The orange rolls are eaten and the turkey is in the oven.  Both of my college “adult” children are home, and I am truly blessed.

This is my favorite of all holidays and has been so since I made my first turkey thanksgiving dinner when I was a nurse in Army stationed at Walter Reed.  I relish a day that is only for thanks and breaking bread.

We have served food at the Salvation Army and I realize that others have less than we do.  And there were times when we too were in those ranks.  Being laid off, having $10 too much to qualify for food stamps and searching for a job.

It is difficult sometimes to find and see the hope to make it through that next day.  Wondering where to get strength, and for what one has to be grateful.

Having said that, I will tell you that I am thankful for parents that raised us in a church and with a foundation and belief in God. Sounds rather strange I know. But for me, prayer has always been helpful.

It is not necessary to be in a building: “where even one is gathered in my name” as we can pray or meditate anywhere. Nothing is required, not icons, or candles, or statutes or stained glass windows.

The mere act of not asking for what we want (that is what I did as a child), but for God’s grace to get through some circumstance or to do the right thing.  We are taken outside of ourselves, and Providence then shows the way.

This is my favorite holiday to be sure.  Thanks to all of those who serve and who speak for those without a voice.  Thanks to those who raise children and sacrifice for them.

All countries and cultures should have a day of Thanksgiving.  It is in gratefulness for what we have, not what we want or think we need, that we can find happiness.

I have to go make pecan pie, and gravy for the turkey and then I will be thankful for the meal, my family and for a clean kitchen!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Most of the election results are in, and as a whole the Republicans have done very well.  We tend to follow the “big” races, but there were numerous local and statewide races that were big wins for the Republicans.

This aligns quite well with the last blog in which I reviewed generic ballot testing favoring Republicans and also that on electoral issues, Republicans were now more favored than democrats on all 10 measures.

Given that 1 of the measures is ethics, this is remarkable considering the scandals that plagued us only 3 years ago.  From Foley to Difossi with sex scandals to Delay and Abramoff for corruption, it seemed unending.

For those of us whose idea of an elected official is Jimmy Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,”  the disgust and disappointments were profound.  Why would any honest, intelligent, person want to serve others as a politician?

I hope these newly elected officials will abide by their constitutional oaths and decrease the size of their state governments, reduce spending and give tax cuts that will boost small businesses and create good paying jobs.

I hope they will stay humble and know they are there to serve, not themselves, but those who consented to being governed by them.  That they will help people not by creating dependency, but by freeing them to become self sufficient.

These are the republican values that are timeless and traditional. The ones that created a nation that in a short period of time became the last remaining super power without colonizing countries with dictators ,  but with ideas.

These are the gifts that keep on giving!

After several losses of Republican candidates earlier this year, there are interesting dynamics playing out on the national scene.

Widely reported was that the majority of Americans identify themselves as conservatives.  This does not necessarily translate into Republican affiliation, but they are aligned more ideologically than with Democrats.

The gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia highlight these distinctions and present opportunities and challenges.  As does the open congressional seat in New York (HD 23) which has become a lightening rod of controversy.

On generic ballots tests, Republicans continue to best Democrats for the 18th week in a row.  This week the spread was 4 points. However, those who identify themselves as Republican fell nationally by a half point.

On the 10 key electoral issues that Rasmussen routinely polls, likely voters now trust Republicans more than Democrats on all 10 issues and by wide margins on Iraq and national security.

For the first time in years they poll more trustworthy on government ethics and education.  This is also the first time in 10 years that Republicans have polled better on all 10 issues.

It will be up to Republicans to earn and keep that trust throughout the next 2 years.  It is easier to tout reduction in the spending and size of the federal government when you are in the minority.

Identifying yourself as conservative is not the same thing as registering oneself as Republican.  It is all about conservation.

Conserve the preeminence of the United States economy, ingenuity and betterment of ourselves and society.  Not with arrogance or force, but with ideas and actionable solutions.

Conservation of values, families, jobs and freedom.  Remember that when people are afraid of their government is is tyranny, but when the government is afraid of the people, it is liberty.

Conservation of Liberty.  Mmm, Mmm, good!

The most recently published Rasmussen poll conerned the Iowa gubernatorial race. I do no know who commissioned the poll, but the results were instructional.

Many may be aware that Bob Vanderplatts, former teacher and non-profit business owner has pulled ahead of Governor Culver. He is now favored by 43% of likely voters versus 39% for Culver. This is the first time Vanderplatts has pulled ahead.

However, also polled was former Governor Branstad. This is where it gets interesting. Likely voters select Branstad 54% compared to 34% for the current governor.

The disapproval rating for Culver is at 53%, with only 43% approving of his performance presently. While an approval rating of 43% is not horrific, the high percentage disapproving his performance is foreboding.

This comes from a state that voted for President Obama by 54% and in which he currently has an approval rating of 48% with 49% disapproving his leadership.  Approval for the president’s health care reform package is only 41% in Iowa.

These are indicators to me that the party of the president is now out of favor, at least temporarily.  With two governors races this year, we will have an idea of just how unfavorable.

In New Jersey, incumbent democrat Governor Corzine is behind Christie by 7 points.  The Virginia race is much closer this week with republican McDonnell having a slight lead over Deeds.  With 6 weeks remaining until the election, anything can happen.

What does this bode for Iowa politics and the gubernatorial race? A republican who appeals to a wide swath of voters, especially one who is well regarded on fiscal and economic issues, stands a good chance of ousting Culver.

Although former Governor Branstad has high approval ratings now, once he announces his candidacy, his approval rating will likely drop.  Nonetheless, he is an attractive republican opponent.

For the former governor, it would be a significant sacrifice.  This is political engineering at the MIT level, and he may be just the politician that can engineer a win in 2010.

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