Run with Ryun

Ryun Looking At Budget Chairmanship

2005-12-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

The Journal World writes this story on Congressman Ryun's contemplation of running for Budget Chairman next fall.

Responsible Spending Still America's Priority

2005-12-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

According to the USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Dec. 9-11 "Two thirds of respondents said the federal government should fund Hurricane Katrina relief efforts by cutting spending, as opposed to raising taxes or increasing the federal deficit. But finding major spending cuts has proved difficult in this Congress, which is stalled over a major plan to cut Medicaid and other programs for low-income Americans. (Related: Poll results)"

Democrats Not Sure What They Believe

2005-12-06T13:03:00.000-08:00

While the President has said we must finish the job in Iraq of standing up a freely elected government and a military capable of securing the country, the Democrats aren't so sure.

Howard Dean said today, “The idea that the United States is going to win the war in Iraq is just plain wrong.”

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA): "We Should Follow The Lead Of Congressman John Murtha ... I'm Endorsing What Mr. Murtha Is Saying ... I Believe That A Majority Of Our Caucus Clearly Supports Mr. Murtha ... And Let's Be Clear About What It Is Mr. Murtha Said, 'Yes, Let's Bring The Troops Home.'"

Sen. Hillary Clinton: "[I] Reject A Rigid Timetable That The Terrorists Can Exploit, And I Reject An Open Timetable That Has No Ending Attached To It."

Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT): "I Have Just Returned From My Fourth Trip To Iraq In The Past 17 Months And Can Report Real Progress There. ... Progress Is Visible And Practical."

In an attempt to clear up the confustion, DCCC Chair Rahm Emanuel (D-IL): "At The Right Time, We Will Have A Position [On Iraq]."

Economy Humming Along

2005-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Despite the hurricanes that ravaged the gulf coast, our economy continues to be strong. Employment grew by 215,000 jobs in November and the 3rd quarter saw 4.3% GDP growth. That was the 10th straight quarter of 3% or greater growth in the GDP, better than any period of growth during the Clinton Administration.

Despite what this AP article says, the President's job approval numbers seem to be improving. In the only survey taken entirely after Thanksgiving by Fox News (which had him at 36% in their last poll for those of you who think they are biased), his job approval climbed 6% to 42%, not great, but climbing.

Big Week in Washington

2005-11-19T14:31:00.000-08:00

The House of Representatives this week finally turned the corner on fiscal responsibility by passing a bill to slow down the rate of government growth that was three times the rate of inflation.

The House this week also by a vote of 403-3 rejected the calls of Democrats to cut and run in Iraq, a call that Al Jazeera had a field day with.

Jim Ryun this week secured over $71 million in infrastructure projects for our troops stationed in Kansas.

Congressman Ryun Leads Congressional Visit

2005-11-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

Congressman Ryun led a Congressional delegation visit to the Gulf Coast region to continue oversight on the recovery operations, to thank the troops who are still working in the region and to see first hand the infrastructure that the federal government will need to pay to rebuild.

We hear that photos will soon be available on the Congressman's official website, which by the rules we cannot link to from a campaign site.

Tax Reform Panel

2005-10-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Washington Time offers this report on the proposals of the tax reform panel. We at Run with Ryun agree that the AMT needs to change to stop its impact on more and more middle class families. We disagree with cutting back on the home mortgage interest deduction and tax-free employer provided health care.

Final proposals due 11/1.

Ryun at Capper

2005-10-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Ryun reads to Capper children (Topeka Cap Journal link) yesterday. There's a great photo of it, but if you haven't signed up with CJ Online, you'll need to do so (free) first.

Today, Congressman Ryun heads to Southeast Kansas - Fort Scott, Girard and Pittsburg.

Fiscal Accountability

2005-10-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Congressman Ryun believes in fiscal accountability and responsibility and has joined the effort in Washington to find a way to pay for the additional spending necessary to meet the needs of the Gulf Coast. This Chicago Tribune editorial calls for fiscal responsibility, but points out the difficult road ahead to get the job done.

