The blog formerly known as "No Gibbons"...

Time to Clean House: City of Fernley Still Voting in Outrageous Water and Sewer Rate Increases

2008-05-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last July I got a little frustrated over the City of Fernley raising our water and sewer rates so I wrote this:

Life seems to be getting a little less affordable out in Fernley. Gas still hovering near $3.00 per gallon, Scolaris still the only grocery store, and now this... I cracked open my City of Fernley water/sewer bill the other day and it read $71.00 amount due. Last month I paid $39.00. The first thing that came to mind was they didn't post my last payment on the current bill or the kids used far too much water during these hot 90 degree days. After studying the bill for a minute or so I realized nothing strange about payments not being posted or water usage. Then I read:

Please note that effective July 1, 2007 the water and sewer rates have increased as previously indicated on the June 2007 statements. For information pertaining to the rate increase please call our hotline at 775-784-9938 or go to www.cityoffernley.org/rateincreases... The new rate structure is designed to encourage water conservation...

I was stunned! My water/sewer bill damn near doubled! For what? For water you wouldn't dare drink? For water that stains your vehicles and sink fixtures with calcium deposits to the point where it's almost impossible to get off? For water that is horrible for your teeth and hair? I'll say first hand that Fernley has by far the worse water I've ever seen in Nevada hands down and I've consumed plenty of Nevada water.

From City of Fernley's website:

Water rate increases vary depending on the type of service and the size of the meter. On average, the increase is approximately 50%, primarily due to the need to construct a new water treatment plant and associated piping.

Sewer rate increases are only 2.5%.

The costs for developers and builders to connect to the system also went up significantly. The connection charge for water went from $1,500 per unit to $5,165 per unit. This is an increase of 244%. The connection charge for sewer went from $1,848 per unit to $3,474. This is an increase of 88%. The increases in these charges allow for a fair and equitable share of costs to new customers.

I called down to the City of Fernley (775-784-9930) and the woman who answered the phone sounded just as frustrated as I did. She also informed me that if your water gets cut off it's now $100.00 instead of $10.00 to reconnect. Ouch! I asked her who's name was on the rate increase. Mayor Todd Cutler? She didn't come out with a straight answer but she did inform me that the City Council voted for it. She also informed me that the Council meets every first and third Wednesday of the every month at 6pm and folks like me should show up and speak so we can in her words... "Vote this out".

Is anyone out in Fernley as frustrated as I am about this? Who wants our old water/sewer rates back? If you can't make it to tomorrow's meeting, please e-mail Mayor Todd Cutler or telephone his office at 775-784-9851 and tell him how you feel.

Today, almost a year later, I cracked open my bill and saw this:

On July 1, 2008 a rate increase of 35% will be implemented for water and 2.5% increase for sewer. This is due to the need for our water treatment plant in order to comply with federal mandates to reduce arsenic levels in our water. For further information regarding these rate increases go to WWW.CITYOFFERNLEY.ORG

Wow! Next July will there be another 35% rate increase? Another 35% in 2010? When will this madness stop? Is the so-called "water treatment plant" even real? How many rate increases does it take to get this treatment plant going?

Is it already time to clean house in Fernley and kick out the politicians who cavalierly raise our rates like it's no big deal? Does anyone even care other than me?

30 Second Ad: Congressman Dean Heller said John McCain is "protecting terrorists..."

2008-05-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot about the time when Dean Heller said John McCain was "far more concerned with protecting terrorists" because of his stance on torture. It's amazing what you can find when going through old blog archives.

LVRJ - Sep. 26, 2006

Heller, on the other hand, has foregone his past tendency to run the same way. At a candidate forum earlier this year, when he had to square off against Angle and former Assemblywoman Dawn Gibbons, he said he didn't favor a fence along the border. In interviews he liked to talk up Arizona Sen. John McCain as a role model. Now he supports a fence (at least in populated areas) and thinks McCain has gone astray.

"I'm not happy with his position on torture," Heller said during a meeting with the Review-Journal's editorial board last week. "I'm so mad at those three, McCain, Warner and Graham." McCain, Virginia Sen. John Warner and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham led Republican opposition to Bush's policy on interrogating terrorism suspects. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell joined in as the Senate Armed Services Committee rebuffed Bush.

"I think they're far more concerned with protecting terrorists," Heller said of the Republicans who opposed the president's plan. Senate Republicans subsequently announced they had reached a compromise with Bush.

[LINK]

Reduce Speed Limits and Drill Domestically to Reduce Demand?

2008-05-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I've been reducing my speed between trips to Reno and Fernley and back (about 70 miles total) and I've been saving a bunch of money in the process. I used to fill up every 3 days. Simply by slowing down from 75-80 to roughly 60-65 mph, I now get to drive almost a full 5 days off of one tank. I think I'll definitely get a full week now that I've switched over my bigger snow tires to my smaller summer ones this past Friday.

Check out this great [VIDEO] of a RGJ reporter driving to Lovelock from Reno @ 50mph and back from Lovelock at 75mph... Look how much gas she saved simply by slowing down. You'll be amazed.

I'll stand by my "solution" I posted on the RGJ forums weeks ago... Lower the speed limits back down to 55MPH to reduce demand and save money at the same time. If it would mean compromising with a little domestic drilling, I think it's at least worth discussing. Let me know what you think.

30 Second Ad: McCain = 4 More Years of GOP Incompetence

2008-05-09T16:09:00.000-07:00

Four more years of $3.50 per gallon gas? Four (maybe 100) years of Bush's war in Iraq? Four more years of battling over immigration reform while getting nothing done? 4 more years of disastrous Bush policy?

If you answered yes to any of these questions vote John McSame. If you voted no to any of them vote Barack Obama.

Gov. Spitzer "Illegal Alien" News Conference

2007-11-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

Spitzer drops immigration plan after overwhelming opposition.

Spitzer withdrew the plan because "the firestorm over the issue was blocking the governor's overall agenda, and there were serious concerns that various lawsuits, as well as threatened legislative action, would block the plan anyway," the New York Post is reporting.

Breaking News clip from MSNBC:

John Ensign on Illegals: "We cannot ship them home.."

2007-10-24T10:03:00.001-07:00

John Ensign on Hardball last night:

Chris Matthews: "Does anybody want to throw people (Illegal Immigrants) out who are already here?"

John Ensign: "I don't think we should throw people out who already here unless they commit a serious crime..."

_____

Chris Matthews: "I have a simple plan, Senator. Tell me if I'm wrong. Everybody here is here - Anybody that comes here tomorrow has to go through these check with real ID cards, checkable IDs, they must be who they say they are or they can't work. Why don't you pass that bill tomorrow? Who would that offend?"

Senator John Ensign: "Well, I actually think that would be a good way to start."

The Real Fred Thompson

2007-10-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hilarious!

kevintracy.com

In Case You Missed It: Blatant Anti-Brown Hate

2007-10-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

These comments stem from the recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids last week in Northern Nevada that netted 56 workers at 11 area McDonald's restaurants.

Violence.

It's my experience that the best training tool for learning english, is the standard police issue nightstick. From what I've witnessed, the harder you use it against an illegal immigrant's head, the better his english is!!

Bitterness.

Yes, I can imagine the pain these people are feeling...it's probably close to the pain I feel everyday after giving up a 12 year, hard earned business to illegals who I could never legally compete with...the pain I feel not being able to give my children and grandchildren the legacy of a productive, powerful country...

I made it through 45 years before I had to "press 1" and I'll be damned if my heirs will have to do it now!!!

Confusion.

Just one question here. Was this country better off and a much better place to live and raise our families before millions of Illegals showed up here? Seriously! Someone needs to prove to me that we are better off having millions of law-breaking, non-English speaking, disrespectful people in our society.

Stereotypes.

I have been in Luther Macks McDs and there is nothing hard working about these people. They have no hustle in them and give you bad looks. Please do not tell me how hard working they are. 50% of my orders get screwed up, they are incompetant and native languagily illiterate.

Ignorance.

Now lets get to the real problem - these illegals get here and become baby factories which tax payers bear the burden of birthing, raising and educating, a job made more dificult bucause these illegals don't want to teach their children English either required the school system to provide special jibberish teachers so they can be educated.

Anger.

And why does this whole ICE operations thing remind me of the old Raid commercial? Remember when the roaches were all fat, dumb and happy, partying it up at the home owner's expense. Then all of a sudden someone turned the light on and yelled "Raid!!!!!" Looks like the human roaches are scrambling now, and the solution is more "Raid"!

Racism.

Its about time they nutted up and did something. They should be doing these raids weekly if not daily. I am sick and tired of all the mexicans. I feel we need to get rid of ALL of them, legal or not. They have their own country to run amuk in.

More racism.

This land does belong to God but it is the UNITED STATES that runs it for him. Go home to mexico and don't come back. That goes for all mexicans.

CLSTRFK at NVDMV over XSTACY

2007-08-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Stacy Moore from North Las Vegas is fighting for her right to keep a personalized license plate "XSTACY" she has owned for two decades. A single complaint forced the DMV to "demand that she surrender the personalized license plate she has displayed on her vehicles for 20 years".

Come on, Nevada DMV... Leave the Woman alone! Seriously... She has owned the plates for 20 years and you demand that she surrender them over one petty complaint? Come on...

I wonder how the Nevada DMV would feel about a "DMVSUX" plate? Their Personalized Plate Search says it's currently available. Maybe someone should give it a whirl.

The Real Mitt Romney: Borderline Nut Case

2007-08-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just ran across this little gem on Politico.com. It's a 20 minute video of Mitt Romney getting interviewed by Jan Mickelson. Watch Mitt Romney go from his usual "Rico Suave" self to a borderline nut case in less than 20 minutes flat. Thanks for showing your true colors, Mitt!

Help my ad air on Hardball

2007-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews is having a Campaign Ad Challenge where viewers like myself can create and upload a homemade Campaign Ad that will hopefully air LIVE on Hardball. I created and uploaded a video targeting Giuiliani and as of last night it's now accessible on Hardball's website. I don't know if they'll air it or not, but I think if it gets enough votes they will.

