Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wisconsin Senate Recall Campaigns


(a letter from a Wisconsin patriot)

Dear Conservative Grassroots Friends in Colorado,

Yesterday I was contacted by Heidi, a patriot in your state who is keeping a close eye on Wisconsin's battle with government employee unions. I can't tell you what it meant to me as a grassroots organizer to have that email come from someone I've never met who lives hundreds of miles away, telling me that she knew the seriousness of the situation we face here and its implications for citizens across the United States. I told her about some ways for people outside of Wisconsin to help. Heidi passed my email to Margo, who is now passing my words on to you.

Today I am asking for your financial assistance with four senate recall campaigns here in Wisconsin. I am providing the links to those campaigns below, then will share my perspective on the situation here in Wisconsin and why these recall campaigns are so important.

Recall Mark Miller (D-16, state senator, Minority Leader, proud union crony, and agitator extraordinaire)
Recall Jim Holperin (D-12, state senator, union crony)
Recall Bob Wirch (D-22, state senator, union crony)

There is also a fourth recall effort for Sen. Dave Hansen (D-30), but unfortunately that campaign website doesn't have a donate button. You can, however, contact David VanderLeest (davidavanderleest@hotmail.com) for further information on how to contribute. Any amount at all to any or all of these campaigns will be vastly appreciated!

Why has the grassroots launched these recall campaigns? Why are they important? First and foremost, these four senators, in conjunction with the rest of the Fugitive 14, abandoned their responsibilities toward their constituents and the people of Wisconsin in general. They flaunted senate rules, and they have colluded with their union contributors over taxpayers they are meant to represent.

Furthermore, the long-term "visit" of the Fugitive 14 to neighboring Illinois bought the unions time to launch a propaganda campaign. By misrepresenting the facts, they've won much public support. They've painted collective bargaining privileges, for example, as stolen human rights. The Fugitive 14 have mouthed the same messages, thereby furthering falsehoods and fomenting mob tactics, including but certainly not limited to:

-- occupation of our state house by every radical element imaginable from the Socialist Workers and Communist Parties to Voces de la Frontera and SDS
-- damage to state property
-- boycotts, picketing, and threats against businesses who supported Governor Walker's 2010 campaign, some by police and firemens' union officers, no less
-- death threats against our governor, lieutenant governor, and Republican legislators
-- wrong-headed but completely legal recall campaigns against senators who voted for the Budget Adjustment Bill

These people do not merit the offices they currently hold. They have betrayed all sense of honor and duty toward those who elected them.

If the grassroots could have filed on all 14 Democrat state senators, we would have done so. Unfortunately, several were immune for the period of one year, having just been through an election or a re-election campaign. The rest could not have been successfully recalled because of the way district lines are currently drawn. We believe we have the best shot at recalling these 4, and indeed we've seen a very positive response so far, despite our low, low budgets!

One of my own group members, Jeff Horn, heads up the Recall Mark Miller campaign. He has the hardest task, and the greatest number of signatures to collect (more than 20,000). A close colleague of mine in Eagle River, WI, Kim Simac, heads the Holperin recall. Both Kim and Jeff and others who work with them have experienced intimidation tactics as a result of their involvement in this initiative. I know Jeff is in touch with the other two campaign leaders, and they have likewise experienced ugliness. But no one is backing down in pursuing what they know is right.

A bit of personal perspective...

I live right in the middle of Madison, less than half a mile from the State Capitol Building. So, I have been a firsthand witness to "ground zero" in the government employee union war and its most visible battlefield. I have frequently been able to hear the chanting of thousands of union and other leftist protestors from my house.

What these politicians have helped teachers' unions to propagate, in particular, is abysmal. Classrooms have been wrongly used as bully pulpits in order to communicate union lies. Student walk-outs have been staged. Adolescents all the way down to very young children were encouraged in large numbers to leave school to be at the first week of the protests back in February. I not only saw these masses of children with my own eyes on several days, I spoke with many of them. Not one understood why they'd really been told to come.

