The same survey indicates businessman and former talk show host Herman Cain’s numbers falling during the same period. Cain has been mired in controversy for the past two weeks over allegations from four women that he sexually harassed them in the late 1990s them when he was head of the National Restaurant Association.

According the the CNN/ORC International poll, 24% of Republicans or GOP-leaning independents say Romney, the former Massachusetts governor who is making his second presidential run, is their most likely choice for the party’s nomination. While Romney’s numbers have remained fairly steady, Gingrich surged 14 percentage points in popularity, up to 22%, since October. That 2-point difference is well within the poll’s sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 percent.

At the same time, Cain has fallen 11 percentage points from 25% in October to 14% now. The poll was conducted from Friday through Sunday, well after the news of the Cain controversy broke.

WASHINGTON D.C. —

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYuavfGQCsU

Olive Branch Family Health and Pharmacy: Providing an additional choice of health care in Wallowa County

ENTERPRISE, Ore – During a visit to Wallowa County, US Representative Greg Walden cut the Ceremonial Ribbon during the Grand Opening of the Olive Branch Family Health and Pharmacy in Enterprise. Community members from throughout Wallowa County including the members of Olive Branch Bob and Sue Coulter, Teresa Russell, Polly DeVore, Enterprise Mayor Steve Lear, Wallowa County Chamber Director Vickie Searles and Chamber President Doris Woempner joined on the celebration.

At Olive Branch Family Health, Inc. strives to provide an additional choice to health care in Wallowa County offering all the comfort of old-fashioned personal care, while utilizing up-to-date modern technology recognizing the balance between technology and health care with heart.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=t__JXBps74s

Pharmacists Bob and Sue Coulter opened Olive Branch on Hwy 82 in Enterprise in October, 2010. Bringing the concept of a community corner pharmacy into the 21st century, Olive Branch offers a convenient drive-thru window and a private consultation room. The Coulter’s have owned and operated Red Cross Drug Store in La Grande since 1983, and look forward serving the people of Wallowa County.

SALEM—The House Education Committee today resumes hearings on proposed education reforms modeled on those implemented in Florida. Rep. Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville) says the committee will examine individual components of the Florida reforms to consider how they can help boost student achievement in Oregon.

“Florida students have outperformed the national average on improvement in reading and math, with minority and low-income students showing the greatest progress,” said Rep. Wingard, the committee’s co-chair. “As we look to reform Oregon’s education system, we should examine measures that have worked in other states. If these reforms can work in Florida, they can work for Oregon’s kids.”

The committee on Monday heard HB 2289 that would assign letter grades to schools based on student achievement. The bill would allow Oregonians to track the progress of their schools and allow parents to seek better educational opportunities if their children attend schools that consistently fail.

Today the committee will hear HB 2293 to require annual assessments of reading ability for students in the first, second and third grades. The bill would ban the practice of “social promotion” by requiring schools to retain students in the third grade if they can’t demonstrate basic reading skills. Retained students would receive additional support under the bill.

On Friday the committee will hear HB 2290 to allow parents of children with disabilities to enroll them in public or private schools outside their school districts; HB 2291 to create a tax credit for contributions to organizations that help low-income and disabled students attend private school; and HB 3549 to better enable professionals to teach in classrooms without the normal licensing requirements. The committee will also examine HB 2294 to reward schools whose students excel on advanced placement tests.

“Oregon’s educational system should promote choice, accountability and innovation,” Rep. Wingard said. “It’s time we make significant changes to help our kids achieve a better future. That’s why we’ll continue to look at reforms in Florida and other states that are working, and consider how Oregon students can share in the success.”

SALEM—To promote job creation, House Republicans will offer an alternative “minority report” to a bill partially reconnecting Oregon to the federal tax code. Republicans say the minority report to SB 301 upholds a commitment made by the Legislature to allow Oregon businesses and citizens to benefit from federal job creation tax benefits in 2011.

“This is the time to create jobs; this isn’t the time to raise taxes on our job-creating businesses,” said House Republican Leader Kevin Cameron (R-Salem). “Oregon businesses expected to utilize these federal job creation benefits to support their operations and hire more workers. Unfortunately, some legislators are seeking to capitalize on an innocent drafting error to take these benefits away.”

“The Oregon House will soon choose whether to raise taxes on our job creators, or to allow Oregon businesses to use these benefits to help put people back to work,” Rep. Cameron added. “To improve our economy, I’m hopeful Democrats will join us in supporting this minority report that improves SB 301.”

Over the objections of Republicans, the 2009 Legislature disconnected Oregon from the federal tax code in 2009 and 2010, which included provisions to stimulate business in Oregon. Until a drafting error was discovered last week, it was understood that the provisions for bonus depreciation and small business tax relief would be available starting January 1, 2011.

