There were no surprises and the Republicans pulled no punches in their opening night speeches, Tuesday night. The afternoon speakers may have drawn a line in the sand with the mantra of “We Did Build It,” chastising the President on spending, and attacking Obamacare, but the presentation in prime time colored that line bright yellow and made it glow in the dark.

Never in the modern era has there been such a stark difference between both the parties and their plans. The Democrats have not only doubled down on policies and rhetoric attacking the wealthy and successful, but their convention speakers feature Sandra Fluke, and a slate of liberal woman’s rights advocates. Fluke will be the talking poster girl for free birth control and a woman’s right.

Tuesday night the republicans took a battering ram to that poster with a night interwoven with political stars, and videos from small business owners of company’s like Sollman Electric Co. and Kimmie Candy to make their case clear.

In the 2008 campaign Obama’s off the cuff remark to Joseph Wurzelbache “lets spread the wealth,” became an instant line of attack for John McCain and made “Joe the Plumber” a house hold name. It did not, however, provide a lightening bolt of anger toward the president beyond conservative circles. The offensive nature of the statement motivated conservatives, but did not ignite within independents or moderate democrats.

“You didn’t build it,” is this years’ bad off-the-cuff comment by the President, and has ignited a big firestorm of opposition. Romney, like McCain before him, has jumped on the comment. Further, the RNC and Romney campaign are betting it will resonate further than the “Spread the wealth” comment; enough to make it the center of the convention speeches. Still, there is a question if this theme will have legs beyond the convention. The view that a person is not responsible for their success, but government is a large part of it, rankles the hairs of a lot of people. However, this election does not hinge on that notion. It hinges on the economy, jobs, the debt, and the President’s failure to fix any of those problems. The largest bat to swing is the stark reality that things are worse in those areas than when the President took office three years ago.

Governors John Kasich and Mary Fallin of Oklahoma were the best warm up speakers for the anticipated Ann Romney and Chris Christie speeches, and clearly articulated the vision the republicans believe is best for America. Kasich’s message was powerful because it showcased the results he has facing the fiscal problems of Ohio. He focused on the results in contrast to Obama. Fallin, followed a short time later further explaining the work involved in the business her and her husband started, and the results of fiscal logic in her state.

Congressional Candidate for Utah, Mia Love was inspiring, but had too short of a speech. Perhaps this was due to the changing schedule, but this was a mistake by convention organizers. Love is a Tea Party favorite. She is another example that belies the accusations from Democrats that the republican Party is against minorities. Her intelligence and poise make it clear she is no token. Judging by the round of applause she received the attendees at the convention felt that same.

Rick Santorum and Chris Christie were both expected to produce fireworks, but both stayed in their lanes. Santorum gave a typical social conservative message, but did not step on anyone’s toes. Christie followed the example of Kasick and spoke at length about telling the truth to the American politic, and focusing on solving problems, not winning elections. Christie is at his best in a debate or press conference, but it is clear that he held back.

Arthur Davis, perhaps fired the most direct shots at President Obama. A black male who voted and supported Obama in 2008, he has disavowed the Democrats, and switched parties. He went after the President, going so far as to steal his 2008 chat, “yes we can” with a spin on controlling debt, creating jobs, and supporting business owners.

The jewels of the night were of course Nikki Haley, and Ann Romney. Haley spoke at length about the 30 year journey her family made to create a successful business. She detailed how “They Built It,” and the lessons learned from watching her parents. More powerful was her description of the fight she had with the Obama administration and the National Labor Relations Board regarding Boeing opening a plant in South Carolina. As a right to work state, South Carolina is not a favorite place of unions. Haley’s description of how, no union jobs were being lost due to the plant, but Obama’s fight to block was an effective illustration of how the President has harmed the growth of jobs.

Ann Romney roll was clear, to humanize and personalize her husband. It’s a role that First Ladies and potential First Ladies all share; make their husbands seem like regular guys. What Ann did however was begin a narrative that explains the true path her husband took to his business success. Her description of their marriage beginning in a $75 a month, basement apartment is one that all Americans can relate too, and have not heard from Romney himself.

This will need to change. Few Americans can relate to someone with 240 million dollars, but all Americans love a person that starts from nothing and makes that kind of money. Romney will need to talk about his beginnings, and his wife seems to be the best person to bring this part of her husband alive. It is difficult for most people to dismiss a wife that recounts the struggles and work she saw and experienced first hand.

