Posted on 11/08/2006 8:09:06 PM PST by do the dhue
KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) -- The Democratic challengers considered most likely to unseat incumbent Republican congressmen in Indiana next month are all running as conservatives.
Former Congressman Baron Hill's Web site mentions "My Faith in God," "The Sanctity of Marriage," and opposition to late-term abortions.
Joe Donnelly says he opposes abortion and wants no part of a mandated troop withdrawal from Iraq.
Vanderburgh County Sheriff Brad Ellsworth campaigns on his career in law enforcement and appears on his Web site carrying a hunting rifle.
Ellsworth is running against incumbent John Hostettler in the Eighth District, Donnelly against Chris Chocola in the Second District and Hill against Mike Sodrel in the Ninth District.
The three Democrats have benefited from more than $3.5 million from the Democratic campaign committee, most of it in commercials attacking their rivals, yet say they are not Washington insiders.
And neither Donnelly nor Ellsworth will say how he would vote when it comes time to elect a Speaker -- sure evidence that Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California is not viewed as a political asset.
What's wrong with having private companies build and run roads faster and at lower cost than the state government can?
Yes.
So, these companies out bid everybody or something? How did they get a 75 year contract?
10-15% is a huge difference when elections are so polarized. Essentially in the last decade, national elections have been decided on very small margins. What I mean about the center is that we can't afford to lose that 10-15% which seem inconsequential, but like last night, bites us in the arse.
Cintra has lots of experience with designing and operating toll roads. That's why they are building the Trans-Texas Corridor in partnership with Zachry.
OK. I see exactly what you are saying. I do think that if the Repubs would spend less and cut pork barrel spending then a lot of those folks in the middle would vote Republican.
Do you think that the new and allegedly more socially conservative democrats will support the ultra-liberal candidates for the speakership and chairman posts or do you suppose that there will be some surprise compromise candidates?
Its also how Warner won in Virginia.
I just noticed that I have to change my tag.
No. These alleged "conservative" Democrats are just like nearly every other Democrat across the country - - they are brazen, shameless liars. One by one they'll expose themselves. But they are a sneaky crowd....
The way the game is played, they will be allowed to vote "conservative" when their votes don't matter, but when some liberal legislation is close they'll come home to San Fransicko with their tails between their legs.
Because you know how well the already blue state of Michigan is doing.
I agree that letting private industry maintain and run it is a good idea--IF the leases are 'short-term' (less than 5 years) where competitive bidding can once again enter the equation--along with analysis of how well the privatization is working.
But to SELL it was outrageous--and most Hoosiers agree.
Again, no one has a problem with running it more efficiently (as private industry obviously would do),,,,but to find a FOREIGN company,,,,and to allow for NO competitive rebidding,,,,or performance evaluation,,,or fee limits (although I'm assuming there WERE toll caps put it, but if they were, they got little publicity),,,is just not a prudent thing to do. Far from it.
The Toll Road is up in far north Indiana--basically used by cross country trucks/travelers,,,,AND PEOPLE IN NORTHERN INDIANA. The revenues from the 75 year lease (3+ billion dollars) will be used for transportation projects in the entire state.
SOOOOOOOO,,,,the people in Northern IN pay the vast majority of the tolls that are paid by Hoosiers--while only getting a slice of the road funds.
It's no wonder that many down state think it is a WONDERFUL idea....lol They pay virtually NONE of the tolls---but get a disproportionate slice of the pie.
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