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VOICES for a Malaria-Free Future
It’s Unforgivably Reckless For Congress To Not Rescue Big Three
December 5th, 2008
It would be unforgivably reckless for Congress to refuse to rescue the Detroit automakers. Whatever the odds of the Big 3’s ultimate success with a loan of $34 billion, the utter certainty of a national economic catastrophe if the loans are denied makes this decision a no-brainer.
Unemployment increased by 3 million over the last twelve months, and the under-employment rate is now 12.8%. Even in the rosiest scenario, including an auto rescue, unemployment will continue rising throughout 2009, and could reach 9 percent or higher.
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By Economic Policy Institute Vice President Ross Eisenbrey | Economic Policy Institute Vice President Ross Eisenbrey's Website(s)
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THE BIG QUESTION — Dec. 5
December 5th, 2008
The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.
Today’s Big Question is:
Have the Big Three made a strong enough case for a bailout?
See responses below from Libertarian Party Chairman William Redpath, NDN’s Dr. Robert Shapiro, and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).
William Redpath, national chairman, Libertarian Party said:
The “Big Three” are back on the Hill, and this time the question is whether they can make a strong enough case in order to receive billions of dollars in taxpayer-backed loans to save their companies from bankruptcy.
Despite all the trappings of a truly repentant lot of CEOs who just got a bad shake (this trip, they substituted their private jets for hybrid cars), there is no case that they can make that will be strong enough to justify even $1 being used to prop-up their failed companies. Read the full response
Dr. Robert Shapiro, chair of Globalization Initiative, New Democratic Network said:
In a remarkable spectacle, an Administration with a sustained record of economic blunders and failures finds itself aghast at the mistakes and mismanagement of U.S. automobile companies.
Imagine Confederate General John Pemberton, after leading his forces to an historic defeat at Vicksburg, dismissing his cook for squandering the rum rations. Read the full response
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) said:
No.
By The Hill | Hill's Website(s)
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Secretary Gates and General Jones in the Obama Administration
December 5th, 2008
Despite intense pressure from anti-war activists and Bush administration opponents, Mr. Obama selected a National Security team headlined by pragmatists who recognize the importance of success in Iraq and Afghanistan. His choices of Secretary Gates and General Jones in particular appear to represent the President-elect’s refusal to commit himself to the obstinate opinions of some of his supporters. As the nation’s next wartime Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Obama understands that the eventual outcome of our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan will be as much his responsibility as President Bush’s. Hopefully these Cabinet nominations communicate his desire to make decisions informed by conditions on the ground and foreign policy objectives, not by political rhetoric.
Secretary Gates assumed his position as head of the Defense Department at a time when many would have fled from such a post. His steady hand, professionalism, and keen managerial skills steered the Department through uncertain times and seemingly ubiquitous obstacles. He supported his commanders in the field and ensured they had what they needed to succeed. He understood what was at stake in Iraq and didn’t give in to the critics who proclaimed the war to be lost. Instead, he played an integral role in shaping the strategy that turned the war around and inspired Americans to believe that victory was possible.
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By Vets for Freedom | Vets for Freedom Chairman Pete Hegseth's Website(s)
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We Need to Save These Jobs (Sen. Evan Bayh)
December 5th, 2008
You have some people who are opposed to doing anything on ideological grounds and favor bankruptcy. You have some people who want to do anything and know that the negative consequences of inaction are so great that perhaps they’re not focusing on working out the details. And then there are some of us in the middle who are saying we need to try to do something to save these jobs because the economy is so precarious right now but understand it’s a very complicated undertaking and if it’s going to work, and the taxpayers are going to be protected, we have to work through some of the specifics and that’s the category I find myself in.
The Chrysler analogy to 1979, most people would agree was a successful and if we can replicate that that would be a good thing.
By Ind. Dem. Sen. Evan Bayh | Sen. Bayh's Website(s)
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Monitoring: For Your Health
December 5th, 2008
Maybe it’s because I’m a doctor, or maybe it’s just that I’m a nerd; but data and numbers are really important to me. When I see patients in clinic, I monitor their vital signs, try to do a good physical exam, and check lab tests. I do these things even in seemingly healthy patients. To do otherwise would be malpractice. When the patient is sick, the importance of close monitoring is even clearer. The beeping of monitors in the intensive care unit is a reassuring sound, because it means that every patient in there is being watched and supported at all times.
The kind of monitoring that is done by doctors to track our health is parallel to the monitoring that has gone on for years to check on the health of our air, water, and food. Checking the vital signs of our environment requires careful reporting and tracking of industrial emissions, and the lab tests include assays for contaminants in our drinking water and air. This critical job is usually done by the federal government.
I’m sickened to report that the final legacy of the Bush Administration is monitoring malpractice on a huge scale.
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By Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Scientist Gina Soloman | Natural Resources Defense Council Senior Scientist Gina Soloman's Website(s)
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Save the Jeep, Save the Nation
December 5th, 2008
In 1941, car manufacturer Willys-Overland demonstrated the strength and sturdiness of its new Army scout vehicle – the Jeep — to Congress by driving it up the U.S. Capitol steps.
Invented and manufactured in the USA, the Jeep would become an icon of American ingenuity, durability and mechanical ability. Soldiers loved the lithe little vehicle for its uncanny capacity to go anywhere. The New York Museum of Modern Art would exhibit it in 2002 and describe it as a masterpiece of functional design. Now it’s 58 and constructed by United Auto Workers for Chrysler in Toledo, Ohio.
Disregarding Jeep’s help in securing this country against fascists, conservatives like former Republican Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are calling for its execution. Romney and his conservative compatriots want Congress to deny Chrysler, GM and Ford federal loans so that the Big Three go bankrupt. Using false wage information, these conservatives have persuaded the public that auto workers are overpaid. That has resulted in polls showing 61 percent of Americans oppose aid to the Big Three. And now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed is saying he fears he can’t muster the votes necessary for a loan.
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By United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard | United Steelworkers's Website(s)
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The Job Reality Is Starting to Sink In (Sen. Bob Casey)
December 5th, 2008
When the majority leader said yesterday that he didn’t think the votes were there, he is about a good of a counter is there is out there. I think there is a lot of time in the next couple of days.
Even though in most places six days isn’t a long time, in a legislative body like the US Senate it can be a lifetime. I think there is still a lot of work to do.
