Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

 

-President Obama has every reason to be singing these days. Last December the President was in a virtual tie with Mitt Romney. The latest Associated Press-GfK Survey has the President handily beating all comers! Obama leads good ole Mitt by a margin of 51% to 43%! The President beats Santorum by 9 points, Newt by 10 points and Paul by 9 points. Obama runs above 50% against every one of the GOP candidates. In Time magazine, Republican pundit Mark Halperin writes "The Washington smart money is now on an Obama re-election."

-Looks like Arizona will be in play in 2012. In the last election McCain beat Obama by 53% to 45%. In the recent Public Policy Polling, the President is tied with almost all of the candidates. Only Santorum runs one point ahead of the President (47% to 46%).

-Romney could have a good next Tuesday if the polls are right. Arizona could be his best state since Nevada which also had a large number of Republican Mormon voters. In Michigan, he has some momentum but despite the huge number of negative ads against Santorum, he has not seen Rick fold like Newt did in Florida. In addition, since delegates are allocated by Congressional District, Santorum could hold his own on delegates.

-The biggest, loudest and most unprincipled bully in American politics has got to be Governor Chris Christie who is now telling Warren Buffett to just "shut up." This is on top of his vetoing the marriage equality bill in New Jersey. Of course you know he is doing all for the political effect and not on principle. The latest Quinnipiac Poll asked Republicans who they would support in a brokered convention. Number one was Christie with 32% and the number two spot was the duo of Sarah Palin and Jeb Bush each with 20%. God help us.

-The latest Insider Advantage Poll has basically a three way tie in Georgia. Newt has 25%, Mitt has 23% and Santorum is hanging in there with 22%.

-Is Mitt last year's story? So far there have been nine states that have held their primary/caucus elections. In six of those states, less people voted for Mitt than in 2008.

-The Detroit News, interestingly enough more conservative than the other daily, The Detroit Free Press, has endorsed Romney in the Michigan Primary.

-Washington State primary follows Arizona and Michigan by just four days. The latest PPP has Santorum with the lead with 38% to 27% for Mitt. Paul is in third place with 15% and Gingrich is last at 12%.

-Obama creams the field of Republican candidates in Wisconsin. He leads Santorum by 11 points and Romney by 15 points! In the Republican Primary, according to the Marquette Law School Poll, Santorums leads with 34%, Romney is at 18% and Ron Paul is hot on Romney's heels with 17% of the vote!

 

-Seems like good ole Rick Santorum likes his beer! Mother Jones has a story that Santorum was the 'go-to' guy for beer companies. When he was a senator he received at least $80,000 from beer companies and their executives. Guess the devil made him do it.

-"Oklahoma" must be Santorum's favorite musical since he is slamming in that state. The latest poll has him at 43%, Gingrich second at 22% and Romney a distinct third at 18%. That Bible belt is still there isn't it?

-Nate Silver keeps a running Republican Primary Projections on his New York Times site "Five Thirty Eight." Here are his latest odds on who will win the different states:

-In Arizona, Romney has a 89% chance of winning that primary.

-In Michigan, he gives a slight edge to Santorum at 51%.

-In Georgia, he projects almost a three way tie with all of them in the low 30% range.

-In Ohio, he gives Santorum a huge 91% chance of taking the primary. Wow.

Which States Do Americans View Favorably And Unfavorably?

 

 

Public Policy Polling (PPP) over the last four months has been asking Americans the states they love and the ones they don't love as much. Surprisingly, the lure of California has totally worn off since it placed dead last in the survey. Even Mississippi placed ahead of California. PPP feels a key factor in some of the favorable vs. unfavorable rating had more to do with a state's politics than such items as education, economy and beautiful terrain.

PPP wrote in its summary:

There are also some differences across demographic lines. Women have a higher opinion of New York by 27 points more than men, Massachusetts by 22 points, Delaware and California by 16, New Hampshire by 15, Vermont and Illinois by 13, and Connecticut by 11, while men see North Dakota more favorably by 17 points, South Carolina by 15, Wyoming 14, Montana 13, and Iowa and South Dakota 10.

