Wow, is the McCain Terrible Towel popular

I am getting a ton of hits on this blog from folks googling McCain Terrible Towel. I hope the campaign is selling them in Western PA. That's a hint to my friends on the Westmoreland County Republican Committee. A great fundraising idea. Not as good as a production of the Full Monty, but pretty good.

Great night for John McCain and Sarah Palin

Fred Thompson really did a fantastic job at showing the country that John McCain is a leader far superior to Barack Obama.

Joe Lieberman performed a most difficult task very well. He tried to get the american people to forget about party and vote for the best leader--John McCain. He gave an excellent and heart felt speech. I hope those who want to kick me out of the Westmoreland Republican Committee were watching Lieberman's speech. Sometimes, you have to vote for the more experienced candidate just as I am doing by supporting Mike O'Barto for state rep in the 59th district.

Sarah Palin is going to weather this storm just fine. The media and the left are over-reaching and will only bolster her popularity. If you are a reader of US Weekly, stop now. Just wait until you see the cover with Palin. The headline is ridiculous!

Media coverage of Palin unfair?

I would have to say this is a difficult question to answer. The answer is probably not unfair, but typical. As we saw with Jamie Lynn Spears, the press is all over these sort of stories. It is worth noting that the McCain campaign did see fit to put one of the Spears sisters in one of their anti-Obama ads. They are celebrities now and we have a wierd celebrity worshipping culture. Just look at all the stupid magazines out their: People, US and the rest.

I believe it is fair that the american people know that she is pregnant and that she is keeping the baby and marrying the father. I believe that is admirable. It is part of her story. The campaign has made her family a big issue of why she is a great choice. The whole "hockey mom" thing. This is part of that narrative. I think the Palins have handled this well with their daughter and it should not adversely affect anyone's opinion of them. Beyond that, I don't think this should be a campaign issue.

I think Obama was fantastic for immediately putting this off limits in the campaign. However, I don't think many in the GOP would do him the same courtesy. Proof of this: The stupidity of the continuation of calling him a muslim. He has accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and saviour. As christians, we don't question whether someone really means it. We welcome them into the family of christians. In this instance, Obama has shown he is a good christian man in how he is dealing with this issue.

All this being said, I think proponents of abstinence only sex education should re-evaluate their position and work to teach sex education in a responsible way which teaches abstinence but also gives kids the knowledge to protect themselves.

I still remain convinced that Sarah Palin is an excellent choice for VP. A real person who can identify with the real problems that people have. While on the subject of family problems, I don't know if I could have done as well with what life gave Joe Biden. I couldn't imagine had my wife and youngest daughter been killed in an accident leaving me alone to raise my two oldest girls. I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Joe Biden in how he handled that horrible situation. Both of the VP picks are good, strong people.

Latest Westmoreland GOP fundraiser

A local production starring George Dunbar, Frank Schiefer and Chuck Konkus. Other parts still available. This is expected to be a very successful event. Unfortunately, I can't be in the cast due to my impending expulsion.

To audition, e-mail: Frank@thisisabigfatjokesodon'temailortakethisseriously.com

For those who asked, here is Samantha

From the Trib Whispers column on August 31, 2008:

A BITE OUT OF POLITICS. Former Westmoreland County GOP chairman Perry Christopher's pup, Samantha, apparently is a devout Republican.

As Christopher recounts on his Republican blog, Samantha apparently put the bite on Democrat state Senate hopeful Dr. Tony Bompiani when Bompiani was knocking on doors.

Christopher said the 39th District Senate hopeful who is opposing Republican Kim Ward "was very nice about it."

Some Republicans apparently wish Christopher was as vicious against Democrats as his dog is. They are now trying to expel him from the county committee for supporting 59th District state representative hopeful Mike O'Barto, a Unity Democrat, over Republican Mike Reese, a Mt. Pleasant Republican.

As for the bitten Bompiani, he indicated there will be no lawsuit.

"You know how puppies have sharp teeth,'' Bompiani said. "She was just gnawing at everything and I put my hand there and he nipped me, that's all."

"I had no idea it was his (Christopher's) house and had never met him before. But he was very nice," Bompiani said.

Christopher said he still supports Ward in the race.

The McCain Terrible Towel!