I think this hearing was also an opportunity for the companies to demonstrate that they get it with regard to taxpayer concern and things that taxpayers insist upon like a real commitment to using the money in an appropriate way to get to fuel efficiency. I think increasingly that the job reality is starting to sink in.
By Pa. Dem. Sen. Bob Casey | Sen. Casey's Website(s)
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Thinking About Tomorrow
December 5th, 2008
If the federal government stopped the Medicare and Social Security programs today ― collecting no more payroll taxes and allowing no more accrual of benefits ― it would still owe up to $52 trillion to those who have already earned these benefits, according to a new study by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA).
Of that amount, $33 trillion is owed in Medicare benefits. To put the numbers in perspective, the size of the entire U.S. economy is $14 trillion.
No one thinks we are going to end these programs. Yet these are the right numbers if we account for federal obligations the way private pensions and state and local governments are required to.
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By National Center for Policy Analysis President and Founder John C. Goodman | President and Founder John C. Goodman's Website(s)
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December 4, 2008
Big Three Need a Bailout (Sen. Sherrod Brown)
December 4th, 2008
Auto companies have made great progress in the two weeks. I think that this is something we need to do. We need to have conditions on it unlike what Treasury did with banking to make sure the taxpayers are protected.
By Ohio Dem. Sen. Sherrod Brown | Ohio Dem. Sen. Sherrod Brown's Website(s)
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Program for Auto industry Must Be Long-Term and Viable (Sen. Jon Tester)
December 4th, 2008
I don’t think anyone wants to see the auto industry go down. I think the manufacturing business in this country is critically important and the economic impacts. The guy from GAO testified about how drastic it would be if they go down.
That being said, we need to make sure this is a long-term, viable program. It’s going to be tough to get to the bottom of that and we have to make sure that we’re not back here again.We have to make sure this money is invested inside the US and not outside the country.
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered.
By Mont. Dem. Sen. Jon Tester | Sen. Tester's Website(s)
MIDDAY ROUNDUP
@ 12:55 pm by Chris Good
News that the U.S. economy lost 533,000 jobs in November has liberals more worried than before. Meanwhile Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) could be in more trouble, bloggers speculate, discussing a story that suggests he steered cash to an Internet company run by his son.
The latest numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are not good at all—in fact they’re the worst in 15 years—Joe Sudbay writes at AMERICAblog after reading the bureau’s November employment report. Bailing out Detroit sounds like the right thing to do in light of the recent numbers, Balloon Juice’s John Cole suggests, while TAPPED’s Tim Fernholz poses Democrats’ economic stimulus plan as a solution to the nation’s employment woes.
Already facing a congressional ethics investigation into his finances, Rangel may be in more hot water after a story in Politico suggests he paid $80,000 to an Internet company run by his son between 2004 and 2007, Ed Morrissey asserts at Hot Air. In light of Rangel’s controversies, Democrats have failed to make Congress more ethically upright, Morrissey says. The money allegedly paid for the design of two of Rangel’s political websites, and TPM Muckraker’s Zachary Roth questions the need for an expensive campaign site given Rangel’s relative safety in his long-held Harlem seat.
The thoughts and prayers of Townhall.com’s Matt Lewis, meanwhile, go out to Ann Romney, wife of former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R), after her announcement that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. Lewis notes that doctors appear to have caught the diagnosis early, while offering support to the entire Romney family.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Congress Inches toward Reality on GM - Blackhedd, RedState
A Big Plan - tremayne, Open Left
Obama's Interior Secretary and ESA - Hugh Hewitt, Townhall.com
$110K for Palin's Stylists - Jeralyn, TalkLeft
Brakes on the Pardon Power - Josh Marshall, TalkingPointsMemo
A Theory on Unemployment Numbers - Jonah Goldberg, The Corner
Rangel Keeps Cash in the Family - Ed Morrissey, Hot Air
Where Will Obama Go? - Jason Zengerle, The Plank
Mike Duncan, Undeterred - Mary Katharine Ham, The Weekly Standard
Mukasey Gets Letters - looseheadprop, Firedoglake
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Jobless Rate Soars to 6.7% in November - NY Times
Automakers Take Plea for Bailout to House - Washington Post
Obama Shatters Records with $745 Million Haul - The Hill
Clinton Uses State Nomination to Raise Funds - Fox News
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MORNING READ
@ 9:21 am by Walter Alarkon
Liberal bloggers push back against Democrats in Congress pressing President-elect Barack Obama to do more about the economic crisis. One blogger's suggestion that it's time to make the District of Columbia a state splits bloggers on both sides. But the blogosphere comes together to dismiss lawsuits over Obama's eligibility for the presidency.
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and other Democrats have suggested that Obama hasn't been assertive enough in his support of the auto bailout. But Obama isn't even president yet and deserves more time, writes Awesome Blog's Lee Stranahan, who wonders whether other presidents-elect have been as active as Obama has been. Even as president-elect, Obama doesn't have more legal power than a regular citizen, notes Balkinization's Sandy Levinson.
By making the District of Columbia a state, Congress would uphold the basic idea that citizens should be allowed to vote and be represented, writes Matthew Yglesias. But kos wonders why no one's talking about having most of the District annexed by either Maryland or Virginia. Making the District a state would violate serious principles, since it's just a tiny city that has fewer residents than every state except for Vermont, writes James Joyner at Outside the Beltway.
The "truthers" on the right who are agitating for courts to consider whether Obama was really born in the United States are just like the conspiracists who wondered whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is really the mother of her newborn, writes Michelle Malkin. The fringe lawsuits are part of the new American tradition of trying to overturn presidential results by any means necessary, writes Dave Weigel at Slate.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Great Expectations? Impossible Ones? - L. Stranahan, Awesome Blog
Power and Authority in Time of Crisis - Sandy Levinson, Balkinization
Geithner: Kick Bair Out - Ian Welsh, Firedoglake
Obama's Muslim Speech - Abe Greenwald, Commentary
D.C. Statehood - Matthew Yglesias
State of Columbia - kos, Daily Kos
D.C. Statehood Violates Principles - J. Joyner, Outside the Beltway
Truthers to the Left and Right of Me - Michelle Malkin
Crazies at SCOTUS - Mustang Bobby, Bark Bark Woof Woof
Fringe Movement to Stop Obama - Dave Weigel, Slate
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Back on Cap Hill, Auto Executives Still Find Skeptics - NY Times
HHS to Shepherd Health Care Reform - Washington Post
Obama Fundraising Close to $1 Billion - Los Angeles Times
Dems: Obama Needs Hands-On Econ. Approach - Associated Press
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Tags: bailout, Barack Obama, Barney Frank, District of Columbia
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December 4, 2008
DAY'S END ROUNDUP
@ 6:33 pm by Chris Good
President-elect Barack Obama won't end Islamic terrorism with a speech, conservative bloggers declare after news that Obama is considering delivering a major address in an Islamic capital. Liberals, meanwhile, wonder why Democratic Sen. Diannie Feinstein (Calif.) seemingly changed her tune on torture with a comment earlier this week.
