Dunn Drops Out of Buncombe Commission Race

Statement by Joe Dunn:

As many of you may know, I have been struggling with a decision to stay an active candidate for a position on the Buncombe County Commission. Indecision is a crippling load for your mind and heart to carry. I have been torn between family and service to my community. I have four wonderful grandchildren and a family that has always been supportive in the past. I no longer feel I should live my life and place my political future ahead of my family. Serving four years on Asheville City Council was an honor, but not without stress and worry about where this city is headed.The Buncombe County Commission is now taking on the same potential look as the current "progressive" city council. Voters had better wake up before it is too late. City and County politics should not be about who is a Democrat or Republican. The leadership should be decided by voters who are informed and who is the most qualified to look after the taxpayer's best interests. I don't see that happening. That being said, I feel the best interests for myself is to place my family above everything else. Both my children do not want me to run and my wife is very concerned as well. She has seen my mood change already as the campaign is not far away from swinging into action. Those of you within my inner circle of friends have seen my frustration growing day to day. I have never been afraid to take a stand on conservative issues. My greatest frustration is with local politicians in the city and county that place power and turf over the real needs of hardworking taxpayers. I feel it is time for some other people to fight the good fight. Politics and holding on to public office are not what motivated me to run for council or for mayor. I think my past votes on many issues came in a loosing cause, but I never compromised my core beliefs. Unfortunately, most local, state, and federal politicians are making holding on to office a career and being reelected is all they really care about. Therefore, I am now dropping out of the race for County Commissioner. Those folks who have given me money will have it returned. Anyone who has given me cash needs to contact me as I plan to pay all of you back. I made the mistake of listening to others who asked me to run when deep inside my heart I did not have that burning desire to do so. I thought I could overcome that feeling, but I just could not. For that I am sorry. It would not be fair to my party nor my supporters to run a half-hearted campaign. I have decided to let all of you know at the same time as to not offend any one person. This is not an easy decision, but it is the right thing for me to do in this period of my life. I want to thank all of those folks who are supporters and I hope to see more of you in the future.

Good luck and God bless.

Sincerely,

Joe Dunn

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Commentary

Joe Dunn has been a voice for reason in local politics, especially when he served on the Asheville City Council. I respect his decision to drop out of the race and wish him well, and would hope that he would make himself available from time to time to share his wisdom and advice on issues that affect Asheville and Buncombe County.

Pat McCrory in Mars Hill

This is a short preview clip just before Pat speaks. Full video will be at the Buncombe GOP website & also on URTV Public Access TV in both Buncombe & Madison Counties.

A DVD will be available for $12 each, with half the proceeds going to the Buncombe GOP, and the other half to the Madison GOP. Contact the Producer for more details.

The producer, Richard Bernier, has a TV Show called Sound Off Buncombe that airs on Charter Cable 20 in Buncombe and Madison Counties.

Macon County Puts Mumpower Over The Top

As a Maconian myself, I'm glad it was us that put him back in business!

Here is the latest press release from the Mumpower Campaign:

On Monday Congressional Candidate Carl Mumpower told the 11th District Republican Committee that his campaign was officially on hold until at least half of the counties in Western North Carolina got behind a "Principles First" proposal. Moving beyond their initial shock, Committee members went back to their home counties with a unanimous recommendation for approval. That effort was rewarded Thursday evening when the eighth of fifteen counties, Macon, held their own unanimous vote to join Mumpower in making it clear that the Republican Party is back and on track.

Mumpower's campaign suspension centered on a call for an authentic 11th District rededication to core Republican principles and the establishment of their own procedure for holding local, state, and national leaders accountable to those principles. This unusual strategy was rewarded with timely action by Buncombe, Swain, Henderson, Clay, Rutherford, Transylvania, McDowell, and Macon counties. "I did not expect things to move this quickly, but I should have known better," said Mumpower. "The majority of Republicans I've talked to, including Macon Chair Gary Dills, are ahead of me in recognizing the importance of a return to principles above all other political considerations."

"People have lost faith in the Republican Party because we have allowed power, political correctness, and other pressures to trump our core values," said Mumpower. "It is important that the people of WNC and the country know that the word 'Republican' stands for something they can count on - being careful with their money, restraining government intrusion on their lives, and protecting America."

The Congressional candidate has been criticized for this effort and other maverick approaches to campaigning that may be giving incumbent Heath Shuler a leg up on the race. "Yes, I do want to win - even more I want to help secure the future of America through a Republican Party that is rededicated to the promise and potential offered in our founding principles upheld by principle guided candidates," said Mumpower.

