DNC host's tax-free gas evaporates
Angry reaction brings a halt to use of city pumps
Daniel J. Chaconand Kevin Vaughan, Rocky Mountain News
Published July 22, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.
Photo by Darin Mcgregor / The Rocky
Hybrid vehicles, some bearing tags for the Democratic National Convention, sit in a storage lot at Denver International Airport.
Photo by Matthew Staver/Humana
Mayor John Hickenlooper says RNC hosts have same arrangement.
Photo by City and County of Denver
Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz wants the private group to pay its share in fuel taxes.
The committee hosting the Democratic National Convention has used the city's gas pumps to fill up and apparently avoided paying state and federal fuel taxes.
The practice, which began four months ago, may have ended hours after its disclosure. An aide to Mayor John Hickenlooper released a statement Tuesday evening saying that Denver 2008 Host Committee members would pay market prices for fuel and would also be liable for all applicable taxes.
However, Public Works spokeswoman Christine Downs told City Council members just hours before that host committee members were fueling up at the city pumps. The city does not pay taxes on the fuel for its fleet, and Downs said the host committee would not either.
The disclosure brought immediate scrutiny. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said the practice "would seem" to be illegal and referred the matter to the state Department of Revenue.
Nonprofits, such as the host committee, are subject to state and federal gasoline taxes, according to the Department of Revenue.
The issue arose during the regular weekly meeting of Hickenlooper and City Council members. Downs requested authorization for a contract so the Public Works Department could be reimbursed by the host committee for use of "fueling facilities, fuel and car washes."
Downs said the contract with the host committee started in March and that $9,700 in fuel and services had been purchased from the city so far. But the committee has yet to be billed. The city anticipates $466,125 in total revenues from the contract, Downs said.
City Councilman Charlie Brown raised the question of whether the host committee would be paying fuel taxes, and Downs said it wouldn't.
"There's something there that just doesn't seem right to me because, in a sense, you're saying then that the officials who pass the laws are not willing to live by them," said Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz.
Hickenlooper said the practice isn't unique to Denver.
"I do know for a fact that they're doing the same exact thing in Minneapolis," Hickenlooper said, referring to the city that along with St. Paul is hosting the Republican National Convention.
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
In Colorado, consumers pay 40.4 cents per gallon in state and federal fuel taxes.
"We're a nonpartisan, nonprofit committee, but certainly, if the city feels that taxes are applicable, we will pay those, too," said Chris Lopez, spokesman for the host committee. "So we would pay all applicable taxes on any of the fuel."
The host committee, which is responsible for raising money to put on the convention, is using the city's pumps "for safety and security reasons," Lopez said.
"We know the gas is not tainted," he said. "We use it as a safety and security measure."
Hickenlooper said GM is "loaning" the host committee vehicles and he expects a large number to be hybrids. It wasn't clear Tuesday whether host committee members are using those loaners or their personal vehicles.
Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, said the city's arrangement with the DNC host committee was "appalling."
"I'm hoping this is not the first of many stories about how Colorado taxpayers are apparently subsidizing the Democratic convention," Wadhams said.
After the meeting, Faatz said it was wrong for the DNC host committee to get a tax break.
"I am just troubled by not having the payment of taxes for what I consider to be a privately funded party, and that's what the host committee is: it's a private organization," she said.
"If you've got a 14-gallon tank, on the average, that's about $5.66 that they don't have to pay for fill up," Brown said.
Brown also questioned the need for car washes.
It also wasn't clear Tuesday whether the Department of Revenue will investigate.
"We can't talk about any individual taxpayer's circumstance," said department spokesman Mark Couch. "Tax-exempt organizations are not exempt from fuel taxes, so a nonprofit group is not exempt from fuel taxes. As to the individual circumstance involved here, we'd have to look into it and investigate to make any kind of determination."
Denis Berckefeldt, spokesman for Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher, said Hickenlooper's administration has been guilty in the past of doing business before a contract is executed.
"Is it unusual that it happens?" he asked. "No, because they do stuff like this. Do we like it? No."
In January 2006, Gallagher complained to Hickenlooper in a letter about the "ongoing problem related to work being performed on behalf of the city before a contract for that work has been fully executed and properly signed."
At that time, Gallagher wrote, an examination of 999 contracts found that in 790 cases - 79 percent - work began before the contracts were "fully executed."
"We would have a problem with this because they're clearly selling fuel to the host committee without a fully executed contract," Berckefeldt said. "We have a real serious issue at the auditor's office with the city doing business with anyone without a contract."
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July 22, 2008
2:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Oh Tommyboy did you read the part about the RNC doing the same thing? What a one sided moron. LET THE CRYING CONTINUE!!!!!
July 22, 2008
2:34 p.m.
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my3pugs writes:
"Homeless to be hired as food tasters."
To prevent poisoning of delegates and more important people attending the DNC, homeless people will be hired to taste food before it is served to DNC Host and Organizing Committees and delegations from swing states. "It just wouldn't be feasible to hire enough tasters to pass on all the food for the entire convention," Hickenlooper said. Those from safely won or clearly lost states will have to brave the rigors of possibly poisoned food. When asked if it was fair to risk homeless people in this way, Hickenlooper said, "We expect there will be very few attempts at poisoning so in reality, this is a chance for the homeless to contribute in a meaningful way while getting some excellently colored balanced food as well." Besides, apparently the RNC is doing the same thing in St. Paul.
July 22, 2008
2:41 p.m.
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DeimosJB writes:
Nice. The end result is that the Colorado taxpayers are subsidizing fuel for the committee hosting the Democratic National Convention.
I have not seen any article or evidence that the RNC is doing the same thing, despite Hickenlooper's words. Does anyone have any information on this accusation, other than Hickenlooper-Hearsay?
July 22, 2008
2:45 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
I, also, cannot find any confirmation, or for that matter, any mention of taxes being waived in the Twin Cities for RNC personnel. hick strikes again! This is B$! So I've yet to hear who's going to make up the shortfall in funding the dnc. If this becomes a Colorado or Denver burden I believe that all involved need to be summarily fired/recalled/tarred & feathered.
Keep it up hick. You're looking more & more like wellington webb & his infamous cronyism. Or peni$es land deals. Which is it hick democracy and representing your constituents or the direction you're heading now. Perhaps it's time for the voters to decide for you???
July 22, 2008
3:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
DenverDan writes:
The bus thing, and now this. Oh big deal. If it was the GOP that was here, I would not here a thing from the baby girls on the right. It is only (4) days, not three weeks. This is very good for local economy.
July 22, 2008
3:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
So we just read that fastrax is officially "Slow-Trax" now b/c the RTD fell short of tax revenue to fund expansion.
Now without a vote of the people Mayor Lickenpooper is giving away tax dollars to the DNC which is a de-facto tax INCREASE on those of us who still must pay.
If you increase our taxes Mr. Mayor you have to run it through a vote of the people. Read TABOR. It doesn't make it any better that you personally stand to elevate your own political standing w/in your own party as a result.
The worst of it is they'll be draining our mountain reservoirs with tax-free car washes to make sure the DNC has enough shiney, gas-s.u.c.king SUV's to clog up the downtown streets. Thanks a lot. I don't care what they're doing in Minneapolis.
GET YOUR HAND OUT OF MY POCKET AND LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE.
July 22, 2008
3:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Tommy - Agreed, neither side is to be trusted. And most of your post is, for me, unrefutable.
July 22, 2008
3:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
youngman writes:
I bet if you dug into it they are getting free hotel rooms in the city owned Hyatt Hotel...free city cars..free city telephones....and on and on.....
pretty sick...but next year we will have to raise taxes to pay for the loss it caused....
July 22, 2008
3:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Michael writes:
This is wrong. If the GOP is also getting this "favor" in Minneapolis - then that is also wrong. Just another example of the elitism and "do as we say, not as we do" mentality of politics and politicians. This really bothers me in some gut way that tells me these people don't give a shi% about anything but their friggin' coronation party.
July 22, 2008
3:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
Only ROYALTY and DICTATORS fear their subjects so much that they need food tasters...
Our revolution probably isn't that far away...That might explain the POLICE STATE tactics we have seen in the last few months...
King George ( and BOTH the PARTIES follow his footsteps ) is afraid.
There is NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES AT THIS POINT....
When people look at the big picture...
July 22, 2008
3:12 p.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
I wish this story came out this morning. I can tell already that this post has got some legs on it.
Whether it's the DNC or the RNC, it's just plain wrong. I think both sides should be furious.
Who the heck do they (and you Hickenlooper) think they are????
July 22, 2008
3:15 p.m.
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DenverDan writes:
Republicans paying for the DNC, PRICLESS!!!!!
July 22, 2008
3:26 p.m.
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benzing writes:
This topic is a pretty narrow snapshot of what it means to host such a large event. If we Denver taxpayers have to concede a few hundred thousand dollars in lost gas tax revenue in order to host an event that will bring in millions of dollars for the local economy and other tax channels, then it's a good deal for those taxpayers, no? Granted, I don't have the math here to show the precise return on investment, but setting aside politcal differences, I think a little context for this story would go a long way toward understanding the situation.
July 22, 2008
3:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
Benzing, then YOU pay for all of it. WE DON'T WANT TO!!
It sound like you are a SHILL for Big Business, and the TAXPAYER is tired of listening to SHILLS
July 22, 2008
3:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
Buckwheat writes:
Boy..This whole Convention thing just keeps getting better doesn't it?...And you gotta know that there is more to come. LOL.
July 22, 2008
3:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Michael - a couple of have searched and can find no mention of the rnc getting this same benefit. Do you know something different?
July 22, 2008
3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
roger44 writes:
benzing, tell me how this helps the taxpayers. Only the ones serving the DNC benefits, and that's the businesses. The price of roads has gone up, and they are letting the DNC have a pass. Bulloney, not right.
July 22, 2008
3:43 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
Benzing - the best deal for the taxpayers would be....the DNC pays the tax.
July 22, 2008
3:44 p.m.
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FCZ writes:
the officials who pass the laws are not willing to live by them
July 22, 2008
3:54 p.m.
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benzing writes:
Have you ever stayed in a hotel and looked at the bill? Frankly, the taxes are outrageous. Maybe 20% or something? Rental cars too. And every hotel in the city will be full. That's very good for tax payers. I don't imagine any of these visitors will be bringing their own food, either, so the restaurants will be packed, providing increased tax revenue to the city's coffers. If we have to cater to the DNC-site-location decision makers by sacrificing some tax income from them, then it may have some elements of corruption, but it's no different than trying to land any other big convention in town or trying to get a company to relocate to Denver. I am much more inclined to believe that this is a net positive than an abuse of power.
July 22, 2008
4:16 p.m.
Suggest removal
Darwin writes:
dilligaf, best that you REREAD the article as stated:
Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said they're getting their gas at the pump. "We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the set-up at this end."
or would you rather not be bothered with the facts?
Way to short-change the citizens of Denver and Colorado. Are there some of you still think there is no difference between the "elite" and peons? Way to go His Honor Mayor Huckster sir. I'm sure that with a Democrat controlled state, you would have done the same for the Republican party, yeah right (nor should you).
July 22, 2008
4:20 p.m.
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Konyok writes:
dilligaf,
You need to read a little closer. The story quotes the Minneapolis Host Committe spokesperson (RNC) as buying gas commercially ("getting their gas at the pump").
Would knee-jerk reaction qualify as "one sided moron?"
July 22, 2008
4:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
If the mayor fails to collect a tax that is due the city then the rest of us who do pay taxes will simply pay more.
The DNC is a multimillion dollar private company with a political axe to grind. Same as the RNC.
So the Mayor's out-of-town, fat-cat, millionaire, political bosses get a free ride (not to mention free car washes) and he sticks the hard-working Colorado tax payer with the bill.
Thanks for being a man of the people Mayor Lickenpooper. I hope the party realizes that you're willing to screw your own constiuents to advance the party's goals.
July 22, 2008
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
gekkobear writes:
"If we Denver taxpayers have to concede a few hundred thousand dollars in lost gas tax revenue in order to host an event that will bring in millions of dollars for the local economy and other tax channels, then it's a good deal for those taxpayers, no?"
Right, and the printers in DC printing the handbills to be sent to Denver are loving your outlook. Or maybe the printers printing the handouts in New York.
Printers in Denver were hoping for business that never happened, because the DNC kept doing business with their current contracts rather than getting local work whenever possible.
But hey, so Denver shells out some busk so NY and DC can get some extra business. That's good enough right?
Naah, I'm sure I made that up... demand links...
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnew...
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/...
Or maybe I didn't make that up myself. Maybe I had help from the Denver Post? That's a good scheme I've got there.
Well, I'm sure the DNC will provide those numbers for future planning...
"The Democratic National Convention Committee refused to disclose how many contracts have been awarded for the convention or what portion went to Colorado companies.
"That is not information we share with press," said Natalie Wyeth, spokeswoman for the DNCC. "
Hmm, if it's such good business for the cities, why are they keeping it secret?
In a global economy, you can't rely on getting what you thought you would get... but I guess you can still rely on giving more than you expected.
Maybe we can do this every couple of years, so we can make up the loss on volume.
July 22, 2008
4:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
July 22, 2008
4:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
artstarzz writes:
Downs said the contract with the host committee started in March and that $9,700 had been expended so far. The city anticipates making $466,125 total from the contract, she said.
_________
By your own admission we've exchanged a bird in hand for two in the bush. We know already what the costs are to us but the benefit is as yet still hypothetical.
