Whether you’re making plans to picnic, paddle on a lake, play at a park or beach, or are packing bags for a road trip, Labor Day weekend is a welcomed three-day breather for Americans needing a break from grim economic news. A few headlines:

National unemployment rate rises to 9.6 percent as more look for work – Sept 3, 2010:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. unemployment rate rose in August for the first time in four months as weak hiring by private employers wasn’t enough to keep pace with a large increase in the number of people looking for work.

The Labor Department says companies added a net total 67,000 new jobs last month, down from July’s upwardly revised total of 107,000. Wall Street analysts expected a smaller gain, according to Thomson Reuters.

Overall, the economy lost 54,000 jobs as 114,000 temporary census positions came to an end. State and local governments shed 10,000 positions. The jobless rate rose to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent in July.

More than a half-million Americans resumed their job searches in August, which drove up the jobless rate. When the unemployed stop looking for work, they are no longer counted in the jobless rate.

(my emphasis)

Recovery Summer Ends with Economic Pothole - Sept 3, 2010:

Whatever happened to recovery summer?

This was supposed to be the season the economy heated up, thanks to a wave of public works projects, funded by the government’s stimulus program. But summer is coming to an end, and the recovery has not taken root.

[…]

And before long, stimulus dollars will be fading like autumn leaves.[...]

Jobless Rate Climbs to 9.6 Percent as More Americans Seek Work – Sept 3, 2010:

[...]The numbers added pressure to the Obama administration to marshal all its resources toward coaxing employers to hire again, something President Obama this week pledged to do.

“A year that began with Americans bracing for a jobless recovery has instead turned into a full-blown search for both jobs and a recovery,” House Republican Leader John Boehner said in a written statement. “President Obama’s agenda represented ‘change’ once, but now it is time for him to change course, abandon his job-killing policies and find himself a new economic team.” [...]

The economic news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the U.S. economy LOST 283,000 jobs during the three months of the Summer of Recovery.

120 Days to Go Until the Largest Tax Hikes in History – Sept 3, 2010:

In 2001 and 2003, the GOP Congress enacted several tax cuts for investors, small business owners, and families. These will all expire on January 1, 2011:

Personal income tax rates will rise. The top income tax rate will rise from 35 to 39.6 percent (this is also the rate at which two-thirds of small business profits are taxed). The lowest rate will rise from 10 to 15 percent. All the rates in between will also rise. Itemized deductions and personal exemptions will again phase out, which has the same mathematical effect as higher marginal tax rates. The full list of marginal rate hikes is below:

- The 10% bracket rises to an expanded 15%

- The 25% bracket rises to 28%

- The 28% bracket rises to 31%

- The 33% bracket rises to 36%

- The 35% bracket rises to 39.6%

Higher taxes on marriage and family. The “marriage penalty” (narrower tax brackets for married couples) will return from the first dollar of income. The child tax credit will be cut in half from $1000 to $500 per child. The standard deduction will no longer be doubled for married couples relative to the single level. The dependent care tax credit will be cut.

The return of the Death Tax. This year, there is no death tax. For those dying on or after January 1 2011, there is a 55 percent top death tax rate on estates over $1 million. A person leaving behind two homes and a retirement account could easily pass along a death tax bill to their loved ones.

Higher tax rates on savers and investors. The top capital gains tax will rise from 15 percent this year to 20 percent in 2011. The top dividends tax rate will rise from 15 percent this year to 39.6 percent in 2011. These rates will rise another 3.8 percent in 2013.

Read about the second and third waves of looming tax increases here.

New home sales plummeted to record lows in July and auto sales for August were a real clunker – lowest since 1983 (GM sales have plunged 25%). Only three states in the union are not upside down budget-wise.  One out of every six Americans are now on government assistance. The number of  underemployed Americans is now at 16.7% (a 5.2% increase in August).

This is what $814 BILLION of spent STIMULUS bought. How many generations will be enslaved to pay the bills for this recovery?

