Rogers gets major endorsement

By Joe McAdory

Got this press release from Mike Rogers’ campaign (U.S. Congress, Alabama’s Third District) and thought I’d share it:

NFIB Endorses U.S. Representative Mike Rogers for re-election
Anniston, AL:  Continuing a streak of critical endorsements for his reelection, the nation’s leading small-business association, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), today announced its endorsement of U.S. Representative Mike Rogers’ bid for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. NFIB said Rogers secured the group’s nod because of his record and leadership in support of sound energy policies and other measures critical to Main Street.  NFIB made the announcement at Scott Bridge Company in Opelika, owned by long-time NFIB member, Ike Scott.

“We are very pleased to offer our support today for Mike Rogers in his reelection campaign to the U.S. House,“ said NFIB Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash. “For small-business owners, this was an easy choice. At a time when we need leaders who will make the right decisions on issues like escalating energy prices and lower taxes.  It is refreshing to have friends like Congressman Rogers lead the charge in promoting an agenda that will help small businesses grow and prosper.“

Tripp Skipper, Rogers Campaign Manager, said, “Each day, small business owners throughout the nation shake their heads in disbelief as the cost of diesel, fuel oil; propane and electricity climb to new record highs. He said Rogers has been active in supporting legislation that will help small business owners cope with the financial strain brought about as a result of rising energy costs.”

“Alabama needs Mike Rogers in Congress. He is a fighter for Main Street job creators who understand the important role that small businesses play in our economy, and he has provided the leadership and vision to ensure that government fights for their concerns,“ said Elebash. “He will continue to be a strong voice for a pro-growth, pro-small business agenda when reelected.“

Rogers said he was thrilled to receive another key endorsement this week. “NFIB brings considerable clout and grassroots momentum of Alabama’s small-business owners to my campaign and I am grateful for their support,” Rogers said. 

The NFIB is Alabama’s largest small-business association, with 12,000 members statewide. Skipper said today’s announcement follows last week’s endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation political action committee.

Rogers’ official campaign Web site is http://www.mikerogersforcongress.com

He is running against Democratic challenger Josh Segall of Montgomery. It’s a good idea for voters to check out both candidates’ Web sites. Segall’s Web site is http://www.segall2008.com

From what I have gathered during this race, Rogers has offered the basic campaign promises you come to expect from an incumbent. Segall offers the basic campaign promises you come to expect from a challenger: shots at the incumbent.

Politics ...

Newspaper to make endorsements later this week

By Joe McAdory

The Opelika-Auburn News editorial board has met with candidates running for office in Opelika’s city election, which will be Aug. 26. It’s been good to hear the candidates from the respective wards, and mayoral candidates, speak on issues ranging from privatization of public works to schools to crime to housing. Some have different viewpoints. Some basically agree on issues.

It’s also been very interesting to get to know the people seeking office in Opelika. They have a range of different backgrounds and experience. But one thing they have common is a desire for Opelika’s prosperity and quality of life for its residents.

This weekend, the Opelika-Auburn News will make endorsements for mayor and the wards. Regardless of which candidates are endorsed, we are pleased to announce that all candidates would do a great job for the city.

Tigers make a splash in Beijing

By Joe McAdory

Got an email Thursday afternoon from a co-worker regarding the Summer Olympic medals table. Though it’s a day or two old, I still think it’s an interesting observation. Michael Phelps is great, but people must consider the impact former Auburn swim coach David Marsh has on the Games.

1. China-  35   (22 Gold, 8 Silver, 5 Bronze)

2. USA-  34   (10 Gold, 9 Silver, 15 Bronze)

3. South Korea- 16   (6 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze)

4. Australia- 16   (5 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze)

5. France- 15   (2 Gold, 7 Silver, 6 Bronze)

6. Russia- 14   (3 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze)

7. Italy-  13   (6 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)

8. Germany-  11   (6 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)

9. Japan-  11   (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze)

10. AUBURN-  8   (1 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)

11. Great Britain-  7   (2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze)

Olympic spirit?

By Joe McAdory

I’m disappointed with Swedish Olympic wrestler Ara Abrahamian. I don’t care if he felt slighted by a judge’s poor call after he lost a semifinal match. He showed extremely poor sportsmanship in throwing his bronze medal to the mat, storming off the medal podium and pouting like a 3-year-old.

He should have voiced his disappointment through the media and with Olympic officials, but stand proud on the podium and act like an Olympian instead of a loser. He set a real example for others.

Ara may have been wronged, he might have been the best wrestler in his weight class and deserved a gold medal, but a big part of sportsmanship is grace in defeat regardless of the circumstances. Maybe in four years he will win the gold and stand like a champion.

Russians stuck in Atlanta traffic?

By Joe McAdory

The Russians are bombing Georgia. Try explaining that to a little kid.

“Daddy, I don’t want to be destroyed.“

“Don’t worry, Joseph, the Georgia Aquarium and Braves stadium are still standing.“

It’s easy for a child to watch the news on television and see reports of fighting and death in Georgia. Television reporters don’t distinguish between the nation and southern state, obviously because the large majority of the viewing audience gets it. But kids don’t.

If your child hasn’t heard about the fighting over there, it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and tell them before they see something on TV and think we’re on the brink of an assault. After all, once the Russians plow their way through the Peach State, sack Matt Stafford, climb Stone Mountain and fight their way through Atlanta traffic, they could cross the Chattahoochee, right?

Hopefully soon, Georgia will no longer be on the Russians’ minds.