More Profile in Arrogance

Recently in his speech in France, Barack Obama called America "arrogant." ¹ I'm sure the French loved it -- And so did the liberal press.

But who is this president who calls the American people arrogant?

This is the same politician whose supporters anointed him "The One" and a candidate who boasted that his election would be remembered as "the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal." ²

This is the same man who indicated his disdain for small town and working Americans when he said they "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them," while addressing a group of San Francisco caviar and champagne liberal elitists.

How arrogant is that? Arrogant enough?

In truth, President Obama seems to champion the twisted "Blame-America First" mentality of the worst of the American left.

More importantly, it shows an absence of wisdom to criticize the United States while on foreign soil, and then join with the Pelosi-Reid Democrats in Congress to do everything possible to end American exceptionalism and create a weak, dependent socialist state patterned after the examples of Europe.

• He has taken steps towards nationalizing American auto companies; firing executives while leaving in power the same Union Bosses who funded his campaign and helped cripple the U.S.'s manufacturing base.
  
  
• He has refused to let financial firms pay back taxpayer-funded bailout loans ³ so he can make them hostages to the whims of the Federal government.
  
  
• As a lawyer, Obama once sued the same financial institutions on behalf of radical groups like ACORN for failing to use leftist social engineering criteria for lending instead of an applicant's ability to repay a loan.
  
  
• He campaigned on "transparency" and "integrity" in government and then has nominated a rogue gallery of tax evaders, Washington bureaucrats, and lobbyists to run his Administration.
  
  
• Obama brazenly follows his chief of staff's maxim of "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste...This crisis provides the opportunity for us to do things that you could not do before" ⁴ to cripple our free markets with massive taxation and spending that wrests away our freedoms and puts even our great-grandchildren in debt.
  
  
• And now, anyone who dares speak out against or challenge Obama's ultra-liberal agenda, such as the hundreds of thousands of patriots who attended last week's Tea Parties, should expect to be labeled "unhealthy" by this Adminstration. ⁵ Now, THAT is arrogance!

You know that Barack Obama's hubris and charisma conceal the inexperience and lack of wisdom that our country cannot afford in its president.

And though the teleprompter and mainstream media liberals may delay America's realization of the peril the Obama White House portends for our future for a while, the eventual failure of leftist policies and ineffective leadership will not.

We must be ready when that time comes.

Please help the Republican Party's effort to spread the word about the Democrats' arrogance of power and support GOP Members of Congress as they work to hold the Obama Democrats accountable to the American people, by making a contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to the Republican National Committee today.

Your gift will also help support the recruitment and election of principled candidates who will defeat the Democrats in 2009 and 2010 and lay the groundwork for ending Barack Obama's grip on power in 2012. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
Chairman, Republican National Committee

P.S. Cally, the RNC is working hard to hold back the Obama Democrats' damaging, arrogant power grab -- please take this opportunity right now to support our fight against ineffective leadership and failed legislation by making a secure online contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to the RNC today. Thank you.

Chairman's Update

Dear Fellow Republicans,
We have had a great month here at the Idaho Republican Party. Here are some of the highlights:
Lincoln Day Celebrations. County GOP organizations celebrated the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birthday -- and raised money for our candidates -- all across the state during February and March. The first Republican President has been honored at 23 different events already (a few counties are planning April and May events) and the Idaho Republican Party has been represented at all of them. As the State Chairman, I have made it a priority to attend these events; I have been to 22 so far, from Bonners Ferry to Preston. Many thanks to Governor Butch Otter and First Lady Lori, and the rest of our Constitutional Officers, as well as Senators Crapo and Risch, Congressman Simpson, and our State Legislators for making the effort to attend these local GOP events. Everywhere we go; attendance -- and enthusiasm -- has been very high.


2009 Membership Drive. You should have received your Sustaining Member card and renewal form in the mail in the past month. If not, please contact us at State Party headquarters, 208-343-6405 or info@idgop.org. Thank you for taking the time to return your contribution and helping us replenish our coffers and build a war chest for the 2010 elections. We can't do it without you. If you received your card and haven't had a chance to contribute yet, please mail your form back or make a secure contribution online at www.idgop.org.


