Pennsylvania Constitution
Party Members and Supporters!
The final and most crucial weekend of the 2008 Constitution Party ballot access petition drive in Pennsylvania is upon us! The turn-in deadline is one week from tomorrow, on Friday August 1, 2008.
It is imperative that we place the Baldwin/Castle ticket, our statewide slate of Constitution Party candidates and our Constitution Party Legislative and Congressional candidates on the ballot in Pennsylvania so that the voters this great Commonwealth will have real "Constitutional" choices in the November election.
Ron Paul, of course, will not be on the ballot for President in November of 2008, but his very good friend and Constitution Party nominee, Chuck Baldwin, can be and with your help, will be on the ballot.
We are within striking distance of success in putting the Constitution Party ticket on the ballot in Pennsylvania in 2008, but, frankly we are also in danger of failing. We need every person who cares about constitutional government to make a supreme effort to obtain signatures of registered Pennsylvania voters on Constitution Party ballot access petitions over the next several days, and particularly over this coming weekend.
If you already have Constitution Party petitions in your possession, please do whatever it takes to fill up those petitions with the signatures of registered voters (remember: each petition may only contain the signatures of voters from a single county, which should be indicated on the front of the petition).
If you are in need of petitions please call the Constitution Party National Office at (717) 390-1993 and we will do everything in our power to get petitions to you ASAP.
Yes, we do have professional petitioners out working everyday in support of this effort, but unfortunately, there are not quite as many of them as there have been in past years. And, yes, we also do have local legislative and congressional candidates who are working diligently to secure signatures, too. They (you) are doing a great job and we appreciate their (your) efforts. Without the efforts of these good folks we would not have any chance, now, of getting the Constitution Party on the ballot in Pennsylvania in 2008. Because of their efforts, however, we do still have a very good chance to make it! We know that we can count on them to continue to work hard over the next several days.
But now, it isn't about "them." It is about "us." All of us! What will "we" do to make sure that "our" ballot access effort in Pennsylvania is a success? We still have an opportunity to control our own destiny and secure the Constitution Party a place on the November ballot, but we are quickly running out of time. After August 1, it will be too late to wish that we had done more for this important effort.
Many in receipt of this email message have already made great sacrifices on behalf of this effort. Please know that your time and sacrifices are deeply appreciated. Others of us may not yet have had the time or opportunity to help out. Now, we need everybody... EVERYBODY, regardless of prior contribution of time and effort, to make the absolute maximum effort over the next several days! Everything depends on the effort that we are willing to make over the next few days!
What will you do?
Again, if you require information about how you can help, please do not hesitate to call our office at (717) 390-1993. Danielle Warren and/or I will be happy to assist you.
You will soon be contacted about petition turn-in procedures. In the meantime, however, please do everything in your power to secure as many signatures as you possibly can in order for our effort to succeed.
Please pass this message on to every friend of the Constitution Party you can think of who may be willing to help over the next few days.
God bless everyone for your efforts!
Gary Odom
National Field Director
Constitution Party
23 N. Lime St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 390-1993
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Lawmaker wants bonus ban
Saturday, July 12, 2008
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- State Sen. John Eichelberger is demanding that a House committee stop stalling on legislation he has sponsored to ban all bonuses for legislative employees.
In a statement released yesterday, the freshman Republican from Blair County said the charges filed by Attorney General Tom Corbett against 12 present or former Democratic House members and staffers are a strong reason why Senate Bill 986 is needed.
He introduced the Commonwealth Agency Bonus Ban Act in early 2007, after news reports outlined several million dollars in bonuses paid to legislative staffers of both parties in the 2006 election year.
His bill was unanimously approved by the Republican-controlled Senate last October, but he said it has "languished" in the Democrat-controlled House State Government Committee since then.
