Twisting Tony Marino
Carla Axtman
On Thursday, I introduced you to The Church of Tony Marino: A dubious yet entertaining institution which opened a can of worms for me to pick through. Marino is running for Oregon House 35th District (Tigard). I felt it only fair to contact "The Reverend Doctor" Tony Marino to follow-up on this story.
I left a voice mail at the phone number posted at Marino's campaign website. I don't think 30 minutes had passed before he called me back. I'm reasonably certain that this was before he realized I'd posted about him here. (However I made it clear before we began speaking that I am a local political writer and blogger)
We began with me asking questions about his online ordination business. Marino told me that he had been a "Biblical theologan" since he "was a little kid". Marino quickly jumped in to tell me that ordination comes from God, according to the Bible. And then went into a short, clipped presentation of Jesus and the disciples...and ordination history. Then there was some discussion about how one can be ordained by a church or outreach ministry (he cited Luis Palau, specifically). And then he began to wrap it all up by saying that the fees to become ordained are "ridiculously expensive" and that he makes it a lot more financially feasible.
And then it got interesting.
For some reason (and without any prompting from me that I recall), Marino began to spill about how he had come to run for office.
He told me that the Oregon Republican House Caucus had "headhunted" him. Specifically, House Minority Leader Bruce Hanna called him directly. More importantly however, Republican U.S. Senator Gordon Smith had also called to speak with him personally, urging him to get into the race.
Further, at the time of his conversations with Hanna and Smith, Marino says that both men knew about all of Marino's potentially highly damaging issues: the divorces, the diploma mill-PhD, the IRS troubles..all of it. In fact, Marino told me that he spoke with them 2-3 months before he filed his paperwork to run, and they still encouraged him to go foward.
He also said that the Republican House leadership was "completely in on" his "mea culpa" letter saying, "Maybe I'll set some sort of standard. Voters deserve honesty and need to know exactly who I am--and why I am running."
Wow.
So not only did the Republican Minority Leader of the Oregon House know about the enormously problematic background of Marino--so did our Republican U.S. Senator???
And they still pushed him to run?
Why?
I have my own theories..which I'll posit at a later time. But I'm curious what others think, too. Thoughts?
 |
More Recent Posts | |
Albert Kaufman |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
Kari Chisholm |
Final pre-census estimate: Oregon's getting a sixth congressional seat |
Albert Kaufman |
Polluted by Money - How corporate cash corrupted one of the greenest states in America |
Guest Column |
|
Albert Kaufman |
Our Democrat Representatives in Action - What's on your wish list? |
Kari Chisholm |
|
Guest Column |
|
Kari Chisholm |
|
connect with blueoregon
Jun 15, '08
Was he specific about which Bruce Hanna and Gordon Smith he meant? He has a history of dubious claims to institutional endorsement....
If they really did know all about him, they must have been going for a warm body in the event Galizio gets hit by a bus. They certainly weren't filling slots for the sake of keeping up appearances, given how this looks.
And how this looks is very odd.
9:04 a.m.
Jun 15, '08
Sweet, you just linked the Wikipedia article I (mostly) wrote on Palau =)
9:06 a.m.
Jun 15, '08
Just for kicks, here's the one I wrote on Bruce Hanna, too...needs major expansion still. (And no, I don't think I'll be writing one on Marino!)
Jun 15, '08
The answer to this is self-evident. The Rs didn't have anyone credible to file in the seat, so the leadership pushed to find a warm body who could talk a good game and at least appear credible to Galizio and the Ds (and convince them to spend some money defending the seat).
The problem for Hanna is that Marino has failed even at appearing credible. Hanna's biggest weakness thus far has been his near-total failure to recruit decent candidates. That the R caucus has sunk $10k of the their scarce cash into the Marino campaign is just further illustration of the complete and utter stupidity of the R leadership.
Hanna's ineptitude will give Hunt a real shot at pushing the Ds to 36 seats or higher.
Jun 15, '08
It's so good to have you back, Carla! Great work, as usual.
3:52 p.m.