Ivory 500 Club kickoff. We kicked off the Ivory 500 Club in Boise on the evening of March 24 with Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney and Senate Pro Temp Bob Geddes. These special events, featuring prominent speakers from government, business and education, will be held around the state this year. Donors that have committed $500 or more during 2009 are included in these events at no charge. If you are interested in joining the Ivory 500 Club, please contact Jonathan Parker at 208-343-6405 or email jparker@idgop.org.


Night with the Steelheads. Many thanks to Primary Health for hosting a night with the Idaho Steelheads at Qwest Arena on March 27. Superintendent Tom Luna and his wife were on hand, along with Idaho GOP supporters and friends. A good time was had by all!


Speaker Series. The State GOP Speaker Series begins on April 15 with Lieutenant Governor Brad Little. Come support the GOP and hear from our new Lieutenant Governor! The event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Boise, near the Edwards 21 Cinemas and begins at 5:30. The cost is $20 ($10 for Young Republicans). Please RSVP to Cally at 343-6405 or callyb@idgop.org.

Victory in 2010!

Norm Semanko
Chairman, Idaho Republican Party

Membership Renewal

Dear Friend,
As Republicans, we face tremendous challenges -- and great opportunities -- over the next few years.We are only a few weeks into the Barack Obama administration and already we are seeing massive pork-barrel spending plans, more taxpayer funded bailouts, and ethically-challenged appointments to top government posts. Obama is even trying to ban Christian Bible studies, worship services and other religious activities from many public education buildings in a section of his pork barrel stimulus plan.

While Obama talked a lot about "change" in the Presidential campaign, it sure looks a lot like the same old failed liberal policies -- and people -- of the past. One thing is for certain: It is going to be a long four years with Democrats in charge of the White House.

Fortunately, things have been better for Republicans here in Idaho. We actually increased our margin in the State Legislature and County Commissions across the State during the last election. However, if we are not prepared, our fortunes can turn for the worse here in Idaho too.
From Governor to State Controller, we have all seven Constitutional Offices to defend in the next election, as well as both Senator Crapo's and Congressman Simpson's seats. And, of course, we need to work hard to reclaim the First Congressional District from Walt Minnick and the Democrats.

Democrats are already busy building up their war chest for the next election cycle. We must do the same.

That’s why I’m pleased to present you with the enclosed 2009 Idaho Republican Party Sustaining Membership card. Please activate your membership by sending in your contribution today!

In 2008, the Idaho Republican Party worked harder than ever to make sure all the voters knew the truth about our Republican slate of candidates.

We brought Republican National Chairman, Mike Duncan to Idaho to assist with fundraising. Former Massachusetts Governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney came to Idaho to help Senator Jim Risch’s campaign. We sent over 100,000 pieces of Get-Out-The-Vote mail to targeted voters, and we spent over $100,000 on Voter ID, and we were able to give over $150,000 to our legislative candidates and caucuses.

Our candidates’ success at the polls showed how effective these programs are in helping them run competitive campaigns.

But our success depends on you. Please consider donating to the Idaho Republican Party today by sending in your contribution of $500, $250, $100 or even $50 to help us stand up to the Democrats’ attempts to push Idaho to the extreme left.

Our Party organization is developing an ambitious program to recruit top-notch candidates, register new voters and mount effective campaigns all across the state.
Your annual or monthly contribution to the Idaho Republican Party will help us implement our plan and “hit the ground running.” It will ensure that we can continue to provide our candidates with the resources necessary to win.

In 2010, we will need to make sure our state fully supports our constitutional officers, the Republican candidate for Representative of the 1st Congressional District, and continues to send a strong Republican Congressional delegation to keep President Barack Obama, Walt Minnick, and Nancy Pelosi from destroying the progress Republicans have made.

Please join our team. Activate your 2009 Membership by returning the enclosed pledge form with your contribution in the postage-paid envelope provided, or by submitting your payment online at www.idgop.org.

You and other Republicans have consistently and generously provided the support we need to meet our goals and make a difference. So please become a sustaining member for 2009 by sending in your most generous contribution today. Also, consider donating $100, $50, $25 or even $10 per-month by filling out the enclosed form. But no matter the amount, please continue to support the Idaho Republican Party as an active Sustaining Member. We need your help!
Don’t underestimate the value of your contribution. Without it we will not able to do what must be done to protect our principles, our policies and our programs.

I look forward to your prompt response – and to welcoming you as a 2009 Sustaining Member!

