An Editorial on Immigration

The Omaha World-Herald has a nice editorial about immigration, which supports the Hagel plan.

Responsible Balance - If both sides on immigration furl their flags, they might see wisdom behind Hagel proposal.

Sober realism - a state not easily reached amid dueling cries of "racism" and "amnesty" - dictates that 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants cannot simply be thrown out of this country. Their numbers ought not grow further, but those who are already here need to be assimilated or encouraged to go home and try to come back legally.

Read the full opinion piece here (registration required).

Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, Immigration

"Hard Truth Cannonball"

The Delaware Grapevine has a nice piece on Senator Hagel's recent visit to Delaware to campaign for a fellow Republican.

Forget the "Straight Talk Express" from John McCain's presidential campaign. U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel blew into Delaware on Monday evening with something like the "Hard Truth Cannonball."

"This election is going to be, I think, one of the most defining in modern times. It frames the presidential election for 2008," Hagel said. "We need to reflect a little on our leadership. That analysis is going to be forced on us. That's the way the world works. That's the way politics works."

He predicted these early years of the 21st Century would be as transformational as the time after World War II, but he saw opportunity if the party could produce "clear-headed leadership, very solid leadership."

Check out the whole story.

Six Priorities, revisited

Chuck Hagel sent a letter to his supporters last month that outlined what he considered to be six critical issues that we need to address as a nation. Click on the topic you'd like to see.

1.) Entitlement Reform
2.) Health Care
3.) Deficit Spending
4.) Energy
5.) Foreign Policy and Trade
6.) Immigration Reform

Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, Entitlement Reform, Health Care, Deficit Spending, Energy, Foreign Policy, Immigration

The Senate Revisits Immigration

The Immigration issue is back in the news as the Senate has come back from their break and is back on the issue, with the starting point being the bill by Chuck Hagel and Mel Martinez. President Bush got into the issue more than he has in the past as he met with Senators on the issue.

Sen. Chuck Hagel left a White House meeting with President Bush on Tuesday encouraged about the prospects for comprehensive immigration reform this year.

“I think this advanced the effort considerably,” Hagel said in a telephone interview after Bush discussed immigration legislation for more than an hour with 16 senators.

“This was the most engaging and direct exchange I’ve seen in my 10 years here between a president and members of Congress,” Hagel said.

Bush “really got into it,” the Nebraska Republican said. “He feels very passionately about this issue.”

From Hagel heartened by immigration meeting with Bush

Another good article discussed the potential 2008 Presidential candidates and the immigration issue.

Several potential 2008 GOP presidential candidates, including Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee, Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, and immigration hard-liner Rep. Tom Tancredo of Colorado, have staked out the highest-profile positions on the issue.

From the Green Bay Press-Gazette

The 2006 election

While here at Chuck Hagel for President we are more concerned with the 2008 election, Senator Hagel has been working towards keeping a Republican House and Senate in the 2006 election. Recently Senator Hagel was in Delaware supporting Republican Mike Castle in his reelection campaign.

Senator Hagel had this to say:

"I have always been impressed by Congressman Mike Castle's leadership in the House of Representatives -- he forms a bridge across the aisle on issues ranging from education and health care to ethics reform. This type of independence and dedication is what we need more of in the U.S. Congress and what Delaware needs in the House of Representatives. I am proud to call Mike Castle a colleague, a friend and a statesman."

From Sandhills

"Castle said he's pleased to have Hagel coming in because it gives Delaware Republicans a chance to get a closer look at a possible presidential contender."

Delaware Online also has a story about the visit, which the above quote is from.

Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, 2006 Election, Castle

Interest Group Ratings - Technology and Communication

Straight from Project Vote Smart: Senator Hagel's ratings by interest groups on Technology and Communication.

2003-2004 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Information Technology Industry Council 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2002 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Information Technology Industry Council 100 percent in 2002.

2000 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Information Technology Industry Council 100 percent in 2000.

1999 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Information Technology Industry Council 100 percent in 1999.

From Project Vote Smart
Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, Technology, Communication, Issues

Vote for Chuck Hagel in the April poll at The Next Prez

If you have a minute, go to The Next Prez and vote in their monthly poll on who should get the Republican nomination (and the other polls) in 2008. Chuck Hagel was in the top five last month and is currently in second place in this run off poll. Go and vote before the month is over (the poll is on the right hand side, part way down the page).

Hagel 2008 merchandise links

There is already Chuck Hagel 2008 merchandise out there, mainly in the form of bumper stickers and t-shirts. Buy and display proudly to support Chuck Hagel!

Vote for Chuck T-Shirt
Bumper Sticker

Chuck Button, 10 pack, 100 pack
Hagel Button, 10 pack, 100 pack
Six different bumper sticker styles, scroll down to find them
Six different mug styles, scroll down to find them
Twelve different t-shirt styles, scroll down to find them

Update:
Chuck Hagel shirts, bags, stickers, and buttons
An amazing assortment of Chuck Hagel for President items



Note: None of these are sold through this site, these links all take you to external sites.
Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, Election 2008, Merchandise

No Child Left Behind

Here's a tidbit that 1) teachers, 2) states rights people, 3) and fiscal conservatives will like:

Senator Hagel voted against No Child Left Behind.

Interest Group Ratings - Property issues

The American Land Rights Association has given Senator Hagel a 100% rating for 2000, 2001, 2001-2002, and 2003.

From Project Vote Smart
Technorati tags: Sen. Chuck Hagel, Property Rights, Voting Record, Issues

Health Care

The following is from what Chuck Hagel wrote the letter mentioned an earlier post. Health care reform was one of his six priorities, and has been addressed on this blog previously.

“Health care is an issue that touches the lives of every American. As medical technologies advance and our population ages, health care will become increasingly important to maintaining American’s competitive position in the world. Last month, I created a health care commission made up of 15 prominent health care professionals from all sectors of the health care industry. The commission will review the current state of health care and present recommendations to develop a sustainable, accessible, affordable, and quality health care system for the 21^st Century.”

Technorati tags: Chuck Hagel, Health Care

Interest Group Ratings - National Security

Straight from Project Vote Smart: Senator Hagel's ratings by interest groups on National Security.

2003-2004 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Center for Security Policy 82 percent in 2003-2004.

2003-2004 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the American Security Council 100 percent in 2003-2004.

2002 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the American Security Council 75 percent in 2002.

1998-2002 Senator Hagel supported the interests of the Center for Security Policy 65 percent in 1998-2002.

From Project Vote Smart
Technorati tags: Sen. Chuck Hagel, National Security, Voting Record, Issues