Tonight's TalkCast on Electronic Voting Machines and associated problems in counting the votes

We're going to have an online and on the phone event tonight. Here is another bit of insight from our expert, guest.

Mark,

My focus always is on trying to formulate solutions to the problems. My thought is that since the article points to PA as the next big electoral problem and PA is wide-open to undetected outcome-determinative vote fraud and error now, that perhaps we should focus on how to solve the PA problems.

With that in mind, I've specifically invited a couple of key PA election activists to join the conversation - Stephanie Singer from the Phile area and Marybeth Kuznik. I'm thinking of also specifically inviting Steve Freeman.

And then discussing some methods that the CA activists successfully used there and see if PA activists might want to try using the same tools plus other tools that are available given the lack of accountable voting systems in PA.

Cheers,

I don't know who will show up. Will you?

For the details, check below or log onto TalkShoe.com around 10 pm.

City council taking on a new look and attitude

Humm...

City council taking on a new look and attitude 'There's nothing we can't achieve,' said Mr. Shields. 'We stand by ready to help shape this agenda, along with the mayor, to serve the public.'

I'm not sure I want them to serve the public. They don't know what the public is.

There must be plenty of things that government should NOT achieve.

I don't want city council to achieve -- by building new ballparks. Are we going to tear down PNC PARK and Heinz FIELD to create new jobs and help the teams win in the playoffs? I don't want to achieve that.

Are we going to build lots of $300,000 town homes in downtown so that the other 87 neighborhoods can have more vacant properties? I don't want them to achieve that.

Are we going to tear down even more historic libraries and move them to strip malls? I don't want them to achieve that.

Are we going to put cameras at every intersection to catch all sorts of citizens doing all sorts of things -- so that nobody comes to Pittsburgh again? That would be what they want to achieve, it seems, at times.

All the Democrats in city hall have given the impression that they are with checks and balances. It is bull. They all are of the same party. They are all doing a little drama.

The always contentious vote -- picking a leader. Woop it up. That's no cause for celebration. So what. The 'heavy politicking' got the city residents nothing.

A certain independence won't be found with an all D council and an D mayor and a D controller. They all spoke about the dependence upon their political machine. They all share the same machine.

Mr. Dowd is right when he says that the politics of personallity has not ended. They are not out of the woods.

Mr. Ravenstahl was right -- it is going to be all downhill from here. They are united and on a roll -- and they don't know which way to go. They will roll wherever they are pulled -- by the D party drivers -- by the developers and speculators with deep pockets.

Kraus was right -- diversity is a strength. But, city council has marginal diversity at best. It might be fair to say that council has none. They all have "D" after their names.

Mr. Shields tussled with the administration -- only if you believe that mountains come from mole hills. The examples given:

Pgh Promise was because citizens put in for a public hearing. Council didn't even have a vote -- accept to advance it with RULE 8.

The Police Domestic Violence was called a 'first step.' Hardly a tussle or a witch hunt.

Animal control -- hell! Mayor Murphy fired the rodent control people years ago. Shields watched. The rats of the city scurry around. That is hardly a tussle.

Even Shields said he does NOT see any need for a schism. "If the mayor fails -- we all fail." That will not be tolerated.

Lockstep boosterism.

Mr. Lamb advocated changes after giving big credit to past cronies, including the late Jeep. He has been in city hall for 20 years, and he does not hide those facts and history. That is called a 'big change' because he and the mayor are set on the responsibilities.

The double-talk is killing me -- and this region.

Tribune-Review is hogwash

Trib editors:

Pittsburgh Tuesday takes - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Hogwash times 10: Here they come! Beware! The campaign finance 'reform' do-gooders are hitching up the bandwagon. Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto, an unsuccessful mayoral candidate, says he'll soon propose legislation that caps the amount of money individuals can give in city races. This is what losers usually do when they can't gain traction with the public, isn't it?"

No. It isn't.

Losers are voters who have no choice at the ballot box.

Losers are citizens who have politicians that are in the pockets of the wealthy.

Losers are elections when the vote count can't be trusted.

Losers are debate organizers who don't allow for all the candidates to participate.

Losers are editors who have a closed mind and don't even want to open up a discussion.