Ryun to address College Republicans

2005-10-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Congressman Ryun will address the KU College Republicans tonight. In the last election, College Republicans from KU were instrumental volunteers in Congressman Ryun's victory.

The Pledge

2005-09-19T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Topeka Capitol Journal ran an editorial today on the Pledge of Allegiance decision.

The Board said,

"Atheist Michael Newdow has every right to petition the court to protest the inclusion of the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

And we have every right to our opinion that Newdow's protest is ridiculous.

. . .

In upholding a Virginia law requiring that public schools lead daily Pledge of Allegiance recitation, that ruling said the pledge is a patriotic exercise, not a religious affirmation similar to a prayer.

The words "under God" are a comfort to many, but a threat to no one."

Congressman Ryun has voted for legislation to protect the Pledge from activist judges in California. It is time to pass it.

Ryun Hosts Fort Riley Housing Forum

2005-08-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, Congressman Ryun hosted a housing forum in Manhattan with the Federal Home Loan Bank to bring interested parties together as they seek to address the needs caused by the return of thousands of troops and their families to the Fort Riley community.

Click Here for the Manhattan Mercury Story

At the event, the Federal Home Loan Bank announced $25 million in low interest loans that will be available for housing in the area.

Second District Meeting

2005-08-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, over 100 Republicans from the Second District gathered in Topeka to hear from Congressman Ryun and Attorney General Phill Kline, Treasurer Lynn Jenkins, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh and House Speaker Doug Mays. It was the second event in three days where Ryun spoke and encouraged unity heading into the 2006 elections. Second District Chairman Joe Patton encouraged Republicans to work together to win races next year.

Those in attendance were also able to sit in on breakout sessions regarding taxes, Social Security and more.

The attendance and enthusiasm is a good sign for the party 15 months before the election.

Tax Reform

2005-08-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

Greece could become the next in a line of European countries to introduce a flat income tax proposal. While Congressman Ryun has not endorsed a particular tax reform initiative here, he believes that tax reform would be good for the economy - flatter and fairer is better.

Ryun at Republican Roundtable

2005-08-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

Over 60 Republican Party faithful gathered at the monthly Republican Roundtable meeting in Topeka yesterday. Present at the event were Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, Second District Repubilcan Chairman Joe Patton, Representative Lana Gordon and Shawnee County Chairman David Kensinger. Ryun told the crowd to start preparing now for the 2006 election cycle. He reminded them that Republicans are the party of ideas with a real message and a vision for America's future.

This stands in stark contrast to how DNC Chairman Howard Dean admitted earlier this week that the Democrats have no agenda for America in a speech in his home state of Vermont. "We need a message. It has to be clear," he said.

Ryun and Red Dog

2005-08-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

Click here for Journal World coverage of Jim at the Red Dog Days workout. In addition to speaking, Ryun participated in the workout. He and his wife Anne were doing sit-ups and running stadium stairs with the group.

Howard Dean Targetting Kansas

2005-08-05T10:18:00.000-07:00

"That's the genius of Dean's 50 state strategy as Chairman. There are organizers working in Kansas, getting paid with DNC money through the State party. It's all
about infrastructure."

This is what liberal Lawrence blogger Josh wrote in a recent comment on his blog. This is what Democrats are counting on in 2006 to win the Kansas governor's race, the 3rd CD as well as taking shots at Republican candidates on every level.

Headed by the ultimate liberal, Howard Dean and using millions of dollars through unregulated 527 organizations like MoveOn.org and ACT that are funded by liberal elite billionaires, the Democrats are going to try an all out assault on Republicans in 2006. They are going to target Republicans nationwide, including Kansas.

This is not a moderate Democrat Party, the people funding these efforts are to the left of the left. They are currently laying the groundwork for an unprecedented voter turnout effort in Kansas. They want to elect Democrats in Congress who will go to Washington and provide a vote to make Nancy Pelosi, the ultra-liberal House Minority Leader from San Francisco, the next Speaker of the House.

