Will Activism Translate into Action?

There are some who believe “Tea Party” and “Town Hall” crowds fit in neat categories of at-best Republican Party strong hands, or at worst anti-Obama bigots. In both instances, there has been no evidence to support these stereotypes. We have heard time and time again testimony from individuals who are concerned with too much government intervention, and too much government spending, not your typical political thug nor white supremacist.

I had the opportunity to speak at an August town hall meeting in Bellerose Queens, where I discussed how government run health care will negatively impact medical care for millions of Americans. I felt maligned by Philip Weiss of New York Magazine when in its cover story “Who Is Barack Obama?” I was specifically and inaccurately labeled, without making a single comment about what I actually said.

The issue of whether government should be involved in the people’s business has been a source of contention throughout American history.

“A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned – this is the sum of good government. “ Thomas Jefferson

Modern anti- government activists have been mostly organized by regular Americans against high taxes, record breaking deficits, and government involvement in healthcare. It is both a rejection of progressive politics and of the “business as usual” attitude that so many of our representatives live by.

The “vote the bums out” mantra that has been echoed often by many a protester succinctly reflects the pulse of the American voter. Calls to action at the voting booth, which apply to Republicans and Democrats alike, is topic du jour. It would be foolish to think that opposition groups will only support Republicans. On the contrary, Republicans who normally reject out of control government spending, yet support government expansion, are deemed hypocritical and are subsequently more vulnerable than immune.

The 2009 special election for the 23^rd Congressional District of New York scheduled for November 5 might be an early indication as to whether activism can translate into action. The three candidates vying for the seat come from three different political parties, Conservative Doug Hoffman, Republican Dede Scozzafava and Democrat Bill Owens.

Scozzafava, a Jefferson County Republican Assemblywoman, ousted by National Review for being to the left of most Democrats, since she is pro-choice, supports homosexual marriage, has ties to Big Labor, SEIU and ACORN, is what some call the making of another Arlen Specter.

The Democrat’s candidate, Bill Owens, more concerned with pleasing his Party than the people, is stuck in a time warp blaming the Bush administration for everything that has gone wrong. Owens would gain more traction if he blamed New York State government for raising taxes that led to Upstate New York’s economic woes, and at the end of the day loses credibility because most people are tired of the blame game.

Finally, the Conservative Party candidate, Republican Doug Hoffman, former Army Reserve Staff Sergeant, is a successful businessman and accountant who was Corporate Controller for the Lake Placid 1980 Olympic Games, overseeing a budget of $150 million, 2,500 employees and 6000 volunteers. His political positions are clear; he is anti-government spending, anti-bailout, supports low taxes, smart, effective government.

My final message is to the voters of the 23^rd District: Help a small government conservative get elected, vote for real change, have a voice in local politics, trust your instincts, make a difference and vote for Conservative Doug Hoffman.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I am a former District Leader for the Queens County Conservative Party, and 2005 Conservative Party Candidate for NYC Council.)

I was never a supporter of Scozzafava, mainly because it would take a special candidate in order for me to support a pro-choice Republican. Scozzafava does not meet that special criteria. I have been supportive of Hoffman all along.

By Raquel on Oct 21, 2009

THIS IS AN UPDATE FROM DOUG HOFFMAN’S CAMPAIGN:

News Alert — BIG TIME!

TOMORROW — RALLY IN WATERTOWN as Dick Armey endorses Doug.

This most important rally for the campaign so far will be tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 9:30am.

Please take some time off and come to our Campaign Headquarters at 106 Court St. in Watertown. Former House Majority Leader, Dick Armey will be in town to endorse Doug Hoffman. Meet Dick Armey and witness history!

Glen Beck & Doug Hoffman

Doug and Glenn Beck hit it off big time on the radio this morning, so much so that Doug has been invited to appear on Glenn’s TV show tomorrow. We’ll send out more details soon.

Rush Limbaugh:

Rush spent considerable time talking about the importance of supporting Doug today. Tune in if it’s not too late.

Scozzafava Press conference:
Don’t doubt the support of this campaign. RINO lady held press conference in front of our Watertown office, but our supporters showed up in full force. Watch a hysterical scene unfold by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O62AjSPpDOs

Dede Scozzafava has been supported by the Workling Families Party and is currently a poster child for the Daily Kos. She supports card check and her husband is a union activist.
She is in no way libertarian.
She is a Rockefeller who pretends to like guns.