Democrats’ favorite states include Hawaii (62-7), Washington (50-10), Massachusetts (49-9), Oregon (46-6), Vermont (46-9), Colorado (45-8), and New York (51-15), and their least favorites are led by Texas (17-51), Alabama (13-45), and Mississippi (13-41). Republicans love Alaska (65-3) and Texas (66-9), and absolutely hate California (12-68), followed distantly by Illinois (15-44) and Massachusetts (19-47). So the greatest partisan gap is for California, which Democrats like 91 points more than Republicans do, followed by Texas, which is favored more by Republicans by 82 points.

Here are the top five and bottom five states. The number following is favorable/ unfavorable. Click here to see the entire 50 states:

Best:

1. Hawaii (54/10)

2. Colorado (44/9)

3. Tennessee (48/14)

4. South Dakota (42/8)

5. Virginia (45/13)

Worst:

46. Utah (24/27)

47. Mississippi (22/28)

48. New Jersey (25/32)

49. Illinois (19/29)

50. California (27/44)

Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

-Seems like the story about Seamus, the Romney's Irish Setter, has legs. After proclaiming how happy the dog was to make the twelve hour journey to Canada on top of their station wagon, two of the Romney sons have spilled the beans. Apparently as soon as they arrived in Canada at their cabin and poor old Seamus was let loose, he ran away. Took them forever to find him! Hmmmm.

-The Quinnipiac survey gives New York Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo an astounding approval rating of 69%! Only 19% disapprove of the job the Governor is doing for New Yorkers. Remember political leaders, this is the governor who pushed hard and won for marriage equality!

-Next thing you know in increasingly conservative Utah Brigham Young will tell everyone how to vote. There is currently legislation in the Utah legislature which would poll the State Legislature on their choices for federal office and reveal their choices to the people before they voted. Why not just repeal the 17th Amendment?

-According to the latest poll in Arizona, Santorum is running a surprisingly strong race against the leader, good ole Mitt. Romney has 38% of the vote to Santorum's 31%. Gingrich is still hanging in there with 15% and Paul is at 11%. Romney has to win this state with a good margin.

-We haven't heard much about how the Republican Primary is shaping up in New York State. New York is still Mittland! According to Quinnipiac Romney takes 32%, Santorum at 20%, Paul with 14% and Gingrich last at 10%!

-The same poll gave the President a huge win in the Empire State. Obama would beat Romney by 17 points, Santorum by 18 points and Gingrich by 22 points. Unless New Jersey is in play, don't expect to see many political ads this fall on your local televisions.

-Openly gay Oklahoma State Representative Al McAffrey has just moved up to the State Senate in that very conservative state. He is the first openly LGBT person to sit in that august body.

-Towleroad.com reports that United States Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has already agreed to support Freedom To Marry's effort to put marriage equality in the Democratic Platform. Having the House of Representative's Minority Leader is an early and significant victory for Freedom to Marry.

-Since New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan is in Rome to receive his 'red hat' this week perhaps someone should send him a copy of the latest New York Times/ CBS Poll. Maybe he should listen carefully to it. Almost 70% of American Catholics support either civil unions or marriage equality. Only 24% do not want LGBT Americans to have any rights.

-Who says we aren't making progress? The Chicago Tribune reports that Mayor Rahm Emanuel is pushing hard for Illinois to pass marriage equality. Rahm has never been known as one of our stronger supporters.

-Rick is beating Mitt in Ohio. The latest polls have Santorum at 36%, Mitt at 29% and Gingrich at a surprisingly strong 20%!

-A 'who's who' of the New York LGBT community is hosting a major fundraiser for Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin on Wednesday, February 22nd. The event will be at the home of Chris Hughes and Sean Eldridge. Special guests at the event will be Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer and Speaker Quinn. Call Kim at 202-544-7708 and make your reservation for the powerful evening.

-Politico.com is reporting that in the next two weeks Santorum will be running ads in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Ohio and Tennessee.

-As Romney's friends gear up to smear anyone who gets in poor little rich Mitt's way, Santorum is fighting back. Will Romney's famous attacks ads work a third time or is Santorum right and they will miss their target? There have even been reports that Mitt's friends want Gingrich's friend Sheldon Adelson to continue funding Gingrich as long as the ads attack Santorum. Isn't that a little like asking your assistant to fire the Vice President?

