DC GOP Blog

DCGOP Event this Week

2009-11-16T09:40:00.001-08:00

Please join the Ward 3 DC Republican Party this Wednesday (November 18th) at 7:00 pm at the University of the District of Columbia's (UDC) David A. Clarke School of Law for a bi-partisan forum on the proposed troop increase in Afghanistan. UDC is located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW and the event will take place in building 39, Room 21.

The speakers will include Matthew Rojansky (Partnership for a Secure America) and Mackenzie Eaglen (Heritage Foundation) whom will speak in support of a troop increase in Afghanistan. Dr. Assem Akram (American University) and Michael Darner (Office of Congressman John Conyers) will speak against the proposed increase.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Ward 3 Republican Party Chair Marya Pickering at: (703) 967-5023 or email at: marigold316@ aol.com. You may also go to www.dcgop.com and search under "Events" or find this event on facebook on the "DC Republican Party" profile.

DC'S ELECTED OFFICIALS NEED A REALITY CHECK

2009-11-13T09:29:00.001-08:00

Press Release

November 13, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Paul D. Craney

Office: (202) 289-8005

Mobile: (202) 550-1450

Email: pcraney@dcgop.com

DC's Elected Officials Need a Reality Check

Birthday Parties & Bobbleheads are at the Top of the List for Council Priorities

Washington, DC: The DC Republican Committee made the following statement in regard to Councilmembers Vincent Gray, Harry Thomas & Yvette Alexander who publicized their Birthday Parties, Jack Evans who used campaign money to make bobbleheads (of himself) and Jim Graham who posted on community email list serves that he received an award.

"While unemployment in the District is the highest in the region and DC continues to hold the title for the 51st best place to do business, our Councilmembers are more focused on issues concerning their personal vanity. Instead of dealing with substantive issues like job creation and affordability, our Councilmembers are pursuing bobbleheads and Birthdays," stated Robert J. Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.

Graham's staffer noted in his postings to the Ward 1 community list serves that "Jim Graham received many awards" in the past. Evans used campaign funds to make bobbleheads of himself with a full head of hair. Gray, Thomas and Alexander held Birthday parties for themselves.

# # #

DC Councilmembers put Self First

2009-11-12T14:37:00.001-08:00

Last week, Councilmembers held Birthday parties for themselves. This week, one used campaign money to make bobbleheads of himself. While this is happening, DC has one of the highest unemployment rates in the region and is the 51st best place in the country to do business.

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1810874

DCGOP in WTOP News

2009-11-12T14:32:00.001-08:00

DCGOP interviewed on WTOP News about the Mayor using taxpayer money to transport his bike.

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1809917

DCGOP in the Washington Times

2009-11-12T14:31:00.001-08:00

Read an op-ed from DC Republican Party Chairman Bob Kabel in the Washington Times.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/11/gop-can-win/

Republicans Win Big!

2009-11-04T06:25:00.001-08:00

Last night's victories in New Jersey and Virginia are the latest examples of Republicans gaining ground on Democrats. As DC Republicans, we should all be proud to see states that trend Democrat, voted Republican.

New Jersey is a very deep blue state, very similar to Washington, DC. Governor elect Chris Christie (R-NJ) went into urban areas and campaigned on urban issues like a need for more transparency, better schools and less crime.

The Republican Party needs your support. Please register to vote in DC as a DC Republican by following this link: http://www.dcgop.com/Voter_Form.pdf

Please consider making a financial contribution with a credit card, by following this link: http://www.dcgop.com/Donate2.html

Get involved with the Republican movement here in Washington, contact us today at telephone number: (202) 289-8005 or email us at: info@dcgop.com. We want to hear from you!

Support the DCGOP

2009-10-15T07:53:00.001-07:00

PLEASE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF $10, by following this link: http://www.dcgop.com/Donate2.html. We need DC Republicans to get active and support the local DCGOP in our effort to hold our elected officials accountable. If you would like to help, please do so, by making a small contribution here: http://www.dcgop.com/Donate2.html

Paul D. Craney

Executive Director

DC Republican Committee I 1275 K St, NW, Ste 102 I Washington, DC 20005

Office: 202 289-8005 I Cell: 202 550-1450 I Fax: 202 289-2197

En Espanol I dcgop.com I http://twitter.com/dcgop

Paid for by the DC Republican Committee I Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee

Washington Post Magazine Highlights Craney

2009-10-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Washington Post magazine does a fun story on DC Republican Committee's Executive Director Paul D. Craney. Read it here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/02/AR2009100204232.html

Event with William Kristol

2009-10-01T11:20:00.001-07:00

Please join the DC Republican Committee's Advisory Council for an event on Wednesday, October 15th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with special guest speaker William Kristol, editor from the Weekly Standard.

