The Lake County GOP is now five for five in its objections to the candidates slated by the Lake County Democrats for open positions on the county board and state representative races. We reported earlier regarding Chessmaster Terry Link's defeat on the four nominations for county board races, and just today, the panel ruled that Terry Hall, who was slated to run against State Rep. Sandy Cole, has been kicked off the ballot.
The gist of the Hall objection was that Hall filed on the last possible day, April 5th, with an address that was not her registered voting address--in fact, it was a "Mailboxes, Etc." type of PO Box address. The Lake County Dems then realized their mistake and tried to withdraw the nomination and refile with her correct registered voting address, but did not do so until April 9th, way after the filing deadline. The panel ruled that the improper address was not merely a scrivener's error, and the petition was therefore invalid. Ironically, by essentially admitting that they erred and tried to fix the mistake by withdrawing and refiling, it may have made their case even worse than it was. Tough luck, Terry.
As regular TA readers know, the GOP objection to Mark Beaubein's opponent, and the Dem objections to state senate candidate Keith Gray and state rep candidate Dan Sugrue are still pending.
UPDATED Thursday 6:30 a.m.: According to the Waukegan News-Sun, Dem operative "Sneaky" Pete Couvall said the Dems would "absolutely" appeal the Hall ruling. Well, no shocker that he'd say that to the press the same day they got their butts handed to them by the local electoral board. What's he supposed to say? "Yes, well, we got our asses kicked, so we're going to quit"? Not Couvall.
Well, we'll see if they actually appeal. You see, usually the notion behind an appeal is that you have a basis to win. Probably not the case here, from what I can tell (see discussion above).
The press also made the connection that Terry Hall is the sister of Lake County Chief Judge David Hall, who was arrested this week on DUI charges in Vernon Hills, and has pled not guilty. TA hears that Terry Hall did not show up to her own election hearing yesterday, and we suspect Terry has been keeping a low profile due to the David Hall story.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Terry Link and Lake County Dems on Defense, For a Change
Lake County Democratic Party chairman Terry Link filed a pretty desperate objection to the nominating papers of his GOP opponent, Keith Gray of Mettawa, but more on that later. I'm proud to say that the Lake County GOP has taken some back some initiative from their rivals, the Lake County Democratic party. Based on comments to our last post, this hasn't gone unnoticed among even the rank and file Dems, who seem to fall into three camps: Those who support Terry Link, and his hatchetman, Pete Couvall; those who support the "do-gooders", among them Lauren Beth Gash, Nancy Shepardson and that bunch; and those that aren't clued in enough to the local scene to know any better and think anyone with a "D" next to their name must be better than the "R" alternative (think Green, anyone?).
In any event, the lawyer for the Dems is rattling his saber and has stated that he plans to file an appeal of the recent ruling that the four Dem slated candidates for county board will not be on the fall ballot. See the Daily Herald update here. Based on what I know of the cases, at least three of the four are very likely to stand up on appeal.
GOP objections to two state rep contenders, and the Dems objections to GOP candidates Keith Gray and Dan Sugrue (running against State Rep. Kathy Ryg), will be resolved in the next few weeks.
I like our chances, though. Especially in the Alexander v. Gray (Cynthia Alexander is a Link disciple and is the complainant in the objection) complaint, the jist of the complaint appears to be that the GOP had a meeting to nominate Gray in Waukegan, and then later that same day, had a meeting in Green Oaks to nominate Dan Sugrue. Therefore, the two meetings could not have happened and someone must be lying.
Seriously, that's it.
I guess only Democrats are so inefficient that they cannot contemplate actually getting a nominating meeting done in one place, and then driving a few miles to do another meeting. You can see the original Alexander v. Gray complaint, and then Gray's Motion to Dismiss with Affidavit.
It seems pretty clear that Link is desperate to avoid having an opponent this fall. First, he really doesn't like to have to work at campaigning; his interest is really playing power politics and being Emil Jones' hatchetman. Based on his troubles in doing the nuts and bolts of campaigning like getting petitions signed by actual living voters, you can imagine why he'd much rather simply waltz into another term. Plus, he'd much rather be out in other states stumping for Barack Obama this fall (if the opportunity arises) than waste his time here among the unwashed voters of the 30th District.
MARK KIRK IN THE NEWS: A nice spread this morning on Mark Kirk's involvement in the remediation of the former OMC plant in Waukegan in the News-Sun. Dan Seals, you taking notes?
