Elephant Ears

This blog is dedicated to the political happenings in the Valley and Southwest Virginia. As the the name implies, this blog will have posts based on what is heard by this elephant's (GOPer's) ears. It is also a great treat to get while at the county fair or a carnival.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Happy Labor Day

Yes, I am still alive; and hopefully I will start blogging again. Since we have the 2008 Senate race officially starting as well as some other things going on, hopefully I will have something to write about now.

posted by GOPHokie @ 11:00 PM  

48 Comments:

  • At 9/03/2007 9:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Glas that you're back. How are the Senate races looking out in the Valley?

     

  • At 9/03/2007 8:43 PM, Blogger GOPHokie said…

    Obenshain and Hanger should be good as are Newman and Smith. Jill is ok as long as this Plowman thing doesn't blow up

     

  • At 9/12/2007 3:45 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I think Smith is getting a little too comfortable. He is acting like he can't lose. No energy in the campaign. Not much of a campaign period.

     

  • At 9/13/2007 2:03 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Glad that your back. Your many fans missed you.

    GhostofAlexanderHamilton

     

  • At 9/13/2007 7:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, Anon 9/12 3:45 PM,

    It was with great interest that I read your posting yesterday about Ralph Smith. While you might KNOW OF Ralph Smith, it’s obvious you don’t KNOW Ralph Smith. Granted, he is not a flashy, showy kind of candidate. But if you knew him, you would know him to be a hard worker. While hard work might not be exciting, it is one of the attributes at the very core of Smith’s “Rock Solid” virtues.

    Those who know Ralph Smith know that NO ONE will out work him in an election! Those who know him, know him to be humble and know that he always runs his political races like he’s running 10 points behind—never giving up and never quitting.

    Then, there are those who have often underestimated Ralph Smith. They are the ones who are surprised when the votes are tallied on election night. But in the end, they really shouldn’t be surprised, because hard work pays off! (I’ll bet your mother even told you that.) VOTE RALPH SMITH FOR THE VIRGINIA SENATE.

     

  • At 9/13/2007 7:20 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    GOP Hokie--it's great to be able to say: "He's Back." We missed you over the summer.

     

  • At 9/13/2007 7:55 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Smith was certainly not comfortable last Thursday night in Mount Pleasant when he spoke to our Mount Pleasant Civic League. He was as miserable as the rest of us with the oppressive heat in the school’s gym! Ralph was campaigning hard, even in the heat. His energy was all the more evident when his Democrat opponent didn’t even show up! I want a senator who’ll be there for me, even when things get hot!!!!!! Smith’s my man.

     

  • At 9/18/2007 2:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Funny how these things go. I heard Smith was terrible in Mt Pleasant. Something about how he lectured the civic league on keeping the seat in Republican hands. Sounded like he was talking to a Republican committee meeting. Why would he talk to a civic league about Republican politics?? Smith might need some new advisors.

     

  • At 9/18/2007 8:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Speaking of Mt. Pleasant, where was Ralph's opponent? This meeting had been scheduled for months ahead of time. What was so much more important than talking with voters? I guess a plastic surgeon thinks he doesn't have to do neighborhood visits. Thanks for coming, Ralph.

     

  • At 9/19/2007 7:26 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey Anon 9/18 2:50,

    Are you volunteering to be an advisor? If so, call the Ralph Smith for Senate office at 540-206-3597 or e-mail at ralphsmithsenate@cox.net. I'm sure Smith would be glad to put you to work in the campaign--for the RIGHT side!

     

  • At 9/19/2007 12:11 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, I am not volunteering! Just some constructive criticism!

    Speaking of criticism, what is it with this obsession about who attends what. I mean Breiner and Smith are going to miss some events. The district is huge. Neither will be able to attend everything! Let's get realistic with our expectations of these candidates.

     

  • At 9/19/2007 8:31 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    The Fincastle Herald today noted that Dr. Breiner's biography states, modesty aside, that the good dr. was an "outstanding intellectual of the 20th century."

    Well, I guess that'll lock up the votes for the D in Oriskany and Eagle Rock--maybe all of Botetourt County. Most of the intellectuals I have known have never before had to tell me they're so smart.

     

  • At 9/20/2007 8:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I was reading Smith's website bio. Says he went to school in Roanoke and then Auto Diesel. Does anyone know which high school he graduated from? Just curious.

