Long-shot candidates pose a threat

When Democrats took control of the House in 2006, Michael Montagano was a fresh-faced Indiana University Law School graduate without any serious political ambitions.

Two years later, in the midst of a long-shot bid against Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) in a deeply conservative northeast Indiana district, the 27-year-old attorney could find himself swept into Congress if a sizable Democratic wave hits on Tuesday.
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Advertisers vs. the Free Market

Washington, D.C.–The Association of National Advertisers, a trade association representing 400 companies, has asked the Justice Department to use antitrust law to halt a proposed Google-Yahoo search advertising partnership. The deal, the group claims, will “diminish competition,” increase Google and Yahoo’s “market power,” and “raise prices.”

“This call to prevent Google and Yahoo from collaborating is an attack on the free market,” said Alex Epstein, an analyst at the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights. “Google and Yahoo, individually or combined, have no power to force anyone to advertise with them; their only power is the power to continually persuade advertisers that their services are the best use of advertisers’ money.

“If the members of the Association of National Advertisers object to the advertising options offered under a new Google and Yahoo partnership, there is a simple solution: don’t advertise with them. But they have no right to dictate to Google and Yahoo how to run their businesses.”

Mr. Epstein’s op-eds and letters to the editor have appeared in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Chronicle, Philadelphia Inquirer, Canada’s National Post, and the Washington Times. He is also a contributing writer for The Objective Standard, a quarterly journal of culture and politics. Mr. Epstein has been a guest on numerous nationally syndicated radio programs.

Alex Epstein is available for interviews.
Contact: Larry Benson
E-mail: media@aynrandcenter.org
Phone: (949) 222-6550 ext. 213

Pelosi OKs drilling vote, but at a price

Pelosi will allow vote on offshore drilling but has conditions. See also: McCain still mulling ANWR
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Sheehan qualifies to run for Pelosi’s seat

Anti-war activist qualifies to run as an independent against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in November’s general election.
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Effort aims to get kids outside

A resolution called ”No Child Left Inside” could result in millions more for environmental education – and a windfall for nonprofit groups hoping for more federal help getting children outside.
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