Tuesday, April 13, 2010

There's one for you, nineteen for me

First, a little campaign SAB for ya:

Democrat Mark Lakers, announcing his candidacy for Governor and The Office's Dwight Schrute, announcing himself:


On that note, Governor Dave Heineman stated that he has raised a total of $1.6 million for his reelection campaign. Lakers wouldn't release his numbers to the OWH. (Because they were too awesome?)

***

The Omaha City Council will choose the person who will take the District 7 seat, which was resigned by Chuck Sigerson.

We sent out a guesstionaire to a list of Omaha politicos, and from what we got back, 50% say Jeri Regan will get the nod (followed by 25% who think Gary Kudym). And one person suggested Steve Kraft, after a few deadlocked rounds (just to get the political juices flowing).

Of course, getting the nod from the council is one thing. Getting (re)elected by the voters is a whole 'nother.

**UPDATE!**

And it goes to Republican Thomas Mulligan! Well, ain't that a corker.
FWIW, we had ONE responder come up with Mulligan. (And that person knows who that person is...)

***

Be sure to read this NYT story about how the new health care law may just screw Members of Congress and Congressional staffers out of their health care coverage.

The gist is that the Congressional Research Service wrote an 8,100 word memo trying to explain that the new law is not clear, but that various staffers and Members may be S.O.L. on their coverage.

Now...do you think that was their intention when this thing was written and voted on?
Of course not.

So do you think Members of Congress really have any idea what the real implications of that monstrosity are going to be on the general public?
Of course not.

But hey, it HAD to be crammed down everyone's throat as quickly as possible! Right?  Right?

(Well, that's what Senator Nelson and candidate Tom White, among others, have told you.)

***

On a personal note, we here on Leavenworth Street have been working on our taxes lately.

Oh, and by the way, doing taxes BLOWS.

Is that clear enough?

So after you've balled up that frustration and anger of just doing your taxes -- and then tighten it up if you had to write a check as well -- look for a vessel to express those emotions.

And now you see where the Tea Party movement comes from.

For many people they get that frustration out of them after a day or two and move on with their lives. Others look for something or somewhere to focus their efforts. After not wanting to bother with the official political parties (as we talked about in a recent post) they jump to the gigs with speakers and music and sign waving.

That is a pretty basic way of looking at what is going on. And it will come to a head on April 15th.
But will it dissipate afterwards? We will see.

***

And by the way, though a certain candidate states in his campaign advertising that:
Independents or 'Non-Partisans' CAN vote in the primary for Matt. Just ask for the Republican Congressional Ballot.
This is 100% 50% incorrect. One must be a registered Republican, or registered as "Non-Partisan" to vote in the Republican primary.  A registered Independent cannot vote in the primary.

We're here to help.

**Update**

A commenter references the Nebraska Voter Registration Application, which states:



Note: If you wish to vote in both partisan and non-partisan primary elections for state and local offices, you must indicate a political party affiliation on the registration application.
If you register without a political party affiliation (non-partisan) you will receive only non-partisan ballots for state and local offices at the primary elections.
If you register without a political party affiliation, you may vote in partisan primary elections for congressional offices.
(Emphasis ours.)

Registered Independents don't get to vote in the GOP primary.

**UPDATE UPDATE**

From Election Commissioner Dave Phipps (assuming it's the real him) in the Comments section:
Here's the deal on voting in the Primary. There are two recognized parties in Nebraska: Republican and Democrat. If you do not wish to register with either party, you can choose to be nonpartisan (no party affiliation). There is no such thing as being registered as an "independent."


In the case of Republicans, you will see Lee and Matt's name on the ballot, plus all the other partisan races. You will also vote for all nonpartisan offices (Legislature, School Board, etc) as well as bond issues and state issues.


