Billings Gazette: City responds to Rehberg Ranch wildfire lawsuit
On October 5, 2011 the Billings Gazette reported:
With settlement negotiations stalled, an attorney for the city of Billings has filed a formal response denying claims by Rehberg Ranch Estates alleging firefighters failed to properly contain a 2008 wildfire. The unusual legal move in a lawsuit that has sat dormant in Yellowstone County District Court for more than a year is intended to "move the litigation forward," said Billings attorney Michele Braukmann, who is representing the city. The lawsuit, filed by Rep. Denny Rehberg and his wife, Jan, against the city on July 2, 2010, alleges that city firefighters breached their duty to protect the subdivision the Rehbergs own during the wildfire. The fire broke out on July 2, 2008, and was quickly contained, but it flared again two days later and forced the evacuation of about 40 homes. The Rehbergs allege that the firefighters left the property too quickly and the fire damaged land that they planned to develop.
Roll Call: Clark Durant Posts Impressive Fundraising in Michigan Senate Race
Roll Call reports on the Republican primary for senate in Michigan.
Charter schools executive Clark Durant has raised more than $750,000 for his bid to challenge Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), eclipsing fundraising expectations set by his top GOP competitor, former Rep. Pete Hoekstra. Hoekstra is widely viewed as the Republican frontrunner to take on Stabenow next year, making Durant’s haul even more impressive.
LA Times: Michele Bachmann's campaign is sputtering in Iowa
From the October 2, 2011, LA Times:
Representatives say her campaign is unfolding as planned. But Bachmann has dropped in the polls and asked supporters for 'emergency' funding. Some top Republicans say she's squandered opportunities.
MEMO: Perry, Romney, And The Mortgage Crisis
As the GOP frontrunners continue to attack President Obama on the economic crisis caused largely by the subprime mortgage meltdown and the subsequent recession, information about Rick Perry’s and Mitt Romney’s questionable dealings with regard to this crisis has come to light.
Dayton Daily News: Mandel takes on critics of campaign
Josh Mandel defends his Suarez Corporation contributions to Laura Bischoff at the Dayton Daily News.
On the questions raised over campaign contributions: Mandel accepted more than $100,000 in campaign donations from employees of Canton-based Suarez Corp., a marketing firm owned by GOP donor Ben Suarez. The (Toledo) Blade reported that several of the donors live in modest homes, have low-level job titles and have never made political contributions to federal candidates. Yet they dug deep and gave the maximum allowable campaign contribution to Mandel — $5,000. Giving campaign money in the name of another is illegal.
Mark Naymik, Plain Dealer: To be a model of transparency, Treasurer Josh Mandel and others have long way to go
Mark Naymik at the Plain Dealer discusses Josh Mandel's failure to file his Senate personal financial disclosure form:
Finally, Mandel should shine more light on himself. He has refused to file required personal financial information related to his bid for the U.S. Senate. It was due months ago. He makes excuses about confusing paperwork. If he wants to be taken seriously, then he must set the standard on openness.
Oakland Press: Pete's Tune Changes
Pete Hoekstra's flip-flop on the no-tax pledge was covered by the Oakland Press:
Not only was the news release a tad misleading, it lead to a rehash of the fact that Mr. Hoekstra had done a somersalt on the issue or if your prefer, which the current Hoekstra campaign does not, he flip-flopped.
RELEASE: Sen. Scott Brown’s Truckload of Lies
WASHINGTON -- Continuing his quest to hide his record from Bay Staters, Sen. Scott Brown used a recent Watertown appearance to lie to constituents about supporting tax loopholes for oil companies and powerful corporations.
At a September 28 event at the Watertown Chamber of Commerce, Sen. Scott Brown responded to a question from a concerned constituent by making a series of false statements and misleading claims to perpetuate the myth that he is fighting for working Massachusetts families.
Huffington Post: Nebraska GOP Senate Candidate Jon Bruning Hires Man Behind Infamous 'Willie Horton' Ad
On September 29, 2011 the Huffington Post wrote about the latest misstep from the Jon Bruning campaign:
"What better way to reform your image as a politician who makes racially insensitive comments than to hire the ad firm that makes racially insensitive ads?" said Rodell Mollineau, president of American Bridge 21st Century."
Washington Post: Nebraska GOP frontrunner takes a few steps back
On September 28, 2011 the Washington Post reported:
The Nebraska Republican primary was supposed to be a coronation for state Attorney General Jon Bruning. Instead, it has revealed some significant holes in the political armor of the man many GOPers expected to beat Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson next year...