Tonight, Congressman Ryun will be attending a Kansas Republican Party event to help raise money to combat the infrastructure investment Democrats are making in Kansas.

{Update 8:30pm} here you go josh - a link

Adult Stem Cell Breakthrough

2005-08-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Swedish researchers have created new functioning brain cells from stem cells drawn from the brains of living adults, sparking hope that effective treatments for devastating illnesses like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's could be at hand, media reported. Click Here to Read More

This is another in the long line of advances from adult stem cells without the destruction of human embryos.

Protecting Private Property

2005-08-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

Alabama becomes the first state to ban eminent domain takings allowed by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Kelo case. Congressman Ryun is supporting measures in the House to stop federal funds from being used on projects where Kelo was used.

Ryun District Work

2005-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Congressman Ryun is currently travelling throughout Southeast Kansas on his official district tour. Here's the Pittsburg Morning Sun Article

Ryun Returns Home with Accomplishments

2005-08-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Congressman Ryun begins the August district work period with an armload of accomplishments from last week.

For the first time in more than 20 years, the United States has a national energy policy aimed at reducing our dependence on foreign oil and the development of alternative sources of fuel.

Thanks to Congressman Ryun and Senators Roberts and Brownback, the Second District of Kansas will receive nearly $61 million in special transportation projects.

The Big Red 1 is officially coming home in the next 12-15 months.

Congressman Ryun will be travelling throughout the Second District in August. Look for him in Southeast Kansas this week.

Ryun Celebrates Return of Big Red One

2005-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was a great day for Kansas as the Pentagon gave its final stamp of approval that Fort Riley would once again be the home of the Big Red 1. (Click Here for the Journal World Story) Congressman Ryun and Senator Roberts worked hard on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to make this goal a reality by constantly promoting the value of the post. They along with Senator Brownback and Congressman Tiahrt on the Appropriations Committees directed significant investment in infrastructure to Fort Riley so it would be ready when it was time for troop realignment. Some reports indicate nearly twice as many troops will be at the post when all is said and done.

Democrats Agree - Tax Relief Helping Economy

2005-07-21T08:08:00.000-07:00

In this LJ World story, Governor Sebelius is touting a strengthening economy in Kansas. Problem for her is, she did nothing to help it. She wanted to raise taxes. Fortunately, the Kansas Legislature said no, and now the federal tax relief that was accelerated in 2003 has spurred economic growth and resulted in state revenues and job growth that have far outpaced estimates.

Supreme Court Nominee Tonight

2005-07-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 9pm eastern, President Bush will announce his Supreme Court nominee to fill the vacancy of Sandra Day O'Connor. The buzz in Washington is that her replacement would be Edith Brown "Joy" Celement. She is pegged by many as slightly to the right of O'Connor, more like Rehnquist than Thomas or Scalia. Our guess here at run with ryun is that if the Senate Democrats try to "Bork" her, that they know the nominees will only get more conservative.

UPDATE: New rumors on redstate.org say it may be Edith Jones, not Edith Clement.

Update: A reason why the Clement story fell apart, because it was John Roberts. Liberals won't like him, but look for more smoke than fire in the confirmation process and look for a woman or the first hispanic to be named chief when Rehnquist steps down.

2nd Amendment Update

2005-07-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

It looks like the Columbus, OH city council has turned down a $50 million economic impact that Houston reaped in 2005 by passing a city gun ban and causing the NRA to cancel its planned 2007 convention there. This blog entry at RedState.org talks about the decision.

Slow News Day

2005-07-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

It's a slow news day in Washington. Ironically, the House of Representatives cancelled votes so Members could go down to Florida for the re-launch of our manned space program. Then, the shuttle launch was cancelled because of a fuel tank sensor. The entire afternoon of 24-hour cable news has been filled with talk about when the launch will now occur.