In any event, the lawyer for the Dems is rattling his saber and has stated that he plans to file an appeal of the recent ruling that the four Dem slated candidates for county board will not be on the fall ballot. See the Daily Herald update here. Based on what I know of the cases, at least three of the four are very likely to stand up on appeal.
GOP objections to two state rep contenders, and the Dems objections to GOP candidates Keith Gray and Dan Sugrue (running against State Rep. Kathy Ryg), will be resolved in the next few weeks.
I like our chances, though. Especially in the Alexander v. Gray (Cynthia Alexander is a Link disciple and is the complainant in the objection) complaint, the jist of the complaint appears to be that the GOP had a meeting to nominate Gray in Waukegan, and then later that same day, had a meeting in Green Oaks to nominate Dan Sugrue. Therefore, the two meetings could not have happened and someone must be lying.
Seriously, that's it.
I guess only Democrats are so inefficient that they cannot contemplate actually getting a nominating meeting done in one place, and then driving a few miles to do another meeting. You can see the original Alexander v. Gray complaint, and then Gray's Motion to Dismiss with Affidavit.
It seems pretty clear that Link is desperate to avoid having an opponent this fall. First, he really doesn't like to have to work at campaigning; his interest is really playing power politics and being Emil Jones' hatchetman. Based on his troubles in doing the nuts and bolts of campaigning like getting petitions signed by actual living voters, you can imagine why he'd much rather simply waltz into another term. Plus, he'd much rather be out in other states stumping for Barack Obama this fall (if the opportunity arises) than waste his time here among the unwashed voters of the 30th District.
MARK KIRK IN THE NEWS: A nice spread this morning on Mark Kirk's involvement in the remediation of the former OMC plant in Waukegan in the News-Sun. Dan Seals, you taking notes?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Terry Link: Has the Evil Chessmaster Lost His Touch? Lake County GOP Wins All Four County Board Challenges! (UPDATED)
Today's big local story is that the Lake County Republicans have succeeded in challenging the nomination petitions of the four slated candidates that Terry Link and the Lake County Dems put up against a number of incumbent Republican County Board members, including County Board Chairman Suzi Schmidt.
The races affected are: 3rd District (Mark Nielsen challenging incumbent County Board President Suzi Schmidt); 5th District (Steve Pearson challenging Bonnie Thompson Carter); 10th District Sari Hurtig challenging Diana O'Kelly); and 20th District (Davita Siegel challenging David Stolman). More background here. Dem operative "Sneaky" Pete Couvall attended the hearings and looked pretty P.O.'d. Sorry, Charlie.
The challenge to State Representative Sandy Cole's opponent, Terry Hall, is in the process of motion practice, so that decisions will probably be delayed for some time. The GOP objection to State Representative Mark Beaubien's opponent will likely not be decided for some time because that is being heard by the State Board of Elections, as his district straddles two counties, Lake and McHenry. On the Dem side, the Dem's objections to challengers Keith Gray (running against Terry Link) and Dan Sugrue also are being heard by the SBE (those districts include Lake and parts of Cook Counties).
The GOP victory against all four of the county board Dem hopefuls gives the local GOP a much-needed shot in the arm, after months of dealing with Obama-mania. That, plus the hope that they will be successful in the as-yet undecided challenges, and the Dems' various troubles (Link's petition scandal, Blago's impending indictment, anyone?), gives the Lake GOP hope to carry on the battle, for now.
The Dems, of course, will claim that their defeats today are simply a political hatchet job. But TA hears that the decision of the panel was well-articulated, and if the Dems really feel they got railroaded, they can always put their money where their large mouths are, and appeal to the circuit court. They are also in a poor position to claim that the Republicans are unfairly beating up on their slated candidates, considering the Dems filed challenges of their own (including a challenge to the poor Green guy in the 10th CD).
FRIDAY UPDATE: The Pioneer Press filed this story on the GOP victory. Interestingly, it quotes Sneaky Pete and identifies him as the Dem's First Vice-Chairman. Is this a mistake or did the Dems reappoint him after reportedly booting him only a few weeks ago? TA wonders, if Pioneer Press got it wrong and Couvall is out, what's he doing covering the hearings for the Dems and talking to the press? I had surely believed that they had jettisoned Couvall so that they did not risk the chance that their sitting vice-chairman would be the subject of some anticipated election fraud indictments...
BACK TO THE BIG PICTURE: Israel's UN Ambassador calls former President Jimmy Carter a bigot. Yes, the Dems really know how to increase our standing in the world, don't they?
