As Senator Marco Rubio continues to conceptualize his “conservative” alternative to the controversial Dream Act legislation, some Republican candidates are indicating their support of Rubio’s forthcoming proposal while calling attention to one of the potentially problematic aspects of the proposal- its military component, which if not properly addressed could open a floodgate of litigation.

Republican congressional candidate Julius Melendez is a current U.S. National Guard Medic who has completed two tours in Iraq, and he sees the military component as “viable.”  Melendez spoke to the Shark Tank and went into some detail about the military option that Rubio is considering and what its provisions could possibly entail so that discharge parameters are clear before enlistment.

Senator Rubio has stated that under his proposed plan children who were brought to this country illegally would be granted a  temporary student visa and given the option to serve in the military.  The only way for military enlistees to be granted legal citizenship is to obtain an Honorable Discharge from the military- anything less would not earn them citizenship. 

Melendez laid out a couple of unfortunate loopholes that could cause issues down the road once enlistees begin the process of leaving the military.  Honorable Discharge, General (under honorable conditions) and Dishonorable Discharge are the three most common types of discharge.  But aside from these forms of discharge, enlistees can also be ‘separated’ from the military for different reasons.

Melendez points out that enlistees can also exit the military via a “medical separation” or by receiving an “administrative separation with a characterization of service (characterized separation) or description of separation (uncharacterized separation) as warranted by the facts of the particular case.”  U.S. Military regulations state the following: 

In addition to that, “Individuals who are separated with less than 180 days of continuous active military service may be separated as an “Entry Level Separation.” In these cases, there is no characterization of service at all”.

Another type of administrative separation is “Order of Release from the Custody and Control of the Military Services” by reason of void enlistment or induction. This type of separation also has no characterization of service”. (Source)

“Instead of it being an inclusive definition, it its an exclusive definition. It should exclude those that are dishonorably discharged. Anyone else who belongs to any other category should be given that opportunity”. Julius Melendez, U.S. Congressional Candidate (Website)

Julius Melendez is running in a contested Republican primary and could possibly face Democrat Alan Grayson in the General Election.

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On the heels of last weeks’ revelation that as many as 182,000 individuals on Florida’s voter rolls may not be U.S. citizens, the Florida Division of Elections has also identified as many as 53,000 deceased individuals who are still on the voter rolls as well.

It’s interesting to note that if you add up the potential non-citizens figure with the dead voters tally you essentially have Barack Obama’s 2008 margin of victory in Florida, which was 236,450 votes.  That’s not to say of course we’re asserting that there were that many actual instances of voter fraud in 2008, but it’s impossible to deny with a straight face that there is ample opportunity for substantial voter fraud to take place in the state, a fact that has been clearly demonstrated by James O’Keefe in several jurisdictions.

There’s always been whispers in the past of poll workers skirting state law by not requesting photo IDs from individuals who showed up at polling locations, especially those polling locations that reside in heavily Democratic strongholds.

For example, several polling locations in Broward County are actually physically situated within private gated senior communities- it’s long been suspected that these polling locations’ lack of transparency to the public (non-residents must receive permission from a resident to enter the community) are rife with fraud.

These non-public locations have become havens for very aggressive “get out the vote” operations whereby organizers essentially shuttle many shall we say “persuadable” seniors a few hundred feet from their condominiums into the voting booths to insure that they vote “correctly”, i.e. for Democrats.  Voting is a public act with consequences that affect affects all citizens regardless of whether they vote or not, and the act of voting should be carried out in public locations only to ensure that ballots are cast fairly and in compliance with the law.

Predictably, the reaction from Elections Superviors across the board to the State’s findings is unenthusiastic-

“I’m feeling really uncomfortable about this.”- Broward County Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes, in response to the efforts by the Florida Division of Elections to clean the voter rolls

Identifying instances of voter fraud in the moment they occur, let alone prosecuting the perpetrators of voter fraud is rarely accomplished.  We’ve only made it easier over the last few decades to increase the likelihood of voter fraud– whether it’s through “early voting” that essentially turns what should be Election Day into Election Month, or by keeping so many ineligible voters on the rolls for so long without cross-checking names against other databases, the system has become increasingly compromised.

