Of course, if it is learned that a fire broke out because the [...]]]> Generally, while in the teeth of a crisis, it is unwise to spend much energy on recriminations. Firemen wait until the inferno is reduced to embers before beginning to piece together the circumstances that caused the blaze.  It is a matter of priorities.

Of course, if it is learned that a fire broke out because the building did not have proper wiring, or stored flammables incorrectly, or some other such violation of the fire code and it is learned that the fire department just inspected the place and gave them a series of waivers for violations, that is a different story. In that case, we would see the inspector as indirectly responsible for the damage or injuries.

If it is further learned that the building owner had a very cozy relationship with the fire chief, giving substantial sums of money and support to the chiefs’ favorite causes, we would see corruption.

Far from being a free-market “leave us alone” corporation, British Petroleum has been very cozy with Big Government.  BP chief executive Tony Hayward was helping Senator John Kerry promote Cap and Trade legislation. BP funded a lobbying group that agitated for regulation – not de-regulation.  Right up until the point 11 people died on the Deepwater Horizon and oil began gushing into the gulf, BP was the very model of a modern corporation – a favored pet of Congress and the Administration.  Over and over, BP lobbyists lined up to advocate for subsidies, earning profits by digging into taxpayer and consumer’s pockets.  On the ill-fated oil rig, BP received slack from those appointed to enforce the rules.  I think we will learn that the long series of waivers from standard practice BP secured from their overseers cost the lives of our fellow citizens – good people who were just doing their job.

The Gulf Oil Spill is not a failure of the free market or the consequences of de-regulation.  It is a failure of lax enforcement brought on by judgment clouded by ideological considerations or outright graft.  Arguably, overregulation over the decades as government has encroached where it does not belong has lead to a system where big corporations  find it easier to influence the regulatory environment than to comply with byzantine laws.

We barely have a free market anymore.  Rather than being an impartial referee for the common good, government has gotten into the habit of picking winners and losers through regulations, tax codes, bailouts and subsidies.  That’s where the big campaign money is.  Big Corporations have learned that it is easier to suck up to the Big Government agenda and earn special consideration in laws and enforcement.  Big Government believes it can use corporate cash to buy elections.  We need to support efforts to disentangle Government so that it no longer favors individual businesses and industries, but simply and evenly serves the common good as defined by the Constitution.

By Andrew Gaug

Sunday, June 6, 2010 at midnight

Bailouts, oil spills, partisan bickering – Robin Carnahan said it needs to stop.

The Missouri secretary of state, currently running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, made a stop at a private residence on Lovers Lane Saturday morning [...]]]> Carnahan criticizes bailouts
Democratic Senate hopeful stops in St. Joseph

By Andrew Gaug

Sunday, June 6, 2010 at midnight

Bailouts, oil spills, partisan bickering – Robin Carnahan said it needs to stop.

The Missouri secretary of state, currently running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, made a stop at a private residence on Lovers Lane Saturday morning to gain support for her campaign.

On Ms. Carnahan’s tour, titled “Stop the Bull,” the self-proclaimed country woman told about 80 attendees she has grown tired of the games politicians have been playing in Washington.

“One thing I learned when I was down on the farm was to know bull when I see it,” she said. “What I need is for you to know bull when you see and hear it as well, and call people out on that.”

Even with a Democratic majority in Congress and a Democrat in the White House, Ms. Carnahan said she has seen too many people get off easy while Americans foot the bill.

“We have too-big-to-fail companies continuing to be bailed out, and we have folks … in the Gulf now that are creating problems and expecting us to pay the bill for that,” she said.

In what might be taken as a counter to her own party’s activities, Ms. Carnahan said increases in government spending need to come to a halt.

“We’re in a situation where people are really changing their habits because we’re in a down economy, and we expect Washington to do the same,” she said.

Ms. Carnahan’s likely opponent in November would be Republican Congressman Roy Blunt, who stopped in St. Joseph on Friday. Ms. Carnahan realizes she’s facing strong opposition.

“It’s going to be a close race,” she said.