If a bull frog had wings you would "anticipate" that he wouldn't bump his a.s.s. when he hops. But that remains to be seen.
July 22, 2008
4:37 p.m.
Suggest removal
tlatexaspuma writes:
What hypocrites! I am a democrat and my own party does not want the gas tax holiday suggested by John McCain. But in Denver at the national convention, democrats don't like the gas tax holiday wanted by John McCain.
The party officials are so out of touch with voters, but yet they help us to continue to grow with their elitist and unethical attitudes.
http://www.justsaynodeal.com/
July 22, 2008
4:42 p.m.
Suggest removal
SteveC writes:
I guess only us commoners pay taxes, the royalty doesn't have to.
July 22, 2008
4:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Firedewd writes:
From Wikipedia about the last DNC in Boston 2004
-- Loss of business
In addition to the events—such as a planned Tall Ships visit—cancelled by the city, widely announced rapid transit and road closures provoked thousands of area businesses (even outside the city) to shut down for the duration, and tourists who would normally have visited Boston at that time stayed away.[citation needed] Furthermore, the anticipated gain in business in the restaurant trades never materialized, as security and other considerations kept the delegates to restricted venues.[citation needed] The Boston Globe estimated the economic loss to the city inflicted by the convention to be in the tens of millions of dollars.[citation needed]
July 22, 2008
4:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
willicr writes:
If the Democrats are truly for the people then they should give the gas tax break to those who need it such as the struggling Coloradans who are paying the tax. (same for the Republicans).Those who can’t pay the tax (we all know they can). It is time for a major change. The richer get richer and we get poorer. Our environment, our education, and our economy have all fallen apart. It is not the political parties that have to live with it or in it. In fact they make money from it. Both parties are out to make money for themselves and could care less about any of us or our beliefs. I believe Rickylee is right it time for a revolution. We all are nothing more then tools that are used to keep the economy running just enough for the richest to benefit.
July 22, 2008
5:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
DarwinAkbar writes:
But you peasants just don't understand: because we are Democrats, gas gas taxes are for thee, but not for me. In fact, for thee, we, your Democrat superiors in the U.S. Congress, believe you are not paying enough for gas. Therefore, although we have been working hard to surpress the story, we are about to impose a ten-cent per gallon tax increase upon you:
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/07/19...
We're sure you don't mind paying a little more. You can always cut back on fried foods, since our Greening Director says it's not good for you anyway.
July 22, 2008
5:04 p.m.
Suggest removal
benzing writes:
So, if in the course of the site selection competition, Hick had said that he would not authorize the gas tax concession in order to win the bid, and that some other city had won the DNC instead because the other city made a better offer, you think he would have received praise for this decision? Or do you think he would have been mocked from coast to coast?
July 22, 2008
5:17 p.m.
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BMat writes:
benzing writes:
So, if in the course of the site selection competition, Hick had said that he would not authorize the gas tax concession in order to win the bid, and that some other city had won the DNC instead because the other city made a better offer, you think he would have received praise for this decision? Or do you think he would have been mocked from coast to coast?
______________
Should not the mayor of the city of denver be more concerned with the good citizens of denver and less so with his "coast to coast" image?
You've confirmed my worst suspicions. He's made this move to curry favor in the national party at the expense of local citizens.
Why? because he's got his eyes on a bigger national job (read: coast to coast) and the citizens of this city are just a means to a larger end. It's disgusting.
Did I misread your post?
July 22, 2008
5:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
benzing writes:
Yes, I think you did. Sorry to be unclear. If he had not made incentives, then we would have lost this highly lucrative opportunity. That would have been poor management. By 'coast to coast' I mean to say that it would have been universally considered a bad idea, not that he's after a higher post.
July 22, 2008
5:37 p.m.
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GetReal writes:
Has anyone tallied up what the total cost of this quagmire will be for the taxpayers so far?
I hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling the property damage bill alone will dwarf any others, even the estimated 3 mill for moving to Invesco to accommodate The Boy King's ego.
Who needs fundraising when you can just stick it to the taxpayer, like Dems always do,
Right Hick?
July 22, 2008
5:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
OK benzing, I hope you're right. I hope it's lucrative.
But we know already what the Mayor wants to concede and what it will cost. We don't yet know how or if the citizens of Denver will recieve some durable, long-term improvement to the quality of life here oweable to the DNC Convention.
I hope we get it. We've already paid for it. But I doubt it.
July 22, 2008
5:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
anya writes:
Mayor Hickenlooper: This is wrong. Please don't allow this.
July 22, 2008
6:01 p.m.
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benzing writes:
I hope it works out too, and I would rather win the bid and have the opportunity to manage the event well than not win the bid at all. We shall see how it turns out, but I think the outrage here is misplaced.
July 22, 2008
6:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
drkenne writes:
And the DNC is special because....? More disgusting abuse by the political machine. To make if fair, why doesn't the mayor institute a gas tax amnesty for all during the democratic coronation, oh I mean convention. This whole process is just a waste of money.
July 22, 2008
6:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
Typical Democrats. They tax everyone else, but use corrupt actions to avoid the taxes themselves. Crooks, one and all.
Any moron that defends such sleazy corruption is too stupid to know better.
July 22, 2008
6:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
rickg19611 writes:
"Where do I get my tickets to see Obama at envestco ?"
Call 1-800-DemocratCorruption to get your tickets to the fatcat scam event at Invesco.
July 22, 2008
7:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
I once watched a famous company sold out by a CEO who had POLITICAL anbitions; the behavior of John Hickenlooper ( and the PROSTITUTES that are supporting him ) is exactly like John Rollwagen's behavior was at Cray Research. Here is a glossed over puff piece of what happened. The former employees paint a different picture...
"In January 1993, President Clinton named John as his nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce. In May, after resigning his position at Cray Research and serving several months in Washington D.C. as Deputy Secretary Designate, John concluded that he could make a greater contribution from the private sector and withdrew his name from nomination. "
http://www.smaby.com/quatris/john.html
He LOST, and screwed the company too...
I don't want the same thing happening to Denver...the people here don't deserve what happened to us...they deserve better...
That is where I learned about people with POLITICAL ambitions..
And the ambitions of Hickenlooper are pretty obvious...once you taste power., some people are permanently hooked...
July 22, 2008
7:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
johninlongmont writes:
typical politicians...democrat or republican - doesn't matter...they see themselves as "the entitled class"...most egregious in u.s. senators, but it permeates all the ranks
July 22, 2008
7:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
kali73 writes:
I am a Colorado and Denver taxpayer, where is my tax-free gas? No one (Democratic or Republican) cares about the taxpayer. Time to revolt - no wonder there are going to be so many protesters! Our democracy is going to hell in a hurry and no one in government cares!
July 22, 2008
7:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
Our fair Mayor has committed tens of thousands of city tax dollars to rip out all the landscaping and the irrigation system going up to the privately owned Pepsi Center and to replace it with a brand new low water use drip system and all new xeriscape plants.
This in order to show off the water conservation effort of our city by using tax payer dollars to prove it. Even tho it's on private property and the main event will not even be staged there.
And in the mean time the Mayor's holding a tax-free car wash party for a week straight so the DNC can wash as many SUV's as they can line up and put through?
Could there be any other reason than promoting himself to his own party bosses? How does this help Denver?
Gimme back my money Mr. Mayor. I will still live here when you get that fancy job in DC. But I'm a reasonable man. If you can get Hillary to wash those SUV's in a bikini then to hell with tax revenue. I'm on board.
July 22, 2008
8:02 p.m.
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dehepcats writes:
More hypocrisy from the church of NObama.
July 22, 2008
8:14 p.m.
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VonDoog writes:
Funny, Democrats are soooo against oil. Against nuclear. Against wind and solar...NIMBY's.
Funny that when it comes to them getting the freebie dole from the spiggot, they jump to it.
They are not Liberal. They are SOCIALISTS.
Enjoy Losers!
July 22, 2008
8:23 p.m.
Suggest removal
j_t writes:
Some of you are missing the point. Whether the city makes a fortune or not and considering the Dem position on the energy crisis, they should lead by example. If you have to pay it some way then they have to pay it. If the mayor or the DNC will not listen to you then consider what they have done when you vote this fall. It is not that difficult. YOU have the power with your vote. YOU just have to make up your mind to use that power. YOU should not complain if YOU don't use that power.
July 22, 2008
8:30 p.m.
Suggest removal
AC7880 writes:
It is thanks to the DNC members that we are over $4.00 a gallon now. No drilling, no refineries, no nuclear plants.
NO TO A TAX BREAK FOR THE IDIOTS THAT GOT US IN THIS MESS!
July 22, 2008
8:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
LoFat writes:
Hey, all you phony libs! Go back and re-read the article! Teresa McFarland of the Minneapolis-St. Paul host comittee specifically states that the RNC "is not getting a tax break.". Hickenblooper told the lie that the RNC was getting the same break. Of course if you could actually read and understand what it said you would be smart and become Republicans anyway.
Orwell was right: "All animals are equal. Some are just more equal than others".
July 22, 2008
8:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
LoFat writes:
Now you have gone and upset me so that I embarassed myself with a minor diatribe. I apologize if I offended any of you truth-impaired socialists.
July 22, 2008
8:58 p.m.
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Libertarian_Thinker writes:
I find it rich that the Dims in congress are currently scheming to raise the federal gas tax yet they see no problem with exempting themselves from the Colorado tax. Hypocrite scum bags!
Can any one say 9% approval rating and falling!
July 22, 2008
9:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
BMat writes:
We won folks. 31 news reports that the DNC will pay their taxes. I assume the RMN will post shortly. Power to the people.
Now, about those 50,000 dirty hippie campers in City Park . . .?
July 22, 2008
9:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
Faxman writes:
This just in: Fox News Ch.31 @ 9 p.m. Due to public outcry [yey!] the DNC WILL NOT be using the City's gas pumps to fill up their vehicles.
July 22, 2008
9:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
We only won a battle, not the war..
I note that PLATE doesn't have a registration sticker.....
Does that mean the vehicles are exempt too?
We have a lot more slimy stuff to uncover...
July 22, 2008
9:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Faxman writes:
Yes, all Govt. vehicles are tax exempt. They're parasites and we're their hosts. Time to wake up and smell the corruption.
July 22, 2008
10:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
The_Punnisher writes:
The DNC is not a government entity. Furthermore, the government plates are identified as such. These plates are not.
July 22, 2008
10:15 p.m.
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Jim_in_MT writes:
So.... when are all you weenies going to demostrate openly, in the streets of Denver and Minneapolis if necessary, and tar and feather these schmucks -- up to and including the "pretenders to the throne"? This nation wasn't founded by bloggers, and we didn't send bloggers to Boston Harbor, nor to Concord or Lexington, nor to the Philadelphia Convention, nor to New Orleans in 1812 (to fight the Brits yet again), nor to Gettysburg, nor to Mexico, nor to Germany (twice), nor to Japan, nor to Korea! Since socialists took over with that corrupt election in Chicago in 1960, we haven't had any leaders OR followers worthy of our respect.
July 22, 2008
10:18 p.m.
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Mike846 writes:
The posters thus far have made all my points, and probably better than I could have. Nice job, folks. Suffice it to say I haven't seen ANY publicity about ANY Colorado company getting ANY of the contracts to support the convention. I would think if this was such a great bonanza for the City, there would be articles all OVER the place. Trust me, when its all over, Hizzoner the Mayor will trot out his little red letters again and push for more taxes for "the parks" and "the kids" and "our future", and then the money will be siphoned off, as was the money from Amendment C, and used to pick up the tab for other things, including the millions lost by the City hosting this misbegotten love-fest who's only invitee's are the Democrat fat cats and fixers. I reiterate: BOTH parties should pay for their OWN shindigs. No money from the "host" city, no money from the Federal government (that's me and you, folks) and no special "arrangements". They are both private political parties; let them pay their OWN bills. Mike
July 22, 2008
10:24 p.m.
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bph writes:
Good luck trying to protest this at the convention
July 22, 2008
10:49 p.m.
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rj1967 writes:
For all the money and bullsh.. this city has gone thru for this 4 day convention, they could have put on 10 other 4 day conventions with no hoopla and millions of dollars in more revenue. Nooooo we gotta do all this bullsh.. to prove we're a world class city. (If I wanted to be in a world class city I'd move to New York)
July 22, 2008
10:49 p.m.
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Hickenblooper writes:
Hickenlooper is a damn liar.
Kudos to Jeanne Flaatz fo calling him on this!
July 22, 2008
11:08 p.m.
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MattGuyver_007 writes:
Does anyone else think it's funny that "Charlie Brown" brought this to our attention?
On another note... "We know the gas is not tainted," he said. "We use it as a safety and security measure." Who the hell does Lopez think he's fooling with that line of Bullsh*t?
July 22, 2008
11:16 p.m.
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xyzwtfxyz writes:
First, let's read the real story, not the one you thought you read. It says the "host" committee is able to purchase gasoline at the city's gas pumps. That doesn't include the DNC or the delegates. Second, the fact that the DNC says they are not purchasing this gas isn't a victory for anyone, since they were never allowed to do so. Third, those who believe that government vehicles that do not pay taxes on the fuels they use are costing them tax dollars need to step back and recall that those government vehicles and all their expenses are paid for with taxpayer money.