By Ron Lewenberg on Oct 21, 2009

Great minds think alike. I have also been following this race which is the key race – the effect of the past 6 months of positive grassroots revivalism in America on the Nov. election. The referendum will be at the voting booth and the good news is that Doug Hoffman who now is ahead by 13 points according to Michelle Malkin, and has dropped behind Owens:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/upstate_lib_in_republican_clothing_pOXf37h6fzktFCF93sDt0M
However, I am very troubled and vexed by Rep Peter Kings ringing endorsement of Dede Scozzafava:
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/63643-pete-king-a-vote-for-conservative-nominee-is-a-vote-for-dems
Giving him the benefit of the doubt, since I know he is a stand up guy who doesn’t always march in lockstep with his party, I presume he does not know Dede S. liberal credentials. So I called his office and they knew nothing of the endorsement and suggestred emailing and writing to King, which I will do and suggest everyone else do so as well, to drop his endorsement of Dede S.

By Phil Orenstein on Oct 22, 2009

Mark Steyn has come out for Doug Hoffman. On a similar note, I note that in NYC, the campaign of Ashok Chandra had to let go Chance Haywood for having put an ad on Craigslist for “women to hand out flyers – send photo”. This was in today’s New York Post. Ashok’s campaign manager, one Jay Golub, was forced to fire Haywood. Haywood and Golub and the other RINOs have given me problems in the past. To quote the Rev. Wright, “the chiiiiiickens are coming home to roost”. You don’t insult the conservative base – as Scozzafava and some of the local RINOs have – and get away with it anymore. Scozzafava, by the way, supports partial birth abortion. Chandra is a good candidate who unfortunately has some terrible people in his inner circle.

By Alice L. on Oct 22, 2009

To suggest that Pete King is oblivious to the record of Assemblywoman Scozzafava is to suggest he is an uninformed individual. I highly doubt this, though. If Congressman King is endorsing Scozzafava, it would primarily be one part party unity and a second part favor for Ed Cox.

Let’s note that the candidates in this race were selected by the local committees prior to the election of Ed Cox as State Chair. Now, this is Ed Cox’ first real test as party leader to prove his merit. It is unfair if he is even held responsible for a Scozzafava loss and I hope that if that is the case, he is not.

Let’s hope the Conservative Party does what it says it will do which is provide voters with a conservative choice. All too often it provides voters with no choice (see the 2006 Special Elections for ADs 65, 67 & 74). Now that it is a race with one conservative and two liberals, it should be a sure shot for a real right-leaning candidate.

By daniel on Oct 22, 2009

I note that “Alice” has called Jay Golub and
Chance Hayward “RINOS”. Just curious as to what
“Alice’s” definition of “RINO” is? Alice?

By Carl Svensson on Oct 23, 2009

To what degree is the new New York State chair, Ed Cox, culpable for this? Was he in office at the time of the nomination? Cox has all of the corporate connections of a bailout-supporting Progressive, yet has been making noises about being a fiscal conservative. His connection to Mr. Inflation, Richard M. Nixon, who I remind you is the one who abolished the gold standard in 1971, is hardly an asset.

Raquel, it is time that well-intentioned Republicans took back their party from corrupt big government types.

By Mitchell Langbert on Oct 23, 2009

http://mitchell-langbert.blogspot.com/2009/10/ny-23rd-congressional-race-and-edward-f.html

Carl, Let’s keep this thread about Raquel’s blog post and not some satelite infatuation someone comments about.

Here’s a great quote I read off Politicker today:

“There is no doubt in my mind that she will come in last,” said George Marlin, a conservative blogger and banker. “Once again, the Republicans learn that you cannot out-Democrat the Democrats. And when you try to, your base explodes.”

By daniel on Oct 23, 2009

Mitchell, I agree with your assessment that “well-intentioned Republicans should take back their party” and I hope over the course of the next few election cycles we see that happen.

What I am very critical is registered Conservatives dictating the actions of the Republican Party. The Conservative Party IS ITS OWN PARTY, therefore it should focus on itself.

RINO – somebody who opposes the party’s platform particularly on social issues in the vain hope that libs will vote for them. They won’t. As for the Conservative Party, they have every right to set the terms of the debate and Hoffman happens to be a registered Republican who has the Conservative line. The GOP in New York State has lost its bearings. Nobody should be defending their actions in the 23rd congressional race. Rick Santorum this morning endorsed Hoffman. Some people should get a clue.

By Alice L. on Oct 23, 2009

I find it amusing that certain RINOs are heading for their much deserved fall – and quicker than I thought! When you diss the base of the party and are obnoxious to boot, you don’t get conservative support!

