Blood, Sweat, and Gore Gameplay Thread

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher: "We must preserve the sanctity of marriage."

Excerpt

"Marriage is fundamentally between a man and a woman. That's how it's been defined since marriage was created; it's the most fundamental institution of civilization. Yet it's being redefined by out-of-touch politicians and activist judges. The American Dream is built on the premise that any child can be born into a loving family with a mother and father, with the ability to succeed in a free society just as any other kid. That American Dream is being ripped apart right now by this re-definition of marriage, and the White House has looked the other way. The time is now more than ever for faith-loving patriotic Americans, just like during the Reagan Revolution, to stand up for the institution of marriage to preserve our kids, families and future. I'm proud to stand behind a federal Marriage amendment to protect this most basic institution of family values, one which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Not only is the sanctity of marriage a basic fundamental of society, it is routed in the principles of faith that we founded our nation upon in 1776 that our rights are endowed by God, not government, and ultimately, it is faith, all faiths, that declares marriage as one man and one woman. This is not about discrimination. It's about one of the most fundamental building blocks of American society. It's about ensuring every child is born into a loving family with a mother and father. It's about reversing the moral decay our society has witnessed over the past few decades. History has taught us that the commitment of a husband and a wife to love and to serve one another promotes the general welfare of children and the stability of society. Marriage cannot be cut off from it's cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening this good influence on society. Defining marriage as it's natural definition serves the interest of every American citizen, regardless of race, class, sex or nationality.

In our free society, decisions about such a fundamental social institution as marriage should be made by people, not by activist judges. Poll after poll suggests the American people support the sanctity of marriage, and overwhelming, bipartisan majorities, just a decade ago, passed the Defense of Marriage Act. Yet out-of-touch politicians and activist judges have made an assault on traditional marriage and it's sanctity despite the American people reflecting the opposite will. Since 2004, state courts in Washington, California, Maryland and New York have overturned laws protecting marriage in those states. This national question requires a national solution, and on an issue of such profound importance, that solution should be left to people, not courts. A constitutional amendment will accomplish exactly this by allowing people to protect the definition of marriage, as the American people have already reflected their support for in polls and at the ballot box.

President Al Gore has totally looked the other way at the moral decay of our society. He has allowed the military to be less about service and more about sexuality. He has appointed activist justices sympathetic to the redefining of marriage. The people of Kentucky fundamentally reject the notion that marriage is anything but one man and one woman, and the President's supreme court picks should not be allowed to undermine that. It's time to return to the values of Ronald Reagan and the Reagan Revolution, who once again reminded us that our rights come from God, not government. We must re-assemble the Reagan coalition for this very reason, because, as Reagan puts it, 'freedom is never one generation away from extinction.'"

With this speech, Ernie Fletcher is hoping to frame himself as a compassionate social conservative, but a firm one nevertheless. Though a marriage definition amendment is a polarizing topic, it is one that generally gets applause from the conservative crowd. Ernie Fletcher is aiming to define himself early on as a candidate of family values, tradition and preservation of the American way of life in a bid for religious and socially conservative voters, who make up broad swaths of the Republican electorate.

Ernie's Schedule

February 1 to February 8: Ernie Fletcher started his unofficial campaign making the rounds meeting with national religious leaders and activists, expressing his support for the right to life, the sanctity of marriage, and appointing constitutional conservative judges. He would define himself as a social conservative, strongly advocating for family values, and garnering support and fundraising for an expected Presidential run. Social conservatives were stressed as a "core building block" to building a "Reagan-like coalition" to "preserve family values, American tradition and our way of life."

February 9 to February 25: The Governor made his way back to Kentucky to continue the stump for his re-election, touting his accomplishments from balancing Kentucky's budgets to cutting taxes for everyone, along with making Kentucky one of the highest in the nation for job creation. He emphasized "moving Kentucky forward" as a key goal of his 2nd term, pledging to "build upon the economic success we've already made." Fletcher prepared the agenda for the next legislative session, including new tax cuts and right-to-work laws.

February 26 to February 29: After campaigning in his home state, Ernie Fletcher met with oil & gas workers across Michigan, stressing the need to protect and expand natural energy jobs. He lambasted Al Gore's environmental agenda as "job-killing" and "self-destructive," miring these policies at fault for energy dependence and stagnant economic growth. He called for a return to Reagan-era economic policies as a means to escape economic stagnation and boom the American economy; a return to the principle that "government is not the solution, government is the problem."

March 1 to March 2: Governor Fletcher arrived to CPAC on March 1 to begin preparation for the CPAC straw poll. He, and several allies, would meet with high profile members of various conservative political action groups to affirm his conservative views and principles and work to maximize performance in the straw poll. He would then deliver a speech to the conference on the second day, emphasizing the problems of the Gore administration and the necessity to reclaim American family values and tradition. He expressed his doubts with the growth of government, pointing to sixteen years of liberal economy policy as fault for the stagnant economy, calling for a re-ignition of the American economy with a return of conservative supply-side economic policy.

"My fellow conservatives and patriots, just thirty years ago, the Reagan Revolution proved that small government and family values are the most effective ways to build moral societies and a strong economy. Yet over these past sixteen years, we have seen the rejection of those successful policies; we've witnessed big government and social liberalism tear apart the basic fundamentals of our society and stagnate economic growth. Now, more than ever, we must build a conservative coalition to take back our country and the White House.

(full speech out soon)

March 3 to March 12: Fletcher made his way down to South Carolina, meeting with the state's local Chamber of Commerce to discuss economic policy, ranging from tax reform to spending cuts, as well as a plethora of other fiscal policy. He also met with the state's Right to Life Committee chapter, pledging to be a unwavering defender of the right to life. Delivering a speech to a crowd of socially conservative activists, he branded himself as a committed conservative with a passion for traditional values and discussed the need for a "national movement" to undo the work of "out-of-touch politicians, activist judges and President Al Gore." Across the state, he'd meet with various conservative interest groups to pitch this message.

March 13 to March 20: Returned to Kentucky to campaign and resume governor duties. Similar to Feb. 9-25.

March 21: Ernie Fletcher met with Sen. Lindsey Graham to discuss various issues, including a potential endorsement.

March 22 to March 25: Governor Fletcher would carry out a media tour in these days with various conservative news platforms. In an interview with Sean Hannity, he would emphasize as someone "deeply concerned with the way President Al Gore has run things," criticizing him as someone who has "encouraged the re-definition of marriage" and "stagnated economic growth." He articulated that this disappointment in the President's performance "brought him into the question of running for President." He emphasized his belief the need to "fundamentally re-align our politics around family, faith and freedom."

March 26 to March 31: Following his media tour, Ernie Fletcher made his way to Iowa to meet with local agriculture interest groups, where he affirmed his support to repeal intrusive government regulations and taxes affecting the agricultural economy. He pitched the need for repealing regulations regarding ethanol and unleashing the power of the 'alternative energy sources' to strengthen the agricultural market. He called to reverse the past sixteen years of 'job-stifling government intrusion' into the agriculture market.  