Mayor Hickenlooper is clearly overstepping his authority in selling fuel tax free to anyone who is not entitled to such purchases. The end result of doing so will ultimately result in the city's inability to purchase tax free fuel and/or in being liable for the taxes not collected on such fuels sold to ineligible users. The mayor can certainly allow such an action to happen, just as a retail business could stop collecting and remitting Denver sales taxes for a week if their management wanted to do so.
July 22, 2008
11:26 p.m.
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uniqorn51 writes:
Hick-loop is a typical Liberal--he makes breaking the law OK by saying that the Repubs are doing the same thing, even though it isn't so.
July 22, 2008
11:50 p.m.
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xyzwtfxyz writes:
Wow, I wanted to post my initial comments much earlier, but now it seems that the original article has suddenly changed and that we can now thank the State Attorney General, John Suthers, for setting Mayor Hickenlooper straight on this issue.
July 23, 2008
12:17 a.m.
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gwats writes:
Put them on RTD!
July 23, 2008
12:28 a.m.
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Chadley25 writes:
For all of you republicans who think you're somehow superior, let me just assure you -- you're not. Your party is just as corrupt and pathetic.
I'm a registered democrat and I'm as bothered by this as any republican.
The people who have suggested that there's REALLY very little difference between the two parties -- guess what? They're right. In theory, the two parties are quite different, but in practice, they're just the same. Dishonest and incompetent.
July 23, 2008
1:21 a.m.
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Burbmom writes:
It is interesting that there is no mention that Denver purchases gas at a reduced rate and the DNC profiting from that reduced rate!
Democrats if you see their lips move it is a lie!
They will promise the dumb people who vote for them the "good life" but they NEVER deliver!
Tommy is RIGHT..."This should serve as a reminder that the Democrats believe in ruling others lives, yet they are unwilling to obey the very laws they embrace." Reminds me of Communists!
July 23, 2008
1:36 a.m.
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Eliot_Spitzer writes:
"This should serve as a reminder that the Democrats believe in ruling others lives, yet they are unwilling to obey the very laws they embrace.
The socialists need to be held to the same standards as everybody else; they are not smarter, they are not better, they are power hungry.
Obama is the leader of the ones that want to leave you ‘change’ in your pockets after we all pay for their bailouts, and vacations.
No more socialism."
That sounds like my rules. - Eliot Spitzer
July 23, 2008
2:26 a.m.
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jugdish writes:
Judgish angry. Brother Krisha drive cab and get no such gas tax break. He earn living and pay tax fairly. This DNC thing terrible abuse of power. Pay no tax = Steal from taxpayer. Shame.
July 23, 2008
2:55 a.m.
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treecat writes:
As I have posted before: Your Great-grandchildren will STILL be paying for this.
July 23, 2008
3:17 a.m.
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cd95yj writes:
Ahhh, another story of politicians getting "special" treatment.
July 23, 2008
5:10 a.m.
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Joanne writes:
Not only is the Denver Government supporting the DNC in taking money out of the pockets of local businesses, but the DNC isn't even paying taxes. For the Mayor to suggest it is OK because he thought Michigan was doing the same for the RNC, is about as lame an excuse as why he didn't speak up regarding the singing of what was supposed to be the National Anthem. Kudos to the members who saw the discrepancy in what the taxpaying citizens pay, and what the tax imposing elitist pay. The supposed idea behind having a Convention is to aid local businesses, who foot the bill day in and day out for public services, schools, etc. My guess is that the Government gas tanks are bought through the bidding process, and without paying taxes, so not only was the DNC getting cheap gas and hurting the local small businesses, but taxes used to repair the infrastructure were evaded.
July 23, 2008
5:56 a.m.
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dan354 writes:
i would bet that if some of these democrats who lean towards communism have ever lived in a communist country. remember that guy stalin, you know big comrade savior guy. he only killed 44 million people or so if i remember right. my dad had some neighbors who lived under hitler and stalin. they liked living under hitler more. seriously in communist russia , they couldn't even trust russian made refregirators, they commonly caught fire, burning down houses with sleeping people inside. have they ever lived in china, or north korea with their millions of starving people.just a few thoughts on the demoratic party.
July 23, 2008
6 a.m.
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me2 writes:
We are the government. If government vehicle gas is taxed, then we pay twice for that gas.
No one should use these resources but government vehicles.
July 23, 2008
6:06 a.m.
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Mike846 writes:
Just once I'd like to see Hick take responsibility for SOMETHING. The reason there are unsigned contracts is so they wouldn't come to the attention of the Auditor, AND so the Mayor and others can say, "gee, we had NO idea". Denver voters, wake up. If you don't vote these idiots out of office, they'll just move on to the next scam and do it to you again. Mike
July 23, 2008
6:31 a.m.
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samsmargolis writes:
Snort. Safety and security reasons. For God's sake. Wonder who gave Hickenlooper that lame-*ss excuse for dodging the tax? Are you kidding me? The bad guys are so diabolical that they can suppose which gas pumps DNC attendees will use for fuel and taint the gas? Um, wouldn't other customers have issues with the fuel as well that would thereby provide a clue (the first one for this mayor) that something might be up to our paranoid friends? So, are the DNC attendees using the tax savings from the fuel dodge to pay their carbon credits to give the appearance of being oh-so-green?
July 23, 2008
6:40 a.m.
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skleepit writes:
Dems are notorious for saying what everyone should do, but they don't mean it for themselves!. Hell no, they lie, they cheat, they steal. Hillary is a perfect example. she f'd everybody and got away with it. This is just another in a long line of "do as I say, not as I do" BS. Before its to late all you jack asses who are going to vote for Obama you'd better shake yourselves and wake the hell up! That guy will permanently screw this Country up. As do all liberals. If you don't believe it look at no drilling, subsidy for ethonal (at the tune of about $6-8 per gallon!), gee, no wonder it's less expensive than gasoline. AARHG, I hate liberals, they are complete IDIOTS. If Obama wins, there WILL BE A REVOLUTION. and you socialist, liberals better watch the hell out!
July 23, 2008
6:49 a.m.
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Jim_in_Erie writes:
Wow.
All the liberals claiming that the eventual tally will show a net increase in revenues of one kind or another is........simply amazing.
Imagine, liberals justifying ANYTHING because of the all mighty dollar!
Thought that was an evil republican sin?
And Hickenloopers claim that it's all OK because someone else is doing it too.
Hard to argue with that kind of logic.
Although I don't recall that I ever let my kids get away with it.
Not to mention it appears to be that the Mayor misrepresented the truth in his claim.
(Apologies if this posts multiple times. There seems to be some 'issues' with the page. Perhaps because lots of people are commenting?)
July 23, 2008
6:53 a.m.
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Firefyte writes:
Is that right....Tax free gas for the demosocialists? But according to Obama removing gas tax would not help anything.....I guess it only helps if you are a damosocialist. And whats the deal with free car wash's? What the heck.....maybe the Denver tax payers should also pay for their dry cleaning and lap dances too. Maybe the new dem slogan should be "All for one - none for all"!
July 23, 2008
7:03 a.m.
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Flajack writes:
Remember, both of the top 2 candidates represent an organization (Senate) where their approval rating is 9 %..Do we really want to elect either one of them....Take a hard look at Pastor Chuck Baldwin from the Constitution Party...Chuckbaldwinlive.com...He is the only one that truly has this country's wishes at heart...No illegals, no North American Union, No United Nations in this country,No Abortions, No IRS, No Foreign Aid to countries that have always hated us and Drill,Drill,Drill Alaska and anywhere else there is oil....Sending our money to terrorist that hate us is a typical ploy of the Democrats to ultimately destroy this country using our own money...We need to fire them all this election..
July 23, 2008
7:08 a.m.
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Mic writes:
A reply to benzing:
The only people who will benefit from the democrat convention will be the liqueur stores, drug dealers, planned parenthood (a raciest organization), prostitutes and gay bars. And the local tax payers will foot the bill and there is nothing they can do about it. So bend over Denver, here they come...
benzing writes:
If we Denver taxpayers have to concede a few hundred thousand dollars in lost gas tax revenue in order to host an event that will bring in millions of dollars for the local economy and other tax channels, then it's a good deal for those taxpayers, no?
July 23, 2008
7:09 a.m.
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Marla writes:
This type of rampant CORRUPTION from the DEMOCRAT PARTY is nothing new. This is simply an extension of CORRUPT Chicago politics at its finest.
This needs to be investigated immediately starting with investigation for felony conspiracy of all key players involved. The entire DNC and Obama should be subpoenaed as well. After all, isn’t that the exact playbook the Democrats have used for the past 7 years? Oh please don’t tell us, the American people, that you Democrats have double standards! Two sets of laws, no laws for the Democrats and Draconian laws and taxation for the rest of us? Is that how the Democrats intend to rule the American people? It would appear that way.
Since Obama is the chief Bureaucrat head of the Democrat party, the blame for this robbery of the people is squarely on Obama. Because he is allegedly perfect and will solve all the world’s problems, according to the Democrats, not a single glitch or “UH-OH” should occur on his watch. Welcome to the real world kiddies and you will get your comeuppance, I guarantee it.
This act, by the Democrat Party, further locks in the precedence of how the Democrats will grab power to further enrich themselves, set up corrupt sweetheart deals, circumvent laws for their own advantage and stick it to the American tax payer every single day.
Get used to it, the Democrat mantra of "It's all Bush's fault" has now been reversed.
July 23, 2008
7:24 a.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Stop ALL funding from whatever source that is being funnelled into the dnc. If they can'
t afford it, don't do it! Oh, yeah, right, that isn't the mantra from those guys. It's more like spend, spend, spend, then find a way to get the taxpayers to pay, pay, pay.
Recall lickenpooper! NOW! NOW!
July 23, 2008
7:25 a.m.
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youngman writes:
Driving big SUV's is not GREEN
Washing big SUV's is not GREEN
Not paying your fair share is not AMERICAN
what's up Democrats......thats right... your Socialists at the core
July 23, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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woodwose writes:
First of all, the city has no business selling the DNC host committee or anyone else gas from city owned pumps, period! I can understand why the city has it's own pumps. Lots of business that run large fleets of cars or trucks buy their gas in bulk and dispense it from their own facility. That's not a problem, but you don't just open up your facility for any Joe Schmo off the street who wants to fill up his tank.
Secondly, for the city to start providing services before completing complete the contract agreements that they are required by law to complete is illegal. And apparently the Hickenlooper administration has made a habit out of doing this. I'm all for getting stuff done as expeditiously as possible, but you don't violate the law to do it.
Next, for the city to "extend" it's ability not to pay taxes on gas to the DNC host committee is legally, ethically and morally wrong. I don't care if the DNC host committee is a non-profit organization. To allow them to fill up at city pumps without paying taxes on the gas they receive is not just cutting them a break. It would be bad if allowing this practice represented a "donation" to a non-profit partison organization, because that's illegal for a government to do as well. But it's actually much worse than that. It represents THEFT from the state and federal governments that impose gas excise taxes. Non-profit organizations are exempt from certain taxes, but state and federal excise taxes on gas do not fit in that category.
And now that Hickenlooper and the DNC host committee have been caught STEALING from the state and federal government, the doublespeak begins.
Chris Lopez from the DNC host committee calls his organization "non-profit and "non-partisan." The non-partisan part of that quote is one of the stupidest things I've heard anyone utter in public in years. The DNC host committee's very mission is to do everything it can to promote the Democratic Party. Calling them non-partisan is like calling the Gestapo a public service organization.
And then Hickenloopy bounces up with the daffy quote that he "knows for a fact that the RNC host committee" is getting the same arrangement from Minneapolis. So what? If I'm caught robbing a bank, can I just walk away scot-free if I point out that someone else robbed a bank too? And it turns out that based on what the spokesperson from the RNC host committee had to say, that in all likelihood, Hickenlooper got up in front of the press yesterday and told a bald-face lie.
We deserve far better from our elected officials than this.
July 23, 2008
7:34 a.m.
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Marla writes:
That's the best you Democrats can do? Is that what you are offering the American people?
This type of CORRUPTION is "Change That We Can Believe In?????"
Democrat corruption and robbing the American people and taxpaying citizens is "Change"?
Guess this confirms and destroys the notion that Obama's campaign is about CHANGE! How is more corruption, dodging taxes and screwing over the taxpayer define CHANGE?
Didn't think so. Well, now that the Obama Campaign has been exposed as a total lie and fraud, where do we the American people go from here?
July 23, 2008
7:42 a.m.
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Alive writes:
When, oh when will the people realise that there is really no difference between the democrats and republicans. Washington needs an enema. The people are the only ones that can administer it.
July 23, 2008
7:43 a.m.
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Marla writes:
This act of DEMOCRAT CORRUPTION clearly defines and exposes the mindset of the Obama Campaign and the Democrat Party in general.
This shows the mindset of the Obama Campaign. Where is Obama's condemnation of this wrongdoing?
The fact that the CORRUPT DEMOCRATS are still scheming, conniving, cheating, trying to get out of taxes, trying to get special favors for themselves, and trying to weasel out of everything simply demonstrates to the American people once again that the Democrats are in fact NOT in any way, shape or form - “Change That We Can Believe In”.
July 23, 2008
7:45 a.m.