Ms. Carnahan warned that Mr. Blunt wields a strong sword, including heavy lobbyist donations. She mentioned a $1,000 contribution he received in May from Halliburton, a point she found offensive, as he serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Just last month, he started taking money from Halliburton who, if you remember, is one of the companies responsible for what’s going on in the Gulf right now,” she said.

Also a point of frustration for Ms. Carnahan was Mr. Blunt voting against ideals he claims to base his campaign on. She cited Mr. Blunt’s vote against the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010, which offered $3.6 billion in tax breaks for small businesses,

“This is a guy who runs around on a bus that says on the side, ‘Jobs for Missouri’s Future.’ And yet, when he goes back to Washington, he votes against those things,” she said.

Not skirting the elephant in the room, Ms. Carnahan said the oil spill that has dominated the news should not turn into another case of history repeating itself.

“We’ve got to hold the folks accountable who caused the problem, and not have this be another place where we’re expected to bail them out when they create a problem,” she said. “We’ve seen that story before … and we ought not to have to put up with that again.”

Link to Original Story

He votes against local cement companies then RSVP’s for ribbon cutting of new cement plant

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 4, 2010 –Congressman Russ Carnahan obviously has no scruples and will apparently do anything for a photo opportunity. He pushed his way into a ribbon cutting ceremony that [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

He votes against local cement companies then RSVP’s for ribbon cutting of new cement plant

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 4, 2010 –Congressman Russ Carnahan obviously has no scruples and will apparently do anything for a photo opportunity. He pushed his way into a ribbon cutting ceremony that is to be held later today to celebrate the opening of a new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. It is odd behavior from a congressman who voted in favor of the Waxman-Markey Clean Energy and Security Act. It’s a bill known as the cement tax or cap and trade and it is sure to prove devastating to the cement industry among others.

Just last year a Holcim representative talked about the dangers of regulations like cap and trade. “If you’re going to regulate our industry and go with no more coal to power the plants, what’s the alternative?” Sharon Myers, Holcim’s environmental manager, said. “And at what cost to you, your children, and your grandchildren?” Myers went on to say, “We can potentially regulate the industry out of the United States.” (ADA Evening News, Justin Loftin, March 11, 2009)

What does Rubberstamp Russ plan to say to Holcim as he helps cut the ribbon on its newest plant, “Congratulations – I voted to put you out of business?” And as he celebrates the 250 jobs the plant will create in his district will he openly admit that if he has his way their jobs are in jeopardy? Because if the cap and trade bill that Congressman Carnahan voted in favor of actually passes it’s unknown if this new facility will even meet the new government standards and regulations.

Since Carnahan is actually in the district maybe he can go explain why he voted for cap and tax to the 165 employees at the cement company Buzzi Unicem in Festus too. Of course we’ve come to know Congressman Carnahan never truly wants to discuss his actions with the people he is supposed to represent. It’s understandable though; who would want to admitthat they just followed orders from Pelosi? Maybe, like the stimulus bill, he didn’t read the cap and trade bill either. Maybe, like the healthcare bill, he simply didn’t understand the implications it would have on the people of his district – the small businesses it would cause to close, the high energy costs passed on to the people, or the continued job loss.

“The hypocrisy displayed by Congressman Carnahan is typical of a Washington-insider. People are tired of politicians like Carnahan who cast votes against them and then the very next minute pose in a picture smiling as if what they’ve done is a good thing. Carnahan must have learned his spin zone tactics from Pelosi – she was camera ready and smiling as she forced government healthcare upon us. The people of Missouri’s 3rd district are too smart to fall for Carnahan’s posing –they are calling his bluff. They want a real representative not a feel good photo opportunity,” said congressional candidate Ed Martin.

Analysis done by A Concrete Products and Cement Americas found that congressmen with cement interests in their districts voted against the Waxman-Markey Act by a 2-to-1 margin. A large number of the 44 Democrats who voted against it have cement properties in their district. (Concrete Products, Cement Tax, July 1, 2009)

Carnahan as usual did not vote in the best interest of his district but rather rubberstamped the bill along party-lines; once again the actions of a Washington-insider.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 2, 2010 – Third congressional candidate Ed Martin recognizes the many agricultural issues facing Missourians especially in the 3rd district. For this reason, he is officially creating Third Congressional District Agricultural Advisory Group.

