The election has ended and the sun has set. Today, the sun once again rose as it will continue to do under an Obama Presidency. Today, as the smoke clears and we contemplate why we lost and why they won, let’s not get drastic.

I’ve already heard conservatives say that they want to move out of the country or that they want to leave the Republican Party. Please reconsider. If a marriage is broken, we don’t just leave it, we try to fix it. The same should be true of our country. If we don’t like the way things are going, we work to fix it; we don’t abandon it. America has been good to us and we owe it to her to stick this out and preserve her.

On the notion of leaving the Republican Party, some may think this sounds strange coming from me. After all, I’ve been one who refused to join Republican clubs, or affiliate myself with the party because so many politicians have ruined it. But I’ve awakened to a concept that I didn’t get for a while. It’s not those of us who belong to the party that have brought it down. It’s the politicians that the voters have just rejected that have put this black mark on a once great political party. But it is us who will bring this party from the ashes and make it great again. This is our time to start over.

This is our time to rebuild the Republican Party with the values and policies that WE believe in. This is our time to rise up leaders within this party like Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin, and Eric Cantor among others, who espouse conservative values. They are the future of this party’s leadership. We are the future of this party’s base.

Instead of lying down and accepting defeat, we must use this opportunity to start over. We can use the fact that America rejected the same-old, same-old politicians of this party to our advantage. We can use this as our mandate to rebuild a party that will be grounded in true conservative values and actions.

Do not take this as defeat. Take this as redirection. Right-face and march on.

-Matthew J. Cochran writing

“In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed —
they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance.

In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, five hundred years of democracy and peace, and what did they produce? The cuckoo clock.

—From the film The Third Man

With barely more than a week to go, Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama appears set for a finish stronger than the closing weeks of the primary campaign. His biggest risk is overconfidence among his supporters. Unless they feel that ‘fierce urgency of now’ - he may not have enough real voters to bring about all that hope and change.

In Republican circles, the ‘fierce urgency of now’ may prove a uniting factor in the closing days. Senator John McCain has lived his life in service to the United States. But the failure of his campaign staff to effectively let McCain BE McCain - and of the activist Conservative right to fully support him has definitely left a mark. The silver lining for McCain, however, is that Republican voters chose him despite the party apparatus. McCain is the man elected - in closed and open primaries - that voters wanted. Party establishment folks don’t like that fact - but it’s just too darn bad.

Where does that leave us? Who will win? Obama the Prom King, or McCain the Reliable Hero? Frankly, I don’t think anyone can predict it. Polls have proved notoriously inaccurate this season. Obama underperforming. McCain overperforming. One thing is certain: the GOP will lose ground in the US House and US Senate. But the presidential race is far from over. With only 9 days - it might as well be 9 years until the last vote is cast.

Regardless of this election… the truth is this: 2012 is on everyone’s mind already.

If Obama wins, he’ll instantly be in re-election mode. And who is there to challenge him? Sarah Palin seems a natural voice for the ultra-conservative wing of the GOP. But who else might there be? many contenders spring to mind, certainly former Pennsylvania Governor & first DHS Secretary Tom Ridge has made it clear he would have been happy to be on the ticket this year. So maybe he’s got designs on 1600 Penn in the next cycle as a post-McCain moderate. South Carolina’s Mark Sanford could challenge Palin, and be more appealing to fiscal conservatives than she is. McCain’s major rival, Mitt Romney may make a Hillary-esque “I told you so” re-run, never mind that he just is not likable - no matter what Kevin Madden tells us.

Of course, this all begs the ‘magic wand’ treatment. Who would I like to see? US House Chief Deputy Republican Whip Eric Cantor, VA-7. Sure, its a long shot and the Fitzhugh Mafia from the Old Dominion prefer to see him hang in the House and make his play towards a future as Speaker of the US House - and I am sure Cantor could get there. But - ya know, those boys from Richmond need to set him free. Let Americans, real Americans, become acquainted with Eric. He took a prominent role during the energy debate this year - in August - that proved me right on one thing: Eric Cantor may be the most telegenic, articulate, common sense, sexy (yeah - I said it) Conservative in the last 50 years. Slightly younger than Obama, Cantor would find some swooning masses in a fight against Obama in four years.

And what if McCain wins? Who would emerge from Democratic ranks to right the Yellow Submarine that Obama has been piloting this year? Rahm Emmanuel. Just a guess. As ugly as GOP infighting has been - the bloodbath that would ensue after an Obama defeat would be a fascinating bit of political theatre.

Nine days and counting. But remember, ten days from now - the next presidential election begins.

—Media Lizzy

When Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama unveiled Joe Biden as his running mate, the buzz for weeks had been Tim Kaine or Evan Bayh had closed the deal.  On Heading Right with Media Lizzy, I warned folks.  It is often one of the names you don’t see.  Why?  Because that person needs a few days to rehearse, to get the names of staff readied for the Secret Service, plan the events, get the advance teams in place, talk issues and strategy; get integrated into the ticket - and get ready for the campaign.  Talk to the family, organize the kids, get life organized.I was pretty confident about Joe Biden once the Russia v. Georgia conflict occurred, he dropped off the radar - went to Georgia.  And was silent on his return.

