The GOP Civil War Is On

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

TeaPartyFlagThe so-called Tea Party far-right radical fringe is preparing to devour conservative Republican candidates in GOP primaries — whom they call RINOs — because they are not sufficiently radical or extreme enough.

The GOP civil war is on. See Bloomberg News, Republican Civil War Erupts: Business Groups v. Tea Party, POLITICO Tiger Beat on The Potomac, Donors' frustration with GOP mounts, and today's New York Times, Fiscal
Crisis Sounds the Charge in G.O.P.’s ‘Civil War’
.

I would argue that it is in the best interest of the country for the unsustainable GOP coalition to end its failed marriage of convenience and to go their separate ways. This uncompatible coalition of diverse groups should form their own political parties and platforms which accurately reflect their diverse political ideologies.

This would give voters a true choice in November, not a faux choice decided by partisan activists in low turnout GOP primaries. If the so-called Tea Party truly believes that it enjoys popular support, then it should prove it by running under its own party label and platform, rather than hijacking the traditional Republican Party label and deceiving voters by running under a false flag.

The traditional Republican Party is a center-right business oriented political party, and should retain its historic party label.

The so-called Tea Party is a collection of far-right radical extremists from the Neo-Confederate Birthers-Birchers-Secessionists, nativist anti-immigrant "Know Nothings," and the theocratic Christian Reconstructionists and Dominionists. They are ideological purists and religious fanatics who view legislative defeats as a test of their faith — "we can win if only our faith is strong." These are the kind of fanatics who do not respond to facts, logic or reason. It is a question of faith for them. They believe they are waging a Holy Crusade. See Ed Kilgore at the Political Animal blog, Constitutional Conservatism As a Religion.

Tucson City Council Election – return your ballot!

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

VoteThe City of Tucson votes by all-mail balloting (there is an early voting location for those of you who want to vote in-person). The ballots have been mailed to all registered voters in the City of Tucson. It should take you less than five minutes to mark your ballot, sign and date the affidavit envelope, and return your ballot by return mail. So quick and easy . . . you have no excuses!

2013 City of Tucson Election:

· Thursday, October 17: Ballots mailed to registered voters.

· Friday, October 18–Tuesday, November 5: Voting Location Open at Tucson City Clerk Elections Center, 800 E. 12th St. October 18-November 4, open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. November 5, open 6:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

· Thursday, October 31: Last day to mail your ballot to ensure it is received by the City Clerk’s Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.

· Tuesday, November 5: Election Day. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Your choices for Tucson City Council are pretty clear — reelect the incumbent council members:

Ward 3 – Karin Uhlich (D) incumbent

Ward 5 – Richard Fimbres (D) Incumbent

Ward 6 – Steve Kozachik (D) Incumbent

There are two noncontroversial propositions on the ballot. Council member Regina Romero's office provided this explanation of the ballot measures:

Arizona Democratic Party 2013 Hall of Fame Dinner

Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Announcement from the Arizona Democratic Party: If you would like to nominate an individual for induction into the Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame, click here to download a nomination form. Nominations are due by October 23rd. Click here to Purchase Tickets NOW!