This has to be a relief to Karl Rove, the other subject of the slow news cycle. In 2003, Rove allegedly told a reporter not to trust a Kerry supporter about stories regarding nuclear materials and Iraq and during the course of that conversation confirmed that the Kerry supporter's wife worked for the CIA. She was apparently not an undercover CIA agent, nor did Rove use her name. So, while he apparently violated no known law, Democrats are taking advantage of the slow news cycle to whip this story into a frenzy.

For more details on the Wilson/Plame/Rove story visit redstate.org here

We at Run with Ryun do not condone any violation of confidentiality that protects our CIA agents, nor any other violation of the law for that matter. We do find it interesting that the press has nothing better to do than to speculate about a secret grand jury investigation that has not yet been concluded. We invite you to draw your own conclusions.

First Ryun Report on Guantanamo

2005-07-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here's the online story on Rep. Ryun and Pat Roberts trips to Guantanamo Bay to see the detention facility. Both Ryun and Roberts reported good conditions, including the ability to play sports, eat three healthy meals and freedom to practice their religion. It's a far cry from the conditions Senator Durbin compared to the death camps of the Nazis.

Student Ambassadors

2005-07-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Lawrence Journal World for running an announcement about the Run with Ryun Student Ambassadors program for 2005.

Our Student Ambassadors volunteered countless hours for us in 2004 and were an integral part of Rep. Ryun's re-election. Now it's back. If you know a high school or college student that may have just a couple hours a week to volutneer and learn a little bit about what makes a campaign tick, go to www.jimryun.com to sign up.

Ryun Talks About Terrorism

2005-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Click Here to read the Pittsburg Morning Sun article where Ryun shares about his experience at the Munich Olympics in 1972 and his encouragement to continue fighting the war against terror.

Ryun also announced that he will travel to Guantanamo Bay on Monday to see first-hand the conditions of the detainees in light of recent news reports alleging mistreatment.

Back to Kansas from San Francisco?

2005-07-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

In light of the Kansas Supreme Court declaring the legislature in "substantial compliance" with its spending order, we thought we would share this National Review Online story from today about the education funding issue in Kansas. It's an interesting read. We'll let you be the "judge" of its ideas.

Pelosi Ethics Questioned

2005-07-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Chronicle ran a column today by Debra Saunders about Democrat Minority Leader Pelosi's questionable actions when it comes to ethics. When you're a liberal Democrat and your hometown paper in a land of liberalism is hitting you on ethical behavior, it can't be good.

Pelosi has charged Republicans with abusing the ethics rules, yet, she sent her staffers on lobbyist paid for travel (and didn't report it) and she was fined by the FEC for attempting to skirt the campaign finance laws.

More from the "those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" category. This column also points out that Democrats took over 30% more privately-funded trips than their Republican counterparts.

The Democrats are starting to pay the price for their non-agenda which is relying on making ethical charges against Republicans as the way they plan to take the majority in Congress.

More on the Democrat Leader in Congress

2005-07-06T21:59:00.000-07:00

Check out this post which links Democrat Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to a company, Forest City Enterprises, who stands to profit immensely from the new private property takings OK'd by the Supreme Court. They have development projects pending in New York and California. Pelosi gave her stamp of approval (confusing as it was) to this Supreme Court decision at a recent press conference.

The Ratner family, who runs Forest City, has given the DCCC $18,000 since 2002.

Cost of Government Day

2005-07-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

July 4th was the day in 2005 when Americans were finally free from paying all the federal, state, and local taxes and regulatory burdens. That's right, it takes just over 1/2 the year to free ourselves from paying for the cost of all the government in our lives. It's only appropriate that for the second year in a row it fell on Independence Day.

Visit www.atr.org for more info.

U.S. Economic Strength

2005-07-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

This week of July 4th and the celebration of our nation's founding, it is appropriate to reflect on the strength of our great country.

This blog post puts into perspective the strength of the United States of America, noting we are truly the world's leader. One item of note, is that by the end of this year U.S. economy will have grown by an amount equal to the entire economy of France over the last three years.

