Posted on 09/05/2006 12:32:58 PM PDT by Spiff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2006
"Today, we, four of the five Republican candidates for Congress in Arizona's Eighth District take a bold step to jointly declare our unified outrage at the highly unusual actions taken by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to openly support one candidate, Steve Huffman, in this Republican primary.
On March 30, 2006, RNC Chairman Ken Mehiman visited Tucson to attend a local party fundraiser. During his visit, Mehlman held a private meeting with the five declared candidates for Congress or their representatives. Present at that meeting were Frank Antenori, Randy Graf, Mike Hellon, and Mike Jenkins. Steve Huffman sent a representative, his former treasurer, Bill Arnold. At that private meeting, Mehlman made it clear that the national Republican Party would stay out of the primary race, promising to help whomever the voters of the Eighth Congressional District chose as their candidate for Congress in the upcoming General Election. Those sentiments were echoed by NRCC officials during private meetings in Washington, D.C. with some candidates in this race. Sadly, the promises that were made have been broken.
Additionally, the funds expended by the NRCC are monies reserved to defeat Democrats in the fall, and are not used to work against other Republican candidates in the primary. That right is usually - and should always be - reserved for the voters. What's more, these funds are raised from hardworking Republicans across the country, folks who support Republican principles. These donors would be shocked to know that their contributions are being used to defeat credible Republican candidates here in Arizona. We call on the NRCC to immediately stop using Republican fundraising dollars to defeat fellow Republicans. This primary campaign should remain above the belt and outside the Beltway.
We want the people of Congressional District Eight to know that this seat is not for sale. We trust the voters to choose their Republican nominee - not Washington special interests."
Contact Information:
Frank Antenori for Congress
Matt Neely, (520) 419-0609
Randy Graf for Congress
R.T. Gregg, (520) 877-2984
Mike Hellon for Congress
George Gobble, (520) 319-8217
Mike Jenkins for Congress
Lauren Blevins, (520) 403-7973
The NRCC is refusing to take calls from outraged residents of this district and won't even talk to the Republican Party Chairman of the district's largest county. The NRCC is stonewalling everyone and did not consult with its own congressional members before inappropriately interfering in this race.
As a resident of District 8 in Arizona, a Republican Precinct Committeeman, and the vice president of a Republican Club I absolutely resent the NRCC's inappropriate and unprecedented interference in this OPEN and competitive Primary Election.
Now, also unprecedented, is the latest bizarre twist to this. To counter the NRCC's inappropriate interference on behalf of Steve Huffman, the DCCC (yes, the Democrats) have made a massive media buy and are running attack ads against Huffman.
While I am totally opposed to liberal RINO Huffman's election, I am opposed to the DCCC's interference in this local Republican open Primary Election. Let the people of District 8 decide whom they want to be their representative in Washington D.C. National level interests more concerned with retaining or gaining majority power should NOT be permitted to put their massive amounts of cash (the NRCC distributed over $45 million in 2004) and their agenda ahead of our absolute RIGHT to decide our own representative.
And before anyone gets the idea that this is about the losing candidates gunning for the front runner, think again. Randy Graf is the frontrunner in this race by a large margin according to the latest opinion polls. Huffman is getting help from the NRCC in an attempt to defeat the frontrunning conservative candidate. Huffman's record in the State House of Representatives is terrible. In the last session he was absent 50% of the time and missed 30% of his votes. His ratings from conservative groups were rock bottom compared to the rest of the Republicans in the House and he was even endorsed by Planned Parenthood in 2004 and the liberal rag Tucson Weekly in 2006 specifically because of his support for abortion and liberalism in general. Huffman's record makes retiring CD8 Rep. Jim Kolbe look positively conservative by comparison.
Ping! Please ping anyone else involved with SE Arizona politics or any other conservatives worried that the NRCC will interfere in their local races to defeat conservative Republicans.
I do love how conservatives are told to try and win at the primary level but support the winner in the general election, even if they are a moderate. But when a conservative has a chance to win in the primaries, the national party machinery pulls out all the stops to defeat the conservatives.
Reason # 1,000,001 and counting why not to be a member of any political party. They have one interest in mind, preserving the party, period. I am now and have been for a while officially and forever an independant.
I mentioned the very same thing on another thread a couple of days ago. The RNC should announce the candidate that they have selected and forget the primary process. The fact that the RNC doesn't want a conservative candidate shouldn't surprise anyone.
Signed
A conservative and former republican
Everywhere! It is why I will not support the Party and I have told them so, repeatedly.
This is exactly why the GOP is going to lose seats in Nov. - Conservatives are sick and tired of the GOP acting like liberals and leftests. I would rather vote for a true conservative and lose than vote for a liberal RINO and win. Morals count - a Clinton Republican is still a leftest democrat.