If you are a nonpartisan voter, you will not see any partisan races at all. You will be able to vote on nonpartisan races and bond and state issues. You may request a Republican or Democrat Federal Ballot which includes U.S. House and U.S. Senate races on it (there is no Senate race this year). So, if you ask for the Republican Federal Ballot, you will be able to vote for Lee or Matt.


I hope that helps clear up the confusion.
To the extent we've added to any confusion, we apologize.

But we'd still ask, what happens if a person fills in the "Other" blank provided on the form and enters, say, "Nebraska Party", or enters "Independent" or "Independent Party" in that blank?  That's registering with a political affiliation and should restrict you from voting in either the Dem or GOP primary.

Ah well.  Rock on.

40 comments:

Eric said...

100% incorrect?

Is the voter registration application lying to me?


Note: If you wish to vote in both partisan and non-partisan primary elections for state and local offices, you must indicate a political party affiliation on the registration application.
If you register without a political party affiliation (non-partisan) you will receive only non-partisan ballots for state and local offices at the primary elections.
If you register without a political party affiliation, you may vote in partisan primary elections for congressional offices.

farm boy said...

We get it, Sweeper. You like the Tea Party movement. Many of us do.

But should the Tea Party transform into a viable (or not-so-viable) third party, it means doom for conservatives.

Let's hope Tea Partiers use their momentum and give the Republican Party one more chance to dust off its traditional, conservative, values-oriented roots. That's the only way we salvage the federal mess we are facing.

It's nice knowing the Tea Partiers are holding the GOP's feet to the fire. But the leftists' "third parties" -- the greens, labor, teachers, trial lawyers, etc. -- huddled under the Dems' tent long ago. That is why Barack won in 2008.

To the white, liberal, country clubbers who still remain in the GOP, I say leave our tent or make room for the Tea Partiers. As the big-eared one says: their time has come.

Anonymous said...

On a side note, if you look at the FEC web page, it appears as if Rebekkah Davis had to borrow money from Mommy to cover her filing fee. Check the "other expendatures" section and it shows a loan repayment to Mommy of $1740, the exact amount of the filing fee. "Please Mommy, can I have some money to run for Congress, please, please?!" This is even better than Jim Esch having Daddy be his spokesman. Nice candidates Dems!

Street Sweeper said...

FB,
I never said I liked the Tea Party movement. I like talking about the Tea Party movement. But I don't think we've expressed a preference for them one way or another.
SS

Street Sweeper said...

Eric,
Thank you for pointing out our over-broad statement. We have corrected, and noted. If anyone believes our correction is incorrect, we will take it under advisement.
-Ed.

Anonymous said...

Maybe Matt is thinking of the voter laws in Texas or California where he used to live and where he now makes his cash to pay for his boat. HMMM, I wonder if his boat is registered the way that poor boat dealing state senator's boat is registered? Has anyone checked?

Anonymous said...

Why do Dems even have candidates in some parts of Nebraska? They're wasting their time, man. There's no way in hell the NE electorate will allow a Dem in NE-1-or-3 (heck, in my opinion, NE-2 is questionable most of the time). Why would anybody try to fund them when the political science works so hard against them???

Anonymous said...

If you are not registered as a republican and go to the polls on 5/11, you will NOT see either matt sakowlossky or Lee Terry's name on your ballot period.

Anonymous said...

It seems Brad "Bleeding Heart Liberal" Ashford is having a fundraiser at Happy Hollow Country Club to promote awareness of violence in North Omaha.

"The campaign will focus on urging people to lock up their guns, report stolen guns and keep an eye on their children."

Does Brad Ashford really think we need to spend money on this??? Come On Brad, I think responsible parents already know this. I have a better idea. Why don't you and Dick Holland go out on a Saturday night and preach your Gospel at the corner of 40th & Bedford or better yet have a few of the people who live down there at your Black Tie Event!!

Mad taxpayer said...

I can think of 994,177 reasons why Kermit Brashear should not represent any public entity!!!

Solomon Kleinsmith said...

Regarding the guns comment...

