In light of today's Charlotte Observer article about my boss' letter to the Department of Homeland Security expressing her concern about potential ties between terrorist groups and drug cartels on the Southern border, following is a similar article that ran this week in The National Review. This reporter did a little more research than the Observer reporter and I think makes a stronger case for the issue. Enjoy.
Re post from National Review online:
June 28, 2010 12:00 A.M.
A Moving Sidewalk for Terrorists
Muslim extremists have penetrated our southern border.
While Americans march against Arizona’s new restrictions on unlawful immigration, hundreds of illegal aliens from countries awash in Muslim terrorists tiptoe across the U.S.-Mexican frontier.
According to the federal Enforcement Integrated Database, among the deportable aliens apprehended along that border from FY 2009 through April 20, 2010 were two Syrians, seven Sudanese, and 17 Iranians, all nationals from the three Islamic countries that the U.S. government officially classifies as state sponsors of terrorism.
Federal authorities also track “Special Interest Countries” from which terrorism could be directed against America. Over the aforementioned period, 99 of those nations’ citizens were nabbed on the border. They were: two Afghans, five Algerians, 13 Iraqis, ten Lebanese, 22 Nigerians, 28 Pakistanis, two Saudis, 14 Somalis, and three Yemenis. During FY 2007 and FY 2008, federal officials seized 319 people from these same countries traversing America’s southwest border.
Some such characters were confined in Arizona, which recently adopted a controversial law that lets cops ask the citizenship status of those they suspect of other possible violations. Atlanta’s WSB-TV recently publicized an April 15, 2010, “population breakdown” of immigrants detained at a Florence, Ariz., facility. While 198 of the 395 males behind bars there were Mexican, 18 hailed from Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
Perhaps these gentlemen simply want to pursue the American dream. Worrisome signs suggest, however, that some may have arrived via blistering, cactus-adorned deserts so that they could blow Americans to smithereens.
Besides Iranian currency and Islamic prayer rugs, Texas Border Patrol agents have discovered among the possessions of illegal immigrants an Arabic clothing patch that reads “martyr” and “way to immortality” and another clothing patch that shows a jet flying into a skyscraper.
“Members of Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based terrorist organization, have already entered the United States across our southwest border,” declares A Line in the Sand, a 2006 report by the House Homeland Security Investigations Subcommittee, then chaired by Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas).
“The same disturbing problem we identified four years ago still exists today,” Representative McCaul tells me. “The number of undocumented aliens coming across our southwest border from special-interest countries that have ties to terrorism continues to increase, and unless we get serious about securing our borders, the terrorists will exploit this region as a way to slip into our country undetected so they can network, radicalize, and plot against us.”
Rep. Sue Myrick (R – North Carolina) wrote Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 23 and urged her to launch a task force to focus on Hezbollah’s activities in and around the US/Mexican border.
Myrick’s letter makes for rather chilling reading:
Across states in the Southwest, well trained officials are beginning to notice the tattoos of gang members in prisons are being written in Farsi. We have typically seen tattoos in Arabic, but Farsi implies a Persian influence that can likely be traced back to Iran and its proxy army, Hezbollah. . . .
Former intelligence officials have pointed to the terrain that makes up our border, especially in the San Diego border sector, as a reason why drug cartels have been partnering with Hezbollah. This terrain is very much like the areas around Israel’s borders. As we well know, Hezbollah is extremely skilled in the construction of tunnels. Israel has time and again found Hezbollah tunnels leading into Israel, some of which are large enough to accommodate trucks. Likewise, these intelligence officials say that the drug cartels, in an effort to dig larger and more effective tunnels are employing the expertise of Hezbollah. . . .
Experts believe Iranian agents and members of Hezbollah are going to Venezuela to learn Spanish. When somewhat fluent, they obtain false documents in hopes of crossing the US border as Hispanics. If stopped by border agents when trying to cross, they try to pass off as Mexican. Only well trained border agents can detect that their Spanish accent is Venezuelan, not Mexican. If this is not detected they are merely sent back into Mexico where they try to cross into the US again, rather than being detained for more questioning. . . .
One high ranking Mexican Army officer, who asked not to be named for security reasons, states they believe Hezbollah may be training the Mexican drug cartels’ enforcers in the art of bomb making. This might lead to Israel-like car bombings of Mexican/USA border personnel or National Guard units in the border regions. This militant threat could be exacerbated by the current tensions between the US and Iran, since Iran directs Hezbollah.
Also disturbing are the uninvited terrorists and terror suspects who were arrested after entering America through our permeable underbelly.
Mahmoud Youssef Kourani pleaded guilty in March 2005 to providing material support to terrorists. First, Kourani secured a visa by bribing a Mexican diplomat in Beirut. He and another Middle Easterner then hired a Mexican guide to escort them into America. Finally, Kourani settled into the Lebanese-immigrant community in Dearborn, Mich., and raised cash for Hezbollah.
Miguel Alfonso Salinas was picked up in New Mexico near the international border in 2006. As Sara A. Carter reported in the June 8 Washington Examiner, one week of FBI interrogation exposed Salinas as an Egyptian named Ayman Sulmane Kamal. Evidently, he remains in federal custody.
Then–national intelligence director Mike McConnell said that in FY 2006 and FY 2007, at least 30 potentially dangerous Iraqis were found trying to penetrate America via Mexico. As McConnell told the El Paso Times: “There are numerous situations where people are alive today because we caught them.”
