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Getbig Main Boards => Politics and Political Issues Board => Topic started by: Dos Equis on January 03, 2011, 04:26:56 PM
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Don't know anything about this guy.
Daniels: Family 'scared to death' about 2012 run
By: CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
(CNN) – Now that it's 2011, potential GOP presidential candidates are being asked left and right about their Oval Office ambitions.
The latest to sound off is Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a dark-horse favorite among many Beltway insiders who believe his economic conservatism and no-nonsense personality might jibe perfectly with the broader mood of the electorate.
"There has now been so much of it, you can't ignore it," Daniels, the former Bush budget director, said of the 2012 speculation during an interview with the Terre Haute Tribune Star in article published Monday.
Daniels, who stopped far short of denying he is eyeing a presidential bid, said he's not happy with the national media's caricature of him as a "cerebral and boring" politician.
"It's as if they think you couldn't be smart and funny at the same time," Daniels said of media pundits who often praise Daniels resume by note his seeming lack of excitement. "It's as if you're either a person of the people or a wonk. They can't quite cope with the idea that maybe you could be a little bit of both."
Still, Daniels admits he lacks a certain flash-in-the-pan energy of other potential 2012 candidates.
"For them politics is television and tarmacs," he said of other candidates, without naming names. "They're raising money, having little media stunts and they're closeted away with consultants. We are at the other end of the earth from that."
In fact, in perhaps his biggest hint yet he is serious about a presidential bid, Daniels said his biggest concern when it comes to 2012 is a campaign may impact his wife and four grown daughters.
"It scares them to death," he said. "And it should."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/03/daniels-family-scared-to-death-about-2012-run/#more-141529
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"Bush budget director"
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What, did Paulson and Geithner both reject the job?
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He might as well. Wide open field. But he is smart to take direction from the boss. :)
Mrs. Daniels: family undecided on White House run
By: CNN Political Coverage Manager Steve Brusk
Washington (CNN) - Before he tries to convince voters to put him in the White House, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has a more important audience to sell: his family.
"I think we're all sort of undecided about it," First Lady Cheri Daniels told CNN affiliate WSBT before an appearance in Elkhart, Indiana.
It's not how her husband would do that worries Mrs. Daniels; her concerns are more personal than professional.
"It's very flattering, of course, to be talked about for that position," she told the station, "but there are many, many things to consider and it affects our entire family. And it affects us for not just what might be four years or eight years, but for the remainder of our lives as well."
Mrs. Daniels spoke before the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce Women's Council luncheon. While public appearances are part of the job, she notes a national campaign would be a whole different level.
"I guess I don't know how I'd feel about a campaign of that magnitude, because I've never experienced anything like that before," she said. "And I don't think it's any secret that politics is not my forte. And even though
I've really enjoyed my experience as first lady, I still don't consider myself a politician."
Gov. Daniels has said family considerations will be a key factor in his decision, expected in the spring. He received a new wave of national media attention this week after a high profile appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington.
Earlier this year, he told the Terre Haute Tribune Star that his wife and four grown daughters were not eager for the spotlight media attention would bring.
"It scares them to death," he said. "And it should."
But should the family decide a presidential bid is a go, Mrs. Daniels told WSBT, "I think he would make a very good president. I think he, once he makes a decison to do whatever he wants to do, he's going to go at it 200 percent."
Gov. Daniels is recovering at home after undergoing outpatient shoulder surgery Thursday. He returns to work next week and will appear at a Cincinnati, Ohio, party dinner Wednesday.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/18/mrs-daniels-family-undecided-on-white-house-run/
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"Bush budget director"
LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What, did Paulson and Geithner both reject the job?
He did a great job in Indiana, and the first four years of the Bush years - the deficit was rather low in comparison.
But thats' ok - in 240 Land - 200 Billion deficit is a disaster - 1.65 TRILLION Deficit - "Palin's fault"
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What's this guy so scared about
we elected a mixed race Kenyan Communist and everyone treated him and his family with total respect
What does a conservative white guy from Indiana have to be worried about?
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What's this guy so scared about
we elected a mixed race Kenyan Communist and everyone treated him and his family with total respect
What does a conservative white guy from Indiana have to be worried about?
i agree - it sounds really like a pussy excuse.
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The Governor Who Cut His State Down to Size
Published February 26, 2011
The Wall Street Journal
CULVER, Indiana—Pundits say he's too short, at 5-foot-7, and lacks the requisite pizzazz to be elected president.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels believes he faces a taller challenge as he ponders a White House run: Could voters warm to his message that the country is doomed unless it slashes its debt and radically revamps the popular Social Security and Medicare programs?
In any other year, a campaign platform that gloomy would render a politician toxic. Today, with concerns over the nation's fiscal health on the rise, the Indiana Republican's wonkish bravado is making some think he is a good fit for the moment.
