Interview With Bill Randall for Congress (NC-13)

Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 116 in our ongoing series. Today we are fortunate enough to be interviewing GOP candidate for the House of Representative Bill Randall, from North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Mr. Randall is a veteran of the armed forces and faces Democrat Brad Miller in the fall elections.




1. Why are you the best candidate for your district?

I intend to listen to the constituents, research the issue thoroughly, and vote according to sound principles that best represent the voters. My military and business experience will enable me to bring a measure of leadership that is critical for a U.S. Representative.

2. What is the #1 priority you would tackle for the people of North Carolina?

Jobs (in the private sector) and revitalizing the economy.

3. Do you support repealing/rewriting the recently passed Health Care Reform bill?

If this bill was passed on the basis of truth (and not deception), actually cuts costs as promised, and delivers an improvement of overall health care to the country... why would I want to have it repealed? But on the other hand, if it was fraudulent legislation, increases the financial burden on the American people, and does NOT improve the overall health care of the country (as we were told it did) ...I will lead the charge to repeal the bill.

4. Has President Obama been better/worse than you expected?

President Obama has not delivered on the promises he made while running for office. He has done nothing to veto (stop) the terrible legislation that the majority party has passed in the past 18 months (against the will of most Americans). In this respect, I’d have to say that President Obama’s performance has been disappointing.

5. What has been your proudest moment in public service?

Serving on active duty in the United States Navy. While on active duty, I was most proud of having been selected to serve as a Command Master Chief aboard a guided missile cruiser: USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in the year 2000.

6. When did you decide to run for Congress?

My decision to run was made after my wife and I prayed about it in June 2009.

7. Anything else you'd like to add?

I hope that the voters support a candidate on the merits of their candidacy… instead of their political party. If a fair and honest comparison is made, most will find me to be a person who will represent their interests in Washington D.C. better than my political opponent. Thank you.

http://www.randallforcongress.com/

Don't forget to comment and to bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Castle vs. O'Donnell - It's about GOP control.

What do you know about Delaware? Probably not much. It was originally settled by the Dutch, then the Swedish, and it was eventually forced into submission by the English, who in turn sold it to William Penn. It would later become the first State to support the United States Constitution, and later on was only one of a handful of slave states to remain in the Union.

Quite interesting, eh? I bet most Americans didn't know that much about Delaware, which is why it's so interesting that nearly every Conservative blog, website, and radio show is following the race of the day: Delaware's GOP Senatorial Primary between Michael Castle and Christine O'Donnell.

Michael Castle is the Republican Liberal in Congress, while Christine O'Donnell is the two-time failed Conservative Republican in Delaware. It pains me to write that, but what's true is what's true. Conservatives cannot select either candidate based on their votes or positions, but on which candidate can win in November and help Republicans regain control of the US Senate next January.

Michael Castle has won statewide elected office ten times without problem, and he's a sure vote for Senator Mitch McConnell to be the Senate Majority Leader in 2011. Christine O'Donnell has lost in Delaware twice before, once as a write-in candidate after she lost the Republican Nomination to face-off against Tom Carper in 2006, and again to Joe Biden in 2008 by 29 points as the Republican Nominee.

Republicans have a chance to regain control of the US Senate, and in order to do that we need Michael Castle to be our Nominee in Delaware...He's the only Republican that can defeat Democrat Chris Coons in November of this year or next year. That's a shame, but no other Republican (Conservative or Liberal) has won statewide office in Delaware, besides for Michael Castle since the early 1990's (excluding the State Auditor, Tom Wagner).

Tell me, who should we support: Castle or O'Donnell?

The answer is simple: Michael Castle for United States Senate.

Castle has won statewide office 13 times, 10 as Congressman.





Consider advertising on our site!

Primary Mania Predictions - August 24, 2010.

For the latest results, please visit our other Primary Mania article.

Today is Primary Mania in the United States of America, especially in Republican precincts, and as such, I decided to compile a list of the more interesting battles that are unfolding across the United States today, and offer my personal predictions. Please feel free to comment, and if you reside in any of the Primary states - Alaska, Arizona, and Florida - please get out there and vote.