The Department of Homeland Security issued an April 14, 2010, “Intelligence Alert” regarding a possible border-crossing attempt by a Somali named Mohamed Ali. He is a suspected member of al-Shabaab, a Somali-based al-Qaeda ally tied to the deadly attack on American GIs in 1993’s notorious “Blackhawk Down” incident in Mogadishu.
Captured in Brownsville, Texas, Ahmed Muhammed Dhakane, 24, pleaded not guilty in San Antonio on May 14 to federal charges that he “ran a large-scale smuggling enterprise” designed to sneak East Africans through Mexico into Texas, including “several AIAI-affiliated Somalis into the United States.” Al-Ittihad al-Islami is yet another Muslim-extremist organization.
Daniel Joseph Maldonado, a convert to Islam, also has Somali ties. Maldonado, a.k.a. Daniel Aljughaifi, was picked up in Kenya in 2007 after fleeing a Somali camp where he received terrorist training. According to a February 13, 2007, criminal complaint signed by FBI special agent Jeremiah George, Maldonado — a.k.a. Abu Mohammed — had “no problem” with the September 11 attacks. Maldonado was returned to Houston for prosecution and is serving a ten-year federal prison sentence. As Rice University’s Joan Neuhas Schaan told KHOU-TV: “They had plans for him to come back to the United States and recruit female suicide bombers.”
All this involves only the bad guys who the authorities nailed. Those who have remained undetected after crossing the U.S.-Mexican border to murder Americans are still — by definition — invisible.
— Deroy Murdock is a nationally syndicated columnist with the Scripps Howard News Service and a media fellow with the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace at Stanford University.
Jun 30, 2010
Jun 29, 2010
Photos from the Sun City South Carolina Presentation
I gave the Connect the Dots presentation to a great group last night at the Sun City Community in Lancaster County, South Carolina. We had about 140 - 150 people who were attentive and armed with insightful questions and comments. Many thanks to the organizers for the opportunity to present to such a fine group of people.
Jun 28, 2010
Sue Myrick Letter to Sec. of Homeland Security: Hezbollah on the Border?
The following is a re post of article put out by Fox News online:
Congresswoman Raises Red Flag on Hezbollah-Cartel Nexus on U.S. BorderPublished June 25, 2010
| FOXNews.com
A Hezbollah supporter holds up a poster of Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nasrallah as he protests with others along the Lebanese-Israeli border in southern Lebanon June 2. (AP Photo)
Iran-tied terror group Hezbollah may be colluding with drug cartels along the U.S.-Mexico border, a Republican congresswoman warned, calling on Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to establish a special task force to figure out how to "clamp down" on this "national security" threat.
The Lebanon-based group has long-standing and documented ties to South America and its drug gangs, but reports have recently surfaced that it may be expanding its influence to Mexico and the U.S. border.
In her letter to Napolitano, Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., called on Homeland Security to find out and report more on the extent of the problem. She cited several troubling developments that would point to Hezbollah creeping closer to and inside the United States, with the help of Mexican drug gangs.
"It is vital we know what is happening on our border, especially as crime and violence continue to rise there and as terrorist plots and threats are increasing inside the U.S.," she wrote.
Myrick outlined a complex set of potential threats and evidence of their existence. She said "Iranian agents and members of Hezbollah" are thought to be learning Spanish in Hugo Chavez-run Venezuela before trying to obtain false documents to enter the United States as purported Mexicans. She said Hezbollah, known for its tunnel-digging skill, could be receiving drug money from cartel operations in exchange for help forging better tunnels across the U.S. border for trafficking.
She said gang members in prisons in the American southwest are starting to show up with tattoos in Farsi, implying a "Persian influence that can likely be traced back to Iran and its proxy army, Hezbollah."
FoxNews.com has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment on the numerous claims.
Myrick cited the opinions and findings of former intelligence officials and others in her detailed letter. One of them was a "high-ranking Mexican Army officer" whom she said believes Hezbollah could be training Mexican drug cartels to make bombs.
"This might lead to Israel-like car bombings of Mexican/USA border personnel or National Guard units," she wrote.
At a minimum, Hezbollah has a foothold in South America, according to official reports.
Anthony Placido, assistant administrator for intelligence at the Drug Enforcement Administration, told a House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee in March that the "drug and terrorism nexus" is strongest in the region where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. He said drugs from this region, which are cheaper than in other hot spots, "can be resold in other countries for large profits desired by those seeking funds to further terrorist activity such as Hezbollah."
He said some drug traffickers in the region have ties to the Lebanese terror group and have since the late 1980s or early 1990s.
"There are numerous reports of cocaine proceeds entering the coffers of Islamic Radical Groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas," he said, calling it "easy revenue" that can be used for terror attacks.
An April Congressional Research Service report on drug trafficking in Latin America cited that testimony.
A 2006 House Homeland Security Committee report further noted that Hezbollah members have already been caught entering the United States via Mexico, suggesting expanded activity. The report cited as one example the case of Mahmoud Youssef Kourani, the brother of a Hezbollah chief, who in 2005 pleaded guilty to providing material support to Hezbollah after being smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border and settling in Dearborn, Mich.
The report raised red flags about the "dangerous intersection between traditional transnational criminal activities ... and more ominous threats to national security."
