Choosing your words wisely - a lesson from #Dream14

The cover of new survey
by Reason-Rupe.

One of the things emphasized during social media panels at the Americans for Prosperity Defending the American Dream Summit was the choice of words.

Liberal, conservative, progressive, limited government, big government, socialism, capitalism, fair share, greater good, individual responsibility...

When you hear these words you immediately have an image of something - either good or bad depending upon if you believe in the concept or if you're going by what you've heard or associate with the term.

The other thing was the difference between preaching to the choir and trying to persuade or influence others.

Too often on the right side of the political spectrum, we are preaching to the choir and using terms they like, or ones that appealed to us as we formed our political opinions.

That's okay - and something we need.

But if we're trying to persuade others, we have to understand how they interpret words and messages and then use the phrases that will resonate with them.

So this post is definitely preaching to the choir about how to change our language and our phrases in order to appeal to those who might be receptive to a conservative philosophy if we weren't using words that immediately turned them away.

A recent Reason-Rupe survey on millennials is a good place to start.

Millennials are 18-29 years old and, according to the survey, "trust neither political party, are social liberals and fiscal centrists, and are supportive of both business and government. They favor free markets, but aren’t sure whether markets or government best drive income mobility."

They're less partisan and more receptive to a non-traditional candidate. They don't trust either party, especially when it comes to issues of privacy. They overwhelmingly (78 percent) think the budget deficit and national debt are are major problems and a majority believe that businesses pay too much or just the right amount of taxes.

As the Daily Signal explains:

Millennials say they prefer a “larger government” that provides more services. They don’t tend to think of “big government” leading to higher taxes and heavier regulation. Once the possibility of higher taxes to support a larger government is mentioned, though, millennials’ support shifts.

The survey also says "millennials believe in self-determination and endorse the values underpinning the free market system."

If you ask them to choose between capitalism and socialism, only 52 percent will pick capitalism. But if you ask them to choose between a free-market economy and a government managed economy, the support for free-markets jumps to 64 percent.

The survey shows two critical things:

1. They either don't know or don't care about various terms and what they mean, which is scary in and of itself.

2. They do understand concepts and are more likely to align with conservative economic principles so long as they are phrased to reflect the concept.

Another important fact from the survey: they vote.

As the Daily Signal explains:

"The 18- to 29-year-old demographic played a crucial role in the 2008 and 2012 elections. These millennials were instrumental in electing Barack Obama to the presidency not once, but twice. In 2008, Obama won 66 percent of voting millennials; in 2012, he captured 67 percent.

Emily Ekins, polling director for Reason Foundation, says that had those ages 18 to 29 not voted in 2012, Republican nominee Mitt Romney would be in the White House."

This is good news for those of us on the conservative side, but it means we have to change how we characterize our positions if we expect to reach this key demographic.

But it's not just the millennials. Too many of our friends and neighbors are just not into politics. It's something they think about only in passing or when they go to vote. They often have the same reaction as millennials - or they tune out when they hear certain words or phrases and never get to hear the message behind the language.

Bottom line: if we are going to share the message, we have to change our words.

#Dream14: be kind and show grace to win the hearts of others

I’ve attended various blogger and center-right conferences for a number of years now and, among other things, they were focused on ‘how-to’ and engaging those of similar thinking to promote core principles of free markets, the Constitution and the ideals of our Founding Fathers.

While there is plenty of that at the Americans for Prosperity Defending the American Dream Summit in Dallas, the new message is that preaching to the choir isn’t going to advance the message or persuade those who either disagree or are uninformed and whose hearts and minds we need to win.

In fact, overwhelmingly, the discussion in sessions and speeches is that techniques that work on conservatives are likely to backfire when talking to those who are receptive to conservative principles but are predisposed to reject the buzzwords usually associated with them.

The Leadership Institute hosted a media training session where they helped people who have never been on camera – or those who are finding themselves being asked to speak to the media – understand how to better communicate their points.

They gave some instructions, video tapped attendees in an interview, then shared the recording and offered critiques. A key point was to be genuine, smile and let people get to know you because likability is more important than talking points.

But another thing participants were told is to avoid catch phrases with general audiences and tailor the choice of words so the people who are seeing the interview don’t immediately tune out. For instance, “big government” is fine with conservative audiences, but “bureaucrats in Washington” is probably better for general audiences.

Guy Benson, second from the left

In one of the general sessions on building your brand, Guy Benson, senior political editor at Townhall.com, said to work hard and “be nice.” Attendees were also told that they should be the same person online as they are in person and to allow people to see more about them than just their political opinions.

In another social media session about finding followers, Dana Loesch said to act with grace. She warned the standing room only crowd not to become what they hate.

“Social media is a form of journalism,” she said. “Journalism is a practice. Anyone can do it. But even though we are not burdened by the same constraints as traditional media, we still have a responsibility to do it right.”

Standing room only crowd at one breakout session.

She said showing grace to others in our interactions is the pathway to winning the hearts of those who are persuadable.

Loesch also emphasized that citizen journalism is not a gated community, no matter how much the main stream media and certain politicians believe. “Citizen media is the new minuteman,” she said. “The person you convert is one more person you don’t have to fight,” she added, saying you can still disagree politely and plant the seeds of change.

And she noted it was especially important to show grace to those on the same side, even when none is given.
But, she warned, “Don’t mistake finding common ground with compromise. You don’t compromise the truth.”

Dr. Melissa Clouthier instructed attendees to remember what they’re fighting for. “Remember the big picture,” she said, “and be sure your actions move you toward the right ends. We’re not fighting each other. We’re fighting an ideology that is absolutely destructive, not just in the U.S., but everywhere.”

Panelists Carol Wehe, Erik Telford, Dr. Melissa Clouthier
and Dana Loesch (seated left to right)

She said the time is ripe to persuade others.

“There is a deep sense of abiding shame across America because they voted for Obama – twice,” she said. This presents a real opportunity to reach people with a message that resonates, especially through pop culture.

She said politics is downstream from culture so understanding and knowing today’s culture is a great way to start a conversation with someone who might not otherwise be receptive to what is traditionally a political message. The new movie “The Giver” is a great example of something many are enjoying and it can be discussed with anyone, regardless of their politics. And since it has a great conservative message, it can be used to introduce conservative principles outside the political realm.

Even Arthur Brooks, president of American Enterprise Institute and one of the keynote speakers during the genera session, followed the same theme.

He said an Associated Press poll showed that only 16 percent of Americans think the Republican Party is compassionate – and that’s a problem.

He noted that a majority of people voted for Obama because they thought he cared about people like them. “You can’t win when think you don’t care about them,” he said.

