Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Talk:American Government Final Exam

2008-01-11T22:18:50Z

TRipp: Here's my answers

#20--Choice C has a typo. --[[User:Jdellaro|Jdellaro]] 22:13, 10 January 2008 (EST)

: Thank you! Fixed now.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 22:15, 10 January 2008 (EST)

==My exam answers==
1. C 2. A 3. A 4. E 5. D 6. E 7. A 8. E 9. A 10. E 11. C 12. E 13. A 14. E 15. E 16. C 17. C 18. B 19. D 20. B 21. B 22. C 23. B 24. E 25. B 26. D 27. B 28. C 29. B 30. A 31. E 32. A 33. A 34. B 35. B 36. A 37. E 38. D 39. B 40. E 41. C 42. B 43. C 44. A 45. B 46. D 47. D 48. B 49. D 50. A

Please grade. Thanks. [[User:Cmh|Cmh]] 22:28, 10 January 2008 (EST)

: 47/50!!!!! THAT'S AWESOME!!!! You should be teaching. I'll post the answer key in a few days, after others have a chance to try.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 23:17, 10 January 2008 (EST)

==Took a shot==
American Government 101
 Final Exam - Closed Book.
 50 questions; no points deducted for wrong answers.

To avoid traps on difficult questions, eliminate wrong answers before picking the correct one. Manage your time wisely. Do not leave any answers blank.

1. The number and types of the branches of the federal government are:
 (c) 3, legislative, executive and judiciary

2. Which of the following must be true about every President of the United States?
 (a) He is at least 35 years old.

3. When government hurts you by violating your rights under the U.S. Constitution, what is usually your strongest response?
 (d) sue in federal court.

4. Which entity has the most influence over the rules concerning homeschooling?
 (e) state government.

5. “Federalism” refers to:
 (d) a system of co-sovereigns that allows for a strong state government

6. Which is the fastest growing age group in America?
 (e) Over 65.

7. The “Supremacy Clause” is:
 (a) a clause in the Constitution that says federal law is supreme over local laws.

8. An “exit poll” means:
 (e) asking people how they just voted on Election Day.

9. A “leak” in government is:
 (a) an unauthorized release of information to the press.

10. All of the following are examples of “checks and balances” EXCEPT:
 (e) the President can order that the atomic bomb be dropped on a foreign country.

11. In the 2008 presidential elections, the primaries accomplish which purpose?
 (c) selecting the nominees for president for political parties.

12. Who is a “lobbyist”?
 (e) an unelected person whose job is to try to persuade elected officials how to vote.

13. “Affirmative action” consists of:
 (a) giving special preferences to someone because of their race or gender.

a is the closest answer, though this is a strawman of what Affirmative Action actually is.

14. The phrase the “separation of church and state” can be found where?
 (e) in none of the above, but in arguments by people seeking to censor Christianity.

e - it was in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association confirming that the 1st amendment would guarantee that their right to free expression of their religion would never be interfered with by the federal government.

15. Rank the following in terms of how open they are to public participation, from least open to most open:

I. closed primary
 II. open primary
 III. caucus
 (b) I, III, II

16. The Miranda warning is given to whom?
 (c) criminal suspects.

17. The vote of how many Justices in your favor is necessary to ensure victory in the U.S. Supreme Court (choose the minimum amount necessary):
 (c) 5.

18. The decision that had the effect of ending prayer in school was:
 (b) Engel v. Vitale (1962).

Engel v Vitale had the effect of ending teacher-led prayer in public school as an improper establishment of religion by a government institution. Students are still perfectly free to pray provided that it doesn't disrupt class.

19. From year to year, the “sound bite” is becoming:
 (d) shorter.

d - This is a question about government? It sounds like a question about media to me.

20. If someone comes to your door and asks if he can search your house, what would your attorney most likely tell you to do?
 (b) ask to see a search warrant first and not allow him in without a warrant.

21. One good reason to spend more time working for an interest group than a political party is:
 (b) sometimes political change requires attracting support from both major parties.

22. The broadest support for a food regulation is for:
 (c) requiring disclosure of the contents of the food.

23. On Tuesday, John McCain won the Republican primary in New Hampshire, and Hillary Clinton won the Democratic primary there. What did they really win?
 (b) They won some delegates to their political parties’ national conventions, and status as frontrunners for future primaries in other states.

24. The President has almost complete control over:
 (a) spending by government

a - Spending bills must be approved by the president unless overridden by veto, which is rare.

25. Why is it important to get involved in a major political party?
 (b) because politics is like a team sport, and elections are usually won by major political parties

26. All of the following are interest groups EXCEPT:
 (d) Congress

27. A journalist "shield law" does which of the following:
 (b) allows journalists to keep the identities of their sources secret.

28. Which of the following is the best predictor of how people will vote?
 (c) how often they worship God.

Knowing Conservapedia, this must be the answer, however I'm skeptical without some statistics to back it up.

29. Early polling data are often unreliable because:
 (b) The views of voters change as Election Day approaches.

30. Which of the following is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution?
 (a) right to trial by jury.

31. If you wanted to run for President, you would want to do all of the following things EXCEPT:
 (e) always speak the truth, even if it offends many voters.

Though technically the only thing on this list that is an actual requirement is a.

32. One of the most reliable political polls is the approval rating of the President. Why?
 (c) everyone knows who the president is

33. What might the Republican Party cite to stop a disliked candidate from running as a Republican?
 (d) freedom of religion

This is a guess, but the question is really poorly designed.

34. Which of the following are true about federal courts?

I. The Supreme Court usually won't hear a case unless four Justices want to.
 II. Except for big lawsuits between citizens of different states, a plaintiff must usually cite violation of a federal law to gain access to federal court.
 III. The Chief Justice of the United States always decides who writes the opinion for the Court.

(a) I, II and III.

Questions 35 and 36 are based on Lopez v. United States (1995), in which the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990. That law had made it a federal offense "for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone."

35. Suppose you were the attorney for the United States arguing in favor of the constitutionality of the federal law. What clause in the Constitution would help you most?
 (b) Commerce Clause.

36. Suppose you were the attorney for Mr. Lopez. What principle or doctrine would help you most in arguing that the federal law is invalid?
 (a) federalism.

37. The longest-serving Supreme Court Justice in history, William O. Douglas, once said, "I don't follow precedents, I make ’em." What is that an example of?
 (e) judicial activism.

Questions 38 and 39 are based on how a new federal law is enacted:

38. A new statute is typically prepared and revised by whom?
 (d) a committee in Congress.

39. When the President vetoes new legislation, what options are left for trying to pass it?
 (b) try to override the veto with 2/3rds vote in both houses of Congress.

40. Each of the following are departments in the Executive Branch EXCEPT:
 (e) Department of Homeschooling.

41. How many votes are required for a successful filibuster in the U.S. Senate?
 (c) 41.

42. What job is performed by the Attorney General of the United States?
 (b) He enforces the laws by managing the Department of Justice.

