Here is the latest list of names I’ve compiled of GOP House members (and one Senator) targeted by the stealth and likely illegal organization self-identified as “We the People.”

Unfortunately, my list was lost in a computer crash yesterday, so I have put this back together through notes and emails. If you previously contacted me but your representative is not on the list, please let me know. Also, if you have received a call targeting a member of Congress not on this list, please let me know as well:

Arizona: J.D. Hayworth, Jim Kolbe, Rick Renzi

California: Richard Pombo

Colorado: Marilyn Musgrave

Connecticut: Nancy Johnson, Chris Shays

Indiana: Chris Chocola, John Hostettler, Mike Sodrel

Kentucky: Geoff Davis, Ron Lewis, Ann Northup, Hal Rogers

Louisiana: Rodney Alexander, Richard Baker, Jim McCrery

New Hampshire: Charlie Bass, Jeb Bradley

New York: Randy Kuhl, Tom Reynolds, James Walsh

Ohio: John Boehner, Mike DeWine, Dave Hobson, Deborah Pryce, Jean Schmidt, Pat Tiberi, Mike Turner

Pennsylvania: Mike Fitzpatrick, Jim Gerlach, Melissa Hart, Curt Weldon

Washington: Cathy McMorris, Dave Reichert

Wisconsin: Paul Ryan

Wyoming: Barbara Cubin

(14 states, 37 members)

If you’re a reporter registered with the White House press list, your work email inbox quickly fills up with an onslaught of information from the very busy folks over at the White House Press Office. Much of it is valuable: transcribed speeches, travel schedules for the president, etc.

We are also informed of the many proclamations declared in the Bush era. Some makes sense. Others, well, not so much. One I received today was particularly breathtaking:

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK, 2005 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Since 1946, the National School Lunch Program has contributed to the welfare of our Nation's youth and the academic mission of our schools. Each year during National School Lunch Week, we recognize this valuable program and highlight the continuing importance of providing America's children with access to nutritious meals.

Today, nearly 100,000 public and private schools and residential child care institutions are implementing the National School Lunch Program, providing fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and other nutritious food choices to an average of 29 million children each school day. The School Breakfast Program and the availability of after-school snacks as part of the School Lunch Program give children additional opportunities to receive a more wholesome diet.

Through the National School Lunch Program, school officials and food service professionals continue to demonstrate their dedication to our Nation's youth. To support these efforts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Team Nutrition provides important nutrition education programs for children and technical training programs for food service professionals to assist them in preparing healthy school lunches. The National School Lunch Program also supports the Healthier US School Challenge, an initiative that recognizes schools and local communities for actively promoting healthy lifestyles. By encouraging healthy eating habits and access to nutritious food, we are helping America's young people succeed in school, and we are helping protect them against childhood obesity, diabetes, and the risk of other serious health problems later in life.

In recognition of the contributions of the National School Lunch Program to the health, education, and well-being of America's children, the Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87-780), as amended, has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October of each year as "National School Lunch Week," and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9 through October 15, 2005, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join the dedicated individuals who administer the National School Lunch Program in appropriate activities that support the health and well-being of our Nation's children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Much wiser individuals than myself have been making a strong case against the nomination of Harriett Miers. However, my initial reaction was to support her nomination for three reasons: Miers does not appear at first glance to be an activist, she will bring unique professional experience to the bench and I always admire individuals who have reached the highest levels of their respective fields without the benefit of nepotism and/or an ivy-league education.

Newt Gingrich has an op-ed in today’s Baltimore Sun defending the Miers nomination. First, on that point of unique experience:

“Ms. Miers brings an important type of diversity to the bench: diversity of experience. Like Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, Ms. Miers brings experience to the court from outside the judicial chamber. As a former commercial litigator, she will offer a real-world perspective on business cases that has been missing for years on the court.”

And regarding her convictions:

“And perhaps most important, Mr. Bush has worked closely with Ms. Miers every day since his days as governor. The president knows her and knows what kind of justice she will make. Ms. Miers was instrumental in the selection of conservative federal appeals court candidates such as Priscilla Owen and Janice Rogers Brown - appointments that have greatly distressed liberals. She also was involved in the selection of Chief Justice Roberts and was part of the team that coached him through the confirmation process.” …

“With the president's knowledge of Ms. Miers, his stated commitment to rebalancing the judiciary and his conservative record - not only in appointing judges but on big decisions in general - conservatives should feel comfortable in taking the president at his word that he has just now delivered another nominee in that tradition.”