Alaska's Senatorial Republican Primary

Senator Lisa Murkowski will defeat Joe Miller, who is backed by Sarah Palin and Tea Party groups by a 60-40% margin. Closer than expected, but a Murkowski win nonetheless, and a clear case of Palin backstabbing (she originally supported Murkowski last year).

Arizona's Senatorial Republican Primary

Senator John McCain will defeat Congressman JD Hayworth by a 70-25% margin, with a third lesser known candidate receiving the rest. Both have received the endorsement of Conservative individuals and organizations in Arizona, but Tea Partiers have mostly stayed out of the Primary.

Arizona's 3rd Congressional Repblican Primary

Will the Republican voters of Arizona's 3rd congressional district support attorney Ben Quayle, State Senator Pamela Gorman, or Paradise Valley Mayor, Vernon Parker? I personally have no idea who will win today, but I'm doubtful it will be the son of Vice-President Quayle, as a sex scandal has embroiled his campaign.

Florida's Gubernatorial Republican Primary

This Primary battle is nasty. Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum and Businessman Rick Scott have been tearing at one-another for the past few weeks via television advertisements. I support the Attorney General due to his very conservative record, and according to a recent poll of close to 800 Republicans: 39% (a plurality) of GOP voters do as well. But this race is up in the air.

Any thoughts?





Consider advertising on our site!

Dino Rossi slaughters Clint Didier in Washington Primary.

Washington State held their unusual Primary vote yesterday, one in which all of the Democratic, Republican, and Independent candidates square off against one-another in a top 2 primary, and the candidates, regardless of political affiliation, who have the two highest vote totals when the day is over, will face off in November.

The results were not good for either Senator Murray or Clint Didier:

Patty Murray (D) - 433,211 - 46.04%
Dino Rossi (R) - 319,708 - 33.98%.
Clint Didier (R) - 112,774 - 11.99%.
Paul Akers (R) - 23,889 - 2.54%.
Charles Allen (D) - 7,973 - 0.85%.

Ouch.

Dino Rossi, the mainstream Republican candidate in the Primary defeated Mr.Didier, who can only be kindly described as Libertarian, by a margin of over 200,000 votes. Obviously Sarah's power (Mrs.Palin endorsed Didier over Rossi) doesn't have a significant impact with the voters of Washington State.

However, the results were even worse for Senator Pat Murray, as not even 50% of all voters in the State of Washington supported her in a Primary dominated by Republican infighting. And when you breakdown the results by political affiliation, Republicans are no longer the minority party in a certain deep blue state.

Republican Party (6 candidates) - 496,364 - 49.89%
Democratic Party (5 candidates) - 456,290 - 48.50%
Independents/Other (4 candidates) - 15,236 - 1.62%

I'm hopeful that Dino Rossi can unite all 496,364 Washington State voters who supported one of six Republican Party candidates behind his crucial Senatorial campaign, and that his campaign will add even more voters by November, in what is one of the most important races of 2010.

Any thoughts?

Consider advertising on our site!

Hayworth trails Democrat opponent in Arizona.

Supporters of Senator John McCain often tout his fiscal discipline, his record on National Defense and our Troops, and his common Conservatism that has led to a 81% rating from the ACU. But, I have a feeling that McCainiacs will soon be adding Only McCain Can Win Arizona in their touted reasons.

According to a new poll from Ramussen Reports, Senator John McCain is leading his potential Democratic opponent by close to 20%. However, McCain's Republican foe, JD Hayworth, trails their common Democratic opponent by 5%, and close to 30% of pro-McCain voters obviously will not support Hayworth if he is the eventual Republican Nominee (at least for now).

Rasmussen Reports Survey of 500 Likely Voters:

Sen. John McCain (R) - 53%.
Rodney Glassman (D) - 34%.
Some other candidate - 11%.
Not Sure - 3%.

Rodney Glassman (D) - 43%.
Rep. JD Hayworth (R) - 38%.
Some other candidate - 13%.
Not Sure - 6%.

This poll is shocking. I have always figured that if Hayworth were to beat McCain, that at least the Senate seat would remain in Republican hands and that we would have a National Defense supporter oncemore. That last part now means nothing, because Hayworth cannot win, McCain can, and only McCain will.

What's your choice: Victory or Defeat?

Consider advertising on our site!

Who to support: Didier or Rossi?

