Gresham Barrett,Jeff Flake, and The Club for Growth

The Flake Amendments

are the first step on a journey of a thousand miles in the battle to stop creeping Socialism and reign in wasteful spending.Jeff Flake is stalwart conservative Congressman form the state of Arizona who has begun the uphill battle of ear mark reform.Flake offered 19 amendments all of which failed miserably,but as Mike Pence would say Flake had a "successful failure" in that we really do know where everyone stands.We now know who is with us,and who is with "them".

The Club for Growth

is making sure everyone knows about these votes and that those on the wrong side of the issue

PAY THE PRICE

My Congressman Gresham Barrett voted YEA on all 19 of these amendments proving that he truly is fighting in the trenches for us and not part of the problem.Aside from his early(and foolish)support for Boehner,Barrett has been on the right side of all the major battles we have face since 2003.

So has the Club for Growth.The Club for Growth has the right strategy for Conservatives to take back our party.Organize and Advance.The Club for Growth here in South carolina is also doing some great things under their great Executive Director Josh Gross.Nationally our problem is more entrenched and our solution needs to be more drastic.

The sad reality is there are not more than 20 members of Congress who are truly conservative and are willing to fight for Freedom.We better get moving because times a wastin'.

We cannot divide our forces

I am willing to support anyone in the Republican primary who is running against Bill Cotty.Lord knows I was praying to the good Lord every night for Sheri Few to win in the primary.She didn't, and it is time to move on and unite behind Cotty in November.
I will support Michael Letts 100% in the primary in two years,but not now.My concern is that we will divide our forces and elect Anton Gunn,who is one of the "Young Guns" the State Newspaper is trying to shove down our throats.I say we unite behind Cotty and save our ammo for the "Young Guns" then conservatives can unload on Cotty next primary season.

More splits in the South Carolina Republican party

Letts urged to enter race for House seat


By JOY L. WOODSON
jwoodson@thestate.com
MICHAEL LETTS


A longtime Northeast Richland resident is poised to be a third choice in a contested Midlands House race this November.

Michael Letts, an advocate for protective vests for police officers and increased transportation funding, could challenge Republican incumbent Rep. Bill Cotty and Democratic challenger Anton Gunn for the District 79 seat, which is in southwest Kershaw County and Northeast Richland.

Although Letts said he is not petitioning, “a relatively large group of neighbors and friends” have asked him to run.

Supporters, who did not want to comment, are busy gathering signatures to place Letts on the ballot before the Monday deadline. They need 5 percent of the 16,426 registered voters in the district — or 821 signatures — to be successful.

“I’m overwhelmed and humbled,” Letts said. “I can’t believe that many people would encourage me to do something.”

It was not known Friday how many signatures have been collected.

Letts would be running as a conservative, independent Republican candidate, and said he respects Cotty but that the two men have obvious differences:

• Letts favored Cotty’s push for property tax relief, but said the tax burden was shifted — not eliminated. He also advocates more state spending audits.

• Cotty, voted against the Right to Life Act of South Carolina, but Letts says he is a staunch pro-life supporter.

• Cotty, a former Richland 2 board member, does not favor school choice vouchers, but Letts says he would as long as they don’t drain funds from public schools.

Attempts to reach Gunn and Cotty were unsuccessful.

Gunn, executive director of South Carolina Fair Share, beat out Todd Wood of Lugoff during the June 13 Democratic primary.

His recent work has centered on being an advocate for a higher cigarette tax to help pay for health insurance and to ensure that health care is available to all.

In the primary, Cotty faced Sheri Few, who founded South Carolina Parents Involved in Education, and campaigned for school choice.

As a member of the transportation committee at the Central Midlands Council of Governments, Letts said that he would aim to make it a top priority. Fixing overburdened Hard Scrabble Road has been one of his causes.

“If the Legislature spent half the effort on dealing with our infrastructure issues as they do on education then we’d solve the problem,” he said. “I’m not saying that we need to do something less for education ... we just need to begin to also focus on other key issues to move our state forward —infrastructure being one.”

Gresham Barrett immigration alert

Washington, DC Office
1523 Longworth
Washington, DC 20515
phone: 202.225.5301
fax: 202.225.3216

Anderson Office
315 S. McDuffie St.
Anderson, SC 29622
phone: 864.224.7401
fax: 864.225.7049

Greenwood Office
115 Enterprise Ct.
Suite B
Greenwood, SC 29649
phone: 864.223.8251
fax: 864.223.1679

Aiken Office
233 Pendleton St. NW
Aiken, SC 29801
phone: 803.649.5571
fax: 803.648.9038












In Case You Missed It!





Greenville News

Published July 4, 2006

By Congressman Gresham Barrett





This week Americans will gather with family and friends for BBQ's and fireworks as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence.



Over the years, countless Americans died winning our independence and protecting our freedoms.



Our Forefathers understood the power of a government rests in the people it governs, not the government itself. Those of us in government today, rely on the people to let us know the issues of concern.








One issue on everyone's mind these days is illegal immigration. Unfortunately it has become an opportunity

for rhetoric in DC.



