I am Independent. Feels real good. Mr Blog.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

In Case You Missed It: Governor Romney At Americans For Prosperity

Governor Romney On His Conservative Blueprint To Lower Taxes:

Governor Romney: "Let me tell you where I stand on taxes. First, I want to kill the death tax once and for all." (APPLAUSE)

"And I want to make the Bush tax cuts permanent." (APPLAUSE)

"I want to lower marginal tax rates for all Americans." (APPLAUSE)

"Now, which of these you get depends on how loud you clap for each one, so pay attention." (LAUGHTER)

"I want to hold the line on Social Security taxes." (APPLAUSE)

"I want to stop the inflation creep of the Alternative Minimum Tax." (APPLAUSE)

"And I want to lower, yes lower, corporate taxes." (APPLAUSE)

"If you want to see more jobs and better wages and more government revenue, then the idea is to get corporate taxes down. Ours are the highest in the industrialized world, right there next to Japan, some people say we're ahead, some say we're slightly below. But one thing is clear, look at Japan's anemic growth. That's not what we want.

"So lower corporate taxes. And then finally one more thing, I say on the campaign trail, it's not fair that we get taxed when we earn our money, taxed when we save our money, and taxed when we die. And I've already talked about the death tax, let me talk about savings. Under my plan for modest income and middle income American families, $200,000 dollars in income a year and less, there should be a new tax rate on savings. And the tax rate on interest, dividends, and capital gains should be absolutely zero!" (APPLAUSE)

"Now, I'm proud to be the only leading GOP candidate or Democratic candidate for that matter that has signed the tax pledge from the Americans for Tax Reform that's something Grover Norquist put together." (APPLAUSE)

"Yeah, it is a big deal, in a race like this with so many people saying they're for lowering taxes, I wanted to get out there and make sure people heard me loud and clear."

To watch Governor Romney's remarks, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJWyymHpoPk

To read more about Governor Romney's conservative blueprint to lower taxes, please click here .

Governor Romney On His Conservative Blueprint To Lower Spending:

Governor Romney: "I'm committed to lowering taxes, and I'm just as committed to lowering spending." (APPLAUSE)

"Unfortunately, increased spending on government programs has become the standard by which Congress measures their commitment to solving a problem. They bought into this idea that those who are promoting a culture of dependency are selling and that is that spending is the measure of how much you care. I used to try that on my parents at Christmas time – didn't work." (LAUGHTER)

"I've made a pledge to the American people and I'll repeat it here tonight: if Congress sends me appropriations bills which exceed inflation less one percent, I'll veto those bills." (APPLAUSE)

"And if Congress doesn't have the stomach to do the cutting themselves, then give me the line-item veto that other governors have, because I like to veto by the way. I did a lot of that. I sort of miss vetoing. Actually, as governor, I vetoed line-items 844 times. I can't wait to do that in Washington." (APPLAUSE)

"Now, you may have seen or perhaps heard about my ad about Republican spending. When we had both branches in the government – both the legislative and executive branch – we sometimes didn't act much like Republicans. We spent too much, we earmarked too much and our ethical standards became the punch line for Jay Leno. When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses. It's time for Republicans to act like Republicans." (APPLAUSE)

Governor Romney On A Level Trading Field And Embedded Taxes:

Governor Romney: "Let me mention one more thing, and that is, you know in the international world, our products carry a very heavy load. It's known as embedded taxes. It's estimated that our products face about a $100 billion disadvantage around the world. And the reason for that is that because a WTO ruling, they say that the taxes Europeans put on our goods – direct taxes, like the VAT – those the government can refund to exporters. But the taxes that are embedded on our products – indirect taxes, like income taxes – those we can't refund to exporters. And as a result, we have an unlevel playing field around the world. And if I'm president, I'm going to go to work to make sure that are trade is on a level playing field around the world." (APPLAUSE)

To watch Governor Romney's remarks, please see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_r8sHlGNhw

source http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/ICYMI_Americans_For_Prosperity

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

We should not protect Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here in the US.