In anticipation of the 2011 reconnection, Oregon businesses had scheduled new investments to coincide with the law, and the deductions were even included in the state’s March 2011 forecast and the Governor’s Recommended Budget. House Republicans say immediate action is needed to fix the 2009 law and prevent an unanticipated tax increase. The minority report also includes the primary elements of SB 301, which partially reconnects Oregon to the federal tax code to provide tax relief for families and college students.

“The minority report will enable the Legislature to fix Oregon law and give businesses the certainty they need for the 2011 tax year,” said House Revenue Co-Chair Vicki Berger (R-Salem). “The Legislature should uphold its commitment to Oregon’s business community, while passing a partial reconnection for 2010 tax filers.”

Representatives will have an opportunity to adopt the minority report when SB 301 arrives on the House Floor for a vote. The vote is expected next week.

Policies impact more than 50,000 jobs across Oregon – nearly 10,000 jobs in the Second District

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Greg Walden has been named the chairman of the House subcommittee that will oversee communications and technology policy in the 112^th Congress. He will chair the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, one of six panels underneath the full Energy and Commerce Committee. The subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes oversight of the Federal Communications Commission and telecommunications policy spanning the Internet, broadcast, radio, wire, and satellite.

What it means for Oregon

Communications and technology related industries support nearly 10,000 jobs in Oregon’s Second District, and more than 50,000 statewide.

“As we’ve seen from the establishment of Google in The Dalles, the new Facebook project in Prineville, the first cell tower in Fossil, and a long list of other projects in the state, communications and technology play a critical role in the economy and quality of life in rural Oregon,” Rep. Walden said.

“These are industries that play a major role in the health of the state’s economy and, with the correct policies in place, hold promise for private sector growth and new jobs for Oregonians,” Rep. Walden said. “The challenge of delivering high-speed Internet, broadband, and technological capabilities to communities and schools all across rural America and Oregon will be handled in this subcommittee.”

“Billions of dollars have been allocated to expand broadband in unserved and under served areas across the country,” Rep. Walden said. “With that much money going out so quickly, taxpayers need to know how it’s being spent and what they’re getting for it. We will conduct oversight on those expenditures and will also review the existing regulatory policies and new regulations under consideration by various agencies.”

Rep. Walden’s knowledge of communications issues and their impact on the economy is deeply rooted in his experience as a small business owner; he and his wife owned and operated a group of local radio stations in Hood River and The Dalles for nearly 22 years. (He is also one of two licensed amateur radio operators in Congress.)

He even broke the news about his new appointment via a Twitter message in morse code.

Transparency also a focus

As the chairman of the House GOP Transition Team, he is implementing reforms to make the House of Representatives more transparent, accountable, and efficient. He says federal agencies should operate under the same principles, and that will continue to be a focus of his as chairman of the communications and technology subcommittee.

“After all, it is the public’s business, it’s the taxpayers’ money, and they should have the right to participate in the process,” Rep. Walden said.

Rep. Walden will continue to serve as chairman of the House Republican Leadership.

Representative Greg Walden is the chairman of the House Republican Leadership and represents Oregon’s Second Congressional District, which is comprised of 20 counties in eastern, southern, and central Oregon.

Oregon Representative Greg Smith

HEPPNER, Ore – The Oregon Farm Bureau Federation Political Action Committee has endorsed Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) for re-election as State Representative in House District 57. Oregon Farm Bureau is a 54,000-member grassroots and nonprofit organization representing the interests of the state’s farmers and ranchers in the public and policymaking arenas.

Representative Greg Smith earned an “A” grade on the Oregon Farm Bureau’s recently released 2009 legislative report, the highest grade the OFB gives legislators. Based on key votes from the 2009 legislative session, the OFB biennial scorecard measures each legislator’s performance on issues important to Oregon farmers.

“We know that we have a friend in Greg Smith. He works hard to represent the interests of our family farms and ranches in Eastern Oregon. Congratulations on your excellent voting record and endorsement from OFB. It is well deserved,” said Larry and Corrine Lindsay of Lexington, Oregon. (Lindsay Feed Lot/Lindsay Ranches)

In a letter to Rep. Smith, OFB President Barry Bushue wrote “Your voting record with the Farm Bureau was exemplary. It demonstrates that you understand the issues important to agriculture, and your commitment to get good results from Oregon’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.”

During his current term, Rep. Smith voted to pass OFB-supported legislation such as a bill allowing state agencies to purchase Oregon-grown agricultural products and a bill to crack down on metal theft. In addition, Rep. Smith stood with the Farm Bureau in opposing bills such as the tax increase on businesses, later known as Measure 67, and a ban on agricultural field burning.

“As indicated by the Oregon Farm Bureau PAC’s endorsement, Representative Greg Smith has been rock solid in his support of agriculture. My wife and I are grateful to have a representative that we may count on.”-Phil Hassinger (Union County Farmer)

“I’ve been a strong supporter of Oregon agriculture throughout my five terms in the Legislature,” Rep. Smith said. “I’m pleased that the Farm Bureau has recognized my efforts to protect family farmers and ranchers, and I appreciate their continued support as I seek a new term in the House of Representative.”

