Posted on 11/16/2004 10:00:30 AM PST by RockinRight
To: South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford
In the face of soaring deficits and skyrocketing federal spending, America needs a leader who can say "NO!" to Washington tax-and-spenders.
During his six years in Congress, Mark Sanford earned straight "A" ratings from the National Taxpayers Union. When he was elected Governor of South Carolina, he cut taxes by a third and convinced the legislature to pay off 90% of the state's debt.
He even vetoed parts of his own party's budget, saying there was simply too much unnecessary spending. When the legislature overrode 105 of his 106 line-item vetoes, he protested by entering the capital building with two squeeling piglets under his arms, demanding to know why there was enough money for pork-barrel spending but not enough to pay the remainder of the state's debt.
Meanwhile, George W. Bush, as of July 2004, has not used his veto power even once. He has rubber-stamped every pork-laden bill sent to him by his Republican Congress. He has increased federal discretionary spending by 24% and has increased the federal deficit by about 900% since he took office. Compare this to Governor Sanford, who successfully controlled state government growth to 1% and who slashed deficits by 90%.
Sanford holds true to Republican principles on other issues, as well. While President Bush was echoing John Kerry and Al Gore's position on background checks at gun shows, Sanford was fighting them vigorously in Congress. While President Bush was parroting Kerry's desire to see the assault weapons ban renewed, Sanford was helping lead the fight against unconstitutional gun bans. While Bush promised to sign most gun bills that land on his desk, Sanford was signing a repeal of his state's one-gun-a-month law, making South Carolina a much friendlier place to gun owners and collectors. His time in Congress earned him an "A" rating from both the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners of America. He was endorsed by the "We Vote Pro-Life" Political Action Committee and won praises from the American Conservative Union as the "Most Conservative Governor in America."
Therefore, we, the undersigned, strongly urge and implore Governor Sanford to consider a Presidential run in 2008 on a platform of fiscal conservatism, responsible government, and the preservation of Constitutional rights.
Sure, if he could actually win.
Good grief, the guy has been in the Governor's mansion for less then 2 years. Let's see what happens in '06, and then think about it.
Of course. That's the idea, we'll see how 2006 goes. I see no reason why he wouldn't be re-elected, though.
I just want to avoid a RINO in the WH!
I want anybody but Hillary. I will vote for whoever will keep her out.
Question. Does he have any military experience whatsoever? That's not really a clincher for me all he has to be is pro-military and know that CIC is management not micromanagement. But that could be a decider for others.
I don't believe he does but I could be wrong. I, too, am concerned about this.
However, a good running mate can solve this issue.
That's what is so scary. The woman is left of Stalin, and she wants power so badly she will do anything, vote any way, to get power. Kerry wanted power too, but he wasn't even nearly as bad as Hillary. Al Gore was this type of person as well, but he wasn't as smart about it. And the thing is, sure, you could point to someone like, say, Chuck Schumer or Howard Dean, and say they are more liberal or whatever. But they don't have the star power, the dazzle. It would be easy to just paint everything they did as ultra-liberal. Hillary it would be harder to fight.
Hillary is easily the most dangerous person on the planet.
I just wanted to share a story about Gov. Sanford.
I sent Gov. Sanford a letter about six months ago thanking him for the way he runs things and for never compromising who he is or what he believes.
I am not a SC resident and have never given a dime to Gov. Sanford at any point in my life. I left my email address at the end of the letter.
About a week later, I received an email from the Gov.'s office asking for my phone number. I obliged, and few hours later, Gov. Sanford's secretary asked if I had time to speak with the Gov. He spoke with me for about ten minutes and was a true pleasure to talk with.
I have worked in DC for the past three years for both a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Congressman. I am anything but naive when it comes to politicians. In fact, I am on the skeptical side 99% of the time because I have learned that 99.9% of the stereotypes about politicians are true. But, I can say without hesitation that Mark Sanford is the real deal and would be a great choice for President.
Many people are asking who the heck this guy is, but we must not forget that that is exactly what they were saying when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and that is exactly what they said when he ran for Govenor.
Spread the word about Mark Sanfor and please visit the draft site: http://draftsanford.cjb.net/
LOL! I knew someone was going to post a pic of Sanford and Son.
I thought this might interest you:
Sanford's service not a stunt
Date: 3/17/2002
Author: By Gerald E. Harmon, MD, published in The State newspaper
My friend and your good reporter, Aaron Sheinin, recently had an article in The State describing former Congressman Mark Sanford joining the Air Force Reserve. As a comment, the state Democratic leader, Dick Harpootlian, chose to denigrate this as a political stunt.
In 1999, then-Congressman Sanford enlisted my advice and support while attempting to volunteer for the Air National Guard or the Air Force, since I am a career member of the Air National Guard. I outlined the limited options available to him due to his age of 38 years. This clearly was well before the current gubernatorial race, and just as clearly renders the gratuitous comment of Mr. Harpootlian as unfounded.
Mark Sanford chose years ago to volunteer military service to the United States. He chose not to usurp his position as a congressman and get an age waiver from the secretary of the Air Force. He truly respects the Armed Forces, and particularly the U.S. Air Force as exemplary leadership organizations. Most importantly, he chose to make this move on behalf of his family and his nation and not for political convenience. I am proud to call him a friend and a professional colleague and, most importantly, a patriot.
My point? As long as foreign policy and national security remain at the forefront of most voter's minds, it's going ot be very difficult for a governor with zero foreign policy, defense policy or national security experience to break through.
