The LuLac Edition #616, Oct. 27th, 2008

PHOTO INDEX: SENATORS OBAMA AND McCAIN.

THE FINAL WEEK

We're in the home stretch of a very long campaign. And as the final week begins, it is wise to see where the candidates are ending, how and what they are saying. Democrat Barack Obama began the final week of America's extended presidential campaign in battleground Ohio on Monday, lashing Republican John McCain in a "closing argument" as little more than a clone of unpopular President George W. Bush. Promising a comeback victory, McCain also was in Ohio, repeating his charge that Obama was a tax-and-spend liberal. To me, this arguement on McCain's part is specious because the new President is going to have to concentrate on paying our bills and getting us solvent. In Cleveland, the biggest Ohio city, McCain said Obama had plans for "a trillion dollars of new spending." Having said over the weekend that he and Bush, as fellow Republicans, share some economic philosophies, he reversed himself Monday. McCain seems to be running away from Bush but once in a while tethers himself to the incumbent in an off the cuff remark. McCain added that the difference between himself and Obama was that "he thinks taxes have been too low, and I think that spending has been too high." McCain, claiming he would create millions of jobs, protect savings and get the stock market rising again, spoke after a meeting with economic advisers. They included former rival Mitt Romney and former Housing Secretary Jack Kemp. The weakening U.S. economy has hurt McCain, who has seen his support flagging in national and state polls, forcing him to defend states like Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida — regions once seen as solidly Republican but now shading toward Obama. Later Monday, McCain travels to neighboring Pennsylvania, where Obama leads but McCain is bidding for an upset. McCain is due to speak in Pottsville at 6PM tonight.

THE BAILOUT

While I was for the bailout to the financial institutions, now quite frankly it's starting to tork me off big time. Reports that banks that have recieved funds are now using them for acquisitions to make them bigger and stronger, not to correct the mistakes they made on loans. This is plain wrong and there needs to be a board of oversight to take every dollar loaned and make sure it is use for corrective action and not using tax payer money to grow their business. That is truly corporate welfare. If you ask me, the money would've been spent better in giving each taxpayer $100,000 a piece.

ELECTION TOP 40

CABINET CHOICES #5

OBAMA

If elected, Obama will follow a pragmatic rather than an ideological approach to a Cabinet. Following his Harvard Law Review Presidency, he will fill his Cabinet with a mix of philiosophies that may surprise the nay sayers who say he will be the ultra liberal. Obama has at stake a legacy and you can be sure he will be practical in his choices. If there is an electoral landslide, he will have the to govern that way.

McCAIN

If elected, you'll see a mix of old line Ford and Bush 41 conservatives and more than a few cronies and members of the U.S. Senate. McCain will stay away from Bush 43 ideological bedfellows and will pursue a moderate course. Look for a bone to be thrown to the conservatives via HUD or Education. Also, conservative Democrats will have a place at the Cabinet table under the MccAin administration.