Jun 15, '08
Actually, Tony Marino is actually part of a highly devious plot. He has so many just plain silly aspects to his candidacy, all Democrats will lose their breath laughing. At that point, we will become overconfidant, and the GOP will sneak up on us in other house seats.
By the same token, Vance Day brilliantly drove the Oregon GOP broke so that we'd underestimate the Republicans, then failed even to find a place holder, so that Jon Kroger wins the Republic nomination for Attorney General. Day couldn't find a single GOP voter to run for Treasurer who hadn't worked for the current Democratic Governor, and found Ted Baxter's missing brother to run for Secretary of State, a man who couldn't articulate in successive interviews after filing for office precisely what he would do in that office.
So we'd better watch out, as they must be doing something somewhere (think real efforts in Hillsboro and Lake O), mustn't they?
Jun 15, '08
Hanna=idiot. This is the guy who, after finding out about Wingard's past criminal history, couldn't find a replacement for him. He also failed to recruit any candidate for Jean Cowan's seat, which we won by only 750 votes or so IRIC.
Jun 15, '08
If he has no chance at winning, as most of you seem to think than why would you guys continue to attack him? It would be kind of like me attacking Mike Gravel.
I do wish you would take into consideration the fact that Tony has a family (his wife Danielle, who works with special ed. at a local school, as well as two very nice children, who are honor students), but of course, it doesn't matter the personal effects, as long as it works to political advantage. It's sad to me how nothing is off-limits for attack now. And yes, I am talking about Republicans too, who are equally at fault (I myself don't identify with one party too closely). I do however find it ironic how your candidate (Obama) preachs about unity etc. Yet here you are, as far as I know, his faithful supporters, tearing into someone, who according to your spin is not even a threat (exactly why are you so obsessed with him if he is not a threat?). Now that is unity.
Despite the above, I find it personally encouraging the fact that you are so terrified of him. It really makes me believe that he has a good chance of knocking Galizio off.
Also, it is too bad you candidate is not honest enough to talk about his own problems.
And you can ridicule Hanna and Smith all you want, but his past, which he admits he has done foolish things (who hasn't? Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think anyone on here has not done things they regret), is not the most important issue. Tony's big heart and the fact that he cares so much about the people of his district that he would put himself through this kind of crap just so he can help make things better, really overshadow some mistakes he has made in the past.
And I will bring this point up once more: Should we be focused on Senator Obama's drug use (and according to some Clinton people, dealing drugs, though I have no reason to believe that). I could imagine the outcry from the left if that was the case.
Oh and Kev M (I hope not Mannix :-) why are you so intent on 36 seats (not gonna happen, which five seats are you going to take, assuming you hold all your own?), is it maybe to raise taxes without voter approval? I hope you run on that.
Jun 15, '08
Don,
I agree with you Hanna didn't do a great job getting candidates for a lot of seats (though I am not sure that is his fault). He did however (I am sure I won't find much agreement here), find very good candidates for the seats where he did find candidates. Besides Marino, he also got Duyck, Griffith, Kennemer, Nelsen, and Weidner (I may be missing one or two). Who are Hunt's star recruits? I am honestly curious. I know you would probably say Barton is one of them, but who are the top five or so?
Jun 15, '08
Ok, seriously...the House Ds are probably going for 40 seats at this point. Come on people ...Ds are winning in North Mississippi for goodness sakes. Hunt and the House Ds have recruited well and are raising tons of cash.
If the Oregon Rs dont wake up and focus their efforts, the Ds are likely to hold all current seats, win all the open, and take out at least 3 or 4 of their incumbents - that the House Rs wont have the money to defend...b/c they keep wasting it these circus sideshow freak candidates.
And for the Tony troll post above...Im sure he is a nice guy and a great dad. I'll even throw in that he loves the baby Jesus.
But, people who run for office should be able to withstand the most modest amount of public scrutiny. If Tony did not want to embarrass his honor roll kids - then he should not have thrown his hat in the ring.
Now, can somebody PLEASE find this man's faith healing, UFO, or bigfoot website? You know it is out there.