43. How might you best phrase a preliminary question in a poll about the death penalty to (falsely) increase the number of people opposed to it?
 (c) “Do you think an innocent man should receive the death penalty?”

44. The Constitution gives the power to declare war to which branch of government?
 (a) legislative.

45. The minimum age for drinking alcohol is 21 in all 50 states because of political efforts of _____________:
 (b) an interest group, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

46. The “peace dividend” was expected as the result of which of the following?
 (d) the end of the Cold War.

47. The Equal Rights Amendment:
 (d) was defeated because many Americans (i) oppose treating men and women identically in the military, (ii) oppose same-sex marriage, and (iii) oppose taxpayer-funded abortion.

d, though again the reasons listed here are primarily strawmen.

48. The main defect in the Lemon Test is that:
 (b) it is so broad that it can be easily manipulated against religion.

b is the answer, though I believe the question is faulty.

49. “Incorporation doctrine” means which of the following:
 (d) The Fourteenth Amendment incorporates the Bill of Rights to apply against the states.

50. The “legislative veto” gave Congress the power to veto or invalidate an action taken by the President, such as a decision to deport an illegal alien. The legislative veto was in nearly 200 federal statutes until it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in INS v. Chadha (1983). What doctrine do you think the U.S. Supreme Court used to invalidate it?
 (c) separation of powers.

:: 45/50, also an awesome score!!!! I'm very, very impressed. I'll post the answer key after some others have a chance. You raise some good discussion points also, but let's wait a few days before discussing because it will give away the answers.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 23:17, 10 January 2008 (EST)

== My answers! ==

I linked them from [http://www.conservapedia.com/User:MexMax/Exam here] so that I wouldn't add things to the talk page so much; I also added a few comments, because some of the questions seemed unclear, and I'd appreciate help so I can learn from seeing my mistake!-[[User:MexMax|MexMax]]
:I hope I get a grade too; waiting eagerly...-[[User:MexMax|MexMax]] 16:58, 11 January 2008 (EST)
:: 46 out of 50!!!! AWESOME!!!! Very, very impressive. Godspeed.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 17:04, 11 January 2008 (EST)
:Thanks so much! Can you tell me (at some point - I know you haven't disclosed the key yet) which ones I got wrong, so I can review?-[[User:MexMax|MexMax]] 17:06, 11 January 2008 (EST)

:: I'll post the answers by Sunday. It's sad, but last time I immediately told people which one's they got wrong I feel that someone exploited that to derive the correct answers and inflate his score here.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 17:08, 11 January 2008 (EST)

== New User's Answers ==

Please remember that I am a new reader, and I havent done any study and I am not an American

1C 2A 3D 4E 5D 6B 7A 8E 9A 10E 11C 12E 13A 14E 15B 16C 17C 18B 19D 20B 21B 22C 23B 24E 25A
26D 27B 28C 29B 30A 31E 32A 33A 34A 35C 36B 37E 38D 39B 40E 41C 42C 43C 44B 45B 46D 47A 48B 49D 50C

Is this test just for fun?{{unsigned|JimmyB}}

: 41 out of 50. Well done!--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:03, 11 January 2008 (EST)

:I'll answer ''in absentia'' for Mr. Schlafly. The short answer is no. The long answer is no, no, no. Andy and Conservapedia are part of a growing movement in the United States, whereby conservatives educate their students at home to avoid [[liberal bias]] in the public schools. So, this test is designed to form the endcap to a homeschooling unit. As an incidental note, you'll see that many of the questions are targeted at teaching students to avoid liberal bias: look at question 14. You'd be surprised how few people can answer that question correctly...-[[User:MexMax|MexMax]] 12:05, 11 January 2008 (EST)

:: Thank you MexMax: as you said, this test is not "just for fun." Students worked hard to get scores as high as 48/50. I'll grade the latest attempt above shortly.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 12:19, 11 January 2008 (EST)

::: Sorry, I had no intention of insulting anyone who worked towards this. But if it is part of a schooling module, what form does the credit take? What level would it come at? In the UK, we have GCSEs that are taken at the age of 16, and A Levels that are taken at the age of 18. If you do well enough in GCSEs, then you can take A Levels and if you do well enough in A Levels, you get to go to university. Roughly where in that scale would this test be placed?

:::: Education is not so bureaucratic in [[America]]. Top students in this course can earn college (university) credit for it simply by doing well on a special exam. The students taking the class were of high school (secondary school) teenage.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 13:07, 11 January 2008 (EST)
:::::Really? A university would accept this test as credit towards a module? As we say in England, BLIMEY! :) --[[User:JimmyB|JimmyB]] 13:21, 11 January 2008 (EST)

:::::: No, that isn't what I said. I said top students can earn college (university) credit by doing well on a '''special exam''', such as [[CLEP]] or [[AP]]. Those exams are not conceptually harder than the above exam, but do have [[liberal]] bias.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 13:26, 11 January 2008 (EST)

::::::: How did I do?--[[User:JimmyB|JimmyB]] 15:57, 11 January 2008 (EST)

==answers==
1c
2a
3d
4e
5d
6e
7a
8e
9a
10e
11a
12e
13c
14e
15a
16c
17c
18b
19d
20b
21b
22c
23b
24e
25b
26d
27b
28c
29b
30a
31e
32c
33a
34b
35b
36a
37e
38d
39b
40e
41c
42b
43c
44b
45b
46d
47d
48b
49d
50c

Thought I'd give it a shot. [[User:Lukecorlando|Luke]] 14:00, 11 January 2008 (EST)

:45 out of 50. That's awesome!!!! Tremendous effort, Luke. Godspeed.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:48, 11 January 2008 (EST)

== Here's my answers ==

1. C
2. A
3. E
4. E
5. D
6. E
7. A
8. E
9. A
10. E
11. C
12. E
13. A
14. E, though Jefferson used the phrase in letters.
15. C, because caucuses require a large time committment, and so they are hard for many people to attend.
16. C
17. B
18. B
19. D
20. B
21. B
22. C
23. B
24. E
25. B
26. D
27. B
28. C
29. B
30. A
31. E
32. C
33. A, though I must say this question confused me.
34. B
35. B
36. A
37. E
38. D
39. B
40. E
41. C
42. B
43. C
44. A
45. D
46. D
47. D
48. B
49. D
50. C

How are they? [[User:TRipp|TRipp]] 17:18, 11 January 2008 (EST)

Talk:Ron Paul

2007-12-16T23:40:12Z

TRipp:

I removed the following link:
*[http://chip91.wordpress.com/ Conservatives against Ron Paul]
I don't think a blog that criticizes a [[libertarian]] because he's not a [[conservative]] is a very relevant source for an encyclopedia article. If you absolutely think it's necessary, at least place it ''after'' the official Ron Paul sites. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 14:33, 2 August 2007 (EDT)