Arthur Brooks during his stop at
the Blogger Lounge before his
address during the general session.

“I’m a conservative because I believe in lifting people up,” Brooks said. “Conservative values are the only values that give people dignity. Capitalism has lifted millions of people across the world out of poverty.”

But he said, conservative are good at explaining what they’re fighting against.

“The trouble is,” he said, “people don’t want to know what you’re fighting against, they want to know who you are fighting for. Until we convince them we’re fighting for them, we’ll lose.”

He said it was a moral obligation to fight for those who have been left behind.

“They might not vote like us or like us – it doesn’t matter,” Brooks said. “Patriots and leaders fight for everyone no matter how they vote. Stop fighting against things. Fight for people.”

As a result of this training, I expect that many of the grass roots will change their tactics, focusing more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’ and engaging all people with a refined message that will actually begin to win their hearts – and their minds.

AFP-Ohio says Rep. Sears and Pres. Obama are the same when it comes to Medicaid expansion

Press release from Americans for Prosperity - Ohio:

Americans for Prosperity-Ohio: No Difference Between Rep. Sears’ and President Obama on Medicaid Expansion 

COLUMBUS - Americans for Prosperity – Ohio is expressing their strong opposition to proposed legislation aimed at expanding Medicaid in the state of Ohio.  According to a recent Columbus Dispatch story, Rep. Barbara Sears (R-47) plans to introduce roughly a dozen Medicaid bills in the next few weeks with the end-goal of expanding Medicaid in the state.  The expansion of Medicaid is made possible through Obamacare.

“Rep. Sears and President Obama are both calling for the expansion of the Medicaid system.  How many blank checks and empty promises are we going to allow Washington to pass onto the states before we stop falling for it?,” said Eli Miller, State Director of Americans for Prosperity – Ohio. “The federal government can barely meet its current financial obligations.  We cannot allow Ohio families and businesses to be left holding the bag when, not if, the federal government realizes they cannot meet the financial obligations promised surrounding Medicaid expansion.”

According to the Columbus Dispatch story, Medicaid expansion legislation would need to pass the Ohio General Assembly in October of this year so that enrollment could begin in January 2014.

“At a time when even the Obama Administration is essentially admitting defeat by delaying key provisions of Obamacare, Rep. Sears should not recklessly and irresponsibly tie our state’s finances and the physical health and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens to this eventual disaster,” continued Miller. “We call on all members of the Ohio General Assembly to support Ohio families, stand up for fiscal responsibility, and oppose Rep. Sears and President Obama’s Medicaid expansion.”

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans.  For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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Kasich, new TV ads, Obamacare and Medicaid expansion in Ohio

Despite the fact that it's summer when political things usually slow down, there's a lot of activity going on when it comes to Medicaid and Obamacare...

At a rally yesterday in Columbus, Ohio Gov. John Kasich continued his push for an expansion of Medicaid and enrolling up to 366,000 new members by the end of the year.

The General Assembly rejected this expansion as part of the state's two-year budget which they passed last month.

Jason Hart at MediaTrackers has good coverage of the event starting with:

Governor John Kasich stuck to his practiced Medicaid expansion pitch – a mix of progressive pseudo-Christianity and outright falsehoods about the program’s funding – during a speech at a July 9 Statehouse rally for socialized medicine.

As his administration has done for months, the Republican governor conflated Medicaid coverage with “health care,” though 28 percent of Ohio’s office-based physicians were already refusing new Medicaid patients in 2011 and a recent study found that Medicaid coverage does not improve physical health.

Americans for Prosperity - Ohio, one of the leading critics of expanding the state's Medicaid rolls (as allowed under law), argues that expanding Medicaid rolls will push thousands of low-income Ohioans into a shoddy system at enormous cost.

"AFP will continue to educate Ohioans about the problems with Medicaid expansion. Ohioans need more health care choices, not more sub-par, bureaucrat-controlled health care and higher taxes," Eli Miller, State Director of AFP-Ohio, said.

Also yesterday, in conjunction with the AFP-Ohio efforts, broadcast and cable networks in Ohio started airing a new ad from Americans for Prosperity. The goal of the ad is to "expose the major problems with the Pres. Obama's health care law, the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare."

It's called “Questions,” and features the story of Julie, a mother of two who started paying close attention to her family’s health care options after her son began having seizures. The threat of shrinking options, higher premiums, and Washington bureaucrats making health care decisions leaves her with serious concerns about ObamaCare.



"The American people have serious questions and concerns about the negative impact of ObamaCare," Miller said."Ohioans are waking up to higher premiums and fewer choices, but are being told by President Obama and outside groups that everything is just fine. Well President Obama, everything isn't just fine. We feel it is important to educate Ohioans on the true consequences of government intrusion into the private health care decisions of families."

AFP-OH and state chapters across the nation plan to host events and meet-ups to further educate and provide information on the negative consequences of ObamaCare.

AFP describes itself as "a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans."

The AFP ad competes with a national buy from the pro-Obama Organizing for Action, though both groups say the timing is coincidental.

Called "Better Coverage," the OFA ad features Stacey Lihn, who is also a young mom, and focuses on the Obamacare provision that eliminates a lifetime cap on benefits. “Thanks to Obamacare, we can now afford the care that Zoe needs. And for her, that’s a lifesaver,” she says.



Both ads are going after a key demographic in the health care debate, as this quote from a 2010 Time article explains:

Women make the primary health care decisions in two-thirds of American households. They account for 80 cents out of every dollar spent in drugstores and are likelier than men to choose the family's health insurance. Even when both parents work, wives shoulder 75% of domestic responsibilities, including making the kids' doctor appointments and getting them there on time. "Women are the main brokers of health care in the United States," says Dr. William Norcross, a family physician and faculty member at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine. "This has long been the case and is probably true elsewhere in the world too."

But be ready, Ohio, because the push for Ohio to expand the Medicaid program and the ad wars on Obamacare are just getting started.

What do 3 Doors Down, Laura Ingraham, Rusty Humphries and Tony Katz have in common?

They'll all be in Columbus Saturday as part of Obama's Failing Agenda Bus Tour!

Sponsored by Americans For Prosperity, three buses were launched to travel the nation and help educate citizens on the failing policies of the current Administration.

Saturday, the three vehicles will be together for a rally and concert featuring rock group '3 Doors Down.' Guests Laura Ingraham, Rusty Humphries, Tony Katz, and AFP President Tim Phillips will talk about how to become more active in demanding that President Barack Obama turn away from his destructive policies.