If you're reading this and would like to help a fellow Progressive out, I hope you wouldn't mind taking out a few seconds and voting for my video titled "Giuliani too close to Bush for comfort". Since we all know by now Rudy Giuliani is Bush 2.0 (with a lisp), I think it is urgent to get the facts out about him as soon as possible before it's too late. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

If you want to upload your own video click here.

More on the challenge here.

I provided a image up top so you don't have to hunt around for my video.

Thanks in advance!

Hardball's Campaign Ad Challenge: Rudy Giuliani

2007-07-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hardball's campaign ad challenge is looking the most creative entries about your favorite presidential candidate or the candidate you like the least. I like Rudy Giuliani the least so I created a 30 second clip and sent it in to Hardball and posted it on YouTube. Hopefully we'll see it on air soon.

Hardball: Deer in Headlights Edition

2007-06-30T13:46:00.001-07:00

RNC's Lisa Comooso Miller vs. DNC's Karen Finney

Watch the Republican National Committee's Lisa Comooso Miller get schooled on international terrorism live on Hardball.

Hardball Smackdown: Elizabeth Edwards vs. Ann Coulter

2007-06-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

In Case You Missed It:

Elizabeth Edwards takes it directly to Ann Coulter live on Hardball.

Elizabeth Edwards:

Stop the personal attacks.

Ann Coulter:

The wife of a Presidential candidate is asking me to stop speaking. No.

Hardball: Cheney's Secret Government - Rep. Rahm Emanuel vs. Dick Cheney

2007-06-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

In Case You Missed It:

Rep. Rahm Emanuel talks about defunding Dick Cheney on Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Hardball Exclusive: David Shuster Interviewing Michael Moore

2007-06-20T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hardball's David Shuster "cornered" Michael Moore today on Capitol Hill and snagged a great interview about his new movie SICKO.

Barack Obama talks about "a very simple promise" in Reno

2007-06-01T00:49:00.000-07:00

I put together this audio and picture montage of Barack Obama at Wingfield Park in Reno, Nevada on May 31st, 2007. Several thousand showed up to this event on a Thursday afternoon in 90 degree heat. I hope you enjoy!

Go Obama!

Jim Gibbons goes thuggin'

2007-05-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

(NBC News Photo)

Look at our Governor looking all thugged out and what not. LOL! Imagine if the shoe was on the other foot and that was Dina Titus in the picture with a bling-bling chain around her neck and a Ja Rule bandanna on around her head while sipping on some oil. You righties would be calling for her head, huh? Of course you would. Goodness! The only thing missing is a grill by Paul Wall. Isn't Jim Gibbons a Latter-day Saint or something like that? If so, what's in the glass he's holding? Mormons do refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages, correct? What's that guy doing underneath Montgomery's right arm? Is he rolling up something fat? :)

If you haven't already, sign on to this petition to recall Governor Jim gibbons. He's an embarrassment to the state of Nevada, not only for this, but for the countless of other scandals he's involved in. Nevada deserves better.

Harry Reid Pulls No Punches

2007-04-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Watching Senator Harry Reid beat up on Bush and Cheney is as enjoyable as watching the good kid at the bus stop finally beat up the big bad school bullies and make them cry.

In Case you missed it:

President Bush - “The direction of the fight is beginning to shift"... “so far the operation is meeting expectations."

Senator Harry Reid - "The White House transcript says the President made those remarks in the State of Michigan. I believe he made them in the state of denial."

Vice President Dick Cheney - “What’s most troubling about Senator Reid’s comments yesterday is his defeatism”... “And the timetable legislation that he is now pursuing would guarantee defeat. Maybe it is a political calculation.”

Senator Harry Reid - "I’m not going to get into a name-calling match with somebody who has a 9 percent approval rating,"

Bill Manders Show: "The punishment for treason...."

2007-04-19T17:37:00.000-07:00

Harry Reid said:

"I believe myself that the secretary of state, secretary of defense and you have to make your own decisions as to what the president knows (know) this war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything as indicated by the extreme violence in Iraq yesterday," ABC News

"And as long as we follow the President's path in Iraq, the war is lost. But there is still a chance to change course - and we must change course."(Entire transcript)

Now listen to this montage (0:03:47) and hear what happens after KKOH's Bill Manders cherry-picks Harry Reid's statement and gets his callers riled up to the point where one caller insinuates that Harry Reid experience the same fate as "Benedict Arnold".

Note to Manders: No wonder why Harry Reid refuses to appear on your show

Hopefully one day Bill Manders and his fans will wake up and realize that President Bush's failed "occupation" in Iraq is out of touch with large majority of mainstream America. Until then, I guess they'll simply repeat the same historic mistakes they made on November 7th, 2006.

Dean Heller responds to Americans United for Change Ad

2007-04-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dean Heller today on KKOH's Bill Manders Show:

Clip 1
Clip 2

In clip 2 they talk about Sven over at Turn Tahoe Blue:

Bill Manders: "What do you know about this guy Sven Stromann?"

Dean Heller: "Uh... Some guy from Germany."

Bill Manders: "Well, actually he's an exchange student in Nevada."

Dean Heller: "Yea, I think he was at one time..."

Bill Manders: "...they're attacking you, they want to defeat you in 2008.."

Dean Heller: "Yes they do..."

Bill Manders takes "Ho" stroll

2007-04-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

During a interview with Senator John Ensign this afternoon, KKOH's Bill Manders cites Don Imus and insinuates that the Duke rape accuser is a "nappy-headed ho". Click here.

After you listen to that short clip, listen to this audio montage I put together of a few other comments Bill made today while he was all fired up after NC Attorney General Roy Cooper dropped all charges on the Duke University students.

Bill Manders:

"The freaking woman was a hooker!"

"She would of taken fifty bucks that night..."

"I relate a bit. First of all, my daughter is not a whore..."

"It's pretty amazing. It's amazing in this day after were talking about the Don Imus situation, and the phrase that he used, and all of a sudden, boom... There she is, there she is on Drudge, a real life one you can reach out and touch her apparently. But let's use the term "exotic dancer" as opposed to the ebonic term... "Ho".

__

Update:

Myrna the Minx asks... "First of all, what did the esteemed Senator Ensign have to say during this conversation?"

Ensign didn't say a word when Bill ranted about the Duke accuser but you might be interested what Ensign said about Don Imus. Ensign called Imus a long time racist and mentioned that he was on Imus' show 10 years ago in Las Vegas. Ensign then asks "why is it wrong for him to do it, and it's O.K. for all these folks who's putting it in rap songs and everything else..." Manders and Ensign then agree that racism will "never go away in the world we live in".

Audio

Jim Gibbons: "On my Mothers grave..."

2007-04-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

KKOH's Bill Manders played a great game of "softball" with Governor Jim Gibbons today and I just got the audio up and going for everyone to enjoy.

Witness Jim Gibbons blame everyone except himself. (0:02:45)

On Warren Trepp case:

"On my mothers grave, I accepted NOTHING." (0:04:15)

On SNC case:

"Unfortunate, complete fraud... by the media" (0:03:19)

On Erin Neff:

"She's got a bee in her bonnet." (0:00:24)

On Recall talks

"It's nuts." (0:02:19)

The Gibbons' deny wrongdoing.... Again.

2007-03-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Washington Post:

Report: Gov. Gibbons Aided Wife's Client

WASHINGTON -- A defense company that got a federal contract with help from then-Republican Rep. Jim Gibbons, now governor of Nevada, hired Gibbons' wife to do consulting work, according to a published report Friday.

Dawn Gibbons was paid about $35,000 by Sierra Nevada Corp. of Sparks, Nev., in 2004, the same year her husband, who sat on the Armed Services and Intelligence committees, pushed for the company to get a $4 million contract to make a helicopter radar system, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Let me guess... Jim Gibbons did nothing wrong, right?

Religious Heavyweights Smack Down GOP Frontrunners

2007-03-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hardball with Chris Matthews' for March 12

Richard Land (President of the Southern Baptist Convention‘s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission)

"The frontrunners all have problems. In the case of Giuliani, three divorces—three marriages is two too many for most social conservatives."

"I think the first or the top three—the frontrunners, if you will, in the Republican Party have position problems. It‘s not—we‘re not even getting to the personal problems yet. I mean, you got Giuliani—I mean, tell me, do you think a candidate who says that he wants to take money out of the paychecks of social conservatives to fund abortion can count on their vote? I don‘t think so."

"I mean, you know, look, John McCain has acknowledged that he is primarily responsible for the failure of his first marriage. He‘s been in a second marriage for more than 20 years. By all outward appearances, it‘s a very stable, committed marriage. That‘s a horse of an different color than Rudy Giuliani‘s second wife having to take out a restraining order to keep him from bringing his mistress to the mayor‘s mansion for official functions. That‘s a horse that looks more like a donkey."

Tony Perkins (President of the Family Research Council)

"I mean, if we turned around and said, Oh, it doesn‘t matter that Giuliani‘s is in his third marriage, or if Gingrich gets in the race, is in his third marriage. People in the media would justifiably fry us up in a pan and serve us as hypocrites of the century for making character an issue with Bill Clinton."

"Truman once said, a man that will lie to his wife will lie to me, and a man that will break his marriage oath will break his oath of office."

Adios Fox News

2007-03-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Nevada Democrats wise up and kicks Fox News to the curb.

Nevada Dems Nix Fox Debate

The Nevada State Democratic Party is pulling out of a presidential debate scheduled for Aug. 14 in Reno, according to Democratic insiders.

The debate was being hosted by Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio, the Nevada State Democratic Party and the Western Majority Project.

Democratic activists have protested that Fox is not a suitable partner for the event.

A Fox spokeswoman didn’t immediately return a call for comment.

John McCain's "patronizing, infantilizing, and insulting view of all American troops"?

2007-03-01T13:24:00.000-08:00

I remember reading this Michelle Malkin blog post back when Barack Obama said that the lives of American troops that died in Iraq have been "wasted".

Barack Obama - "We ended up launching a war that should have never been authorized and should have never been waged -- and to which we now have spent $400 billion and have seen over 3,000 lives of the bravest young Americans wasted."

Here's what Malkin said:

"I could go on, but it would be a waste of breath trying to get Sen. Obama to acknowledge the existence of countless soldiers and their families who reject his patronizing, infantilizing, and insulting view of all American troops as dupes/victims who have squandered their lives.