== Running against Paul ==

How can Dondero be running against Paul for Congress, if Paul is running not for Congress but for President? [[User:Pandeism|Pandeism]] 17:34, 2 August 2007 (EDT)
:Err? I did some research about it. I couldn't really find much about it, but I did find [http://www.lastfreevoice.com/2007/05/16/eric-dondero-to-run-against-ron-paul-for-congress/ this]. As far as I can tell, he's going to run against Paul in D14 if Paul drops out of the primary race and runs for Congress again? That's as good a guess as I can figure. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:25, 2 August 2007 (EDT)
::He's running for both president and congress. Many politicians do so. It's not a conflict because the presidential election process tends to give you a pretty good idea pretty early on if you're going to get your party's nomination, and as such would still have several months to organize your congressional campaign if your presidential campaign falls through. And he has done a little campaigning in Texas, if I'm not mistaken. [[User:Warhawk|Warhawk]] 10:53, 13 August 2007 (EDT)
:::Thank you! That's what I figured, but he obviously is only talking about the Presidential race right now. Thanks for clarifying it for us. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 10:58, 13 August 2007 (EDT)

==Conservatives against Ron Paul link==
On the [[Mitt Romney]] article there is a "conservatives against Romney link." So why can't there be a conservatives against Ron Paul link here? {{unsigned|Chippeterson}}

:See above for why I removed it. There is nothing wrong with links of conservatives who are against Ron Paul, though I will reiterate that the specific site you chose isn't a great one. (Thanks for putting it below the official links though). That site's main concern with Ron Paul is that he is not a conservative; but he never pretends to be a conservative. That would be like me placing a site on [[Barack Obama]]'s page complaining that he's not a conservative. I left the link up anyway, but I wouldn't mind keeping it only as a placeholder until we find a better one. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:08, 3 August 2007 (EDT)
:Oh man I just took another look at the site. What I thought was the first page of posts was in fact the only page of posts. And if the name gives us a clue, it's your own site, Chippeterson. I now think there's no reason to keep this on an encyclopedia article. Feel free to find a more established blog, or better yet a news source or something to that effect. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:22, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

If somebody really wanted to post something against Ron Paul, they could post this. [http://www.townhall.com/columnists/JohnHawkins/2007/06/15/the_conservative_case_against_ron_paul] I'm not saying I agree with all this; I disagree with this author's opinion on an Iraq pullout, but this would be more "legitimate". [[User:DanH|DanH]] 18:25, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

I would also like to go on record as supporting the removal of the aforementioned blog. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 18:27, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

It's much more then just one page. On top of the blog you find pages about Ron Paul's voting record and how it differs from what he says his political views are. It should have stayed on and I would put it back up if I thought it wouldn't result in me be being blocked from writing here on conservapedia. {{unsigned|Chippeterson}}

:Ah you are correct, I didn't see those tabs at the top. Still, there are only 6 posts to the blog (it is correct to say it's your personal blog, right?). It's not the content that makes me feel this is an unacceptable source, but the authority. The blog's only two days old and it has 0 comments. It also has no credited author. I'm sure you would like your blog to be on here, but it just isn't right for an encyclopedia. (Also, it doesn't bother me, but some people around here get miffed if you don't sign your post. You can do this by typing <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>.) [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 21:55, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

I think that this article should mention that Ron Paul is a traditional conservative, as opposed to a neo-conservative. [[User:anticommie|anticommie]]

== Dates ==

Since this is now protected, could someone please dewikilink the dates? Thanks. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazz]][[User talk:Jazzman831|Man]] 23:49, 30 August 2007 (EDT)

== Introducing new legislation ==

Is there any evidence to support the claim that Ron Paul introduced lots of legislation "probably more than any other single member of Congress." Seems like speculation to me. [[User:TRipp|TRipp]] 15:06, 16 December 2007 (EST)

Mike Huckabee

2007-12-16T20:16:31Z

TRipp:

[[Image:Hdyute7.jpg|right|thumb|'''Mike Huckabee''']]
'''Mike Huckabee''' (born August 24, 1955) is a [[Baptist]] minister and is a [[conservative]] candidate for the 2008 [[Republican]] presidential nomination. He believes in [[Creationism]] and was the governor of [[Arkansas]] from 1996 to 2007.

Throughout the presidential primary, Huckabee has been viewed favorably by conservatives and [[Christian]] organizations such as the [[Homeschool Legal Defense Association]]. Former Speaker of the House [[Newt Gingrich]] predicted that Huckabee will catch on with [[Republican]] primary voters, calling him "the most interesting dark horse". <ref>http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6899608</ref>

[[Poll]] numbers show that Huckabee's strong debate performances, communication skills and likability have him steadily moving up in key primary states of [[Iowa]], [[New Hampshire]], and [[South Carolina]].
<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/21/s.c.straw.poll/index.html</ref> He was the winner of the straw poll after the Sept. 17th "values debate."<ref>http://www.earnedmedia.org/kg0918.htm</ref> With far less money than his competitors, Huckabee finished second in the high-profile [[Iowa Straw Poll]] with 18% of the vote, in front of [[Sam Brownback]] (15%) and in back of [[Mitt Romney]] (32%). His victory has placed him in the top tier of Republican primary candidates<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/12/ftn/main3159786.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=22081</ref>
<ref>http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/</ref>.

In October 2007, Huckabee overwhelmingly won the high-profile Family Research Counsel's Value Voter Summit straw poll. Out of those attending, Huckabee received more votes then all other candidates combined. <ref>http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/10/romney_camp_stacking_the_value.html</ref>
== Record as Governor ==

As [[Governor]] of [[Arkansas]], Mike Huckabee cut and raised taxes. For example, during his ten years in office, the Arkansas [[legislature]] enacted increases in tobacco, sales, and [[fuel]]s taxes; however he also signed into legislation tax cuts over 90 times during that period. During his tenure as Governor welfare rolls declined by nearly half, and last year the state's economy grew 4.4%, beating the national average of 4.2%.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

In 1997 he introduced ARKids First, a health care plan which cut the number of Arkansas uninsured children in half.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

Throughout his tenure he also supported and helped pass pro-life bills through the Democrat controlled legislature.

In 2005 [[Time Magazine]] declared him one of "America's 5 Best Governors". <ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

== Political Beliefs ==

'''Taxes''':
As governor, he signed the first broad-based tax-cut in state history and cut taxes over ninety times. Huckabee believes that the United States should enact a tax system known as the [[Fair Tax]], this system replaces the income tax with a voluntary consumption tax. Recently he signed the Presidential Taxpayer Protection Pledge to Americans for Tax Reform which promises to not raise taxes if elected president.<ref>http://www.atr.org/content/html/2007/march/030207pr-huckabeesignspledge.html</ref>

'''Spending''':
During his tenure, state spending rose 65.3% between 1996 and 2004, which was 3 times the rate of inflation. This has led to strong criticism from conservative groups like the [[Club for Growth]]. However, when he left office there was a surplus of over $800 million. <ref>http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/01/a_report_on_mike_huckabees_fis.php</ref>. Huckabee has called on Bush to veto more spending bills by the democrat controlled congress.<ref>http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/cobb/stories/2007/09/08/huckabee_0909.html</ref> In August 2007, Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, stated "Gov. Huckabee recognizes that the challenge is to rein in spending and reduce taxes."<ref>http://www.atr.org/content/html/2007/march/030207pr-huckabeesignspledge.html</ref>

'''[[Abortion]]''':
According to ''[[National Review]]'', as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee signed a bill requiring parental consent for [[abortion]], and mandating notification by abortion providers to prospective parents that the unborn baby may feel pain, he also helped pass a bill through the Democratic-controlled legislature which stated that life began at conception.<ref>http://www.explorehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_ID=11</ref><ref>http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NmNjMmI1ODhjNGVlZWFmNTlmMGNiZTVjYTg1NTUzMTk=</ref> He also signed the Fetal Protection Act. He is known to be strongly pro-life.

