So I told you earlier today that Jason Flanary had made someone so made with his nasty flyer lying about Steve Hunt, whom while its true some don't think he can win he is universally liked, and his record in elections that turned stretching the truth to out and out lies. So I got a couple of emails sent my way the enlightens us all about Mr. Flanary and his record as paid consultant and lobbyist. Shall we begin?
Plagiarism:
> Morgan Morris, Republican candidate for the 6th District seat in the House of Delegates, pulled a radio campaign advertisement last week after learning parts of it were copied from an ad created and funded by the Wisconsin Education Association Council during last year's election cycle.
Morris said the ad was put together by campaign consultant Jason Flanary, who is no longer with his campaign. Morris said he had no knowledge of its being copied, and simply added his comment at the end about supporting schools and teachers. Attempts to reach Flanary were unsuccessful Thursday. Morris is running against two-term Del. Benny Keister, D-Pulaski County.
The ad began with the voices of four children saying what they hoped to accomplish someday, and that part was from the Wisconsin group's ad.
"I had no idea," Morris said. "We responded immediately with a letter. We were apologetic."
Matthew O'Neill, the Milwaukee lawyer who notified the Morris> campaign of the copied material, said Thursday he had received Morris' response.
"I got his letter and it was very gracious," O'Neill said. "That's the end of it, as far as my client's concerned." He said he had no idea how the copying occurred. O'Neill's letter dated Oct. 21 threatened legal action for potential injunctive relief and misappropriation of intellectual property if the ad was not stopped.
Morris said there was no question about stopping it, once he learned of its source.
"We're just real sorry that that happened," Morris said
Morris furnished copies of O'Neill's letter and his reply.
"Let me say that using someone else's work without their permission is wrong," Morris said in his Oct. 24 letter to O'Neill. "A consultant who worked on my campaign earlier this year brought this ad to me as part of our radio program. I was not aware that the ad had come from another organization. I deeply regret that. The consultant is no longer with my campaign as we severed our relationship several weeks ago over a difference in the direction of the campaign."
> Morris assured O'Neill that the ad had been stopped at the two
> radio stations that had been running it.
> The 6th District includes parts of Pulaski, Giles, Bland, Wythe
> and Tazewell counties.
> Roanoke Times & World News October 31, 2003
> http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-12675980.html
SUPPORTING THE KAINE-ASSEMBLY TAX HIKES AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL REGIONAL TAXING AUTHORTIES. Flannery was lobbyist for the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce during the 2006 transportation budget fight that led to an embarassing bill that cause teh Republican Party to nearly implode in 2007. In short, as we all remember, it created unelected regional taxing authorities that were unconstitutional. The Fairfax Chamber expressly supported leaving all funding options on the table, including tax increases. So in short, Jason Flannery lobbied the General Assembly he wants to serve in to raise taxes on Northern Virginia families and homeowners, and do it in a way where it was unelected people that did it, creating small soviets across the commonwealth that took your money and you couldn't do anything about it:
Chamber Press Release
| Time to put the “Transportation Session” into High Gear |
| Governor Kaine and members of the General Assembly must commit to not leaving Richmond without a sustainable solution for Virginia’s transportation crisis |
| Published Monday, February 13, 2006 |
by Tony Howard
Vienna, VA – Now that the House, Senate and Governor have all introduced plans to address Virginia’s transportation funding crisis, the Fairfax County Chamber calls on state leaders to reach a long-term, sustainable plan for financing road and transit projects.
“Everyone’s cards are now on the table,” said Chamber President & CEO William D. Lecos. “Now it is time for our elected leaders to dedicate themselves toward reaching accord on a responsible, sustainable solution that meets the long-term funding needs of Virginia’s transportation systems, its economy and our citizens.”
The Chamber feels strongly that five principle themes must guide any solution:
1. All funding options should be left on the table as long as possible.
2. The Commonwealth needs at least an additional $1 billion in sustainable funding per year.
3. It is imperative that this solution be reached during this legislative session as promised by our elected leaders.
4. Options such as tax increases should not be ruled out, but only considered as a measure of last resort.
5. No specific industry should be forced to shoulder an inequitable burden of this solution.
“With a mosaic of solutions proposed to address statewide transportation funding, the Chamber urges members of the General Assembly to include regional mechanisms to solve regional problems in any final transportation solution,” said Chamber President & CEO William D. Lecos. “Governor Kaine and members of General Assembly should be congratulated for keeping their promises to make transportation a priority in the 2006 legislative session.”