According to a new Rasmussen Reports poll out of Washington state, Senator Patty Murray (D) is trailing both of her potential Republican opponents: former football player Chris Didier, and two time Gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi. Leaving Washington Republicans with a grand chance to defeat the liberalist of Senator's in a deep blue state.

However, with the Senatorial election no longer about selecting a token candidate, Republicans must take into account what kind of Senator their eventual Nominee would be. And when we look at that, Chris Didier doesn't belong within 10,000 miles of Washington D.C., let alone being the GOP candidate for US Senate anywhere.

Clint Didier on National Defense:

1. America should withdrawal all Troops from all Overseas Bases.

2. America should not be involved in International Affairs.

3. Distorts Reagan policy of "Peace through Strength".

4. Disagrees with Bush Doctrine on Nations harbouring Terrorists.

5. Distorts Congressional Approval of Wars in Middle East.

6. Wants America to leave the UN immediately.

7. Does not believe in "Free Trade Agreements".

8. Was endorsed by Congressman Ron Paul two weeks ago.

He might wrap his "Isolationism Flag" with the Founders, but he's really wrapping it with Ron Paul, Pat Buchanan, Ann Coulter, and other Libertarian fruitcakes. When Republicans control the Senate again, we need pro-national defense members in our Caucus, not anti-defense nuts who join the Democratic Caucus on what really matters.

Didier is unqualified for the Republican Nomination, and Sarah Palin is a jackass for endorsing this clown.

Consider advertising on our site!

Primary Preview - June 8, 2010.

Millions of Republican voters will be selecting their candidates of choice this morning, afternoon and evening across the entire Nation. Close to a dozen states will be holding primaries today, but all political eyes will be on Arkansas, California, and Nevada; as interesting Senatorial races on both sides of the aisle will be resolved by midnight tonight.

Arkansas

Arkansas Democrats will have to choose between Senator Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Governor Bill Halter today; possibly redefining Arkansas politics. While Lt. Governor Halter is a dedicated Left-Of-Center-MoveOn.Org-fellow, Senator Lincoln is within the Arkansas Conservative Democrat mainstream.

But it really doesn't matter who Arkansas Democrats select this evening, because the Republican nominee; Congressman Boozman, leads both Halter and Lincoln by double digits in the polls. Plus Arkansas is thirsting Conservatism, and two Democratic hacks competing to be down-the-line liberals doesn't appeal to that thirst.

California

As I wrote yesterday morning: Republicans in California have to choose between electability or viability, and political purity. Do we want to win in November, or do we want to select the most Right-Of-Center nominee for November? In California you cannot have both; which is the reason why I support Whitman and Fiorina.

Democrats will also be choosing their candidate for United States Senate this afternoon; either Senator Boxer, or Mickey Kaus (blogger). This isn't actually a Liberal v. Conservative Democrat contest like it is in Arkansas or like it was in West Virginia, but the race does ask this of Left-Of-Center voters: Will they support a candidate who opposes the unions and illegal immigration in California?

Nevada

Senator Reid is on Republican and Tea Party political hit-lists, but Republicans support their former statewide Chairman; Sue Lowden, and Tea Partiers support a current Nevada state representative; Sharron Angle for the Nomination to face off against Reid. Causing problems through out the political foundations of the state.

While Ms.Lowden is almost guaranteed to defeat Senator Reid in November; the same cannot be said about Ms.Angle, who doesn't have a wink of statewide political experience, and who will be portrayed as a Libertarian nutjob too extreme for Nevada voters. With the facts and Ried's possible political ploys in mind, and with a thoughtful consideration of Ms.Lowden's Conservatism; only one candidate is worthy, and that's Sue Lowden. Period.

Other Races

Besides for the big three races tonight; political wizkids should keep an eye on the South Carolina Republican Primary, on whom North Dakota Republicans select to face off against Congressman Pomeroy, and on whether or not Republicans in Virginia's 8th district select Matthew Berry to be their nominee against Congressman Moran in November.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Awesome Les Phillips for Congress Commercial

Les Phillip ad - A Story of Two Men @ Yahoo! Video

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

New McCain Ad: Hayworth is a Bulb Short

Take a look at this:



Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Rossi in Senate Race in WA

Dino Rossi, who lost a real nailbiter of an election in the 2004 contest for governor, has decided to challenge Democratic incumbent Patti Murray for a Senate seat in Washington state. Rossi lost the 2004 and 2008 contests but appears to be, by far, the best candidate to take on Murray. This came after Rossi wasn't sure whether to run or not. Now it appears official.