I wonder what Michelle Malkin is saying now that John McCain pretty much said the exact same thing on Letterman the other night?

John McCain - "Americans are very frustrated, and they have every right to be. We've wasted a lot of our most precious treasure, which is American lives."

She ignored it of course.

Rhino killer now RINO supporter

2007-02-27T11:32:00.000-08:00

Photo: (RGJ)

RGJ is reporting that Rudy Giuliani is coming Reno on March 10th to raise money for the Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee. The $1000 per plate event ($2,300 per person V.I.P. reception and photo opportunity) is planned for a private residence in Reno and is co-chaired by Elise and Roger Norman.

Roger Norman is the one that slaughtered the white rhino in Africa and bragged about it at the Safari Convention.

Roger Norman donated thousands of dollars to Pro-Life and anti gay rights republicans like George W. Bush, Jim Gibbons and the RNC and now he supports a RINO (Republican in name only) that has liberal views on gay marriage and abortion rights.

Will social conservatives support Rudy Giuliani even though he's been married three times (first marriage was to his second cousin)? Will the Republicans sell out to a RINO like Rudy just to beat.. let's say, Hillary? I guess time will tell.

Update:

A tall tale in Nevada: Rudy Giuliani is doomed! (Stories about a fundraiser don't check out) By J. Patrick Coolican, Las Vegas Sun

Thank you Anonymous poster for alerting me to this!

Did Howard Dean approve Fox News debate?

2007-02-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday on KJFK's "The solution zone", a caller named Carol phoned in and asked a really good question. Did Howard Dean approve of this?

"I have two questions and I think I have an answer to the first one... Did Howard Dean approve of this.. I just can't believe that he did..." (.MP3)

Here's what Nevada Democratic Spokeswoman Kirstin Searer had to say:

"I would just say, a lot of people have questioned Howard Dean's decision to put paid staffers in rural areas that are traditionally red, but he's argued that if we're going to win the White House we have to reach out to everyone and this is kind of along the same train of thought." (.MP3)

Does Howard Dean endorse the Nevada State Democratic Party using his 50 state strategy as an excuse for cozying up to Fox?

Just in:

"This is about talking to voters, not a network," Dean said Thursday. "While the Fox News Channel rarely has coverage that is fair and balanced, we believe that Fox viewers, who are potential voters, should have the opportunity to see a debate between our candidates. These forums provide an important unfiltered opportunity for potential voters to see Democrats without the bias of the network."

But, wait.. In June of 2005, here's Howard Dean:

"My view is that Fox News is a propaganda outlet of the Republican Party and that I don't comment on Fox News." (The response drew applause from the room)

Where does Dean really stand on Fox hosting a Democratic debate. Inquiring minds...

Fox Attacks vs. Nevada State Democratic Party

2007-02-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

10 minute interview with Nevada State Democratic Party Spokeswoman Kirstin Searer and Christiane Brown from KJFK's “The Solution Zone”.

Biden, Kucinich and Walter Reed's Building 18 (Carson City Presidential Forum)

2007-02-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

What a day! First things first - Props to the Mynxster for the press pass hook-up! Good lookin' out. By the way, Mynx... Anonymous bloggers would have had no problem getting into the event. Our wonderful Secret Service didn't bother checking ID's. It was smooth sailing all the way through. Anyone could of showed up!

I ended up setting up right behind Dana Bash from CNN and Fox News' Carl Cameron. I was amazed at the "craziness" of everything and the amount of media that showed up. It was absolutely nut's.

Don't pass out from shock when I tell you this, but Hillary Clinton flat out avoided the press. No one seen her arrive or leave. It was like magic. I guess we'll find out within the next couple of years if a candidate can win an election on money alone without actually answering the hard questions from the media. What a disappointment.

Good stuff below...

Congressman Kucinich and his wife Elizabeth Harper (More Pics here)

I started poking around a bit and found myself in the rear of the building with handful of reporters and photographers. After about 10 minutes or so, Congressman Kucinich pulled up in a 2007 Chevrolet Impala, and after a few seconds hopped out holding hands with the gorgeous red head you see in the picture above. Come to find out it was his wife, Elizabeth Harper, which he married in back in August of 2005. You should of heard the gasps an whispers. "Who's that?"... "She must be 30 years younger..."... "Look how short he is.." and on and on. Later I'll post (look below) four or five more pictures on my blog that will clearly show how much Elizabeth Harper enjoys the camera. Priceless.

As they walked towards us, AFSCME volunteers tried to direct him to an entrance to the building that was away from the media, but Congressman Kucinich politely shrugged them off and headed straight for us. I ended up getting the first and only question in:

Congressman Kucinich: Any questions?

Nevada Blogger JWH: Have you ever visited building 18 at Walter Reed?

Congressman Kucinich: I've been over to Walter Reed and I can tell you that I'm going to do everything I can to bring our troops home so that we're not going to have so many of our soldiers suffer the kind of injuries that these young people have. We've got to end this war, and I'm going to be talking about this today. You know, I have a two minute period at the beginning and I'm going to be talking about the war. So, watch what I have to say. I'm going to challenge all these candidates. The Democrats have to stand for bringing our troops home, we have to stand for a cut-off of the funds, and I put together a 12 point plan that will enable us to bring our troops home, to cut off the funds for the war, and to make sure that we have international peacekeepers and security force. Time to end the war and Democrat's better stand for the end of the war. People didn't vote for a Democratic version of the war as opposed to a Republican version of the war.

But, it's great to be here in Nevada because it's going to be the beginning of a whole new approach to campaigning in America, because straight from the shoulder, right here on that stage, you watch it.

Nevada Blogger JWH: Thank you, Congressman.

Senator Joe Biden (Left) and Democratic Blogger Taylor Marsh (Right)

Later in the day, I managed to ask Senator Joe Biden the same exact question as he was walking out of the press room:

Nevada Blogger JWH: Senator, Senator…Have you ever visited building 18 at Walter Reed?

(Biden walks up and stands in front of me with his face about 4 inches from my face while looking me square in the eyes)

Senator Joe Biden: No, but I spent 7 months at Walter Reed, because I had two craniotomies and major embolism and I'm going to go visit that building, because that's the place which saved my life. I'm the only person that's been… I was, uh two craniotomies and one major embolism there, spent 45... 49 days in ICU, actually, 59 days. And so, it's a great hospital, and I am... I just learned yesterday how, you know, how horrid this condition seems to be. And, I'm going to go look at it and find out because those guys saved my life.

Nevada Blogger JWH: Thank you, Senator.

Enjoy the pics! And, oh! It's NEVADA, not NEVAHDA!.

Politics in Nevada

Will Bill Manders hold Jim Gibbons to the same standard?

2007-02-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Listen to KKOH's Bill Manders (Reno's Sean Hannity) early October 2006 when Harry Reid was in the news for raking in $1 million on a Las Vegas land sale:

Clip 1 (:25)

Clip 2 (:31)

Will Bill Manders hold Jim Gibbons to the same standards and ask him to resign over current FBI investigations into whether Jim Gibbons properly reported gifts and payments?

Nov. 17, 2006 court document alleging Gov. Jim Gibbons interests in the eTreppid case

Nov. 2 press release from Dennis Montgomery

I'm supporting Barack Obama

2007-02-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

What an exciting time it is to be alive! After watching Barack Obama announce this morning that he's running for President of the United States, I'll just say straight up that he's the one I'll be supporting for the Democratic nomination and President. He has my vote no ifs, ands or buts about it.

The way he made his announcement standing in front of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois in the freezing cold, in front of Hundreds of cheering supporters made chills run down my spine. I couldn't help but think that there's a real good chance more likely than not that Barack Obama will be the first black President of the United States. Let's be honest... He's no Alan Keyes, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton or Carol Mosely-Braun. This guy has an actual shot at the White House and I'm gonna do whatever it takes to help him accomplish that, together.

Barack Obama said:

"It is because men and women of every race, from every walk of life, continued to march for freedom long after Lincoln was laid to rest, that today we have the chance to face the challenges of this millennium together, as one people - as Americans."...

"So let us begin. Let us begin this hard work together. Let us transform this nation."

"Politics doesn't have to divide us on this anymore - we can work together to keep our country safe. I've worked with Republican Senator Dick Lugar to pass a law that will secure and destroy some of the world's deadliest, unguarded weapons. We can work together to track terrorists down with a stronger military, we can tighten the net around their finances, and we can improve our intelligence capabilities."

"It must be about us - it must be about what we can do together."

"Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth."

Full Text of Senator Barack Obama's Announcement for President

Click here to watch the announcement!

Congressman Eric Cantor vs. War Powers Resolution

2007-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia:

The War Powers Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-148) limits the power of the President of the United States to wage war without the approval of Congress. The War Powers Act of 1973 is also referred to as the War Powers Resolution (Sec. 1).

The purpose of the War Powers Resolution is to ensure that Congress and the President share in making decisions that may get the U.S. involved in hostilities. Portions of the War Powers Resolution require the President to consult with Congress prior to the start of any hostilities as well as regularly until U.S. armed forces are no longer engaged in hostilities (Sec. 3); and to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities if Congress has not declared war or passed a resolution authorizing the use of force within 60 days (Sec. 5(b)). Following an official request by the President to Congress, the time limit can be extended by an additional 30 days (presumably when "unavoidable military necessity" requires additional action for a safe withdrawal).

Now, watch this exchange between Republican Congressman Eric Cantor of Virginia and Chris Matthews last Thursday on Hardball.

Transcript

The Crystal Bay Killer

2007-01-26T09:05:00.000-08:00

On the front page of the RGJ this morning is a story about a Northern Nevada land developer and casino owner named Roger Norman who shot and killed a world record white rhinoceros from about 20 feet away during a recent hunting trip in South Africa.

I know a little about Roger Norman through a local business I do work for who has done work for Roger in the past. Roger Norman and his father developed much of the land that South Meadows/Double Diamond in South Reno now sits on and the land that the new Wal-Mart distribution plant in McCarran, Nevada (halfway between Reno and Fernley on I-80) now sits on. See for yourself how plush this guy lives. His 7,500 sq ft home comes complete with a stuffed giraffe sitting in his living room. Go ahead MTV... try out-pimping that.

