Topic: Elections
Cruz Pulls Off Major Upset in Texas Senate Primary!
Posted on Aug. 01, 12 | 01:45 PM by Chris Chocola | Topic: ElectionsLast night Ted Cruz defeated Lt. Governor David Dewhurst in a historic primary upset in Texas. Certainly Ted’s victory was a victory for the people of Texas, but more than that, it was a victory for every single American who believes in economic freedom.
When the Club’s PAC endorsed Ted Cruz over a year ago on June 2, 2011 most said it couldn’t be done. With Cruz polling as low as 2% and Dewhurst having overwhelming name recognition in the state, combined with his ability to bankroll his own campaign – we knew we faced one of the toughest uphill battles we had ever undertaken.
But we also knew that, with the support of Club members, it was a fight we could win!
All told, Club for Growth Action spent $5.5 million in independent expenditure ads in its effort to elect Ted Cruz to the United States Senate! This accounted for 83% of all pro-Cruz outside spending.
But Club for Growth Action isn’t about spending big, it’s about spending SMART.
When the Club’s PAC endorsed Ted Cruz we made a commitment to do everything within our power to ensure he emerged victorious over big-spending, tax-raising, moderate Dewhurst.
David Dewhurst was a self-funder who poured millions of his own money into his campaign. In fact, had it not been for Club for Growth Action, Ted Cruz would have been outspent by Dewhurst 7-2 in the final week of the campaign.
Club for Growth Action went all in and it did so because it is absolutely critical to the future of our nation that we have a true fiscal conservative representing the state of Texas in the United States Senate.
This race was one of the most important races going on in our nation and we are so proud of the pivotal role Club for Growth Action played in ensuring that Ted Cruz will be the next Senator from the state of Texas.
Ted Cruz is a champion of economic freedom and we look forward to seeing him fight for America in the Senate.
Member Comments (4)
Ted Cruz Makes Runoff in TX-Sen Primary!
Posted on May. 30, 12 | 08:02 AM by Andrew Roth | Topic: Elections
In the Texas Senate GOP primary, conservative champ Ted Cruz received 34% to David Dewhurst's 45%. Several other candidates split the remaining 21%.
Since both men didn't receive 50%, they advance to a head-to-head runoff on July 31. Here's the vote tally.
Here's our press release.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15907
Member Comments (5)
Since both men didn't receive 50%, they advance to a head-to-head runoff on July 31. Here's the vote tally.
Here's our press release.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15907
Member Comments (5)
Electoral College -- House Case Scenario
Posted on Sep. 12, 11 | 10:25 AM by David Keating | Topic: Elections
Larry Sabato outlines a number of plausible scenarios for the 2012 Electoral College map. Of course, he had to find one, and he did, where there is a tie at 269 votes for the Republican and Democrat.
Here is one such case, and the possible result:
Member Comments (5)
Here is one such case, and the possible result:
If Obama loses IN, OH, NC, NH, NV, FL and IA, while keeping Virginia and his other 2008 states, it is 269-269, and the House of Representatives picks the new president, with each state's delegation having one vote and 26 votes needed for election. In today's House, the Republican would win by a vote of 33 to 16. One state, Minnesota, has a tied delegation and presumably would not cast a vote.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15553
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In Response To The Huntsman Campaign
Posted on Jun. 29, 11 | 03:56 PM by Barney Keller | Topic: ElectionsSince the Huntsman for President campaign has decided to directly respond to the Club for Growth’s 2012 White Paper on Governor Huntsman on their website http://2012realityroom.com, we thought we’d tell the truth behind some of their “Reality Checks.”
Simply put, Governor Huntsman needs to put out a “Reality Check” explaining the growth of state spending in Utah.
Be sure to read our White Paper on Governor Huntsman and all the rest of the 2012 candidates by clicking here.
