_story.html The News in Obama's Speech]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

From the Boston Globe:
<blockquote>
'The New America Foundation, which tracks the strikes, has listed 23 raids since the beginning of April, 2011, all but one in Pakistan’s tribal regions of North and South Waziristan. A June 20 attack was reported in Kurram, an area north of North Waziristan along the Afghanistan border.'
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
'The drone program has become increasingly controversial as the Obama administration has expanded its use beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Lethal missiles have been launched from unmanned aircraft in at least five countries in addition to Pakistan: Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and, most recently, Somalia. The military’s Joint Special Operations Command used a drone last June to attack what officials said were two senior members of the Al Shabab militant group on the Somali coast.' <ref>DeYoung, K. (2011, July 4). [http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2011/07/04/cia_halts_drone_launches_from_pakistan_base/ CIA Halts Drone Launches From Pakistan Base]. ''The Boston Globe''. </ref>
</blockquote>

A commentator says:
<blockquote>
'Obama is commendable when he says he wants to avoid war. His policies, however, favor war by destabilizing the Middle East making it extremely hostile and favoring radical Islam over America’s ally, Israel, and American interests in the region... The president has chosen a very dangerous path for every American and one that promises great difficulty for Israel.' <ref> [http://www.thejerusalemconnection.us/blog/2012/03/14/obamas-words-disguise-his-israel-foreign-policy-actions.html Obama's words disguise his Israel foreign policy actions.] </ref>
</blockquote>
====Commander-in-chief====
By Obama's third year as Commander-in-Chief, over 1200 American troops died in Iraq and Afghanistan - significantly more than the number who died during President [[George W. Bush]]'s term of office. And growing numbers of civilian contractors also have fallen. In the first half of 2010, 250 contractors reportedly died in Iraq and Afghanistan - more than the 235 military personnel who fell during the same period.<ref>http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2011/05/24/114662/what-price-war.html#ixzz1Nz07pg5O</ref>
====National Defense====
President Obama signed into U.S. law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), only after his administration successfully lobbied to remove language from the bill that would have protected American citizens from being detained indefinitely without trial.<ref>Aaron Dykes. [http://www.infowars.com/president-obamas-ndaa-signing-statement-i-have-the-power-to-detain-americans-but-i-wont/ Obama’s Signing Statement on NDAA: I have the power to detain Americans… but I won’t], Infowars.com, January 1, 2012. </ref> After the legislation cleared Congress, the ACLU commented that if President Obama signed the bill it "will damage both his legacy and American’s reputation for upholding the rule of law," while executive director of the ''Human Rights Watch'' blasted the President for being ‘on the wrong side of history,’ noting that "Obama will go down in history as the president who enshrined indefinite detention without trial in US law."<ref>President Decides to Sign Ill-Conceived National Defense Authorization Act. [http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/12/14/us-refusal-veto-detainee-bill-historic-tragedy-rights US: Refusal to Veto Detainee Bill A Historic Tragedy for Rights], ''Human Rights Watch'', December 14, 2011. [http://www.aclu.org/national-security/white-house-backs-away-defense-bill-veto-threat White House Backs Away from Defense Bill Veto Threat], ''[[ACLU]]'', December 14, 2011.</ref>

Section 1031 of the NDAA bill, which itself defines the entirety of the United States as a “battlefield,” allows American citizens to be snatched from the streets, carted off to a foreign detention camp and held indefinitely without trial. As reported by Infowars.com, the bill states that “any person who has committed a belligerent act” faces indefinite detention, but no trial or evidence has to be presented, the White House merely needs to make the accusation.<ref>Paul Joseph Watson. [http://www.infowars.com/obama-administration-demanded-power-to-indefinitely-detain-u-s-citizens/ Obama Administration Demanded Power To Indefinitely Detain U.S. Citizens], Infowars.com, December 12, 2011. S.1867 [http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?c112:2:./temp/~c1122VN0Iv:e548990: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Engrossed in Senate [Passed Senate] - ES)], ''The Library of Congress'' THOMAS, 112th Congress (2011-2011), Accessed January 25, 2012. Text of S.1867 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. [http://www.opencongress.org/bill/112-s1867/text?version=es&nid=t0:es:281 Sec. 1031. Affirmation of authority of the Armed Forces of the United States to detain covered persons pursuant to the Authorization for Use of Military Force.], [[U.S. Congress]], ''OpenCongress.org'', (Accessed January 25, 2012).</ref>
====Al Qaeda and Libya====
{{main article|Libyan uprising 2011}}
In February 2011, the political unrest that spread through the Arab world showed up as protests in Libya. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, leader of Libya for 41 years, responded to the violence<ref>http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article28376.htm</ref> with legitimate steps.<ref name="nyt libya">{{cite web|url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/libya/index.html|work=The New York Times|publisher=The New York Times Inc.|format=HTML|language=English|title=Libya — Protests and Revolt (2011)}}</ref> The [[United Nations Security Council]] voted to impose [[sanctions]], and later passed a resolution to protect civilians. Obama, without approval from Congress and over the objections of his own National Security staff,<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20038391-503544.html</ref> directed American forces to take out Libya's air defense system.<ref name="nyt libya"/> Secretary of Defence [[Robert Gates]], National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough, and [[White House]] counterterrorism chief [[John O. Brennan]] all opposed the action. Obama later said, "if we waited one more day Benghazi, a city nearly the size of Charlotte, could suffer a massacre that would have reverberated across the region and stained the conscience of the world."<ref>{{cite web|author=Barack Obama|url=http://www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134935452/obamas-speech-on-libya-a-responsibility-to-act|title=Obama's Speech On Libya: 'A Responsibility To Act'|date=March 28, 2011|publisher=National Public Radio ([[NPR]])|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> [[Alan J. Kuperman]], in an editorial for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' - suggested this statement was false, writing, "intervention did not prevent genocide, because no such bloodbath was in the offing. To the contrary, by emboldening rebellion, US interference has prolonged Libya’s civil war and the resultant suffering of innocents."<ref name="kuperman">{{cite web|author=Alan J. Kuperman|work=The Boston Globe|url=http://articles.boston.com/2011-04-14/bostonglobe/29418371_1_rebel-stronghold-civilians-rebel-positions|title=False pretense for war in Libya?|date=April 14, 2011}}</ref> Kuperman, a professor of public affairs at the University of Texas who authored a book called ''The Limits of Humanitarian Intervention'', further stated that the rebels had tricked the world into thinking a bloodbath was at hand and that Obama had lied to the American people in order to act on this theory.<ref name="kuperman"/>
<blockquote>
Gaddafi [never] threaten civilian massacre in Benghazi, as Obama alleged. The “no mercy’’ warning, of March 17, targeted rebels only, as reported by ''The New York Times'', which noted that Libya’s leader promised amnesty for those “who throw their weapons away.’’ Gaddafi even offered the rebels an escape route and open border to Egypt, to avoid a fight “to the bitter end.’’ <ref> [http://politicalcartel.org/2011/04/17/libya-and-the-obama-doctrine/ Libya and the “Obama Doctrine”.] </ref>
</blockquote>
Gaddafi wrote to Obama and told him he bore no ill will. "We have been hurt more morally than physically because of what had happened against us in both deeds and words by you," he wrote. "Despite all this you will always remain our son whatever happened. We still pray that you continue to be president of the USA. We endeavour and hope that you will gain victory in the new election campaign."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/gaddafi-obama-nato-libya?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487]</ref>
=====Aid to violent Islamists=====
A March 29, 2011 article in the ''[[Washington Post]]'' included these paragraphs:
{{Cquote|"It’s almost a certitude that at least part” of the Libyan opposition includes members of al-Qaeda, said Bruce Riedel, a former senior CIA analyst and adviser to President Obama. Riedel said that anti-Gaddafi elements in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi have had “very close associations with al-Qaeda” dating back years....I would hope that we now have a good sense of the opposition in Libya and can say that this is 2 percent, not 20 percent,” Riedel said. “If we don’t, then we are running the risk of helping to bring to power a regime that could be very dangerous.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/libyan-opposition-includes-a-small-number-of-al-qaeda-fighters-us-officials-say/2011/03/29/AFRlXWyB_story.html</ref>}}

This set off a fierce debate in the [[Obama administration]] over the wisdom of arming terrorists.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/30/world/africa/30diplo.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss</ref> It is now known sometime prior to March 31, 2011,<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/world/africa/31intel.html?_r=2&hp</ref> at the urging of Hillary Clinton<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/19/world/africa/19policy.html?_r=3&hp& </ref> and over the objections of his National Security Council, Obama signed a Presidential Finding authorizing support for the rebel jihadis.<ref>http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/30/us-libya-usa-order-idUSTRE72T6H220110330</ref>

By October 2011, [[Libyan rebel fighting group]]s with support from [[NATO]] overtook the capital and toppled the government. Gaddafi was captured and brutally and sadistically murdered.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPzeLLL9V-c Leading from behind - a critique of Obama foreign policy]</ref> The jihadis were immediately recognized by the U.S. and the U.N. as the new legitimate government. Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, chairman of the National Transitional Council, announced [[Sharia]] will be the source for all legislation and all laws conflicting with Sharia are null and void.<ref name="Sharia">[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/libya/8861608/Libya-Al-Qaeda-flag-flown-above-Benghazi-courthouse.html Libya: Al Qaeda flag flown above Benghazi courthouse - Daily Telegraph]</ref> Abdel Rahim al-Kib, the country's interim prime minister, echoed Jalil's words days later.<ref>[http://www.presstv.ir/detail/207953.html New Libyan PM backs Islamic sharia law]</ref> The al Qaeda flag was flown above the Benghazi courthouse, and reports surfaced that the Libyan jihadis had imposed Sharia law in some parts of the country even earlier.<ref name="Sharia" /> By February 17, 2013, four foreign nationals were arrested for distributing Christian literature, a charge that could carry the death penalty<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/17/libya-arrests-suspected-foreign-missionaries Libya arrests foreign 'missionaries' Four foreign nationals accused of distributing Christian literature,] a charge that could carry the death penalty, Chris Stephen guardian.co.uk, Sunday 17 February 2013.</ref>

=====U.S. Ambassador murdered=====
:{{main|Benghazi Attack}}
With several U.S.embassies besieged on the anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]], White House Press Secretary [[Jay Carney]] declared there was no reason to believe the attack on the sovereign territory of the United States consulate in Benghazi, less than two months before the [[2012 Presidential election]] which killed Americans, was a terrorist attack.
{{Cquote|The unrest that we’ve seen around the region has been in reaction to a video that Muslims, many Muslims, find offensive.}}
This became the official White House line. Between jokes with [[Jon Stewart]] on the ''Comedy Channel'' Obama said the death of Americans was "not optimal".<ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/10/18/Obama-Benghazi-murders-not-optimal Interview with Jon Stewart of the ''Daily Show''].</ref> When pressed by reporters, who pointed out evidence that the violence in Benghazi was a terrorist attack, Press Secretary Carney argued “the unrest around the region has been in response to this video.”

Leading suspected jihadis in the murders and terrorist attack were the local Benghazi branch of Ansar al-Shariah, known to have ties to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.<ref>http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2012/10/19/when-an-obama-adviser-called-benghazi-an-al-qaeda-hotbed/?cxntfid=blogs_political_insider_jim_galloway</ref> A commander of the terrorist group boasted jovially about the attack over drinks with reporters for the ''[[New York Times]]'' in Benghazi<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/16/world/africa/election-year-stakes-overshadow-nuances-of-benghazi-investigation.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world</ref>.<ref>http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/10/frappe-libya-attack/</ref>
=====[[Al Qaeda in the Maghreb]]=====
Two more Americans were killed, along with 35 others, after being taken hostage by rebel jihadists in Mali shortly after the Libyan upheaval.<ref>[http://world.time.com/2013/01/21/algeria-37-foreigner-hostages-killed-in-attack/ Algeria: 37 Foreigner Hostages Killed in Attack], Associated Press, Jan. 21, 2013. ''TIME'' magazine.</ref>

Hillary Clinton testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the wake of the Benghazi murders under her stewardship, that weapons and fighters equipped by the Obama administration made their way to [[Mali]] and [[Algeria]]:
{{cquote|There is no doubt that the Algerian terrorists had weapons from Libya. There is no doubt that the Malian remnants of AQIM [Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb] have weapons from Libya.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/clinton-says-militants-used-weapons-libya-algeria-attack-154222664.html Clinton says militants used weapons from Libya in Algeria attack,] Reuters, Jan 23, 2013.]</ref>}}

====Afghanistan====
{{main article|Afghanistan War}}
Obama escalated troop strength<ref name="pbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/themes/strategy.html#ixzz1LhWNImZp|title=Obama's New Strategy (March '09)|author=George Packer, Seth Jones, David Kilcullen, Rory Stewart, Andrew Exum, Col. Andrew Bacevich (Ret.)|work=PBS|language=English|format=HTML}}</ref> and defense costs in Afghanistan from $43.5 billion in George Bush's last year to $113.7 billion for 2011.<ref>Congressional Research Service, quoted in Gregory Anthony, ''What price war?''</ref> Adviser to General [[Stanley McChrystal]] David Kilcullen wrote, "One of the big strategic shifts is the use of language now which talks about Pakistan and Afghanistan as the same theater. Now we talked about Af-Pak long before the Obama administration came about, but the public use of that term, and the description of it as the Afghanistan-Pakistan campaign, sends a new message to people about how the administration is going to think about Afghanistan and Pakistan."<ref name="pbs"/> T

====Mexico====
[[File:Eric Holder.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Eric Holder]] remains as Attorney General despite being held in Contempt of Congress. Others such as Rahm Emanual have departed in wake of the Fast & Furious revelations.<ref>[http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/10/fast_and_furious_in_a_rotten_nutshell.html#ixzz27iRBCN28 Fast and Furious in a Rotten Nutshell], Ronald Kolb, ''American Thinker'', October 7, 2011,</ref>]]
:''Main article:'' '''[[Operation Fast and Furious]]'''
In May of 2010, President Obama promised Mexican President [[Felipe Calderon]] that his administration would assist Mexico in curbing drug cartel violence, which has led to 30,000 deaths in Mexico. "President Calderon and I . . . stand together against the drug cartels that have unleashed horrific violence in so many communities," Obama said on May 19. "Mexico can count on the United States as a full partner in this effort."

The ''[[Washington Post]]'' has reported however that White House officials stopped a requirement for gun dealers to report bulk sales of high-powered semiautomatic rifles commonly used by illegal drug cartels. [[Justice Department]] officials had asked for White House approval to require thousands of gun dealers along the border to report the purchases to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Explosives. ATF investigators expected to get leads on suspected arms traffickers. Senior law enforcement sources said the proposal from the ATF was held up by then White House chief of staff [[Rahm Emanuel]].<ref>Horwitz, S. & Grimaldi, J.V. (2010, December 17). [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/17/AR2010121706598.html White House Delayed Rule Meant to Stop Gun Flow to Mexico]. ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Gun dealers have been required for decades to report the sales of multiple handguns to the ATF.
====Guantanamo Bay====
{{main article|Guantanamo Bay}}
One of Obama's campaign promises was that he would close the American detention center at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba - detainees would be flown to other countries while the ones awaiting trial would enter the American court system. Two days after taking office he signed an order directing the military to do so.<ref name="salon">{{cite web|url=http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/04/25/obama_guantanamo_rhetoric|work=Salon|title=The Obama/Gitmo timeline|author=Natasha Lennard|format=HTML|language=English}}</ref> But, in November 2009 Obama admitted that his self imposed deadline of January 2010 would be missed, and in March 2011 the president went back on his campaign promise, signing an executive order to create a formal system of indefinite detention for the prisoners.<ref name="salon"/>
====Cuba====
At the funeral of [[Nelson Mandela]], Obama met the dictator of [[Cuba]], [[Raul Castro]]. They shaked hands together and Obama was almost boing before him.<ref>http://www.frontpagemag.com/2013/humberto-fontova/the-obama-castro-handshake-a-confirmation/</ref>

==2012 Presidential Campaign==
: ''Main article: [[Presidential Election 2012]]''
===2011: Birth Certificate Released===
: ''Main article: [[Barack_Obama_Controversies#Birth_Certificate]]''
On April 27, 2011<ref>CNN Political Unit (2011, April 27). "[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/27/white-house-releases-obama-birth-certificate/ White House Releases Obama Birth Certificate]." ''CNN''</ref>, a long-running controversy surrounding Obama's birth was largely put to rest<ref>Winter, J. (2011, April 29). "[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/04/29/expert-says-obamas-birth-certificate-legit/ Expert: No Doubt Obama's Birth Certificate is Legit]." ''FOX News''. Tuchman, G. (2011, April 25). "[http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-25/politics/birthers.obama.hawaii_1_birther-controversy-obama-opinion-research-corporation?_s=PM:POLITICS Obama Birther Claims Have No Merit]." ''CNN''. (2011, April 27). "[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42779923/ns/politics-white_house/t/obama-releases-detailed-us-birth-certificate/ Obama Releases Detailed U.S. Birth Certificate]." ''MSNBC''.</ref> when Obama had his long-form birth certificate posted at WhiteHouse.gov.<ref>"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/birth-certificate-long-form.pdf Certificate of Live Birth]." State of Hawaii. Retrieved from ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref> Donald Trump, who had attacked Obama on the Birth Certificate issue and was then leading Republicans in polls for the upcoming GOP primary<ref>James, F. (2011, April 15). "[http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2011/04/15/135446314/poll-donald-trump-birther-darling-leads-gop-field-at-26 Donald Trump, Birther In Chief? Poll Has Him Leading GOP Field with 26 Percent]." ''NPR''.</ref>, was effectively knocked out of the race because of this.<ref>Kapur, S. (2011, May 10). "[http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/05/10/trumps-popularity-tanks-after-obama-releases-long-form-birth-certificate/ Trump's Popularity Tanks After Obama Releases Long-Form Birth Certificate]." ''RawStory.com''.</ref>

The following is a timeline of previous events leading up to the release:

* In June 2008 the Obama campaign allowed FactCheck.org to look at his “Certificate of Live Birth” and take photos.<ref>Henig, J. (2008, August 21). Born in the U.S.A. FactCheck.org. Retrieved from http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/born_in_the_usa.html</ref>
* In July 2008 a blogger discovered a birth announcement from the Honolulu Advertiser from August 13, 1961 for Barack Obama. It has since been discovered another newspaper, the Star Bulletin, also documented the birth.<ref>Snopes.com. Barack Obama Birth Certificate. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthcertificate.asp</ref>
* PolitiFact went to extreme lengths to verify Obama’s citizenship, attaining scanned copies of his 1992 marriage certificate from Cook County, IL, his driver’s license record, and his registration and disciplinary record. PolitiFact also addressed a number of concerns about the documentation.<ref>Hollyfield, A. (2008, June 27). Obama’s birth certificate: Final chapter. PolitiFact. Retrieved from http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/article/2008/jun/27/obamas-birth-certificate-part-ii/</ref>
* In October 2008 Hawaii’s Department of Health released a statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino verifying that Obama’s birth certificate was on record.<ref>Hawaii Department of Health. News Release: Statement by Dr. Chiyome Fu.kino. Retrieved from http://hawaii.gov/health/about/pr/2008/08-93.pdf</ref>
* In August 2009 it was revealed that an alleged Kenyan birth certificate for Obama was a hoax.<ref>Snopes.com. Kenyan Mistake. Retrieved from http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/birthers/kenyacert.asp</ref> Another website allows you to create your own imitation Kenyan birth certificates online.<ref>KenyanBirthCertificateGenerator.com. Blue Collar Industries. Retrieved from http://kenyanbirthcertificategenerator.com/</ref>

===2011: Death of Osama bin Laden===
On May 1, 2011, Obama announced in a press conference<ref>Obama, B. (2011, May 2). "[http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead Osama Bin Laden Dead]." ''WhiteHouse.gov''.</ref><ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf1SLhNoUNY Nobel Prize Winner with a kill list].</ref> that Osama bin Laden was dead after a U.S. assault force infiltrated a compound in [[Abbottabad raid|Abottobad]], Pakistan.<ref>Baker, P., Cooper, H., & Mazzetti, M. (2011, May 1). "[Bin Laden is Dead, Obama Says]." ''New York Times''. "[http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Osama_Bin_Laden/ Target Bin Laden: The Death of Public Enemy #1]." ''ABC News''. ''NPR''. "[http://www.npr.org/series/135908383/osama-bin-laden-dead Special Series: Osama Bin Laden Killed]." </ref> Attacks on Americans and American consulate bureaus have since escalated as reprisals for bin Laden's death. [[Al Qaeda]], once presumed broken and on the run, now functions openly throughout North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Eurasia. Relations with longtime ally Pakistan have become strained. Obama experienced only a temporary blip in approval polls.<ref>Dao, J. & Sussman, D. (2011, May 4). "[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/us/politics/05poll.html For Obama, Big Rise in Poll Numbers After Bin Laden Raid]." ''New York Times''. ''Pew Research Center'' (2011, May 2). "[http://www.people-press.org/2011/05/03/public-relieved-by-bin-ladens-death-obamas-job-approval-rises/ Public 'Relieved' by Bin Laden's Death, Obama's Job Approval Rises]." Jones, J.M. (2011, May 5). "[http://www.gallup.com/poll/147437/obama-approval-rallies-six-points-bin-laden-death.aspx Obama Job Approval Rallies Six Points to 52% After Bin Laden Death]." ''Gallup''.</ref><ref>''CBS/Associated Press'' (2012, May 1). "[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57424622/1-year-after-osama-bin-laden-killed-still-no-answers-from-pakistan/ 1 Year After Osama bin Laden Killed, Still No Answers from Pakistan]."</ref> Pakistan has denied White House claims that there was a deal with it allowing the raid.<ref>''Associated Press'' (2011, May 10). "[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/05/10/pakistani-president-claims-bin-laden-deal/ Former Pakistani President Claims There Was Never Bin Laden Deal With U.S.]." Retrieved from ''FOX News''.</ref>

=== 2012: Possible Ties to ACORN ===
According to Stanley Kurtz - author of ''Radical-in-Chief: Barack Obama and the Untold Story of American Socialism'' (2010) Obama in 1995 sought and obtained the endorsement of a left-wing third party, the [[New Party]] in his quest to be elected to the Illinois State Senate.<ref>Kurtz, S. (2012, June 7). [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/302031/obamas-third-party-history-stanley-kurtz Obama's Third-Party History]. ''National Review Online''.</ref> Obama's "Fight the Smears" campaign has denied this, as has Politico's Ben Smith.<ref name=pollack>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Obama-Caught-Lying-Again-He-WAS-Member-of-New-Party-Says-Kurtz Obama Caught Lying Again: He WAS Member of 'New Party', Says Kurtz]. ''Breitbart''. Smith, B. (2008, October 25). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/1008/The_dread_New_Party.html The Dread New Party]. ''Politico''.</ref> Others who claim he was affiliated with the New Party/ACORN include The Blaze's Billy Hallowell<ref>Hallowell, B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.theblaze.com/stories/report-new-documents-show-obama-was-a-member-of-the-far-left-new-party/ News Docs Reportedly Show Obama Was a Member of the Far-Left 'New Party']. ''The Blaze''.</ref>, Breitbart's Joel Pollack, Human Events' Erick Erickson<ref>Erickson, E. (2008, June 10). [http://www.humanevents.com/2008/06/10/obama-and-the-new-party/ Obama and the New Party]. ''Human Events''.</ref>, Newsbusters' P.J. Gladnick<ref>Gladnick, P.J. (2008, October 12). [http://newsbusters.org/blogs/p-j-gladnick/2008/10/08/will-msm-report-obama-membership-socialist-new-party#ixzz21JfE3z1z Will MSM Report on Obama Membership in Socialist New Party?] ''Newsbusters''.</ref>, Rick Moran at AmericanThinker.com<ref>Rick Moran. [http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/obamas_alliance_with_marxists.html Obama's Alliance with Marxists], ''American Thinker'', June 03, 2008.</ref>, and various writers at Discover the Networks (which include Kurtz and Erickson).<ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434 NEW PARTY (NP)], ''DiscoverTheNetworks.org''.</ref>

Kurtz in 2012 has claimed to find minutes of the New Party Chicago chapter that say, "''Barack Obama, candidate for State Senate in the 13th Legislative District, gave a statement to the membership and answered questions. He signed the New Party 'Candidate Contract' and requested an endorsement from the New Party. He also joined the New Party.''"<ref name=pollack /> Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod responded to Kurtz with silence and when asked if that meant "yes or no", Axelrod stated, "You can take that as I have no idea what you are talking about."<ref>Pollack, J.B. (2012, June 7). [http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/06/07/Exclusive-Axelrod-Plays-Dumb-on-Obama-and-Socialist-New-Party Exclusive: Axelrod Plays Dumb on Obama and Socialist New Party]. ''Breitbart''.</ref>

===2012: "You didn't build that" Controversy===
{{main|You didn't build that}}

On July 13, 2012, at a campaign event in [[Virginia]], Obama gave a speech that immediately stirred up controversy. Speaking about the government's role in the success of private business, he said:<ref>http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/13/remarks-president-campaign-event-roanoke-virginia</ref>
{{cquote|If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.}} The [[Romney]] campaign has used "If you’ve got a business - you didn’t build that" in ads to show America that Obama believes it is government that creates business rather than hard-working individuals. The Obama campaign has alternatively stated that the sentenced was poorly worded since he was not giving a scripted speech and that when Obama said "that" he was referring to roads and bridges. Obama points to a later portion of his speech in which he said, "The point is, is that when we succeed, we succeed because of our individual initiative, but also because we do things together," to support his claim.

===Results===

On November 6, 2012 Barack Obama won reelection with 332 electoral votes to Mitt Romney's 206.<ref>http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/President/2012</ref> Obama received 51% of the popular vote (65,899,660 votes) to Romney's 47% (60,932,152 votes).<ref>http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/fe2012/2012presgeresults.pdf</ref>

==See also==
*[[Political positions of Barack Obama]]
*[[Barack Obama and uncharitableness]]
*[[Barack Obama and abortion]]
*[[Essay:Born Outside the U.S.A.!]]
*[[Essay: The Special Interests Candidate]]
*[[Lobbyists ties to the Obama administration]]
*[[Obama doublespeak]]
*[[Obama inauguration]]
*[[Religion of Barack Hussein Obama]]
*[[The Honorable James David Manning]]
*[[Al Qaeda in the Maghreb]]

==External links==

*[http://barackobamadoubletalk.com/ Barack Obama Doubletalk]
*[http://hotair.com/archives/2013/07/03/national-journal-obama-facing-crisis-over-incompetence/ National Journal: Obama facing crisis over incompetence]
*[http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/ Audacity Of Hypocrisy]
*[http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/6130/ The New Cult of Personality]
*[http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/23/che-obama-and-the-revolutionary-agenda/ Che, Obama, and the Revolutionary Agenda]
*[http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/fashion-shows/ Obama Laundry List of Lies]
*[http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jun/09/americas-first-muslim-president/ GAFFNEY: America's first Muslim president?] Washington Times
*[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-l-esposito/barack-obama-and-islam_b_212519.html Barack Obama and Islam.] by [[John L. Esposito]].
*[http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78931 Democrat: Obama's grandma confirms Kenyan birth.]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/barack_obama.htm Barack Obama on the issues.]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{USPresidents}}
{{2008 presidential candidates}}
{{2012 presidential candidates}}
[[Category: Barack Hussein Obama]]
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]
[[Category:Obama Administration]]
[[Category:Current Heads of government]]
[[Category:Current Heads of State]]
[[category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]
[[Category:2012 Presidential Candidates]]
[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]
[[Category:Socialism]]
[[Category:Muslims]]
[[Category:Socialists]]
[[Category:Homosexual Agenda]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Obama, Barack Hussein}}

Terry McAuliffe

2013-11-06T21:28:53Z

PatrickB:

[[Image:TerryMcAuliffe.jpg‎|right|thumb?|200px|]]
'''Terry McAuliffe''' (born February 9, 1957) is a [[liberal]] political consultant a governor-elect of [[Virginia]]. who served as chairman of the [[DNC|Democratic National Committee]] from 2001-2005. In 2008 he served as chairman of the [[Hillary Clinton]] Presidential Campaign.