Campaign Strategy:
- Brand Ernie Fletcher as the candidate of social conservatism
- Tout conservative record as Governor, successful job growth record
- Tie Fletcher to "Reaganism," stress need to rebuild Reagan coalition
- Stress tax cuts & regulation cuts to alleviate economic stagnation

[adamevans]

Governor Fletcher Denounces Democrats Opposing Traditional Marriage

Excerpt

There is a serious, concerted effort from out-of-touch politicians to redefine marriage. Sam Nunn and other Democrats are fighting against one of the most fundamental building blocks of society. Not only is the sanctity of marriage a basic fundamental of society, it is routed in the principles of faith that we founded our nation upon in 1776 that our rights are endowed by God, not government, and ultimately, it is faith, all faiths, that declares marriage as one man and one woman. History has taught us that the commitment of a husband and a wife to love and to serve one another promotes the general welfare of children and the stability of society. Marriage cannot be cut off from it's cultural, religious and natural roots without weakening this good influence on society. Defining marriage as it's natural definition serves the interest of every American citizen, regardless of race, class, sex or nationality. Nobody in Kentucky wants this push for the marriage redefinition imposed upon us by activist judges or out-of-state politicians, neither do people in other states.

[adamevans]

Address to Conservative Political Action Conference

Excerpt

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow conservatives, let me say I am honored to attend this 35th annual Conservative Political Action Conference. I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has helped organize this conference. As we've seen, over the past 16 years, there is good reason for us, conservatives, to oppose the policies of President Bill Clinton and Al Gore. We have witnessed, through two different Presidents, the decay of America's moral fabric and the slow-down of America's once-envied economy. We know the roots of the problems lie in the rejection of the conservative philosophy of President Ronald Reagan. We know that family values are more successful solvers of poverty and societal ills than any social program. We know that, in this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems, government, itself, is the problem. And we know that America is strongest when it's moral fabric is intact. One way or another, we found our way into the conservative movement, and we convene here knowing this election is critical more than ever for those conservative values: the sanctity of marriage, the right to life, small government.

Now, I began my work in the conservative movement when a group of social conservatives in my Church ministry recruited me to activism. I come from a state that voted for Bill Clinton twice, and no Republican had been elected to the Governor's mansion since 1971. We changed that just four years ago when I was humbly elected by my fellow Kentuckians. Since then, we've turned Kentucky into a story of success. You see, I was elected because Kentuckians, including many Democrats, knew we had to change the course from the slow job growth, bureaucratic mess of a medicaid system, and billion dollar deficit-hole left by Governor Paul Patton. We got our state government to work, cut taxes for everyone, overhauled the state medicaid system, reversed our billion-dollar deficit, exploded job growth, took on the union kingpins and put family values first. Kentucky is an example of a success story, and our achievements undo years of big government politics on the state-wide level.

Nationally, you don't have the same picture. President Al Gore's job killing regulations and taxes are slowing down our economy, and he's turned his head the other way on protecting life and the sanctity of marriage. And I'd like to bring note to the latter. Just a decade ago, the Defense of Marriage Act was passed with resounding, bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress. Yet, Democrats, and even some Republicans, have turned their back on one of the most basic institutions of civilization - the sanctity of marriage. As someone who entered politics thanks to my church ministry, this issue is less about giving lip-service to social issues & family values as many politicians do. It's about personal faith and conviction. We know that when America's moral fabric is strong, people are built into strong families with the opportunity to achieve their God-given right to the pursuit of happiness. Moral societies are stronger alleviators of poverty than any government program could ever hope to achieve. As conservatives, if we are to truly earn the vote of blue-collar America, we must unwaveringly defend these values of faith, family and freedom.

These recent developments by activist judges in Massachusetts and California are yet another case of our judicial system letting personal beliefs get in the way of accurate constitutional interpretation. In our free society, decisions about such a fundamental social institution as marriage should be made by people, not by activist judges. This national question requires a national solution, and on an issue of such profound importance, that solution should be left to people, not courts. The next President must lead on this, by pushing forth a constitutional amendment to protect the definition of marriage from judicial activism. The time is no longer for lip-service on these issues of utmost national importance to our moral and spiritual fabric - leadership is needed now more than ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, now is the time for America to lead on the economic, international and moral stage. The next President cannot just give lip-service to these issues, but actually lead on them. President Al Gore has devastated our international leadership, and he's squandered America's energy future. Our oil and gas industry has suffered under the consequences of the President's regulation after regulation, tax after tax. Our economy is slowing down. We're more vulnerable to our foreign allies than ever. The tides are turning, and Americans are waking up to the reality of sixteen years of big government politics. We can't have just another phony get elected to the most important job in the free world.

Conservatives are united today, because we know that we can't have four more years of the same stale leadership pushing for the same ideologue of liberal policies. Washington is out of control, and we need to elect Republican leaders across the nation who will adopt the same policies that gave us the success story in Kentucky. We need leaders in the Senate and the White House who will appoint and confirm judges who will interpret our constitution to it's literal meaning, and we need elected officials who will stand up to fight for America's family values. Fellow conservatives, the time is now to rebuild the Reagan coalition to elect those types of leaders to the broken mess on capitol hill.

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher: "The Senate must ratify the Marriage Defense Amendment."

Excerpt

This week, the United States Senate will take the first step in deciding who gets to define marriage for the entire nation: activist judges - or the American people. Although not the final vote on marriage by any means, the vote your senator casts this week gives a clear signal on how much he trusts you and your fellow citizens to determine the defining issue of our generation. A vote against the amendment means your senator is willing to allow activist judges to make the decision for you. A little background on how we got to his point is helpful. In 1996, a liberal state court in Hawaii threw out that state's laws against same-sex marriage. Lawmakers around the nation knew that if a few judges in Hawaii could destroy the traditional definition of marriage, judges anywhere could and would do it. Within months, a law that defines marriage for the federal government as the union of one man and one woman, and prevents states from being forced to recognize contrary definitions - which lawmakers thought would solve the problem - passed both houses of Congress by veto-proof majorities.

It was called the Defense Of Marriage Act, and it caught on like wildfire. Within eight years, 38 states had adopted their own DOMAs, and five other states had inserted DOMA language into other laws. Many thought the issue was settled once and for all, but, again, activist judges - this time in Massachusetts - took power away from the people of that state and declared same-sex marriage legal. Other activist officials started thwarting the will of the people and breaking the laws in their states and began issuing same-sex licenses. Homosexual couples from many states traveled to Massachusetts to be "married" - mayhem resulted. Today, Americans are rising up to make their voice of reason heard - citizens in Michigan, Montana, Arkansas and Oregon have gathered enough signatures to put state constitutional amendments protecting marriage on the fall ballots, and North Dakota and Ohio are close. Michigan organizers expect the measure to pass by a 2-to-1 margin or more, with 80% of Republicans and more than half the Democrats in the state planning to support it.