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The big gun of Republican party, Chris Christie, may have been scheduled for 10:30 the first night of the convention, but that did not stop the day’s first speakers from starting the fire fight early. Congressional candidates from across the country took to the stage and laid down the foundation for this season’s election campaign.

Each speaker incorporated the basic tenets of the conservative movement; smaller government, low taxes, and protection of life, all consistent themes in the conservative movement. Nothing new there. The real shots were measured in words about the results President Obama has gotten in the last three years. Congressional candidate John Archer of Iowa summed up the theme best,

“We’ve had three years of hope and change. Where has it gotten us?”

The strategy is clear, hammer away at the economic results the President has in his first term. President Obama’s record was target rich environment that each speaker took advantage to full effect. With two debt clocks clicking away overhead, each speaker made the case against the spending that has occurred under the President. Each ridiculed the idea of government creating success with a money giveaway. The consistent applause line was any statement proclaiming that, in fact, business owners did build their success, not government.

The die has has been cast and all republicans, at all levels will make this about the Obama record, unemployment, fighting tax hikes, and repealing Obamacare. The themes of the Romney campaign, “We Built It,” and “We Can Do Better,” are not just displayed in large placards around the hall, but found their way into each speech. Congressman, Tim Scott, summed up the feeling in the room succinctly by singing out, “Hit the road jack, and don’t you come back, no more, no more, no more.”

At the end of his rendition the crowd exploded in applause.

Convention speeches, especially the early afternoon ones, are staged affairs with every candidate attempting to get their 15 minutes of time. Circulated talking and speech points are passed and shared like candy bar freebies. No matter what the primary was like, everyone supports (in their speeches) the presumptive nominee. This true of all political conventions. The Republican convention is no different in that way, but there is a difference this year. There is a palpable air of urgency in each candidate.

This is expressed in the believe that the fiscal cliff the country is heading for could remake the country in a way the founders never wanted, envisioned, or would have agreed too. This is the election that could determine the future for not just the next decade, but for a generation. It is not just empty speeches, there is belief and fear as well. Stronger than either was a determination in each speaker’s voice that they were committed to winning the election and supporting Mitt Romney.

And this was just the warm up acts. The main act tonight of Ann Romney and Chris Christie will truly set this convention off.

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Manassas, U.S.A — Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, issued the following statement regarding possible Republican vice presidential candidates:

“There is growing unease among conservatives that the ‘short list’ of vice presidential candidates Mitt Romney has under consideration has too many establishment-type Republicans and few, if any, principled small government constitutional conservatives.

“Conservatives want Governor Romney to win, but there are millions of independent and right-of-center voters who are disillusioned with business-as-usual in Washington.  To attract their votes, Romney needs a running mate who is a small government constitutional conservative, not an establishment insider.

“As the names of establishment Republican personalities like Ohio Senator Rob Portman, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Congressman Paul Ryan, or ‘outside the box’ choices like General David Petraeus (whose political views are largely unknown) have surfaced, the names of small government constitutional conservatives, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker have faded into the background.”

Viguerie offered concise critiques of the conservative bona fides of Pawlenty, Portman, Rice, Christie, Ryan, and Petraeus in recent articles on ConservativeHQ.com.

Tim Pawlenty: Prairie State Michael Bloomberg. “Far from being a conservative, when it comes to the nanny state versus individual liberty, Tim Pawlenty is more of a Prairie State Michael Bloomberg than a Reagan Republican.”

Has Romney Already Chosen Portman for VP? “He [Portman] may be unknown to many Republicans across the country, but in Washington–where he worked in both Bush administrations–he is the ultimate insider. He’s also the ultimate Bush Republican.”

Rice for VP a Slap in the Face to Conservatives: “Given her association with some of the worst neo-con inspired policies of the Bush era, putting Condoleezza Rice at the top of the VP short list is an insult to the conservatives, Tea Partiers, and independents who are looking for a break with the old establishment Republican Washington that Rice represents.”

Chris Christie: He’s a Brawler; But He is No Conservative “This cycle it is more important than ever that we make sure Republicans nominate a reliable conservative, not just another business-as-usual Republican politician. Chris Christie may be a brawler, but there is no record showing he can be relied upon to put his formidable talents behind many key elements of the conservative agenda.”

Paul Ryan for Vice President? Not So Fast. “Many in the conservative movement admire Ryan’s gumption in proposing a plan to return the federal government to fiscal sanity. The problem is the Ryan plan uses the Washington, DC version of sanity.”

