Love Sidesteps Pledge, Offers Promise to Voters
AL-02 Republican nominee Jay Love sidesteps the Positive Campaign Pledge offered by his Democratic opponent Bobby Bright and offers his own “Promise to the Voters.” Bonus: Gets to remind the voters that Bright is in with the likes of Nancy Pelosi, the DCCC, and other liberal Democrats. Perhaps in this district, that works. Elsewhere this year, not yet.
I did have to read this paragraph a couple of times:
What I did not foresee in this campaign was the sheer number and vehemence of the attacks that I’ve had to endure throughout this race from the Alabama Democratic Party, the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee and left-leaning special interests and bloggers.
Whatever vehemence he has received to date from the left pales in comparison to what he received from the right in his GOP primary campaign. I mean, he hasn’t gotten anything from the left like country star George Jones calling him a liar over and over on radio all over the district… that’s vehemence.
Here is his entire release:
|
For Immediate Release |
|
|
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 |
|
LOVE RELEASES OPEN LETTER TO 2ND DISTRICT VOTERS
“Promise to the Voters” Outlines Commitment to Issues-Oriented Campaign
MONTGOMERY – Rep. Jay Love (R-Montgomery) today issued the following open letter to the voters of the 2nd Congressional District. In it he outlines the direction that his campaign will follow in its contest with Democrat nominee Bobby Bright during the 2nd Congressional District general election:
“I entered the race for the 2nd Congressional District of Alabama because I believe that there is a better future available for our nation and our state. Public service is a noble, demanding pursuit. I knew that there would be difficult times during this campaign and that my record would be open to public scrutiny. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to know where you stand and what you’ve done. In fact I would encourage them to seek this information for themselves.
I have been proud to serve in the Alabama Legislature since 2002. During that time I have worked with Governor Riley by sponsoring legislation that cut taxes for individuals and small businesses. After a great deal of hard work and compromise this legislation ultimately became law, helping improve the lives of people all across the state. I have been recognized by my Republican peers in the House and elevated into a position of leadership within our Caucus. I have fought to protect the rights of the unborn and other of our traditional Alabama values. Most importantly, I have done all of it openly and honestly.
What I did not foresee in this campaign was the sheer number and vehemence of the attacks that I’ve had to endure throughout this race from the Alabama Democratic Party, the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee and left-leaning special interests and bloggers.
Yesterday I received a letter from Mr. Bobby Bright asking me to sign a pledge that placed limitations on what could or could not be discussed in our campaign. The pledge contained a number of instances suggesting that it was inappropriate to talk about political parties or their representatives in Congress.
Our campaign ultimately seeks my election so that I can cast my first vote for a pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-family Speaker of the House and agenda.
Mr. Bright also submitted this proposal one day after his party’s congressional campaign structure, the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), purchased almost $600,000 of broadcast television on his behalf. This isn’t a coincidence. Mr. Bright won’t run any ads during this campaign that might be seen as negative, he doesn’t have to. The DCCC will run them just as they have all across the country and the effect will be the same – Bobby Bright will be attacking me. You can see some of their work at their website: http://dccc.org/pages/multimedia. Here you’ll find television spots attacking sitting Republican Members with a George Bush impersonator or using our troops as just more political fodder.
While Bobby Bright may not pay for the ads attacking me directly from his campaign account, he is still responsible for them. I will be attacked. They will come from the same people who have already contributed to his campaign, including the chairman of the DCCC. If Mr. Bright wants a clean campaign then he needs to make sure that his own house is in order first. Looking at the history of the DCCC, I don’t foresee that happening.
To that end I offer the following statement of Jay Love for Congress campaign principles to the voters of the 2nd Congressional District:
Promise to the Voters by Rep. Jay Love
1. Our campaign will talk about the issues that matter to the voters of the 2nd Congressional District. I will articulate my position and express a vision that will improve our nation and reflect positively on the people I wish to represent.
2. Our campaign will not run from my political party affiliation. I will stand with my fellow party members on ground we share in common, and I will never attempt to mislead voters by shrinking from a party label that I have willingly chosen.
3. Our campaign will stand behind the statements that I make, the commercials that I produce and the mail that I send. There are clear differences in this race – differences between the political parties and differences between the candidates representing them. It is appropriate to discuss these differences and I will do so in a forthright, honest manner.
4. Our campaign will accurately reflect the views and philosophies of my opponent, his political party and the interests supporting his campaign as we understand them, and as evidence suggests, in our political advertising, mail and other media.
5. Our campaign will proudly and publicly support my party’s presidential nominee and will let the public know when I agree and disagree with the positions he takes.
6. Our campaign will work to ensure that the groups and individuals who contribute to my campaign agree with my political philosophies and principles so there is no confusion among the public as to where I stand on the important issues of the day.