Daniel, I think the Conservative and Republican Parties in NY works best when they act together. Similar to the way the Working Party Line endorses 9 x out of 10 the Democrat.

The Conservatives have a much higher enrollment that the WFP and while minor still strong constituency.

Or, similar to the way Pataki won the Governorship, having support from both Parties (of course Pataki in the end, played the “business as usual” “big government” game).

Even though Pataki failed us, that doesn’t mean that the next concerted effort to get Republicans/Conservatives elected, will lead to another Pataki. In other words, we have to keep trying.

Kudos to Mike Long for sticking with Doug Hoffman, who what seems to be the only conservative in this race.

A Hoffman win would be a big win for the Conservative Party.

By Raquel on Oct 23, 2009

I also consider it scandalous that a campaign worker would use Craigslist in such a fashion.

A Hoffman win would be big for the GOP – and for what it is supposed to stand for!

Parties fail because they fail the people they say they represent. All too often this happens and it is the failing party’s responsibility to shape up or ship out.

Too often, registered Conservatives are of the mindset that they are not their own party and that they are Republican. They are not. I do not like the idea of Working Families People out campaigning for voters to vote in THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY!!! If this is how things are going to be run, then let’s scrap the whole ballot line for four years concept and do what most other states do with party status on an Election ballot. If we are to follow the rules of NY, then support your candidate.

Raquel, I would love to see a viable Conservative Party. Why? Because then, yes, it would almost certainly force the Republican party of this state to figure out where it wants to align on issues. But the Conservative Party needs to be looked at closely as to why it even exists?

When a candidate who seeks the CP for a Wilson Pakula suggests that he would even go out of his way to help rebuild the Conservative Party and then gets told “DON’T DO THAT. WE WANT OUR REGISTRATION NUMBERS LOW” then I’m of the belief that the Conservative Party leaders of today can’t be bothered building their own party.

Well if you can’t be bothered being anything other than a political mouthpiece, why exist?

I can agree with everyone here that the Republican Party is failing its base by nominating a Scazzafava.
But I also ask that the Conservative Party take a long and serious look at its viability as an independent third party of New York. Not a sub-group of another party.

Danny, I really don’t know what you want the C. party to do. Hoffman wanted the GOP line but a couple of party dummies gave it to Scozzafava. Hoffman is a Republican. He is the whole deal: against spending and also pro life. I know that some RINOs look down on those of us who are pro life and that Scozzafava’s fundraising is coming from pro abortion groups. We will not be silent and we will not support RINOS. I am glad that the C. party is giving us people to vote for!

Daniel, I don’t have to take a long hard look at anything. I already know the CP is viable, even if it is not in the majority. The close race in the 23rd district is proof.

I urge Scozzafava to drop out of the race! Steve Forbes has endorsed Hoffman. Scozzafava is unraveling. This is a lesson to the RINOS who think we will sit in the back of the bus and be silent. We won’t! There is nothing “moderate” about Scozzafava – she is supported by the Daily Kos. As for RINO anger against the Conservative Party, some issues are deal breakers such as gay marriage and support for abortion on demand. I am glad that in Queens, Tom Long has given me a candidate on the C. line to vote for for Queensboro president (no, it is not the Republican candidate). As for the Craigslist story, that is scandalous and I was correct about the character of the person involved. Good for Maggie Haberman of the NY Post for being on this case. People should know better than to put silly ads on Craigslist.

http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/palins-money-effect

“In the same 24 hours that the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate endorsed Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party’s pick to replace John McHugh in Congress, he has raised $116,000 online, his spokesman said.”

Daniel, I am surprised to learn that someone important in the CP would purposely turn someone away from the Party. Maybe the person seeking membership doesn’t agree with the Party’s platform, and a decision was made based on ideology, rather than to keep enrollment numbers low.

Raquel, perhaps we can discuss this off line. But keeping enrollment numbers low in a particular county is exactly a strategy taken by the Conservative Party. It may not be the strategy for all 62, but when I hear something like this, I feel the party is not doing what its intended purpose should be.

Why do I not believe this story about “keeping party registration low”?

Incidentally, asking online for “young women to leaflet” for a candidate is discriminatory and asking to send photos is really over the top! No defense for what Chance Haywood did and I said a while ago that he was not a good guy. The fact that he was fired from Chandra’s campaign should tell you something. (in addition to the Christian bashing 9/11 trutherism and support of gay marriage). Sorry, Daniel – you are defending the wrong guy!