     

  • At 9/21/2007 7:37 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Smith graduated from the School of Hard Knocks with an advanced degree in conservative common sense. His dissertation was entitled "Fulfilling the American Dream."

    UNLIKE HIS OPPONENT, in his bio Smith didn't need to boast of being an "Outstanding Intellectual of the 20th Century."

    ...and before you ask... No, he didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

     

  • At 9/21/2007 3:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    schoolmarm--Are you with the Smith campaign? I am just curious if that is an official response!? The School of Hard Knocks doesn't appear anywhere on his website or literature!

    Is it safe to assume from your answer that Smith did not graduate from high school?

    Smith's record on education in Roanoke City leaves a lot to be desired. Combine that with his personal lack of education and I get a little uncomfortable with the thought of him making education policy decisions in the State Senate. That may sound harsh, but education is an important issue to me.

     

  • At 9/21/2007 9:29 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Go ahead and vote for the one for whom you work! You Democrat elitists are really something. You claim to represent the "common man" yet if someone doesn't have a bunch of letters behind their name, you write them off as incompetent or uneducated.

    Let's see, I don't recall seeing any letters behind the name of Jesus, yet he is the greatest teacher of all. Thomas Edison didn't have letters after his name, yet most people would consider him one of the world's greatest inventors. While Ralph Smith might not have any letters AFTER his name, he will soon have some in FRONT of it--SENATOR Ralph Smith.

    P.S. There are millions of our citizens without those letters who have made this country GREAT.

     

  • At 9/21/2007 10:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I didn't know you got any letters after graduating from High School.

    You may be confused with GED. I can hear it now......Hello, I'm Senator Ralph Smith, GED.

    It kind of detracts from the Senator part. Don't you think?

     

  • At 9/22/2007 2:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    GMD,

    You guys can go back and forth about letters, HS, and the like all you want. However, most of us know that what one does with their life is what's really important. By most anyone's standards, Mr. Smith has been a success. He's been a successful businessman, Mayor of Roanoke, an active member of First Baptist Church, and a productive community leader who has supported many charity causes. If you don't like him, then vote for the other guy. Why do you feel it necessary to demean him? That is mean-spirited and nothing more than a smear campaign directed at a respected community leader. I thought Dr. Breiner said he was going to run a clean campaign. Why would he allow you (or perhaps himself) to undertake such personal attacks?

     

  • At 9/22/2007 8:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Don't forget, Ralph Smith is also a US Coast Guard veteran.

     

  • At 9/22/2007 2:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Smith should know something about running smear campaigns. If he doesn't remember, go ask Brandon Bell.

     

  • At 9/23/2007 9:10 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Dear Breiner Supporter,

    Thank you for showing us so clearly your true colors and how you look down on those of us who might not be called “Dr.” I am amazed that such an “outstanding intellectual” would even engage us “little people” in any dialog at all. However, come November 6, the voices of the people (including those of us who might not have lots of formal education) will be heard. We’ll be voting for Ralph Smith!

     

  • At 9/24/2007 9:24 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    The Smith campaign seems to be taking the high road....

    But wait, go back and read their comments on this blog over the last couple of months. The "high road" is littered with anger, malice and personal attacks. Smith's bloggers are some of the nastiest you will find. Don't let them fool you.

    I don't believe it's "mean-spirited" to questions someone's qualifications for serving in the State Senate. By attacking me, you are avoiding the real issue--Ralph's lack of education and his inability to understand complex issues and problems.

    Based on his public comments and appearances, I don't think Ralph has a handle on any of the issues. He talks in sound bytes. But when you really drill down, he's evasive, never giving a complete answer. Ralph will be overwhelmed by the intense, fast paced environment in Richmond.

    Ralph Smith will not be an effective legislator or voice for Southwest Virginia.

     

  • At 9/25/2007 7:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    What I see when I look back on the previous postings is a writer who equates intelligence with a piece of paper—a person who looks down on those who might not have as much education as the writer. No wonder you support a person who touts his being named an "outstanding intellectual of the 20th century." This "outstanding intellectual" who claims to have the "right prescription" to solve the healthcare problems of mankind, has only RECENTLY begun to make any efforts to help those in need by just joining a group like Project Access. This "outstanding intellectual" who espouses concern for those who cannot afford health care, balks at accepting Medicare payments from our elderly citizens. It is also reported that he does not accept the health insurance of our retired military personnel. Where is the true concern for the people’s well-being?