'''Marriage''':
Huckabee is opposed to same sex marriage and civil unions. He also is a strong advocate for fathers' participation in child-raising.<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Huckabee.htm</ref> He would favor a nation-wide [[Roe v. Wade]] being overturned and the federal governments recognition that life begins at conception.

'''Second Amendment Rights''':
As governor, he signed bills blocking frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers and removing restrictions on concealed handgun permit holders. He became the first governor in the nation to have a concealed handgun license.<ref>http://www.explorehuckabee.com</ref>

'''Immigration''':
Huckabee opposed the McCain-Kennedy bill because he stated it had problems with "credibility; secrecy; and spending".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee</ref> He believes the United States should seal the border first and deportation of illegal immigrates that have committed crimes.<ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=4</ref>

==Vertical Politics==
While campaigning, Huckabee has referred to what he calls Vertical Politics - politics aimed at making America stronger rather than festering partisanship. Huckabee said, "Everywhere I go on the campaign trail, I meet voters with a real thirst for a healthy discussion of the issues. Ultimately, people don’t care whether an issue comes from the left or the right. What they want to talk about are ideas that lift America up and make us better. It’s what I call ‘Vertical Politics." <ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=verticalday.home</ref>

== Personal ==
[[Image:HuckabeeBand.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Huckabee playing with his band, ''Capital Offense'', during the 2007 [[Iowa Straw Poll]]]]
Huckabee was born in Hope, [[Arkansas]], the same town where former president [[Bill Clinton]] was born. This coincidence led to one of Huckabee's campaign slogans, "give [Hope] one more chance."
Huckabee lost 110 pounds while governor of Arkansas and documented his weight loss and set out a 12-step plan for weight loss in his book ''Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork.'' <ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7752179/site/newsweek/</ref> He has also made childhood obesity a major platform issue. He became the first person in his family to attend college when he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, [[Texas]], before becoming a [[Baptist]] pastor for twelve years in [[Arkansas]]. Because of his income situation, Huckabee graduated in only two and a half years.

The 52-year-old former governor and his wife live in [[Little Rock]] and have three grown children. Huckabee enjoys playing in his rock-n-roll band, Capitol Offense, which has played at the House of Blues in [[New Orleans]], the Red Rocks Amphitheater in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] and for two presidential inauguration balls.

==Campaign==
Governor Huckabee's campaign took off after the Ames Straw Poll, where he came in 2nd place (with 18% of the vote) to Mitt Romney, despite far less name recognition and far less spending - he spent about $35 per vote, whereas Romney spent more than $500 per vote.

His second surge began after the Republican [[YouTube]] debate, where he was seen as calm and positive next to the other candidates, many of whom attacked each other.

He also gained a lot of press - and even respect from liberals - for his humorous ad featuring Chuck Norris.

==Endorsements==
====Organizations====
For the first time in the organizations history, the [[Homeschool Legal Defense Association]] Political Action Committee endorsed a political candidate. The organization, which consists of 90,000 members, stated that they decided to endorse Huckabee because of he was, "[[conservative]], a friend of [[homeschooling]], a man of character, and a man with a mature faith in [[Jesus Christ]]".<ref>http://huckabee08.blogspot.com/2007/06/huckabee-on-roll-endorsements-and-polls.html</ref>

===South Carolina===
Huckabee has received some key endorsement during the course of his primary race. One such endorsement came from former [[South Carolina]] Governor, [[David Beasley]], who had before planned on staying on the sidelines throughout the [[Republican]] primary<ref>http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/27/news_pf/Opinion/Huckabee_s__a_maratho.shtml</ref>

Huckabee received another South Carolina endorsement from Iris Campbell, the former South Carolina First Lady and wife of former governor, the late [[Mike Campbell]]<ref>http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/02/endorsement_wat.html</ref>. During Mike Campbell's time in office, from 1987 to 1994, his endorsement of [[Ronald Reagan]] boosted the underdog's presidential primary race.

===Virginia===
In August 2007, Huckabee received a key endorsement from [[Virginia]]'s House of Delegates Speaker [[William J. Howell]]. Howell has been a member of the Board of Directors of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council ]](ALEC), the nation’s largest bipartisan, individual membership association of state legislators <ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressRelease&ID=216</ref>.

===New Hampshire===

Huckabee has picked up some key endorsements in the very significant primary in [[New Hampshire]]. In August 2007, New Hampshire's former Senator, Russell Prescott, and former Executive Councilor David Wheeler endorsed Huckabee<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/08/huckabee_endors.html</ref>. Both figures remain very popular with social conservatives in the state<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/08/huckabee_endors.html</ref>.
== Quotes ==
* "We've had a [[congress]] that's spent money like [[John Edwards]] at a beauty shop."

* "…my [[faith]] is my life. It defines me. I see no separation between my faith from my personal and professional lives."

* "When it comes to the red tape in government, I don't think I can part the Red Sea but I believe I can part the red tape."

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Huckabee, Mike}}
[[Category:Political people]]
[[Category:2008 Presidential Candidates]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:United States Governors]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ Mike Huckabee (official)]
*[http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.Home Huckabee Campaign Blog]
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/ Grassroots Website]
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDA2NzhkZGI2ZjA4NWI2NmMyYzNkNjY1Y2QzMzlmYzA=Governors Win, The case for Mike Huckabee.], [[National Review]], S. T. Karnick, August 2007

==External Videos==
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php Huckabee online video collection]
===Supporter Videos===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPcnn9Sf94&eurl=http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.Home Huckabee - Cinderella Man]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwfzk5RSQy4&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=we_like_mike_huckabee We Like Mike - Huckabee]
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=i_heart_huckabee_colbert_stewart I heart Huckabee]
===Personal Story===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3YR3grKJ3Q&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=story_of_mike_huckabee Part 1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8aBVYKpZNQ&feature=related Part 2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VZufUe0HGs&feature=related Part 3]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXZKfUg97o&feature=related Part 4]
===Ads===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjYv2YW6azE&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=chuck_norris_huckabee_facts "HuckChuckFacts"]

===Speeches===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysdguwpgNZ0&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=huckabee_family_research-01 FRC's Value Voter Summit Speech Part 1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af5qyUzRT68&feature=related Value Voter Summit Speech Part 2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5v_qB0VDNI&feature=related FRC's Value Voter Summit Speech Part 3]

{{2008_presidential_candidates}}

Mike Huckabee

2007-12-16T20:12:51Z

TRipp: /* Quotes */

[[Image:Hdyute7.jpg|right|thumb|'''Mike Huckabee''']]
'''Mike Huckabee''' (born August 24, 1955) is a [[Baptist]] minister and is a [[conservative]] candidate for the 2008 [[Republican]] presidential nomination. He believes in [[Creationism]] and was the governor of [[Arkansas]] from 1996 to 2007.