Jun 15, '08
Yellow Dog,
I was trying to make that point. He IS willing to withstand the scrutiny, not because its fun but because he cares enough about people in his district and state. In fact, he even invited the scrutiny, publishing the mea culpa letter mentioned by Kari, because he felt that it was best to be completely honest with the people of HD 35 (unlike Galizio, I might add). There was nothing forcing him to publish the letter.
I am not going to play the whole gae about the special elections. Yes it is disconcerting for the GOP and yes it should be a problem. I do think that the problem is more the fact that GOP voters are less enthused and so don't show up for the low-turnout special election. Besides, in the MS special, they weren't listed by party and Childers campaigned as a conservative. There is also some history here which I haven't seen anybody point out: in 2004 Democrats won two special elections in conservative districts. One the South Dakota at-large seat and one in Kentucky, both districts that Bush carried easily. It was certainly not a sign of a Democratic tide though as Republicans ended up winning the Pres gaining Senate seats and (arguably) gaining House seats.
Who are all these great Democratic candidates? Nick Kahl for example, has a fair shot at winning in 49, but he defeated the recruited candidate and from what I have heard isn't that great of a candidate himself. I hope when you say all the open seats you don't mean that literally? If you really win seats like 23, that would really be bad news...
Jun 15, '08
One word: sociopath
Jun 16, '08
AJ526, he's running for public office; there's nothing wrong with seeing humor in his foibles. Same with Mark Foley, Larry Craig, or the whole "my opponent is a coke-snorting baby-killer" affair right here in OR-5. It doesn't mean we're afraid of our election chances.
Jun 16, '08
AJ:
The list of star House Democratic recruits is almost endless.
You named five decent House Republican candidates, so let me give you some examples where the outstanding House D candidate clearly outshines their R opponent: Rick Goche (HD 1) Lynn Howe (HD 6) Don Nordin (HD 7) Dick Olsen (HD 15) Dan Thackaberry (HD 17) Jim Gilbert (HD 18) Richard Riggs (HD 20) Jason Brown (HD 23) Al Hansen (HD 24) Jessica Adamson (HD 26) Michele Eberle (HD 37) Chris Garrett (HD 38) Toby Forsberg (HD 39) Jules Kopel-Bailey (HD 42) Michael Dembrow (HD 45) Jefferson Smith (HD 47) Nick Kahl (HD 49) Greg Matthews (HD 50) Brent Barton (HD 51) Suzanne Van Orman (HD 52) Judy Stiegler (HD 54) Mike Ahern (HD 59).
With strong recruits like this (plus a far better legislative record and better fund-raising), House Democrats are actively competing all over Oregon and WILL pick up additional seats this year.
1:33 a.m.
Jun 16, '08
"Jefferson Smith (HD 47)"
Jefferson's Republican opponent is himself--he captured both party nominations (340 to 2, as his dad tells it!). But I agree his Democratic self is far superior to his Republican self.
Jun 16, '08
Was he specific about which Bruce Hanna and Gordon Smith he meant? He has a history of dubious claims to institutional endorsement....
That is really, really funny.
Marino is just using this run as a way to further his career as an entertainer. He's like a small time Kinky Friedman.
Jun 16, '08
James, Tony is no Larry Craig or Mark Foley. For one thing he did nothing illegal (unlike Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama for that matter), and these are just a few things from his past, would you like someone to go through everything in your past? Wouldn't they find a least a few foibles? I for one did not get any laughs about Mark Foley harrassing boys and I wouldn't think anybody else would either. Oh I also think it's funy that you only mention R politicians. When D's have a problem, people rarely ever talk about it.
Anon, I appreciate your efforts, however, if I wanted a list of all the Dem challengers (although you did miss a few I hope you don't offend the D's in 2 and 58 for example), there are a lot of ways to find that. I will ask a more specific question, and hopefully someone will answer eventually, who are the top 5 Dem recruits? I don't just mean the best candidates (you all seem to love Mr. Smith), but the ones who have the best chance of taking a seat or holding a contested seat? There are a lot of R's who i think are better than the D's, but who will not win.
Jun 16, '08
AJ:
Anon only listed the House Dem challengers who have a legitimate shot of winning. (No offense to those not listed, but they have no real chance.)