Oratory is the least effective weapon against terrorism, Abe Greenwald asserts at contentions after The New York Times reported Obama's consideration. If Obama travels to an Islamic capital to make a speech (Cairo is reportedly the leading candidate), he will end up looking more liberal than President Jimmy Carter while Islamic radicals around the world laugh at him, Dan Riehl proposes at Riehl World View.
Feinstein, who will take over the chairmanship of the Senate Intelligence Committee next year, has backtracked on her consistent opposition to torture, Salon's Glenn Greenwald writes after Feinstein said this week that, in some extreme cases, anti-torture rules could be bent. Feinstein has since asserted that she still thinks the Army Field Manual should be standard policy for interrogations, but ATTACKERMAN's Spencer Ackerman wonders if her comment reflects pressure from some unknown faction in the new administration to use torture.
Former Vice President Al Gore, meanwhile, earns plaudits from Open Left's Matt Stoller for a new campaign against "clean coal." With a new website and an ad campaign, Gore and other environmental groups are warning Americans that the sought-after "clean coal" technology doesn't exist yet, Stoller notes, while MyDD's desmoinesdem praises the humor of the campaign's first ad.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Matthews Boomlet - kos, Daily Kos
Al Gore Takes On Clean Coal - Matt Stoller, Open Left
Fred Thompson Goes Retro - Matt Lewis, Townhall.com
Auto Requests - Jeff Emanuel, RedState
Franken Says He's Up by 10 - Todd Beeton, MyDD
Audio: Ros-Lehtinen on Obama Hang-Up - Allahpundit, Hot Air
Bailout Nation - Larry Kudlow, The Corner
Why Not Baghdad? - Michael Goldfarb, The Weekly Standard
Flip a Coin? - Big Tent Democrat, TalkLeft
Mukasy to Obama: How the Game Is Played - looseheadprop, Firedoglake
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Big Three Face Tough Questions from Senators - The Hill
Clinton's Nomination Popular, but Is It Constitutional? - CNN
Looking for the Ideal Spot to Make a Speech - NY Times
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MIDDAY ROUNDUP
@ 12:07 pm by Michael O'Brien
Rumors that MSNBC host Chris Matthews will challenge Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) are met with skepticism by liberal bloggers today, while conservatives urge their Senate leadership to tread carefully on a bailout for automakers. Also, President-elect Barack Obama is accused of pulling back on some campaign promises.
Matthews is mistaken if he thinks the power of his celebrity will propel him to a win in the Keystone State, and his commentary in the past could come back to haunt him, Washington Monthly’s Steve Benen writes. Electing Matthews would be an insult to Pennsylvania voters, who should be able to vote for a real progressive instead of a Beltway establishment-type who parachutes into their state to fulfill his ambition, Open Left’s David Sirota complains. But a new poll Thursday may just be the beginning of a successful campaign to knock Specter out in 2010, TPMElectionCentral’s Eric Kleefeld blogs.
If Senate Republicans feel that they must go along with an automaker bailout in order to avoid the economic impact of the companies’ bankruptcies, they should at least bargain to include tax restructuring for Michigan and Ohio, Townhall’s Hugh Hewitt argues. But the plans being put forth by General Motors are hardly serious, and are only an elegant smokescreen meant to provide political cover to lawmakers voting to bail them out, The Corner’s Jim Manzi says.
Also, Obama is backtracking on campaign promises about bailouts and withdrawing from Iraq and that undercuts his core supports, Robert Stacy McCain asserts. The decision to not directly adhere to plans on Iraq is the right decision, but must prompt questions as to whether Obama meant anything he said on the campaign trail, Gateway Pundit declares. Obama is shifting into Saturday Night Live parody mode as he is signaling “never mind” to supporters on windfall taxes for oil companies and other issues, Michelle Malkin writes.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Majority Rule: The New Coup – Matthew Yglesias
Health Care Reform We Believe In – Conn Carroll, The Foundry
The Kids Are (Comparatively) Pro-Life – Ross Douthat
Should the GOP Bargain on the Bailout? – Hugh Hewitt, Townhall
Just What the Doctor Ordered – Steve Benen, Political Animal
How Long Will the Recession Last? – Kevin Drum
Dressing Michelle Obama – Kate Phillips, The Caucus
Can Rangel Survive? – Political Wire
Bail Out Foreign Automakers? – Jane Hamsher, Huffington Post
GM’s Magical Thinking – Jim Manzi, The Corner
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
GM Needs Help By New Year's - The Hill
Auto Execs Find Skeptics on Capitol Hill - New York Times
Levin: Automaker Collapse Could Undo Bailout - Detroit Free Press
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MORNING READ
@ 9:12 am by Walter Alarkon
The recount in Minnesota's Senate race has devolved into chaos, according to bloggers keeping close tabs of the latest vote count. The argument that President-elect Barack Obama hasn't chosen a bipartisan Cabinet is dismissed by liberal blogs. And the Treasury department's latest plan to revive the housing market is received with skepticism from blogging economists on the left.
Both Democrat Al Franken and Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) are claiming that they're winning the recount, which is so close that it reminds Chris Cillizza of a 1974 Senate recount in New Hampshire that was resolved by a revote. But Franken's campaign seems to be claiming a lead just to introduce uncertainty and to set the stage for litigation, according to Power Line's Scott Johnson.
Obama hasn't lived up to his campaign talk about reaching out to Republicans since he's done nothing more than making the "token appointment" of Defense Secretary Robert Gates, writes In Transition's David Nather. But that argument is nonsense, as Obama has chosen both Gates and retired Gen. Jim Jones, another Republican, to fill two of the most high-profile posts in his administration, writes TalkingPointsMemo's Josh Marshall. Obama may also ask former GOP Rep. Jim Leach (Iowa) and Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) to join his administration, notes Washington Monthly's Steve Benen.