Expect the McCain process to be similar.  Missing from the official program, released by the GOP Convention, earlier today are a few names worth noting. Rob Portman, Colin Powell (trial balloon to stick a fork in arrogant Obama staff’s eye), and Eric Cantor.

From The Hill:

Rep. Eric Cantor (Va.), rumored to be on the shortlist of John McCain’s vice presidential candidates, is conspicuously absent from a complete list of speakers at the Republican National Convention.

The list, sent to reporters under the header “Republican National Convention Announces Full Program,” includes the names of all other individuals believed to be on Sen. McCain’s (Ariz.) shortlist.

Cantor was asked earlier this month to undergo the formal vetting process by the McCain campaign and served as one of his most vocal supporters in the House of Representatives.

From my AOL Political Machine colleague, Caleb Howe, who was lucky enough to speak with Eric Cantor earlier today:

I suggested that the week is full of the glamour of Senator Obama’s celebrity. He laughed and remarked that the Republican Convention next week will probably have its share of pomp and circumstance. I’m sure it will, although I’ll note without the American Idol-ready stage. You’re probably engrossed with the idea, like I am, that we might be treated to a 3AM text message that reads “CANTOR” in the next week or so. The Congressman thought that was pretty funny. Hey, he didn’t say we wouldn’t right?

Cantor is a short-lister for a reason. Just as we saw with the Democrats, wooing Virginia will be an important move this election cycle; And Cantor is popular with the base and grassroots. His being here in Denver is a good move for the McCain campaign. News organizations of course relish pulling in the opposition, and Republican voters will enjoy his rapid response to the Dean attack machine. Eric Cantor may be behind enemy lines, but he seems well-armed. After all, isn’t that what a floor fight is all about?

Updated: UPI report on Eric Cantor

#yeswecantor #yeswecantor #yeswecantor (and thanks toJoi the artist for the SuperCantor pic!)

—Media Lizzy

On August 1st, Speaker Nancy Pelosi displayed just how in tune with her book, Know Your Power, she truly is. She decided there would be none of the customary five-minute ‘Special Orders’ speeches made at the end of the session - thus squelching the voices of House Republicans eager to leave some typical parting shots, for the Congressional Record, before the commencement of the five week August recess.

House Republicans, just a dozen or so to begin with, began speaking aloud in the near-empty Chamber. Tourists, a few press in the gallery, were all listening. But Speaker Pelosi turned off the lights, turned off the cameras, and shut off the microphones. The Old Dominion’s own, Rep. Eric Cantor (and potential McCain Veep) was speaking when Speaker Pelosi’s edict “No more debate” came down. She denied direct communication between our elected Representatives with the American people.

The question begs asking: What is she afraid of?

Speaker Pelosi failed to realize something. The House Republicans - finally - were going to take a stand for the American People. For the folks in flyover country. For the long-haul truck drivers and the entry-level commuters. For the single moms and the working dads, whose paychecks barely cover child care and gas, let alone the mortgage and utilities and food. A few enterprising Members of Congress decided they would take the opportunity at hand - and bring Americans onto the Floor of Their House. Boy Scouts, German tourists, Americans on vacation in the Nation’s Capitol, all were escorted onto the Floor to hear passionate and inspiring speeches - not because the words were pretty - but because the Ideas were real.

House Republicans were not debating a controversial social or religious issue. All they wanted… a simple up or down vote on The American Energy Act.

Key provisions:

To increase the supply American-made energy in environmentally sound ways, the legislation will:

• Open our deep water ocean resources, which will provide an additional three million barrels of oil per day, as well as 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, as proposed in H.R. 6108 by Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC). Rep. John Peterson (R-PA) has also worked tirelessly on this issue.
• Open the Arctic coastal plain, which will provide an additional one million barrels of oil per day, as proposed in H.R. 6107 by Rep. Don Young (R-AK);
• Allow development of our nation’s shale oil resources, which could provide an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, as proposed in H.R. 6138 by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI); and
• Increase the supply of gas at the pump by cutting bureaucratic red tape that essentially blocks construction of new refineries, as proposed in H.R. 6139 by Reps. Heather Wilson (R-NM) and Joe Pitts (R-PA).

To improve energy conservation and efficiency, the legislation will:

• Provide tax incentives for businesses and families that purchase more fuel efficient vehicles, as proposed in H.R. 1618 and H.R. 765 by Reps. Dave Camp (R-MI) and Jerry Weller (R-IL);
• Provide a monetary prize for developing the first economically feasible, super-fuel-efficient vehicle reaching 100 miles-per-gallon, as proposed in H.R. 6384 by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT); and
• Provide tax incentives for businesses and homeowners who improve their energy efficiency, as proposed in H.R. 5984 by Reps. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD), Phil English (R-PA), and Zach Wamp (R-TN), and in H.R. 778 by Rep. Jerry Weller (R-IL).

