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6/4/2010
Surprise (?) docs’ endorsement
We have a real race going on here in northeast Wisconsin. I like to agree with those pundits that see Steve Kagen as in real trouble – and of course I believe the GOP needs to send up the best guy to defeat him.
Fact: As he tells us in every other sentence in his press releases, Steve Kagen is a M.D.
Fact: One of the five candidates in the GOP primary to run against Kagen, Mark Trager, is a M.D.
Fact: A group of more than 80 Northeastern Wisconsin physicians, frustrated as heck with their federal government, joined together to research, interview, select and most likely financially back the candidate they thought would best represent the views of common-sensical Americans in Washington.
“We need a leader that will represent the values of Wisconsin’s 8th District citizens, and we believe that Reid Ribble is the best choice, not only in the primary election, but the general election as well,” said Dr. Saied Assef, an anesthesiologist. “We believe Wisconsin needs someone who is knowledgeable on a broad range of topics, not just health care,” Assef continued.
“With the focus remaining on the jobs and the economy during this election cycle, we believe Mr. Ribble has the knowledge and experience to manage budgets and work to create jobs, just as he did while in the private sector,” added Dr. Ken Gellar [sic].
Good stuff. A frustrated group of docs. An interesting group.
According to the Ribble web site the Physicians for Responsible Government was founded in Appleton as an organization dedicated to serving the needs of their patients without burdensome government interference and intervention.
I ran through the eight docs listed as the Provisional Board of the newly created PRG. Four practice in Appleton, four in Green Bay. One is a cardiologist, one an internist, one in family practice, one is an ob/gyn and four are anesthesiologists. Only one of the eight, Dr. Assef from Green Bay, has made significant past campaign contributions – about $7,500 to Republicans in legislative and statewide races since 2005.
Great. These guys are ticked off at government getting in their face and mean to do something about it. That’s the first thing. And of course, the second thing. Two of their own in the race – and their powerful endorsement goes to non-doc and longtime successful business owner Reid Ribble. Interesting.
Having reviewed quickly Dr. Trager’s campaign reports, it seems his dollars from the medical community are coming from fellow radiologists and radiology professionals in his Green Bay backyard - contributions perhaps driven by professional association rather than political passion. It will be interesting to compare the Ribble and Trager finance statements after the next reporting deadline, perhaps reflecting more significant contributions to Ribble from the medical community than to his opponents who are part and parcel of that profession.
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
COMMENTS
And the point of this blog is? Before I get chills all over from this dramatic announcement, what portion of the total number of "docs" in NE Wisconsin does this group represent? Also, the AMA and pharmaceutical corporations dump huge sums of money into lobbying and campaign warchests. Does the fact they endorse something mean their intentions are in the best interest of the nation? Humm.
Dennis (Fri Jun 04 09:44:32 2010)
Not much merit to this blog. You are a Ribble supporter. You have his image on the right side of your screen. You are on Ribble's webpage under "endorsements." How can anyone take your spin seriously?
This just shows that Ribble can be controlled by a group of Doctors and by yet another PAC (if that is what this is, there is no website or anything for PRG).
Further, Ribble is a roofing lobbyist and was tanking in a poll found on Terri McCormick's website. This was a desperate move by a desperate man and again PRG has no credibility once so ever. The fact that it seems there was some underground forum that occurred and didn't even include all the candidates shows that this is a hoax. But who is to blame? Ribble, Saief or someone else?
I have done some research of my own and Ribble's address when you enter it in google maps is a vacant piece of property in De Pere. I guess Ribble didn't think he would win a primary battle against Tom Petri in the 6th..
Also Dr. Asseif was a big Gard supporter in fact I heard he was a part of his finance committee and we ALL know how well that went for Gard...
However, we all remember the big numbers he posted from his roofing buddies. What favors does Mr. Ribble owe? If he is elected, we will find out.
I just want Kagen gone along with tons of other people in the 8th.
Jim K. (Fri Jun 04 16:22:41 2010)
What's the spin you don't think anyone can take seriously? A group of concerned docs, apparently fiscal conservatives, endorsing a roofer in a race that includes two other docs - If you don't think that's news, that's certainly your prerogative "Jim.". But why do you call the serious endorsement process an underground forum? Whom did you want included that apparently wasn't interviewed?
Have you personally asked Mr. Ribble your questions? If not, that would be very appropriate; I'm certain he'd be pleased to hear your thoughts and to answer any questions posed.
Jo (Fri Jun 04 16:38:16 2010)
Thsnks Jo. A vital election coming up!
David (Fri Jun 04 17:28:30 2010)
Physicians fall under the same category as lawyers. DO NOT ELECT ANY! That is how we got Obama's Health care. Physicians looking out for Physicians. Lawyers looking out for Lawyers. Or the professional politician.