American citizens seem to understand instinctively what's at stake here. Marriage has meant one man and one woman in every successful nation on Earth since the beginning of mankind. Marriage is about propagating not just the human race, but also the values of a society, the difference between right and wrong. By promoting social order, it creates a safety zone for the man and woman involved as well as for their children. A raft of social science research shows that children who grow up in households where the mother and father are married have the best chance at a good life. They earn more, learn more, get in trouble less and have fewer problems with drugs, alcohol or abuse.

Unfortunately, many of the senators ready to debate the amendment this week do not understand its importance, and I'd point to Senator John McCain as an example of that. Thanks to the efforts of Sens. Wayne Allard, Sam Brownback, and Zell Miller, and their co-sponsors, senators at least will get the facts, and will be forced to take a stand on whether or not they believe the issue is even worth debating. Many senators say they oppose same-sex marriage, but don't see the purpose in an amendment. Perhaps these senators are just afraid to take a stand. But when a few activists judges around the nation are determined to redefine this most basic of human institutions through court decisions which thwart the will of the people, our elected officials must take a stand on whether or not they believe voters should determine this issue for themselves. Unfortunately, we've now reached the time where the only way - I repeat - the only way to protect marriage and civil society as we know it is to pass a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Redefining marriage - the most basic of human institutions - is akin to reprogramming the DNA of a nation. This week is a crucial one in who will determine our future.

Kentucky Governor endorses right-to-work, amidst union backlash

Among many reports coming from the Kentucky Governor's upcoming agenda, including a highly-discussed potential Presidential bid, Governor Ernie Fletcher, today, publicly endorsed a statewide right-to-work law, in spite of union backlash, and he pledged to fight to pass it in the upcoming legislative session. The Governor spoke to press today regarding the law, which would allow non-union workers to be employed at union workplaces, stating it was "time to get Kentuckians to work. It's time to make Kentucky business-friendly." Read the excerpt here:

"In today's stagnant national economy, Kentucky must become more commerce-friendly to maintain growth seen in recent years. Right-to-work states are much more attractive for businesses investment. Unionized firms earn lower profits, invest less, and create fewer jobs than comparable nonunion firms. It was no accident that foreign automobile brands located their U.S. plants primarily in right-to-work states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. States that attract more investment create more jobs. In fact, right-to-work states have lower unemployment rates than states without right-to-work laws. To get around this problem, researchers have studied neighboring counties on state borders with and without right-to-work laws. Such counties share the same geography and economic environment, but their main difference is the presence of a right-to-work law on one side of the border. The share of manufacturing jobs in counties in right-to-work states is one-third higher than in adjacent counties in non–right-to-work states. Right-to-work laws attract jobs.

Moreover, the government should not force workers to pay for unwanted union representation. In a free society, workers alone should make that choice. Right-to-work laws also make good economic sense. They reduce the incentive for union organizers to target companies that treat their workers well. Since unions hurt businesses, less aggressive union organizing attracts investment and jobs. Union contracts frequently require employees to pay union dues or lose their jobs. This forces workers to support the union financially even if the union contract harms them or they oppose the union’s agenda. A right-to-work law would reduce the financial benefit from organizing workplaces where unions have limited support. This makes unions less aggressive and encourages business investment, creating jobs. Kentucky can and should reduce unemployment by becoming a right-to-work state."

Excerpts from Governor Fletcher's Speech on the Second Amendment

Few public policy debates have been as dominated by emotion and misinformation as the one on gun control. Perhaps this debate is so highly charged because it involves such fundamental issues. The calls for more gun restrictions or for bans on some or all guns are calls for significant change in our social and constitutional systems. Gun control is based on the faulty notion that ordinary American citizens are too clumsy and ill-tempered to be trusted with weapons. Only through the blatant abrogation of explicit constitutional rights is gun control even possible. It must be enforced with such violations of individual rights as intrusive search and seizure.

It most severely victimizes those who most need weapons for self-defense. The various gun control proposals on today's agenda - including licensing, waiting periods, and bans on so-called Saturday night specials - are of little, if any, value as crime - fighting measures. Banning guns to reduce crime makes as much sense as banning alcohol to reduce drunk driving. Indeed, persuasive evidence shows that civilian gun ownership can be a powerful deterrent to crime. The gun control debate poses the basic question: Who is more trustworthy, the government or the people?

I passionately believe in the doctrine of small government, and that extends to the issue of the second amendment, but we must first assume gun control laws could even be effectively enforced, and to that measure, I disagree. As Stanford law professor John Kaplan has observed, "When guns are outlawed, all those who have guns will be outlaws." Kaplan argued that when a law criminalizes behavior that its practitioners do not believe improper, the new outlaws lose respect for society and the law.

Even simple registration laws meet with massive resistance. In Illinois, for example, a 1977 study showed that compliance with handgun registration was only about 25%. A 1979 survey of Illinois gun owners indicated that 73% would not comply with a gun prohibition. It is evident that New York City's almost complete prohibition is not voluntarily obeyed; estimates of the number of illegal handguns in the city range from one million to two million.

Policy Recommendations:
1.) Prevent the Federal Government from passing any new ban of any particular type of firearm.
2.) Prevent the Federal Government from establishing a national gun ownership registry.
3.) Allow citizens to obtain concealed-carry permits without requirement of vague “good cause,” or egregious fees and training.
4.) Allow citizens to purchase firearms across state lines regardless of residence.
5.) Repeal the Assault Weapons ban. (assuming this still exists)

[adamevans]

Ernie's Schedule

April 1st to April 8th: Governor Fletcher began April meeting with South Carolina's many gun rights advocacy organizations, defining himself as an unwavering defender of the 2nd amendment. He emphasized his upbringing in Kentucky as a core reason towards his belief in gun rights, and stressed the need to "elect people to the House, Senate and White House" who "will protect both yours and my 2nd amendment rights." He pointed this as an issue "where many politicians talk one way and give you something else." The Governor later met with the state's local Republican organizers, gauging potential support and aiding in grassroots efforts.

April 9th to April 12th: Ernie Fletcher continued his stay in the Palmetto State, meeting with local church leaders and defining himself, early-on, as an unwavering defender of family values. He emphasized the need for family values and faith to have a place in the Republican Party, and he brought note to his roots in the church as a critical reason for his entry in politics. Across the state, he'd pitch this message to religious and social conservative activists.

April 13th to April 18th: The Governor traveled to Michigan to meet with manufacturing workers across the state, discussing cutting red tape and lowering taxes on industry to strengthen the manufacturing sector. He would stress government intervention as the critical reason for manufacturing job loss in recent years, articulating that the 'best way to protect American manufacturing is to simply get Uncle Sam off their back and out of their wallet.' Fletcher would meet with the state's local right to life chapter, in a continued bid to present himself as an authentic social conservative in each of the nation's early states.

