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RPOF Rolls Out Attack On Nan Rich And Florida Women

All The Qualities The GOP Oppose: Women and Women's Rights

In spite of boasting to the contrary, is the Republican Party of Florida not so sure they have a winning incumbent in Rick Scott? After all, common sense would say yes, given his record-breaking unpopularity. They showed their fear of Charlie Crist early on in spite of the fact that he's taking his time deciding whether to run or not.

Now it seems they fear another candidate and they're getting an early jump on attacking her while declaring yet another war on Florida women all at the same time. Because that's worked so well for them in the past. No doubt they're sad given that they were only able to pass one anti-abortion bill in this year's legislative session, and zero the year before, so I suppose this is another way to make sure women in Florida still know where they stand. They would also like you to know that liberals are scary. So given Nan Rich is and woman AND a liberal, she may be even more frightening than old Charlie.......to the RPOF.

But is Rich "scary" to voters? Not so much. Almost a year ago a PPP poll had local headlines declaring that Rich was already "trouncing" Rick Scott. Another poll from March had Scott leading Rich 42 percent to 36 percent, but that's apparently not good enough for the GOP.

Today the RPOF blog is attacking Democratic candidate Nan Rich in the largest red font they could find, blaring this headline (emphasis theirs):

THAT'S RICH! Liberal Champion Nan Endorsed By One Of Florida's Leading Pro-Abortion Organizations...Here's Why!

RICH SAYS DEMS SHOULD NOMINATE LIBERAL FROM SOUTH FLORIDA, GETS EARLY ENDORSEMENT FROM PRO-ABORTION ORGANIZATION

To back up those bold, nightmarish headlines, yes, both The Tampa Tribune and the Tampa Bay Times have in fact reported that Rich is a liberal. However, neither article paints her as a scary liberal, and one quotes from her endorsement by the National Organization for Women as "the best hope for Florida women." RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

Again, not nearly as haunting as the RPOF would have you believe, but OMG, did we mention she's "pro-abortion" asks the RPOF? Just in case anyone missed it in bold caps the first time:

RICH’S EXTREME LIBERAL POSITIONS ON ABORTION EARNED HER THAT ENDORSEMENT

They list several instances where Rich did indeed vote the opposite of Republicans for much of that abortion legislation they've failed to pass, which they feel proves her "extreme liberal position on abortions." Except that it's not so extreme in that the majority in Tallahassee agreed with her and those abortion bills failed. 

As for that endorsement from "Pro-Abortion organizations?" One might think by their claim illustrated in all caps in blood-red that this group must be spanning the State of Florida encouraging abortions, or perhaps gangs of women are hunting pregnant women and forcing abortions on them. Why, if women vote for Nan Rich, perhaps those groups will push for an Abortionplex mandate?

Uh, no. This "pro-abortion group" is actually NOW, the National Organization For Women. Rather than the roving abortion pushers Republicans would have you imagine, they favor reproductive rights. They also work on other "horrifying issues" like supporting equal rights, marriage equality, Social Security, student loans, and reducing gun violence. In other words, all things that Republicans don't like, nor support. NOW also opposes things like violence against women in the military, as well as violence against all other women, so BE AFRAID!

Voters actually owe some thanks to the RPOF for this attack though, because it reminds them of all the time and money the legislature spent in years past proposing abortion bills and those that would prevent women from getting the health care they need, rather than legislation on the things that are important to them involving jobs, the environment, education, and letting them vote.

Just another reminder that the War On Women is still alive and well, and operating out of RPOF headquarters everywhere regardless of who the Democratic candidate will be.

Great job on that whole re-branding project...

In Spite Of These 11 Florida Republicans, President Obama Signs Reauthorization of VAWA

(Screenshot via The White House)

Yesterday, President Obama was finally able to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, after obstruction by Republicans, who tried to block it because it protected all women.

The Florida Republicans below shamelessly voted against it because it also protected undocumented immigrants, LGBT, and Native American victims of domestic violence.