All are welcome to attend, but if you want front-row seats, you can arrive early and either make phone calls or go door-to-door to gain early access to the rally. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. (before the Ohio State Football Game) at the Columbus Convention Center.

Phone calls will begin onsite at 9 a.m. in Room C112 of the Columbus Convention Center.

Door Knocking will begin offsite at 9 a.m., meeting at the Polaris Mall Barnes & Noble parking lot at 1560 Polaris Parkway. There will be a brief training session on how to use the door-to-door tablets and then volunteers will split into teams and head into the neighborhoods. Everyone who participates will get a wrist band that will allow them priority seating and early access to the concert. (In case of rain, door knocking will be replaced by phone banking.

To reserve your spot to this free event, you can register here, as space is limited.

Obama's Failing Agenda Tour

Via email from Americans For Prosperty:

We've faced a government health care takeover, burdening Americans with over $500 billion in new taxes, four straight years of spending trillions of dollars we don't have, billions wasted on green energy companies like Solyndra which then went bankrupt, and over 42 straight months of unemployment above 8 percent.

This failing agenda must come to an end.

Join Americans for Prosperity Thursday, September 27th and Friday, September 28th at one of our events and make your voice heard!

We'll be in Perrysburg, Findlay, Sidney, Troy, Dayton & Huber Heights - find your city to the right and REGISTER TODAY!

These free events will be held rain or shine, includes (food), free Obama's Failing Agenda t-shirts, and is a family friendly event

Thursday, September 27th:

12:30 PM in Perrysburg
W. 5th and Louisiana
Lunch Meet and Greet

6 PM Findlay
Findlay Square, 308 Dorney Plaza
Speakers include AFP OH Policy Director Seth Morgan and State Senator Cliff Hite

Another group says 'no' to Kasich's severance tax increase

An email from Americans For Prosperity - Ohio urges members to oppose Gov. John Kasich's proposal to increase the oil and gas severance tax in order to redistribute that extra revenue in the form of an income tax cut. They are the second group to do so.

It's the "Tell them to STOP!" campaign and here is the text of the email:

For the last several years, news of Ohio's economy and jobs picture has been bleak. But now, Ohio has a unique and very exciting opportunity -- the exploration for oil and natural gas.

The opportunity presented through shale exploration is nothing short of a boom for Ohio's economy. Whether you live on the eastern side or the western side of the state-- all of Ohio is bound to be positively impacted through the exploration and extraction of energy producing resources from our ground.

Unfortunately, some leaders in Ohio, including Governor Kasich, have suggested that taxes be increased on the oil and natural gas explorers to fund regulation and provide a tax decrease at legislative discretion -- in essence, the plan will slow or stifle energy exploration, pick winners and losers again, and fail to secure true tax reform which is necessary in Ohio.

If our elected officials want to lower taxes they should they should do it by following through on cuts to Ohio's bloated government rather than raising taxes on job creators and stifling the true creation of wealth by private landowners.

This issue promises to continue to be heated throughout the summer and fall and we at Americans for Prosperity -- Ohio aren't going to just go away.

You have responded to our calls to action before on this issue and NOW WE ARE ASKING YOU TO RESPOND AGAIN.

Please let your leaders know that you:

1. Want to them to stop picking winners and losers
2. Oppose this tax increase that will impact private land holder rights
3. Support exploring for energy in Ohio and are committed to keeping government intrusion at a minimum
4. Believe government stifling private economic growth WILL NOT lead to true job creation

Action items:

1. Email Governor Kasich (http://www.governor.ohio.gov/Contact/ContacttheGovernor.aspx) and the Senate leadership (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/leadership.html) including your Senator (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/directory.html) -- tell them you don't want to see new taxes raised on energy explorers and land holders in Ohio.
2. Email Speaker of the House Batchelder (http://www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&task=detail&district=69), the House leadership (http://www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&Itemid=52) and your Representative (http://www.house.state.oh.us/index.php?option=com_displaymembers&Itemid=58) and thank them for standing up for landholders, job creation, and liberty in Ohio. Ask them to remain resolved to fight this proposal.

The general assembly might be "out of session" right now, but the fight for liberty and sound economic policy never ceases -- WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!

Ohio - political ad capital of the nation?

I have no idea if Ohio is the political ad capital of the nation, but it sure seems that way.

Americans For Prosperity had a "Doing Fine" ad that targeted President Barack Obama's now infamous statement that, economically, the private sector is doing fine. That ad ran for 10 days in Ohio.

Now their "Not a Tax Increase?" ad is running - on TV and radio.

Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies (GPS) is out with a new Ohio ad targeting Sherrod Brown. The ad is called "Show" and will run on broadcast and cable TV through July 20th. It's a $1.1 million total buy.

“We’re keeping the pressure on Sherrod Brown to quit the massive spending and stop President Obama’s health care takeover,” said Nate Hodson, Crossroads GPS Director of State and Regional Media Relations.

Crossroads GPS other ad in Ohio, which will run through August, is part of a $25 million buy in key states. "Excuses" is running this week in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Toledo. The Ohio portion of the buy was $3.3 million.

There is also this anti-Brown ad from Checks & Balances, focusing on his vote to increase energy prices in Ohio, that ran in Ohio's coal country.

These are just a few of the numerous ads being aired in Ohio, which is a targeted state for the presidential campaigns. As much as people hate political ads, this is a good thing for our local stations who are getting all this revenue. And this is only the beginning.

Right On Line - Closing Dinner

The 5th Annual Right on Line ended last night with as much, if not more, enthusiasm for the mission of spreading the news of the success of free markets and individual liberty as when it started.

The closing dinner is always sad for me because I know that it concludes a weekend of camaraderie and networking with people who believe as I do in the principles established by our founding fathers.

I've been fortunate to attend all five and I often refer to them as my sanity - confirming that my conservative ideals of limited government, personal liberty, individual responsibility, and low taxation are what helps make this nation the 'shining city on a hill' and a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world ... and that those ideals are shared by so many others across the country.

It gives me strength and enthusiasm to continue to fight for those principles on a local level - as well as new tools and ideas for how to do it better.

The speakers were excellent, as always. Rusty Humphries, Dana Loesch, Scott Rasmussen and Ann McElhinney.

A special video tribute to Andrew Breitbart was shown accompanied by Jon David Kahn singing his song "American Heart" live on stage.



My friend and fellow oenophile, Jon Fleischman, who does the Flash Report, was awarded the first Andrew Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Activism and Investigative Reporting.

As it was a dinner, I didn't take notes, but I did tweet comments from the speakers. You can see the complete series on my @Maggie82 twitter feed, but here are some highlights:

From Erik Telford: "When we tell the truth, we win."