Jun 27, 2010
Sue Myrick Eagle Scout and Gold Award Ceremony
Earlier this afternoon, Congresswoman Sue Myrick presented certificates of Congressional recognition to over one hundred young men and women who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts) or Gold Award (Girl Scouts). Huge crowd of well over 400 family and friends joined in recognizing these fine young people who are all ready leaders at such an early age. Enjoy the photos.
Sue Myrick's Symphony Preview Party
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Gauthier hosted a wonderful event last night in their South Charlotte home for the Sue Myrick re-election campaign. Featuring the music of Charlotte Strings, the mini concert,unbelievable food and great people made for an awesome event.
Connect the Dots Presentation Scheduled for Monday, June 28
For those of you who wish to hear the Connect the Dots presentation or refer someone to view it, I will be giving it right over the border in Lancaster County, SC tomorrow evening. If you live in South Charlotte or Union County, it is not a far distance from you. Should you want to attend, email me at hweatherman@hotmail.com and I will be happy to send you details and directions.
Stumping for Kathy Harrington for Senate
Last night, after our own event in Charlotte, we attended a reception over in Gaston County for State Senate candidate and our good friend Kathy Harrington. Thought you would enjoy some of the photos. Kathy should win the seat, replacing the retiring Sen. David Hoyle, putting that seat firmly on the Republican side of the aisle.
Connect the Dots Presentation in Northern Virginia
Gave the Connect the Dots presentation to an enthusiastic group in the DC metro area this past week. Will be giving up there again in near future to a couple of groups. If you are in the DC - Crystal City - Arlington area and want to attend a future presentation, email me and let me know and I will notify you when the briefings are scheduled.
Town Hall Meeting in Waxhaw
Last week we held a town hall meeting in Waxhaw. Good turnout on a very hot night. Excellent questions and solid conversations. Sue was welcomed to the stage by Waxhaw mayor Daune Gardner. Enquirer Journal covered the event on the front page the following morning.
Job Postings in Washington, DC
June 24, 2010
Executive Assistant - House Armed Services Committee Republican Staff seeks an Executive Assistant. Responsibilities include scheduling committee meetings and events; maintaining Staff Director’s calendar and travel; staffing hearings, mark-ups and floor activity; acting as liaison to military legislative assistants; organizing CODELs; assisting press shop; and preparing weekly memos for the Member. Candidate must have 1-2 years Hill experience and a working knowledge of the Pentagon and military services. Military ties a plus. Strong administrative and writing skills required. Candidate must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to HASCgop@gmail.com. No phone calls or drop bys.
June 21, 2010
Press Secretary - Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) is seeking a pro-active Press Secretary to manage press and communication operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: responding to press inquiries, drafting press releases, media advisories, statements, website content, creating franked mailings and talking points. In addition, the Press Secretary will be working closely with the Chief of Staff and District staff to develop an effective communications plan for the Member. Candidates must be team player with evidence of strong communications, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Candidates must also have experience speaking on the record, excellent writing and editing skills as well as an ability to quickly produce press material as needed. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and two writing samples to: fl09jobs@gmail.com. No drop-ins or calls please.
June 17, 2010
Communications Director - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) is seeking an experienced communications professional to handle all media and communications related duties in busy Washington, D.C. office. Ideal candidate will have Hill experience, excellent written and verbal skills, proficiency in new media applications, ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline, understanding of complex range of issues, entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing media strategies for both national and local audiences, and be a highly motivated self-starter. California ties a plus but not essential. Some travel required. Please send resume and cover letter to frank.cullen@mail.house.gov. No phone calls please.
Communications Director - Northeastern Republican Member seeks Communications Director with strategic messaging and management skills to head an active communications shop, promote the Member's profile through effective media placement, coordinate media events with other offices and develop proficiency in the financial services legislative portfolio. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and previous experience working with national and local media, must be self-starters with the ability to think creatively and generate out-of-the-box ideas, and must be able to work under pressure to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Duties include: pitching stories, drafting op-eds and press releases, developing national and local media outreach strategies, providing content for the website and building relationships with the media. Please email a cover letter along with your resume and writing sample to NJ05jobs@mail.house.gov.
Communications Director – Congressman Randy Neugebauer is seeking a D.C.-based Communications Director. Must have two years of media or political experience, including experience with Hill and national media. Must have on-the-record experience with reporters and experience with television and radio. Strong understanding of financial services issues is important. Duties will include: drafting press releases, statements, developing a DC and national media outreach strategy, overseeing district media strategy, including tv, radio and print. Texas ties preferred. Email resume and cover letter to tx19jobs@mail.house.gov. No drop-ins please.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Cole is seeking a Legislative Assistant. Issues may include health care, financial services, budget and small business. Previous experience in an appropriator office is preferred, as are ties to Oklahoma. Please send cover letter and resume to sean.murphy@mail.house.gov No calls or drop-ins please.
Interns – Congressman Charles K. Djou is seeking summer interns for his DC office. Applicants must be available to start immediately. An internship provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn the inner-workings of a Congressional office. You will be challenged and given practical tools for career and academic success. Candidates should have a strong work ethic and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phones, mail sorting/data entry, conducting tours of the Capitol, and other projects delegated by staff. While internship positions are unpaid, they provide an invaluable experience. Hawaii ties are preferred but are not required. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and a resume to DjouInterns@gmail.com with “Internship” in the subject line.
