Um, Senators, ever heard of the mute button?
Moments before a conference call with reporters was scheduled to get underway on Tuesday morning, apparently unaware that many of the reporters were already on the line, Charles Schumer of New York, the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate, began to instruct fellow senators on how to talk to reporters about the contentious budget process.
After thanking his colleagues — Barbara Boxer of California, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Tom Carper of Delaware and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut — for doing the budget bidding for the Senate Democrats, who are facing off against the House Republicans over how spending for the rest of the fiscal year, Mr. Schumer told them to portray John Boehner of Ohio, the Speaker of the House, as painted into a box by the Tea Party, and to decry the spending cuts that he wants as extreme. “I always use the word extreme,” Mr. Schumer said, “That is what the caucus instructed me to use this week.”
A minute or two into the talking-points tutorial, though, someone apparently figured out that reporters were listening, and silence fell.
Then the conference call began in earnest, with the Democrats right on message.
“We are urging Mr. Boehner to abandon the extreme right wing,” said Ms. Boxer, urging the House to compromise on the scale of spending cuts and to drop proposed amendments that would deny federal financing for Planned Parenthood and for government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mr. Carper continued with the theme, referring to some House Republicans’ “right-wing extremist friends.” Mr. Cardin decried Mr. Boehner giving into “extremes of his party.” Mr. Blumenthal closed by speaking of the “relatively small extreme group of ideologues” who are “an anchor” dragging down the budget negotiation process.
How news is made . . .
Leading Democratic Blog Downgrades Angry Edd Houck’s Election Chances to “Toss-Up”
You know things are going bad for the Houck re-election campaign team when you have a liberal blog, The Daily KOS, marking up the Houck-Reeves race as a “toss-up” four-and-a-half months out from election day. Link here. This isn’t the first survey, poll, or pundit to indicate they think Houck’s dynasty is closing fast. The Washington Post called the race “hotly contested” recently, and at least three Democratic Virginia blogs, have hosted polls and surveys that indicated their readers want a change in leadership this election in Virginia’s 17th Senate District.
It’s bad when your own side is writing you off. But a 28-year run is nothing to be ashamed of. Edd has had it real good since the 1980′s, and maintains a stockpile of lobbyists’ election cash to ward off contenders.

The eternal victim, "Angry Edd Houck" may be coming after you next for the blame! Keep an eye out for the baby-blue signs of frustration and anger as his campaign flounders.
Army veteran and small business owner Bryce Reeves, Houck’s only known challenger to date, is certainly the underdog financially but that has not stopped Edd Houck from begging his supporters via email blasts for any amount they can spare.
Houck currently boasts a commanding 4.5:1 lead in on-hand cash as we head into the heavy part of the campaign season. What does he need so much cash for? He has left over marketing materials on hand and free campaign space (next door to struggling rent paying, tax paying, job-creating small businesses we should note.)
Houck has made it a fundraising mission to cry foul at every opportunity including citing this blog as unfairly characterizing his unwavering funding support of Planned Parenthood (the nation’s largest abortion chain), and linking it to the child sex-slave industry (to which it is unmistakably tied to in undercover videos of late.) Houck goes on at meetings and his transparent “meet-n-greets” (codeword for fundraiser) regularly about how he is “attacked” by the right-wing conspirators, his opponent (not true), the conservative media boogeyman, and of course Republicans— at every moment.
So Edd does what most liberals do to retaliate, he gets ANGRY! But are these crocodile tears aimed at getting support, sympathy and what every liberal loves best: more of other people’s MONEY? You betcha.
Houck has teamed up with a local land developer to get free rent and set up a campaign headquarters on Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania County about a mile from the Reeves HQ. In 28 years of holding the office, Edd has never needed a base of operations. He won year after year without much organization or any ground game. He used lobbyists money to purchase a slew of direct mail and radio ads, and he basically phoned it in. He must be really nervous this year though.
His record of raising taxes at every opportunity and redistributing the wealth of working Virginians to special interest groups and causes may have finally caught up with him. The money is running out as the working families simply don’t produce enough tax income for the appetite of a ever-expanding government payroll. This has left a void in promises versus delivery for Edd Houck and his traditionally supportive groups that he’s taken for granted like teachers and firemen for example.
He hasn’t been able to deliver lately, and teachers are not happy with him. Indeed, firefighters, police/sheriff, farmers and even college students are proactively coming to check out the Reeves campaign offices on a regular basis and voicing their concerns about their current senator. What they appreciate is that they receive straight-talk and not a hollow politician’s-promise. Most leave with a bumper sticker and yard sign. Some are still on the fence, but all have had one positive constituent experience under their belt.