Yes, Labor Day weekend is a welcome respite from the daily grind for those fortunate enough to have a job. For those who are anxiously looking for work, it’s one more day with no money coming in. Whatever you do this weekend, do a couple of things:

1. Re-read Mitt Romney’s economic op-ed Grow Jobs Shrink Government (8/18/10).
2. Tuck a copy of No Apology: The Case for American Greatness under your arm. Read Chapter Five. It’s 49 pages about  A Free and Productive Economy.

A FOX News panel today discussed Obama’s mantra that “better days are ahead” and the question was asked “When do they get here?” The answer: November 3rd.

As crucial as November 3rd is (and it is), Obama will still hold the veto pen. It’s also about 2012. So, between the hiking and biking this weekend, it would be a good idea to delve further into No Apology. Continue supporting Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC. With every passing day, it becomes more evident that Mitt Romney is the one to ensure ‘better days’ for America.

► Jayde Wyatt

Mitt Romney will deliver the keynote address at New Hampshire’s upcoming state convention. There is no mistaking the high regard New Hampshire’s GOP has for Governor Romney:

From UnionLeader.com (John Distaso):

MITT RETURNS. After donating thousands to the state Republican Party and some of its candidates, Mitt Romney has been named the keynote speaker at the party’s convention, slated for Sept. 25 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord.

State Republican Chair John H. Sununu says the party is “thrilled” to have Romney as the convention speaker
.
“Governor Romney has been a strong supporter of the New Hampshire Republican Party and we are extremely appreciative of all the assistance he has given us through this critical election cycle,” Sununu said.

Romney hosted a high-dollar fund-raiser for the state GOP at the Taj Hotel in Boston last Thursday. He also hosted fund-raisers for the Republican House PAC in Manchester and for the state party in Tuftonboro on Aug. 12. He’s donated $30,000 to the state party so far in the cycle, $1,000 to District 3 Executive Council candidate Chris Sununu and $7,500 to other local and state special election candidates.

FoxNews.com (Jake Gibson) reported this yesterday:

Romney has been a regular in New Hampshire political circles lately and also donated $30,000 to the state party so far in this election cycle. Mitt visited the Granite State during his book tour last spring and has hosted a number of fundraisers recently. Last Thursday, Romney was in Boston at a fundraiser for the New Hampshire GOP, he has also hosted fundraisers for the Republican House PAC in Manchester on August 5th and another for the state party in Tuftonboro on August 12th.

(links added)

Gibson then commented on Romney’s absence from this year’s Iowa State Fair:

For as visible as Romney has been in New Hampshire he has been noticeably absent lately in Iowa, the other all-important early state in presidential politics. Romney did travel through the Hawkeye State during his book tour last spring, but fellow potential GOP 2012 candidates Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich visited the Iowa State Fair recently. The Iowa State Fair is a traditional cattle call for presidential hopefuls, but there was no return to the home of pork chops on a stick and fried Oreo cookies for Romney this year.

Eric Fehrnstrom, Romney’s spokesman, explained to Politico’s Ben Smith why the Governor didn’t stop by Iowa’s State Fair this year:

“He was spending August with his family on vacation,” Eric Fehrnstrom replies, indicating that Romney meant no slight to the Hawkeye State. “He was in Iowa in March on his book tour, and he will return to Iowa in the fall to campaign with Terry Branstad.”

Good enough. Iowa isn’t off the radar – but, for now, Romney is clearly in demand in New Hampshire. Besides working on his keynote speech for their state convention, he’ll also be composing a speech for the annual New Hampshire Seacoast Republican Women Chili Fest where he will be their featured speaker.  

 

► Jayde Wyatt

Interesting info leaks today from two polling sources, both – incredibly – showing Mitt Romney ahead of potential 2012 rivals in their home states.