April 19th to April 23th: Ernie Fletcher traveled to Michigan's inner cities to discuss the issue of poverty. He blamed government welfare programs for creating a "culture of poverty" in inner cities, and he expressed his belief that the most effective ways to create wealth in urban areas was to "strengthen family values, preserve the sanctity of marriage, and eliminate red tape regulations." Fletcher articulated that "strong, moral families are the most effective solvers of poverty." He proposed opportunity zones as an effective way to produce investment and wealth in inner cities.

April 24th to April 27th: Fletcher traveled to Iowa to meet with the state's gun rights organizations, emphasizing the need to protect hunting and the 2nd amendment. He lambasted "far-away bureaucrats imposing gun restrictions" and stressed the need for law-abiding citizens to exercise their right to vote and elect Republicans to Congress and the White House. He delivered a speech to the National Rifle Association on gun rights and the 2nd amendment, laying out a set of policy recommendations to protect gun rights.

Policy Recommendations:
1.) Prevent the Federal Government from passing any new ban of any particular type of firearm.
2.) Prevent the Federal Government from establishing a national gun ownership registry.
3.) Allow citizens to obtain concealed-carry permits without requirement of vague “good cause,” or egregious fees and training.
4.) Allow citizens to purchase firearms across state lines regardless of residence.
5.) Repeal the Assault Weapons ban. (assuming this still exists)

April 28th: Governor Fletcher toured a local oil & gas refinery. Meeting with workers, he spoke on the need to unleash the power of the American energy sector, scrapping many of President Al Gore's regulations and taxes. He emphasized the need for America to declare it's "energy independence" from Russia and Iran. The Governor highlighted the many jobs that could be produced out of the oil & gas sector as a response to the recent economic slow-down.

April 29th to May 3rd: After touring Michigan, Iowa and South Carolina, the Governor made the rounds with national media to double-down on defining his national image as an unwavering conservative. In a sit-down interview with Larry King, he discussed social, economic and foreign policy, particularly his firm support for a Marriage Defense amendment. The Governor underlined the need to define one of the "fundamental building blocks of society" and criticized John McCain over his unwillingness to back the amendment, stressing the need for faith to "have a place in the Republican Party."

May 4th to May 25th: Governor Fletcher returned to his home state of Kentucky only weeks before the state's gubernatorial Republican Primary. In a bid to woo conservative voters, the Governor announced his endorsement of right-to-work in the upcoming legislative session. Across the state, he'd continue the stump for his re-election bid, speaking on the accomplishments the Governor has made over the past four years, from cutting taxes to undoing the state's billion-dollar deficit.

May 26 to May 31st: After securing the Republican nomination for Governor, Fletcher would prepare to officially launch his campaign, which had served as an unofficial "exploratory" campaign for the past few months, concerting endorsements, support, fundraising and staff in preparation of his announcement. In national media, Governor Fletcher would explain what begets him to consider a run to begin with, explaining his passion for family values and concern over the need to "rebuild the Reagan coalition" and "defeat the policies of President Al Gore and Bill Clinton."

Campaign Strategy:
- Brand Ernie Fletcher as the candidate of social conservatism
- Tout conservative record as Governor, successful job growth record
- Tie Fletcher to "Reaganism," stress need to rebuild Reagan coalition
- Stress tax cuts & regulation cuts to alleviate economic stagnation

[adamevans]

Sit down with George Stephanopoulous - Manchester, NH - February 8, 2020 by Joe Biden, on Flickr

Governor Fletcher discusses presidential intentions on This Week

Governor Ernie Fletcher, expected to launch a Presidential campaign soon, sat down with George Stephanopoulos on This Week to discuss what his intentions were, why he might run for President, what qualifies him, among a series of policy-related questions pertaining to national policy. The Governor pitched himself as a compassionate, yet firm, conservative, clearly outlining his vision as one in contrast to President Bill Clinton and Al Gore. According to aides, Fletcher's advisers hope to boost his national profile in anticipation to his official launch to magnify attention towards his campaign and improve poll numbers in the coming months. This is the message Governor Fletcher would use to define himself to the nation. Read the excerpt here:

Stephanopoulous: Governor, you've made it very clear you have intentions to run for President. So, plainly, are you going to run for President?

"Well, I haven't made that decision yet, but the support many have offered me over the past few weeks as I've explored a bid has certainly encouraged me to seek one. I do intend to make a decision in a few weeks, but there isn't a definitive answer I can give you right now, George. I'm encouraged by the support of my constituents who have seen the success of our pro-growth policies in contrast to the country as a whole, but there is a lot of deliberation that comes into running for President. It's a decision that not many Americans are expected to make, and I am both humbled and overwhelmed by the opportunity to deliberate upon it. With that said, though, these past sixteen years have been a calling to service for myself and many other Americans, whether that be as a candidate or working to elect the Republican nominee. We need to elect someone who will return us to the principles of small government and family values exhibited under the great Presidency of Ronald Reagan. We need someone who's going to fight for those conservative principles without apology. I can say that the decision I will make will not come easy, but I fully intend to pursue one or another."

Stephanopoulos: If you are to run, why are you the best candidate to govern?

"You know, as a Governor, govern comes in the title. We need someone who's got a record of governing and succeeding. We need someone who's going to govern in contrast to this administration. In Kentucky, we've passed four consecutive balanced budgets, we've cut taxes for everyone, and we've created some of the strongest job growth numbers in the nation. This is the exact opposite of what we've seen with President Al Gore, someone who's rejected the principles of family values, small government, balanced budgets, less bureaucracy. After sixteen years of failure, we need someone who's going to offer contrast and build on the success of Ronald Reagan's legacy. We've made a terrific turn-around in the state's history when it comes to job growth and economic development. We've gotta get someone in the White House, just like the voters of Kentucky did four years ago, that's gonna ignite growth, create jobs, and grow paychecks for people shafted by the failure of President Gore's economy."

Stephanopoulos: You've been firm of your support of the Marriage Defense Amendment and other socially conservative causes. Why?

"As Ronald Reagan once said, the best social program is a job. The best way to create job opportunities and prepare people for work is with strong families. The traditional family unit pulled us through the Great Depression, the Cold War, and other tough economic times. The sanctity of marriage, life and the family is one of the most important building blocks of society, and if we're going to rebuild the American economy, we need leaders who will actually lead on that. Americans know what's at stake when activist judges redefine this crucial institution in our society. Marriage has meant one man and one woman in every successful nation on Earth since the beginning of mankind. Marriage is about propagating not just the human race, but also the values of a society, the difference between right and wrong. A raft of social science research shows that children who grow up in households where the mother and father are married have the best chance at a good life. They earn more, learn more, get in trouble less and have fewer problems with drugs, alcohol or abuse. The American people should decide whether activist judges are able to decide on this issue, and by sending a Constitutional Amendment for the states to ratify, that's what we're proposing."