While most Missouri farmers, agri-businessmen and women, and small business owners in related agricultural fields are keeping their heads [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) June 2, 2010 – Third congressional candidate Ed Martin recognizes the many agricultural issues facing Missourians especially in the 3rd district. For this reason, he is officially creating Third Congressional District Agricultural Advisory Group.

While most Missouri farmers, agri-businessmen and women, and small business owners in related agricultural fields are keeping their heads down and working hard, the legislative proposals and regulations of the Obama administration are dominating their concerns for the future. In particular, the so-called Cap-and-Trade bill, for which Congressman Russ Carnahan gave his stamp of approval, is at the top of their concerns list. The Missouri Farm Bureau, among many others, is a vocal critic of this government’s activism saying, “The negative implications are very strong for agriculture.” (Hannibal Courier-Post, April 27, 2010) ”More than ever before, farmers and ranchers are literally fearful of what the federal government is planning to do in terms of cap and trade, the Clean Water Restoration Act, possible government run federal health care and spending that is out of control,” said Charles Kruse, Missouri Farm Bureau President. (Missouri Ruralist, Dec 14, 2009)

Ed Martin is taking a stand for Missouri agriculture. He strongly opposes cap-and-trade and understands the detrimental affects it would have on family farms and small businesses – the backbone of our country.  Missouri ranks 2nd in the United States in the number of farms with 105,000 farms according to the 2002 and 2007 Census of Agriculture. A 2009 report by the Missouri General Assembly highlights that agriculture adds more than $12.4 billion annually to the Show-Me State economy and employs more than 245,000 people in our state. This is why Ed Martin has created the Agricultural Advisory Group (AAG.)

AAG will hold a number of roundtables in order to address all of the federal issues piling up on the plate of local farmers. The Group will work with agricultural businesses and family farms in the 3rd district to brainstorm real solutions. “I need to be informed and hear their concerns in order to truly represent them in Washington,” said 3rd district congressional candidate Ed Martin

“Big government with its out-of-control spending habit is not an entity we look up to. Missouri farmers are struggling and we need someone to hear us – someone who won’t cave to big business but will look out for the best interest for all of us. We farmers need to be heard and I am thrilled Ed Martin has created this Agricultural Advisory Group and extremely honored to have been asked to be the co-chairman,” said Marty Strussion, owner of Cave Vineyard in Ste. Genevieve.

Members of AAG include David Reed as chairman, Marty Strussion as co-chairman, and Katie Smith as honorary chairman. Click on this hyperlink for a brief list of their relative work experience.

Congressman Carnahan wants to make it appear he is focused on agricultural issues too. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will be in St. Louis fundraising for Carnahan this week.The Congressman can’t pull the wool over the eyes of Missouri farmers though – they knowCarnahan is out-of-touch with farmers – aside from farmers like his brother whose windmill farm would benefit from cap-and-trade.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

A recent episode detailed “yacht [...]]]> “Donnybrook” is a television show, run on local public station KETC channel 9.  Panelists focus on local issues typically engaging in a spirited back and forth among local media figures.  Anyone who loves St. Louis will become an instant fan (one of the legendary panelists Martin Duggan has endorsed my candidacy).

A recent episode detailed “yacht gate”, a controversy involving Russ Carnahan and his decision to berth his luxury yacht across the river in Alton (follow the link below – the segment starts at about 22 minutes).  While Alton may provide the preferred amenities for caring for his yacht, it has the added benefit of allowing our Congressman to avoid personal property taxes.

Having St. Louis’s favorite media curmudgeon Bill McClellan acknowledge that my objections to Carnahan’s decision have a point is something of a rush. I would like to expand on the theme Mr. McClellan and others began.  I would also like to rebut the charge that this is “absurd” and “meaningless” or that this is just a political story.