# # #
http://www.fairfaxchamber.org/index.php?src=news&refno=6&category=Chamber%20Press%20Release
Wow.
He's yours if you want him, 37th senate district.
I perfer the guy that's been there with all of us, standing shoulder to shoulder doing both the good times and bad. A guy who doesn't abandon his principles or runs a shady campaign. I''ll stick with the guy who is universally respected. Steve Hunt has never changed once in his political life. Yes he's lost some races, but he was running when precious few "rising stars" would chance it. He was the same guy every time, the same candidate every time. Flannery has the friends in Richmond - the lobbyists he worked for, the Speaker, the Senate caucus who is threatening to not send any money to ths critical race if we nominate Hunt (sounds very Dick Saslaw-ish to me, Tommy Norment). Or do we go with a guy willing to play dirty tricks, willing to get paid to lobby for higher taxes, and someone so willing to smear a good Republican and conservative? I'll stick by the guy I can trust.
Again..."plagiarism"
Posted by: Bwana | July 29, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Now that we have disposed of the spelling matter...
Thirty years ago the NOVa GOP in primary after primary for GA seats consistently faced a choice of nominating a young person with credentials in lobbying or government, few or obscure community connections, and conservative credentials v. an older opponent with sturdy community roots and a record of achievement who was not quite as spiffy as the Young Gun.
The Young Guns were consistently nominated, and consistently lost the general elections.
I hope the 37th is not a case of deja vu...
Posted by: Bwana | July 29, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Chris,
Once again your blog posts are written without checking all the facts. Your accusations of Flanary are absurd and 100% incorrect.
As I understand it, he did work for the House Caucus that cycle, spending a few days, to several weeks, on 17 different races statewide. He spent a few weeks helping Morris' campaign get off the ground, which included building walk sheets, developing a campaign plan and teaching him how to door knock. Jason's role in this election was temporary and very specific. He was not responsible for the actions of the Morris campaign using the radio piece. In fact, he didn't know anything about this news article weeks after it had been written, and after he had moved on to another race. Morgan was a first time candidate, who was convicted of threatening to kill his ex-wife, and I can only imagine that he and his consultants decided it was better to blame the guy who was only around for a few weeks, rather than accept blame for this radio ad.
Also, Jason worked for the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, but he did not support or advocate for any tax increases. While Jason worked at the Chamber, they endorsed Jerry Kilgore for Governor and Ken Cuccinelli for State Senate. The only time Ken has been endorsed by the Chamber was when Jason was there. In addition, Jason led the fight to cut taxes for government contractors, by eliminating the sales tax on services, and capped commercial real estate property taxes in Fairfax. Jason has a record and it's one of cutting taxes.
I know that you are upset by the fact that this election makes 7 unique elections that Steve has now run for and that he's only won one time. Steve is a great guy who has fought hard to elect many folks in Fairfax County, but at the end of the day we have to nominate a conservative that can beat Marsden and Steve can't. I hope that you discontinue your false and incorrect accusations about Jason Flanary and instead start talking about why we must defeat Dave Marsden.
Posted by: Justin Boykin | July 29, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Justin - settle down.
First off, I stand by what I wrote. The candidate himself, Mr. Morris, told the paper it was Flanary. He was the candidate and that was a story done at that time, not looking back. That's amatuer hour for a consultant and it speaks to his judgement. And if Morris is such a bad guy, what was Flanary doing working for him?
Secondly, on Steve's record of elections. My understanding is you guys are counting where he lost the Springfield school board nomination to Scott Martin in 2003. But then Martin LOST election (in Springfield!), while Steve went on to win COUNTYWIDE! Secondly, you guys counted when Steve filed paper work to run for Congress in 2008. HE NEVER RAN. That's not a loss. Your putting this in a vacum where circumstances somehow don't count. And one of his losses was in 2007, perhaps the worst year EVER to run as Virginia Republican and he still nearly squeaked in when there was a murderer's row of NOVA GOPers, including the incumbent congressman's WIFE! So yes he's lost some races, but lets not pretend like idiots that he's lost races running in hard R areas. This is where you guys are losing people. Folks like Steve, and know that he's run hard and fought the good fights. The doubt is already there, what you donkeys are doing is trying to humiliate a guy everyone likes. And the more you bring up those loses, the more people will remember him fighting those fights when it was so unpopular to be a Republican.