General David Petraeus for VP — Patriot Yes, Conservative? “General Petraeus is a much-admired man who has ably, and sometimes brilliantly, served our country in the best tradition of the American armed forces. However, if Governor Romney is seriously considering David Petraeus for Vice President, he cannot and must not be given a pass on a thorough examination of Petraeus’ commitment to the small government constitutional conservative agenda.”

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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced a decision to merge three south jersey schools, Rowan University, Rutgers University, and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), earlier this year. Despite this, Rutgers University’s strong opposition to the merger has recently forced a change in the original bill.

Rowan officials, including President Ali Houshmand, had first proposed a plan to completely unite the Universities. Rowan would take financial control of Rutgers-Camden, while the Rutgers-Newark Campus would control the Robert Wood Johnston Medical School, part of the UMDNJ in Newark. New committee boards would have been established to govern the individual campuses under one committee that served the three campuses as a whole.

In theory, these changes would turn Rowan into a research school, receiving more state grants to fund projects. New programs would be created by combining the resources of each of the schools, including a biomedical engineering program, a medical school, and a law school.

The cost of the plan was barely discussed, but it is estimated that Rutgers-Camden would have payed $40 to $50 million dollars, with Rowan paying even more.

January polls showed that 59 percent of registered voters did not favor the takeover, and a mere 19 percent supported it. In February, these numbers only changed slightly, with 57 percent opposed and 22 percent in favor. On the other hand, Chris Christie was standing strong in his plan, saying “I’m supporting my plan, we’re going to move forward with my plan and my plan’s going to be implemented. The people of Rutgers-Camden need to get ready for that.”

Vibiana Cvetkovic, a librarian at Rutgers-Camden, summed up the majority of opposition: “If this bill becomes a law, we will be an eviscerated institution, a RINO – Rutgers in Name Only.”

The new proposition favors each of the Universities better, and promises Rutgers the independence they desire.  Rowan will still be labeled a Research University and receive higher funding, but Rutgers will keep financial control of each of its three institutions. The two universities will still merge undergraduate and graduate programs to offer more options to south jersey students, but each school will keep their own name and funding.

State Senator Donald Norcross, a strong supporter of the new plan, believes the merger will help New Jersey. “The fact of the matter is New Jersey ranks 47th out of 50 in its support for higher ed,” he said. “Now we have restructured higher ed in New Jersey so that we will go from 47th to the top tier.”

Rutgers President Richard McCormick agrees. “Overall, the bill appears to advance the goals of enhancing medical education across the state, boosting Rutgers’ standing among its peer institutions.”

The new bill passed in the Assembly with a vote of 60-18.  In the Senate, the bill passed 29-9. Chris Christie, though adamant that reform is needed within the higher education system in New Jersey, still supports the new bill.

Board meetings still must decide the fate of UMDNJ, and whether or not the medical school will still fall under Rutgers’ control. Under this new bill, the proposition is for all of UMDNJ to belong to Rutgers-Newark, besides the University Hospital.

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On April 16, 2012, New Jersey issued its first permit to grow medical marijuana legally to Greenleaf Compassion Center in Montclair. This is their first step toward enacting medical marijuana distribution centers.

Greenleaf can begin to grow their first crop, which can take around three to four months, but they still face another obstacle before the full plan can be put underway.  The center needs another permit before it may begin distributing to patients.

New Jersey is one of 16 states, plus the District of Columbia, that has laws involving medical marijuana. An additional 12 states have pending legislation to legalize marijuana.  In New Jersey, marijuana is approved for a number of chronic conditions, including seizure disorders, severe pain, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Other states identify similar diseases, but vary in their laws for growing and distribution.

The New Jersey law, New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, was signed two years ago by Governor Jon Corzine, but the law has yet to move forward.  Greenleaf Compassion Center, with its CEO Joe Stevens, wrote a letter one month ago to the governor accusing him of purposefully delaying distribution unnecessarily.

According to the Star Ledger, Stevens had a verbal promise from John O’Brien, Jr., head of the legalization program, to begin growing under a preliminary permit.  The promise was later retracted and, to Stevens’ frustration, halted the implement of distribution centers once more.

Following this, a local doctor and his patient, who have been waiting for the centers to become active, sued the state for causing undue suffering to patients by purposefully dragging its feet to delay the program. Despite skepticism, Governor Chris Christie asserts that he is not against the law. However, the first permit was issued only a week after these events took place with no ‘preliminary permit’ needed.