Throughout the presidential primary, Huckabee has been viewed favorably by conservatives and [[Christian]] organizations such as the [[Homeschool Legal Defense Association]]. Former Speaker of the House [[Newt Gingrich]] predicted that Huckabee will catch on with [[Republican]] primary voters, calling him "the most interesting dark horse". <ref>http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=6899608</ref>

[[Poll]] numbers show that Huckabee's strong debate performances, communication skills and likability have him steadily moving up in key primary states of [[Iowa]], [[New Hampshire]], and [[South Carolina]].
<ref>http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/04/21/s.c.straw.poll/index.html</ref> He was the winner of the straw poll after the Sept. 17th "values debate."<ref>http://www.earnedmedia.org/kg0918.htm</ref> With far less money than his competitors, Huckabee finished second in the high-profile [[Iowa Straw Poll]] with 18% of the vote, in front of [[Sam Brownback]] (15%) and in back of [[Mitt Romney]] (32%). His victory has placed him in the top tier of Republican primary candidates<ref>http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/12/ftn/main3159786.shtml</ref><ref>http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=22081</ref>
<ref>http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/</ref>.

In October 2007, Huckabee overwhelmingly won the high-profile Family Research Counsel's Value Voter Summit straw poll. Out of those attending, Huckabee received more votes then all other candidates combined. <ref>http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/10/romney_camp_stacking_the_value.html</ref>
== Record as Governor ==

As [[Governor]] of [[Arkansas]], Mike Huckabee cut and raised taxes. For example, during his ten years in office, the Arkansas [[legislature]] enacted increases in tobacco, sales, and [[fuel]]s taxes; however he also signed into legislation tax cuts over 90 times during that period. During his tenure as Governor welfare rolls declined by nearly half, and last year the state's economy grew 4.4%, beating the national average of 4.2%.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

In 1997 he introduced ARKids First, a health care plan which cut the number of Arkansas uninsured children in half.<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

Throughout his tenure he also supported and helped pass pro-life bills through the Democrat controlled legislature.

In 2005 [[Time Magazine]] declared him one of "America's 5 Best Governors". <ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1129494,00.html</ref>

== Political Beliefs ==

'''Taxes''':
As governor, he signed the first broad-based tax-cut in state history and cut taxes over ninety times. Huckabee believes that the United States should enact a tax system known as the [[Fair Tax]], this system replaces the income tax with a voluntary consumption tax. Recently he signed the Presidential Taxpayer Protection Pledge to Americans for Tax Reform which promises to not raise taxes if elected president.<ref>http://www.atr.org/content/html/2007/march/030207pr-huckabeesignspledge.html</ref>

'''Spending''':
During his tenure, state spending rose 65.3% between 1996 and 2004, which was 3 times the rate of inflation. This has led to strong criticism from conservative groups like the [[Club for Growth]]. However, when he left office there was a surplus of over $800 million. <ref>http://www.clubforgrowth.org/2007/01/a_report_on_mike_huckabees_fis.php</ref>. Huckabee has called on Bush to veto more spending bills by the democrat controlled congress.<ref>http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/cobb/stories/2007/09/08/huckabee_0909.html</ref> In August 2007, Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, stated "Gov. Huckabee recognizes that the challenge is to rein in spending and reduce taxes."<ref>http://www.atr.org/content/html/2007/march/030207pr-huckabeesignspledge.html</ref>

'''[[Abortion]]''':
According to ''[[National Review]]'', as Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee signed a bill requiring parental consent for [[abortion]], and mandating notification by abortion providers to prospective parents that the unborn baby may feel pain, he also helped pass a bill through the Democratic-controlled legislature which stated that life began at conception.<ref>http://www.explorehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_ID=11</ref><ref>http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NmNjMmI1ODhjNGVlZWFmNTlmMGNiZTVjYTg1NTUzMTk=</ref> He also signed the Fetal Protection Act. He is known to be strongly pro-life.

'''Marriage''':
Huckabee is opposed to same sex marriage and civil unions. He also is a strong advocate for fathers' participation in child-raising.<ref>http://www.ontheissues.org/Mike_Huckabee.htm</ref> He would favor a nation-wide [[Roe v. Wade]] being overturned and the federal governments recognition that life begins at conception.

'''Second Amendment Rights''':
As governor, he signed bills blocking frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers and removing restrictions on concealed handgun permit holders. He became the first governor in the nation to have a concealed handgun license.<ref>http://www.explorehuckabee.com</ref>

'''Immigration''':
Huckabee opposed the McCain-Kennedy bill because he stated it had problems with "credibility; secrecy; and spending".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Huckabee</ref> He believes the United States should seal the border first and deportation of illegal immigrates that have committed crimes.<ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=4</ref>

==Vertical Politics==
While campaigning, Huckabee has referred to what he calls Vertical Politics - politics aimed at making America stronger rather than festering partisanship. Huckabee said, "Everywhere I go on the campaign trail, I meet voters with a real thirst for a healthy discussion of the issues. Ultimately, people don’t care whether an issue comes from the left or the right. What they want to talk about are ideas that lift America up and make us better. It’s what I call ‘Vertical Politics." <ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=verticalday.home</ref>

== Personal ==
[[Image:HuckabeeBand.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Huckabee playing with his band, ''Capital Offense'', during the 2007 [[Iowa Straw Poll]]]]
Huckabee was born in Hope, [[Arkansas]], the same town where former president [[Bill Clinton]] was born. This coincidence led to one of Huckabee's campaign slogans, "give [Hope] one more chance."
Huckabee lost 110 pounds while governor of Arkansas and documented his weight loss and set out a 12-step plan for weight loss in his book ''Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork.'' <ref>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7752179/site/newsweek/</ref> He has also made childhood obesity a major platform issue. He became the first person in his family to attend college when he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, [[Texas]], before becoming a [[Baptist]] pastor for twelve years in [[Arkansas]]. Because of his income situation, Huckabee graduated in only two and a half years.

The 52-year-old former governor and his wife live in [[Little Rock]] and have three grown children. Huckabee enjoys playing in his rock-n-roll band, Capitol Offense, which has played at the House of Blues in [[New Orleans]], the Red Rocks Amphitheater in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]] and for two presidential inauguration balls.