"Now that WNC's Republicans are united behind our real values, my campaign is in full swing effective immediately," Mumpower concluded. "The people of WNC now know that we have a platform that stands for something besides buying a seat in Congress and the promise everything to everyone policies of my opponent and his party."

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate
www.mumpower08.com

Principles before party, power, or popularity - always.

Candidate Website

Six NC-11 Counties Affirm Support of GOP Principles

The recent Mumpower Campaign Suspension has been totally misinterpreted by all except the party faithful. To whit, in a recent Press Release, Congressional Candidate Carl Mumpower has announced that Transylvania County has signed on to party principles, and to hold elected Republicans accountable.

This brings the total counties supporting Mumpower's "Principles First Campaign."

They are: Buncombe, Henderson, Swain, Clay, Rutherford and Transylvania Counties.

I have enjoyed reading people's misunderstanding of what the purpose of this is, especially at the local nutroots group blog Scrutiny Hooligans and the national nutroots hangout Daily KKKos. They have no idea what is headed their way come November, and I hope it stays that way.

There will be exciting new opportunities available for conservatives in western North Carolina and beyond to network together over the next few months, so stay tuned for an important announcement next week in that regard from me.

I feel a new synergy amongst conservatives about the Army of Mumpower.

**update** 12.12 PM Add McDowell County to the list. One to go!

Previously:

Mumpower Challenges District Party Leaders To Stand On Principles,
Puts Campaign On Hold

Congressional Candidate Dr. Carl Mumpower:
Taking A Stand On Principle

Dole, McCain Lead NC Poll

Dole leads Hagan 51 to 37 percent, and McCain Leads Obama 45 to 41 with Barr in a distant third with a mere 5 percent.

More statewide results will be out next week from Public Policy Polling.

Pat McCrory: Drummer for Queen?

Republican Candidate for North Carolina Governor drums to a Queen song.

Supreme Court Strikes Down DC Gun Ban !!!

Not that I ever paid that particular law any attention, or any other law restricting my second amendment rights for that matter.

In District of Columbia vs Heller, the Supreme Court agreed that the Second Amendment is the same as all the other Amendments...and individual right protecting citizens against the government.

Breyer, Stevens, Souter, and Ginsburg dissented. Never forget that people...the Supreme Court is hanging by a thread on many of these decisions. Imagine what the Court would look like after Obama had the opportunity to add justices, younger justices that will be lefties. Now, you should not have a single question in your mind at how important it is that you vote John McCain (despite his many faults) as the next President of the United States. I personally hate the man, but he will be better than Obama.

Remember, Obama believed the ban own owning handguns to be constitutional, and McCain supported overturning the ban.

Scalia wrote the majority opinion [right click to download pdf].
**update** 1.35pm I forgot you had to have a membership to download, so I'll embed the opinion here:

07-290 - Upload a Document to Scribd

Read this document on Scribd: 07-290

Complete coverage can be found at SCOTUSblog.

Today is a GREAT DAY for those who love the US Constitution, Liberty, and gives us hope for the future!!!

Henderson County Mens Club meeting with Carl Mumpower June 2008

Richard Bernier, or URTV's Sound Off Buncombe, was at the breakfast meeting of the Republicans Men Club of Henderson County yesterday morning.

Radio Hype of Meeting

Mumpower Campaign website

Not Just Another Limo Driver

I found a good recounting of the visit by President Bush to help raise funds for Mayor McCrory's bid to become Governor from an unusual point of view...from a driver in the motorcade. An excerpt:

On Friday, June 20th, 2008 President George W. Bush visited North Carolina for a fundraiser for Charlotte Mayor, and candidate for North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. I had the honor and privilege of serving as a driver in President Bush's motorcade. I drove the staff support vehicle - fifth in line to the President's limousine.

When I first got the call offering me this opportunity, I thought it was a joke. I always assumed they had people for this. Well, as it turns out, the White House sometimes allows individuals associated with the organization or candidate the President is coming into town to visit the opportunity to participate in the motorcade as a "thank you".

Source: Cary Politics

Go check the story out. You get to see a side of the President's visit few are privy to these days.

Mumpower Challenged by Party in Henderson County

~PRESS RELEASE~

For many the Hendersonville Republican Men's Club is the epicenter of Republican politics in the 11th District. True to tradition, the club has invited Congressional candidate Carl Mumpower for a Wednesday meeting that has the makings of a show down between a strong-minded group of party leaders and a "maverick" politician with a mind of his own.

"Yes, I am in a struggle of wills with my party's power structure," said Mumpower. "My readiness to violate Reagan's 11th commandment about not saying anything bad about fellow Republicans has upset former supporters." "I have been clear that if our party will not hold itself and our elected officials accountable to our guiding principles, then I will. It is nonsense to waste time throwing criticism at the Democrat's lawn while ignoring the weeds in our own. We mock Reagan and our founding fathers by trying to fight today's challenges with our own version of political correctness. I have faith that good hearts will win in the end, and 11th District Republicans will bond around our core values."

Nationally, many political observers indicate the Republican Party is in trouble. The May election saw the party lose key seats in historically conservative districts - pointing to 2008 as a potentially difficult year for Republicans.

"I am a Republican through and through and believe my party's principles represent the best hope for America and my grandchildren," said Mumpower. "If necessary, I am willing to anger every fellow Republican in the 11th District to reunite my party with our principles."

"It comes down to keeping government in check, protecting our people and heritage, and looking out for the average person's values and dollars," stressed Mumpower. "This was the promise we made to the American people years ago and we betrayed that mission." "We have earned the resulting mistrust, and if necessary I will fight with the devil himself to steer my party back to our mission. When that job is done I will concentrate on my next fight as the GOP nominee - with Heath Shuler."

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate

Principles before party, power, or popularity - always.

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Candidate Website

Commentary

Carl Mumpower is scheduled to be speaking before the Henderson County GOP as I post this...I hope that someone is there recording it for posterity. I can't be there because I run a carpool that arrives at WCU at 7.30 am.

Rep. Bruce Goforth To ALLOW ILLEGAL ALIENS To Steal College Entry From Lawful Citizens!

~PRESS RELEASE~
FROM: The Committee To Elect Paul Purdue
DATE: June 21, 2008

Background: Bruce Goforth, on the House Committee on Education, has the opportunity to keep illegals from stealing spots in college which should be reserved for rightful citizens.

The House Standing Committee On Education Membership Roster

Paul Purdue, Candidate for NC House 115, is opposed to NC House bill 2717 and recently commented:

"Illegal aliens should not receive access to NC Community Colleges or public universities. Because college is a selection process, for every illegal alien allowed into our colleges, one North Carolina citizen student or American student will not get to go to college. Our NC Community Colleges are in place to help citizens of North Carolina get a better education and job skills, not to train illegal aliens to take jobs from North Carolina citizens."

"If this Bill gets though Bruce Goforth's committee, it demonstrates he is in favor of illegal aliens taking a rightful place from a North Carolina citizen!"

On the subject of immigration enforcement, Paul Purdue, a new American citizen states:

"As an adjunct to enforce existing immigration laws, I am in favor of requiring companies doing business with the State of North Carolina to use the federal government's E-Verify system to make sure businesses are only hiring legal U.S. residents."

It is time to tell Goforth to go home. Elect Paul Purdue. He'll DO what's right!

- The Committee To Elect Paul Purdue - NC State House District 115.

-30-

Paul Perdue Campaign Website

Ron Paul Hospitality Suite Video at NCGOP State Convention

Ron Paul Delegates - 2008 NC Republican State Convention from ahedgehog on Vimeo.

Here is a video made by Ron Paul Supporters in the Ron Paul hospitality suite at the North Carolina GOP Convention a couple of weekends ago. I think it is important for normal Republicans to watch and listen to these people.

If they are willing to act like grownups, they might be able to help strengthen the conservative wing of the party. As far as their antiwar views...that is Dead On Arrival, and they should realize that from the start.

Oh, and since I am already on Signals Intelligence, there is a Live Thread from the North Carolina Democratic Party Convention on Blue NC, with links to other bloggers covering the event.

For those who have signed up and paid, I will be issuing a private intel report on the message board later today.

2008 Budget Summary From Civitas Institute

Over at the Civitas Institute, they've had their noses to the grindstone, and have produced for us a summary of the North Carolina 2008 budget. Check it out.

Mumpower: Shuler Votes More Liberal Than Murtha and Kucinich

I haven't been posting these as regular as I should have been:

~PRESS RELEASE~

According to many national issue surveys, the state of the economy is the number one concern for most Americans. The Club for Growth, a national policy body with a primary focus on economic growth issues, tracks the pro-economic growth votes of leaders in the House and Senate. Per their calculations, 11th district Congressman Heath Shuler votes against economic growth 98% of the time - a record more anti-growth than that of his liberal colleagues in Congress - John Murtha, Charles Rangel and Dennis Kucinich.