Edd Houck has hired a professional campaign manager all the way from Arkansas to do his heavy lifting. Oddly enough, this campaign manager paid to attend a Reeves fundraiser and stayed all day… either spying to size up the competition, or looking for a future job perhaps. Maybe this is why Angry Edd needs more of your money?
In every election of his in 28 years, Angry Edd has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars *attacking* his opponents by bombarding voters with slick glossy mail ads, normally containing cartoon lampoons of his opponents in the final 3-4 weeks. You heard it here first folks.
Edd cannot survive this election without attacking his opponent mercilessly …an Army veteran, church deacon, former police detective and small business owner.
Edd Houck wants you to know that he is a victim of free speech and the First Amendment, and he needs your money because bloggers are beating him up in cyberspace. And this requires cash to combat apparently, though this entry cost me nothing to share with you.
‘Anonymous’ Calls for Flag Day Protest June 14, 2011; Calls for Bernanke to Step Down Immediately
According to TheRawStory.com, the most well-known hacker group, Anonymous, uploaded a video message to YouTube yesterday calling for Fed Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to resign.
Do we know the ‘real’ Anonymous made this video? That’s hard to say … because Anonymous is you and me. So I guess you made it since I know I didn’t.
“Democrats have failed us, Republicans have failed us… It is time for us to stand up for ourselves… We must fight back against the organized criminal class… We must launch “operation Empire State rebellion. The operation will commence on June 14th…Operation Empire State Rebellion Engaged.”
You may recall Anonymous first called for Bernanke to resign on March 12.
Anonymous even made a handy dandy Google Map guide for you to find the nearest protest.
“This Flag Day, Tuesday June 14th, we will launch a non-violent social movement with this list of demands: End the campaign finance and lobbying racket, Break up the Fed & Too Big to Fail banks, Enforce RICO laws against organized criminal class and Order Ben Bernanke to step down (my personal favorite).”
The Banks: #BofA, #Citibank, #Chase, #WF, #Ally
Want to help? Tweet: See FLAG DAY http://bit.ly/mdtXF3 #OpESR
Click on the $ on the map for rally info: #NYC #DC #Chicago #SF #STL #OKC #Flint #WI #Monterey
Here is more information about the Flag Day protest
The movement has also been referred to as, “CTRL+ALT_BERNANKE.”
Here is the Anonymous video message:
… but what this story’s mission directive lacks, is the “or else” factor… that’s what we look forward to hearing… and seeing the full wrath of Anonymous in action. This video is not a strong one and lacks the conviction and confidence that past ones have featured.
I like my hero-hackers to be bold and confident, but not braggards and arrogant. They should be liberating and highly ethical- enlightened even… but never destructive to the little guy or harmful to innocent bystanders. Take down the banks, their mean boards of directors, and their corrupt political allies, but leave the clerks and customers in the ATM booth alone please. Anonymous has done this in the past. Their actions have been swift and decisive.
This video above seems to be of a junior level to what they normally do, and as such, I’m not convinced it is authentic. More likely made by a couple of Hipsters jacked up on caffeine with a few hours to kill before the next trip to Hot Topic.
Committee of 500- A Front for More Liberal Taxation and Control of Spotsylvania County?
from SpotsyGOP.com’s blog ‘On The Spot’
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steven Thomas
703-819-0127
Sgt1997@gmail.com
Statement of Spotsylvania GOP Chairman on the Committee of 500 Forum
While we respect the attempt to bring the public together in a forum, the Committee of 500 gathering Sunday was a disappointment. Our disappointment stems from the presentations, including one espousing the merits of the local government controlling the development process rather than allowing free market economic forces to guide it, while protecting property rights. Another presented the need for the General Assembly to provide more revenues to the local governments or for the local government to find new ways to raise the revenues. Or better put, have the taxpayers pay more in taxes at a local and state level.
We had thought that the statism espoused by the speakers and C-500 Board members was discredited with the failure of the Democratically-controlled Congress and Administration. But this group- many of which actually supported and endorsed Obama, including C-500 Chair Christine Lynch and Chancellor supervisor Hap Connors- has sadly become a proxy for the Spotsylvania Democrats.
While each speaker gave reasons why taxes should go up in perpetuity and government should get ever-larger, the voices of many participants- including many Spotsylvania Republicans- seemed to be dismissed in favor of infringement on property rights, runaway government spending, and the seeming “fairfaxization” of Spotsylvania. Even more disappointing was how out of touch some in the room were as to the main challenge of the time- jobs and economic development.