The committee is led by Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia. But Republicans said that top House Democrats, including Majority Leader Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg, are helping to keep the bill bottled up. Ms. Josephs didn't respond to a request for comment, but Tom Andrews, a DeWeese aide, said:
"In early 2007, Majority Leader Bill DeWeese eliminated bonuses for House Democratic Caucus employees. He is in favor of the Eichelberger proposal; however, caucus staff is reviewing the language relative to state labor contracts and pension fund portfolios."
The former No. 2 House Democrat, Rep. Mike Veon of Beaver, a close political ally of Mr. DeWeese, was the most prominent figure charged with misuse of taxpayer funds by Mr. Corbett.
Mr. DeWeese's former chief of staff, Mike Manzo, and his wife, Rachel Manzo, were also charged.
"The people of Pennsylvania expect to have this [bonus] issue addressed in law, not by the often-unkept promises of lawmakers who claim that it will never happen again," Mr. Eichelberger said.
He will ask House leaders "for immediate action on this bill. Their lack of action under the current circumstances is truly unbelievable."
Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 717-787-4254.
First published on July 12, 2008 at 12:00 am
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08194/896590-178.stm
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- State Sen. John Eichelberger is demanding that a House committee stop stalling on legislation he has sponsored to ban all bonuses for legislative employees.
In a statement released yesterday, the freshman Republican from Blair County said the charges filed by Attorney General Tom Corbett against 12 present or former Democratic House members and staffers are a strong reason why Senate Bill 986 is needed.
He introduced the Commonwealth Agency Bonus Ban Act in early 2007, after news reports outlined several million dollars in bonuses paid to legislative staffers of both parties in the 2006 election year.
His bill was unanimously approved by the Republican-controlled Senate last October, but he said it has "languished" in the Democrat-controlled House State Government Committee since then.
The committee is led by Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Philadelphia. But Republicans said that top House Democrats, including Majority Leader Bill DeWeese of Waynesburg, are helping to keep the bill bottled up. Ms. Josephs didn't respond to a request for comment, but Tom Andrews, a DeWeese aide, said:
"In early 2007, Majority Leader Bill DeWeese eliminated bonuses for House Democratic Caucus employees. He is in favor of the Eichelberger proposal; however, caucus staff is reviewing the language relative to state labor contracts and pension fund portfolios."
The former No. 2 House Democrat, Rep. Mike Veon of Beaver, a close political ally of Mr. DeWeese, was the most prominent figure charged with misuse of taxpayer funds by Mr. Corbett.
Mr. DeWeese's former chief of staff, Mike Manzo, and his wife, Rachel Manzo, were also charged.
"The people of Pennsylvania expect to have this [bonus] issue addressed in law, not by the often-unkept promises of lawmakers who claim that it will never happen again," Mr. Eichelberger said.
He will ask House leaders "for immediate action on this bill. Their lack of action under the current circumstances is truly unbelievable."
Bureau Chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 717-787-4254.
First published on July 12, 2008 at 12:00 am
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08194/896590-178.stm
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Pa. Senate OKs Great Lakes compact
HARRISBURG - The state Senate unanimously approved a bill yesterday that would allow Pennsylvania to join a multistate compact to protect and manage the water in the Great Lakes.
The bill goes to Gov. Rendell, who plans to sign it. When he does, Pennsylvania will become the last of eight Great Lakes states to adopt the compact, which still requires approval from Congress and the president to become law. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec also have adopted laws nearly identical to the compact.
The compact would prohibit piping or shipping Great Lakes water outside the system's vast drainage basin, with rare exceptions.
Also, the states would be required to adopt plans to improve water quality, protect ecosystems, and ensure that use of the water does not threaten its supply. The compact applies to water both in the Great Lakes and inland waterways.
The chain of lakes - Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior - constitutes one-fifth of the world's fresh-water supply.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080704_Pa__Senate_OKs_Great_Lakes_compact.html
The bill goes to Gov. Rendell, who plans to sign it. When he does, Pennsylvania will become the last of eight Great Lakes states to adopt the compact, which still requires approval from Congress and the president to become law. In Canada, Ontario and Quebec also have adopted laws nearly identical to the compact.