In an age where so many on both sides of the political spectrum are losing faith in the fairness and accuracy of our elections, it’s crucial for our voter rolls to be cleaned and our elections to be conducted with the greatest transparency possible.

Wasserman Schultz and Tate were both scheduled to address the Temple Israel congregation regarding U.S.-Israeli relations, but apparently Wasserman Schultz couldn’t handle the fact that Tate would undoubtedly contradict her partisan talking points- so much for “diversity” when it comes to Debbie allowing equal time to opposing points of view. In what can only be described as an act of political spite, Wasserman Schultz strongly voiced her objection to Tate’s scheduled address directly to the Temple’s Board of Trustees, and based on her objections and political pressure, the Trustees decided to scrap Tate’s address to the congregation.

In a recent letter sent out by Mr. Tate to the Temple’s congregation, Tate stated that he would not be speaking at the forthcoming May 25th services-

I have been told by the Temple Israel Board of Trustees, that in no uncertain terms, I am not welcome, nor am I desired to speak on the bema (dais), nor does the Temple want me in any way to address the attendees on the evening of May 25th, after the Shabbat Services, even though the other invited speaker will be giving her politically motivated remarks on the topic of “Maintaining a Strong U.S. – Israel Relationship.” – Stanley Tate

Tate also stated that the Board of Trustees held a “special” meeting on May 14th where the majority of the board decided not to let him address the congregation.

During a phone interview with Mr. Tate, the former founder of the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) said that Wasserman Schultz told board members, “Stanley cannot be allowed to speak”, and that “no other speaker can speak in opposition before or after her.”

Tate said that “they are going to try to prevent me to speak,” and also indicated that the “Temple Israel is putting its tax-exempt status at jeopardy” by permitting Wasserman Schultz to address the congregation.

Wasserman Schultz and Stanley Tate’s bumpy relationship stems back to her days in the Florida Legislature when she brought in a crying baby onto the House floor, prompting Tate to tell her that she was out of line for doing so. According to Tate, Wasserman Schultz snapped at him and said, “Its none of your G**-damn business.”

“She (DWS) is an opportunist.” – Stanley Tate

Another reason Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz could be a little upset at Tate is because Mr.Tate has openly endorsed her chief adversary and likely Republican opponent Karen Harrington.

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, President of the Orthodox Alliance of Florida has also expressed his dissatisfaction with Wasserman Schultz and Temple Israel-

Synagogues should not be used for political purposes, and for Mr. Stanley Tate to be told that he cannot speak in front a congregation in which his family has helped found with 70 years of dedicated service goes against the bible’s teachings of thanking people for the good that they do. The Bema (dais) is traditionally not used for any political purpose, and it is unfortunate that Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s politics has ruined the 70 year family relationship between Tate and the Temple.- Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun

Stanley Tate and his family have since resigned their membership from Temple Israel.

Here is Stanley Tate’s letter to the congregation of Temple Israel-

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Kudos to Congressman Vern Buchanan for stepping up and co-sponsoring the “No Budget, No Pay” bill that would mandate that Members of Congress to pass a budget or not get their paychecks. Buchanan, like many other representatives are at their wits end with Democrat obstructionism and believe that the United States is on a pathway to collapse if Congress can’t pass a budget that is mandated by law that get its profligate spending under control.

Below is the transcript of Buchanan’s video update to his constituents-

1,113 days.  For over three years…

 That’s how long it’s been since Congress last passed a budget to pay down our nearly $16 trillion dollar debt.

 As millions of Americans make the tough choices every day to spend within their means, Congress is incapable of doing the same.

 The people deserve better. That’s why I co-sponsored the “No Budget, No Pay Act.”