==Endorsements==
====Organizations====
For the first time in the organizations history, the [[Homeschool Legal Defense Association]] Political Action Committee endorsed a political candidate. The organization, which consists of 90,000 members, stated that they decided to endorse Huckabee because of he was, "[[conservative]], a friend of [[homeschooling]], a man of character, and a man with a mature faith in [[Jesus Christ]]".<ref>http://huckabee08.blogspot.com/2007/06/huckabee-on-roll-endorsements-and-polls.html</ref>

===South Carolina===
Huckabee has received some key endorsement during the course of his primary race. One such endorsement came from former [[South Carolina]] Governor, [[David Beasley]], who had before planned on staying on the sidelines throughout the [[Republican]] primary<ref>http://www.sptimes.com/2007/05/27/news_pf/Opinion/Huckabee_s__a_maratho.shtml</ref>

Huckabee received another South Carolina endorsement from Iris Campbell, the former South Carolina First Lady and wife of former governor, the late [[Mike Campbell]]<ref>http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/02/endorsement_wat.html</ref>. During Mike Campbell's time in office, from 1987 to 1994, his endorsement of [[Ronald Reagan]] boosted the underdog's presidential primary race.

===Virginia===
In August 2007, Huckabee received a key endorsement from [[Virginia]]'s House of Delegates Speaker [[William J. Howell]]. Howell has been a member of the Board of Directors of the [[American Legislative Exchange Council ]](ALEC), the nation’s largest bipartisan, individual membership association of state legislators <ref>http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=NewsRoom.PressRelease&ID=216</ref>.

===New Hampshire===

Huckabee has picked up some key endorsements in the very significant primary in [[New Hampshire]]. In August 2007, New Hampshire's former Senator, Russell Prescott, and former Executive Councilor David Wheeler endorsed Huckabee<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/08/huckabee_endors.html</ref>. Both figures remain very popular with social conservatives in the state<ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2007/08/huckabee_endors.html</ref>.
== Quotes ==
* "We've had a [[congress]] that's spent money like [[John Edwards]] at a beauty shop."

* "…my [[faith]] is my life. It defines me. I see no separation between my faith from my personal and professional lives."

* "When it comes to the red tape in government, I don't think I can part the Red Sea but I believe I can part the red tape."

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Huckabee, Mike}}
[[Category:Political people]]
[[Category:2008 Presidential Candidates]]
[[Category:Republican Party]]
[[Category:United States Governors]]

== External Links ==
* [http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ Mike Huckabee (official)]
*[http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.Home Huckabee Campaign Blog]
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/ Grassroots Website]
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZDA2NzhkZGI2ZjA4NWI2NmMyYzNkNjY1Y2QzMzlmYzA=Governors Win, The case for Mike Huckabee.], [[National Review]], S. T. Karnick, August 2007

==External Videos==
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php Huckabee online video collection]
===Supporter Videos===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILPcnn9Sf94&eurl=http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Blogs.Home Huckabee - Cinderella Man]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwfzk5RSQy4&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=we_like_mike_huckabee We Like Mike - Huckabee]
*[http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=i_heart_huckabee_colbert_stewart I heart Huckabee]
===Personal Story===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3YR3grKJ3Q&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=story_of_mike_huckabee Part 1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8aBVYKpZNQ&feature=related Part 2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VZufUe0HGs&feature=related Part 3]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXZKfUg97o&feature=related Part 4]
===Ads===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjYv2YW6azE&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=chuck_norris_huckabee_facts "HuckChuckFacts"]

===Speeches===
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysdguwpgNZ0&eurl=http://www.hucksarmy.com/video.php?video=huckabee_family_research-01 FRC's Value Voter Summit Speech Part 1]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af5qyUzRT68&feature=related Value Voter Summit Speech Part 2]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5v_qB0VDNI&feature=related FRC's Value Voter Summit Speech Part 3]

{{2008_presidential_candidates}}

Mitt Romney

2007-12-16T20:10:40Z

TRipp: /* Fundraising */

[[Image:Xnmhv.jpg|right|250x250px|thumb|Mitt Romney]]
'''Willard "Mitt" Romney''' (born March 12, 1947), served as the governor of [[Massachusetts]] from 2003 to 2007 and is a [[Republican]] candidate in the 2008 presidential election. If elected, he would become the first [[Mormon]] president. Romney first gained national recognition for his role in turning around the 2002 Winter Olympics. With the 2002 Games mired in controversy and facing a financial crisis, Romney left behind a successful career as an entrepreneur to take over as President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. As governor, Romney balanced the budget every year in his administration without raising taxes or increasing debt. He also created over 60,000 new jobs and brought [[conservative]] change to the [[liberal]] state of Massachusetts.

== Personal ==
[[Image:MittRomneyYouth05.jpg|thumb|Ann Lois Davies and Willard Mitt Romney]]
Currently, Romney is gaining popularity because his stable marriage attracts conservative audiences who are unhappy with [[John McCain]], [[Rudy Giuliani]], and [[Newt Gingrich]]'s many divorces. In fact, Romney's wife, Ann, has even made it a point to highlight this difference, commenting at one GOP event that the difference between her husband and the other Republican candidates is that "he's had only one wife."<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/08/AR2007060802781_pf.html</ref>

Romney is the son of former [[Michigan]] Governor and presidential candidate George Romney, a "Rockefeller Republican,"<ref>Lisa McGirr,Suburban Warriors (book), Copyright 2001, Princeton University Press, p. 141, 222.</ref> Many Massachusetts Republicans do not connect the father's politics with the son's, much like Presidents [[George H. W. Bush|George Herbert Walker Bush]] and [[George W. Bush|George Walker Bush]].

== Political Views ==

===Abortion===
"I am [[pro-life]]. I believe that [[abortion]] is the wrong choice except in cases of incest, rape, and to save the life of the mother. I wish the people of America agreed, and that the laws of our nation could reflect that view. But while the nation remains so divided over abortion, I believe that the states, through the democratic process, should determine their own abortion laws and not have them dictated by [[judicial mandate]]." ([[Boston]] Globe, Mitt Romney Editorial, July 26, 2005)
<ref>[http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Values America's Culture and Values] mittromney.com</ref> 

Despite having a largely pro-life record as governor, in a 1994 debate with Senator [[Edward Kennedy]], Romney said that abortion should be legal, declaring that "regardless of one's beliefs about choice, you would hope it would be safe and legal." "Many years ago, I had a dear, close family relative that was very close to me who passed away from an illegal abortion", Romney said. "It is since that time my mother and my family have been committed to the belief that we can believe as we want, but we will not force our beliefs on others on that matter. And you will not see me wavering on that." [http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2005/07/03/clarity_sought_on_romneys_abortion_stance/?page=2]

In his campaign literature for the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial election, Romney expressed a willingness to defend that State's pro-choice status quo. [http://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/4]

===Civil Unions===

Romney is opposed to the idea of [[gay marriage]], however he has voiced support for domestic partnership benefits and equal rights for [[homosexuals]].[http://web.archive.org/web/20021218005104/www.romneyhealey.com/issues/3]

===Economic Agenda===

As President, Governor Mitt Romney will pursue a Conservative, Pro-Growth [[Economic]] Agenda. Governor Romney's number one economic priority will be to grow the economy — helping to create good jobs, raise incomes and preserve American strength. He will work to rein in excessive government spending and reform entitlements. To ensure America's continued economic growth, he will fight to cut taxes — the Death Tax, savings taxes, corporate taxes and marginal tax rates.

