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3:00 PM: After the reception, there was a lull in activities and I heard someone say that they saw Duncan Hunter in the Starbucks down the hall. So I walked down to the café in one of the hotel hallways, and there was Duncan Hunter sitting there in everyone’s midst at a table with about seven people eating lunch. I didn’t want to bother him while he ate, but he stood up to meet other people and I took my chance. I told him he wins the award for "Most Accessible Candidate", which he appreciated. He even took the time to chat with each of us for a few minutes. He signed his glass bottle of iced tea that he hadn’t opened and gave it to one lady. Yay, Duncan Hunter!

The Candidates Rally started at 4:00 PM. They set up a ballroom with columns and signs featuring every county of Florida, the way the National Conventions have the columns for every state. The four leading candidates spoke: Giuliani, McCain, Romney, and Thompson. They were introduced by Senator and former National Party Chairman, Mel Martinez. While Martinez was speaking, someone in the crowd shouted "NO AMNESTY!" There was a pause and then Martinez said, "I agree" and hastily continued with his introduction. Republican drama! It was slightly embarrassing to us demure, conservative types, but I think many people were smiling on the inside after that happened.

6:30 PM: After the candidates’ rally, there were simultaneous minority receptions: The Florida Federation of Black Republicans’ Reception in one room and the Republican National Hispanic Association Reception in the other. I bounced between the two of them looking for which one had the best food. (If I’m not careful, this whole piece will be about the food.) I spent most of my time in the Black Republican’s area, where many of the black republicans seemed to be strong Mitt Romney supporters. Perhaps because Romney is trying to position himself as the "family values" candidate, which is very important to the black conservatives I encountered. While I was there, Fred Thompson addressed the group with a speech as lackluster as the one he gave at the rally. Like at the rally, the speech was short and while he delivered it well, it gave no specifics and contained nothing inspiring.

7:30 PM: Romney had an Ice Cream Social outside; they said they were expecting 40 people there, but there were easily 200 in attendance. I’m thinking it was because there was free ice cream and huge chocolate-chip cookies, but maybe that’s just why I was there. So I made myself a Diet Coke Float and listened to Romney, who stood on a chair to address the larger-than-expected crowd. Again, his wife introduced him and he mostly talked about his own family life with 5 sons and now 5 daughters-in-law and how his family support is why he was able to run. Romney was the only candidate to have a post-convention event on Saturday night.

Sunday, 9:00 AM: The convention included the Chairman’s Prayer Breakfast, a Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Hispanic Advisory Roundtable, and an RPOF Jewish Advisory Council Reception.

12:00 PM: After the Prayer Breakfast, I saw some people I knew and talked about seeing Duncan Hunter the day before in the café. They said they were on their way to get some coffee there and joked that we might see Duncan Hunter again. We walk up and, I swear, there he is again, sitting in the Starbucks chatting with people. Go figure. Go Hunter!

5:30 PM: As the time for the debate approached, familiar faces started popping up in the hotel. I saw Major Garret, got to briefly speak to Alan Colmes, and met Bill Kristol after having to go back to my car and drop off my purse, bag, and camera (none of which were allowed in the debate hall.) Of course, all the famous people show up when we can’t take pictures of them!

6:30 PM: As we packed into the debate hall and the pre-debate "Hannity and Colmes" started, we cheered for every celebrated and quasi-recognizable person we saw at the front of the room or on the monitor: Brian Wilson, Steve Forbes, Juan Williams, Bill Kristol, Mary Matalin. Sean Hannity came down and visited with part of the crowd at the front. With half of the people booing him and the other half beckoning him to come down as well, Alan Colmes chose to remain at this desk. He didn’t want our Republican love.