The event will take place at the residence of Jose E.V. Cunningham at 1609 16th Street, NW. This event is open to all Advisory Council members. To find out how to join the Advisory Council, please contact us at telephone: (202) 289-8005 or email us at: info@dcgop.com

http://www.dcgop.com/Events.html

DCGOP on last night's NBC4

2009-10-01T07:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local-beat/DC-GOP-Wants-Graham-to-Join-Chief-of-Staff-on-Leave-62989542.html

DCGOP in today's Washington Post

2009-10-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/30/AR2009093001922_pf.html

Story about the DCGOP

2009-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Great story about the DCGOP hounding CM Jim Graham

http://dcist.com/2009/09/jim_graham_in_hot_seat.php

A Must Read about CM Jim Graham

2009-09-30T10:09:00.001-07:00

Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham's in some hot water, a must read:

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37892

DCGOP asks CM Gray to Push Graham Aside

2009-09-30T10:06:00.001-07:00

September 30, 2009

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 504

Washington, DC 20004

Dear Chairman Gray:

With the recent passage of PR18-0491 (Council Code of Official Conduct Rules Amendment Resolution of 2009), the DC Council has a unique opportunity to exercise its newly adopted ethics laws. With the recent arrest of Ted Loza, chief of staff to Councilmember Jim Graham and reports circulating that Councilmember Jim Graham is under investigation from the FBI, the DC Republican Committee encourages you to recommend Councilmember Graham take a leave of absence until the FBI has concluded its investigation.

According to recent reports, sources close to the FBI probe tell WUSA9 that Councilman Graham is also a target of the probe. Graham has obtained criminal defense attorney, James Cooper, with Arnold and Porter law firm.

As Chairman of the Council, you are the Council’s elected leader. As the Council’s elected leader, you have an opportunity to show District residents that the DC Council will not tolerate corruption or the appearance of corruption. Only with Graham’s departure will the DC Council be sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated. Anything short of Graham taking a time of leave will suggest that under your leadership, the DC Council embraces the appearance of unethical behavior.

All law abiding citizens have the right to a fair trial and are innocent until proven guilty. However, as Council Chairman you also have a responsibility to show District residents that your Council will not tolerate the appearance of unethical behavior.

Mr. Chairman, you ran for the important job as DC Council Chairman on a platform of bringing honesty and responsible government to the entire city. Now is your time to fulfill that promise.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Kabel

Chairman

District of Columbia Republican Committee

DC Councilmember Jim Graham Is A Target Of FBI Probe

2009-09-29T06:54:00.001-07:00

In case you missed it yesterday, there is a report that CM Jim Graham has hired a defense attorney and is a target in the FBI investigation.

Read the story here:

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=91592&catid=187

This comes day after the DC Council passed a new ethics law. Let's see if the DC Council will enforce its ethics laws. DC Government does not have an ethics committee, like many other legislative bodies do.

DCGOP in today's Washington City Paper

2009-09-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today's Washington City Paper quotes the DCGOP. Read it here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37732

DCGOP in today's Washington Post

2009-09-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Washington Post covers the DC Dems problems and quotes the DCGOP

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/01/AR2009090103031.html

AUDIT REVEALS DC DEMS MISUSE OF FUNDS

2009-09-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Audit Reveals DC Dems Misuse of Funds

DC Office of Campaign Finance Steps In

Washington, DC: The District of Columbia Republican Committee made the following statement in response to revelations that the DC Democratic State Committee was audited by the DC Office of Campaign Finance as reported in the Washington City Paper and Washington Post.

"When elected officials and party activists feel there are no checks and balances, District residents loose out. If District residents want to send a clear message that they are tired of hearing their elected officials and party activists misusing money and trust, there is no clearer message than to register as a DC Republican," stated Robert J. Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.

# # #

Press Release from Chairman Kabel

2009-08-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Fenty Field at Harriet Tubman Elementary School is Inappropriate

Mayor's Name Dominates New Field

Washington, DC: The District of Columbia Republican Committee made the following statement in response Mayor Adrian Fenty's name being placed on the new Harriet Tubman Elementary School Soccer Field. The Mayor's name stretches across the field and the new stadium cost District taxpayers $558,000.

"The Administration has essentially created a Fenty Field. What should have been a celebratory occasion in showing off a new sports field, ended up being more of a PR campaign by the Mayor," stated Robert J. Kabel, Chairman of the DC Republican Committee.

"When did renovating a sports field for DC kids take a back seat to the Mayor's full throttle style of self promotion? If the new field is really for the kids, the Mayor should remove his name from the field immediately," concluded Kabel.