Huntsman “Reality Check”: “The Club for Growth has criticized Jon Huntsman’s management of Utah’s state budget: “That’s why Utah was ranked as the best managed state in the country by the Pew Center in 2008 and called, “a clear leader in sound government based on smart planning and effective performance management that emphasizes long-term results. In fact, Utah’s job creation rate was the best in the country during Governor Huntsman’s tenure precisely because he implemented Club for Growth policies such as a flat tax. Governor Huntsman’s fiscal management of Utah saw balanced budgets, reduced waste, a reduced percentage of government administration costs, a rainy day fund that nearly tripled — even during a recession — and the largest tax cut in the state’s history. This fiscal management resulted in Utah’s economy expanding at more than triple the national rate. That is the kind of economic record that our country needs..” (Source: http://2012realityroom.com/2011/06/jon-huntsman-implemented-club-for-growth-friendly-policies/)
Truth: The Club for Growth has never criticized Governor Huntsman for his “management”, but for his atrocious spending record and his attempts to evade spending caps: In the end, it is Governor Huntsman’s spending record that is inexcusable. There is now widespread recognition that the next President must address the enormous threat posed by federal spending that threatens national bankruptcy. Huntsman’s failing grades on controlling state spending raise serious questions about whether he would be equal to that task. (Club for Growth Presidential White Paper, Governor Huntsman)
- Governor Huntsman was called “one of the biggest spending Governors in the nation” by the CATO Institute (CATO Institute, Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors: 2006)
- In 2006, Governor Huntsman proposed the largest state budget in history. (Associated Press, 12/13/06)
- Governor Huntsman said he considered spending growth as growth in full-time employees, despite saying during his campaign for Governor that he believed it was…actual spending. (Associated Press, 12/13/06)
- In one two-year period, Governor Huntsman increased the size of state government by more than ONE-THIRD. (Deseret Morning News, 3/2/07)
- Per capita spending increased at about 10 percent annually during Governor Huntsman’s tenure as Utah’s Governor. (CATO Institute, Fiscal Policy Report Card on America’s Governors: 2006)
Huntsman “Reality Check”: Jon Huntsman said that he wouldn’t have voted for President Obama’s stimulus plan and warned from the beginning that “much of the spending (in the stimulus) is misdirected and more likely to bloat the government than boost the economy.” He advocated strongly for more tax cuts, a dedicated focus on vital, long-term infrastructure and less spending for ongoing programs. In February 2009, Gov. Huntsman said of the stimulus: “There probably wasn’t enough stimulus effect. For example, a payroll tax exemption or maybe even a cut in the corporate tax…for small and medium-sized businesses for three years, for example.” Jon has emphasized that only when private businesses recover will our economy recover. “Economic recovery must be earned, and it will be earned by entrepreneurs and it will be earned by small businesses.” (Source: http://2012realityroom.com/2011/06/jons-opponents-falsely-claim-he-supported-president-obamas-stimulus-plan/)
Truth: Jon Huntsman said: “if I were in Congress, I probably would not have voted in favor because it didn't have enough stimulus and probably wasn't big enough to begin with.” (Club for Growth Presidential White Paper, Governor Huntsman)
- Governor Huntsman thought the stimulus should have been a trillion dollars. Huntsman: Well, the size of about a trillion dollars was floated by Mark Zandi, who’s a very respected economist. I tend to believe what he is saying about the size of the package, which didn’t necessarily hit the mark in terms of size. (Politico, 2/24/09)
Huntsman “Reality Check”: Huntsman’s “record is stronger than any words spoken or pledges signed. As governor, he balanced the budget every year – including during turbulent times. When the economic crisis struck, he did not raise taxes or rely on accounting gimmicks. Instead, Jon and the legislators cut hundreds of millions of dollars to address the shortfall.” (Source: http://2012realityroom.com/2011/06/jon-supports-a-balanced-budget-amendment/)
Truth: The Club for Growth noted that in 2009, when faced with a budget shortfall, Governor Huntsman proposed increasing cigarette taxes by 400% - which would have given Utah the highest cigarette tax in the country at the time (Club for Growth Presidential White Paper, Governor Huntsman)
- During the 2009 economic downturn Governor Huntsman proposed increasing the cigarette tax from $0.70 per pack to $3.00 per pack (Americans for Tax Reform, 1/16/09)
- Governor Huntsman said he considered spending growth as growth in full-time employees, despite saying during his campaign for Governor that he believed it was…actual spending. (Associated Press, 12/13/06)
- Nearly every state, including Utah, is required to balance their budget. (National Conference of State Legislatures, NCSL Fiscal Brief: State Balanced Budget Provisions, October 2010)
Huntsman “Reality Check”: Jon’s opponents falsely claim he pushed for an individual mandate (Source: http://2012realityroom.com/2011/06/jons-opponents-falsely-claim-he-pushed-for-an-individual-mandate-in-utahs-health-care-reform/)
Truth: While Governor Huntsman never signed an individual mandate into law, The Club for Growth noted that in 2008, Govenor Huntsman said that if Health Insurance companies didn’t reduce the price of Health Insurance said, “If that doesn't work, then I think we're looking very realistically at an individual mandate in getting us to where I think we need to be.” (Club for Growth Presidential White Paper, Governor Huntsman)
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15280
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'Governor Veto' Declares for President
Posted on Apr. 21, 11 | 05:09 PM by David Keating | Topic: Elections
With the sideshow of Donald Trump, you may have missed perhaps the real deal, sorry, real political story of the day.