I've seen Steve everywhere I go since I got active in 2006. I'd never seen or heard of Jason Flanary until this year. You guys can try and belittle and demean him all you want, but Steve Hunt has been fighting the good fight in Northern Virginia while Flanary was stealing radio ads and lobbying for higher taxes.
And nice dodge on the HB3202 record. Hiding behind Ken Cuccinelli is something a lot of faux-conservatives like to do to blind us these days. Nothing you just wrote contradicts that the chamber supported higher taxes in 2006, and Flanary was a lobbyist for them. Nothing. Second of all, they couldn't have endorsed Kilgore and Cuccinelli the same time because they didn't run together. I'm willing to bet Janet Oleszek's buffoonry had more to do with Ken's endorsement and not Jason Flanary.
Posted by: Chris | July 29, 2011 at 04:23 PM
First I love how you're a man of convenience, you are quoting the same paper that you would otherwise scold daily for not delivery facts and real news. But because that article was written in favor of your current argument it has to be true..?
Secondly, lets not pretend like idiots that Steve hasn't lost races when we've needed him to win; minus one. And if you haven't heard of Jason Flanary its because unlike Steve he hasn't worn a "Steve Hunt for..." lapel sticker EVERYWHERE for the past 8 years. Instead of only promoting himself like Steve, Jason has been standing next to Steve and other conservatives trying to help get them elected. Jason was there when Steve lost that first election and when he won at large, Jason has been there ever since working to move conservatives in this area forward. I see a lot of the same faces everywhere I go too, doesn't mean they can win a race and it surely doesn't mean they are the right man for the job.
And nice try on calling me out on a dodge when youre the one dodging on Steve's record. Hiding behind false claims and unsupported newspaper articles you convenience conservatives like to spin the story in your friends favor, they might be hiring writers at NBC. Nothing you wrote contradicts the fact that Steve cant beat Marsden, has not run a good campaign in the past, and is the one going negative in this race. If you want to hear someone "belittle and demean" go listen to Steve where ever he is this weekend and tell me how much time he spends on attacking Flanary instead of focusing on the issues. Flanary doesn't have to say anything Steves record speak for itself.
Posted by: Justin Boykin | July 30, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Chris,
Your ignorance of the facts proves why not everyone should be a blogger because you do have a responsibility to “report” the truth. Just because Morris told the paper it was Jason, does not mean anything. Are you telling me that a candidate has never lied? Has never blamed something on a staff member when it was expedient to do so? As Justin pointed out above, this guy was convicted of attempted murder so his integrity is a bit in question.
As was also explained, Jason was working for the Speaker at the time. I’m going to step out there and say he probably did not get his choice of assignments, but rather traveled to various campaigns at the request of Mr. Howell.
As for his loss record: True or False: Steve running against Scott was a unique election for a particular seat? The answer is true. Yes, he went on to win in 2003 Countywide but that is irrelevant. He lost a race for the Springfield GOP nomination. Furthermore, did Steve open up an FEC account to run for Congress? Yes, he did. It was noted that he withdrew from that race but he took the steps to run right after his “narrow” loss in 2007. As for that narrow loss, a loss is a loss. What does it matter if it is 1 vote or 1,000?
I know you are busy at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and for the life of me I cannot recall seeing you knocking on doors or making calls, so I can understand why you might not know who Jason is. But for those of us involved, we know him as a man who has worked hard for conservative causes and great folks like Tim Hugo and others.
This isn’t about demeaning Steve. I agree with you he is a nice guy. But his record proves that when he gets to the 5-yard line he cannot get the ball into the end zone (witness 2010). Steve was
given a gift in 2010. He ran in the same political environment as Scott Brown in Massachusetts. The difference? Scott won in a state that has not went Republican since 1984 and Steve lost a District that elected Ken Cuccinelli and went 53% for McDonnell. How is that possible? Because he lacked a good ground game! Not to mention while he might have name recognition, his favorable rating has never been high.
As for your black helicopter theory about “faux conservatives are trying to blind us” what’s your point? Are you telling me that you work for a company that you agree with 100% in terms of its corporate policies? My point is just because you work for an organization does not mean
you must agree with everything that say/do. Just like working for a candidate or an Elected Official, you might not agree with them on everything.
You always come on here and throw up stuff that has no basis in fact, yet you and your 14 readers treat it like gospel. You have no idea what you are talking about because you are not involved and I haven’t seen you on the ground or at a political function in years. Yet you somehow believe you can pontificate on the election because you “heard’ what happened at a County Committee meeting. Why don’t you come to one? Your slanderous accusations of a good man are repulsive and
show how little your truly understand of the political process.