(1) we should only allow him and his delegates no more than 8 hours to appear at the UN and stay in our country.
if he does get done before 8 hours kick him and his delegates butt's out of here right away.

we need to stop wasting money on ahole's like him.

we should search him and his delegates for weapon's and anything else we do not want them to have here.

Let them take a taxi's from and to the airport.

(2) we should not allow him any security when he is here in the US.
Let him feel like we do not care about him and his delegates. I don't

(3) when he leave's the US we should make his plane wait on the tar mat for 5 hours or more at the airport.

Make sure that they all go through airport security.

We would not want him to blow his plane up over the US.

This may cause harm to us "ahole's falling from the sky".

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Iran´s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad what political group would he join in us?

It would be more likey MoveOn.org or some left political group. This would not be a subprise to most people.

The real question:  is Ahmadinejad a menber or does he have someone join for him and make donations to them.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Iran´s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad would he be a democrat, republican or independent?

The facts point to democrat since most immigrants are democrat´s.

This would not be a surprise to most people.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Hillary Clinton's new health care program is a real joke. Mr Blog

There is so many problems Hillary Clinton's new health care program with only 2 page plan released.

Comparing it to auto insurance is just stupid.

(1) some people do not have car (or auto insurance)

(2) some states do not require auto insurance.

(3) there are a lot of people do not drive.

(4) Brings back old memories on how stupid Hillary Clinton is and now we know how stupid her adviser's are.

(5) we the people are not stupid

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Hillary Clinton's health care program is a real joke. Mr Blog

Hillary Clinton's try's again. Beating on the old drums from the democrat party health care for everyone sounds good but she is out of touch with reality. She needs new adverser's.

We thought there was hope Hillary than she shots her self in the foot.

Brings back old memories on how stupid she is.

Been listing to this idea for 40 years from the democrats, the fact is that the only one that implemented a health care program that is currently working is Mitt Romney the former governor of Ma.

Hillary took a beating in 1994 over her health plan. It was a real joke and now she is doing again with a bigger joke anything for a vote.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Thomas Jensen decided to sit in jail for three days rather than pay a $150 fine for using tokens on Route 16 after they had been discontinued. "I could have written a check for $150," Jensen said. "But I was the one that was wronged. I didn't commit a crime and I went to jail."

Jensen, 68, of Braintree, Mass., was found guilty on Aug. 31 at Rochester NH District Court for theft of services, a Class B misdemeanor. He was stopped by a state trooper and given a ticket on March 23, 2006, after using tokens at the Spaulding Turnpike's Rochester toll plaza.

Jensen claims the state is wrong for not buying the tokens back once they expired. He said once he bought his tokens he was promised services and not given an expiration date at the time of purchase.

"The easy thing to do would be to accept them, it would cost them nothing and it wouldn't take long to get them out of circulation," he said.

Jensen, a retired IBM employee, said he will continue to fight the case. Jensen is now considering filing a civil suit or a class-action lawsuit against the state for breaking the contract and violating his rights.

"If more people would protest this, they (the state) would stop in a heartbeat," he said. "Right to your face, they're stealing from you."

Jensen said he doesn't regret going to jail and it wasn't about not paying for the fine but rather the principle. He added it was fun to tell other inmates and guards what he was in jail for, an explanation that garnered a laugh each time, he said.

note:

Jensen you are on the right course. We encourage the idea filing a civil suit or a class action lawsuit against the state for breaking the contract and violating our rights.

 On Jan. 1, 2006 New Hampshire stop accepting tokens and they became worthless to anyone that has them.

I too still have tokens from NH. The fact is that Jensen is correct, NH could and still could accept there tokens at the toll booth's.

But NH deceived to just steal the money from us.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

China Recalls

It about time we the people do something about products from China.

China act's like it does not care about selling there products in the US and I do not want to buy there products any more or support any company's that sell there products. This is going to hard to do since most computers has a lot components make from China and a lot of products we use everyday has components made from China.

I will start simple when buying any products I will now look and see if the product(s) has make in China I will not buy this product.