Governor Romney will also promote trade, bring market forces to bear in health care, pursue national tort and liability reform, eliminate excessive regulations that put a burden on our economy and strengthen American families.

====Overall Economic Priorities====

*Lowering Taxes: Proposes lowering tax rates for all Americans.
*Spending: Believes Washington's focus should be on cutting spending.
*National Tort Reform: Supports nationwide reforms to our tort system.
*Union Card Check Legislation: Supports the rights of workers to decide whether to join a union or not.
*Regulatory Reform and Sarbanes-Oxley: Believes the Washington regulatory burden is too high.

===Immigration===

<blockquote>Immigration has been an important part of our nation's success. The current system, however, puts up a concrete wall to the best and brightest, yet those without skill or education are able to walk across the border. We must reform the current immigration laws so we can secure our borders, implement a mandatory biometrically enabled, tamper proof documentation and employment verification system, and increase legal immigration into America. [http://www.mittromney.com/Issue-Watch/Immigration]</blockquote>
*[http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070323/NEWS09/703230396/-1/politics Des Moines Register: Romney: Reform Immigration, Allow Students To Stay]
*[http://www.iowapolitics.com/index.iml?Article=91722 IowaPolitics.com: Romney Touts Strong Stance On Illegal Immigration]

:On 5/24/07, Romney spoke about how he was tolerant about Gays and then he discussed the current illegal immigration bill before Congress:
<blockquote>He expressed less tolerance for illegal immigrants, and said he and President Bush have a difference of opinions on a bill that would provide a path toward legalization for an estimated 12 million people unlawfully in the country.

"He has his view, and other people have their views and I have my own," Romney said. "This is for all intents and purposes a form of amnesty in that everyone who is here illegally today will be able to stay under this bill."

The bill is unfair to people who are trying to come to the country legally, he said. People here illegally should be able to apply to come to the United States, but under the same terms as everyone else and behind those who have already applied.

"I don't think that we're going to round up 11 or 12 or however many million people and bus them out of the country. That's not what I'm talking about," Romney said. "Those who committed felonies, of course, would be deported. Those who require government assistance to stay here would surely need to get off government assistance and ultimately could not remain here on government assistance."[http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007May24/0,4670,RomneyGays,00.html]</blockquote>

===Stem Cell Research===
Mitt Romney supports the right of scientists to research on embryos created during fertility treatments.[http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/articles/2007/02/11/romneys_stem_cell_view_may_upset_the_right/]

==2008 Presidential Campaign==
As chairman of the [[Republican Governors Association]], Mitt Romney spent a lot of time in 2006 campaigning across the country for Republican gubernatorial candidates. While he did not run for reelection as governor, in 2004 Romney set up a federal political action committee (PAC) called the Commonwealth PAC, which raised 2.71 million during the 2006 election cycle. On January 3, 2007, his next-to-last day in office as governor of Massachusetts, Romney filed to form a presidential exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission. He officially announced his candidacy for President about a month later. Romney was the first candidate in either party to start running [[television]] and [[radio]] ads. The ads focused mainly on his record as governor, running the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, and his work as a very successful businessman. Romney's five sons have been actively campaigning for their father, traveling around in a campaign bus called the "Mitt Mobile, A Five Brothers Bus."
==[[Ames Straw Poll]]==
On August 11, 2007, Mitt Romney won the Ames Straw Poll. He received 31% of the vote at the Straw Poll, a larger margin that then-[[Texas]] Governor [[George W. Bush]] received in 2000. Former [[Arkansas]] Governor [[Mike Huckabee]] came in second with 18%.
==Fundraising==
Mitt Romney has done well in fund raising. During his first fund raiser as a presidential candidate, he raised 6.5 million dollars when his goal was to raise 1 million. During the first quarter Romney raised more money then any other Republican presidential candidate with $23 million. However, a substantial portion of his funds ($17 million) came from his own personal wealth. [http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/10/16/top_spender_romney_could_soon_run_short/]

==Opinion polling==
[[Image:Dude and mitt romney.jpg|right|180px]]
Mitt Romney leads in all the early primary states such as [[Iowa]], [[New Hampshire]], [[Nevada]], [[South Carolina]] and [[Michigan]]. He also leads in [[Idaho]], [[Utah]] and [[Wyoming]]. However, Romney is behind Mayor Giuliani and Senator Fred Thompson by narrow margins. A poll taken August 13, 2007 in South Carolina showed Romney (17%) moving up to third place behind Giuliani (18%) and Thompson (22%), though with the margin of error all three candidates were effectively tied.

==Endorsements==
===Congressional===
* Former [[Speaker of the House]] [[Dennis Hastert]]
* Senator [[Bob Bennett]] of [[Utah]]
* Senator [[Orrin Hatch]] of [[Utah]]
* Senator [[Larry Craig]] of [[Idaho]]
* Senator [[Jim DeMint]] of [[South Carolina]]
* Senator [[Wayne Allard]] of [[Colorado]]
* Senator [[Judd Gregg]] of [[New Hampshire]]
* Former Sen. [[Jim Talent]] of [[Missouri]]
===Governors===
* Missouri Governor [[Matt Blunt]]
* Former Colorado Governor [[Bill Owens]]
* [[Rhode Island]] Governor [[Donald Carcieri]]
* Former South Carolina Governor James B. Edwards
* Former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld
* Former Montana Governor Tim Babcock

==Criticism==

Romney's critics attack his inconsistent track record on issues such as [[abortion]] and [[Homosexuality|gay marriage]] to the point where he has gotten the nickname "Multiple Choice Mitt." A man dressed as a dolphin calling himself Flipper has appeared at some recent conservative gatherings to bring attention to Romney's inconsistent stands on abortion and gay marriage. Although Romney now identifies himself as pro-life and anti-same sex marriage, he claimed to be pro choice and supported same-sex rights as late as 2002. These swaps coupled with his [[Mormon]] affiliation puts him at odds with much of the Evangelical right, but a PollingReport.com chart from September 2007 indicates that Mitt was still polling at approximately 10% within the GOP primary forecasts. <ref>http://www.pollingreport.com/wh08rep.htm</ref>

Mitt Romney also changed his positions on [[gun control]]. He was originally for it, but recently joined the [[NRA|National Rife Association]], an organization opposed to it.