The compact would prohibit piping or shipping Great Lakes water outside the system's vast drainage basin, with rare exceptions.
Also, the states would be required to adopt plans to improve water quality, protect ecosystems, and ensure that use of the water does not threaten its supply. The compact applies to water both in the Great Lakes and inland waterways.
The chain of lakes - Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior - constitutes one-fifth of the world's fresh-water supply.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080704_Pa__Senate_OKs_Great_Lakes_compact.html
Friday, July 4, 2008
Why Veterans Are Voting BALDWIN
There is every reason for Veterans all over the country to rally around Chuck Baldwin for President. When military veterans signed on the dotted line promising to protect and defend the United States of America they were guaranteed certain benefits. As President of the United States; Chuck Baldwin will honor our nation’s commitment in every way.
Military veterans have served in difficult and dangerous places and spend a lot of time away from their family and loved ones. They serve during the most productive years of their lives, years that can never be given back.
The Chuck Baldwin Administration will work diligently to make certain that these veterans have their benefits restored and he will vigorously resist the attempt by any government agency to nullify or reduce earned benefits to veterans and their survivors, including but certainly not limited to, compensation, pensions, education, and health care.
George Washington once said that, “the willingness of with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportionate to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.”
Chuck Baldwin offers the “Real Deal”; promises made will be honored. Please join us as we work to move America forward. We need your vote, your prayers and your financial help.
Make a Donation!
Even a Little Does a Lot!
Join the Campaign!
Volunteer in Your Area
www.baldwin2008.com
Military veterans have served in difficult and dangerous places and spend a lot of time away from their family and loved ones. They serve during the most productive years of their lives, years that can never be given back.
The Chuck Baldwin Administration will work diligently to make certain that these veterans have their benefits restored and he will vigorously resist the attempt by any government agency to nullify or reduce earned benefits to veterans and their survivors, including but certainly not limited to, compensation, pensions, education, and health care.
George Washington once said that, “the willingness of with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportionate to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country.”
Chuck Baldwin offers the “Real Deal”; promises made will be honored. Please join us as we work to move America forward. We need your vote, your prayers and your financial help.
Make a Donation!
Even a Little Does a Lot!
Join the Campaign!
Volunteer in Your Area
www.baldwin2008.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Important Pennsylvania Ballot Access Bill
July 2nd, 2008
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Bellefonte) is circulating his ballot access bill among all members of the State House, asking for co-sponsors. It would abolish mandatory petitions for all candidates, and provide a choice of paying a filing fee. No fee would be higher than $2,000. The bill applies equally to candidates seeking a place on a primary ballot, and candidates seeking a place on the general election ballot. UPDATE: thanks to Ken Krawchuk for pointing out that I mis-read the bill. The bill provides higher filing fees for independent and minor party candidates than for Democrats and Republicans. That provision of the bill would be unconstitutional, under the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision Davis v FEC. The Court said that states cannot have different contribution limits for different candidates for the same office. It follows logically that states can’t have different filing fee amounts for different candidates for the same office either.
The bill already has several co-sponsors. After that process of seeking co-sponsors is complete, probably by July 18, the bill will receive a bill number.
www.ballot-access.org
Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Bellefonte) is circulating his ballot access bill among all members of the State House, asking for co-sponsors. It would abolish mandatory petitions for all candidates, and provide a choice of paying a filing fee. No fee would be higher than $2,000. The bill applies equally to candidates seeking a place on a primary ballot, and candidates seeking a place on the general election ballot. UPDATE: thanks to Ken Krawchuk for pointing out that I mis-read the bill. The bill provides higher filing fees for independent and minor party candidates than for Democrats and Republicans. That provision of the bill would be unconstitutional, under the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision Davis v FEC. The Court said that states cannot have different contribution limits for different candidates for the same office. It follows logically that states can’t have different filing fee amounts for different candidates for the same office either.