The filing is incorrect. This is not an "issue ad placement" as it states. It is clearly an ad supporting Steve Huffman. It does not appear to be anything else except a pro-Huffman ad. It names him specifically, names no other candidate, and says that he is the "conservative choice" in the Primary Election.STRATEGIC MEDIA SERVICES
1023 31ST ST. NW
4TH FLOOR
WASHINGTON, DC 20007Purpose of Expenditure: Issue Ad Placement
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 08/29/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 08/29/2006Amount Expended = $122292.60
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $122292.60
Calling him the "conservative choice" is an outright lie because every other candidate in the race is more conservative than Huffman. As I've mentioned before, Huffman's record in the House of Representatives in Arizona is terrible. He voted with the Democrats quite often and was even one of only 12 Republicans who turned coat against Republican Majority leadership in the house and conspired with the Democrats to pass a liberal budget. His ratings from conservative groups are rock bottom compared to every other Republican in the House and he's been endorsed by liberal groups and publications. Calling Huffman the "conservative choice" is an outright lie.
Here's more from the FEC Website for a filing dated 9/1/06:
SCHEDULE E
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
FILING FEC-236591
Committee: NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $11625.25
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $10589.04
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $10589.04
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $4292.87
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $3256.66
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
ARENA COMMUNICATIONS
1780 W. SEQUOIA VIST CIRCLE
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah 84104
Purpose of Expenditure: Mailing Service
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $3256.66
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
GREENER AND HOOK LLC
3101 WILSON BOULEVARD SUITE 810
ARLINGTON, Virginia 22201
Purpose of Expenditure: Issue Ad Production
This Committee SUPPORTS The Following Candidate: JON HUFFMAN
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $7066.50
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
GREENER AND HOOK LLC
3101 WILSON BOULEVARD SUITE 810
ARLINGTON, Virginia 22201
Purpose of Expenditure: Issue Ad Production
This Committee OPPOSES The Following Candidate: GIFFORDS FOR CONGRESS
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/01/2006
Person Completing Form: CHRISTOPHER J. WARD
Date Signed = 09/01/2006
Amount Expended = $1090.00
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $174058.62
SCHEDULE E
INDEPENDENT EXPENDITURES
FILING FEC-236703
Committee: DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Great American Media
1010 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
Purpose of Expenditure: Media Buy
This Committee OPPOSES The Following Candidate: Jon Steven Huffman Jr
Candidate ID: H6AZ08087
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/02/2006
Amount Expended = $171821.53
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $171821.53
Hudson Media Partners
3299 K St. NW Ste 500
Washington, DC 20007
Purpose of Expenditure: Media Production
This Committee OPPOSES The Following Candidate: Jon Steven Huffman Jr
Candidate ID: H6AZ08087
Office Sought: House of Representatives
State is Arizona in District 08
Date Expended = 09/02/2006
Amount Expended = $18651.00
Calendar YTD Per Election for Office Sought = $190472.53
Subtotal of Itemized Independent Expenditures = $190472.53
Subtotal of Unitemized Independent Expenditures = $0.00
Total Expenditures This Period = $190472.53
Thanks for posting the research Spiff.
Mehlman made it clear that the national Republican Party would stay out of the primary race, promising to help whomever the voters of the Eighth Congressional District chose as their candidate for Congress in the upcoming General Election. Those sentiments were echoed by NRCC officials during private meetings in Washington, D.C. with some candidates in this race. Sadly, the promises that were made have been broken.
Here is the chaiman of the NRCC.
His Fax Number 716-631-7610
Biography of Chairman Tom Reynolds
U.S. Representative Thomas M. Reynolds marks the start of the 109th Congress as a member of the House Republican leadership team, following his unanimous re-election as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). As Chairman of the NRCC, Reynolds is one of eight elected House GOP leaders. He oversees the campaign organization for House Republicans and is charged with strengthening the majority for the GOP.
During the 2004 election cycle, Reynolds oversaw continued historic gains for House Republican as: Americans elected the most Republicans to the House since 1946 – 232 Members strong; for the first time since 1928, House Republicans increased seats in a Presidential Election year; and for the first time ever, House Republicans increased our majority in two consecutive cycles.
With an emphasis on building races from the ground up, concentrating on local issues, and promoting the hard work of our candidates, Reynolds was responsible for the winning strategy and continued GOP success among voters.
Reynolds' ascension to the top ranks of the House leadership was the subject of profiles in both the New York Times and Washington Post. The Times, which named Reynolds as one of a half-dozen representatives expected to play a prominent role in the 109th Congress, reported that he has "filled a large void in a weakened New York delegation" because of his reputation for loyalty and hard work; while the Post noted that "Reynolds has quietly become one of the most influential Republicans in the House." His hometown newspaper, the Buffalo News, recently wrote that with "a love of legislating and an old-fashioned backslapping style, Reynolds has built a House career that at this point looks charmed- and limitless." The paper has also noted that the Western New York Congressman "wields influence on virtually every major state issue."
First elected to Congress in January 1999, Reynolds represents New York’s 26th district, which includes seven Western New York counties, and encompasses parts of Erie, Monroe, Orleans and Niagara Counties, and all of Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties.
Committed to a Republican agenda grounded in strong values and the conservative principles of lower taxes, smaller government and a more secure nation, Reynolds has helped elect Members committed to these same priorities.