Stephanopoulos: Saddam Hussein. Nuclear weapons. What are your thoughts?

"Saddam Hussein is a terrible person; he is a dictator and a tyrant. President Al Gore has failed to take steps to prevent him from obtaining nuclear weapons. Whoever we elect next November, we must stop Saddam Hussein from producing a weapon of mass destruction; there is no way we can allow yet another dictator to stay in power by threat of mutually assured destruction. Congress has to conduct necessary oversight on the President on this issue, and Congressman Steve King absolutely has the right intentions with his criticism of the President's policies. This President has obviously failed to be tough on Iraq, and our next President must be tough on Iraq. We need to crack down on Iraq by creating an effective international sanctions regime, put pressure on these dictators, and bringing in inspectors and making certain that no nuclear weapons production is taking place. That's the kind of message we need to send. It's clear President Al Gore doesn't want to send that message. No American should live in fear of a dictator or tyrant far overseas because our President refused to take action against it. Any dictator who obtains a weapon of mass destruction would be a scourge to humanity."

Stephanopoulos: There's a lot of questions about electability for Republicans. It's got to come into your decision whether or not to run for President. Democrats have won every election for the past sixteen years. If you run, why are you the best to break that cycle?

"The best way to prove you're electable, in my mind, is, well, getting elected, and when the people of Kentucky sent me to the Governor's mansion four years ago, I wasn't of many Republican governors that came from the state. That was the first time Kentucky has voted for a Republican since 1971, so it's no easy feat, and Kentucky voted for Bill Clinton twice. After sixteen years of President Bill Clinton and Al Gore, Americans are seeing the desire for change. If anyone's gonna run and break that streak of Democratic wins, it's gonna be me, because you see the contrast in success between my record as Governor and the President's. And winning over some Democrats is gonna be part of that process. It's something I'm familiar with, and when we won in 03, we won a quarter of Democrats too. If I'm the one on the Republican ticket, we're going to clearly contrast our values and our record of success with the President and the nominee. We're going to appeal to Democrats, the Democrats of the past, disaffected by their abandonment of family values and the sanctity of life. That's the blueprint we're going to need to bring about a long and lasting Republican majority, and not just win the White House for four years, we're going to win a generation of Americans."

Stephanopoulos: Finally, Governor, what calls you to consider a run for the most stressful job in the world?

"Well, it is a tough decision, but the overwhelming support I've received in the polls, from friends and family, from allies and fellow public servants, has all encouraged me to make this campaign official. I, and many other patriotic Americans, have witnessed a decline in our moral standards, the slowing down of the once-great American economy, and growing threats abroad, directly caused by the decisions, or lack thereof, of this administration, and though, I never thought in a million years I would be considering a run for the highest office, the most stressful, in the land, it is one that many have made me feel compelled to seek. There are serious challenges that our nation faces, and they require a call to service from all of us to rebuild the might of the American economy and the moral values our nation is built upon. I have, as well, done much talk with the Lord as I explore what could be the most important decision of my life, and I assure you I will make a decision in the upcoming weeks."

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher addresses John McCain's health complications, diagnosis

Excerpt

Thank you all for coming out. I'd like to start with a simple message for Senator McCain and Cindy.. thank you for your service. Senator John McCain and his family is in my, Glenna's, and the people of Kentucky's prayers of tonight as they deal with this period of grievance. John McCain is a role model for so many of us. He is an example of selfless service and statesmanship. He will certainly go down as someone who exemplified those qualities, as well as one of the most important building blocks to the world's greatest deliberative body. He is someone who did not conform to traditional party lines and embraced the maverick title. In captivity John learned in ways that few of us ever will the meaning of those words, how each moment, each day, each choice is a test. And John McCain passed that test again and again and again. And that's why when John spoke of virtues like service and valor they weren't just words to him, it was a truth that he had lived and for which he was prepared to die. And it forced even the most cynical to consider what were we doing for our country? What might we risk everything for? His fight with cancer will not be his only fight, but it is one we all pray for him to win.

190515-H-NI589-0119 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on Flickr

Lindsey Graham: "Governor Fletcher is the unifying figure our party needs."

Speaking to reporters in the aftermath of John McCain's announcement of his diagnosis, Lindsey Graham spoke on who his preferred candidate would be in the upcoming election, as well as the importance to nominate a "unifying figure." Read the excerpt here:

"It's been a hard few days for the United States Senate and the country. We will certainly miss his contribution to this great chamber, but we understand his absence. The Republican Party is going to have to put up someone who will unite all areas of the party to lead us to victory. There is a lot of speculation as to who I will endorse in this upcoming election. Let me tell you right now Governor Fletcher is our best bet. I've met with him a lot over these past few months as he's expressed interest in a Presidential campaign, and I have privately encouraged him to make that jump, but let me do so publicly now. If we are going to win in November 2008, Governor Ernie Fletcher is the perfect candidate to contrast the success of his record as Governor with the failure of President Al Gore and the Democratic Party on the economy, on energy, on family values. He's the man to do it. But with that said, I'll endorse whoever the nominee is. We just need someone who's got the record of winning to show they can do it across the nation."

(Apologies for the delay on this post. Been in Minnesota on vacation since saturday)

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher for President:
Let's rebuild the American dream!

Source Hyperlinked

Governor Fletcher launches campaign: "We are all called to service."

Ending months of speculation, Governor Fletcher officially launched his long-awaited Presidential campaign as he secured the Republican nomination for his gubernatorial re-election bid. The Governor would deliver a kick-off speech in New York City, NY, in front of the Statue of Liberty, the same place Ronald Reagan launched his campaign in 1980. He would, in a heavily publicized video, announce his campaign, stressing a "call to service" from both "patriotic Americans" and "the Lord." He would tout his military service and his record as Governor, as well as chastising the President for his "failures on the economy, on our morals, on every facet of our society." This would all tie into the Governor's message as he articulated his ultimate campaign theme. Read an excerpt from Governor Fletcher's announcement speech here:

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me say I am humbled by the chance to appear before you today, and I am honored to have the support of so many patriotic Americans as we seek to make America that shining city on the hill once more. And let me thank my wife, Glenna, for her eternal support over these past few months as we've deliberated on this decision. It is not one easy to make, no campaign of this magnitude should be. It is one that must be made not out of personal ambition; it is one we must make out of belief we are called to service in these troubling times for our nation and the world. These past sixteen years have left America on a path towards decline. We have witnessed it in our economy, the nation's moral values, our deficit, even the cost of the pump or the sum we pay to Uncle Sam. What Americans are waking up to is the reality that as long as we follow the doctrine of Bill Clinton and Al Gore, the worse these problems become.