Of the 22 candidates listed, four districts are heavily Democratic districts currently held by D's. The other 18 are swing districts currently held by R's. If only HALF of these 18 great candidates win, that would result in a 40-seat House Democratic majority. Difficult, but certainly not impossible in this heavily Democratic year.
Dave Hunt and team have recruited enough great centrist candidates and raised enough financial resources that they don't have to make the false choice that you suggest of targeting just five seats. Republicans who are weak on both fronts will have to be very careful in their targeting, but not so much for the Dems.
AJ, the question for you is which five House Republicans seats do YOU think they are most likely to LOSE this year? :)
11:27 a.m.
Jun 16, '08
James, Tony is no Larry Craig or Mark Foley. For one thing he did nothing illegal (unlike Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama for that matter), and these are just a few things from his past, would you like someone to go through everything in your past?
If you don't want people tiptoeing through your past, don't run for an Oregon House seat. If you can't stand that kind of scrutiny, campaigning is not for you.
Incidentally, the information I've provided on the Tony Marino ordination mill is current, not past. And if Marino was so spun up about the information in his past, its unlikely that he'd have sent a letter out to the district and the press--laying it out there (in part, anyway).
If you want information out there about D's that you believe have problems--then start your own blog and write about it. It's free.
The top 5 House Dem recruits, IMO, are as follows (and in no particular order):
Brent Barton (vs Linda Flores) in HD 51 Greg Matthews (vs John Lim) in HD 50 Mike Ahern (vs John Huffman) in HD 59 Jessica Adamson (vs Matt Wingard) in HD 26 Michele Eberle (vs Scott Bruun) in HD 37
Jun 16, '08
Insider, I think that that is a stretch to say that the D's in all of those districts have a chance.
Carla, I know that if you run for public office you recieve a certain amount of scrutiny, obviously. I would appreciate it if you would put the whole quote, because that is taken out of context.
Thanks, I am glad I finally got an answer for that question (I hope to get some other opinions as well...). I was a bit surprised that you picked Eberle. As far as I have heard, she doesn't have a good chance of winning, but who knows?
I do actually have a blog (you can click on my name if you like). I do tend to post more objective articles though, considering I am an independent thinker, and certainly not personal attacks. I would appreciate it if any of you would like to take a look at it every once in awhile (we don't always post everyday), and maybe leave comments if you like.
Speaking of my blog, I will hopefully be giving a list of top Legislative elections this year pretty soon. I will be bold right now though, and take Insiders challenge of naming top five seats that Republicans are likely to lose, in fact I will even take it one step further and give them IN ORDER:
Now how about you giving me your list of top 5 seats the D's are most likely to lose?
Jun 16, '08
Carla, one of the points I keep trying to make is that Tony knew he would get scrutiny, but decided to go through with it because he cares enough about people in his district and state.
Also, I still don't see what the problem with getting an online ordination is? And why Carla, do you stop posting for awhile, only to come back and post two consecutive attack posts about Tony? Is there something personal?
12:30 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
You know, I have a hard time reconciling the fun people have piling on Marino -- who is alive and whose family is far more likely to hear about something posted on Blue Oregon -- with the arch disapproval and cries of "Manners!" the same folks had about mentioning some of the egregious things Tim Russert did -- even though he's dead and nobody he knew is ever going to hear about anything said here.
12:59 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
Carla, one of the points I keep trying to make is that Tony knew he would get scrutiny, but decided to go through with it because he cares enough about people in his district and state.
Then if he knew what he was getting into..eyes wide open apparently, what's the problem, exactly? People who run for office are scrutinized..that's an inherent part of the package. Apparently Marino did a cost/benefit analysis and decided it was worth it--for whatever reasons (I'm not convinced the one you cite above is completely correct).
Also, I still don't see what the problem with getting an online ordination is?
That was answered quite specifically in the other comment thread. IMO you choose not to see a problem with it, that's up to you. But it has in fact been explained.
And why Carla, do you stop posting for awhile, only to come back and post two consecutive attack posts about Tony? Is there something personal?
I don't know Tony Marino personally nor do I have anything personal against him. And you're clearly not disputing the factual nature of what I'm posting here. You choose your value judgements for what matters to you, I choose mine. You believe online ordination mills are perfectly acceptable--I don't.