In Alaska, Mitt Romney edges Sarah Palin by 3%.
From PPP:

If Sarah Palin runs for President in 2012 she can’t count on a whole lot of support back home. 62% of Alaska Republicans are opposed to her making a White House bid and she gets only 17% in a hypothetical 2012 primary in the state tying for her second with Mike Huckabee behind Mitt Romney.

It’s not that Alaska Republicans don’t like Palin- a majority of them still do. But there’s a significant disconnect between GOP voters in the state liking Palin and thinking she should run for President, a divide we’ve seen with Republicans nationally and one that presents the biggest threat to a possible Palin candidacy. Even among voters with a favorable opinion of Palin in the state just 39% think she should launch a 2012 bid.

Romney gets 20% to 17% for Palin and Huckabee, 16% for Newt Gingrich, and 10% for Ron Paul.

In Minnesota, Mitt Romney pummels Tim Pawlenty by 13%.
From MPR:

The poll also compared Pawlenty the two most prominent, presumed front-runners for the Republicans in 2012 — former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. Romney fared better than Pawlenty with likely Minnesota voters, 45 percent to 32 percent, while Pawlenty easily beat Palin in the hypothetical matchup, 59 percent to 24 percent.

*It’s worth noting that this last poll was extracted from all likely voters, Republicans & Democrats alike.

Any thoughts on these results? Could these be accurate depictions of the primary to come? Is it possible that anyone could swipe a victory from Mitt in his native Michigan?

~Aaron G.

After seven long years and five months, today marks the formal end of U.S. combat troops in Iraq. For us, it is not a day to delve into Iraqi war history, the politics involved, the debate on Iraqi preparedness to govern their nation, or U.S. involvement as Iraq moves forward.

To our courageous U.S. military and all coalition forces who were part of Iraq’s liberation, Mitt Romney Central wishes to say…

Thank you!

★ To the 50,000 troops who remain in an advisory capacity, thank you!

★ To those who will deploy in the future to replace said troops, thank you!

★ To the wounded, thank you!

★ To the disabled, thank you!

★ To the brave families and loved ones who support you, thank you!

★ To the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom, thank you! We honor your memory.

When Johnny [and Jane] Come[s] Marching Home (Lyrics to this song were written when gay meant happy.)

Goodbye Iraq! August 14, 2010

Last US Combat Brigade Leaves Iraq

Your courage, perseverance, sacrifice, and patriotism are forever emblazoned on our hearts.

WELCOME HOME!

► Jayde Wyatt

Mitt Romney’s diligence on the endorsement front is energizing Republican candidates across the country. Four candidates from the northwestern region of the USA have been singled out today. Here’s the latest from Free and Strong on oh-so-grand Oregon: 

Today, Mitt Romney’s Free and Strong America PAC announced the endorsement of the following four Oregon candidates and said it is contributing a total of $17,500 to their campaigns:

Chris Dudley: Chris Dudley, a successful businessman, philanthropist, and former professional basketball player, is running to become Oregon’s next Governor. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.chrisdudley.com.

Congressman Greg Walden: Congressman Greg Walden currently represents the 2nd Congressional District of Oregon and is running for reelection. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.waldenforcongress.com.

State Representative Scott Bruun: Scott Bruun, a state representative and businessman, is running to represent Oregon’s 5th Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visitwww.joinscott.com.

Rob Cornilles: Rob Cornilles, a successful business owner and active community leader, is running to represent Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. For more information about him and his campaign, visit www.cornillesforcongress.com.

The PAC also announced that it is sending Dudley’s gubernatorial campaign a $10,000 contribution, and that it is sending the Congressional campaigns of Walden, Bruun, and Cornilles each a $2,500 contribution

Governor Romney’s statement:

“Rather than enacting pro-growth policies that will encourage private sector growth and put people back to work, far too many of our leaders are instead turning to the false promises of big government and slowing our economic recovery. Oregon – and our nation – needs leaders who will say no to the culture of higher taxes, higher spending, and higher debt, and that is why I am proud to stand with these candidates today,” said Romney.