What I did not know until this morning is that he's a big-time GOP donor who has donated thousands to Republican politicians here in Nevada and has donated thousands to George W. Bush and the RNC.

Opensecrets.org

Roger Norman:

6/7/2002 - $1,000 to Gibbons, Jim
6/7/2002 - $1,000 to Gibbons, Jim
6/2/2003 - $1,000 to Gibbons, Jim
2/28/2003 - $500 to Gibbons, Jim
6/11/2002 - $500 to McDonald, Lynette Boggs
11/28/2003 - $2,000 - to Bush, George W
6/29/2001 - $1,000 to Porter, Jon
6/29/2001 - $1,000 to Porter, Jon
10/14/2004 - $25,000 - to Republican National Cmte

His wife Elise:

1/17/2006 - $5,000 - to Republican Central Cmte of Nevada
11/28/2003 - $2,000 - to Bush, George W

Jim Gibbons State of the State by the numbers

2007-01-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

• $1.7 million for Nevada National Guard Youth Program
• $12 million to Opportunity Village in Las Vegas
• $10 million for the Nevada Cancer Institute
• $10 million for the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute in Vegas
• $6.5 million Courthouse Improvement in White Pine County
• $3.5 Institute for the Institute for Nero Immune Disease at the School of Medicine
• $2 million for Nevada Discovery Museum in Reno
• $36 million to Rainy day fund
• $17 million directed to fight the “scourge” of methamphetamine
• $28 million tax relief for 55,748 Nevada Businesses
• $31 million in funds to reallocate for public employee retirement
• $5.6 million from unclaimed property receipts to “stabilize” millennium scholarship
• $50 million to maintain pilot program for all day kindergarten
• $60 million for extensive "empowerment" pilot program
• $110 million for UNR health science system
• $170 million for highway projects
• $7.5 million for opening 22 acute care beds
• $2.8 million for triage centers
• $6 million for mental health courts
• $10 million from unclaimed property receipts to create dynamic economic program for renewable energy
• Eliminate $1,750 per branch quarterly excise tax for banks
• 6% increase in pay for public employees

10,000 Burning Man tickets sold in 90 minutes

2007-01-17T13:03:00.000-08:00

10,000 Burning Man tickets sold on-line in 90 minutes for $195 a pop.

Burn baby burn!
RGJ

Geologist Jim Gibbons: "pretty doggone close"

2007-01-16T11:54:00.000-08:00

Report: Selling highway water rights may not reap much in Nevada

Problem: $3.8 billion shortfall in road construction funding.

Jim Gibbons Solution: Sell state highway water rights.

NDOT: Might be no more than 6,000 acre-feet.

Current selling price: $20,000 per acre-foot

Money raised from selling water rights: Estimated $120 million

$3.8 billion vs $120 million. Pretty doggone close or a far stretch?

A Message From Barack Obama

2007-01-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

(Click to play)

Read the transcript here.

Learn about Barack's life, family, and accomplishments here.

Get Barack Obama Swag here.

I Love the 110th Congress T-Shirts

2007-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Show support for the 110th Congress by sporting this custom design on a dark t-shirt.

Visit Nevada Swag!

House Democrats Git-R-Done!

2007-01-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

Lot's accomplished in the House of Representatives since it first convened on January 4, 2007:

House cuts student loan interest in half ($6B cost to be offset by reducing the yield, cutting guaranteed return)

House passes stem cell funding measure (Legislation that would ease President Bush's restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research)

House passes minimum-wage hike bill (Bill would raise minimum wage $2.10 in three steps over three years)

House passes anti-terrorism legislation (Includes commitments for inspection of all cargo carried aboard passenger aircraft and on ships bound for the United States)

House passes 'pay-go' (Requires tax cuts to have corresponding cuts in government spending or increases in other taxes to pay for them)

Keith Olbermann breaks down Bush's "steps" and "missteps" in Iraq

2007-01-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

'Countdown with Keith Olbermann' for Jan. 10

Keith Olbermann - "President Bush makes no secret of his distaste for looking backward, for assessing past results. But in our third story on the COUNTDOWN tonight, and his speech coming up at the top of the hour, that will not be possible. Any meaningful assessment of the president‘s next step in Iraq must consider his steps and missteps so far.

So, let‘s look at the record. Before Mr. Bush was elected he said he was no nation builder. Nation building was wrong for America. Now he says it is vital for America. He said he would never have put U.S. troops under foreign control. Today U.S. troops observe Iraqi restrictions.

He told us about WMDs, mobile labs, secret sources, aluminum tubing, yellow cake. He has told us the war is necessary because Saddam was a threat, because of 9/11, because of Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda, because of terrorism in general, to liberate Iraq, to spread freedom, to spread democracy, to keep the oil out of the hands of potentially terrorist controlled states, because this was a guy who tried to kill his dad.

In pushing for and prosecuting this war, he passed on chances to get Abu Musab al Zarqawi, Moqtada al Sadr, Osama bin Laden. He sent in fewer troops than recommended. He disbanded the Iraqi army and deBaathified the government. He short changed Iraqi training. He did not plan for widespread looting, nor the explosion of sectarian violence. He sent in troops without life saving equipment, gave job to foreign contractors and not the Iraqis, staffed U.S. positions in Iraq based on partisanship, not professional experience.

We learned that America had prevailed, mission accomplished, the resistance was in its last throws. He has said that more troops were not necessary and more troops are necessary, and that it‘s up to the generals, and then removed some of the generals who said more troops would be necessary.

He told us of turning points, the fall of Baghdad, the death of Uday and Qusay, the capture of Saddam, a provisional government, the trial of Saddam, a charter, a constitution, an Iraqi government, elections, purple fingers, a new government, the death of Saddam. We would be greeted as liberators with flowers, as they stood up, we would stand down. We would stay the course. We would never stay the course. The enemy was al Qaeda, was foreigners, was terrorist, was Baathists.

The war would pay for itself. It was cost 1.7 billion dollars, 100 billion, 400 billion, half a trillion dollars. And after all of that, today it is his credibility versus that of generals, diplomats, allies, Republicans, Democrats, the Iraq Study Group, past presidents, voters last November, and the majority of the American people."

McCarran Ranch Restoration Project

2007-01-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this jewel last weekend while scouting out fishing holes along the Truckee River. It's called the McCarran Ranch Restoration Project and it's located on I-80 about 12 miles east of Sparks at Waltham Way (Patrick).

I was so impressed last weekend, I decided to go back this morning to take pictures and poke around some more.

Read this:
Correcting a history of mistakes

(Click thumbnail below to open album)

Truckee River McCarran Ranch Restoration Project

Truckee River restoration project at McCarran Ranch links:

McCarran Ranch / Truckee River Pilot Restoration Project
Fall 2003

DRI: McCarran Ranch Restoration Project

"Jim Gibbons Country" littered with signs

2007-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

"Jim Gibbons Country"... Hahaha! He must mean that literally. Today is January 3rd, 2007 (day after inauguration) and three of his "Jim Gibbons Country" campaign signs are STILL posted on Oddie Blvd. and 12th Street in Sparks. It's bad enough Jim Gibbons won the Governorship, but now we have to drive by his illegally posted signs on a daily basis until he decides to take them down or has the taxpayers of Sparks take them down for him.

Section 20.56.230 (Additional signs during election periods) on the City of Sparks website clearly says "An election period begins the first day of filing before and ends ten days after any election conducted under federal, state, county, or city laws..." and that "Additional signs containing any message may be displayed on any site during an election period".

It's been 47 days since the 10 day deadline you had to take down your now illegally posted "Jim Gibbons Country" signs. How much longer do we have to wait?

John Edwards in Reno

2006-12-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

I want to thank Senator John Edwards for making Reno one of his first campaign stops after announcing his bid to run for President. Maybe on his next stop he can swing through Fernley and enjoy some of my hot wings and meet some of my friends and family.

Wouldn't it be nice to see a Edwards/Obama or Obama/Edwards ticket in 2008?

From the RGJ:

Responding to questions, Edwards said:

- He would not sacrifice priorities such as universal health care, fighting poverty and reducing the country's reliance on foreign oil for eliminating the national deficit.

- He supports allowing illegal immigrants "to earn their way to citizenship" after paying a fine and learning English.

- Same-sex couples in civil unions should enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples.

- He leans against implementing a gasoline tax as a way to curb reliance on foreign oil because it is a regressive tax that would burden the poor and middle class.

Republicans: Hurry up and die, Senator Johnson!

2006-12-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Bummed out and and battered Republicans saw a glimmer of light this afternoon when they got news that South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson had a possible stroke. I tuned into KKOH's Bill Manders today and it was quite obvious he was on cloud nine about what was happening to the Senator. Not once did Bill wish the Senator or his family well. Bill saw it as a way to gain control of the Senate and take power away from Harry Reid and the victorious Democrats. Too bad, Bill! The AP is now quoting an aide who's saying it wasn't a heart attack or stroke. Better luck next time, Bill!

When the AP reported earlier in the day that the Senator Johnson became disoriented and started stuttering in response to a question, I was hoping the media got it wrong and thought maybe Senator Johnson was simply immitating and mocking the current Commander in Chief.

It's Nevada, not Nevahda.

2006-12-13T09:35:00.000-08:00

Nevada will be in the news heavily over the next couple years due to the 2008 presidential caucus so I think it's important that I teach the Talking Heads on East Coast cable news outlets like Fox News and MSNBC how to say Nevada.

Proper way to say NEVADA: Listen

Improper way to say NEVADA: Listen

It's not "Reno, Nevahda"... It's "Reno, Nevada".

Don't say "Las Vegas, Nevahda"... Say "Las Vegas, Nevada".

Duh!!

Spiked Hot Chocolate

2006-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

Ok..Ok... I think it's about time to drag my butt over to the laptop and update the world on what I've been up to. The November elections pretty much drained me beyond belief so after the initial high of overwhelming Democratic victory I decided not to dibble and dabble in politics for a good month or so. Since then, I've been watching tons of college basketball (Go Wolfpack!)and listening to XM 66 Raw instead of hate radio on AM 780 KKOH. The Wolfpack is 8 and 0 as of today and we have UNLV this Saturday night at Lawlor! Go Pack!