==References==
<References/>

==External links==
*[http://www.mittromney.com Mitt Romney for President 2008]
*[http://www.ldslivingonline.com/article.php?articleId=17633 Mitt Romney: proudly, quietly Mormon]
*[http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/ Evangelicals for Mitt]
*[http://sparklepony.blogspot.com/2007/03/fresh-mitt-romney-juvenalia-hot-off.html Fresh Mitt Romney Juvenalia] Pics - Comments.
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjE4MmMyMzVkZjlhZGQzNzlhZjdmMDEzNjI3MzM4ZTA= Mitt Romney: “I Changed My View. Is that So Difficult to Understand?”] The candidate talks about his efforts to convince voters that his pro-life conversion is real. Byron York, National Review Online, November 20, 2007
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Y2ZkMWNkZDkzOTk1YTM0NTNkNmJlZThmYjJmM2ZmOGE= Did Mitt Romney Push Poll Himself?] Mark Hemingway, National Review Online, November 19, 2007
*[http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=Y2EzODZjY2UxZTRhMWE2ZDk1ZWE5MGI0ZmRjMDViZTI= Team Romney on Push-Poll Connections] After reading the Hemingway piece, Kevin Madden, Romney for President campaign spokesman replies. Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review Online, November 19, 2007
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MzliMDgzOWVlOGEwYThlMzc5ZDVlNzM2YjA4M2ZkYTg= Romney Stands for Faith] The candidate pushes back against push-poll attacks. Larry Kudlow, National Review Online, November 16, 2007
*[http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MGQ4YmM4Y2U3Yjc3MzYzNDQwYzk3YTVjMTI5YTkwNzg= Romney’s Religion], The Editors, National Review Online, November 16, 2007

==Blogs==
*[http://www.mymanmitt.com/mitt-romney/ My Man Mitt]
*[http://conservativesagainstromney.com/ Conservatives Against Romney]

{{2008_presidential_candidates}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Romney, Mitt}}
[[Category:Political people]]
[[Category:2008 Presidential Candidates]]

Talk:Ron Paul

2007-12-16T20:06:47Z

TRipp: Introducing new legislation

I removed the following link:
*[http://chip91.wordpress.com/ Conservatives against Ron Paul]
I don't think a blog that criticizes a [[libertarian]] because he's not a [[conservative]] is a very relevant source for an encyclopedia article. If you absolutely think it's necessary, at least place it ''after'' the official Ron Paul sites. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 14:33, 2 August 2007 (EDT)

== Running against Paul ==

How can Dondero be running against Paul for Congress, if Paul is running not for Congress but for President? [[User:Pandeism|Pandeism]] 17:34, 2 August 2007 (EDT)
:Err? I did some research about it. I couldn't really find much about it, but I did find [http://www.lastfreevoice.com/2007/05/16/eric-dondero-to-run-against-ron-paul-for-congress/ this]. As far as I can tell, he's going to run against Paul in D14 if Paul drops out of the primary race and runs for Congress again? That's as good a guess as I can figure. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:25, 2 August 2007 (EDT)
::He's running for both president and congress. Many politicians do so. It's not a conflict because the presidential election process tends to give you a pretty good idea pretty early on if you're going to get your party's nomination, and as such would still have several months to organize your congressional campaign if your presidential campaign falls through. And he has done a little campaigning in Texas, if I'm not mistaken. [[User:Warhawk|Warhawk]] 10:53, 13 August 2007 (EDT)
:::Thank you! That's what I figured, but he obviously is only talking about the Presidential race right now. Thanks for clarifying it for us. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 10:58, 13 August 2007 (EDT)

==Conservatives against Ron Paul link==
On the [[Mitt Romney]] article there is a "conservatives against Romney link." So why can't there be a conservatives against Ron Paul link here? {{unsigned|Chippeterson}}

:See above for why I removed it. There is nothing wrong with links of conservatives who are against Ron Paul, though I will reiterate that the specific site you chose isn't a great one. (Thanks for putting it below the official links though). That site's main concern with Ron Paul is that he is not a conservative; but he never pretends to be a conservative. That would be like me placing a site on [[Barack Obama]]'s page complaining that he's not a conservative. I left the link up anyway, but I wouldn't mind keeping it only as a placeholder until we find a better one. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:08, 3 August 2007 (EDT)
:Oh man I just took another look at the site. What I thought was the first page of posts was in fact the only page of posts. And if the name gives us a clue, it's your own site, Chippeterson. I now think there's no reason to keep this on an encyclopedia article. Feel free to find a more established blog, or better yet a news source or something to that effect. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 18:22, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

If somebody really wanted to post something against Ron Paul, they could post this. [http://www.townhall.com/columnists/JohnHawkins/2007/06/15/the_conservative_case_against_ron_paul] I'm not saying I agree with all this; I disagree with this author's opinion on an Iraq pullout, but this would be more "legitimate". [[User:DanH|DanH]] 18:25, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

I would also like to go on record as supporting the removal of the aforementioned blog. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 18:27, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

It's much more then just one page. On top of the blog you find pages about Ron Paul's voting record and how it differs from what he says his political views are. It should have stayed on and I would put it back up if I thought it wouldn't result in me be being blocked from writing here on conservapedia. {{unsigned|Chippeterson}}

:Ah you are correct, I didn't see those tabs at the top. Still, there are only 6 posts to the blog (it is correct to say it's your personal blog, right?). It's not the content that makes me feel this is an unacceptable source, but the authority. The blog's only two days old and it has 0 comments. It also has no credited author. I'm sure you would like your blog to be on here, but it just isn't right for an encyclopedia. (Also, it doesn't bother me, but some people around here get miffed if you don't sign your post. You can do this by typing <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>.) [[User:Jazzman831|Jazzman831]] 21:55, 3 August 2007 (EDT)

I think that this article should mention that Ron Paul is a traditional conservative, as opposed to a neo-conservative. [[User:anticommie|anticommie]]

== Dates ==

Since this is now protected, could someone please dewikilink the dates? Thanks. [[User:Jazzman831|Jazz]][[User talk:Jazzman831|Man]] 23:49, 30 August 2007 (EDT)

== Introducing new legislation ==

Is there any evidence to support the claim that Ron Paul introduced lots of legislation "probably more than any other representative." Seems like speculation to me. [[User:TRipp|TRipp]] 15:06, 16 December 2007 (EST)

Full Moon

2007-12-16T20:03:46Z

TRipp:

A '''Full Moon''' is the phase of the Moon when it is fully illuminated as a circle. Full Moons occur approximately every 28 days. [[Lunar eclipse]]s may only occur during a Full Moon, while [[solar eclipse]]s may occur only during a [[new moon]].

Two full moons in a month - a fairly rare occurrence - is called a "blue moon," leading to the phrase "once in a blue moon" to describe things that happen rarely.

[[category:astronomy]]

User talk:TRipp

2007-12-16T20:02:01Z

TRipp:

{{welcome|sig=[[User:Philip J. Rayment|Philip J. Rayment]] 07:32, 5 December 2007 (EST)}}

==90/10==

Since joining, not one of your edits has been away from a talk page. We have a 90/10 rule to encourage mainspace editing. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 00:39, 11 December 2007 (EST)

Sorry. I just do most editing late at night when the site is locked, so it's hard. Is it 90 talk and 10 other edits, or 90 other edits and 10 talk?[[User:TRipp|TRipp]] 15:02, 16 December 2007 (EST)