Just send it back.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Yesterday, in the first major test of organizational strength in the 2008 presidential primary cycle, Mitt Romney overwhelmingly won the Iowa Republican Straw Poll in Ames.  Mitt Romney secured 31.5% of the vote and a sizeable 13.4% margin of victory. This impressive victory sends a strong message to grassroots activists throughout the country that the Mitt is working hard to change the culture in Washington, and is ready to lead in the vital work of strengthening our economy, our military and our families.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

The Importance Of Iowa

As I spend more time in Iowa I am reminded as to why it is important that this state plays a large role in choosing our Presidents. Since candidates spend such a great deal of time here, people really get to know them. In most other states all people know about the candidates is from what they read in newspapers or see on the news. Here in Iowa if you try hard enough you can have the opportunity to hear each of the candidates speak, shake their hand and maybe even even ask them a question. My dad has made over 80 stops in the state and has held 38 "Ask Mitt Anything" events where people have the opportunity to literally ask my dad anything they would like. This is a large part of the reason as to why my father is doing so well here. People here are getting to know him, and the more they do the more they like him.
Josh Romney

and I agree with this message. Mr Blog
I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

The Romney Vision: Gov. Mitt Romney: Surge Of Support At Home
"We don't just need a surge on the ground in Iraq – we need a surge of support for our troops as well. Democrats say they support the troops, but many don't support the work they are doing to make the surge successful. Representative Clyburn, the third-highest ranking House Democrat, said it would be a 'real big problem' for Democrats if progress is made in Iraq. That's not a problem but good news for all Americans."

– Gov. Mitt Romney
Thank You Mitt for say what needs to be said.

I am Independent and I agree with this message.

Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Mitt Romney visited across Central Iowa last week, cramming in political events as he approached the Republican straw poll scheduled for Aug. 11.

At each stop, his speech doubled as a full-throated defense of the role Iowa has traditionally played in the presidential process.

 I care very deeply about where our country is headed, but I also believe the right way to pick a candidate is to have people in Iowa and New Hampshire really get a chance to know the candidates,' Mr. Romney said here on Friday at the first of five 'Ask Mitt Anything' forums that day in Iowa."


"For the straw poll – in which campaigns buy tickets for busloads of people to come spend the day and cast their votes – his organization has scaled back its budget from when it expected a full-fledged battle with Mr. Giuliani and Mr. McCain. Instead of A-list entertainers, the Romney campaign is hiring local bands. But it is still having Hickory Park, a famous barbecue establishment in Ames, cater food for straw-poll voters and is seeking to bring in people from all 99 Iowa counties."

...

 Mr. Romney appears to have decided in his two days in Iowa to begin acting more like a front-runner, diverging from his regular stump speech to attack not his main Republican rivals but the leading Democratic contenders.

 If we were to elect Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama or John Edwards president of the United States, we would take a sharp left turn,' he told an audience of about 100 people here on Friday. He has also been adopting an increasingly vocal culture warrior persona, digging in for a pitched battle with Mr. Thompson for social conservative votes.

 Mr. Romney repeatedly refers to a new television commercial in which he promise to clean up the 'cesspool' of drugs, *** and violence that he says surrounds America's children." 

 I believe my message is connecting to voters in these early states, he said on Friday to reporters here. 'I'm hopeful I can take the same message and have the same response across the country.'" ...
By Michael Luo    NY Times

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Today, the Romney for President Campaign announced that Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) has endorsed Governor Mitt Romney. Along with his fellow Texans Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) and former Congressman Henry Bonilla (R-TX), Congressman Smith will advise Governor Romney's national campaign and will help communicate his message of conservative change in Washington.

"I am proud to have the endorsement of one of the finest members of the House of Representatives. Congressman Smith has served his community, state and nation with honor and steadfast leadership. For decades, he has been a powerful voice in Congress on judiciary issues, crime and immigration. I am grateful to have his counsel in this campaign," said Governor Romney.

Announcing his support for Governor Romney, Congressman Smith said, "Governor Romney is the only candidate in this race who has the ability to take Washington apart and put it back together, so that it works better for the American people. I am happy to endorse his candidacy for President. He understands the importance of getting America back to conservative principles and common sense leadership. Governor Romney is the right choice for Americans who want to see change in Washington."