In many cases, the behavior of these children turned thug-like. On February 17th, the Capitol went on lockdown because of the surly mood of the mob. I arrived just after the Capitol Police had asked legislators to lock their office doors. While waiting for a staffer to let me into the office of Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-20), I was accosted by intimidating union types who would not leave me alone. Once I was safely inside, a gang of adolescents came, banging and kicking on the Sen.'s office door so hard that we thought the glass might break. The children were chanting angry union slogans. I don't know how to talk about this phenomenon without using the words indoctrination, brainwashing, and encouragement of delinquency. It was during this time that we got wind of the fact that the senate Democrats had left the state in order to prevent a vote on Governor Walker's Budget Adjustment Bill.

Here in Madison, emboldened by the actions of the Fugitive 14, our Superintendent of Schools, the school board, the city council, much of the county board, the county sheriff, the mayor, and many in our police and fire department all openly declared themselves in support of the government employee unions. The county sheriff pulled his men from protective detail at the Capitol Building saying that they should not be used as a "palace guard." On March 9th, the night the bill finally passed, Mayor Cieslewicz told the Madison Police Department to steer clear of the Capitol, giving the nod to the protestors who stormed and re-occupied the building that night. Cieslewicz then personally went to join the protestors inside the Capitol, where he was interviewed on video.

With the time provided to them by the Fugitive 14, Dane County, the City of Madison, and the Madison Metropolitan School District, along with many other collusive, local governmental bodies across the state, began to force through as many employee contracts and contract extensions as possible in advance of the application of Budget Adjustment Bill. Taxpayers in many of these counties and municipalities now face very difficult times ahead when far more substantial budget cuts come in June and the cost of these contracts falls fully upon them. The unions wanted their dues, and extending contracts was the way to get them. The dues money will be used in part to fund a major initiative to recall Governor Walker. A major strategy meeting among top union leaders was scheduled to take place in Janesville, WI late this month or early next for this effort.

As you now likely know, shortly after the Budget Adjustment bill finally did pass on March 9th, the unions did launch recall campaigns against 8 Republican senators who courageously stood for taxpayers and fiscal sanity in voting yes on the legislation. The unions are pouring a ton of money into these recall campaigns and are very likely to get the signatures they need in many if not all of the districts in question. They have imported out-of-state help and are almost certainly paying canvassers on a per signature basis. Sound familiar...? The probability of fraud is extraordinarily high. Unfortunately, because of the extremely brief window for examining the tens of thousands of signatures that will come in all at once when the recall period ends, many illegal/fraudulent signatures may go undetected and thus unchallenged.

I would ask you please to consider contributing to any or all of the Wisconsin's conservative grassroots-led recall campaigns against Sens. Miller, Holperin, Hansen, and/or Wirch via the links provided above. Our efforts are vastly underfunded by comparison to the unions', but we have already come a long way on very little. More money flowing into the coffers of these 4 grassroots campaigns will help to ensure that if the unions succeed in recalling any conservatives, we can stave off any damage and continue to hold the senate.

Any amount at all will help.

Please feel free to pass this message forward to others you know.

Wisconsin's battle is far from over. We are fighting on a tremendous number of fronts right now in order to hold the ground that has been gained. If we lose on any of those fronts, we lose not just a battle but an entire war. I know you understand that if Wisconsin falls, the unions will gain that much more strength everywhere else. That simply cannot happen. Now is the time to stand. I would be so grateful and honored if you would stand with us.

God bless you all for your consideration and assistance.

In liberty,

Kirsten Lombard

Organizer
The Wisconsin 9/12 Project
Madison, WI

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. Seedisclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Stock Idea: MasterCard Inc. (MA, $251.71)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

MasterCard Incorporated (MA)
serves 22,000 financial institutions globally. Read about a future joint venture aimed at a mobile payment feature for Android users, featured today in the Wall Street Journal.

MA has projected consensus EPS growth of 18.7%, 17.3% and 16.7% for fiscal years 2011-2013. The PE is 15.1, the beta is 1.1 and MA pays a small dividend.