If the time is indeed right for Mr. Daniels's get-tough message, the angry budget standoffs in states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey are also shining a new light on his credentials as a messenger. Mr. Daniels rescinded collective-bargaining rights for state employees six years ago—long before Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker caused a firestorm by putting the same issue on the table.
Mr. Daniels also cut spending, trimmed the state work force to its smallest in decades, and turned a yawning deficit into a surplus, with only scattered outbursts of popular anger along the way.
He has emerged from all this with high marks from voters, and a profile that sets him apart from the other Republicans mulling a possible 2012 run. An array of conservatives, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, would like to see him enter the 2012 race.
He's the only potential candidate "who sees the stark perils and will offer real detailed proposals," Mr. Bush said last week in praising Mr. Daniels before a Florida business group. Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey on Thursday heaped almost identical praise on his Indiana counterpart.
Other potential 2012 hopefuls, along with both parties in Washington, are dancing gingerly around the question of ballooning federal entitlements, concerned that voters might rebel at the idea of benefit cuts. Mr. Daniels shows no such restraint. Social Security? Jack up the retirement age and end it altogether for wealthier Americans, he says. Medicare? Turn it into a voucher system and let people buy their own health insurance.
Mr. Daniels has even waded into one of the most fear-inspiring subjects in politics—health-care rationing—by suggesting the government put limits on end-of-life care.
Click here to read the full story.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/26/governor-cut-state-size/
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The Governor Who Cut His State Down to Size
Published February 26, 2011
The Wall Street Journal
CULVER, Indiana—Pundits say he's too short, at 5-foot-7, and lacks the requisite pizzazz to be elected president.
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels believes he faces a taller challenge as he ponders a White House run: Could voters warm to his message that the country is doomed unless it slashes its debt and radically revamps the popular Social Security and Medicare programs?
In any other year, a campaign platform that gloomy would render a politician toxic. Today, with concerns over the nation's fiscal health on the rise, the Indiana Republican's wonkish bravado is making some think he is a good fit for the moment.
If the time is indeed right for Mr. Daniels's get-tough message, the angry budget standoffs in states such as Wisconsin, Ohio and New Jersey are also shining a new light on his credentials as a messenger. Mr. Daniels rescinded collective-bargaining rights for state employees six years ago—long before Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker caused a firestorm by putting the same issue on the table.
Mr. Daniels also cut spending, trimmed the state work force to its smallest in decades, and turned a yawning deficit into a surplus, with only scattered outbursts of popular anger along the way.
He has emerged from all this with high marks from voters, and a profile that sets him apart from the other Republicans mulling a possible 2012 run. An array of conservatives, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, would like to see him enter the 2012 race.
He's the only potential candidate "who sees the stark perils and will offer real detailed proposals," Mr. Bush said last week in praising Mr. Daniels before a Florida business group. Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey on Thursday heaped almost identical praise on his Indiana counterpart.
Other potential 2012 hopefuls, along with both parties in Washington, are dancing gingerly around the question of ballooning federal entitlements, concerned that voters might rebel at the idea of benefit cuts. Mr. Daniels shows no such restraint. Social Security? Jack up the retirement age and end it altogether for wealthier Americans, he says. Medicare? Turn it into a voucher system and let people buy their own health insurance.
Mr. Daniels has even waded into one of the most fear-inspiring subjects in politics—health-care rationing—by suggesting the government put limits on end-of-life care.Click here to read the full story.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/02/26/governor-cut-state-size/
that soundls like a real death panel to me
how soon before Palin comes out against him
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While in college Daniels was arrested for possession of pot and LSD
Can our resident Mother Hen tolerate this?
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2011/02/24/27723/print/
Perhaps the most pivotal day of Daniels’ four years at Princeton was May 14, 1970 — the day of the drug arrest that Daniels thought would sully his political future. Officers found enough marijuana in his room to fill two size 12 shoe boxes, reports of the incident say. He and the other inhabitants of the room were also charged with possession of LSD and prescription drugs without a prescription. Daniels and his two roommates in 111 Cuyler Hall, Marc Stuart ’71 and Richard Stockton ’71, were arrested and, after plea bargaining, Daniels eventually escaped with a $350 fine for “maintaining a common nuisance.” The charges against Stockton were eventually dropped.
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Obama abused coke - whats the problem?
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Obama abused coke - whats the problem?
beats me
I've never done coke
have you
what's the difference between use and abuse?
was he ever arrested for it?
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beats me
I've never done coke
have you
what's the difference between use and abuse?
was he ever arrested for it?
I definatey have consumed too much alcohol, but never coke or pot. as for obama, headmitted coke abuse in one of his books.