Unpaid Interns - The office of Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA-04) is seeking interns to begin in August/September 2010 and continue until December 2010 in the Washington, DC office. Position responsibilities include assisting in day-to-day office operations and other duties as requested by staff members. Candidates should have a strong work ethic, work well as a part of a small team, and possess a positive attitude. This internship is unpaid. College credit, if applicable, will be provided. Recent college graduates are also welcome to apply. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Kimberly Unitt-Zupkus at kim.unitt-zupkus@mail.house.gov with “Fall Internship” in the subject line.
June 14, 2010
Unpaid DC Internship - Senate Republican Conference seeks undergraduate students or recent graduates for mid-August –mid-December 2010 to assist professional staff. Responsibilities include administrative tasks, conducting research, assisting with press events, and strategically thinking with staff members regarding different governmental issues. Candidates should possess strong writing and research skills. Prior political experience is preferred; Spanish fluency a plus. Only full-time internships are available. You can learn more about the SRC by going to src.senate.gov or republican.senate.gov. Visit alexander.senate.gov to learn more about Senator Alexander who chairs the conference. Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample no more than 3 pages to resumes@src.senate.gov. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2010.
June 10, 2010
Legislative Counsel - The Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-TX) is seeking a Legislative Counsel whose primary focus will be transportation, education, financial services and related issues on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In addition, this position will be responsible for staffing the member on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). Responsibilities of this position include writing legislative mail, briefing the Congressman on relevant policy developments, formulating legislative proposals, interacting with federal agencies, and staffing the Member on all of the responsibilities related to the issues on his committee assignments. Strong writing and interpersonal skills are a must. The ideal candidate will have previous Hill experience and a proven record of implementing legislative initiatives and building coalitions. Please email resume, cover letter, and a writing sample letter to burgessjobs@mail.house.gov with subject line: Attn: Legis Counsel Position. No calls, drop-ins, or faxes, please.
Scheduler/Executive Assistant - The office of Rep. John Kline (R-MN) is seeking a D.C. Scheduler/Executive Assistant. This position is responsible for managing the Member’s DC schedule, making travel arrangements, coordinating the DC intern program, and supervising front office operations and staff. Candidates must possess meticulous attention to detail; excellent communications skills; and the ability to multitask, organize, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must have Hill experience. Minnesota ties preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume, and cover letter to: JobMN02@mail.house.gov.
Interns - Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) is currently seeking summer interns with conservative values, who are available to start at the beginning of July. Interns will be responsible for maintaining general front office duties including answering phones, conducting and scheduling tours, logging and writing office correspondence, and a variety of other administrative tasks. Applicants should be detail oriented, punctual, and have excellent communication skills. Wisconsin ties are preferred. Interested candidates should direct their cover letter and resume to Matthew Mohr at WI05Internships@gmail.com with Summer 2010 internship in the subject line. No phone calls please.
June 7, 2010
Deputy Press Secretary - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Deputy Press Secretary. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of Hill or related political experience, with at least a year in a press-related position (or a strong journalism/media background). Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Deputy Press Secretary's duties include: drafting press releases, statements, and newsletters; developing national and state media outreach strategies; providing content for and managing the website; managing new-media presence; building relationships with Tennessee and national media; and managing daily press clips. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
Press Assistant - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Press Assistant. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and a minimum of one year Hill or related political experience, preferably with a press or journalism background, or experience working with national, state and/or local media. Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Press Assistant's duties include: managing incoming press requests, managing press lists, as well as press event logistics and scheduling; developing Tennessee TV and radio contacts; managing media projects and press interns; and compiling daily press clips. The Press Assistant must be especially detail-oriented and precise, capable of multi-tasking and managing short- and long-term media projects. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
June 3, 2010
Legislative Director - Legislative Director sought for Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL). Applicant should possess a strong working knowledge of the house legislative process, examples of policy crafting with an emphasis on limited government and personal freedom and solid writing background. Applicant should have a minimum of 5 years of legislative or policy experience. Please submit resumes to fl14jobs@gmail.com .
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Dave Reichert is looking to hire a new Legislative Assistant - issues may include financial services, defense, transportation, among others. Ideal candidate will have familiarity with some or all of the issues, be self motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Washington State ties a plus. Please email resumes to wa08jobs@gmail.com. Please no calls.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Latham (IA-4) seeks a legislative assistant to handle a variety of issue areas and monitor developments throughout the legislative process. This position requires that the individual draft timely and effective constituent correspondence, write floor speeches, co-sponsorship memos and other policy-related documents. The position also requires extensive meetings and communications with constituents and constituent groups on behalf of the Member and office. The ideal candidate will be a team player that has a thorough working knowledge of the legislative process and of House organization and procedures along with superior writing, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. ?Applicants must have a minimum of four years personal or committee office legislative experience - with at least two years experience as a legislative assistant. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and any other relevant material you deem necessary to james.carstensen@mail.house.gov
May 27, 2010
Legislative Assistant(s) - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack seeks legislative assistant(s) to handle energy and health care issues in busy Washington, DC, office. Ideal candidate will be motivated, entrepreneurial, and solutions-oriented with experience working on relevant issues, familiarity with Energy & Commerce Committee and staff, ability to handle multiple assignments on deadline, excellent written, oral, and research skills, and previous Hill experience. California ties a plus but not essential. Please email cover letter and resume to frank.cullen@mail.house.gov, no phone calls please.