7. Our campaign will not engage in the spreading of false rumors about my opponent’s family members through whisper campaigns or other nefarious methods, nor will we condone anyone who does.
8. Our campaign will publicly post this promise in our district headquarters for staffers and volunteers to read and follow. We will also publish it widely on our new, revised campaign website so that voters will know the principles guiding our campaign.
If elected, I further pledge to the voters that, as their Congressman, I will proudly cast my vote for House Speaker for a conservative Republican who accurately reflects the traditional beliefs and values of the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District. I further pledge I will not vote for Nancy Pelosi or other liberal members for Speaker or House leadership positions, as I believe that runs counter to the wishes of the 2nd District voters.
###
Related Articles:
I think Love will win this seat in the end. Democrats have been crowing and rightfully so about the wins next door and in Lousianna. But the win in Lousianna isnt going to last if the dynamics stay the same in November as they are right now over there. Also if you look around here in the south, the scene isnt bad for the GOP. They scored landslide wins in statewide elections in Mississippi and Lousianna last November. Their expected to expand there new found majority in the Tennessee State Senate after knocking off the longtime democrat Lt Gov last year. There going after Congressman Jim Marshall in Georgia….Bush was there the other day for a fundraiser. In Mississippi, Ronnie Musgrove is involved in that Scruggs mess along with a failed beef plant and the toe sucking thing in Nashville and Lt Gov Bryant has been telling people that their very close to flipping their senate back into GOP hands through party switchers. The GOP in Kentucky won a state senate seat back in March that they had never won before. In North Carolina the GOP candidate for Governor is leading the democrat nominee even though the dems have held that office since 1992. So things here in the south arent as bad for the GOP as democrats like to pretend they are.
Comment by dan t — July 23, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Nice try, Jay. That sank like a lead balloon. Voters don’t like nagative nellies.
Comment by Anonymous — July 23, 2008 @ 6:47 pm
What exactly do you mean by the scene isn’t so bad for the GOP here in the South?
The only voters that will be voting for the GOP in november are the hard core Republican partisians. The ones that care about their party more than they do our troops, the economy or our country.
Comment by bhmhomeboy — July 23, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
It appears that post # 1 was fresh, hot and right off the GOPs party tracker press. Albeit, if the economy continues to reflect the same kind of downward spiral it has over the past several months, by Nov. I am certain all the hoopla by the GOPers will have been short lived.
None of the voters in the 02 district or nation for that matter expects any significant improvements in the economy until after the Nov General election so simply stated, the GOP is gonna be in serious trouble come Nov at the polls. facts are facts
People everywhere are sick and tired of the high prices of food, health care, fuel, wars and the borrowing thats increasing the national debt every minute and want some drastic changes made.
Democrats are our only hope for positive changes or sheer survival of most American now struggling financially so therefore, let it be come NOV 4.
Comment by Evaluator — July 23, 2008 @ 8:00 pm
As a soldier I resent calling Democrats OUR only hope. Most SOLDIERS or TROOPS as you call us, are REPUBLICANS and are holding our breath that things do not go accoring to the polls in November.
Comment by anonymous — July 23, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
Of course Love won’t join in that pledge. Bright oughta challenge him to a pledge where they had to tell the truth about their records. Jay’s head might explode.
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 7:26 am
Can any of you tell me what Bright and the Dems are going to do with $600k in media they already placed. I am sure it is going to be warm and fuzzys about what a great guy Bright is but more likely as evidenced in other races it is going to be Jay Love is the “devil”. Only a fool would agree to do what Bright is asking for in his pledge. Maybe he should have also asked Love not to campaign, not to raise money, and in no way try to win this race.
Comment by Annonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 9:23 am
All Bright has to do is ask that Love tell the truth. If Love did that, he could not campaign, could not raise money, and could in no way win this race.
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 9:32 am
Re; # 8
Anon, you get a AMEN following that statement! What kind of Conservative Christian does Love profess to be when all he does is tell lies? Not even half truth comes from the man. Bright or the Demo party will not have to do anything but sit and watch because Love will self destruct via the use of his own words.
Comment by 02 Voter — July 24, 2008 @ 9:44 am
What’s with the recent trend with Republican leaders referring to the Democratic Party as the “Democrat Party” — or, in this case, the DCCC as the “Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee?”
I was watching Larry King Live the other night when Kevin Madden was corrected when he tried to use it:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0807/22/lkl.01.html
Comment by Jennifer Foster — July 24, 2008 @ 9:45 am
Republicans seem to think that has some negative connotation. Proud to be a Dem!
Comment by Wiregrass Democrat — July 24, 2008 @ 11:21 am
Among people who have donated at least $200 to a presidential campaign this election cycle, Obama has collected more than $327,000 from those identifying themselves as military personnel, while McCain has collected $224,000, according to an analysis of Federal Election Commission data by The Associated Press.