 The legislation is simple –  Members of the U-S Senate and House do not get paid until they pass a budget.

 No small business would tolerate paying an employee who refuses to do his or her job.   So why should Congress get paid for failing to complete one of its most basic responsibilities?

 They shouldn’t — and that’s why I support the “No Budget, No Pay Act.”   It’s time to hold Congress’ feet to the fire.

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Embattled Republican congressional candidate Ozzie deFaria and his campaign continue their downward spiral as additional news outlets are catching on to what the Shark Tank first reported back in February- deFaria “doggy” tactic that inadvertently fuel the phony “War on Women” narrative of President Obama and the Democrat Party.  Like a true political amateur, deFaria decided to  photoshop a dog collar around Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s neck, and while being videotaped said that “we need to send her back to the pound.”(VIDEO)

deFaria is not a savvy communicator or politician, and his lack of judgment is proof positive of this. NBC ran a story regarding “Doggy-gate” where they polled South Floridians on whether they believed deFaria crossed the line.  85% voted in favor of deFaria’s actions- proof  that Wasserman Schultz is highly unpopular, but he certainly aided his own cause by pleading with his followers skew the poll result in his favor prior to the newscast.  The poll was put up by NBC6 three hours before the newscast began.

Now deFaria is promoting the poll but not publicizing what was said in the newscast or on NBC’s blog.(NBC Post)

Barry University political science professor Sean Foreman said it doesn’t do much for the Republican effort to woo women voters.

“There’s this so-called war on women. It’s probably made up in the media, and both parties want to exploit it. Little things like this don’t help,” he said.

The frontrunner of the Republican primary race is Karen Harrington, and NBC reached out to her for comment-

“This adds to Obama’s narrative that there is a phony war on women. There is no place for this in the Republican party, and there’s no place for this in politics. America deserves better.” – Karen Harrington

Yes, deFaria sees this as an upside for his campaign.

deFaria ‘fast and loose’ campaign is now trying to capitalize on his disastrous mistake by accusing Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz of using the Huffington post, who picked up the story as well, to attack him.  The HuffPo stated deFaria’s mention of Congressman Allen West as well as his endorsements from Herman Cain, Senators John McCain and Richard Burr.

Each of deFaria’s endorsees were contacted for comment about deFaria’s tactics, and they uniformly expressed complete disbelief at deFaria’s actions and side-stepped the questions.  Cain spokesman Mark Block offered no comment about the dog collar incident. Senator McCain’s office was also surprised but referred the matter to the Senator’s PAC for comment.  Senator Burr’s spokespeople were floored, and judging by the looks on their faces, they were regretful that the Senator had obviously endorsed deFaria without fully vetting him.

Numerous Members of Congress who are now aware of deFaria’s actions have expressed displeasure towards deFaria’s poor judgment, some saying that his candidacy has become a joke that is not exactly hiding its desperation. Senator Marco Rubio scoffed at deFaria’s antics as did Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen who has sided with Harrington in saying that there wasn’t room for this kind of behavior in politics- at least not for Republicans.

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With Congressman Connie Mack’s recent endorsements from former Republican Presidential candidate Michele  Bachmann and now presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, DC and Florida political insiders are now saying that the senate primary race for former Senator George LeMieux is all but over.

Another nail in LeMieux’s chances could come if popular U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who also happens to be on most insiders’ short list for VP comes out and endorses Mack as well.

Rubio has told the Shark Tank that he would not get involved in this race, but it’s not exactly a secret that LeMieux is not on Rubio’s list of favorite politicos.  Senator Rubio has previously said that LeMieux was” not helpful” during the 2010 Senatorial campaign, which found LeMieux openly supporting Governor Charlie Crist until he jumped the GOP ship and ran as an Independent candidate in April of 2010. LeMieux then endorsed Rubio over Crist but never did criticize or denounce Crist for his actions.