# # #

Republican Hispanic Event

2009-08-05T13:31:00.001-07:00

Republican National Hispanic Assembly

RNHA

Washington, D.C.
www.rnha.org

Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2009

Contact: Danny Vargas

Phone: 571-276-3109

RNHA Convention Update - Former Attorney General Gonzales Joins Other Prominent Speakers to Address RNHA Convention

Dear Friends,

We have the pleasure of announcing that former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has agreed to address the upcoming bi-annual RNHA national convention. The first Hispanic Attorney General, and thus the highest ranking Hispanic federal official in US history, Gonzales also served as White House Counsel, Texas Supreme Court Justice and Texas Secretary of State.

General Gonzales joins a spectacular line up of guest speakers, including RNC Chairman Michael Steele, Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Bob McDonnell, and several others who will participate on panel discussions.

The convention takes place in Northern Virginia from August 13 to 15. We urge all those who have not yet registered to do so no later than Friday, August 7. The following linking takes you to the registration page – http://rnha.org/upcoming_event%20RNHA%20Convention.htm.

The convention is also our opportunity to elect the new leadership board of the RNHA. The two candidates for National Chairman are encouraging folks to attend and have made the following statements:

Alci Maldonado - “Nothing brings me more pleasure than to invite each of you to join us at the RNHA national convention with great guest speakers and fascinating panels. I encourage all of you to partake in this historic moment; to enjoy not only the fellowship with each other, but a rare chance to receive words of wisdom from our special guests. Hispanic American Republicans can play a vital role in shaping the future of the electorate, our Party and our Country. I look forward to seeing all of you at our National Convention!”

Rick Rios – “I am thankful we have an opportunity to exercise open and fair democracy within the RNHA. I encourage all to attend the RNHA national convention and let your voices be heard. We will be deciding how to address the most important issues facing this nation. As leaders in your communities, your voice and opinions will shape the RNHA, but you have to participate to be heard. I encourage everyone to attend this year’s national convention. Regardless of where you stand on any single race or issue, be part of the solution, participate, and make a difference!”

We look forward to a fabulous convention and hope to see you there.

Best regards,

Danny

###

The mission of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly is to build a membership organization to foster the principles of the Republican Party in the Hispanic community, provide Hispanic Americans with a forum to play an influential role in local, state, and national Party activities, increase the number of Hispanic Republican elected officials, and create and maintain a network of Hispanic Republican leaders.

This message was sent from Communications Office to dannyvargas1@yahoo.com. It was sent from: Republican National Hispanic Assembly, 12125 Windsor Hall Way, Herndon, VA 20170. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below.

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DCGOP in this Week's Current Newspaper

2009-08-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

The Northwest Current

August 3, 2009

By: Tom Sherwood

ShamWow Politics. We had to laugh when we learned the D.C. Republican Party had sent a ShamWow cleaning cloth to mayor Fenty. If you don’t watch cable TV, the ShamWow is a miracle cloth for cleaning and soaking up water on even the hardest jobs.

D.C. GOP chair Robert Kabel said Fenty should use the ShamWow on the 2010 budget. “The Mayor’s ShamWow has a warranty, and it can be used for the house, the car, the boat, the RV, and we hope it will work on the D.C. Council’s budget,” Kabel said.

But that’s not all. Paul Craney, the Executive Director of the D.C. Republican Party, also has compiled a chart of mayoral salaries. “The mayor likes to compare himself to big-city mayors,” Craney said in an email. So, the GOP did. Fenty’s salary is $200,000 in a city with just under 600,000 people.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg technically earns $225,000, although as a wealthy man he doesn’t accept it. New York has more than 8 million residents.

Chicago is just shy of 3 million people. Mayor Richard Daley earns 216,210.

And Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa earns 205,561. The city has nearly 4 million residents.

Say what you will, the GOP knows how to throw a few good political darts.

Craney got a call into the WAMU “Politics Hour” on Friday, asking if the mayor would support a salary cut. No, was the answer. Mayor Fenty says he and the Council earn their pay.

