NRA, Jim DeMint Endorse Christine O'Donnell

Yesterday was another big day for Christine O'Donnell.  She picked up the endorsements from the NRA and also from the U.S. Senate's leading conservative, Senator Jim DeMint.  Here is what AP reported:

NRA, DeMint nods cited for Delaware's O'Donnell

(AP) – 11 hours ago

DOVER, Del. — Christine O'Donnell has picked up key endorsements from the National Rifle Association and conservative Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina in Delaware's Republican U.S. Senate primary.

The NRA said Friday that it can depend on O'Donnell to defend the right to bear arms. The group is asking Delaware gun owners to vote for O'Donnell in Tuesday's primary.

O'Donnell is challenging longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Castle, who has received a grade of "F" from the NRA for his views on gun-related legislation.

The Tea Party Express, which backs O'Donnell, announced that DeMint, chairman of the Senate Conservatives Fund, has endorsed O'Donnell.

DeMint said on Twitter that O'Donnell "will stand strong for the principles of freedom." DeMint's office confirmed the endorsement.

Rush Limbaugh and Christine O'Donnell

This is a guest posting from Pat Fish...Pat is a resident of Georgetown, Delaware

Rush Limbaugh and Christine O'Donnell
.by Patricia Fish on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 2:16pm. I happen to know Christine O'Donnell. Have known her since 2005. She's not my BFF but I've had occasion to talk to her one on one, I've criticized her from time to time. But no mistake, she is a woman who has my admiration.

It's almost been a hurting thing to listen to the attacks on her character by the Blue Blood Ruling Class Republicans in this state, including mighty Mike Castle, her opponent who voted FOR Cap and Trade and that awful DISCLOSE act, voting with the liberals most of the time but calling himself a Republican, I don't know why.

Christine has had some financial issues in her life, as if this is anything new under the sun. We are all not Mike Castles or Joe Bidens who of course spend hours tracking their financial receipts and fret about money.

But the Delaware Blue Blood Ruling Class have deemed her unworthy of being a Senator because of...well because she's an ordinary person like most of us who's had to struggle at times. Christine WAS nominated by this same Delaware Blue Blood Ruling Class to run against Joe Biden in 2008. They didn't care about her past financial issues then as they didn't think anybody could beat Joe Biden.

Christine did not beat Joe Biden but she did okay. THIS year, now that Christine dares to challenge mighty Mike Castle, a Republican in name only who voted FOR Cap and Tax and was only one of two Republicans in the House to vote for that awful DISCLOSE act, the same folks who nominated her in 2008 are out calling her a nut, a wreck and her supporters are "pathetic".

I can't stand the lot of the hypocrites all beating on this poor woman who what? Took a long time to pay off her college loans, had some wrestles with the IRS, other financial stuff, all settled now and water under the bridge. Where in the constitution does it say that if you've had financial problems in your life you can't be senator? Besides, does anybody think that Mike Castle or Joe Biden spends hours everyday categorizing their receipts, fretting over their money?

I can forgive Biden and Castle beating up on a young woman seeking a public office, how dare she...the audacity!! They at least get something out of it. I will never forgive the simpletons who jumped on the band wagon to beat on this woman and I vow on all within me that let this election get over and I will rebuild this state's Republican party with my bare hands if need be, throwing out those entrenched Blue Blood hyenas with all my strength.

Mark Levin's been on O'Donnell's side, last night Sarah Palin came out with a quick tweet in support of O'Donnell though Palin has not officially endorsed Christine. I prayed that maybe Rush Limbaugh would give her a nod.

Today Rush launched into a lecture to those Blue Blood nothing burgers that leaves me in tears with his passion and truth.

WHAT IF WE ALL HAD TO SUFFER MOCKERY LIKE CHRISTINE ALL BECAUSE WE DARED TO DREAM OF A CHANCE AT A PUBLIC LAWFULLY ELECTED OFFICE AS IS OUR AMERICAN BIRTHRIGHT?

Who among us doesn't have issues?

My husband once suffered a brain infection. It was such a horrendous affliction that he eventually went into seizures and in a coma. Due to a series of monetary mishaps and financial procrastination on my part, I found myself all alone, husband in a coma in upstate Delaware, without one single dime to my name.

There was money out there, tied into a former 401K of husbands, some stock, an old IRA. Husband's paycheck was up in the air as he had used up all of his sick and vacation time and he did not have short term disability. I had recently had a heart bypass and was awaiting an SS disability decision by the powers that be.

I had to take a loan on my house just to survive.