Impressions...by David Mixner

 

 

-"White Collar" star Matt Bomer has officially come out of the closet and powerfully acknowledged his family at a Palm Springs Awards ceremony. Bomer was fantastic in "Normal Heart" and he proclaims that role moved him to be more active in the community. The LGBT family just gained another wonderfully talented out and proud actor. Not to mention drop-dead gorgeous.

-Speaking of 'out actors' Broadway star Howard McGillin has been out for years. As "Phantom of the Opera" celebrates it 10,000th show, he will be remembered for playing the Phantom longer than any other actor. On February 27th he will be guest of honor for a fundraiser for Missouri Democratic United Senator Claire McCaskill. She deserves our support and hope you all can make it or send a check.

-California's "Love, Honor and Cherish" has decided not to proceed with their attempt to place on the ballot a measure to repeal Proposition 8. The timing was tough and the court case is moving along.

-Michigan has been considered for months one of Romney's safest big states. Guess they will have to rethink that strategy since Public Policy Polling has him trailing Santorum by astounding 15 points! Santorum does well in every part of the state except Oakland County, which includes some of the wealthy suburbs of Detroit. The New York Times is reporting that one of Romney's 'Super Pacs' is getting ready to spend $500,000 in Michigan.

-AmericaBlog is reporting that former HRC and SLDN Communications Director Trevor Thomas is joining the ever expanding list of out candidates for US Congress. He will be seeking the seat of incumbent Michigan Republican Justin Amash. The distract is in Western Michigan and you can find out about his race on his website.

-In Georgia, Romney might as well pack it up and head to Ohio. In the latest poll, Gingrich is first with 35%, Santorum coming on strong with 26% and Romney way behind at 16%.

-Redondo Beach, California firefighters need a kitchen badly in their station. So they have made a musical video which is both cute and funny. Take a look.

-Traditional and extremely Conservative magazine The National Review, is calling for Gingrich to get out of the race. Remember the days when Gingrich was charging Santorum with being the spoiler?

-Both the art world and the LGBT community is deeply saddened by the early death of Canadian artist Steve Walker at the age of 50. Here is an example of his art called "Rain".

-Count another state for Santorum in Tennessee where he has surged into the lead according to the American Research Group poll. Santorum has 34% and Romney is now second at 27%. Gingrich is third at 16%. Ron Paul makes a decent showing with 13%.

-In California where Romney has held wide margins in the past, the latest poll shows Santorum has come within 2 points of Mitt who has 33% to Santorum's 31%.

-Busy week at the Glass House Tavern located on 47th Street off Times Square. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (photograph) were breaking bread at the eatery several times in the past couple of weeks. Others seen at the celebrity filled restaurant were Judith Light, Robert Desiderio, Thomas Roberts, John Glover, and  Bob Shrum and Marylouise Oates.

-Whitney Houston was a star one last time at the Grammys. The award show had its second highest rating in the history of the program and in good part it was because of Whitney.

-The New Jersey State Senate passed marriage equality by a 24 to 16 vote on Monday. It now heads to the Assembly where it is expected to pass. Governor Christie has promised to veto the legislation. According to The Washington Blade, we have until next January 2014 to override the veto!

-The United States Chamber of Commerce has just launched a $400,000 smear campaign against open lesbian United States Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin. Time for you to open up your wallets and give to Tammy one more time! Click here.

-Here is an interesting Gallup Polling chart showing the Santorum surge and the ups and downs of this Republican Presidential Primary race.

Election 2012: Could Romney Have A Bad Tuesday?

 

 

There are two striking observations in Romney's substantial victory in Nevada this past Saturday. Once again the enthusiasm factor was very low with the turnout lower than in 2008. The second factor is that despite the 'Romney Momentum' and 'Inevitability' arguments he still can't get above 50% even in states where he has done well in the past. At least 52% of the voters wanted someone else to be their nominee.

While Romney should do well in Colorado, he could be surprised in both Minnesota and Missouri. Ironically it might be Santorum's turn to take the spotlight. He is running a distinct second ahead of Newt in Colorado. In Minnesota, the Public Policy Polling has a very close race with:

Santorum 29%
Romney 27%
Gingrich 22%
Paul 19%

In Missouri, which Gingrich missed getting on the ballot, there is a primary but the delegates will be elected by the caucus. Here are the latest figures for that race by Public Policy Polling:

Santorum 45%
Romney 34%
Paul 13%

Wouldn't it be ironic that Gingrich has been calling for Santorum to drop out in the interest of the Conservative Movement and Santorum won two states and placed second in another one? Wonder if Newt feels he should step aside for 'unity' in favor of Santorum?

Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

-The Florida primary is yielding a ton of interesting information for people to ponder over their morning coffee. First and foremost the turnout was a quarter of a million voters less than in 2008 showing a real lack of excitement about the choice of Republicans.

-One of the most interesting exit poll numbers in Florida was that 40% of the people, who did bother to vote, wished there was someone else running! Hardly a sweeping endorsement of Romney, is it?

-The 35% of Florida voters who descried themselves as 'very conservative' and strong supporters of the Tea Party voted by wide margin for Newt.

-Really good news is coming out of Ohio. President Obama is making a big comeback in the Buckeye State! Where he was once behind, he is now leading Mitt by 7%. The President's approval rating has jumped since last November by 8%. Ironically, Santorum does better than Romney against the President and trails him by 6%.

-More good news out of Oregon! In a race that was expected to be closer, Democrat Suzanne Bonamici defeated Republican Rob Cornilles by a landslide margin of 57% to 38% for a special election to fill the seat in Oregon's 1st Congressional District.

-Santorum is working Colorado, the home of Focus of the Family, hard. According to CNN he has picked up the endorsements of former Congressman Tom Tancredo, former Congressman Bob Schaffer and former Lt. Governor Jane Norton.

-Here is the February schedule for the primaries and caucuses:

Nevada caucuses - February 4
Maine caucuses - February 4-11
Minnesota caucuses - February 7
Missouri primary - February 7
Colorado caucuses - February 7
Arizona primary - February 28
Michigan primary - February 29

-The good news for Romney is that the states of Nevada, Colorado and Arizona have some of the largest Mormon populations in the country (see map). Nevada is at about 7%, Arizona has 6% and Colorado is more on the low end with 3%.

-Missouri could be a problem for Romney. In the latest Public Policy Polling, Romney was running third in the quest for delegates in the caucuses. Gingrich was at 30%, Santorum was at 28% and Romney at 24%. Wouldn't be surprised if Santorum took Missouri after Florida.

-Political genius Nate Silver for the "New York Times" had presented "Five Paths Forward for the GOP Nomination" in his latest column. It is well worth the read!

-President Obama 445 bundlers raised an astounding $74 million last year. Sixty of the fundraiser brought in over $500,000 each to the campaign.

-If Maryland passes marriage equality in its legislature, it is likely to face a referendum in November. The latest poll taken by the "Washington Post" has marriage equality winning by 50% to 44%! That is the largest margin since they started taking polls on the issue in Maryland.

-"Edge" reports that a former Romney Intern when he was running for Governor of Massachusetts says the flyer distributed at Gay Pride 2002 was cleared by the campaign. In that flyer Romney endorses marriage equality.

-Incumbent Senator Bill Nelson from Florida is in a tough race. Although the latest Suffolk University poll had him with a ten point lead over Republican Congressman Connie Mack (son of the former Senator).

-First Lady Michelle Obama charmed a crowd of Hollywood types at a fundraiser in the home of former Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant and her husband, Netflix's Ted Sarandos. Among those attending the event (where some paid up to $35,000!) wereJeffrey Katzenberg, Steve Bing, Berry Gordy, Vivica Ferrell, Quincy Jones, Jerry and Ann Moss, Jimmy Jam, Irena and Mike Medavoy, Rob and Michele Reiner, Terry Lewis, Reed Hastings, Arnon Milchan and Harvey Weinstein.

Impressions...by David Mixner

 

 

-"The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away..." Just last week the LGBT community was so excited about Governor Chris Christie's appointment of openly gay Mayor Bruce Harris to the New Jersey Supreme Court. Now we find out Harris made a pact with the devil and agreed to Christie's condition that he would recuse himself from any marriage equality cases! Does that mean African-Americans and Jewish-Americans have to recuse themselves too on cases impacting those communities? Is it even legal for the governor to demand a 'vote' before appointing someone! Outrageous!

-Count me among the many millions of "Downton Abby" fans. I can't wait for the Sunday night series. Now we get word that legendary actress and old friend Shirley MacLaine (photograph above) will be in the cast of Season Three starting in September! By the way, isn't it long overdue that MacLaine receive a Kennedy Center Honor? Now, that page should be created on Facebook!