Sen. Marco Rubio

Rep. Jeff Miller

Rep. Steve Southerland

Rep. Ted Yoho

Rep. Ron DeSantis

Rep. John Mica

Rep. Bill Posey

Rep. Gus Bilirakis

Rep. Dennis Ross

Rep. Thomas Rooney

Rep. Trey Radel

 

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Marco Rubio Votes To Block Violence Against Women Act

Thank These Republicans For Selling Out Floridians In Favor Of The Wealthy, Again

Claiming Jobs Are Their First Priority, Rubio And Ros-Lehtinen Get To Work On More Abortion Bills Instead

Fresh from his second vote against the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Marco Rubio is now sponsoring a parental consent abortion bill with Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah):

The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act would prohibit taking a minor across state lines for an abortion if doing so evades the parental involvement law their home state.

“Parental consent is needed for such things as tattoos or school field trips but not always for abortions that will end one life and change another forever,” Hatch said Thursday. “What is worse, there are individuals and organizations out there who appear to care more about money than about kids. They are willing to help young girls get abortions by any means necessary, including taking them to other states without the knowledge or consent of their parents.”

The bill would also require abortion providers to notify parents of an out-of-state minor before performing the procedure. 

Senators co-sponsoring the bill are: Republican Sens. Roy Blunt (Mo.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Richard Burr (N.C.), Deb Fischer (Neb.), John Boozman (Ark.), Roger Wicker (Miss.), Bob Corker (Tenn.), James Inhofe (Okla.), Pat Roberts (Kan.), Tom Coburn (Okla.), Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Saxby Chambliss (Ga.), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), David Vitter (La.), Jerry Moran (Kan.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Ted Cruz (Texas) and John Cornyn (Texas) are co-sponsoring the bill.

Another Republican Florida House member, Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has also introduced a similar bill.

Lehtinen recently penned an Op-Ed at NBCLatino in which she outlined her priorities for the 113th Congress:

"I will begin work in the the 113^th Congress with the priorities and needs of  you and your family in mind.]

[All of us know that our first priority must be to deliver more than ever by creating more jobs in this time of  economic trouble.

We must make a united effort to improve our lagging economy by bringing federal government spending under control, lowering taxes for the middle class and eliminating unnecessary government regulation."

Yes, she wants to eliminate unnecessary regulations, except when it comes to another woman's uterus.

Oddly enough, abortion bills didn't make her list of priorities, which naturally falls in line with the new message of the Republican Party:

Stop talking about things like rape and abortion, just legislate them quietly.

As for the rest of her priorities, cut taxes for the rich, and debt reduction via cutting Social Security and Medicare, all properly disguised under the blanket term "reform."

More business as usual from the Republican Party.

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Rubio Chooses Which Lives To Cherish In GOP's "Non-Existent" War On Women

Marco Rubio Votes To Block Violence Against Women Act

Women In Combat: Marco Rubio Votes Against Violence Against Women Act, Again

Well, he's done it again. Today Sen. Marco Rubio voted against the Violence Against Women Act, this time despite the fact that it also included human trafficking legilslation that he co-sponsored.

When he recently stated that he was in favor of women in combat, perhaps this is what he actually meant?

In spite of Rubio, it passed with a vote of 78-22. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) voted in favor. Rubio claimed that he objected to the way the bill affected state spending decisions. 

It's always "about the spending" with Rubio, be it a gay, undocumented or native American woman being beaten and abused, or a Hurricane victim who has lost everything and then some, it makes no difference to him. Being a self-proclaimed pays for home improvements via GOP credit card "fiscal conservative" means never having to lift a finger to help anyone else. 

Joining Rubio in a "no" vote:

Republicans John Barrasso (Wyo.), Roy Blunt (Mo.), John Boozman (Ark.), Tom Coburn (Okla.), John Cornyn (Texas), Ted Cruz (Texas), Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), James Inhofe (Okla.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Ron Johnson (Wisc.), Mike Lee (Utah), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Pat Roberts (Kansas), and Jeff Sessions (Ala.)

Marco Rubio Votes To Block Violence Against Women Act

With bipartisan support, today the Senate voted to approve the advance of legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act to bypass a filibuster. The vote was 85-8 and the legislation is set to pass next week.