Born on September 3, 1950, Reynolds was educated at Springville-Griffith Institute. By trade, he is a licensed real estate and insurance broker, and by passion a public servant who has been involved in a wide-ranging array of community, civic and regional activities. He also served as a sergeant in the New York Air National Guard from 1970 - 1976.
Tom previously served as Erie County Republican Chairman from 1990-1996 and as a member of the New York State Assembly where he rose to become Assembly Republican Leader, the first time a Western New York Republican was chosen to lead an Assembly party conference in more than 60 years.
Prior to his service in the State Assembly, Tom was a member of the Erie County Legislature from 1982 - 1988, and was selected by his colleagues as Republican Leader in that house as well. He also served on the Concord Town Board from 1974-82, where he rose to the position of Deputy Supervisor.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities, Reynolds is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, the House Administration Committee, and also serves as a Deputy Majority Whip.
Tom and his wife Donna reside in Clarence and are the parents of four children.
NRCC Staff Roster
320 First Street SE Washington, DC 20003
Executive, 202-479-7020
Sally Vastola, Executive Director
Don McGahn, General Counsel
Administration, 202-479-7000
Chris Ward, Controller
Finance, 202-479-7030
Tara Snow, Finance Director
Campaign, 202-479-7050
Mike McElwain, Political Director
Jonathan Poe, National Field Director
Larry Telford, Director of Incumbent Retention
Communications, 202-479-7070
Carl Forti, Director of Communications
Further Press Conference DetailsIt wasn't that large of a press conference, and it was almost embarrassingly sparsely covered (as have been all of the CD-8 events for that matter). What took place, however was perhaps one of the most significant events in Arizona politics that has occurred for several years.
It is a pretty shallow secret that Jim Click rules Arizona GOP politics. He not only writes the checks, but he also controls the money. If he doesn't give to you, nobody else will either. If he cannot wrestle an endorsement for his chosen candidate, he can freeze the endorsement from going to the competition. His power is such that he sits on candidate committees even when they are using clean elections money (Len Munsil) and can bend the national party to the point of almost committing Hari-Kari in perhaps one of the most important districts in the 2006 congressional election, just to satisfy his whim.
What is unique here, is that for perhaps the first time, a group of candidates have aligned against the area GOP power structure and, more importantly, they are going to prevail.
Mr. Click's name was never mentioned during the press conference, most of the heat was reserved for Steve Huffman and the RNCC and deservedly so, as they are ultimately responsible for their own decisions, and each have made some very poor choices.
After the general statement that I already posted was read, each of the candidates delivered their own statements. Here are a few highlights:
Frank Antenori- Frank was very well spoken, referencing the fact that he has served in the military and also served the Republican party, by volunteering, donating money, and even filming an ad for President Bush's reelection campaign. He was repaid by a knife in the back. Moreover, Ron Drake is fighting for his political life in CD-7 and can't get a dime from the national party. It is a travesty that Republican donor dollars are being used to fight other Republicans on behalf of a weak candidate who has put together a disaster of a campaign.
Randy Graf- Of all the candidates, I felt that Graf was the most restrained. He commented that he has been the victim of a slew of reckless and unwarranted negative campaigning by Huffman and those who support him. He also reiterated that the National party had broken their word, and meddled in the campaign that was the domain of the voters. He also unveiled a telephone hotline that he said will be use to further clarify what was discussed here and to counter the salacious lies and smears that have been passed by the Huffman campaign. The number is available at his website at http://www.votegraf.com.
Mike Jenkins- He just gets better and better with his public speaking, and this was perhaps his best moment so far. He emphasized the desire of Republicans to maintain the seat and control of Congress and how he is saddened that the NRCC is breaking its own rules and supporting one candidate over another during a hotly contested Primary. The primary election belongs to the voters, not those who would overwhelm the race with selective financial support. The actions of the RNCC amount to stealing control of the election from voters.
Mike Hellon- He was the highlight of the conference, and the most direct and to the point in his condemnation. He recounted his considerable experience in serving the GOP in Arizona and than said "Steve Huffman's campaign has been bought and paid for by special interests." he then went on to discuss Steve's absences from voting when border legislation was brought up. He also went on to discuss that border security is not really a priority of the current congress, and their support of Huffman is due to the fact that he will "do as he is told."
His most striking quote, however, was "The unprecedented intrusion into a primary election by the NRCC is, in my opinion, tantamount to institutional corruption. . ." As I get more time tomorrow I will try to get the transcription of his remarks digitized in their entirety.
The question and answer session was highlighted by the question. "If Steve Huffman wins, would all of you support him in the general election?" which in turn was answered by the sound of chirping crickets.
I can't wait to see Randy win after all this. It'll be justice after what the RNC has done to your candidates and others.
The national party has essentially told us who Have been working hard to get Republicans elected to sit down and shut up.
If Huffman wins the primary, They will certainly get their wish, because there is NO WAY I will be at headquarters making phone calls for the "Republican" team.
The sad thing is that they may bring down Kyl with the mess they created in AZ
The compost has picked up on the story.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/05/AR2006090501033.html
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