Losers are reformist who meet for months to solve some issues and can't get results of discussions out into the public view -- yet alone voted upon.

Join tonight's talkcast -- Electronic Voting -- while the NH results begin to arrive

Podcast Announcement:

Join our PodCast Tue, January 8, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST

You have been invited to join a live Talkcast.

Listen to or Join a Talkcast - Episode: Electronic Voting Machines
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc
Host: Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com

The article in the NY Times magazine asks: Can You Count On These Machines?

By CLIVE THOMPSON, Published: January 6, 2008 is required reading
before the discussion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/magazine/06Vote-t.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&hp
http://tinyurl.com/37y4yj

We'll talk about that article in this talkcast, hosted by Mark Rauterkus, with a special guest from Utah, Kathy Dopp. Kathy Dopp's fact-finding and investigative efforts puts her at the head of the class nation-wide. Dopp is a Mathematician and expert in election audit mathematics and procedures. She resides in Park City, Utah and has sites on the web:
http://electionmathematics.org
http://electionarchive.org
http://utahcountvotes.org

Local Pennsylvania experts have been invited as well. Open to all citizens, voters, advocates, candidates and even our friends in New Hampshire.

Talkcast ID: 3181

Scheduled Time:

Date: Tue, January 8, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST

How to participate:

Call in:

1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3181 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN

or Join from your computer:
Go to http://www.talkshoe.com and sign up

1. Become a TalkShoe member
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/userCreate1.jsp
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/login.jsp?pushNav=1&cmd=signin
3. Click here to join the Talkcast
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc

Listen to the Recording:
If you missed this event or want to hear previous recorded episodes click here.
http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=3181&cmd=tc

--------------

The NY Times Magazine article heavily quotes Pittsburg Carnegie Mellon
University's Michael Shamos

A rebuttal to CMU's Michael Shamos was written by Arthur M. Keller,
Edward Cherlin, and David Mertz.
http://infolab.stanford.edu/pub/keller/2007/shamos-rebuttal-vocomp2007.pdf

As noted in their paper: "During those years he [Shamos] personally
examined more than 100 different computerized voting systems for
certification purposes. In the 2000 election, machines for which he
participated in certification (which did not include Florida) were
used to count more than 11% of the popular vote of the United States".

As David Webber notes, 'One can therefore attribute a large chunk of
the problems with current voting systems to the fact that Shamos
singularly failed to identify those during his "certification".'

Webber adds, "Shamos has all kinds of academic qualifications - but
absent from his resume is actual production implementation of systems.
His comments read like those of someone who has never actually built
real systems himself and deployed them for public use in mission
critical environments."

As the NY Times article notes: "IF YOU WANTED to know where the next
great eruption of voting-machine scandal is likely to emerge, you'd
have to drive deep into the middle of Pennsylvania." and "21
electoral-college votes, a relatively large number that could decide a
tight presidential race" where Michael Shamos has certified
touch-screen voting systems with no paper ballot records.
-------------

Another excellent response to the New York Times Magazine Article on E-voting
January 06, 2008
by Dan Wallach
http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/?p=1244

--

Kathy Dopp

The material expressed herein is the informed product of the author
Kathy Dopp's fact-finding and investigative efforts. Dopp is a
Mathematician, Expert in election audit mathematics and procedures; in
exit poll discrepancy analysis; and can be reached at

P.O. Box 680192
Park City, UT 84068
phone 435-658-4657

http://utahcountvotes.org
http://electionmathematics.org
http://electionarchive.org

History of Confidence Election Auditing Development & Overview of
Election Auditing Fundamentals
http://electionarchive.org/ucvAnalysis/US/paper-audits/History-of-Election-Auditing-Development.pdf

Vote Yes on HR811 and S2295
http://electionmathematics.org/VoteYesHR811.pdf

Voters Have Reason to Worry
http://utahcountvotes.org/UT/UtahCountVotes-ThadHall-Response.pdf

"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body
and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day," wrote
Thomas Jefferson in 1816

More planning meetings about schools -- Sunday at 2 pm -- and my TalkShoe.com conference call on WED at 10 pm

We are planning another strategy meeting for 2 pm next Sunday, Jan. 13, at the Panerra on the Boulevard of the Allies. The next board hearing is January 14 and we would like to coordinate some talking points and strategy.