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Marla writes:
William Jefferson Clinton- Impeached by the House of Representatives over allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice, but acquitted by the Senate. Scandals include Whitewater - Travelgate Gennifer Flowersgate - Filegate - Vince Fostergate - Whitewater Billing Recordsgate - Paula Jonesgate- Lincoln Bedroomgate - Donations from Convicted Drug and Weapons Dealersgate - Lippogate - Chinagate - The Lewinsky Affair - Perjury and Jobs for Lewinskygate - Kathleen Willeygate - Web Hubbell Prison Phone Callgate - Selling Military Technology to the Chinesegate - Jaunita Broaddrick Gate - Lootergate - Pardongate
Edward Moore Kennedy - Democrat - U. S. Senator from Massachusetts. Pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, after his car plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island killing passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.
Barney Frank - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1981 to present. Admitted to having paid Stephen L. Gobie, a male prostitute, for sex and subsequently hiring Gobie as his personal assistant. Gobie used the congressman's Washington apartment for prostitution. A move to expel Frank from the House of Representatives failed and a motion to censure him failed.
DNC - The Federal Election Commission imposed $719,000 in fines against participants in the 1996 Democratic Party fundraising scandals involving contributions from China, Korea and other foreign sources. The Federal Election Commission said it decided to drop cases against contributors of more than $3 million in illegal DNC contributions because the respondents left the country or the corporations are defunct.
Sandy Berger - Democrat - National Security Advisor during the Clinton Administration. Berger became the focus of a criminal investigation after removing highly classified terrorism documents and handwritten notes from the National Archives during preparations for the Sept. 11 commission hearings.
Robert Torricelli - Democrat - Withdrew from the 2002 Senate race with less than 30 days before the election because of controversy over personal gifts he took from a major campaign donor and questions about campaign donations from 1996.
James McGreevey - Democrat - New Jersey Governor . Admitted to having a gay affair. Resigned after allegations of sexual harassment, rumors of being blackmailed on top of fundraising investigations and indictments.
Jesse Jackson - Democrat - Democratic candidate for President. Admitted to having an extramarital affair and fathering a illegitimate child.
Gary Condit - Democrat - US Democratic Congressman from California. Condit had an affair with an intern. Condit, covered up the affair and lied to police after she went missing. No charges were ever filed against Condit. Her remains were discovered in a Washington DC park..
July 23, 2008
7:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Eliot Spitzer- Democrat - New York governor - resigned from office after being tied to a prostitution ring.
Sowande Ajumoke Omokunde - Democrat - the son of newly elected U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, was booked on charges of criminal damage to property for allegedly slashing tires on 20 vans and cars rented by the Republican Party for use in Election Day voter turnout efforts.
Daniel David Rostenkowski - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Illinois from 1959 to 1995. Indicted on 17 felony charges- pleaded guilty to two counts of misuse of public funds and sentenced to seventeen months in federal prison.
Melvin Jay Reynolds - U.S. Representative from Illinois from 1993 to 1995. Convicted on sexual misconduct and obstruction of justice charges and sentenced to five years in prison.
Charles Coles Diggs, Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Michigan from 1955 to 1980. Convicted on eleven counts of mail fraud and filing false payroll forms- sentenced to three years in prison.
George Rogers - Democrat - Massachusetts State House of Representatives from 1965 to 1970. M000ember of Massachusetts State Senate from 1975 to 1978. Convicted of bribery in 1978 and sentenced to two years in prison.
Don Siegelman - Democrat Governor Alabama - indicted in a bid-rigging scheme involving a maternity-care program. The charges accused Siegelman and his former chief of staff of helping Tuscaloosa physician Phillip Bobo rig bids. Siegelman was accused of moving $550,000 from the state education budget to the State Fire College in Tuscaloosa so Bobo could use the money to pay off a competitor for a state contract for maternity care.
John Murtha, Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. Implicated in the Abscam sting, in which FBI agents impersonating Arab businessmen offered bribes to political figures; Murtha was cited as an unindicted co-conspirator
Gerry Eastman Studds - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1973 to 1997. The first openly gay member of Congress. Censured by the House of Representatives for having sexual relations with a teenage House page.
James C. Green - Democrat - North Carolina State House of Representatives from 1961 to 1977. Charged with accepting a bribe from an undercover FBI agent, but was acquitted. Convicted of tax evasion in 1997.
Frederick Richmond - Democrat - U.S. Representative from New York from 1975 to 1982. Arrested in Washington, D.C., in 1978 for soliciting sex from a minor and from an undercover police officer - pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor. Also - charged with tax evasion, marijuana possession, and improper payments to a federal employee - pleaded guilty.
July 23, 2008
7:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Raymond Lederer - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1977 to 1981. Implicated in the Abscam sting - convicted of bribery and sentenced to three years in prison and fined $20,000.
Harrison Arlington Williams, Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Senator from New Jersey from 1959 to 1970. Implicated in the Abscam sting. Allegedly accepted an 18% interest in a titanium mine. Convicted of nine counts of bribery, conspiracy, receiving an unlawful gratuity, conflict of interest, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Sentenced to three years in prison and fined $50,000.
Frank Thompson, Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Representative from New Jersey from 1955 to 1980. Implicated in the Abscam sting, convicted on bribery and conspiracy charges. Sentenced to three years in prison
Michael Joseph Myers - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1976 to 1980. Implicated in the Abscam sting - convicted of bribery and conspiracy; sentenced to three years in prison and fined $20,000; expelled from the House of Representatives on October 2, 1980.
John Michael Murphy - Democrat - U.S. Representative from New York from 1963 to 1981. Implicated in the Abscam sting. Convicted of conspiracy, conflict of interest, and accepting an illegal gratuity. Sentenced to three years in prison and fined $20,000.
John Wilson Jenrette, Jr - Democrat - U.S. Representative from South Carolina from 1975 to 1980. Implicated in the Abscam sting. Convicted on bribery and conspiracy charges and sentenced to prison
Neil Goldschmidt - Democrat - Oregon governor. Admitted to having an illegal sexual relationship with a 14-year-old teenager while he was serving as Mayor of Portland.
Alcee Lamar Hastings - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Florida. Impeached and removed from office as federal judge in 1989 over bribery charges.
Marion Barry - Democrat - mayor of Washington, D.C., from 1979 to 1991 and again from 1995 to 1999. Convicted of cocaine possession after being caught on videotape smoking crack cocaine. Sentenced to six months in prison.
Mario Biaggi - Democrat - U.S. Representative from New York from 1969 to 1988. Indicted on federal charges that he had accepted bribes in return for influence on federal contracts.Convicted of obstructing justice and accepting illegal gratuities. Tried in 1988 on federal racketeering charges and convicted on 15 felony counts.
Lee Alexander - Democrat - Mayor of Syracuse, N.Y. from 1970 to 1985. Was indicted over a $1.5 million kickback scandal. Pleaded guilty to racketeering and tax evasion charges. Served six years in prison.
July 23, 2008
7:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
tiredotax writes:
So the DNC gets tax free gas because they are afraid other gas may be "tainted"? GOOD GRIEF - they obviously over-estimate the value of themselves! That obviously means that the taxpayers can risk buying the "possibly tainted" fuel. How about letting the DNC take PUBLIC transportation and give the TAX FREE gas to the TAXPAYERS! If the DNC will bring tons of money in tax revenue to the city, then think what the taxpayers could do with THEIR tax savings! They could blow it at places like the grocery store, or even be able to afford new shoes and school supplies for all the kiddos.
Remember Marie Antionette's famous line - "Let Them Eat Cake".
July 23, 2008
7:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Bill Campbell - Democrat - Mayor of Atlanta. Indicted and charged with fraud over claims he accepted improper payments from contractors seeking city contracts.
Frank Ballance - Democrat - Congressman North Carolina. Pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering related to mishandling of money by his charitable foundation.
Hazel O'Leary - Democrat - Secretary of Energy during the Clinton Administration - O'leary took trips all over the world as Secretary with as many 50 staff members and at times rented a plane, which was used by Madonna during her concert tours.
Lafayette Thomas - Democrat - Candidate for Tennessee State House of Representatives in 1954. Sheriff of Davidson County, from 1972 to 1990. Indicted in federal court on 54 counts of abusing his power as sheriff. Pleaded guilty to theft and mail fraud; sentenced to five years in prison.
Mary Rose Oakar - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Ohio from 1977 to 1993. Pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of funneling $16,000 through fake donors.
David Giles - Democrat - candidate for U.S. Representative from Washington in 1986 and 1990. Convicted in June 2000 of child rape.
Gary Siplin - Democrat state senator Florida- found guilty of third-degree grand theft of $5,000 or more, a felony, and using services of employees for his candidacy.
Edward Mezvinsky - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Iowa from 1973 to 1977. Indicted on 56 federal fraud charges.
Lena Swanson - Democrat - Member of Washington State Senate in 1997. Pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting unlawful payments from veterans and former prisoners of war.
Abraham J. Hirschfeld - Democrat - candidate in Democratic primary for U.S. Senator from New York in 1974 and 1976. Offered Paula Jones $1 million to drop her sexual harassment lawsuit against President Bill Clinton. Convicted in 2000 of trying to hire a hit man to kill his business partner.
Henry Cisneros - Democrat - U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 1993 to 1997. Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of lying to the FBI.
James A. Traficant Jr. - Member of House of Representatives from Ohio. Expelled from Congress after being convicted of corruption charges. Sentenced today to eight years in prison for accepting bribes and kickbacks.
July 23, 2008
7:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
John Doug Hays - Democrat - member of Kentucky State Senate from 1980 to 1982 Found guilty of mail fraud for submitting false campaign reports stemming from an unsuccessful run for judge. He was sentenced to six months in prison to be followed by six months of home confinement and three years of probation.
Henry J. Cianfrani - Democrat - Pennsylvania State Senate from 1967 to 1976. Convicted on federal charges of racketeering and mail fraud for padding his Senate payroll. Sentenced to five years in federal prison.
David Hall - Democrat - Governor of Oklahoma from 1971 to 1975. Indicted on extortion and conspiracy charges. Convicted and sentenced to three years in prison.
John A. Celona - Democrat - A former state senator was charged with the three counts of mail fraud. Federal prosecutors accused him of defrauding the state and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars from CVS Corp. and others while serving in the legislature. Celona has agreed to plead guilty to taking money from the CVS pharmacy chain and other companies that had interest in legislation. Under the deal, Celona agreed to cooperate with investigators. He faces up to five years in federal prison on each of the three counts and a $250,000 fine
Allan Turner Howe - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Utah from 1975 to 1977. Arrested for soliciting a policewoman posing as a prostitute.
Jerry Cosentino - Democrat - Illinois State Treasurer. Pleaded guilty to bank fraud - fined $5,000 and sentenced to nine months home confinement.
Joseph Waggonner Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Louisiana from 1961 to 19 79. Arrested in Washington, D.C. for soliciting a policewoman posing as a prostitute
Albert G. Bustamante - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Texas from 1985 to 1993. Convicted in 1993 on racketeering and bribery charges and sentenced to prison.
Lawrence Jack Smith - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Florida from 1983 to 1993. Sentenced to three months in federal prison for tax evasion.
David Lee Walters - Democrat - Governor of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995. Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor election law violation.
James Guy Tucker, Jr. - Democrat - Governor of Arkansas from 1992 to 1996. Resigned in July 1996 after conviction on federal fraud charges as part of the Whitewater investigation.
Walter Rayford Tucker - Democrat - Mayor of Compton, California from 1991 to 1992; U.S. Representative from California from 1993 to 1995. Sentenced to 27 months in prison for extortion and tax evasion.
July 23, 2008
7:56 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
William McCuen - Democrat - Secretary of State of Arkansas from 1985 to 1995. Admitted accepting kickbacks from two supporters he gave jobs, and not paying taxes on the money. Admitted to conspiring with a political consultant to split $53,560 embezzled from the state in a sham transaction. He was indicted on corruption charges. Pleaded guilty to felony counts tax evasion and accepting a kickback. Sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Walter Fauntroy - Democrat - Delegate to U.S. Congress from the District of Columbia from 1971 to 1991. Charged in federal court with making false statements on financial disclosure forms. Pleaded guilty to one felony count and sentenced to probation.
Carroll Hubbard, Jr. - Democrat - Kentucky State Senate from 1968 to 1975 and U.S. Representative from Kentucky from 1975 to 1993. Pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Federal Elections Commission and to theft of government property; sentenced to three years in prison.
Joseph Kolter - Democrat - member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from 1969 to 1982 and U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1983 to 1993. Indicted by a Federal grand jury on five felony charges of embezzlement at the U.S. House post office. Pleaded guilty.
Webster Hubbell - Democrat - Chief Justice of Arkansas State Supreme Court in 1983. Pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and tax evasion charges - sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Nicholas Mavroules - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1979 to 1993. Pleaded guilty to charges of tax fraud and accepting gratuities while in office.
Carl Christopher Perkins - Democrat - Kentucky State House of Representatives from 1981 to 1984 and U.S. Representative from Kentucky from 1985 to 1993. Pleaded guilty to bank fraud in connection with the House banking scandal. Perkins wrote overdrafts totaling about $300,000. Pleaded guilty to charges of filing false statements with the Federal Election Commission and false financial disclosure reports. Sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Richard Hanna - Democrat - U.S. Representative from California from 1963 to 1974. Received payments of about $200,000 from a Korean businessman in what became known as the "Koreagate" influence buying scandal. Pleaded guilty and sentenced to federal prison.
Angelo Errichetti - Democrat - New Jersey State Senator was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $40,000 for his involvement in Abscam.
Daniel Baugh Brewster - Democrat - U.S. Senator from Maryland. Indicted on charges of accepting illegal gratuity while in Senate.