I wasn't at the rally yesterday (that's why the pics aren't very good). On the off chance that Obama wins, I worked so I could save money to pay all the new taxes. Actually, I had front row seats to see Squeeze in Cleveland, but I had to stay home and cough my lungs out instead. What a terrible cough I had!

Family enjoyed the rally, but the traffic getting home was terrible.

McCain in Washington, PA

People starting to arrive for the event at 3pm.

With Palin on the ticket...

I will not resign my position under any circumstances. I have been hoping for a McCain/Palin ticket for a while. They will have to kick me out! Even if they do, I will donate more money and volunteer more than most of them.

This guy deserves a lot of credit.

I think his blog helped focus attention on Governor Palin.

http://palinforvp.blogspot.com/

Palin for VP

Readers of the old blog know I have been supporting Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for the VP spot for the last year. As Don Thomson will tell you, I was the only one in the christian coalition poll who voted for Palin.

This is a slam dunk McCain victory in November! I can't believe he made such an incredibly smart decision.

Now, I wish I had run for delegate. Come on over disgruntled Hillary supporters!!!!

Silliness of trying to eject me from the Westmoreland County republican committee

The McCain campaign celebrates this cross over voter and encourages more democrats to do the same. I am saying that I would be a hypocrite to ask democrats to vote for McCain, Murphy, Corbett, Krieger and now Kim Ward if I do not put party aside and vote for the truly better candidate in the 59th, Mike O'Barto. Come on guys, you can't have it both ways. Be consistent.

Why is this the Westmoreland GOP blog anyway?

I thought I should clear this up. When I took over as chairman, there was no website. So, I personally registered a domain and paid for it. I also paid the hosting fees through Yahoo! I never asked for reimbursement because I wanted editorial control. I found out that updating websites is sort of cumbersome. Then, I found blogger. I loved it. You can write anything really fast and publish it. Gets you in trouble sometimes. The official Westmoreland County Republican Committee website never got many hits, but the blog got tons and was free. So, after the last election, I closed the website so I could spend the $20/month on something useful like pepperming white chocolate lattes. I forward the www.westmorelandgop.com domain here until a new chairman took over.

While I was still chairman and before I endorsed Mike O'Barto, a new "official website of the westmoreland county republican committee" appeared. It was a surprise to me. But that was OK, I had skipped the last meeting to go running. So, it was my fault.

I fully intended to hand over the domain names, but some on the executive committee of the county GOP started talking like I stole the domain names. That wasn't cool. I just had enough ambition to buy them and teach myself how to design a website. I didn't really appreciate the negative accusations. So, I keep it parked here. I am a republican. This is Westmoreland county. So, WestmorelandGOP is an accurate description of content.

If anyone wished, I did purchase other domains which anyone can have:
www.democratsforswann.com
www.democratsforlynnswann.com
www.joelreiter2006.com

Keb' Mo' at the Palace was awesome

Went to see Robert Cray and Keb' Mo' at the Palace. I have never heard Keb' Mo' before. He stole the show! Hats off to the Palace. They have some great shows. Robert Cray was better in Nashville at the Wildhorse Saloon. Or maybe it was the fact that the waitress there kept bringing me really tall beers to go along with the fried pickles. Also didn't hurt that we were in the front row and staying at a cool hotel without the kids (I love the kids, but I love time with the wife too.)

Almost got in trouble. I said to myself before the show that I was voting for any candidate that was cool enough to be there. I was minding my own business drinking that foreign beer, Budweiser, when I saw a lady wearing a Bompiani button. Well, it was Mrs. Bompiani and while she was very nice and I had just met her husband at my door and my puppy, Samantha, may have puppy nipped his hand and he was very nice about it--a deal is a deal--The actual candidate must be in attendance.

Romney!!!!???

Politico is reporting that McCain may have settled on Mitt Romney for vice president. Awesome news. At least my donation to Romney for President will amount to something!