Tentative topics:

1. Schenley building, status of current information regarding repair costs and extent

2. Schenley population: IB/IS, neighborhood, freshman class, segregation

3. High school reform: Think it through before committing further funds.

We are going to try to come up with a list of questions/concerns that we would like to have answered. The board hearings give us the opportunity to express our concerns but they do not give us any means to get answers to these questiosn or concerns. If you are unable to join us on Sunday, there are several ways to stay involved. Check out the telephone conference info listed below, send an email to me with questions/concerns and I will add to our list, write to your school board member expressing your thoughts, sign up to speak and the next hearing, write a letter to the editor. Most important: STAY INFORMED. Change is constant; know how it will affect you and your child(ren).

amy moore
(her phone # zapped by blog owner)


TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CALL FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 9, 10 PM. DETAILS BELOW:

You are invited to a telephone conference call to ponder the possibilities of Schenley High School and School District Reform. Parents are gathering to organize efforts and insights. This TalkShoe.com "talkcast" uses either a telephone OR a computer (or both).

Topics include Schools in Pittsburgh. Parents and community members, get a grip on the proposed changes. Join the fellow parents who have been gathering to talk about the Pgh Public Schools on global basis. Politics, School Reform, Action-plans for Activists are fair game. We are NOT interested in individual concerns about specific kids. Rather, focus on the community, the schools, the agenda!

Meet at 10 pm (eastern) on WED, Jan 9, 2008. The meeting will conclude by 11 pm. After the conversation, the recorded conversation is available for download as a podcast.

No need to pay anything or RSVP. Just show up.

Host: Mark Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
Talkcast ID: 3177

Date: Wed, January 9, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST

How to participate:

Call in:
1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3177 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Join from your computer:
1. Become a TalkShoe member
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
3. Click here to join the Talkcast

This is our first meeting with this forum / technology. Now is the time to join and be stronger advocates for the sake of the kids in the city.

Messages from the front lines of the PRESIDENTIAL race: First up, Ron Paul

In Iowa, many hundreds of volunteers worked day and night for our campaign. College kids took their Christmas vacations in the snow for freedom. Thousands of people donated to make it all possible. We had many phone calls, brochures, mailings, advertising. Revolutionaries from all over the country sent handwritten letters to every voter, and despite national media attacks and censorship, we got more than 10% of the vote. We also soundly beat a certain ex-mayor who started off the first debate by attacking a pro-American foreign policy and the explanatory doctrine of "blowback," the CIA's term for foreign intervention that causes trouble for us in return. The Golden Rule applies to nations as well as to individuals.

And speaking of debates, FOX blocked my participation in its last New Hampshire debate, but I think that hurt FOX more than us. We had a terrifically successful townhall meeting at the same time, and Jay Leno invited me on the Tonight Show again to discuss it. Many members of our movement were galvanized to overcome the bias, including me!

In our Iowa campaign, since it was a caucus, we were dealing with party activists for the most part, not the people. And some of the activists were very unhappy to hear our views, trying to scream them down! Others thought that peace violates Christianity. But New Hampshire is another story. There is a state and a people tailor-made for us. Live Free! Then there are Michigan, South Carolina, and Super Tuesday and its nearly 20 primaries. Frankly, we need $23 million more to have a chance of beating the establishment candidates.

I am working hard for our ideas, as I know you are. The attacks and even smears will increase as we do better. But they will not defeat our ideas. They cannot defeat out ideas. At this moment of urgency for America, with spending, taxes, spying, inflation, and wars out of control and threatening all we love, let us rededicate ourselves to freedom, prosperity, and peace. Already, I owe you all my thanks. Join me in this great endeavor in New Hampshire and beyond. Please make your most generous donation now: https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate

Sincerely,

Ron

See the comments for a rant from a supporter about some other supporter.

I just wrote to the volunteer, "Please don't fight one temper tantrum with another. Hit em between the eyes, but with class.

Record high -- and I'm not talking about city council

Go Ohio State!