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I definatey have consumed too much alcohol, but never coke or pot. as for obama, headmitted coke abuse in one of his books.
when did he admit coke "abuse"
btw - Daniels arrest didn't seem to effect his ability to get elected governor and I personally wouldn't hold it against him in if he were to run for POTUS.
His support of Death Panels is another story
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The way things are going - basic math is going to support death panels too.
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The way things are going - basic math is going to support death panels too.
cool
hopefully Repubs will run on this pro death panel platform
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Daniels stays committed to social truce
By: CNN Associate Producer Gabriella Schwarz
Washington (CNN) - Potential Republican presidential candidate Mitch Daniels defended his call for a truce on social issues in the 2012 election, stressing the importance of those with different viewpoints coming together to solve the country’s economic problems.
When asked whether he could win the early presidential contests in Iowa and South Carolina - typically bastions for social conservatism - without addressing those issues, Daniels said “I don’t know.”
“I don’t sit around calculating the political pluses and minuses of every little word I utter,” Daniels said Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “I just sort of tell people what I think makes sense and I’m prepared to respect disagreements.”
The Indiana governor has repeatedly voiced opposition to using moral issues for political gain in the next election, receiving criticism from other potential contenders and social conservatives. Despite the backlash, Daniels has stuck to his economic message.
The former director of the Office of Management and Budget under former President George W. Bush said in order to grow the economy and propel the American dream, “we’re going to have to do some very, very big things.”
“We’re going to have to get together people who disagree on other things,” Daniels said.
But he came no closer to a decision on a run for the White House.
Asked if politically he can wait to make an announcement until the end of the summer, Daniels responded “I have no idea.”
“I still think there’s time and there’s some really good people running. I like them all,” Daniels said. “I’m hoping that our party will simply step up to the issues of the day and it could be any of those folks.”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/13/daniels-stays-committed-to-social-truce/#more-150131
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Undeclared candidate Mitch Daniels becoming the big man on campus
By Jim Acosta and Erika Dimmler, CNN
April 14, 2011
New Haven, Connecticut (CNN) -- It might be a stretch to call him the big man on campus. But Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is getting some presidential buzz at colleges across the country.
Daniels, a Republican, can thank Yale University students Max Eden and Michael Knowles, who launched the Students for Daniels website.
"He has incredible executive experience, and what's more, he's just very down to earth, very direct. You don't see that from anybody else," Eden said.
Borrowing a page from the 2008 playbook, the Students for Daniels organization uses social media to spread the word to chapters at 57 colleges and universities. Interest in the group spiked after it released a YouTube video featuring Knowles and former New York gubernatorial candidate Jimmy McMillan, who coined the phrase: "The rent is too damn high."
"The deficit is too damn high," McMillan says in the Students for Daniels YouTube video, seizing on the Indiana governor's message on fiscal discipline.
Eden, who volunteered for the Obama campaign in 2008, says he's disappointed in the president's approach to the mounting national debt.
There's just one problem with the Students for Daniels movement: Daniels has yet to say publicly whether he is running.
"I owe them an answer," Daniels said in an interview with CNN. "I've been more affected and moved, you might say, by their activities than any of the others."
Daniels, who plans to make an announcement on his intentions after the end of the month, said the student effort just might inspire him to jump into the race.
"They've put the time and effort into appealing to me, and I feel yes, I have some reciprocal responsibility to them," he said.
Daniels has a mixed fiscal record. He was President George W. Bush's budget director when the deficit soared.
But in his current role as governor, he has kept Indiana's financial house in order. The Hoosier State is in much better shape than most of its Midwestern neighbors. Daniels has slashed the state's workforce, lowered property taxes and has begun a push for educational reforms that include merit pay for teachers.
His no-nonsense style has earned praise from across the political spectrum. Both Tea Party organizer Dick Armey and Time magazine columnist Joe Klein have urged him to run.
Daniels told CNN that any potential presidential campaign would be an effort "to level with the American people, to talk about the mathematical facts of life" when it comes to the nation's debt.
"And just argue come on folks. Let's get on with it," he said.
At Yale, the student effort to draft Daniels is a sign that Republicans have a shot at chipping away at one of President Obama's core political strengths: the youth vote.
In 2008, Obama carried roughly two-thirds of younger voters, who rallied behind him on Facebook and with viral YouTube videos that declared a "Crush on Obama."
Times have changed.
"I think he's lost a lot of us," said Yale student and self-described Democrat Danielle Tomson.
Daniels is not the only politician with a campus following. A "Students for Mitt Romney" Facebook campaign has also surfaced.
With bleak job prospects for today's college graduates, Eden predicted students will take a more sober approach to the 2012 field.
"Instead of having it for the candidate with the flash and the flair," Eden said, students just might opt for somebody different.