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's plan to revive the housing market by offering more cheap credit to mortgage lenders seems to forget that the housing mess was created by an abundance of cheap credit, writes Mark Kleiman at The Reality Based Community. Providing even more money to lenders won't address the underlying problem of foreclosures, writes Angry Bear's Ken Houghton.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Counting Chaos! - Chris Cillizza, The Fix
Recount Update - Scott Johnson, Power Line
Why The Different Numbers? - John McCormack, Weekly Standard
Missing Ballots in Minneapolis? - Nate Silver, FiveThirtyEight
Last Call for Bipartisan Cabinet - David Nather, In Transition
No Transition From Nonsense - Josh Marshall, TalkingPointsMemo
A Bipartisan Cabinet - Steve Benen, Washington Monthly
The Latest Bailout Plan - Doug Mataconis, Below The Beltway
Brilliant! - Mark Kleiman, The Reality Based Community
I'd Like to Refinance - Ken Houghton, Angry Bear
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Treasury Weighs Action on Mortgage Rates - Washington Post
U.A.W. Makes Concessions in Bid to Help Automakers - New York Times
Obama Keeps Distance From Treasury on TARP - Wall Street Journal
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Tags: Al Franken, Barack Obama, Chuck Hagel, Henry Paulson, Jim Jones, Jim Leach, Norm Coleman, Robert Gates
December 3, 2008
DAY'S END ROUNDUP
@ 7:18 pm by Chris Good
With Democrat Al Franken now claiming that he leads in Minnesota's Senate race, bloggers debate the comedian's chances of winning, while others doubt Sen. Saxby Chambliss's (R-Ga.) claim that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) had a tremendous impact on Georgia's Senate race.
Franken is now claiming a 22-vote lead over Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in his own unofficial count, but Political Animal's Steve Benen warns that with 138,000 ballots left to be counted, the final results are anybody's guess. Franken's numbers are disputed by Coleman's team, whose count has Coleman up by around 300 votes, Townhall.com's Matt Lewis points out, questioning the credibility of Franken's numbers.
Though Chambliss has touted Palin's hand in his victory, the Alaska governor couldn't have been worth more than one or two percentage points in the final vote tally, Hot Air's Allahpundit contends. Republicans can kid themselves about Palin's impact all they want, Spencer Ackerman muses at Attackerman, hoping the GOP convinces itself to nominate her for president in 2012.
A plan for a two-month tax holiday, meanwhile, gains some traction with one blogger at RedState. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) proposes that Congress stimulate the economy by granting every citizen a reprieve from taxes in the first two months of 2009, and RedState's Erick Erickson encourages readers to sign a petition in support of the idea.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Musgrave Rob-Call Attacks Liberals - Jeralyn, TalkLeft
On Cabinet Appointments - kos, Daily Kos
RNC Chairman's Race: Updated Handicapping - Marc Ambinder
Save Taxpayers, Not GM - Erick Erickson, RedState
Franken Leading? - Matt Lewis, Townhall.com
A Way Forward for Republicans - Chris Bowers, Open Left
Barack Obama's 78 Percent Approval Rating - J. Singer, MyDD
Franken-Coleman Recount Update - Phoenix Woman, The Campaign Silo
Murkowski Warns Palin - Allahpundit, Hot Air
Dems Take a Second Look at Torture - Michael Goldfarb, The Weekly Standard
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Obama Taps Richardson to Head Commerce - The Hill
Big Three Ask for Money–Again - LA Times
Franken Claims He Is in the Lead - The Hill
UAW Pledges to Make Concessions - NY Times
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Archived under: Day's End Round-Up
Tags: Al Franken, Georgia, Louie Gohmert, Minnesota, Norm Coleman, Sarah Palin, Saxby Chambliss
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MIDDAY ROUNDUP
@ 11:57 am by Michael O'Brien
President-elect Barack Obama’s choice of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) as Secretary of Commerce draws acclaim from liberals today, while conservatives cast aspersions toward a planned stimulus package. Also, bloggers on both sides debate the troubled U.S. auto industry.
Tapping Richardson to head the Commerce Department signals a change from the hiring processes of the Bush administration, which were marked by ideological litmus tests, Christine Bowman writes at BuzzFlash. Attacks that Obama’s appointees rehash the Clinton administration ring hollow; Obama is choosing seasoned and competent officials, Joe Sudbay argues at AMERICAblog. Moving Richardson to Commerce, however, means that few prime spots are left for Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Jeralyn notes at TalkLeft.
Spending on “infrastructure” as part of a stimulus package sounds like a good idea in principle, but there are a number of start-up costs associated with such spending and it is often difficult to identify where money is spent, Commentary’s Jennifer Rubin contends. Identifying where to spend money is also difficult, says The Campaign Spot’s Jim Geraghty, who doubts that Obama’s promises of generating “green-collar” jobs will be quickly realized, if at all.
An important element being overlooked in the debate over the bailouts for automakers is that the companies are facing different problems, and no single solution will fit all three of them, The Plank’s Jonathan Cohn blogs. The situation for each company is different, RedState’s Francis Cianfrocca declares, but the core problem is the same: they have all failed to adapt to a changing economy.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Why GM is Doomed – Michelle Malkin
Bush: ‘It’s All Mah Dad’s Fault’ – J. Hamsher, firedoglake
What Does the Chambliss Win Mean? – Ed Morrissey, Hot Air
Obama Still Supports EFCA – Steve Benen, Political Animal
Big 3 Bailout Unlikely? – Brian Faughnan, RedState
Screaming Canadians – Matt Lewis, Townhall
The Basketball Presidency – Matthew Yglesias
Pakistan Fears India May Strike – Bill Roggio, Weekly Standard
Novak: I’d Out Plame Again – Ben Armbruster, Think Progress
A Guide to the Georgia Runoff’s Meaning – Marc Ambinder
Shocking! Georgia Went GOP! – Michelle Cottle, The Plank
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
For Obama, High Hopes, Higher Expectations - The Hill
Rice in India as Mumbai Police Find Bombs - New York Times
Obama Team Scrutinizing Federal Agencies - Washington Post
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MORNING READ
@ 9:07 am by Walter Alarkon
The reelection of Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) means different things to different bloggers. Conservatives see it as the first step in a Republican rebirth, while liberals write that it doesn't change the fact that Republicans will need to cooperate. The decision by Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) not to seek another term gives former Gov. Jeb Bush (R) a chance to rehabilitate his family's name, according to bloggers on both sides.