As of now, the problem lies in individual governments that delay the placement of a distribution center in their town. According to NJ.com, Christie said, ‘If individual municipalities do not want an alternative treatment center in their town, I cannot force them to take one.”

There is also some miscommunication between the distribution centers and the government. According to spokesperson of the New Jersey health department, Donna Leusner, in an article on NJ.com, officials are trying to find a balance between ‘public safety and access for qualified patients.’

Some opponents, such as the state Fraternal Order of Police, believe that the care centers will send the wrong message to youths and become central crime hubs.  Supporters are happy to finally see legal rights for natural pain treatment, and many patients eagerly await the substance that could take their pain away.

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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie renewed his commitment to enacting strong school choice legislation for students in failing school districts during his annual State of the State speech at the State Capitol in Trenton.

The American Federation for Children—the nation’s voice for school choice—praised the governor’s speech as a call to all elected officials to put politics aside and enact legislation that will allow thousands of Garden State students to attend the school of their parents’ choice.

Governor Christie urged legislators to pass the Opportunity Scholarship Act (OSA), which has bipartisan support in the legislature and would create a scholarship tax credit program for children in low-income families who are currently trapped in the state’s lowest performing school districts.

“We applaud Governor Christie for continuing to fight for expanding educational options and his strong commitment to the Opportunity Scholarship Act,” said Betsy DeVos, chairman of the American Federation for Children. “Thousands of families across the state stand with Governor Christie in calling for passage of this important legislation.”

While Christie said he will pursue many education reforms in 2012—including expanding access to charter schools and teacher tenure reform—he made enacting the OSA one of the focuses of his 2012 agenda.

“Opportunity should not be offered to only those in an excellent school district or with parents who have the money to release their children from the prison that is a failing school,” the Governor said during his speech. “Let’s pass the opportunity scholarship act now.” Christie has been a long-time supporter of school choice since taking over as governor two years ago.

In 2010, he was the keynote speaker at the American Federation for Children’s first annual policy summit. ”Democrats including Senators Lesniak and Ruiz, Assemblymen Fuentes and Greenwald, long-time party leaders like George Norcross, and Newark Mayor Cory Booker have voiced their strong support for giving low-income parents this critically important option,” said Kevin P. Chavous, a senior advisor to the American Federation for Children.

“With bipartisan support in the legislature and support from the Governor, it’s time for New Jersey to pass the Opportunity Scholarship Act and give these disadvantaged children immediate hope for a brighter future.”

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Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin finally makes, or at least announces, her decision on the election. She remained quiet on the topic for most of the election season, leaving hope for some of her constituents that she might run, and this late in the game, her silence was announcement enough for most. However, Palin released a statement anyway on Wednesday.

“After much prayer and serious consideration, I have decided that I will not be seeking the 2012 GOP nomination for president of the United States,” said Palin in a statement on her decision.” As always, my family comes first and obviously Todd and I put great consideration into family life before making this decision.

When we serve, we devote ourselves to God, family and country. My decision maintains this order.” During a radio interview on the “Mark Levin Show” shortly after she released her statement, the radio host asked if Palin would run as an independent candidate.

In response to the question she said, “I would assume that a third party would just guarantee Obama’s reelection, and that’s the last thing the Republican party can afford. So the consideration for a third party is not there, no.” “My decision is based upon a review of what common sense conservatives and independents have accomplished, especially over the last year,” Palin explained.

“I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office — from the nation’s governors to congressional seats and the presidency.” The former vice presidential nominee added, “Know that by working together we can bring this country back — and as I’ve always said, one doesn’t need a title to help do it.”

On the “Mark Levin Show”, she elaborated, “Not being a candidate really you’re unshackled and you’re allowed to be even more active.” Rick Perry, the Texas governor who is still barely holding on to front runner status, released a statement after Palin made her announcement. He said, “Sarah Palin is a good friend, a great American and a true patriot.

I respect her decision and know she will continue to be a strong voice for conservative values and needed change in Washington.” Palin’s announcement comes just days after New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stated again that he is not going to run for President, despite the constant media speculation to the contrary.

It seems that much to many Republicans’ disappointment, the current field of contenders is who they will have to chose from come January.
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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced Tuesday that he will not run in the presidential race in 2012. Christie declared his love for his job as Governor: “I’m doing a job that I love in the state I grew up in. In the end, what I always felt was the right decision remains the right decision today — now is not my time.”