I certainly see your point, but Mark Sanford did hold federal office for three terms (six years) in the U.S. House of Representatives and served on the International Relations Committee during his tenure in the House.
Another story that might interest you:
Sanford to honor Reserve commitment
Governor says in letter that he will deploy with his unit if it's activated
By AARON SHEININ
Staff Writer
Gov. Mark Sanford will honor his commitment to the Air Force Reserve and deploy with his unit if called to war.
"As to any orders I receive, I will do just as anyone else in my unit and follow them," Sanford said Tuesday in a letter to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who would fill in as governor should Sanford ship out.
Could he actually go?
"Yes, he could get called," said Lt. Col. Chris King, spokesman for Sanford's Reserve unit. "If (the Air Force) said we need the whole unit, yeah, he's gone."
Sanford has said he expected his unit to be activated by June. King said Tuesday there has been no word on whether the squadron will be activated.
Sanford, 42, was commissioned a first lieutenant in the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron on Jan. 30, 2002, nearly nine months after he announced his bid for governor.
While Sanford has met his one-weekend-a-month drill requirements, he has not completed the training necessary as a health services administrator.
King, who previously said Sanford was not deployable, said Tuesday the governor's incomplete training would not prevent him from being activated.
It's also possible, King said, the entire unit will not be activated.
Since his election in November, Sanford has struggled with his Reserve status.
As governor, he said he felt his first commitment should be to the people of South Carolina. He said he considered resigning his commission or asking for a change in status to allow him to continue to serve, but not be subject to deploying with his unit.
Many criticized Sanford for what they saw as waffling on his commitment. Several veterans wrote letters to newspapers complaining that Sanford used his commission for political gain.
On Tuesday, Sanford ended the speculation. He would not comment further, but scheduled a news conference for today.
Reaction to Sanford's decision was positive, although one past critic said Sanford, a Republican, is simply doing what's right.
"We should expect nothing else," said House Minority Leader James Smith, D-Richland, a member of the National Guard since 1998. "I was disappointed when he was considering doing otherwise."
Smith, who serves in the 218th Brigade, headquartered in Newberry, said "there's no question" he would go if called.
Other lawmakers who are in the National Guard said they, too, are willing to deploy.
"If you're going to be in the Guard or the Reserves, it goes without saying that if there is a need to call into federal service, you'd be willing," said state Sen. Robert Hayes, R-York, who has been in the Guard for 22 years.
Bauer's role in state government could become considerably more important should Sanford deploy. The lieutenant governor is a part-time position with mostly ceremonial duties, including presiding over the Senate, but with little real power.
Should Sanford be deployed, Bauer's status would change substantially. The S.C. Constitution says if the governor informs the speaker of the House and the president pro tem of the Senate that he will be unable to carry out his duties, the lieutenant governor becomes acting governor.
In a statement Tuesday, Bauer said, "the people of South Carolina should be assured that all functions of state government will continue uninterrupted."
Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, would be next in line for the governor's office after Bauer.
He applauded Sanford's decision and predicted Bauer would act as "the agent for the governor" in Sanford's absence.
House Speaker David Wilkins, R-Greenville, would be next in line after McConnell.
"I have every confidence that if Governor Sanford is deployed, the team back home will continue the governing process without disruption or delay," said Wilkins, who also praised Sanford.
It was unclear Tuesday whether Sanford would continue to draw his $106,078 salary should he be called to active duty.
Some lawmakers have speculated that Sanford's Reserve commission violates the state constitution's restrictions on dual office-holding. Article IV says the governor may not hold any "office or other commission (except in the militia) under the authority of this state, or of any power."
USC Law School professor Eldon Wedlock said the U.S. Supreme Court ruled many years ago that an elected federal official could serve in the military without violating the U.S. Constitution's ban on dual office-holding.
Staff writers Shelley Hill and Maurice Thomas contributed to this report.
Hey gang --
I'm Sean Wisnieski, the one who launched the site. :) I'm glad to see the kind of grassroots enthusiasm I was hoping would emerge for Gov. Sanford.
I've been invited to appear on Hannity & Colmes this Tuesday night at 9:00 PM to talk about it. Be sure to tune in and watch!
God bless!
Hey Sean,
That is absolutely awesome news about Hannity and Colmes. I have been trying to reach you all week. I have been sending the site to everyone I know and would love to help out in any way I can. I really do believe Mark Sanford would be a great leader for this country and appreciate the efforts you are making.
I appreciate your reply about military service. He looks like a good candidate. I'll try to remember to watch Hannity & Colmes on Tuesday to find out more.
Thanks.
Anyone interested in learning more about Governor Sanford and his time in DC, you can buy his book for as little as $0.44 at Amazon. Here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/offer-listing/0963861514/ref=dp_more-buying-choices_2//104-9278333-1622369?condition=all
I'm on board for Sanford. We've got to get him 1) To Run, and 2) To raise a truckload of money. If you're on board, contribute to his campaign. Remember, Bush used his big funds to make him the "inevitable" nominee.
I want General Peter Pace for VP. He's been pegged to be the next Chm of the Joint Chiefs, and he's from NEW JERSEY. Good regional balance, huh? He would also highlight the Dems weakness on defense.
Second choice is Rick Santorum, but I want him to run for governor of Pennsylvania and President in '16.
Last but not least - we've GOT TO STOP McCAIN! He would divide and destroy the party!
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