Regarding the gubernatorial race between Romney-endorsed Chris Dudley and opponent John Kitzhaber (D), Chris Cillizza (The Fix) adds this today:

Romney’s endorsement of Dudley comes as the Beaver State’s gubernatorial race is heating up. The most recent independent poll — conducted by Survey USA — in the race, conducted last month, showed Dudley and former Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) essentially tied at 46 percent to 44 percent.

Kitzhaber told the Democratic Governors Association last week not to air a TV ad that the committee was planning to run against Dudley. The DGA refrained from airing the ad but is still planning to spend on the race.

Kitzhaber trails Dudley in the money race; as of early July, Dudley had $263,000 on hand while Kitzhaber had $210,000.

Visit Oregon!

Take a moment to click on the links above and learn more about these outstanding candidates.

Thumbs up for Dudley, Walden, Bruun, and Cornilles!

► Jayde Wyatt

Arizona’s 8th Congressional District hopeful, Jesse Kelly, has lassoed an endorsement from Mitt Romney:

Tucson, AZ

Governor and business leader Mitt Romney and his Free and Strong America PAC are pleased to announce their endorsement of Jesse Kelly for Congress in Arizona’s Eighth District. Jesse is a project manager with his family’s construction business, a Marine combat veteran and a proud husband and father.

Jesse Kelly AZ 8th

Governor Romney notes Jesse’s business experience and his record of leadership as a combat Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Gov. Romney had this to say about Jesse, “I am particularly impressed with his practical conservative solutions to get Americans back to work. It is time to send businesspeople with experience in creating private sector jobs and balancing budgets to Washington.”

In responses to Gov. Romney’s support, Jesse stated, “I am excited to accept the endorsement of a leader like Governor Mitt Romney. We must apply innovative solutions to the budget issues facing America. Gov. Romney and I share the same philosophy for putting America in a more competitive position and expanding the economy.”

Jesse Kelly is the Republican nominee for Arizona’s Eighth Congressional District in the southeastern region of the state.

(emphasis mine)

Jim Kelley from TucsonCitizen.com adds:

His [Romney’s] recognition is based on Mr. Kelly’s strong business experience and proven solutions that work.

Although Mitt Romney said he has not made the decision to run for President in 2012, he is the one the GOP is most likely to give frontrunner status to soon. Many view him as the man most likely to unite the conservatives and the pragmatists in the GOP.

(emphasis mine)

UPDATE: Having found a video specifically for Tucson, I changed videos. Even though it’s slightly blurry at first, you’ll be able to get a feel for the area:

For a look at some of the desert critters in Tucson, click here.

It can’t be said of candidate Kelly that he is all hat and no cattle.

Good luck, Jesse!

► Jayde Wyatt

A new Zogby poll shows voters prefer Mitt Romney over Barack Obama and Michael Bloomberg in a hypothetical three-way race. Independent voters, small business owners, voters who pay federal income taxes, and Tea Party voters strongly prefer Romney.

Today from NewsMax.com:

Washington, D.C. — If the 2012 presidential election were held today, and the race was between Democrat President Barack Obama, Republican candidate Mitt Romney, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg running as an independent, Romney would prevail. This according to a recent poll conducted August 20-23 by Zogby International of 2,062 likely voters.

The poll asked:

If the election for President in 2012 were held today and the candidates were President Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney running as the Republican nominee, and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg running as an Independent, for whom would you vote?

Romney would win the election with 42 percent of the vote, barely edging out President Obama, who would garner 41 percent of the vote. Bloomberg would receive 6 percent of the vote.

Among independent voters, 40 percent would choose Romney and 30 percent would vote for Obama. Just 11 percent would pull the lever for Bloomberg.

Romney would also hold a significant edge over both rivals among small business owners, with 49 percent voting for Romney, 32 percent voting for Obama, and only 5 percent of small business owners voting for Bloomberg.

Tea party supporters would overwhelmingly support Romney in this three-way race, with 84 percent siding with the former Massachusetts governor, and just 2 percent voting for Obama and 1 percent voting for Bloomberg.