My first son loves two football teams. In the college ranks, he pulls for the Ohio State Buckeyes. In the NFL, he pulls for the New England Patriots. This is a good week for him.

My second son and I are going to ride our bikes to swim practice tonight. It is so warm. Will be great. And, his team won the geography bee in his classroom today. At the end of Friday, there was a two-team show-down / overtime. The winning answer had something to do with a lake in a North American country -- and the video image I uploaded today to this blog (scroll lower) shows Grant, in CANDADA, ringing the bell after a day of swimming in a lake in ONTARIO.

It is easier to win the Geography Bee when you've traveled the world. Perspectives.

To my friends now in New Hampshire -- safe travels home.

The image below says "IOWA" in the sign. But, it might as well be Pittsburgh City Council -- today -- as the Dems took the oath of office.

I heard the word 'freedom' once in all the speeches. Ricky Burgess gets the prize. I heard 'free elections' one other time, from Doug Shields. The word "liberty" was not mentioned at all.

A+ Schools calls for the avoidance of a teacher strike

Join A+ Schools in urging the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers to resolve the issues related to the teacher’s contract in a way that avoids a strike and ensures that education our children progresses without interruption.

We expect all parties will do whatever is required to ensure that kids are never used as a bargaining chip, and that all negotiations will be conducted in a way that reflects compassion and commitment to the future of our city’s students.

What you can do:

* Call or email John Tarka, President of the PFT and Mark Roosevelt, Superintendent of PPS to urge them resolve the contract issues without a strike. You can leave a message – it still has an impact.

1. John Tarka: john_tarka@pft400.org or 412 431-5900

2. Mark Roosevelt: mroosevelt1@pghboe.net or 412 622-3600

* Send a letter to the editor of the Post Gazette and Tribune Review– urging both sides to find a resolution to the contract. letters@post-gazette.com and opinion@tribweb.com.

* Send a post card to both leaders! A+ Schools has produced post cards that can be signed and mailed to both leaders. If you would like these post cards please contact us at info@aplusschools.org or 412 258-2660. If you would like to help distribute post cards please let us know that as well.

Let our leaders hear from you!

That is one approach. Another action point -- join our telephone conversation on WEDNESDAY night at 10 pm to talk about schools. We'll talk about this as well.

I didn't hear A+ Schools Board Member Michael Lamb say that he was going to resign from the A+ Board now that he is a city employee who is charged, by the city charter, to do independent audits of the school district.

Where is Dr. Thompson these days?

From people & vips

City may limit campaign donations. Great. Peduto lurches ahead again

Ring the bell for change. Come and get it.

A bell to start the new year on Grant Street. View Video

This is good news. It is the lead story in the Post-Gazette.

City may limit campaign donations City may limit campaign donations
State Supreme Court ruling clears the way

The State Supreme Court was NOT a road-block. Bill Peduto was.

Now, with the state court's recent decision, Bill Peduto does NOT have an excuse for ongoing delays to the discussion about this topic.

I'm able to beat up a bit on Bill Peduto because he didn't do what I felt he should have done in the past. He fumbled. An important conversation was started -- but -- he didn't have the follow-through to give it full consideration as it deserved. I'll get this rant out of my system and then we can move along.

First off, Philly should NOT be the tail that wags the dog. What Philly does is up to them. They can prove a negative, or fight a specific negative with the courts. But, that is just one element as to what could be done.

Awareness, education, politics, and discussion on our elections are critical. I want to settle differences without going to the courts. Judges never provide the best solutions. And, most of all, I want to settle differences without the need of going to the streets. Aggression and violence are not desired.

Our democracy is frail.

When people ignore serious problems and refuse to meet, act, discuss, and work on those serious problems -- and use a court case at the other end of the state as an excuse, then I'm disappointed.

Now, the log jam is broken.

Will another 'threat' or 'bump in the road' send this Peduto initiative back into the bunker for another two years?

The video is a blast from the past. The speaker is S.B., head of the League of Women Voters. She is speaking at a public hearing that I called after Bill Peduto introduced the first campaign finance reform bill, a few years ago.