But women in Florida who voted for Marco Rubio may want to know that the Senate approved VAWA without his help. He was one of the eight voted to block the legislation. The other seven, all Republicans, were Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Rand Paul (R-KY), Pat Roberts (R-KS), and James Risch (R-ID).

These Republicans, along with Rubio, objected to the reauthorization because of provisions that were added to also protect undocumented immigrants, LGBT, and Native American victims of domestic violence.

The Republican War On Women rages on, and in this case, certain women in particular.

Florida GOP Vows To "Show Their Heart".... Starting With Another Abortion Bill

You've probably heard the news already, but in spite of the beating they took in the 2012 election, the Republican Party did a little "soul searching," chatted amongst themselves, and after careful thought, decided they're still in fact just awesome. They just need to tweak their "messaging" a bit.

Well, in Florida it's no different. In spite of polling to the contrary, it may surprise you to hear that people just love them. Really!

But Florida Republicans are not overcome with gloom, according to interviews with elected officials, party officials and political strategists.

Several said the party's image woes, while significant, are a cyclical low caused by circumstances that will pass, and won't severely affect Republican candidates at the ballot box.

"Polls are a snapshot in time, and change depending on who the respective standard-bearers are of each party," said Justin Sayfie, a long-time GOP fundraiser and political insider.

This, too, shall pass. Sure it will.

The GOP possess many traits, but self-awareness sure isn't one of them.

At least one Florida Republican recognizes a problem. Sort of:

Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, said the GOP's negative image stems from wasted opportunities by his fellow U.S. House Republicans over the last two years.

The 2010 election produced "the biggest House Republican majority since Reconstruction," he said, but, "We failed miserably."

Instead of passing legislation on immigration, tax reform or health care, he said, they wasted energy on meaningless gestures including 32 votes to repeal Obamacare – each dying in the Democratic Senate.

Of course, another big loser for the GOP was that whole "War On Women" problem which they swore did not exist. But in Florida, never fear! GOP strategist Sally Bradshaw and State Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry are on it!

"There's nothing like a loss to make you want to win," she [Bradshaw] said. "I think you'll see a re-energized party working for every vote, including communities where we haven't done well in the past."

"You're going to see a party that will show their heart more," she said. "We feel we're right on these issues and if we show our passion, more people will listen."]

[State Republican Party Chairman Lenny Curry, also optimistic, said negative polls on the party's image don't necessarily mean negative views of Republican candidates.

"The old saying is politics is local – in a county commission race, city council race, state House race, people are going to look at the candidate more than the brand," he said.

But, he acknowledged, "The brand matters," and the GOP brand has been tarnished by bad messaging.

So in their haste to change the message, the "locals" in the Florida legislature are already busy attempting to show their warm and fuzzy side, and you'll never guess how. By filing yet another bill to essentially ban abortions. And because he's all about "messaging" and "showing his heart," Charles Van Zant (R-In-A-Cave-Somewhere-In-Keystone-Heights) chose the 40th Anniversary of Roe v Wade to do so. 

Now there's a way to send a message and woo the ladies all at the same time! He claims the timing wasn't intentional. (What, he was in such a rush that he couldn't possibly wait until, say, Valentine's Day?) Nevertheless, he feels that this falling on the Anniversary was an added bonus. 

Van Zant was probably in a hurry because he's tried and failed at this before, and sadly for him and the rest of the Republicans in the legislature, last year they ended their session without a single abortion bill passing. Van Zant no doubt has a sad over the fact that his attempt last year to make it a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion was one of them.

Still, Van Zant is determined, in spite of recent polls that show most Americans aren't in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade.

But then, as the GOP "insider" says, "Polls are polls, and nothing more."

Sure. Because ignoring those polls really worked out for you in November. But then I guess in order to change your own message, one needs to "get the message" in the first place. 

RNC Day Two: Debacle-Fest

Florida, Florida, Florida

(Photo: Beach Peanuts)

The first full day of the RNC has come and gone, and I say good riddance. It was the day the gloves came off, so to speak, and it was also a day filled with weirdness.

