More of the Shithole Debate

The band Trump Beatles wanted to add there two cents about the Shit Hole crisis sweeping the nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen The Trump Beatles:

Former DCS Director hired by Attorney General Curtis Hill

Chris Sims over at Indystar reported yesterday that Mary Beth Bonaventura who resigned as head of the Department of Child Services last month. Will be starting work as Special Counsel for Attorney General Curtis Hill.

Sims writing for the Indianapolis Star said:

Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill announced Bonaventura will be joining his staff as special counsel in a new release on Wednesday.

Bonaventura was appointed lead DCS in 2013 by then-Gov. Mike Pence. On Dec. 12, Bonaventura wrote stinging letter of resignation to Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Bonaventura, who has worked in child welfare for 36 years, said could not watch Hoosier children "being systematically placed at risk, without the ability to help them."

"I feel I am unable to protect children because of the position taken by your staff to cut funding and services to children in the midst of the opioid crisis," she wrote. i"I choose to resign, rather than be complicit in decreasing the safety, permanency and well-being of children who have nowhere else to turn."

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to work with (Attorney General) Hill on continuing the fight against the opioid crisis and tackling the many challenges facing Hoosiers and their families,” Bonaventura said.

The hiring of Bonaventura by AG Hill has led to rumors in political circles that there could be a rift between Hill and Governor Eric Holcomb. Bonventura's very public and angry resignation as head of DCS did not please Holcomb and has caused him much misery. We will be going more in depth regarding Bonventura's resignation and the issues at DCS in future blog posts. We apologize for having taken so long to get to this story. But the staff has had a hectic few months. Marisa Kwiatkowski provided a link to Bonaventura's Resignation Letter here. IR recommends that our readers take a look at the letter. We appreciate your support and patience with us. If you have any information or suggestions for other posts please contact us by email at: 6vwts@notsharingmy.info, or the contact form on the blog webpage.

Trump International Hotel ranked as a “Shithole” on Yelp

Yesterday Paul Ogden of Ogden on Politics fame discussed the recent controversy over President Donald Trump’s reported “Shithole” comments about some other countries. We have since learned that apparently some people out there have decided that “Shithole” is the proper label to apply to some of President Trump’s hotels.

The Hill’s Rebecca Savransky wrote yesterday:

Hundreds of reviewers on Yelp in recent days have given the Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., one star and described it as a "shithole."

Between Thursday and Monday, nearly 800 reviews were posted that used the word "shithole" to described the hotel, according to CNN, which cited New Knowledge, a company that tracks the spread of misinformation online.

At the top of hotel's page, Yelp says the business is "being monitored by Yelp's support team for content related to media reports."

The hotel currently has an average rating of 2 stars on Yelp. It had an average rating of 4 stars just five days ago, CNN noted.

Between Thursday and Monday, nearly 800 reviews were posted that used the word "shithole" to described the hotel, according to CNN, which cited New Knowledge, a company that tracks the spread of misinformation online.

At the top of hotel's page, Yelp says the business is "being monitored by Yelp's support team for content related to media reports."

The hotel currently has an average rating of 2 stars on Yelp. It had an average rating of 4 stars just five days ago, CNN noted.

To read the rest of Miss Savransky’s article please click here.

Marco Rubio to honor Late Putin Critic

Sorry to have been slow at writing posts this month. Busy month so far. In some good news for today Senator Marco Rubio working in tandem with the Washington, D.C. City Council has successfully moved to have the plaza housing the Russian Embassy renamed the Boris Nemtsov Plaza. Nemtsov was a fierce critic of Russian President  Mob Boss Vladimir Putin. Nemtsov was murdered almost three years ago near the Kremlin. 

Sarah Rumpf over at Redstate in her article "Rubio Trolls Russia by Helping Rename Street in Front of Embassy after Slain Putin Critic":  

"This is some pretty great trolling encouraged by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and other critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin: the Washington, D.C. city council just voted to rename a street in front of the Russian Embassy after Boris Nemtsov.

Nemtsov, a fierce and vocal critic of Putin, and was shot dead on a bridge within view of the Kremlin on February 27, 2015. Five men from Chechnya were found guilty of his murder last year and sentenced to prison, but Nemtsov’s family and supporters believe his death was orchestrated by someone high up in the Russian government.

“The creation of ‘Boris Nemtsov Plaza’ would permanently remind Putin’s regime and the Russian people that these dissidents’ voices live on, and that defenders of liberty will not be silenced.”

 Kudos to Sarah Rumpf's very informative piece if you would like to read the entire article please click here. We would like to also express our gratitude to both Senator Rubio and the D.C. City Council for calling out the Russian Government for their continued human rights violations.