HEPPNER, Ore – Rep. Greg Smith (R – Heppner) has been endorsed by Crime Victims United for re-election as State Representative in House District 57. Crime Victims United is a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of crime victims and works to influence public safety issues in the Legislature.

“I share Crime Victims United’s efforts to promote a more balanced judicial system through legislative action and public awareness,” Rep. Smith said. “I’m honored to receive their endorsement and I look forward to working with Oregon’s crime victims to make our state a safer place.”

Crime Victims United endorsed Rep. Smith because of his efforts to uphold voter-approved measures that require mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of violent crimes. Rep. Smith has also worked to preserve and strengthen public safety services and Oregon’s corrections system – an effort that has also earned him the support of the union representing corrections employees.

“I’m committed to upholding Oregon’s public safety laws and holding people accountable for their crimes,” Rep. Smith said. “As State Representative, I’ll continue my efforts to give law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs and improve public safety.”

This endorsement comes on top of the endorsements of the Oregon State Police Officers Association, Oregon Council of Police Associations and Trooper PAC.

Representative Smith also earned a 94% from the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance on the 2009-2010 Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance Scorecard.

During the 2010 primary election, the Sheriffs of House District 57 had this to say about Representative Greg Smith.

“Representative Smith has shown through his voting that he is dedicated to the protection of the citizens and law enforcement officers of Northeast Oregon. Greg does a great job for our public safety.” -Union County Sheriff, Boyd Rasmussen

“Representative Smith has shown true diligence for the public safety of Wallowa County as he represents us in Salem.” -Wallowa County Sheriff, Fred Steen

“I have known Rep. Smith for a number of years as Morrow County Sheriff. He has always been an advocate for public safety. He and I have worked together multiple times in drafting legislation for public safety issues. He continues to be an advocate and an outstanding partner for the citizens of Morrow County.” -Morrow County Sheriff, Kenneth Matlack

Heppner – Rep. Greg Smith (R – Heppner) has been endorsed by Crime Victims United for re-election as State Representative in House District 57. Crime Victims United is a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of crime victims and works to influence public safety issues in the Legislature. “I share Crime Victims United’s efforts to promote a more balanced judicial system through legislative action and public awareness,” Rep. Smith said. “I’m honored to receive their endorsement and I look forward to working with Oregon’s crime victims to make our state a safer place.” Crime Victims United endorsed Rep. Smith because of his efforts to uphold voter-approved measures that require mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of violent crimes. Rep. Smith has also worked to preserve and strengthen public safety services and Oregon’s corrections system – an effort that has also earned him the support of the union representing corrections employees. “I’m committed to upholding Oregon’s public safety laws and holding people accountable for their crimes,” Rep. Smith said. “As State Representative, I’ll continue my efforts to give law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs and improve public safety.” This endorsement comes on top of the endorsements of the Oregon State Police Officers Association, Oregon Council of Police Associations and Trooper PAC. Representative Smith also earned a 94% from the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance on the 2009-2010 Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance Scorecard. During the 2010 primary election, the Sheriffs of House District 57 had this to say about Representative Greg Smith. “Representative Smith has shown through his voting that he is dedicated to the protection of the citizens and law enforcement officers of Northeast Oregon. Greg does a great job for our public safety.” -Union County Sheriff, Boyd Rasmussen “Representative Smith has shown true diligence for the public safety of Wallowa County as he represents us in Salem.” -Wallowa County Sheriff, Fred Steen “I have known Rep. Smith for a number of years as Morrow County Sheriff. He has always been an advocate for public safety. He and I have worked together multiple times in drafting legislation for public safety issues. He continues to be an advocate and an outstanding partner for the citizens of Morrow County.” -Morrow County Sheriff, Kenneth Matlack

Committee to Re-Elect Greg Smith P.O. Box 219 | Heppner, Oregon 97836 | 541-676-8719

by Jim Huffmann

If you watch television, you know that Ron Wyden has launched a negative attack ad against me making three claims about where I stand on the issues.  In each case the allegations are serious distortions of my views as evidenced by the sources cited in the ads.

Wyden claims that I supported the Wall Street bailouts.  The truth is this.  I have stated many times that the TARP bill, enacted during the Bush Administration, was the best of a lot of bad legislation enacted over the past three years in an effort to revive the economy.  The reason I have taken this position is because TARP requires repayment of funds loaned or invested in private companies.  A significant amount of the funds loaned have been repaid.  Unfortunately those repayments have been used for more spending rather than repayment on the national debt.  So it is really inaccurate to call TARP a bailout.  The true bailouts came from the stimulus bill which Ron Wyden voted for.  Hundreds of billions of dollars were given, not loaned, to fiscally irresponsible state and local governments.

Click here to read the complete article at http://www.huffmanforsenate.com