There was no better example of this than the list of groups that were not invited to the narrow echo-chamber. Where were the Spotsylvania Landowners’ Assocation? Where was the local Farm Bureau? Where was the local Chamber of Commerce? In fact, those with the greatest stake in the local private economy and on the front lines in job creation were never even notified of this forum, let alone invited to it.
The Spotsylvania Republicans will continue to focus on economic development by seeking industries that would add to the employment base to the county and offer current residents the opportunity to work locally. We will resist the growth of taxes and government as the priorities that we believe most Spotsylvanians share with us.
Democrat State Senator Edd Houck Attacks Opponents Invoking Bible Scripture?
…more from the Hypocrisy Magazine weekly section featuring career politician, Senator Edd Houck (D-VA17) on his 28-year rant against anyone who opposes him. Christians everywhere who hear this are saddened by Edd’s selfish invokation of the Bible’s true message.
But Edd Houck will stop at nothing to tear apart his opponents, even WHEN THEY ARE DEMOCRATS.
Sourced: Bearing Drift Blog Feb 23, 2011
Generally, when a public figure wants to go the religious-route the stereotype is that it’s a social conservative advocating for life (which, by the way, is awesome).
However, I never pegged Sen. Edd Houck (D-Spotsylvania) as an evangelizer.
I would be wrong.
Today, near the end of session, Senator Houck spoke on a point of personal privilege.
A witness tells me that Houck berated those who voted for the House budget, saying that they ignored Christ’s admonition in Mark’s gospel to “suffer the little children to come unto me” by cutting funding for the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), public broadcasting, and for supporting school choice, etc. He also questioned whether those who support school choice, but not VPI, really care about education or the best interests of children.
Needless to say, this intentionally antagonistic rhetoric was responded to. In the case, by Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg):
Suffer the little children to… attend state-supported preschool? We see our share of debates on social and moral issues in the Senate, and it’s rare for members to make direct religious appeals on even the most charged of these, so you can imagine my surprise when Senator Edd Houck (D-Spotsylvania) invoked Christ’s words to condemn everyone who voted for the House budget on the grounds that it provides modest school choice support, and it reduces funding for Public Broadcasting and for Governor Tim Kaine’s signature Pre-K program.
My guess is that among those who will share my surprise will be his eight Democratic House colleagues who voted for the House budget – Kenny Alexander, Mamye BaCote, Bob Brink, Rosalyn Dance, Algie Howell, Johnny Joannou, Jim Scott, Lionell Spruill, and Onzlee Ware.
Oh well. We are in the final days of budget negotiations, so the rhetoric will probably continue to soar.
Personally, I love public broadcasting, but I had no idea of the religious connotations!
Less than 48 hours. I pray cooler heads prevail and we have “sine die.”
U.S. Senators Forget to Mute Conference Call with Reporters, Caught Conspiring
Though, these aren’t our state’s guys, the priceless stupidity on the Senate majority’s behalf is comical at best and malfeasance at worst. This news from the NY Times even! What is the world coming to when the NY Times actually reports a Liberal Democrat for being dumb? This is what these clowns do on our dime instead of focusing on any number of WARS we’re in, or the ECONOMY, or JOBS, or the FAILING VALUE of our MONEY.
Nope, get a few Washington insiders on a call, and it’s schoolyard namecalling time. Does this apply to both parties? You Betcha.
On a Senate Call, a Glimpse of Marching Orders
Edd Houck Cries Foul for Your Cash- Will Your Hungry Family Fall For It? Reward Offered for Return of Dignity to this Office
In a transparently false email laced with half-truths of accomplishment and misleading denial, Edd Houck has cried victim of scurrilous blogging, against free speech, and denies his record of voting and loose ties to the abortion and sex slave industries.
Why he kicked a sleeping tiger for a few dollars is anyone’s guess. I had already grown bored of him and was contemplating retiring from blogging and bothering with such seemingly unchanging systems such as our political structure. Thanks to Edd, it hit me that that’s what he wants— to bully and push dissenters out of the arena of debate and discussion, and to silence free speech… and by association, his opposition!
If anyone should be asking for money, it should be my eye doctor because after looking at this header graphic (below) that he sent around with the crying wolf email, I may need a new pair of glasses! In no possible way can Edd claim he “needs” money, his PAC has more than $430,000 sitting in it right now.
Notice how he says, “our positive vision” below… who is he referring to? You? or the dozens of Richmond lobbyists and PACs who fund his campaigns in exchange for favors?
I’m honored he sent a few new readers to our blog though, but it’s GAME ON now Edd.
Senator Houck Needs Your Help Now!
… it is unfortunate that my opponent in this year’s election has chosen to start his campaign with an intensive campaign of negative attacks against me and my record of accomplishment in newspapers and internet blogs throughout the district.