July 23, 2008
7:58 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Thomas Joseph Dodd - Democrat - U.S. Senator from Connecticut. Censured by the Senate for financial improprieties, having diverted $116,000 in campaign and testimonial funds to his own use
Edward Fretwell Prichard, Jr. - Democrat - Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Kentucky. Convicted of vote fraud in federal court in connection with ballot-box stuffing. Served five months in prison.
Jerry Springer - Democrat - Resigned from Cincinnati City Council in 1974 after admitting to paying a prostitute with a personal check, which was found in a police raid on a massage parlor.
Guy Hamilton Jones, Sr. - Democrat -Arkansas State Senate. Convicted on federal tax charges and expelled from the Arkansas Senate.
Daniel Flood - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania from 1945 to 1947, 1949 to 1953 and 1955 to 1980. Pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge involving payoffs and sentenced to probation.
Otto Kerner, Jr - Democrat - Governor of Illinois from 1961 to 1968. While serving as Governor, he and another official made a gain of over $300,000 in a stock deal. Convicted on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury, and related charges. Sentenced to three years in federal prison and fined $50,000.
George Crockett, Jr. - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Michigan. Served four months in federal prison for contempt of court following his defense of a Communist leader on trial for advocating the overthrow of the government.
Cornelius Edward Gallagher - Democrat - U.S. Representative from New Jersey from 1959 to 1973. Indicted on federal charges of income tax evasion, conspiracy, and perjury
Mark B. Jimenez - Democrat fundraiser - sentenced to 27 months in prison on charges of tax evasion and conspiracy to defraud the United States and commit election financing offenses.
Bobby Lee Rush - Democrat - U.S. Representative from Illinois. As a Black Panther, spent six months in prison on a weapons charge.
Bolley ''Bo'' Johnson - Democrat - Former Florida House Speaker - received a two-year term for tax evasion.
Roger L. Green - Democrat - Brooklyn Democrat Assemblyman. Pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for accepting travel reimbursement for trips he did not pay for and was sentenced to fines and probation.
Gloria Davis - Democrat - Bronx assemblywoman. Pleaded guilty to second-degree bribe-taking.
July 23, 2008
7:59 a.m.
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rushrulesbaby writes:
Ya gotta love these dems! What a bunch of self rightous pigs!
July 23, 2008
8:02 a.m.
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Marla writes:
Just the tip of the iceberg, an endless supply of Democrat corruption.
This incident clearly demonstrates that the Democrats are NOT at all even remotely about "Change That We Can Believe In".
Obama and the DNC are simply more of the same so in reality they are not any more important or needed than any other run-of-the-mill political crooks.
July 23, 2008
8:02 a.m.
Suggest removal
RJS07 writes:
I'm more interested in knowing why they think the gasoline in Denver is "tainted." What is that about?
Denver presently has a contract bought sometime back for its gasoline which is allowing the city to purchase it less expensively. (This is a good thing for the taxpayers.) When that fuel is gone, however, the city will have to purchase more fuel at a MUCH higher price. It will be gone sooner because the DNC host committee has used some of it. (That is a bad thing for taxpayers.)
I suspect this whole boondoggle is NOT going to end up being a good thing for Denver businesses and citizens in the long run.
July 23, 2008
8:10 a.m.
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Longhorn writes:
Everyone is missing the point here. It is not LEGAL for a non-profit to not pay the gas tax. On top of that, Lickenpooper does not have the authority to waive the gas tax.
The funny thing is that even if the RNC was getting the same break in Minnesota (which they aren't), it might not be a crime there. Breaking the law in Colorado because someone else might be doing it is no excuse for breaking the law.
Just another example of the corruption in the Democratic party.
July 23, 2008
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
gruffbear writes:
ToeNee: You're just reciting one of the Big Lies of the Democrats: that when Democrats get caught doing something, it's ok, because "Republicans do it too."
Republicans aren't stealing gas taxes in Minnesota, unlike Democrats are in Colorado. But Denver's mayor wants everyone to believe Republicans are, so he says he "knows for a fact" when in fact he doesn't know. He's just promoting a Democrat Big Lie.
The fact is, Democrats take to corruption and machine politics like white on rice, and Republicans don't. Democrats can't possibly come up with a list of Republican malfeasance that's as long as the one Marla documents, because Republicans reject corruption just as Democrats embrace it.
So, ToeJam, believe the Democrat Big Lies if you want to, but as for me, I don't believe in lies. And I don't support politicians who lie. And I don't support political parties that embrace lies as part of their culture.
July 23, 2008
8:15 a.m.
Suggest removal
DavidE writes:
The arrangement isn't legal. The city cannot transfer its exemption to the committee. The cars for the committee should not be refueling at the city's pumps.
July 23, 2008
8:15 a.m.
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dcolon47 writes:
They should take RTD to all their meetings, since transportation is so good in denver
July 23, 2008
8:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Democrat logic: Somebody you know is corrupt and filthy and always has been. In this example let’s take the Democrat party. Corrupt, filthy and always has been.
All of the sudden this person, the "Democrat Party" swears to you to give them another chance, that they have really, truly changed. "I swear to you that this time I have changed, it's "Change You Can Believe In!"
Now let’s say this person, the "Democrat Party" gets caught yet again doing something wrong after they just swore to you to give them your full faith and trust that they have changed.
Here is the question we need to ask them over and over until we get a non-BS answer; This is "Change We Can Believe in"????
July 23, 2008
8:23 a.m.
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bluefin93 writes:
Hey Dilligaf, are just dumb? Read all the artical before you jump on someone. The RNC stated, in the next paragraph, that their host commity buys gas from public pumps, and do pay taxes. It looks to me that Hickenlooper just spits out crap so idiots like you that don't have an attention span big enough to read an entire artical will believe anything they hear. This is why someone with only 114 days experance in the Senate can claim to be good enough to be President of this county. At least Bush was a governor for two terms.
July 23, 2008
8:24 a.m.
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Edav38 writes:
Actually, gruffbear,
Democrats AND Republicans are So Full of Corruption, that this country is currently in a fight for its very existence.
BOTH candidates would like to do many things that would destabilize this nation, and Neither really Care what you or I or any other Citizen thinks about it or wants done.
They have Proven this time and against for the past 15+ years.
Bush1, Clinton, Bush2. and ALL of the Congresses (house and Senate Alike). Not A Single one of these cares anylonger. And the Approval Polls prove this.
Have you seen that Congresses Approval rating has finally dropped below 20%, to 18%, after hovering at 22-25% for more than a year.
The country APPROVES of Bush2, MORE than they do of the Democrat Controlled Congress.
July 23, 2008
8:24 a.m.
Suggest removal
youngman writes:
What bothers me is when they ask for this stuff that no one raises a red flag....group think...to me it stinks....amazing what the Democrats think they are...they think they are Royalty.....annointed...Deserving
July 23, 2008
8:31 a.m.
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SlouchingTowardBoulder writes:
Given enough rope, the Democrats will hang themselves. They are like batters that can't lay off the slider.
From Jim Geraghty's blog:
Gas Tax Holiday For Me, Not For Thee.
A gas tax holiday is a "gimmick", Obama assures us. Nonetheless, the DNC bigwigs won't be paying it while attending the convention this year.
Actually, it's an even sweeter deal than McCain's tax holiday, because the committee hosting the Democratic National Convention is dodging both federal and state taxes.
July 23, 2008
8:36 a.m.
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Marla writes:
Look, its simple. Just take the page from the Democrat Play Book.
Tie this corruption squarely to the Obama campaign and the Democrat party in general.
Just keep asking them over and over until they admit they are wrong "So, this is Change That Americans Can Believe In"?
Don't accept any answer other than an admission that they are wrong.
Not only that, insist on a full investigation. This is not over until a full investigation, subpoenas and trials are finished.
WHAT DID OBAMA KNOW? WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
WHAT DID HOWARD DEAN KNOW? WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
It is quite possible that there is felony conspiracy involved her regarding tax evasion at a minimum. Don't let them get away with it!
OBAMA'S SILENCE ON THIS MATTER SHOWS THAT HE SUPPORTS THIS THEFT AND CORRPUTION AND IN FACT THIS IS THE TYPE OF "CHANGE" THAT OBAMA AND THE 'CRATS ARE REFERRING TO.
INVESTIGATE, IMPEACH OBAMA, INCARCERATE! Already has a nice ring to it.
July 23, 2008
8:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jim_in_Erie writes:
I notice that only a couple of posters have commented on the "tainted gas" excuse.
Is there a problem with the quality of gasoline sold in Denver to the unwashed tax paying masses?
Hadn't heard anything.
Then again, nothing in the article, or comments thus far, about the report by Channel Four that the host committee 'borrowed' City owned vehicles for their transportation needs.
Not rented or leased mind you, borrowed.
I suspect it'll get much worse before it gets any better.
And yeah in many respects the Republicans are no better overall.
One with functioning brain cells should be seriously concerned about the future, near and long term, of this country.
July 23, 2008
8:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jericho writes:
It's just best if you join THE party. Things will go easier for you.
July 23, 2008
8:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Jericho writes:
If Denver is using gasoline now which officials bought months ago isn't that speculating? Weren't they speculating that the price would go up? Shouldn't they be hauled before Congress and made to answer for their sins?
July 23, 2008
8:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Is it just me or does the righties jump all over a story that has anything to do with the DNC and want to call them corrupt? Is it just me or did every time the price of a barrel of oil went up our gas prices went up with it and the righties defended big oil? Is it just me or did the price of a barrel of oil over the past few day's come down from $140 to $125 a barrel but our gas prices stay the same? Is it just me or have I not seen the righties defending them lately but want to whine about a simple tax lift for a few hundred people? Come on people get your priorities straight.
July 23, 2008
8:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
The Host Committee which could not and did not raise the promised funds for the DNC in Denver and had to cancel events - and is still behind in fundrasing - gets special rates on gas? If I can't pay my bills, I don't get special rates!
July 23, 2008
8:54 a.m.
Suggest removal
DenverDan writes:
Republicans paying for the DNC, PRICLESS!!!!!
July 23, 2008
9:01 a.m.
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mdk writes:
Now Denver realises what happens when you kiss a donkey under the tail. The recoil is delicious, but the taste is not. Wake up, don't vote for the "Rule or Ruin" party, you stupid lemmings!
July 23, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
What's a matter Genie you can give me a reason? Or you don't have an excuse for your ripoff capitalist buddies.
And mdk I know what happens when you try to kiss an elephant under the tail. You get crushed.
July 23, 2008
9:13 a.m.
Suggest removal
htnkd5 writes:
If Obama's and the DNC slogan is "Change we can believe in" - then I have some serious issues- this is not a change - this is the same stuff that has been going on with all politicians whether republican or democrat- using the system in their favor and passing the expense onto the middle class- here they are rich and can not even pay the same price for gas as we do- no wonder they will not even bring up the drilling bill for a vote- for myself I really need to start listening and seeing what the party does - because right now I am doubting a lot of the stuff he is saying- too many different answers for different settings
July 23, 2008
9:16 a.m.
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dilligaf writes:
ToeNee
Can you explain to me (with facts) what the democrats did that caused the price of oil to go up? Now I know your going to come at me with they wouldn't allow drilling. So give me an answer I have been trying to get for along time. Republicans had control of Congress & the White House for 6 years. WHY WAS THERE NO DRILLING GOING ON???????
July 23, 2008
9:17 a.m.
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Brockage writes:
Why are Democrats always so greedy? Is it their narcissism? their sense of moral superiority? or are they just freeloaders???
July 23, 2008
9:26 a.m.
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Jim_in_Erie writes:
This is going to be 'fun'.
The liberals swear everything 'wrong' in the world is Republican caused.
Republicans swear everything 'wrong' in the world is Democrat caused.
And those of us who can think, see it is both of em at fault.
And neither Nobama or McCain is offering a solution.
They both, to different degrees, insist that the solution is more government intrusion and control over every aspect of day to day life.
July 23, 2008
9:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Again Genie you can't come up with any constructive facts. Just name calling. Heck my 11yr old grandson can come up with a better rebuttal then that.
July 23, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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temurlan writes:
Froward, define fair share. If I start a business and make a profit of $100,000,000.00 after expenses and taking care of my employees, how much do you think should be taken away from me?
Just answer the question with a dollar amount. No diatribes please.
July 23, 2008
9:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
When the Obama and the Hate America Rat Party Conspires illegally to avoid paying taxes and then turns around and puts even more tax burden on the American people - why yes indeed. It's wrong.
WHAT DID THE DNC KNOW AND WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT?
WHAT DID OBAMA KNOW AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
WHAT DID HOWARD DEAN KNOW AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
We will get to the bottom of it, teams of lawyers are mobilizing as we speak. Lawsuits are being prepared. This is not going to go away now Dims, your jig is up. You are exposed as the corrupt bastards that you are.
July 23, 2008
9:36 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Jim_in_Erie
Now that's the most worth while post on here yet. And I will be man enough to admit that it includes me.
Jesse Ventura 2012!!!!!
July 23, 2008
9:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Firefyte writes:
dilligaf...the massive gas price increases we have seen have occurred in only the past two years....just after pelosi and crew moved in. 6 years ago the general population was satisfied to pay $2.50 a gallon and went along with the notion that increased domestic oil production would destroy the environment. The dems have not "caused" the gas price increases we have today....that is caused by increased world demand (China 18% yearly demand increase)....but they have done everything they can to keep us from fixing the problem by producing domestic oil to offset the oil we import. We should have been began refining more domestic oil ten years ago. But ten years ago the enviromorons thru the democratic party did everything they could to turn public opinion against it...so no off shore drilling or ANWAR drilling or nuclear plants were built. Also we were told it would take ten years for it to make a difference anyway...guess what....it's been ten years.