The bill already has several co-sponsors. After that process of seeking co-sponsors is complete, probably by July 18, the bill will receive a bill number.
www.ballot-access.org
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Baldwin On Supreme Court Gun Ruling
June 26, 2008
Supreme Court Shoots Straight On 2nd Amendment
Presidential Candidate Challenges Americans To Continue Pro-Gun Momentum By Rejecting Anti- Gun Obama & McCain
Grand Rapids, MI (June 26, 2008) The Constitution Party, (www.constitutionparty.com) the largest third party based on voter registration (Ballot Access News),applauds the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the basic right of Americans to own guns.(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25390404)
Constitution Party presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin (www.Baldwin2008.com) commented on Thursday’s ruling saying, “ The Supreme Court got this one right. While the ruling still contains elements gun owners should denounce,the justices acknowledged that the words “shall not be infringed” mean just what our Founders meant; and two centuries later the meaning of those words has not changed”.
Baldwin added, “Countless assaults against the right of the people to keep and bear arms by both Republicans and Democrats over the years have taken a toll through draconian gun laws and oppressive legislation which has slowly and steadily chipped away at Americans’ vital, God-given right to self-defense.”
Baldwin pointed to Republican Senator John McCain saying, “We would expect the Democrats and Obama to be against gun rights, but voters need to be reminded that The “conservative” Republican McCain was behind anti-gun legislation to restrict sales at gun shows at both federal and state levels”.
The pro- 2nd amendment group Gun Owners of America added:
‘This year it appears (McCain) is seeking to ’come home’ to the pro-gun community, but the wounds are deep.’
Chuck Baldwin noted: “ The Supreme Court decision is a sign of the political sea-change we’re seeing in our country. While government has no right to demand people pay for (gun)permits, jump through hoops and ask for permission to exercise their 2nd amendment rights,The Constitution and all it guarantees cannot be dismissed and won’t be when voters decide in November they’d like to see a return to the basics in their presidential candidate…and I am that candidate.”
Supreme Court Shoots Straight On 2nd Amendment
Presidential Candidate Challenges Americans To Continue Pro-Gun Momentum By Rejecting Anti- Gun Obama & McCain
Grand Rapids, MI (June 26, 2008) The Constitution Party, (www.constitutionparty.com) the largest third party based on voter registration (Ballot Access News),applauds the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the basic right of Americans to own guns.(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25390404)
Constitution Party presidential candidate Chuck Baldwin (www.Baldwin2008.com) commented on Thursday’s ruling saying, “ The Supreme Court got this one right. While the ruling still contains elements gun owners should denounce,the justices acknowledged that the words “shall not be infringed” mean just what our Founders meant; and two centuries later the meaning of those words has not changed”.
Baldwin added, “Countless assaults against the right of the people to keep and bear arms by both Republicans and Democrats over the years have taken a toll through draconian gun laws and oppressive legislation which has slowly and steadily chipped away at Americans’ vital, God-given right to self-defense.”
Baldwin pointed to Republican Senator John McCain saying, “We would expect the Democrats and Obama to be against gun rights, but voters need to be reminded that The “conservative” Republican McCain was behind anti-gun legislation to restrict sales at gun shows at both federal and state levels”.
The pro- 2nd amendment group Gun Owners of America added:
‘This year it appears (McCain) is seeking to ’come home’ to the pro-gun community, but the wounds are deep.’
Chuck Baldwin noted: “ The Supreme Court decision is a sign of the political sea-change we’re seeing in our country. While government has no right to demand people pay for (gun)permits, jump through hoops and ask for permission to exercise their 2nd amendment rights,The Constitution and all it guarantees cannot be dismissed and won’t be when voters decide in November they’d like to see a return to the basics in their presidential candidate…and I am that candidate.”
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