A lot of people think its okay to buy guns for people who can't get them legally, and think they can just say that they were stolen... thinking they wont get in trouble if that 'stolen' gun is later used in a crime. Thats at least part of what this is about... I forget if its law, but people want to make it a crime if a gun they own is stolen, and they don't report it.

Anonymous said...

Great Point Solomon, but I think the real point is Brad Ashford is a grandstanding idiot!!! I think people need to remember that back in 1994 Brad Asford wanted handguns banned.

Dayton Headlee said...

What do I need to register as so I can vote for Mike Sakialosky?!?!?

Anonymous said...

There is no such thing as a registered independent in Nebraska. In Nebraska, right now, individuals can register Republican, Democrat or Non-Partisan. That's it. If they are registered Republican or non-partisan, they can vote in the Republican Primary for Congress.

So, saying that registered independents can't vote in a Republican primary is technically correct. Mostly because people can't register as independents so there aren't any.

Anonymous said...

Jean Stothert Rocks!!! Thank you Jean for delivering the goods!!!!

Anonymous said...

The Lakers Facebook page has this posted:

Friends, the media doesnt quite have the financial picture accurate -- Mark started raising money and pledges after his press conf April 1. The period ended April 6. Mark set a goal to raise $300,000. The report reflects over $314,000 pledged April 1-6. DAMN IMPRESSIVE. DH raised 408k from January-April 6 and has ...1.7M now, so consider checking out our website and contributing there. -Jon Degner, Campaign Manager

Anonymous said...

...and when you can post that on Facebook, instead of telling the largest state newspaper, you always go with the social media site, right Jon?

Who Is Lakers? said...

"The report reflects over $314,000 pledged April 1-6."

And $100,000 of that is Lakers' own money.

Half-baked. Time to try your luck at school board again, Mark.

Anonymous said...

Brad Ashford is such a powerful Republican that Steve Lathrop is using him as his token Republican supporter. LOL

Had to stop, laughing too hard. What a pair.

Ashford is not a RINO. He is a Democrat. Period. We should recruit someone to petition onto the ballot and beat that weazle.

Anonymous said...

Heineman - $400,000 in 3 months.
Lakers - $214,000 in a week.

'Nuf said.

Jamie said...

I looked at Lakers' financial report today from the NADC... he has donated tens of thousands of dollars from his own bank account, in his wife's name, and on behalf of his bank and subsidiaries. I imagine he's exhausted the quick, big money he has access to, so imagine that money to slow down significantly.

Jamie said...

Oh, not to mention Mr. Lakers doesn't actually have most of that cash. He in fact has only raised $46,400, including $21,000 of his own money. The rest of the money in that $300K+ is money people have pledged to give, not actual money that is guaranteed to come in.

In fact, $90,000 of that pledged money is from him and his wife. Who knows? They don't get enough donations, they don't see winning the election, I think he may pull his own "clams" outta the race.

One Out In The Third said...

Hate to change the subject but just caught Ol' Earmark on Greta. The interview proved to me in no uncertain terms that when the hairy one loses in 2012 he will rise from the ashes like the Phoenix as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars...either that or as a professional dodgeball player.

He danced and dodged through the whole interview. Denial...ignorance and a plethora of other artful dodges. I also believe Greta should be his partner on DWTS...she had him moving in every direction. Good job Greta...revealing the fool he really is.

Anonymous said...

and now for something completely different

David said...

SS,

You know, unless you clear more than $250k in a year, you are actually paying taxes at a lower rate than you were last year.

Imagine how much more frustrating paying your taxes would be if we still had the HIGHER rates that existed under G.W. Bush. The horror!!

Nathan said...

Imagine the pain from the tax rates under Reagan! Its a wonder why these tea bagging idiots weren't around to call him a socialist, Marxist, Leninist, communist or any -ist or -ism.

Get your facts straight said...