When husband awoke from coma he kept worrying about some bills on his desk. We had an electronic bank account, like most folks today I suppose. HE paid his bills and I paid mine. There had been a large balance in the account from funds for the sale of our old Merryland home. I'm not trying to make excuses, I am an accountant by trade. I meant to get around to it.

Turns out husband had a bunch of credit card bills, small ones but alot of them. I too had run up a credit card but I thought I was the only one so hey, I really had plans to straighten out our finances, really I did.

It's been two years since then. I had to methodically contact all the companies. I told about the brain infection, the money confusion. Interest rates were dropped or removed. We had thousands of dollars in medical bills as well. Husband and I both did get Social Security, I applied for property tax reductions....I got the 401K's combined, the stock sold,created a reserve of money for these same such emergencies and it turned out okay.

God forbid I should ever run for Senator. PAT FISH HAD MAJOR CREDIT CARD ISSUES AND MEDICAL BILLS UNPAID UNTIL TURNED OVER TO COLLECTIONS, the headlines would read.

The Delaware Blue Blood Ruling Class Republicans would call me a nut, a woman who can't handle her money, a wreck totally underserving of being a Senator, HOW DARE SHE EVEN THINK OF IT!

Whatever went on in Christine O'Donnell's life, she too solved her financial problems. The college loans are paid, the IRS is happy....whatever happened, it's been handled.

This is how Rush framed his vignette today. How many of us have no issues that could be blown into a way bigger deal than the ordinary stumbling blocks of life that they were?

In fact, an argument could be made that those of us who've been through it, silly us, might better serve the public, having been there and done that.

Does anyone think either Biden or Castle, both lifelong politicos, very rich in fact, ever sat all alone deep into a dark night and sobbed for funds not there, despairing over actions not taken for want of a team of flackies, anguished over how it all will end,frightened and shaking over an unknow future?

Thank you Rush. Thank you for not joining the Blue Blood Ruling Class Delaware GOP in their relentless beating of this Christian woman who dares to seek to represent me. She's only asking for my vote. She's not a nut.

Who knows, maybe Christine will win on 9/14/10...that would be wonderful.

But I will never forget those who called her names, said she's a nut, mocked her mercilessly.

Because I know they would have done the same thing to me.

Coalition of Conservative Groups Demand Castle Debate O'Donnell

Wilmington, Delaware (September 7, 2010) -- The Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, along with Founders Values, the Conservative Caucus for Delaware, Diamond State Tea Party, the 9/12 Delaware Patriots, and the Delaware Conservative Coalition, are demanding that Congressman Mike Castle debate Christine O'Donnell before the upcoming September 14 primary.

Together, these groups represent thousands of Delaware voters.

In a letter being hand delivered, mailed, faxed, and sent via facebook, today, the coalition
is suggesting a 90 minute debate format with a single moderator and audience participation.

"During this primary season, Mike Castle has been given multiple opportunities to debate Christine O'Donnell. A range of organizations from the ABC News local affiliate, to WDEL, to the League of Woman Voters, to Founders Values have offered the Congressman countless opportunities to debate the issues and he has been a no show," said PAC vice president and Diamond State Tea Party founder, Kevin Street. "O'Donnell, on the other hand, has been present at every venue.

"We not only think Congressman Castle is afraid to confront Christine O'Donnell after running a campaign of vicious personal attacks against her but that he is also scared to appear in a forum before Republican voters, many of whom feel betrayed by his votes on 'Cap and Trade' and the 'Disclose Act.'"

Mr. Castle has refused to debate O'Donnell in the past, insisting that she is not a viable candidate.

However, national attention has been focused on the race in recent weeks due to a string of O'Donnell endorsements, including that of National Talk Show Host Mark Levin and Tea Party Express, which has vowed to pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into the campaign.

"There are strong indications that the race is tightening," said PAC president, Don Adams. "National attention is now being focused on the Delaware primary and the momentum is shifting in O'Donnell's direction."

Family Values Events Director, Kristen Sherman, says the coalition will make every effort to accommodate Mr. Castle should he finally agree to a debate. "O'Donnell has already given us the green light. All Mr. Castle has to say is 'when' and we will make it happen."

(Please find the letter of invitation below.)


# # #

Founders Values
P.O. Box 673
Bear, DE 19701

September 7, 2010

Congressman Michael N. Castle
United States House of Representatives
2 Mill Road Suite 108
Wilmington, DE 19806

Dear Congressman Castle:

Founders Values, along with The Conservative Caucus of Delaware, The Diamond State Tea Party, The 9/12 Delaware Patriots, The Delaware Conservative Coalition and the Independence Hall Tea Party PAC, are urgently requesting your attendance to publicly debate your primary opponent, Christine O'Donnell - - something that you have skillfully avoided this entire primary season. These organizations represent thousands of Delawareans that want an opportunity to hear the candidates debate the issues that are important to them.

