In interest of future speculation– however– the special election results in Massachusetts offered promising hope.  Many expected a sure win for the Democratic Party, yet Republican Scott Brown walked away Senator in the end.  The victory may have been unexpected by established sources, yet it was anxiously anticipated by citizen’s nationwide.

USA Today: Two weeks ago, Massachusetts Democrat Martha Coakley enjoyed a double-digit lead in polls, was raising an average of $24,000 a day in political contributions and had yet to put up a single campaign television ad.

In a matter of days, her front-runner status had collapsed. Suddenly, a little-known Republican state lawmaker, Scott Brown, had turned the contest for the Bay State’s Senate seat — a seat that had been held by Edward Kennedy for 47 years — into a real race.

Massachusetts voters responded Tuesday by turning out to the polls in droves as snow fell across portions of the state, delivering an upset victory for Brown despite a 3-to-1 Democratic advantage in voter registration. The Associated Press called the race less than an hour and a half after polls closed.

This is upsetting to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi not only because it shows how potentially misleading “voter registration” advantages can be, but also the very real delay this will put on her much criticized health-care reform bill.

The fallout: Democrats rethinking health care bill

“People do not want the trillion dollar health care plan that is being forced on the American people, and this bill is not being debated openly and fairly. It will raise taxes, it will hurt Medicare, it will destroy jobs and run our nation deeper in to debt,” Brown said in his acceptance speech.

[...]

House Republican Leader John Boehner fired back at Pelosi’s “right on course” comment, with spokesman Michael Steel saying, “Regardless of what happens in Massachusetts, it’s clear that jamming this government takeover of health care through Congress will set off a political firestorm. The American people are screaming, ‘stop’ at the top of their lungs, and out-of-touch Democratic leaders ignore them at their peril.”  Politico

The Associated Press reported that some were concerned that they would “block Brown long enough to complete congressional passage of the health care plan he has promised to oppose.”  Harry Reid comments:

“The people of Massachusetts have spoken. We welcome Scott Brown to the Senate and will move to seat him as soon as the proper paperwork has been received,” said Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin said he would notify the Senate on Wednesday that Brown had been elected.

The loss by the once-favored Democrat Martha Coakley in the Democratic stronghold was a stunning embarrassment for the White House after Obama rushed to Boston on Sunday to try to save the foundering candidate. Her defeat on Tuesday signaled big political problems for the president’s party this fall when House, Senate and gubernatorial candidates are on the ballot nationwide.  Associated Press (Yahoo News)

Needless to say, the Speaker of the House is in store for some “big political problems” of her own.  Contribute your support to the John Dennis Campaign today, and help insure she gets her full share.

Brown is a free-market advocate who believes that the “federal stimulus bill made government bigger instead of creating jobs.”  Nancy Pelosi is overwhelmingly responsible for such growth (previous post).  Congratulations on your win, Senator Scott Brown.

The following TIME article recaps the issue nicely.  Here are some excerpts:

Not many people get away with calling the Central Intelligence Agency a bald-faced liar, at least not when they’re speaking to a room packed with dozens of national media outlets. And yet that is exactly what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did on Thursday. “Madam Speaker, just to be clear,” stuttered a reporter at a Capitol Hill press conference, “you’re accusing the CIA of lying to you in September of 2002?” “Yes,” Pelosi declared definitively, “misleading the Congress of the United States. I am.”
And with that, she upped the ante in the high-stakes spat over who knew what — and when — about the Bush Administration’s enhanced interrogation techniques (EITs), like waterboarding, which many now classify as torture.

[...]