    Southwest Virginia does not need to send a duplicitous politician to Richmond—one who talks a good line when in front of the camera, yet acts differently in real life. We need to be represented by a person who can relate to the concerns of the "common man", one who has a proven record of achievement and who adheres to conservative principles. Ralph Smith has a long history of community involvement and service throughout his life--not just before this election. Thousands of Smith supporters believe that actions speak louder than words. We believe actions also speak louder than a piece of paper hanging on a wall somewhere. While Smith might not hold the title of “outstanding intellectual of the 20th century”, he is recognized as a hard-working, faith-filled individual who has contributed to making Southwest Virginia a better place to live and raise a family. That history of service and concern is what he will take with him to Richmond in January.

     

  • At 9/25/2007 11:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    "contributed to making Southwest Virginia a better place to live and raise a family".....

    Just ask the residents of Roanoke City. Ha!

     

  • At 9/25/2007 2:28 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Just who do you think elected Smith as Mayor? Now, how many elections has the doctor won?

    And just what is the Democrat's record of service or contributions to anything?

    Are you drafting your response to the doctor's lack of acceptance of Medicare and retired military insurance? We're waiting. Actions DO speak louder than words!

    In conclusion, what we have here is Dr. Dem with NO history of public service, NO record of community involvement, and NO answers as to why he doesn't show older patients the concern they deserve by accepting their insurance payments. This is why your guy has 8 to 1 odds against winning this race.

     

  • At 9/27/2007 8:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Smith received around 36% of the vote in Roanoke City--hardly a mandate. And he didn't run for re-election. He was at least smart enough to know he would lose and decided to avoid the embarrassment. Didn't take a high school diploma to figure that one out.

    The City was a disaster when Smith became Mayor and it was a disaster when he left. I think that's a statement most everyone (expect the illustrious Mayor of course) would agree with. He was just another in a long list of failed Roanoke City Mayors.

    It's true, Breiner has no elected experience. In this environment, I would argue that's a plus. I know I am not the only person who is unhappy with the politicians in Richmond and Washington. Smith is part of the establishment; he's part of the problem.

     

  • At 9/27/2007 7:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    The city of Roanoke has been in Democrat gridlock for decades. Now you want to blame all that's wrong with the city on Smith's four years? Get real!

    We do agree (surprisingly) that Breiner has no elected experience. I don't have to be an "outstanding intellectual of the 20th century" to figure that out. However, do you also conceed that Breiner has no community service experience, too? Show me a history of community service from him, especially any that began prior to his announcement for office.

     

  • At 9/27/2007 8:21 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Smith had no community service before he ran for mayor. Being in a political party isn't community service. Heck even the electeds didn't know who he was until he bought a big house on a hill and they all wanted to have fundraisers there. Exactly what did Ralphie do before 1990 other that open a business? By the way in 1990 Ralphie would have been about the age Briener is now.

     

  • At 9/28/2007 6:46 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Actually Smith was elected mayor in 2000, not 1990.

    As expected, you are obviously evading the question of Breiner's history of service to his community (or lack thereof).

    One other thing, since you think Ralph is unable to grasp "complex" issues, just how do you suppose he was able to purchase "that big house on the hill?" I'll tell you (in case it's too difficult for you to figure out)...He was able to purchase his home because of hard work, stick-to-itness, and by taking PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY for his life. These are all great principles so absent from your Democrat mindset.

     

  • At 9/28/2007 10:16 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I've met several people that would love to tell you how Ralphie afforded that big house on the hill. And none of their stories were pleasant. A lot of people have made fortunes in business, but we don't admire the ways in which many of them made it.

    I think it might be time to question how "successful" Ralphie was in business. I did a little digging and discovered that Ralphie didn't really sell his business. He closed it, auctioned off the equipment and sold the land. Closing a business isn't quite the same as selling a business. It sounds to me like the business was failing and Ralph got out with what he could.

    Speaking of community service, please answer me this: Aside from occasionaly attending church, what specific community service efforts is Ralph Smith currently involved with? What charities does Smith support with his millions? What Boards does he sit on?

    We can talk about Breiner's resume later. Let's be clear about the Mayor first.

     

  • At 9/28/2007 9:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    There you go again …trying to hide behind a smokescreen of innuendos and bold-faced lies. Yet, still you attempt to avoid the question of Breiner’s service to the community. Of course, we all understand why you try to change the subject--there is no service!

    Vote Ralph Smith on November 6! and to you, BBG, you'd better get off the blog and off your butt because you've got a LOT of percentage points to make up!