Today the first serious candidate for the Republican nomination for president declared he is a candidate. No, no phony "exploratory committee" for him. He's Gary Johnson, the former two-term governor of New Mexico, aka Governor Veto.
On paper, you'd think he has to be a credible candidate. A strong fiscal conservative who won in a blue state by large margins. You'd think that would generate a lot of real interest. And maybe he will.
Here is what the New York Times reported on Johnson's first run for governor, in a blue state as a Republican:
Guess what? Johnson won. And then four years later, he got reelected.
In 1995 he vetoed 47% of the bills passed by the Legislature. During that term, he vetoed more than all the other 49 governors combined.
When this guy says he believes in fiscal responsibility, he means it.
Here's hoping the media will give him at least as much attention as Donald Trump. But don't bet on it.
His website is now up and here are some articles on his announcement if you want to learn more:
Christian Science Monitor
Slate
Race 4 2012
Wall Street Journal
Time
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15021
Member Comments (27)
Today the first serious candidate for the Republican nomination for president declared he is a candidate. No, no phony "exploratory committee" for him. He's Gary Johnson, the former two-term governor of New Mexico, aka Governor Veto.
On paper, you'd think he has to be a credible candidate. A strong fiscal conservative who won in a blue state by large margins. You'd think that would generate a lot of real interest. And maybe he will.
Here is what the New York Times reported on Johnson's first run for governor, in a blue state as a Republican:
"I thought this was the most naive, unacquainted-with-government person that I'd ever seen," recalls John Dendhal, now the [New Mexico] state party chairman. They told him a likable young businessman could have a big future if he started with the State Legislature.
Guess what? Johnson won. And then four years later, he got reelected.
In 1995 he vetoed 47% of the bills passed by the Legislature. During that term, he vetoed more than all the other 49 governors combined.
When this guy says he believes in fiscal responsibility, he means it.
Here's hoping the media will give him at least as much attention as Donald Trump. But don't bet on it.
His website is now up and here are some articles on his announcement if you want to learn more:
Christian Science Monitor
Slate
Race 4 2012
Wall Street Journal
Time
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=15021
Member Comments (27)
Club for Growth PAC Raises Jeff Flake $350,000 Since Endorsement Last Month
Posted on Mar. 23, 11 | 01:42 PM by Andrew Roth | Topic: Elections
WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today announced that Club members have contributed more than $350,000 to the Senate campaign of U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake since it endorsed him last month.
Member Comments (2)
“The support for Jeff Flake by Club members continues to be robust,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “Our members know Jeff’s excellent pro-growth record and so they are excited to back him with their hard-earned money. It’s a testament to his principled stand for limited government and economic freedom. I’m confident our members will continue to strongly support Jeff in the weeks and months ahead.”
During the 2010 election cycle, Club for Growth PAC was instrumental in electing the most pro-growth, limited government conservative class in recent congressional history. Club members supported Senate candidates like Pat Toomey, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Rand Paul to the tune of $8.4 million.
Flake is the first candidate Club for Growth PAC has endorsed in the 2012 election cycle.
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Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14888
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PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
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Historic Recall in Miami-Dade County: Stunning Margin
Posted on Mar. 16, 11 | 10:33 AM by David Keating | Topic: Elections
A massive turnout of Miami-Dade County voters repudiated Republican Mayor Carlos Alvarez by a stunning 88%-12%.
Alvarez had raised property taxes, subsidized a stadium, wasted money and hiked pay.