Sincerely,

Norm Semanko
Chairman, Idaho Republican Party

Income Tax Donations

Dear Fellow Idaho Republicans, Barack Obama and his liberal friends in Congress are spending tens of billions of dollars -- every day -- with no end in sight. They believe that we can spend our way to prosperity and that big government is the answer to all of our problems.

We know that is not true.

As Republicans, we believe that individual citizens should be allowed to keep more of their hard-earned money; that government needs to be brought under control; and that the individual and the family are at the center of our great republic -- not government.

Please help us communicate this message by taking the opportunity to donate $1 per individual on your State Tax return. It is easy -- it won't reduce your refund or increase your taxes -- and it makes a significant contribution to the Idaho Republican Party. Most importantly, it will get the Republican message out and help stop Barack Obama and the Democrats in Congress from continuing to mortgage the future of our children and our grandchildren.

Thank you for your support.

Victory in 2010!

Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party

Idaho Republican Party E Newsletter

Dear Fellow Idaho Republicans,
2009 is off to a great start! Here are some of the highlights of the past couple months:

Record attendance at the Governor's Ball and GOP Legislative Gala.

Over 900 people showed up at the Grove Hotel in Boise on the evening of January 30 to celebrate with their Republican friends and elected GOP officials. There were a lot of young, new faces there; a fact that was not lost on Governor Otter as he addressed the crowd. Despite his recent shoulder injury, the Governor stayed well into the night to greet the GOP faithful that attended the Ball, as did our GOP Legislative leadership and Constitutional officers.

State Central Committee Meeting.

The GOP State Central Committee met in Boise on January 31 to conduct official party business, including consideration of proposed rules and resolutions, present awards in recognition of outstanding Republican achievements, and hear reports on the State Party's activities. We appreciated having both Governor Otter and Lieutenant Governor Little address the group. The next State Central Committee meeting will be held in Pocatello on June 20. Please contact your County or Legislative District Chairman for details as we get closer to the meeting.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele visits Idaho.

Michael Steele made his first official speech as the new Republican National Committee Chairman on February 18 -- and he did it in Idaho at the Ada County Lincoln Day Banquet. Chairman Steele electrified the crowd of more than 800 people with his message -- standing tall for our core Republican principles. While he was here, the State Party also hosted a roundtable discussion and fundraiser with Chairman Steele to discuss his vision and his plans for the Republican Party at the national level. As a long-time friend and former Georgetown law school classmate of Michael Steele's, I was very glad that we could get him to Idaho so early in his tenure as our new national chairman.

Idaho GOP Congressional Delegation Stands up for Idaho Values; Votes Against "Stimulus".

Senator Crapo, Senator Risch and Congressman Simpson all know that the so-called stimulus bill is nothing but a massive, pork-barrel tax-and-spend boondoggle by the federal government. Our children and grandchildren will now be saddled with over one trillion dollars in additional debt with no end in sight to the Obama-Reid-Pelosi plan to grow the size and scope of government. Idahoans -- and Americans -- have every right to be outraged.

Celebrating Lincoln.

All around the State, Republicans are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President, at banquets, luncheons and breakfast events. We encourage you to join us. For the complete schedule, including the Lincoln Day celebration in your area, check the State Party website at http://www.idgop.org/ or call 343-6405.

Victory in 2010.

We are working on building up our war chest for the 2010 Election. Raising money is crucial for this election as our current representative to the 1st Congressional District outspent us with his own money. Please look for your 2009 Idaho GOP membership card in the mail and activate it with your donation as soon as possible. Also, we are building up our Sustaining Monthly donor program this year, so please consider going online and signing up to be a monthly donor. Click here to sign up now! Even 10 or 20 dollars a month will help us win back the 1st Congressional District and give us the extra push we need to win some of the tight legislative races we will face in 2010.

Please keep up the good work. Our continued success depends on Republicans like you. I look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon.

Victory in 2010!

Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party

Congratulations, Chairman Steele!

Fellow Idaho Republicans,

Last week, a good friend of mine - Michael Steele - was elected as the new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. As an early supporter, and part of his leadership team -- one of his twelve whips nationwide -- I couldn't be happier or more proud of where our party is headed.

Michael Steele has the perfect combination of skills -- charisma, optimism and common sense conservative values -- to lead a national resurgence of the Republican Party among the rank-and-file grassroots, as well as everyday Americans.