Paid/Unpaid Internships - The Office of Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) is seeking bold, energetic, conservative individuals for paid/unpaid Fall Internships, beginning around Labor Day. During your time with our office, you will be given the opportunity to develop leadership, management, and policy experience. Duties include everything from answering phones and mail, to conducting tours of the U.S. Capitol, to assisting staff members and Congressman Jordan with achieving our legislative goals and constituent outreach. You will be challenged and will be given practical tools for career and academic success. Applicants should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, be self-motivated, and able to work as part of a professional team. Fourth District/Ohio ties are a plus. Applicant Instructions: All interested persons should contact Randee Olney, Internhsip Coordinator for Congressman Jim Jordan, at 202-225-2676 or randee.olney@mail.house.gov . Please have cover letter, resume, references, and a writing sample available.
May 24, 2010
Scheduler/ Office Manager - The office of Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA) is seeking applicants for the Scheduler/Office Manager position in the Washington office. The responsibilities of this position include scheduling both district and DC meetings and events for the Congressman; submitting bills, invoices, and reimbursements to House Finance; and assisting with other duties as assigned. Candidates must have excellent people skills and must be courteous, detail-oriented and extremely organized. This is a fast-paced position that requires someone who can multi-task and be a team player. Virginia ties a plus but not required. Please fax resumes and cover letters to Mary Springer at 202-225-4382. No emails please.
The NJ Governor's DC Office seeks an individual to manage a portfolio of several federal policy areas.. including transportation. Experience with transportation issues is essential and NJ ties are preferred. Individual will support the DC Office Director and NJ State government by working with NJ Congressional delegation, Congress , the Administration and the National Governors Association. The person should be a good writer, communicator and policy analyst, excel in a fast paced environment, have experience with Congress and the Administration and be results oriented. Please send resume and cover letter to nwjrsdc36@gmail.com.
The NJ Governor's DC Office seeks an individual to manage a portfolio of several federal policy areas..including energy and environment. Experience with energy/environment issues is essential and NJ ties are preferred. Individual will support the DC Office Director and NJ State government by working with NJ Congressional delegation, Congress, the Administration and the National Governors Association. The person should be a good writer, communicator and policy analyst, excel in a fast paced environment, have experience with Congress and the Administration and be results oriented. Please send resume and cover letter to nwjrsdc36@gmail.com.
Fall Internship - Congressman Erik Paulsen's office is currently accepting applications for unpaid internships in the District office in Eden Prairie, MN and in Washington, D.C. for the fall semester. A Congressional internship offers applicants an exciting opportunity to support staff while learning about the daily operations of the Legislative branch. Interns will assist the staff with constituent services, communications, administrative tasks, and legislative research. Congressman Paulsen's Internship Program is designed primarily for the educational benefit of the participant. Interns working in the District Office have the opportunity to contribute to the office's interaction with the surrounding community through constituent services, local events, and community meetings. Interns in the Washington, D.C. Office will gain insight into the federal government and the legislative process by working closely with staff and attending hearings and briefings. Candidates should have a strong work ethic, be highly organized and motivated, and possess a positive attitude. This internship is unpaid. College credit, if applicable, will be provided. MN ties preferred but not required. Qualified applicants should send their cover letter and resume to Krysta Carlson at Krysta.Carlson1@mail.house.gov
May 20, 2010
Legislative Assistant - U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson is looking for a legislative assistant with significant health care experience and the ability to handle several other high-priority issues for a busy congressional office. Missouri state ties are a plus, as are strong writing ability, initiative and follow-through. Please send a resume and cover letter by e-mail only to Jeffrey.Connor@mail.house.gov
Staff Assistant - Congressman Tom Rooney (FL-16) has an immediate opening for a Staff Assistant in his Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate must possess strong writing skills, great attention to detail and an outgoing personality. General responsibilities include greeting visitors, answering phones, scheduling tours, processing flag requests, and opening & sorting mail, and assisting the legislative staff. The successful candidate will have a pro-active, can-do attitude and must be a team player. Military experience and residents of the 16th Congressional District of Florida will also be given due consideration. Please email resume, cover letter and one writing sample to jobsfl16@mail.house.gov. No Calls, Faxes or Drop-Ins.
May 10, 2010
Internship - Texas Republican looking for applicants for an unpaid internship, available to start ASAP and work through the middle of June. Candidates should have a strong work ethic and be a good team player. Candidates are responsible for performing daily office duties (phones, flag requests, setting up constituent tours, etc.) in order to maintain an efficient working environment. Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Michael.Stwarka@mail.house.gov . No phone calls please.
May 3, 2010
Web Developer - Senate Republican Leadership office seeks a web application developer strongly experienced in PHP/MySQL/Javascript. Work involves developing and deploying web applications using ColdFusion or PHP, performing integration work with CF and PHP based legacy systems. Other necessary requirements include experience with both MySQL and MSSQL Server as well as basic experience with Windows/Apache/PHP/MySQL web application server stack environment and significant experience with HTML/CSS stylesheets, Photoshop, etc to design and modify static web pages and tweak graphics, layouts, etc. The employee will work with both technical and policy staff to determine application design. Work includes web programming and troubleshooting to create new services and support technical operations. Work also includes creating and deploying new content by posting web content or graphical work as needed under deadline. This is an entry to mid-level position. Strong communication and organizational skills needed. Degree in Computer Science (or equivalent experience) is preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience. Please email a cover letter, resume, and references to resumes@src.senate.gov
Jun 20, 2010
Presentation to the Charlotte Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association
I enjoyed my time at yesterday's presentation to the Charlotte chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Great questions. Very attentive audience.