July 23, 2008
9:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Marla
These lawyers. When their done in Denver will they be headed to Minnesota? It is going on there too.
July 23, 2008
9:44 a.m.
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mdk writes:
Fro writes: "Capitolism is not the problem Gene, it is GREED! And an unwillingness to pay your fair share. funny how retardlicans are up in arms about this article. when in fact to retardlicans taxes are the problem. less tax! less tax! ok so not paying tax is now somehow a bad thing? AAAH yes, only if Democrats do it.
HYPOCRITES!"
Is this the Pere-Ubu logic of someone on his second six-pack of 'Bama Cooler today?
This thread is about the illegal distribution of city-owned gas. The DNC is not entitled to Tax Exemption-by whim city-owned gas. I'm not surprised a logic-impaired doofus democrat offers this pile of you know what as an effective arguement.
Count the silverware after that convention Denver!
July 23, 2008
9:46 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Actually no, it’s not.
Work on that reading comprehension eh bub? The fact that Democrats are now lying to the American People about all this is more evidence of "Change That We Can Believe In"??????
Something tells me that America will reject this type of proposed "change" that the Democrat Party is presenting to the American people.
That’s right dims, just keep digging this hole deeper. In fact we’ll keep helping ya, all in the spirit of good natured neighborliness, no?
July 23, 2008
9:50 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Firefyte
My question still didn't get answered to what happened those 6 years of the Republican controlled Congress & White House. I just for some reason get that answered. Earth to space is there any life form out there that can give me this answer. I have been asking it for months.
July 23, 2008
9:54 a.m.
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Marla writes:
We'll see who's crying when this ends up in criminal and civil trials. There are potentially federal fuel tax evasion issues and conspiracy charges at work here as well which could result in prison sentences. You idiots in the DNC don't know what a can of worms you just opened.
Howard Dean and the rest of the DNC crooks need to start getting measured for their striped suits.
July 23, 2008
9:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
So my fair share is $33,000,000.00 or more? That "or more" part is so telling.
Yeah, that's fair. Punish the successful and reward the lazy.
July 23, 2008
10:01 a.m.
Suggest removal
DenverDan writes:
Marla
You voted for the biggest crook of all time "Twice". Get a clue!
July 23, 2008
10:07 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Your attempt to change the subject of THIS ARTICLE is obviously being ignored by everyone except your fellow lying, thieving RATS.
Bush isn't running for president - Obama is. Even though you rats seem to think you are still running against Bush – which is a sign that your party is collectively retarded.
Stick to the subject of the ARTICLE - DEMOCRAT CRIMES AND CORRUPTION!
Stick to the subject – Dim-O-CRATS are so cheap and dumb that they tried to save a few nickels in tax by breaking the law and sticking it to the American People. Howard Dean and Obama need to be put on trial to find out who’s brilliant idea this was. You Communists just can’t get out of your Communist mentality and think the government (people) should subsidize everything for you. Move to North Korea if you like living under Communism.
Stick to the subject - SO THIS IS THE "CHANGE" THE DEMOCRATS KEEP TELLING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ABOUT???????
WHAT DID OBAMA KNOW ABOUT THIS AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
WHAT DID HOWARD DEAN KNOW ABOUT THIS AND WHEN DID HE KNOW IT?
You guys are going to have big problems with this and its evident already by the way you are trying to handle it. There is no getting out of this one, you Rats have been caught red-handed in your HYPOCRISY and CORRUPTION! Deal with it – oh wait, you can’t!
July 23, 2008
10:08 a.m.
Suggest removal
Cowboy63 writes:
dilligaf writes - Jesse Ventura 2012!!!!!
You got that right Brother!
Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same coin... the status quo!!! You'll get either tough talk from McCain or empty speeches from Obama but exactly NOTHING is going to change one way or the either - no matter who is elected.
This bickering among the people just keeps the usual millionaire suspects in power. The only "people" either faction are concerned about are the ones they see at their Washington cocktail parties. You and your $4+/gal gas don't mean JACK to either Obama or McCain while they are cruising at 40,000 feet sipping Champagne.
Jesse... Jesse... Jesse...
July 23, 2008
10:11 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
It's already becoming part of a national discussion...
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/07/23/...
July 23, 2008
10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
daryl13 writes:
The comical part of this is Chris Lopez stating the host committee for the DNC is non-partisan. This guy is either incredibly naive or incredibly stupid.
July 23, 2008
10:12 a.m.
Suggest removal
Logan5 writes:
As many here have pointed out, liberals do a ton of preaching but not much practicing. If they are so concerned about "global warming", then I say every convention attendee should ride their bicycle or use public transportation.... no cars allowed at all.
July 23, 2008
10:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
HSTOWEL writes:
These people should pay their taxes but that is nothing compared to the taxes that Obama and his crew will want from all of us should he be elected. Despite his drivel that he'll only raise taxes on the rich it's a lie and voters need to research exactly how his policies will effect them. His proposed doubling of capital gains taxes would be disastrous for the country, thousands of small businesses, and individuals who sell property, stocks, etc. Where does he want to put all this revenue? Into financing a lousy government run health care program that will also take in millions of illegal immigrants.
Nobama 08 or ever!
July 23, 2008
10:17 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
RATS - DemocRATS and their Obama Endorsed crimes, tax evasion, theft and corruption.
July 23, 2008
10:25 a.m.
Suggest removal
Firefyte writes:
dilligaf....it is a fair question. The repubs definitely should have fought harder to make sure we are not in the position we are in now. Retardicians (I really like that word) are all alike....public opinion was against domestic drilling and additional Nuke facilities so the rebubs didn't push the issue harder...both sides are to blame here. If I were king I would fire them all and start over. I am also in favor of alternate energy/fuel sources....let's keep them all on the table...it makes the odds of energy independence better. Lets keep all our options open by researching ways to improve wind, solar, biofuels at the same time. In the meantime though we need to increase our domestic oil production to offset our high import levels. I like to imagine a day when we finally refine say..a hydrogen based fuel. Just imagine being able to fill up your tank with water! At that point we export that technology to the rest of the world and we can meet somewhere to have a beer and laugh as the price for oil drops to ten cents a barrel! And just think.....once the middle east no longer has the world on a string like a bunch of crack addicts making insane amounts of money to fund international terrorism they would actually have to work for a living. All of the OPEC nations would then actually have to start creating an industrial base to earn a living like the rest of the world. Once crude oil is no longer in huge demand our military interests in that part of the world would drop off significantly as well. Sorry for wandering off topic. So tonight after work when I get home I will have a beer and say a toast to you dilligaf...cheers...here's to better days ahead!
July 23, 2008
10:27 a.m.
Suggest removal
pj writes:
I don't give a damn WHO they are. EVERYONE should pay their fair share. I'm pissed off about all of the giveaways, when we have so many issues to resolve. Stop it with the damned "incentives". They have a beautiful city to come to, that's incentive enough. It's not like the city hasn't bent over backwards to attract this DNC convention and other big events here already! It's just like WALMART's stranglehold on cities that it chooses to site stores in. Making a profit should be incentive enough, without giving the cow away with the milk. Geez. THINK!!!!
July 23, 2008
10:31 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Fro - have you forgotten the definition of fascist already? I thought we cleared that up a few days ago.
How about this statement? "Mayor lickenpooper, with his illegal public assistance to the dnc committee by furnishing vehicles and tax free fuel, is displating strongly autocratic powers which most individuals would consider fascist doctrine."
July 23, 2008
10:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Alive writes:
Where is artstarzz? I always want to see how the anti-white chicano movement feels about what their DNC homies are up to.
VIVA LOS VEGAS!
July 23, 2008
10:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
"I'm sure the DNC will pay if required by law"
WELL GEE, THAT'S NICE TO KNOW THE DNC WILL GRACE US ALL BY CREATING LAWS THEN BREAKING THEM, THEN ONLY OBAYING THEM WHEN THEY GET CAUGHT.
See, there is the little problem of conspiring and racketeering to involved in breaking the law. There was deliberate planning here and there will be massive subpoena of DNC documents over this. Average American Citizens are thrown in jail all the time for not paying the Democrat Parties excessive taxes. You better believe that underlings will sing like canaries in exchange for outing the head bosses involved.
WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT EVERY MEETING THAT HOWARD DEAN AND OBAMA AND THEIR STAFF WERE IN ON AND FIND OUT HOW MANY PEOPLE HELPLED PLAN THESE CRIMES!
July 23, 2008
10:34 a.m.
Suggest removal
Davek80501 writes:
Just another theft from the citizens of Colorado. Everyone of the people involved should arrested and prosecuted for tax fraud and theft including the mayor of Denver since he admitted knowing about it happening. By the way, the mayors excuse " The Republicans are doing it too".
July 23, 2008
10:37 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Actually what the mayor said is not even an "excuse" its a flat out lie. The article goes on to state that in fact the mayor told a lie because the Republicans are NOT doing it.
IF OBAMA AND THE MAYOR LIE ABOUT SOMETHING SO EASY TO DISPROVE, WHAT ELSE ARE THE DEMOCRATS LYING ABOUT????
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW!!!!
July 23, 2008
10:52 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
Come back and try to tell us about defamation when you can explain the mayor's defamation by lying and stating he knows for a fact that the "Republican's are doing it too in MN" when in fact this very article refutes the mayor's statement.
Come back and try to tell us about defamation with the millions of lies DemocRATS have written about Bush and the Republicans.
You crybaby Dems can dish it out but can't take it? Get used to it, there will be years of this kind of stuff ahead for you CryBabyCrats to face. What goes around comes around and you Democrats have it coming but good.
Even your attempts to silence political opposition with your Machivellian "Unfairness Doctrine" won't keep us silent! You will not silence the opposition to your tyrannical Demo-RAT party "CHANGE THAT WE CAN'T BELIEVE IN'!
July 23, 2008
10:53 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
ToeNee
Wrong all Congress has to do is pass a bill to drill and the President sign it and a drilling we will go. The Environmentalist wackos have no say. Now one of these days I might find a Republican or a Democrat that will admit that their party isn't perfect and don't blame the other party or any organization for all of our problems.
Jesse Ventura 2012!!!!!
July 23, 2008
11 a.m.
Suggest removal
chobbes writes:
Chacon and Vaughn are what is wrong with the media today. Information comes in so fast and everyone wants to have the scoop. What has happened to checking sources and reporting the whole story. How can the editor on the RMN let a statement that the Republicans are not paying the tax too.. without checking it out. Catching a mayor in a lie should be a scoop too... but only if he was a Republican.
What conservatives hate about liberals is that you spout how the party is for the little guy and that only Republicans are corrupt, when in fact your Democratic leaders and your agendas smell of power and corruption.
July 23, 2008
11:03 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
So froward, me taking my profit from the company I created is "plundering the company"??? LOL
Whether I invest it back into the company or just spend it on myself, that is trickle down economics. That boat I buy employs boat builders. The stock I invest in creates R and D jobs.
You just sound like someone filled with anger and jealosy with anyone who has something that you don't. Well, there are makers and takers. I guess you have to redirect all that guilt from taking all the time somewhere.
July 23, 2008
11:05 a.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
Toenee writes: "dilligaf: Please show us the proof the RNC and friends are using tax free gas? Maybe Froward69 can pull that story out of his backside"
Look to the top of the article at the picture of Hickenlooper and read the caption below it. Now you probably won't believe him. So why don't you do some research (which reading your posts) you don't do any? And prove him wrong. Then you will have ammo to call him a liar in a new blog somewhere.
July 23, 2008
11:19 a.m.
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Marla writes:
"this is really much ado over nothing."
It looks like a whole lot of people to include a lot of officials disagree with you.
The more you Democrats try to defend and make the lamest excuses on this, the more you appear to the American people as the "Wrong Kind of Change That We Simply Cannot Accept And Won't Go Along With".
July 23, 2008
11:20 a.m.
Suggest removal
DJM_in_MI writes:
dilligaf, did you read the part about the RNC NOT doing the same thing?
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
What a one sided moron. LET THE LYING CONTINUE!!!!!
July 23, 2008
11:22 a.m.
Suggest removal
Marla writes:
"Denis Berckefeldt, spokesman for Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher, said Hickenlooper's administration has been guilty in the past"
"Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said the practice "would seem" to be illegal and referred the matter to the state Department of Revenue."
"There's something there that just doesn't seem right to me because, in a sense, you're saying then that the officials who pass the laws are not willing to live by them," said Councilwoman Jeanne Faatz."
"D*ck Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, said the city's arrangement with the DNC host committee was "appalling."
"I'm hoping this is not the first of many stories about how Colorado taxpayers are apparently subsidizing the Democratic convention," Wadhams said.
After the meeting, Faatz said it was wrong for the DNC host committee to get a tax break.
"I am just troubled by not having the payment of taxes for what I consider to be a privately funded party, and that's what the host committee is: it's a private organization," she said.
"If you've got a 14-gallon tank, on the average, that's about $5.66 that they don't have to pay for fill up," Brown said.
Brown also questioned the need for car washes."
July 23, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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ECOMCON writes:
Democrats are hypocrites and should never be trusted. What a farce.
July 23, 2008
11:45 a.m.
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dandy9918 writes:
Hey Dilligaf: I've done the research. It's in the body of the article. Read this:
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
July 23, 2008
11:45 a.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
Froward, "own"?