It also marked the day where Republicans made it official: The nomination process was completed and they are now stuck with Mitt Romney for the duration. While most accepted their nominee, not everyone was happy. Due to a rule change, Ron Paul supporters, and some Tea Party members caused a bit of a stir.

In other business, the Party unveiled their official platform. Earlier in the week parts of it were leaked and there was a lot of talk about the abortion plank. Now it's official, the platform bans all abortions along with gay marriage. Also included: Voter ID, reforms Medicare and Medicaid, and of

Mitt's Manifesto (Photo: Beach Peanuts)

course, it extends the Bush tax cuts. I've only scanned through my copy of the 50 page platform that reads more like something Republicans like to pretend President Obama would propose: A plan to transform the government and our lives. A book of draconian policies to be sure, which I'll get to later on.

 

It was also a day of endless speeches we've heard before, and while it was supposed to be a day for Republicans to "embrace" their nominee, his name was barely mentioned by many from the evening session. One in particular: Chris Christie, who almost seemed to be practicing for his own nomination rather than Romney's, something not lost by Mitt who looked less than happy with Christie's "performance." At one point Ann Romney stood up to applaud, trying to get Mitt to stand with her. Romney wouldn't budge.

Ouch.

Finally, this was the night for Ann's speech, billed by pundits as a chance to humanize her husband while trying to convince women, again, that Mitt's really the guy they want in the Oval, and has no interest in policing their ovum. Kind of hard to square that on the same day you reinforce your War On Women via that 50 page book.

Ann's was an odd speech too, where she did her best impression of Oprah just chattin' with the ladies ("I love you guys!") and trying to convince women she's just like you. (And who among us doesn't have to read your child's name off of a TelePrompTer, am I right?) Then she suddenly transformed herself from a cloying cheerleader into the angry lady of "You People" fame, you who just might discover how much extra you'll pay in taxes so she and Mitt can pay less. After all, they're the chosen ones and it's their turn for Pete's sake!

All this, along with the lies, distortions, and imagination of people like Ted Cruz and Gov. Nikki Haley, to the righteous indignation of Rick Santorum.

The "fun" begins all over again at 7:00 pm tomorrow.

It's going to be a long week.

The Romney-Ryan-Akin Platform for Women

 

GOP Platform Includes Akin's No Abortion Exception The Party Decries

As Republicans from Mitt Romney to Paul Ryan to Connie Mack IV put a face on hypocrisy while pretending to be appalled at the remarks of Todd Akin, who said this about rape resulting in pregnancy:

“It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”

Republicans agree with every word Akin said.

But to anyone who may believe that Republicans have recoiled from Akin's view, it should be crystal clear by now. Those words of disgust coming from the GOP may only be to serve as a play for something they are clearly lacking: Women voters. Or better yet: Stupid women voters.

To those voters, let me clear up the confusion for you right now, via the Tampa Bay Times:

"Human life amendment: We assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children. We oppose using public revenues to promote or perform abortion or fund organizations which perform or advocate it and will not fund or subsidize heath care which includes abortion coverage."

The paragraph above comes from the draft of the official GOP platform being written before the Republican National Convention in Tampa, to be voted on next week. There is no explicit exception for rape or incest. So while the GOP may want to appear to be running from Akin and his extreme views, they own both of them and this is the evidence.

Also from that platform: They reject affirmative action, are anti-immigration, gay marriage, reject any new taxes except for wars and "national emergencies" whatever those might be, support the Stand Your Ground gun law, support freedom from "some" religion and they're against medical research including stem cells.

Republicans seem intent on making their already small tent even tinier in the future. That would of course warrant some sort of voter suppression now, which many, including Florida's Governor Rick Scott are working hard at already, and should they win a majority, I suppose doing away with voting altogether would be the next step.

What hope could they possibly have without it?