Background On Congressman Lamar Smith:

A Senior Member Of The Texas Congressional Delegation, Lamar Smith Has Represented South Central Texas Since 1987. Congressman Smith has shaped American public policy and left his imprint on national politics through a variety of leadership positions and by advancing dozens of pieces of key legislation. As the Ranking Republican Member of the House Judiciary Committee, he serves as a spokesman for the party and helps shape committee policy. Representative Smith has been Chairman of three of the Judiciary Committee's five subcommittees: Intellectual Property, Crime, and Immigration. He was also selected to serve on both the Homeland Security Committee and the Science and Technology Committee. Congressman Smith previously served as Chairman of the Ethics Committee and currently is the Ranking Republican on the Ethics Task Force.

Current Members Of Congress Supporting Governor Romney: 

- Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) 
- Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) 
- Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO) 
- Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) 
- Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) 
- Former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL) 
- Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA) 
- Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) 
- Representative Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) 
- Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL) 
- Representative Rodney Alexander (R-LA) 
- Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) 
- Representative John Campbell (R-CA) 
- Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) 
- Representative Tom Feeney (R-FL) 
- Representative Phil Gingrey (R-GA) 
- Representative Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) 
- Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
- Representative Ron Lewis (R-KY) 
- Representative Tom Price (R-GA) 
- Representative Ralph Regula (R-OH) 
- Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) 
- Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL) 
- Representative Bill Shuster (R-PA) 
- Representative Mike Simpson (R-ID) 
- Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Boston, MA - Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced that former Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn (R-WA) will serve as a National Co-Chair of Women for Mitt. Congresswoman Dunn will help organize the National Women for Mitt effort and spread Governor Romney's message of strong conservative leadership. She will also serve as Washington State Honorary Finance Chair.

Making today's announcement, Governor Romney said, "For twelve years, Congresswoman Dunn served the people of her district by championing the cause of a stronger America. I am confident that her deep understanding of the important issues of our day will provide an invaluable service to my campaign and help spread my message across Washington state and the country. I am proud to welcome her to the Romney for President Team."

Announcing her support today, Congresswoman Dunn said, "In both business and government, Governor Romney has proven that his leadership can bring change and results. Whether it was saving the Winter Olympic Games or fighting for lower taxes, Governor Romney has always stood for strong, principled leadership. I am confident that his message of hope and optimism will resonate with all Americans."

Background On Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn:

Congresswoman Dunn Represented Washington State's Eighth Congressional District In The United States House Of Representatives From 1993 To 2005. As a Member of Congress, she worked hard to lower government spending and reduce the federal budget deficit. She dedicated much of her time in Washington to improving Social Security benefits for women. She also worked to lower the tax burden on working parents and repeal the death tax on family businesses. Congresswoman Dunn has also played an influential role in Republican politics, serving as Chairwoman for the Washington State Republican Party and Vice Chair for the Republican Conference in the House of Representatives.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Today, Governor Mitt Romney issued the following statement on the United States Supreme Court decision overturning a portion of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law:

"Score one for free speech. Today the Supreme Court reaffirmed the First Amendment by rejecting a key feature of McCain-Feingold. The law trampled the basic right of the American people to participate in their democracy. It also purported to reduce the influence of money in politics, but we now know that influence is greater than ever. McCain-Feingold was a poorly-crafted bill. Today's decision restores, in part, to the American people a right critical to their freedom of political participation and expression."


I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

The continuing stories about a possible independent presidential candidacy by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg prompt me to brief all of you on Mike’s history with independent voters and the independent political movement.  The media ***umes that if Mike decides to seek the presidency that he will automatically have the support of independents.  My view is that nothing is automatic.  He has to prove himself to independents.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

I’m one of the 44 percent of New Hampshire residents registered as an independent voter.

Watching the Democratic debate was like watching a baseball game - which to me is like watching gr*** grow. Nothing new. Just the same old pandering to the Democratic base trying to hit the home run to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Independents may as well have been invisible.