League of Women Voters - you got to start somewhere. Agree with Mark. View Video

Will the next campaign cycle wait while these matters get sorted? New rules are on the horizon -- and that means that the old rules are still in play. So, will there be a gold rush for candidates and campaigns now -- because of the lack of restrictions?

Pittsburgh politicians take $10,000 checks.

Pittsburgh is corrupt.

Pittsburgh is famous for back-room deals.

The political landscape in Pittsburgh needs a lot of help. Doing nothing, as the case lingered, harms our public life and cripples the hope for open, honest public service for the region's citizens.

Now let me take a few deep breaths and I'll get to the history of what was done, what could be done, and where Pittsburgh needs to go in the weeks ahead.

Bill Peduto -- run like the wind. You can streak if you wish. But, thankfully, you don't need to. The P-G is putting this story, this time, above the fold and on the front page as the lead story.

Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg

Brian O'N of the P-G wrote in the Sunday paper about Lisa Bennington, presently on the PA House. She represents parts of Pittsburgh.

Why Lisa Bennington is abandoning Harrisburg Maybe Harrisburg is not the place for anyone who already has a fulfilling career, as our statehouse demands an acceptance of accomplishing not very much. That leaves an open seat in a district straddling the Allegheny River, ...

Lisa is going to retire from the state assembly. She will NOT leave an open seat. When her term is finished, another will fill it.

Seats change. Terms end. Life marches on.

I posted in that thread mentioned at the Burgh Report. My opinions are reposted here, too:

Three cheers for L.B. (woops, had better be more specific) -- Lisa Bennington -- for doing a term in the state house and getting out.

I love term limits.

I love the concept of a citizen legislature.

I love that she got into the fray and can walk away.

That's P-O-W-E-R.

Yes, there is something more to her decision. It is called 'life.' The political realm is nearly life-less -- like a pond covered with scum.

I wish the OVERLORDS, as well as a cadre of others in office, would leave town as easily and with such grace as well.

I'd suggest that all terms in city gov. posts under any type of "OVERLORD" status (Act 47, ICA, etc.) be cut in half and be paid 50% less.

Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul

Newsmax.com - Fox Under Fire for Excluding Ron Paul This past Thursday, the Manchester Union Leader, New Hampshire's major newspaper, published a front-page editorial blasting news organizations that do not invite all candidates to their forums.

One hour LIVE web interview with Ron Paul from NH -- tonight!

Tonight on local New Hampshire television and simulcast on our website at http://www.ronpaul2008.com/snippets/127/manchester-townhall/, Ron Paul will take questions from an audience of undecided voters in the Granite State.

With the New Hampshire primary just two days away, Dr. Paul will bring his message of liberty and constitutional government directly to the people-real questions, real answers, as fair and balanced as politics gets.

Sunday, January 6, 2008
5:00 - 6:00 PM ET
Manchester, New Hampshire

LIVE at http://www.ronpaul2008.com/snippets/127/manchester-townhall/

Fox Loses GOP Debate Support

FOX News is pond scum. David Rhodes, vice president of Fox News, is like Wayne Fontana to me.

Newsmax.com - Fox Loses GOP Debate Support Fox Loses GOP Debate Support

The entire article:

Saturday, January 5, 2008 3:11 PM

The New Hampshire Republican Party dropped their affiliation with a Republican debate sponsored by Fox News tomorrow night because they have limited the number of candidates that can participate, according to a report in Boston.com.

"The first-in-the-nation New Hampshire primary serves a national purpose by giving all candidates an equal opportunity on a level playing field," said Republican chair Fergus Cullen. "Only in New Hampshire do lesser known, lesser funded underdogs have a fighting chance to establish themselves as national figures."

The Fox debate is excluding Texas Congressman Ron Paul even though he polls higher in New Hampshire and has raised significantly more money, and is campaigning more in New Hampshire than Fred Thompson who is invited.

"We look forward to presenting a substantive forum which will serve as the first program of its kind this election season," David Rhodes, vice president of Fox News, said in a statement.

---

The other GOP candidates should not go to the debate without Ron Paul.

And, Ron Paul should show up at the debate anyway. But, you know, I think Ron Paul has better things to do in NH -- and that's hang out with the guys at the Liberty Fest.