State Governor Salaries vs. DC Elected Officials' Salaries

2009-07-30T12:38:00.001-07:00

Comparison Graph of State Governor Salaries and DC Elected Officials' Salaries

Name of Governor	State	Salaries	Population
Arnold Schwarzennegger	California	206,500	36,756,666
Adrian Fenty	DC Mayor	200,000	591,833
Vincent Gray	DC Council Chairman	190,000	591,833
David Paterson	New York	179,000	19,490,297
Jennifer Granholm	Michigan	177,000	10,003,422
Jon Corzine	New Jersey	175,000	8,682,661
Timothy M. Kaine	Virginia	175,000	7,769,089
Edward G. Rendell	Pennsylvania	164,396	12,448,279
Pat Quinn	Illinois	155,600	12,901,563
Christine Gregoire	Washington	150,995	6,549,224
Martin O'Malley	Maryland	150,000	5,633,597
M. Jodi Rell	Connecticut	150,000	3,501,252
Ted Strickland	Ohio	144,830	11,485,910
Jim Douglas	Vermont	143,957	621,270
Jim Gibbons	Nevada	141,000	2,600,167
Deval Patrick	Massachussetts	140,535	6,497,967
C. Brad Henry	Oklahoma	140,000	3,642,361
Steve Beshear	Kentucky	137,506	4,269,245
Jim Doyle	Wisconsin	137,092	5,627,967
Sonny Perdue	Georgia	135,281	9,685,744
Charle Christ	Florida	132,932	18,328,340
Jack A. Markell	Deleware	132,500	873,092
Beverly Perdue	North Carolina	130,629	9,222,414
Chet Culver	Iowa	130,000	3,002,555
Sean Parnell	Alaska	125,000	686,293
DC Council Average Salary	DC Councilmember	125,000	591,833
Haley Barbour	Mississippi	122,160	2,938,618
Jay Nixon	Missouri	122,087	5,911,605
Tim Pawlenty	Minnesota	120,303	5,220,393
Donald Carcieri	Rhode Island	117,817	1,050,788
Rick Perry	Texas	115,345	24,326,974
Robert R. Riley	Alabama	112,895	4,661,900
Linda Lingle	Hawaii	112,000	1,288,198
William B. Richardson III	New Mexico	110,000	1,984,356
John Lynch	New Hampshire	108,990	1,315,809
Mark Sanford	South Carolina	106,078	4,479,800
Mark Parkinson	Kansas	105,889	2,802,134
V.L. "Butch" Otter	Idaho	105,560	1,523,816
M. Michael Rounds	South Dakota	105,544	804,194
Dave Heinman	Nebraska	105,000	1,783,432
Dave Freudenthal	Wyoming	105,000	532,668
John Huntsman Jr.	Utah	104,000	2,736,424
Brian Schweitzer	Montana	96,462	967,440
Mitch Daniels	Indiana	95,000	6,376,792
Bobby Jindal	Louisiana	95,000	4,410,796
Joe Manchin	West Virginia	95,000	1,812,035
Jan Brewer	Arizona	95,000	1,275,509
Ted Kulongski	Oregon	93,600	3,790,060
John Hoeven	North Dakota	92,483	641,481
August William "Bill" Ritter, Jr.	Colorado	90,000	4,939,456
Phil Bredesen	Tennessee	85,000	6,214,888
Mike Beebe	Arkansas	80,848	2,855,390
John Baldacci	Maine	70,000	1,316,456

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cmXVmiwqlL8/SnH0Vxv8ieI/AAAAAAAAAO8/U5bx3JVsEEs/s1600-h/Picture+24.png

DCGOP in Today's Washington Post

2009-07-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Law Is No Obstacle In Renaming Park, Graham Says

Washington Post
By Tim Craig
Thursday, July 23, 2009

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) says the city law prohibiting a public space from being named after a living person won't hinder his proposal to rename Girard Park in Columbia Heights Barack Hussein Obama Park.

Graham proposed the name change at last week's council meeting. If the council agrees, the recently renovated park at 14th and Girard streets NW will become the first city facility named after the president.

The city code states: "No public space in the District shall be named in honor of any living person."

After the issue of the code arose, Graham sent an e-mail to his constituents informing them that the council has the authority to override the law without having to amend the code.

"For years, the council has been naming public spaces after living persons," Graham wrote.

He pointed to a 2007 opinion from the council's chief legal counsel that he says clears the way for the council to ignore the law, which dates to 1983. "Although the council adopted a statute, prohibiting a public space from being named in honor of a living person, I am constrained to conclude that because nothing in the Home Rule Act or federal law prohibits the council from amending, repealing or superseding that statute, that the council is not legally bound by that prohibition, so long as the council's approval is in the form of an act," wrote Brian K. Flowers, the general counsel.

Graham said the council renamed roadways last year in honor of radio mogul Cathy Hughes and musician Chuck Brown, both of whom are living. Graham also noted that an alley next to Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street NW is named Ben Ali Way in honor of the restaurant owner, who is also living.

"What I propose will create an exception," Graham said in an interview. "Every legislature passes laws that change earlier laws. But the fact that the city code says anything at all about naming a public space in honor of a living person will surely give ammunition to critics of the proposal."