When I close my eyes and just listen, it is difficult for me to figure out if I am listening to Republicans or Democrats.

The results of the 2006 midterm elections illustrated the majority anti-war sentiment in the country. The Democrats won control of Congress (and New Hampshire) because they became anti-war, and that turn of events was led by the independents. I was against the war from the outset, and was actively involved in the Howard Dean campaign specifically for that reason. Why no acknowledgement in the debate of independents role in leading the country on this issue?

Perhaps the candidates believe that no matter what, independents will pull a Democratic lever rather than a Republican lever come January, so they have our vote. If that is so, they are miscalculating my vote. The Democrats on stage on Sunday spoke rhetorically about unifying rather than being divisive. Why not start at home?

The Democratic Party should consider unifying and bringing together the citizens of the United States, since large numbers are registering as independents and this constituency will be a major force within the next decade.

BETTY WARD
Concord, NH 

Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

Independent Voters Defeat Bill Restricting Rights to Participate in Presidential Primaries
		CONTACT:  Sarah Lyons  917-658-9885 Betty Ward  603-496-5511

New Hampshire--Independent activists with New Hampshire īs Committee for an Independent Voice ("CIV-NH") declared victory yesterday for a successful lobbying effort they directed at the NH State Legislature to defeat a bill which would have restricted the rights of independent voters.

“Independents throughout the state delivered the message to legislators that they didn’t like the bill and would hold both parties accountable if it p***ed,”  said Betty Ward, a key CIV-NH activist. 

HB 196 would have denied independents the right to re-claim their independent status at the polls immediately after voting in a statewide primary. 

Ward was aided in her lobbying campaign by independent voters from 13 states who phone banked to get the word out to Granite State independents.

The bill was nearly identical to one introduced in 2005 (HB 154) which CIV-NH also defeated by mobilizing hundreds of independents to call and write legislators about its negative impact. 

This year’s bill was introduced by Rep. Pamela Manney [R] at the behest of her constituent Tricia Wynne, an election supervisor from Goffstown.  The Election Law Committee of the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted Friday that HB 196 was “inexpedient to legislate,” effectively killing the bill.

Ward and other CIV-NH activists testified at a hearing on the bill held February 16th, 2007 and stated, “I am not ‘undeclared’ as is stipulated in NH but rather perceive myself as an independent.  I feel no need to belong to a party.  It is my opinion that the political process be inclusive regardless of any party  affiliation. That all citizens participate in every aspect of the political process without barriers, or restrictions. That access is open and unconditional. It is my testimony today that NH-CIV and independents in New Hampshire opposed HB 154 and we oppose HB 196. I have a petition signed by 300 people from 50 towns across New Hampshire in opposition to HB 154; we are in the process of reaching all of them about HB 196.”

CIV-NH hosts a monthly meeting of independents.  The next is scheduled to take place Saturday, March 24 at the Concord Public Library at 2:00 pm.

National support for the New Hampshire lobbying effort spearheaded by Betty Ward was mobilized by CUIP – a national organizing center for independents – and its political director Jacqueline Salit.

I am Independent. Feels real good.
Mr Blog

Become an Independent voter it feels real good.....
Being independent voter you get the best of all politics. If there was a Democrat that had a good policy for the people I can vote for that democrat, If a republican has good policy "a lot do" for the people than I can vote for that republican. If a independent has a good policy I can vote for that independent. Itīs the only way to be a true American. Vote for the right person that has the best interest for the majority of the people.

WASHINGTON Senate leaders agreed Thursday night to revive stalled immigration legislation, capping a furious weeklong rescue attempt that drew President Bush's personal involvement. "The leaders have agreed on a way forward," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

The measure, sidetracked a week ago, is expected to return to the Senate floor for additional debate as early as next week.

The legislation has generated intense controversy, particularly for provisions envisioning eventual citizenship for many of the estimated 12 million immigrants now in the country unlawfully. The bill also calls for greater border security and a crackdown on the hiring of illegal employees.