The Republican victory in Georgia shows that President-elect Barack Obama's coattails aren't that long and that the GOP can win in 2010 and 2012, writes Townhall's Hugh Hewitt. Tuesday's vote shows that people do take into account whether they want divided or one-party government, writes Mickey Kaus. Now that the
"pro-amnesty and pro-bailout" Chambliss is in power, it's up to conservatives to hold him accountable, writes Michelle Malkin.
But since Republicans just have 41 Senate votes, they're the ones who will have to move to the center, writes MyDD's Todd Beeton. Even if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) had the 60 votes that he had been hoping for, he would still work for a few Republican votes to pass the legislation he wants, according to Swampland's Karen Tumulty.
Two sources close to Bush told Marc Ambinder that the former governor is seriously considering a campaign for Senate. If Bush runs, he could clear the GOP primary field and help the party's image with Hispanic voters, Ambinder adds. The Senate campaign provides Bush with an opportunity to redefine his and his family's image and set him up for a future run for the White House, writes Hot Air's Allahpundit. Though the family name isn't that popular across the country, Bush himself is well-liked in his own state and would probably prevent Democrats from taking it over,
writes Oliver Willis.
FROM THE BLOGS:
Chambliss Rolls in Georgia - Hugh Hewitt, Townhall.com
Palin Wins the First Round - Don Surber
Ga. Reader Holds Nose and Votes - Michelle Malkin
Voters Choose Divided Gov't - kausfiles, Mickey Kaus
GOP Needs to Move to Center - Todd Beeton, MyDD
Reid Still Needs to Woo Votes - Karen Tumulty, Swampland
Jeb Bush Ponders Florida Senate Run - Marc Ambinder
Sophie's Choice Starring Jeb Bush - Phil Singer, The Marathon Blog
Opportunity In His Back Yard - Allahpundit, Hot Air
Jeb! - Oliver Willis
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Big Three Seek $34 Billion Bailout Aid - Wall Street Journal
Haste Could Make Waste on Stimulus, States Say - Washington Post
Obama Teams Scrutinizing Federal Agencies - Washington Post
Anxiety Among Dems as Pelosi Tightens Grip - The Hill
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Archived under: Morning Read
Tags: Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Jeb Bush, Mel Martinez, Saxby Chambliss
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December 2, 2008
DAY'S END ROUNDUP
@ 5:29 pm by Walter Alarkon
The names floated to fill Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-N.Y.) seat sound a little too dynastic for some bloggers. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and conservative bloggers try to dissaude Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) from running for Senate. And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's (D-Nevada) remarks about the new Capitol Visitor Center serve as more fodder for his critics online.
It's a little ridiculous that Caroline Kennedy, daughter of a senator and niece of a president, could fill Clinton's seat, writes The Stump's Eve Fairbanks, who points out that other families should get a chance to serve as Northeastern senators, too. It's also a good thing that Bill Clinton squashed rumors that he could succeed his wife, since he'd be bored in the Capitol and would bring a much broader expertise to the job than necessary, writes MyDD's Josh Orton.
Murkowski suggested that Palin back off from any challenge to her in 2010, noting that a short stop in the Senate wouldn't help her presidential chances in 2012. If Palin is serious about running against President-elect Barack Obama, she should forget about a tough Senate campaign that would end just before the GOP nomination race would begin, writes Hot Air's Allahpundit. Governors, after all, have traditionally had more success in presidential races than senators, notes RedState's Josh Painter.
Reid again demonstrated his terrible political instinct by saying that the new tourist center will help keep the smell of sweaty tourists out of the Capitol, notes Allahpundit. Reid showed that he isn't much for government of the people, by the people and for the people, writes one of Michelle Malkin's readers. It's not so classy for Reid to highlight the new center's odor-reducing quality when the center cost more and took longer to build than was expected, writes PoliPundit's Michael Sparxxx.
FROM THE BLOGS:
This Is Getting Ridiculous - Eve Fairbanks, The Stump
Ridiculous Rumor Confirmed False - Josh Orton, MyDD
All-In-The-Family Politics - Robert Stein, Connecting.the.Dots
Palin to the Senate? - John McCormack, The Weekly Standard
Murkowski Warns Palin - Allahpundit, Hot Air
Palin's Path Is Not Through Senate - Josh Painter, RedState
Reid: I Won't Have to Smell Tourists - Allahpundit, Hot Air
D.C. Tourist to Reid: You Reek - Michelle Malkin
Visitor Center Opens - Michael Sparxxx, PoliPundit
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Richardson to Head Commerce - The Hill
Ford Asks for $9 Billion Line of Credit - Associated Press
Obama Promises Quick Relief for Governors - New York Times
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Archived under: Day's End Round-Up
Tags: Bill Clinton, Capitol Visitor Center, Caroline Kennedy, Harry Reid, Hillary Clinton, Lisa Murkowski, Sarah Palin
MIDDAY ROUNDUP
@ 12:00 pm by Michael O'Brien
Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) surprises bloggers with his decision to retire, with many liberals wondering which Democrats might step up to run in 2010. The reported pick of NBC newsman David Gregory to permanently host “Meet the Press” draws mixed reviews on both sides and the response from the incoming administration to the Mumbai bombings sparks debate among conservative bloggers.
Democrats may have lost their best shot at picking up Florida’s open 2010 Senate race as the state chief financial officer, Alex Sink, said she won’t run, Swing State Project’s James L. writes.
While Sink’s announcement is clearly negative for Democrats, Jonathan Singer suggests at MyDD that Reps. Robert Wexler, Ron Klein, and Allen Boyd all have excess funds in campaign accounts that could be used for a Senate race.
Picking Gregory to moderate the venerable Sunday talk show was an uninteresting pick and makes it seem as though NBC is not interested in advancing “Meet the Press” after the late Tim Russert, but rather, to keep it in neutral, Todd Beeton writes at MyDD. Choosing Gregory would mean a distinct shift from Russert, Donklephant’s Justin Gardner claims, adding that Gregory has failed to give viewers insight. But Gregory could be better than interim host Tom Brokaw, who has been far from impartial during his tenure, Noel Sheppard asserts at Newsbusters.
Meanwhile, President-elect Barack Obama should support India’s right to retaliate against the Pakistani government when the government continues to use U.S. aid to support attacks against the U.S. and its interests, Commentary’s Abe Greenwald writes. But overly siding with India could alienate Pakistan’s radicals and seriously destabilize the situation between the two nuclear states, Jules Crittenden blogs.