What's with the quotes? If I create a company, I don't own it?
Ah, Enron, you pull an example of a publicly traded company that has nothing to do with what I was talking about. Let's try this again. If I write a best seller and make a hundred mil, my fair share is still 33 mil or more?
"Greedy" What's worse? Taking what's yours or taking what's not yours? I think the greed label belongs to your ilk you parasite.
July 23, 2008
11:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
mdk writes:
Look no further than the Convention CEO: Leah Daughtry, she of the marxist church of black liberation theology. (Oh, you thought the DNC & Obama no longer had anything to do with Rev. Wright and the Church of St.Hate Whitey? That it was all thrown under the bus of the 2nd Only Begotten Son of God on its apothesiac ride?) Google the dear sweet Ms.Daughtry, learn more about this self-avowed marxist and racist. Demand your untaxed gas Denver!
July 23, 2008
12:18 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
temurlan
There is only one way to measure greed. And that is to weigh the life style of the owner of a company to the life style of it's employees that helps make that money. Now I'm not saying that they should be the same. But if the owner is living in a million dollar home with swimming pool a 5 car garage that is full of expensive cars and the employees have trouble making rent and can't buy a home. Well there is your answer.
July 23, 2008
12:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
Alive writes:
Marla,
Your ability to eviscerate Obamabots is impressive. Very entertaining. Thank you.
July 23, 2008
12:21 p.m.
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gekkobear writes:
"artstarzz writes:
This is what the mayor is doing . the convention has put people to work . tax incentives work . They are talking about millions of dollars . So we give away a few thousand . So what ."
Yeah, so he is channeling state tax money illegally into the DNC coffers as a "donation" from all the Colorado taxpayers to the DNC. So he's breaking the law and violating his office. So what.
We might possibly get some money or jobs for some businesses in Denver out of it. Surely that's worth violating laws and practices and donation policies. If you have to rob a bank to start up a new business that'll hire people; rob away.
But don't you dare try to violate any union, or environmental rules to try to "make jobs". That would be wrong and you'll be pilloried for that.
But if all you're doing is helping the DNC out with illegal donations in return for a payoff; well who could fault you for that.
I guess the laws and rules can be broken freely if you're helping out the DNC in their political time of need. Good to know.
So if I embezzle some funds for the DNC, what percent am I allowed to keep as a "finders fee" without being prosecuted for my illegal actions? I'm sure the DNC will use it to "create jobs" so I should be in the clear, right?
July 23, 2008
12:27 p.m.
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temurlan writes:
My examples were ment to difine fair share. I think I said "after taking care of employees".
I think 33% or more is beyond my fair share. I just like having more of a say about what happens to my money. The government is going to get more anyway. Lower taxes, raise more tax revenue, yada yada yada...
July 23, 2008
12:31 p.m.
Suggest removal
dilligaf writes:
RickyLee
First I have seen nothing that proves me wrong. Also I didn't know we where keeping score. TWEET
I have went on the RNC web site and have asked the question. At that time if I'm wrong I will say so. See I'm not like the Republicans that think everything Bush has done is great and he will go down as the best Prez of all time. And will not admit he is the biggest joke in history. But over 70% (since you think I'm out numbered) thinks so. Who is in the majority as more and more Cons get voted out of office? Election 2006
July 23, 2008
1:14 p.m.
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JCS1965 writes:
This is the "change" Osama, I mean Hussein, I mean Obama is talking about. Yet those cheap snobs at the DNC won't even pay the "change" for each gallon of gas. They don't have too because they are so much smarter than all of us plebs. They know whats best and they don't need to be bothered with gas taxes that they put into law.
And if the RNC is getting this deal it should stop also. But I bet you they threw that in the article just to deflect the blame. Democrats are really good at that, they are just not good at running the government! Unless that means running it into the ground (see social security, medicare, energy plans (no drilling for oil we already have!), and the upcoming climate change boondoggle). God help us all if Barack gets elected.
July 23, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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mojambo writes:
From this article
"I do know for a fact that they're doing the same exact thing in Minneapolis," Hickenlooper said, referring to the city that along with St. Paul is hosting the Republican National Convention.
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
And from the Post
Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper told council members that Minneapolis had a similar deal with the Republicans.
That isn't true, said Teresa McFarland, spokeswoman for the local host committee for the Republican National Convention.
"We pay for fuel like everyone else does," she said.
July 23, 2008
1:18 p.m.
Suggest removal
JCS1965 writes:
Big D wrote: George Bush could drop oil prices in one day by opening the Strategic Reserve. He has taken our country to war and is too stupid to use the tools he has to protect us. He breaks laws and now we will probably see terrorists free because of it. Our system works and the only thing that challenges it is when dumba$$e$ like Bush forget to use it.
The strategic reserve is just for that..for disasters and the military. Plus it would only last 58 days at the current amount. so we should use all that up to help us for 58 days. Does the D stand for Dunace? You and Pelosi admit that more oil would drop prices but are against drilling for oil we know we have. Totally ridiculuos. Liberalism IS a mental disorder!
July 23, 2008
1:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
JCS1965 writes:
Froward 69 wrote: YIOTA um Sandy Berger did the deed BEFORE 9-11-2001.
NO HE DID NOT! He stole those documents (and shreded some that they never got back) a few years ago while the 9-11 commision was in session. Google it! You must love lying as much as Clinton and Sandy Burglar do.
July 23, 2008
1:27 p.m.
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P_Denver writes:
Synopsis for all of you who are just joining:
The Democrats were cheating.
They got caught.
They lied to redirect the focus.
They got caught.
They said they're sorry, and promised not to do it any more.
This is news?
July 23, 2008
1:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
daRock writes:
Chris Lopez said the DNC is NON-partisan (are you KIDDING ME!?!?!) And they want to make sure they get non-tainted gas. Hey Chris!! ME too.
No other convention has received this perk for bringing business to Denver. Not even the pope and World Youth Day which brought in 3 times as many people to Colorado.
So since march, this contract has grossed less than $10k or about 100 tanks of gas but will end up grossing the city $400k more in the next month. 4000 tanks of gas in the next 5 weeks but 100 tanks in 4 months. The math just isnt there. Unless the DNC is going to reimburse the city for all of the gas used by the police and other city vehicles during their stay. Funny how fat chance and slim chance means the same thing.
July 23, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Froward - God will be our only help if osamaobama is elected.
July 23, 2008
1:35 p.m.
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mdk writes:
Blohard69 writes: "God will help us all, if Barack Obama becomes president."
Crazy cult warning!! Any of you out there getting a "Jonestown Massacre" vibe from these Obamanoids? Creeping Jesus!
July 23, 2008
1:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
dddon writes:
If you actually read the article you would see that the paper contacted the Republican committee and they responded in the article. See quote from article.
--
"I do know for a fact that they're doing the same exact thing in Minneapolis," Hickenlooper said, referring to the city that along with St. Paul is hosting the Republican National Convention.
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
--
So looks like before everyone jumps on this they should actually read the article.
I love the excuse they gave is for safety and security reason. What a joke... I guess Denver gas is dangerous....
Dems are a joke always looking for an angle and quick to try and blame others when they get caught!! Keep drinking the coolaid folks!!!!!!
July 23, 2008
1:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
cln2day writes:
"Downs said the contract with the host committee started in March and that $9,700 had been expended so far. The city anticipates making $466,125 total from the contract, she said.
artstarzz writes
Looks like money is being made by the city .
The city gives tax breaks to business all the time . What's the problem .
$9,700 had been expended
$466,125 total from the contract .
Looks like the city is making money"
OK so the contract is for $466,125 guess my first question would be how do we know how much gas and car washes will they really use?
lets do a little math
lets say the city pays $3.00 a gallon for gas at the wholesale price. Included in that are the Fed taxes.
so $466,125 divided by $3.00 = 155375 gallons of gas
We allready paid for the fed tax so we are selling the DNC 155375 gallons of gas as per the contract at $3.00 a gallon, well I guess we are also washing the cars. If they are washing at the base yard then the city also supplying labor, water and benefits to the workers, guess I could add $.50 to each gallon for overhead to provide the pumps and the carwashes.
so contract is $466125.00 divided by $3.50 =133179 gallons of gas
I am not sure how much of the $.41 cents a gallon of gas is federal or state and city tax so I am going say $.15 is the state and city gets from a gallon of gas sold.
133179 gallons of gas
X .15 tax
= $19977 lost tax for the city and county
my numbers might be off but its simple case to show how the little guy gets screwed.
July 23, 2008
1:51 p.m.
Suggest removal
JCS1965 writes:
Fropward 69 wrote: JCS1965, God will help us all, if Barack Obama becomes president.
I am sure he will help us when we elect a President who voted for infanticide while in the Illinois state legislature. He voted not to give medical attention to any baby that survived an abortion. Basically the doctors still kill it and than throw it in the trash. Is that "change" you believe in? Whether you are for or against abortion that is sick.
As for Sandy Burglar, why so defensive. You are the one who said it happened before 9-11 not me and now I am to blame. I am not a registered Republican, I am an independent. Remember what I said about Democrats deflecting criticism? That is exactly what you are doing. I used to vote Democrat 100% of the time, until 9-11. Since than I woke up and saw how they would sell out his country and its military just to retain power. Put that in your pipe and smok it a-hole!
July 23, 2008
2:03 p.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
cin2day - you forgot to add the state burden. If I'n not mistaken that's approximately 34200% for the City of Denver.
July 23, 2008
2:09 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Once again, the mayor lives up to his nickname: Lickenpooper. They can just cut me a check for my portion. I'm having a flashback to when Slick Willy was is in office with all of the half truths & omitted facts. I got an idea, have them ride a bus...there, call me a genius. If they all slept in tent city, there would be no need to drive anywhere. Also, who's paying for the movie & museum tickets?
July 23, 2008
2:35 p.m.
Suggest removal
Yuki writes:
Just another example of liberal do as I say not as I do. It's a down right shame that they feel they are better than the rest of us.
July 23, 2008
2:40 p.m.
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The_Punnisher writes:
The DEMONRATS got caught in a RAT TRAP....
Next action: Start SQUEALING....
I think we have our GAS-O-GATE....
And we need to see how far this one goes...
Bernstein & Woodward, time to get busy....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watergate
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodward...
July 23, 2008
2:57 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
froward, it's the Democrats living in fear. Fear of tainted gas (WTF makes them paranoid about that?), fear of the Dillon Dam road being blown up by terrorists....... aren't those what you call, "living in fear"?
Ritter and Hickenlooper have shown the citizens of Colorado that the Democrat politicians are possibly corrupt. The RNC doesn't get any breaks in Minnesota, and as a taxpayer in Colorado but not a resident of Denver, I'm irritated Hickenlooper and the Democrats tried to pass one on the taxpayers illegally.
Another thing, froward, you have selective memory in regards to history. You talk about Republicans and wars. Didn't Clinton involve us in a "war" against Serbia? Wasn't it Kennedy (a President I admire) who got us involved in Vietnam, and wasn't it Johnson who kept us there and ramped up the troop count? Iraq isn't even close to being what Vietnam was....... so would you say that the Democrats got us in the worst war for the United States ever? How do you expect to be taken seriously with your posts when you're so biased and ignorant of all the facts?
July 23, 2008
3:16 p.m.
JCS1965 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 23, 2008
3:17 p.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
The Host Committee which could not and did not raise the promised funds for the DNC in Denver and had to cancel events - and is still behind in fundrasing - gets special rates on gas? If I can't pay my bills, I don't get special rates! Oh wait, this is a program for Democrats paid for by my taxes. Why am I surprised!
July 23, 2008
3:27 p.m.
Suggest removal
Grim_Reefer writes:
NotChasB~
If only you were taxed to death...
July 23, 2008
3:29 p.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
big_d, Clinton had several chances to get binLaden since it was known where he was at several times. It was known binLaden was a part of the WTC attack in 1993, under Clinton's watch. Why did Clinton fail to act?
Also, Rice wasn't in the position she's in now back in 2001. I'm sure you meant Colin Powell, right?
Not to get off subject, just thought I'd help you with the facts you don't talk about.
July 23, 2008
3:32 p.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
Congress voted and approved the war! They need to stop pointing fingers.
Bill Clinton knew of threats by AlQuadia against the U.S. and did nothing!
There was an attack on the World Trade center in 1993. The trail of investigation led to Ramzi Yousef, who authorities believe was in the van that delivered the explosives to the WTC. With him was Eyad Ismoil. Also implicated in the bombing, along with Salemeh and Ayad, were Ahmad Ajaj, Mahmoud Abouhalima, and Abdul Rahman Yasin. On March 4, 1994, a jury found Salemeh, Ajaj, Abouhalima, and Ayad guilty on 38 counts, including murder and conspiracy, and the judge handed down multiple life sentences.
Yousef fled the country, and engaged in other terror plots before he was captured and brought to the United States from Pakistan in February 1995. He was sentenced to life plus 240 years. As of 2003, Yasin had not been captured, and was believed to be in Iraq. In October 1995, Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, a blind Egyptian cleric who taught at mosques in Brooklyn and New Jersey, was sentenced to life imprisonment for masterminding the attack. But some observers wonder whether the roots of the 1993 WTC attack run much deeper.
The fact that Yousef is the nephew of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, a top figure in al-Qaeda, suggests a strong connection between the 1993 conspirators and the group who ultimately brought down the towers in 2001.
July 23, 2008
3:44 p.m.