8:00 PM: Their were more fireworks than expected at the debate, which made it great to be in the "very enthusiastic audience" as Brit Hume dubbed us. The candidates had some great zingers, but also made good serious points.
A few examples: McCain said that he’d "much rather lose a campaign than lose a war." and that when he looked into Putin’s eyes, he "saw 3 letters: K-G-B" and that Putin was a "dangerous person."
Duncan Hunter, discussing the flaws in the mandatory health care Romney had implemented in Massachusetts, said, "One of the mandates is for fertility treatment. Well, what if you’re 90 years old? I think we can appreciate the Governor’s optimism, but…" Hunter also proposed a Mirror Trade policy where if a country [China] put a 19% tariff on our goods, we would hold up a mirror and put a tariff of the same amount on theirs.
Tom Tancredo encouraged the use of Health Savings Accounts and was the only one to mention the impact of illegal immigration on the health care and social security crises.
Giuliani, in discussing education, said that he loves teachers, but he "cares about the kids more" and strongly supports vouchers. Giuliani also made a remark that I found strange coming from him. Responding to Romney’s support of a Federal Marriage Amendment, Giuliani said that he did not think a Constitutional Amendment defining marriage was necessary now, but if "5 or 6 states legalized gay marriage" that he would be in favor of such an Amendment. I guess that was his way to play both sides of the fence: support the status quo and wager that the change will not occur, but say that if it does, you’ll support the FMA. I would have thought Giuliani would have been strict about leaving this matter to the states. If we want to change the Constitution, can’t we do something more fun like repeal the 16th Amendment?
Thompson, upon being questioned about his alleged laziness, went through a litany of his personal and professional accomplishments and remarked, "If that’s being lazy, I’d recommend it to anyone."
Ironically, Ron Paul, the biggest clown of the evening, seemed to be the only one lacking a sense of humor.

9:45 PM: Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson were the only 2 candidates to have post-debate rallies. Romney’s was more crowded, and I went to Thompson’s. He came down the stairs of the room and his first remarks were, "I’m sorry about the delay in getting here; I had to take a nap." I found his speech to this group better than his Rally speech the day before. He talked about Reagan being mentioned over 15 times in the debate and how he hoped the late President wasn’t rolling in his grave at some of the people mentioning his name, "especially when some of these people have spent half their careers distancing themselves from Reagan." He talked about egocentric politicians, activist judges, and smaller government, and we got a glimpse of what the Thompson campaign could be if only the candidate could match the enthusiasm of his supporters.

I was able to have the exciting experience of attending the Presidency IV Convention because after the 2006 elections, I decided to get involved with my County Republican Party. I encourage all of the Tammy peeps, no matter how disgusted you might get with the current state of affairs, to get involved in some way wherever you live. Even if you are supporting a minor candidate in a local primary election, the work you do and the opportunities you’ll have as a result will be a lot more gratifying than sitting at home complaining that no body cares what you think. ~

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Senators to revive immigration bill

Senate leaders agreed Thursday night to revive stalled immigration legislation, capping a furious weeklong rescue attempt that drew President Bush's personal involvement. "The leaders have agreed on a way forward," said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid...

The decision to revive the measure does not necessarily portend passage in the Senate. Critics of the measure have denounced it as conferring amnesty on millions of lawbreakers, and it remains unclear how strenuously they will attempt to prevent its approval.

In general, according to officials familiar with the discussions, the bill's supporters had recommended giving both Republicans and Democrats roughly a dozen chances each to amend the measure, with the hope that they would then combine to provide the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster by die-hard opponents.

Officials also said the Bush-backed plan for accelerated funding would be among the changes to be voted on. So, too, a proposal by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (news, bio, voting record), R-Texas, to toughen a requirement for illegal immigrants to return to their home country before gaining legal status...

But Sen. Jim DeMint (news, bio, voting record), R-S.C., who opposes the legislation, took a different view. "I appreciate the effort to fund border security, [referring to Bush's $4.4 billion 'emergency' spending offer'--ed] but there's simply no reason why we should be forced to tie amnesty to it. If the administration was serious about fulfilling the border security promises, then this funding should have been supported all along, not offered at the last minute to attract votes to a bad bill."

Here's the Fox coverage, also with the take that the $4.4 billion is believed to have been enough of something to get certain Repubs to betray this nation.

Majority Leader Reid Close to Reviving Senate Immigration Bill

Details of the immigration compromise remain to be finalized, but top Democratic sources say Reid has closely monitored the behind-the-scenes dickering over policy changes and a finite list of amendments due for consideration. Based on the latest updates on the policy and amendments, Reid will approve the compromise and move late Thursday to put the bill back on the calendar for Senate consideration in the middle of next week.

The principal change to the bipartisan immigration compromise that Reid shelved last week is the addition of $4.4 billion in added border security spending. That money will be added to the base bill to return to the floor. Any other changes to the immigration bill will have to be made through the amendment process...

Republican leaders have promised to produce enough votes to curtail debate on the bill and proceed to final passage. Last week's impasse arose after Reid twice failed to collect the 60 votes necessary to limit debate and move toward final passage.