LeMieux was appointed to by Governor Crist to the Senate on August 28th 2009 essentially as a place holder for him in the Senate. Crist chose LeMieux over other well accomplished and deserving members of Congress because  he expected to cruise right into the Senate seat and thought that LeMieux would help facilitate those efforts to get Crist in.  Rubio went on to trounce Crist in the general election.

But now there’s an interesting revelation that only a few ‘in the know’ DC insiders are privy to. LeMieux was actively working against Rubio was “not helpful” once he became a sitting U.S. Senator.  One current U.S. Senator as well as other Senate staffers who would not go into specific details have said that LeMieux was undermining Rubio by painting a somewhat “sinister” picture of him, but these individuals later realized that LeMieux’s words and claims about Rubio were baseless once they began working with him in the Senate.

 The shoe is about to drop-George LeMieux, in regards to Marco Rubio (The Miami Herald, 11/27/2009)

On August 24, 2009, LeMieux taped a segment on his “The LeMieux Report” stating how anxious he was to find out who Crist’s pick would be.

The opportunity to receive an appointment to the United States Senate, is the opportunity of a lifetime.-Senator George LeMieux, 8/24/2009

Who believes that George did not know that Crist was just days away from selecting him?

The Shark Tank recently conducted a 48-hr Poll, in an  effort try to gauge just who the conservative grassroots would vote in the Republican Senate primary race. Of the 676 polled, the overwhelming majority (50.3%-340 votes) said that they would vote for Congressman Connie Mack. (See Poll here)

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“Connie Mack is a friend, a strong conservative and the type of principled leader we need in Washington to restore fiscal responsibility.  By electing Connie Mack, the people of Florida will be sending a clear message to Senator Nelson and President Obama that their failed policies have not worked to change the borrow and spend ways of Washington.” – Mitt Romney

Matt Lewis of the Daily Caller has the inside baseball-

According to sources familiar with the campaign’s thinking, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney is set to endorse Rep. Connie Mack in the Florida Republican primary against George LeMieux.

LeMieux was Charlie Crist’s former Chief of Staff — and the man Crist appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2009. LeMieux described himself then as a “Charlie Crist Republican,” and led an assault on Rubio during the 2009 campaign, but is now trying to remake himself as a tea party candidate. (It’s also worth noting that Romney endorsed Marco Rubio over Crist two years ago.)

Mack has emerged as the conservative favorite, having been endorsed by Sen. Rand Paul, Rep. Michelle Bachman and the American Conservative Union.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal recently, FreedomWorks’ Dick Armey and Matt Kibbe observed: “Building on the historic successes of 2010, we have an opportunity to take control of the Senate and dramatically increase the ranks of entrepreneurial fiscal conservatives, creating a dynamic new majority within the majority … It means winning races in key battlegrounds like Florida, where Rep. Connie Mack is emerging as the most able fiscal conservative…”

It strikes me as significant that Romney is weighing in. This has been a hotly contested race, and this endorsement points to a commitment by Romney to build a conservative majority in the United States Senate and to ensure the party is competitive for senate seats in states like Florida.

 

Congresswoman Sandy Adams has introduced a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that will extend the provisions of the original act for another 5 years.  The GOP led House of Representatives is expected to pass the bill, but not without major objections from the Democratic Caucus.

Adams herself is a past victim of domestic violence and has been a strong advocate for continued dialogue on the issue and has helped other victims of domestic violence cope with their issues.

One of Adams’ closest allies, Congressman Allen West told the Shark Tank he is supportive of Adams’ re-authorization but wants to make sure that this bill is not used as a political football by certain members of Congress.

Democrats are opposing the bill because the bill does not specifically state that Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LBGT) couples would be covered under the Act.  Republicans contend that the Act covers couples regardless of whether they are gay or straight and that Domestic Violence affects all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Democrats have been emboldened by President Obama’s recent pandering to gay-marriage supporters within the Democratic party by announcing his completion of his “evolution” in support of gay marriage.  Obama’s newly articulated support of gay marriage is actually a return to the position he held in the late 1990′s before he entered electoral politics.