It is both a political story and a big deal.  Russ Carnahan has voted for every major tax increase to cross his desk.  Cap and trade, and increase in estate taxes, the taxes and fees contained in Obamacare are just a few.  Does anyone think Russ Carnahan will vote to block a value added tax?

Therefore, one can logically conclude that Carnahan thinks Americans are just not paying enough in taxes.  It follows then that since Russ Carnahan is an American, he would think he is not taxed enough either.

That’s not how he lives.

Russ Carnahan has structured his boat ownership in such a way as to avoid paying taxes.  I certainly don’t begrudge a man a tax break, but from a congressman who clearly thinks Americans need to pay more taxes it demonstrates an stunning myopia.  Not only does it look bad (imagine the fun his campaign would have if I had my Ford truck registered in Belleville to avoid taxes) it shows that Carnahan has at best addled thinking when it comes taxation.  He either thinks he owes too little and ought to pony up, or he thinks we are taxed enough and ought to resist new taxes.

The more likely explanation is that Russ Carnahan simply does what speaker Pelosi asks of him, without thinking too much about it.  His own health care benefits – and that of his staff – are threatened by Obamacare.  Does this sound like a man who is carefully considering the impact of legislation?  Like all of us, he wants to minimize his tax bill because he thinks he pays enough already.  Unfortunately for us, the perks and power that come from being Nancy Pelosi’s “low maintenance” congressman matter more than protecting his constituents from job-killing tax burdens.  In all due respect to Ray Hartman, the care and thoughtfulness Russ Carnahan puts into his decision making about issues like taxation are at the very core of governance.

Russ Carnahan lives as if we are taxed enough, but votes as if he is not.  I think the way he lives is the correct position, I just wish he’d vote that way.

That’s how I will vote as your congressman.  I will not raise your taxes.

April 22 Donnybrook

As Rep. Carnahan touts health care; MO families brace for more layoffs

***Ed Martin available for interviews at 2:00***

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 20, 2010 –In just one week the disastrous effects of Obamacare are rippling across the nation. Speaker Pelosi told the National Association of Counties, “We have to [...]]]> IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Theresa Petry, (314) 807-7077

As Rep. Carnahan touts health care; MO families brace for more layoffs

***Ed Martin available for interviews at 2:00***

(ST. LOUIS, MO.) March 20, 2010 –In just one week the disastrous effects of Obamacare are rippling across the nation. Speaker Pelosi told the National Association of Counties, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.” Well people are quickly finding out just what it entails –an even more uncertain future for themselves and their families as more job loss seems eminent.

Today Rep. Russ Carnahan left his cozy confines of Washington to visit his constituents, who since the beginning have opposed the overhaul of health care. Since he rubberstamped Obama and Pelosi’s bill he is now trying to convince voters it’s for the best. Even if Carnahan can’t read the fine print, constituents of the 3rd district know the bottom line –more taxes, less economic growth, more job cuts.

“The National Federation of Independent Business, which characterized the health care bill as “devastating” for small business owners, said its members are outraged that members of Congress didn’t vote against what it is calling a ‘job-killing’ bill.”… “NFIB officials say $6.7 billion of new taxes on insurance plans and pharmaceutical companies will ultimately be passed on to customers, including small business owners. They predict family premiums will rise at least $500…” (Fox News, Joshua Miller, March 23, 2010)

Jobs cuts are already a threat on the horizon for large companies –companies that employ a lot of Missouri families. Friday AT&T announced a $1 Billion charge against earningsbecause the bill does away with a deduction for providing drug benefits to their retirees.

“Moline, Illinois-based Deere, the world’s largest maker of farm machinery, said on March 25 that the new health-care law would increase its expenses by $150 million this fiscal year. Peoria, Illinois-based Caterpillar, the world’s largest maker of bulldozers and excavators, expects to record a charge of about $100 million in the first quarter of 2010, reflecting new tax liabilities on retiree drug benefits.” (Bloomberg, Justin Blum, March 29th, 2010)

Businesses aren’t the only ones that will see increases due to health care. Unions, despite efforts to “scale back” the bite of taxes, will be hit even harder and sooner than anticipated. The reconciliation bill, the president signs today, is supposed to lessen the levy on “Cadillac”health plans. But as with every part of Pelosi’s health care reform it will unwittingly wind up a premium cost instead.