Sure enough, CIA charts of who was briefed and when started surfacing. Topping the list? Pelosi, then the top Democrat on the intelligence committee the CIA says was briefed in September 2002 “on EITs including use of EITs on Abu Zubaydah, background on authorities, and a description of the particular EITs that had been employed.” Zubaydah, a deputy to Osama bin Laden, was waterboarded 83 times in August 2002, according to Justice Department documents. Pelosi says she was never informed that the tactics described to her that day were employed — just that they were under consideration. “We were told specifically that waterboarding was not being used,” Pelosi said Thursday.
So who is right and who is wrong? Don’t ask CIA director Leon Panetta, who, in a letter to Hoekstra, kicked the hot potato back to Congress by simply stating that the chart seems in line with the notes from the time but that memories are subjective and “in the end, you and the Committee will have to determine whether this information is an accurate summary of what actually happened.”

[...]

Goss, who went on to head the CIA, said in an Op-Ed in the Washington Post that they had been told about the EITs. “Today, I am slack-jawed to read that members claim to have not understood that the techniques on which they were briefed were to actually be employed; or that specific techniques such as ‘waterboarding’ were never mentioned,” Goss wrote.

[...]

In making the case for a truth commission, it is perhaps counterproductive to label as fungible evidence you don’t like and then accuse the bureaucrats of conspiracies to mislead. In doing so Pelosi has unleashed a storm that threatens to undermine not only the intelligence community but her own office and the Democratic agenda.  Read more

I think a lot of people thought that once President Obama was elected, we wouldn’t see the traditional bargaining and compromising and things taking so long.
Let’s say this: the president became president with a nation in crisis—an economic crisis, a budget crisis, two wars, and a climate crisis. People want change, but they are menaced by it; they are cautious about it. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the ratings of Congress. I really don’t.

Menace: 1 possible source of danger 2 nuisance (a constant source of trouble and annoyance) 3 threatening quality 4 threatening act

Which one of these definitions is the House Speaker referring to?  Well, if change includes giving more power to an ever growing federal government at the expense of individual liberty, we can see how that may fit definitions 1, 3 & 4 quite nicely.  Is change a nuisance?  Sure, if it’s a nuisance to witness escalating national debt and rampant international treaties that wreck havoc on our beloved Constitution.  With Congress constantly digressing from their Constitutional authorities, it’s no wonder people are “cautious” about change.  Many Americans feel this caution absolutely warranted.

It was reported that you were negotiating with the conference of bishops.
I talked to one of the cardinals. I said to him that I believe that what we are doing honors the principles we talked about: we want to pass a health-care bill, we want it to be abortion neutral, and we want it to [have] no federal funding [for abortion], which is the law. And we believe that our language does that. They said, “We believe that it does not.” I said, let’s sit down at the table and our lawyers can compare language. That’s what the meeting was about—to make our case. Clearly, the people at that table were not willing to accept what we know to be a fact.
I think you have had some brushes with [church] hierarchy.
I have some concerns about the church’s position respecting a woman’s right to choose. I have some concerns about the church’s position on gay rights. I am a practicing Catholic, although they’re probably not too happy about that. But it is my faith. I practically mourn this difference of opinion because I feel what I was raised to believe is consistent with what I profess, and that is that we are all endowed with a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions. And that women should have that opportunity to exercise their free will.
Is it difficult for you to reconcile your faith with the role you have in public life?
You know, I had five children in six years. The day I brought my fifth baby home, that week my daughter turned 6. So I appreciate and value all that they want to talk about in terms of family and the rest. When I speak to my archbishop in San Francisco and his role is to try to change my mind on the subject, well then he is exercising his pastoral duty to me as one of his flock. When they call me on the phone here to talk about, or come to see me about an issue, that’s a different story. Then they are advocates, and I am a public official, and I have a different responsibility.

One year after Pelosi’s controversial comment in an ABC interview, the Drudge Report article covering the fact still comes up close to the top every time someone “googles” the House Speaker’s name.  Her comment was this: “family planning services reduce cost… contraception, will reduce costs to the states and to the federal government.”  Is it any wonder then that she is “soft” on abortion, to put it nicely, and attacked regularly by the Church she supposedly represents?  Regardless of religious affiliation, think about the implications of her motives… they’re not comforting.

