Tuesday, May 25, 2010

“Democratic AEA becomes GOP issue in governor’ - Fort Payne Times Journal” plus 3 more

“Democratic AEA becomes GOP issue in governor’ - Fort Payne Times Journal” plus 3 more

Democratic AEA becomes GOP issue in governor’ - Fort Payne Times Journal

Posted: 25 May 2010 02:48 PM PDT

The Times-Journal

Democratic AEA becomes GOP issue in governor'

By Phillip Rawls
The Associated Press

Published May 25, 2010

The Alabama Education Association, headed by two Democratic Party officials, has become the hot issue in the Republican race for governor, with Bradley Byrne accusing Tim James of being an AEA crony and James calling Byrne a Democrat posing as a Republican.The GOP primary features seven candidates, but Byrne and James have raised the most money and made the most noise leading up to the vote June 1. Recent polls have shown Byrne, James and former Chief Justice Roy Moore fighting for the two spots in an almost certain runoff July 13.If no candidate gets a majority of the vote, the top two vote-getters enter the runoff.Byrne says James' father, Gov. Fob James, was close to AEA in his second term and worked with the teachers' organization to pass school funding legislation."Tim James would be their kind of governor," he said.James said Byrne has a record and political philosophy that matches that of the Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, a Fort Payne native.He calls Byrne "the other Democrat in this race."The attacks have become so biting that Moore says he's benefiting by staying above the fray.And Robert Bentley, a Tuscaloosa physician making his first statewide race, says Byrne and James have been so busy attacking each other that they've skipped candidate forums for Alabama's No. 1 job."Now would you hire someone who didn't show up for the job interview?" he asked after they missed a forum in Huntsville.Bentley and another candidate, former state agency director Bill Johnson, have taken a friendlier attitude toward AEA. Bentley recently worked with the teachers' organization to pass legislation providing a tax break to Alabama businesses that hire the unemployed. Johnson received campaign contributions from a group largely funded by AEA.Byrne established AEA as a major issue in the Republican race very early. He held a news conference in downtown Montgomery on Oct. 6 where he had AEA's headquarters positioned behind him."I don't think AEA stands for the best of their profession. AEA stands for the worst of it," Byrne told reporters.As chancellor of Alabama's two-year colleges, Byrne fought AEA politically and in court to establish criminal background checks for college employees and to ban college employees from serving in the Legislature after this year.AEA's leaders, Executive Secretary Paul Hubbert and Associate Executive Secretary Joe Reed, are vice chairmen of the Alabama Democratic Party and usually devote most of their political energy to Democratic politics, but they made Byrne an exception."He called us out and we came out," Hubbert said.Campaign finance records in mid-April show AEA contributed $500,000 to political action committees that helped fund ads attacking Byrne as a liberal trial lawyer who supported tax increases and Bill Clinton for president.One of Tim James' fundraisers, Montgomery lobbyist Claire Austin, used a political action committee to donate $20,000 to the organization running the attack ads.Byrne said the campaign finance records show James is helping AEA's efforts to hijack the GOP race for governor."Do you want Paul Hubbert to pick your next governor? Because that's what he's trying to do," Byrne said.AEA maintains the ads were a truthful representation of Byrne's record.Byrne contributed to Clinton in 1992. He was elected to the State Board of Education as a Democrat in 1994 with AEA's support, but switched to the GOP in 1997. While serving in the state Senate in 2003, he voted to let Alabama voters decide whether to approve Gov. Bob Riley's $1.2 billion tax increase plan."He can't deny his record," Reed said.James said Byrne's claims are false because he had nothing to do with Austin's donations, and he hasn't been involved with the attack ads against Byrne."Byrne will say anything because his campaign is floundering," James said.Hubbert backs up James' statement. "I haven't talked to Tim James in months," he said.Johnson estimates $3 million has been spent on attack ads, and he questions what they say about the priorities of candidates who want to run state government."When I see them, I think of what that money could have been used for," he said. "This amount of money could have provided ALL Kids health care coverage for an entire year to 70,000 children in Alabama. It could also have funded the installation of approximately 7,000 wheelchair ramps to lessen the struggles our disabled citizens and veterans face each day."Biographical information on the Republican candidates for governor of Alabama:Candidate: Robert BentleyDate of birth: Feb. 3, 1943 (67)Hometown: Grew up in Columbiana; now lives in Tuscaloosa.Education: Bachelor of science degree from University of Alabama; medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1968.Professional background: Served in the U.S. Air Force as a captain and medical officer; opened medical practice in Tuscaloosa, becoming president of Alabama Dermatology Associates; retired in 2009.Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for the Alabama Senate in 1998; elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002 and re-elected in 2006; elected as a Mike Huckabee delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2008.Online: http://www.robertbentley2010.comCandidate: Bradley ByrneDate of birth: Feb. 16, 1955 (55)Hometown: Born in Mobile, now lives in Fairhope.Education: Bachelor's degree from Duke University, law degree from University of Alabama.Professional background: Practiced law in Mobile for 25 years, primarily in business and employment litigation.Political experience: Elected to the State Board of Education in 1996 originally as a Democrat, but switched parties in 2007; re-elected in 2000; elected to state Senate in 2002; re-elected in 2006; resigned from Senate in May 2007 to become chancellor of Alabama's two-year college system; leaving chancellor's position in May 2009 to run for governor.Online: http://byrneforalabama.comCandidate: Tim JamesDate of birth: March 3, 1962 (48)Hometown: Born in Opelika; now lives in Greenville.Education: Bachelor's degree in finance from Auburn University in 1985.Professional background: Operated an asphalt construction business from 1988-96; developed Escambia County Environmental Corp.'s Timberlands Landfill with his family; managing partner of Baldwin County Bridge Co. from 1996-2005, developing the Foley Beach Express, a toll bridge to Orange Beach; developed other real estate projects.Political experience: Ran for governor in 2002, finishing third in the Republican primary.Online: http://www.timjames2010.comCandidate: Bill JohnsonDate of birth: Jan. 26, 1959 (51)Hometown: Born at Fort Hood in Texas; grew up in a military family that moved frequently; settled in Birmingham when his father retired from military; now lives in Prattville.Education: B.S. chemistry from Spring Hill College in 1981.Professional background: Operated a construction company in Mobile and political consulting business in Birmingham; appointed by Gov. Bob Riley to be assistant director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs in 2003; became its director in 2005; resigned in 2009 to run for governor.Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in Missouri in 1994 as a Libertarian; elected to a four-year term on the Birmingham City Council in 1997; served as grass-roots coordinator for Bob Riley's gubernatorial campaigns in 2002 and 2006.Online: http://www.billjohnson.orgCandidate: Roy MooreDate of birth: Feb. 11, 1947 (63)Hometown: Raised in Gallant and still lives there.Education: Bachelor's degree from U.S. Military Academy in 1969 and law degree from the University of Alabama in 1977.Professional background: Worked as an Etowah County assistant district attorney from 1977-1982 and was lawyer in private practice from 1984-1992; now serves as president of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery.Political experience: Ran unsuccessful campaigns for Etowah County district attorney and circuit judge before being appointed circuit judge in 1992 by then-Gov. Guy Hunt; elected to a six-year term in 1994; elected chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court in 2000, but removed from office in November 2003; lost the Republican primary for governor in 2006.Online: http://www.moore2010.comCandidate: James PottsDate of birth: Nov. 9, 1940 (69)Hometown: Born in Birmingham; grew up in Montevallo; now lives in Wilton.Education: Attended East Carolina College, the University of Hawaii, San Jose College and West Valley College.Professional background: Served in the Air Force from 1959-1964; spent 25 years in the financial business, including controller for Humboldt Federal Savings and Loan and financial adviser at Drexel Burnham Lambert; now operates a cattle farm.Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2006 as a Democrat.Online: http://www.pottsforgovernor.comCandidate: Charles TaylorDate of birth: July 20, 1956 (53)Hometown: Born in Mobile; now lives in Daphne.Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing from Auburn University in 1979.Professional background: Worked as a manufacturers' sales representative in the construction business for more than 35 years.Political experience: Making first bid for public office, but has worked in several Republican campaigns.Online: http://www.votetaylor2010.com