Suggest removal
temurlan writes:
Not to veer back on topic but...
"The host committee, which is responsible for raising money to put on the convention, is using the city's pumps "for safety and security reasons," Lopez said.
"We know the gas is not tainted," he said. "We use it as a safety and security measure."
Oh how I hate it when I get some tainted gas or get attacked at the pump. What a load of crap!
July 23, 2008
3:46 p.m.
Suggest removal
Citizen21 writes:
Thanks temurian.
And, what? We are to use tainted gas - shouln't there be a public warning if the gas has been tainted? I agree - BS!
July 23, 2008
3:55 p.m.
Suggest removal
mdk writes:
Neoprogs: steal, then lie, change the subject, point fingers at smokescreens, lie some more, obfuscate, and eventually eat their own when cornered. This thread is about one thing: theft of city fuel. Your tired off topic blathering reveals your intentions.
Neoprogs: sad shadows of their marxist masters!
July 23, 2008
3:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
uh-huh, big_d........ the Republicans blocked Clinton from going after binLaden. It's funny you really believe that. I think you need to quit gulping the brown stuff from the back end of a cow.
Sure, Rice was national security advisor...... so do you want an award? Too bad you can't handle Slick Willie getting criticized.
So answer the question, why did Clinton fail to act? You bring up excuses, but it doesn't fit with how Bush has defied Congress at times despite the Democratic led Congress trying to block him. Clinton knew that binLaden had already attacked and he did nothing. As for the commercial airliners, would you please explain to us what intelligence had as far as the specific time, date, airline and flight number so that something could be done to stop the terrorists? I know you can't, so let me help you. Just having general info doesn't mean Bush and Rice or anyone else could stop it. How many flights are there in the U.S. each day? How many airports are there in the U.S.? I'm sure if every person of middle eastern descent was stopped and checked over several months, because the time and date weren't known, there would be an outcry for that. Sorry, but your argument has failed.
July 23, 2008
4 p.m.
Suggest removal
Cwillyrun1 writes:
mdk, good post. Hickenlooper's administration allowed illegal activity with no taxes on gas for the DNC.
Why is it the Democratic leaders in this state go against the law when it fits their needs? Paybacks for favors?
July 23, 2008
4:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
Schratboy writes:
The entitlement class delivers another boner to the taxpayer!
July 23, 2008
5:02 p.m.
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dilligaf writes:
Boy's I just jumped in here for a second and have to go to a meeting. But check out todays release of NBC & the Wall Street journals latest polls on MSNBC. You McSame lovers won't be to happy. Also don't just look at the poll numbers but read the article. McSame can't ride Bushes coatails. HE HAS NONE TO RIDE!!!!!!
July 23, 2008
5:38 p.m.
Suggest removal
NCMike writes:
There is something basically wrong with the DNC Host Committee being able to purchase gasoline without having to pay state and federal taxes, while their presumptive candidate opposes giving that very same benefit to the American people this summer, and dismissing such savings as inconsequential. Why the special treatment for the elite and the dismissive treatment of the American people? Doesn't such action strike a chord in the minds of thinking people? This behavior does not appear to be that of something new, something changed, nor something we would "hope" for.
July 24, 2008
8:22 a.m.
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FlyfishDude52 writes:
Because the aliens are productive...
July 24, 2008
8:28 a.m.
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temurlan writes:
If we invented a car that ran on democrat lies, the energy crisis and climate problems would all go away.
They still think if they repeat some lie long enough it becomes truth.
July 24, 2008
9:16 a.m.
Suggest removal
FlyfishDude52 writes:
Sorry temurlan but that goes for both sides. Neither party is above reproach. In fact I find them to be despicable in their self-agrandizing, non-representative behavior.
July 24, 2008
9:43 a.m.
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Taphophobia writes:
The tax free gas is bad enough. But if you read carefully, the DNC is also getting "loaner" cars. How much does this cost the city? First they're adding wear and tear to these city owned cars, and they're also denying car rental companies of income they otherwise would have received. Is this standard procedure for all other Denver visitors or is it an illegal donation to the Democrat party by the Democrat Mayor of Denver?
July 24, 2008
9:46 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
Yiota........ thanks for that post. It's my thoughts exactly. He's lied before, and why would we believe Clinton based off of his words only? bid_d has to be gurgling on manure since he hasn't answered the points you bring up in your post.
July 24, 2008
10 a.m.
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temurlan writes:
FlyFish, you are forgiven. Yes noboby is above reproach but this is a perfect example of how both parties are not equal in that estimate.
It's like the mayor is not even trying. He's just pulling stuff out of his you know what.
July 24, 2008
11:32 a.m.
Suggest removal
treecat writes:
Can I fill up at this price? Heck why not all of Denver?
This is a bargin per gall cost.
July 24, 2008
4:31 p.m.
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SmellsLikebo writes:
It is quite pathetic, that this was even done. You have Pelosi and Company in the Congress pushing for a 10 cent Gas Tax Increase added to our already high prices, Ried and Obama Yelling NO! to oil drilling, Pelosi blocking the very debate / vote to drill. Obama states NO! on Holiday Tax break on gas! BUT THEN THEY GO AND TAKE IT FOR THEIRSELVES! ???? This is the standard practice of the Left leaning Dems, say one thing, do the other, And again it points out the SOLID Change they call for. Then the Denver Mayor acts if he is ignorant to it, and turns like a little kid and makes a claim that the Republicans are doing the same thing, Which is a Lie! they are not! Like litte kids, they should NOT be in office None of them, notice how they get things done, and DON'T get things done like little kids, Nice officials we got in office, WOW! They would have all been FIRED if it was a business and you all Know it!
I really Hope the people of Colorado see the truth behind all this wasteful taxpayers dollars, more waste and underhand tactics, just like all the earmarks. And more deceitful tactics. Go to my site and get solid facts backed by links, the News Media does not talk about, as they are all in bed with the (bo) campaign. This is so outrages, and yet they still come up with their reason(s)! just like they do with every other thing, "oh let us clear that up" It was a crime, plain and simple and hopefully the Colorado people will let them know! It is not exceptable! They should pay a fine at the very least.
Thanks,
admin,
www.SmellsLikebo.com
July 24, 2008
5:08 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mouse writes:
Seems that your mayor has been misinformed. or is this just wishfull thinking? My childern and now my Grandchildren use this logic, they do it so it must be allright for me to do it, even if we know it is wrong. Well it is not just there it is here as well in PA, the dems just got caught with using tax money for campaing during the 06 elections. Now they are investigating the GOP but went after the dems because they got word they were about to destory the documents
"Hickenlooper said the practice isn't unique to Denver.
"I do know for a fact that they're doing the same exact thing in Minneapolis," Hickenlooper said, referring to the city that along with St. Paul is hosting the Republican National Convention.
But Teresa McFarland, a spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-St. Paul host committee, said its members are getting their gas at public pumps.
"We're not getting a tax break on fuel," she said. "That's not the setup at this end."
July 24, 2008
5:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
Mouse writes:
Big_D writes:
JCS1965,
Bush's war and McCain's plan to keep it going for a 100 years isn't pro-life either.
So when do we get to bring the troops home from Europe? WW II ended 63 years ago, that leave 37 years and well be there for 100 years, guess if a democrat sends us to war we can stay as long as we want? When do we say we won the Korean war? We signed the CEASE FIRE, IN 1953 THAT WAS 55 YEARS AGO guess we will have to wait 45 more years another democrat started war
July 24, 2008
6:30 p.m.
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momemome writes:
No one except a supplier will make any money from this gas...the city has a contract to get their gas from some supplier at a discounted rate (unless the city is charging more than the contract calls for which is also illegal, I believe) So it's a matter of no taxes plus discounted gas to a supplier, where? That means that possibly NO local business is getting anything for that gas...how does that help the city's economy?
July 24, 2008
6:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
elsinjax writes:
Gas prices continue to soar yet Congress does nothing!
Just the other day President Bush issued an executive order to expand offshore drilling but this do-nothing Congress hasn't taken action to lift the legislative ban that prohibits more drilling.
I believe the first vital step to energy independence is for Congress to get out of the way and allow more domestic drilling! We must show OPEC we mean business!
That's why Grassfire just launched an Emergency Petition calling on Congress to lift the ban on offshore drilling. What’s more, our petition demands that they lift the ban BEFORE they break for their month-long summer recess.
If you agree that Congress should NOT go on an extended vacation (over four weeks!) UNTIL they lift the ban on offshore drilling, please go here to sign:
http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=9251...
It is outrageous that as gas prices have soared for months, Congress has done nothing. Unlike Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and the big government liberals, we don’t want our government to solve our problems -- we just want the government to get out of the way!
And right now, Congress is the last blockade stopping more offshore drilling.
This is absolutely urgent. Again, your Senators and Representative will soon be leaving D.C. for a long, summer recess.
We must band together and demand action...
LIFT THE BAN OR NO VACATION FOR CONGRESS!
Please sign here:
http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=9251...
July 24, 2008
7:12 p.m.
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elsinjax writes:
BREAKING NEWS: We just learned that Sen. Harry Reid is blocking
any amendments to his energy bill.
Reid will not allow a real vote on lifting the
offshore Drilling ban! A key vote is tomorrow.
Please see below and take action today!
-- Steve Elliott
From the Desk of:
Steve Elliott, President, Grassfire.org Alliance
7/24/2008
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is pushing for a vote tomorrow on his version of an energy bill that does nothing to decrease our dependence on foreign oil.
Reid's bill does nothing to lift the offshore drilling ban, or open up rich oil fields in northern Alaska, or expand our nuclear capacity.
Even worse...
Reid is using Senate rules to BLOCK any and all attempts to get a vote on lifting the offshore drilling ban! This is classic hardball political tactics and we need to strike back just as hard!
+ + Action Item #1 -- Fax The Senate Now!
Reid is pushing for a "cloture" vote tomorrow (Friday) that will block any amendments. That means we have very little time. That’s why I want to flood every Senate office with faxes right now demanding that the Senate have a real debate on the energy crisis
-- and pass a bill that lifts the ban on offshore drilling BEFORE Congress takes it’s month-long summer holiday.
Go here right now to schedule your faxes:
http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?U=9431...
Of course, you can always send your own faxes. We have sample letters and contact information for you at the above link.
+ + Action Item #2 -- Call Harry Reid Now!
In addition, I want to flood Harry Reid's offices with calls from
citizens demanding that he allow the Republican amendments be heard
to his energy bill. We must shut down the phone lines in the Senate!
TALKING POINTS:
#1 -- I am outraged that Sen. Reid is pushing for a "cloture" vote
on S. 3268 without allowing amendments to be heard.
#2 -- The energy crisis deserves a real debate in Congress. I want
Sen. McConnell's proposed amendments to be debated.
#3 -- I demand that Congress take action to lift the ban on
drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf BEFORE Congress
takes its month-long summer holiday.
PHONE NUMBERS:
Sen. Harry Reid: DC --202-224-5556 or 202-224-3542
Nevada numbers: 702-388-5020, 775-686-5750, 775-882-7343
Your Senators:
Sen. Nelson 202-224-5274
Sen. Martinez 202-224-3041
+ + More dirty tricks from the Senate...
I am sick and tired of members of Congress playing games with the
American people -- pretending to address the energy crisis but not
even allowing a real debate!
July 24, 2008
8:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jericho writes:
Cry havoc!
July 24, 2008
9:46 p.m.
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gary writes:
Denver gas stations sue the City of Denver!!
Possible...YES!
The City and County of Denver is not suppose to do business in direct competetion with private business.
I believe this is written in the City Charter.
So..selling gasoline with or without the tax would be against City Law.
Therefore the businesses affect by this, should have the right to sue for damages based on lost profits and the City infringing on their business.
Nuff Said!
July 25, 2008
7:56 a.m.
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trinidad writes:
typical liberal/socialist bullcr@p. they like to give taxes but not pay them. the mayor, "hicken-idiot", is just trying to take the heat off himself by saying the RNC is doing the same in mnpls/st. paul.
SHAME ON YOU HICKEN-IDIOT !!!!
McCAIN '08
July 25, 2008
9:41 p.m.
Suggest removal
tobyboyambergirl writes:
I heard on KHOW, Peter Boyles, that the car washes were being done through a contract (public $) with the Firehouse Car Wash facilities. Can anyone tell me if this is so? Are these particular facilities the ones owned and operated by A. James Dirkmaat? How can an individual that verifiably hires and works non-taxpaying illegal intruders, invaders of the USA, have a contract with the City and County of Denver that requires legal American taxpayers' money to pay "the bill?" Please...someone give me some help here.
July 28, 2008
8:37 p.m.
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carlindenver writes:
Mayor Hick says, " I do know for a fact that they're doing the same exact thing in Minneapolis." Well, the majority of Denverites believe you are L-Y-I-N-G. But as Hillary Clinton claimed in her "sniper-fire" incident, Hickenlooper was just caught up in the heat of the moment. Defend your RNC-Minneapolis statement Mayor and ease our suspicions!!! Tick, tick,tick.
July 30, 2008
4:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
rockhead writes:
Does anyone care that a felony (tax evasion) was committed? A law breaker can always make excuses, it does not change the fact that a crime has been committed. We are seeing in our elected representatives a remarkable disregard for the law, and what makes this particularly galling is the willingness of others to make excuses for this behavior. Even if the Republicans were doing the same thing (which there is no evidence of) it does not excuse the actions of those here who felt that paying taxes was not required of them.