It's the second largest recall election ever, surpassed only by the recall of California Gov. Gray Davis.
Also recalled was a county commissioner "widely regarded as the most powerful politician on the commission." Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14865
Member Comments (3)
Alvarez had raised property taxes, subsidized a stadium, wasted money and hiked pay.
It's the second largest recall election ever, surpassed only by the recall of California Gov. Gray Davis.
Also recalled was a county commissioner "widely regarded as the most powerful politician on the commission." Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14865
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Club for Growth PAC Raises Jeff Flake $100,000 in First Day
Posted on Feb. 16, 11 | 11:08 AM by Michael Connolly | Topic: Elections
WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today announced that Club members had contributed more than $100,000 to the Senate campaign of U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake in the first day after the PAC endorsed him.
“This is a huge haul for one day,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “It just shows how excited Club for Growth members are about the prospect of having Jeff Flake in the Senate, and the value in this day and age of being a genuine principled leader in Washington. Judging by the enthusiastic response of our members, this hundred thousand will be the first of many our members contribute to get Jeff Flake into the Senate.”
During the 2010 election cycle, Club for Growth PAC was instrumental in electing the most pro-growth, limited government conservative class in recent congressional history. Club members supported Senate candidates like Pat Toomey, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul to the tune of $8.4 million.
Flake is the first candidate Club for Growth PAC has endorsed in the 2012 election cycle.
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“This is a huge haul for one day,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “It just shows how excited Club for Growth members are about the prospect of having Jeff Flake in the Senate, and the value in this day and age of being a genuine principled leader in Washington. Judging by the enthusiastic response of our members, this hundred thousand will be the first of many our members contribute to get Jeff Flake into the Senate.”
During the 2010 election cycle, Club for Growth PAC was instrumental in electing the most pro-growth, limited government conservative class in recent congressional history. Club members supported Senate candidates like Pat Toomey, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul to the tune of $8.4 million.
Flake is the first candidate Club for Growth PAC has endorsed in the 2012 election cycle.
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PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14764Member Comments (0) Add a Comment
Club for Growth PAC Endorses Jeff Flake for Senate
Posted on Feb. 14, 11 | 10:24 AM by Michael Connolly | Topic: Elections
WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today endorsed U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake in the 2012 U.S. Senate election in Arizona. Flake launched his candidacy today, in the wake of Sen. Jon Kyl’s decision to retire from the Senate after this term.
“Jeff Flake is a proven, tireless champion for economic freedom, and Club for Growth PAC will do everything it can in the Republican primary and the general election to help him win this race,” said Club President Chris Chocola.
“Jon Kyl has been a strong, clear-eyed leader on pro-growth economic principles his entire career, and both Arizona and the country have benefited from his years of service,” Chocola said. “Jeff Flake will make a perfect successor to Kyl in the seat.”
“It is of course commendable that Jeff Flake strongly opposed the worst policies of the Obama Administration, like the failed stimulus and the health care takeover," Chocola added. "But what’s really impressive about Jeff is that he had the guts to strongly oppose the worst policies of the Bush Administration and of the previous Republican Congress, like earmarks, bailouts, and the prescription drug entitlement. That’s the kind of courage in the fight for freedom and limited government we need in the U.S. Senate.”
During the 2008 election cycle, Club for Growth PAC was instrumental in electing the most pro-growth, limited government conservative class in recent congressional history. Club members supported Senate candidates like Pat Toomey, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul to the tune of $8.4 million.
Flake is the first candidate Club for Growth PAC has endorsed in the 2012 election cycle.
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Member Comments (7)
“Jeff Flake is a proven, tireless champion for economic freedom, and Club for Growth PAC will do everything it can in the Republican primary and the general election to help him win this race,” said Club President Chris Chocola.
“Jon Kyl has been a strong, clear-eyed leader on pro-growth economic principles his entire career, and both Arizona and the country have benefited from his years of service,” Chocola said. “Jeff Flake will make a perfect successor to Kyl in the seat.”
“It is of course commendable that Jeff Flake strongly opposed the worst policies of the Obama Administration, like the failed stimulus and the health care takeover," Chocola added. "But what’s really impressive about Jeff is that he had the guts to strongly oppose the worst policies of the Bush Administration and of the previous Republican Congress, like earmarks, bailouts, and the prescription drug entitlement. That’s the kind of courage in the fight for freedom and limited government we need in the U.S. Senate.”