-In Washington State, the Senate will vote on marriage equality tomorrow.  If it passes, the House will quickly vote on it and send to the Governor who will sign the legislation. Keep your fingers crossed!

-Did your jaw drop as much as mine when I heard that Mitt Romney and his wife Anne made his dead father-in-law a Mormon? Seems as deceased wasn't big on religion at all when he was alive. Nothing like forcing your values and religion on the dead.

The Glass House Tavern packed the celebrities in the last two weeks. Seen gracing their tables were Stephen Sondheim, Bernadette Peters, Nick Jonas (photograph), Michael Lurie, Beau Bridges and Agent Michael Moore.

-New Public Policy Polling has arrived on the anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment that will be on the ballot this coming fall in Minnesota.  At this moment 48% will vote against us and 44% for us. Looks like a tough road ahead on this one.

-The United States might have set an all time low temperature record for all fifty states. One station in Alaska might have passed -80 degrees. While we have been having the year without winter, Alaska has been frigid and tons of snow. God help us if it breaks loose and heads south.

-In the 1960's, people would shout at protestors to move from the good ole USA if they didn't like it here. Congressman Alan West (R-FL) gave a speech where he suggested that the President, the Speaker and The Senate Majority Leader should all "get the hell out of the United States!"  

-This week will be the vote in New Hampshire to repeal the marriage equality bill. Already some Republicans are refusing their party leadership to fall into line. What is clear is that Governor John Lynch will veto the bill and it is becoming increasingly unlikely there will be the votes to override the veto. By the way, over 60% of the people of New Hampshire support marriage equality.

-At last a real heroine emerges from the Costa Concordia shipwreck. After the cowardly captain 'accidentally' fell into a life boat, a young Peruvian waitress, Erika Fani Soriamolina, stayed onboard, helped passengers into life boats and gave her life jacket to an elderly man. Her body was found on the ship this week.

-Finn Air was taking a plane full of passengers from Helsenki to Delhi to celebrate India's Republic Day. Suddenly before take off dancers appeared in the aisle and gave them all a taste of Bollywood!

-London's 'Countdown to the Olympics' has started and the plans are well underway for the Opening Night. The theme will be a Shakespearean "Isles of Wonder" under the direction of Danny Boyle, Oscar-winning helmer of "Slumdog Millionaire."

-Producer/Director Ryan Murphy of "Glee" fame has had NBC pick up his new pilot "The New Normal.". The comedy is about two gay men and the surrogate mother they pick to carry their baby! Andrew Rannells from Broadway's "Book of Mormon" would be one of the three leads.

-MassResistance in 2007 posted this piece about how 'pro-life Romney' really didn't have his heart into it back then. Worth a read.

-Chicago might have its hands full come the G-8 Conference May 1. A leading Occupy Movement magazine is calling for 50,000 protesters to converge on the city to protest the G-8 policies. Mayor Rahm Emmanuel might have wished he stayed in DC. Here is a video clip from the 1968 Democratic Convention the last time so many protesters visited Chicago. And we all know how well that turned out.

Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

-There is not much good news in the latest CNN Poll released yesterday. Romney's twenty point lead in Florida has narrowed to a two point lead. For Gingrich, the momentum and balance from South Carolina have appeared to level off. The poll had Romney at 36% and Newt at 34%. This could be a long election night.

-Florida Latino vote appears to have fallen in love with Romney. A Univision and ABC News Poll shows that Mitt has a 26 point lead over Gingrich among Republican Latino voters in Florida. Senator Marco Rubio (photograph above) attacked Gingrich this week over an ad.

-A new Quinnipiac Poll shows Romney and President Obama running 'dead even' in the Sunshine State.  On the other hand Newt Gingrich loses to the President by 11%!  For those Republicans looking for a 'winner' that sure helps Romney.

-After his State of the Union message, President Obama launched a five state tour to talk about the economy. The five states might give you a hint where the Obama team is focusing for the election: Iowa, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and Michigan!

-Appears that Newt hasn't met a country yet that he doesn't want to bomb. Now in the Florida primary he is suggesting we might have to bomb Cuba. Really, Newt?