We have had very few high-profile political women. Hillary Clinton is very popular now, but she has had some low moments. Ironically, in the past, she has been the most popular when she shows her vulnerabilities. Do you draw any lessons from that?
Well, I don’t care how popular I am. I’m not putting myself out there to run for higher office. I just [want to] make sure that we win the election next year.
And 2010 looks a little problematic.
Oh, no. We will be fine. We have great candidates. I am constantly raising money.
You have zest for this job. You’re not beaten down.
I actually take some level of pride in the opponents I have gathered. And it helps with my fundraising. [Laughs.]

Since Nancy is a practicing Catholic, no doubt it is a waste to remind her: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” KJ (Proverbs 16:18).  And if excessive money is the foundation for her pride, she may be in for a surprise come this November elections.  More than ever dissatisfied citizens nationwide are putting their hard earned money towards the candidates most promising to upset significant seats in the House and Senate, and surely the Speaker’s seat is primarily so.  Visit www.johndennis2010.com to review the opponent she takes so much pride in having, and donate what you can to make a difference.  This year will resemble no “sparring match,” such as she is used to.  This is a prize fight; this is a fight for our Republic, and more are waking up to this fact daily.

She doesn’t care how popular she is for one reason: She feels that she has the votes she needs to win.  But what if more residents of the 8th District (SF) register to vote, considering the severity of the potential upset in the upcoming election?  San Francisco certainly has enough non-voters to make a difference.  It is up to us (citizens nationwide, remember) to inform and educate as many SF voters as possible within the next ten months.  Every dollar raised for John Dennis will contribute as efficiently as possible to raising awareness in SF voters before November.

CBS puts the cost of the military flights at about $170,000 (which doesn’t include the commercial flights, hundreds of hotel stays, and 10’s-of-thousands of dollars in meals and other expenses).  “This nation’s hurting.  But Nancy Pelosi can use 3 military jets… and then refuse to answer any questions about it,” says Jack Cafferty, CNN.  “What a horrible woman she is.”

PolitiZoid – Nancy Pelosi and Robert Gibbs explain Economic Policy from PolitiZoid on Vimeo.

From the CNN clip above, the newscaster doesn’t even address the fact that America has only about 300 million people total living here…

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks with GM CEO Ed Whitacre, alongside UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, center, while they view a Chevy Volt on Monday at the North American International Auto Show. (SUSAN TUSA/Detroit Free Press)

When Pelosi visited the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center yesterday (Monday), she was met by protesters.  Upset with the recent bailout of the auto industry, they couldn’t miss the opportunity to voice their indignation with the Speaker of the House.  Her comments, no doubt, only added fuel to the fire.

“Our hopes are riding on the auto industry succeeding in this country,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi…

She led a congressional delegation to the show and — after riding in the hybrid versions of the GMC Sierra pickup and Chevy Equinox — declared: “The investment that taxpayers made in the auto industry is one that will be rewarded.”

[...]

“There is no doubt the American auto industry needs help, but the Democrats’ solution of government takeovers and expansion isn’t the answer,” said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kristen Kurkowski.

[...]

About two dozen Tea Party activists picketed outside of Cobo Center… The state and national Republican parties mocked Pelosi for her comments that the visit was historic.

Detroit Free Press

It’s quite humorous to consider the presumed number-one carbon emitter in Congress taking delight in a hybrid car.  This presumption is of course based on her military jet, which has been flying the Madame Speaker coast-to-coast since 9/11.   Cost is estimated to be around $60,000 one way, and that doesn’t include food… or flowers.

Picture courtesy of The Absurd Report.

He and his team set the “bar” high, hoping to raise $20,000 yesterday.  To their pleasant surprise, the “bar” seems to have been set too low!  Today, it is approaching $25,000.  He sent out a “thank you” for all the gracious donations:

Thank you to all of the donors to our John Dennis for Congress Campaign money bomb yesterday. I am honored, humbled and grateful.