We believe that the people of the State of Delaware have a right to know and understand where candidates for elected office stand in relation to one another. We also believe that the candidates themselves have an obligation to debate their positions publicly, so that the people may decide for whom they should vote. Hosting a debate between candidates for elected office is an excellent way for us to facilitate this kind of public information sharing.

We are very willing to accommodate you and your busy schedule in order to make this debate a reality. We are flexible on both date and time for the debate. We are proposing a debate as soon as possible and would prefer an evening time, as this would allow the most people to attend.
We will also be asking local media to attend the event and to broadcast it live. It is also our intention to video tape the debate and to make that video available on the internet.

The six sponsoring organizations are proposing a 90 minute debate consisting of a single moderator with written questions from the audience. These questions will relate directly to issues slated for discussion in the United States Senate this coming fall. The last half hour of the debate would be dedicated to rapid fire questions from the audience, followed by closing arguments. We would like to work with both campaigns to ensure a debate format that each of you can be comfortable in and are therefore open to modifying the format.

We respectfully request that you contact us within 24 hours of receipt of this invitation, to let us know if you are willing to debate and work toward an agreeable date and time. As you know, time is running out before the September 14th primary election and we need to move quickly on making this work for the voters. We look forward to having you at the debate and sharing your positions with the people of Delaware.

On Behalf of Founders Values, The Conservative Caucus of Delaware, The Diamond State Tea Party, The 9/12 Delaware Patriots, The Delaware Conservative Coalition and the Independence Hall Tea Party PAC,

Kristen Sherman
Events Director
Founders Values
302-463-1854

The Independence Hall Tea Party PAC was formed in February, 2010 to assist federal candidates in the tri-state region (PA, NJ, DE) who share the organization's commitment to limited government, fiscal responsibility, and lower taxes. Visit www.IndependenceHallTeaPartyPAC.com.

Castle's Mailers...Truth or Fiction?

You be the judge. Check his attacks against Christine's answers and decide for yourself: Christine Counters

Now let's look at Castle's claim of "Fiscal Conservatism". I'm still trying to figure out which genious he's paying came up with the idea of painting a tax and spend conservative with a 20 yr record of that behavior as a fiscal conservative.

The Differences Between Castle and O'Donnell

Mike Castle shows up with fanfare and streamers at GOP Headquarters to meet with the people.
Christine O'Donnell seeks out the people by attending TEA Party/9-12 meetings.

Mike Castle has a voting record a thousand miles long that shows his true positions.

Christine O'Donnell is a relative newcomer to politics.

Mike Castle SAYS he's a fiscal conservative but he's voted for Cap and Trade, Cash for Clunkers, Union Bailouts, $3 Trillion in spending and TARP.

Christine has opposed spending increases and called for Washington (and Dover) to tighten their belts and address fraud, waste and abuse.

Mike Castle is a multi-millionaire who has never struggled in his life.

Christine O'Donnell has faced adversity financially just like most of us have.

Mike Castle does not have a problem lying about, distorting and destroying his opponents.

Christine O'Donnell believes in campaigns about the issues, not mudslinging.

Mike Castle and his campaign has attacked Christine with rumors and lies.

Christine O'Donnell has pointed out the facts about Castle's votes and his record.

Mike Castle refuses to debate Christine because he feels that she is beneath him.

Christine O'Donnell has called for debates consistently and has accepted every invitation offered by 3rd parties.

Mike Castle has been in Washington since 1992 and believes he is entitled to your support.

Christine O'Donnell is working for every inch of support she gets.

Mike Castle is supported by Greenville millionaires, unions, law firms and huge corporations.

Christine O'Donnell is bringing in money from everyday Delawareans and Americans who believe in her message and want to see our nation restored.

Mike Castle has an F-rating from the NRA.

Christine O'Donnell has recieved the endorsement of the Gun Owners of America association and is strongly pro-2nd Amendment.

Mike Castle has refused to support a repeal and defunding of Obamacare.

Christine O'Donnell has promised that she would make defunding and repealing Obamacare one of her legislative priorities.

Mike Castle believes in big government and big business making the rules for the people.

Christine O'Donnell believes in small and limited government that supports the private market and while ensuring the safety of the people, leaves business otherwise free to create jobs, goods and services.

Mike Castle expects the vote of every Republican on September 14th 2010.

Christine O'Donnell is asking for the vote of every Republican on September 14th 2010.

Where will you be when the dust settles?