MA was trading between $220 and $305 prior to the financial meltdown of 2008. After falling and recovering, the stock has traded between $195 and $270 since August of 2010, with the more recent, tighter trading range being between $240 and $255. I would more likely buy now than attempt to buy lower. Look for the stock to break out of this trading range on the upside in the near future.


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur. I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do.

The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also managesGoodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. Seedisclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.


AT&T (T) -- Attractive to Income Investors and Traders!

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

AT&T (T) is still a great buy. I blogged about it on January 27 and February 14.

The stock emerged from a solid trading range in late September 2010, and established a new, solid trading range. I am waiting patiently for the stock to emerge from the current trading range and move higher, and I expect this to happen soon.

On January 27 I said, "The stock is likely to trade in the $28-$30 area in the near term, with the next move likely being a rise to $35/$36. I wouldn't hesitate to buy AT&T immediately for a good trading opportunity."

You can buy AT&T for a short-term or medium-term trade; a dividend play (with a yield of 5.9%!!!); or as a value stock, with a low PE, low beta, and consistently-climbing slow EPS growth. AT&T offers something for everyone, and this stock can enhance almost any stock portfolio!

Investment Disclaimer Release of Liability:

Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur. I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do.

The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also managesGoodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. Seedisclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Douglas County (CO) Schools: Choice Scholarship Pilot Program

The school district requests that persons interested in participating in the Scholarship Program should contact them by calling (303) 387-0100. For more information, please visit their website at www.DCSDK12.org.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. Seedisclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Republic Services Inc. (RSG, $29.94)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Republic Services Inc.
(RSG) provides solid waste collection services in 40 states and Puerto Rico. Projected consensus EPS growth is 10.5%, 14.8% and 12.0% for fiscal years 2011-2013. The PE IS 15.8 based on 2011 EPS of $1.89, and RSG pays a dividend of $0.80 per share, with a yield of 2.7%.
(Purchase the stock by the end of business on 03/29/11 to earn the next quarterly dividend.)

Morgan Stanley research says, "2011 will be a year of positive volume growth, increased pricing power, opportunistic debt refinancing, rapidly expanding cash EPS and share buybacks."

While the stock displays various attractive characteristics of a value stock, I wouldn't buy it for that reason. I would buy it because the steady trading range provides an opportunity to make money short-term. The stock was trading solidly between $29-34 prior to the Financial Meltdown of 2008. Since its recovery, it has spent the last year trading between $28-32, and now appears ready to establish a higher trading range. For a short-term trade, I would be a buyer under $30.50 and put in a sell order at $33.50. The opportunity could arise to make this trade several times in 2011.

Investment Disclaimer Release of Liability:

Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur. I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do.

The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Update: Constitutional Carry in Colorado, March 25, 2011

(from Dudley Brown and Rocky Mountain Gun Owners)

"Though not a surprise, yesterday the Senate State Affairs Committee voted 3-2 to kill HB1205, RMGO's Constitutional Carry bill, which was carried by St. Rep. Chris Holbert and St. Sen. Greg Brophy.

The legislation would have made Colorado a “permit optional” state for concealed carry, joining Vermont, Alaska, Arizona, and Wyoming.

Despite overwhelming testimony that states with similar laws did not, in fact, see an increase in violence, Democrat Senators in the State Affairs Committee (Sens. Rollie Heath, Betty Boyd, and Bob Bacon) voted against the bill while GOP Sens. Kevin Grantham and Bill Cadman voted for the legislation."

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(previous post on Constitutional Carry)

Constitutional Carry in Colorado Senate Committee on March 22, 2011

from Dudley Brown, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners

Next week the Constitutional Carry bill (HB1205) will be heard in the Senate State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee. This bill has already moved out of the House, but to reach the Senate floor it needs to first pass through this committee.

If you have not already done so, please click here to sign our petition for Constitutional Carry.

This bill is designed to do one thing: allow citizens who are legally eligible to possess handguns to carry that handgun concealed, without obtaining a costly, burdensome and bureaucratic permit. This bill doesn't get rid of the existing permit system, nor does it change anything if you wish to obtain a permit.

Senators Kevin Grantham and Bill Cadman, the two Republicans on the State Affairs Committee, are already co-sponsors of HB1205.