As the 2008 Democratic primaries came to a close and it became clear that Hillary Clinton's campaign was over, McAuliffe appeared on the [[MSNBC]] show "Morning Joe" with a bottle of rum. After drinking several shots—an action which may have violated the group Mothers Against Drunk Driving's media guidelines
<ref>http://thecontemporaryconservative.blogspot.com/2008/11/terry-mcauliffe-violates-media.html</ref>—
he admitted that Hillary Clinton knew she had lost the 2008 primary race.
On January 3, 2009, McAuliffe uploaded a YouTube video in which he announced that he would be running for Governor of [[Virginia]] in the Democratic primaries<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGoEDCs4-RE</ref>. He lost the nomination to [[Creigh Deeds]], who in turn went on to lose to the Republican [[Bob McDonnell]] in the general election.

==References==

<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:McAuliffe, Terry}}
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Political Advisors]]
[[Category:Virginia]]

Ken Cuccinelli

2013-11-06T21:26:42Z

PatrickB:

'''Kenneth T. 'Ken' Cuccinelli II''' (born July 30, 1968) was the [[Republican]] candidate for the governor of [[Virginia]] in 2013. A former [[Virginia]] State [[Senator]], Cuccineli was elected [[Attorney General]] of Virginia in the 2009 election. While Cuccinelli was in the Virginia Senate, he served on the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, Transportation Committee, Local Government Committee, and the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee.

Ken Cuccinelli is a principled [[conservative]]: he is [[pro-life]] regarding [[abortion]], pro-[[Second Amendment]] (he has received the endorsement of the [[National Rifle Association]], and pro-[[free enterprise]] with a 100% pro-business voting record as rated by the National Federation of Independent Business.

Cuccinelli is one of the few politicians who has rejected the [[homosexual agenda]]. He sent a letter to all public schools in Virginia telling them to obey the law and stop promoting and granting homosexuals protections they don't legally have.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/05/AR2010030501582.html</ref>

Cuccinelli has helped expose the [[global warming]] hoax by demanding from documents from the state-funded, liberal college of the [[University of Virginia]]. These documents relate to the notorious [[Climategate]].<ref>[http://www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/local/article/attorney_general_demands_papers_on_climate_data_from_uva/55634/P20/] {{dead link}}</ref>

Cuccinelli is opposed to an open-border policy that attracts illegal aliens.<ref>http://www.cuccinelli.com/issues/immigration</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cuccinelli, Ken}}
[[Category:Virginia]]
[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Political Figures]]

2014 Midterm Elections

2013-10-30T00:44:34Z

PatrickB:

'''2014 Midterm Elections'''

==Senate==
===Democrat Incumbents===

*[[Max Baucus]] (Montana)[1]
*[[Mark Begich]] (Alaska)
*[[Cory Booker]] (New Jersey)
*[[Chris Coons]] (Deleware)
*[[Richard Durbin]] (Illinois)
*[[Al Franken]] (Minnesota)
*[[Kay Hagan]] (North Carolina)
*[[Tom Harkin]] (Iowa)[1]
*[[Tim Johnson]] (South Dakota)[1]
*[[Mary Landrieu]] (Louisiana)
*[[Carl Levin]] (Michigan)[1]
*[[Ed Markey]] (Massachusetts)
*[[Jeff Merkley]] (Oregon)
*[[Mark Pryor]] (Arkansas)
*[[Jack Reed]] (Rhode Island)
*[[Jay Rockefeller]] (West Virginia)[1]
*[[Brian Schatz]] (Hawaii)
*[[Jeanne Shaheen]] (New Hampshire)
*[[Mark Udall]] (Colorado)
*[[Tom Udall]] (New Mexico)
*[[Mark Warner]] (Virginia)

===Republican Incumbents===

*[[Lamar Alexander]] (Tennessee) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[Saxby Chambliss]] (Georgia)[1] - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[Thad Cochran]] (Mississippi) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[Susan Collins]] (Maine) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[John Cornyn]] (Texas) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[Mike Enzi]] (Wyoming)
*[[Lindsey Graham]] (South Carolina) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[James Inhofe]] (Oklahoma)
*[[Mike Johanns]] (Nebraska)[1] - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[Mitch McConnell]] (Kentucky) - Voted With Democrats To Fund Obamacare
*[[James Risch]] (Idaho)
*[[Pat Roberts]] (Kansas)
*[[Tim Scott]] (South Carolina)
*[[Jeff Sessions]] (Alabama)

==House==
Every seat of the 435 member chamber is up for election. The new term will be the 114th United States Congress.

===Notable Races===

* [[John Boehner]] (Ohio) - Republican Majority Speaker
* [[Eric Cantor]] (Virginia) - Republican Majority Leader
* [[Kevin McCarthy]] (California) - Republican Majority Whip
* [[Nancy Pelosi]] (California) - Democrat Minority Leader
* [[Steny Hoyer]] (Maryland) - Democrat Minority Whip

==Governors==

===Democrats===

*[[Neil Abercrombie]] (Hawaii)
*[[Mike Beebe]] (Arkansas) [1]
*[[Jerry Brown]] (California)
*[[Lincoln Chafee]] (Rhode Island) [1]
*[[Andrew Cuomo]] (New York)
*[[Mark Dayton]] (Minnesota)
*[[Maggie Hassan]] (New Hampshire)
*[[John Hickenlooper]] (Colorado)
*[[John Kitzhaber]] (Oregon)
*[[Dan Malloy]] (Connecticut)
*[[Martin O'Malley]] (Maryland) [1]
*[[Deval Patrick]] (Massachusetts) [1]
*[[Pat Quinn]] (Illinois)
*[[Peter Shumlin]] (Vermont)

===Republicans===

*[[Robert Bentley]] (Alabama)
*[[Jan Brewer]] (Arizona) [1]
*[[Terry Branstad]] (Iowa)
*[[Sam Brownback]] (Kansas)
*[[Tom Corbett]] (Pennsylvania)
*[[Dennis Daugaard]] (South Dakota)
*[[Nathan Deal]] (Georgia)
*[[Mary Fallin]] (Oklahoma)
*[[Nikki Haley]] (South Carolina)
*[[Bill Haslam]] (Tennessee)
*[[Dave Heineman]] (Nebraska) [1]
*[[John Kasich]] (Ohio)
*[[Paul LePage]] (Maine)
*[[Susana Martinez]] (New Mexico)
*[[Matt Mead]] (Wyoming)
*[[Butch Otter]] (Idaho)
*[[Sean Parnell]] (Alaska)
*[[Rick Perry]] (Texas) [1]
*[[Brian Sandoval]] (Nevada)
*[[Rick Scott]] (Florida)
*[[Rick Snyder]] (Michigan)
*[[Scott Walker]] (Wisconsin)

[1] Indicates a term-limited or retiring candidate

[[category:Politics]]
[[category:Obama Presidency]]
[[category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Democratic Party]]

Daniel Coats

2013-10-30T00:42:51Z

PatrickB: /* Political Positions */

'''Daniel Coats''', born May 16, 1943 (age 70) is the Senior [[Republican]] [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Indiana]].

==Political Positions==
Coats is somewhat of a [[RINO]]. He supports unconstitutional [[gun control]] measures. <ref>http://gunowners.org/op02112010tm.htm</ref> He voted in favor of [[NDAA 2012]], a measure which would strip citizens of their constitutional rights. The bill had been signed into law by [[liberal]] [[Obama]]. He voted to continue funding for [[Obamacare]]. On other issues, Coats votes with his party, for example, he's [[pro-life]], supports banning [[homosexuals]] from joining the military, and opposes [[same-sex "marriage"]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
[[Category:Indiana]]

2014 Midterm Elections

2013-09-26T21:20:27Z

PatrickB:

'''2014 Midterm Elections'''

==Senate==
===Democrat Incumbents===

*[[Max Baucus]] (Montana)[1]
*[[Mark Begich]] (Alaska)
*[[Chris Coons]] (Deleware)
*[[Richard Durbin]] (Illinois)
*[[Al Franken]] (Minnesota)
*[[Kay Hagan]] (North Carolina)
*[[Tom Harkin]] (Iowa)[1]
*[[Tim Johnson]] (South Dakota)[1]
*[[Mary Landrieu]] (Louisiana)
*[[Carl Levin]] (Michigan)[1]
*[[Ed Markey]] (Massachusetts)
*[[Jeff Merkley]] (Oregon)
*[[Mark Pryor]] (Arkansas)
*[[Jack Reed]] (Rhode Island)
*[[Jay Rockefeller]] (West Virginia)[1]
*[[Brian Schatz]] (Hawaii)
*[[Jeanne Shaheen]] (New Hampshire)
*[[Mark Udall]] (Colorado)
*[[Tom Udall]] (New Mexico)
*[[Mark Warner]] (Virginia)

===Republican Incumbents===

*[[Lamar Alexander]] (Tennessee)
*[[Saxby Chambliss]] (Georgia)[1]
*[[Jeff Chiesa]] (New Jersey)[1]
*[[Thad Cochran]] (Mississippi)
*[[Susan Collins]] (Maine)
*[[John Cornyn]] (Texas)
*[[Mike Enzi]] (Wyoming)
*[[Lindsey Graham]] (South Carolina)
*[[James Inhofe]] (Oklahoma)
*[[Mike Johanns]] (Nebraska)[1]
*[[Mitch McConnell]] (Kentucky)
*[[James Risch]] (Idaho)
*[[Pat Roberts]] (Kansas)
*[[Tim Scott]] (South Carolina)
*[[Jeff Sessions]] (Alabama)

==House==
Every seat of the 435 member chamber is up for election. The new term will be the 114th United States Congress.

===Notable Races===

* [[John Boehner]] (Ohio) - Republican Majority Speaker
* [[Eric Cantor]] (Virginia) - Republican Majority Leader
* [[Kevin McCarthy]] (California) - Republican Majority Whip
* [[Nancy Pelosi]] (California) - Democrat Minority Leader
* [[Steny Hoyer]] (Maryland) - Democrat Minority Whip

==Governors==

===Democrats===

*[[Neil Abercrombie]] (Hawaii)
*[[Mike Beebe]] (Arkansas) [1]
*[[Jerry Brown]] (California)
*[[Lincoln Chafee]] (Rhode Island) [1]
*[[Andrew Cuomo]] (New York)
*[[Mark Dayton]] (Minnesota)
*[[Maggie Hassan]] (New Hampshire)
*[[John Hickenlooper]] (Colorado)
*[[John Kitzhaber]] (Oregon)
*[[Dan Malloy]] (Connecticut)
*[[Martin O'Malley]] (Maryland) [1]
*[[Deval Patrick]] (Massachusetts) [1]
*[[Pat Quinn]] (Illinois)
*[[Peter Shumlin]] (Vermont)

===Republicans===

*[[Robert Bentley]] (Alabama)
*[[Jan Brewer]] (Arizona) [1]
*[[Terry Branstad]] (Iowa)
*[[Sam Brownback]] (Kansas)
*[[Tom Corbett]] (Pennsylvania)
*[[Dennis Daugaard]] (South Dakota)
*[[Nathan Deal]] (Georgia)
*[[Mary Fallin]] (Oklahoma)
*[[Nikki Haley]] (South Carolina)
*[[Bill Haslam]] (Tennessee)
*[[Dave Heineman]] (Nebraska) [1]
*[[John Kasich]] (Ohio)
*[[Paul LePage]] (Maine)
*[[Susana Martinez]] (New Mexico)
*[[Matt Mead]] (Wyoming)
*[[Butch Otter]] (Idaho)
*[[Sean Parnell]] (Alaska)
*[[Rick Perry]] (Texas) [1]
*[[Brian Sandoval]] (Nevada)
*[[Rick Scott]] (Florida)
*[[Rick Snyder]] (Michigan)
*[[Scott Walker]] (Wisconsin)

[1] Indicates a term-limited or retiring candidate

[[category:Politics]]
[[category:Obama Presidency]]
[[category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Democratic Party]]

PLINO

2013-09-26T21:17:36Z

PatrickB: Fixed a typo

A '''PLINO''' politician, which stands for "[[Pro-Life]] In Name Only," is a politician who campaigns and is elected by claiming to be pro-life, but then quietly obstructs the passage of pro-life laws or otherwise fails to pass them. Examples would include committee chairmen who fail to schedule hearings on a pro-life bill, or leaders of legislative bodies who fail to call for a floor vote.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Politician
!Claim
!Reality
|-
|Senator [[Bob Casey, Jr.]] (D-PA)
|Claims to be [[pro-life]] as his father was when he was Governor of [[Pennsylvania]]
|Insists on funding [[Planned Parenthood]], the biggest provider of [[abortion]]
|-
|Jon Brunning, candidate for Senate (R-NE)
|Claims to be pro-life, and arranged for an endorsement by an ineffective pro-life group
|Failed to defend an important pro-life bill in court, and instead gave [[Planned Parenthood]] virtually everything it wanted in a settlement, forcing the state to pay more than $110,000 to Planned Parenthood
|-
|Governor [[Bobby Jindal]] (R-LA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has failed to appeal an important decision in favor of the abortion industry
|-
|Kirk Adams, congressional candidate (R-AZ)
|Says he's pro-life
|As the Arizona Speaker of the House, he refused to allow a floor vote on a simple bill (SB 1095) that has worked well in Missouri for more than five years to protect against harms from abortion. Instead, Adams hastily adjourned for the year on April 20, 2011 without passing any significant pro-life legislation, despite having an overwhelmingly pro-life majority
|-
|Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] (R-VA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Engineered the removal of a requirement for a transvaginal ultrasound before a women could have an abortion from a bill that was ultimately enacted.
|-|
|Governor [[Chris Christie]] (R-NJ)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has done little to prevent abortions in his state; New Jersey continues to have one of the highest abortion rates in the nation.
|-|
|[[Gabriel Gomez]], candidate for Senate (R-MA)
|Claimed the be a "proud Catholic, and pro-life"
|Said that [[Roe v. Wade]] is "settled law" and that he would oppose additional abortion restrictions
|-|
|
|
|-
|}

== Other Examples ==

Many state politicians in [[Georgia]] were elected during the [[2010 Midterm Elections]] by claiming to be pro-life, yet it did not pass a single pro-life law before adjourning for the year in 2011. This occurred despite a rapidly increasing rate of [[abortion]] in Georgia.

== See also ==

*[[Abortion Betrayals]]

{{Abortion}}
{{Conservapedia}}
[[category:Politics]][[category:abortion]]

Indiana

2013-09-08T21:06:33Z

PatrickB:

{{USState
|name=Indiana
|flag=Indiana_State_Flag.gif
|motto="The Crossroads of America"
|nick=[[Crossroads of America]]
|capital=Indianapolis
|language=English
|governor=[[Mike Pence]]
|gparty=Republican
|senator2=Dan Coats
|s2party=Republican
|s2phone=(202) 224-5623
|s2email=http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/one_item_and_teasers/Coats_Daniel.htm Contact
|senator1=Joe Donnelly
|s1party=Democrat
|s1phone=(202) (202) 224-4814
|s1email=mailto:senator_donnelly@donnelly.senate.gov Contact
|population=
|date=December 11, 1816 (19th)
}}
'''Indiana''' was the nineteenth state to enter the union. Nicknamed "The Hoosier State", is encompasses a geographical area of 36,291 square miles (38th in size among United States), and has a population of 6,195,643, according to a 2003 census. Its capital and largest city is [[Indianapolis]]. Indiana is bordered by [[Ohio]], [[Kentucky]], [[Illinois]], and [[Michigan]].

Indiana is recognized as the 'Limestone capital of the world' with more [[limestone]] quarried from the state than anywhere else in the world.

==Elected Officials==

===Federal===
*Sen. [[Richard Lugar]] (R)
*Sen. [[Dan Coats]] (R)
*Rep. [[Pete Visclosky]] [D, IN-1]
*Rep. [[Joe Donnelly]] [D, IN-02]
*Rep. [[Marlin Stutzman]] [R, IN-03]
*Rep. [[Todd Rokita]] [R, IN-04]
*Rep. [[Dan Burton]] [R, IN-05]
*Rep. [[Mike Pence]] [R, IN-06]
*Rep. [[Andre Carson]] [D, IN-07]
*Rep. [[Larry Bucshon]] [R, IN-08]
*Rep. [[Todd Young]] [R, IN-09]

===Statewide===
*Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] (R)
*Lt. Governor [[Becky Skillman]] (R)
*Attorney General [[Greg Zoeller]] (R)
*Secretary of State [[Charlie White]] (R)
*State Auditor [[Tim Berry]] (R)
*State Treasurer [[Richard Mourdock]] (R)

==Notable people from Indiana==

* Hoagy Carmichael, Songwriter
* Jim Davis, Creator of Garfield the Cat
* Eugene V Debs, 5-timr Socialist presidential candidate was based in terre Haute
* Orville Redenbacher, [[Popcorn]] Magnate
* Steve McQueen, Actor
* James Dean, Actor
* Karl Malden, Actor
* Kurt Vonnegut, Novelist
* Lew Wallace, Civil War General, Author ( Ben Hur )
* Wendell Willkie, GOP presidential candidate 1940.
* Alfred Kinsey, Sexual behavior researcher was based at Indiana University, Bloomington
*Senator [[Evan Bayh]], also a former governer; he is the son of former Senator Birch Bayh
*[[Astronaut]] Gus Grissom was born in Mitchell.
*Former President [[Benjamin Harrison]] lived in Indianapolis and represented Indiana as a Senator.
*[[William Henry Harrison]], a former President and the grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, was the first governor of Indiana territory.
*Singer [[Michael Jackson]] is from Gary.
*Comedian David Letterman was born in Indianapolis.
*[[Mike Pence]] is a current [[Republican Party|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives|US House of Representatives]] from Indiana and has been mentioned a possible candidate for the presidency.
*Former [[Vice President of the United States of America|Vice President]] [[Dan Quayle]] was born in Indianapolis and represented the states in the House and Senate.
*Harland David Sanders (also known as Colonel Sanders), founder of [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]], was born in Henryville.

==External links==
* [http://www.h-net.org/~indiana/ H-Indiana], a daily e-mail-based discussion list sponsored by the Indiana Historical Society and H-Net, and edited by experts. The list commissionms reviews of newe books and brings together academics, history professionals, activists in local historical societies and anyone interested in the state's history to exchange ideas and foster discussion on Indiana's history and culture. They communicate current research and research interests; discuss new articles, books, papers, methods, and tools of analysis; and announce upcoming conferences and events related to Indiana history. Subscriptions are free, and the complete logs of back issues are available online from its founding in February 1998.

==Bibliography==
===Surveys===
* Boomhower, Ray E.; Jones, Darryl, photog. ''Destination Indiana: Travels through Hoosier History.''2000. 203 pp.
* Gray, Ralph D., comp., ed. ''Indiana History: A Book of Readings.'' 1995. 442 pp. articles by scholars
* Madison, James H. ''The Indiana Way: A State History'' (1990) [http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-Way-State-History/dp/025320609X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643233&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Peckham, Howard H. ''Indiana: A History'' (2003) [http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-HISTORY-Howard-H-Peckham/dp/0252071468/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643431&sr=1-13 excerpt and text search]
* Reese, William J. ''Hoosier Schools: Past and Present'' (1998) [http://www.amazon.com/Hoosier-Schools-Present-Midwestern-History/dp/0253211549/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643233&sr=1-7 excerpt and text search]
* Rudolph, L. C. ''Hoosier Faiths: A History of Indiana's Churches and Religious Groups.'' 1995. 710 pp.
* Skertic, Mark, and John J. Watkins. ''A Native's Guide to Northwest Indiana'' (2003) [http://www.amazon.com/Natives-Guide-Northwest-Indiana/dp/1893121089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643207&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search]
* Taylor, Robert M., Jr. and McBirney, Connie A., ed. ''Peopling Indiana: The Ethnic Experience.'' 1996. 703 pp. covers every major ethnic group
* Taylor, Robert M. ed. ''The State of Indiana History 2000: Papers Presented at the Indiana Historical Society's Grand Opening'' (2001) [http://www.amazon.com/State-Indiana-History-2000-Historical/dp/0871951533/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643233&sr=1-3 excerpt and text search]
* Vanausdall, Jeanette. ''Pride and Protest: The Novel in Indiana.'' 1999. 169 pp.

===Pre 1880===
* Bigham, Darrel E., ed. ''The Indiana Territory, 1800-2000: A Bicentennial Perspective.'' 2001. 196 pp.
* Buley, R. Carlyle.
* Carmony, Donald Francis. ''Indiana, 1816 to 1850: The Pioneer Era'' (1998), 924 pp [http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-1816-1850-Pioneer-History/dp/0871951258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643157&sr=1-1 excerpt and text search], standard scholarly history
* Cayton, Andrew R. L. ''Frontier Indiana.'' 1996. 340 pp. , standard scholarly history
* Giffin, William W. ''The Irish: Peopling Indiana.'' 2006. 127 pp.
* Kellar, James H. ''Introduction to the Prehistory of Indiana'' (1983) [http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Prehistory-Indiana-James-Kellar/dp/0871950448/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643233&sr=1-12 excerpt and text search]
* Mills, Randy K. ''Jonathan Jennings: Indiana's First Governor.'' 2005. 259 pp.
* Simons, Richard S. and Parker, Francis H., ed. ''Railroads of Indiana.'' 1997. 297 pp.
* Stampp, Kenneth M. ''Indiana Politics during the Civil War'' )1949) [http://www.questia.com/read/3782996 online edition]

===Since 1880===
* Barrows, Robert G. ''Albion Fellows Bacon: Indiana's Municipal Housekeeper.'' 2000. 229 pp.
* Fadely, James Philip. ''Thomas Taggart: Public Servant, Political Boss, 1856-1929.'' 1997. 267 pp.
* Madison, James H. ''Indiana through Tradition and Change: A History of the Hoosier State and Its People, 1920-1945'' (1982) [http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-through-Tradition-Change-Historical/dp/0871950421/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196643233&sr=1-10 excerpt and text search], , standard scholarly history
* Phillips, Clifton J. ''Indiana in Transition: The Emergence of an Industrial Commonwealth, 1880-1920'' (1968), standard scholarly history
* Rund, Christopher. ''The Indiana Rail Road Company: America's New Regional Railroad.'' 2006. 254 pp.
* Thornbrough, Emma Lou. ''Indiana Blacks in the Twentieth Century.'' Indiana U. Press, 2000. 287 pp.
* Whitford, Frederick and Martin, Andrew G. ''The Grand Old Man of Purdue University and Indiana Agriculture: A Biography of William Carroll Latta.'' Purdue U. Press, 2005. 385 pp.

===Primary sources===
* Bowen, Otis R. and DuBois, William, Jr. ''Doc: Memories from a Life in Public Service.'' 2000. 232 pp. Bowen was Governor 1972-80
* Streightoff, Frances Doan. ''Indiana: A Social and Economic Survey'' (1916) [http://books.google.com/books?id=PuJCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA252&dq=intitle:social+intitle:survey+date:1900-1923&num=30&as_brr=1#PPA2,M1 full text online]
* Taylor, ed. Robert M. ''Indiana: A New Historical Guide'' (1990), highly detailed guide to citiies and recent history
* WPA Indiana Writer's Project. ''Indiana: A Guide To The Hoosier State: American Guide Series'' (1941), famous WPA Guide to every location; strong on history, architecture and culture; reprinted 1973; [http://www.questia.com/read/99249272 online edition]

{{USstates}}
[[Category:States of the United States]]

Mike Pence

2013-09-08T20:41:38Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Mike Pence
|image=MikePence.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Karen Pence
|religion=[[Evangelical Christian]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Indiana
|district=6th
|terms=January 3, 2001-present
|preceded=David McIntosh
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}

}}

'''Michael Richard "Mike" Pence''' (born June 7, 1959 in Columbus, Indiana) is the Republican governor of Indiana. He was a U.S. Representative from [[Indiana]]'s 6th congressional district and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. In the 111th Congress, he served as Chairman of the House Republican Conference. Pence is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

After graduating from [[Hanover College]] in 1981 and earning a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University School of Law in 1986, he became a practicing attorney and hosted a conservative radio talk show that was syndicated statewide. In 2000, Pence was elected to [[Congress]] and reelected in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. In 2005, Pence became chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a group representing the most conservative members of the House. Congressman Pence describes himself as "a [[Christian]], a conservative and a Republican, in that order." <ref>http://mikepence.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=53</ref>

In October 2009 Pence defended conservative talk radio, saying:

''"To suggest that men and women that are taking a stand for fiscal discipline and traditional values in the national debate today only speak for ‘grassroots activists’ is absurd. As evidenced by the hundreds of thousands that filled town hall meetings this summer and the nearly a million Americans who gathered here in Washington in September. Millions of Americans, Republicans, Democrats and Independents are worried about liberal social policies and runaway federal spending, deficit and debt.''