Also, check out this great post from Little Green Footballs on Reverend Wright's idiotic attempt to defend himself for his words that he claims have been twisted for political purposes. He then goes on to basically say that he thinks the only reason Barack Obama disavowed his comments is simply because politics demanded that he do so... not because he really means it. Read the whole thing, then tell me if you think Obama is going to get elected.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Check out this video snippet of Wright's interview by Bill Moyers. It illustrates pretty well the hypocrisy that is evident in both Obama and Wright, given that Wright basically comes out and says he's not insulted that Obama cut him loose (sort of) because Obama was just saying that because he had to as a politician. Swell. Just the kind of "say whatever you need to win" guy I want for my president. h/t: Backyard Conservative
The races affected are: 3rd District (Mark Nielsen challenging incumbent County Board President Suzi Schmidt); 5th District (Steve Pearson challenging Bonnie Thompson Carter); 10th District Sari Hurtig challenging Diana O'Kelly); and 20th District (Davita Siegel challenging David Stolman). More background here. Dem operative "Sneaky" Pete Couvall attended the hearings and looked pretty P.O.'d. Sorry, Charlie.
The challenge to State Representative Sandy Cole's opponent, Terry Hall, is in the process of motion practice, so that decisions will probably be delayed for some time. The GOP objection to State Representative Mark Beaubien's opponent will likely not be decided for some time because that is being heard by the State Board of Elections, as his district straddles two counties, Lake and McHenry. On the Dem side, the Dem's objections to challengers Keith Gray (running against Terry Link) and Dan Sugrue also are being heard by the SBE (those districts include Lake and parts of Cook Counties).
The GOP victory against all four of the county board Dem hopefuls gives the local GOP a much-needed shot in the arm, after months of dealing with Obama-mania. That, plus the hope that they will be successful in the as-yet undecided challenges, and the Dems' various troubles (Link's petition scandal, Blago's impending indictment, anyone?), gives the Lake GOP hope to carry on the battle, for now.
The Dems, of course, will claim that their defeats today are simply a political hatchet job. But TA hears that the decision of the panel was well-articulated, and if the Dems really feel they got railroaded, they can always put their money where their large mouths are, and appeal to the circuit court. They are also in a poor position to claim that the Republicans are unfairly beating up on their slated candidates, considering the Dems filed challenges of their own (including a challenge to the poor Green guy in the 10th CD).
FRIDAY UPDATE: The Pioneer Press filed this story on the GOP victory. Interestingly, it quotes Sneaky Pete and identifies him as the Dem's First Vice-Chairman. Is this a mistake or did the Dems reappoint him after reportedly booting him only a few weeks ago? TA wonders, if Pioneer Press got it wrong and Couvall is out, what's he doing covering the hearings for the Dems and talking to the press? I had surely believed that they had jettisoned Couvall so that they did not risk the chance that their sitting vice-chairman would be the subject of some anticipated election fraud indictments...
BACK TO THE BIG PICTURE: Israel's UN Ambassador calls former President Jimmy Carter a bigot. Yes, the Dems really know how to increase our standing in the world, don't they?
Also, check out this great post from Little Green Footballs on Reverend Wright's idiotic attempt to defend himself for his words that he claims have been twisted for political purposes. He then goes on to basically say that he thinks the only reason Barack Obama disavowed his comments is simply because politics demanded that he do so... not because he really means it. Read the whole thing, then tell me if you think Obama is going to get elected.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Check out this video snippet of Wright's interview by Bill Moyers. It illustrates pretty well the hypocrisy that is evident in both Obama and Wright, given that Wright basically comes out and says he's not insulted that Obama cut him loose (sort of) because Obama was just saying that because he had to as a politician. Swell. Just the kind of "say whatever you need to win" guy I want for my president. h/t: Backyard Conservative
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Why Can't Barack Obama Close the Deal? and Other Questions
I stayed up a bit last night to watch the Pennsylvania primary returns come in until I was fairly certain Hillary would get her 10% win, which she apparently did (with, perhaps, a little help from rounding), but was also curious to get the first batch of spin on Hill's big victory from both Dems, and even some Republicans (I even listed to Pat Buchanan talking on some show for a few minutes). Some of the issues being discussed were:
---> Why can't Obama seem to put this thing to bed? He outspent Hillary 3:1 in Pennsylvania, and yes, he closed 'the gap' from where it was weeks ago, but you could see the pendulum starting to swing back to Hill, which is where it ended up. Have the Wright and "bitter-gate" issues damaged him irreparably?