From Rusty Humphries: "How can you know that bloggers matter? Because the main stream media doesn't get to decide what's important anymore."

From Dana Loesch: "Journalists should be rich in facts and poor in opinion."

From Scott Rasmussen who explained that culture/society leads politics and the tide is turning (paraphrased to fit in 140 characters): Public opinion is a deep current flowing under the surface ripples of a river. First comes opinion, then comes a catalyst and then come the politicians.

From Scott Rasmussen, clearly drawing a contrast to Pres. Barack Obama's campaign theme: "Martin Luther King didn't say America had to change. He said America had to live up to its ideals."

Also from Scott Rasmussen on how to frame the message:

"No one cares about a limited government - they care about the society that a limited government creates."

"Ask people who they trust more: individuals making their own choices or a government bureaucracy making choices for them."

When people are asked what they prefer as a solution, "Competition beats regulation every time."

From Ann McElhinney: "Andrew Breitbart called me 'pornography for conservatives.'"

"Tell the truth - because it drives them (the left) crazy."

Americans for Prosperity Foundation, sponsor of RightOnline, will have videos of all the speakers here.

This morning, as I looked over the comments and posts, I saw this one from my friend Warner Todd Huston. I think it sums up the event:

Tonight at our banquet where John Fleischman of the famed California website FlashReport won the first Andrew Breitbart Award for Excellence in Online Activism and Investigative Reporting (I know, a mouthful), our waiter had something to say to our table.

As our waiter was serving us coffee, each of us around the table of ten said “please” or “no thank you” and then said “thank you” if served a coffee. As he finished attending to the last person at our table, the waiter paused and told us something that at the same time made us all laugh and feel a bit proud of our side of the aisle.

“You know,” he said, “you Republicans are a lot different than the Democrats we get here. You say please and thank you and it’s so nice.”

There you go folks.

Thank you, Americans for Prosperity and Americans for Prosperity Foundation, for my sanity for another year.

I am Breitbart.

Right on Line 2012

I'm writing this post from several thousand feet as I fly out to Las Vegas for the annual Right On Line conference.

For those of you thinking this is a time to gamble and have fun, let me assure you that I will be working, covering all the events, speakers and sessions, as well as attending several of the break-outs. I'll be blogging about all of it.

So while I know I will have fun, this is not a vacation.

I'm grateful for the scholarship I received for my travel which allows me to attend. Americans for Prosperity does provide scholarships to bloggers and I know that several others from Ohio are recipients so I'm looking forward to Ohio having good representation for the two-day event.

Tonight, we'll see an advance screening of the movie Occupy Unmasked and hear from Michelle Malkin and Sarah Palin.

Tomorrow it's Michelle Malkin (again), Hugh Hewitt, Roger Hedgecock, Scott Rasmussen, Jonah Goldberg, S.E. Cupp, Ann McElhinney, Dana Loesch and Rusty Humphries.

Check back often as I'll post my raw notes from their comments as soon as they finish speaking.

Sarah Palin to headline RightOnLine

Numerous times I've been at events where Sarah Palin was scheduled to speak, but schedules and timing of flights, etc.. kept me from actually hearing her. So when I got the following press release for her appearance at RightOnLine, I was really excited because I'm finally going to be able to hear her in person. That she is introducing Andrew Breitbart's new film "Occupy Unmasked" is just a bonus.

Americans For Prosperity Foundation is really good about making sure the speakers make it around to bloggers row, in addition to the print, tv and radio media, so I may actually get a chance to talk to her directly. I've always been impressed with her sincerity when I've seen her interviews, so this will be an opportunity to see that in person.

Check out the RightOnLine website and see if you, too, can join one of the largest gatherings of conservative activitist in the nation.

Press Release:

SARAH PALIN TO HEADLINE RIGHTONLINE!

Governor to participate in 'Tribute to Andrew Breitbart' and introduce new film "Occupy Unmasked"

LAS VEGAS, NV - Today Americans for Prosperity Foundation announced former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as a headline speaker at the fifth annual RightOnline Conference (http://www.rightonline.com/). RightOnline, held in Las Vegas on June 15 & 16, is the premier conference for bloggers and online activists to network while learning new tactics and strategies for effective advocacy online.

AFP Foundation President Tim Phillips said, "Sarah Palin is an expert at harnessing social media technology and tactics to shape the narrative. Few others have demonstrated Palin’s prowess at breaking the rules of the Old Guard Media. We’re thrilled to have her join us at RightOnline, which already features some of the most influential figures and publishers of online news in the country.”

Governor Palin will participate in Friday evening's 'Tribute to Andrew Breitbart' by the Breitbart News team and will introduce Citizen United's new film "Occupy Unmasked" written/directed by Stephen K. Bannon and featuring Andrew Breitbart.

Palin is the latest to join an already impressive lineup of new media gurus that includes pollster Scott Rasmussen, author Jonah Goldberg, FOX News contributor Michelle Malkin, Breitbart News editor Dana Loesch, and many more. For the fifth year in a row, RightOnline is the can't-miss event for liberty-loving bloggers and citizen journalists who want to take their online activism to the next level.

To learn about the other speakers at RightOnline and for frequent updates, visit www.RightOnLine.com. Join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #RO12.

***
Americans for Prosperity Foundation (AFPF) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFPF believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFPF educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFPF is more than 1.9 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFPF has 34 state chapters and affiliates. More than 90, 000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.americansforprosperityfoundation.com/. Americans for Prosperity does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

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RightOnLine 2012

Las Vegas, here we come!

RightOnLine is back in Las Vegas after a trip to Minneapolis in 2011.

Right On Line is sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, the premier grassroots conservative activist organization in the country. It's an educational and informational conference geared to bloggers, social media gurus and online activists - and anyone else who wants to network and learn better tactics and strategy for advancing conservative, free-market principles.

I'm grateful to have received a scholarship to attend and will be live-blogging the events and activities, including speeches by Scott Rasmussen, Michelle Malkin, Ann McElhinney and Guy Benson - and a bevvy of terrific break-out sessions targeted toward "Grassroots Activism in an Online World," "Public Policy & Messaging" and "Citizen Journalism & Investigative Reporting."

Here's a look back at 2011 and a hint of what you can expect this year.



RightOnLine is June 15-16. You can register here.

Twitter: @rightonline and #RO12

Update on Citizen Watchdog Training this weekend

You don't want to miss the Citizen Watchdog training this weekend in Westerville, Ohio, and there's still time to register.