-Moderate Republican former Congressman Chris Shays says he will challenge wrestling executive Linda McMahon for the Republican nomination for Senate in Connecticut. They will be seeking to take the open seat of Senator Joseph Lieberman,

-Openly gay Republican candidate for President, Fred Karger, says he will release twelve years of tax returns.

-The Democratic National Committee continues to put out spectacular and fun ads against the Republicans. Here is one about Romney's Swiss Bank Account.

-Think Progress has written six interesting facts about Mitt's tax returns.

-Michele Bachmann is seeking a fourth term to return to Congress, although her favoribility ratings in Minnesota have crashed. Only 37% of the voters think she should run for re-election. Dare we hope that she can be defeated?

-Speaking of Minnesota, Newt is leading big time in what has been a traditionally moderate Republican state. He has 36% to Romney's 18%. If just the two of them were running and Santorum was out of the race, Newt would defeat Romney in a head on race by 50% to 29%!

-Gallup Polling found that,

"About half (49%) of Americans agree with President Barack Obama's claim that the U.S. economic system is unfair, while 45% say it is fair. At the same time, 62% say the U.S. economic system is fair to them personally."

-After turning in over a million signatures to recall Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, the organizers face an uphill battle. The Governor beats his nearest possible Democratic opponent, Milwaukee Mayor Barrett (photograph) by 50% to 44%.

Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

-Mitt Romney evidently has millions stashed away in banks in the Cayman Islands. Now my image of the banking there is a place that is used to launder money, avoid paying US taxes or hide money from other family members. Why in the world would good ole clean-living Mitt feel compelled to put money in the Cayman Islands? No wonder he doesn't want to release his tax returns!

-Did Santorum really win the Iowa Caucuses? Reports coming in from Iowa say that counting the results again show Santorum winning by 34 votes. This is not Mitt's week.

-The famous "Mitt Momentum" isn't all that it is cracked up to be in the Press. The latest "New York Times/CBS Poll" has Mitt just seven points ahead of Gingrich. Romney has 28% and Gingrich has 21%. Folks, that is not a huge lead nationally for someone who just won two states.

-The same poll said that an amazing 75% of American Republicans claim it is still too early to make a full commitment to any candidate. Remember, Mitt has been campaigning for six years for this nomination.

-Openly Gay congressional candidate Mark Takano running Congress in Southern California was just picked by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Fund as one of 18 priority candidates to take over Republican helded seats. This is a victory for Takano and means enormous held from the National Democratic Party.

-Don't pack too many clothes for the National Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Caroline. The Democratic National Committee has announced that it will be only three days this year! It will end with Obama once again giving his acceptance speech in a huge stadium! This time it will be the 74,000 seat Charlotte Panthers football edifice! (Photograph from Denver Speech)

-There is talk of a possible Newt momentum in South Carolina. Romney's lead has been cut in half in the latest CNN Poll. Romney is now at 33% and Gingrich is at 23%. Despite all the noise from the great evangelical/ Pentecostal coalition endorsing Santorum he is not showing much movement is at 16%. Newt is emerging as the anti-Romney.

-President Jimmy Carter (photograph) said that Newt is using 'subtle racism' in his campaign in South Carolina. This is what the former President had to say:

Former President Jimmy Carter says Newt Gingrich knows exactly what he is doing when he uses phrases like "food stamp president" and talks about the poor learning a work ethic. Carter says this rhetoric is "appealing to the wrong element in South Carolina."

"Newt Gingrich is probably as enlightened as I am about being gratified that we're in the desegregation years in the South," Carter said to CNN's Piers Morgan.

"When you emphasize, over and over, welfare, food stamps, and ‘Why don't the black people get jobs," and if I'm president, I'll make sure they turn toward a work ethic, rather than an ethic of welfare and food stamps, that’s appealing to the wrong element in South Carolina," the former President said on CNN

-Towleroad.com said in yesterday's blog that over 70 Mayors from across America will soon announce their support for marriage equality. The coalition will be CoChaired by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders.

-Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water, Sarah Palin shows up again! She said if she lived in South Carolina she would be voting for Newt. Obviously pleased with the 'kinda endorsement' Newt said she would play a key role in his Presidency. Another reason to love President Obama all the more!