Info on John McCain's visit to Washington, PA on Aug 30

Join Senator John McCain and Cindy McCainfor a Road to the Convention Rally
August 30, 2008
Doors open 3:00 p.m.
Special Guest: John Rich of "Big and Rich"
Consol Energy Park
1 Washington Federal Way
Washington, PA 15301


Get your tickets at these locations:

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Calendar/Detail.aspx?guid=97118433-46da-4bce-b846-bc53f384c150

McCain rally in Washington, PA Aug 30

From a McCall.com:

John McCain’s presidential campaign has approached a minor league baseball stadium in southwestern Pennsylvania about hosting a rally for the Arizona senator the Saturday before the GOP convention, further fueling speculation that former Gov. Tom Ridge is among the finalists to join him on the ticket.

The Aug. 30 rally would come just two days after Democrat Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech at the Democratic convention in Denver and provide an opportunity to roll out McCain’s running mate before a 7,000-person crowd. McCain is expected to announce his choice the day before at an event in Dayton, Ohio, Politico reported Tuesday.LINK

I think it was just the bus at the fair without McCain

Tell me what you think:

All John McCain Supporters are invited to welcome John McCain's Straight Talk Express at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Main Gate Entrance at 3:00 sharp today. Come out and show your support for our nominee for President of the United States of America by welcoming the Straight Talk Express. From the "official site of the Westmoreland County Republican Committee"

Well, that is silly. Who would want to see a bus? McCain has a townhall meeting in New Mexico tomorrow. It would have sucked to go out there expecting to see John McCain and all you see is a bus. Now, I don't feel so bad. My kid would have thought I was a nut dragging her out there to see a bus.

I have been asked to resign from the GOP

The Westmoreland County Republican Committee is asking me to resign from the committee because I support a prolife, pro-second amendment, pro-business and experienced elected official to be my state represenative. When the two people I wanted to run for the 59th declined, I knew I was then going to support Mike O'Barto for the seat. He has been a good township supervisor and I have a good relationship with him. Most of all, he has the experience to be an independent voice in the state house. We need that. Anyway, I did not circulate a petition because I knew I was supporting him. But, I was written in. So, I find myself on the committee.

Over the past few years, my wife and I must have given over $10000 to GOP candidates. This does not included the amount of money that can drain from your wallet when you are chairman of the party. I guess I should itemize it so I can have them amend their reports. It is a lot.

So now, some on the committee want to kick me off. Here is my problem with that:

• Vast majority of the committee did nothing (Don't believe me, read Carl Duda's current complaint that no one on the committee helps)
• Vast majority of the committee gave no money
• Those who complained the most, helped the least.
• I watched some of the same people who probably will vote to remove me from the committee work actively against Sen. Arlen Specter.
• Every election, we asked prominent democrats to endorse our GOP candidates. Is this what we really think of them when they support a republican? Is it such an evil act to cross party lines? Why would any democrat cross party lines to support a republican if we, as republicans, act in this manner? Seriously. Do we hold democrats who cross party lines in such disdain?

So, I will not resign my position. I am not a quitter. I don't want to present that example to my kids. How silly is it to kick me off the committee when all I have to do is circulate a petition next time around and be back on the committee?

I'm missing a lot of excitement

Regola dropping out. Picking a new candidate. All I had to do was run 8 miles today and take my kids to gymanstics and music. And, have lunch with the wife.

I think Kim Ward can win that senate seat. Hempfield School District is sort of a mess and I bet you can blame Bompiani for that. Very unfortunate that she will not be county commissioner.

My prediction is: Kim Ward wins the senate seat. Mike O'Barto beats Mike Reese in the 59th. Mike Reese is named commissioner to replace Kim Ward. And I finish the Philadelphia marathon faster than my goal time. Happiness all around this November.

What's wrong with this country?

Anheuser-Busch can't even stay an American company. Totally sucks!

Harry Reid makes our economy sick!

This is the issue to drive McCain to victory!!!! I love coal! I love oil! Drill here! Drill now!

Republicans for Mike O'Barto

Ever since I have been chairman of the republican committee of Westmoreland County, it has been essential for our republican candidates to earn democratic voters' votes in order to win. For the most part, we have been successful in our efforts to attract democrats to vote for our candidates. In this current election, I hope democrats will see that Attorney General Tom Corbett and 57th state house candidate Tim Krieger offer superior leadership to Pennsylvanians. I urge democrats to vote for them.