The backyard firepit I built over the summer is finally coming in handy! I've spent the past couple Saturdays in my own backyard burning firewood and sipping on hot chocolate spiked with Southern Comfort. This weekend I probably should delay sparking up the firepit and opening the liquor cabinet until AFTER I get up the Christmas lights. You think?

I feel good!

2006-11-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Jill Derby, Tessa Hafen, Jack Carter and Dina Titus didn't prevail but I still feel good and I bet they do to. It's clear to me that a large amount of Nevadans are ready for change but we couldn't quite get over the hump or convince enough Republicans to come over to the good side. Big props to Shelley Berkley, Ross Miller, Kate Marshall, Kim Wallin and Catherine Cortez-Masto for their victories. Nevadans will definitely benefit.

I'd hate to be a republican right now after receiving the decisive ass whoopin' they received throughout the country on Tuesday night. They got spanked! I bet they feel like complete asses right now!! Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid now control the House and Senate and President Bush and the Republican party of today are officialy lame ducks. America will never again be the way it was when Republicans controlled every aspect of Washington thanks to the millions of smart Americans who voted in record numbers and took it upon themselves to DEMAND change and accountability.

The lame duck Republicans divided this country, lied, mismanaged, played head games and now they pay heavily. Bye-bye Senator Maccaca... Bye-bye J.D. Hayworth... Bye-bye Rick Santorum!

I have to give it up to Howard Dean for his 50 state strategy that the Republicans and many Democrats pretty much laughed at. Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi too for recruiting phenomenal candidates throughout the country.

The 2008 elections are coming up so I'll continue using the blog formerly known as "No Gibbons" to spread the good word of what Democrats have to offer.

Stay involved!!

Lyon County Voting Problems

2006-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

Polling Location Confusion in Lyon County

Nov 7, 2006 11:10 AM

Voters in Dayton and Fernley were sent sample ballots with polling locations from the primary, which are incorrect for the general election.

The clerk says they sent out letters to everyone affected as soon as they found out there was a problem, telling them where to vote. She says they sent those letters at least 10 days ago.
Here are the correct locations:

Precincts: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Dayton High School

335 Old Dayton Valley Road

Dayton

Precincts: 15, 16, 17

Dayton Community Center

170 Pike St.

Precincts: 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34

Fernley High School

1300 Highway 95 A

Fernley

Precincts: 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40

Fernley Fire House

195 E. Main St.

Fernley

CALL: 463-6501

Change is Coming

2006-11-04T08:26:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday morning before the elections and what do I see?

-President Bush at 35% approval.
-Pat Buchanan predicting the Democrats will pick up 6 Senate seats and up to 40 house seats.
-Joe Scarborough predicting 6 Senate seats and 30 house seats.
-The leader of the Evangelical movement admitted yesterday to buying meth and getting massaged by a gay male prostitute named Mike Jones.
-The Mark Foley scandal still lingering.
-Bob Ney resigned from Congress
-Jim Gibbons facing assault charges
-Jim Gibbons hired an illegal immigrant back in the day to do the dirty work.
-Buddy-buddy deals involving Jim Gibbons and classified federal software contratcs in exchange for campaign contributions and free vacations.
-Jill Derby Schooling Dean Heller on Iraq (audio archive)
-Jill Derby Schooling Dean Heller on Immigration (audio archive)
-Jill Derby Schooling Dean Heller on Conservatism (audio archive)

Jim Gibbons can't get his story straight

2006-10-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the good eye of "hangtown 1" on RGJ.com Reader Forums for this heads up.

The day after (Oct 14th) the Gibbons/Mazzeo Show, Jim Gibbons was interviewed by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. During the interview (Page 15 of Gibbons' "voluntary statement" to police) this was said by Jim Gibbons:

Police: Okay. And so the allegation of forcefully grabbing her and detaining her some way in an attempt to kiss her, talk her into having sex with you? Anything like that you would say as ..

Gibbons: Didn't happen. Didn't happen. And if she assumed that helping her up and asking her ... her (sic) was okay was detaining her, well then I'm stu ... I'm shocked at that.

Police: Okay. While this was going on in the parking structure was there anybody with you?

Gibbons: No.

Police: Was there anybody else with her?

Gibbons: No.

Today in the RGJ:

Also Monday, Gibbons filed a lawsuit seeking to compel police to release surveillance videos that he says will prove he was never inside a parking garage where Mazzeo said the incident took place.

Gibbons Attorney Don Campbell:

"Congressman Gibbons has said from day one I was never in that garage. This is all false and we're about to prove it... And what better evidence to demonstrate that than the video tape that is going to show that he was never there."

Jim Gibbons: Architect of Nastiness

2006-10-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hypocritical: Jim and his wife hired an illegal immigrant for $800 per month plus overtime to keep house, baby-sit and cook. [Docs]

Scandalous: On October 13th, 2006 Jim Gibbons offered a Las Vegas Cocktail Waitress named Chrissy Mazzeo a “helping hand” to her truck after an evening of drinks at McCormick & Schmick's all while being a staunch advocate to the Congressional Stop DUI Caucus. [Docs]

Untrustworthy: Plagiarized 15 paragraphs of a speech he used to blast those who opposed the War in Iraq.

Vengeful: Got revenge on Delta Airlines for getting fired while serving in the Nevada Assembly.

Dina Titus calls Jim Gibbons a Hypocrite

2006-10-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Jim Gibbons is currently airing this ad accusung Dina Titus of selling our personal DMV information to telemarketing firms. He made the same accusations yesterday on the Bill Manders that you can listen to here.

Dina Titus - "The ad that he is running against me is absolutely untrue -- it's a total lie..."

Listen to what Dina Titus had to say today when she called in to the Bill Manders Show.

Jim Gibbons Audio

2006-10-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Audio of Jim Gibbons on KKOH discussing the Chrissy Mazzeo assault accusations and the Illegal Immigrant named Martha Patricia Pastor-Sandoval who had to hide in the basement when company came over.

Jim Gibbons + Cocktails = Assault Accusations

2006-10-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Photo: Congressman Jim Gibbons speaking out against the problems associated with drinking and driving during a press conference marking the introduction of the Congressional Stop DUI Caucus. Nevada has one of the highest rates of DUI related accidents, and Congressman Jim Gibbons is a staunch advocate for the Stop DUI Caucus.

From the Las Vegas Review Journal

Congressman Gibbons Accused of Assault

On Oct. 13, 2006, Chrissy Mazzeo contacted the Las Vegas Metro Police Department via 9-1-1 and reported that United States Congressman Jim Gibbons, a political candidate for Nevada Governor, allegedly made inappropriate and unwanted sexual advances to her while at a restaurant on Hughes Drive.

MAZZEO 911 CALLS
Chrissy Mazzeo's 911 calls after encounter with Jim Gibbons
First Call (2:47)
Second Call (1:42)
Third Call (9:53)

• Transcripts of the three phone calls to 9-1-1
• LVMPD Officer's Report
• LVMPD Officer's Report (Supplemental)
• Statement by Congressman Jim Gibbons
• Statement by Chrissy Mazzeo
• Statement by Chrissy Mazzeo (Supplemental)
• Statement by Chrissy Mazzeo (Supplemental)

_______________________________________
Update:

Jim Gibbons discusses assault allegations (Oct 25th, 2006)

Chrissy Mazzeo News Conference (Oct 25th, 2006)

_______________________________________

Jim Gibbons - "I learned an important lesson, never to offer a helping hand to anybody ever again."

Jim Gibbons Forgot Her

2006-10-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Help Dina Titus keep this incredible ad on air!

While you're at it:

Watch last nights debate between Dina Titus and Jim Gibbons (scroll down to "featured videos")
Read Las Vegas Sun's article about Jim Gibbons' night out with the boys
Read Nevada Scandalmongers "Top 10 Reasons to Vote Jim Gibbons Out"

Which party would terrorists support?

2006-10-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

That question was asked by Don Maxwell of Carson City in the RGJ letters to the editor section on October 9th, 2006.

Question No. 1: If the Islamic terrorists could vote in U.S. elections, which party do you think they would align and vote with, the Republicans or the Democrats?
Question No. 2: In light of your answer to question No. 1, which party does it make more sense for you to align your vote with?

Richard Arbib, Mike Bohling and Robert Cunningham provide the answers.

Jill Derby & Dean Heller KKOH Debate

2006-10-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

I managed to record today's debate between Jill Derby and Dean Heller on KKOH's Bill Manders Show.

Put the kids to bed, grab a snack and enjoy!

Segment 1
Segment 2
Segment 3
Segment 4
Segment 5
Segment 6
Segment 7

Sorry about the low audio output.

Dean Heller is Fiscally Irresponsible

2006-10-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

The self-proclaimed "Fiscal Conservative" Dean Heller is in deep debt. Apparently his campaign owes more than $280,000 in unpaid bills.

Dean Heller - "We need candidates and elected officials who are fiscally conservative in taxes and spending. I am the only candidate who is both and my record shows that."

David Cohen, Derby's campaign manager - “If Dean Heller can’t balance his campaign budget, how can we expect him to be fiscally responsible in Congress. The working families of Nevada know how to balance their budgets, but with Dean Heller, we've got another career politician who says one thing and does another. He’s even behind on his campaign office rent.”

Jill Derby - “We’re in a strong financial position going into the final weeks of the race and support for the campaign continues to grow. People are investing in good leadership and a new direction. My supporters – and there are many of them – want to see things change and they know that I’m the best candidate in this race.”

From Plastic Wrap and Magnets to Blogs

2006-10-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

I remember visiting my Grandparents house as a kid and my Grandmother would have little newspaper clippings wrapped in plastic wrap that she'd attach to her "ice box" (refrigerator) with a magnet. Still to this day she does it. Usually they were RGJ letters to the editor that she agreed with that she figured all her friends and family should read.

Reading the letter below makes me want to bust out the ol' Plastic Wrap and magnet and clear a spot on the "ice box" so all my friends and family can see this great letter to the editor, but today we have blogs.

This week, it was announced that we are spending $2 billion a week fighting the war in Iraq, and 16 different intelligence agencies have admitted that this costly war is not making us any safer. On the contrary, we now have 23,000 American soldiers either killed or injured from this failed Bush policy.