Deficit Dropping

2005-07-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

According to the Washington Post the FY 2005 deficit may be as much as $102 billion less than was predicted in January - due to increasing tax receipts. Many believe this is evidence that the tax relief Congress passed has lead to sustained economic growth while keeping the tax burden at its lowest point in nearly 50 years.

At the same time, the article also gives us a reality check. Next year, the Medicare prescription drug plan comes online, with the baby bommers retiring in the next 4-5 years - putting strain on both Medicare and Social Security.

Join the Discussion on Minority Leader Pelosi

2005-07-01T21:33:00.000-07:00

This week, the Minority Leader of the U.S. House, the woman who would be Speaker if the Democrats were in the majority, held a press conference. Apparently, either her staff failed to brief her or she just missed the big Supreme Court case impacting property rights, but she didn't have an answer when a reporter asked about it. Check out the discussion on Red State.org

Here's a quote from the press conference to get you started.

Q. Could you talk about [the Kelo] decision? What you think of it?

A. (Ms. Pelosi) It is a decision of the Supreme Court. If Congress wants to change it, it will require legislation of a level of a constitutional amendment. So this is almost as if God has spoken. It's an elementary discussion now. They have made the decision.

You can read the entire press conference transcript here

O'Connor Retires - Senate Battle to Ensue

2005-07-01T16:04:00.000-07:00

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement today ending the longest period without a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Her announcement, while portrayed as a surprise in the media, is not unexpected in Washington. In recent weeks, many signs pointed to her retirement before the Chief Justice, though most believe he won't be far behind (though many now believe he will finish out the fall term).

Now 527's in Washington will be off and running to lobby both sides on whomever the nominee is. Hopefully, the President and the Senate will move swiftly through the confirmation process, but the left will demand a moderate at worst.

And away we go . . .

Article on Ryun Housing Bill

2005-07-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to the Kansas City Star article on Rep. Ryun's military housing bill. The Topeka Cap-Journal buried a shorter version of the story right above the corrections.

Update: Here's a link to the July 4th Manhattan Mercury article

Ryun Votes to Condemn Supreme Court Property Rights Decision

2005-06-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

Twice today, Jim Ryun voted to condemn the Supreme Court decision that allow virtually unlimited takings by governmental units, including on an amendment that would prohibit the use of federal funds to enforce the decision. Click here to see the roll call on the federal funds vote, fellow Kansan Dennis Moore, voted against this amendment.

Ryun Authors Bill to Address Military Housing Needs

2005-06-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

In response to an increase in troop levels at bases like Fort Riley, Rep. Ryun is introducing a bill today to fix a HUD regulation that currently prohibits enlisted servicemembers from exempting their Base Allowance for Housing from income for purposes of qualifying for low-income housing. It fixes an inconsistency with HUD's position that other housing assistance for lower income individuals does not count in determining income levels.

If passed, this legislation would allow builders to qualify for federal incentives to come into the Manhattan and Junction City area and build new housing to meet the needs caused by troop realignment.

The bottom line, it would help meet a pressing need in the Fort Riley area for housing.

Judicial Activism Alert - Supreme Court Takes Private Property

2005-06-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

In a shocking decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that a government can take private property and simply to give it to a private developer. That's right, if city officials in your community decide to build a hotel on your property in order to gain more tax revenues for the city, they can take it from you. No longer is eminent domain about building roads and parks for the common good. This ruling goes back to colonial days when the King of England would allow a Duke to come in and take your property simply if he liked your view of the meadow better than his own.

Congressman Ryun spoke out on the House floor about the decision. Ryun said, "It is a ruling that encourages the strong to take from the weak and flies in the face of what government is intended to do, that is, to protect the lives and property of all American citizens."

In response, a developer in New Hampshire has filed with the City of Weare to take the land where Justice Souter's house sits and turn it into a hotel. Apparently, he needs the votes of just 3 Town officials to take the land. He is already working on the financing and architectural drawings for the project.