We are all called to service today to rebuild the American dream torn apart over these past sixteen years. We are all called to civic duty in this election, as all elections demand, yet especially this one, so often we are faced with the reoccurring possibility, as Ronald Reagan once said, that "Freedom is never one generation away from extinction." Ladies and gentleman, we are all called today to embrace what is our constant civic duty: reaffirm the existence of economic liberty and strengthen the moral social fabric which binds us together. This is what brings us to Liberty State Park today. We have seen these declines in our moral fabric and economic liberty in more ways than one: courts redefining the historic definition of marriage, a crippled military at home and abroad, growing and overbearing regulations from the federal government.

These are the principles of an overblown, intrusive government of which our forefathers and the philosophers of the past warned us of, but it is rooted in America's deep history that every time we turn our back on the principles of liberty, self-governance and God-ordained rights that this country was founded on, citizens of every walk of life come together, whether by ballot or not, to return us to these values of which the American Revolution was fought over. We have not always lived up to these values, but we have never walked away from them entirely. Ladies and gentleman, our belief in the principles of family values, our constitution and a smaller, simpler government is exactly what brings us here today. Now, more than ever, we are called to service to return America to the values she was built on.

These values are what built the American dream, the ideal of which every American, poor or rich, black or white, of all origins and backgrounds, is able to achieve their wildest dream through drudgery and innovation. This belief in success, fortune, and opportunity through hard work is what gave opportunity to the innovators of history: Henry Ford, JP Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, Thomas Edison. It was these principles that made America the best country the world has ever known; it is what pulled us through crisis and war, depression and economic anxiety. It is this belief in economic liberty which makes America the great nation that it always has been. Yet, time and time again, we see the belief in success through hard work be substituted by government subsidy. It is from these failures of government which gave us one of the most memorable quotes of the 20th century: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem."

President Al Gore and the Democratic Party have proposed further government intervention as an ailment to our economic troubles. Let me echo the words of our 40th President: we can not tax, spend and subsidize our way into prosperity. The bloated bureaucracy of the Federal government and overbearing taxes of President Al Gore are what brought us into this crisis, not what will bring us out of it. After sixteen years of government expansion and social liberalism, we have met the faults and shortcomings of this dangerous ideology: a weakening national social fabric, slow economic growth, rising prices at the pump. It is the ingenuity of the American people and the principles of the American dream which made America the greatest nation in the world, and it is these values that will rebuild the might of the American economy and strengthen our moral fiber.

Our firm belief in the promise of America is why we are here today. It is that same American dream that allowed me to be born in a low-income family of four to grow up to be the Governor of Kentucky and speak before you all today. I am incredibly lucky for the parents I had. I am lucky to be born in the United States of America. I am lucky to have had the types of people in my life that saw more in me than myself. I've seen this country from many different vantage points. I grew up in a modest household in Lexington, met my high school sweetheart, Glenna, and had two children, Rachel and Ben. I graduated and moved on to college, then I served in the United States Air Force and was awarded the Outstanding Unit Award.

I left the Air Force in 1980, and I enrolled in the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and earned myself a Doctor of Medicine Degree, and I opened myself a family medical practice in '84. It was around this time that I got involved in the church. I became a pastor at one of my local churches, and through my church ministry, I was recruited into the Fayette County Republican Party. It was through here that I sought public service, and was first elected to Congress in 1998. Serving in Congress was among the many honors of my life, standing up for family values and debt reduction, protecting our farmers, I'm honored of every day I spent in the world's greatest deliberate body. In 2003, we rode a wave into the Governor's Mansion in Kentucky, the first time a Republican had won the office since 1971. We offered a vision different from President Al Gore and three decades of Democratic rule in Kentucky: lower taxes for everyone, balance our budgets, overhaul waste, and unleash the ingenuity and innovation of our people to our economy.

We turned around a state burdened by a stagnant, declining economy for years, and we built one of the strongest job growth records in the nation. We proved, in contrast to this President, that free markets and moral families are what build strong economies. We are here today to offer the contrast between our vision of the American dream and the past sixteen years of government expansion, the stagnant economy of it's doing, and growing threats at home and abroad of nuclear threats. The President's inaction on the foreign stage has allowed dictators in Iran and Iraq to grow in their capacity and begin the production of weapons that will certainly lead to a more dangerous world. We need a President who will act now to preserve the peace and prevent these dangerous enemies from developing weapons of mass destruction.

This vision of our American dream requires us to take a firm stance on the foreign stage to preserve peace and assert strength. If we choose to show weakness in these dangerous times, we will only invite more aggression towards our allies and at home. We will reverse the foreign policy approach of President Al Gore, and today we say, no way we will ever allow Iran and Iraq to ever acquire a nuclear bomb.

This vision of our American dream requisites us to restore the American social fabric. Our moral fabric is what ties us together, and strong families teach our children from right and wrong and prepare the next generation to achieve an American dream of their own. The success of economic freedom would be to no avail without this fundamental building block in our society. Every child should be born into a family with a loving mother and father so that they can succeed too, and so they can learn from right and wrong and the values of success through hard work. We are here today to preserve the sanctity of marriage and make certain every boy and girl can live in the loving home with a mother and father. We are here today to protect the sanctity of life and to make clear the human life is important. These ideals of the American Dream are under siege, and they are why we must rebuild the essence of the American ideal of success, ingenuity and innovation.

Ladies and gentleman, I never imagined in a million years I would be a candidate for President, but the calls to service by millions of patriotic Americans have made it become apparent the challenges which we face in the coming years. I am Ernie Fletcher, and I am running for President of the United States.

We are at a moment of reckoning for our nation. The values of America are under siege: economic freedom, family values, a strong and capable military. The task of defending these principles will not be easy. They require civic duty from all of us; they require a resounding national electoral majority to undo the policies of President Al Gore and protect the Constitution and defend it to it's literal meaning. What we need right now is leaders who will stand firm in defense of the American dream, who will defend the institution of marriage and the sanctity of life, who will slash taxes for everyone, who will be tough on gangs and organized crime and protect our streets. This is our call to service, America, let's rebuild the American dream!

[adamevans]

Campaign Ad: Action.

Michael Raphael / Public domain

- scene opens to an unemployment line, stressed families looking at bills -

Narrator: "The economy is slumping. Sixteen years of government expansion is taking the toll on our economy, shuddering jobs and stifling business, and Chinese competition is overshadowing the might of the American economy. America is more dangerous than it was 16 years ago."

- scene cuts to a gas pump -

"The cost of the pump is jumping. Iranian oil executives get rich, and middle class Americans foot the bill."

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jelani Gibson / Public Domain

- scene cuts to photos of traditional families & marriages -

"Our traditional values are being ripped apart by judges acting on their own ideology and not our constitution."

Source Hyperlinked

- scene cuts to photos of Ernie Fletcher meeting with troops, holding press conferences, signing legislation -

"In times of crisis, we need a principled conservative leader who won't just give us Washington talk."