Castle goes all negative as O'Donnell gains

Mike Castle and the DE GOP have released a STRING of negative attacks against conservative TEA Party challenger Christine O'Donnell. They've done everything but claim that she's raped a child (maybe I shouldn't give them any ideas...especially with the lawsuit against the Wilmington Diocese and Christine's Catholic roots...). The problem for them is that their lies and distortions aren't winning them any friends. A poll released today shows O'Donnell trailing the LONG time incumbent Castle by just 2 points! That's right, 2...not 20...2 points. This is WELL within the margin of error, in fact, O'Donnell may be AHEAD by as much as 3 points.

By contrast, O'Donnell has stayed consistent and true to her roots in faith and denounced a video made by liberty.com in which it was suggested that Mike Castle was having an affair with a man. The comment was IMMEDIATELY qualified as being "a rumor" but the damage had been done. The video was released by former consultants to O'Donnell and based on a story done by failed left wing radio hacks "Down with Absolutes". O'Donnell addressed a crowd of over 200 supporters on Sept. 2nd when she said:

"I do not endorse that kind of mudslinging, and I’m asking all of my supporters
not to go down that route. I am challenging Mike Castle to publicly denounce GOP
State Chairman Tom Ross’ mudslinging and ask all of the Delaware State
Republican Committee to stop the thug politics.
From here on out, it should be about the stark contrast between our stances on the issues and let the voters decide based on our positions. Not only is it the high road for Mike Castle to take, it would be politically expedient. His personal attacks
have caused my supporters to rally to my defense."

O'Donnell has been the subject of smears and distortions about her past as well. One of the more virulent attacks recently has been that O'Donnell, who was not born into the lap of luxury that most of the Greenville Republicans were, has taken more than 10 years to pay off debts owed to her Alma mater and receive her diploma. This is something that many millions of Americans can relate to. 65% of 4 yr college students graduate with debt. Can you relate to the expense of college? Millionaires in the Delaware GOP can't, including Mike Castle. They don't understand REAL sacrifice and the effort it takes to go to college and try to make that tuition each month. For that they criticise O'Donnell.

So my challenge to the Delaware GOP is to stop the nasty mudslinging politics (which is the only way they MIGHT win, if we let them) and stand up behind your positions. Stand with CONVICTION the way O'Donnell has. Let's talk about who will best represent Delaware in the Senate. Can Mike Castle, who has an F-rating from the NRA, who has voted for Cap and Trade and who has consistently voted to increase spending and taxes, stand up to O'Donnell whose platform is to lower government spending, reduce taxes, protect the Constitution and get government out of the way so the private sector can create jobs?

Governor Christie...Seriously?

So you said in your Weekly Standard video endorsement of Mike Castle (RINO-DE) that

"Mike understands that our nation's most urgent priority is the economy and that
the path to restoring America's prosperity requires making tough, responsible
decisions," said Governor Christie. "He is the strong voice that the people of
Delaware need in the Senate to get our fiscal house back in order and get
Americans back to work."

Really? I mean, have you even had a staffer SNIFF Congressman Castle's record or are you already willing to sell out those conservative values that got you elected? Here's why I ask that question.

I thought, maybe I'm WRONG about Congressman Castle. Maybe he IS a budget hawk. This is what I found:

FACT - Castle voted for TARP (the $700 Billion bailout of the financial industry in 2008

FACT - In 2008 the American Conservative Union and Club for Growth (Fiscal conservatism) rated Mike Castle at 28% and 26% respectively.

FACT - Castle voted FOR the Auto-bailout that resulted in GM being owned by the unions and taxpayers

FACT - American for Fair Taxation rated Mike Castle as a -1 against the FairTax measure

FACT - Castle Voted FOR permanently raising taxes on businesses

FACT - In 2008 the National Tax Payers Union gave Congressman Castle a D rating

FACT - Voted AGAINST making the Bush tax cuts permanent, capping discretionary spending at $973 billion and imposing a moratorium on earmarks

FACT - Congressman Castle supported the interests of the National Small Business Association 60 percent of the time from 2007-2008

FACT - Castle voted FOR the Obama Omnibus spending bill that increased spending 8% on TOP of the Stimulus packages

So again Gov. Christie, where is your consistency? Where is your intellectual HONESTY? Then again, I did find this interesting tidbit. Governor Christie plans to use Cap and Trade funds to pay down the New Jersey debt. This story cites his plan to do it using the state money. Why not also work to pass national cap and trade legislation so he can pump even MORE money into his scheme? Who better to support for U.S. Senate and to ensure Cap and Trade passage than the man who already voted for it in the U.S. House, Congressman Mike Castle? I guess the Constitution, limited government and lower taxes only matter to Gov. Christie when he needs votes.