Takes all kinds to make a world, eh?
1:00 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
You know, I have a hard time reconciling the fun people have piling on Marino -- who is alive and whose family is far more likely to hear about something posted on Blue Oregon -- with the arch disapproval and cries of "Manners!" the same folks had about mentioning some of the egregious things Tim Russert did -- even though he's dead and nobody he knew is ever going to hear about anything said here.
I'm not surprised to read that at all, frankly.
Jun 16, '08
AJ,
You're living in a fantasy world. Most of the "great" candidates "recruited" by Hanna were planning to run before he was even elected Leader. Correlation and causation are not the same thing.
How do the Ds get to 36? Gee...
HD 49: Nelsen is great candidate in an impossibly Democratic district. Not even a Minnis could win this seat again.
HD 51: Barton is a tremendous fundraiser and he's working hard at the doors. Flores is a stupid and lazy right-wing nut who thinks her hatred of Mexicans will win her reelection and she won't take this race seriously until it's too late.
HD 26: Wingard has a documented past of physically abusing his child. Adamson is recently converted moderate Democrat who's a great fit for the district.
HD 52: VanOrman is a well-respected education candidate in an increasingly Democratic district. Lindland is way too conservative for this district this year.
HD 24: Weidner is another right-wing nut in a district that is trending moderate. This is one to watch.
HD 54: Stiegler is a top-tier candidate who can raise big money in what is now a Democrat district. Burley is in trouble.
HD 37 and 39: These races are probably safe for the Rs, although in a blue-wave year and with plenty of cash to spare, Hunt could score some upsets in unusual places. There are a few others that fall into this category as well.
If I were in Vegas I'd put the line at 35 thanks to Hanna. I hope he's comfortable in the Minority Office.
1:58 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
If he has no chance at winning, as most of you seem to think than why would you guys continue to attack him? It would be kind of like me attacking Mike Gravel.
You do understand that THIS post is an attack on Bruce Hanna and Gordon Smith, right?
his past, which he admits he has done foolish things..., is not the most important issue.
You're right. It's not about his past. It's about his PRESENT. Reverend Doctor Tony Marino is right now selling internet-ordinations. He is right now claiming to be a Ph.D. in order to hock his wares. He is right now fighting the IRS on a tax lien.
As for the rest of the stellar Republican stable of candidates, don't you worry... they'll get their day in the sun.
Jun 16, '08
AJ:
To take you up on your challenge, here are my pics of the seats most likely to be won by House Republicans this year: 1. Dennis Richardson (HD 4 - Central Point) 2. Kim Thatcher (HD 25 - Keizer) 3. George Gilman (HD 55 - Central Oregon) 4. Greg Smith (HD 57 - Heppner) 5. Cliff Bentz (HD 60 - Ontario)
They are all unopposed by Democrats, so the chances are reasonably good that they will be won by Republicans. Other than that, all bets are off!
Jun 16, '08
Your not going to win with write-ins? Obviously I meant Dem-held seats.
THIS post seems to be an attack on all three of them.
Again, what is wrong with selling ordinations? And if the IRS had a unfair tax lein on you, wouldn't you fight it too?
They will all have their day in the sun? You mean you ae going to do vicious personal attacks on all of them? I hoe that, since you don't think Marino is a threat and you still attack him, you attack ALL of the candiates (i.e. Randy Uchtyil, Greg Steiert etc.).
Jun 16, '08
AJ:
Not a single House Democratic seat is at risk. Not one.
In fact, no House Democrats have been defeated since 1994. Although several House Republicans have been (and will continue to be) defeated for re-election.
3:52 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
Again, what is wrong with selling ordinations? And if the IRS had a unfair tax lein on you, wouldn't you fight it too?
Again, the ordination has already been answered. And I look forward to reading on your blog exactly how the IRS is being unfair to Marino. Should make for a fascinating entry.
And I don't know about Kari--but I plan to do posts on many of the Oregon House races. If that's a "vicious personal attack" to you...then buckle in. Its gonna be bumpy ride for ya. :)
Jun 16, '08
I could not find in your last post any reson why there is a problem with buying or selling online ordinations, all there is is attacking him for it. I am simply asking you why you think it is wrong?
