McCain: Obama’s credibility ‘at stake’ amid IRS, DOJ probes

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) on Monday said that President Obama’s “credibility is obviously at stake” amid a trio of controversies, and urged the president to do more to address them and restore public confidence.

“We have a lot of things that he needs to lead on, and if he’s mired in these scandals, it’s going to be difficult for him to do that,” said McCain on CBS’s “This Morning.”

“Far be it for me to give advice to the president of the United States, but you may remember after Iran Contra Ronald Reagan went on national television and said ‘I’m responsible, we’ve done wrong and I’m responsible,’ said McCain. “I’m not saying the president should do that, but the president I think should be thinking about how to get these issues behind him.”

The White House is facing congressional anger over the IRS scandal involving targeting of conservative groups, as well as the Justice Department’s seizure of reporters’ phone and email records in leak investigations and persistent questions over the administration’s handling of the Benghazi.

In a separate interview on NBC’s “Today” show, McCain addressed the IRS scandal and would not rule out the possibility that the targeting was directed from superiors at IRS headquarters in Washington, D.C., a charge leveled by House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

“I think that’s the reason why we need to have hearings, maybe even a select committee may be called for given the questions surrounding this investigation,” said McCain.

“I think we ought to wait and see how events unfold,” he added. “There may be an argument for a special counsel here, but let’s wait and see.”

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News from The Hill

House Oversight chair rips White House on blown deadline The White House’s regulatory office is neglecting its duties to inform Congress and the public about plans to enact new federal rules, the chairman of the House Oversight Committee contends.

In a letter shared with The Hill on Thursday, Rep. Darrell Issa (D-Calif.) demands information from newly installed White House budget director Sylvia Mathews Burwell about plans to issue its regulatory agenda.

Burwell oversees the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which is charged with compiling a list of proposed rules from federal agencies in a Unified Agenda, typically made public in spring and fall.

Last year, the agenda was not released until December, prompting criticism from Republicans who suggested the administration was withholding its rulemaking agenda for political reasons.

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Spring Cocktail Party

Friday, May 13th
6-9 PM
Old Library Restaurant
Olean NY

Dear Friends and colleagues;
Spring has arrived and your chairman is organizing for very important elections this year, in particular the election of our County Legislature. This, along with county judge, county clerk, and coroner will keep me and our committee very busy this exciting campaign season. I am energized!

All elections are critical to maintaining and building upon our Republican message and values throughout Cattaraugus County. Our village and town elections also prove that Republican candidates for local and higher offices often begin their elected careers in these exciting races, and we saw outstanding results most recently in the several village elections. Robert Parker and Alexander Nazemetz of Allegany created a significant upset with their win over their opponents in village trustee races and in the village of South Dayton trustee races Lynn Rupp and Dennis Ackley were victors also. We applaud the efforts of all local teams of energizing candidates and supporters throughout the entire county, and we look to carry the same messages through the crucial county legislature elections this fall.

To officially being these efforts, I look forward to seeing you at our annual Spring Cocktail party being held May 13th at 6-9 PM at the Old Library restaurant. Reservations are very important, so please call them to Sue Fries at 945-3589 or to me at 373-6352 by May 9th. Please make your checks payable to the Cattaraugus County Republican committee. For your convenience we have included a self addressed envelope with this letter. Chairman’s Club members; kindly remember to notify us of your reservations or those that may be using your tickets also.

You can stay updated on events, messages news articles and items from leaders within our NYS and Cattararaugus county Republican party by visiting our website at www.cattaraugusgop.com. Our young people are critically important in moving this country forward to an America they can afford and build their dreams in. They bring an abundance of knowledge for the use of technology, avenues for communication and message building. Please bring one of more of these folks with you to this event and help us build the Republican County Committee of tomorrow!

Again, thank you for all you do supporting our efforts and I look forward to visiting with you on the 13th.
Sincerely yours,

Paula J. Snyder
Chairman

One step closer...

After weeks of campaigning and candidates wooing voters across NYS the final hours of nail biting came to an abrupt end with the overwhelming victory of Carl Paladino candidate for Governor.

Greg Edwards’ equally important win, on the Lt. Gov line ensures that Western NY has a complete ticket to ride into Albany on a Train of Change bound east.

Also with Dan Donovan as our Attorney General, Harry Wilson as our State Comptroller, Tom Reed as our member of Congress , Catharine Young, NYS Senator and Joe Giglio as our Assemblyman our Albany team will be complete and the hemorrhaging of New York State will stop. We will recover, we will be stronger and New York State will thrive again.

Primary days are difficult for any party. But in this particular year, when the Republican Party and the nation as a whole have so much to gain from our victories in November, we need to constantly remember we have more similarities within our whole than we do differences. We cannot achieve these victories split and tattered, bloody and weakened by inner fighting and personal posturing.

We are excited and energized by each other. Get the signs, go to events, sign on to volunteer and let us know what you need to accomplish the work for our candidates throughout Cattaraugus County and New York State.

Make sure you get your reservations in for the Fall Dinner at the Old Library Restaurant on Friday September 26th at 6 PM where you will see our NYS Republican Committee Chairman Edward Cox along with other guests who will address the issues of the historical year in NYS Republican politics.

I look forward to seeing your there. Onward!

Paula

An exciting time!

Welcome to the new Cattaraugus GOP blog!

It's an exciting time for all of us on the party... And it all officially begins next Tuesday, September 14- PRIMARY DAY!

We have some amazing candidates this fall, and it is crucial that we take back our state. This all starts with getting out to vote Tuesday. For any questions dealing with the primary, please call our Republican Board of Elections Commissioner, Sue Fries at 938-2405.

Immediately after Primary Day, we'll be kicking things into high gear, getting our very competent candidates into office. We can ALWAYS use more volunteers, so if you have a little time to spare, get a hold of us.

Remember, our Fall Dinner will be held on Friday, September 24 at the Old Library Restaurant in Olean. Please call me at 373-6352 to R.S.V.P.

This is an incredible time for our county and our state. Get excited and get involved! It's time we get things back on track!

~Paula

Welcome to Our Blog!

The Cattaraugus County Republican Committee welcomes you to our online blog where we will post valuable information for our constituients regarding the Republican Party in our area. Stay tuned and thank you for visiting.