If you use the code TOPACTIVIST, they'll waive the $10 fee. You can register here. This is the updated agenda:

9:00 – 9:30am – Welcome and Introduction To Citizen Watchdog Program
Mary Ellen Beatty, Franklin Center
Katie Eagan, Americans for Prosperity-Ohio

9:30am – 10:45am – Investigative Reporting: Breaking Stories That Force Change
Todd Shepherd, Independence Institute

Learn to think like an investigative reporter, identify potential leads and expose backdoor deals at the municipal and state levels. In his six year reporting career between Oklahoma City and Denver, Todd has broken numerous stories, and is the winner of three regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one of those for investigative reporting.

10:45-11:15am – Follow Your Money: Local Government Spending in Ohio
Greg Lawson, Buckeye Institute

11:15-11:45am – An Overview of Ohio Public Records Law
Maggie Thurber, Former Lucas County Commissioner

11:45am – 1:00pm – James O’Keefe – Exposing the Establishment Media: Telling the Real Story
Lunch and Keynote Speaker

1:00pm-1:15pm – Break

1:15-1:45pm – How To Be a Video Activist
Jason Hart, MediaTrackers.org

1:45-2:45pm – Legal Tools to Protect Your Liberties and Empower Citizens
Chris Finney, Citizens Against Spending and Taxation (COAST)
Maurice Thompson- 1851 Center for Constitutional Law

2:45-3:00pm - Break

3:00-4:00 - Social Media 101: Using New Media to Create Public Pressure
Tabitha Hale, Franklin Center

4:00-5:00pm- PANEL: Holding Your School Districts Accountable: Exposing Waste and Abuse in Ohio Public Education
Moderator: Katie Eagan, Americans for Prosperity- Ohio
Matt Mayer, Provisum Strategies LLC
Marc Schare, Worthington School Board Member
Jason Warner, School Choice Ohio
Seth Morgan, AFP-OH Policy Director

Hope to see you there!

Holding state and local governments accountable

Learn to expose waste, fraud, and abuse in Ohio state and local government.

Become a Citizen Watchdog.

The Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity and the Ohio Chapter of Americans for Prosperity are presenting a day-long training session on Saturday, May 12th, to teach you the tools and skills you need to be a Citizen Watchdog and help hold your local and state government accountable to the people.

The session runs from 9 - 5 at the Westerville Conference Center just north of Columbus. Here is the draft agenda:

9:00 – 9:30am – Welcome and Introduction To Citizen Watchdog Program
Mary Ellen Beatty, Franklin Center
Katie Eagan, Americans for Prosperity

9:30am – 10:45am – Investigative Reporting: Breaking Stories That Force Change
Todd Shepherd, Independence Institute
Learn to think like an investigative reporter, identify potential leads and expose backdoor deals at the municipal and state levels. In his six year reporting career between Oklahoma City and Denver, Todd has broken numerous stories, and is the winner of three regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one of those for investigative reporting.

10:45-11:15am – Follow Your Money: Local Government Spending in Ohio
Greg Lawson, Buckeye Institute

11:15-11:45am – An Overview of Ohio Public Records Law
Maggie Thurber, Former Lucas County Commissioner

11:45am – 1:00pm – James O’Keefe – Exposing the Establishment Media: Telling the Real Story
Lunch and Keynote Speaker

1:00pm-1:15pm – Break

1:15-1:45pm – How To Be a Video Activist
Jason Hart, MediaTrackers.org

1:45-2:30pm – Social Media 101: Using New Media to Create Public Pressure
Tabitha Hale, Franklin Center

2:30-2:45pm - Break

2:45- 4:00pm PANEL: Holding Your School Districts Accountable: Exposing Waste and Abuse in Ohio Public Education
Moderator: Katie Eagan, State Director of Americans for Prosperity- Ohio
Matt Mayer, Provisum Strategies LLC
Seth Morgan, AFP-OH Policy Director
TBD

4:00- 5:00pm – Legal Tools to Protect Your Liberties
Chris Finney, Citizens Against Spending and Taxation (COAST)
Maurice Thompson- 1851 Center for Constitutional Law

The need for citizens to be involved is essential, as the Franklin Center web site explains:

An engaged, citizen-driven media was one of the driving forces behind the birth of American democracy. The preservation of our republic is incumbent upon the continued participation of our public in observing, reporting, and holding our government accountable at all levels.Today, we face an abundance of challenges and opportunities. Challenges because the decline of the establishment media has been occurring at an alarming rate, with tens of thousands of journalists losing their jobs over the last few years. Opportunities because the public now has access to more tools that allow them to actively participate in government, and to make their voice heard to the public at large, than at any time before in our history.

The greatest threats to our freedom and prosperity occur when citizens lack information and government officials escape without accountability. It’s at the school board and city council meetings where no reporters are present to cover their activities, and no members of the public present to observe their conduct.

Franklin Center is dedicated to preserving and strengthening democracy through promoting citizen journalism and engaging the stakeholders of America’s future to serve as watchdogs at the local, state, and federal level.

There is a nominal $10 fee which covers the cost of lunch and materials. You can go to www.CitizenWatchdogWesterville.eventbrite.com to RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

New AFP ad highlights Obama's job creation - overseas

We all know about President Barak Obama's penchant for spending your tax dollars on 'green energy' companies. 

It was supposed to be an 'investment' in green jobs but all we have to do mention names like Solyndra (bankrupt), America's worst wind energy project, First Solar (laying off thousands), Solar Trust for America (bankrupt), Evergreen Solar (bankrupt), or SpectraWatt (bankrupt) to know how that turned out.

But many do not know that a lot of that so-called stimulus money, designed to improve the employment picture here in the United States, actually went to create job overseas.

Americans for Prosperity has put together a few of the highlights on how those stimulus dollars were spent:

*  $2.3 billion in tax credits went to create jobs in foreign countries.
*  $1.2 billion went to a solar energy company to help finance a new plant in Mexico.
*  $500 million to an electric car company which created hundreds of jobs in Finland.
*  Tens of millions of dollars to build traffic lights in China.

But they're not counting on just bloggers and press releases to share this information. Here is their latest ad:



I saw this commercial twice last night during prime time. It's running in eight states, including Ohio where Obama's 'green energy' plans aren't just tanking in terms of creating new jobs, but are responsible for killing existing jobs here as part of his promise to bankrupt the coal industry.

I'm certainly not in favor of government picking the winners and losers in the marketplace via such funding, but if you're going to spend the money, at least ensure that our American tax dollars are helping American taxpayers, for goodness sake!

This is an important election.  Don't hope that your family, friends and neighbors will see this ad or read a blog about it.  Spread the word - especially to those union workers with the bumper stickers that say "Out of a job yet?  Keep buying foreign."  Make sure they know that their union leaders are firmly and staunchly supporting Obama - and spending their union dues to help a President who is sending jobs overseas.