Back in December, the House passed a bill that put the concerns of the American people first by securing our

borders and enforcing our laws. The Senate came back with a bill that puts the wants and needs of illegal immigrants

above the security of our own citizens.



Some are saying by not supporting the Reid-Kennedy Senate passed-bill, an individual is somehow racist, or against

immigration, or not being realistic about the problem.



Ridiculous.



Here are some examples of what is included in the Reid-Kennedy bill:

1) Mexico would have to be consulted regarding construction of a fence along our southern border

2) Guarantees Social Security benefits will be provided to illegal immigrants for time they were in the country illegally

3) And allows illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.



We are confident the American people want a bill sent to the President that reflects the following principles: secure the border,

stricter enforcement of our current laws and stiffer penalties for individuals and employers who knowingly break the law.

Anything else would be a tremendous disservice to the American people and I feel - a dereliction of duty when it comes to our

national security.



The House will act again because we understand the importance of the issue. The American people deserve an opportunity to be

heard. In August, we will take the debate across the country in a series of field hearings, in our towns and cities.



America is unique. We are a melting pot. People from all over the world flock to our country for a better life. Nowhere else can

so many people from different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities live together so peacefully and that deserves celebrating.



We have a responsibility to ensure that tradition continues, but we have a greater responsibility to put the best interests of our citizens

first by securing our borders and enforcing our laws first and foremost.



I love America - I am grateful to be an American and I understand why others want to live in this great country. No one is saying

don't come, we're just saying do it properly. Don't hop a fence, dig a tunnel or cut in line in front of countless folks who respect our

laws enough to go through the process properly - no matter how long it may take.



Respect our country enough to respect our laws.

Jefferey Sewell on Jake Knotts' November campaign

Knotts’ party disloyalty

By JEFFREY SEWELL
Guest columnist
Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment was simple: “Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican.”

How far we have fallen from that ideal in South Carolina, where Republican state Sen. Jake Knotts is not only “speaking ill” of Gov. Mark Sanford, but is threatening to launch a third-party campaign against him that could hand the governor’s office over to the Democrats.

I have not always agreed with Gov. Sanford, but I hold him in the highest regard because he stands on principle and fights to protect the taxpayers — even when doing so costs him politically.

With so many “go along to get along” politicians among us, I find it refreshing that our governor refuses to compromise his integrity or surrender his belief that less government and lower taxes leads to more personal freedom and a better economy for all South Carolinians.

Unfortunately, Republican legislators like Sen. Knotts don’t see it that way. That’s why they grew government by more than 20 percent in the past two years. That’s twice as fast as the federal government is growing while fighting a war in Iraq and rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, and it’s a level of spending that far outpaces population, inflation and personal income growth in South Carolina.

In contrast, Democrats in Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico are slowing government growth by cutting taxes — which in New Mexico has produced unprecedented revenues for the state.

Yet here in South Carolina we have big spenders like Sen. Knotts threatening to run against the standard-bearer of his own party because he doesn’t think the governor “works well” with the General Assembly.

South Carolinians should read that language carefully. Sen. Knotts is saying the governor doesn’t “work well,” but what he really means is that the governor simply refuses to waste your hard-earned tax dollars on frivolous spending, and because of his courageous refusal to do so, Sen. Knotts is willing to effectively turn the keys to the Governor’s Mansion over to a Democrat.

It seems to me like we need a 12th Commandment in South Carolina politics — “Thou shalt not run against other Republicans for standing up to wasteful spending.”

Of course Sen. Knotts has never been a real Republican. He endorsed Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges in 2002 and was one of only two GOP senators (Sen. Luke Rankin was the other) to join Tommy Moore and the Democrats in blocking income tax relief for working South Carolinians in 2004. He has also been one of the most vocal defenders of our state’s 19th century government structure.

If he runs, Republican leaders should immediately strip Sen. Knotts of his committee assignments and oust him from the GOP. He is an embarrassment to the Republican Party and to South Carolina.

Mr. Sewell is the principal consultant of Sewell Consultancy, a political consulting firm based in Lexington County. He is also co-owner of www.SCHotline.com.

Rep. Bob Inglis on the Mike Pence immigration plan, the future of our party, and the Presidential 2008 debate

This past week I was privileged to attend a town hall meeting where South Carolina Congressman Bob Inglis was meeting with local constituents. Bob Inglis is doing several “walk talks” in his district to discuss the important issues facing our nation. Getting there early I was forced to sit in the back of the already packed room. Before Bob was even finished saying a few opening remarks, a lady quickly raised her hand and asked Bob what he was doing about our nation’s immigration problem.

Bob then asked the crowd how many people wanted to discuss immigration and without fail nearly the entire crowd raised their hands. Bob then set aside nearly an hour of the hour and a half meeting to discuss immigration. There were several in the crowd who were trying to hit Bob hard with the fact that the Senate is trying to pass amnesty. There were several loud paleo-conservatives in the crowd who expressed wanting to send all the immigrants home and seal our border to never allow another immigrant in our nation again. Without knowing, many in the crowd expressed their support for a plan such as the recently proposed Pence plan that puts security first, seals the border, implements tough employer sanctions and sends all twelve million illegal aliens home then allowing some who apply legally back in. Inglis concurred, and calmly and coolly stated his case that “America is too young to die.” Inglis believes there is room for legal immigrants to come to our wilderness shores.