To promote renewable and alternative energy technologies, the legislation will:

• Spur the development of alternative fuels through government contracting by repealing the “Section 526” prohibition on government purchasing of alternative energy and promoting coal-to-liquids technology, as proposed in H.R. 5656 by Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), in H.R. 6384 by Rob Bishop (R-UT), and in H.R. 2208 by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL);
• Establish a renewable energy trust fund using revenues generated by exploration in the deep ocean and on the Arctic coastal plain, as proposed by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA);
• Permanently extend the tax credit for alternative energy production, including wind, solar and hydrogen, as proposed in H.R. 2652 by Rep. Phil English (R-PA) and in H.R. 5984 by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD); and
• Eliminate barriers to the expansion of emission-free nuclear power production, as proposed in H.R. 6384 by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT).

The American Energy is an All of the Above approach. More American energy = More American jobs. It’s not complicated - its real. Since President George W. Bush listed the presidential moratorium on domestic drilling, the price of oil - and gas - has been on a steep decline. Speaker Pelosi likes to use the word ‘hoax’ in relation to expanded oil drilling - but the truth is right in front of us. Lifting the presidential ban had a critical, and postive, effect on the pocketbooks of average Americans.

The American Energy Act represents the ‘compromise.’ It is more an ‘all of the above’ — it’s the Kitchen Sink strategy. Speaker Pelosi continues to play chicken with the American people. And We the People have had enough.

We the People have told the House GOP (and Democrats honestly concerned about a comprehensive energy plan) “#dontgo.” And they have answered back. So far, 100 Members have gone to the House Floor and defended the best interests on the American People. This is our nation.

—Media Lizzy

~Snooper~

Ladies and gentlemen, Leftinistra not included, there are many a speculation as to whom McCain is going to pick as his VP choice. On the right-hand sidebar of our blog, there is a place where folks can do their own speculation and Cantor isn’t on that list. Cantor emerged from the shadows and has pretty much side-swiped the opposition…the Maverick strikes again.

Through the years I have garnered much experience in both casual and intensive observation of the political arena in the USA. One of the most interesting things I have learned is being able to read the press - no pun intended - and I have learned to smell fear hidden within the verbiage.

For instance, some are all atwitter - again, no pun intended seeing that I am now all hooked up with the Twittermania of #dontgo, #dontgomovement and #yeswecantor - about this young lad Eric Cantor. What is interesting in the Lame Stream Media is the CONSTANT reference to his age because he is 2 years younger than Czarbama and there are some that say that Czarbama is inexperienced. Well, as far as I am concerned, it isn’t “age” per se that grants folks “experience”. I am 53 years old and have watched every space launch of NASA since I was a kid. That doesn’t mean that I could go up against a trained astronaut 10 years younger than I because I am “older” and have more “experience”. That is just silly.

By far, Eric Cantor towers over Czarbama in the political arena, and Czarbama is indeed inferior to Eric Cantor. I know the moonbats and Leftinistra won’t like to hear that but, too bad and so sad.

A New York Times piece in the Caucus has a peculiar title…I am not sure if I am barking up the wrong tree but the title is as follows: “Singing Cantor’s Praises”. I wasn’t the only one that noticed this but, does anyone see the “cuteness” in the title? Remember, Cantor is Jewish.

The Jewish Press is also writing about this as is Haaretz. The significance of Jewish press coverage of Eric Cantor escapes me so it must be either blogging fatigue, #dontgo fatigue or something else. As per our Constitution, one’s “religious affiliation” isn’t supposed to be one of those litmus test items of contention.

The three linked articles give good reviews of Eric Cantor but, the fun has only just begun. The more I look into Eric Cantor, the more I like him. Why? Because the Leftinistra are scared silly about him. That’s why. And, whatever will send a Leftinistra socialist hack over the edge frothing at the mouth with venom spewing from their hateful pores and spittle dripping from their scrawny chins, I am all for.

Media Lizzy from Heading Right broke this story on a possible Cantor VP slot LONG before the Lame Stream tried to claim it. Since then, the following have also reported, in the order of which I ran across them and this is the Short List: Gateway Pundit - Right Truth - STACLU - TAB - Hot Air - TWT - more to follow. These are just a few that I have collected. AS time goes by, I will store other notable articles and posts in my public reader.

Not one VP possibility on the GOP side has received the kudos that Eric Cantor has received in the hundreds of posts and articles that I have read. All of the others have received kudos but they have also received very negative responses from the Conservasphere. Eric Cantor, in my opinion is a Three-Legged Conservative.

My sources confirm what the Associated Press, and now my fellas at POLITICO are reporting:  the presidential campaign of John McCain have requested the personal and financial docs necessary to vet Chief Deputy Republican Whip Eric Cantor for Vice President.

“McCain needs to do something different,” said Chris LaCivita, a top Virginia Republican strategist. Citing his youth, ties to the business community, strong relationship with conservative activists and proven ability to raise money, LaCivita said Cantor “fits all the bills”

Amen! Note my last turn in the AOL Hot Seat - where I asked if we would see a McCain-Cantor ticket.
Update: Dr. Richard Land, of the Southern Baptist Convention  has endorsed Eric Cantor as VP.

Cross posted at Media Lizzy & Friends