Month: January 2015

I’m convinced.  Kasich is completely committed to this.  Any lingering doubt I had is gone.

He called in to our cc today and gave us a pep talk, and committing himself to go all the way.  Not to be too Obamatic about it, but he’s the one we’ve been waiting for.  As he told us today, when we get four or five more states this will become a national story, and when people realize what we’re doing they will rally to the cause.  I’ve thought that all along, but couldn’t be sure.  Because he’s involved himself, there’s no doubt about it.

The best thing, though, is not the much needed publicity he’ll give us.  He’s going to be instrumental in getting the votes.  He makes the case better than anybody, because of who he is, and what he’s done.  With him going into Wyoming, Montana and Utah I bet we win all three.  I can’t really talk about Idaho, but  it could happen as well.  We were already counting on the Dakotas.  Even without Idaho that gets us to 29.  West Virginia  should be 30.  South Carolina will be 31 by May.  If Coburn signs on in Oklahoma it will be 32  — this year.    Wisconsin will be 33  — but when?   Idaho or Arizona could be 34.  (Virginia is a last ditch effort in 2016, if need be.)

To the press, Kasich understandably downplays the chances of pulling this off.  I wonder if he fully realizes how doable it is.

Tyler Lindholm says we may get a hearing in the Revenue Committee as soon as a week from tomorrow.  Great timing, for us.  I believe Kasich will be given the podium to speak to the whole legislature the previous day.  If that’s true his speech will have added impact.  Natelson says he’ll probably be in Cheyenne for Kasich’s visit.  Bill Fruth will get a day there to lobby, hopefully escorted by Bill McIlvain.  Lobbyists Tony Gagliardi and, possibly, Matt Micheli, will work the members.  NFIB will be working its members, and 250 More will work the state.  I’m sure the IamAmerican team (Lou Marin and Loren Enns) will be able to help out.  I’ll have all day to lobby before I testify at 5:00 p.m.  Democrats in Wyoming don’t matter, so the only real opposition will come from the fringe  — the Eagle/Birchers.  And, on the merits, it’s a no brainer.

With all this going for us, if we can’t get five of the eight Republican votes on the committee……………

I don’t want to think about it.

We’re going to win, and I’m going out for a cold one.  Maybe Tyler and Dan will join me.

Speaker Kermit Brown didn’t do us any favor by assigning us to Revenue, but we’ll make it work.  Eight R’s, one D, so we’ll need five out of eight.  Tyler’s been advised to seek a hearing ASAP, so we’re hoping for the week of Jan. 26, after Kasich, Natelson, and Fruth have been there and laid the groundwork.  Lobbyist Matt Micheli has been hired by Kasich to set up his visit, and we’ll ask him to lobby as well.  Tony Gagliardi of NFIB will work the members, and Stephanie Wuerks will generate support from the membership of NFIB.  We’ve asked Bill McIlvain to reach out to the chair.  Kevin Grenier and 250 More will try to get grass roots support.  I’ll fly out to testify at the committee hearing.  With all this going for us we should be able to get five votes.

When you’ve done everything you can, you’ve done all you can do.

Bill McIlvain is on board in Wyoming.  This is big.  He was Speaker 25 years ago, and has already recruited Reps. Nathan Winters and Kendell Kroeker.  And, of utmost importance, Eli Bebout, the highly influential Senate Majority Leader.  He’s going to call WY Secretary of State Ed Murray and Sen. Mike Enzi, Chair of the Senate Budget Committee.  He’ll be getting together with Tyler and Dan to work on strategy.

Bill is married to Kevin Lundberg’s aunt, which is how we got to him.  Kevin volunteered to help in Wyoming, and did he ever come through.  Bill’s 82, and a registered lobbyist.  He’s plenty sharp, and seems excited about our cause.  The more he learns about it the more he’ll like it.

Several people told me that Bebout was the guy you had to get to in Wyoming.  I never figured a way to get to him, except by asking Kevin.  Thanks to Kevin we got to Bill.  And Bill got Bebout.

And Bebout can get us Wyoming.

They sold some property and are “loaning” the proceeds to the cause.  A substantial amount of money.  Enough to do enough, maybe.  I hope, and believe, that their generosity and patriotism will be rewarded with the recognition it deserves.  For that to happen we have to win.

Full speed ahead on the robocall project.  Dave’s in charge, though we’ll all pitch in.  His pro tells him the caller, whoever we decide on, should only give a 30 second intro  — then the program kicks in.  In Wyoming I think Sen. Barasso would be best, in Montana Sen. Daines.  Unless Palin, if we can get her, would be better than both of them.  I’ll check with Matthew and Tyler.

It’s not a lot to ask, cutting a 30 second tape.  The downside is some people get pissed at anyone making a robocall.  The upside is you’re associating yourself with a very important and popular issue.  The fact that it could be the salvation of this country should be a factor in favor, as well.

You’d think.

Dave and Susie’s contribution means that Typhoon Lou will be available to work with me in the mountain states.  He’s an old fashioned rabble rouser who relates well with the regular folks  — Tea Party people.  He’s a bundle of energy who will track down every Tea Party sympathizer in the states of Montana and Wyoming.

And then convert them to the cause.