Christie said the reason he has made the definitive decision not to run for president is because he feels he is not ready to leave his position as Governor of New Jersey after only 20 months on the job. Christie said he had taken to heart the appeals of influential Republicans and the American public to reconsider an 11th-hour campaign but there is still a lot of work to do with New Jersey adding “my job here isn’t done”.

He said he has a commitment to New Jersey that he simply will not abandon. Christie said he made his decision on Monday evening after spending the weekend with his family and had no communication from his ‘folks’. He said he gathered all the available information and thought about what was right for him and for the state of New Jersey.

Former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, speaking on Monday 3rd said “I know he’s getting advice from all sides.” He added that Christie will make clear soon whether he’s changed his mind stating: “he’s not going to tease anybody”. Back in April this year, Christie told ABC he was categorically not running for president. “You don’t make a decision to run for president of the United States based on impulse.

I don’t feel ready in my heart to be president. Unless I do, I don’t have any right offering myself to the people of this country. It’s much too big a job. And so you have to first feel in your heart that you’re ready and that you want it more than anything else.” Christie was pursued to reconsider by influential Republican donors as well as a handful of elected officials and party activists in vital states.

Reuters reported the only potential candidate left who could make a major impact on the race is former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who is still considering it. She did however state last week the title of president might “shackle” her. Christie’s decision is the last major candidate to fall in the Republican race. There are discussions if he may run for Vice-president instead of the presidential race.

In the words of Christie “So, New Jersey, whether you like it or not, you’re stuck with me.”

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The name Carl Lewis will be on the ballot for the New Jersey senate election this November. Republicans claimed Lewis, a Democrat, was not eligible to run for senate, but much to their dismay, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals overturned previous ruling to take Lewis’ name off the ballot on September 13.

Republicans, including New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, claimed Lewis, who is running for the 8th Legislative District Seat currently held by Dawn Marie Addiego (Rep.), did not fulfill the residency requirements needed to become senator of New Jersey. In Article IV, Section II, Paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution, it states that a senate candidate must have been a legal resident of New Jersey for four years before running for senator.

Lewis, 50, grew up in New Jersey and went to Texas for college. He moved to California after finishing school. In 2005, he bought a pair of condominiums in New Jersey, and in 2007, he bought a house in the same state. However, Kim Guadagno, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State of New Jersey, argued that Lewis bought the house eight days after the election-date cutoff, which is November 8.

Complaints about his residency also stemmed from records showing he voted in California as recently as 2009. The complaint was filed in April, stated that by voting in California in 2009, Lewis was still legally a resident of California, and could not have been a resident of New Jersey at the same time.

Republicans contested Lewis’ candidacy in April, just after announcing that he would be running for Senate. On September 7, a federal district court in Philadelphia decided Lewis did not fulfill the requirements of residency. Lewis and his attorney, Bill Tambussi, contested that decision and appealed to federal and state courts to try to reverse the ruling.

Tambussi opposed arguments that the four-year residency rule helped candidates see which issues were important to voters. In court, he argued that anyone with access to a computer would be able to read about the issues and judge which issues were important.

United States District Court Judge Noel Hillman countered this argument by saying that there was a difference between reading news on the computer and listening to what local people have to say about the issues. However, the judges allowed Lewis’ name to be reinstated on the ballot – though they never issued an official opinion, given the panel room to reconsider the decision if needed.

The decision to reinstate Lewis’ name came just days before printing November ballots was to begin. On September 19, the panel of judges began reconsidering the ruling, and asked both sides to appear in court to answer additional questions.

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The rumors swirling around a potential presidential bid for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie are not ready to die yet. During an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” a former Bush aide stated that Christie is still weighing his options.

“I don’t think Republicans regard this as a strong field,” Michael Gerson, a former George W. Bush speechwriter said. “So there is still talk of people getting in the race. Not just [Sarah] Palin but last week, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey was in Chicago and had two meetings with serious Republican groups from the Midwest.”

“He is actively, I think, considering getting in this race, which would throw things open once more,” he added. “But the desire for that to happen … it shows that they are not happy with the current field, they think it needs to be filled out in an important way. I don’t know if that is going to happen, but the desire for many Republicans to expand this field shows that they are not content with it.”

Many New Jersey residents and voters have praised Gov. Christie for his handling of Hurricane Irene which may have triggered the speculation of his presidential bid again. A new poll found that 54 percent of New Jersey voters approve of the governor.