Last night’s 50th anniversary celebration for National Review was quite an occasion. Others have already chronicled the events over in the Corner this morning, so I won’t go into too much detail. But it was great to meet so many supporters of NRO and to hear their thoughts on a variety of topics.

And to the waitress, who fell prey to my persuasive request for an after last-call beverage, bless you.

Giuliani/McCain Lead Clinton

Fox News has released a new 2008 poll. Respondents say they would choose John McCain over Hillary Clinton 49-38 percent. They would also choose Rudy Giuliani over Clinton 50-39 percent.

Buzz reader Scott writes in on my earlier post about how conservative writers and pundits are trying to impact the selection of Harriett Miers to be the next Supreme Court justice:

"Okay, what happens if your second scenario plays out a bit further: Miers doesn't crack under confirmation hearing pressure. Brownback, Coburn and all the other Republicans on the committee (reluctantly or gleefully if she does well at the hearing) vote for her. All the Dems vote against her. Specter votes against her demonstrably because of her pro-life position."

"She's (i) voted out of committee with no recommendation because of
the tie or (ii) not voted out at all because of Specter's opposition. Senate Republicans terminate Specter's chairmanship of the Judiciary
Committee. John Kyle becomes chairman. Bush gets a second chance to nominate Luttig, Jones, Brown, etc. Whoever he nominates will face a judiciary committee lead by a truly pro-life conservative. We end up with Justice Janice Rogers Brown."

I still think the most likely scenario is Miers performs well-enough before the Judicial Committee and gets all GOP votes, including Specter. On the Senate floor, she may have token GOP opposition, but not enough to seriously threaten her nomination. Politically, Bush isn't likely to benefit from his selection. But unlike many other potential picks, he isn't likely to suffer either.

In his new column , Hotline editor Chuck Todd points out that while many indicators seem to be moving against Republicans heading into the 2006 elections, they still have a number of overlooked, critical points in their favor:

Here's the good news if you are a fan of the Senate Republican majority:

* Only one Republican incumbent is retiring, though Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., may make it two (and then take away this positive talking point).

* Democrats are defending four open seats (Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey and Vermont). Obviously, the New Jersey seat isn't guaranteed yet, but assuming Sen. Jon Corzine (D) wins, it becomes sort of open thanks to the appointment process.

* In five of the top 15 most competitive Senate races, Democrats have a seriously contested primary to deal with before concentrating on winning and holding the seat.

* Five of the seven GOP-held seats that Democrats are seriously targeting are in states President Bush carried in 2004.

* Democrats failed to successfully recruit candidates for three key GOP-held seats: Maine, Nevada and Virginia. All three were competitive in 2000.

* In three of the nine Democratic-held seats the GOP is targeting (Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey), there is already a consensus GOP nominee.

* While the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is regularly topping the NRSC in monthly fundraising reports, the NRSC has the backstop of the Republican National Committee, which is in much better shape financially than the Democratic National Committee and can make up the difference. The DNC's financial situation is shaky at best, leaving Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to continue his incredible over-performance on the fundraising front.

• There's still more than a year until November 2006.

Spokespersons for the Ohio and Kentucky Democratic Parties have both denied any knowledge of or coordination with the “We the People” phone messages.

I’m hearing rumors of a George Soros money connection, but am waiting for more information to verify.

Here’s an updated list of the GOP House members I know of who have been targeted by “We the People” phone ads. If you have been contacted by this group and are from a district not on the list, please let me know:

Connecticut: Chris Shays

Indiana: John Hostettler, Chris Chocola

Kentucky: Ann Northup, Ron Lewis, Geoff Davis

Louisiana: Rodney Alexander

Ohio: Mike DeWine, Mike Turner, Jean Schmidt, Deborah Pryce, Pat Tiberi, Dave Hobson, John Boehner

Pennsylvania: Curt Weldon

Washington State: Dave Reichert

Wisconsin: Paul Ryan

Kentucky House Republican Geoff Davis has issued a press release on “We the People” making unsolicited phone calls to voters in his district. From the release:

"Political committees are required to include legal disclaimers on paid recorded telephone calls," Davis said. "It really shows the caliber of the people who are behind this that they invent a shadow organization that has no phone number to make harassing phone calls with no disclaimer. They are so dishonest and these attacks so ridiculous that they have to hide behind fake organizations and illegal phone calls."