There is one just one area where voters preferred Obama over Romney; those who don’t have any skin in the game:

However, among those voters who do not have to pay federal income taxes – either because their income level is below the taxable threshold, or their deductions negate any tax liability – President Obama would receive the most support. Among the non-taxpayers, Obama would get 47 percent of the vote, Romney would get 32 percent, and Bloomberg would get 4 percent.

The Zogby International poll was commissioned by The O’Leary Report newsletter. The Poll surveyed 2,062 likely voters August 20-23, and has a margin-of-error of plus-or-minus 2.2 percentage points.

My feeling is that Zogby, wanting to include a third party candidate that may have a fair amount of appeal to independents, chose Bloomberg. It’s significant that, even with a third party detractor factored in, Romney still beats Obama.

► Jayde Wyatt

When Mother Nature is splashing the landscape with reds and golds, Governor Mitt Romney will be heading to Lincolnshire, Illinois to do what he does so well -- keynote a GOP fundraiser and help raise some cash:

Lake County NewsSunonline.com  (Aug. 28, 2010)

ROMNEY IN COUNTY: Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and Republican presidential candidate, will be the keynote speaker for the Lake County Republican Federation’s annual fall dinner Sept. 24 at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. “We are delighted to welcome Gov. Romney to Lake County and to our fall dinner,” said Alexander Stuart of Lake Forest, federation president. “It is an honor to have such a distinguished champion of free  enterprise and public service speak to us as we gear up for the critical elections in November.”

Tickets for the dinner range from $100 per person to $1,000 for a table of 10. Seating is limited. For more information, contact federation Executive Director Chelsea Stanley at (847) 680-6680 (847) 680-6680 or e-mail chelsea@lcgop.org .

(my emphasis, link added)

A glimpse at what Governor Romney may see when he arrives in Lake County:

On the day of this event, there will be just 39 days until the mid-term elections. Mitt Romney is a force of nature who is working mercilessly to paint the political landscape red!

► Jayde Wyatt

Wow, I can’t wait to see what happens to the Mitt Romney Central YouTube Channel if/when Mitt announces his run for the presidency!

Our channel already contains a myriad of videos covering a plethora of subjects, but look for us to add many more videos as time goes on. Here are a few of my favorites, but I encourage everyone to check out our stockpile for videos both in our uploads and in our favorites.

Short bio video of Mitt back from 2008…

and finally the most watched video on our channel!

I encourage all of you to start working on some pro-Mitt YouTube videos. The more pro-Mitt videos we can get on YouTube the better! Finally, feel free to post your favorite pro-Mitt videos past and present in the comments below.

Mmm mm! Featured guest speaker Mitt Romney gets to sample a variety of tasty chili while supporting local candidates at the upcoming Seacoast Republican Women’s 11th Annual Chili Fest:

STRATHAM — The Seacoast Republican Women will host their 11th annual Chili Fest with special guest speaker Gov. Mitt Romney on Saturday, Sept. 11 at Scamman Farm, 69 Portsmouth Ave., Stratham from 3:30-6:30 pm.

Meet the candidates for local, state and federal elections just three days

Scamman Farm, Stratham, NH

before the primary. Come enjoy many different types of chili with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods.

Red Sox tickets 10 rows behind home plate will be raffled off as well.

The cost is $10 per person or $25 per family. Go to www.nhsrw.org for more information or ways to volunteer. All are welcome.

NewHampshire.com adds this:

The Seacoast Republican Women are pleased to host their 11th annual Chili Fest. Special guest Mitt Romney will be on hand to speak as well as numerous other state and local Republican candidates. Come enjoy many different types of Chili’s with all the fixins’ as well as some delicious baked goods. Great conversation and good food make for a great afternoon. Please join us.

Sounds like a great way to mix ‘n mingle with local candidates. No doubt, Gov Romney will spice things up!

Read more about Scamman Farm here.

► Jayde Wyatt