For $2 billion a week, we could really make America safe, protecting our borders, our ports, our chemical and nuclear plants and making our nation energy-independent so we never have to fight in the Middle East again. We could make sure that first responders, firefighters and police have the radio equipment to talk to one another.

The Republicans in Congress, including Sen. John Ensign and Congressman Jim Gibbons, are not focusing on those issues. Instead, they give Bush his own way as they vote for his mistaken policies. We need independent-minded, pragmatic Democrats, like Jack Carter and Jill Derby, as our representatives in Congress. They will have a much better idea of what to do with $2 billion a week than squander it on policies that don't make us safe and, in fact, increase the terrorist threat.

Arlene Williams, Sparks

Ensign and Gibbons Wrong on Minimum Wage

2006-10-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Pretty much every Republican in America is against raising the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25. Why? They'll argue that raising the minimum wage will raise prices and kill jobs, but the truth is, business first/family last Republicans are stingy and selfish and could care less if those making $5.15 per hour can put gas in the tank and put food on the table or not.

Sen. John Ensign here in Nevada voted against increasing the federal minimum wage on October 19, 2005, and Congressman Jim Gibbons said, “if we keep talking about the minimum wage law, you know raising it, uh, from $6.25 to $6.75 or $7.00 per hour, we can’t find people to work… for $12.00 to $14.00 per hour”.

Today, I woke up to an article that confirms what Democrats and a few responsible Republicans have been saying all along.

650 economists (including 5 Nobel Prize winners) call for a minimum wage increase.

The economists wrote:

“We believe that a modest increase in the minimum wage would improve the well-being of low-wage workers and would not have the adverse effects that critics have claimed,”

“The weight of the evidence suggests that modest increases in the minimum wage have had very little or no effect on employment.”

“While controversy about the precise employment effects of the minimum wage continues, research has shown that most of the beneficiaries are adults, most are female, and the vast majority are members of low-income working families.”

Kate Marshall: Mark DeStefano a "Risky Bet"

2006-10-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

New website details State Treasurer candidate Mark DeStefano's record of investigations, scams and risk.

Kate Marshall Press Release:

LAS VEGAS – State Treasurer candidate Mark DeStefano’s twenty-year record of risky business ventures, bankruptcy, inflated claims and financial trade violations goes under the microscope in a new website named www.ariskybet.com which was launched today.

Ariskybet.com details information obtained from public records and contains detailed lists of the sources used to unveil DeStefano’s true record including his history of federal investigations, scams and long record of risk.

Jill Derby Laces the Boots

2006-10-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby delivers another stunner ad called "integrity" that focuses on Dean Heller's false accusations and misleading ad's. Jill Derby's new ad points out that Dean Heller voted for the sales tax increase, his vote for property tax increases and his vote for expanded estate tax.

Monday in Nevada.

2006-10-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

RGJ Blog roundup linked me to a "lightning round of questions while campaigning in Washoe Valley this week" with Jill Derby.

RGJ also has a great article about the Assembly District 38 race between incumbent Republican Tom Grady and Democratic challenger Cathylee James.

While you're there, read about Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and how they "registered 500 to 700 Nevada immigrant voters".

RGJ also published a letter to the editor from a guy named David Gordon claiming "Titus clear winner of university debate".

Also, If anybody interviews or speaks to Dean Heller this week, will someone ask him why the Wall Street Journal listed him as the owner of the race car that was seized by the DEA when sex offender and drug trafficker Eddie Floyd and his son Joshua got indicted on drug and money laundering charges?

Thanks!

Questions Dean Heller Must Answer.

2006-10-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

One day Eddie Floyd, an unregistered sex offender, and his son Joshua Floyd were indicted for producing, distributing, and profiting from large sales of marijuana they grew in Northern California. For their actions, Eddie and his son Joshua Floyd have been charged with dealing drugs, money laundering and aiding and abetting.

Eddie Floyd and his son Joshua knew a man named Dean Heller. Dean Heller appeared weekly on Floyd’s radio show “Nevada Matters” 160 times and met with Floyd on numerous occasions. Dean and Eddie dined together on several occasions and Eddie Floyd’s wife, Shari Floyd, donated $4,200 to Dean Heller’s campaign.

Dean Heller discussing Eddie Floyd –

“Eddie and I actually go back a number of years,”

“My good friend,”

“I tell him I’m his good son,”

On the beautiful spring day of April 13, 2005, a IMCA Modified Elias Chassis Race Car was seized from Dean Heller’s garage by the D.E.A. in connection with the Eddie Floyd case. You can find the entry in the June 13 and June 20 editions of the Wall Street Journal.

Question: Why is the D.E.A. publishing Dean Heller's name in the Wall Street Journal on two separate occasions as being related to the seizure of the racecar, if the car is owned by Joshua Floyd?

Dean Heller hasn’t returned the $4,200 donation from Eddie Floyd’s wife. Why? Was the $4,200 donation dirty drug money filtered through Floyd’s wife, Shari?

Who actually owned the seized race car?

Why aren’t these questions being asked of Dean Heller?

Dean Heller Attack Ad: "False, misleading and even silly."

2006-10-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby - “As Secretary of State and the chief elections officer, I would expect better behavior from Mr. Heller,” Derby said. “It’s disappointing really that my opponent can’t campaign on his own record and instead has to sling mud at me, but I guess that’s what career politicians do. The voters of CD2 deserve better than that."

Derby Campaign Manager David Cohen - “Apparently, the only kind of campaign Heller can run is a dirty one, but it’s not surprising after the kind of ads we saw him run in the primary. People deserve a representative who they can be proud of, someone who will offer leadership and new ideas. Apparently he has nothing else to offer the voters of the Second Congressional District except half-truths and distortions.”

Adwatch: Heller vs. Derby

Bush and Heller: Vote For Status Quo

2006-10-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

President Bush - "I'm looking forward to working with Dean on good domestic policy,"

Dean Heller - "We have similarities and our differences... But overall, I would anticipate that if I go to Washington, I would be supporting the president a majority of the time."

Sharon Angle - "I asked him for a job,"

13-year-old Reno resident - "The president is not helping me with my future with the No Child Left Behind Act... The only job I'll be able to get is in Iraq."

David Hauser - "Last week Jimmy Carter shook our hands for free. He's a humanitarian and he loves America. This shows that George Bush is just about money."

Deb Drum - "I would have called in sick if I hadn't had the day off. If we don't change things, we won't have jobs to go to. The economy is down and it's harder for kids to have opportunities to go to college. We are not going to be able to compete with the global economy in the future."

Chuck Fulkerson - "I saw lots and lots of good Americans killed under false pretenses in Vietnam. As Lyndon Johnson and McNamara lied to my generation, Bush and Cheney are lying to my grandchildren. We are butchering the lives of the our future on the altar of greed."

Remarks by the President at Heller for Congress Deception

2006-10-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

President Bush didn't mention job creation, education, energy, gas prices, social security or veterans a single time in his 3,756 word speech at Mercury Air Center in Reno, but he managed to mention the words "September 11th", "terror" and "terrorist" 11 times. The word "war" got mentioned 18 times and the words "tax" or "taxes" got mentioned a whopping 20 times all while helping Dean Heller raise $360,000.

Terrorism and taxes... Terrorism and taxes... Terrorism and taxes.

A vote for Dean Heller is a yes vote for the status quo in Iraq, tax cuts for top tier Americans who can afford a $2100 picture with President Bush, unaffordable healthcare, $3.00 per gallon gasoline, record deficits, Congressional pay raises, stagnant minimum wage and Social Security privatization.

Jill Derby's website is jam packed full of information that lays out her exact stance on almost every important issue many working poor and middle class families are faced with today. Dean Heller provides nothing for voters to look at except family pictures and a convenient way to donate cash.

RGJ Contributor "4Nevada" says ... "Unfortunately Heller has been unable to express himself toward the issues at hand regarding our Nation and State. I've asked several times about where he stands and have received typical political 'non-answers' from his staff. The only thing I know of is his past record as our Secretary of State and not of his future commitments to our Nation and our State. Does he even have a plan?"

Osama Bin Laden on the Family Guy

2006-10-02T08:38:00.000-07:00

The funniest Family Guy clip since Stewie beat Brian for money.

Dean Heller far more concerned with protecting President Bush

2006-09-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby launches another great ad today focusing on Social Security.

Jill Derby - "Social Security isn't in crisis. There's time to craft a lasting and sensible solution that protects this important and successful program. Without Social Security, nearly half of our seniors would be living in poverty. Preserving and protecting Social Security is critical for seniors today and generations to come."

Click Here to Watch ad.

_____

Dean "Never once put his ass on the line" Heller -

"I'm not happy with his (John McCain) position on torture."

"I'm so mad at those three, McCain, Warner and Graham."

"I think they're far more concerned with protecting terrorists."

9% of Iraqis support President Bush and Dean Heller's plan for Iraq

2006-09-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

President Bush on August 21st, 2006: "If you think problems are tough now, imagine what it would be like if the United States leaves before this government has a chance to defend herself, govern herself, and listen to the -- and answer to the will of the people."

This just in...

(CNN) -- Seventy-one percent of Iraqis responding to a new survey favor a commitment by U.S.-led forces in Iraq to withdraw in a year.

The WorldPublicOpinion.org poll was conducted September 1-4 by the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland. It was fielded by KA Research Ltd./D3 Systems Inc. Questions were asked of a nationwide representative sample of 1,150 Iraqi adults.

-37 percent take the position that they would like U.S.-led forces withdrawn 'within six months'

-34 percent opt for 'gradually withdraw(ing) U.S.-led forces according to a one-year timeline.'

-20 percent favor a two-year timeline

-9 percent favor 'only reduc(ing) U.S.-led forces as the security situation improves in Iraq.'

The Titus/Gibbons debate in a nutshell

2006-09-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Why does Jim Gibbons want to be Governor?

1. He worked at Delta Airlines.
2. He served in the military.
3. He served in Congress.
4. To save you money.
5. Fund education first.

Why does Dina Titus want to be Governor?

1. All day kindergarten at all Nevada elementary schools.
2. Implement vocational education and apprentice programs.
3. Fully fund education first.
4. Hold renewable energy summit within first 100 days in office.
5. Get first responders on the same systems so they can communicate with each other in case of terror attack or natural disaster.

Cheney Usurps National Security

2006-09-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Dick Cheney on September 25th, 2006 -
"As we make our case to the voters in this election season, it's vital to keep issues of national security at the top of the agenda,"

Does a secure nation require a permanent U.S. Military presence in Iraq? Will a permanent military presence in Iraq make America a safer place to live? Not according to a 30-page National Intelligence Estimate from 16 different spy agencies that says the Iraq War is spreading terror.

The truth about Gibbons

2006-09-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Check out this video featuring Jim Gibbons I found I this morning on YouTube.

Bin Laden's Killer?

2006-09-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

Rumors are flying around the web that Osama Bin Laden "has become seriously ill and may have already died".

PARIS (AP) - The French defense ministry on Saturday called for an internal investigation of the leak of an intelligence document that raises the possibility that Osama bin Laden may have died of typhoid in Pakistan a month ago but said the report of the death remained unverified.

This just might be the Karl Rove October surprise we've all been waiting for.

Chris Matthews and Desert Beacon on the same page

2006-09-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Desert Beacon:

Update: Not being a Reno resident, I had to look up the Mercury Air Center and one thing comes to mind at once: How is this supposed to "showcase the city of Reno" when the President isn't getting out of the confines of the airport? There's no motorcade to follow, and (of course) no chance the President will actually get within an Ethel Merman audibility range of "average citizens." Just another President zip in, get some more pictures with adoring Republicans, and zip out.

Chris Matthews on MSNBC Hardball agrees:

MATTHEWS: Tax cuts, t and t—terrorism and tax cuts.
STODDARD: Yes.

MATTHEWS: I do think that‘s winning, and the Democrats‘ line is Iraq and Bush.

By the way, Eugene, let me go to you, Mr. Christie, you seem to be the Republican spokesperson here, and fair enough—why, if Bush is doing so well—I shouldn‘t say Bush—if President Bush is doing so well, why not your crowd put him in your ads? Because “The New York Times” just analyzed the ads the other day, and Bush doesn‘t appear in any ads except the Democrat ads so he can be the dart board for the Democrats.

CHRISTIE: Well, President Bush I think is still very popular around the country.

MATTHEWS: So why doesn‘t your party put him in the ads if you like him so much?

CHRISTIE: Because the president of the United States recognizes for those members where it is an advantage for him to either campaign or be in those ads, he will be in those ads.

MATTHEWS: But we have not found those campaigns where it‘s an advantage for him to be in the ads yet.

CHRISTIE: Chris, I think the campaign season now that we‘ve just passed Labor Day is now kicking into full gear. You‘re going to see...

MATTHEWS: But it looks like he comes in after dark, he raises money, and he leaves by midnight, and nobody sees him except the guys who gave him money.

CHRISTIE: No, if you look, as a matter of fact...

MATTHEWS: That‘s exactly what is going on.

CHRISTIE: If you look this upcoming Monday, President Bush is going to Cincinnati, Ohio...

MATTHEWS: How can you keep your face so straight when you know I‘m telling the exact truth here?

Is the Heller Campaign Breaking the Rules?

2006-09-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

I finally noticed a Dean Heller yard sign yesterday evening on my way home from work, but it was posted on the I-80 East Fernley freeway off-ramp about 10-20ft from the side of the road. I noticed the same thing on the East Fernley on-ramp this morning on my way to work. I was under the impression that posting signs on highways was against the rules and regulations. Hopefully NDOT doesn't rip down the signs before I can get a picture of it.

Dean Heller and President Bush Support Eachother

2006-09-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm celebrating the great news of the Bush/Heller $2100 a picture fundraiser by offering this free design to the Heller campaign.

Bush/Heller supporters can buy 10"x3" bumper sticker today for $5 by clicking here.

Senator George Allen: "Common Sense Jeffersonian Conservative Principles"

2006-09-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

Quote from yesterday's Meet the Press: “Allen used to keep a Confederate flag in his living room, a noose in his law office and a picture of Confederate troops in his governor’s office.”

George Allen - "This fellow here—over here in the yellow shirt, macaca, or whatever his name is, he’s with my opponent. And let’s give a welcome to macaca here. Welcome to America and the real world of Virginia."

Tim Russert talking to Allen about redefining Geneva Convention- "You know, your critics say that you voted with George Bush 96 percent of the time your five years in the Senate. This time, would you vote for Senator Warner, or President Bush?"

Is it just me, or does Virginia deserve better?

Titus Owns 50

2006-09-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Rough day today... I got a HUGE migraine headache today at work which forced me to pass out in the basement for like 2 hours. Luckily the basement is carpeted. On top of that, I had to deliver a sound system up to South Lake Tahoe today by 4pm as a paid favor but ended up getting stiffed on the $150 "paid favor" fee that we agreed on because the guy who set up the deal flaked out on the company throwing the gig. Just my luck…

Good news though... On my way back down from South Lake Tahoe I took US50 and headed down into Carson City, Dayton, Silver Springs and into Fernley. One thing that I noticed first off is that there is a hell of a lot of Dina Titus signs strategically placed during the entire 80 mile drive. I must have seen between 30 and 40 compared to 6 or 7 for Jim Gibbons. Jill Derby and Jack Carter's team put up a dozen or so signs between the both of them while Dean Heller and John Ensign didn't catch my eye once. Do Dean Heller and John Ensign have campaign signs? I haven't seen any.

Anyways... Big props to team Titus for turning US50 between Tahoe and Fernley Titus blue!

Congressman Jim Gibbons as the "Cocktail Candidate"

2006-09-12T14:52:00.000-07:00

This segment of Photoshop fun is dedicated to Congressman Jim "Other Commitments" Gibbons for using every excuse under the sun to duck and dodge the opposition.

And, yes... I did manage to squeeze in a GOP pin on his lapel.

Enjoy!

Derby and Manders KKOH Interview

2006-09-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby - "running for all Nevadans."

"Party isn't my first issue, Nevada is."

Regent is a "non paying job", "non partisan", "taxpayers don't pay salary."

Audio (.mp3) pt1

Audio (.mp3) pt2

Audio (.mp3) pt3

Audio (.mp3) pt4

Audio (.mp3) pt5

Jill Derby vs. Dean Heller

2006-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby’s plan to help the middle class would

-Lower energy costs by rolling back the $14 billion giveaway to oil companies approved last year by Congress.
-Restore America’s economic integrity by reining in the deficit, balancing the budget, and doing away with the tax cut that benefited the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans.
-Rewrite the Medicare prescription drug bill to bring down the cost of drugs for seniors and legalize the reimportation of safe American-made prescription drugs.
-Restore the $12 billion cut from federal student loan programs and increase tax credits for families with children seeking any type of post high school training – university, college, trade school.
-Look at ways to make the tax code fair to families, such as permanently eliminating the marriage penalty, establishing a middle-class tuition tax break to help pay for college, and commit to a the child tax credit once and for all.

On Jill Derby's "on the issues" section of her website, you can find plans to many important issues facing Americans:

IRAQ – Win the War Once and for All

-My plan for Iraq

-No timetable for Withdrawal

-Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

ENERGY – A Sensible Plan

-Investing in Renewable Energy

-Stronger Consumer Protection

VETERANS – Keeping Our Promises

-Quality, Accessible Healthcare

-Equity for Guard and Reserves

HEALTHCARE – Making It Affordable, Making It Accessible

-Massachusetts Model

-Skyrocketing Insurance Costs

-Affordable Prescription Drugs

EDUCATION – Invest in our Kids, Local Control

-No Child Left Behind

-Opportunities Beyond High School

SOCIAL SECURITY – Protecting Seniors

-Retirement Security

-No Privatizing Social Security

MIDDLE EAST – Leading the Way to Stability

-Violence in Lebanon

-Cease Fire Only the Beginning

JOBS – The Backbone of America

-Minimum Wage

-Stop Sending Jobs Overseas

THE DEFICIT– Restoring Fiscal Responsibility

-Lower Taxes for Families

-Nevada's Fair Share

Instead of discussing issues crucial to Nevadans, the Conservative Candidate and his supporters would rather focus on issues that don't matter to middle class and working poor Americans. They would rather discuss non-important things like "why isn't Jill Derby telling you she's a Democrat" and silly stuff like "she's not telling you where she really lives".

I challenge you to go to Dean Hellers website and surf around a bit. What is his plan on eliminating record deficits, jobs going overseas, the minimum wage, social security privatization, education, affordable Healthcare, Veterans, Iraq and $3 per gallon gas? Is Dean Heller's plan called "more of the same"? More giveaways to oil companies who rake in record profits? More tax cuts to Americans wealthiest 1 percent? More cuts to the student loan program? More of the same in Iraq? More so-called conservatism? More "stay the course"?

Jim Gibbons: Scared to Debate 1 on 1

2006-09-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Big props to (R) Rep. Chris Shays and his challenger (D) Diane Farrell in Connecticut's 4th District for agreeing to 11 debates. The more the voters get to see the candidate in action the better, right? Not as far as Jim Gibbons is concerned. Jim Gibbons hid during the primaries and now he's hiding from Dina Titus by agreeing to only four debates. And now, come to find out, Jim Gibbons wants the minor candidates (Green Party candidate Craig Bergland and Independent American Party candidate Christopher Hansen) to water down the debates.

Dean Heller talks.

2006-09-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Jill Derby Website:

In 1988, Derby was elected Regent for the University and Community College System of Nevada, a role in which she has distinguished herself for the past 17 years, earning respect and praise from Nevadans of all political stripes. As a Regent, Derby has developed an independent, common-sense approach that has helped Nevada’s system of higher education achieve consistently higher standards of excellence, while increasing access to college for thousands of Nevadans.

Jill Derby is a devoted public servant, a champion of public education, and a leader who has spent her professional life focused on the critical issues facing Nevada’s public education system. With her straight-forward approach to public service, her deep roots in the state, and her unique understanding of the most significant issues of the day – from education to the Middle East – Derby offers a new kind of leadership.

For 17 years, Derby has moved beyond political labels and reached across party lines to seek out the best ideas and the right solutions for our state. A strong, independent voice for Nevada values – that’s what you can count on from her in Congress.