"The kind of understated, kind of wonky guy with all the substance," he added
http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/04/14/daniels.students/
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*Applause*
Daniels to sign controversial Planned Parenthood bill
By: CNN Senior Producer Kevin Bohn
Washington (CNN) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Friday he will sign a bill to cut off much of the federal funds aimed for Planned Parenthood's chapter in his state. The group had said the bill will eliminate key health services for many women in the state.
"I commissioned a careful review of access to services across the state and can confirm that all non-abortion services, whether family planning or basic women's health, will remain readily available in every one of our 92 counties," he said in a written statement.
House Bill 1210, which passed both houses of the state legislature by large margins, will reject about $2 million of the $3 million in federal money the group receives for preventive health services for women, including birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings and other tests in Indiana.
"It's outrageous that Governor Mitch Daniels has decided to abandon his short-lived truce on social issues to sign a dangerous bill that would have a devastating impact on women's health and take away health care from thousands of women in Indiana, leaving them at greater risk for undetected cancers, untreated infections and unintended pregnancies," Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement Friday.
"Clearly, Governor Daniels would rather play politics with women's health than show leadership and fiscal responsibility in rejecting a bill that will ultimately cost the state millions in federal funding. If Governor Daniels chooses to run for president, his decision to sign this bill will make it harder for him to win key women voters," she continued.
This bill is the first in the country to take this type of action against the organization, but several other states are considering similar ones. Planned Parenthood has called it an "unprecedented attack" on women's health care.
Proponents of the bill have said they don't want federal money going to an organization that performs abortions, while federal law prevents its money being used for abortion services.
Planned Parenthood has said its federal dollars do not fund abortions although critics believe any such grants indirectly help the group to provide abortions by giving it money to fund its other services.
"Any organization affected by this provision can resume receiving taxpayer dollars immediately by ceasing or separating its operations that perform abortions," Daniels said in his statement.
The measure will also restrict access to abortions for pregnancies of no more than 20 weeks putting some of the tightest restrictions in the nation. Five states now have a similar restriction.
"I supported this bill from the outset, and the recent addition of language guarding against the spending of tax dollars to support abortions creates no reason to alter my position," he said in the statement.
Planned Parenthood said it believes the bill would cost the state about $4 million separately in federal Medicaid dollars because the state could separate out which organizations could offer services to their patients.
But Daniels said he has taken actions to prevent that from happening. "I have ordered the Family and Social Services Administration to see that Medicaid recipients receive prompt notice of nearby care options. We will take any actions necessary to ensure that vital medical care is, if anything, more widely available than before.
It is a controversial bill, and some political analysts thought it might put Daniels, as he weighs a presidential bid, in a tough spot. He has called for a "truce" on the pushing of social issues as he thinks more of the national emphasis should be put on fighting the nation's mounting debt, which he has said is crippling. The governor however has also a strong record of opposing abortion rights.
Daniels told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday he had not made up his mind regarding a presidential bid but hoped to make a decision soon. The governor will sign an education reform bill on Saturday that requires schools to annually evaluate teachers and base employment decisions on those evaluations. He will have a media availability at that signing and is expected to be pressed on the prospects of entering the presidential sweepstakes. His spokeswoman, Jane Jankowski, told CNN Friday that event will be focused on his education agenda and that he still has not made up his mind and is not expected to have any announcements regarding his future.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/29/daniels-to-sign-controversial-planned-parenthood-bill/#more-157307
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Boehner talks up Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels
By: CNN's Rebecca Stewart
(CNN)–House Speaker John Boehner has his eye on Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels as a potentially formidable candidate for the GOP presidential nomination. In an interview on NBC's "Today" Tuesday, Boehner said he thinks Daniels is "looking pretty seriously at this."
Touting Daniels' record, Boehner continued saying, "[He's] another person who's got a real track record of reform in his state, the kind of reforms that we need to have in Washington, D.C."
But he didn't save his words of praise for Daniels only. The 11-term Ohio Congressman also talked up New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. When asked if he thought Christie would make a great candidate, Boehner said "I do."
"I know him pretty well," he continued. "I think he's done a great job and he speaks English…English like in plain talk." And Boehner believes the soon-to-announce candidate who used to have his job, Newt Gingrich, "brings an awful lot to the debate."
The speaker pointed out that he doesn't expect that "we've seen all the candidates yet."
"There are a lot of candidates and the process of going through a presidential primary will sort out the good from the bad and we'll end up with a good candidate," Boehner said.
When asked by CNN affiliate WISH-TV in Indiana if he is closer to deciding whether he will run for the presidency, the governor said "yes" Monday. His final decision is still a "few weeks" away.