With the GOP votes in hand and a finite list of amendments to be offered by 11 Democratic and 11 Republican senators, Democratic sources said Reid is now determined to see whether the legislation can survive the amendment process intact. If it does, the Senate could vote on final passage of the bill by next Friday, Democratic sources said.

GOP sources tell FOX News that the new bill has enough support from Republicans for Reid to prevail on a procedural vote to get the bill to final passage.

Us

YOUR ACTION:

In addition to contacting your senators to make sure they have no doubt where you stand, and that your position has not changed from last week to this week, Laura Ingraham has posted a list of the 15 republicans senators who are considered weak by the GOP on this and flippable on the issue. These are the men and women the Amnesty Republicans are counting on to be the lighting that brings this monster to life. They should hear from more than just the president, Graham. McConnell and Kyl. Here's the list, and Laura has links to each of their web homepages. The fact that Kyl is on this list doesn't make a lot of sense, but...Those up for re-election next year have asterisks next to their name. We made senators cry the last two weeks. Let's make them cry some more:

* Alexander (R-TN)
Bennett (R-UT)
* Cochran (R-MS)
* Coleman (R-MN)
* Collins (R-ME)
* Cornyn (R-TX)
* Craig (R-ID)
* Domenici (R-NM)
Gregg (R-NH)
Hatch (R-UT)
Hutchison (R-TX)
Kyl (R-AZ)
Lott (R-MS)
* McConnell (R-KY)
Murkowski (R-AK)
* Smith (R-OR)
Snowe (R-ME)
Stevens (R-AK)
* Warner (R-VA)

Now, please re-visit my post from Memorial Day Weekend, with all the details abut approach, message, heroes and villans, phone numbers for senators as well as the RNC. In addition to action for the Wobbly Republican list above, the Action Plan detailed in that post is still relevant today.

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And over at Powerline, the same group, with a few fall offs, of self-obsessed elitists voted to kill Norm Coleman's attempt to end Sanctuary Cities. All he proposed with the radical idea that local law enforcement be allowed to ask someone about their immigration status. Here's the list of Repubs who voted to maintain "sanctuary" cities by voting to kill Coleman's amendment.

Graham (R-SC)
Hagel (R-NE)
Lugar (R-IN)
Martinez (R-FL)
Snowe (R-ME)
Specter (R-PA)
Voinovich (R-OH)

DO NOT RETREAT

First, the reaction to the amnesty bill debacle is not to retreat. On the contrary, we must become especially politically aggressive. Yes, the politicians in office now have mostly failed us but that does not mean that there aren't good men and women out there who can and want to serve this nation with honor. I'll remind you that we suffered through Jimmy Carter unknowing that Ronald Reagan waited in the wings. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, remind yourself of that, and what we went through before we elevated that great man.

LOCATE YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPS

Your first mission is to track down your senators and representatives locations for this Memorial day holiday. Check their local office, local newspaper accounts of weekend events, and who will be attending. The best scenario is to meet them in person and tell them what you think--face to face. The next best thing is to contact them at their office. Any time you are communicating, remember to be firm but polite. Decide what you will say ahead of time and while it may not come out exactly as you planned, it'll be close. Make notes about the elements of the amnesty plan that you especially do not like, making it clear you know what you're talking about. Be specific.

TELL THEM EXACTLY WHAT YOU WILL DO IF THEY VOTE FOR THE AMNESTY BILL

1) You will not vote for them.
2) You will be active in helping to recruit someone to run against them.
3) You will give money to that candidate.

Your next step is for Tuesday. Once you have confronted your House and Senate Monkeys, call the National Republican Congressional Committee and tell them what you told your representative, and stress the fact that you will no longer give money to the NRCC, and instead will put all your support behind a specific candidate to defeat the your sitting Republican congressional and senate representative. These people understand one thing and one thing only--money. Make sure they know you will hurt them where it counts.

National Republican Congressional Committee

Phone Numbers

NRCC Main Number - (202) 479-7000
News Media Inquiries - (202) 479-7000
Information on Contributing - (202) 479-7000
To contact us by email, please send a message to website@nrcc.org.

For Democrats, the advice is all exactly the same. Here's the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee contact information:

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Phone: 202-863-1500
Fax: 202-485-3436

Whomever you call, make sure they understand you're reasonable, informed and this is war. Your future and the future of your children is at stake.

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Boycott efforts and certain congressmen think otherwise during this time of war.