Oh and Kari, Tony doesn't claim to be a Ph.D. anymore. As soon as he found out there he got scammed, he fixed it (a virtue that would be good for the state Legislature).
Insider, interesting fact there! I didn't know that. I do think that there is a good chance a Demcorat will lose. Besides, 38 is an open seat. IMHO, 29, 35, 38 and maybe 9 are at risk for D's. Also, there are one or two others that could have potential...
Carla, don't forget you have to do posts about ALL the R candidates!
5:27 p.m.
Jun 16, '08
I could not find in your last post any reson why there is a problem with buying or selling online ordinations, all there is is attacking him for it. I am simply asking you why you think it is wrong?
Its in a comment not by me, but by Rev. Chuck Currie. I linked it several comments above in this thread. Scroll up.
Oh and Kari, Tony doesn't claim to be a Ph.D. anymore. As soon as he found out there he got scammed, he fixed it (a virtue that would be good for the state Legislature).
Uh...seriously? So he "found out he got scammed"...? If he couldn't see the scam coming when he did "earned" the PhD in the first place, then there's some other concerns that we have yet to discuss. The depths to which you're reaching here have now entered comical, bordering on pathetic.
Carla, don't forget you have to do posts about ALL the R candidates!
No, actually I don't. I write about what interests me.
If you want to see someone write about all of the "R candidates", I'm sure your own blog will suffice nicely.
Jun 16, '08
Carla, don't forget you have to do posts about ALL the R candidates!
I was saying that in jest, as your saying that Tony is not a threat, yet you still attack him.
12:25 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
AJ526 wrote... Oh and Kari, Tony doesn't claim to be a Ph.D. anymore. As soon as he found out there he got scammed, he fixed it...
Oh really?
12:31 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
Tony Marino is still claiming to be Dr. Tony Marino on the pages of some of the subisidiary companies to his main America Web Works (go to the "our companies" pull-down menu).
In particular, he still uses the title at the page for ePublisher University. This "university" offers only one course, "the ePublisher Master's Course."
Read carefully, though, because this is not an actual Master's degree. Rather, it is an opportunity to become an ePublishing Master Consultant Affiliate Partner.
As you read through the description of what Master Consultant Affiliate Partners do/get, it becomes clear that at least part of Dr. Tony's business is running a multi-level marketing scheme that markets, well, marketing schemes. (Tomayto, tomahto, scheme, scam, let's call the whole thing off.)
There is another hint of this in the names of two of the pull-down menu companies: MLM Radio.com and MLM Critic.com, though when you click on those they direct you to Marino's (I kid you not) "Marketing Antics Live" and "Marketing Antics Podcast" companies. The MLM pseudo-URLs don't actually exist. "Marketing Antics Podcast" does have actual ads on its page, including one from the Cascade Policy Institute. Hard to think of a more appropriate setting.
It sorta makes sense, in a loopy, deceptive kind of way, that you'd want a fake Ph.D. to give you the credibiity to offer a misleadingly labeled Master's not-really-degree course.
The front page of America Web Works' site suggests that the company does other business too, beyond the MLM ePublishing stuff. It is a bit hard to tell. Some of the links to "services" actually turn up ads for software. Others just connect back to the main website page.
But the one I liked best was the link for Podcast services that connects you to an old Apple.com iPod link which now redirects to iTunes.
Clearly Tony Marino has put a lot of energy and ingenuity into this whole set-up, which I suppose deserves some kind of recognition. The ability to sell greasy smoke is a talent, though I'm not sure it's one you want in a state legislator.
<hr/>Tony also provides one sample eZine of his own, to show you how it's done, the Christian Times eBusiness Marketing Newsletter. It doesn't have a whole lot of visibly Christian content, though it does appear that about two years ago Dr. Tony Marino made a brief experimental foray into actual religious podcasting for World Christian Ministries, before that just became an on-line ordination mill.
Turns out that Dr. Tony has his own possibly online ordination through Ministries of Christ Assembly of Churches (www.ordination.org), which appears not to charge for ordination, unlike Marino's World Christian Ministries.