The organization uses the following pro-economic policy goals to assess leadership standing-

· Making the Bush tax cuts permanent
· Death tax repeal
· Cutting and limiting government spending
· Social Security reform /personal accounts
· Expanding free trade
· Legal reform to end abusive lawsuits
· Replacing the current tax code
· School choice
· Regulatory reform and deregulation

John Murtha scored 5%, Rangel 12%, and Kucinich 6% while Shuler scored 2% on the pro economic growth screen. In contrast, North Carolina Republicans Sue Myrick, Patrick McHenry, and Virginia Foxx scored 89-90% on the same criteria.

Shuler's Republican opponent in the 11th District race, Carl Mumpower, points to the score as an objective measurement of the Congressman's true political leanings. "As politicians we are defined by our voting record, not by what we call ourselves," said Mumpower. "Mr. Shuler may have a few conservative positions, but that does not make him a conservative anymore than a bank robber taking off Sunday can be called a preacher." "Most people in WNC are concerned about the direction of our economy, and these folks at the Club for Growth are too. That's why they are shining light on actual voting records over common perceptions. Mr. Shuler is not a conservative and with those percentages his independence and concern for the economy also merit challenge."

Carl Mumpower
11th District Republican Congressional Candidate

Principles before party, power, or popularity-always.


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Mumpower Campaign Website

Freedomworks Visits Dr. Carl Mumpower

Last week, local representatives of the conservative grassroots Freedom Works visited Dr, Carl Mumpower.


Previously:

Freedom Works Visits Congressman Shuler's Office

DNC Rules Committe Live Stream (Update) Members Returning For Evening Session

Watch the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee decide who the next democratic party nominee is going to be, and whther or not they will disenfranchise over a million democrats in Florida:


**update** 5.37pm Rumor has it that the reason the Rules Committee is not back yet is that they are meeting in private (closed session) to decide how to handle this situation.

**update** 6.15pm DNC Rules & Bylaw Committee about to start up again.

Bob Pittenger Resigns To Focus On Race For Lt Governor

From Under The Dome Blog, we get word that Bob Pittenger is resigning his State Senate Seat in order to focus on his race for the Lt. Governor's Office. Bob Rucho is expected to fill his seat.

I think that it should be a law that in order for anyone who is already serving in an elected office must resign from their office if they are campaigning for another office.

Kay Hagan To Raise Money In California

According the the Under The Dome Blog, Kay Hagan, candidate for the US Senate seat in North Carolina, will be traveling to California to raise money to compete against Senator Elizabeth Dole.

I have friends out in California who will be watching this for me, and if any of you have additional details, get in contact with me in the comments.

The Breck Girl Endorses Obama, After The NC Primary !!!

And I'm gonna say that Obama told Edwards to hold off for fear it would give the state to Hillary!

The video:


Source: Mexitli's Blog "Columna de Aztlan"
Hat Tip: Betsy Muse, via BLUE NC

Commentary

Could John Edwards ever prove his indecision and utter uselessness any more?

A Note of Thank You From Carl Mumpower

~PRESS RELEASE~

A Note of Thank You

There is a Vietnamese proverb that speaks to yesterday's primary - " When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree."

I wanted to drop a note of thanks to the many people who laid their special touch on yesterday's success. I know that there were many thoughts, prayers, and actions that went unnoticed - all mattered in the outcome.

We won with limited dollars and a willingness to hold hard to principles as we pushed away from the political power structure. It worked - sometimes in spite of my best efforts. That means something, because we not only won, but we also won right. Therein is a foundation for independent public service with opportunities to shake things up and redefine the model.

With your help we have cleared the first hurdle. We have a strong foundation for the next steps. In short order we will begin an aggressive campaign that will take full advantage of the time, challenges and opportunities between now and November. Your help will be no less important tomorrow that it was yesterday.

A good place to start? We need to hold as many "meet and greets" throughout WNC as possible over the next few months. If you can get a group together, I will bring my stool and portable microphone and we will have a face to face real world question and answer session that I promise will have your friends, church members, neighbors, and others saying, "This man is approaching public service in a new way - he is genuine in his commitment to principle over politics, party, power, or popularity - I want to help".

Again, please accept my thanks. We did not win a prize last night - we assumed a responsibility - a responsibility that I intend, with your good help, to embrace with a full heart. I am reminded of words of wisdom from Shakespeare on gratitude that seem very real today, "How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."

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