FROM THE BLOGS:
How to Stay Alive in a Terrorized Hotel – Jeffrey Goldberg
Jeb Looks for GOP Shadow Government – S. Benen, Political Animal
NYT’s Useless Budget Reporting – Dean Baker, Beat the Press
FL-Sen: Sink Says No to Bid – Jonathan Singer, MyDD
A Fairly Conservative NSA – Matt Stoller, Open Left
Georgia and the RNC Race – Jim Geraghty, Campaign Spot
Save the Papers! – Pete Abel, The Moderate Voice
Could McCain Lose Again? – Byron York, The Corner
A Hamiltonian by Any Name – Ross Douthat
Red Friday – Jim Manzi, The Corner
OTHER NEWS SOURCES:
Biden Calls Palin a ‘Partner in Progress’ – The Hill
Capitol Addition Takes Too Much Away – P. Kennicott, Washington Post
Automakers Ready Pitch; UAW Mulling Concessions – Detroit Free Press
Leading The News
For GOP, Michigan gov. race getting crowded
By Reid Wilson
Posted: 12/05/08 04:03 PM [ET]
Republicans eyeing Michigan’s governor’s mansion are touting their prescriptions for the state’s ailing economy even though it’s two years until any ballot will be cast.
Read More...
Gutierrez: Existing money is key for auto bailout
By Sam Youngman
Posted: 12/05/08 01:28 PM [ET]
Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Friday that the administration sees congressional modification of already approved loans for struggling automakers as the “only practical” solution on the table.
Read More...
Bush: Automakers 'may not survive'
By Klaus Marre
Posted: 12/05/08 12:14 PM [ET]
President Bush on Friday said he is worried about giving taxpayer money to car companies that “may not survive.”
Read More...
Time running short on auto deal
By Mike Soraghan
Posted: 12/05/08 10:49 AM [ET]
With congressional Democrats and Republicans unable to reach agreement on an auto bailout Friday, further doubt is cast on the Big Three’s hopes for staving off bankruptcy.
Read More...
Dems: ‘Staggering’ job loss shows need for stimulus
By Klaus Marre
Posted: 12/05/08 10:11 AM [ET]
Leading Democrats on Friday said the loss of more than half a million jobs in November highlights the need for a massive stimulus package to fight the recession.
Read More...
Minnesota recount could cost millions
By Reid Wilson
Posted: 12/05/08 09:41 AM [ET]
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) and Democrat Al Franken are spending millions in their battle to settle the fight over the last Senate seat in the 111th Congress.
Read More...
Dems ‘troubled’ by Mukasey torture-policy statement
By Susan Crabtree
Posted: 12/04/08 04:52 PM [ET]
Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.) is asking Attorney General Michael Mukasey to clarify a statement indicating that officials who signed off on torture and surveillance policies believed they were acting within the law.
Read More...
Dodd paints bleak picture for auto bailout
By Silla Brush and J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 12/04/08 04:42 PM [ET]
Prospects for a multi-billion-dollar auto industry bailout appeared to be slipping away Thursday but Sen. Chris Dodd vowed to keep working.
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
12/04/08 03:44 PM [ET] Matthews could be haunted by his own words
12/04/08 02:13 PM [ET] Missing ballots: Franken wants forensic search
12/04/08 01:34 PM [ET] Big Three face tough questions from senators
12/04/08 01:05 PM [ET] Hutchison sets up run for Texas governor
12/04/08 12:57 PM [ET] White House praises Iraq security pact
12/04/08 12:26 PM [ET] Rice: Pakistan committed to war on terror
12/04/08 10:50 AM [ET] Becerra butted heads on Cuba
12/04/08 10:17 AM [ET] GM needs help by New Year’s
12/03/08 08:26 PM [ET] Accounts of Pelosi support for Rangel differ
12/03/08 06:45 PM [ET] Challenger concedes Calif. race to McClintock
12/03/08 05:40 PM [ET] Bush Florida candidacy would thin field
12/03/08 05:01 PM [ET] Top Reid challenger indicted
12/03/08 03:25 PM [ET] Towns touts CBC support for Oversight chairmanship
12/03/08 02:59 PM [ET] Chertoff warns successor of special interests
12/03/08 02:05 PM [ET] Democratic governors pick Montanan as leader
12/03/08 01:22 PM [ET] White House closely examining carmakers’ plans
12/03/08 12:21 PM [ET] Obama taps Richardson to head Commerce
12/03/08 12:20 PM [ET] Dems begin positioning for Becerra’s leadership spot
12/03/08 11:41 AM [ET] Poll: For Obama, high hopes, expectations
12/02/08 09:48 PM [ET] Chambliss win proves sizeable Obama effect
12/02/08 08:14 PM [ET] Big 3 bailout in neutral
12/02/08 08:13 PM [ET] CVC opens, can’t shake controversy
12/02/08 08:13 PM [ET] Anxiety among Democrats as Pelosi tightens her grip
12/02/08 08:11 PM [ET] Sen. Martinez exit ominous for the GOP
12/02/08 07:15 PM [ET] GOP tax lobbyist defends Rep. Rangel, takes issue with accounts of meetings
12/02/08 07:11 PM [ET] Dems in awkward position over Citigroup bailout plan
12/02/08 07:10 PM [ET] Waxman-less committee likely to play lesser role in economy rescue oversight
12/02/08 07:08 PM [ET] Fannie Mae, Fed Reserve ax holiday parties
12/02/08 07:07 PM [ET] Gates not to act as ‘caretaker’ secretary; views his Pentagon duty as open-ended
12/02/08 06:35 PM [ET] For GOPers, inauguration is time to flee Washington
12/02/08 06:28 PM [ET] Franken camp claims vote margin now at 50 as new ballots found
12/02/08 06:21 PM [ET] After 18 Congresses, slew of architects, companies, vast underground tourist venue finally opens doo
12/02/08 06:19 PM [ET] City Council petitions Obama on license plates
12/02/08 06:18 PM [ET] Museum veteran rouses 580,000-square-foot giant
12/02/08 06:10 PM [ET] NAM cuts staff in anticipation of ‘tough year’
12/02/08 05:34 PM [ET] Gates does not view himself as DoD caretaker
12/02/08 04:44 PM [ET] Deputy Defense secretary won’t stay on with Obama
12/02/08 04:25 PM [ET] Auto sales increase pressure on CEOs, Congress
12/02/08 04:10 PM [ET] Emanuel says infrastructure money a priority for Obama
12/02/08 04:03 PM [ET] Richardson to head Commerce
12/02/08 04:00 PM [ET] Hispanic leaders pitch Obama on Cabinet choices
12/02/08 03:53 PM [ET] Salazar, Ritter get set for reelection bids
12/02/08 02:25 PM [ET] McCollum ponders run for Fla. Senate seat
12/02/08 02:02 PM [ET] White House holding fast on proposed auto bailout
12/02/08 12:18 PM [ET] Capitol Visitor Center opens
12/02/08 11:51 AM [ET] Ford submits recovery bid, will sell jets
12/02/08 11:09 AM [ET] Sen. Martinez won’t run for re-election in 2010
12/02/08 10:52 AM [ET] WMD panel says major terrorist attack likely by 2013
12/02/08 10:49 AM [ET] Obama, Biden meet Palin at governors meeting
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
Results 1 - 57 of 7979
Also On The Hill
For GOP, Michigan gov. race getting crowded
Franken wants rejected Minn. ballots counted
Gutierrez: Existing money is key for auto bailout
Bush: Automakers 'may not survive'
Obama shatters records with $745M haul
Business & Lobbying
Specter in tough position on card check
By Ian Swanson and Kevin Bogardus
Posted: 12/02/08 06:12 PM [ET]
Sen. Arlen Specter (Pa.), the only Republican senator who voted two years ago for a labor priority making it easier to form unions, is under heavy pressure to flip his position.