It appears that Tim Pawlenty will endorse Doug Hoffman, the Conservative candidate for the 23rd congressional district. Now, tell me why any Republican would want to vote for Scozzafava? Time for her to step down.

Let me chime in here. I’m not for Party unity for th sake of unity if it centers around big gov’t liberal types who shift their principles to the left for votes. It’s been proven to me that a true conservative GOP figure like Allen West can stay on principle and not pander for votes and be the biggest winners in the end. I agree with Mitchell’s comment that well intentioned Republicans should take back their party and we should let Chairman Cox know point-blank where we stand on Scozzafava vs. Hoffman and going back to fundamental GOP principles as the Party of Lincoln. If he will not stand up for principle I won’t stand with him for the sake of unity, and we should all let him know that. There is a mounting grassroots revival in America via the Tea Party conservative movement and if we Republicans want to stay relevant we had better go with true conservatives like Hoffman and avoid Scozzafav like the plague. The stupid NY GOP leadership has now earned the inexorable scorn of the country-wide Tea Party blogoshere.

By Phil Orenstein on Oct 24, 2009

Yes, Phil: the stupid GOP leadership in New York State is now receiving the scorn of the voters and grass root supporters. Even more puzzling is the fact that people on the awful UE website would have initially defended Scozzafava! She has the support of NARAL and Planned Parenthood; supports gay marriage; supports card check. The list goes on and on. That website does not reflect the views of conservatives and engages in censorship. Terrible! Scozzafava is no “moderage” – she is supported by The Daily Kos! Yet “Paladin” et al supported her! They do that because they hate social conservatives. Go, Hoffman!

By Alice L. on Oct 24, 2009

Keep up the great work and I miss you at Bridge to Life. You are doing great Job up there and I wish you every sucess.

By Mike Campbell on Oct 24, 2009

Hey Mike – good to hear from you!

Please see in today’s New York Post: by Doug Hoffman “Take the GOP Back from the Democrats”. I hope the RINOS on UE read this – especially the ones who were attacking Mike Long and supporting Scozzafava. No, she is not a “good candidate” – she stinks! She is no “moderate” – she is a radical.

By Alice L. on Oct 25, 2009

I think it’s unfair to categorize UE as a group of RINOs. For me the popular website puts downstate Republicans in touch with upstate Republicans and allows for Republicans in general to voice their opinions, conservative, or otherwise.

As you know, I consider myself mostly conservative in my viewpoints, but I recognize the need for a big party tent, so long as pro-lifers have a voice, and indeed we do, in order to build the Party.

There has been much said here and elsewhere concerning this race, and I think it is fair to note that the GOP were dealing with what is normally a moderate District, after all, the elected Rep. is leaving the position for an appointment to the Federal government by the President and is known for being a moderate.

So, when the GOP stands behind their decision to back Scozzafava, while they do so at their own peril, there is something to be said for sticking by their candidate.

Getting back to UE, I have been able to share my views at UE without any problems, and I am glad to have that forum to speak to.

The only criticism I have for UE, is when they ban certain people because they hold a different opinion. It’s similar to what the Pres. is doing to FOX news, which I think we can all agree is stupid and wrong.

My message to Alice — Keep fighting the good fight!

My message to UE – Don’t ban people you disagree with!

By Raquel on Oct 25, 2009

Here, here, Raquel! There is a reason why we love you! I oppose censorship and enjoy debating people with different viewpoints in the hope that they will change their minds. Back to Scozzafava: she is no “moderate” – she is way out there and has even supported partial birth abortion. Newt Gingrich is going to look very foolish for backing her and I spoke to somebody today from the Conservative party who believes that Hoffman has a real chance of winning this. Ed Cox had nothing to do with Dede’s selection but he will get the blame for this, which is not fair.

On Hotair you can see the video of Scozzafava winning the Margaret Sanger award from Planned Parenthood – disgraceful and disgusting. The best thing that could happen to the NY State GOP would be for Hoffman to to beat Dede. That would send a message about sabotaging the base. And I am sick of hearing about that “Big Tent”. Olympia Snowe can sit in it by herself.

By Alice L. on Oct 26, 2009

Breaking news: Tim Pawlenty has endorsed Hoffman!

Republicans are drawing lines in the sand. Hoffman may be taking the lead. This is the latest form their campaign:

Polling:

“Hoffman surges into Lead in NY-23” is the headline that announced the results of the new poll done by the Club For Growth. Poll shows Hoffman 31.3%, Owens 27.0%, Scozzafava 19.7%.