Michael and I have known each other for almost 20 years, since we went to law school together at Georgetown. In fact we ran against each other for vice president of the evening division in 1990 -- a race I won be a scant 3 votes. I am glad today's race was not that close!

Michael called me soon after the November elections and I told him that I would be proud to support him. He later asked me to be on his leadership team as one of a dozen whips across the country, helping to garner votes among the 168 members of the RNC.

Michael came to Boise to visit and strategize with me over breakfast at the Grove Hotel on January 18. We discussed the success that Republicans enjoy in Idaho and how to make that happen in other states. Now that vision is set to become a reality.

On behalf of Idaho Republicans, I have already thanked former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan for his service to our party, He visited our great state this fall, prior to the general election, and I also had the opportunity to sit down with him again in Boise earlier this month. In my email communication this afternoon, I also thanked him for the class and dignity that he has shown during this important transition for the party.

Michael Steele is scheduled to come to Idaho next month -- he is the featured speaker and guest of honor at the Ada County Lincoln Day Banquet on February 18 -- something I also was also proud to play a role in arranging.
I look forward to having the opportunity to introduce our new Republican Chairman -- and my good friend -- to Idahoans.

Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party

Chairman's Corner -- 2008 Recap/Moving Ahead in 2009

Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoyed the Christmas season. It has been a busy time here at Idaho GOP headquarters. After a successful 2008 election, we immediately turned our focus to 2009 and preparing for the 2010 elections.

Here are some highlights:

2008 Election Recap. As a State Party, we were able to contribute over $150,000 directly to State Legislative candidates and the House and Senate caucuses. We increased our majority in the House to 52-18 and maintained our 28-7 advantage in the Senate. By any measure, this is a vast improvement over 2006 when we lost seven seats in the House to the Democrats. We raised nearly $50,000 in support of independent expenditure radio ads for our U.S. Senate and Congressional candidates, as well as tens of thousands of dollars to support our absentee and get-out-the-vote efforts. John McCain and Idaho native Sarah Palin won Idaho by a huge 26-point margin. Comparing notes with my fellow State Chairmen across the country since the election, it is apparent that Idaho Republicans continue to lead the way as the reddest of the red States.

New Executive Director. We bid farewell to our Executive Director, Sid Smith, at the end of the year as he was given the opportunity to run U.S. Senator Jim Risch's Coeur d'Alene office. After reviewing numerous resumes and receiving advice from the State Executive Committee, State Officers and other Idaho Republicans, I was pleased to offer the position to Jonathan Parker, Young Republican State Chairman and District Director for Congressman Bill Sali. He started the job on January 5 and I know that he will do a great job working with all Idaho Republicans. He can be reached at jparker@idgop.org or (208) 343-6405.

Governor's Ball and Legislative Gala. Our highlight event of the year will be held at 8:00 pm on Friday, January 30 at the Grove Hotel in Boise. This is a great way to kick-off the new year, celebrating in style with friends, fellow Republicans and our elected officials. Invitations will go out soon and the cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. For further information, including how to get tickets for the Ball, contact State GOP headquarters at (208) 343-6405 or email info@idgop.org.

State Central Committee Meeting. The semi-annual meeting of the State Party's governing body will be held on Saturday, January 31 at the Center on the Grove convention center in Boise. Consideration of proposed resolutions, rule changes, reports from elected officials, and other party business will be conducted, along with the presentation of special awards to deserving Republicans. We will also entertain proposals and select a site for the 2010 State Convention. If you are interested in attending, please contact State Party headquarters.

Standing Committees. Working with the seven Regional Chairs, I have completed the process of appointing members to our standing committees, including chairs and vice chairs. This is the team that will help lead us at the upcoming State Central Committee meeting. If you are interested in learning who represents your area of the State, please let us know.

Lincoln Day Banquets. We will again celebrate our first Republican President at dinner banquets, luncheons and breakfasts around the State in February, March and April. The Statewide schedule is currently in the process of being finalized. Contact your County GOP organization or the State GOP office for more information.

2008 has come and gone; another successful year for Idaho Republicans. We now have a great challenge before us -- upholding our core, Republican principles while working to elect our Republican candidates in 2010. The hard work has already begun. I know we are up to the challenge and I look forward to continuing our work together in the days and months to come.

As always, I value your thoughts, ideas and questions so please don't hesitate to contact us here at Idaho GOP headquarters.

Victory 2010
Norm Semanko, Chairman
Idaho Republican Party