However, I cannot ask democrats to cross over and vote for a republican candidate and ignore the superior leadership and experience Mike O'Barto offers the citizens of the 59th state house district. It would be hypocritical of me. As Unity Township supervisor, Mike O'Barto has gained the experience to represent us well in Harrisburg. Mike O'Barto is a pro-life democrat who believes in the second amendment, low taxes and better business environment in Pennsylvania. Mike O'Barto understands the effects Harrisburg legislation has on local governments and school districts. Mike O'Barto will not support legislation that puts a burden on local government and schools.

Of all the things people like about Jess Stairs, constituent service had to be first. If you had a problem with Harrisburg, Jess could fix it. Mike O'Barto will be equal to the task. As a resident of Unity Township, Mike O'Barto has been responsive to my needs. Mike O'Barto understands people need action from their represenative when concerns arise. As demonstrated by his experience and record as Unity Township supervisor, Mike O'Barto will deliver excellent service to the residents of the 59th district.

People are sick of partisan politics and bickering. People want action and leaders. We are living in uneasy economic times. Now is not the time to take a chance on an unproven candidate. The people of the 59th district need proven leadership, experience and independent voice in Harrisburg. Mike O'Barto is that candidate. For those reasons, I full support and endorse Mike O'Barto for the open 59th Pennsylvania State House seat.

With the upcoming reorganization of the county republican party, I wanted to make my views known now so that I can pass the responsibility for the reorganization to my vice chairman Ron Rometo. If I waited to announce my support for Mike O'Barto until after the reorganization, I fear some would question my handling of the convention. Since I like and respect both George Dunbar and Frank Schiefer, I wish to make certain that no one questions the process which leads to the election of the new chairman.

As for my vote on the Westmoreland County Republican Committee, I am sending my proxy to former Chairwoman and fellow Unity Township resident Debbie Irwin. I am certain she will vote my proxy in the best interest of the Westmoreland County Republican party.

For the record, I remain a republican and will vote for John McCain as long as he continues to support exploration for energy in the United States. I will not vote for any presidential candidate that does not have the leadership to see the necessity of being energy independent.

Candidates for WCRC offices

Chairman

1. George Dunbar--Penn Township
2. Frank Schiefer--Hempfield Township

Vice-Chairman/woman

1. Elaine Gowaty--West Murrysville
2. Joel Reiter--North Huntingdon
3. Susan Baur Scherff--Hempfield Township

Treasurer

1. Darrell McMahen--Unity Township
2. no other candidates filed

If you sent me a petition and your name does not appear on this list, let me know. We can work it out.

The election will take place at the Hempfield High School Auditorium on July 8 at 7PM sharp. It is being held at Hempfield because that was the easiest thing for me to do since we have committee members on the Hempfield School Board. I am holding it there because it only took one phone call to reserve not to aid any candidates from the Hempfield area. I was considering the Greater Latrobe High School because my wife is on that board, but I thought people would complain of the location.

Westmoreland GOP Poltical Events

“Spring Victory Dinner”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
6:00 P.M. Cash Bar – 7:00 P.M. Dinner

Ferrante's Lakeview Premier Banquest Facility
6153 Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Attorney General Tom Corbett

GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Tim Murphy, 18th Congressional
Kim Ward, 39th State Senate
Tim Kreiger , 57th Legislative
Mike Reese, 59th Legislative


$40.00 Per Person
(Proceeds Benefit the WCRC)
Checks payable to:
WCRC GOP Committee
23 N. Maple Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601
Or Email Elaine Gowaty or Doug Weimer

KT Tunstall at Carnegie Library in Homestead

Spectacular. Still, the Palace in Greensburg is a better venue and should try to get these shows. Instead of the kid, I actually took my wife. Now, she has seen Wilco and KT Tunstall this year. I am still holding it against her that she wouldn't see Damien Rice with me.

As always, here is the set list:

Miniature Disasters

Little Favours

Hold On

Other Side of the World

White Bird

Funnyman

Paper Aeroplane (solo)

BHATCT

Ashes

Hopeless

Under the Weather

Beauty Of Uncertainty

If Only

Saving My Face

Suddenly I See

encore:

Universe

U Stoppin' the Love

Yea, Yea, I know this is suppose to be a website for the Westmoreland GOP, but I am retiring. I just don't dig having to support every republican candidate no matter what. Sometime, they aren't the better candidate. Unfortunately, that is the case for the upcoming election. Which is why I am retiring.