Christie, in a radio interview Monday morning, said, "I am not there right now," regarding a possible bid for the presidency.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/10/boehner-talks-up-daniels/#more-158516
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Christie: Daniels Deserves a Look for Prez
Monday, 09 May 2011 03:55 PM
By Dan Weil
New Jersey GOP Gov. Chris Christie has given a shout-out to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a likely candidate for president. "He's certainly somebody who I have enormous respect for and would give real consideration to supporting," Christie told talk radio host Chris Stigall, Politico reports.
Christie likes the idea of a governor’s ascending to the presidency. "If you look at it, governors have tended to be some of our best presidents. That's why I would lean in that direction," he said.
Many Republicans believe that Christie is just the man for the job, but he has pledged repeatedly that he won’t run next year.
But Christie is turning into something of a king maker when it comes to Republican presidential hopefuls. He's already met with Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty, and will be getting together with Jon Huntsman in the next week.
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/Christie-Daniels-president-Republican/2011/05/09/id/395732
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signing that PP bill to suck up to the base.
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Its math. Taxpayers should not be paying for this shit. Let these drunk, shiftless, lazy, worthless, and useless animals pay for their own child murders.
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Its math. Taxpayers should not be paying for this shit. Let these drunk, shiftless, lazy, worthless, and useless animals pay for their own child murders.
Tax dollars fund abortions?
Since when?
The Hyde Amendment is a legislative provision barring the use of certain federal funds to pay for abortions
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Tax dollars fund abortions?
Since when?
The Hyde Amendment is a legislative provision barring the use of certain federal funds to pay for abortions
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dont gimme an eye roll. Show me where tax dollars pay for abortions.
I'm fine with US tax dollars paying for things like boobie exams, etc. Certainly not for abortions. I thought the abortion part had separate funding and facilities - completely independent from federal tax dollars?
Is this true, or not?
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Daniels signs controversial Planned Parenthood bill into law
By: CNN Political Unit
(CNN) - Republican Indiana governor and potential 2012 presidential candidate Mitch Daniels signed a bill Tuesday that will cut off significant amounts of federal funds given to his state’s chapter of Planned Parenthood, a move the group fought by filing for a temporary restraining order and injunction with the U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.
The bill, which passed both houses of the state legislature by large margins, imposes some of the nation’s toughest restrictions on abortions, cutting off about $3 million in public funds received for female preventive health services, including birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings and other tests in the Hoosier state.
Although federal law prevents government funds being used for abortion services, proponents of the bill have said they do not want federal money funneled to an organization that performs abortions.
Planned Parenthood has said the bill, which takes effect immediately, is dangerous and would have a “devastating impact on women’s health” in Indiana, according to Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.
In a release and subsequent media availability Tuesday, Planned Parenthood announced a joint filing with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana to prevent the bill from taking effect.
The release said PPIN (Planned Parenthood of Indiana) “believes the law is unconstitutional and violates federal law.”
Kenneth Falk, the legal director for the ACLU of Indiana, said the court heard arguments in the case Tuesday and will announce its decision in open court Wednesday.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/10/daniels-signs-controversial-planned-parenthood-bill-into-law/#more-158616
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Mitch the moderate? Daniels backers tout his conservative record
By: CNN Political Reporter Peter Hamby
Indianapolis, Indiana (CNN) - In 2001, a Washington Monthly magazine profile described Mitch Daniels, then White House budget director under President George W. Bush, as "deeply conservative with a moderate demeanor."
Ten years on, Daniels, now teetering on the brink of a presidential bid, is the repeated target of tongue-lashings from Rush Limbaugh, who this week blasted the "boring and moderate" Indiana governor as the favorite son of Washington elites who are out of step with today's conservative movement.
So which is it? Is Daniels a squishy middle-of-the-road dealmaker with little regard for Tea Party activists and social conservatives in his own party?
Or, as his supporters claim, is he a proven and brilliant conservative who just happens to be a really nice guy?
"His style is not to give a red-meat speech," said Al Hubbard, a longtime confidante to the governor who originally recommended Daniels for the budget post under Bush.
"He is a problem-solver. Mitch is the kind of person who will identify the problems, prioritize them, and he will address them. I wouldn't say that it's moderate or conservative. It's leadership."
As Daniels nears a final decision on whether to enter the race for the GOP presidential nomination - some Iowa Republicans say he must join the race by the second week of June to build enough support before the pivotal Ames Straw Poll in August - his small but loyal team of advisers is eagerly highlighting his achievements in seven years as governor.
Few conservatives can quibble with his accomplishments.
After taking office in 2004, Daniels ended collective-bargaining rights for public employees with an executive order, privatized a major state highway, lowered property taxes and turned a sizeable budget deficit into a surplus.