Read More...
Pummeled by Wall Street crisis, ethanol producers turn to Washington for help
By Jim Snyder
Posted: 12/02/08 06:10 PM [ET]
Their stocks battered, ethanol makers are lobbying Congress and the administration to lift a cap that limits the amount of the corn-based fuel that can be blended with gasoline.
Read More...
Lobbying World
By The Hill Staff
Posted: 12/02/08 06:09 PM [ET]
Who's moved where on K Street
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
12/02/08 06:08 PM [ET] Bottom Line
11/24/08 07:14 PM [ET] Lobbyists line up for stimulus
11/24/08 06:31 PM [ET] Lobbyists offer help to those seeking pardons from departing White House
11/24/08 06:28 PM [ET] Medicare’s private insurers await impending cutbacks
11/24/08 06:27 PM [ET] Lobbying World
11/24/08 06:26 PM [ET] Bottom Line
11/24/08 02:32 PM [ET] Wal-Mart fires GOP lobbyist over Abramoff charges
11/20/08 12:02 PM [ET] Obama Pentagon could face billions in bills for F-22
11/19/08 05:54 PM [ET] GOP criticizes Obama adviser for history of foreign lobbying
11/19/08 05:51 PM [ET] Lawmakers hit Pentagon weapons chief for not buying enough F-22s
11/19/08 05:48 PM [ET] Oversight
11/18/08 07:02 PM [ET] Nuclear carrier rift expected to spark battle between Dems
11/18/08 06:59 PM [ET] Paulson and Bernanke speak in defense of bailout actions
11/18/08 06:58 PM [ET] Healthcare lobbying vets form bipartisan team
11/18/08 06:56 PM [ET] Lobbying World
11/18/08 06:55 PM [ET] Food and fuel debate starts anew despite falling commodity prices
11/17/08 07:36 PM [ET] Davis joins Deloitte
11/17/08 07:02 PM [ET] Whole Foods heads to Capitol Hill to counter Federal Trade Commission’s proposed rules
11/17/08 07:01 PM [ET] Bottom Line
11/17/08 06:59 PM [ET] Baucus, Kennedy to huddle on healthcare
11/17/08 06:57 PM [ET] Bingaman wants ‘streamlined’ climate bill, research funding
11/14/08 06:43 PM [ET] Obama Pentagon may consult defense execs
11/14/08 06:41 PM [ET] Out-of-town lobbyists seek richer lives away from K Street confines
11/12/08 01:07 PM [ET] Air Force to request money for four F-22s
11/11/08 07:08 PM [ET] Business groups want lawmakers to relax requirements on pensions
11/11/08 07:07 PM [ET] High-tech industry sees Obama as an ally
11/11/08 07:03 PM [ET] Lobbying World
11/11/08 06:25 PM [ET] Bottom Line
11/05/08 07:04 PM [ET] With strengthened hand on the Hill, liberal lobbies dreaming of big gains
11/05/08 07:03 PM [ET] Obama win means change for K Street
11/05/08 07:01 PM [ET] Lobbying World
11/05/08 02:50 PM [ET] Change is coming to K Street
11/03/08 07:30 PM [ET] Armed services lawmakers defend F-22
11/03/08 06:52 PM [ET] Business lobby seeking better relationships with Democrats
11/03/08 06:50 PM [ET] State, local officials press for changes to financial bailout to aid governments
11/03/08 06:44 PM [ET] Bottom Line
10/28/08 07:17 PM [ET] K St. ready for second stimulus
10/28/08 07:15 PM [ET] Frank’s plan to cut defense faces resistance
10/28/08 07:13 PM [ET] Lobbying World
10/28/08 07:12 PM [ET] Bottom Line
10/21/08 06:42 PM [ET] Business: Security rule would cost $20B
10/21/08 06:37 PM [ET] K Street earnings fall
10/21/08 06:35 PM [ET] Bottom Line
10/21/08 06:34 PM [ET] Lobbying World
10/19/08 07:32 PM [ET] Textron had expected to keep Army program
10/15/08 12:34 PM [ET] Lott appointed to board of EADS North America
10/14/08 06:31 PM [ET] Science funding won’t be frozen under McCain plan, adviser says
10/14/08 06:29 PM [ET] EPA prepares to propose newer standards for lead
10/14/08 06:27 PM [ET] Bottom Line
10/14/08 06:27 PM [ET] Lobbying World
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
The Executive
Business celebrates late Bush foreign policy win
By Jim Snyder
Posted: 10/02/08 05:57 PM [ET]
With all eyes on the rescue plan for Wall Street, it was easy to miss the big foreign policy win for the Bush administration this week: final congressional approval of an agreement that allows civilian nuclear trade between the United States and India.
Read More...