MCAC's membership page listing the Rev'd. Dr. T links to a page of strongly anti-abortion material, which in turn links to an MCAC screed of extreme vitriolic attacks on, among other things,
"new age movement in full bloom - homosexuals in political offices - the ultimate rebellion (total feminism) - the theories of evolution stated and taught as a matter of fact (not as theory)".
There may be a slight possibilty that Tony Marino's run as a purely secular business candidate is some kind of stealth thing, but it seems unlikely. Tony Marino's own Christian materials at the Christian Times eBusiness Marketing Newsletter are practically hidden, low-key, self-helpish and politically innocuous. In that context, the word "Christian" appears to be one more device for the marketing of marketing more than anything else. From his campaign website it also seems that Mrs. Marino works for Tigard public schools and that their kids attend them. So probably MCAC ordination was just Dr. Tony's vehicle to some particular marketing opportunities, and not an indication of extremist fundamentalism.
<hr/>We should also not forget what the first commenter noted at Kari's first column on Dr. T, he advertises as a spam-meister on the front page of website:
Oh, and AJ526, I'm not afraid of Tony Marino, just fascinated by him as a phenomenon.
12:36 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
Tony Marino is still claiming to be Dr. Tony Marino on the pages of some of the subisidiaries to his main America Web Works (go to the the pull-down menu).
In particular, he still uses the title at the page for ePublisher University. This "university" offers only one course, "the ePublisher Master's Course."
Read carefully, though, because this is not an actual Master's degree. Rather, it is an opportunity to become an ePublishing Master Consultant Affiliate Partner.
As you read through the description of what Master Consultant Affiliate Partners do/get, it becomes clear that at least part of Dr. Tony's business is running a scheme that markets, well, marketing schemes (typepad doesn't like the actual name for this kind of thing, mu-le mar***. (Tomayto, tomahto, scheme, scam, let's call the whole thing off.)
There is another hint of this in the names of two of the pull-down menu companies: MLM Radio.com and MLM Critic.com, though when you click on those they direct you to Marino's (I kid you not) "Marketing Antics Live" and "Marketing Antics Podcast" companies. The MLM pseudo-URLs don't actually exist. "Marketing Antics Podcast" does have actual ads on its page, including one from the Cascade Policy Institute. Hard to think of a more appropriate setting.
It sorta makes sense, in a loopy, deceptive kind of way, that you'd want a fake Ph.D. to give you the credibiity to offer a misleadingly labeled Master's not-really-degree course.
The front page of America Web Works' site suggests that the company does other business too, beyond the ePublishing stuff. It is a bit hard to tell. Some of the links to "services" actually turn up ads for software. Others just connect back to the main website page.
But the one I liked best was the link for Podcast services that connects you to an old Apple.com iPod link which now redirects to iTunes.
Clearly Tony Marino has put a lot of energy and ingenuity into this whole set-up, which I suppose deserves some kind of recognition. The ability to sell greasy smoke is a talent, though I'm not sure it's one you want in a state legislator.
We should also not forget what the first commenter noted at Kari's first column on Dr. T, he advertises as a spam-meister on the front page of website:
Oh, and AJ526, I'm not afraid of Tony Marino, just fascinated by him as a phenomenon.
12:41 a.m.
Jun 17, '08
It sorta makes sense, in a loopy, deceptive kind of way, that you'd want a fake Ph.D. to give you the credibiity to offer a misleadingly labeled Master's not-really-degree course.
And then, when you need to soothe your soul, you can turn to a fake minister for comfort.
Jun 17, '08
WATCH IT!
AJ526 appears to be fishing for information. I sincerely hope no one takes him up on it. And he also appears to be a wee bit more identifying with Republicans than Democrat,s although his own words in his first post: "(I myself don't identify with one party too closely)." are designed to make you think otherwise.
This guy is a troll, and worse, he is trying to figure out how to advise his GOP bosses where to spend their money by soliciting advice here. Bad, Bad. As they say in Arabic - Hshuma. ("shame on you, I'm going to tell your mom")
He is 22 years old, is a PlayStation 3 fan, Other google searches show paintball and BMWs seem to be up his alley, but perhaps I have the wrong guy, unless he is originally from Charleston, SC.