Comment by Roy — July 24, 2008 @ 11:44 am
Can you say 92 percent black vote?
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Jay Love you are a piece of work! Saying that the DCCC is so evil and that the Democratic Party is responsible for evil, corrupt and misleading ads is half the truth. The facts show that you are half the man Bobby Bright is. What about those RNCC ads that they ran in the Mississippi special election. You and your party are responsible for the majority of negative ads in this state. And for you to attack the bloggers in your so called “promise” is completely worthless. You have your supporters on here cussing others. From my recollection no Bright supporter has called anyone a “dumbass” like one of your supporters has.
If you want the negative attacks, of the bloggers, towards you to stop you should grow up and tell the truth. Foremost, that you are a wimpy self-centered man whose party is split on deciding whether or not to support you! Your Party is the one responsible for revealing the real Jay Love to the voters of District 2. Also, I would like to see the evidence where the AL Democratic has attacked you personally. Also, the DCCC and the Bright campaign.
Comment by Stop the LIES — July 24, 2008 @ 1:08 pm
Can someone clearly define “the traditional beliefs and values of the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District.” A definition of “Christian Conservative values” would also be helpful.
Comment by Fo-fiver — July 24, 2008 @ 1:44 pm
The Democrat party ie. the party of Siegleman(convicted of influence peddling), Barney Frank(had male prostitutes working out of his house), Roy Johnson(pleaded guilty to multiple counts of fraud), Clinton(impeached) and about half of the Alabama Legislature(McClain,Schmitz, and Melton and more coming) is the most corrupt institution in America. The idea that Bright is going to be able to seperate himself from HIS party is laughable. If Bright is so conservative how could he associate with a party that’s platform is absolutely opposite to everything he says he believes.
Comment by Annonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Sounds like Democrats want to be called “Democratic” just like baby-killers want to be called “pro-choice,” not pro-abortion, and liberals want to be called “progressives.” You can’t run from what you are by changing your name you liberal panty-wastes!!!
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 2:27 pm
Man, the Repugs have a lot of hate going on today. Must be the heat.
Comment by Roy — July 24, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
amazing that bright does not want to talk about party affiliation. of course he doesn’t
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 2:56 pm
The reason our country is in the predicament it is - energy, the economy, Iraq & Afghanistan - has a lot more to do with partisanship and the zero sum games played on both sides of the aisle than it does with any one parties’ failings.
Bright is vowing to work across the aisle, and with anyone no matter their affiliation to do what is best for America and Alabama.
Love is vowing to go up their some like berserk weasel and tear the place apart in the name of Jesus.
I wonder who will be the most successful? As Bright said yesterday “The voters will decide in November.”
Comment by Wiregrass Republican — July 24, 2008 @ 3:07 pm
I can’t believe I finally agree with a Republican! A conservative like Love is not what we need anymore. Mayor Bright assured in the primary against Cheryl that he will not abandon Democratic Party ideals. As Wiregrass Republican pointed out on those three important issues Bobby will protect our environment by requiring higher fuel standards; Bobby knows tax cuts are not good for our economy right now; and he’ll get us out of these stupid wars immmediately! Go Bobby!
Comment by Wiregrass Democrat — July 24, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Wiregreass Democrat…..Try a using a different name on your next post. I think everyone is starting to catch on a little to much. Thanks
Comment by Anonymous — July 24, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
I have no doubt that Bright will and can do what he promises the voters. Love will be just another whippit boy for the Repubs and nothing will change or get done. Has he done anything in the state legislature? We all know the answer is no, no, and no.
Case closed……………..
Comment by Bright for US — July 24, 2008 @ 4:09 pm
Y’all please, let’s keep this place nice and not say things about the candidates that we would not want them to say about us.I don’t think that is asking too much.I agree with Mr Bright on that.MY MOM always said “The least said,Is the least mended.” and that could really be true.
Comment by sheshes — July 24, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
I can’t figure out why it’s bad to be a Democrat. You Rs won’t let us live a little. Mayor Bobby Bright is the great progressive hope for Alabama. Go Democrats! Go Bobby!
P.S. — Does anyone know if Bobby got the endorsement of the National Organization for Women? I heard they have sent out letters for him but I don’t know if that means an official endorsment.
Comment by Wiregrass Democrat — July 24, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Comment removed.
Comment by Danny — July 24, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
Hey Candy Butt, Re; # 26
Let me get one thing straight with you, there is absolutely no need to make such comments to anyone attempting to express their beliefs. There’s better ways and proper language to deliver your message. I don’t know you or care to but I will say that your comments simply tags you as having a complete lack of class combined with an extreme low education level.
Comment by 02 Voter — July 24, 2008 @ 7:21 pm
Comment removed.