- scene cuts to excerpt of Governor Fletcher delivering a speech -

Fletcher: "Our government is overfed. We're spending too much. We're taxing too much. These past sixteen years have shown us exactly why we must return to the principles of small government and restore our nation's moral values. Our laws should be written by people, not by unelected judges. The time is now for all of us to demand from Washington a smaller, simpler government that allows the American dream to thrive. If we're ever getting ourselves out of these crises, that's what we gotta make Washington do at the ballot box."

- scene cuts back to photos of Ernie Fletcher signing legislation -

"Ernie Fletcher: air force veteran, doctor, successful Governor with one of the best job growth records in the nation."

- scene cuts to Ernie Fletcher for President logo & legal information -

Voiceover: "I'm Ernie Fletcher, and I approve this message."

Aired in Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, Florida

Campaign Ad: Leadership.

Source Hyperlinked

- ad opens to pictures of stressed families looking at bills, pictures of rising gas prices, unemployment lines, etc -

"In 2003, Kentucky's economy was stagnant. Unemployment was rising, the state had entered an unprecedented budget crisis, government was stifling the economy, high taxes were hurting revenue and job growth, and a Republican hadn't been elected Governor since 1971."

- scene cuts to photos of Ernie Fletcher delivering press conferences, signing legislation -

"Then Kentucky hired Governor Ernie Fletcher. He turned around the state's billion dollar deficit and turned it into a surplus. He cut unemployment and made one of the best job growth records in the nation. He cut taxes for everyone in the state and turned a stagnant economy into one of the most flourishing in the country. He challenged the big spenders when he boldly cut waste to balance our budgets and get government off the people's back. If he can do it for Kentucky, he can do it for America."

- scene cuts to Ernie Fletcher for President logo & legal information -

Voiceover: "I'm Ernie Fletcher, and I approve this message."

Aired in Wyoming, Michigan, Iowa, Nevada

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher for President:
Let's rebuild the American dream!

Source Hyperlinked

Campaign Strategy: The Opening Phase

As Governor Fletcher launches his Presidential campaign, he intends to begin building the groundwork for his campaign strategy in the first four early states (the campaign's priorities): Michigan, Iowa, Wyoming and New Hampshire. The Governor's campaign would begin formulating the campaign's central message as he defines himself to a national audience. Prior to his launch, Ernie Fletcher focused on defining himself as a staunch social conservative with Reaganite principles; as Fletcher opens the campaign, his campaign is focusing on building an image of Governor Fletcher as a 'get it done' conservative leader who 'doesn't give the Washington talk.' The campaign would also stress the Governor's credentials early on as a successful governor with a record of job growth and balanced budgets, contrasting it with the record of Al Gore and the Democratic Party, who he routinely blamed for recent economic slow-down, rising gas prices, as well as a 'fading societal moral fabric.'

The Governor's campaign would highlight his stern commitment to social issues, such as traditional marriage, the sanctity of life and an amendment prohibiting flag desecration, but he would also strike a more 'compassionate conservative' tone on economic issues, opting to propose expanding the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The Governor would cite his religious upbringing as reason for his hardline socially conservative tone, as opposed to 'political expediency' which he criticized as a 'major problem in our political system.' His exceptional past as a religious leader would be used to make a key demographic appeal to evangelical voters, which could bear high fruit in the Iowa Caucus.

The Governor would stress his belief on foreign policy issues as 'American Exceptionalism,' similar to John McCain. He would tout his military record frequently as credentials for foreign policy experience. The former supporters of the Arizona Senator have become a key demographic target for the Fletcher campaign, as the Governor attempts to make a bid for states like New Hampshire and Nevada where McCain led. Economic and foreign policy issues would be the main focal points of agreement between Governor Fletcher and Senator McCain, and these would be used as the means to win over former McCain supporters. As well, Fletcher's campaign aims to position the Governor as a candidate with party-wide appeal, while being willing to take stances that excite all areas of the party. Governor Fletcher would push himself as the candidate best suited to take on the Democratic nominee, proven by his electoral chops in a state that voted for Bill Clinton twice.

The Governor's campaign would prioritize building campaign infrastructure in the first four early states. The Governor believes these states are his best past to victory, each containing the demographics that Governor Fletcher and his campaign believe he appeals best to. While the Governor believes he has broad appeal, he would specifically target rural, religious, older voters as Fletcher believes he can make a personal connection with voters of that nature. With the Governor surging in many early states as his message grows and meets broader swaths of the electorate, Fletcher believes he can capitalize on his sudden surge with this campaign strategy.

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher for President:
Let's rebuild the American dream!

Source Hyperlinked

Ernie Fletcher slams 'intrusive' EPA: "Let's start protecting our energy industry."

Excerpt

Here in the heart of coal country, Eastern Kentucky, we're known as the energy capital of America, but people here understand as well as anyone that the high price of oil and gas today is causing great harm all across our economy. People are hurting, small farmers, truckers, and taxi drivers unable to cover their costs, small business owners struggling to meet payroll, the cost of living rising and the value of paychecks falling. All of this, in large part, because the price of oil is too high, and the supply of oil too uncertain. These citizens believe their government has a duty to finally assure the energy security of this country, and they are right.

The price of a gallon of gas is rising rapidly thanks to Al Gore and the EPA's intrusive regulations. That may come as good news in Moscow, Riyadh, or Caracas, where economic growth and rising oil prices are more or less the same thing. But their oil prosperity is our energy vulnerability. And the jobs, family budgets, and futures of the American people should not depend on the whims of foreign powers. Oil and gasoline are the most vital of all commodities in a modern economy. Their price affects the cost of things even more basic and essential. America's dependence on foreign oil is a matter of large and far-reaching consequences, none of them good.

Whoever controls oil controls much more than oil. And in our time, much of the world's oil supply is controlled by states, regimes, and a cartel for which America's well being is not exactly a priority. Many occupy a violent part of the world, a region all the more violent for the influence of oil wealth. Their opinion of America runs the full spectrum from indifference to hatred. And yet these regimes are today the masters of the oil market. Somehow the United States, in so many ways the most self-reliant of nations, has allowed and at times even encouraged this state of affairs. This was a troubling situation 35 years ago. It was an alarming situation twenty years ago. It is a dangerous situation today. And starting in the term of the next president, we must take control over our own energy future, and become once again the master of our fate.

The next president must be willing to break with the energy policies not just of the current Administration, but the administrations that preceded it, and lead a great national campaign to achieve energy security for America. So in the days ahead I plan to return to the subject in a series of discussions to explain my reform agenda. And I will set forth a strategy to free America once and for all from our strategic dependence on foreign oil. Energy policy has enormous implications for America's economic security, our environmental security, and, above all, our national security. Each one of these challenges demands our concentrated consideration. As in other challenges that confront our nation, we must shape events, and not simply manage crises. We must steer far clear of the errors and false assumptions that have marked the energy policies of nearly twenty Congresses and seven presidents. There are dangers in the long term and dangers in the short term. Some tasks will be the work of decades, and some the work of years. And they all will begin in the term of the next president.