His legislative session in Indianapolis this year was unquestionably among the most productive of any Republican regime in the country. Thanks to GOP majorities in both chambers of the legislature, Daniels brought down corporate tax rates, passed merit pay for teachers and instituted the most expansive school voucher program in the country.
And unlike some of his potential Republican presidential rivals, he immediately condemned a federal cap-and-trade proposal and has spoken bluntly about the need to restructure Medicare and Social Security to keep the entitlement programs solvent.
Doug Gross, an influential Iowa Republican who chaired Mitt Romney's 2008 presidential effort in the Hawkeye State and is strongly considering backing Daniels if he seeks the White House, described the Indiana governor as "perhaps the most effective Republican leader we have seen in the last decade."
"Sometimes people that actually get things done are accused of compromising," Gross told CNN. "Some elements of the Republican Party would rather be to the right than effective. He gets accused of being a moderate just because he gets things done."
Daniels' conservative record has its blemishes.
As budget director from 2001 to 2003, he presided over two tax cuts and spending decisions that helped turn a $236 billion surplus into a $400 billion deficit (Daniels blames two unforeseen wars and an economic downturn for the budget hole).
As governor, Daniels once proposed raising taxes for Hoosiers making over $100,000, passed a small sales-tax increase, took federal stimulus money and, last year, expressed openness to a value-added tax at the national level - a comment that infuriated Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist.
None of those moves, though, unleashed the kind of conservative fury as his infamous call for a political "truce" on social issues until the country solves its debt problem.
Daniels, an opponent of abortion rights and same-sex marriage, has not backed away from the remark, further chafing those on the right who see no room for compromise on social concerns.
Dr. Richard Land, the president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said the "truce" comment reminded him of Phil Gramm's appearance on James Dobson's radio show during the then-senator's 1996 presidential bid. Gramm brushed off a question about social issues, telling Dobson, "I'm not running for preacher, I'm running for president."
"And that's the last time anybody heard of Phil Gramm," Land told CNN.
Daniels, though, showed no signs of capitulating on social issues this week when he signed controversial legislation cutting off funding for Planned Parenthood in Indiana, making him the only governor in the country to sign such a bill.
Outside the Indiana Republican Party's spring fundraising dinner on Thursday, one demonstrator from Planned Parenthood wielded a pink sign emblazoned with the question: "How about that 'truce,' Mitch?"
Land, who called Daniels "a strong Presbyterian" and praised his "very conservative record" as governor, said that signing the bill should help Daniels repair his standing among social conservatives.
But he said the truce comment will haunt him if he runs.
"Actions speak louder than words, and de-funding Planned Parenthood helps," Land said. "But he dug his own hole when he said we should call a truce. He has to walk that statement back. He has to."
Erick Erickson, the founder of the conservative website RedState.com, also gave Daniels plaudits for signing the Planned Parenthood legislation.
Erickson, though, said he is concerned that Daniels is a deal-making technocrat whose goals square more with the Washington establishment than with the grassroots conservatives currently invigorating the GOP.
"They are tired of being talked down to, and Mitch Daniels seems like the guy who talks down to them," Erickson told CNN. "The big red flag for me was the truce stuff. It seems like picking a fight he didn't need to with social conservatives. There is a perception among conservatives that he may be with us, but he is going to stick his thumb in our eye the entire time."
Daniels supporters scoff at the suggestion that the governor, a former political strategist in the Reagan White House who won two statewide elections by riding a motorcycle and working the Indiana diner circuit, lacks the retail skills to connect with caucus and primary voters in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Questions about Daniels' conservatism, they say, ignore his record.
One former Daniels staffer, who did not want to be quoted handicapping his presidential chances, said the governor is simply motivated by problem-solving instead of fire-breathing rhetoric.
"I think the record is as conservative as anybody in public life who has actually done anything," the ex-staffer told CNN. "It's a matter of tone and what he chooses to focus on. He will occasionally say nice things about the president, for example. He is just not as divisive as some people would like. He's not angry about everything."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/13/mitch-the-moderate-daniels-backers-tout-his-conservative-record/#more-158932
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Barbour encourages Daniels to run for president
By: CNN Political Reporter Peter Hamby
Dallas (CNN) - Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, who was on the cusp of a presidential campaign before backing away from a bid last month, said Monday that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels should join the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
Barbour is a friend and political ally of Daniels, who has remained coy about his presidential intentions despite entreaties from veteran Republican operatives and donors.
“I think every good candidate ought to run, and I think Mitch would be an extremely good candidate,” Barbour told CNN in a brief interview at the Republican National Committee’s state chairmen’s meeting in Dallas.
Barbour made the trip to Texas to address a welcome reception for RNC members.
Daniels told reporters last week in Indianapolis that he had spoken with Barbour since he decided not to run for president, but would not say what the two discussed.