---> If you count the 300,000 or so net votes that Hillary got in Florida, added to 200,000 or so in Penn, she starts to get within striking distance of perhaps 'winning' the total popular vote, which would be a serious blow to Obama's claim of entitlement to the superdelegates based on the fact he's won more states and has more regular delegates.
---> Say what you want about Hillary's margin, it may have not be a blowout for her, but it re-legitimizes a campaign that for a while, looked like it was coming (or about to come) under serious presssure to disband.
---> Hillary seems to have some success with pretty negative campaigning, even invoking Osama Bin Laden in one ad. She's likely to continue with what works. So, does Obama get down in the gutter with her, and risk (further) "tarnishing the brand", or does he try to keep above it all and take the jabs?
So, what does all of this mean? It means that the Dems will likely have right up until their convention to continue beating the snot out of each other, which is good for everyone. It's time for McCain to raise money for his coffers and stand on the sidelines to chime in here and there, when appropriate. The Dems are doing the work for him now, and it seems like few people now think the eventual Democratic nominee will emerge stronger than he or she might have without a bruising primary.
What does this mean for us here in Illinois and the 10th District/Lake County? First, I understand McCain has promised that he will come to Illinois, and Congressman Mark Kirk's close relationship with McCain would seem to almost guarantee that, no matter how "blue" Illinois might seem. Some GOPers are petrified that Obama will lift all the local Dem races if he is at the top of the ticket, but I'm not certain. Right now, the Hillary backers are so mad at Barack, they SAY they won't vote for him. I bet they forget their anger by November and go Dem but we'll see. I also suspect that if Obama is the nominee, the Dems will empty the State and send workers everywhere they can, except Illinois, which they will believe they have sewn up. People like Terry Link will be mad if they have to stay home and defend their seats in the face of petition scandals and other issues, since they'd much rather have a safe race at home and be out working for Obama, building up favors ("I knocked on five doors in Iowa for Obama! Can you believe it? Maybe I'll get a cabinet post?")
In addition, the other new political shocker last night was that Governor Blagojevich seems yet another step closer to being known nationally as "Public Official A". The Tribune reported that Ali Ata, a former high-ranking Blagojevich administration official, admitted he bought his $127,000-a-year state job by bribing Tony Rezko and making campaign contributions to Blagojevich. Depending on how Rezko-gate continues to shape up, this may all cause some tough questions for Obama on the campaign trail, as the cesspool of Illinois political corruption and his non-existent record of bucking it will surely be an issue in the fall.
LOCALLY-- No update available yet on the Terry Link petition scandal, but the Lake County State's Attorney's office is still investigating. TA predicts that several indictments will be made, but how high they will go is anyone's guess. Assuming Link's GOP opponent, Keith Gray, survives his nomination challenge, that will be a huge issue in the fall election. The local GOP's task is to dirty up Link enough that Obama, should he win the nomination, won't touch Link (his old poker pal) as to endorsements or campaign support.
---> Why can't Obama seem to put this thing to bed? He outspent Hillary 3:1 in Pennsylvania, and yes, he closed 'the gap' from where it was weeks ago, but you could see the pendulum starting to swing back to Hill, which is where it ended up. Have the Wright and "bitter-gate" issues damaged him irreparably?
---> If you count the 300,000 or so net votes that Hillary got in Florida, added to 200,000 or so in Penn, she starts to get within striking distance of perhaps 'winning' the total popular vote, which would be a serious blow to Obama's claim of entitlement to the superdelegates based on the fact he's won more states and has more regular delegates.
---> Say what you want about Hillary's margin, it may have not be a blowout for her, but it re-legitimizes a campaign that for a while, looked like it was coming (or about to come) under serious presssure to disband.
---> Hillary seems to have some success with pretty negative campaigning, even invoking Osama Bin Laden in one ad. She's likely to continue with what works. So, does Obama get down in the gutter with her, and risk (further) "tarnishing the brand", or does he try to keep above it all and take the jabs?
So, what does all of this mean? It means that the Dems will likely have right up until their convention to continue beating the snot out of each other, which is good for everyone. It's time for McCain to raise money for his coffers and stand on the sidelines to chime in here and there, when appropriate. The Dems are doing the work for him now, and it seems like few people now think the eventual Democratic nominee will emerge stronger than he or she might have without a bruising primary.