Today, I need you to contact the three undecided members of the committee and politely urge them to see that this bill moves to the Senate floor for further debate.

You can contact them here:
Rollie Heath rollie.heath.senate@state.co.us 303-866-4872
Bob Bacon bob.bacon.senate@state.co.us 303-866-4841
Betty Boyd betty.boyd.senate@state.co.us 303-866-4857

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

IREA Candidate John Dendahl's Response to Widely Circulated Letter from Steve and Jan Berger

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Berger,

I have received a copy of your neighborly advice concerning the on-going IREA director election. Strangely, though, I didn’t receive it from you, notwithstanding that my postal and email addresses are both published in the Roxborough Park Foundation directory. Probably just an oversight …

From my understandings of things relevant to this campaign, I believe your communication has a couple of pretty significant problems: 1) your claim that IREA “[opposes] investigating and encouraging the development of alternative energy such as wind and solar,” and 2) your endorsement of Michael Kempe’s claims.

Neither IREA as far as I know, nor I for sure, opposes development of “alternative energy.” We oppose statutory compulsion that IREA members and other Colorado ratepayers buy applied technology that is neither reliable nor economically competitive. We also oppose expenditures (rebates) of general ratepayer money to underwrite an individual ratepayer’s decision to buy something someone has hawked as energy-efficient. I’m not sure anything of value is being accomplished at NREL, the taxpayers’ research outfit where Kempe earns his paycheck, but I haven’t worked to get it shut down.

Have you found anything in Kempe’s platform, or more broadly his political organization’s efforts, addressing reliability, cost or any other quality issue with IREA’s service? I haven’t, yet I’d think someone running for office might have something to say about the core function of the organization he/she seeks to lead or supervise. ALL of their commentary is addressed 1) ad hominem against the 38-year general manager, Stan Lewandowski (who’s retiring), 2) to censoring IREA’s principled, well-argued opposition to their views on public policy, 3) to making the fatuous claim that IREA board operations (meetings, etc.) weren’t open prior to their and others’ efforts last year to enact H.B. 1098, or 4) some combination of all three.

Of course IREA opposed H.B. 1098, “supporting” Kempe’s misleading claim in his paragraph on transparency. IREA’s practices for years had been in compliance with most of the 1098 requirements. Whether it might otherwise have come in line with all 1098’s web publishing requirements, I can’t say, but I understand the board simply opposed more statutory bureaucracy it considered unnecessary. Among the things I admire most about IREA is the bright-line distinction between it and too many other utility companies (Xcel being close to Exhibit A) that find it easier to appease do-gooders than to take ‘em on. Winston Churchill had something to say about that, to the effect that an appeaser is a man who feeds a crocodile hoping it will eat him last.

Kempe has campaigned at our neighborhood Safeway store bragging that “I vote No on everything.” How does that “assure accountability?” He has clearly admitted that his votes are thoughtless, based solely on his commitment to keep a thumb in the eyes of the general manager, other board members and, indirectly, the members. Terrific board service, no? Somehow I doubt that was part of the curriculum leading to the “Credentialed Cooperative Director Certificate” he vaunts.

Kempe and his political group despise “Watts & Volts” because it’s trenchant, it’s much appreciated by most members, and it frequently cuts exactly opposite their greenie agenda. I’ve laughed myself nearly sick over the hysteria eight little pamphlets a year induces in this bunch. Kinda reminds me of the efforts to gag some radio talk show hosts, doesn’t it you?

Respectfully,

John Dendahl

P.S.: Having visited your website, I see that you are well acquainted with “slick postcards.” Not wanting to get into an argument with a real expert, I won’t take issue with that part of your message.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

(Stock Vacation)

No stock posts this week, while I'm travelling with my girls.

Send me questions, comments, topics you'd like me to write about.

Thanks! -- Crista

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Monday, March 21, 2011

HB 11-1273 -- Healthcare Opportunity and Patient Empowerment Act

(written by Jen Raiffie; edited by Crista Huff)

HB 11-1273 (Healthcare Opportunity and Patient Empowerment Act) is the heavily Republican-sponsored bill for healthcare choice for all in Colorado - allowing Colorado to opt out of Obamacare.

This is still a moving target as to when it will be in committee. As of last week it was to be up for committee on the 24th of March but now is slated for the 29th.

Take action! We need to send our emails and phone calls to our Representatives on the Health and Environment committee: Rep. Summers (Chair), Rep. Acree (Vice Chair), Rep. Bradford, Rep. Brown, Rep. Fields, Rep Joshi, Rep. Kefalas, Rep J. Kerr, Rep. Massey, Rep. McCann, Rep, Peniston, Rep. Riesberg, Rep. S. Schafer. If you need their phone numbers or email addresses go to this link and you can find them on the home page http://www.leg.state.co.us.

Take additional action! We also need as many there as we can get to attend the committee hearing, so please mark your calendars for the 29th of March at 1:30 in the Legislative Services Building on the south side of the capitol, but monitor this for schedule changes.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

H.R. 735, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act (for Coloradans)

(This information comes to me from Margo Knutson with Coffee4Conservatives in Douglas County, CO.)

Our president signed an Executive Order requiring federal construction to be done by unionized companies at an incredible cost to the taxpayers.

H.R. 735, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act which will preserve open competition and federal government neutrality towards the labor relations of federal government contractors and federally-funded construction projects, is being co-sponsored by Republicans Scott Tipton, Doug Lamborn and Mike Coffman.

However, we are still waiting for Rep. Cory Gardner to jump on board to support this bill to stop the Executive Order. Please contact Rep. Gardner at 202-225-4676 or email him at juliet.kroll@mail.house.gov and encourage him to co-sponsor this bill as well.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Stock Idea: Walgreen Co. (WAG, $41.16)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Walgreen Co. (WAG)
is an American drugstore chain with $67 billion in 2010 sales. The company has been beating consensus earnings estimates for two quarters in a row, and looks likely to repeat that pattern. Earnings drivers include demand during the recent flu season, and generic drugs coming onto the market. Lipitor is going generic later this year -- the largest drug on the market -- followed by several more drugs going generic in 2012.

Walgreen consensus EPS estimates are projected to climb 20.7%, 14.9% and 12.3% in fiscal years 2011 through 2013. The current PE is 15.7 based on 2011 projected EPS. The stock pays a dividend of $0.70, yielding 1.70%.

Walgreen stock was trading between $40-$50 in the 4.5 years (2004-2008) leading up the financial meltdown of 2008. It proceeded to trade between $22-$40 in the ensuing years, and is just now breaking out of the trading range and returning to its former range above $40.

In the immediate future, look for the stock to trade between $40.50 and $43. I expect a subsequent move upward to occur sooner rather than later, although I would definitely be prepared for the stock to hit a ceiling near $50 and come back down. An attentive investor could make money repeatedly in Walgreens stock if it continues trading similarly to the 2004-2008 period.


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Stocks To Buy at Today's Support Levels, March 17, 2011

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Here are some stocks which I discussed this year in previous blog posts. They are at good buy prices based on the recent market downturn, and the stocks being low in their trading ranges OR not having falling to any significant degree.

General Electric (GE $19.51) -- I discussed GE on January 24, and it's at a buy price again.

The Coca-Cola Company (KO $62.69) -- I discussed KO on Jan. 26 with a trading range of $62.5-$65.5. It's a buy again.

General Dynamics (GD $74.94) -- January 26 blog post.

United Parcel Service (UPS $72.26) -- January 27 blog post.

Nordstrom (JWN $42.79) -- I discussed JWN on Jan. 28, bought & sold it, and now it's cheap again.

Air Products & Chemicals (APD $85.30) -- I discussed APD on Jan. 31, it went up to $95, and now it's cheap again.

Microsoft (MSFT $25.06) -- I discussed MSFT on Feb. 1 and suggested buying around $24/$26. It's time now.

Walt Disney Co. (DIS $40.98) -- I discussed DIS on Feb. 2, bought and sold it after a 10% rise, and now it's cheap again.

WellPoint (WLP $66.63) -- I discussed WLP on Feb. 2; said that it looks like it's finishing up its $48-$65 trading range, and getting ready to break out. Sure enough, it rose from there, and is at a good buy price after falling a few dollars. (Always pay close attention to stocks showing strength during market downturns!)

M&T Bank Corp (MTB $86.38) -- I discussed MTB on Feb. 4; another stock showing strength in a downturn, and looking ready to break out of a trading range.

Kraft Foods Inc. (KFT $30.87) -- Feb. 9 blog post, and probably the lowest-risk stock on this list based on the current price and solid trading range.

Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO $16.32) -- Feb. 11 blog post. A screaming buy!

McDonald's (MCD $73.56) -- I discussed MCD on Feb. 18, with a trading range of $73-$80. It's a buy today.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF) $57.30 -- I discussed TIF at $61.50 on Feb. 28 and suggested buying at $57. It's a buy today.

Kroger (KR $23.63) -- I discussed KR on March 8, and it's shown no weakness in the recent market downturn. It's a buy today.

Bank of America Corp. (BAC $13.89) -- I discussed BAC on March 9 with a trading range of $13.80-$15.00. It's a buy today.

Dole Food Co. (DOLE $13.57) -- I discussed DOLE on March 14 with a trading range of $13.50-$14.80. It's a buy today.

There you go. A few stock ideas. And remember, many of these pay good dividends, so you're getting paid to wait for the stock price to go up. Happy investing!


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Protect Stock Profits During Market Downturns With Stop Orders

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

I am often fully invested, yet I always have money in my portfolio to "buy low" during market downturns. How do I do that? With stop orders.


A stop order is a stock transaction wherein you arrange to sell your stock IF it drops to a certain level, but otherwise you keep it. At my brokerage firm (Morgan Stanley), it costs me nothing extra to place stop orders, cancel them, or change the stop price.

Here's an example: let's say I own 100 shares of Microsoft. This stock has been mostly trading between $22 and $31 for ten years. If I buy at $22 and the stock rises to $29, I'm pretty excited, but always sort of worried that it will fall back down and my profit will erode, right? So I put in a stop order at $26.50 good-til-cancelled (gtc). The order stays in the computer until the stock falls to $26.50 and sells, or until I cancel the order, or until I change the order. For example, if the stock rises to $31, I would probably raise the sell order to $28.50, to protect more of my profit.

Recently, the market took a downturn, and 20% of my stocks sold on stop orders. I got out with profit -- not as much profit as I had at the highs, but enough that I am happy I did it. Now I have a large chunk of cash with which I can go bargain hunting during the market downturn. I will not spend it all at once, but neither will I be afraid to spend it.

The first couple times you have a stock sell using a stop order, you're going to be emotional. You might be emotionally attached to the stock and wish you still owned it. You might worry that it will bounce back up and that you sold it for no good reason. You might obsess over these things and learn that you're too emotional for this aspect of stock investing.

But if you look at stock investing as just another way of making money, this might work well for you. When the stock sells, look at the cash and be calm. Find a way to reinvest it. If you're not going to find a better opportunity, i.e. a stock that has better prospects to go up, then you're going to regret selling Microsoft. But if you wait and buy Microsoft back cheaper, or buy another attractive stock which is low in a very solid trading range, or buy a stock which didn't fall at all during the market downturn, you will likely be pleased that you found a new investment strategy which helps you buy low and sell high.

Happy investing!


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

IREA Elections, March 2011

The Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) in Colorado has sent out ballots for its annual Board of Directors election. IREA has a goal of bringing low-cost energy to consumers. Some of the candidates DO NOT have that same goal; rather, they have an expensive "green" agenda, which is sometimes code-worded as "sustainability". The green agenda is much more about politics than it is about serving electric customers. Green energy supporters typically think in socialist terms, that your money belongs to everybody, and that higher utility bills are therefore of no consequence.

Take action! In that light, I recommend that you vote for the low-cost energy candidates: John Dendahl in District 1 and Duke Dozier in District 2.

Take additional action! You would do your friends a great service by cutting & pasting this info and emailing it to them. The affected voting areas include Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Sedalia, Roxborough, and the area from Conifer to Bailey.

Thank you!

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Stock Idea: Dole Food Co. Inc. (DOLE, $13.97)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Dole Food Co. Inc. (DOLE)
is a producer, marketer and distributor of fresh fruit and vegetables, and packaged products, in North America, Europe and Asia.


Projected consensus EPS growth is 53% and 24% for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. The PE based on 2011 projected EPS of $1.42 is 9.8. This is an incredibly low PE for a company with strong projected earnings growth! (Commodity pricing pressures have already been figured into these earnings projections by Wall Street analysts.)

The stock recently established a new trading range from approximately $13.50 - $14.80. I would buy this stock near $13.50 and then hold it for the next move upwards.


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Stock Idea: Agilent Technologies, Inc. (A, $45.34)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

"Agilent Technologies, Inc.
(Agilent) is a measurement company providing bio-analytical and electronic measurement solutions to the communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis industries." -- Morgan Stanley research, March 2011

Agilent has indicated that it's operations in Japan have not been affected by the earthquake, and that they are making immediate financial aid contributions towards the relief effort.

Near term consensus earnings growth is projected at 32%, 14% and 13% for fiscal years 2011 through 2013. The PE is 17 based on projected 2011 EPS. Agilent does not pay a dividend.

For ten years, Agilent stock has repeatedly traded between $12 and $40 per share. It has finally broken out of that trading range! I would be a buyer right now, and use stop loss orders to protect my investment on the downside. (Stocks which are reaching new highs tend to keep going up for a while.)


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Stocks Are On Sale Today! March 10, 2011

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

The stock market is having a very normal correction after a recent run-up. The Dow Jones trading pattern is stable, which means a prudent investor will look for opportunities to "buy low".

Let's look at some stocks which I've recently blogged about (blog post dates included) which are at excellent prices for buying today.

Applied Materials (AMAT) -- Feb. 22

Air Products & Chemicals (APD) -- Jan. 31

Bank of America (BAC) -- March 9

DeVry (DV) -- Jan. 25
DeVry has risen since I recommended it, and has established a new trading range. $52 - 53 is a good buying price on DeVry right now.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) -- Feb. 3

Coca-Cola (KO) -- Jan. 26
Showing strength in a weak market and poised to break out from its trading range. My favorite pick on this list.

Kroger (KR) -- March 8
Showing strength in the recent weak market.

McDonald's (MCD) -- Feb. 18

Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) -- Jan. 25
Showing strength in the recent weak market.

Warning: This is a little tiny stock market correction. If you are too scared to "buy low" on a day like today, you do not belong in individual stocks. I don't mean to be insulting. I simply want you to make money, and you can't make money in individual stocks if little market downturns scare you and keep you from "buying low". However, all is not lost. You can invest in mutual funds, wherein the managers are trained to buy low, and actually look forward to such opportunities.


Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Stock Idea: Kroger Co. (KR, $23.67)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Kroger Co. (KR)
is a manufacturer and retailer of groceries and fine jewelry in the United States.

Kroger's consensus EPS are projected to increase 9.1%, 11.5% and 7.0% in fiscal years 2012 through 2014. Kroger pays a dividend of $0.42 per share, with a yield of 1.78%.

On March 3, Kroger's Board of Directors announced a new $1 billion stock repurchase program. This means that the company is in a very good cash position, and intends to use some of it to buy back stock. For shareholders, this implies a less risky stock, because whenever the price falls a bit, the company steps in and buys back shares, providing strong price support for the stock. In addition, share buybacks serve to decrease the number of shares outstanding, thereby increasing the earnings per share (EPS) numbers. Companies with increasing EPS can typically garner higher share prices. (Kroger reduced shares outstanding via share buybacks by 12.2% between its fiscal years ended in 2005 and 2010.)

Kroger stock has not been as volatile as the market, falling only 30% in value during the financial meltdown of 2008. Since that time, the stock has traded consistently between $20 and $24. It looks like it's finally ready to move higher.



Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

* * * *

The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.