Barbour also declined to reveal more about the discussions.
“I have just made it my business in my political career that I don’t share with other people private conversations,” he said.
Asked if he expected the current Republican presidential field to expand beyond the current crop of candidates and potential candidates, Barbour responded: “You shouldn’t count that out.”
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/17/barbour-encourages-daniels-to-run-for-president/#more-159371
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Daniels: 'I'm not going to take much longer'
By: CNN's Kevin Bohn and Peter Hamby
Washington (CNN) – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says he is moving closer to a decision of whether to run for the Republican presidential nomination.
"I'm not going to take much longer," he told the Indianapolis Star in an interview published Tuesday. Some Republican consultants – unhappy with the current field – are urging him to enter the contest hoping he would provide a new face to the current lineup of contenders.
Daniels has several events throughout the state Wednesday but is not expected to make any announcements. He told reporters Tuesday he had no fixed date for making his decision known but said he would decide pretty quickly.
One Republican source familiar with Daniels' small circle of advisers and supporters tells CNN the governor's team understands a decision must happen in the coming days in order to raise serious money and mount a robust campaign in Iowa.
With former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty quickly vacuuming up money from top tier Republican donors, time is slipping away for Daniels to get a slice of the pie. "I think they are now realizing that if it doesn't happen now it's never going to happen," the source told CNN. "It's now the eleventh hour."
The deadline to compete in the closely watched Ames Star Poll, being held in August, is fast-approaching, and Daniels' backers are confident the governor would appeal to those who would attend the state's caucus because of his folksy manner and Midwestern pedigree.
Daniels has previously said family concerns were one of the major issues in determining whether he would make a run. He told the Indianapolis Star his family has now had "a lot of time to marinate" on the possibility and said he was not ready to enter the final stage of making a decision.
It is clear from that interview he has given some clear thought about how he would campaign if he decides to enter the nomination sweepstakes.
"Campaigning in a retail way, they tell me, is useful in early states like Iowa and New Hampshire," he told the paper. "And we certainly know how to do that," in reference to his 2004 campaign for governor when he would make a lot of unannounced stops.
Known as a frugal man, Daniels said he would still sleep in voters' homes during a presidential campaign as he did previously in two statewide races. "It not only saves money, but you learn so much."
Daniels has tried to wave off the growing media speculation about his intentions. He said he would only make a decision after the state's legislature ended its session at the end of April. Since then he has said he is weighing a run and appeared last week with his wife Cheri, who was the headliner at a major Indiana Republican party fundraiser.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/18/daniels-im-guy/#more-159628
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Daniels was GWB's budget director.
I think that says a lot about him.
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Huntsman supported the stimulus. Everyone has issues.
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Huntsman supported the stimulus. Everyone has issues.
Huntsman seems like a wolf in sheeps clothing. He also backed cao and trade as well as wrote love letters to obama.
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I see huntsman as being very electable.
Daniels - even if you look past him being short and bald-
- even if you look past him being Bush's budget director
- even if you look past him signing an order to end PP for 9000 women in his state so they can't get their annual checkups -
I don't know if people can get past his wife leaving him for 2 years for another man, then coming back. I think it's because - IF Michelle obama had left barrack and the kids for two years, then returned - I think it would be too much of a slap to his manhood.
I just think it'll sit in voters' minds... and I'd like to see the GOP put fwd a candidate with their shit in order at home - Bachmann or Huntsman or Mitt do that fine. Why risk a guy with some skeletons like that, if you don't have to?
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Huntsman seems like a wolf in sheeps clothing. He also backed cao and trade as well as wrote love letters to obama.
Actually, being Mormon might hurt him more than anything else. I saw an article the other day that claimed an alarming percentage of voters would not for a Mormon. Pretty shocking.
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Mitch Daniels Will Not Seek GOP Nomination
Published May 22, 2011
FoxNews.com
Washington – Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has informed supporters he will not seek the Republican White House nomination.
The New York Times reported early Sunday, citing an email message Daniels sent to supporters that read, "In the end, I was able to resolve every competing consideration but one," Daniels wrote. "The interests and wishes of my family is the most important consideration of all. If I have disappointed you, I will always be sorry."
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/22/mitch-daniels-seek-gop-nomination/
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Mitch Daniels' Decision Not To Run For President Leaves GOP Floundering
First Posted: 05/22/11 11:22 AM ET Updated: 05/22/11 11:11 PM ET
WASHINGTON -- Back to square one.
The Republican Party is once again in search of a candidate to unite it after Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels dashed the hopes of many in the party by deciding not to run for president.
The fallout is two-fold: It will renew pressure on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan to consider a run and could potentially lure others who were waiting on Daniels' decision into the race .
