Just in case you aren't sick of post-election commentary yet

Wow, Tuesday, wow.  I'm still pretty excited about the results.  I've been spending this week relaxing, hanging out with family, cleaning out my car (it is amazing how many palm cards can hide under a car seat), and enjoying all the post-election commentaries. Just thought I'd share a few of my thoughts on Tuesday's results and what it all might mean moving forward...if you're not sick of all the endless election rehashing yet, read on...

Check out Mike Yost's new TV ad

YouTube | Mike Yost for Congress

It's not too late to help the campaign.  You can donate online at www.Yost2010.com or volunteer by making phone calls, walking a neighborhood, or helping on election day.  The Orange County office is open every day until the election and you can even phone bank from home.  Contact Steve Borum at steve.borum@yost2010.com for more info.  

Thanks, y'all!

Corrine "Delivers"...just not to her constituents

Here's some excellent reporting from the Jacksonville Times-Union about Corrine Brown's abuse of her position to benefit her relatives and cronies:

Florida Times-Union | Corrine Brown seeks millions in earmarks for daughter's client

Pearl Plaza is a nondescript shopping center in Northwest Jacksonville. A large parking lot scattered with a few dozen cars leads up to a handful of businesses, including a thrift store, sandwich shop and a branch location for a statewide public employees' union.

Though the line of storefronts looks like any number of countless strip malls that dot Duval County, it has caught the attention of U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown. Since 2008, she has formally requested $1.1 million in federal money for the plaza for "streetscape improvements and renovation."

What makes Pearl Plaza different than the countless other strip malls that don't get federal money? In short, family ties.

Since 2005, Community Rehabilitation Center, a nonprofit group that leases space in Pearl Plaza, has paid $185,000 to Alcalde and Fay, a powerhouse Arlington, Va., lobbying firm that employs Brown's daughter, Shantrel.

Over that time, federal lobbying reports filed with the House of Representatives list Shantrel Brown and two other Alcalde and Fay lobbyists as working directly to obtain "federal funding for the renovation of Pearl Street Plaza," the same reason her mother listed when requesting more than $1 million.

It is not the first time Brown went to bat for one of her daughter's clients. From travel to the Republic of Georgia during a turbulent time for a gas company, to being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for a $50,000 car that ended up in her daughter's name, Brown and her daughter's professional paths have crossed at least twice before...

Besides the obvious ethical issues associated with this type of crony-favoritism, it emphasizes how out-of-touch Corrine Brown is with the actual needs of her District.  Over a million dollars to renovate a strip mall?   How many jobs did that "create or save," other than Shantrel Brown's?  And then look at the larger picture of the $666 million in total earmarks that Corrine Brown sponsored just during the last two years alone...70% of which were for projects outside District 3. 

Did you know that District 3 ranks dead last in Florida and 432 out of 435 Congressional Districts nationwide in poverty, crime, and unemployment?  That's right, District 3 is the third worst place in the entire United States to live if you want to work, learn, or just be safe.  Corrine Brown has been in Congress eighteen years, and under her watch District 3 has been on a downward spiral, even before the current recession. 

Do you have any idea how many tutors could be hired, how many computers could be purchased for schools, how many vocational education classes could be paid for, with even 1% of the money that Corrine Brown wasted? 

Here's a short ad the Yost for Congress campaign put together, talking more about how Corrine Brown has neglected her District while helping out her Washington insider friends:

YouTube | Let's Make History | Mike Yost for Congress

You can learn more about the Yost for Congress campaign and even donate online at www.Yost2010.com.  Thanks :)

More on Corrine Brown's Last Minute Debate Cancellation

As I mentioned earlier this week, Corrine Brown cancelled her appearance at last night's debate, barely 24 hours before it was scheduled to start, even though she had confirmed her attendance weeks ago.

Here's a press release from the Yost for Congress campaign about the last minute cancellation:

____________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, October 14, 2010

CONTACT:
Jen Millikin
(617) 299-1239
jen.millikin@yost2010.com

Brown Bails on Constituents, Opts Out of CFUL Candidate Forum
Last Minute Decision Affirms: Corrine, Constituents Just Don't Mix

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Mike Yost, candidate for U.S. Representative in the 3rd District, today denounced Democratic Congresswoman Corrine Brown's juvenile approach to denying voters an opportunity to see and hear her at tonight's now cancelled candidate forum.

"After living and working in Florida for the past four years, I remain dazed and confused as to Rep. Brown's approach to public service.  From her lavish stays nationwide at five-star hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, to her refusal to answer basic questions from local reporters and now a last minute decision to bail on a Urban League Candidate Forum.  These are clearly the tactics of a career politician, and in 2010, I think voters in the 3rd Congressional District deserve better.

"As Congressman, I pledge not only to maintain connection with voters using traditional ways, but to also make the most of social media tools such as Tele-Town Halls, Facebook, and Twitter. If you are too busy for constituents because you are gallivanting coast to coast spending thousands of donor dollars and you refuse to answer questions from a well-known and accomplished advocacy group like the Urban League, you're in Washington for one reason, and one reason only: your own well-being.  The time is now for voters to learn after 18-years of lackluster service, it's not Corrine Brown's seat, it's the people's seat."