According to the Joint Economic Committee, “Under the provisions of the proposed ‘fix’, the high cost plans tax will hit the average family plan five years earlier. The subsidized exchange “silver plan” premium would be subject to the tax eleven years earlier.” (The Foundry, March 30, 2010)

Third District Congressional candidate, Ed Martin has held countless meetings with small businesses, seniors, and Missouri families to discuss real and beneficial reform. “Rep. Carnahan and Pelosi are trying to convince hard working families that the bill just taxes the ‘rich’ but the reality is it takes aim at small businesses and those who create jobs. Unlike Carnahan some people have done the research. The Center for Data Analysis shows an average 690,000 jobs per year will be lost due to ‘taxing the wealthy’ meaning your average Missouri family. There’s no doubt the bill will have tumultuous effects at the expense of the American people –we’ve unfortunately already started seeing it happen,” said Ed Martin.

Ed Martin is available for interviews immediately following Rep. Carnahan’s press conference.

Ed Martin for Congress campaign headquarters are located just blocks away at 6037 Hampton.

For more information about Martin’s background and the campaign, visit EdMartinforCongress.com, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @ed4congress.

Theresa Petry
Press Secretary
“Ed Martin for Congress”
(314) 807-7077 (cell)

theresa.petry@edmartinforcongress.com
www.edmartinforcongress.com

Ed,

This is my major gripe..Republicans who claim fiscal conservatism. voted against the stimulus,..but still earmark funds, and lobby for constituents to get stimulus funds.

Hey, I will vote and donate $$$ to a candidate, incumbent who, votes for reduced spending, AND [...]]]> The following comment was posted in another blog page. I thought it deserved a full-throated response.

Ed,

This is my major gripe..Republicans who claim fiscal conservatism. voted against the stimulus,..but still earmark funds, and lobby for constituents to get stimulus funds.

Hey, I will vote and donate $$$ to a candidate, incumbent who, votes for reduced spending, AND does not earmark, doe not lobby for government spending for his district!!

I worked as a contractor at two Federal Agencies..IT IS MY DEEPLY HELD BELIEF: you can eliminate 40.0% of the Federal Civilian Work Force…and the work would get done.  The feather bedding is that pervasive!!!!

So where are you on this????

Believe me, when I write the check for my taxes I fume about the pork-barrel spending in which both parties indulge. It’s common for pols to invoke “the children” for this policy or that, but my children right this minute will owe at least $40,000 – and this is just the debt that the Federal government has on the books.  Unfunded liabilities are a looming concern that dwarfs even this figure.

I will not support the earmark system that Congress has been engaged in.  It is secretive, not transparent and too often wasteful.   I do not believe in robbing Peter’s kids and grandkids to pay for Congressman Paul’s memorial rock garden and recycling center. This is is a terrible crime.

A caveat – the private sector does not have the capacity to fund certain types of projects, like dams, levies and bridges.  I would much rather these infrastructure projects be managed and funded by the states and I think we need to move in that direction.  However I will be less hostile to projects that have an effect on a broad swath of America’s citizens, not a payoff to a local group of supporters.

As to public sector employees – I don’t know about the percentage you cite, but I know that there are many good, entrepreneurial people working in the public sector who would be far more productive in the public sector.  The private sector has to trim labor costs but during this recession the only industry reliably gaining jobs and raising pay is State and Federal government.  Many of my friends and colleagues are starting businesses or finding new career paths after being laid off in across-the-board layoffs.  They will survive and thrive because they are Americans and that’s what we do.  I see no reason why public servants should be exempt from this economic reality.