By Raquel on Oct 26, 2009

Here is my letter to new state GOP chairman Ed Cox to come out and make his position known. We should all write letters and take back the Party from the hypocrites who don’t walk the talk!

Mr. Edward F. Cox
Chairman
New York Republican State Committee
315 State Street
Albany, NY 12210

October 27, 2009

Dear Mr. Cox,

I write to congratulate you on your election as New York Republican State Committee Chairman, and I would like to discuss some concerns with the direction of our Party. I am a County Committeeman and member of the Board of Directors of the Queens Village Republican Club, the oldest existing GOP club in America. As a Republican activist I have been tirelessly supporting local, state and national Republican races for the past several years.

In your September 30th acceptance speech you discussed our fight against high taxes, big government and corruption in Albany saying: “Freedom, opportunity, accountability; limited government and local control; and yes fiscal responsibility – these are our principles. By electing Republican candidates the forgotten New York taxpayer will find shelter from the unelected and the unresponsive.” However, you inherited a very poor choice of a candidate running in the special election in the 23rd Congressional District in upstate New York who does not fit the principles you charted for our Party. Dede Scozzafava the so-called “moderate Republican” given the GOP endorsement over the conservative life-long Republican, Doug Hoffman, is actually a big government, tax and spend liberal. This race is becoming a national referendum on the future of the Republican Party.

In an editorial in the New York Post, Doug Hoffman, now running on the Conservative line, points out that Assemblywoman Scozzafava voted for increased spending, higher taxes, gay marriage, abortion, and supported “Card Check,” revealing a voting record more liberal than 46 Democrats in the New York State legislature. In 2008 she ran on the Working Families Party line, the political wing of ACORN, and has garnered the enthusiastic endorsement of the leftist Daily Kos. Hoffman said: “It’s principle over Party. It’s a fight for the heart and soul of the Republican Party.”

As you know, numerous prominent and grassroots Republicans within and outside of District 23 cannot conscientiously support Scozzafava, and are now passionately backing Hoffman and working hard for his victory. As our new state GOP chairman, you should make a definitive public statement of support for either candidate. Standing upon the core GOP principles you outlined above the choice should be obvious. As demands mount for GOP leaders to make their positions known on this race, you are in a key position to influence the outcome of this race by putting principle over Party. We look forward to your forthright endorsement of Doug Hoffman, and authoritative message to Dede Scozzafava that her time is up.

By Phil Orenstein on Oct 27, 2009

I want to know if the RINO wing of the party still believes that “Scozzafava is a good candidate, a MODERATE”. No, on both counts. Shame on them for thinking we will be silent or “sit in the back of the room” as they have told me on several occasions.

By Alice L. on Oct 27, 2009

Good letter Phil! Please let us know if you receive a response.

By Raquel on Oct 27, 2009

Between now and Tuesday’s election, I want the RINOS who are supporting Scozzafava and those who are attacking Chris Christie in NJ to knock it off. Corzine is one of the worse governors in the history of that state.

By Alice L. on Oct 29, 2009

Hoffman has so much momentum at this point, I predict he will win. A whole slew of tea party goers transcended upon Upstate NY for Hoffman, dwarfing the small crowd that showed up to see Clinton support Deeds in Virginia. The momentum for a complete take over in 2010 is mounting even a full year in advance. It’s amazing! God Bless America!

By Raquel on Oct 29, 2009

Pataki has now endorsed Hoffman. Goodby, Dede!

By Alice L. on Oct 30, 2009

This is incredible news!

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091031/BLOGS09/910319996/BLOGS09

If this movement can hit any unsuspecting town in America, just wait until 2010!

By Raquel on Nov 1, 2009

Silly Dede has endorsed the Democrat proving that she really is a Democrat (not even a RINO). We also don’t need effete elitists such as theater critic Frank Rich of the New York Times telling us Republicans/Conservatives how to vote. There is nothing “moderate” about Dede – she is a traitor, pure and simple.

By Alice L. on Nov 2, 2009

I am sorry that Hoffman did not win but this should teach a lesson to the dopey GOP. I am glad that Eric Ulrich, Dan Halloran and Peter Koo won in Queens.

By Alice L. on Nov 4, 2009

The author of raquelokyay.com has written an excellent article. You have made your point and there is not much to argue about. It is like the following universal truth that you can not argue with: There will always be someone who thinks that the speed limit is a minimum Thanks for the info.

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