Second, it initiates a shift of GOP money and operatives toward either Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty or former Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, the current front-running alternatives to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Pawlenty advisers said they anticipated recruiting big money funders who might otherwise have supported Daniels.
But Daniels' withdrawal may help Romney more than anyone.
"It's important," one senior Romney adviser told The Huffington Post. "Obviously, we don't know if [Daniels] would have caught fire, but he certainly had the buzz going to make a big splash."
Another veteran GOP political operative, who is not affiliated with any candidate, said, "The nomination is now Romney's to lose."
But many in the GOP will not be satisfied with Romney as the de facto candidate, nor with Pawlenty or Huntsman as a second choice. So a renewed push for Christie or Ryan can be expected.
Yet both Christie and Ryan said they remained resolute Sunday that they have absolutely no intention of running.
"I assume the pressure will increase but the answer will not change," Bill Palatucci, a Republican National Committee member from New Jersey who is close to Christie, said in an e-mail.
Ryan appeared on NBC's "Meet the Press" Sunday morning and once again said flat out that he will not run.
"I'm not running for president. I’m not planning on running for president. If you’re running for president, you’ve gotta do a lot of things to line up a candidacy. I have not done any of those things," he said.
"You never know what opportunities present themselves way down the road. I’m not talking about right now," he added.
But Bill Kristol, the conservative columnist and founder of the Weekly Standard magazine, told HuffPost that the campaign to draft Ryan into running is still "very much alive."
Kristol also floated the names of Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's name will also be discussed, but the younger brother of former President George W. Bush appears even more determined than Christie or Ryan to avoid a run.
Daniels' decision to forgo the race -- as well as former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's withdrawal from consideration -- also opens the door further for Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann. Huckabee's decision freed up many conservative evangelical voters who could now consider voting for Bachmann, and Daniels' decision means the race is more wide open than ever.
With Daniels out of the race, the GOP is back in familiar territory, looking for a candidate who can lead the charge against President Obama, but increasingly despondent that such a candidate will ever materialize.
A House GOP leadership aide tried to put on a brave face.
"Governor Daniels has the sort of record Republicans are looking for: an effective, popular conservative reformer. So it's disappointing," the aide said of Daniels' decision. "But given the Obama Administration's anemic record on jobs, gas prices, and taxes, there's no doubt that one of the remaining serious GOP contenders will give the President a serious challenge."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/22/mitch-daniels-decision-presidential-run_n_865227.html
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He would have been steam roled by obama anyway. Plus, im sure there are some taudry details in his past re his wife etc he probably does not want out there.
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He would have been steam roled by obama anyway. Plus, im sure there are some taudry details in his past re his wife etc he probably does not want out there.
wife, drugs, having syrian blood, being bush's budget guy.... lots of reasons why he probably wasn't the one.
Looking more and more like my pick from 3 years ago is going to be the guy... huntsman...
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wife, drugs, having syrian blood, being bush's budget guy.... lots of reasons why he probably wasn't the one.
Looking more and more like my pick from 3 years ago is going to be the guy... huntsman...
Huntsman looks the part. He is very RINO - but of course i will go for him over obama.
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Huntsman looks the part. He is very RINO - but of course i will go for him over obama.
he scared obama so much he sent him to the other side of the world for 2 years :)
That's some serious fear right there! lol
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He would have been steam roled by obama anyway. Plus, im sure there are some taudry details in his past re his wife etc he probably does not want out there.
Meh. I couldn't care less about his domestic issues. I doubt that would have cost him a significant number of votes.
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Not only that, but even liberal hosts on msnbc are now admitting that the "he worked for obama" is going over fine with far right voters in NH, as he was doing his service to his country. Crowds have been applauding it. it's not like he was working for the US Dept of welfare and handouts - he was negotiating with china because his POTUS believed he was best qualified for that job - a HUGE plus, IMO. Won't hurt him, and even lib hosts are admitting it is surprisingly helping him.
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Daniels: I could've won
By: CNN Associate Producer Gabriella Schwarz
(CNN) – Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who recently decided against a run for president, said he could have beat President Barack Obama in 2012.
"Yes, I think so," Daniels said Sunday on ABC's "This Week," adding, "I mean, no one can know."
Daniels reiterated that his family was the reason behind his ultimate decision not to seek the GOP presidential nomination.
"We've got young women, three of them married not too long," Daniels said, referring to his four daughters. "They're looking forward to building lives, starting families and this was just a disruption that they were very, very leery of, and who wouldn't understand that?"
When asked if those sentiments are a result of the current political environment, Daniels, who served in the administrations of former Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, said "If it weren't for the cheap shots and the, you know, personal unfairness that would, that would come with it, there's also just the inevitable loss of privacy, the security, all of that."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/29/daniels-i-couldve-won/