I am going to need the vigorous support of fiscally responsible men in women like you in the days ahead.  I will not be buying the support of politically active groups with earmarks nor am I promising to.   My opponent does and will, an egregious example being the $90 million in subsidies his brother is slated to get for his wind farm.

That’s a lot of scratch.  Politically connected folks need only peel a few layers of bills off that fat, taxpayer-funded wad of cash to bankroll a politician.  Those who are used to the free-flowing milk and honey from the taxpayer are going to scream and whine like the world is ending.  The moment I lay my hand on that spigot the press will stick a camera in their face and they will lament that I am against sunshine and rainbows.  We’ll have to gut-check ourselves daily and not waver from the task of saving our financial future.  I’m up for the challenge, but I’ll need your continued support.

Thank you for the excellent question.

P.S. For the record, I am for sunshine and rainbows.

Ed Martin with small business owners discussing the current business climate

Tuesday afternoon (Feb 23, 2010) I had the opportunity to have a round table discussion at Imo’s Pizza in South County.  The owner Brian was kind enough to host this discussion with fellow business owners.  After a few minutes of conversation and enjoying good [...]]]>

Ed Martin with small business owners discussing the current business climate

Tuesday afternoon (Feb 23, 2010) I had the opportunity to have a round table discussion at Imo’s Pizza in South County.  The owner Brian was kind enough to host this discussion with fellow business owners.  After a few minutes of conversation and enjoying good St. Louis style pizza and toasted ravioli, we began to go over concerns they have about the current business environment.

“I don’t need a loan, I need customers” was one of Brian’s poignant statements.  He was addressing the obsession this President has with getting banks to lend.  Certainly there are businesses who depend on access to lines of credit, but Brian’s concern was the fact that no amount of loans would make up for the fact that his customer base is seeing their disposable income eroded.  Some are out of work but more are feeling the crunch of other issues such as increased consumer prices.  Brian believed these factors were forcing his customers to tighten their belts.

The owner of an insurance agency noted that his business was seeing a lot of business owners calling him to see if they can economize on the costs of their policies.  Health insurance costs became a topic of discussion.  Premiums are on the rise.  The owner of a local nursery indicated that she has to carefully balance her staffing to prevent health insurance costs from destroying her bottom line.

We talked about the creation of association pools for health insurance.  Small businesses, among other groups, could band together to create larger risk pools just as large corporations can and negotiate better rates.  For instance, a pool could be made for all Imo’s pizza franchisees making a pool of hundreds.  This measure would cost almost nothing while doing a much better job of solving a significant portion of the uninsured issue.  I’d like to end the restrictions that keep these associations from flourishing and plan to do my part at the Federal level.  This is one of many inexpensive health insurance reforms that can do a lot of good and do not require the heavy hand of the Federal government.

An attendee working in real estate noted that after years of “if you have a job and a pulse, you get a loan”, banks are tightening up their standards.  Easy homeowner credit was fueled by a long series of misguided efforts by the Federal government to distort the mortgage lending market. Now, the credit crunch was hurting otherwise viable businesses.  The nursery owner noted that her business depends on a line of credit to operate.  If the bank, driven to restrict lending by losses in real estate, trims her access to this credit line she will face very difficult days ahead.  These responsible business men and women felt that they are paying the price for the folly of others.

The consensus was that government has become an obstacle, not just through taxation and regulation, but by creating great uncertainty.  What will energy costs be next year?  It depends upon the success of Cap and Trade legislation.  What will health care costs be next year?  It depends upon what version of the health care legislation passes.  I don’t think anybody believed it would relieve their burden.  All assembled believed that the course government was on would make the business environment harder.  The question was to what degree.

This input and that of many other meetings I have had will inform my policy decisions.  My opponent has a track record of avoiding talking with small businesses, preferring to cavort with representatives of well-connected corporations in photo-op summits.  No surprise that Russ Carnahan’s latest rubber stamp will be to borrow more money and watch it get funneled to the politically connected interests in Washington.  I will represent the interests of all businesses, and that includes the beleaguered entrepreneurs who cannot afford to pay a lobbyist to bend Russ Carnahan’s ear with a fat contribution.