What does this mean for us here in Illinois and the 10th District/Lake County? First, I understand McCain has promised that he will come to Illinois, and Congressman Mark Kirk's close relationship with McCain would seem to almost guarantee that, no matter how "blue" Illinois might seem. Some GOPers are petrified that Obama will lift all the local Dem races if he is at the top of the ticket, but I'm not certain. Right now, the Hillary backers are so mad at Barack, they SAY they won't vote for him. I bet they forget their anger by November and go Dem but we'll see. I also suspect that if Obama is the nominee, the Dems will empty the State and send workers everywhere they can, except Illinois, which they will believe they have sewn up. People like Terry Link will be mad if they have to stay home and defend their seats in the face of petition scandals and other issues, since they'd much rather have a safe race at home and be out working for Obama, building up favors ("I knocked on five doors in Iowa for Obama! Can you believe it? Maybe I'll get a cabinet post?")
In addition, the other new political shocker last night was that Governor Blagojevich seems yet another step closer to being known nationally as "Public Official A". The Tribune reported that Ali Ata, a former high-ranking Blagojevich administration official, admitted he bought his $127,000-a-year state job by bribing Tony Rezko and making campaign contributions to Blagojevich. Depending on how Rezko-gate continues to shape up, this may all cause some tough questions for Obama on the campaign trail, as the cesspool of Illinois political corruption and his non-existent record of bucking it will surely be an issue in the fall.
LOCALLY-- No update available yet on the Terry Link petition scandal, but the Lake County State's Attorney's office is still investigating. TA predicts that several indictments will be made, but how high they will go is anyone's guess. Assuming Link's GOP opponent, Keith Gray, survives his nomination challenge, that will be a huge issue in the fall election. The local GOP's task is to dirty up Link enough that Obama, should he win the nomination, won't touch Link (his old poker pal) as to endorsements or campaign support.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Jimmy Carter Comes Up With the Goose Egg in Hamas Negotiations
Well, big shocker, folks... after his much-ballyhooed trip to meet with Hamas, former President Jimmy Carter was unable to get Hamas to recognize Israel, exchange Israeli prisoners, or even to agree to a simple one-month cease-fire in the Gaza Strip. Read the Chicago Tribune coverage here.
State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey was quoted as stating that "What is clear to us is that there certainly is no change in Hamas' position. It does not recognize Israel's right to exist, it has not eschewed or walked away from terrorism and violence, nor has it said it will honor any of the previous agreements that have been made with the Israeli government."
Carter, of course, continues to 'blame America' and believes the problem is us, not them: "We believe the problem is not that I met with Hamas and Syria. The problem is that Israel and the United States refuse to meet with these people, who must be involved."
Hmm... so whatever happened to the notion that he was going over there as a simple representative of his foundation, and not an international diplomat? Sure sounds like he went over to try to manipulate U.S. and Israeli foreign affairs to me.
Well, now that Carter is wrapping up his little Middle East escapade, maybe he can get back home and start stumping for Barack Obama and do some damage where it would do the most good (that is, to the Obama campaign).
State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey was quoted as stating that "What is clear to us is that there certainly is no change in Hamas' position. It does not recognize Israel's right to exist, it has not eschewed or walked away from terrorism and violence, nor has it said it will honor any of the previous agreements that have been made with the Israeli government."
Carter, of course, continues to 'blame America' and believes the problem is us, not them: "We believe the problem is not that I met with Hamas and Syria. The problem is that Israel and the United States refuse to meet with these people, who must be involved."
Hmm... so whatever happened to the notion that he was going over there as a simple representative of his foundation, and not an international diplomat? Sure sounds like he went over to try to manipulate U.S. and Israeli foreign affairs to me.
Well, now that Carter is wrapping up his little Middle East escapade, maybe he can get back home and start stumping for Barack Obama and do some damage where it would do the most good (that is, to the Obama campaign).
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Lake County GOP Spring Gala Features Congressmen Mark Kirk and Eric Cantor; Team America Gets a Plug!
This past Friday, the Lake County Republican Federation hosted its 46th annual Spring Gala, featuring Congressman and deputy minority whip Eric Cantor of Virgina, as well as our own Congressman Mark Kirk of the 10th District. This dinner is the largest annual gathering of Republicans in Lake County, and about 550 people were in attendance.
Congressman Cantor delivered a rousing speech, and declared that the GOP strategy was to provide a firewall against "Obama-mania." read more about the event in the Waukegan News-Sun here. Elected Officials and GOP candidates were introduced, as usual, including 8th CD candidate Steve Greenberg. But, the biggest applause of the night (including two standing ovations) was deservedly given up for Mark Kirk.
