Independents out Number Republicans and Democrats, and the Trend Will Continue

Written by Roberta Biros

On May 21st, the Pew Research Center published a report titled “Independents Take Center Stage in Obama Era”. In it, they outline the trend in political values since 1987 [read the full survey HERE]. The analysis examines the changes in the selection of political parties by registered voters in the United States. The most interesting tidbit from the survey is that the number of Independents is currently at its highest level in 70 years. During the past 5 months, both the Democratic and Republican parties have LOST voters who are moving to “Independent” column. A summary chart is displayed at right, but CLICK HERE to view the full chart from Pew Research.

Currently, Independents represent 39%, Democrats represent 33%, and only 22% are Republicans. Most important (from my own experience) is this trend may likely continue.

This story first caught my attention on the Glenn Beck Program (on Fox News Channel). On his review of the survey, Glenn pointed out that Independents “tend to be fiscally conservative, socially liberal/liberatian, and strong on national security”. They also embrace “common sense fiscal responsibility and individual freedom”. Gee . . . it sounds like just the thing this County needs. It is no wonder everyone is jumping from the Republican and Democratic bandwagons.

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Rep. Dick Stevenson’s Bill Aims to Help Retailers and Boosts State Tax Revenue

As per a Radio Feed from the House Republican Caucus:

Legislation that will help retailers clear out their inventory of non-fire safe cigarettes was approved today in the Pennsylvania House. Rep. Dick Stevenson (R-Mercer/Butler), author of the proposal, said the legislation helps retailers to recoup their expenses and ensures state government will not lose valuable tax revenues in this challenging economic climate. The bill now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

Download the full story (audio file) HERE

Download the bite from Stevenson (audio file) HERE

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Rep. Kathy Rapp says Only You Can Stop The I-80 Highway Tax

LEGISLATOR ANNOUNCEMENT

In an open letter to taypayers, Representative Kathy Rapp says that “Only You Can Stop The I-80 Highway Tax”. [click here to READ MORE]

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I-80 Update: Smith, Gabler, Oberlander Denounce Latest House Democrat Efforts to Resurrect I-80 Tolling Scheme

Thursday May 28, 2009
Northwestern PA motorists and businesses should not be forced to foot the bill for excessive state government spending

House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson County) and Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong) strongly criticized members of the House Democrat Policy Committee, who during a state Capitol hearing Tuesday urged Department of Transportation Secretary Allen Biehler and the Rendell administration to resubmit the twice rejected Interstate 80 tolling application to the Federal Highway Administration.

“Having the users and families of I-80 shoulder the transportation costs was wrong last year and is worse now as people are trying to make ends meet,” Smith said. “It’s easy to support more taxes if someone else is paying, but I don’t hear these same folks talking about tolling I-95 in Southeast Pennsylvania.”

[read the full story HERE]

I-80 Update: Local Lawmakers Urge Opposition to Democrats’ New Strategy to Toll I-80

State agencies beginning talks to resubmit application to federal government

As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plan to meet to discuss resubmitting an application to toll Interstate 80, several local lawmakers are calling on residents, commuters, business owners and others to continue voicing their opposition to policymakers at the federal level.

Reps. Russ Fairchild (R-Union/Snyder), Merle Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), David Millard (R-Columbia) and Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) are urging people living and working along the I-80 corridor in the upper Susquehanna Valley to continue their opposition to the highway being tolled.
[read the full story HERE]

Discussion of funding cuts for state parks seen as ‘scare tactics’

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ talk about closing 35 to 40 state parks is nothing more than “scare tactics,” according to state Sen. [read comments and the full story HERE]

Impact of budget plan on Pa. state parks debated

The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The head of the agency that runs Pennsylvania’s 117 state parks says at least 35 of them would have to close under the budget plan that passed the state Senate.

[read the full story HERE]