-One of the LGBT community's great friends, New York Democrat Maurice Hinchey, has announced he will not seek re-election after twenty years in Congress! Thank you, sir for your support over the years.

-At the last Fox News debate, the network worked with Twitter to see if people felt the different candidates were giving 'straight answers' or ducking. Romney did terribly. You clearly would want Mitt on your Dodge Ball team! You have to look at this one.

Election 2012: Odds and Ends

 

 

-Richard Nixon was gay according to a new book coming out. The book claims he had a long term relationship with his pal Charles "BeBe" Rebozo. Please dear God, No! This is not news that the LGBT community needs at this moment. If Nixon is gay then that means the community so far is stuck with Richard Nixon and James Buchanan! Not exactly an A-List of Presidents you want as role models for LGBT youth, is it?

-With all the latest poll coming out of Iowa, Romney is finally getting some traction and drawing crowds. However he still can't get out the mid-20% range in the polls after six years of campaigning. The religious right must be pulling their hair out that they haven't been able to unite behind a credible candidate who could leave Romney in the dust. By failing to unite, Romney could gain some important momentum in Iowa.

-The strange election year just got stranger with one of the strangest and most strident anti-LGBT candidate in the Republican primary (and that is saying a lot) gaining serious polling numbers. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum is surging in Iowa. Romney will clean his clock in the big states like New York, California and Florida.

-Honestly can't critique Newt shedding tears in memories of his mother. All of us who have lost our mother can understand that such a loss has no politics.

-Speaking of Newt, we have all heard the stories about his first two wives and his cheating heart. New York Daily News in article by Helen Kennedy about his past wives did some digging and here are four key paragraphs from her story:

In one of her only public comments on the divorce, Battley told the Washington Post in 1985 that “it came as a complete surprise.”

She described being in the hospital after her third cancer surgery when he came to visit. “He wanted to discuss the terms of the divorce while I was recovering from the surgery,” she said. “To say I gave up a lot for the marriage is the understatement of the year.”

CNN interviewed Newt Gingrich’s former pal and early congressional campaign treasurer Leonard Carter, who said their friendship ended over the ambitious pol’s callous treatment of his wife.

“Gingrich) said, ‘You know and I know that she’s not young enough or pretty enough to be the wife of a President,’” Carter told CNN.

-In the very weird ads of 2012 competition, we might have a winner with Newt's Christmas greeting ad in New Hampshire. What the hell is going on? Take a look.

-Times do change and with them so do elections. In a Public Policy Poll, only two thirds of Virginians now view themselves as Southerners. This state was key to the Confederacy in the Civil War and was totally segregated up to the 1960's. Now it is likely to vote for President Obama again in 2012. There still must be a group of old timers sitting around in Richmond going "Damn Yankees!".

-The media is fixated on President Obama's approval rating as if they were the Bible. Maybe they ought to look at the latest Public Policy Polling numbers about Speaker of the House John Boehner. His approval rating is 27%!

-Politico is reporting that Michelle Bachmann thinks she can be Mitt Romney's Vice President. As a result she is not saying anything negative about the former Massachusetts' moderate. A Romney/ Bachmann ticket surely will make you feel nostalgic for McCain/Palin.

-Miami Herald has written a fascinating piece about the upcoming Republican primary in Florida at the end of January. This could be a really interesting development if Romney still has a battle on his hands.

More Florida Republicans — about 370,000 — already have requested absentee ballots for the Jan. 31 primary than the number of Republicans who voted in the 2008 Iowa and New Hampshire contests combined.

The ever-growing volume of votes cast before Election Day in Florida is one of the factors that make the state a very different challenge from the earliest elections in Iowa Jan. 3, New Hampshire Jan. 10 and South Carolina Jan. 21. Candidates not only have to grapple with the sheer size and diversity of Florida, but they must prepare for a contest where half the votes or more are in well before Election Day.

“Under the old model in Florida, a campaign would work toward a 72-hour program going into Election Day,’’ said Republican strategist Brett Doster, who is leading Mitt Romney’s Florida effort.

Now, ballots come in right after the start of the new year, followed by a lull, then more absentees, then early voting, then Election Day.

-On a more moving and lighter note, some creative folks have taken excerpts from Secretary Clinton's Geneva speech on LGBT rights and created a wonderful brief video. Enjoy.