I have little tolerance for people, such as you, that feel it appropriate to just post stuff without getting the other side first. In 2010, it was Herrity, where you concocted this idea that it was the moderates vs. conservatives in a battle for the party’s soul. Now, you are attacking Jason where you just throw stuff up about him, with little to no basis in fact.
Here’s a suggestion: First, learn to spell. It will help you gain credibility if peoplethink you have at least a 10th grade understanding of grammar. Second,stop posting shit that has no basis in fact. Do your research, get both sides and then share with us your opinion. And, if it’s not too much trouble actually do something to help a Republican like knock a door or write a check. Until you do those things, just keep your hands off the keyboard.
Posted by: Making an observation | July 30, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Hey, "Making an Observation" CONSIDERING a run for office is NOT the same as running a race. Puleeze... talk about a stretch. Let's get out the silly-putty shall we?
And how conveniently you and Justin Boykin overlook the HUGE win (in a race where nobody thought he could/would) in the 3-way party canvass for the nomination for the 37th Senate seat. He got more votes than his two opponents combined. Remember that?
Furthermore, he was outspent by (reportedly) $125k to $15k and still crushed the opposition. And let us not forget who ran the race of the opponent who spent that ridiculous sum of money on a ludicrous number of "fluff" mail pieces instead of doing the "ground-game" that is necessary to win... anyone? I'll give you 3 guesses...
Don't get me wrong -- I LIKE Jason. Have always thought he was a good guy. But this latest campaign tactic is not only beneath him, but appears to be (IMHO) an act of desperation in a race where for whatever reason, Jason chooses to tell us all the "reasons why Steve can't win" instead of telling us all the reasons why he can. I think it's sad, and shameful.
Posted by: Gidget in Fairfax | July 30, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Attacking me just proves I've hit a nerve. Makes me chuckle. All this talk about Steve vulnerabilities - makes we wonder how these Keystone Kops will handle a pro like Marsden.
Posted by: Chris | July 30, 2011 at 07:40 PM
A few thoughts:
1. The whole win-loss record argument was dumb to start and getting dumber every moment it continues. Team Flanary is literally arguing semantics. I want to hit my head against a wall that these idiots are going to be the same ones running the campaign against Marsden.
2. Trying to claim that Steve's 5 minutes of consideration to run for the 11th Congressional District as a "loss" is beyond stupid. It manages to make an already dumb argument manage to look positively ridiculous. Again... this is NOT inspiring confidence in the campaign that will be run against Marsden.
3. Morris claimed it was Flanary in the article. Flanary claims it wasn't him (go figure, right?). Anyone claiming the article is surefire proof that Flanary is guilty might want to withhold judgment, but is there any chance there's a source other than the accused for disproving the allegation?
4. Trying to claim that Chris is a "convenience conservative" and should "write for NBC"? I'm going to be generous and assume this guy is just new around here and has no idea how stupid that sounds.
A LOT of us have long had doubts about Steve's electability and I've been reasonably impressed by how Flanary has presented himself over the past few months, but I can't say I've been terribly impressed by Team Flanary over the past few weeks.
C'mon, guys... this is looking like f'ing amateur hour.
Posted by: Not Impressed | July 30, 2011 at 08:57 PM
I would appreciate some help...what small business was Flanary the COO of? He keeps referring to this, but offers no specifics...anyone know the details?
Posted by: Bwana | August 02, 2011 at 06:40 PM
Flanary is the COO of a robocalling/telemarketing/lobbying/etc. business. http://www.ccadvertising.biz/capabilities.html
Posted by: Fairfax conservative | August 04, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Cool...how big is the company? I hate to be such a nudzh, but with so little information readily available about the company, and Flanary making it a cornerstone of his campaign, I am curious.
Posted by: Bwana | August 08, 2011 at 04:12 PM
These links will explain how ccAdvertising really works. Check them out - We do not want such business expertise to run 37th district
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1935078/posts
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=WhoCallsMe+ccAdvertising&btnG=Google+Search&aq=0&aqi=g9&aql=&oq=WhoCallsMe+
http://desertbeacon.blogspot.com/2008/10/flanarys-flummery-northern-nevada-robo.html
http://centerforinvestigativereporting.org/blogpost/20081104theunionofpoliticsandtelemarketing%E2%80%94what039snottolike
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/gabriel_joseph_iii/
http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/20081104_robocalls_confuse_voters/
Posted by: concerned citizen | August 22, 2011 at 05:03 AM