Jun 19, 2010
Presentation Scheduled for Today
For those of you who have seen our Connect the Dots presentation and want to either see it again or refer a friend, today I will be giving it to the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)in Charlotte.
The venue is the Light Rail Restaurant, 8045 South Blvd, Charlotte.
Lunch: 11:00 am
Program: 11:30 am
Hope to see you there.
The venue is the Light Rail Restaurant, 8045 South Blvd, Charlotte.
Lunch: 11:00 am
Program: 11:30 am
Hope to see you there.
New Job Listings On Capitol Hill
June 17, 2010
Communications Director - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) is seeking an experienced communications professional to handle all media and communications related duties in busy Washington, D.C. office. Ideal candidate will have Hill experience, excellent written and verbal skills, proficiency in new media applications, ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline, understanding of complex range of issues, entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing media strategies for both national and local audiences, and be a highly motivated self-starter. California ties a plus but not essential. Some travel required. Please send resume and cover letter to frank.cullen@mail.house.gov. No phone calls please.
Communications Director - Northeastern Republican Member seeks Communications Director with strategic messaging and management skills to head an active communications shop, promote the Member's profile through effective media placement, coordinate media events with other offices and develop proficiency in the financial services legislative portfolio. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and previous experience working with national and local media, must be self-starters with the ability to think creatively and generate out-of-the-box ideas, and must be able to work under pressure to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Duties include: pitching stories, drafting op-eds and press releases, developing national and local media outreach strategies, providing content for the website and building relationships with the media. Please email a cover letter along with your resume and writing sample to NJ05jobs@mail.house.gov.
Communications Director – Congressman Randy Neugebauer is seeking a D.C.-based Communications Director. Must have two years of media or political experience, including experience with Hill and national media. Must have on-the-record experience with reporters and experience with television and radio. Strong understanding of financial services issues is important. Duties will include: drafting press releases, statements, developing a DC and national media outreach strategy, overseeing district media strategy, including tv, radio and print. Texas ties preferred. Email resume and cover letter to tx19jobs@mail.house.gov. No drop-ins please.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Cole is seeking a Legislative Assistant. Issues may include health care, financial services, budget and small business. Previous experience in an appropriator office is preferred, as are ties to Oklahoma. Please send cover letter and resume to sean.murphy@mail.house.gov No calls or drop-ins please.
Interns – Congressman Charles K. Djou is seeking summer interns for his DC office. Applicants must be available to start immediately. An internship provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn the inner-workings of a Congressional office. You will be challenged and given practical tools for career and academic success. Candidates should have a strong work ethic and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phones, mail sorting/data entry, conducting tours of the Capitol, and other projects delegated by staff. While internship positions are unpaid, they provide an invaluable experience. Hawaii ties are preferred but are not required. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and a resume to DjouInterns@gmail.com with “Internship” in the subject line.
Unpaid Interns - The office of Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA-04) is seeking interns to begin in August/September 2010 and continue until December 2010 in the Washington, DC office. Position responsibilities include assisting in day-to-day office operations and other duties as requested by staff members. Candidates should have a strong work ethic, work well as a part of a small team, and possess a positive attitude. This internship is unpaid. College credit, if applicable, will be provided. Recent college graduates are also welcome to apply. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Kimberly Unitt-Zupkus at kim.unitt-zupkus@mail.house.gov with “Fall Internship” in the subject line.
June 14, 2010
Unpaid DC Internship - Senate Republican Conference seeks undergraduate students or recent graduates for mid-August –mid-December 2010 to assist professional staff. Responsibilities include administrative tasks, conducting research, assisting with press events, and strategically thinking with staff members regarding different governmental issues. Candidates should possess strong writing and research skills. Prior political experience is preferred; Spanish fluency a plus. Only full-time internships are available. You can learn more about the SRC by going to src.senate.gov or republican.senate.gov. Visit alexander.senate.gov to learn more about Senator Alexander who chairs the conference. Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample no more than 3 pages to resumes@src.senate.gov. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2010.
June 10, 2010
Legislative Counsel - The Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-TX) is seeking a Legislative Counsel whose primary focus will be transportation, education, financial services and related issues on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In addition, this position will be responsible for staffing the member on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). Responsibilities of this position include writing legislative mail, briefing the Congressman on relevant policy developments, formulating legislative proposals, interacting with federal agencies, and staffing the Member on all of the responsibilities related to the issues on his committee assignments. Strong writing and interpersonal skills are a must. The ideal candidate will have previous Hill experience and a proven record of implementing legislative initiatives and building coalitions. Please email resume, cover letter, and a writing sample letter to burgessjobs@mail.house.gov with subject line: Attn: Legis Counsel Position. No calls, drop-ins, or faxes, please.
Scheduler/Executive Assistant - The office of Rep. John Kline (R-MN) is seeking a D.C. Scheduler/Executive Assistant. This position is responsible for managing the Member’s DC schedule, making travel arrangements, coordinating the DC intern program, and supervising front office operations and staff. Candidates must possess meticulous attention to detail; excellent communications skills; and the ability to multitask, organize, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must have Hill experience. Minnesota ties preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume, and cover letter to: JobMN02@mail.house.gov.