Rep. Inglis spoke of Pence’s plan as the second most conservative plan out there short of mass deportations and he spoke as if the plan was credible and viable. As for his preference, he said that his views were to the left of Pence’s bill on immigration but not quite as liberal as the Senate bill. Judging by the reaction of the crowd Pence’s bill will be acceptable because first and foremost the American people want a secure border and they are not as “hawkish” on prison time or other punishment for illegals.


In fact Rep. Mike Pence is becoming an increasingly visible and popular topic in South Carolina. After the town hall one very high ranking official in the Greenville Republican party spoke very highly of Congressman Pence. They had received a letter from the Draft Pence movement and they were intrigued by the possibility and were “investigating” the Congressman very thoroughly. This official is strongly opposed to Senator McCain and moderate\liberal Republicans as a whole and is looking for an alternative.

On the topic of President 2008 Inglis said he hope the debate will be centered on Medicare\healthcare reform and entitlement spending. That entitlement spending and healthcare if not dealt with now, could deal a crippling blow to the America of our Children and Grandchildren. He said no other issues are more important long term. He vaguely hinted that he thought it was unlikely anyone currently in the field would have the courage to be bold but that he was optimistic someone could emerge.

At the end of the evening, Bob closed the session by stating that we are neither the party of Buchanan nor Irving Kristol by saying “I am a Reagan conservative. I am not a neo-con who believes using big government for our purposes.” Then he lamented on the choice between Reaganism and Buchanism as he raised his right hand in the air and said, “If I have to choose between Pat Buchanan (and then he raised his left hand) or Ronald Reagan, I will choose Ronald Reagan every time!” He then reiterated that America was too young to die and those who consumed with negativism are planning a strategy that will lead us back to the minority party. Inglis we must follow the Reagan model to hope for any future of this party. The crowd went wild, with clapping hands and loud cheers. Of course there were your stubborn Buchananites who were giving the evil eye to Bob, but it was over. Inglis had won the crowd over.

That choice remains for us today. Are we the party of Reagan whose sunny optimism steadily disarmed the enemy while we make the case on what we stand FOR? Or are we the party of negativism who lends false credibility to our enemy’s arguments against conservatism? For me, I will stick with the Gipper.

South Carolina 2008 Presidential primary debate

Let the "Republican" debate begin
The South Carolina Republican Party is planning a presidential debate in May 2007 for GOP candidates running for the White House.

"Since 1980, no candidate has ever lost the (South Carolina) primary and gone on to be elected president," Scott Malyerck, executive director of the state GOP, writes in an e-mail. "We believe it is a great test for Republican candidates."

Specific details for this forum are still being worked out.

Sanford in serious trouble

Senator Jake Knotts has announced he will be running for Governor.He needs 10,000 signatures by July 17th to get on the ballot.

Every Democrat in the State woke up to the news today that in was Christmas in July.
Should Tommy Moore by the next Governor it would simply be because of Republican Sen Jake Knotts.

It will be interesting to see if Knotts runs a Statewide campaign or if he simply focuses on Richland,Lexington and the upstate.If he runs to win then he at least would get SOME of my respect back.

Barrett imigration alert

Washington, DC Office
1523 Longworth
Washington, DC 20515
phone: 202.225.5301
fax: 202.225.3216

Anderson Office
315 S. McDuffie St.
Anderson, SC 29622
phone: 864.224.7401
fax: 864.225.7049

Greenwood Office
115 Enterprise Ct.
Suite B
Greenwood, SC 29649
phone: 864.223.8251
fax: 864.223.1679

Aiken Office
233 Pendleton St. NW
Aiken, SC 29801
phone: 803.649.5571
fax: 803.648.9038
















IMMIGRATION ALERT



Apparently the Senate has not heard what the American people have been saying with regard to immigration reform. I have, and my colleagues in the House have, so in August we will take the debate back to the American people to ensure the Senate hears your voices.



Today, I'd like to clear up any misconceptions that may exist and clarify rumors that may be circulating.



First, I believe the American people want a bill sent to the President that reflects the following principles:



1) Secure our borders and provide additional resources to federal and state authorities to strengthen border patrol efforts.

2) Strengthen enforcement and stiffen penalties for illegal immigrants and/or employers who knowingly break our immigration laws.



Second, I do not believe the following provisions included in the Reid-Kennedy Senate passed immigration bill reflects American priorities:

1) Mexico would have to be consulted regarding the construction of a fence along our southern border

2) Guarantees Social Security benefits would be provided for illegal immigrants for time they were in the country illegally

3) And allows illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities






I am grateful to be an American and I understand why others want to live in this great country. No one is saying don't come, we're just saying do it properly. Don't hop a fence, dig a tunnel or cut in line in front of countless folks who respect our laws enough to go through the process properly - no matter how long it may take.



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