Congresswoman Adams has recently teamed up with congressional candidate Karen Harrington in promoting their Women for Freedom initiative.

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Three Republican members of Florida’s congressional delegation- Allen West, David Rivera and Tom Rooney will be offering up their own amendments to the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  Rooney, a former military prosecutor in the Army JAG Corps is proposing an amendment which will require detainees currently held at Guantanamo Bay to be tried by military commissions in courtrooms on the premises.

“Military tribunals are a better option to try terrorist detainees than Article III (federal) courts, because they provide due process while protecting critical, often confidential, intelligence officials and evidence.  The constitutional and legal standards for evidence-gathering and prosecution in a civilian case just aren’t adequate for trying enemy combatants in a time of war.

“I could not disagree more strongly with those who say foreign terrorists caught on the battlefield should receive the same rights and privileges as American citizens.  As a former military prosecutor, I strongly believe that trying detainees in military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay is the best way to hold terrorists accountable, keep them off American soil, and prevent them from rejoining the fight.”- Congressman Tom Rooney

During an interview with Congressman Allen West in his Washington D.C. office, West explained the purpose of the NDAA but warned that the U.S. Military was being “taken in the wrong direction.”  West also stated that the U.S. has a “horrible diminished influence” in the international community due to the violation of the War Powers Act by President Obama when he authorized military action in Libya.

West agrees that Obama and his foreign policy “can be threatening to the future stability and security of the United States of America.”

Watch Congressman West’s  interview here-

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In what will be the most consequential election year in generations that puts to convictions of the general electorate to the test, beltway Republicans don’t appear to be making things any easier for their party’s prospects in November.

Today’s Politico features an article that cites Republican official familiar with the internal deliberations withing the Romney campaign in determining who is likely to be Romney’s VP selection.

Romney’s national strategist Stuart Stevens was himself a former advisor to former Governor Charlie Crist’s failed Senator campaign against Senator Marco Rubio,  is focused on making sure that Romney doesn’t make the same the mistakes McCain made back in 2008.

Apparently, the scuttle is that the Romney folks are leaning towards a ‘safe pick’ for VP position. The Politico cites one of these advisors  as saying that ” it (Romney’s campaign) will be designed to produce a pick who is safe and, by design, unexciting–a deliberate anti-Palin”.  The POLITICO piece quotes this ‘official’ also stating that they are looking for someone that is an “incredibly boring white guy.”

But a Republican official familiar with the Romney campaign’s thinking said the vice presidential search will be more rigorous and will likely produce a candidate a lot less flashy than McCain’s running mate, then-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. -Politico

These are the same advisors that ran a losing 2008 campaign, that if it wasn’t for  someone having a ‘bump on the head’, ‘come to jesus  moment’ of picking Sarah Palin as the VP, would have been at the helm of one of the worse presidential loses in recent history.

Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin saved McCain’s 2008 Presidential bid from a disastrous ending by firing up the base and shoring up conservative activists.

“If not [Ohio Sen. Rob] Portman , [former Minnesota Gov. Tim] Pawlenty, [Indiana Gov. Mitch] Daniels — some other incredibly boring white guy,” the official said. “If there was a fourth name on the list, it’s [Virginia Gov.] Bob McDonnell.”

So who will be this boring ‘Whiteboy’ that Romney’s team is possibly looking for?  According to Politico’s source, the Romney campaign appears leery of  Governor Chris Christie for being too much of a firebrand and Senator Marco Rubio for being to green to the process as well unvetted.  They also have reservations about South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez , both of whom have not yet been had much exposure on the national stage and could be more susceptible to gaffes, i.e. potentially Palin-esque.

Will the Romney campaign play it safe with its VP pick, or will they think “outside the box” and pick someone who could have a broad national appeal to diverse constituency groups?

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