____

Dean Heller today on the Bill Manders Show:

"The difference between me and Jill Derby is like Nancy Pelosi and Denny Hastert"

"If you're in this country illegally you should be deported.

"I would of voted on yes on the house bill (HR4437).

Jill Derby is a "career politician".

Jill Derby spent "18 years as Regent".

Jill Derby is the "longest elected official in the race".

"Doesn't want to tell you she used to be a Regent".

"Doesn't want to tell you she's a Democrat".

____

Jill Derby is scheduled to appear on the Bill Manders Show this Thursday the 7th at 4pm.

Bill Manders: "Swiftboating" Jill Derby

2006-09-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

Bill Manders:

"I understand that Jill Derby doesn't even own a ranch..."

"She's not telling you she's a Democrat."

"She's not telling you where she really lives."

"She's not telling you who she really is."

"That ain't her ranch."

Listen to the audio (about 1.5 minutes)

CD-2 Republican candidates are basically crap, so I guess it's time for local talk radio host Bill Manders to start "swiftboating" Jill Derby. It's obvious to me that Bill Manders is a GOP shill who refuses to log on to Jill Derby's campaign website and read for comprehension.

First, when did Jill Derby claim to own a ranch? Does Bill not comprehend that it was Jill's parents who owned the ranch she speaks of in her TV and radio commercials?

Derby Website - "During the Depression, Derby’s parents created the Flying Flapjack ranch in Lovelock from bare land and a simple bunk house where they raised crops and cattle."

Bill Manders and his Sharon Angle supporting listeners must be confused because Jill Derby isn't walking around CD-2 with a DNC logo tattooed to her forehead. Or maybe he missed Democratic "strategerist" James Carville in June of 2006 stumping for Derby and asking "Democrats" to "pony up" the scratch. I understand most Republicans need things SPELLED out for them, but if they can't figure out Jill Derby is a Democrat by her support for "living up to the promises made to veterans, ensuring a secure nation, a sensible energy plan, affordable prescription drugs, accessible health care, and a fiscally responsible government that is focused on the needs of the people not the special interests," then I don't know what to tell them.

Bill Manders also claims that "she's not telling you where she really lives". Again, all Bill has to do is log on to her campaign website and simply read that "in 1973 Derby married Douglas County veterinarian Steve Talbot", and "they built their home at the foot of Job’s Peak where they have lived for 33 years".

The destruction of Jill Derby's good name must be a goal of Bill Manders. Bill knows his preferred candidates won't stand a chance unless the Karl Rove political notebook is used, and used quickly.

John Ensign on the Bill Manders Show

2006-08-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

John Ensign today on the Bill Manders Show:

- Audio .mp3 pt 1 (approx 9 minutes)

John Ensign on Bush's beloved tax cuts - "The results have been absolutely spectacular"

- Audio .mp3 pt 2 (approx 10 minutes)

- Audio .mp3 pt 3 (approx 3 minutes)

Jill Derby Pitches Clean Slate

2006-08-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

I wish I had my recorder running this afternoon during the Bill Manders show, because the show today consisted of plenty of Republican conservatives that are clearly in panic mode because of the antics of Sharon Angle. Bill Manders himself said "Sharon Angle is ruining her political career", and even at one point speculated about Club for Growth possibly being involved. Duh! Jim Gibbons said "will only be something that drags people down", and while all of this occurs within the panic-stricken Nevada Republican Party, Jill Derby is showing up on Nevada TV screens and radio consistently with a positive message that Nevadans can relate to. Visit Jill Derby's website and take advantage of loads of useful information about her campaign including plans in writing about what she'd do about Iraq, energy, healthcare, affordable prescription drugs, social and retirement security, the Middle East, jobs and taxes.

“Career politicians in both parties have failed to craft a plan to win the war and get the job done. ”

“We need real solutions to skyrocketing gas and energy prices and we’re not going to get any from career politicians who just look out for themselves. ”

“Our current energy plan is nothing but career politicians paying off their buddies at the oil and energy companies at the expense of hard working Americans.”

“Career politicians have failed to keep our country’s promises to the men and women who have laid their lives on the line for us. ”

"It is clear that we can’t trust career politicians in Washington to take care of veterans – that’s why we have this mess. ”

"... if we can wrest control away from career politicians who are too busy looking out for their buddies at the pharmaceutical companies to do what’s right to help Nevadans”

"All career politicians seem to want to do is pass more regulations. "

"So what do the career politicians want to do? Cut benefits for seniors, add billions to the deficit, and hand the Social Security Trust Fund over to Wall Street. ”

“Career politicians have refused to do what’s right by Americans and make the hard choices to ensure that Social Security remains strong and solvent."

"Instead of nurturing the new democracy in Lebanon, career politicians have ignored it and now Hezbollah threatens to destabilize the entire region."

“Career politicians have created runaway deficits with wasteful spending, pet projects like the Alaskan bridge to nowhere, and special interests tax giveaways like billions for the oil companies."

"There are certainly some things Congress can do to lighten the tax burden on families but career politicians have failed to act. “

Jim Gibbons: Stuck in a Time Warp

2006-08-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

(Click to enlarge)

The Israel/Hezbollah ceasefire went into effect on August 14th 2006 after a little over a month of fighting. Two weeks later the "Top Story" on the Jim Gibbons Congressional Website still features information for American Citizens in Lebanon.

Jim Gibbons - "Currently there are over 20,000 American citizens in Lebanon and the goal is to get everyone out as soon as possible."

Jim Gibbons Applauds Rumsfeld and Cheney

2006-08-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld will be in Reno today speaking at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention, and I also heard about a speech/fundraiser Dick Cheney is attending at a "$10 million dollar home" somewhere around town later on this afternoon.

I found a few pictures via Google of Jim Gibbons and Dick Cheney together and also this quote of Jim Gibbons applauding Bush's selection of Don Rumsfled as Defense Secretary back in December of 2000.

Jim Gibbons - “President-elect Bush clearly understands that a strong and experienced foreign policy team is crucial to the safety and security of our nation,” Gibbons stated. “Donald Rumsfeld will once again serve as a superb Defense Secretary. Without a doubt, the United States will speak in a unified voice of strength, reason and diplomacy with the likes of Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, and now, Donald Rumsfeld.”

Gibbons Record: Bad for Nevada Families

2006-08-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

In an August 17th letter posted on the Dina Titus website, she pointed out several "key issues" regarding Jim Gibbons so I decided to turn them into a graphic.

(Click image to enlarge)

Jack Carter plays Hardball with Chris Matthews

2006-08-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

In case you missed Jack Carter on Hardball, you can listen to the audio file here.

The video is available here.

Dina Titus making her rounds

2006-08-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I got a reminder call at 11:15am about a noon rally and BBQ at the Reno headquarters of Dina Titus that encouraged me to finish up with my customer and zip over with digital camera in hand to witness Dina Titus rally her supporters.

After weaving through the crowd and shaking the hands of 50 or so supporters, Senator Titus grabbed the mic and said she felt good about today and mentioned a few places she's been to get out the vote, including coffee shops and even people coming in at "the Southwest ticket counter". She thanked everyone in attendance and said she felt "humbled" from all of the support she's received.

Enjoy the pics!

My key race predictions

2006-08-14T23:33:00.000-07:00

I've seen a few key race predictions around the Nevada blogosphere tonight, so I guess I'll put mine on record.

1. Dina Titus will beat Jim Gibson comfortably by at least 7 points.

2. Jim Gibbons will win easily by no more than 10 points.

3. The undecided voters and name recognition will help Dawn Gibbons deliver a stunning upset to Dean Heller and Sharon Angle.

I'd also put my money on Bob Unger for Lt. Governor, Kate Marshall for Treasurer, and Ty Cobb Jr. will prevail in the Assembly district 26 race by a hair thanks to Mike Dillon's failure to appear on the Bill Manders Show.

Good luck with voting!!

Super-size the turnout in less than 48 hours

2006-08-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Review-Journal and KVBC-TV Poll:
Sharon Angle 32%
Dean Heller 32%
Dawn Gibbons 19%
Undecided 16%

Nevada's gambling industry poll:
Dean Heller 32%
Sharon Angle 19%
Dawn Gibbons 19%

Las Vegas Review-Journal poll:
Jim Gibbons 41%
Bob Beers 31%
Lorraine Hunt 15%

Las Vegas Review-Journal poll:
Dina Titus 51%
Jim Gibson 32%

Now, go get your vote on!!

Proven Failures: The New Republican Party

2006-08-10T00:56:00.000-07:00

The GOP came out with this on their website after Ned Lamont defeated Joe Lieberman:

____

I decided to make my own version:

(Click to enlarge)

_____

Update: The "Proven Failures" message caught the eye of Daily Kos and many other progressives in blog land! So far today, I've seen well over 3000 visits and over 4300 page views as of 10:30pm on Thursday night. Unbelievable!

Thanks kos!

Lorraine Hunt opens plagiarism wounds

2006-08-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Hunt's gov. campaign revisits Rep. Gibbons' plagiarism

Hunt spokesman Frank Roberson -

"When Jim Gibbons plagiarized the speech, he shattered the trust of the people of Nevada. He doesn't deserve to be governor"

Gibbons campaign manager Robert Uithoven -

"Jim Gibbons addressed that a year and a half ago when that occurred,"

"I think every person in the state is over it except Lorraine Hunt."

I think the only people in Nevada that's over "it" is the Gibbons camp. I think Beers and Hunt should of slammed him with this much earlier. Hopefully it will come up in the next debate.

Bill Manders: "Joe Lieberman will win, mark my words"

2006-08-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today on the Bill Manders Show:

Bill Manders - "Do you know Joe Lieberman polls higher than the guy (Ned Lamont) who just beat him? He's stomping him. And, mark my words, Joe Lieberman will win, mark my words."

Words are marked, Bill.

KOH Poll: Heller, Angle and Gibbons

2006-08-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

KOH Poll:

After yesterday's debate on the Bill Manders show, which candidate for congress would you support in the primary election?

Results:

13% Dean Heller

62% Sharron Angle

11% Dawn Gibbons

11% I don't support any of them

After Dawn Gibbons lily-livered performance yesterday, I can see why she's polling in last place.