[...]

Thanks also to all of you who supported the bomb in other ways.

[...]

We will use your contributions well and will, I believe, make history.

Regards,
John Dennis

It’s not too late to donate, visit his site today: www.johndennis2010.com

Said Dr. Paul, “John Dennis is truly committed to Liberty, personal freedom, fiscal discipline and a more sensible foreign policy. I am very happy that John has decided to run for Congress and wholeheartedly endorse him.”

For more information on John Dennis, please visit www.JohnDennis2010.com.

Congressman Paul’s endorsement comes through his Liberty PAC, a Republican leadership PAC committed to supporting Liberty minded candidates across the country.

Said Liberty PAC director Jesse Benton, “John Dennis is a terrific candidate who is going to ask tough questions like: ‘Why is Nancy Pelosi running up crushing budget deficits?’, “Why has she allowed President Obama to expand the war in Afghanistan?’, and, ‘Why has Nancy Pelosi refused to support transparency and accountability at the Federal Reserve.’ The constituents of California’s 8th district deserve answers to these questions. John Dennis will hold her accountable.”

LINK

Pelosi is learning the hard way that there’s a difference between receiving attention for being a pioneer and receiving attention for fouling up on the job…  To call it a disastrous public performance would be polite.  NY Times

Having been in office since 1987 with virtually zero opposition, what kind of havoc could this woman wreak?

The first and foremost complaint has been her readiness to support and advocate “bailouts” for American industry.  Especially considering the “industry” originally bailed out, which can hardly be called an industry at all; i.e. the banking (money derivatives) sector of our economy.  America has lost its position as a manufacturing superpower some years ago.  It has since been saturated with international finance derivatives specialists.  This position is only strengthened by government bailouts, and to the dismay of citizens, our “real worth” in the world has diminished as a result.  To bailout the institutions responsible is absolutely ludicrous; unless your agenda differs form that of the people you serve, Ms. Pelosi.

Healthcare reform under Pelosi has blatantly included penalties of up to $250,000 and 6 years in jail for those who cannot afford health insurance.  Yet we are to believe that this is GOOD for the 40 million or so who are uninsured?  This is the same practice Obama denounced in reference to Hillary Clinton’s reform plans.

Although she is currently unloading her war efforts on the President, no one can deny that she has been a pivotal force in the funding for both the Iraq and Afghanistan war fronts.  This kind of “flip-flop” policy making is nothing unheard of to those following the Speaker’s procedures.

The Hill says that she is looking for a new “boogeyman” come 2010, pointing out:

In her book, “Know Your Power”, Pelosi wrote that the first agenda item in winning campaigns is, “You must take down the ratings of your opposition.”

And keep in mind that she is not new to the game.  This is a multi-generational political spinster, as John Armor points out here.

There is one hope, one person, one candidate that can usurp the Queen of the House.  His name is John Dennis, and he needs your help now more than ever.  Please visit his site and “vote with your wallet” TODAY to show the Madame Speaker that we are serious.  She wants a “boogeyman” for 2010?  She has one.

THE PELOSI INDEX, analyzes and tracks every member of Congress’ true voting record and details how often these self proclaimed moderates vote to support Pelosi’s radical transformation of America.

SUMMARY

Since the beginning of the legislative cycle in January 2009, 150 House Democrats have voted for Speaker Pelosi’s radical agenda on all nine major pieces of legislation scored in the INDEX. More than 220 Democrat members have sold out America’s core values to vote for the Speaker’s liberal plan more than 75% of the time.  These members threaten to destroy the American way of life through economy-crushing tax increases and the massive expansion of government control and spending which has already begun to saddle our future generations with enormous levels of unsustainable debt.

The Chart is absolutely fascinating and VERY detailed.  But even a quick glance will give an accurate overview of which Congress members are supporters of the “Pelosi Agenda,” sort of speak.  View Chart