Mack Cosponsored "Forcible Rape" Bill With Akin, Who He Now Criticizes

Warrior Against Women "Outraged and Offended" By His Own Beliefs

Unless you were under a rock this weekend, you probably heard about this comment on rape and abortions when a rape results in a pregnancy:

“It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that’s really rare,” Mr. Akin said of pregnancies from rape. “If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down. But let’s assume that maybe that didn’t work or something: I think there should be some punishment, but the punishment ought to be of the rapist, and not attacking the child.”

The comment was made by Rep. Todd Akin (R-eality Deficient-MO), who seems to be under the impression that when a woman is raped, a magical thinking fairy waves a magic wand over said rape victim forming a special barrier around the egg preventing fertilization. (Yes, I know what you're thinking, but no: There's no such thing as birth control, nor logic in the Todd Akin world of magical thinking either. It's all in the wand.) Akin also implies that if that fairy were having an "off" day and this didn't work, the rapist should be punished, but not the child, so no abortion under any circumstances. I guess how this isn't punishment for a child knowing that but for a violent act, it might not exist, nor for the mother who never had a say in it either way, doesn't figure into the Akin equation.

Some Republicans are now urging Akin to drop out of his race for the Senate, a race he's now in danger of losing to Democrat Claire McCaskill, claiming they are appalled by his comments. Of course, they aren't appalled by his comments, a view many of them share. They're just appalled that he actually said them out loud. What worries them is that he'll lose. They want him out so they can find another Republican candidate to save them from that defeat.

Enter another dim bulb Republican sounding the blatant alarm of hypocrisy: Connie Mack IV.

Connie Mack joins a growing list of Republicans who have condemning Rep. Todd Akin's rape comments, which may have ended Akin's U.S. Senate campaign in Missouri.

But Mack adds that the remarks are as "just as outrageous and offensive" to those by Vice President Joe Biden, who last week before a crowd filled with African Americans said Republicans seeking to deregulate Wall Street would put people back in chains.

"Like Joe Biden's comments last week, I find Todd Akin's comments made Sunday to be just as outrageous and offensive," Mack said. "Such insulting and offensive remarks from Joe Biden and Todd Akin have no place in our political discourse."

Putting aside the fact that in the ever "brilliant" mind of Mini-Mack, Democrats wanting rules not allowing banks to screw everyone over is just the same as forcing a woman to give birth to a child when she is raped in the event that Akin's rape theory shouldn't pan out, Mack himself has a bit of a hypocrisy problem in common with Akin. Actually more than that.

You see, Mack cosponsored a bill along with Akin, GOP VP candidate Paul Ryan, and a long list of Republicans back in 2011 called the Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion bill which passed in the Republican controlled House. The bill prohibited any federal funds, including funds within the budget of the District of Columbia, from being used for the purpose of providing abortions, except in the following cases: Rape; Incest; or the life of the woman is at risk. A version of that bill contained the language "forcible rape" to parse what constituted a rape in the first place, as if there were any other kind. In other words, a "legitimate rape" as Akin used in his comments which now so offend Connie Mack and his fellow hypocrites in the GOP.

Mack appartently thinks voters are stupid and as air-headed as he is.

And that wasn't the only anti-abortion legislation he voted for in the last few years. (At least when he bothered to show up for a vote in the first place.)

Here's a list of the rest:

To Amend Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to Prohibit Abortion Coverage

Prohibiting Taxpayer Funding of Abortion

Prohibiting Use of Federal Funds For Planned Parenthood

Prohibiting Federally Funded Abortion Services

Substitute Health Care and Insurance Law Amendments

Abortion Pain Bill

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (S 403)

Foreign Operations and Export Finance Appropriation Act

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act  (HR 748)

Not that he didn't vote "no" on any abortion legislation. He did.

Mack voted against the Overseas Military Facilities Abortion Amendment. It would have lifted the ban on privately funded abortions at U.S. military facilities overseas. Yes, Mack made sure even women in the military were covered.

So while Mack, Paul Ryan, and their fellow Republicans may want to run from Todd Akin and his magically idiotic wing nut beliefs, they can't hide from him, nor the Congressional record.

They share the same beliefs as Akin. They're just calling him out because he gave voice to their War On Women for all to hear. The only bigger offense is he may cost them a seat in the Senate.

You're welcome ladies.