According to the Real Clear Politics average, it's anybody's race. One poll has Murray up by 17 while another has Rossi up 10%. According to the average, it's:

Murray: 47%
Rossi: 44%
Undecided/other: 9%

This one's going to be a barnburner. After his previous losses, Rossi would not have entered this race unless he thought he had something to show this time around. But it's bad news for the Democrats, as it creates another competitive seat to defend.
Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Idaho Republican Primaries Tomorrow.

Idaho Republicans will be heading to the polls tomorrow afternoon; mostly to vote for successful Conservative Republican incumbents who deserve reelection. And besides for a tough battle in Idaho's 1st congressional district; where a Republican challenger to Congressman Walt Minnick will finally be selected, the Idaho Primaries should be uninteresting and boring.

I do have one personal appeal involving tomorrow's Idaho Primaries: Please support Vaughn Ward for the Republican Nomination in Idaho's 1st congressional district, he was a damn fine soldier in our Armed Forces, and he'll be a damn fine legislator in Congress.

Gubernatorial - Governor Butch Otter.
Senatorial - Senator Mike Crapo.
1st congressional - Vaughn Ward.
2nd congressional - Congressman Simpson.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Burns Behind in Murtha's Old Seat Race

Republican Tim Burns, who has made a serious run for John Murtha's old Congressional seat, has fallen behind his Democratic rival, according to a new poll. Burns stunned many with his hard campaigning, placing the seat in play in the upcoming special election. However, a hard primary battle has made it at least somewhat likely that Democrat Mark Critz will win this month.

In addition, Burns is fighting off a challenge for the nomination for the November race, with veteran Bill Russell mounting a serious challenge.

The sprawling district extends from east of Johnstown to the corner of the state in Greene County. Though Democrats hold a registration advantage of more than 2 to 1, the rural district is the only one in the country that voted for Democrat John Kerry in the 2004 presidential election and Republican Sen. John McCain in 2008.

Get ready for fireworks.


Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Run As a Write-In, Senator Bennett!

I know that Mr. K has written in defense of the three-term incumbent. I know that he's not perfect, but Bob Bennett is the man to lead Utah in the Senate this election year. I realize that he voted for the TARP bailout and worked for a health care consensus, but he is a solid, proven conservative.

He voted against ObamaCare and against the Stimulus. He's worked against the Obama agenda and knows what he's doing. He knows how to use his Senate seat for the maximum effect. He's strictly pro-life and pro-gun rights.

He won 69% of the vote in 2004. He would win an open GOP primary easily. So why kick him off the ballot in such a back-handed, back-room fashion? Utah should overhaul its outdated primary system-- it's a complete waste and against the will of Republican Utahans.

So run as a write-in candidate, Senator Bennett. Watch as you get more votes than your two opponents combined.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Live Coverage of the Indiana Primary Results-- Coats Wins

 We have word from Politico that Dan Coats has won the Indiana GOP Senatorial Primary. With 71.3% of the precincts reporting, Coats comes in a hair under 40%, clearly leading the pack.

Coats 39.9* Winner
Stutzman 30.3
Hostettler 21.5
Bates 4.2
Behney 4.2

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

McConnell Goes to Campaign for Grayson

Politico is reporting that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is doing some last-minute campaigning on behalf of Trey Grayson, locked in a GOP primary battle with Rand Paul, the son of Ron. Paul is an isolationist, while Grayson is not. Grayson had an early lead in the primaries, but is now down significantly.

The top-ranking Senate Republican has previously clashed with Paul, who has dodged questions about whether he'd commit to supporting McConnell for Republican leader in the next Congress. McConnell's endorsement also brings him into even more overt conflict with retiring Sen. Jim Bunning, who endorsed Paul to succeed him in mid-April and publicly blamed GOP leaders for leaning on him to drop his reelection bid.

Kentucky Republicans, please don't nominate Rand Paul. Please don't.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Video: Crist 'Running as a Republican'

From the Rubio campaign, a new commercial:



Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

Bennett in Third in UT Poll?

