Message from the Chairman

This week the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its decision that the Second Amendment is an individual right. This is an outstanding victory for the Constitution, for gun owners, and for America. We can savor the moment, but only for a moment. With this victory comes a cold splash of reality. The good news is that it was a 5-4 decision. The bad news is that it was a 5-4 decision and followed two decisions that didn't sit right with many Americans: that the death penalty was cruel and inhuman treatment for pedophiles and that the U.S. would have to use international standards for trials for suspected terrorists, limiting the use of military tribunals.

This is a wake-up call. The President makes appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court. If you think these votes didn't go the way they should or were too close for comfort, hopefully, one reason we have to get John McCain elected is now completely clear.

There are two judicial races on the August 26 ballot for the 6th Circuit Court (Pasco and Pinellas).
Group 6: Violet Assaid, Mary Handsel, Bruce Howie
Group 8: Kenneth Foote, Susan Gardner, William Angus Williams

I believe these candidates have websites for you to review.

Also, on the primary calendar is the school board race. Three out of five school board members control a 1.25 billion dollar budget. This is an important race to evaluate the candidates. There is candidate contact information here.

The St. Pete Times called me today to ask me about a lawsuit that the Democratic Party filed in the District 1 County Commission race to remove the write-in candidate so that Democrats can vote in that race. Check the St. Pete Times. I’ll give an update in next week’s edition.

Rep. John Legg and Congressman Gus Bilirakis were honored at the recent Pasco NRA Dinner. Rep. Legg was out of town with his family, but Congressman Bilirakis, who has an A+ rating with the NRA, was able to attend.

If you haven’t seen Chairman Jim Greer’s message, click here to view.

Bill Bunting, Chairman
Republican Party of Pasco
727-862-1063 / pascogop@yahoo.com