Is David, David Sund???? I think you are wrong on your tax rates buddy. Why don't you add all the Health care taxes (ie medicare) and the loss of deductions and you are at a higher effective rate.

oh did anybody see this on Drudge

SHOCK POLL: 2012 Presidential Election Match-Up

Barack Obama 42%
Ron Paul 41%


Ron Paul is even viable with Obama on the ballot....lol

Anonymous said...

It looks like the Democrats on the Omaha City Council decided to give the open seat to a Republican. Mulligan is in. The Dems can't even find one of their own for an office when they hold all the cards.

Dave Phipps said...

Here's the deal on voting in the Primary. There are two recognized parties in Nebraska: Republican and Democrat. If you do not wish to register with either party, you can choose to be nonpartisan (no party affiliation). There is no such thing as being registered as an "independent."

In the case of Republicans, you will see Lee and Matt's name on the ballot, plus all the other partisan races. You will also vote for all nonpartisan offices (Legislature, School Board, etc) as well as bond issues and state issues.

If you are a nonpartisan voter, you will not see any partisan races at all. You will be able to vote on nonpartisan races and bond and state issues. You may request a Republican or Democrat Federal Ballot which includes U.S. House and U.S. Senate races on it (there is no Senate race this year). So, if you ask for the Republican Federal Ballot, you will be able to vote for Lee or Matt.

I hope that helps clear up the confusion.

Macdaddy said...

Obama has the perfect solution for avoiding income taxes....no income!

Not David Sund said...

Anon 9:26 -

Since I can't link, Google "stimulus tax cut." I think the third result has the best and quickest wrap up.

In short, 95 percent of Americans (those making less than $250k per couple or $200k individual) will pay $400-800 less in federal taxes this year because of the stimulus bill.

Are we straight on our facts now?

Right Wing Professor said...

It seems Brad "Bleeding Heart Liberal" Ashford is having a fundraiser at Happy Hollow Country Club to promote awareness of violence in North Omaha.

Couldn't one just stay home and watch the 9 o clock news on Channel 42?

Macdaddy said...

If 47% don't pay income tax, you're stealing a base if you are including them in the 95%.

David said...

Macdaddy:

The "making work pay" credit is fully refundable. Meaning people who don't make enough to pay income taxes (but who do pay payroll taxes) still get the credit.

Anonymous said...

I don't think the Election Commissioner should be referring to the Congressman by first name or the other guy by first name.

It doesn't sound very professional, but then again, look who...

macdaddy said...

If you are getting more from the government than you are paying in taxes, it is welfare, not a tax cut. Call it a tax credit or whatever, you are still getting something for nothing and it is ridiculous. To try to then claim that those welfare payments are tax cuts is the baloney that the Tea Partiers have had enough of.

macdaddy said...

Oh, and payroll taxes are not taxes. They are a contribution to a pension. Just like any other pension you may have at work. Of course, if you are under 40 years old, you can be forgiven for calling it a tax since you won't see a dime of it, ever.

Anonymous said...

macdaddy, you're only half right.

If you are getting more from the government than you are paying in taxes, it is ECONOMIC DEVELOPEMENT, not a tax cut, IF YOU'RE A CORPORATION. Call it a tax credit or whatever, you are still getting something for nothing and it is ridiculous.

The welfare mothers driving Cadillacs are the wives of corporate executives. Their husbands have drivers escorting them around in more expensive European cars.

Anonymous said...

In Nebraska the welfare mothers driving Cadillacs are farmers wives. Their husbands are plowing up government subsidies.

Anonymous said...

11:53 PM, April 15, 2010

Amen to that! Want to see where the rest of your hard earned tax dollars are going? Drive by your local high school. All the farmers' kids are driving brand new four wheel drive pickup trucks maxed out with all the optionals. But of course the poor farmers have no money. All those trucks belong to the 'corporation'. As do the Cadillacs the moms are driving to the country club.

Maybe it is time that we looked into government welfare for farmers, like paying them to grow nothing!