     

  • At 9/29/2007 10:18 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Why isn't the doctor accepting retirees' health insurances?

     

  • At 9/29/2007 1:14 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, I go to FBC in Roanoke and Ralph is there EVERY Sunday. He is not a person who is "occasionaly (sic) attending church."

     

  • At 9/29/2007 5:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I don't know about how the Doctor runs his practice but most plastic surgery isn't covered by health insurance.

    Every sunday at FBC---don't think so he was at my church recently and people were laughing at him that he only sees going to church as a political ploy. I heard he is at a different church every week.

     

  • At 9/29/2007 8:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Although Ralph isn't a member of my church, he has visited my church a number of times. He has told me that he was invited to many churches for their special celebrations and dedications while he was mayor, and he continues to visit churches.

    I've visited his church, First Baptist, and he was there when I visited.

     

  • At 9/29/2007 8:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Actually, Ralph Smith does to go a different church each week AFTER he attends FBC! He's been doing this since he was mayor. Some people actually do go to two churches on Sunday--even when there is no election being held. Oh, Ralph also comes to Tuesday Bible study.

    It will be wonderful to have a man of faith to represent us is Richmond.

     

  • At 9/29/2007 10:18 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hmmmm. Ralphie starts attending multiple churches after he became Mayor. I wonder what he did before he was a public figure?????

    It's been my experience that the vast majority of legislators in Richmond, certainly those from our Valley, are men of faith. Not sure why having Ralph there will be "wonderful".

     

  • At 9/30/2007 8:42 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, first baptist member, I bet you don't even realize you just confirmed that Ralphie uses going to church as religious pandering--only a means for running for political office. Amazing!

     

  • At 9/30/2007 10:55 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Where's Breiner's history of community service?

     

  • At 9/30/2007 7:30 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Au contraire, my judgmental blogger, it is a means of sharing "community" as in a faith-community. Sharing worship is a great way to connect with people, to learn what's important to them, to learn how you might support them, and to share in true brotherhood as believers in Christ. That's what the Christian message is all about. Remember what Jesus said about "whenever two or more of you gather in My Name?" Remember, too, what he said about "Judge not, lest ye be judged." What makes you think you can read what's in Smith's heart? Come visit us at FBC. We can help you with this.

     

  • At 9/30/2007 7:36 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Hey, first baptist member--"you can help me with this" You and your religious arrogant candidate can have each other. What--the only way to Christ is through you? So just who is doing the judging, huh?

     

  • At 10/01/2007 6:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I think we have all seen quite enough to clearly identify the marked differences in these two campaigns!

     

  • At 10/01/2007 8:45 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Ralph is nothing but a religious con man. I have talked with many people who had dealings with Ralph--in business, campaigns, during his time as Mayor, real estate deals--and you hear the same thing over and over again. Ralph may profess to be a good Christian, but he actions tell a different story. I am constantly disgusted to hear how Ralph has treated people throughout his life.

    Ralph has been in Roanoke a long time. Long enough for a lot of people to know who he really is. I am glad he goes to church so often. He needs it. I just fear he's going for the wrong reasons.

     

  • At 10/08/2007 10:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    It looks like Ralph Smith isn't as Rock Solid as we all thought. The Roanoke Times caught Ralph pandering to the left by comparing himself to Mark Warner at the Kiwanis Club. I have heard Ralph, several times, praising former governor Doug Wilder.

    Here are the stories:

    http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/134756
    http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/134481

     

  • At 10/08/2007 4:04 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    I can't believe Smith is acting like a moderate now. What a joke! Does this guy know who he really is? He runs as a right wing wacko in the primary and now he's the next Mark Warner for the General. The whole thing is laughable, expect for the fact that Republicans actually nominated this clown.

     

  • At 10/11/2007 6:16 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    To be factual, the Republicans didn't nominate Ralph Smith. The people, voting in the primary election, made that selection for the Republicans. Now that you've had your civics lesson for the day, you'll be ready when the process is repeated again on November 6--where Smith will again come out the winner. Enjoy!

     

  • At 10/11/2007 9:11 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said…

    Wasn't it Smith and his cronies who said that only Republicans should be allowed to vote in the primary? They warned us that--hold on to your hat here--Democrats and Independents might vote and compromise the nomination process. What a bunch of hypocrites.

     

  • At 4/30/2009 6:26 AM, Anonymous JobSearchNinja said…

    "Labor was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased."

     

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