by David McIntosh 4 Congress

Says Health Care Law Mandate Clear Violation of First Amendment Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.) today called on President Obama to rescind his administration’s ruling under the health care law requiring church-affiliated organizations, charities, hospitals and educational institutions to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives and abortion-inducing drugs despite moral objections.

In a speech today on the Senate floor, Coats said, “I call on President Obama to overturn his radical and unconstitutional mandate that is a fundamental breach of First Amendment rights and religious liberty.”

“This issue is not a debate over whether the use of contraceptives is right or wrong. This is not a debate over whether the health care law is the right policy or the wrong policy – although I firmly believe it is the wrong policy for our country.

“This is a debate over whether Congress is going to sit idly by and watch the administration walk all over the freedom of religion, a core American principle or stand up and protect what our Founding Fathers put their lives on the line for and what millions of Americans defend each day.”

Coats is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act, legislation that will protect health care providers and insurers, including purchasers such as small businesses, from being forced to violate their ethical principles to cover or fund products and services under the health care law.  Coats is also a co-sponsor of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, legislation that will protect the freedom of conscience by repealing this unconstitutional Obamacare mandate altogether. These bills make it clear that the government should not be able to force religious organizations to abandon the fundamental tenets of their faith because the government says so.

“We’ll succeed where the president has failed,” says Indiana senator

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 31, 2012) – Sen. Dick Lugar (R-IN) is moving forward on private-sector jobs and domestic energy—without the Obama Administration.

Lugar announced Monday he is taking the lead on Congress authorizing the privately funded 20,000-job Keystone XL (KXL) pipeline, despite President Obama’s recent attempt pacify extreme environmentalists by rejecting final permit for the project.

At least 43 other senators have agreed to co-sponsor new Lugar legislation that would approve the pipeline under Congress’ authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause — Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Here are highlights of Lugar’s new jobs and energy legislation:

Authorizes KXL to cross the U.S.-Canadian border. The bill clarifies that no presidential approval is needed. Currently, a border-crossing permit is required only because of executive order, not by act of Congress. Lugar’s new KXL proposal will exempt KXL from the executive order, thus removing need for Obama’s consent for this private project.

Allows KXL to be permitted and constructed. As was passed into law in December of 2011, the bill finalizes all federal reviews, which were actually concluded on Aug. 26, 2011, and positions KXL for construction without further delays.

Provides safety and environmental safeguards. All strict requirements for construction as identified remain in place. Regular orders will be restored, so workers may go about their business without further politicization at the federal level.

Protects states’ rights regarding private property and pipelines. In addition, Lugar’s legislation protects Nebraska’s rights to establish a new in-state route pursuant to their state law and ensures that all state laws regarding private property and oil pipeline siting are protected and enforceable.

“It is unfortunate that a normally routine and technical process has become so politically polarized,” Lugar said. “Hoosiers demand and deserve improved use of domestic resources. We cannot afford to turn our backs on our most secure trading partner and the most reliable source of oil outside our own borders. With this bill, we’ll succeed where the president has failed.”

As the campaign grows, so does our momentum. Indiana’s new 5^th congressional district is fast-becoming a two person race. According to a recent poll conducted by the non-partisan Campaign for Primary Accountability (CPA), David McIntosh is winning in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup with Congressman Burton 41% to 40%.

While it is still early, there is no denying that this is exciting news. In fact, CPA released a statement on the poll stating, “…David McIntosh is best positioned to defeat Dan Burton.”

Since the beginning of the year, we haven’t waited for the spring thaw to make an impact. As thousands of Republicans tuned-in to the Presidential process that unfolded in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, we turned heads by running the first ad of 2012. With record viewership of the presidential coverage, our message, Conservative Leader, reached thousands of concerned Hoosiers across this district.

Our message is clear: we must repeal ObamaCare, stop President Obama’s looming tax increase, cut spending, balance the budget, and eliminate burdensome government regulations. And as that message continues to spread, it looks like Hoosiers may finally have the opportunity to elect an effective conservative leader for the first time in 30 years who will lead that fight.

But, we can’t stop now. Keep the momentum going by joining the team. If you haven’t already, log on to join Team McIntosh as a volunteer, like us on Facebook, share our ad, and above all, help keep us moving in the right direction by making a contribution right now.

We aren’t looking back. Join us today.

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Brian Jessen
317-979-1441
brian@drjohnmcgoff.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2012

Burton Stomps in Florida for Newt; Ignores 5th District Voters

(INDIANAPOLIS) On Thursday night during the GOP presidential candidates’ debate, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich mentioned during one of his responses that Congressman Dan Burton was in Jacksonville campaigning for him.

“When I heard that, I wish I could say that I was surprised that Congressman Burton was too busy campaigning for someone else, while ignoring the voters in his own district by not participating in candidate forums here at home,” said Dr. John McGoff a candidate for the 5th Congressional District seat. “The fact that he was in Florida in January, where golf courses are plentiful, was not lost on me either.”

In the last two weeks, there have been two candidate forums: one in Howard County and one in Pike Township in Marion County. Congressman Burton was invited to both but declined to participate. At these events the candidates answered questions from the audience regarding national issues affecting voters in the 5th District.

“Congressman Burton takes the 5th District voters for granted and has for years,” McGoff said. “He’s been in Washington since 1982, and until I ran against him in the 2008 primary, he never had a challenger.  Since he didn’t have to campaign for re-election he stayed in Washington. Most people will tell you Congressman Burton makes only obligatory visits to the District.”

At last week’s Howard County GOP Century Club Forum, Howard County GOP Chairman Craig Dunn said, “The 2012 Congressional election will not be about politics as usual. The Howard County Republican Party and the Republican voters of the 5th Congressional District are deeply disappointed by the Congressman’s failure to participate.”

As of today, there are four more candidate forums scheduled throughout the District and the Congressman has indicated he will not be participating in any of these events.

The new 5th Congressional District includes Hamilton County, Madison, Tipton and Grant Counties. southwestern Boone County, northern Marion County, eastern Howard County and western Blackford County.

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Those who vilify the former Senator are the ones who are prejudiced. Right?