Copyright © 2010 The Times-Journal

Five Filters featured article: The Art of Looking Prime Ministerial - The 2010 UK General Election. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

"Human Rights" Urged for Whales and Dolphins - ABC News

Posted: 24 May 2010 04:19 AM PDT

OSLO (Reuters) - Whales and dolphins should get "human rights" to life and liberty because of mounting evidence of their intelligence, a group of conservationists and experts in philosophy, law and ethics said Sunday.

Japan, Norway and Iceland, the main whaling nations, oppose such arguments that would outlaw hunting or even keeping the mammals in marine parks. They have long said there is no real evidence that they are smarter, for instance, than cows or pigs.

Participants at a University of Helsinki conference said ever more studies show the giant marine mammals have human-like self-awareness, an ability to communicate and organize complex societies, making them similar to some great apes.

"We affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing," they said in a declaration after a two-day meeting led by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS).

Thomas White, director of the Center for Ethics and Business at Loyola Marymount University in California who was at the Helsinki talks, said dolphins can recognize themselves in a mirror, an ability rare in mammals that humans only acquire at about 18 months of age.

"Whaling is ethically unacceptable," he told Reuters. "They have a sense of self that we used to think that only human beings have."

Hal Whitehead, a biology professor at Dalhousie University in Canada and an expert on deep-water whales, said there was more evidence that whales have human-like culture.

SPERM WHALES

He said that sperm whales have sonars to find fish that are so powerful that they could permanently deafen others nearby if used at full blast. Yet the whales do not use sonars as weapons, showing what Whitehead called a human-like "sense of morality."

"It's like a group of human hunters armed with guns," he told Reuters. "There's a clear sense of how the sonar can be used."

Nations in the International Whaling Commission will debate a proposal to approve limited hunts for 10 years by the main whaling nations at a meeting next month, relaxing a 1986 moratorium imposed after many species came close to extinction.

Five Filters featured article: The Art of Looking Prime Ministerial - The 2010 UK General Election. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

UPDATE: Carlson Announces Spectacular Radisson Beach ... - Biloxi Sun Herald

Posted: 25 May 2010 08:57 AM PDT

"Radisson is one of the world's leading hotel brands. We are very pleased to be introducing this vibrant, contemporary and engaging brand characterised by the Yes I Can! service philosophy to Huizhou," said Jean-Marc Busato, managing director, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacific.

"In Asia Pacific, Radisson is the number one, fastest growing upscale hotel brand. This resort will create an impressive foothold for the brand in the southeast of China, as we continue to grow the brand in key destinations across the region," added Busato.

The Radisson Plaza Resort Huizhou is one of four hotel management agreements being announced by Carlson Hotels in China this week.

"Huizhou is a popular weekend destination for inbound travellers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. We are confident that this hotel will attract a combination of international as well as domestic travellers from northern China and beyond," said Zhao Xiao Xiong, chairman, Huizhou Hai Chen Real Estate Co. Ltd., the hotel owner.

Located along the Da Ya Bay, one of the largest coastal cities in southeast Guangdong province, the upscale Radisson Plaza Resort Huizhou is on a magnificent bay with a 16 kilometre natural coastline, set against a scenic mountainous backdrop. The property will feature an all-day dining restaurant and a Chinese restaurant; a lobby bar and club lounge; a 1,000 square metre grand ballroom catering to all meeting and event requests. Guests seeking leisure and recreational facilities can indulge in the day spa, as well as a health club featuring an indoor swimming pool. The resort is also in close proximity to a 27-hole golf course.

The Radisson Plaza Resort Huizhou is surrounded by many popular sights and attractions such as Turtle Island, the Huizhou West Lake and Luofu Mountain.

About Carlson

Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,060 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn®, Park Plaza®, and Regent®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday's® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

SOURCE Carlson Hotels

Five Filters featured article: The Art of Looking Prime Ministerial - The 2010 UK General Election. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Steele: Rand Paul philosophy on discrimination ... - Politico.com

Posted: 23 May 2010 11:37 AM PDT

May 23, 2010

Republican National Chairman Michael Steel said on Sunday that Kentucky Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul is out of step with the rest of the country on issues of racial discrimination in private businesses or organizations.

Paul, a libertarian, ignited a political firestorm last week after saying he disagreed with the 1964 Civil Right Act's prohibition on discrimination in private business or organizations. Paul later backed away from those comments.

"I think his philosophy is misplaced in these times," said Steele, the highest-ranking African American in the GOP.  "I don't think it's where the country is right now. The country litigated the issue of 'separate but equal,' the country litigated the rights of minority people in this country to access the free enterprise system in accommodations and all of that. That was crystallized in the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act of '64."

"In this case, Rand Paul's philosophy got in the way of reality, and the reality of it is that was important legislation at the time, put in place important benchmarks for the progress of free people," Steele added. "I think, as [Paul] said, he stands four-square with the party on this issue, but he had a philosophical difference with the party."

On ABC's "This Week," Steele said he had "talked to Rand" about this controversy.

"Any attempt to look backwards are not in the best interests of the country and certainly not in the best interests of the party," Steele told ABC's Jake Tapper. "I've talked to Rand. He and I are on the same page. Our party stands four-square about moving forward on civil rights... Rand Paul as a United States senator will be four-square with the Republican Party, in lockstep in moving forward in moving forward on civil rights and not looking backwards."

Steele, though, declined to fully repudiate Paul's views on the Civil Rights Act and its impact.

"I can't condemn a person's view," Steele said. "That's like you believe something and I'm going say, 'I'm gonna condemn your view of it.' The people of Kentucky will judge whether or not that's a view they would like to send to the Senate... I'm not comfortable with a lot of things. But it doesn't matter what I'm comfortable with. I don't vote in that election. The people of Kentucky will."

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