How about Regular People looking out for Regular People.
s_cristaldi (Fri Jun 04 20:47:52 2010)
That's a great way to say it. Regular People looking out for Regular People. No one is more Regular People than Reid. Ask him, person to person, how his principles coincide with where these docs stand on policy. I don't know what he'll say - but I do know that he will be straight up with you. The times I've heard him or spoken with him, I've not observed Reid being anything but straightforward and sincere - and complete with his answer.
Jo (Fri Jun 04:12:57:58 2010)
Jim, I think the Ribble campaign paid for the web ad you are referring to. As for the McCormick poll that showed Reid "tanking", it should be noted that:
-no one knows what methodology was used in that poll (was it likely voters, all voters, just Republican voters??) etc.
-the poll was not conducted by a well-known firm like Rasmussen, Tarrance, or Public Opinion Strategies, all of which have great track records predicting Republican primary races.
-McCormick is likely benefiting from higher name ID, and the poll was done before any of the candidates have gone on radio/TV. So far, the only candidates with the resources to purchase ad time would be Ribble, Roth and Trager.
-The fact that the doctors chose Reid over another doctor (Trager) is also interesting. I think it's because Reid has actually laid out a conservative solution to health care.
Finally, for everyone who cried foul over the 2006 primary, 2010 should be a refreshing change. Conservatives have a full slate of good candidates to choose from. And at the end of the day, we will all need to unify behind that candidate to defeat Dr. Steve.
Mark (Sat Jun 05 08:25:51 2010)
It is very interesting to read the comments on what we (PRG) doctors did. First of all we are a very diverse group of very concerned docs. We are concerned about Health Care but more importantly we are concerned about the overall direction of our country. The election in November is about a lot more than just health care. It is about free enterprise vs. big government. Obama-Pelosi-Reid-Kagen are pushing a socialist, redistributive agenda which sees big government as the answer to all of our countries problems.
PRG is a grass roots movement of docs that believe in free enterprise, individual responsibility, the work ethic. We cherish liberty. We believe free enterprise was a key feature of America's past achievements and pivotal to it's future success. We believe the November election will be a referendum on free enterprise vs. big government. Our candidate forum was a very democratic process through which we had an opportunity to scrutinize the candidates and examine their campaigns. At the end we identified Reid Ribble, who had more votes than the other three candidates combined, to be the best candidate to represent our ideals of free enterprise, and to stand up against big government. Mr. Ribble is the only one of the candidates that has a substantial business background. When he speaks about job creation, and the effects of government policy (taxation, regulation etc.) on job creation he is speaking from first hand experience. His perspectives on health care are from the point of view of one who provided health care for his employees. His depth of knowledge on health care policy is impressive and consistent with his general belief in free enterprise.
Mr. Ribble has surrounded himself with a very professional staff and they are conducting a first class campaign.
PRG is not a trade union for doctors. This is why we picked the best candidate and not just any candidate that happens to have an M.D.
The future of our country is at risk. We stand ready to work shoulder to shoulder with other citizens of this district to defeat Steve Kagen in November. The first step in that process is to pick the best candidate to represent our values. We believe we have done that in selecting Mr. Reid Ribble.
Saied Assef,M.D. (Sun Jun 06 05:19:11 2010)
Dr. Assef and Jo,
I use to believe that you were both respected individuals in the GOP community up here in the 8th District. Dr. Assef, you have generously given thousands of dollars to candidates and Jo you have helped keep the public informed with your blogging and compilation of information on your blog/website. The fact of the matter is that you were both supporters of Mr. Ribble before the PRG forum. Jo, this lays a clear bias on your reporting especially because you don’t identify yourself as a Ribble supporter in the articles you write on this race. Even CNN does basic identification of supporters when a political supporter pens an article for CNN.com (see example: http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/05/24/frum.gop.yes.no/index.html?iref=allsearch).
I would like to reference the newsworthiness of this “endorsement.” I would agree with Jo that it is indeed newsworthy. However, I have a question for you Jo. Why haven’t you been broadcasting Mr. Savard’s multiple endorsements from county sheriffs or Mark Trager’s endorsement by a Congressman? Those seem pretty newsworthy to me. I will admit that I don’t regularly check your blog/website and if I missed your reporting on those I apologize.
Mr. Assef, I would be embarrassed to be a physician associated PRG. The forum was billed as an event in which physicians could listen to the candidates, discuss what was said and then vote on whom they liked the best. Unfortunately that was not what took place. Five major issues ruined that notion for me.
First, One candidate, Mrs. McCormick, the only woman in the race, was not invited and she is clearly a front runner via the only polling data made available thus far. Why was she not given a fair shake to win the support of PRG? She is a former State Assemblywoman. Second, there was no discussion that took place after the candidates talked. I recall one doctor standing up to discuss what was said by the candidates and Dr. Assef verbally scolded this doctor and denied any opportunity for discussion. Third, those in attendance were allowed to bring in proxy votes meaning that votes were casts by those who did not even attend the forum.