Lindsey Graham by Gage Skidmore, on Flickr

Lindsey Graham endorses Ernie Fletcher: "The best shot to win in November."

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who had previously publicly said the Ernie Fletcher should consider a Presidential campaign, today officially endorsed Governor Fletcher joining him for a stump speech. He cited his 'tough' record as Governor 'taking on spending, cutting taxes' and expressed his belief that Governor Fletcher's record and credentials 'is the best way we can take on the Democratic Party.' Read an excerpt here:

"Governor Fletcher is a man of decency and honor, but he's also a man of deep conviction. I have deep personal belief in the Governor that not only would he be an amazing President, he would be the best candidate to take on Hillary Clinton in November. Contrast his record of success as Governor with the failed economic policies of President Al Gore, and you've got a message that resonates with a lot of ordinary people who are tired of the failures of big government. He's also got a message that resonates with a lot of people tired with the normal Washington speak. None of his positions come from political expediency, they come from deep conviction and personal upbringing. I have no doubt he'll walk the walk when push comes to shove if he's elected President, and that's a trait you can't find in many politicians."

Press Release: Governor Fletcher rolls out initial endorsements

As Governor Fletcher launches the campaign, we're proud to announce many of our day-one supporters from several Congressmen, Governors and organizations who truly believes in the Kentucky Governor's message of a return to small government. From Congressman Jeff Lamberti, he endorsed Governor Fletcher describing him as a 'compassionate leader for conservative values,' citing his 'personal convictions and religious upbringing' as reason to believe 'he'll actually do what he says, unlike other politicians.' Governor Jeb Bush endorsed the Governor, calling him 'an astounding Governor, who I've had the honor of working with.' He said of the Kentucky Governor's record that he's 'turned Kentucky around, shown conservative principles work,' explaining that 'if anyone's gonna turn around Al Gore's economy, it's Governor Fletcher.' In a press release from National Right to Life, they, too, endorsed Ernie Fletcher, explaining that 'the personal conviction Governor Fletcher holds for the right to life, is more powerful than any other candidate this cycle who says they're pro-life. We're proud to endorse him.'

Governor Fletcher also won the influential endorsements of Senator John Sununu and Senator Lindsey Graham, both from states early in the primary process. From Senator John Sununu, he cited the Governor's 'tireless work as Governor, working with Democratic legislatures, and proving that cutting taxes can undo deficits.' Senator Graham cited the Governor's 'tough' record as Kentucky Governor on wasteful spending, proving he 'has the know-how to fix up the mess in Washington.' He expressed his belief that the Governor's credentials 'seriously contrast with the current state of President Al Gore's economy' and his upbringing 'resonates with many people disaffected by America's social policy unlike many else.' The Governor's campaign is honored to receive these day-one endorsements, and can't wait to expand Governor Fletcher's message to other people as we win over more and more voters across the country.

[adamevans]

Ernie Fletcher for President:
Let's rebuild the American dream!

Source Hyperlinked

Ernie's Responses

Opening Statement.

Thank you, Brian, and let me express my gratitude in being able to participate in this debate. We are at a moment of reckoning point for the future of American politics; who we elect next November really matters for the future of our country. Our economy is slowing down, our social fabric is tearing apart, the cost of the pump is rising, and America is less safe than it was 16 years ago. Elections come and go, but the consequences of the people we elect never do. We have seen unelected judges attempt to redefine marriage, cutbacks on national defense, the President ignoring the threat of a nuclear weapon, growing and overbearing regulations from the Federal government. This is our moment to stand up to Washington, and tell the federal Government firmly, at the ballot box, to get off our backs.

We, Republicans, know the principles which will end this crisis: less taxes and regulations, strong families, strengthened national defense, and cutbacks to the ridiculous amount of waste and spending exhibited by our Federal government. I'm running for President because friends, family, patriotic Americans, across the country asked me to run. They've seen the turnaround record we made in Kentucky when we reversed the state's billion dollar deficit, cut taxes for everyone, and made one of the best job growth records in the country. If I'm elected President, we will undo the harmful taxes and regulations by this President, we'll restore our nation's moral foundings and protect the sanctity of marriage and life. We'll rein in the big spenders on capitol hill, and we will rebuild the might of the American economy. Folks, it's our government, we just have to take it back.

For Governor Fletcher: Despite placing yourself firmly in the conservative camp of this primary, you’ve been endorsed by former moderate frontrunner John McCain. What do you believe this says about your partywide appeal?

Senator John McCain was an honorable man who honestly believed in what he talked about, and I pray that him and his family stay strong through these trying times. But, as for the question, we've built a message that really resonates with all parts of our great party. Senator John McCain knows as good as anyone else we must return to the principles of Ronald Reagan. We must elect someone with real, honest belief in the issues they believe as opposed to political expediency. These convictions I hold come well before I entered politics. It was through my church ministry that I found my way into politics when they recruited me to the local county Republican Party. These strong beliefs in the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life, and small government, they come from my upbringings in a traditional household.

We need people in politics who don't just care about what a focus group says. They don't take their positions based on their chances of getting elected. We need a President who won't just say one thing and do another or change their beliefs because of an election. If we're going to win in November, we need someone who's going to be upfront with the challenges we face. We need someone who will contrast with the record of President Al Gore. We need someone who's going to win Independents and even some of the Democrats because they see that promise of success through hard work slipping away in today's America. That's how we take back this nation from the big government politics of Al Gore.

Closing Statement.

Folks, each election is a choice, but the duties we face this election call us to service. As Ronald Reagan once said, that "Freedom is never one generation away from extinction." Ladies and gentleman, we are all called today to embrace what is our constant civic duty. We are called to protect the American dream, cut back the overbearing role of the Federal government, eliminate the wasteful spending in Washington, and make America and the world a safer place to live. We haven't gotten that in the past sixteen years. It's only gotten worse. As President, I will undo the countless regulations implemented by our Federal government which is holding down our economy. I'll cut taxes significantly, and I'll work with Congress to ratify an amendment protecting the sanctity of marriage, and allow the American people in the states to decide their own future, not unelected judges.

The values which build America are at siege: economic liberty, family values, a strong and capable miltary. I'll rebuild that. I'll reinvest in our nation's national defense, and I'll protect America's families. Together, we will once again be that shining city on the hill where any hard-working American can hope to build wealth, fortune and success and pass that down to their children. We'll pay back down our debt, so that our children and grandchildren don't have to be burdened with the immense responsibility of paying their parents irresponsible spending. This election, we have the opportunity to make that happen, and if you believe we must, well then, I ask for your vote.

[adamevans]

Hey, I'm dropping out. Just don't have time for the game, but thanks for hosting it.