Bank of America defends immigrant card program

Bank of America Corp. is defending its decision to offer credit cards to people who don't have U.S. Social Security numbers, amid criticism that the program effectively endorses illegal immigration.

The bank's pilot program, revealed last week, focuses on Hispanics in the Los Angeles area.

It has spurred opposition in Congress and from grass-roots groups who say many illegal immigrants could benefit, and that the program might foster identity theft, money laundering and terrorism.

Bank of America Chief Executive Kenneth Lewis defended the program on Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. This came after some groups called for a boycott of the No. 2 U.S. bank by assets. They say their efforts are bearing fruit. William Gheen, director of the National Illegal Immigration Boycott Coalition, said his group has collected hundreds of e-mails from people vowing to cancel accounts and move mortgages. The group said it has more than 11,000 signatures on its petition calling for a boycott of Bank of America.

"What Bank of America is doing is illegal, or should be," Gheen said...

In his Thursday opinion piece, Lewis admitted it is not pleasant to be caught a century later in the "heated" national immigration debate, and that he was "feeling the passion."

Still, he pledged to continue the card program, which he said complies with the USA Patriot Act and other laws.

Lewis said illegal immigrants can obtain cards at many U.S. banks and businesses, and that Bank of America requires other identification to open accounts.

He has got to be kidding! He thinks this is an issue of identification? So, they accept the Mexican Matricular card, and that's supposed to make everything OK? Or perhaps, since illegals are responsible for the massive expansion of identity theft, perhaps they'll get a credit card with your name on it. Wouldn't that be nice?

And the argument that others are doing it makes it okay for them to do it. Please. The truth of the matter is Wells Fargo Bank has also been doing aggressive outreach to illegals when it comes to home loans and other products. That bank (and scores of others) also does not deserve your support. BofA's arrogance with this issue is especially irritating. They're doing this because they feel it will make them money. Let's prove them wrong. Send them a message that the group of people they should be concerned about is you, not the leeches in this nation illegally, draining our health care system, battering our roads and highways, responsible for a majority of gang crime, and perpetrators of massive identity theft. Let BofA learn that their little scheme to make a profit from illegal immigration will, in fact, backfire and cost them money.

if you have a bank account, credit card, stocks or other Bank of America financial products, cancel them, and let BofA know why you've done so. In the article BofA days they haven't experience "unusual business activity" as a result of the boycott. That's a true as their saying this is not a program for illegals. Bottom line is, BofA has put all of its customers financial security at risk by providing credit to people who can as easily leave this country, and their debts, behind without any concern of being pursued. And who will pay that bill when that happens? You, of course. Your interest will go down, fees will go up, and it will be your money that will fund the interest illegals receive on any account they may have as well. It is your money backing up these credit cards.

But this excuse of why allowing illegals to gain access to our banks is my favorite:

He [Lewis] also agreed with former U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow [the John Snow who, as Treasury Secretary, thought it would be just dandy to have the Islamist nation of Dubai/United Arab Emirates control the majority of our seaports.--ed] the government could better enforce money laundering and terrorist financing laws by encouraging foreign national consumers to enter the "financial mainstream."

James Angel, a professor at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, said: "From a homeland security perspective, we want undocumented workers in the financial system, so they can be tracked."

This is priceless, It is the equivalent of saying we should let bank robbers have easy access to banks because at least we'll know where they are. If there are people who want to engage in terrorist financing and money laundering, the last thing we want is to help facilitate their activity so we can watch them. The least we should expect from our Homeland Security is that they don't need to allow illegal foreign nations access to our banking system in order for them to be able to do their job. If they do need to open our system to them to 'track' and stop them (from doing what we allowed in the first place) then we're in a heck of al ot of trouble. Sheesh.

In addition to canceling your BofA accounts, not just to make a point, but also to protect your finances and investments, join up with the Illegal Immigration Boycott Coalition and spread the word. The IIBC also has a secondary site, Boycott Bank of America, where they have posted their list of all the banks that cater to illegal aliens by accepting the Mexican Matricula card as the only ID someone needs to open an account. I can tell you now, even though I do not bank with BofA, after reading their list I found out my bank also accepts the Mexican Matricula card. I will be switching to a bank that does not. When you choose a new bank, let them know why you have chosen them. It's important these businesses know their decision-making is appreciated and supported.

Americans for Legal Immigration also have great research, coverage, and ways to get involved.

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