Fourth, this was an invite only event. Meaning, Dr. Assef, a Ribble supporter, could stack the deck in favor of any candidate he wanted because he was in charge of sending out the invites. Five, this forum was not only filled with doctors but included businessman as well as John Gard, whose former Field Director now works for Mr. Ribble as his campaign manager.
When coupling points 2, 3 , 4, and 5 together it seems pretty clear that organizers of this forum were behind Mr. Ribble before the event started and put the event to get Mr. Ribble money. I will give Dr. Assef credit for his sneaky behavior that misled those in attendance by purporting to have put on an unbiased event. I’m ashamed to have been any part this event and I know that some people that gave Mr. Ribble money from this event found out about the underhandedness of this event and have requested their campaign donation back.
Larry (Mon Jun 07 16:08:36 2010)
To Mark:
http://www.ribbleforcongress.com/lang/en-us/category/endorsements/
(I did not look at the FEC reports)
To Jo:
I should call Mr. Ribble about the forum? Wouldn't I call Dr. Assef the person who set up the forum? Further, Terri McCormick a former elected official, author, etc., should have been at the forum. Maybe she declined the invite and if so my point is moot. Do you know Jo? Assef? or should I ask Mr. Ribble.
Mr. Ribble, his staff and his supporters (Jo) are clearly informed with foxpolitics.net and the conversations that are taking place. I've asked my questions/raised concerns and Mr. Ribble has the opportunity to respond back if he wishes to do so.
Jim K. (Tue Jun 08 10:49:37 2010)
Let me address the multiple false accusations that are made here by "Larry" who does not have the courage to use his real name when making these false and libelous accusations about the PRG forum which was one of the most genuine and grass roots political events that I have ever witnessed.
First, why was McCormick not included? She did not have a single sponsor or supporter in the medical community that we could find. Her past behavior in not endorsing John Gard after she lost her bid for this seat in the past had left many Republican Physicians with a real sense of anger and she was not considered to have any real chance as subsequent events clearly demonstrated.
Second, why was there no discussion that took place after the presentations? "Larry", who clearly attended the forum fails to mention that following the several hour presentations by the candidates when we returned from our short break a proposal was made from the floor by one of the attending Physicians that we take a vote on whether or not to have a discussion before proceeding to vote on the candidates. As this was a democratic and free forum we put the question to the attending physicians and the overwhelming majority (greater than 90 percent of the audience) felt that they already had enough information to proceed to the vote and did not want any further discussion. No one, not even "Larry", spoke out to argue for the contrary at that point. So we followed the wishes of the audience and proceeded to the vote. The results of that vote were very similar to what the actual primary election results ended up being. Reid Ribble had more votes than all the other candidates combined.
After all was said and done because a couple of people in attendance did not like the outcome they tried to subvert the process and hold a discussion after the event to change the outcome to their liking. NO ONE was interested in listening to these folks (I am pretty sure "Larry" is actually this person).
Third, is the issue of proxy votes. Because so many Physicians who wanted to, could not attend because of scheduling conflicts proxy voting was allowed but strictly monitored. We called everyone who wanted to vote by proxy and ensured that the people they designated as the one to cast their vote was actually the one who did so. The most important aspect of this to know is the fact that if we throw out all the proxy votes Ribble wins with a greater relative margin. Ribble's margin was so overwhelming that none of these "hanging chad" post election nay sayers have any ground to stand on.
Fourth, is the charge that this was an invitation only
event and that means we stacked the deck on who we invited. This is a totally false accusation. We cast a very wide net. We contacted leaders in every health care organization in our area and encouraged them to contact all members of their staff and encourage them to attend. The invitation only part of this was to preclude participation of individuals who wanted to vote but not donate money to the winner. The purpose of our meeting was to identify the best candidate and to support him. We did not want to just have a symbolic outcome. Financial support of candidates is critical to our success in November. Any physician who agreed to make a financial donation to the eventual winner was welcome to participate. We did not ask or care which candidate they were in favor of prior to our event. "Larry" was probably the only attendee that agreed to our rule, obtained an invitation, participated, voted, but because he did not like the outcome he broke his promise and did not make a financial contribution.
Five, the forum had some none physicians in attendance. This s true. We made the forum open to any one who wanted to attend but only physicians could vote. Many business leaders attended our forum and found it to be very useful in their own decision making. They did not participate in the voting however.
At the end of the day we have to keep our eye on the big picture. We have an election to win in November. If our forum played a role in allowing the best candidate to come to the front we accomplished what we set out to do. The only forum that matters was the one that took place a few days ago. The people of our district spoke out pretty clearly and it seems that they agreed with the doctors that participated in our forum. So "Larry" was that election rigged in some way too? May be you are going to contend that the absentee votes were mis handled. Maybe you are going to try to invalidate the election as you tried to invalidate our forum with false and malicious accusations. You will probably have as much success with that as you did with the other. GET A LIFE!
Saied Assef (Fri Sep 17 03:12:32 2010)
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