Saving Social Security - a policy proposal from AFP

Americans for Prosperity has a policy paper, Social Security Reform: Freedom and Prosperity for American Workers, that presents an interesting alternative for addressing the unfunded obligations of the program:

Social Security currently consumes over 20 percent of the federal budget, and that spending will only continue to skyrocket. With a wave of retiring Baby Boomers, people living longer, and a workforce that is growing slower than it used to, it's clear that Social Security’s current system is unsustainable. Any talk of trimming the federal budget must include a plan to reform this broken program.

Some policymakers have talked of increasing payroll taxes or cutting benefits for future retirees to put off the program’s inevitable bankruptcy. Thankfully, there is a better way. Social Security personal savings accounts put the program back on a sustainable fiscal path and offer a better deal for workers than the current system.

The paper below provides an overview of the advantages of personal savings accounts. We hope it can start a more rigorous and fact-based conversation about the future of Social Security in our country.

Ferrara - Social Security Reform

Save the Date: October 6th Taxpayer Town Hall on Issue 2

Via email from Americans for Prosperity - Ohio Chapter:

Americans for Prosperity-Ohio is continuing a statewide series of Taxpayer Town Halls on Thursday, October 6th in the Greater Toledo Area. Children of Liberty is partnering with us on this town hall which will explain what Issue 2 (Senate Bill 5) really does and why it it critical to moving Ohio toward a brighter future for all of us.

The town hall will feature Buckeye Institute President Matt Mayer and others as panelists and speakers, and will be moderated by former State Representative and AFP-Ohio Policy Director Seth Morgan.

We will focus on the financial crises faced by many of our cities, townships, villages, and schools, how these crises could affect Ohio's jobs and citizens, and how State Issue 2 (Senate Bill 5) can help solve these crises and help bring a strong and healthy economy back to Ohio.

Please join us and bring your friends, family, and neighbors to learn more and find out what you can do to take back your future.

What: Taxpayer Town Hall
When: Thursday, October 6th, 2011, 6:30pm
Where: Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee, OH, 43537
Registration: Click here to register (although registration is appreciated, it is not required)

We've hosted town halls in Cincinnati-East, Troy, Tiffin, Zanesville, and Cincinnati-West. Over the next few weeks, we will partner with other liberty organizations to host Taxpayer Town halls in Norwalk, Mount Vernon, Canton, and additional locations to be announced. Click here to learn more.

Taxpayer Town Halls

Press Release - (when a Toledo-area location for the Taxpayer Town Hall is announced, I'll add it):

AFP-Ohio announces Taxpayer Town Halls
-Town Halls to focus on financial crises many local governments are facing and how Senate Bill 5 can help-

COLUMBUS- Americans for Prosperity-Ohio kicks off a statewide series of Taxpayer Town Halls on August 16th in the Greater Cincinnati Area. AFP-Ohio is partnering with Tea Parties, 9-12 Groups, and other liberty organizations to host these town halls, which will focus on the financial crises many local governments across Ohio are facing, how those crises could affect citizens, jobs and our economy, what local governments can do to address their financial challenges, and how Senate Bill 5 can help.

"Now that Ohio has passed a budget that addresses Ohio’s financial crisis without raising taxes, we need to turn our focus to the financial struggles many of our local governments are facing," said AFP-Ohio State Director Rebecca Heimlich. "Ohio cannot continue on a path to jobs and prosperity if local governments increase taxes or are forced to layoff employees. Local governments need to use tools that will allow them to balance their budgets by more efficiently, effectively, and transparently managing taxpayer dollars."

Below is a list of Taxpayer Town Halls AFP-Ohio encourages citizens to attend so they can learn more and find out what they can do to help. Over the next few weeks, AFP-Ohio will announce more Taxpayer Town Halls across the state.

Greater Cincinnati Area - East
When: Tuesday, August 16, 2011, 7:00pm
Where: Connections Church, 7421 East Galbraith Road, Madeira, OH 45243*
Partner: Eastern Hills Community Tea Party

Geauga County
When: Wednesday, August 17, 2011, 7:00pm
Where: Orchard Hills Event Center, 11414 Caves Road, Chesterland, OH 44026
Partner: Chesterland Tea Party

Tiffin
When: Thursday, September 1, 2011, 6:30pm
Where: Camden Falls Conference Center, 2460 S. S.R. 231, Tiffin, OH 44883
Partner: North Central Ohio Conservatives

Troy
When: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 7:00pm
Where: Crystal Room next to Club 55, 845 West Market Street, Troy, OH 45373
Partner: Miami County Liberty

Greater Cincinnati Area - West
When: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:00pm (you can join your fellow patriots and purchase dinner at the Farm at 6:00pm)
Where: The Farm, 239 Anderson Ferry Road, Cincinnati, OH 45238
Partners: Southwest Cincinnati Tea Party, Northwest Hamilton County Tea Party

Norwalk
When: Monday, September 26, 2011, 7:00pm
Where: Norwalk High School, 350 Shady Lane Drive, Norwalk, OH 44857
Partner: If You Believe


To learn more about Americans for Prosperity-Ohio, please go to www.americansforprosperity.org/ohio.

RightOnLine - Closing Session including Herman Cain

rough notes from the closing session speeches - apologies for typos:

Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli - Virgina:

(suing regarding the unconstitutionality of Obamacare (Commonwealth of Virginia v. Kathleen Sebelius) and is also suing the EPA; backing a state constitutional amendment to curb the ability of the state to exercise eminent domain to transfer land from one private owner to another or merely for tax gain. Music for his intro was theme from "Rocky")

* great dormancy in federalism - but it's back.

* Founders pledged lives, fortunes and sacred honor to establish this nation on first principles - principles that apply as much today as they did in 1776. Americans are awakening to the idea that this matters not just to the nation but in their particular lives as they sit around the kitchen table.

* American people have asked government to do more and more and politicians have been happy to comply....but we were giving away our liberties a little at a time. Now we don't have a limited government, but a central government that needs to be restored to first principles.

* Seen people waking up to the issue. Republicans grew government and spending like no one could - well, except for Democrats. Spending, taxes and regulations are the three ways government increases their power and any time they do any of them, they infringe upon our liberty.

* now states are taking the role that founders intended to stop the over-reaching of the federal government.

* states are suing the federal government to protect the Constitution FROM the federal government. This is one of the roles envisioned for states when the founders set up our Constitution.

* federalism is the check between state and federal governments in the protection of our liberties. It's never happened that 26 states have sued the federal government.