Interns - Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) is currently seeking summer interns with conservative values, who are available to start at the beginning of July. Interns will be responsible for maintaining general front office duties including answering phones, conducting and scheduling tours, logging and writing office correspondence, and a variety of other administrative tasks. Applicants should be detail oriented, punctual, and have excellent communication skills. Wisconsin ties are preferred. Interested candidates should direct their cover letter and resume to Matthew Mohr at WI05Internships@gmail.com with Summer 2010 internship in the subject line. No phone calls please.
June 7, 2010
Deputy Press Secretary - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Deputy Press Secretary. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of Hill or related political experience, with at least a year in a press-related position (or a strong journalism/media background). Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Deputy Press Secretary's duties include: drafting press releases, statements, and newsletters; developing national and state media outreach strategies; providing content for and managing the website; managing new-media presence; building relationships with Tennessee and national media; and managing daily press clips. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
Press Assistant - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Press Assistant. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and a minimum of one year Hill or related political experience, preferably with a press or journalism background, or experience working with national, state and/or local media. Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Press Assistant's duties include: managing incoming press requests, managing press lists, as well as press event logistics and scheduling; developing Tennessee TV and radio contacts; managing media projects and press interns; and compiling daily press clips. The Press Assistant must be especially detail-oriented and precise, capable of multi-tasking and managing short- and long-term media projects. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
June 3, 2010
Legislative Director - Legislative Director sought for Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL). Applicant should possess a strong working knowledge of the house legislative process, examples of policy crafting with an emphasis on limited government and personal freedom and solid writing background. Applicant should have a minimum of 5 years of legislative or policy experience. Please submit resumes to fl14jobs@gmail.com .
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Dave Reichert is looking to hire a new Legislative Assistant - issues may include financial services, defense, transportation, among others. Ideal candidate will have familiarity with some or all of the issues, be self motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Washington State ties a plus. Please email resumes to wa08jobs@gmail.com. Please no calls.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Latham (IA-4) seeks a legislative assistant to handle a variety of issue areas and monitor developments throughout the legislative process. This position requires that the individual draft timely and effective constituent correspondence, write floor speeches, co-sponsorship memos and other policy-related documents. The position also requires extensive meetings and communications with constituents and constituent groups on behalf of the Member and office. The ideal candidate will be a team player that has a thorough working knowledge of the legislative process and of House organization and procedures along with superior writing, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. ?Applicants must have a minimum of four years personal or committee office legislative experience - with at least two years experience as a legislative assistant. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and any other relevant material you deem necessary to james.carstensen@mail.house.gov . ?Phone calls, faxes, or drop-ins will not be accepted.
Communications Director - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) is seeking an experienced communications professional to handle all media and communications related duties in busy Washington, D.C. office. Ideal candidate will have Hill experience, excellent written and verbal skills, proficiency in new media applications, ability to handle multiple tasks on deadline, understanding of complex range of issues, entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing media strategies for both national and local audiences, and be a highly motivated self-starter. California ties a plus but not essential. Some travel required. Please send resume and cover letter to frank.cullen@mail.house.gov. No phone calls please.
Communications Director - Northeastern Republican Member seeks Communications Director with strategic messaging and management skills to head an active communications shop, promote the Member's profile through effective media placement, coordinate media events with other offices and develop proficiency in the financial services legislative portfolio. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and previous experience working with national and local media, must be self-starters with the ability to think creatively and generate out-of-the-box ideas, and must be able to work under pressure to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Duties include: pitching stories, drafting op-eds and press releases, developing national and local media outreach strategies, providing content for the website and building relationships with the media. Please email a cover letter along with your resume and writing sample to NJ05jobs@mail.house.gov.
Communications Director – Congressman Randy Neugebauer is seeking a D.C.-based Communications Director. Must have two years of media or political experience, including experience with Hill and national media. Must have on-the-record experience with reporters and experience with television and radio. Strong understanding of financial services issues is important. Duties will include: drafting press releases, statements, developing a DC and national media outreach strategy, overseeing district media strategy, including tv, radio and print. Texas ties preferred. Email resume and cover letter to tx19jobs@mail.house.gov. No drop-ins please.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Cole is seeking a Legislative Assistant. Issues may include health care, financial services, budget and small business. Previous experience in an appropriator office is preferred, as are ties to Oklahoma. Please send cover letter and resume to sean.murphy@mail.house.gov No calls or drop-ins please.
Interns – Congressman Charles K. Djou is seeking summer interns for his DC office. Applicants must be available to start immediately. An internship provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn the inner-workings of a Congressional office. You will be challenged and given practical tools for career and academic success. Candidates should have a strong work ethic and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, answering phones, mail sorting/data entry, conducting tours of the Capitol, and other projects delegated by staff. While internship positions are unpaid, they provide an invaluable experience. Hawaii ties are preferred but are not required. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and a resume to DjouInterns@gmail.com with “Internship” in the subject line.
Unpaid Interns - The office of Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA-04) is seeking interns to begin in August/September 2010 and continue until December 2010 in the Washington, DC office. Position responsibilities include assisting in day-to-day office operations and other duties as requested by staff members. Candidates should have a strong work ethic, work well as a part of a small team, and possess a positive attitude. This internship is unpaid. College credit, if applicable, will be provided. Recent college graduates are also welcome to apply. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Kimberly Unitt-Zupkus at kim.unitt-zupkus@mail.house.gov with “Fall Internship” in the subject line.
June 14, 2010
Unpaid DC Internship - Senate Republican Conference seeks undergraduate students or recent graduates for mid-August –mid-December 2010 to assist professional staff. Responsibilities include administrative tasks, conducting research, assisting with press events, and strategically thinking with staff members regarding different governmental issues. Candidates should possess strong writing and research skills. Prior political experience is preferred; Spanish fluency a plus. Only full-time internships are available. You can learn more about the SRC by going to src.senate.gov or republican.senate.gov. Visit alexander.senate.gov to learn more about Senator Alexander who chairs the conference. Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample no more than 3 pages to resumes@src.senate.gov. Deadline for applications is June 30, 2010.
June 10, 2010
Legislative Counsel - The Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess, MD (R-TX) is seeking a Legislative Counsel whose primary focus will be transportation, education, financial services and related issues on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In addition, this position will be responsible for staffing the member on the Joint Economic Committee (JEC). Responsibilities of this position include writing legislative mail, briefing the Congressman on relevant policy developments, formulating legislative proposals, interacting with federal agencies, and staffing the Member on all of the responsibilities related to the issues on his committee assignments. Strong writing and interpersonal skills are a must. The ideal candidate will have previous Hill experience and a proven record of implementing legislative initiatives and building coalitions. Please email resume, cover letter, and a writing sample letter to burgessjobs@mail.house.gov with subject line: Attn: Legis Counsel Position. No calls, drop-ins, or faxes, please.
Scheduler/Executive Assistant - The office of Rep. John Kline (R-MN) is seeking a D.C. Scheduler/Executive Assistant. This position is responsible for managing the Member’s DC schedule, making travel arrangements, coordinating the DC intern program, and supervising front office operations and staff. Candidates must possess meticulous attention to detail; excellent communications skills; and the ability to multitask, organize, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must have Hill experience. Minnesota ties preferred. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume, and cover letter to: JobMN02@mail.house.gov.
Interns - Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) is currently seeking summer interns with conservative values, who are available to start at the beginning of July. Interns will be responsible for maintaining general front office duties including answering phones, conducting and scheduling tours, logging and writing office correspondence, and a variety of other administrative tasks. Applicants should be detail oriented, punctual, and have excellent communication skills. Wisconsin ties are preferred. Interested candidates should direct their cover letter and resume to Matthew Mohr at WI05Internships@gmail.com with Summer 2010 internship in the subject line. No phone calls please.
June 7, 2010
Deputy Press Secretary - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Deputy Press Secretary. Candidates should have a minimum of two years of Hill or related political experience, with at least a year in a press-related position (or a strong journalism/media background). Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Deputy Press Secretary's duties include: drafting press releases, statements, and newsletters; developing national and state media outreach strategies; providing content for and managing the website; managing new-media presence; building relationships with Tennessee and national media; and managing daily press clips. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
Press Assistant - U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander is seeking a D.C.-based Press Assistant. Candidates must have outstanding writing skills and a minimum of one year Hill or related political experience, preferably with a press or journalism background, or experience working with national, state and/or local media. Must be a self-starter with new-media savvy and the ability to think creatively, and able to work long hours under pressure in order to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Occasional travel to Tennessee might be required. Tennessee ties are a plus, but not necessary. Press Assistant's duties include: managing incoming press requests, managing press lists, as well as press event logistics and scheduling; developing Tennessee TV and radio contacts; managing media projects and press interns; and compiling daily press clips. The Press Assistant must be especially detail-oriented and precise, capable of multi-tasking and managing short- and long-term media projects. Please email a cover letter and 2-3 writing samples to tnsenatepress@gmail.com.
June 3, 2010
Legislative Director - Legislative Director sought for Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL). Applicant should possess a strong working knowledge of the house legislative process, examples of policy crafting with an emphasis on limited government and personal freedom and solid writing background. Applicant should have a minimum of 5 years of legislative or policy experience. Please submit resumes to fl14jobs@gmail.com .
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Dave Reichert is looking to hire a new Legislative Assistant - issues may include financial services, defense, transportation, among others. Ideal candidate will have familiarity with some or all of the issues, be self motivated and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Washington State ties a plus. Please email resumes to wa08jobs@gmail.com. Please no calls.
Legislative Assistant - Congressman Tom Latham (IA-4) seeks a legislative assistant to handle a variety of issue areas and monitor developments throughout the legislative process. This position requires that the individual draft timely and effective constituent correspondence, write floor speeches, co-sponsorship memos and other policy-related documents. The position also requires extensive meetings and communications with constituents and constituent groups on behalf of the Member and office. The ideal candidate will be a team player that has a thorough working knowledge of the legislative process and of House organization and procedures along with superior writing, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. ?Applicants must have a minimum of four years personal or committee office legislative experience - with at least two years experience as a legislative assistant. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and any other relevant material you deem necessary to james.carstensen@mail.house.gov
Jun 12, 2010
Cleveland County Speech
If you are in the Cleveland County Monday night, come on over to Gardner Webb University and hear my presentation. I will be discussing Terrorism and Illegal Immigration, two hot button issues.
The meeting will be held in the Ritch Banquet Hall in the Dover Campus Center at Gardner-Webb University, at 7PM. Hope to see you there.
Jun 2, 2010
Stand Up America Speech in Mooresville (Photos)
Last night I spoke to the Stand Up America group in Moorseville. Great turnout. Very receptive to the presentation and several referrals for future presentations. Really appreciated the attention of the audience. These guys get it and you can tell, they get it done.
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