Enter the city's minority party: the Republicans.

The D.C. Republican Committee, not surprisingly, has come out against Graham's proposal.

Robert Kabel, chairman of the GOP committee, sent Graham a letter this week suggesting that the council instead rename the park in honor of former U.S. senator Edward Brooke, a District native who was the first African American elected to the Senate after Reconstruction.

Brooke, a Republican, represented Massachusetts from 1967 to 1979. Brooke is also still alive; he lives in the Watergate.

But the real focus of Kabel's letter is an attempt to mock Graham for spending time on Girard Park's name.

"The District of Columbia Republican Committee encourages you to find ways to attract jobs to the District," Kabel said. "Now more than ever, District residents need their council members to stay focused on the financial problems that face our city."

Can critics, however, stop a public tribute to a president who received an astounding 93 percent of the vote in the District?

Letter to DC Council Members

2009-07-21T10:40:00.001-07:00

Dear Councilmember:

The District’s budget is plagued by a deficit that is expected to reach $150 million in 2010 and could climb as much as $1 billion annually unless significant steps are taken to reduce the city’s bloated budget. Instead of taking bold steps to reduce District spending, council members are threatening to raise taxes during an economic recession with District unemployment over 20% in some areas of the city.

Council member Jim Graham has proposed tax increases to the top tax bracket of District residents. Council member Tommy Wells has suggested a gas[1] and food[2] tax. Any tax or fee increase on District residents will be a further drag on the city’s economy and impact low income residents the most. The District of Columbia Republican Committee urges you to cut spending from the budget, starting with salaries.

Since 2004, the District budget increased 42%. Council members annually receive $350,000 for their staff salaries and an additional $350,000 if they Chair a Committee. Each Council member is Chair of a Committee. Annually, each Council member receives $700,000 for staff and that does not include their personal salaries.

Since 2006 Council salaries have increased from $92,500 to $125,000. DC Council members now earn more than the national average than what governors earn[3]. The DC Council Chair makes $190,000, higher than 49 states pay their governors and more than Members of Congress make. The Mayor makes $200,000, only $6,000 less than what the highest paid Governor in the nation receives[4].

An example of the Council’s spending problem is best displayed at a July 10^th interview on WAMU’s Kojo show when Council member Mary Cheh said, “How much we each get in our offices, $350,000 dollars for the office itself and an additional amount ($350,000) for our Committees and I must say, that money in my own case… it may sound unrealistic but I could use more money.”

The DC Republican Committee encourages our elected leaders to govern by example. If the District’s deficit is to be effectively addressed, council members should demonstrate leadership by cutting their own salaries and that of their staff as well as looking for cost saving opportunities within the District budget. DC Council members should trim their bloated District budget and avoid any further tax and fee increases.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Kabel

Chairman, District of Columbia Republican Committee

[1] Three cent gas tax.

[2] Tax on snack food.

[3] According to stateline.org, the average salary for Governors was $124,398.

[4] According to stateline.org

A Letter to Council Member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1)

2009-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Councilmember Jim Graham
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 105, NW
Washington, DC 20004

Dear Councilmember Graham:

Recent reports suggest that you are seeking to change the name of Girard Park in Columbia Heights to "Barack Hussein Obama" park. This would violate the city’s code that states "no public space in the District shall be named in honor of any living person." If you feel the need to name a park in your Ward after a famous African American elected officia l, the DC Republican Committee suggests you consider DC’s native Edward Brooke who served in the US Senate from Massachusetts. Senator Brooke was the first African American elected to the US Senate since reconstruction, is a DC native and retired in the District.

More importantly then renaming parks, everyone on the Council except you1 voted for Resolution 18-209 which shortens the Council recess in order to focus on the District’s serious budget shortfall. Your Council colleagues voted for a shorter recess because the District faces a large budget deficit which will require you and the Mayor and the Council to work together and identifyways to reduce the budget deficit. As unemployment steadily increases in the District (over 20% in some areas), District residents and the District of Columbia Republican Committee encourages you to find ways to attract jobs for the District.

Now more than ever, District residents need their Councilmembers to stay focused on the financial problems that face our city. As Chairman of the Metro Board, we strongly encourage to ensure the safety of the Metro system and hope that you will join the millions of commuters and residents who use the Metro Rail on a daily basis to commute to work.2

Sincerely,
Robert J. Kabel
Chairman, District of Columbia Republican Committee

1: Graham was absent on a July 14th voice vote for R.18-209.
2 As reported in a June 26th interview with WTOP’s Mark Plotkin, Graham has not ridden on a Metro Rail since the Fall of 2008.