* when we got the first federal judge to rule that Obamacare was unconstitutional - and you need to read Judge Vinson (?) ruling on the issue.

* the commerce clause does not give the government the power to order you into commerce. they can regulate you once you do, but they can't force you into it. If they can order you to do this, they can order you to do anything. That's why the case is not about health care - it's about liberty.

* If there was a bill that ordered everybody to buy a gun, would it pass?

* government's argument is that the decision not to purchase insurance is a decision to self-insure... clever way of saying 'doing nothing.' Judge who ruled for individual mandate said that what they're regulating is 'mental activity.'

* ultimately decided by Supreme Court - probably in the summer 2012 time frame.

* In colonial era, the question was whether or not a boycott of British goods was treason? Colonists had been well advised legally and had right up to the line but not crossed it. Conclusion was that British subjects couldn't be ordered to purchase British goods...but today, our government is saying it can order us to purchase a good. the irony.

* sued the EPA because they're committed an illegal act - not just because I don't like the policy (though I don't). Economically, they're implementing a failed bill administratively.

* EPA relied upon climategate scientists conclusions and, in doing so, exposed their approach to ridicule even among those who want the same things in terms of policy.

* questionable benefits - EPA says ruling will reduce temperature of the earth by a fraction of a degree by 2100; Lisa Jackson noted that the difference they expect in temperature change is immeasurable over the 90 years. I think this type of power needs to be reigned in.

* petitioned EPA to open the hearings on greenhouse gas findings due to new information that is now available. They rejected that request citing 'new information' that wasn't previously available. (the irony)

* Virginia is a coal state - we have exclusive authority to regulate the permitting of coal mines in Virginia...the word exclusive has been determined by a court to actually mean 'exclusive.' But they are trying, under federal law exclusivity, to elbow us out of the process.

* advantage of suing them...when I send them a letter that says 'if you don't stop doing this I'm going to sue you' - they believe me.

* Also involved in the Boeing/South Carolina/ NLRB issue...Virginia is a right-to-work state so this does affect us. NLRB is saying that moving from a union state to a right-to-work state is coercion. If that's the case, then no one will ever move. This is the overstepping of authority by the NLRB.

* so if the NLRB gets its way, no company will ever go to a right-to-work state. They'll be trapped like a roach (you can get in, but can't get out).

* Right-to-work states have a big advantage because we enforce freedom more than you do in non-RTW states. Hope RTW spreads - freedom breaking out everywhere!

* most brazen act - most defiant rule of all: the FCC has voted for Net Neutrality. First - not neutral. Remember 'opposite day' in school? Every day is opposite day when this administration is naming regulations.

* in 2010, the DC court that has jurisdiction over these agencies ruled that the FCC doesn't have authority to regulate the Internet. But the FCC ignored the ruling and did so anyway.

* they've violated their own federal laws so many times and they clearly have no respect for the U.S. Constitution. But with the FCC, they are showing the utmost disdain for the process that is supposed to be the objective arbiter of such things. And for a president to do this is truly amazing. Hard to overstate the historical importance of this.

* haven't had such federalism issues since states were trying to prevent blacks from voting.

* while federal government can't order you to purchase health care, the states can. Was asked why this is different - six of one... I told the congressman that that's not what the Constitution says. It's to limit the federal government and boy does it need it to be limited.

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter - Michigan:

* you are our front line online - our cybersecurity to ensure freedom and liberty.

* Wants president to reject teleprompters so he can employ some cue card holders.

* This joke does point out the reality that the Democratic Party and the left practice the politics of the past.

* first, they are wed to big government ... but we know that it's not over, but it is imploding. we live in the era of a consumer economy - where the individual genius of your decisions in a free market advance the best decisions in the economy.

* But dems believe in big government where they can make your decisions for you and even regulate the weather. It's not just anti-American, it's insane.

* comparative effectiveness - where some genius in DC determines whether or not you get your treatment based upon your value to the government...that's what we get with Obamacare. Anti-American and we will not invert our sovereignty beneath that policy.

* seen it in Fairness Doctrine and Net Neutrality where people who disagree with what you say seek to prevent your ability to share it...politics of the past.

* seen it in the bailout...politics of the past.

* we must no longer nibble around the edges of our unsustainable spending in DC. We must fundamentally restructure big government into limited government - citizen-driven government that reflects the founders' vision.

* when we do, we will have matched the consumer economy with the citizen government and will usher in the next American economy.

* have choices between duty/indulgence; bankruptcy/profitability; exceptionalism/decline. We will choose rightly and show the world what a free people can achieve.

Herman Cain - candidate for president:

* good to be with you, but better that you are here; you are involved and inspired to take this nation back.

* quote: tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goals, but in not having goals to reach for; not a calamity to die without reaching dreams, but to die w/o having any dreams.

* The dreams of our founders for this great nation are under attack - but we can take it back.

* This nation has become a nation of crises; we are living a national nightmare; have an economic crises; an entitlement crises; an immigration crises; a foggy foreign policy crises; a moral crises; a severe deficiency of leadership crises.

* it appears as if nothing gets fixed; problems don't get solved - they get worse or they create more problems.

* we're living in this nightmare - callers to my radio show two years ago would say they are concerned about the future of the America. By January, they were 'fearful' about the future of America - an anxiety we all feel.

* I have some ideas for everyone of those crises - you can find them at HermanCain.com (C-A-I-N - like in the Bible but I didn't kill anybody).

* it won't take rocket science to get our nation back - just the will and you're showing that will and we saw that will last November.

* If I were president - I'm just saying - here's what I'd do about the economy: it's like having a train stuck in neutral; one boxcar has 15 million unemployed; one boxcar has small businesses hanging on for dear life; another boxcar with all the businesses that have filed for bankruptcy; and the caboose filled with Obamacare, the Dodd-Frank legislation, failed stimulus and debt. The reason the train isn't running is because there's no engine.

* One of Obama's senior advisers mentioned a couple of weeks ago that in order for the economy to get back, it was going to take the private sector to lead it out. The private sector is the engine of the train and the administration hasn't put fuel in the engine.

* here's the fuel - lower corporate and individual tax rate (no more than 25%); take capital gains taxes to zero; suspend taxes on foreign repatriated profits (profits made overseas that stay overseas to avoid U.S. taxes on them if brought back).

* this is just common sense. Think about it $3 trillion is sitting offshore that could come home if there were no taxes on it. Suspend the tax rate on those profits and some of them will come back home. Dad would say that's a no-brainer. How smart do you have to be to figure that out?

* also a payroll tax holiday of a full 6.2% for employers and employees so they can pay the bills they've got due.