Or else he is a plane. (seems to be a call sign for AERO)
and his blog is here
although he does have some interesting starts to conversation < a href=http://oregonelection2010.blogspot.com/>here
Either way, cut this guy off. Lying about your political preferences, Adam, on a political blog is bad form.
Sincerely, Big Brother
Jun 17, '08
Lol, I am glad I decided to check this post one more time, this is the best entertainment I have had all day!
Is there anything else you know about me that I don't know about myself?
Of course I am fishing for information. Besides that and making your opinion heard, why else would you comment on a blog? Obviously when I ask questions I am looking for information.
I do indentify MORE with Republican ideals, I wouldn't claim not to. I think that Republicans make there share of mistakes, sometimes D's are right and most R's are wrong, sometimes nobody is right, sometimes everybody is right. Also there are a lot of other things more important than party labels. I will tell you that I have campaigned for Republican candidates, but I look at races based on the candidate, and not the party. And yes, if I ever run for partisan office, I will probably run as an R. One of the main reasons I read Blue Oregon is because I like to get both sides.
I do not work for any Republican politician or anyone having anything to do with politics.
As for the personal side, my name is not Adam, I am not 22. I have never sold, owned, rented or even driven a BMW (in fact I don't know if I have even riden in one). I don't know if I have even played a Playstation 3. I have never even been to South Carolina. I was born in Portland, and have lived in the Portland area for all of my life.
You are right that www.writeidea.org is a blog that I post on, and also that I like paintball, though that was somewhat of a lucky guess. I have never been on a paintball forum (or a PS3 or BMW forum, for that matter).
One other thing that you didn't mention, I DO NOT have a custom garage in Baltimore, MD. And yes, that IS me n 2008 race tracker.
And I don't lie about my political preferences.
Be careful with those google searchs!
Or maybe it is all just a conspiracy, who knows?
Either way, thanks for the entertainment!
Jun 17, '08
Hi all!
Bye
Jun 18, '08
AJ..... etc
So, you're saying you are not an airplane call sign?
Unfortunately, this has moved off of the Blue Oregon front page, but I'd be curious to hear more about how you initially claim to be an "independent" but all of your posts (and your blog) scream Republican. I think Watch Out may have been overzealous with the google search, but your own recent admission to be a Republican leaning potential future candidate is enough to qualify you as a liar in your initial post.
Oh, also...your Oregon 2010 blog incorrectly mislabels ALL of the CD 3 potentials as CD 2. (there's this thing called the CASCADE MOUNTAINS that separates the two districts) You might want to fix that..and revise your level of what qualifies as "potential". Some of those people will NEVER run for Congress or higher office in general.
Jun 18, '08
What a great show!
Enlightening, clever, insightful and global: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/netcoach
I would love to watch Galizio do his best to debate Tony in front of a live district audience. :-)
I suspect, Mr. Galizio and his "blood sport" lobbyists and consultants will NEVER permit him to go there.
Tony's charisma, expertise and District 35 community and business knowledge Vs. Larry's voting record = OUCH!
Afterall, no one here really wants to talk about the actual issues and concerns within District 35. No one here has the best interest of what's best for District 35. All I read from Kari and Carla is how to lie and slime (rather than unite). Perhaps this is why neither of them are professionally paid journalists. Simply put, Kari and Carla are nothing more than two independent, narrow-minded bloggers and most likely that's all they will ever be. That's stated Kari and Carla, I hope you truly love what do!
Peace and prosperity always!
Ronny
Jun 19, '08
Therightstuff,
I noticed that mistake when I lloked at it earlier. Thanks for pointing ti out though. I did not create that blog for a lot of people to read it, but to enter in anyone I thought of or heard of who might run. And yes, many of them probably will not run, it is pure speculation.
I didn't say I am AN "Independent", but I am independent as in a Republican but no a Republican party loyalist. I would say I am similiar to someone like Chuck Hagel who is a Republican Senator who is fairly conservative but that is not afraid to break with his party.