A new poll places three-term incumbent GOP Senator Bob Bennett in third place against two upstart rivals in the upcoming primary in that state. The poll was conducted by the Salt Late Tribune and shows him significantly behind.

Partial results:

Mike Lee 37%
Tim Bridgewater 20%
Bob Bennett 16%
Cherilyn Eagar 11%
Not Sure 15%

If Bennett does lose, it appears to be of his own making:

Darren Park, a delegate from Riverton, is one of those. He hasn't decided between backing Lee or Bridgewater, but says he won't vote for Bennett because of the senator's health care proposal, which would have required individuals to buy health care, and his support for the first round of bank bailouts during the Bush administration.

"It's very much about Senator Bennett and not only what he has done and what he didn't do," Park said, in opposing congressional actions "that are incompatible, I believe, with the values and principles most Utahns share."

We're not Utahns, but we've written on this recently. Tim posted this yesterday:

Announcing the Endorsement of Bob Bennett.

Enjoy!

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

McCain to Crist: Don't Do It

In a similar message to GOP leader Mitch McConnell, Arizona Senator John McCain has told Florida Governor Charlie Crist not to run as an independent if he loses the Florida GOP Senate primaries. McCain, who's facing his own tough primary has told the governor that he will not back Crist if he runs as an independent.

Pressed further, McCain said, “I support Republicans.”



McCain, who is facing a GOP primary challenge this year,  added that Crist is “a dear friend. I like him, admire him and respect him, but I’m also a Republican.”



Crist is fast running out of options. The longer he waits the more he looks like he's desperate if he actually runs as an indie. I can't tell Crist what to do, but he has to realize that even if he wins the Senate race, it would be the end of his tenure in the GOP and any Presidential ambitions.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

A GOP Governor in Massachusetts?

Don't hold your breath.
Or at least, that's what I said about Scott Brown's candidacy five months ago.

But let's take a look at the situation here. Current Democratic Governor Deval Patrick, a close ally of President Obama, has helped run the state into the ground after Governor Romney straightened out a lot of the state government. Patrick won 55%-35% in a three-way race in 2006. Now he suffers from anemic approval ratings and in any other state would appear vulnerable.

But this is Massachusetts.

The Republicans have just chosen Charles Baker as their nominee. He is a veteran of two state administrations and is a capable business leader. He's certainly a New England Republican. He supports abortion rights and gay-marriage rights. But he's fiscally conservative and wants to roll back the excesses of the Massachusetts democrats.

Republicans only have 5 of 40 seats in the State Senate, or just 12.5%. So what are the odds of pulling this one off? I'd take a look at several factors:

Pro-Baker:

• The Obama Effect could be at play if he comes to the Bay State.
• Romney could push hard-- believe it or not he still has some credibility there.
• Scott Brown will be an effective person on Baker's side. He can be the voice of reason in this very blue state.
• Now that ObamaCare is passed, Baker can run on an anti-establishment platform-- in RomneyCare land.
• The Tea Party movement may coalesce around this fiscally responsible candidate.

Anti-Baker:

• Higher turnout in a regular election will result in a more-heavily Democratic electorate. Brown's election took place during a special election.
• The election is not during the ObamaCare debate-- and apart from Patrick's incompetence there is no unifying force to rally around.
• Patrick is no Coakley, at least not yet. He campaigned hard to win the Dems' nomination in 2006 and will probably do so again to retain his seat.
• Conservatives may not want to back what they consider a RINO. But what's the alternative?

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!

McConnell To Crist: Don't Do It

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has some strong words for Florida Governor Charlie Crist, who is considering running as an independent in Florida's Senate election this November.

“We’re going to elect a Republican senator in Florida, and the Republican primary voters in Florida are going to determine who that is,” McConnell said on CNN’s “State of the Union. “We’ve been looking at the surveys, as you indicate, and it looks like Marco Rubio is running a very effective campaign and seems to have the lead. I’m going to be there behind the Republican nominee whoever that is.”

McConnell, who has supported Crist, said the governor would “lose all Republican support if he were to run as an independent.”


Well, maybe Crist will start getting the picture. Let's see what happens with the next batch of polls.

Bookmark our site!

Consider advertising on our site!