Nearly 200 residents of Kentucky's Fourth District called Davis' Fort Mitchell District Office after receiving an automated call telling then to call Davis and demand he return campaign contributions from Congressman Tom DeLay. An overwhelming number of people who called Davis' office, though, said they support Davis and asked for a number to contact We the People to demand the harassment stop.

Callers were referred to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which transferred callers to the Democratic National Committee, which transferred at least one caller to the College Democrats. Another caller was sent by the DNC to an incomprehensible voicemail.

The Right Side Redux blog has an interesting pair of charts comparing individual reactions to the nomination of Harriett Miers. Because of their size, I've posted links to each chart:

here, and here

As you can see, the substantive split seems to be between conservative writers/pundits and elected Republicans. Based on this evidence, the question then seems to be what level of impact will the conservative movement have on elected Republicans? First and foremost, it is likely this pressure will result in more intense questioning of Miers during her confirmation hearings. Assuming she handles the questioning well, this is probably where the pressure will end. But if she cracks at all under the pressure, look for movement conservatives to elevate their pressure and for this to translate into a greater likelihood of Republicans, particularly Sam Brownback and Tom Coburn on the Senate Judiciary Committee, to consider voting against her. At the same time, Miers faces the possibility of alienating Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter if her reported pro-life views become too apparent.

Add members of Congress John Hostettler and Chris Chocola from Indiana and Kentucky’s Ann Northup to the “We the People” target list.

The “Conservative Musings” blog has posted audio of the “We the People” message. You can listen here.

Two more Buzz readers have written in saying they have received “We the People” phone calls targeting their district Republican and Tom DeLay. Buzz reader Kerry writes in from the district of Chris Shays in Connecticut. And fellow Buzz reader Jeffrey wrote in from the district of Ohio Republican Deborah Pryce.

So far, I have received emails from readers who have personally received anti-Tom DeLay phone calls from a group calling itself “We the People” in states including Washington, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

The targeted members include: Dave Reichert, Mike DeWine, Mike Turner, Jean Schmidt, Curt Weldon and Rodney Alexander.

If you’re familiar with these calls, please let me know. There doesn’t seem to be a listing for such a group, a website, or anything of that nature.

In his opening remarks at today’s White House press conference, President Bush said that the bulk of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief spending “should be offset by spending reductions” in Congress.

With the president’s symbolic support for more fiscal conservatism and a growing sentiment from fiscally conservative voters, we may have just seen the next important step towards Congress reasserting itself towards reducing the size of the federal government. True spending cuts seem to only happen as a matter of political necessity. What remains to be seen is if Congress is feeling enough heat from voters to act.

White House Senior Counselor Dan Bartlett appeared on CBS’s “The Early Show” this morning and defended the qualifications of Harriett Miers to serve on the Supreme Court:

“I think if you take a step back, remove Harriet Miers' name from her resume, and just look at the resume, it is one with impeccable credentials. There's a reason why she became the first woman to serve the Texas State Bar. There's a reason why she was the first woman ever in Texas to lead a major law firm. It's because she is qualified. She also is somebody who is a key adviser to this President and the White House, who helped lead the effort to pick judicial nominees like Judge John Roberts who is now sitting as the Chief Justice. She also shares the President's philosophy and judicial outlook. And that is critically important for people to understand. At the end of the day, Harry, I know people will know what President Bush has seen and that's a well-qualified, perfect pick for the Supreme Court.”

Appearing on “The Sean Hannity Show” last night, Vice President Dick Cheney said Harriett Miers shares President Bush’s philosophy on strictly interpreting the Constitution:

“Well, I'm sure that's true. But I think you'll find that Harriet is rock-solid, from a philosophical standpoint, Sean. I've worked with her now for going on five years; the President has known her much longer than that. She's been running the operation for us as we've gone through screening Supreme Court nominees, and the President concluded, after having gone through all that process, that Harriet was exactly what the ticket needed. That she's solid in terms of her view on the Constitution, a belief that we should – judges should, in effect, interpret the Constitution and the law as written and not legislate from the bench. … And I think you'll find she'll be an outstanding justice and that she will, in fact, do what the President always said he wanted to do, which is to make certain we get strict constructionists on the Court.”