One of the other bloggers had two words of advice for Ron Paul: "Show up."

I agree.

Furthermore, the motivation to the other candidates to get Ron Paul onto the stage with them is to get the good karma. There is a very small chance that Ron Paul could eventually bolt from the GOP rank and run for president as an Independent. If Ron Paul runs as an Independent, all Republican hopes for 2008 are down the drain.

Here is another bit of advice for FOX News. If I'm the network / news executive, I'd fire the moderator and put RON PAUL in his place. Have Ron Paul ask the questions. Have Ron Paul do the follow up.

They say that there isn't room in the pop up camper that Fox News uses as a studio. Make room. Subtract the journalist. Fox won't be doing real news anyway without the full field represented.

Live Free or Die. Fox News, and all who work there, and all who have invested money into that corporation, must be prepared for the worst. To crumble is ugly. Fox News is dead to me. The stench is sure to hit the eastern states shortly.

It is bad when the presidential debates on ABC, without audience clapping, makes for better entertainment than the NFL playoff game

The 4th quarter of the game arrived as and the presidential debates ended. Perhaps the Steelers can turn up the heat and make it a good night for the home team.

By the way, Ron Paul did very well, again.

We could use that official from the Subway commercial to make another appearance.

[412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work.

My email blasts -- after a 2-month vacation -- have returned.

[412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work. [412] Happy New Year -- now let's get back to some serious community work.

Click there to read from the archives.

Talking about our Pgh Public Schools -- Invite: 10 pm on WED, Jan 9 via TalkShoe.com

You are invited to a telephone conference call to ponder the possibilities of Schenley High School and School District Reform. Parents are gathering to organize efforts and insights. This TalkShoe.com "talkcast" uses either a telephone OR a computer (or both).

Topics include Schools in Pittsburgh. Parents and community members, get a grip on the proposed changes. Join the fellow parents who have been gathering to talk about the Pgh Public Schools on global basis. Politics, School Reform, Action-plans for Activists are fair game. We are NOT interested in individual concerns about specific kids. Rather, focus on the community, the schools, the agenda!

Meet at 10 pm (eastern) on WED, Jan 9, 2008. The meeting will conclude by 11 pm. After the conversation, the recorded conversation is available for download as a podcast.

No need to pay anything or RSVP. Just show up.

Host: Mark Rauterkus - Mark@Rauterkus.com
Talkcast ID: 3177

Date: Wed, January 9, 2008
Time: 10:00 PM EST

How to participate:

Call in:

1. Dial: (724) 444-7444
2. Enter: 3177 # (Talkcast ID)
3. Enter: 1 # or your PIN

Join from your computer:

1. Become a TalkShoe member
2. Download and install TalkShoe Live client
3. Click here to join the Talkcast

This is our first meeting with this forum / technology. Now is the time to join and be stronger advocates for the sake of the kids in the city.

Rudy G Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again

Think Progress -- Rudy Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again Rudy Floats Dick Cheney For Vice President Again

In an event in New Hampshire last night, Rudy Giuliani suggested that — if he were to be elected president — he would like to choose someone like Dick Cheney to be his Vice President.

The Onion:

Giuliani To Run For President Of 9/11 | The Onion - America's Finest News Source: "'Sure, he has no foreign or national policy experience, and both his personal life and political career are riddled with scandal,' said Hammond. 'But in the key area of having been on TV on 9/11, the other candidates simply cannot match him. And as we saw in 2004, that's what matters most to voters in this post-9/11 world.'"

Dear New Hampshire,

My name is Mark Rauterkus. I am a swim coach in Pittsburgh, PA. I have been
married for 17 years and have two children. I have never supported a presidential candidate before with such a letter to those outside my state. I have decided to back Dr. Ron Paul for president, a 10-term Republican congressman and here's why:

1. In Congress, Dr. Paul has never voted to raise taxes.
2. He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
3. He has been married to the same woman for 50 years.
4. He served in the Military as a flight surgeon.
5. He is the ONLY candidate in either party who is a Medical Doctor.
6. He strongly support of civil liberties.
7. He views that individuals should be self-RESPONSIBLE.
8. He is consistently named the "Taxpayer's Best Friend".
9. He is the only candidate who unfailingly supports the constitution.
10. He is a former member of the Libertarian Party.
11. He is experienced in standing against the tide and sticking to his principles with an honest devotion like none other.
12. He is prudent with finances.
13. He is a gentleman and 'down to earth.'
14. He is never going to tax the internet.
15. He is riding the wave of a grass-roots revolution as a candidate that understand the people are upset with business as usual in Washington D.C.
16. He understands that working for peace is going to be hard as America's image to many around the world is in poor condition. Ron Paul can fix the outlook of the USA for fellow Americans as well as for those who we deal with internationally.
17. He is a swim dad. One of Dr. Paul's kids was a nationally ranked butterfly swimmer!
18. He is an ex-college athlete and swimmer himself.
19. He grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, my hometown.
20. He won political elections in the past, as a member of US Congress for 10 terms, but needing to beat both Republican challengers, opposition candidates and incumbents many times. He has proven he can win elections.
21. He is not a media darling and is running with good success despite the unbalanced coverage he has received.
22. He is from an entrepreneurial family. The guy worked as a 'milk man.'
23. He is smart as he went to Gettysburg College and then to Duke for grad (medical) school.
24. He understands economics, currency, money supply, inflation, and debt.
25. He has a lot of YouTube videos and support from others on the web, see sites such as http://RonPaulMedia.com. Just Google Ron Paul!
26. He is able to raise money as a candidate from tons of fellow citizens, like me, who want to expand liberties and freedom.

I would love to hear what you think of Dr. Paul. Please email me
your thoughts to: Mark@Rauterkus.com

Very truly yours,
Mark Rauterkus
412 298 3432

In my political dreamworld, RON PAUL gets attacked on all sides by neo-cons in Feb and March

Over a 2PJ's blog, I posted a playbook for the primary season that navigates Ron Paul to a victory in the months to come. Reasoning and motivations are put out to kick around.

Tip: Kick the reasons, not the shins.

The Richardson supporters of Iowa could have been "Indies" except for one fleeting moment.

What Dem candidate is MOST against the war in Iraq? Richardson? Of course, D.K. too. But D.K. even released his supporters pre Jan 3.

What political party is MOST against the war in Iraq? Not Rs (with the exception of one candidate). Not Ds even. But the Indies -- especially the subset of Is, like me, the Libertarians.

Generally, those that don't vote - or had not voted - are more "I" than "D."

Anyone can participate in the primary voting in many states, including Iowa, by showing up and making a declaration that s/he is now (for that moment) a "D" or a "R."

Lots of Indies participated in the events of Iowa on Jan 3 by saying that they wanted to be a "D". Opt in to the D side -- No wait. No fuss. No worries.

Many were in the D ranks on Jan 3 in Iowa to insure that HILLARY didn't win.

Richardson's folks, mostly, got skunked in the first round -- by not reaching a level of 15%. (Weird Iowa D rules.) They were then 'free' to go elsewhere -- on the D side.

Richardson's support was beyond 2% in the first vote -- but -- that was NOT part of the final score.

Many of the freelance voters in Iowa went to the D side on Jan 3, handing Hillary 3rd place. Voters are victors.

If Hillary is kept in check and kept out of the winner's slot, and if Richardson and D.K. are kept far from the pack -- then the free radical voters will show up to work against the neo-cons.

The upside potential for Ron Paul is great.

In the states with the most repressive voting ways (like here in PA) -- that spur of the moment capacity is diminished.

Finally, the Richardson and Obama supporters in Iowa that depend upon farm subsidies -- were happy campers in the D caucus, even if they were strongly against the war.

Ron Paul doesn't like gov handouts -- even to farmers. So, he had a tough road to hoe (pun intended) in the cornbelt / bio heartland.

My hope is for more 40-40-20 D party results with Hillar in a distant 3rd and Richardson and D.K. on the sidelines soon.

In the R race, I want all the neo-cons to stay in and self destruct / self absorb -- landing blows at each other.

Then they'll all need to turn against RON PAUL in Feb and March.

PS: Sorry if I got a "IF was/were typo" mixed in the rushed ranting above.