Comment by Danny — July 24, 2008 @ 10:51 pm
“Wiregrass Democrat” you aren’t fooling anyone.
Comment by Anonymous — July 25, 2008 @ 5:35 am
It’s no wonder that our airwaves are filled with negative ads - jeez, you folks do nothing but leave hateful rants here. This blog has certainly gone downhill - it’s nothing more than a place to point fingers and use profanity when attacking anyone who has an opinion that differs from my own. A civil discourse on issues and opinons is far removed from the norm - it’s sad that Danny’s allowed this to happen to Doc’s.
Comment by Anonymous — July 25, 2008 @ 7:16 am
I agree .. I believe it is reflective of the quality of candidates we are having to choose from … either that or manners are a thing of the past, thoughtful prose is obsolete, and redneck runs rampant. The people say they wish for someone to represent them … with good values and honor … well, you get what you vote for ….
Comment by anonymous — July 25, 2008 @ 9:06 am
Comment removed.
Comment by Danny — July 25, 2008 @ 9:38 am
wow .. classy
Comment by anonymous — July 25, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Re the class of comments…
I share the concern over the tastelessness of some comments. Give some people some anonymity and a keyboard, and they can turn into people that the rest of us don’t care to be around.
A neighborhood watch can be very effective in our neighborhoods. If a commenter can’t remember how to be respectful, or shows little interest in being civil, I suggest that a few comments from the community of readers encouraging us to do better might go a long way.
My time for the blog waxes and wanes, and occasionally I am a day or more behind on comments. I am glad to monitor them as I can, but I do appreciate the efforts others have taken to point out here that some comments are uncalled for. I think that helps set the tone.
If something is so tasteless as to need immediate attention, I am glad to hear from someone via the ‘Contact’ page in the sidebar.
Now, I’m off to delete a few comments…
Comment by Danny — July 25, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Danny, I personally pledge to try to be less classless.
Comment by Roy — July 25, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
danny - it seems as if some of these comments have recently gotten a little worse, they seem to have coincided with the timing of bobby bright’s college field folks chiming in - just a thought.
Comment by Anonymous — July 25, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
#36 your thought is way off. It is primartily the Love people on here lowering the discussion - just note the attempts by “wiregrass democrat”(nice fake name) - an obvious Love supporter trying to ascribe false positions to Bobby Bright (Bright has ALWAYBS been pro-life, but even after being corrected “wiregrass democrat” attempted in 4 additional posts to call Bobby Bright pro-abortion)to make him appear the steroetypical Democratic boogeyman.
That is a prime thriust of Love’s camapign, and those posts aren’t just some joker on here.
Comment by Anonymous — July 26, 2008 @ 9:45 am
You cannot be pro-life and vote for Nancy Pelosi or Barak Obama. Sorry, just does not fly.
Comment by anonymous — July 26, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
it does speak to how strong your “beliefs” are, if you are willing to stand arm in arm with the true democrats. if bobby was as independent as he claims to be and if he knows that he is the one for cd2, then he should be able to get elected as an independent, shouldn’t he? why didn’t he run as an “I”…probably because deep down, when all the lights are off and the music stops, he kind of likes being in barack obama’s shadow and feeding off of the power of pelosi…gay marriage in ‘bama, love it - thanks bobby!
Comment by Anonymous — July 26, 2008 @ 8:49 pm
Speaking of beliefs #39,
Have you cared to visit the website of the Top 15 Exciting Republican Primaries lately? You may wish to view it sometime, especially the string of Repubs misfortunes and bad luck. I recommend you read all 19 pages before casting to many stones!
A real eye opener, indeed!
Comment by Evaluator — July 27, 2008 @ 6:26 am
Does “pro-life” just mean “abortion must be criminalized” or does it also include people who oppose the death penalty or the war in Iraq or believe that the government has a role in combating high infant mortality rates amongst the poor and uninsured? And can someone be “pro-life ” and still vote for John McCain with his policies regarding these issues or even his support of federal funding of embryonic stem cell research? Just asking.
Comment by Roy — July 27, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
John McCain is a staunch supporter of pro-life himself. He wants to see Roe vs Wade reversed and the abortion question removed from government and given back to each individual state. He stated that the difficult issue with abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat. However, the reversal of Roe vs Wade is only the initial step in the long path to ending abortion.
Once the question is returned to the states, it will be one of courage and compassion - courage of a pregnant mother to bring the child into the world and compassion of civil society to meet her needs and those of her newborn baby.
Probably didn’t answer all your questions although, maybe this will help some.
Comment by Evaluator — July 27, 2008 @ 7:31 pm
Because, as Evaluator likely knows, our compassionate civil society is already doing every thing it can to take care of unwanted children.
Comment by SamfordDem — July 28, 2008 @ 5:43 pm