Sponsored by the Central Florida Urban League (CFUL), tonight's event entitled, "Conversation with the Candidates," was confirmed to be attended by both of the candidates of the 3rd Congressional District prior to a letter received by each on Monday, October 4, 2010 (see attached). When it comes to leading the way with improving district statistics regarding dismal unemployment, education and crime numbers: Where is Corrine Brown?

###

After more than 20-years of serving as a trustworthy neighborhood auto-technician, Mike Yost chose to put his successful career on hold, and literally "walk the walk" knocking on over 12,000 doors to gather signatures necessary to qualify for the August Republican primary ballot.  He and his wife Debra share a home in Jacksonville and have two children and five grandchildren.

Paid for and approved by Yost for Congress

Mike Yost on Ed Dean Radio

Mike Yost was on Ed Dean's Radio Show on Tuesday, talking about his race.

You can listen to the show here:

Ed Dean Radio | October 12, 2010

Mike is on starting at the 0:33 mark...check him out, I think you'll like what you hear.  

...and, oh yeah, I'm on the show too, during the hour right after Mike. :) 

Corrine Brown Chickens Out

This is just so pathetic.  Tomorrow night in Sanford, the Central Florida Urban League had scheduled a candidate forum and debate for the District 3 Congressional race.  This event has been on the calendar for a long time, both campaigns had agreed to the date, time, and format of the debate, and a letter was sent out to both campaigns on October 4th confirming all the details.

Then, earlier today, the Urban League suddenly cancelled the entire event.  Why?  Corrine Brown had backed out at the last minute the day before the event.  Well, Mike Yost was still willing to show up to meet the voters and answer their questions.   No official explanation has been issued by the Brown campaign, but an unnamed source admitted that Corrine Brown apparently doesn't want to debate Mike Yost.

Hmmmm.  I wonder why?  Why is Corrine Brown scared to debate Mike Yost?

Here's Mike Yost giving a speech earlier this month in Orlando (this was an impromptu speech, that he did without any notes or preparation ahead of time):

YouTube | Mike Yost at "Take Back America" Rally

...and here's Corrine Brown giving a speech on the floor of Congress.  She is reading from her own notes, and, ummm, still apparently having problems...

YouTube | Corrine Brown Congratulating the UF Football Team

Representing your alma mater positively: FAIL.  

Have a great day, y'all, and please remember to support Mike Yost, the only candidate in District 3 willing to actually talk to his constituents and answer their questions. 

www.Yost2010.com

Meet Mike Yost

Mike Yost is running for Congress in District 3...yes, the seat currently held by Corrine Brown.  This is a reeeeaaaaallllly interesting race, and it's definitely not a "safe seat" for the Democrats.  I've seen the recent polling data (including cross-tabs and sample size - I'm satisfied that it was a fair and accurate poll) and Mike is within single digits of defeating an 18 year incumbent.  

The battle for District 3 is important for many reasons.  District 3 is one of the poorest in the entire country - highest crime and unemployment rates in Florida, and third highest in the U.S.  These problems go back way before the current recession.  The people of District 3 have been suffering for a long time with a stagnant economy, lack of job diversity, and some of Florida's lowest-performing schools.  Corrine Brown has been a huge disappointment, focusing her efforts on Washington insider politics instead of the people she is supposed to represent.  Corrine Brown is an egregious abuser of the earmarks process, sponsoring almost $700 million dollars in earmarks over the past 2 years alone, a whopping 70% of which were for projects outside the district!


Clearly, the people of District 3 deserve better than Corrine Brown, and based on recent polling, they recognize that fact.  The race and Mike's amazing progress have been getting a lot of press attention recently: 

Florida Times-Union | The Momentum of Mike Yost
Can This Mechanic Help Repair America? 

Dick Morris was in town recently for the "Take Back America" rally sponsored by the West Orlando Tea Party, and has become a very enthusiastic supporter for Mike.  You can watch videos of the entire event here, including remarks from Mike Yost and Dick Morris, and other local tea party movement leaders and Republican candidates.

Dick Morris has declared Florida's 3rd Congressional District as a "race to watch," and a race that is "definitely winnable" for the Republicans.  He talked about the campaign on Hannity last night (I am looking for video of this, I have it saved on my DVR but if anyone has a link to a legal copy, please post in the comments, thanks!)


UPDATE: Here is a link to a YouTube video of Dick Morris talking about Mike Yost.  He mentions Mike at about the 1 minute mark.

You can meet Mike Yost in person at the Orlando campaign office this Friday, at 7:00 pm.  The address is 672 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 (right across the street from the Orlando Sentinel building).  There is a parking lot behind the building.

Also, the campaign is recruiting volunteers to help with the final month of phone banking, neighborhood walks, etc.  If you have any time to help, please contact the campaign Field Operations Director, Steve Borum, at steve.borum@yost2010.com.

AND OF COURSE...Mike could really use your financial support.  Please donate any amount you can. 

Mike Yost Campaign website
Mike Yost on Facebook
YostforCongress on Twitter

Thanks y'all!