* then, most importantly, make all these new tax rates permanent - remove the uncertainty and watch our economy grow.

* hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no matter how much the media and administration spin it, the economy is not going to improve until end of 2012 - but hang on - help is on the way!

* plan for energy independence: I would not go to Brazil, loan them money and then tell Brazil that America is going to be their best customer for the oil they're going to drill with our money. Cain plan - we have enough resources to be energy independent: We are going to be America's own best customer with our own resources! (standing ovation on that)

* I was describing that to reporters lately and they said, that sounds good, but you can't do that in Washington DC and I said, If I'm president I can. But, reporter said, it's not politically easy. But Americans are tired of people going to DC to do what is politically easy - they want people to go there to do what's right whether it's easy or not. Told reporter I have a secret weapon: when they feel the heat, they will see the light - 'we the people' will be the heat to force the politicians to change.

* if the people understand it, they will support it and they will demand it and that's the difference between what we can do with the right leadership in the White House, compared to what we have today.

* America is an exceptional country; been through tough times - survived Civil War, World Wars, Great Depression, Civil Rights struggle - spirit of America make us great and that spirit is bubbling up.

* I firmly believe that the American people have decided that they are sick and tired of being sick and tired of the same old stuff in Washington DC

* Another skeptical question I get from reporters: what do you say to critics who say you're running for president but never held public office before? I tell them that the audience gives me a big "Amen" when I tell them I've never held public office...Americans know that having held public office is not assurance you're going to get someone who can solve the problems.

* another question: how can you run for president when you don't know how Washington works? I tell them, 'yes I do - it doesn't!'

* My job is not to learn how Washington works - as a president of the people, by the people, for the people, my job is to change Washington - not learn how it works.

* the people of the country are changing what's going on...your enthusiasm and work inspires me. I thought I would be able to retire and be on cruise control, but the country got off track. I can't *not* use the talents God has given me.

* I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and am now 5 years cancer free...obviously God thinks I have work I still need to do.

* it's not about us - it's about our children and grandkids. You're not here for yourself;you're here so we can give the next generation the same type of future that we had.

* closing song of the 2000 Olympics that express our American spirit: life can be a challenge; life can seem impossible; it's never easy when there's so much on the line; but you and I can make a difference; there's a mission just for you; just look inside and you will find just what you can do; just look inside and you will find just what we can do.

* the founding fathers did their job with a great vision and a great start to the greatest nation in the world and we must be the fathers that continue our greatest nation.

RightOnLine - Special Session - Tim Pawlenty

Gov. Tim Pawlenty was unable to attend the general session this morning, so he was scheduled for a special session in the afternoon. Herman Cain, also a presidential candidate, is scheduled to speak at the closing session.

rough notes - apologies for typos

Tim Pawlenty - former governor of Minnesota, and candidate for President:

* glad to welcome us to Minnesota - he loves his state, but it's the land of 'lefty' representatives...

* took kids on vacation to Wisconsin Dells and they were driving back home ... stopped to get gas and he was mumbling about the kids and the tempers and the ride and the guy next to him says 'I wish I had two kids'... and I thought what a jerk I was being. "Don't you have kids?" 'No,' the man answered, "I've got 5 kids." Perspective!

* live in the freest and most prosperous nation in the world. important to reflect on the things that made us great.

* not the greatest because we're the largest or the cheapest, but because we are the freest... With freedom they have the ability to dream the American dream, to worship as they want, to innovate and create.

* when government comes into play, those freedoms are at risk.

* government crowds into our lives and takes over one more increment of space that was previously reserved for business, or family or philanthropy... It happens so incrementally that we often don't notice.

* this weighs down and discourages our American spirit. We have within us the greatness of America. Our greatness doesn't come from government - it comes from people.

* I can...is what people say - that American spirit is unique and cannot be taken for granted. separates us from most other nations throughout most of time.

* it's past the hour to stand up and fight back about this government intrusion.

* getting financial house in order/restoring prosperity to our nation

* Govt. spends $44,000 per second...$144 million per hour that they don't have. Take in $2.2 trillion in revenue and spend $3.7 trillion. out of control. what's coming: biggest slow-motion crash in history.

* we have to elect people who have the strength and fortitude and conviction to draw lines in the sand and say no more.

* Have to tell Iowa we're going to phase out the ethanol subsidies

* have to go to Florida and tell seniors what it's going to take to fix medicare

* have to go to Wall street and tell them to get their snout out of the trough

* have to go to public unions and tell them they can't have better benefits than the people paying the bill - the taxpayers.

* as governor, I tackled all these things: set a record for vetoes; shut down the government over spending; took more out the budget in 8 years than all prior governors combined; addressed the largest transit strike in the nation; tackled public benefits long before it became 'popular.'

* had signs "Pawlenty is a weapon of mass transit destruction" ...

* accountability, choice, market-based health care reform - these were the issues of my time as governor.

* If we're going to tackle Obamacare, we need to have a leader who wasn't a co-conspirator in implementing it.

* we need someone who has a record of doing the things a president does. CATO gave me and only 3 others, good rankings (missed part of this comment)

* wants a constitutional amendment to balance the budget - spending must be brought under control.

* need to get the economy growing - but let's not set the growth target at 2 or 3%, let's set it at 5%...if China and Brazil can have 5% growth, why can't we? Others say it's too high. I say it's achievable.

* need to cut corporate tax rate from 35% to 15%. Let's tell the triangle of crony capitalism (unions, big government, bailouts) all their special niches and giveaways are all gone.

* businesses need to have their success built upon being connected to consumers, not to members of Congress.

* cut individual tax rate for people and small business owners.

* energy policy: more energy! simple - drill in ANWR, drill everywhere; advance nuclear; take advantage of massive amounts of natural gas and bring it to market.

* message I hear from everyone is: get the government off my back.

* some talk about regulation, taxes, permitting, EPA, cap and trade, etc... basic message from businessmen is get out of my way. You can't be pro-jobs and anti-business - that's like being pro-chicken but anti-egg.

* close with story about Michael Jackson - scored 56 points by himself in one game...coach wanted to pull him off so he could get a well-deserved ovation. Rookie goes in - gets fouled and makes 1 point in the penalty. After the game, one reporter talks to the rookie and asks what should be remembered. Rookie says tonight's game should be remembered as the night Michael Jackson and I scored 57 points together.

* we have to be a team - the role you play is critical in putting the country back and track.

* if we're going to have a restored America, we need a new President. Obama said he'd cut the deficit in half in his first term; that raising the debt limit is a sign of failed leadership.

* If you've had enough, let's get to work and take back this country.