The decision to revive the measure does not necessarily portend p***age in the Senate. Critics of the measure have denounced it as conferring amnesty on millions of lawbreakers, and it remains unclear how strenuously they will attempt to prevent its approval.

The decision to bring the bill back for more debate was made at a meeting involving Reid, Sen. Mitch McConnell (news, bio, voting record) of Kentucky, the Republican leader, and key supporters of the legislation.

McConnell left the closed-door meeting without speaking with reporters.

But several officials said the decision had been made to make one additional stab at p***ing the measure, which is Bush's top domestic priority.

Bush was overseas the first few days after the bill was sidetracked last week, but he returned Monday night and immediately plunged into the rescue effort. He met with Republican senators in the Capitol on Tuesday, and on Thursday said he would support a call for $4.4 billion in immediate funding aimed at "securing our borders and enforcing our laws at the work site."

Precise details of the rescue plan were not immediately disclosed.

In general, according to officials familiar with the discussions, the bill's supporters had recommended giving both Republicans and Democrats roughly a dozen chances each to amend the measure, with the hope that they would then combine to provide the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster by die-hard opponents.

Officials also said the Bush-backed plan for accelerated funding would be among the changes to be voted on. So, too, a proposal by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (news, bio, voting record), R-Texas, to toughen a requirement for illegal immigrants to return to their home country before gaining legal status.

But in a gauge of the complexity of the rescue effort, officials said the Senate's decision last week to terminate a temporary worker program after five years would likely not be subject to change before a vote on final p***age. Many of the bill's strongest supporters opposed the five-year provision when it came to a vote last week.

The officials who described the emerging plan did so on condition of anonymity, saying the negotiations had been conducted in private.

"We're going to show the American people that the promises in this bill will be kept," Bush said, two days after launching a personal rescue mission.

Any agreement is subject to approval by Reid, who has said repeatedly it is up to Bush and Republicans to line up the votes needed to advance the measure if it is to be brought back to the Senate for debate. Reid, who has expressed misgivings about elements of the bill, sidetracked it last week after supporters gained only 45 of the 60 votes needed.

Republicans accounted for only seven of the 45 votes, and Reid said earlier this week, "We'll move on to immigration when they have their own act together."

Bush's decision to personally announce support for the accelerated funding reflected concerns expressed by Republican senators at a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Several told him their constituents doubted the government was capable of following through on a commitment to enforce immigration laws.

In a letter sent to Bush before the meeting, Georgia Republican Sens. Saxby Chambliss (news, bio, voting record) and Johnny Isakson (news, bio, voting record) wrote, "This lack of trust is rooted in the mistakes made in 1986, and the continued chaos surrounding our immigration laws. Understandably, the lack of credibility the federal government has on this issue gives merit to the skepticism of many about future immigration reform."

Under the legislation as drafted, money for border enforcement would be collected gradually as illegal immigrants pay the fines and fees needed to achieve legal status. The letter asked Bush to secure the border before other elements of the immigration measure go into effect, and the president agreed in his remarks to the Associated Builders and Contractors.

"One common concern is whether the government will provide the resources to meet the goals in the bill. They say, `It's fine to talk about it, are you actually going to do something?'" he said.

"To answer these concerns I support an amendment that will provide $4.4 billion in immediate additional funding for securing our borders and enforcing our laws at the work site," he said.

"By matching our benchmarks with these critical funds, we're going to show the American people that the promises in this bill will be kept."

Two Republican supporters of the legislation, Sens. Lindsey Graham (news, bio, voting record) of South Carolina and Jon Kyl (news, bio, voting record) of Arizona, had previously proposed advanced funding.

"The moment the presidential signing pen meets the paper these funds will be available," Graham said in a statement welcoming Bush's remarks.

But Sen. Jim DeMint (news, bio, voting record), R-S.C., who opposes the legislation, took a different view. "I appreciate the effort to fund border security, but there's simply no reason why we should be forced to tie amnesty to it. If the administration was serious about fulfilling the border security promises, then this funding should have been supported all along, not offered at the last minute to attract votes to a bad bill."

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