CBS News: Bachmann agrees with "impeach" Obama wish
On October 4, 2011, CBS News reported:
With a well-established track record for raising eyebrows on the stump, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota on Wednesday agreed with a man who expressed a desire to get Obama "out of the way." After visiting a coffee shop in this small Iowa town, Bachmann was asked by a man in the crowd, "When will we impeach him and get him out of the way? We should be" The candidate replied, "Well, I'll tell you, I'll tell you, I agree, I agree. Some people are really upset." Then she moved on to the next well-wisher.
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.
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."
Roll Call: Rand Paul, Sharron Angle Wade Into N.M. GOP Senate Race
On September 27, 2011, Roll Call reported:
New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez announced Tuesday that Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul endorsed him in the Republican Senate primary. [...] This is the second endorsement Tuesday that has ties to the tea party in the New Mexico race. The Hotline reported that Sharron Angle, who lost to Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) last year, endorsed businessman Greg Sowards, a long-shot candidate.
Lincoln Journal-Star: Eyes and ears tracking the candidates
They forget. No longer can a politician or officeholder say or do anything in a setting, public or private, formal or informal, large or small, without considering that he or she may be speaking to the world. Video cameras, camcorders, audio recorders, iPhones and other smartphone technology may be -- and probably will be -- there. And soon they are on YouTube or splashed across Page 1 or on the 10 o'clock news.
TPM: ‘Ponzi’ Is Back! Perry Doubles Down On Social Security Attacks In Iowa (VIDEO)
Earlier this week, it seemed Rick Perry was going to put the Ponzi scheme away forever. But have no fear, America: it’s back in Perry’s repertoire. [...] Polls show the Ponzi stuff could be hurting Perry’s perceived electability among Republicans and it seems to turn-off independents. So it might make sense if he left the rhetoric on the cutting room floor. Not happening. Here’s Perry in Iowa on Friday, both using “Ponzi Scheme” again and claiming his plan for Social Security is just part of the same discussion of entitlements started by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and his Medicare-eliminating (in favor of a vouchers) Republican budget plan. [...] Watch the video, clipped by American Bridge, the Democratic-leaning tracking outfit:
POLITICO: Romney changes tune on 'socialism'
"Mitt Romney told CNN yesterday that unlike Rick Perry, he doesn't think it's wise to decribe Barack Obama as a socialist. [...] Said Romney: "I don't use the word socialist or I haven't so far, but I do agree that the president's approach is government heavy, government intensive, and it's not working." [...] But the Democratic research and tracking group American Bridge points out that Romney's comments are not entirely consistent with his past descriptions of President Obama: In his 2010 book, "No Apology," Romney warned that Obama was moving America in the direction of European-style socialism. "It is an often-remarked-upon irony that at a time when Europe is moving away from socialism and its many failures, President Obama is moving us toward that direction," Romney wrote. Saying that Obama is a "socialist" is not exactly the same thing as saying the president is "moving us toward" socialism. But there's not a huge meaningful distinction."
TPM: Jon Bruning Explains Why He Compared Poor To Racoons
"When last we heard from Nebraska Attorney General Job Bruning (R), who is running for Senate, he was walking back comparisons he made between poor people on welfare and raccoons scavenging for insects. But he went on to blame “the liberal intelligentsia” for the controversy and defend the basic point. In a radio interview last month with local station KLIN, audio of which was posted Thursday by Democratic Super PAC American Bridge, Bruning said that he understands the struggles of the poor, but that his raccoon metaphor still holds up.
TPM: Rick Perry: 45 Year-Olds Should Really Be Talking About Retiring At Age 70 (VIDEO)
"Rick Perry, under fire for his Social Security views from all sides lately, threw another log on the blaze this weekend during a South Carolina town hall. Perry floated the idea that workers 45 years-old and younger might have to wait years longer than their elders to retire with government benefits, wading into an area of Social Security reform that is extremely controversial and politically dangerous..."
RELEASE: American Bridge Slams Perry: “America’s Most Dangerous Cowboy Takes On Social Security”
Washington, DC – In a brand new video, American Bridge 21st Century blasts Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry over his dangerous views on Social Security and retirement security for America’s seniors. In thinking Social Security is an “abuse of the constitution,” a “lie” and a “ponzi scheme” that should be dismantled and forced on the states, Perry’s views are more extreme than we’ve seen in half a century. He doesn’t just think the program should be tweaked, but that it never should have existed in the first place. Miles outside the mainstream, Perry’s extreme views will continue to dog him throughout his campaign -- no matter whether it’s in the primary or the general. Just this morning, Karl Rove warned that Perry’s views on Social Security were “toxic in a general election environment and they are also toxic in a Republican primary.”