Angered when beachgoers were not heading the warnings before the storm, Christie announced “Get the hell off the beach,” at a news conference. Christie was praised for his forthrightness, although some criticized his vulgarity. Now, that the storm has passed Christie has told beachgoers to return. “Get the hell back on the beach!” he tweeted before Labor Day.

Christie has insisted in the past that he is not running for president. Of course, there is still speculation around Sarah Palin who has not ruled out a potential run. Despite some republican insiders and political pundits’ unhappiness with the field, voters seem generally satisfied.

An Associated Press-GfK poll released last week found that two-thirds of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents were pleased with the presidential field.

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As if there is not already too many Republicans cooks in the kitchen, former New York governor George Pataki may be considering entering the fray. Although earlier in the year, Pataki dismissed the idea that he would run for the White House, the Republican just can’t seem to help himself when looking at the crazy field out there.

The New York Daily News reports that close advisors to the former governor expect him to make his announcement but no date has been set. Despite his earlier denial, Pataki has been hinting of a possible run.

In June, Pataki told reporters that he would jump in if no one else with a credible chance of winning comes along. Clearly, televangelist Rick Perry, hypnotic Michele Bachmann and the man with a health care problem Mitt Romney are not credible chances. Pataki has relatively liberal social views which make his chance of winning his party’s nomination a degree above nil.

Meanwhile, Republicans voters are still begging for another candidate to enter the race. However, the name Pataki has never been mentioned. Despite Rep. Paul Ryan’s repeat announcement that he will not run for president, it seems his fan base is still encouraging him. Pressure is also mounting on New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Sarah Palin allegedly has not made up her mind yet.

“Do I think the field is complete yet? I would have thought so, but I’ve got to be honest. I think there could be a few more surprises,” said New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Jack Kimball. According to the Wall Street Journal, former Reagan administration official William Bennett has urged Rep. Ryan to consider a presidential bid.

Christie has stated he has no plans to enter the presidential race either. “The intensity of the recruitment efforts has certainly increased to a new level, but nothing has changed in terms of the governor’s plans,” said Christie adviser Mike Du Haime.

Although many thought Perry would be the lifesaver of the party, it only took days for many party insiders to realize that Perry is not going to beat Obama in the general election.

Many big dollar donors are waiting on the sidelines before backing a candidate. Even with the potential of Sarah Palin jumping in and the former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani considering a run, time is running out.

“To develop a national campaign, you have to have been in a serious planning mode for months by now,” said Phil Musser, a Pawlenty adviser.

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Count Paul Ryan out of the presidential race, this time. Rep. Ryan (R-WI) has been floated as a possible presidential contender in an already overcrowded and strange field. But, the congressman says it isn’t happening.

Ryan issued a statement on Monday stating he appreciates supporters urging him to seek the 2012 nomination, but he hasn’t changed his mind about staying out of the race. Ryan is perhaps best known for his budget plan that would slash federal spending on various programs, including Medicare.

Ryan chairs the House Budget Committee. In his statement, he says he hopes the GOP will nominate a candidate committed to an agenda that “restores the promise and prosperity of our exceptional nation.”

Although it still appears that the GOP is searching for the one favorite candidate that could be the “savior.” Many thought Texas Governor Rick Perry would be that candidate but his new campaign has already run into a series of problems. Rumors last week surfaced stating that New Jersey governor Chris Christie would jump into the fold, but Christie’s camp has denied any plants to enter the race.

Meanwhile Rep. Ryan is trying to create more tax loopholes for his largest donors. For months, Ryan has argued that closing tax loopholes would help to pay for his proposed tax cuts in his budget plan.

“We’re talking about keeping revenues where they are, but having a better tax system to collect those revenues with an eye on economic growth and job creation,” he said during an April interview on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.”

He added, “You have to remember, the people in the top tax brackets are the ones who enjoy most of the loopholes and deductions.”

But, his record reflects a different attitude in general. Since Ryan was elected to Congress in 1998, he has tried to create an array of special loopholes specific for his top contributors. For example, S.C. Johnson & Son is one of Ryan’s biggest donors.

Ryan introduced two bills in May 2005 that would have granted the company special exemptions from tariffs. Specifically, his bills sought to suspend duties for imported components of “unique air freshener products … assembled by S.C. Johnson in the United States,” Ryan said during floor remarks at the time. Neither bill advanced.

A year later, Ryan put forward another bill to reduce the duty on S.C. Johnson cleaning appliances “capable of dispensing cleaning solution into a tub or shower enclosure using a button-activated, battery-powered piston pump controlled by a microchip.” That bill didn’t move.

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