During the 2008 election cycle, Club for Growth PAC was instrumental in electing the most pro-growth, limited government conservative class in recent congressional history. Club members supported Senate candidates like Pat Toomey, Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, Rand Paul to the tune of $8.4 million.
Flake is the first candidate Club for Growth PAC has endorsed in the 2012 election cycle.
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PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14758Member Comments (7)
Club for Growth PAC Urges Jeff Flake to Run for Senate
Posted on Feb. 10, 11 | 12:07 PM by Michael Connolly | Topic: Elections
WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today encouraged U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake to run for the United States Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, who today announced his intention to retire at the end of this term.
“Run, Jeff, run!” said Club President Chris Chocola.
“Jon Kyl has been one of the strongest pro-growth leaders in the Senate for more than a decade, and on behalf of all Club members, I thank him for his vision and leadership,” Chocola added. “Jeff Flake has a 100 percent lifetime score on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Score Card, and is one of America’s most vocal champions for limited government and economic liberty. He is the perfect successor to Jon Kyl in the Senate, and Club for Growth PAC strongly encourages him to run for the seat.”
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Member Comments (5)
“Run, Jeff, run!” said Club President Chris Chocola.
“Jon Kyl has been one of the strongest pro-growth leaders in the Senate for more than a decade, and on behalf of all Club members, I thank him for his vision and leadership,” Chocola added. “Jeff Flake has a 100 percent lifetime score on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Score Card, and is one of America’s most vocal champions for limited government and economic liberty. He is the perfect successor to Jon Kyl in the Senate, and Club for Growth PAC strongly encourages him to run for the seat.”
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PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14751Member Comments (5)
Club for Growth PAC Takes Issue with Tea Party Express’s Comments Regarding Sen. Orrin Hatch
Posted on Jan. 28, 11 | 10:31 AM by Michael Connolly | Topic: Elections
WASHINGTON – Club for Growth PAC today responded to comments made by Sal Russo, “chief strategist” of Tea Party Express, who yesterday announced the group would not oppose six-term Republican incumbent Senator Orrin Hatch in 2012. Russo explained his decision based on his 35-year relationship with Hatch, and Hatch’s support for Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign in 1976, noting that in Russo’s opinion that makes Hatch “as good as it gets.”
“While Senator Hatch’s activity in the 1976 presidential campaign is commendable, a lot can change in 35 years,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “Senator Hatch has a lower lifetime average on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Scorecard than his former colleague Bob Bennett for a reason. Orrin Hatch has done some good things over the decades, but six term incumbents who vote for TARP, the Bridge to Nowhere, the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac bailout, SCHIP, and higher taxes are quite clearly not ‘as good as it gets, ‘” Chocola said.
The Club for Growth PAC played an instrumental role in the defeat of former Senator Bob Bennett at the 2010 Utah GOP convention, and was pleased to support now-Senator Mike Lee in the general election.
Chocola concluded, “We have made no decision about the upcoming Utah Senate race, but when we do, our decision will be about improving the Senate in 2013, not 1977.”
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Member Comments (9)
“While Senator Hatch’s activity in the 1976 presidential campaign is commendable, a lot can change in 35 years,” said Club President Chris Chocola. “Senator Hatch has a lower lifetime average on the Club for Growth’s Congressional Scorecard than his former colleague Bob Bennett for a reason. Orrin Hatch has done some good things over the decades, but six term incumbents who vote for TARP, the Bridge to Nowhere, the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac bailout, SCHIP, and higher taxes are quite clearly not ‘as good as it gets, ‘” Chocola said.
The Club for Growth PAC played an instrumental role in the defeat of former Senator Bob Bennett at the 2010 Utah GOP convention, and was pleased to support now-Senator Mike Lee in the general election.
Chocola concluded, “We have made no decision about the upcoming Utah Senate race, but when we do, our decision will be about improving the Senate in 2013, not 1977.”
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PAID FOR BY CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC AND NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE. 202-955-5500.
Permalink: http://www.clubforgrowth.org/perm/?postID=14717Member Comments (9)