In fact, I have been accused by one of my opponent’s paid political consultants of “helping to fund the sex slave industry.” If you don’t believe that I would be attacked in this manner, check out this link.
If you agree that there is no place in our region and state for these kinds of smears and unethical campaign tactics, please consider a donation. In view of my opponent’s early attacks and distortions, it is critical that I begin raising money now to articulate our positive vision for Virginia.
Your donation in the amount of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, or any amount will help me to print brochures and yard signs, purchase media advertising and communicate my record of accomplishment in what will certainly be a very expensive and competitive campaign.
You can make a secure online contribution at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/entity/19395.
Or you can mail your check, payable to “Friends of Senator Edd Houck,” to P.O. Box 7, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.
I am deeply grateful for your friendship and support. With best wishes and warm regards, I remain
Sincerely,
R. Edward Houck”
FACT: Edd Houck supports the taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion chain.
FACT: Planned Parenthood is a bigoted organization that is exposed on camera repeatedly in harboring and profiting from illegal actions including rape and the sex slave industry.
FACT: Edd Houck gave a public presentation in February, 2011 and included a member of Planned Parenthood at his table as a helper he referred to as “my staff”.
FACT: Edd Houck is holding back more than $430,000 in existing campaign funds on-hand. He doesn’t need any money for anything. That’s more than what his past two opponents spent against him combined.
FACT: Edd Houck is asking people to give money via Act Blue, a George Soros funded shell company for the liberal left agenda that includes big government, more taxes, and less freedom for your family. George gets a cut of what you donate. Nice huh?
FACT: Edd Houck has spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in every election in the past two decades sending out false, accusatory, and slanderous campaign propaganda through a bulk mail house in Richmond attacking his opponents. If you’ve lived in his district, you’ve received these. Remember the cartoon 11X17 glossy mailers lampooning his opponent as a toll-booth raiser or The Grinch? He sent out nearly one each day during the last week of every campaign to tens of thousands of homes. This is what he wants your money for.
FACT: His self-described “accomplishments” include raising your taxes 13 times in one day’s worth of voting; getting decreasingly less money each year from Richmond back to our area than we send in for schools, roads, police and fire services; taking money from a consulting job while he chairs the committees that vote on issues that directly affect those employers; funding the abortion industry- specifically Planned Parenthood who is directly tied to supporting the sex slave business and racist eugenic policies today.
FACT: “R. Edward Houck” is not the moniker he usually uses in his notes to friends. Is he worried you’ll Google “Edd Houck” and learn something he’s ashamed of?
FACT: He accuses his latest opponent of “negative attacks against me and my record of accomplishment in newspapers and internet blogs throughout the district.” As far as I can find, his opponent has done NO SUCH THING. I am not his opponent. I am his constituent. I have shone light on his record of tax-hiking, liberal spending, abortion funding, PAC-money grabbing, back-room dealing, cronyism, and previous attacks of HIS against ALL of his opponents, past AND PRESENT … and will continue to do so. The voters have a right to know about Edd Houck’s REAL agenda and how he REALLY works behind the scenes. Just watch as he asks mindless minions to begin attacking this blog in the comments section, and notice the tones and style including “Edd is such a nice guy and a victim, how dare you, you bastard!” that will come out soon in letters to the editor and comments on blogs…
FACT: Edd Houck is worried that you’ll do research on his voting record before the upcoming Democratic Primary time frame (either June or August) and will give your vote and money to his opponent. This is why he falsely uses the term “conservative” in as many talking sound bites as he can and regularly attempts to align himself with Republican’s votes and initiatives. He’s not even staying loyal to his liberal roots in a transparent attempt to win independent votes in a race that his opponent is sure to be more left-wing oriented.
FACT: Edd Houck lied in the above email to his unsuspecting donor base. I am not a paid political consultant for anyone in this year’s race. Edd Houck is my VA Senator and nearby neighbor. He is doing a lousy job as my elected official by most reasonable standards of measure. I’m a conservative, he is nothing of the sort.
“Anyone but Edd Houck Reward Offered” = I will offer $10,000 of in-kind political consulting services during the primary season to help any Democrat who wishes to run against him in this year’s Democratic primary including the two Spotsylvania men and one woman from Orange who are gathering support right now and have already spoken to me about this (you know who you are, I’m not certain if you’ve announced yet). The first one to respond gets my help.
… Now if I was a paid political consultant for his opponent, I couldn’t make that offer now could I?
Looks like someone else already beat me to exposing the Houck agenda. Kudos!




Senator Houck Needs Your Help Now!