In today’s Washington Post report on Harriett Miers, the Post writes:

“As a private citizen in Dallas, Harriet Miers was a devoted parishioner and Sunday-school teacher at a conservative evangelical church, and she donated money to an antiabortion group. As a City Council candidate, she opposed the repeal of a law against gay sex. As president of the Texas bar, she led a fight against an abortion rights plank adopted by the American Bar Association. And as President Bush's White House lawyer, she helped vet deeply conservative judges. … Miers has earned respect across the political spectrum for fairness and especially for diligence."

What we do presently know about Harriett Miers points toward her holding generally conservative beliefs. She also has the endorsement of the president, the most important qualification for any Supreme Court nomination. However, much like John Roberts, we have no guarantees as to how she will rule from the bench. I have to wonder if this isn’t where much of the reservations on her nomination originate. The standard conservative line against Democrats and liberals has been to argue against activist judges. Isn’t it intellectually inconsistent to favor a similar level of activism when those nominees happen to come from our own party?

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, who voted against the nomination of John Roberts, just appeared with Harriett Miers before the press. He told reporters:

“I think that’s a plus, not a minus. Speaking recently with SCOTUS justices, three of them, they said what this Court needs is people who have not been through the court process. Harriett Myers has served with distinction as a trial lawyer. That’s what I am, a trial lawyer. Anyone who has that background makes me feel good.”

"The hearings for Judge Roberts were dignified and I expect this one to be the same.”

One reporter asked Reid, “Why go to bat for a Republican nominee?” Reid answered:

“I don’t know if this is going to bat. I’m going to wait till all the hearings are complete. But I’m going to say without any qualifications that I’m happy we have someone like her.”

Reporters also asked Reid about Miers’ campaign contributions to Democrats, including Al Gore. Reid responded:

“I didn’t know she donated money to Al Gore. If she did, that speaks well of her. It only makes me feel better about her.”

John Thune is holding his support on the nomination of Harriett Miers until he knows more about the nominee. From his office today:

“Just as Judge Roberts received a fair up-or-down vote after a thorough examination by both Republicans and Democrats, I expect the same treatment for Harriet Miers. However, I will reserve judgment on this nominee until the Senate studies her qualifications. It has been my expectation that President Bush would nominate someone in the mold of Justices Scalia and Thomas and it is my hope that Harriet Miers will prove to be such a person.”

I’ve been receiving emails from Buzz readers across the nation this afternoon telling their own stories of receiving anti-DeLay phone calls over the past week. Buzz reader Mike, who is from Curt Weldon’s district, adds his take:

“I received a phone call on Friday night around 6pm from a group called We the People - I think, I don't remember exactly - saying that DeLay was indicted on criminal conspiracy charges and that my congressman, Curt Weldon of Able Danger fame, has voted ‘dozens of times in the past to protect his corrupt’ colleague or somesuch BS. I don't think these calls are being heard because it took over ten seconds from the time I picked up until the recording started - it was ‘dead air’ until it connected. The only reason I didn't hang up is because my wife's relatives have bad cellphones that do the dead air thing in the beginning. Most people would hang up if no one's there in the first 5 seconds knowing its a telemarketer.”

Buzz reader David writes in with his own experience receiving an anti-DeLay phone call:

“I received an ‘ethics alert’ yesterday (Sunday) regarding my Rep., Rodney Alexander, whose ‘close friend Tom Delay’ was just indicted, at which point I simply hung up the phone. I live in Louisiana, and did not vote for Alexander when he was re-elected last year, but this will ensure my vote for him in 2006.”

Buzz reader Thea writes in with a report on how Democrats are trying to capitalize on Tom DeLay’s indictment:

“Not sure if you all are aware of this or not, but today (Sunday, 10/2/05) in Clermont County Ohio (OH-02), a mass phone-mail went out to all Cincinnati Bell voice messaging systems demanding DeLay’s resignation and the return of any funds received by our newly-elected Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt.”

The message reportedly describes itself as an “ethics alert” and provides Jean Schmidt’s Ohio office as the return phone number.

If any other Buzz readers have heard this phone message, please write in with your thoughts and details.

Powerline’s John Hinderaker describes the selection of Harriett Miers as a “disappointment” but goes on to say:

“The great unknown is whether she is a conservative. I don't know, but President Bush does; and I think he is committed to moving the Court in the right direction. So until we see something to the contrary, I'll take it on faith that she will be a principled strict constructionist on the Court.”