Speaking of Mark Kirk, Team America regulars know about all of the work Mark Kirk has been up to lately, but here's another one: taking the lead on ridding our streets of illegal guns.
All in all, it was a great evening, filled with camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm. Federation President Sandy Stuart even managed to work in a plug for the Team America blog in his welcoming address! Lake County Dems, eat your heart out. No matter how much they'd like to believe Lake County is turning blue, they still can't put on a show like this one, nor one that draws nearly as many people or raises as much money.
Congressman Cantor delivered a rousing speech, and declared that the GOP strategy was to provide a firewall against "Obama-mania." read more about the event in the Waukegan News-Sun here. Elected Officials and GOP candidates were introduced, as usual, including 8th CD candidate Steve Greenberg. But, the biggest applause of the night (including two standing ovations) was deservedly given up for Mark Kirk.
Speaking of Mark Kirk, Team America regulars know about all of the work Mark Kirk has been up to lately, but here's another one: taking the lead on ridding our streets of illegal guns.
All in all, it was a great evening, filled with camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm. Federation President Sandy Stuart even managed to work in a plug for the Team America blog in his welcoming address! Lake County Dems, eat your heart out. No matter how much they'd like to believe Lake County is turning blue, they still can't put on a show like this one, nor one that draws nearly as many people or raises as much money.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Mark Kirk Sponsors Resolution Condemning Hamas (UPDATED)
Our own Congressman Mark Kirk has teamed up with Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D-NV) to introduce House Resolution 1110, which condemns Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization responsible for the murders of 26 U.S. citizens. So far, I believe about 30 other members have signed up to support the resolution.
AIPAC is pushing for additional support for the resolution, and notes the following in an e-mail making the rounds: The resolution calls on Hamas to renounce terrorism, fully disarm and recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It also reaffirms the House of Representative's strong support for Israel's right to defend her citizens against continuing Hamas terrorism. It also notes the following points:
Get ready for another Dan Seals "Me too!" press release in a few days, after he's had a chance to think about it and huddle with his advisors.
UPDATED: Jewish Telegraphic Agency Notes Kirk Resolution: The JTA noted the house resolution condemning Hamas that was sponsored by Mark Kirk. Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va), who is the deputy minority whip, stated "We ought to be screaming from the rafters about the lack of judgment in the former president going to a known terrorist. Khaled Mashaal is the worst of the worst."
Coincidentally, Congressman Cantor will be in town tonight as the keynote speaker at the Lake County Republican Federation Spring Gala, at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. The Spring Gala is the largest annual gathering of Republicans in Lake County, with attendance this year expected to top 600 people.
AIPAC is pushing for additional support for the resolution, and notes the following in an e-mail making the rounds: The resolution calls on Hamas to renounce terrorism, fully disarm and recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. It also reaffirms the House of Representative's strong support for Israel's right to defend her citizens against continuing Hamas terrorism. It also notes the following points:
- In light of former President Carter's meeting with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal in Damascus, Congress needs to remind the world Hamas is a terrorist organization calling for Israel's destruction and responsible for the death of American citizens.
- Since 1989, Hamas has killed more than 500 people, including 26 Americans, and has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States and the EU.
- Hamas should be isolated until they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and accept past agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
- Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas and other Iranian and Syrian-backed terrorists have fired more than 6,000 rockets and mortars at Israeli population centers. Hamas also continues to smuggle weapons and build up its infrastructure for future conflict with Israel.
- Israel has been remarkably restrained in the face of continuing Hamas rocket attacks. If these attacks continue, Israel may need to take more vigorous action to exercise its inherent right to defend her citizens from such wanton violence.
Get ready for another Dan Seals "Me too!" press release in a few days, after he's had a chance to think about it and huddle with his advisors.
UPDATED: Jewish Telegraphic Agency Notes Kirk Resolution: The JTA noted the house resolution condemning Hamas that was sponsored by Mark Kirk. Congressman Eric Cantor (R-Va), who is the deputy minority whip, stated "We ought to be screaming from the rafters about the lack of judgment in the former president going to a known terrorist. Khaled Mashaal is the worst of the worst."
Coincidentally, Congressman Cantor will be in town tonight as the keynote speaker at the Lake County Republican Federation Spring Gala, at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. The Spring Gala is the largest annual gathering of Republicans in Lake County, with attendance this year expected to top 600 people.
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