Senator Orrin Hatch to Retire after 40 years in Office w/Update

Senator Orrin Hatch R-Utah

Earlier today Utah Senator Orrin Hatch confirmed that he will not seek another term in the Senate. His retirement creates an opening for another republican to claim the seat. Back in September we blogged about rumors that former Massachusetts Governor and 2012 GOP Presidential nominee Mitt Romney was angling for Hatch's seat. 

Governor Romney released this statement about Hatch's retirement:

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Mitt Romney

3 hours ago

I join the people of Utah in thanking my friend, Senator Orrin Hatch for his more than forty years of service to our great state and nation. As Chairman of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees and as the longest-serving Republican Senator in U.S. history, Senator Hatch has represented the interests of Utah with distinction and honor. Ann and I wish Senator Orrin Hatch and his loving wife Elaine all the best in their future endeavors.

4.3K

1.3K

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Hatch's decision to retire is considered by many to be a blow to President Donald Trump. Who is rumored to have been pressuring Hatch to not retire. Word is that Trump is afraid that if Hatch did as he has decide to retire this year. That Mitt Romney would win the GOP nomination and be elected to fill the seat. Romney is still very well liked by Utah voters possibly due to his Mormon faith. So well liked that his son Josh Romney may run this year for Utah Governor. Utah being such a strong republican state would most likely elect whatever candidate the GOP nominates to any statewide office. Another rumor is circulating that Evan McMullin the former chief policy director for the U.S. House Repulicans, CIA Agent, 2016 Independent Presidential Candidate, and founder of StandUpRepublic.com. Is also considering running in the GOP Senate Primary this year in Utah. McMullin won 21% of the vote in Utah in 2016 for President. So he obviously has some support in Utah. McMullin like Romney is also very open and active with his Mormon faith. If McMullin does enter and win the GOP Senate Primary. President Trump will no doubt have an even bigger headache with Evan McMullin in the Senate than he would if Mitt Romney gets elected. McMullin is so Anti-Trump he makes Romney look like Steve Bannon.

Evan McMullin

The filing deadline for the ballot in Utah is March 15th. Candidates then can choose to compete in their political parties state convention to see if they can garner enough support to make it to the primary ballot on June 26th, gather enough signatures to be placed on their parties primary ballot, or they can choose to both gather signatures and compete in their party convention to be placed on the ballot. So we will all just have to wait until March 15th to see who all is competing for the GOP Senate Nomination. If anyone out there has any information about Utah's upcoming senate race. We would love to hear from you.

UPDATE: CNN’s Chris Cillizza has an interesting analysis of President Trump’s inability to convince Orrin Hatch to stay in the Senate. Click here for Cillizza’s piece. Something else just occurred to us. If Mitt Romney does run for the Senate that could put his niece current RNC Chairwoman Ronna Romney-McDaniel in an awkward position. We chronicled last month about her decision to reverse course and back now defeated Alabama GOP Senate nominee Roy Moore. Governor Romney to his credit did oppose Moore’s candidacy. IR would love to know how McDaniel is going to deal with her Uncles probable Senate run. 

Breitbart News Washes it’s hands of Neo-Nazi Paul Nehlen with Update

Steve Bannon has apparently found a candidate too repulsive for even him and his Breitbart minions to support. This afternoon word came out that Bannon and Breitbart have dumped the racist clown Paul Nehlen. Earlier this month we reported on how Nehlen told conservative New York Post writer Jon Podhoretz to eat a bullet. We of course suggested to Nehlen that he jump off a tall bridge for being such a moron. Back to today’s story on the now finished bromance between Nehlen and Bannon.

Brett Samuels of The Hill reports:

Former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon and his conservative outlet, Breitbart News, have cut ties with a far-right activist challenging Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) in 2018 after the candidate posted several controversial tweets. 

“Nehlen is dead to us,” Arthur Schwartz, a Bannon adviser, told CNN on Wednesday regarding Wisconsin congressional candidate Paul Nehlen (R).

“We don’t support him,” Breitbart editor Joel Pollak tweeted late Tuesday. “He’s disqualified himself.”

No. We don’t support him. Haven’t covered him in months. I had no real idea of his recent antisemitic statements when we spoke, Jamie, but I’ve since looked into it (and responded). He’s disqualified himself. https://t.co/22JyunCbr1

— Joel B. Pollak (@joelpollak) December 27, 2017

Samuels mentions one of the tasteless tweets in question that probably got Nehlen booted from Breitbart:

Nehlen on Saturday tweeted an illustration showing three Christian crosses with signs reading "No it's not," "It's okay to be white" and "No it's not." The cross in the middle of the image was meant to represent Jesus Christ.

What is a mystery to us is why it took so long for Bannon and Company to figure out that Nehlen is a complete psycho. It’s not like he has been shy about his insanity. INDY REPUBLICAN is glad to hear that Bannon and Breitbart have dumped Nehlen. We however remain skeptical this will be the last embarrassing candidate that Bannon backs and then has to throw under the bus.

IR is not the only conservative to have reservations about Nehlen and Bannon. Here is a twitter exchange by a friend of the blog pointing out how problematic Nehlen, Roy Moore and Bannon are:

Bannon pretends to “cut ties” with people when it becomes useful to him. But Paul Nehlen (and Roy Moore) are true products and expressions of Bannonism. https://t.co/zCqdG4gIFB

— Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) December 27, 2017

UPDATE: Ben Shapiro over at DailyWire.com has an excellent take here on the whole Bannon/Nehlen fiasco. Shapiro used to work at Breitbart News under Steve Bannon so his insights into Bannon and Breitbart are worth a read.

Alas Poor Jim Atterholt We Hardly Knew Ye

Jim Atterholt 

John Russell over at IBJ.COM reports that after less than a year back at the Indiana Utilities Regulatory Commission (IURC). That political hack and Paul Ogden’s old bete noire Jim Atterholt has decided to run like hell resign as Chairman of the IURC. 

Russell writes:

James Atterholt, chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, will leave Jan. 12, Governor Eric Holcomb’s office said Monday.

The powerful agency regulates $14 billion worth of electric, natural gas, telecommunications, steam, water and sewer utilities. It approves utility projects and determines how much utilities can charge customers.

In a statement, Atterholt said his wife, Brenda, was offered a job transfer to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. “We are looking forward to life at a slower pace.”

Holcomb’s announcement called Atterholt’s departure a “retirement,” but it seemed somewhat unexpected. Holcomb had appointed Atterholt in February, and in a statement at the time made the appointment sound long term.

“Jim Atterholt’s history of service and depth of knowledge on utility issues make him the best choice to lead the IURC, particularly over the next four years,” Holcomb said in February.

Gov. Mitch Daniels originally appointed Atterholt as chairman of the commission, and he served from 2010 to 2014. He had a break to serve as chief of staff to Gov. Mike Pence from 2014 through 2016.
 
Before serving at the IURC, Atterholt served as commissioner for the Indiana Department of Insurance. He previously served two terms as a member of the Indiana General Assembly, from 1998 to 2002.

With Atterholt’s retirement, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Nominating Committee must convene to evaluate candidates and then submit the nominations of three individuals to the governor to fill the vacated position.

It is very observant of John Russell to point out the unusual nature of Atterholt’s departure considering how much fanfare Governor Eric Holcomb had made earlier this year to Atterholt’s appointment to the IURC. IR had blogged about Atterholt and the IURC earlier this year here and here.

Although we applaud Russell for mentioning Atterholt’s previous tenure at the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI), IURC and as Chief of Staff to former Governor Mike Pence. We must chastise Russell just as we did earlier this year for failing to mention Atterholt’s past scandals at the IDOI and IURC. Even though Russell reported on one of Atterholt’s IURC scandals years ago.

As we noted back in January:

Interestingly the article (John Russell’s January 2017 article on Atterholt) declines to mention Atterholt's sordid and unethical history at running both the Indiana Department of Insurance and also his time at IURC. Especially considering that John Russell reported on Atterholt's issue at the IURC back in a 2011 article he wrote for the Indianapolis Star! At the time both Gary Welsh and Paul Ogden both reported on Atterholt's unusually close relationship with Duke Energy. Which was the problem his predecessor David Lott Hardy had and was the reason why Hardy was forced out and Atterholt put in Hardy's place! Gary Welsh and Paul Ogden's pieces on Atterholt and the IURC can be found hereand here. As for his conduct as head of the Department of Insurance Atterholt was told repeatedly by then Title Insurance Division Head Paul Ogden about various legal problems being created by a department head at the IDOI who had been put into their position by former Governor Joe Kernan. Atterholt responded by firing Ogden from his position. Longtime readers of Advance Indiana and Ogden on Politics.com will be aware of the story. But for those of you who may not have heard of it we will post links to both Mr. Ogden's accounts of his situation as reported on his blog and also a link to the asinine decision made by the Court of Appeals granting summary judgement to the Department of Insurance. If you like twisted and nonsensical judicial decisions then you will enjoy reading the Court's dismissing of Ogden's lawsuit. 


We are all scratching our heads here as to why Mr. Russell made absolutely no mention of Atterholt's past problems at IURC since he reported on them five and a half years ago! Tell us John why did you fail to mention these facts in your IBJ article last week? It is relevant information and any competent third rate hack would have put it in there article! Why didn't you? If you ever care to explain yourself we are all ears! If any of you feel so inclined you can call John Russell at his office (317) 472-5383 or ask him on twitter if you feel so inclined at www.twitter.com/JohnRussell99.

We are glad that Atterholt is leaving the state. But we are upset that the press is once again letting a lowlife creep like Jim Atterholt off the hook for his sins. If Indianapolis had a halfway competent prosecutor Atterholt would possibly be facing criminal charges for his transgressions at the Department of Insurance and his shenanigans at the IURC. If anyone wants to call up John Russell at 317-472-5383 or contact him at www.twitter.com/JohnRussell99. 

As for Jim Atterholt. Jimmy if you are reading this Go to Hell!

Mike Crider Drops Bid for Luke Messers Congress Seat

Mike Crider 

State Senator Mike Crider has announced that he will end his campaign to fill Luke Messer’s U.S. House seat. Mister Crider had this to say about his decision to exit the race:

Friends,

After extensive discussions with my campaign team and my family, I have decided to withdraw as a candidate for the United States Congress in Indiana’s sixth district. Unfortunately, congressional campaigns are very expensive endeavors and due to that we have determined that we do not and likely will not have the ability to spread our message as widely as will be required to achieve victory in May. While disappointed the campaign has come to an end, I am at peace with this decision and know that we all worked hard to put together a winning strategy.

The only negative to this whole adventure is that I find myself a bit jaded as I realize that this scenario is likely playing out in races all across the country. People who would be quality candidates simply cannot participate because they cannot afford to self finance campaigns and the political establishment locks down the remaining financial support. I hope that whomever is successful in this contest is serious about having the responsibilities of the position and not just having the position. There is much work to be done.

As for me, I remain committed to serving as State Senator in District 28 and trying to make a difference wherever and whenever I can. The trust that the people I represent have placed in me remains the honor of my lifetime. Sherri and I will always be grateful for the kindness and encouragement many of you continually extend. May God continue to bless the great state of Indiana and these United States.”

We had previously blogged on Crider’s initial entry into the race back in August here. 

If the following comment left on that post is any indication as to the kind of man Senator Crider is then his leaving the race is not a bad thing:

“campaign Chairwoman is former State Senator Beverly Gard, also of Greenfield, whom he replaced in the Senate after her retirement in 2012.” That told me all I need to know about Mr. Crider and that he should be kicked to the curb and thoroughly rejected by the voters and every and any time he runs for office.

Anyone with half a brain recalls just what an establishment Hoosier GOP tool Ms. Gard has been throughout her political career. Gard is a long-term, long-time Republican political hack who apparently never found any distaste against political schemes that enriched the corrupt estabishment Republican attorneys who run the Hoosier “R” Party and the corrupt career Republican office holders who knew how to butter the bread of the connected and when to do it.

Establishment Hoosier “R’s” are truly The Stupid Party whose only apparent goals are to enrich themselves and their crony pals at the expense of everyday Indiana citizens. Beverly Gard’s boy Crider for political office? Nah, no way, no thanks.

With Crider’s exit there are three other candidates running in the GOP Primary to succeed Luke Messer. They are Greg Pence brother to Vice President Mike Pence of whose possible run for office we have discussed previously. Stephen McKenzie a veteran and Jonathan Lamb a businessman from Muncie. In the interest of full disclosure IR would like to point out our sympathies in this race lie with Mr. McKenzie. But to the other candidates we shall of course act with complete fairness. 

What Dark Secrets are Tomi Lahern, Ann Coulter and Kellyanne Conway Hiding?

An avid reader of INDY REPUBLICAN sent us the following item off of twitter:

Tomi Lahren, Ann Coulter, and Kellyanne Conway look like the same person at various stages of crystal meth addiction pic.twitter.com/f1ObzukEXB

— Jonathan (@Pizzagate5) December 15, 2017

Tomi Lahern used to work for the Blaze until she was fired for impersonating a conservative. Ann Coulter since the early 2000’s has served merely as a bottom feeder alternating between attacking and supporting the Republican Establishment. Kellyanne Conway before he she joined the Trump campaign was a pollster for milquetoast Vice President Mike Pence. Our own impression after viewing the above photos is they are of three different people. They may or may not be addicted to meth. But Ann Coulter and Kellyanne Conway are clearly both men. There Adam’s apples are a dead giveaway. Unlike Bruce Jenner. Coulter and Conway were not smart enough to have their Adam’s apples smoothed down. Like the late great Gary Welsh we are amazed that Ann Coulter especially has hidden there true gender for so long.