The Free Enterprise Fund is preparing to launch a new TV ad campaign criticizing liberal Travis County prosecutor Ronnie Earle. The ad will first appear on Fox News Channel this weekend and then run throughout the week. FEF will also air the ad in “spot markets” across the country. You can view the ad on the Free Enterprise Fund website. FEF Chair Mallory Factor said:

“Ronnie Earle says this is all about clean government and rooting out corruption -- yet he gave a speech attacking Tom DeLay to a bunch of partisan activists at a fundraiser for a liberal political action group that raised close to $100,000. Ronnie Earle should look in the mirror before points a finger at anyone else.”

“Anyone who looks at the case can see political fingerprints all over it. To make matters worse, Earle has a camera crew following him and his staff around during the investigation, making a so-called documentary about the case. This isn’t about the law – it’s about politics and publicity. People should take at look at whether Earle, by opening up his office to a film crew, might be guilty of prosecutorial misconduct.”

Andrew Sullivan is confused about the background of Harriett Miers:

"EXODUS??? Here's an excerpt from the president's announcement on Harriet Miers. Among the charities that Harriet Miers has worked for are the following:
[T]he Young Women's Christian Association, Childcare Dallas, Goodwill Industries, Exodus Ministries, Meals on Wheels and the Legal Aid Society.
Stop right there. Exodus Ministries? Does he mean this or this? We need to know."

However, a quick look through the Miers biography shows her work is with the former, not the latter.

From the office of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist:

“This morning, after a bipartisan and inclusive consultation process, President Bush nominated Harriet Miers as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. With this selection, the president has chosen another outstanding nominee to sit on our nation’s highest court. Ms. Miers is honest and hard working and understands the importance of judicial restraint and the limited role of a judge to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench. She has extensive legal experience ranging from private practice to Counsel to the President and was the first woman to serve as president of the Dallas Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas.”

From Judiciary Committee member John Cornyn’s office:

"Harriet Miers is a brilliant legal mind. She is a woman of outstanding character who clearly understands what it means to follow the law. She is deeply committed to public service, and has a distinguished history of professional achievement. It is clear that her past experiences have well prepared her for the honor of serving our country as a Supreme Court Justice. I strongly support her nomination. It is important that we put aside partisanship, and that the Senate fulfill its constitutional responsibility of advice and consent. This fine nominee must be treated with civility and respect, not as a political pawn. I hope that we in the Senate can move forward in a manner worthy of the American people.”

Senate Judiciary Committee member Chuck Schumer said of the Harriett Miers nomination, “Democrats are going to approach this nomination with a nomination with an open mind,” but immediately added, “We know less about this nominee than we knew about John Roberts.”

Schumer is leading the Democrat’s false assertion that the current political balance of the Court must be maintained. He described Sandra Day O’Conner’s seat as the Court’s “swing vote.” But he did not describe it simply as current fact, but more as its permanent role, in his view.

From President Bush’s remarks this morning announcing the nomination of Harriett Miers:

“In its consideration of Chief Justice Roberts' nomination, the Senate made it clear that a well-qualified nominee, committed to strictly interpret the law, can be confirmed promptly, and by a large bipartisan majority. As the new Chief Justice said at his swearing in last week, the Senate vote affirmed the bedrock principle that judging is different from politics. I believe that senators of both parties will find that Harriet Miers' talent, experience and judicial philosophy make her a superb choice to safeguard the constitutional liberties and equality of all Americans.”

And from Miers herself:

“The wisdom of those who drafted our constitution and conceived our nation as functioning with three strong and independent branches have proven truly remarkable. It is the responsibility of every generation to be true to the founders' vision of the proper role of the courts in our society. If confirmed, I recognize that I will have a tremendous responsibility to keep our judicial system strong, and to help ensure that the courts meet their obligations to strictly apply the laws and the Constitution.”

Progress for America has already endorsed the Supreme Court nomination of Harriett Miers. To that end, they have launched a “Justice Miers” website. From PFA President Brian McCabe:

“Harriet Miers is a superb choice for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Like the late-Chief Justice Rehnquist, she has practical experience outside the bench. Miers is a trailblazer for professional women, having served as the first president of a large Dallas Law Firm and later, the first woman elected president of the state bar.”

Red State has a scoop on money contributions made by Harriett Miers over the years. While Miers has predominantly donated to Republicans, in the 1980’s she donated to the presidential campaign of Al Gore and the Senate re-election campaign of Lloyd Bentsen. She gave $1,000 to each – to Gore in ’88 and Bentsen in ’87. She also gave $1,000 to the DNC that same year: