Cruz seizes on eminent domain as wedge against Trump in New Hampshire

CNN ^ | Fri January 22, 2016 | Theodore Schleifer

[Isara]

...In the eyes of Ted Cruz, here's another "New York value" embodied by Donald Trump: seizing private people's property to build skyscrapers with his name on it.

As the rivalry blooms between the Republican field's top presidential contenders, Cruz and his allies are eyeing a major opportunity in this rural state to cast Trump as an overly zealous land-grabber, profit-driven elitist and big-government liberal, prioritizing commercial interests like his own over conservative values.

"Trump, with his casinos, he can take the land because it's in his best interest," former Sen. Bob Smith, a Cruz co-chairman, said here. "It's a big deal here, but I don't think it's gotten much publicity -- but I think it will."

...

"Donald Trump has said he thinks eminent domain is fantastic, and he supports using government power to seize private people's homes, to give them to giant corporations to say hypothetically build a casino," Cruz said in Wakefield, the first time that Cruz voluntarily brought up Trump's record before an audience.

"Now he's entitled to have that view," Cruz added, "but my view is we have an obligation to protect the rights of Americans, and private property is essential to the rights of Americans."

Trump has been one of eminent domain's strongest supporters, including praising the 2005 Supreme Court Kelo v. New London decision reviled by conservatives for staying that the government's power to repossess property can apply not just for public projects, such as a highway, but for private development as well.

"Eminent domain -- when it comes to jobs, roads, the public good -- I think it's a wonderful thing," Trump said on Fox News in October. "I fully understand the conservative approach, but I don't think it was explained to most conservatives."

...

[Isara]

Eminent Domain Ad (Video)

[Isara]

Presidential Candidates Comparison (Cruz vs. Trump)

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[Isara]

Trump supported TARP, auto bailout and Porkulus bill, i.e., Trump is for big government and big businesses.

And, of course, he is for Renewable Fuel Standard (ethanol mandate), so governement can pick winners and losers.

Trump's Record on Free-market Issue: (from the Conservative Review)

Trump has a terrible record on free market issues. The only bright spot is the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing, but this glimmer is countermanded by his repeated support for bailing out Wall Street and the auto industry, and increased stimulus spending. Of particular concern is Trump's belief that the government can use eminent domain powers to seize private property in the name of private economic development. This comes as no surprise, given his support for using eminent domain to profit his own company.

Trump supported the Supreme Court’s 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of London, allowing public authorities to seize private land for economic development by private investors; Trump said, “I happen to agree with [the decision] 100 percent.” (National Review)  This is no surprise given Trump’s attempt to use eminent domain in his own line of work. (Institute for Justice)

Trump supported President Obama’s 2009 stimulus, saying: “The word stimulus is probably not used in its fullest…you know, certain of the things that were given weren't really stimulus. They were pork, as we call it, or they were gifts to certain people. But overall, I think he's [President Obama] doing very well. You do need stimulus and you do have to keep the banks alive.” (CNN) 

Trump supported TARP, saying, "You had to do something to shore up the banks, because ... you would have had a run on every bank." (CNN) 

Trump supported the 2008 auto bailout, saying, “I think the government should stand behind them 100 percent. You cannot lose the auto companies. They’re great. They make wonderful products.” He also said that the federal government could “easily save the companies.” (Daily Caller) 

Trump criticized the Federal Reserve’s intervention in the debt market, saying quantitative easing creates “phony numbers” that mislead the marketplace and “will not ultimately benefit the economy. The dollar will go down in value and inflation will start rearing its ugly head.” (CNBC) 

Donald Trump has a history of using eminent domain to complete business deals. Multiple times Trump has supported the use of government agencies to take possession of homes and businesses for use in his private business plans. Eminent domain seizures are reserved only for public use of property rather than abuse by the government taking property from one individual and giving to another. (Washington Post) 

Donald Trump has sought and received crony capitalist tax breaks for his commercial properties in New York. These tax breaks, and even an abatement, force the property taxes of other property owners to rise at the expense of the connected. Special treatment for one business or industry over another with the tax code conflicts with free market principles. (National Review) 

In 2009, Trump supported Barack Obama's call for limits on the pay of executives. (CNN)

[deport]

“Now he’s entitled to have that view,” Cruz added, “but my view is we have an obligation to protect the rights of Americans, and private property is essential to the rights of Americans.”

*****************

Yep Cruz is correct and he is in a position to get the laws
regarding property changed. Where his legislation to revise
Bankruptcy Law?

[Wolfie]

And just how did Cruz think they were going to get the land for the Keystone Pipeline he supported?

[Responsibility2nd]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bring up all he did; all he used to be.

But that’s all different now. He’s going to build The Wall!

/snark

[Helicondelta]

Yeah, yeah. More old news. Most people don’t even know what Cruz is talking about.

Without eminent domain the keystone pipeline will never get built.

[Responsibility2nd]

And just how did Cruz think they were going to get the land for the Keystone Pipeline he supported?

________________________________________

Through land leases and legitimate purchases.

DUH!

[Jewbacca]

It’s a huuugee issue.

Trump believes rich people should be able to seize private land using government power to give to rich guys like him.

That’s not remotely conservative.

[ilgipper]

There’s a difference of eminent domain for public needs and infrastructure and for private individuals. Trump supports the horrible decision of the courts a few years ago. It’s the ultimate crony capitalism. Government can take your house and give it to a developer if the developer donates enough cash. It’s messed up.

[Cboldt]

-- And just how did Cruz think they were going to get the land for the Keystone Pipeline he supported? --

Magic thinking.

States have control over takings. Kelo allows them (the states) to go too far (IMO), but states can draw the line much farther back.

In the public mind, this is an insignificant issue, compared with national identity and borders, and national security.

Trump will pull the discussion back to some other issue. He's poking the eligibility bear today.

[Jewbacca]

A pipeline in interstate commerce is rather distinct example and directly permitted under the US Constitution.

Same with roads, power lines, and other public utilities.

A fancy housing development and golf course is not the same.

[Trumpinator]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bring up all he did; all he used to be.

But that’s all different now. He’s going to build The Wall!

/snark

---

Eminent domain will be needed to build that wall - you do know that right?

[kidd]

Yes.

Trump’s support for Kelo is a VERY big negative.

Kelo is very unpopular with many independents as well. It really only has acceptance from a small group of business people and big government politicians.

This is a winning move for Cruz.

[IMR 4350]

Apples and oranges.

Pipelines are a benefit to the whole country not just the pipeline owners.

The land owners for the most part can also continue to use the surface as the pipelines are generally 3’ below plow depth.

[bramps]

If Cruz wants to get serious, he would be grilling Trump about his sincerity on social issues and the type of person Trump thinks would make a good VP. In other words, I want Trump thoroughly vetted on the social issues he claims to have changed his mind on.

[Wolfie]

Taking private land to give to a foreign company to ship oil overseas is pure BS.

[Trumpinator]

A pipeline in interstate commerce

---

A private pipeline. For profit. It spews oil rather than say casino chips at the other end of the pipe but other than that no difference.

[vette6387]

“Most people don’t even know what Cruz is talking about.”

Exactly, the average voter isn’t affected ever in his life with “eminent domain,” but not having a good paying job and affordable health care, now that’s another story. Cruz is biting the hand that made it possible for him to even have a chance at running for the presidency by reason of Donald Trump’s willingness to say what needed to be said. Cruz wouldn’t be even mentioning illegal immigration if it weren’t for Trump along with a host of other issues that no one in politics ever wants to air.

[mrsmith]

This issue should have some ‘legs’ in the Northeast.