''So to my friends in the so-called ‘mainstream media’ I say, ‘conservative talk show hosts may not speak for everybody but they speak for more Americans than you do.’"'' <ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28608.html#</ref>

==External links==
*[http://mikepence.house.gov/ Official Site]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/in/Mike_Pence.htm On the Issues]

== References ==

<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pence, Mike}}
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Indiana]]

Sherrod Brown

2013-09-08T20:37:41Z

PatrickB: /* 2012 Senate Race */

{{Officeholder
|name=Sherrod Brown
|image=sherrodbrown.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Larke Ummel Brown (div.) Connie Schultz
|religion=Lutheran
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Ohio
|terms=January 3, 2007 – Present
|preceded=Mike DeWine
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Ohio
|district=13th
|terms=January 5, 1993 – January 3, 2007
|preceded=Don Pease
|former=n
|succeeded=Betty Sutton
}}
}}

'''Sherrod Campbell Brown''', born November 9, 1952 (age {{age|1952|11|9}}), is a pro-[[abortion]]<ref> Brown has a 100% rating with NARAL [http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Sherrod_Brown_Abortion.htm Sherrod Brown on Abortion] On The Issues</ref>
[[Democratic]] [[United States Senate|Senator]] from [[Ohio]]. He was also a member of the [[House of Representatives]] (1993-2007), Ohio Secretary of State (1983-1991), and an Ohio State Representative (1974-1982). As a Senator, he came to congress in the 2006 anti-Bush wave of so-called "Conservative Democrats" with more than $3 million poured into his campaign from out of state. <ref>[http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=cdcltncab&v=001SEg_mP6bgKQF1WBbTZAKJb4WF-PtsK7u531Z4CT-tKKyULDTS8voy2P65XMsf7UUU-Px9Ji8t-vDs9Eu6i5wP6MlHM7DJDeemNNfJo97QIOI42sLa_WCjI3ZgSinSQR-RHrQEW0RD1KtVK3vFs08YPnZh5UMgpoGtwZdhR8m-PRGf8Ic5Sqf5PQo51gFsUYd (1)]</ref> Brown is a member of the [[socialist]] Progressive Caucus. Brown is tight with [[George Soros]] as evident by a personal campaign contribution from him. <ref>[http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/individualProfile.asp?indid=977 GEORGE SOROS, Discover The Networks]</ref> The [[National Journal]] has ranked U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) as the U.S. Senate’s “Most Liberal” member. <ref>[http://www.nrsc.org/congratulations-sherrod-brown-on-being-ranked-most-liberal-senator Congratulations, Sherrod Brown, On Being Ranked “Most Liberal” Senator, NRSC, February 25, 2011]</ref>

Brown is a champion of [[ACORN]] and was once a spokesman in their propaganda videos. They in turn supported his campaign. He was named in an ACORN Corruption Congressional Report stating the promotion of a partisan political agenda in violation of many tax and election laws. <ref>[http://www.redstate.com/wellsy/2009/07/24/sen-sherrod-brown-tied-to-acorn-in-congressional-report/ Sen. Sherrod Brown tied to ACORN in Congressional report, Red State, July 24, 2009]</ref> Brown’s daughter Emily works for [[Service Employees International Union]], <ref>[http://ebfromga.wordpress.com/2009/09/18/ohios-senator-sherrod-browns-connection-to-acorn/ Ohio’s Senator Sherrod Brown’s Connection to SEIU and ACORN, Earl Says, September 18, 2009]</ref> the union co-created by ACORN's [[Wade Rathke]].

He wrote an Op-Ed piece for USA Today were he attacks the [[Tea Party movement]] as faux populism and extremism. <ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-10-04-column04_ST1_N.htm How to fight Tea Party's faux populism, USA Today, October 3, 2010]</ref>

On March 2nd, Sherrod Brown gave a speech on the Senate floor defending [[labor unions]]. He would attack Republicans by comparing them to other horrible governments that were opposed to labor unions; saying that dictators like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin opposed them. <ref>[http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/147323-ohio-senator-hitler-stalin-didnt-want-unions Ohio senator: GOP tries to take down unions, and so did Hitler and Stalin, The Hill, March 3, 2011]</ref> Unknown to Brown, Hitler and Stalin both championed policies Sherrod Brown supports such as universal healthcare, expanded animal welfare laws, support of healthy, organic foods and vegetarianism, a minimum wage, progressive taxation, and tight gun control. <ref>[http://www.redstate.com/erick/2011/03/03/senator-sherrod-brown-d-oh-meets-hitler/ Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Meets Hitler, RedState, March 3, 2011]</ref>

==2012 Senate Race==
Brown faced Republican [[Josh Mandel]] in 2012. [[Obama]] formally started his campaign for re-election in Columbus, Ohio together with Brown. Brown has started the ''Women for Sherrod Brown'' subgroup, which ties into the national meme from Democrats of a GOP [[War on Women]]. The [[Daily Caller]] learned that Brown's first wife had a placed a restraining order on him, citing in [[divorce]] records that Brown was guilty of extreme cruelty toward her, on several occasions, Larke alleged, her husband had “intimidated, pushed, shoved, and bullied her.” <ref>[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/05/03/Sherrod-Brown-Divorce-Obama?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BigGovernment+%28Big+Government%29, OBAMA LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN WITH ALLEGED WIFE-ABUSER SHERROD BROWN, May 4, 2012]</ref>

==Votes==
According to the leftwing Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Brown votes with the liberal agenda 95% of the time. Some votes below:

*July 1996 he voted against a bill defining marriage as “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.”
*April 2005 he supported “the transportation of a minor across state lines to obtain an abortion without the consent of a parent or legal guardian.”
*April 2005 he voted against allowing oil drilling in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska.
*September 2007 he supports Federal funds distributed to organizations that support the practices of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization.
*Brown voted for the Stimulus, the Omnibus spending bill and [[ObamaCare]].
*Voted for the $700 billion Wall Street bailout.
*Voted for Cash for Clunkers
*Voted for auto bailouts
*Voted for "card check"
*Voted against earmark moratorium
*Voted against repeal of the death tax
*Voted against a ban on funding for [[Planned Parenthood]]

He has never turned down and always votes for massive tax hikes.

Brown sponsored 6 bills, none made into law. Brown co-sponsored 49 bills, none made into law. <ref>[http://www.opencongress.org/person/show/400050 Senator Sherrod Brown, Open Congress]</ref>

February 2010, it was reported that a "clean technology" bill sponsored by Brown -- the "Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology Act of 2009" -- was drafted with the help of the Apollo Alliance, a leftwing environmental group and [[Tides Foundation]] project.

==References==
<references/>
{{liberalism}}

==External Links==
*[http://brown.senate.gov/ Sherrod Brown's Senate Website].
*[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B000944 Brown, Sherrod]. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
*[http://brown.senate.gov/senator/biography/ Senator Sherrod Brown]. Biography from his Senate website.
*[http://dumpsherrodbrown.wordpress.com Dump Sherrod Brown website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Brown, Sherrod}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Liberalism]]
[[Category:Ohio]]

Liberal Obsession

2013-09-08T20:28:27Z

PatrickB: /* Examples */

A '''liberal obsession''' is an idea or an ideal which [[liberal]]s obsess over. These obsessions can range from political, to environmental, or even personal. They are almost always groundless, irrational and contradictory to facts and evidence. These obsessions can lead, if enough pressure is applied, to [[liberal creep]] as [[liberals]] push their false ideals even further.

==Examples==

*Obsession over celebrities or [[Hollywood values|Hollywood]]
*Obsession over keeping [[pornography]] legal
*Obsession over legalizing [[abortion]]
*Obsession on censorship of [[school prayer]]
*Obsession on censorship of [[Christianity]]
*Obsession on censorship of [[Intelligent Design]] and [[Creation Science]]
*Obsessing over [[Affirmative Action]]
*Obsessing over [[Global Warming]]
*Obsession on smearing [[conservatives]]
*Obsession over [[gun control]]
*Obsession over [[political correctness]]
*Obsession over rights for [[terrorists]]
*Obsession over the [[homosexual agenda]]
*Obsession over the plight of Palestinians
*Obsession over [[George W. Bush]]
*Obsession over [[Conservapedia]]
*Obsession over supporting the fraud [[Richard Dawkins]]
*Obsession over [[Fox News]]
*Obsession over [[Sarah Palin]]
*Obsession over [[Barack Obama]]
*Obsession over labeling the [[Tea Party]] as racist, despite all evidence to the contrary
*Obsession over the [[Mainstream Media]]
*Obsession over [[environmentalism]]
*Obsession over [[homosexuality]]

==See Also==
* [[Liberals]]
* [[Deceit]]

{{liberalism}}

[[Category:Liberals]]

Jon Tester

2013-09-05T00:22:16Z

PatrickB:

[[Image:Senatorjontester.jpg|right|150px|thumb]]
'''Jon Tester''' (born August 21, 1956) is a junior [[Democratic]] [[United States Senator]] from [[Montana]]. From 2001 to 2003, Tester held the position of minority leader in the Montana Senate.<Ref>http://www.testerforsenate.com/about</ref> In 2005, his colleagues selected as President of the Montana Senate. He elected to the [[United States Senate]] by garnering the support of forty-nine percent of Montana voters in the 2006 election.<ref> http://www3.capwiz.com/msnbc/bio/?id=5281</ref> He was narrowly re-elected in 2012, despite [[Barack Obama]] losing Montana on the same night.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
*[http://tester.senate.gov/ Official Site]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Jon_Tester.htm Tester On the Issues]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Tester, Jon}}

[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Montana]]

Daniel Coats

2013-09-05T00:16:53Z

PatrickB:

'''Daniel Coats''', born May 16, 1943 (age 70) is the Senior [[Republican]] [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Indiana]].

==Political Positions==
Coats is somewhat of a [[RINO]]. He supports unconstitutional [[gun control]] measures. <ref>http://gunowners.org/op02112010tm.htm</ref> He voted in favor of [[NDAA 2012]], a measure which would strip citizens of their constitutional rights. The bill had been signed into law by [[liberal]] [[Obama]]. On other issues, Coats votes with his party, for example, he's [[pro-life]], supports banning [[homosexuals]] from joining the military, and opposes [[same-sex "marriage"]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
[[Category:Indiana]]

Martin Luther King

2013-08-28T22:21:18Z

PatrickB:

[[Image:MLKing..gif|right]]

Reverend '''Martin Luther King, Jr'''., Ph.D. (1929-1968) was by far the most important [[black people|black]] leader of the 1960s. Since his assassination in 1968, he has been the single most important exemplar of civil rights in America. King was the son of a Baptist minister and became a Baptist minister himself. King's life was filled with [[Jesus]] from his birth to his death. Everything he did to promote justice was never out of step with [[Christian]] beliefs.

==Education and early career==

King was educated at Boston University, where he earned his advanced degree in theology. His PhD dissertation, however, was largely plagiarized; historians believe the supervising committee did not realize that. King became the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

==Theology==

Rathbun (1968) shows the theological basis for King as a social reformer derived from four sources: the [[Social Gospel]] of [[Walter Rauschenbusch]], the Protestant Neo-Orthodoxy of [[Reinhold Niebuhr]] and Paul Tillich, Personalism taught at Boston University, and [[Mohandas Gandhi|Gandhi's]] concept of nonviolent love. King's synthesis of these four sources supported his civil rights activities. Laws may be broken, said King, if they are unjust laws which do not conform to eternal, natural law. Jesus, said King, was a true revolutionary who brought peace as a "presence of justice" instead of an "absence of tension." The church also must be revolutionary to counteract evil and bring about social justice. King's theology of social action foresaw complete, unprejudiced equality based on natural rights and privileges.<ref> John W. Rathbun, "Martin Luther King: The Theology of Social Action." ''American Quarterly'' 1968 20(1): 38-53. [http://www.jstor.org/stable/2710989 in JSTOR]</ref>

==Civil rights==
[[File:Montgomery Story Comic 1956.jpg|thumb|The Montgomery Story, Comic cover, 1956.]]
He became an advocate against [[racial discrimination]].

On Dec. 31, 1955, he led the nonviolent [[boycott]] of city buses of Montgomery, Alabama, after he sent [[Rosa Parks]] to be arrested for not moving to the back of the bus.<ref>http://www.thekingcenter.org/mlk/chronology.html</ref>

Rev. King wrote his most famous writing, “Letter From A Birmingham Jail” (1963), while imprisoned for demonstrating against segregated eating facilities.

{{cquote|'''''Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.'''''}}

[[Image:MartLK.jpg|right|thumb|Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.: "I Have a Dream" (1963)]]

King founded the [[Southern Christian Leadership Conference]].

Rev. King's most famous speech, delivered to a huge crowd gathered in Washington, D.C. in 1964, chanted the refrain "[[I Have a Dream]]" of an end to [[segregation]] and [[discrimination]]. It was a brilliant Christian sermon that drew upon verses and images in the [[Bible]],<ref>For example, the speech recited [[Book of Isaiah|Isaiah]] 40:4-5.</ref> ending in "Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"<ref>http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm</ref>
The same year Rev. King was awarded the [[Nobel Peace Prize]]. Rev. King was assassinated by [[James Earl Ray]] on April 4, 1968 in [[Memphis]], Tennessee.

On April 16, 1963, Rev. King wrote:

:"As the [[Apostle Paul]] carried the gospel of [[Jesus Christ]] ... so am I compelled to carry the gospel... I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers ...

:I stand in the middle of two opposing forces ... One is a force of complacency ... The other force is one of bitterness and hatred, and it comes perilously close to advocating violence. It is expressed in the various black nationalist groups ... the largest being [[Elijah Muhammad]]'s [[Nation of Islam|Muslim]] movement.

:Nourished by frustration over racial discrimination, this movement is made up of people who have lost faith in America ...

:I have tried to stand between these two forces ... for there is the more excellent way of love ...

:One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters they were standing up for what is best in the American dream and for the most sacred values in our [[Judeo-Christian]] heritage."

In his 1964 book, WHY WE CAN'T WAIT, Rev. King wrote:

:"Whenever this issue of compensatory or preferential treatment for the [[Negro]] is raised, some of our friends recoil in horror. The Negro should be granted equality, they agree, but he should ask for nothing more. On the surface, this appears reasonable, but it is not realistic. For it is obvious that if a man enters the starting line of a race three hundred years after another man, the first would have to perform some incredible feat in order to catch up."

His last major public speech became known as "I've Been to the Mountaintop" <ref>http://www.afscme.org/about/1549.cfm</ref>

King supported the existence of the Jewish State [[Israel]].<ref>http://www.zcommunications.org/fraud-fit-for-a-king-israel-zionism-and-the-misuse-of-mlk-by-tim-wise</ref>

== Nobel Peace Prize laureate ==
[[File:Martin Luther King Jr nobel peace prize.jpg|right|200px]]
On December 10, 1964, in Oslo, Norway, Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. His acceptance speech started saying:

<blockquote>
I accept the Nobel Prize for Peace at a moment when twenty-two million Negroes of the United States of America are engaged in a creative battle to end the long night of racial injustice. I accept this award in behalf of a civil rights movement which is moving with determination and a majestic scorn for risk and danger to establish a reign of freedom and a rule of justice... I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. [http://www.drmartinlutherkingjr.com/nobelpeaceprize.htm]
</blockquote>

{{Clear}}

==Foreign policy==
By 1966 his attacks on the [[Vietnam War]] led to a break with [[Lyndon Johnson]] and the labor unions that had been his base of support in the white community (along with the liberal churches).

==Political affiliation==
Time and time again, liberals claim that MLK was a Democrat. Liberals point to the people he associated with or that he opposed [[Barry Goldwater]] as proof that MLK was a Democrat. There is considerable evidence that he was not a Democrat. Martin Luther King Sr. was a [[Republican]], that would almost certainly make his son a Republican. Only after his son was arrested did King Sr. plead to President Kennedy for his safe release. It is noted at that point MLK Sr. switched parties to support Kennedy. This despite Kennedy voting against the 1957 Civil Rights Act and being initially opposed to the 1963 March on Washington by Dr. King. The March on Washington was organized by A. Phillip Randolph, who was a black Republican. In addition, [[Robert Kennedy]] had the [[FBI]] wiretap MLK Jr's phone in order to undermine King. <ref>[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=16500 Why Martin Luther King Was Republican, Human Events, August 16, 2006]</ref> It was the Republicans that freed the slaves nearly one-hundred years earlier, that fact was not lost on his generation. Frances Rice, chairman of the National Black Republican Association said, [he] "absolutely was a Republican," and "We were all Republicans in those days. The Democrats were training fire hoses on us, siccing dogs on us." <ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/18/AR2006101801754.html Controversial Ad Links MLK, GOP, Washington Post, October 19, 2006]</ref> In the 1960s, King would have witnessed the Democrat parties position on pro-segregation, against the Civil Rights Act. King was most likely aware of high profile Democrats such as Al Gore Sr. and [[Robert Byrd]] voting against repealing segregation. Southern Democrats rallied around [[Jim Crow]] laws and Black Codes which were targeted against King's message. [[Dixiecrat]]s blocked the social and political progress of black Southerners for decades. Was King unaware? Doubtful. It was Republican President Eisenhower who would push for integrating all white schools. To think King was a witness to all the upheaval Democrats caused and then became a Democrat is quite a stretch.

== Assassination ==

On April 3, 1968, King attended a rally in [[Memphis]], Tennessee to support of local black sanitation workers who were striking due to a wage imbalance with white colleagues. The following evening, he was standing on the balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel when a shot rang out. King was hit in the face and rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:05 p.m. He was 39 years old.<ref>http://history1900s.about.com/cs/martinlutherking/a/mlkassass_2.htm</ref>

News of King's death spread quickly and sparked riots in 100 U.S. cities. President [[Lyndon Johnson]] pleaded with Americans to refrain from violent demonstrations, saying "I ask every citizen to reject the blind violence that has taken Dr King." Presidential candidate [[Robert Kennedy]] was also vocal in pleading for peace.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/4/newsid_2453000/2453987.stm</ref>

King's assassin, a white ex-convict named [[James Earl Ray]], successfully eluded police for two months. He fled to Canada, where he lived under the alias Ramon George Sneyd. He was arrested on June 8, 1968 and confessed to the crime, for which he received a sentence of 99 years in prison.<ref>http://www.fullissue.com/index.php/james-earl-ray-biography-1929-1998.html</ref>

Although King is generally embraced by the American cultural establishment today, he and the authorities did not always have such a cordial relationship. In 1967, King called the United States "the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today." The [[FBI]], under the direction of [[J. Edgar Hoover]], kept King under surveillance from 1961 until his death in 1968. The Bureau tapped his phones and bugged his hotel rooms. The FBI did not end its surveillance of King's wife, [[Coretta Scott King]], until many years after her husband's death.

Because of this, and despite Ray's confession to the murder, both [[Jesse Jackson]] and King's son Dexter Scott King have both said there was a government conspiracy to murder the civil rights leader. Jackson wrote the foreword to Ray's autobiography ''Who Killed Martin Luther King Jr.?'' and in it, he wrote "I have always believed that the government was part of a conspiracy, either directly or indirectly, to assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr."<ref>http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/terrorists_spies/assassins/ray/1.html</ref>

== Memorial ==

On Oct. 16, 2011, a memorial to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — the first honoring an African-American in the area of the Mall — was dedicated in Washington. The memorial — a four-acre tract along the Tidal Basin that is dotted with elms and cherry trees and anchored by an imposing granite statue of Dr. King — is the product of more than two decades of work. It was conceived in 1983 by members of Dr. King’s fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and authorized by Congress in 1996.

The monument to Dr. Martin Luther King is not only the first to a black man on the Mall and its adjoining parks, but also the first to honor a person who was not a president. His stone figure faces the Jefferson Memorial across the water. Lincoln is at his back, and Roosevelt to his right.
[http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/us/memorial-of-martin-luther-king-jr-dedicated-in-washington.html?_r=1&hp]

The monument was built in China and the inscription on the monument will be replaced because it is inaccurate attribution to MLK Jr. In addition, MLK Jr's likeness, one of folded arms in resistance, does not accurately portray the man.

== Quotes ==
* "We know from painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor. It must be demanded by the oppressed." <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=5wrCR_9VWowC&pg=PA346&dq=Freedom+is+never+voluntarily+given+by+the+oppressor%3B+it+must+be+demanded+by+the+oppressed&ei=_NxUSv-XJ6S4yQTg3ZGyBw
God's new Israel: religious interpretations of American destiny‎ - Page 346] by Conrad Cherry</ref>

* "Judge people by the content of their character not the color of their skin."

* "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

* "I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.

* "It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important."

* "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."

* "When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative."

* "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

* "I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

* "Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity."

* "Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured."

* "A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan."

== See also ==

*[[Gallery of American Heroes]]
*[[Martin Luther King, Jr. Day]]
*[[Malcolm X]]

==Further reading==
* [http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/resources/article/king_online_encyclopedia1/ King Online Encyclopedia], 1000+ articles by scholars
* [http://www.questia.com/library/history/united-states-history/african-american-history/famous-african-americans/martin-luther-king-jr.jsp Online books and articles on King]

== References ==

<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:King, Martin Luther}}

[[Category:Nobel laureates in Peace]]
[[Category:Children of Clergy]]
[[Category:Civil Rights Leaders]]
[[Category:Black History]]
[[Category:United States History]]
[[Category:1960s]]
[[Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom award winners]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]

{{Conservatism}}

Obamaisms

2013-08-28T22:13:32Z

PatrickB: /* Examples: */

'''Obama-isms''' are [[gaffe]]s, historical errors, falsehoods, and badly-worded statements spoken by [[Barack Obama]]. See also [[Bushism]]s and [[Obamaspeak]]. It should, however, be noted that all politicans do make at least some speaking mistakes. With Obama in the public eye, his mistakes are more noticeable, and such an article is understandable.

== Examples: ==

*“From the bomb that fell on Pearl Harbor….”

*“John McCain has not talked about [[my Muslim faith]].”

*“There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born.” (Obama was born in 1961 and the Selma march was in 1965)

*“I've now been in [[57 states]], I think, one left to go.”

*“….when you spread the wealth around, I think it’s good for everybody.”

*“If they [his daughters] make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby.”

*“Thank you Sioux City” Obama said in Sioux Falls.

*“My father served in World War II, and when he came home, he got the services that he needed.” (At the end of WWII, Obama’s father was 10 years old.)

*Obama suggested that we need Arabic translators in Afghanistan, where they don’t speak Arabic.

*“Well, Tim, first of all, it's not me who's criticized these proposals,” Obama said to Matt Lauer.

*“Anybody gone into Whole Foods lately and see what they charge for arugula?...I mean, they're charging a lot of money for this stuff,” Obama said to a crowd in Iowa, where there are no Whole Foods.

*“Well let me be absolutely clear. Israel is a strong friend of Israel's.”

*“Israel is an ally of ours. It is the most important ally we have in the region, and there is no doubt that we would act forcefully and appropriately on any attack against Iran, nuclear or otherwise.”

*“I'm running to be commander of chief on a record of standing up for our wounded warriors.”

*"If I talked to Iran, I'm going to tell them, 'You should develop a nuclear weapon...'"

*"It was also interesting to see that political interaction in Europe is not that different from the United States Senate. There's a lot of -- I don't know what the term is in Austrian..." (There is no Austrian language). [http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/News-Conference-By-President-Obama-4-04-2009/]

*“There are some structural issues with our economy where a lot of businesses have learned to become much more efficient with a lot fewer workers. You see it when you go to a bank and you use an ATM. You don’t go to a bank teller." <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTPnzFOsM0M Save The Economy: BAN ATMs, Media Research Center, YouTibe]</ref>

*"We’re the country that built the Intercontinental Railroad”

*"The Qaddafi regime is over. Gbagbo, Ben Ali, Mubarak are no longer in power. Osama bin Laden is gone, and the idea that change could only come through violence has been buried with him."

*"You’ve got a governor whose state is on fire denying [[climate change]].”

*"Asking a Billionaire to Pay the Same Tax Rate as a [[Jew]] - as a Janitor."

*"Your outstanding mayor, [[Brian Higgins]], is here. Give him a big round of applause," (The Mayor of Buffalo is [[Byron Brown]], not Brian Higgins)

==See Also==
*[[Bushism|Bushisms]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Barack Hussein Obama]]
[[Category:United States Politics]]
[[Category:Liberals]]
[[Category:Obama Presidency]]
{{Liberalism}}

PLINO

2013-08-28T14:22:35Z

PatrickB:

A '''PLINO''' politician, which stands for "[[Pro-Life]] In Name Only," is a politician who campaigns and is elected by claiming to be pro-life, but then quietly obstructs the passage of pro-life laws or otherwise fails to pass them. Examples would include committee chairmen who fail to schedule hearings on a pro-life bill, or leaders of legislative bodies who fail to call for a floor vote.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Politician
!Claim
!Reality
|-
|Senator [[Bob Casey, Jr.]] (D-PA)
|Claims to be [[pro-life]] as his father was when he was Governor of [[Pennsylvania]]
|Insists on funding [[Planned Parenthood]], the biggest provider of [[abortion]]
|-
|Jon Brunning, candidate for Senate (R-NE)
|Claims to be pro-life, and arranged for an endorsement by an ineffective pro-life group
|Failed to defend an important pro-life bill in court, and instead gave [[Planned Parenthood]] virtually everything it wanted in a settlement, forcing the state to pay more than $110,000 to Planned Parenthood
|-
|Governor [[Bobby Jindal]] (R-LA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has failed to appeal an important decision in favor of the abortion industry
|-
|Kirk Adams, congressional candidate (R-AZ)
|Says he's pro-life
|As the Arizona Speaker of the House, he refused to allow a floor vote on a simple bill (SB 1095) that has worked well in Missouri for more than five years to protect against harms from abortion. Instead, Adams hastily adjourned for the year on April 20, 2011 without passing any significant pro-life legislation, despite having an overwhelmingly pro-life majority
|-
|Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] (R-VA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Engineered the removal of a requirement for a transvaginal ultrasound before a women could have an abortion from a bill that was ultimately enacted.
|-|
|Governor [[Chris Christie]] (R-NJ)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has done little to prevent abortions in his state; New jersey continues to have one of the highest abortion rates in the nation.
|-|
|[[Gabriel Gomez]], candidate for Senate (R-MA)
|Claimed the be a "proud Catholic, and pro-life"
|Said the [[Roe v. Wade]] is "settled law" and that he would oppose additional abortion restrictions
|-|
|
|
|-
|}

== Other Examples ==

Many state politicians in [[Georgia]] were elected during the [[2010 Midterm Elections]] by claiming to be pro-life, yet it did not pass a single pro-life law before adjourning for the year in 2011. This occurred despite a rapidly increasing rate of [[abortion]] in Georgia.

== See also ==

*[[Abortion Betrayals]]

{{Abortion}}
{{Conservapedia}}
[[category:Politics]][[category:abortion]]

Harry Reid

2013-08-27T21:07:13Z

PatrickB: /* Political Views */

{{Officeholder
|name=Harry Reid
|image=Reid- 2009 Official Photo.jpg
|party=[[Democrat]]
|spouse=Landra Gould
|religion=[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Nevada
|terms=January 3, 1987 - Present
|preceded=[[Paul Laxalt]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Nevada
|district=1st
|terms=January 3, 1983 – January 3, 1987
|preceded=James David Santini
|former=n
|succeeded=James Bilbray
}}
}}

'''Harry Reid''', born December 2, 1939 (age {{age|1939|12|2}}), is the senior Senator from [[Nevada]] and U.S. Senate Majority Leader in the 111th Congress for the [[Democratic Party|Democrats]]. He became Minority Whip (the #2 job) in 1998, and Minority Leader in 2005 and Majority Leader in 2007. He won reelection from Nevada in 2010 despite low approval ratings and a strong challenge amid suspicions of voting irregularities.<ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/early-voting-irregularities-create-suspicion-of-fraud/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OTB+%28Outside+The+Beltway+|+OTB%29</ref> He is the first member of the Church of Latter-day Saints to become Senate Majority Leader. He is known for making insensitive and provocative [[racial]]ly charged comments and his far left [[liberal]] views. He is an idiot<ref>http://www.wnd.com/2013/01/senator-harry-reid-is-still-an-idiot/</ref> and a "mumbling gangster"<ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/aug/7/hurt-improbable-reign-harry-reid-mumbling-gangster/</ref>, so he was an natural choice to lead the Democrats in the Senate.

==Early Life and Education==

Born in Searchlight, Nevada, Reid converted to [[Mormonism]] while attending [[Utah State University]] in 1960. <ref>http://www.adherents.com/largecom/lds_Reid.html</ref> He went on to earn a law degree from [[George Washington University]] in 1964. <ref>http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-14-Sun-2004/news/25258027.html</ref>

==Political Career==
Reid's career in politics began in 1967 when he was elected to the Nevada State Assembly and in 1970 was elected Lieutenant Governor. He unsuccessfully ran for the United States Senate in 1974. From 1977 to 1981, Harry Reid was the Nevada state gaming commissioner. This led his character to be parodied in the 1995 film "Casino" played by Dick Smothers. During Reid's tenure as gaming commissioner, he allowed the [[FBI]] to videotape businessman Jack Gordon, offering him a $12,000 bribe. Then, according to a Las Vegas Review-Journal account, Reid "put his hands around Gordon's neck and said, 'You son of a b-tch, you tried to bribe me!'" <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/292/000032196/</ref> In 1979 Gordon was arrested and sentenced to six months in jail.

After serving two terms in the [[House of Representatives]], Reid was elected to the Senate in 1986 and reelected three times. He served as Minority Whip from 1999 through 2001, again from 2003 through 2005, Minority Leader from 2005 through 2007, and was elected Senate Majority Leader in 2007.

===Reelection 2010===
Reid is facing a tough reelection in 2010. The "Cook Political Report" in September 2009 rates the contest as "Toss Up". His status weakened in summer 2009, as discontent with President Obama and the Democrats' health plan mounted, and as the Recession of 2008 continues to batter Las Vegas and the entire Nevada economy, with no relief in sight from the stimulus bill Reid pushed through the Senate. Reid's inability to improve his standing in the polls, coupled with the deteriorating political environment for Democrats nationally, are clear indications that his political problems are deep and will be difficult (though not impossible) to fix, says Cook.

After receiving the endorsement of the [[Tea Party Express]] and [[Club for Growth]], former Assemblywoman [[Sharron Angle]] defeated former State Senator [[Sue Lowden]] by 14 points and businessman [[Danny Tarkanian]] in the Republican primary by 17 points.

Reid eventually defeated Angle by a 50.3% to 44.6% margin.

==Political Views==

[[Image:HarryReid.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid with House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] (left) and Senator [[Chris Dodd]] (right)]]Harry Reid has voted with a majority of his Democratic colleagues 94.8% of the time during the current [[Congress]]. <ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000146/</ref> He has been a key spokesman for liberal positions on taxes, health care, government bailouts, unions and immigration. In 2009 Reid called opponents of [[universal health care]] "evil-mongers." He later explained "I maybe could have been less descriptive, I doubt you’ll hear it from me again." <ref>http://www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/harry_reid_protesters_evil-mongers/</ref> Reid voted to authorize military force in [[Iraq]] in 1991 and again in 2002. However, he later became a proponent of troop withdrawal.

His major accomplishment has been to block the use of Yucca Mountain in Nevada for the safe storage of nuclear wastes from around the country.

At one point Reid described himself as [[pro-life]], saying "Abortions should be legal only when the pregnancy resulted from incest, rape, or when the life of the woman is endangered." <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/npat.php?can_id=53320#408</ref> Reid voted to express opposition to [[Roe v. Wade]] <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00048</ref> and supported the ban on [[Partial birth abortion]]. <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=108&session=1&vote=00402</ref> However, since being elected to his leadership position he has proven himself to be a staunch pro-Abortion advocate and has even voted to use taxpayer dollars to fund overseas abortions. <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/state4369.html</ref> From 2007-2008, the [[National Right to Life Committee]] gave Harry Reid a 28% rating. <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_detail.php?r_id=4321</ref>

Reid cosponsored a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. He opposes environmentalists on mining issues. He is a strong supporter of the gaming industry, which forms the basis of the state's economy.

Reid supports gun control, and in 2007 Gun Owners of America gave Reid a grade of ''F''. <ref>http://www.votesmart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=53320&type=category&category=37&go.x=4&go.y=5</ref>

==Controversies==

As a United States Senator Harry Reid has been the subject of Controversy and Criticism. In 2006 he was ranked the 10th most corrupt person in Washington by Judicial Watch. <ref>http://www.judicialwatch.org/printer_6091.shtml</ref> Reid was investigated by the FBI in 2008 for illegal campaign donations.<ref>http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/fbi-reid-campaig-finance/2013/04/17/id/500006</ref>

==Romney's taxes==
Reid ludicrously claimed in 2012 that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney hadn't paid taxes in 10 years - without, of course, offering any substantiation. [http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/07/politics/reid-romney-taxes/index.html] The IRS may have illegally leaked Romney's tax information to Reid. <ref>http://dailycaller.com/2013/05/16/did-the-irs-give-romneys-tax-returns-to-harry-reid/</ref>

===Connections with Jack Abramoff===

Reid has received over $60,000 from groups that are related to convicted lobbyist [[Jack Abramoff]], including about $50,000 from [[Native American]] gaming interests. Several times, Native American tribes that were clients of Jack Abramoff donated money to Reid after Reid's votes produced favorable results for the tribes. However, Reid described the Abramoff affair as "a Republican scandal."

===Boxing credentials===
Reid has accepted free tickets valued at hundreds of dollars for boxing matches between 2003 and 2005 from the Nevada Athletic Commission. Senate ethics rules permit gifts from such governmental agencies.

===Las Vegas land deal===
Senator Reid came under fire in 2006 for failing to properly report to Congress a $700,000 land deal. Harry Reid's member interest in limited liability company (LLC) was allocated $1.1 million of the gross proceeds attributable to the sale of a parcel of land. In 1998, Reid bought a plot of land for $400,000, fair market value at the time. One of the sellers was a developer who arranged a land swap that Reid supported.

===Iraq "lost"===

On April 19 2007, representatives of 50 Iraqi Sunni tribes announced the formation of a new democratic political party called [[Iraq Awakening]], with the aim of fielding candidates in elections at all levels of government, including the parliamentary elections in 2009. In the predominantly [[Shiite]] country, a large scale political organization among the [[Sunni]] is precisely what [[al-Qaeda]] insurgents have opposed. Later the same day, Sen. Reid demanded the pullout of American forces, on the basis that Iraq had been "lost". <ref>[http://www.therealitycheck.org/StaffWriter/dclark_NMA053107.html Reid The Reaper: Dems plan Iraq Awakening's wake], by Daniel Clark, ''New Media Alliance. Retrieved 06/04/07.</ref> In May, Majority Leader Reid voted to fund the "lost" cause anyway. In a scathing rebuke [[MSNBC]]'s liberal [[Keith Olbermann]] said,
{{cquote|'''Mr. Reid, Mr. [[Steny Hoyer|Hoyer]], and the other Democrats... have failed us. They negotiated away that which they did not own, but had only been entrusted by us to protect: our collective will as the citizens of this country....Mr. Reid has failed.''' <ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18831132/ The entire government has failed us on Iraq], Keith Olbermann, MSNBC ''Countdown'', May 24, 2007.</ref>}}

Ironically after Reid proclaimed the war lost, sectarian violence significantly declined.

[[File:Incompetent Harry Reid.jpg|left|300px]]

===Rush Limbaugh Phony Soldier Incident===
On October 2, 2007, Senator Reid wrote a letter to Mark P. Mays, Chairman-of-the-board and CEO of Clear Channel Communications, who are [[Rush Limbaugh]]'s chief patrons. In it Senator Reid essentially demanded that Mr. Mays order Mr. Limbaugh apologize for certain remarks that Mr. Limbaugh allegedly made, to the effect that soldiers who opposed the prosecution of the war in [[Iraq]] were "phony soldiers."<ref name=ReidText>Reid, Harry, ''et al.'' "[http://reid.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=284699 Letter to Mark P. Mays of Clear Channel Communications]." [http://reid.senate.gov/ Electronic Office of US Senator Harry Reid], October 2, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> In composing his letter and his later remarks, Reid relied heavily on a presentation and alleged analysis by [[Media Matters for America]]. In fact, the only soldiers that Mr. Limbaugh ever alleged to be "phony" were certain persons who falsely claimed to have served in Iraq; some of those persons were in fact tried for and convicted of misrepresentation of service and drew prison sentences for their conduct. Nevertheless Mr. Reid obtained the signatures of forty of his Senate colleagues on his accusatory letter and read the letter aloud on the floor of the Senate.

The letter was delivered, and Mr. Limbaugh ultimately obtained it. Mr. Limbaugh publicly exhibited it to an audience in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], on October 11. The next day he placed the letter for sale at public auction at eBay.com.<ref name=eBay>[http://cgi.ebay.com/Original-Harry-Reid-Rush-Limbaugh-Smear-Letter_W0QQitemZ260170172469QQihZ016QQcategoryZ4105QQcmdZViewItem Auction listing of original of Harry Reid letter]. [http://www.ebay.com/ eBay.com]. Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> The letter was sold for $2.1 million. Rush donated the entire proceeds to the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, and included a matching contribution of his own. In his remarks on the air on the day that the auction ended, and for several days before that, Mr. Limbaugh speculated that Senator Reid probably never imagined that his letter would even be made public, much less set a record for the most expensive charity auction in the records of eBay.com.<ref name=Limbaugh>Limbaugh, Rush H., remarks heard on his radio program on October 19, 2007, at about 12:15 p.m. EDT, or 16:15 p.m. UTC</ref>

At noon EDT October 19, 2007, Senator Reid spoke again to this issue on the floor of the Senate, taking note of the astonishing auction price that the letter was sure to fetch (the auction was still running at the time). He suggested in his remarks that he had spoken to Mr. Mays personally about the prospect of the public auction and had expressed doubts that such an auction would fetch more than a trifling sum.<ref name=ReidVid>Reid, Harry M. "[http://www.breitbart.tv/html/6938.html Remarks on the Floor of the United States Senate regarding Letter to Mark P. Mays]." Captured and published by ''Breitbart TV''. Retrieved October 19, 2007.</ref> Rush Limbaugh played the recording of Mr. Reid's remarks on his radio program and scathingly suggested that Mr. Reid was now attempting to take credit after the fact for the success of the auction and the massive charitable donation that would result from it.<ref name=Limbaugh2>Reid, Harry; remarks on the floor of the United States Senate on October 19, 2007, at 12:00 noon EDT. Played and commented upon by Rush H. Limbaugh on his radio program, beginning 12:35 p.m. EDT.</ref>

Images of the text of the letter, and the signatures of the Senators, appear below:

<gallery>
Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Body.jpg|Body of the letter
Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Sig1.jpg|Rest of the body and twelve signatures
Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Sig2.jpg|Eighteen signatures
Image:Reid_Limbaugh_Letter_Sig3.jpg|Eleven signatures
</gallery>
===Remarks about slavery and race===

A month after Reid compared Republican opponents of [[government health care]] to supporters of [[slavery]],<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/12/07/reid-compares-health-care-reform-foes-slavery-supporters/</ref> it came to light that
Reid had made remarks referring to [[Barack Obama]]'s race during the presidential campaign.<ref>Reid's comments were included in the book ''Game Change''. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100109/ap_on_el_se/us_obama_reid]</ref>
Reid had called then-Senator Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries "light skinned" and "with no [[Negro dialect]], unless he wanted to have one."

* The authors describe Reid assessing Obama's strengths as a candidate. Reid, they write, "believed that the country was ready to embrace a black presidential candidate, especially one such as Obama -- a 'light-skinned' African American 'with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one,' as he said privately. Reid was convinced, in fact, that Obama's race would help him more than hurt him in a bid for the Democratic nomination."<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/09/AR2010010902141.html Washington Post] - January 10, 2010 </ref>

After that, political commentators began "arguing over whether those comments by Reid constitute racism".<ref>[http://spectator.org/archives/2010/01/12/bigots-and-the-press Bigots and the Press] - Mark Hyman</ref>
On January 9, 2010 Reid apologized for his "poor choice of words"

A Boston Globe op-ed said Senator Reid "said nothing wrong".<ref> [http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2010/01/13/whats_wrong_with_negro_anyway/ What’s wrong with ‘Negro,’ anyway?]</ref>
[[Ann Coulter]] wrote, "[[Democrat]]s regularly say things that would end the career of any [[conservative]] who said them." [http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=35188]

In August 2010, Reid tries some [[racial politics]] and told a crowd of supporters that he doesn’t know "how anyone of [[Hispanic]] heritage could be a Republican."

* In a follow-up remark, again more obsession with [[Race baiting]], ''“because the wave of immigrants we have now — their skin's a tone darker than ours — doesn't make it any different.”'' <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/11/rubio-blasts-reid-asking-hispanics-republicans/ Rubio Blasts Reid for Saying He Doesn't Understand How Hispanics Could Be Republican, FOXNews, August 11, 2010]</ref>

==See also==
*[[ACORN]]
*[[Phonemark]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/11/abramoff_report_1.html Abramoff Reports to Prison; Officials Focus on Reid, Others], Brian Ross and Rhonda Schwartz, ''ABC News'', November 15, 2006.
*[http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0809/House_switchboard_getting_pranked_by_Harry_Reid.html House switchboard getting pranked by Harry Reid?]. Politico. August 11, 2009.
*[http://health.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/08/11/dr-manny-dear-senator-reid-i%E2%80%99m-not-stupid/ Dr. Manny: Dear Senator Reid, I’m Not Stupid!]
{{Liberalism}}
{{DEFAULTSORT: Reid, Harry}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[category:2010 Midterm Elections]]
[[Category:Mormons]]
[[Category:Abortion Advocates]]
[[Category:Nevada]]

PLINO

2013-08-27T20:51:40Z

PatrickB:

A '''PLINO''' politician, which stands for "[[Pro-Life]] In Name Only," is a politician who campaigns and is elected by claiming to be pro-life, but then quietly obstructs the passage of pro-life laws or otherwise fails to pass them. Examples would include committee chairmen who fail to schedule hearings on a pro-life bill, or leaders of legislative bodies who fail to call for a floor vote.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Politician
!Claim
!Reality
|-
|Senator [[Bob Casey, Jr.]] (D-PA)
|Claims to be [[pro-life]] as his father was when he was Governor of [[Pennsylvania]]
|Insists on funding [[Planned Parenthood]], the biggest provider of [[abortion]]
|-
|Jon Brunning, candidate for Senate (R-NE)
|Claims to be pro-life, and arranged for an endorsement by an ineffective pro-life group
|Failed to defend an important pro-life bill in court, and instead gave [[Planned Parenthood]] virtually everything it wanted in a settlement, forcing the state to pay more than $110,000 to Planned Parenthood
|-
|Governor [[Bobby Jindal]] (R-LA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has failed to appeal an important decision in favor of the abortion industry
|-
|Kirk Adams, congressional candidate (R-AZ)
|Says he's pro-life
|As the Arizona Speaker of the House, he refused to allow a floor vote on a simple bill (SB 1095) that has worked well in Missouri for more than five years to protect against harms from abortion. Instead, Adams hastily adjourned for the year on April 20, 2011 without passing any significant pro-life legislation, despite having an overwhelmingly pro-life majority
|-
|Governor [[Robert McDonnell]] (R-VA)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Engineered the removal of a requirement for a transvaginal ultrasound before a women could have an abortion from a bill that was ultimately enacted.
|-|
|Governor [[Chris Christie]] (R-NJ)
|Says he's pro-life and has ambitions for higher office
|Has done little to prevent abortions in his state; New jersey continues to have one of the highest abortion rates in the nation.
|-|
|
|
|-
|}

== Other Examples ==

Many state politicians in [[Georgia]] were elected during the [[2010 Midterm Elections]] by claiming to be pro-life, yet it did not pass a single pro-life law before adjourning for the year in 2011. This occurred despite a rapidly increasing rate of [[abortion]] in Georgia.

== See also ==

*[[Abortion Betrayals]]

{{Abortion}}
{{Conservapedia}}
[[category:Politics]][[category:abortion]]

Chris Christie

2013-08-27T20:41:26Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Chris Christie
|image=Chris-christie3.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Mary Pat Christie
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=New Jersey
|terms=January 19, 2010 - Present
|preceded=[[Jon Corzine]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Christopher Christie''' (born September 6, 1962 in Newark, New Jersey) is the 55th and current Governor of [[New Jersey]], having won in the 2009 election by a 49%-45% margin over incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Jon Corzine]]. A [[Republican]], Christie previously served as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.

Christie declined to run for president in 2012, but endorsed [[Mitt Romney]] early and at a pivotal time, when Romney was struggling with [[evangelical]] statements against him. But Christie was passed over by Romney in his selection of a candidate for Vice President, despite how Christie might attracted [[Catholic]] voters nationwide, as well as Irish and Italian American voters, and helped carry nearby [[Pennsylvania]]. Instead, Christie was picked to deliver the keynote address at the [[Republican National Convention]], and will likely be appointed as [[Attorney General]] if Romney is elected president.

Christie wanders between [[conservative]] values and [[RINO]] positions. Christie vetoes same-sex marriage bills and other socially [[liberal]] legislation. But he has nominated Supreme Court Justices who are not conservative. He pardoned a man who received an absurdly long sentence for peaceful gun possession, but Christie has also been criticized for sometimes supporting of [[gun control]]. Conservatives have also criticized him for his stance on immigration reform.<ref>http://americasvoiceonline.org/blog/chris_christies_immigration_record/</ref> He believes in the liberal hoax known as [[global warming]], <ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/55793.html</ref> and has supported the [[Obamacare]] [[Medicaid]] expansion.

On the important [[abortion]] issue, Christie is a bit of a [[PLINO]] - pro-life in name only. Christie has occasionally espoused [[pro-life]] views, but since early 2010 he has done almost nothing for unborn children. The [[abortion]] rate in [[New Jersey]] remains among the highest in the nation. Still, it is unlikely that Christie would run ads in support of abortion in certain cases, as Romney did in 2012.

==Biography==

Prior to his election as governor, Christie's only elected experience was serving on the Morris County board of Freeholders from 1995-1998. His colleagues praised him as effective, such as requiring as policy that the freeholder board go out for three quotations even on no-bid contracts. They also noted that he was unusually ambitious, when he unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly just two months into his term. <ref>http://www.politickernj.com/max/26275/political-career-three-parts-chris-christie-freeholder</ref> During his tenure in office county taxes decreased by 6.6%. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/05/gop_candidate_chris_christie_l.html</ref>

After serving as a top fundraiser for [[George W. Bush]]'s 2000 presidential campaign, the [[Bush administration]] appointed Christie as U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey and served from 2002-2008. He was also one of the 17 U.S. Attorneys on [[Attorney General]] [[Alberto Gonzales]]'s advisory commitee. Christie's most high profile prosecutions included State Senator and [[Newark]] Mayor Sharpe James for mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiring to rig the sale of nine city lots to his mistress. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/04/newark_ex_mayor_sharpe_james_convicted.html] Mayor James convicted</ref> He also led the felony conviction of State Senator Wayne Brant of mail and wire fraud, and bribery for soliciting a job at the School of Osteopathic Medicine. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/topstories/index.ssf/2008/11/exlawmaker_bryant_guilty_of_br.html</ref> As attorney, Christie won convictions or guilty pleas from over 130 public officials, without losing a single case.

Christie's service as a prosecutor had an influence in [[national security]], when he led the team that prosecuted Hemant Lakhani, who had the desire to broker the sale of shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down American passenger jets. <ref>http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-6229181-details/%27Del+Boy%27+trader+on+arms+charge/article.do;jsessionid=2F40D75F1AFD0FA79E8E876DCB944F88</ref> When leaving office in December 2008 he was praised by every major newspaper in New Jersey. The Philadelphia Inquirer editorialized "Christie has already done more good for New Jersey than some previous governors." The [[New York Times]] wrote that Christie "won widespread admiration for his aggressive fight against political corruption." <ref>http://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=14677&ShowAllPoll=Y</ref>

Even Governor Corzine, Christie's opponent in the gubernatorial election praised Christie in 2005, saying "I have supported Chris Christie as being our U.S. attorney, fought for his ability to be that, endorsed what he's doing...There have been as many Republicans as Democrats who have been brought to justice because of Chris Christie. I think he's doing a great job." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/images/negativeattacks.pdf</ref>

==2009 Gubernatorial Campaign==
[[Image:Christiemap.jpg|thumb|right|350px|2009 Election Results]]
In the Republican primary, Christie defeated former mayor [[Steve Lonegan]].

Although a Democratic state, Christie was elected while advocating the need to downsize state [[government]] and reduce property taxes. New Jersey had faced a weakened economy, high budget deficit and a high tax burden, reslting in Corzine's defeat.

In July, Christie endorsed [[President Obama]]'s nomination of [[Sonia Sotomayor]] to the [[U.S. Supreme Court]], saying "Elections have consequences. One of those consequences are judicial appointments. While Judge Sotomayor would not have been my choice, President Obama has used his opportunity to fill a seat on the Supreme Court by choosing a nominee who has more than proven her capability, competence and ability." <ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/07/gop_gov_candidate_chris_christ_3.html</ref>

Christopher Christie is pro-life:
:"I believe in the sanctity, dignity and inherent value of all human life. Hearing the heartbeat of my unborn daughter 14 years ago had a profound effect on me. I am pro-life because I believe her life and the life of every child is precious." <ref>http://www.christiefornj.com/questions-for-chris</ref>

===Notable Endorsements===
*Former [[New York City]] [[Mayor]] [[Rudy Giuliani]]
*Former [[Massachusetts]] Governor [[Mitt Romney]]
*Former New Jersey Governor [[Thomas H. Kean]]
*Economist [[Steve Forbes]]
*New Jersey Right to Life Committee <ref>http://www.lifenews.com/state4512.html</ref>

==Record as Governor==

On Christie's first day as governor he signed eight executive orders and froze several government regulations. He gave a nod to Casinos, signing an order saying that their employees are essential state workers and will not have to close in any future state government shutdown, as they were in 2006. Christie also added unions to the list of groups who cannot receive state contracts of more than $17,500 if they have donated more than $300 to a campaign for governor or county political committee in the previous 18 months.<ref>http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/new_jersey/article_63a14ff8-8038-591a-8f1a-7503e1bbcbcc.html</ref>

In February, Christie announced that he would immediately freeze all state spending. Saying New Jersey is on the verge of bankruptcy, Christie declared a fiscal emergency, announcing drastic cuts. <ref>http://wcbstv.com/local/governor.christie.freezes.2.1487727.html</ref>

On March 16, 2011, Christie announced major cuts to education to help balance the budget bloat caused by years under Democratic governors. <ref>http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2010/03/22/25559/</ref> The New Jersey Education Association hotly contested these vital cuts, as they would almost certainly require the firing of non-tenured teachers to balance local school budgets, a problem the teacher's union created in the first place. Recently, the cuts have been challenged by the Supreme court, despite there being no link between New Jersey's relatively large amount of educational spending and increased statewide academic success. <ref>http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/03/christies_school_aid_cuts_left.html</ref>

In August 2011, Christie raised controversy by dismissing legitimate concerns voters and members of the New Jersey state legislature had raised concerning his appointment of Sohail Mohammed, a Muslim attorney with a history of defending Muslims after [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9/11]], as a judge on the state bench. Christie used profanity in referring to concerns that Mohammed would institute [[Sharia law]] from his position as state judge, and called citizens concerned about the Islamization of America "crazies."<ref>http://nation.foxnews.com/chris-christie/2011/08/04/christie-defends-appointing-muslim-judge-sharia-law-business-crap</ref>

Governor Christie has endorsed a plan to to merge part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with Rutgers University. The plan would include UMDNJ’s New Brunswick-Piscataway campus — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The change would help raise Rutgers’ profile and draw more research dollars to the state, according to the recommendations. <ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/umdnj-rutgers_partial_merger_r.html Gov. Christie strongly endorses partial merger of Rutgers and UMDNJ]</ref> Rutgers, one of the few state universities without its own medical school, has been lobbying for a merger since another state task force headed by former New Jersey Gov. [[Thomas H. Kean]] first suggested the idea in January 2011. The reorganization has an “aggressive” target date of July 1, 2012. By adding a medical school, Rutgers’ rank among universities in spending on research and development would rise dramatically<ref>[http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/no_time_wasted_creating_rutger.html No time is being wasted creating Rutgers medical school]</ref>

He has also failed in getting the New Jersey Grand Prix ready for 2013, it will now be held in 2014.

==External Links==
*[http://www.state.nj.us/governor/ Governor of New Jersey Official Site]

===Videos===
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICIa-KJeUtM&feature=related Governor Christie: Style]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evtt-R7Rmdw&feature=related Governor Christie: Day of Reckoning]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVccFQLFmUo&feature=related Conservative Governor on his "confrontational tone"]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlzA9dgZ1qM&feature=related Rush Limbaugh: Governor Chris Christie Slaughters a Liberal Reporter]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeXBlZdPENU&feature=related Governor Chris Christie For President 2012]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljIVr0dVgww&feature=related Christie Slams Teacher Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuri7p_9pm4&feature=related Chris Christie vs. Teachers Unions]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ksLlAi3iIc&feature=related Governor Christie: Not About Teachers]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkv6uo5nZDM&feature=related Governor Christie on Hannity]

==References==
{{reflist|1}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Christie, Christopher}}
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[category:New Jersey Governors]]
[[category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Rino backers]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Talk:RINO

2013-08-26T18:33:42Z

PatrickB: /* Lists */

When redirecting an article that already exists, please make a reference that it is a redirect and where it came from, so it is understood the article wasn't just created. Thanks [[User:Learn together|Learn together]] 02:17, 2 January 2008 (EST)

== Lists ==

We need to limit this article to a few notable examples - not a list of basically every Republican holding office. Furthermore - a Republican voting for one certain bill does not necessarily make him a RINO; same as a Democrat voting for a bill that happens to have tax cuts wouldn't make him a Blue Dog. Having the list exacerbates the tendency for certain editors (and parodists) to just add any Republican they want and point to one or two things the guy has done.--[[User:Iduan|I]][[User_talk:Iduan|Duan]] 13:15, 24 August 2013 (EDT)

::I agree, listing just about the entire party (most of them only for one or two offenses) makes us look unprofessional. I think to be put on the list, at least three reasons should be provided as to why they're a RINO, with sources. Under our previous list, there were exactly five GOP Senators who didn't make the list (Scott, Fischer, Paul, Cruz, and Lee). [[User:PatrickB|PatrickB]] 14:33, 26 August 2013 (EDT)

Talk:RINO

2013-08-26T18:33:19Z

PatrickB: /* Lists */

Lewis Cass

2013-08-12T04:44:04Z

PatrickB:

'''Lewis Cass''' was a politician and officer in the [[United States Army]]. He served as [[territorial governor]] of [[Michigan]], [[Secretary of War]] and [[Secretary of State]]. He fought in the [[War of 1812]]. He ran for president in 1848, but narrowly lost to [[Zachary Taylor]].

==References==
*''Dictionary of American Biography''; Klunder, Willard C.
*''Lewis Cass and the Politics of Moderation.'' Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1996; Wooford, Frank B.
*''Lewis Cass: The Last Jeffersonian.'' New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1950.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cass, Lewis}}
[[Category:Military Personnel]]
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Failed Presidential Candidates]]

Lewis Cass

2013-08-12T04:34:56Z

PatrickB:

'''Lewis Cass''' was a politician and officer in the [[United States Army]]. He served as [[territorial governor]] of [[Michigan]], [[Secretary of War]] and [[Secretary of State]]. He fought in the [[War of 1812]]. He ran for president in 1858, but narrowly lost to [[Zachary Taylor]].

==References==
*''Dictionary of American Biography''; Klunder, Willard C.
*''Lewis Cass and the Politics of Moderation.'' Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1996; Wooford, Frank B.
*''Lewis Cass: The Last Jeffersonian.'' New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1950.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cass, Lewis}}
[[Category:Military Personnel]]
[[Category:Politicians]]
[[Category:Failed Presidential Candidates]]

RINO

2013-08-09T16:50:47Z

PatrickB: /* U.S. Senators */

[[File:Kel-rino.jpg|thumb|250px|Sergeant [[Jesse Kelly]] runs for Congress in Arizona in 2009 and attacks the RINOs in the GOP]]
A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly) is an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views to the political left of most Republican voters. The term "RINO" describes politicians who claim to be [[Republican Party|Republican]] but are in fact [[liberal]], and therefore generally debase the winning conservative coalition base of the Republican Party.

RINOs are often Republican only to the extent it serves their own interests, and will abandon conservative principles as soon as it is in their own interests to do so. RINOs often provide support for raising taxes, [[abortion]] as [[Pro-choice|a right]], [[gay rights]] and [[gun control]]. Some RINOs have connections with [[Planned Parenthood]] or corporations that support goals of [[population control]]; other RINOs pay lip service to [[pro-life]] values while in practice not advancing those values.

[[Double standard]]s by RINOs are common: a birther comment by [[Romney]] during his campaign was supposedly a "nothing", but [[Todd Akin]]'s [[pro-life]] comment would somehow "absolutely" could cost RINOs control of the [[U.S. Senate]]!<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/todd-akin-rape-missouri-senate-race-reince-priebus-/1#.UDpUhNZlQ7s</ref>

RINOs, like Democrats, typically come from states in [[New England]], the Mid-Atlantic; or states on the [[Left Coast]]. A less-used term is '''[[cafeteria conservative]]''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at most restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> In contrast to RINO's and cafeteria conservatives, [[movement conservative]]s understand that since conservative philosophy is a coherent whole, it is untenable to discard part of it without discarding all of it.

The RINO targets of attack argue they follow [[middle of the road]] policies and are not liberals; they claim they get results, and insist that without them the [[United States Congress|Congress]] would be totally controlled by liberal [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and Republicans would rarely have any success. Conservatives respond that in the heyday of "Rockefeller liberalism" in the GOP the Democrats always controlled Congress, and the GOP only took power when [[Newt Gingrich]] launched a national conservative "Contract with America" in 1994, ending 40 years of Democratic control of the [[United States House of Representatives|House]]. The notion that we need to elect Democrat-lite type of politicians is false. The election cycles of 2010 and 2012 proved that many RINO candidates are unelectable. RINO candidates wasted millions of dollars; Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, Scott Brown, Linda McMahon, and many others could not connect with the people in liberal blue states.

In recent Republican [[Primary election|primaries]], voters have been rejecting establishment RINOs in favor of those with stronger conservative principles. Their commitment to self and not party is evident in their refusal to endorse the candidate that beats them. In some instances, they refuse the will of the voters and their party by running for office on an [[Independent candidate|independent ticket]]. It is important to vote for someone who's more conservative on the issues rather than for a Republican because anyone can join a party and be they can be RINOs.

== RINOs currently holding political office==

=== Government Secretaries ===

*Defense Secretary [[Chuck Hagel]] of [[Nebraska]]

*Transportation Secretary [[Ray Lahood]]

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Senator [[Lamar Alexander]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty and [[Common Core]]

*Senator [[Kelly Ayotte]] of [[New Hampshire]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[John Barrasso]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roy Blunt]] of [[Missouri]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Boozman]] of [[Arkansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Richard Burr]] of [[North Carolina]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46578.html</ref>

*Senator [[Saxby Chambliss]] of [[Georgia]]

*Senator [[Jeffrey Chiesa]] of New Jersey, nominated by the RINO Chris Christie and supports him.

*Senator [[Daniel Coats]] of [[Indiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Tom Coburn]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/01/25/tom-coburn-talking-with-democrats-about-background-check-bill/</ref>

*Senator [[Thad Cochran]] of [[Mississippi]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Susan Collins]] of [[Maine]] for supporting [[abortion]] <ref> http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Susan_Collins_Abortion.htm</ref>, amnesty <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/immigration-roll-call-vote-93531.html</ref> [[gun control]] <ref>http://www.sofmag.com/roll-call-vote-manchin-toomey-amendment</ref> and the homosexual agenda <ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Susan_Collins_Civil_Rights.htm#06n-HRC</ref>

*Senator [[Bob Corker]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[John Cornyn]] of Texas for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Crapo]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting environmental regulation <ref> http://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/environment/environment_natural_resources.cfm</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Enzi]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Flake]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military and giving amnesty to illegal immigrants.<ref>http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/is-jeff-flake-arizonas-next-john-mccain/</ref>

*Senator [[Lindsey Graham]] of [[South Carolina]] for supporting amnesty <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/tea-party-lindsey-graham_n_3530569.html</ref>, the drone program <ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/lindsey-graham-dismisses-rand-paul-on-drones-judicial-involvement-would-be-worst-thing-in-the-world/</ref>, arming the rebels in Syria and the NSA program<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lindsey-graham-nsa-tracking-phones-92330.html</ref>

*Senator [[Charles Grassley]] of [[Iowa]]

*Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]], for supporting civil unions for homosexuals, the [[DREAM Act]], [[TARP]], voting for [[Eric Holder]], and insulting the Tea Party.<ref>http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56112240-90/civil-com-gay-hatch.html.csp</ref>

*Senator [[Dean Heller]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting embryonic [[stem cell research]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Dean_Heller_Abortion.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[John Hoeven]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting [[government spending]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/domestic/John_Hoeven_Jobs.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[James Inhofe]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Johnny Isakson]] of [[Georgia]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Johanns]] of [[Nebraska]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Ron Johnson]] of [[Wisconsin]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mark Kirk]] of [[Illinois]] for supporting gun control, amnesty, abortion<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Mark_Kirk_Abortion.htm</ref>, and same-sex "marriage"

*Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]

*Senator [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]], for supporting excessive government spending and being a [[RINO Backer]].

*Senator [[Jerry Moran ]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Lisa Murkowski]] of [[Alaska]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]] <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lisa-murkowski-gay-marriage-stance-93047.html</ref>, earmark spending, cronyism and amnesty

*Senator [[Rob Portman]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting gay marriage<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/15/ohio-sen-portman-now-supports-gay-marriage/</ref>

*Senator [[James Risch]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Roberts]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Marco Rubio]] of [[Florida]] for supporting [[amnesty]]<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/candidate-marco-rubio-2010-earned-path-citizenship-basically-code-
amnesty</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Richard Shelby]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=102&session=1&vote=00125</ref> and opposing the impeachment of [[Bill Clinton]]

*Senator [[John Thune]] of [[South Dakota]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Toomey]] of [[Pennsylvania]] for supporting [[gun control]]<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/17/manchin-toomey-gun-amendment-fails/</ref>

*Senator [[David Vitter]] of [[Louisiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roger Wicker]] of Mississippi for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Speaker of the House [[John Boehner]] of [[Ohio]] for abandoning his princapals in favor of "bipartisan compromise"

*Rep. [[Don Young]] of [[Alaska]]

*Rep. [[David Dreier]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Scott Rigell]] of [[Virginia]]

*Rep. [[Joe Heck]] of [[Nevada]]

*Rep. [[Candice Miller]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[Peter King]] of [[New York]] for supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/07/25/Steve-King-NSA-Survelliance-Essential,</ref>

*Rep. [[Chris Gibson]] of [[New York]] for being the most [[liberal]] [[Republican]] in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] <ref>.http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2013/02/21/chris-gibson-ranked-as-most-liberal-republican-in</ref>

*Rep. [[Michael Simpson]] of [[Idaho]]

*Rep. [[Ileana Ros-Lehtinen]] of [[Florida]], for her support of the homosexual agenda<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/ileana-roslehtinen-become_n_977464.html</ref>

*Rep. [[Mario Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Aaron Schock]] of [[Illinois]]

*Rep. [[Kevin McCarthy]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Renee Ellmers]] of [[North Carolina]]

*Rep. [[Frank Lucas]] of [[Oklahoma]]

*Rep. [[Rick Crawford]] of [[Arkansas]]

*Rep. [[Kristi Noem]] of [[South Dakota]]

*Rep. [[Mike Rogers]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[John Mica]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Lynn Westmoreland]] of [[Georgia]] for defending purges by Boehner and supporting the NSA program

*Rep. [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] for opposing the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/justin-amash-doma-repeal_n_2981622.html</ref>

=== Governors ===

*Governor [[Chris Christie]] of [[New Jersey]]

*Governor [[Rick Scott]] of [[Florida]]

*Governor [[Jan Brewer]] of [[Arizona]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/06/19/how-tea-party-hero-jan-brewer-saved-obamacare-in-arizona.html</ref>

*Governor [[Jack Dalrymple]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/governor-jack-dalrymple-signs-obamacare-expansion-of-medicaid-into-law/</ref>

*Governor [[Brian Sandoval]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/brian-sandoval-nevada-medicaid-expansion_n_2284478.html</ref>

*Governor [[John Kasich]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Rick Snyder]] of [[Michigan]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Susana Martinez]] of [[New Mexico]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Bob McDonnell]] of [[Virginia]]

=== Federal Judges ===

*Supreme Court Chief Justice [[John Roberts]] after his support of gutting Arizona's immigration law and yet being the swing vote responsible for keeping [[Obamacare]] upheld. As Supreme Court Justices officially have no party, he is more of a "conservative in name only".

=== Local Legislators ===

*State Senator Allan Kittleman of [[Maryland]], for promoting homosexual [[special rights]]<ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/02/gop_senator_announces_support.html GOP senator announces support for Md. same-sex marriage bill]</ref>

*[[Texas]] Speaker of the House Joe Straus

==RINOs currently not holding political office==
=== Executive Officials===

*Former President [[Theodore Roosevelt]], because he regulated the economy and used social justice.

*Former [[President]] [[George H.W. Bush]] for claiming he wouldn't raise [[taxes]] and subsequently raising them

*Former [[President]] [[Richard Nixon]] for establishing the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] and supporting [[affirmative action]]

*Former [[President]] [[Gerald Ford]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]]

*Former [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] for supporting [[government spending]], increasing the size of government, and for filling his cabinet with a litany of other RINOs.<ref>Such as [[Dick Cheney]], [[Collin Powell]], [[Donald Rumsfeld]], [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Paul Wolfowitz]].</ref> Failed at child rearing.<ref>As can seen by [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKqr230U9M this video] (Warning: Contains no graphic content but might still be unsuitable for children)</ref>

*Former Vice-President and Senator [[Nelson Rockefeller]] of [[New York]]

*Former Vice President [[Dick Cheney]], for supporting the [[Homosexual Agenda]], being a [[Neocon]] and supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program.

=== Government Secretaries ===
*Former Senator and HUD Secretary [[Mel Martinez]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Secretary of State [[Colin Powell]]

*Former Secretary of [[Homeland Security]] [[Tom Ridge]].

*Former Press Secretary [[Scott McClellan]]

*Former Press Secretary [[James Brady]], for being a major gun control advocate

*Former Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Paul Wolfowitz]], for supporting the Homosexual Agenda.

*Former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], for supporting DADT repeal and being pro-abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], for supporting DADT repeal and failing to condemn same-sex "marriage" and abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]], for defending [[Barack Obama]]'s handling of [[Benghazi]] <ref>http://www.csmonitor.com
/USA/Politics/2013/0512/Robert-Gates-Obama-made-right-decisions-night-of-Benghazi-attack</ref>

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Former Senator [[Scott Brown]] of [[Massachusetts]]

*Former Senator [[George Voinovich]] of [[Ohio]]

*Former Senator [[Alan Simpson]] of [[Wyoming]]

*Former Senator [[Gordon Smith]] of [[Oregon]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Dole]] of [[Kansas]] for claiming that [[Reagan]] couldn't make it in the current Republican Party.

*Former Senator [[Charles Mathias]] of [[Maryland]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Senator [[Olympia J. Snowe]] of [[Maine]]

*Former Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] of [[Texas]]

*Former Senator [[Richard Lugar]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Senator [[Barry Goldwater]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting the homosexual agenda and abortion.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Former Congressman Steve LaTourette of [[Ohio]]

*Former Congressman [[Lincoln Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[David Rivera]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[Christopher Shays]] of [[Connecticut]]

*Former Congressman [[Tom Campbell]] of [[California]]

*Former Congressman and Governor [[Michael Castle]] of [[Delaware]]

*Former Congressman [[Joseph Cao]] of [[Louisiana]]

*Former Congressman [[Joe Scarborough]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congresswoman [[Jennifer Dunn]] of [[Washington]]

=== Governors ===

*Former Governor [[Jeb Bush]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] of [[California]]

*Former Governor [[Linda Lingle]] of [[Hawaii]]

*Former Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Governor [[George Pataki]] of [[New York]]

*Former Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator [[Christine Todd Whitman]] of [[New Jersey]]

=== Mayors ===

*Former [[New York City]] Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]]

==Former RINOs who have since left the Republican Party==

* Former [[New Mexico]] Governor [[Gary Johnson]] supports same-sex marriage and abortion (although he opposes abortion once the fetus becomes viable outside the mother's body). After switching to the [[Libertarian Party]] in 2012 to run for President, he openly admitted that he governed New Mexico for eight years as a RINO, even using the phrase "Republican in name only" on multiple occasions. The Libertarian Party is [[liberal]] on social issues (with the exception that they support [[gun rights]]) but are fiscally very conservative.

* Former Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]] supported ObamaCare and switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party to give the latter a 60-40 edge in the Senate and allow them to enact [[cloture]] on the Republican [[filibuster]].

*Former Senator [[Lincoln Chafee]] of [[Rhode Island]], who became an Independent in 2007. Turned Democrat in 2013.<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/lincoln-chafee-to-switch-parties-sources-say-91994.html</ref>

*Former Senator [[Lowell Weicker]] of [[Connecticut]], who left the party and formed his own local one in 1990, then became an Independent in 1995.

*[[New York City]] Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]], who became an Independent in 2007. As it is not possible to campaign as an Independent in New York State, Bloomberg runs on the line of the [[Independence Party of New York]].

*Former Senator [[Jim Jeffords]] of [[Vermont]], who left the Party and became a Democrat in 2001, giving control of the [[United States Senate|Senate]] to the Democrats.

*Former Governor [[Charlie Crist]] of [[Florida]], who became an independent in 2010 after it was clear he would lose his Senate bid. Crist joined the [[Democratic Party]] in 2012.

*Former Representative [[John Anderson]] of [[Illinois]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 1980.

*Former Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] of [[Louisiana]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 2012.

==RINO McCain==

A majority of conservatives distrust RINO [[John McCain]] even though many of his policies are that of a true conservative. Key RINO principles rejected by McCain include support for [[gay rights]], support for [[abortion]], and support for [[earmark]]s. He has positioned his career as a bipartisan moderate, reaching across the aisle whenever possible. This is also his downfall. The era of reaching across the aisle passed -- when [[statist]], [[socialist]] Democrats became Senators. His major political blunders mostly came during the 21st century political period. He was against both the Reagan and Bush [[tax cuts]], and employed [[class warfare]] rhetoric in trying to stop the tax cuts from taking effect. His support for amnesty was the complete opposite of what conservatives wanted. He has always complained about [[waterboarding|enhanced interrogation techniques]], calling them "[[torture]]". In non-election years, he likes to trash conservative positions and icons in order to get the [[Mainstream media|media]]'s and Democrats' approval. However, during the election he refused to go after [[Barack Hussein Obama]]'s associations with [[Jeremiah Wright]]. He believes in the junk science known as [[global warming]], and has supported cap-and-trade programs. Another [[Middle East]] war, without a goal, without full commitment to win, without Congressional approval- McCain supports the President. It didn't stop there and in July 2011, he called the [[Tea Party]], the people that care about fiscal sanity in Washington, they are "hobbits".

The sacrifices he has made serving this country cannot be overlooked. John McCain has earned war hero status but also the status as a D.C. zero.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/05/1615233/in-senate-primary-california-republicans.html In Senate primary, California Republicans run away from RINO label]
* [http://www.commieblaster.com/RINO/index.html CommieBlaster RINO Index]

==See Also==
*[[RINO Backers]]
*[[PLINO]] - [[pro-life]] in name only
*[[XINO]] - [[Christian]] in name only
*[[Republican Party]]
*[[Moderate Republican]]
*[[Conservative Democrat]]
*[[Blue Dog Democrat]]
*[[Reagan Democrat]]
*[[Catholic in name only]]
*[[Liberal media conservative]]

{{Liberalism}}

[[Category:Conservative]]
[[Category:RINOs|*]]

Cory Booker

2013-08-09T14:44:06Z

PatrickB:

'''Cory Booker''' is the [[Democratic]] mayor of [[Newark]], [[New Jersey]], who is currently running for Senate.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Booker, Cory}}
[[category:politics]]
[[Category:Democratic Party]]
[[Category:New Jersey]]

Daniel Coats

2013-08-09T14:40:40Z

PatrickB: Created page with "'''Daniel Coats''', born May 16, 1943 (age 70) is the Senior Republican U.S. Senator from Indiana. ==Political Positions== Coats is a RINO. He supports unconstit..."

'''Daniel Coats''', born May 16, 1943 (age 70) is the Senior [[Republican]] [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Indiana]].

==Political Positions==
Coats is a [[RINO]]. He supports unconstitutional [[gun control]] measures. <ref>http://gunowners.org/op02112010tm.htm</ref> He voted in favor of [[NDAA 2012]], a measure which would strip citizens of their constitutional rights. The bill had been signed into law by [[liberal]] [[Obama]]. On other issues, Coats votes with his party, for example, he's [[pro-life]], supports banning [[homosexuals]] from joining the military, and opposes [[same-sex "marriage"]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
[[Category:Indiana]]

RINO

2013-08-09T14:27:35Z

PatrickB: /* U.S. Senators */

[[File:Kel-rino.jpg|thumb|250px|Sergeant [[Jesse Kelly]] runs for Congress in Arizona in 2009 and attacks the RINOs in the GOP]]
A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly) is an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views to the political left of most Republican voters. The term "RINO" describes politicians who claim to be [[Republican Party|Republican]] but are in fact [[liberal]], and therefore generally debase the winning conservative coalition base of the Republican Party.

RINOs are often Republican only to the extent it serves their own interests, and will abandon conservative principles as soon as it is in their own interests to do so. RINOs often provide support for raising taxes, [[abortion]] as [[Pro-choice|a right]], [[gay rights]] and [[gun control]]. Some RINOs have connections with [[Planned Parenthood]] or corporations that support goals of [[population control]]; other RINOs pay lip service to [[pro-life]] values while in practice not advancing those values.

[[Double standard]]s by RINOs are common: a birther comment by [[Romney]] during his campaign was supposedly a "nothing", but [[Todd Akin]]'s [[pro-life]] comment would somehow "absolutely" could cost RINOs control of the [[U.S. Senate]]!<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/todd-akin-rape-missouri-senate-race-reince-priebus-/1#.UDpUhNZlQ7s</ref>

RINOs, like Democrats, typically come from states in [[New England]], the Mid-Atlantic; or states on the [[Left Coast]]. A less-used term is '''[[cafeteria conservative]]''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at most restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> In contrast to RINO's and cafeteria conservatives, [[movement conservative]]s understand that since conservative philosophy is a coherent whole, it is untenable to discard part of it without discarding all of it.

The RINO targets of attack argue they follow [[middle of the road]] policies and are not liberals; they claim they get results, and insist that without them the [[United States Congress|Congress]] would be totally controlled by liberal [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and Republicans would rarely have any success. Conservatives respond that in the heyday of "Rockefeller liberalism" in the GOP the Democrats always controlled Congress, and the GOP only took power when [[Newt Gingrich]] launched a national conservative "Contract with America" in 1994, ending 40 years of Democratic control of the [[United States House of Representatives|House]]. The notion that we need to elect Democrat-lite type of politicians is false. The election cycles of 2010 and 2012 proved that many RINO candidates are unelectable. RINO candidates wasted millions of dollars; Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, Scott Brown, Linda McMahon, and many others could not connect with the people in liberal blue states.

In recent Republican [[Primary election|primaries]], voters have been rejecting establishment RINOs in favor of those with stronger conservative principles. Their commitment to self and not party is evident in their refusal to endorse the candidate that beats them. In some instances, they refuse the will of the voters and their party by running for office on an [[Independent candidate|independent ticket]]. It is important to vote for someone who's more conservative on the issues rather than for a Republican because anyone can join a party and be they can be RINOs.

== RINOs currently holding political office==

=== Government Secretaries ===

*Defense Secretary [[Chuck Hagel]] of [[Nebraska]]

*Transportation Secretary [[Ray Lahood]]

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Senator [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]], for supporting excessive government spending and being a [[RINO Backer]].

*Senator [[Susan Collins]] of [[Maine]] for supporting [[abortion]] <ref> http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Susan_Collins_Abortion.htm</ref>, amnesty <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/immigration-roll-call-vote-93531.html</ref> [[gun control]] <ref>http://www.sofmag.com/roll-call-vote-manchin-toomey-amendment</ref> and the homosexual agenda <ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Susan_Collins_Civil_Rights.htm#06n-HRC</ref>

*Senator [[Lindsey Graham]] of [[South Carolina]] for supporting amnesty <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/tea-party-lindsey-graham_n_3530569.html</ref>, the drone program <ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/lindsey-graham-dismisses-rand-paul-on-drones-judicial-involvement-would-be-worst-thing-in-the-world/</ref>, arming the rebels in Syria and the NSA program<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lindsey-graham-nsa-tracking-phones-92330.html</ref>

*Senator [[Lisa Murkowski]] of [[Alaska]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]] <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lisa-murkowski-gay-marriage-stance-93047.html</ref>, earmark spending, cronyism and amnesty

*Senator [[Mark Kirk]] of [[Illinois]] for supporting gun control, amnesty, abortion<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Mark_Kirk_Abortion.htm</ref>, and same-sex "marriage"

*Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]

*Senator [[Saxby Chambliss]] of [[Georgia]]

*Senator [[Charles Grassley]] of [[Iowa]]

*Senator [[Mike Crapo]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting environmental regulation <ref> http://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/environment/environment_natural_resources.cfm</ref>

*Senator [[Lamar Alexander]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty and [[Common Core]]

*Senator [[Bob Corker]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Richard Shelby]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=102&session=1&vote=00125</ref> and opposing the impeachment of [[Bill Clinton]]

*Senator [[Marco Rubio]] of [[Florida]] for supporting [[amnesty]]<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/candidate-marco-rubio-2010-earned-path-citizenship-basically-code-amnesty</ref>

*Senator [[John Hoeven]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting [[government spending]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/domestic/John_Hoeven_Jobs.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Dean Heller]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting embryonic [[stem cell research]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Dean_Heller_Abortion.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Rob Portman]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting gay marriage<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/15/ohio-sen-portman-now-supports-gay-marriage/</ref>

*Senator [[Richard Burr]] of [[North Carolina]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46578.html</ref>

*Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]], for supporting civil unions for homosexuals, the [[DREAM Act]], [[TARP]], voting for [[Eric Holder]], and insulting the Tea Party.<ref>http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56112240-90/civil-com-gay-hatch.html.csp</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Flake]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military and giving amnesty to illegal immigrants.<ref>http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/is-jeff-flake-arizonas-next-john-mccain/</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Toomey]] of [[Pennsylvania]] for supporting [[gun control]]<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/17/manchin-toomey-gun-amendment-fails/</ref>

*Senator [[Kelly Ayotte]] of [[New Hampshire]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Tom Coburn]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/01/25/tom-coburn-talking-with-democrats-about-background-check-bill/</ref>

*Senator [[John Barrasso]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roy Blunt]] of [[Missouri]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Boozman]] of [[Arkansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Daniel Coats]] of [[Indiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Thad Cochran]] of [[Mississippi]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Cornyn]] of Texas for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Enzi]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Inhofe]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Johnny Isakson]] of [[Georgia]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Johanns]] of [[Nebraska]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Ron Johnson]] of [[Wisconsin]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jerry Moran ]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Risch]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Roberts]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Thune]] of [[South Dakota]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[David Vitter]] of [[Louisiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roger Wicker]] of Mississippi for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeffrey Chiesa]] of New Jersey, nominated by the RINO Chris Christie and supports him.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Speaker of the House [[John Boehner]] of [[Ohio]] for abandoning his princapals in favor of "bipartisan compromise"

*Rep. [[Don Young]] of [[Alaska]]

*Rep. [[David Dreier]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Scott Rigell]] of [[Virginia]]

*Rep. [[Joe Heck]] of [[Nevada]]

*Rep. [[Candice Miller]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[Peter King]] of [[New York]] for supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/07/25/Steve-King-NSA-Survelliance-Essential,</ref>

*Rep. [[Chris Gibson]] of [[New York]] for being the most [[liberal]] [[Republican]] in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] <ref>.http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2013/02/21/chris-gibson-ranked-as-most-liberal-republican-in</ref>

*Rep. [[Michael Simpson]] of [[Idaho]]

*Rep. [[Ileana Ros-Lehtinen]] of [[Florida]], for her support of the homosexual agenda<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/ileana-roslehtinen-become_n_977464.html</ref>

*Rep. [[Mario Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Aaron Schock]] of [[Illinois]]

*Rep. [[Kevin McCarthy]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Renee Ellmers]] of [[North Carolina]]

*Rep. [[Frank Lucas]] of [[Oklahoma]]

*Rep. [[Rick Crawford]] of [[Arkansas]]

*Rep. [[Kristi Noem]] of [[South Dakota]]

*Rep. [[Mike Rogers]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[John Mica]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Lynn Westmoreland]] of [[Georgia]] for defending purges by Boehner and supporting the NSA program

*Rep. [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] for opposing the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/justin-amash-doma-repeal_n_2981622.html</ref>

=== Governors ===

*Governor [[Chris Christie]] of [[New Jersey]]

*Governor [[Rick Scott]] of [[Florida]]

*Governor [[Jan Brewer]] of [[Arizona]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/06/19/how-tea-party-hero-jan-brewer-saved-obamacare-in-arizona.html</ref>

*Governor [[Jack Dalrymple]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/governor-jack-dalrymple-signs-obamacare-expansion-of-medicaid-into-law/</ref>

*Governor [[Brian Sandoval]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/brian-sandoval-nevada-medicaid-expansion_n_2284478.html</ref>

*Governor [[John Kasich]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Rick Snyder]] of [[Michigan]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Susana Martinez]] of [[New Mexico]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Bob McDonnell]] of [[Virginia]]

=== Federal Judges ===

*Supreme Court Chief Justice [[John Roberts]] after his support of gutting Arizona's immigration law and yet being the swing vote responsible for keeping [[Obamacare]] upheld. As Supreme Court Justices officially have no party, he is more of a "conservative in name only".

=== Local Legislators ===

*State Senator Allan Kittleman of [[Maryland]], for promoting homosexual [[special rights]]<ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/02/gop_senator_announces_support.html GOP senator announces support for Md. same-sex marriage bill]</ref>

*[[Texas]] Speaker of the House Joe Straus

==RINOs currently not holding political office==
=== Executive Officials===

*Former President [[Theodore Roosevelt]], because he regulated the economy and used social justice.

*Former [[President]] [[George H.W. Bush]] for claiming he wouldn't raise [[taxes]] and subsequently raising them

*Former [[President]] [[Richard Nixon]] for establishing the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] and supporting [[affirmative action]]

*Former [[President]] [[Gerald Ford]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]]

*Former [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] for supporting [[government spending]], increasing the size of government, and for filling his cabinet with a litany of other RINOs.<ref>Such as [[Dick Cheney]], [[Collin Powell]], [[Donald Rumsfeld]], [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Paul Wolfowitz]].</ref> Failed at child rearing.<ref>As can seen by [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKqr230U9M this video] (Warning: Contains no graphic content but might still be unsuitable for children)</ref>

*Former Vice-President and Senator [[Nelson Rockefeller]] of [[New York]]

*Former Vice President [[Dick Cheney]], for supporting the [[Homosexual Agenda]], being a [[Neocon]] and supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program.

=== Government Secretaries ===
*Former Senator and HUD Secretary [[Mel Martinez]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Secretary of State [[Colin Powell]]

*Former Secretary of [[Homeland Security]] [[Tom Ridge]].

*Former Press Secretary [[Scott McClellan]]

*Former Press Secretary [[James Brady]], for being a major gun control advocate

*Former Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Paul Wolfowitz]], for supporting the Homosexual Agenda.

*Former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], for supporting DADT repeal and being pro-abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], for supporting DADT repeal and failing to condemn same-sex "marriage" and abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]], for defending [[Barack Obama]]'s handling of [[Benghazi]] <ref>http://www.csmonitor.com
/USA/Politics/2013/0512/Robert-Gates-Obama-made-right-decisions-night-of-Benghazi-attack</ref>

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Former Senator [[Scott Brown]] of [[Massachusetts]]

*Former Senator [[George Voinovich]] of [[Ohio]]

*Former Senator [[Alan Simpson]] of [[Wyoming]]

*Former Senator [[Gordon Smith]] of [[Oregon]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Dole]] of [[Kansas]] for claiming that [[Reagan]] couldn't make it in the current Republican Party.

*Former Senator [[Charles Mathias]] of [[Maryland]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Senator [[Olympia J. Snowe]] of [[Maine]]

*Former Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] of [[Texas]]

*Former Senator [[Richard Lugar]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Senator [[Barry Goldwater]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting the homosexual agenda and abortion.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Former Congressman Steve LaTourette of [[Ohio]]

*Former Congressman [[Lincoln Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[David Rivera]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[Christopher Shays]] of [[Connecticut]]

*Former Congressman [[Tom Campbell]] of [[California]]

*Former Congressman and Governor [[Michael Castle]] of [[Delaware]]

*Former Congressman [[Joseph Cao]] of [[Louisiana]]

*Former Congressman [[Joe Scarborough]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congresswoman [[Jennifer Dunn]] of [[Washington]]

=== Governors ===

*Former Governor [[Jeb Bush]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] of [[California]]

*Former Governor [[Linda Lingle]] of [[Hawaii]]

*Former Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Governor [[George Pataki]] of [[New York]]

*Former Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator [[Christine Todd Whitman]] of [[New Jersey]]

=== Mayors ===

*Former [[New York City]] Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]]

==Former RINOs who have since left the Republican Party==

* Former [[New Mexico]] Governor [[Gary Johnson]] supports same-sex marriage and abortion (although he opposes abortion once the fetus becomes viable outside the mother's body). After switching to the [[Libertarian Party]] in 2012 to run for President, he openly admitted that he governed New Mexico for eight years as a RINO, even using the phrase "Republican in name only" on multiple occasions. The Libertarian Party is [[liberal]] on social issues (with the exception that they support [[gun rights]]) but are fiscally very conservative.

* Former Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]] supported ObamaCare and switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party to give the latter a 60-40 edge in the Senate and allow them to enact [[cloture]] on the Republican [[filibuster]].

*Former Senator [[Lincoln Chafee]] of [[Rhode Island]], who became an Independent in 2007. Turned Democrat in 2013.<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/lincoln-chafee-to-switch-parties-sources-say-91994.html</ref>

*Former Senator [[Lowell Weicker]] of [[Connecticut]], who left the party and formed his own local one in 1990, then became an Independent in 1995.

*[[New York City]] Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]], who became an Independent in 2007. As it is not possible to campaign as an Independent in New York State, Bloomberg runs on the line of the [[Independence Party of New York]].

*Former Senator [[Jim Jeffords]] of [[Vermont]], who left the Party and became a Democrat in 2001, giving control of the [[United States Senate|Senate]] to the Democrats.

*Former Governor [[Charlie Crist]] of [[Florida]], who became an independent in 2010 after it was clear he would lose his Senate bid. Crist joined the [[Democratic Party]] in 2012.

*Former Representative [[John Anderson]] of [[Illinois]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 1980.

*Former Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] of [[Louisiana]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 2012.

==RINO McCain==

A majority of conservatives distrust RINO [[John McCain]] even though many of his policies are that of a true conservative. Key RINO principles rejected by McCain include support for [[gay rights]], support for [[abortion]], and support for [[earmark]]s. He has positioned his career as a bipartisan moderate, reaching across the aisle whenever possible. This is also his downfall. The era of reaching across the aisle passed -- when [[statist]], [[socialist]] Democrats became Senators. His major political blunders mostly came during the 21st century political period. He was against both the Reagan and Bush [[tax cuts]], and employed [[class warfare]] rhetoric in trying to stop the tax cuts from taking effect. His support for amnesty was the complete opposite of what conservatives wanted. He has always complained about [[waterboarding|enhanced interrogation techniques]], calling them "[[torture]]". In non-election years, he likes to trash conservative positions and icons in order to get the [[Mainstream media|media]]'s and Democrats' approval. However, during the election he refused to go after [[Barack Hussein Obama]]'s associations with [[Jeremiah Wright]]. He believes in the junk science known as [[global warming]], and has supported cap-and-trade programs. Another [[Middle East]] war, without a goal, without full commitment to win, without Congressional approval- McCain supports the President. It didn't stop there and in July 2011, he called the [[Tea Party]], the people that care about fiscal sanity in Washington, they are "hobbits".

The sacrifices he has made serving this country cannot be overlooked. John McCain has earned war hero status but also the status as a D.C. zero.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/05/1615233/in-senate-primary-california-republicans.html In Senate primary, California Republicans run away from RINO label]
* [http://www.commieblaster.com/RINO/index.html CommieBlaster RINO Index]

==See Also==
*[[RINO Backers]]
*[[PLINO]] - [[pro-life]] in name only
*[[XINO]] - [[Christian]] in name only
*[[Republican Party]]
*[[Moderate Republican]]
*[[Conservative Democrat]]
*[[Blue Dog Democrat]]
*[[Reagan Democrat]]
*[[Catholic in name only]]
*[[Liberal media conservative]]

{{Liberalism}}

[[Category:Conservative]]
[[Category:RINOs|*]]

Mike Enzi

2013-08-09T14:24:34Z

PatrickB:

[[Image:Enzi.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Mike Enzi]]
'''Mike Enzi''', born February 1, 1944 (age {{age|1944|2|1}}), is a [[conservative]] [[Republican]] [[United States Senator]] from [[Wyoming]]. He was elected to the [[United States Senate]] in 1997 and has been reelected ever since.<ref>[http://www.senate.gov/~enzi/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorEnzi.AboutMike About Senator Enzi] at [http://www.senate.gov/index.htm U.S. Senate website]</ref> Over the course of the current (110th) [[Congress]], Enzi has voted with a majority of his [[Republican]] colleagues 88.6% of the time, as of March 22, 2008.<ref>[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/e000285/ Michael Enzi] at Congress Votes Database - [[Washington Post]] </ref>
He previously served in the Wyoming Air National Guard from 1967-1973.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category: United States Senators]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category: Republican Party]]
{{DEFAULTSORT: Enzi, Mike}}
[[Category:Wyoming]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Michael D. Rogers

2013-08-09T14:23:07Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Mike D. Rogers
|image=Michael Rogers.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Beth Rogers
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Alabama
|district=3rd
|terms=January 3, 2003 – January 3, 2010
|preceded=Bob Riley
|former=
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Michael Dennis (Mike) Rogers''', born July 16, 1958 (age {{age|1958|07|16}}), is a [[Republican Party|Republican]] member of the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[Alabama]]'s 3rd congressional district, having assumed office in 2003.

He succeeded fellow Republican [[Bob Riley]], who was elected governor of Alabama in 2002.

==External links==
*[http://www.house.gov/mike-rogers/ Official Website]
*[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/400341_michael_rogers Open Congress]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rogers, Mike D.}}
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Alabama]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

John Thune

2013-08-09T14:22:47Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=John Randolph Thune
|image=Thune.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Kimberley Thune
|religion=[[Evangelicalism]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=South Dakota
|terms=January 3, 2005-present
|preceded=[[Tom Daschle]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=South Dakota
|district=at-large
|terms=January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2003
|preceded=Tim Johnson
|former=n
|succeeded=Bill Janklow
}}
}}

'''John Randolph Thune''' (born January 7, 1961 in Murdo, South Dakota) is the junior [[United States Senator]] from [[South Dakota]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. After losing a race for the [[U.S. Senate]] by only a few hundred votes against an incumbent, Thune won the South Dakota senatorial race in 2004 by beating Senate Minority Leader [[Tom Daschle]]. He is an outspoken [[conservative]] and has voted with a majority of his [[Republican]] colleagues over ninety percent of the time during the current [[110th Congress|Congress]].<ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/t000250/</reF> Thune serves as Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference and is on the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Armed Services Committee, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Thune received an undergraduate degree at Biola University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the [[University of South Dakota]]. Thune went to Washington in 1985 when working for Senator [[Jim Abdnor]]. In 1989, at age 28, he became executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party. In 1991 Thune was appointed railroad director by Governor George Mickelson and in 1993 became Executive Director of the South Dakota Municipal League. In 1996, Thune was elected to the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], defeating [[Lieutenant Governor]] [[Carole Hillard]] in the Republican primary, and won the general election 58%-37% over former Daschle aide Rick Weiland. Thune was chosen freshman class representative for the Republican leadership. He was reelected in 1998 by the largest margin of victory for any statewide office in South Dakota history. After losing a narrow election in 2002 for U.S. Senate, he defeated the Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004.

John Thune has been mentioned as a possible candidate for President in 2012.

==External Links==
*[http://thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Home.Home Official Site]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/John_Thune.htm Thune On the Issues]

==References==
<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT: Thune, John}}

[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category: South Dakota]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Kristi Noem

2013-08-09T14:22:43Z

PatrickB:

[[File:KristiNoem.jpg|right|125px]]

'''Kristi Noem''' (b. November 30, 1971) is the Republican Representative for the [[United States House of Representatives]] from [[South Dakota]]. She was first elected in 2010, defeating incumbent Democrat [[Stephanie Herseth Sandlin]]. She is [[Pro-life]], a rancher, a [[mother]] of three, a hunter and a [[conservative]] who represents South Dakota state House of Representatives since 2006. Currently serves as the Assistant Majority Leader. <ref>http://www.kristiforcongress.com/meet-kristi/</ref> Kristi Noem and her family lives on a ranch where they raise [[Angus]] [[cattle]] and show [[Quarter Horses]]. Noem has worked the family [[farm]] for 17 years, owned and operated a [[hunting]] operation, and helped manage the family restaurant.<ref>http://www.theblaze.com/stories/the-next-sarah-palin-meet-south-dakotas-kristi-noem/</ref><ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/2010_Elections/elections-2010-south-dakota-sarah-palin/story?id=11860378</ref>

Kristi Noem has become a fundraising star for the GOP, raising more campaign cash than any other Republican challenger for U.S. House. <ref>[http://www.dakotavoice.com/2010/10/kristi-noem-another-republican-fundraising-star-is-born/ Kristi Noem: Another Republican Fundraising Star is Born, Dakota Voice, October 12, 2010]</ref>

{{cquote|My experiences as a wife, mother, farmer, rancher, small business owner, and South Dakotan have taught me fundamental truths that will ensure I will remain steadfast in my resolve to do the people’s will.}}

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
*[http://www.kristiforcongress.com/ Campaign website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/kristiforcongress Facebook page]
*[http://twitter.com/#!/KristiNoem Twitter page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/kristiforcongress YouTube channel]
*[http://picasaweb.google.com/KristiNoemforCongress/ Picasa photos]

[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:2010 Midterm Elections]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Politics]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Noem, Kristi}}
[[Category:United States Representatives]]
[[Category:South Dakota]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
{{conservatism}}

David Vitter

2013-08-09T14:21:48Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=David Vitter
|image=DavidVitter.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Wendy Baldwin Vitter
|religion=Roman Catholic
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Louisiana
|terms=January 3, 2005 – Present
|preceded=John B. Breaux
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Louisiana
|district=1st
|terms=May 29, 1999 – January 3, 2005
|preceded=Bob Livingston
|former=n
|succeeded=Bobby Jindal
}}
}}

'''David Vitter''' (born 1961) is a [[Republican]] [[Senator]] from [[Louisiana]] — the first member of his party in the [[United States Senate]] since [[Reconstruction]]. Vitter was a [[House of Representatives|Representative]] from [[New Orleans]] from 1999-2004. He is one of the leading backers of a constitutional amendment to ban [[same sex marriage]].

==Career==
Vitter started his congressional career in 1999 after winning a special election to replace the disgraced Rep. [[Bob Livingston]], who resigned during the Clinton impeachment affair after it was revealed that he was having an extra-marital affair. In October 29, 1998, Vitter penned a strongly worded editorial for the [[New Orleans Times-Picayune]], arguing for the impeachment of Bill Clinton. Vitter said "Some current polls may suggest that people are turned off by the whole Clinton mess and don't care — because the stock market is good, the Clinton spin machine is even better or other reasons. But that doesn't answer the question of whether President Clinton should be impeached and removed from office because he is morally unfit to govern." <ref> Vitter, David. Times-Picayune "IMPEACHMENT: FITNESS, NOT ABILITY" October 29, 1998 METRO; Pg. B7 </ref>

== Scandals ==
In July, 2007, it was revealed that Vitter's phone number turned up in the records of Deborah Jeane Palfrey, who ran a Washington, D.C. escort service. Vitter, who is married and has four children, admitted to "a very serious sin", and stated that he had been forgiven by God and his wife.
<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/07/10/vitter.madam/index.html CNN: Hustler says it revealed senator's link to escort service]</ref>

==External Links==
*[http://vitter.senate.gov/public/ Official Senate website]

==References==

<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT: Vitter, David}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:2010 Midterm Elections]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Roger Wicker

2013-08-09T14:20:59Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Roger Wicker
|image=000Wicker.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Gayle Wicker
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Mississippi
|terms=December 31, 2007 – Present
|preceded=[[Trent Lott]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Mississippi
|district=1st
|terms=January 4, 1995 – December 31, 2007
|preceded=Jamie Whitten
|former=n
|succeeded=Travis Childers
}}
}}

'''Roger Frederick Wicker''' (born July 5, 1951 in Pontotoc, Mississippi) is the junior [[United States Senator]] from [[Mississippi]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. After being appointed by [[Governor]] [[Haley Barbour]] in December 2007 upon the resignation of Senator [[Trent Lott]], Wicker was elected to a term in his own right in 2008 with 55% of the vote. He has voted with a majority of his Republican colleagues 87.3% of the time during the current [[Congress]]. <ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/W000437/</ref>

Wicker serves on the Committe on Armed Services, Commerce, Science and Transportation, Foreign Relations, Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Veterans' Affairs. Prior to serving in the Senate, Roger represented Mississippi’s First Congressional District in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], having been elected in the 1994 Republican Revolution and reelected six times.

In 2013 a letter with ricin was sent to Wicker. It could intercepted by the FBI. The transmitter is unknown.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/04/17/envelope-containing-ricin-sent-to-sen-wicker-lawmakers-say/</ref>

==External links==
*[http://wicker.senate.gov/public/ Official Website]
*[http://www.issues2000.org/House/Roger_Wicker.htm On the Issues]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: Wicker, Roger}}

[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

James Risch

2013-08-09T14:20:32Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=James Risch
|image=James E Risch, official Senate photo portrait, 2009.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Vicki Risch
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Idaho
|terms=January 3, 2009 – Present
|preceded=[[Larry Craig]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=Idaho
|terms=May 26, 2006 – January 1, 2007
|preceded=[[Dirk Kempthorne]]
|former=n
|succeeded=[[Butch Otter]]
}}
}}

'''James Elroy Risch''' (born May 3, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is the junior [[United States]] [[Senator]] from [[Idaho]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. Previously he served in the Idaho State Senate, and was elected [[Lieutenant Governor]] in 2006. He became Governor after the resignation of Dirk Kempthorne to become U.S. Secretary of the Interior. As Governor Risch signed legislation that reduced property taxes by 20% and added $100 million in a "rainy day" fund for schools. <ref>http://gov.idaho.gov/mediacenter/press/pr2006/praug06/pr_103.html</ref>

Risch was elected to the United States Senate in 2008 with 58% of the vote. He serves in six Senate Committees, including the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Select Committee on Intelligence, Select Committee on Ethics, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Joint Economic Committee. He has voted with his Republican colleagues 93.5% of the time. <ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/r000584/</ref>

==External links==
*[http://risch.senate.gov/public/ Official Website]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/senate/jim_risch.htm On the Issues]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT: Risch, James}}

[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category: 111th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 112th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 113th United States Congress]]
[[Category: United States Lieutenant Governors]]
[[Category:Idaho Governors]]
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Pat Roberts

2013-08-09T14:19:55Z

PatrickB:

[[Image:Robertsofficialphoto.jpg|150px|right]]
'''Pat Roberts''', born April 20, 1936 (age {{age|1936|4|20}}), is a [[Republican]] Senator from [[Kansas]]. He graduated from [[Kansas State University]] in 1958 with a degree in Journalism, and pursued careers in both the military and in journalism before beginning his political career in 1967 by working on the staff of then-Kansas governor Frank Carlson. He served eight terms in the [[House of Representatives]] before being elected to the Senate in 1996. He was the Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee until the [[Democratic Party]] took over the Senate following the 2006 elections.

{{DEFAULTSORT: Roberts, Pat}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]

[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Reagan Era]]
[[Category:Kansas]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Jeff Sessions

2013-08-09T14:19:37Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Jeff Sessions
|image=Sessions.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Mary Blackshear Sessions
|religion=[[Methodist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Alabama
|terms=January 7, 1997 – Present
|preceded=Howell T. Heflin
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Jefferson Beauregard "Jeff" Sessions III''' (born December 24, 1946) is the junior United States Senator from [[Alabama]]. He is a member of the [[Republican Party]]. After attending school in nearby Camden, Sessions worked his way through Huntingdon College in Montgomery, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He received a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Alabama in 1973. As a United States senator, Sessions has focused his energies on maintaining a strong military, upholding the rule of law, limiting the role of government, and providing tax relief to stimulate economic growth and empower Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money.

==Political career==
Following a two-year stint as Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama (1975–1977), Sessions was nominated by President [[Ronald Reagan]] in 1981 and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the United States Attorney for Alabama's Southern District, a position he held for 12 years. In 1986, Sessions was nominated for a federal judgeship by Reagan. However, the nomination was killed by Senate [[Democrat]]s. Sessions was elected Alabama Attorney General in November 1994. In 1996, Sessions won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, after a runoff, and then defeated Democrat Roger Bedford, 52%-46% in the November general election. He currently serves as ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

==Political views==
Sessions was ranked by [[National Journal]] as the fifth-most conservative United States Senator in their March, 2007 conservative/liberal rankings. He backs conservative Republican stances on foreign affairs, taxes, and social policy. In 2006 he was a vocal critic of the [[John McCain]]-[[Ted Kennedy]] [[Immigration]] reform bill.

Sessions voted against the $700 billion Wall Street bailout and against the $787 [[American Recovery and Reinvestment Act]].

==External Links==
*[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/s001141/ Voting Record]
*[http://sessions.senate.gov/ Official Website]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Jeff_Sessions.htm Sessions On the Issues]
*[http://www.opencongress.org/people/show/300088_jefferson_sessions OpenCongress]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Sessions III, Jeff}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category: Conservatives]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Alabama]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Jerry Moran

2013-08-09T14:18:18Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Jerry Moran
|image=JerryMoran.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Robba Moran
|religion=[[Methodist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Kansas
|terms=January 5, 2011 – Present
|preceded=[[Sam Brownback]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Kansas
|district=1st
|terms=January 3, 1997 – January 5, 2011
|preceded=[[Pat Roberts]]
|former=n
|succeeded=[[Tim Huelskamp]]
}}
}}

'''Jerry Moran''', born May 29, 1954 (age {{age|1954|5|29}}), is a the [[Republican]] junior [[United States Senator]] from [[Kansas]]. Previously he represented [[Kansas]]' 1st congressional district in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], which consists of over half of the state geographicially, and all of the western portion of the state. Moran makes a point to conduct one "town hall meeting" per year in all 69 counties that make up part of his district.<ref>http://www.jerrymoran.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=102</ref> Moran lives in Hays, where he was a professor in political science (at Fort Hays State University). He is strongly [[pro-life]] <ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Jerry_Moran.htm</ref>.

In 2010, Moran won the election to replace [[Sam Brownback]].

==References==
<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Moran, Jerry}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]
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[[Category:Kansas]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Ron Johnson

2013-08-09T14:18:12Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Ron Johnson
|image=Ronjohnson.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Jane Johnson
|religion=[[Lutheran]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Wisconsin
|terms=January 5, 2011 - Present
|preceded=[[Russ Feingold]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''Ron Johnson''' is an Oshkosh businessman and junior Republican United States Senator from [[Wisconsin]], after defeating incumbent Democrat [[Russ Feingold]] in the 2010 election. He was endorsed by the [[Tea Party Movement | Tea Party]] and the [[Senate Conservatives Fund]].

Ron Johnson, who had never before held public office or even visited [[D.C.]], won by a remarkable margin of 51.9% to 47%.<ref>http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/senate</ref> However, his credentials are subject to question since he made statements wrongfully condemning [[Todd Akin]]. This statement earned him a place with the [[RINO Backers]].

==External Links==
* [http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/senators/one_item_and_teasers/Johnson_Ron.htm Senate website]
* [http://www.facebook.com/ron4senate Facebook page]
* [https://twitter.com/#!/Ron4Senate Twitter page]
* [http://www.youtube.com/ron4senate YouTube channel]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronjohnson2010 Flickr page]

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Johnson, Ron}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Business People]]
[[Category:2010 Midterm Elections]]
[[Category:Tea Party Movement]]
[[Category:Politics]]
[[Category:Conservatives]]
[[Category:Republicans]]
[[Category:Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Rino backers]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
{{conservatism}}

Mike Johanns

2013-08-09T14:16:47Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Mike Johanns
|image=20081209johanns.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Stephanie Johanns
|religion=[[Roman Catholic]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Nebraska
|terms=January 3, 2009 – Present
|preceded=[[Chuck Hagel]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/governor
|state=Nebraska
|terms=January 7, 1999 – January 20, 2005
|preceded=[[Ben Nelson]]
|former=n
|succeeded=[[Dave Heineman]]
}}
{{Officeholder/mayor
|number=47th
|city=Lincoln, Nebraska
|terms=1991-1998
|preceded=Bill Harris
|former=y
|succeeded=Dale Young
}}
}}
'''Michael Owen Johanns''' (born June 18, 1950) is the junior [[United States]] [[Senator]] from [[Nebraska]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]].

==Early Life==

Johanns was born in Osage, [[Iowa]] and grew up working on his family's dairy farm. He describes himself as "a farmer's son with an intense passion for agriculture." <ref>http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?contentidonly=true&contentid=bios_johanns.xml</ref> Johanns graduated from St. Mary's University of [[Minnesota]] in Winona, Minnesota. He earned a law degree from Creighton University in [[Omaha]] and practiced law in O'Neill and Lincoln, Nebraska. He is married to former State Senator Stephanie Johanns, they have two children and five grandchildren. Johanns began his career in local [[politics]] when he was elected to the Lancaster County Board as a [[Democrat]] from 1983 to 1987, and on the Lincoln City Council from 1989 to 1991. He registered as a Republican in 1988. Johanns was elected mayor of Lincoln in 1991 and was reelected in 1995 without opposition.

==Political Career==

Mike Johanns was elected Governor of Nebraska in 1998 by a 54%-46% margin. He was a strong advocate for rural communities and farmers and ranchers. In 2000, Johanns drafted the Meatpacking Industry Workers Bill of Rights. "The document covers health and safety issues, including the right to organize labor [[union]]s, the right to work in a safe place, the right to adequate equipment the right to information, and a right to training." A strong supporter of ethanol fuel, in 2001 he served as the chair of the Governors' Ethanol Coalition. He was easily reelected in 2002 with 69% of the vote. In 2005, Governor Johanns traveled across the country to hear first-hand from producers about what was working with current farm policy and what was not. Johanns hosted 21 of 52 farm bill forums held in 48 states.

Johanns became the 28th Secretary of the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]] in January 2005 after being nominated by [[President]] [[George W. Bush]]. He worked to expand foreign market access for U.S. producers and promoted the growth of the renewable fuels industry. <ref>http://johanns.senate.gov/public/?p=About</ref> One of his major accomplishments as Agriculture Secretary was developing the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 which was a $288 billion, five-year agricultural policy that includes increased money for food stamps and support for the production of cellulosic [[ethanol]].

After Republican Senator [[Chuck Hagel]] announced his retirment in 2007, Johanns resigned as Agriculture Secretary to run for the his seat. In November 2008, he was elected with 58% of the vote. On Feburary 12, 2009, Senator Johanns voted against the 789 billion economic stimulus plan. He has voted with a majority of his Republican colleagues 91.9% of the time during the current [[Congress]]. <ref>http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/j000291/</ref>

==External links==
*[http://johanns.senate.gov/public/index.cfm Official Website]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Johanns.htm On the Issues]

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Johanns, Mike}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:Republican Governors]]
[[Category:Nebraska Governors]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

James Inhofe

2013-08-09T14:16:20Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=James Inhofe
|image=Inhofe.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Kay Inhofe
|religion=[[Presbyterian]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Oklahoma
|terms=November 17, 1994 – Present
|preceded=David Boren
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Oklahoma
|district=1st
|terms=January 6, 1987 – November 17, 1994
|preceded= James Robert Jones
|former=n
|succeeded=Steve Largent
}}
}}

'''James Inhofe''', born November 17, 1934 (age {{age|1934|11|17}}), is a [[Republican]] [[United States]] Senator from the state of [[Oklahoma]]. After former Senator [[David Boren]] resigned to take the presidency of the [[University of Oklahoma]] in 1994, Inhofe ran and won the senatorial election and served out the two remaining years. He was re-elected in 1996 and again in 2002. He served as the chairman of the Senate's Committee on the Environment and Public Works Committee and the Armed Services Committee until 2007.<ref name="uscc">http://www.uscc.gov/bios/2005bios/05_07_21_22/inhofe_james.htm</ref>

After taking the role as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee in 2003, Inhofe worked to increase security enhancement in drinking water and wastewater facilities, passing a bill which authorized a total of $245 million in Environmental Protection Agency grants,<ref>http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/</ref>. Through this work in the committee, Inhofe endeavors to restore sound science to the regulatory decisions on such issues as [[global warming]], wetlands, clean air mandates, and endangered species. Inhofe has been a leader in debunking the global warming hoax, criticizing Secretary of Defense [[Leon Panetta]] after he proclaimed [[global warming]] was a national security threat: “Panetta wasting his time promoting [[Obama]]’s Global Warming fantasies.” <ref>http://cnsnews.com/blog/craig-bannister/senator-panetta-wasting-his-time-promoting-obamas-global-warming-fantasies-he</ref>

Inhofe's voting record in opposition to [[abortion]] and [[Stem cell research|embryonic stem cell]] research, and increase taxes have proven him to be a strong conservative. The American Conservative Union rates Inhofe as one of the most consistently conservative Senators currently serving, with a lifetime rating of 97.62. <ref>http://www.acuratings.org/2007all.htm#HI</ref>

Inhofe had previously served four terms in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] representing Oklahoma's First Congressional District from 1987 to 1994. He had also served in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives in 1966, serving one two-year term. From 1968 to 1976 Inhofe was a member of the Oklahoma State Senate, honored by his colleagues being selected to be the majority leader.<ref>http://votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=27027</ref>
He is actively involved in aviation, being the only member of Congress to fly a plane around the world<ref name="uscc" />.

==External Links==
*[http://inhofe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Home.Home Official Website]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/James_Inhofe.htm Voting Record]
==References==
<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Inhofe, James}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Oklahoma]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

John Cornyn

2013-08-09T14:15:57Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=John Cornyn
|image=Sen_Cornyn_-_Official_Portrait_FeaturedPhoto.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Sandy Cornyn
|religion=[[Church of Christ]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Texas
|terms=December 2, 2002 – Present
|preceded=[[Phil Gramm]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}

'''John Cornyn''' (born February 2, 1952 in Houston, Texas) is the junior [[United States Senator]] from Texas and a leading [[RINO Backer]] as a member of the [[Republican Party]]. Although somewhat [[conservative]] a half-decade ago,<ref>In 2006, National Journal ranked Cornyn as the fourth most conservative Senator. [http://nationaljournal.com/voteratings/sen/lib_cons.htm?o1=con_composite&o2=desc]</ref> Cornyn today is little more than a puppet for [[liberals]] in the Republican Party. He currently serves on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Budget Committee, Finance Committee, and Judiciary Committee. Cornyn is chairman of the [[National Republican Senatorial Committee]], and pulled $5 million in spending out of the toss-up [[Missouri]] race for [[U.S. Senate]] in 2012 because [[pro-life]] [[Todd Akin]] spoke out too much for the unborn.

Cornyn is a graduate of Trinity University and St. Mary’s School of Law (both in San Antonio) and earned a Masters of Law from the [[University of Virginia]] Law School. He would go on to get elected district court judge in Bexar County. In 1990 Cornyn was elected to the state Supreme Court. In 1998 he was elected Texas' Attorney General. After Republican Senator [[Phil Gramm]] announced his retirement Cornyn entered the race to succeed him, and defeated the Democratic nominee, [[Dallas]] [[Mayor]] Ron Kirk. He was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2008.

==External links==
*[http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/ Official Site]
*[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/c001056/ Voting record]
*[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=c001056, Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Texas]]
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Rino backers]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
{{DEFAULTSORT: Cornyn, John}}

Thad Cochran

2013-08-09T14:15:20Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Thad Cochran
|image=Thad Cochran.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Rose Clayton Cochran
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Mississippi
|terms=December 27, 1978 – Present
|preceded=James Eastland
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Mississippi
|district=4th
|terms=January 3, 1973 – December 26, 1978
|preceded=Sonny Montgomery
|former=n
|succeeded=Jon Hinson
}}
}}

'''Thad Cochran''', born December 7, 1937 (age {{age|1937|12|7}}), is the senior [[Republican]] United States Senator from Mississippi. A [[conservative]], Cochran is serving his fifth term in office.

Cochran was the first Republican to hold statewide office in [[Mississippi]] since [[Reconstruction]], and in April 2006 he was honored by Time magazine as one of "America's 10 Best Senators."<ref>http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183976,00.html</ref>

==Early Life==
Thad Cochran was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi. His father, William Holmes Cochran, was the principal and his mother, Emma Grace Cochran, a teacher in schools in Pontotoc, Tippah, and Hinds Counties. Cochran earned Eagle Scout as a youth and was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award as an adult. He graduated from Byram High School near Jackson and received a B.A. degree from the [[University of Mississippi]] with a major in psychology and a minor in [[political science]] in 1959. Despite being a life-long Democrat, Cochran changed party affiliation to Republican in the 1960's and went on to serve as Mississippi executive director of [[Richard Nixon]]'s 1968 presidential campaign.
==Political career==
In 1972, Cochran was elected to the [[United States]] [[House of Representatives]], to replace Democratic Congressman Charles Griffin. One major factor in Cochran's victory was the gigantic Republican landslide in that year's presidential election, in which Nixon won 49 of 50 states and 78 percent of Mississippi's popular vote. After winning re-election to the House in 1974, he was elected by his colleagues to represent the southern states on the House Republican Policy Committee. He was re-elected to the House of Representatives again in 1976. In both of his races for re-election, Cochran received over 70 percent of the votes. In 1978, Thad Cochran was elected to the United States Senate becoming the first Republican in over 100 years to win a statewide election in Mississippi. He was re-elected in 1984 in a race with Governor William Winter with over 60 percent of the votes. In 1990 he was unopposed, and in 1996 he was re-elected to a fourth term in the Senate with over 70 percent of the votes. His margin of victory in the 2002 election was 85 percent.
===Committee membership===
In addition to his ranking minority membership of the Appropriations Committee, Cochran serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry committee and the Committee on Rules and Administration.

==External Links==
*[http://cochran.senate.gov/bio.htm Official Biography]
*[http://cochran.senate.gov/ Official Website]
*[http://www.issues2000.org/Senate/Thad_Cochran.htm Cochran On the Issues]
== References ==

<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Cochran, Thad}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Reagan Era]]
[[Category:Mississippi]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

John Boozman

2013-08-09T14:14:55Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=John Boozman
|image=John Boozman, official portrait, 112th Congress.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Cathy Boozman
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Arkansas
|terms=January 5, 2011 – Present
|preceded=[[Blanche Lincoln]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Arkansas
|district=3rd
|terms=November 20, 2001 – January 3, 2011
|preceded=Asa Hutchinson
|former=y
|succeeded=[[Steve Womack]]
}}
}}

'''John Boozman''' (born December 10, 1950 in Fort Smith, Arkansas) is the junior [[Republican]] United States Senator from [[Arkansas]], defeating incumbent [[Democrat]] [[Blanche Lincoln]] during the 2010 election. He is a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Veterans' Affairs Committee. Previously he was U.S. Representative from Arkansas' third congressional district. Boozman attended the University of Arkansas and Southern College of Optometry.

He won a special election in November 2001 to replace [[Asa Hutchinson]], who resigned to head the Drug Enforcement Administration. He faced modest Democratic opposition in 2004 and 2006, however was unopposed in his 2008 reelection.

==External Links==
*[http://www.boozman.senate.gov/ Official Senate Website]

[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Arkansas]]
[[Category:RINOs]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boozman, John}}

Roy Blunt

2013-08-09T14:14:32Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Roy Blunt
|image=Roy_Blunt_Head_Shot_PhotoGallery.jpg‎
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Roseann Ray Blunt (div.) Abigail Perlman Blunt
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Missouri
|terms=January 5, 2011 – Present
|preceded=[[Kit Bond]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Missouri
|district=7th
|terms=January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2011
|preceded=Mel Hancock
|former=n
|succeeded=[[Billy Long]]
}}
}}

'''Roy D. Blunt''', born January 10, 1950 (age {{age|1950|1|10}}), is a junior [[Republican]] United States Senator from [[Missouri]], having defeated State Secretary of State [[Robin Carnahan]] by a 54%-41% margin. Previously he served as a U.S. Representative from Missouri's 7th congressional district and was House Republican whip from 2003-2009. He briefly served as House Majority Leader.
Blunt is the father of former Missouri [[Governor]] [[Matt Blunt]].

==External Links==
*[http://blunt.senate.gov/public/ Official Senate Website]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Blunt,Roy}}

[[Category:Former United States Representatives]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 111th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 112th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Missouri]]
[[Category:Rino backers]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

John Barrasso

2013-08-09T14:13:38Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=John Barrasso
|image=John Barrasso.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Linda Nix (div.) Bobbi Brown
|religion=[[Presbyterian]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Wyoming
|terms=June 25, 2007-present
|preceded=[[Craig Thomas]]
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
}}
'''John Anthony Barrasso''', M.D., born July 21, 1952 (age {{age|1952|7|21}}), is the junior United States Senator from [[Wyoming]], being appointed to the vacancy left by the death of U.S. Senator [[Craig Thomas]]. He was elected to the Senate in his own right in 2008 with 73% of the vote. Barrasso, a divorced orthopedic surgeon, had served in the Wyoming State Senate since 2002. He is a graduate of Georgetown University in [[Washington, D.C.]]

He was a [[pro-choice]] candidate for the [[U.S. Senate]] in 1996, but was defeated in the primary by the more [[conservative]] [[Mike Enzi]]. He has since declared himself [[pro-life]] and made the following statement upon his appointment to the [[U.S. Senate]]:

:"In the state Senate, in addition to receiving an 'A' rating from the [[NRA]], I have voted for [[prayer in schools]], against [[gay marriage]] and have sponsored legislation to protect the [[sanctity of life]]."<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/22/AR2007062201958.html "Wyo. Surgeon Nation's Newest Senator", The ''Washington Post'' Online]</ref>

Barrasso serves on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Foreign Relations Committee. He has voted with Republicans in the Senate 94% of the time, and has a perfect attendance record. <ref>[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/b001261/ The ''Washington Post'' Online: Votes Database]</ref> In 2009, Barrasso voted against [[President Obama]]'s $787 billion economic stimulus package, "This is a spending bill, not a stimulus bill." <ref>[http://barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressOffice.PressReleases&ContentRecord_id=5d756b71-fcb1-39bf-4ccf-972f08f924b2&Region_id=&Issue_id= "Barrasso Votes No on Stimulus Package", Press Release from the Office of Senator John Barasso]</ref>

==Early Life==
In 1974, Barrasso graduated from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., with a bachelor of science degree. He also received his M.D. degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1978. He conducted his residency at [[Yale]] Medical School in New Haven, [[Connecticut]].

==External Links==
*[http://barrasso.senate.gov/ Official Site]
*[http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/b001261/ Voting Record]
*[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=B001261, Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Barrasso,John}}
[[category:United States Senators]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 110th United States Congress]]
[[Category:111th United States Congress]]
[[Category:112th United States Congress]]
[[Category:113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Wyoming]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

RINO

2013-08-09T14:06:24Z

PatrickB: So was Isakson

[[File:Kel-rino.jpg|thumb|250px|Sergeant [[Jesse Kelly]] runs for Congress in Arizona in 2009 and attacks the RINOs in the GOP]]
A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly) is an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views to the political left of most Republican voters. The term "RINO" describes politicians who claim to be [[Republican Party|Republican]] but are in fact [[liberal]], and therefore generally debase the winning conservative coalition base of the Republican Party.

RINOs are often Republican only to the extent it serves their own interests, and will abandon conservative principles as soon as it is in their own interests to do so. RINOs often provide support for raising taxes, [[abortion]] as [[Pro-choice|a right]], [[gay rights]] and [[gun control]]. Some RINOs have connections with [[Planned Parenthood]] or corporations that support goals of [[population control]]; other RINOs pay lip service to [[pro-life]] values while in practice not advancing those values.

[[Double standard]]s by RINOs are common: a birther comment by [[Romney]] during his campaign was supposedly a "nothing", but [[Todd Akin]]'s [[pro-life]] comment would somehow "absolutely" could cost RINOs control of the [[U.S. Senate]]!<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/todd-akin-rape-missouri-senate-race-reince-priebus-/1#.UDpUhNZlQ7s</ref>

RINOs, like Democrats, typically come from states in [[New England]], the Mid-Atlantic; or states on the [[Left Coast]]. A less-used term is '''[[cafeteria conservative]]''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at most restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> In contrast to RINO's and cafeteria conservatives, [[movement conservative]]s understand that since conservative philosophy is a coherent whole, it is untenable to discard part of it without discarding all of it.

The RINO targets of attack argue they follow [[middle of the road]] policies and are not liberals; they claim they get results, and insist that without them the [[United States Congress|Congress]] would be totally controlled by liberal [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and Republicans would rarely have any success. Conservatives respond that in the heyday of "Rockefeller liberalism" in the GOP the Democrats always controlled Congress, and the GOP only took power when [[Newt Gingrich]] launched a national conservative "Contract with America" in 1994, ending 40 years of Democratic control of the [[United States House of Representatives|House]]. The notion that we need to elect Democrat-lite type of politicians is false. The election cycles of 2010 and 2012 proved that many RINO candidates are unelectable. RINO candidates wasted millions of dollars; Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, Scott Brown, Linda McMahon, and many others could not connect with the people in liberal blue states.

In recent Republican [[Primary election|primaries]], voters have been rejecting establishment RINOs in favor of those with stronger conservative principles. Their commitment to self and not party is evident in their refusal to endorse the candidate that beats them. In some instances, they refuse the will of the voters and their party by running for office on an [[Independent candidate|independent ticket]]. It is important to vote for someone who's more conservative on the issues rather than for a Republican because anyone can join a party and be they can be RINOs.

== RINOs currently holding political office==

=== Government Secretaries ===

*Defense Secretary [[Chuck Hagel]] of [[Nebraska]]

*Transportation Secretary [[Ray Lahood]]

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Senator [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]], for supporting excessive government spending and being a [[RINO Backer]].

*Senator [[Susan Collins]] of [[Maine]] for supporting [[abortion]] <ref> http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Susan_Collins_Abortion.htm</ref>, amnesty <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/immigration-roll-call-vote-93531.html</ref> [[gun control]] <ref>http://www.sofmag.com/roll-call-vote-manchin-toomey-amendment</ref> and the homosexual agenda <ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Susan_Collins_Civil_Rights.htm#06n-HRC</ref>

*Senator [[Lindsey Graham]] of [[South Carolina]] for supporting amnesty <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/tea-party-lindsey-graham_n_3530569.html</ref>, the drone program <ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/lindsey-graham-dismisses-rand-paul-on-drones-judicial-involvement-would-be-worst-thing-in-the-world/</ref>, arming the rebels in Syria and the NSA program<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lindsey-graham-nsa-tracking-phones-92330.html</ref>

*Senator [[Lisa Murkowski]] of [[Alaska]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]] <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lisa-murkowski-gay-marriage-stance-93047.html</ref>, earmark spending, cronyism and amnesty

*Senator [[Mark Kirk]] of [[Illinois]] for supporting gun control, amnesty, abortion<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Mark_Kirk_Abortion.htm</ref>, and same-sex "marriage"

*Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]

*Senator [[Saxby Chambliss]] of [[Georgia]]

*Senator [[Charles Grassley]] of [[Iowa]]

*Senator [[Mike Crapo]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting environmental regulation <ref> http://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/environment/environment_natural_resources.cfm</ref>

*Senator [[Lamar Alexander]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty and [[Common Core]]

*Senator [[Bob Corker]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Richard Shelby]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=102&session=1&vote=00125</ref> and opposing the impeachment of [[Bill Clinton]]

*Senator [[Marco Rubio]] of [[Florida]] for supporting [[amnesty]]<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/candidate-marco-rubio-2010-earned-path-citizenship-basically-code-amnesty</ref>

*Senator [[John Hoeven]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting [[government spending]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/domestic/John_Hoeven_Jobs.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Dean Heller]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting embryonic [[stem cell research]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Dean_Heller_Abortion.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Rob Portman]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting gay marriage<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/15/ohio-sen-portman-now-supports-gay-marriage/</ref>

*Senator [[Richard Burr]] of [[North Carolina]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46578.html</ref>

*Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]], for supporting civil unions for homosexuals, the [[DREAM Act]], [[TARP]], voting for [[Eric Holder]], and insulting the Tea Party.<ref>http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56112240-90/civil-com-gay-hatch.html.csp</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Flake]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military and giving amnesty to illegal immigrants.<ref>http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/is-jeff-flake-arizonas-next-john-mccain/</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Toomey]] of [[Pennsylvania]] for supporting [[gun control]]<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/17/manchin-toomey-gun-amendment-fails/</ref>

*Senator [[Kelly Ayotte]] of [[New Hampshire]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Tom Coburn]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/01/25/tom-coburn-talking-with-democrats-about-background-check-bill/</ref>

*Senator [[John Barrasso]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roy Blunt]] of [[Missouri]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Boozman]] of [[Arkansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Daniel Coats]] of [[Indiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Thad Cochran]] of [[Mississippi]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Cornyn]] of Texas for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Michael Enzi]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Inhofe]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Isakson]] of [[Georgia]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Johanns]] of [[Nebraska]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Ron Johnson]] of [[Wisconsin]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jerry Moran ]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Risch]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Roberts]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Thune]] of [[South Dakota]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[David Vitter]] of [[Louisiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roger Wicker]] of Mississippi for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeffrey Chiesa]] of New Jersey, nominated by the RINO Chris Christie and supports him.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Speaker of the House [[John Boehner]] of [[Ohio]] for abandoning his princapals in favor of "bipartisan compromise"

*Rep. [[Don Young]] of [[Alaska]]

*Rep. [[David Dreier]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Scott Rigell]] of [[Virginia]]

*Rep. [[Joe Heck]] of [[Nevada]]

*Rep. [[Candice Miller]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[Peter King]] of [[New York]] for supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/07/25/Steve-King-NSA-Survelliance-Essential,</ref>

*Rep. [[Chris Gibson]] of [[New York]] for being the most [[liberal]] [[Republican]] in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] <ref>.http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2013/02/21/chris-gibson-ranked-as-most-liberal-republican-in</ref>

*Rep. [[Michael Simpson]] of [[Idaho]]

*Rep. [[Ileana Ros-Lehtinen]] of [[Florida]], for her support of the homosexual agenda<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/ileana-roslehtinen-become_n_977464.html</ref>

*Rep. [[Mario Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Aaron Schock]] of [[Illinois]]

*Rep. [[Kevin McCarthy]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Renee Ellmers]] of [[North Carolina]]

*Rep. [[Frank Lucas]] of [[Oklahoma]]

*Rep. [[Rick Crawford]] of [[Arkansas]]

*Rep. [[Kristi Noem]] of [[South Dakota]]

*Rep. [[Mike Rogers]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[John Mica]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Lynn Westmoreland]] of [[Georgia]] for defending purges by Boehner and supporting the NSA program

*Rep. [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] for opposing the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/justin-amash-doma-repeal_n_2981622.html</ref>

=== Governors ===

*Governor [[Chris Christie]] of [[New Jersey]]

*Governor [[Rick Scott]] of [[Florida]]

*Governor [[Jan Brewer]] of [[Arizona]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/06/19/how-tea-party-hero-jan-brewer-saved-obamacare-in-arizona.html</ref>

*Governor [[Jack Dalrymple]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/governor-jack-dalrymple-signs-obamacare-expansion-of-medicaid-into-law/</ref>

*Governor [[Brian Sandoval]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/brian-sandoval-nevada-medicaid-expansion_n_2284478.html</ref>

*Governor [[John Kasich]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Rick Snyder]] of [[Michigan]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Susana Martinez]] of [[New Mexico]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Bob McDonnell]] of [[Virginia]]

=== Federal Judges ===

*Supreme Court Chief Justice [[John Roberts]] after his support of gutting Arizona's immigration law and yet being the swing vote responsible for keeping [[Obamacare]] upheld. As Supreme Court Justices officially have no party, he is more of a "conservative in name only".

=== Local Legislators ===

*State Senator Allan Kittleman of [[Maryland]], for promoting homosexual [[special rights]]<ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/02/gop_senator_announces_support.html GOP senator announces support for Md. same-sex marriage bill]</ref>

*[[Texas]] Speaker of the House Joe Straus

==RINOs currently not holding political office==
=== Executive Officials===

*Former President [[Theodore Roosevelt]], because he regulated the economy and used social justice.

*Former [[President]] [[George H.W. Bush]] for claiming he wouldn't raise [[taxes]] and subsequently raising them

*Former [[President]] [[Richard Nixon]] for establishing the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] and supporting [[affirmative action]]

*Former [[President]] [[Gerald Ford]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]]

*Former [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] for supporting [[government spending]], increasing the size of government, and for filling his cabinet with a litany of other RINOs.<ref>Such as [[Dick Cheney]], [[Collin Powell]], [[Donald Rumsfeld]], [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Paul Wolfowitz]].</ref> Failed at child rearing.<ref>As can seen by [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKqr230U9M this video] (Warning: Contains no graphic content but might still be unsuitable for children)</ref>

*Former Vice-President and Senator [[Nelson Rockefeller]] of [[New York]]

*Former Vice President [[Dick Cheney]], for supporting the [[Homosexual Agenda]], being a [[Neocon]] and supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program.

=== Government Secretaries ===
*Former Senator and HUD Secretary [[Mel Martinez]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Secretary of State [[Colin Powell]]

*Former Secretary of [[Homeland Security]] [[Tom Ridge]].

*Former Press Secretary [[Scott McClellan]]

*Former Press Secretary [[James Brady]], for being a major gun control advocate

*Former Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Paul Wolfowitz]], for supporting the Homosexual Agenda.

*Former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], for supporting DADT repeal and being pro-abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], for supporting DADT repeal and failing to condemn same-sex "marriage" and abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]], for defending [[Barack Obama]]'s handling of [[Benghazi]] <ref>http://www.csmonitor.com
/USA/Politics/2013/0512/Robert-Gates-Obama-made-right-decisions-night-of-Benghazi-attack</ref>

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Former Senator [[Scott Brown]] of [[Massachusetts]]

*Former Senator [[George Voinovich]] of [[Ohio]]

*Former Senator [[Alan Simpson]] of [[Wyoming]]

*Former Senator [[Gordon Smith]] of [[Oregon]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Dole]] of [[Kansas]] for claiming that [[Reagan]] couldn't make it in the current Republican Party.

*Former Senator [[Charles Mathias]] of [[Maryland]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Senator [[Olympia J. Snowe]] of [[Maine]]

*Former Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] of [[Texas]]

*Former Senator [[Richard Lugar]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Senator [[Barry Goldwater]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting the homosexual agenda and abortion.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Former Congressman Steve LaTourette of [[Ohio]]

*Former Congressman [[Lincoln Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[David Rivera]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[Christopher Shays]] of [[Connecticut]]

*Former Congressman [[Tom Campbell]] of [[California]]

*Former Congressman and Governor [[Michael Castle]] of [[Delaware]]

*Former Congressman [[Joseph Cao]] of [[Louisiana]]

*Former Congressman [[Joe Scarborough]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congresswoman [[Jennifer Dunn]] of [[Washington]]

=== Governors ===

*Former Governor [[Jeb Bush]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] of [[California]]

*Former Governor [[Linda Lingle]] of [[Hawaii]]

*Former Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Governor [[George Pataki]] of [[New York]]

*Former Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator [[Christine Todd Whitman]] of [[New Jersey]]

=== Mayors ===

*Former [[New York City]] Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]]

==Former RINOs who have since left the Republican Party==

* Former [[New Mexico]] Governor [[Gary Johnson]] supports same-sex marriage and abortion (although he opposes abortion once the fetus becomes viable outside the mother's body). After switching to the [[Libertarian Party]] in 2012 to run for President, he openly admitted that he governed New Mexico for eight years as a RINO, even using the phrase "Republican in name only" on multiple occasions. The Libertarian Party is [[liberal]] on social issues (with the exception that they support [[gun rights]]) but are fiscally very conservative.

* Former Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]] supported ObamaCare and switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party to give the latter a 60-40 edge in the Senate and allow them to enact [[cloture]] on the Republican [[filibuster]].

*Former Senator [[Lincoln Chafee]] of [[Rhode Island]], who became an Independent in 2007. Turned Democrat in 2013.<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/lincoln-chafee-to-switch-parties-sources-say-91994.html</ref>

*Former Senator [[Lowell Weicker]] of [[Connecticut]], who left the party and formed his own local one in 1990, then became an Independent in 1995.

*[[New York City]] Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]], who became an Independent in 2007. As it is not possible to campaign as an Independent in New York State, Bloomberg runs on the line of the [[Independence Party of New York]].

*Former Senator [[Jim Jeffords]] of [[Vermont]], who left the Party and became a Democrat in 2001, giving control of the [[United States Senate|Senate]] to the Democrats.

*Former Governor [[Charlie Crist]] of [[Florida]], who became an independent in 2010 after it was clear he would lose his Senate bid. Crist joined the [[Democratic Party]] in 2012.

*Former Representative [[John Anderson]] of [[Illinois]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 1980.

*Former Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] of [[Louisiana]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 2012.

==RINO McCain==

A majority of conservatives distrust RINO [[John McCain]] even though many of his policies are that of a true conservative. Key RINO principles rejected by McCain include support for [[gay rights]], support for [[abortion]], and support for [[earmark]]s. He has positioned his career as a bipartisan moderate, reaching across the aisle whenever possible. This is also his downfall. The era of reaching across the aisle passed -- when [[statist]], [[socialist]] Democrats became Senators. His major political blunders mostly came during the 21st century political period. He was against both the Reagan and Bush [[tax cuts]], and employed [[class warfare]] rhetoric in trying to stop the tax cuts from taking effect. His support for amnesty was the complete opposite of what conservatives wanted. He has always complained about [[waterboarding|enhanced interrogation techniques]], calling them "[[torture]]". In non-election years, he likes to trash conservative positions and icons in order to get the [[Mainstream media|media]]'s and Democrats' approval. However, during the election he refused to go after [[Barack Hussein Obama]]'s associations with [[Jeremiah Wright]]. He believes in the junk science known as [[global warming]], and has supported cap-and-trade programs. Another [[Middle East]] war, without a goal, without full commitment to win, without Congressional approval- McCain supports the President. It didn't stop there and in July 2011, he called the [[Tea Party]], the people that care about fiscal sanity in Washington, they are "hobbits".

The sacrifices he has made serving this country cannot be overlooked. John McCain has earned war hero status but also the status as a D.C. zero.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/05/1615233/in-senate-primary-california-republicans.html In Senate primary, California Republicans run away from RINO label]
* [http://www.commieblaster.com/RINO/index.html CommieBlaster RINO Index]

==See Also==
*[[RINO Backers]]
*[[PLINO]] - [[pro-life]] in name only
*[[XINO]] - [[Christian]] in name only
*[[Republican Party]]
*[[Moderate Republican]]
*[[Conservative Democrat]]
*[[Blue Dog Democrat]]
*[[Reagan Democrat]]
*[[Catholic in name only]]
*[[Liberal media conservative]]

{{Liberalism}}

[[Category:Conservative]]
[[Category:RINOs|*]]

RINO

2013-08-09T14:05:16Z

PatrickB: /* U.S. Senators */ Hoeven's already listed

[[File:Kel-rino.jpg|thumb|250px|Sergeant [[Jesse Kelly]] runs for Congress in Arizona in 2009 and attacks the RINOs in the GOP]]
A '''RINO''' ('''R'''epublican '''i'''n '''N'''ame '''O'''nly) is an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the [[Republican Party]], but holds views to the political left of most Republican voters. The term "RINO" describes politicians who claim to be [[Republican Party|Republican]] but are in fact [[liberal]], and therefore generally debase the winning conservative coalition base of the Republican Party.

RINOs are often Republican only to the extent it serves their own interests, and will abandon conservative principles as soon as it is in their own interests to do so. RINOs often provide support for raising taxes, [[abortion]] as [[Pro-choice|a right]], [[gay rights]] and [[gun control]]. Some RINOs have connections with [[Planned Parenthood]] or corporations that support goals of [[population control]]; other RINOs pay lip service to [[pro-life]] values while in practice not advancing those values.

[[Double standard]]s by RINOs are common: a birther comment by [[Romney]] during his campaign was supposedly a "nothing", but [[Todd Akin]]'s [[pro-life]] comment would somehow "absolutely" could cost RINOs control of the [[U.S. Senate]]!<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/todd-akin-rape-missouri-senate-race-reince-priebus-/1#.UDpUhNZlQ7s</ref>

RINOs, like Democrats, typically come from states in [[New England]], the Mid-Atlantic; or states on the [[Left Coast]]. A less-used term is '''[[cafeteria conservative]]''', for a person who picks and chooses which [[conservative]] principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria instead of ordering the full-course ''menu'' selected by the chef at most restaurants.<ref>[http://www.manp.org/association-spotlight/archives/james-carville-mary-matalin-he-said-she-said James Carville & Mary Matalin: He Said, She Said]</ref> In contrast to RINO's and cafeteria conservatives, [[movement conservative]]s understand that since conservative philosophy is a coherent whole, it is untenable to discard part of it without discarding all of it.

The RINO targets of attack argue they follow [[middle of the road]] policies and are not liberals; they claim they get results, and insist that without them the [[United States Congress|Congress]] would be totally controlled by liberal [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and Republicans would rarely have any success. Conservatives respond that in the heyday of "Rockefeller liberalism" in the GOP the Democrats always controlled Congress, and the GOP only took power when [[Newt Gingrich]] launched a national conservative "Contract with America" in 1994, ending 40 years of Democratic control of the [[United States House of Representatives|House]]. The notion that we need to elect Democrat-lite type of politicians is false. The election cycles of 2010 and 2012 proved that many RINO candidates are unelectable. RINO candidates wasted millions of dollars; Carly Fiorina, Meg Whitman, Scott Brown, Linda McMahon, and many others could not connect with the people in liberal blue states.

In recent Republican [[Primary election|primaries]], voters have been rejecting establishment RINOs in favor of those with stronger conservative principles. Their commitment to self and not party is evident in their refusal to endorse the candidate that beats them. In some instances, they refuse the will of the voters and their party by running for office on an [[Independent candidate|independent ticket]]. It is important to vote for someone who's more conservative on the issues rather than for a Republican because anyone can join a party and be they can be RINOs.

== RINOs currently holding political office==

=== Government Secretaries ===

*Defense Secretary [[Chuck Hagel]] of [[Nebraska]]

*Transportation Secretary [[Ray Lahood]]

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Senator [[Mitch McConnell]] of [[Kentucky]], for supporting excessive government spending and being a [[RINO Backer]].

*Senator [[Susan Collins]] of [[Maine]] for supporting [[abortion]] <ref> http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Susan_Collins_Abortion.htm</ref>, amnesty <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/immigration-roll-call-vote-93531.html</ref> [[gun control]] <ref>http://www.sofmag.com/roll-call-vote-manchin-toomey-amendment</ref> and the homosexual agenda <ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Susan_Collins_Civil_Rights.htm#06n-HRC</ref>

*Senator [[Lindsey Graham]] of [[South Carolina]] for supporting amnesty <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/tea-party-lindsey-graham_n_3530569.html</ref>, the drone program <ref>http://www.mediaite.com/tv/lindsey-graham-dismisses-rand-paul-on-drones-judicial-involvement-would-be-worst-thing-in-the-world/</ref>, arming the rebels in Syria and the NSA program<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lindsey-graham-nsa-tracking-phones-92330.html</ref>

*Senator [[Lisa Murkowski]] of [[Alaska]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]] <ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/06/lisa-murkowski-gay-marriage-stance-93047.html</ref>, earmark spending, cronyism and amnesty

*Senator [[Mark Kirk]] of [[Illinois]] for supporting gun control, amnesty, abortion<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Mark_Kirk_Abortion.htm</ref>, and same-sex "marriage"

*Senator [[John McCain]] of [[Arizona]]

*Senator [[Saxby Chambliss]] of [[Georgia]]

*Senator [[Charles Grassley]] of [[Iowa]]

*Senator [[Mike Crapo]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting environmental regulation <ref> http://www.crapo.senate.gov/issues/environment/environment_natural_resources.cfm</ref>

*Senator [[Lamar Alexander]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty and [[Common Core]]

*Senator [[Bob Corker]] of [[Tennessee]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Richard Shelby]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=102&session=1&vote=00125</ref> and opposing the impeachment of [[Bill Clinton]]

*Senator [[Johnny Isakson]] of [[Georgia]]

*Senator [[Marco Rubio]] of [[Florida]] for supporting [[amnesty]]<ref>http://cnsnews.com/news/article/candidate-marco-rubio-2010-earned-path-citizenship-basically-code-amnesty</ref>

*Senator [[John Hoeven]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting [[government spending]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/domestic/John_Hoeven_Jobs.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Dean Heller]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting embryonic [[stem cell research]]<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/social/Dean_Heller_Abortion.htm</ref> and amnesty

*Senator [[Rob Portman]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting gay marriage<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/03/15/ohio-sen-portman-now-supports-gay-marriage/</ref>

*Senator [[Richard Burr]] of [[North Carolina]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military.<ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1210/46578.html</ref>

*Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]], for supporting civil unions for homosexuals, the [[DREAM Act]], [[TARP]], voting for [[Eric Holder]], and insulting the Tea Party.<ref>http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56112240-90/civil-com-gay-hatch.html.csp</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Flake]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting homosexuals serving in the military and giving amnesty to illegal immigrants.<ref>http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/is-jeff-flake-arizonas-next-john-mccain/</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Toomey]] of [[Pennsylvania]] for supporting [[gun control]]<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/04/17/manchin-toomey-gun-amendment-fails/</ref>

*Senator [[Kelly Ayotte]] of [[New Hampshire]] for supporting amnesty

*Senator [[Tom Coburn]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting gun control <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/01/25/tom-coburn-talking-with-democrats-about-background-check-bill/</ref>

*Senator [[John Barrasso]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roy Blunt]] of [[Missouri]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Boozman]] of [[Arkansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Daniel Coats]] of [[Indiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Thad Cochran]] of [[Mississippi]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Cornyn]] of Texas for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Michael Enzi]] of [[Wyoming]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Inhofe]] of [[Oklahoma]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Isakson]] of [[Georgia]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Mike Johanns]] of [[Nebraska]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Ron Johnson]] of [[Wisconsin]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jerry Moran ]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[James Risch]] of [[Idaho]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Pat Roberts]] of [[Kansas]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeff Sessions]] of [[Alabama]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[John Thune]] of [[South Dakota]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[David Vitter]] of [[Louisiana]] for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Roger Wicker]] of Mississippi for supporting [[Barack Hussein Obama#National Defense|NDAA 2012]], an act that strips Americans of their constitutional rights.<ref name="NDAA">http://www.dailypaul.com/198522/senators-who-voted-yea-for-ndaa-indefinite-detention-of-us-citizens-no-trial</ref>

*Senator [[Jeffrey Chiesa]] of New Jersey, nominated by the RINO Chris Christie and supports him.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Speaker of the House [[John Boehner]] of [[Ohio]] for abandoning his princapals in favor of "bipartisan compromise"

*Rep. [[Don Young]] of [[Alaska]]

*Rep. [[David Dreier]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Scott Rigell]] of [[Virginia]]

*Rep. [[Joe Heck]] of [[Nevada]]

*Rep. [[Candice Miller]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[Peter King]] of [[New York]] for supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program. <ref>http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/07/25/Steve-King-NSA-Survelliance-Essential,</ref>

*Rep. [[Chris Gibson]] of [[New York]] for being the most [[liberal]] [[Republican]] in the [[U.S. House of Representatives]] <ref>.http://alloveralbany.com/archive/2013/02/21/chris-gibson-ranked-as-most-liberal-republican-in</ref>

*Rep. [[Michael Simpson]] of [[Idaho]]

*Rep. [[Ileana Ros-Lehtinen]] of [[Florida]], for her support of the homosexual agenda<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/23/ileana-roslehtinen-become_n_977464.html</ref>

*Rep. [[Mario Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Aaron Schock]] of [[Illinois]]

*Rep. [[Kevin McCarthy]] of [[California]]

*Rep. [[Renee Ellmers]] of [[North Carolina]]

*Rep. [[Frank Lucas]] of [[Oklahoma]]

*Rep. [[Rick Crawford]] of [[Arkansas]]

*Rep. [[Kristi Noem]] of [[South Dakota]]

*Rep. [[Mike Rogers]] of [[Michigan]]

*Rep. [[John Mica]] of [[Florida]]

*Rep. [[Lynn Westmoreland]] of [[Georgia]] for defending purges by Boehner and supporting the NSA program

*Rep. [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] for opposing the [[Defense of Marriage Act]] <ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/29/justin-amash-doma-repeal_n_2981622.html</ref>

=== Governors ===

*Governor [[Chris Christie]] of [[New Jersey]]

*Governor [[Rick Scott]] of [[Florida]]

*Governor [[Jan Brewer]] of [[Arizona]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/06/19/how-tea-party-hero-jan-brewer-saved-obamacare-in-arizona.html</ref>

*Governor [[Jack Dalrymple]] of [[North Dakota]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://sayanythingblog.com/entry/governor-jack-dalrymple-signs-obamacare-expansion-of-medicaid-into-law/</ref>

*Governor [[Brian Sandoval]] of [[Nevada]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/brian-sandoval-nevada-medicaid-expansion_n_2284478.html</ref>

*Governor [[John Kasich]] of [[Ohio]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Rick Snyder]] of [[Michigan]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Susana Martinez]] of [[New Mexico]] for supporting unconstitutional [[ObamaCare]]

*Governor [[Bob McDonnell]] of [[Virginia]]

=== Federal Judges ===

*Supreme Court Chief Justice [[John Roberts]] after his support of gutting Arizona's immigration law and yet being the swing vote responsible for keeping [[Obamacare]] upheld. As Supreme Court Justices officially have no party, he is more of a "conservative in name only".

=== Local Legislators ===

*State Senator Allan Kittleman of [[Maryland]], for promoting homosexual [[special rights]]<ref>[http://voices.washingtonpost.com/annapolis/2011/02/gop_senator_announces_support.html GOP senator announces support for Md. same-sex marriage bill]</ref>

*[[Texas]] Speaker of the House Joe Straus

==RINOs currently not holding political office==
=== Executive Officials===

*Former President [[Theodore Roosevelt]], because he regulated the economy and used social justice.

*Former [[President]] [[George H.W. Bush]] for claiming he wouldn't raise [[taxes]] and subsequently raising them

*Former [[President]] [[Richard Nixon]] for establishing the [[Environmental Protection Agency]] and supporting [[affirmative action]]

*Former [[President]] [[Gerald Ford]] for supporting [[same-sex "marriage"]]

*Former [[President]] [[George W. Bush]] for supporting [[government spending]], increasing the size of government, and for filling his cabinet with a litany of other RINOs.<ref>Such as [[Dick Cheney]], [[Collin Powell]], [[Donald Rumsfeld]], [[Condoleezza Rice]] and [[Paul Wolfowitz]].</ref> Failed at child rearing.<ref>As can seen by [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iKqr230U9M this video] (Warning: Contains no graphic content but might still be unsuitable for children)</ref>

*Former Vice-President and Senator [[Nelson Rockefeller]] of [[New York]]

*Former Vice President [[Dick Cheney]], for supporting the [[Homosexual Agenda]], being a [[Neocon]] and supporting the [[NSA]] domestic spying program.

=== Government Secretaries ===
*Former Senator and HUD Secretary [[Mel Martinez]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Secretary of State [[Colin Powell]]

*Former Secretary of [[Homeland Security]] [[Tom Ridge]].

*Former Press Secretary [[Scott McClellan]]

*Former Press Secretary [[James Brady]], for being a major gun control advocate

*Former Deputy Secretary of Defense [[Paul Wolfowitz]], for supporting the Homosexual Agenda.

*Former Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]], for supporting DADT repeal and being pro-abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Donald Rumsfeld]], for supporting DADT repeal and failing to condemn same-sex "marriage" and abortion.

*Former Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]], for defending [[Barack Obama]]'s handling of [[Benghazi]] <ref>http://www.csmonitor.com
/USA/Politics/2013/0512/Robert-Gates-Obama-made-right-decisions-night-of-Benghazi-attack</ref>

=== U.S. Senators ===

*Former Senator [[Scott Brown]] of [[Massachusetts]]

*Former Senator [[George Voinovich]] of [[Ohio]]

*Former Senator [[Alan Simpson]] of [[Wyoming]]

*Former Senator [[Gordon Smith]] of [[Oregon]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Dole]] of [[Kansas]] for claiming that [[Reagan]] couldn't make it in the current Republican Party.

*Former Senator [[Charles Mathias]] of [[Maryland]]

*Former Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Senator [[Olympia J. Snowe]] of [[Maine]]

*Former Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] of [[Texas]]

*Former Senator [[Richard Lugar]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Senator [[Barry Goldwater]] of [[Arizona]], for supporting the homosexual agenda and abortion.

=== Members of the U.S. House of Representatives ===

*Former Congressman Steve LaTourette of [[Ohio]]

*Former Congressman [[Lincoln Diaz-Balart]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[David Rivera]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congressman [[Christopher Shays]] of [[Connecticut]]

*Former Congressman [[Tom Campbell]] of [[California]]

*Former Congressman and Governor [[Michael Castle]] of [[Delaware]]

*Former Congressman [[Joseph Cao]] of [[Louisiana]]

*Former Congressman [[Joe Scarborough]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Congresswoman [[Jennifer Dunn]] of [[Washington]]

=== Governors ===

*Former Governor [[Jeb Bush]] of [[Florida]]

*Former Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] of [[Utah]]

*Former Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] of [[California]]

*Former Governor [[Linda Lingle]] of [[Hawaii]]

*Former Governor [[Mitch Daniels]] of [[Indiana]]

*Former Governor [[George Pataki]] of [[New York]]

*Former Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator [[Christine Todd Whitman]] of [[New Jersey]]

=== Mayors ===

*Former [[New York City]] Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]]

==Former RINOs who have since left the Republican Party==

* Former [[New Mexico]] Governor [[Gary Johnson]] supports same-sex marriage and abortion (although he opposes abortion once the fetus becomes viable outside the mother's body). After switching to the [[Libertarian Party]] in 2012 to run for President, he openly admitted that he governed New Mexico for eight years as a RINO, even using the phrase "Republican in name only" on multiple occasions. The Libertarian Party is [[liberal]] on social issues (with the exception that they support [[gun rights]]) but are fiscally very conservative.

* Former Senator [[Arlen Specter]] of [[Pennsylvania]] supported ObamaCare and switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party to give the latter a 60-40 edge in the Senate and allow them to enact [[cloture]] on the Republican [[filibuster]].

*Former Senator [[Lincoln Chafee]] of [[Rhode Island]], who became an Independent in 2007. Turned Democrat in 2013.<ref>http://www.politico.com/story/2013/05/lincoln-chafee-to-switch-parties-sources-say-91994.html</ref>

*Former Senator [[Lowell Weicker]] of [[Connecticut]], who left the party and formed his own local one in 1990, then became an Independent in 1995.

*[[New York City]] Mayor [[Michael Bloomberg]], who became an Independent in 2007. As it is not possible to campaign as an Independent in New York State, Bloomberg runs on the line of the [[Independence Party of New York]].

*Former Senator [[Jim Jeffords]] of [[Vermont]], who left the Party and became a Democrat in 2001, giving control of the [[United States Senate|Senate]] to the Democrats.

*Former Governor [[Charlie Crist]] of [[Florida]], who became an independent in 2010 after it was clear he would lose his Senate bid. Crist joined the [[Democratic Party]] in 2012.

*Former Representative [[John Anderson]] of [[Illinois]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 1980.

*Former Governor [[Buddy Roemer]] of [[Louisiana]], who became an Independent after losing his party's presidential primary in 2012.

==RINO McCain==

A majority of conservatives distrust RINO [[John McCain]] even though many of his policies are that of a true conservative. Key RINO principles rejected by McCain include support for [[gay rights]], support for [[abortion]], and support for [[earmark]]s. He has positioned his career as a bipartisan moderate, reaching across the aisle whenever possible. This is also his downfall. The era of reaching across the aisle passed -- when [[statist]], [[socialist]] Democrats became Senators. His major political blunders mostly came during the 21st century political period. He was against both the Reagan and Bush [[tax cuts]], and employed [[class warfare]] rhetoric in trying to stop the tax cuts from taking effect. His support for amnesty was the complete opposite of what conservatives wanted. He has always complained about [[waterboarding|enhanced interrogation techniques]], calling them "[[torture]]". In non-election years, he likes to trash conservative positions and icons in order to get the [[Mainstream media|media]]'s and Democrats' approval. However, during the election he refused to go after [[Barack Hussein Obama]]'s associations with [[Jeremiah Wright]]. He believes in the junk science known as [[global warming]], and has supported cap-and-trade programs. Another [[Middle East]] war, without a goal, without full commitment to win, without Congressional approval- McCain supports the President. It didn't stop there and in July 2011, he called the [[Tea Party]], the people that care about fiscal sanity in Washington, they are "hobbits".

The sacrifices he has made serving this country cannot be overlooked. John McCain has earned war hero status but also the status as a D.C. zero.

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==
* [http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/05/1615233/in-senate-primary-california-republicans.html In Senate primary, California Republicans run away from RINO label]
* [http://www.commieblaster.com/RINO/index.html CommieBlaster RINO Index]

==See Also==
*[[RINO Backers]]
*[[PLINO]] - [[pro-life]] in name only
*[[XINO]] - [[Christian]] in name only
*[[Republican Party]]
*[[Moderate Republican]]
*[[Conservative Democrat]]
*[[Blue Dog Democrat]]
*[[Reagan Democrat]]
*[[Catholic in name only]]
*[[Liberal media conservative]]

{{Liberalism}}

[[Category:Conservative]]
[[Category:RINOs|*]]

Tom Coburn

2013-08-07T21:23:19Z

PatrickB:

{{Officeholder
|name=Tom Coburn
|image=Coburn.jpg
|party=[[Republican]]
|spouse=Carolyn Coburn
|religion=[[Baptist]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/senator
|state=Oklahoma
|terms=January 3, 2005 – Present
|preceded=Don Nickles
|former=n
|succeeded=
}}
{{Officeholder/representative
|state=Oklahoma
|district=2nd
|terms=January 4, 1995 – January 3, 2001
|preceded=Mike Synar
|former=n
|succeeded=Brad Carson
}}
}}

'''Tom Coburn''', M.D., born March 14, 1948 (age {{age|1948|3|14}}), is a [[Republican]] [[United States]] Senator from [[Oklahoma]].

== Background Information ==
"In 1970, Dr. Coburn graduated with an accounting degree from Oklahoma State University. One of the Top Ten seniors in the School of Business, Dr. Coburn served as president of the College of Business Student Council.

From 1970 to 1978, Dr. Coburn served as manufacturing manager at the Ophthalmic Division of Coburn Optical Industries in Colonial Heights, Virginia. Under his leadership, the Virginia division of Coburn Optical grew from 13 employees to more than 350 and captured 35 percent of the U.S. market.

After the family business was sold, Dr. Coburn changed the course of his life by returning to school to become a physician. Again he emerged as a leader, becoming president of his class at the University of Oklahoma Medical School where he graduated in 1983. He then did his internship in general surgery at St. Anthony's Hospital in Oklahoma City and family practice residency at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith.

Dr. Coburn returned to Muskogee where he specializes in family medicine, obstetrics and the treatment of allergies. Dr. Coburn and his associates serve more than 15,000 patients for whom he has personally delivered more than 4,000 babies.

Dr. Coburn also is a two-time cancer survivor.

Coburn and his wife, Carolyn, a former Miss Oklahoma, were married in 1968 and have three children and four grandchildren. They are members of Muskogee's New Community Church."<ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>

Dr. Coburn is a personal friend of [[Barack Obama]], though both acknowledge their polar opposition in most political matters <ref>http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/the-president-has-a-friend--on-right-flank-2009-05-06.html</ref>. Their friendship began while Obama was in the Senate and has continued into his presidency.

== A Citizen Legislator ==

"Dr. Coburn represented Oklahoma's Second Congressional District in the House of Representatives from 1995 through 2001. He was first elected in 1994, then re-elected in 1996 and 1998, becoming the first Republican to hold the seat for consecutive terms. Dr. Coburn retired from Congress in 2001, fulfilling his pledge to serve no more than three terms in the House." <ref>http://coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>

When Coburn was first elected in to the House of Representatives in 1994, the year of the Republican Revolution he stated from the beginning that he would only serve three terms (if he was re-elected each time). Coburn believes in the idea of a term limited citizen legislator. In other words, a citizen who serves in Congress for several years and then goes home to live under the laws they have helped to create.

== Coburn's Activities in the House ==

"During his tenure in the House, Dr. Coburn wrote and passed far-reaching legislation. These include laws to expand seniors' health care options, to protect access to home health care in rural areas and to allow Americans to access cheaper medications from Canada and other nations. Dr. Coburn also wrote a law intended to prevent baby AIDS. The Wall Street Journal said about the law, "In 10 long years of AIDS politics and funding, this is actually the first legislation to pass in this country that will rescue babies." He also wrote a law to renew and reform federal AIDS care programs.

During his three terms in the House, Dr. Coburn also played an influential role in reforming welfare and other federal entitlement programs. He led efforts to balance the budget, offering countless amendments to trim the bloated federal budget." <ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>
== The Interlude ==

"In 2002, President George Bush chose Dr. Coburn to serve as co-chair of the President's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA)."<ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>

== The Road to the Senate ==

In 2004, however, Coburn decided to return to public life and ran for and won a seat as a United States Senator from Oklahoma. In keeping with the idea of the citizen legislator, Coburn has promised to serve only two terms in the Senate.<ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>

== Coburn's Earmark Fight ==
In an article entitled, "Week of July 18, 2007," columnist Robert D. Novak discussed the continuing anti-earmark fight by several member of the Upper and Lower Houses of Congress, Tom Cobunr among them.

"Senators Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) will continue in the Senate the anti-earmark fight that Representatives Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.) have been fighting in the House. Two Senate amendments to the Defense bill will target an earmark by one of Flake's favorite targets, Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.), and a Nebraska defense company. Two other amendments will require a competition to determine the best rifle for U.S. soldiers and require competitive contract processes for winning earmarked Defense money. Coburn leads the charge in stripping individual earmarks, while DeMint pushes for new transparency rules."<ref>http://www.www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=21588</ref>

On his website, Coburn also provides an explanation of why he is fighting against earmarks in addition to a scorecard of what he has done during the 109th and 110th Congresses.

"I ran for the Senate, in part, to reduce wasteful Washington, D.C. spending, re-prioritize spending to ensure essential needs are not compromised by parochial political interests and to reform the way our government spends money. Our national debt now surpasses $8.7 trillion, important programs like Social Security and Medicare are in danger of bankruptcy, our nation is fighting a global War on Terror and we still are paying for costs associated with the most expensive natural disaster in our nation’s history.

Every family in America must make decisions that require prioritizing and financial restraint to meet their financial situation and expect the government to do the same. But politicians in Washington have for too long avoided making tough decisions and have prioritized their next election over the next generation. Clearly this in not the time for business as usual in Washington and the borrow and spend mentality must come to an end if we are to ensure that the next generation of Americans inherit the same standard of living and that our seniors can enjoy financial security during their retirement years.

The following is a summary of the amendments I have offered on the Senate floor to reduce wasteful Washington spending and to reform the budget process. While many of these amendments have been unsuccessful — often losing in lopsided votes — I believe it is important not to be discouraged and to continue to press for change and fiscal responsibility in Washington. The future of our country, after all, depends upon it." <ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ConstituentServices.PorkBusters</ref>

== Coburn's Senate Activities ==

"Dr. Coburn's priorities in the Senate include reducing wasteful spending, balancing the budget, improving health care access and affordability, protecting the sanctity of all human life - including the unborn - and representing traditional, Oklahoma values. As a citizen legislator, Dr. Coburn has pledged to serve no more than two terms in the Senate and to continue to care for patients. He is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions." <ref>http://www.coburn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorCoburn.Biography</ref>

Coburn has recently been criticized by the ''Marine Corps Times'' newspaper for stalling Senate approval of a major veterans' benefits bill. <ref>[http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/11/military_veteransbill_coburnhold_110309w/ Marine Corps Times, 3 November 2009.] </ref>

==External Links==
*[http://coburn.senate.gov/public/ Official Website]
*[http://www.ontheissues.org/Senate/Tom_Coburn.htm Coburn On the Issues]
==References==

<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Coburn, Tom}}
[[Category:United States Senators]]

[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category: 111th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 112th United States Congress]]
[[Category: 113th United States Congress]]
[[Category:Fiscal Conservatives]]
[[Category:The 100 Americans The Left Hates Most]]
[[Category:Oklahoma]]
[[Category:RINOs]]

Jill Stein

2013-08-06T23:53:44Z

PatrickB:

'''Jill Stein''' is the 2012 presidential nominee for the [[Green Party]]. Her running mate is [[Cheri Honkala]]. She strongly believes in enviromentalism, especially including using alternative energy instead of fossil fuels. Jill Stein was arrested in October 2012 for attempting to bring supplies (and Halloween candy) to people protesting the Keystone XL pipeline. <ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/green-party-candidate-jill-stein-arrested/2012/10/31/0f309970-2373-11e2-8448-81b1ce7d6978_story.html</ref>
{{2012 presidential candidates}}

<references/>
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stein, Jill}}
[[Category:Third Party Politicians]]
[[Category:2012 Presidential Candidates]]
[[Category:Liberals]]