Bush gives business marching orders: Lobby for the bailout
By Kevin Bogardus
Posted: 10/02/08 05:56 PM [ET]
In a White House meeting on Thursday, President Bush gave marching orders to about a dozen business executives: Lobby members of the House to support the $700 billion relief package for the troubled financial sector.
Read More...
For S. Korea, a win to buy U.S. weapons
By Roxana Tiron
Posted: 10/02/08 05:53 PM [ET]
South Korea scored a major victory this week after the Senate approved a bill that will allow the East Asiancountry to buy American weapons faster and cheaper.
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
10/02/08 05:52 PM [ET] Oversight
09/25/08 06:01 PM [ET] U.S. Chamber presses for full, $700 billion package
09/25/08 05:59 PM [ET] Q&A with Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor
09/25/08 05:57 PM [ET] Army receives full funding for Joint Cargo Aircraft
09/25/08 05:55 PM [ET] Oversight
09/18/08 05:53 PM [ET] The debate over Fannie and Freddie’s future under way
09/18/08 05:46 PM [ET] Science lobby creates NIH info ‘clearinghouse’
09/18/08 05:44 PM [ET] Measure would provide predictable care for vets
09/18/08 05:41 PM [ET] Oversight
09/11/08 05:47 PM [ET] Business groups strategize for return of ergonomics regulation
09/11/08 05:43 PM [ET] Codes a complication for healthcare industry
09/11/08 05:42 PM [ET] Retailers fighting imports’ ‘shoe tax’
09/11/08 05:31 PM [ET] Oversight
07/31/08 06:33 PM [ET] Church-paid trips by aides raise questions on religion-politics mix
07/31/08 06:26 PM [ET] Members seek information on Peruvian land dispute
07/31/08 06:17 PM [ET] New list offers sneak peek into agenda of device, pharmaceutical industries
07/31/08 06:08 PM [ET] Q&A with Sheila C. Bair, Chairwoman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
07/31/08 06:05 PM [ET] Oversight
07/23/08 07:05 PM [ET] Libya negotiations grab Congress’s eye
07/23/08 07:01 PM [ET] Rule seeks to block ‘no Hispanic’ ad dictates
07/23/08 06:56 PM [ET] A View From Europe: Trans-Atlantic biodiesel war
07/16/08 07:31 PM [ET] House panel favors retailers in vote to cut credit card fees
07/16/08 07:25 PM [ET] Rural lawmakers, cattle groups work to block beef imports from Argentina
07/16/08 07:14 PM [ET] Oversight
07/16/08 07:13 PM [ET] Dem senators call for probe of foreign lobbying
07/09/08 06:34 PM [ET] FDA changes policy to offer more clarity on drug reviews
07/09/08 06:30 PM [ET] Housing bill pits AARP against life insurers
07/09/08 06:27 PM [ET] Q&A with Lt. Gen. Michael Peterson
07/09/08 06:24 PM [ET] A View From Europe: Ratings agencies lose credit
07/09/08 06:22 PM [ET] Oversight
06/25/08 07:08 PM [ET] USAF ordered to probe lobbying
06/25/08 07:04 PM [ET] Ethiopian human rights bill stalls
06/25/08 06:57 PM [ET] A view from Europe: Tech companies calling for help
06/25/08 06:51 PM [ET] Oversight
06/19/08 06:35 PM [ET] After lawsuit, Medicare to ease drug benefit enrollment for poor
06/19/08 06:29 PM [ET] Q&A with Guy Caruso, Administrator, Energy Information Administration
06/19/08 06:27 PM [ET] Oversight
06/11/08 06:09 PM [ET] Rep. Taylor pushes nuclear power for more Navy ships
06/11/08 06:05 PM [ET] Internet gambling ban stung foreign bookies
06/11/08 06:01 PM [ET] Medical equipment suppliers sue over bidding program
06/11/08 05:57 PM [ET] A View From Europe: Europe’s biofuels debate
06/11/08 05:53 PM [ET] Patients face disruptions in Medicare physical therapy
06/11/08 05:46 PM [ET] Oversight
06/05/08 06:49 PM [ET] Physicians might confront Medicare payment problems
06/05/08 06:47 PM [ET] Boeing out of Joint Cargo assembly
06/05/08 06:44 PM [ET] Rise in off-road vehicle use creating conflicts
06/05/08 06:43 PM [ET] Atlanta upstart aiming to challenge Ford, wants Congress to change police car rules
06/05/08 06:37 PM [ET] Oversight
06/05/08 12:19 PM [ET] Bush praises new HUD secretary
05/22/08 05:56 PM [ET] FDA to use Medicare data to sniff out drug side effects
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next > End >>
Editorial
Kevin McCarthy’s rise
Posted: 12/02/08 04:18 PM [ET]
Two years after being elected to the House, an ambitious
lawmaker was appointed to a leadership position and his career
took off.
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
11/24/08 05:26 PM [ET] Oversight test for Dems
11/19/08 05:44 PM [ET] Stevens’s splash
11/18/08 05:30 PM [ET] Departing members
11/17/08 06:03 PM [ET] It doesn’t quack like most lame ducks
11/14/08 06:26 PM [ET] Options for Hill staff
11/11/08 06:49 PM [ET] Dingell vs. Waxman
11/05/08 06:53 PM [ET] Steady as you pay-go
11/03/08 06:42 PM [ET] Decision day
10/28/08 05:53 PM [ET] Nowhere to hide
10/28/08 05:53 PM [ET] Not checking out
10/21/08 05:08 PM [ET] Looking forward
10/14/08 06:25 PM [ET] Billions more
10/07/08 06:43 PM [ET] Achieving parity
10/06/08 05:53 PM [ET] Getting serious
10/02/08 05:50 PM [ET] The Senate’s victory
10/01/08 07:08 PM [ET] Boehner’s travails
09/30/08 04:32 PM [ET] Taking the lead
09/29/08 06:38 PM [ET] Debacle
09/25/08 07:17 PM [ET] Offense and defense
09/24/08 06:28 PM [ET] Hensarling’s choice
09/23/08 06:24 PM [ET] Oh yes, government
09/22/08 07:20 PM [ET] Hazardous duty
09/18/08 05:39 PM [ET] Spluttering coffers
09/17/08 05:10 PM [ET] Unions look to ’09
09/16/08 07:16 PM [ET] Ensign is right
09/15/08 06:34 PM [ET] Wall Street woes
09/11/08 05:29 PM [ET] Falling oil
09/10/08 05:25 PM [ET] Punting the tankers
09/09/08 05:22 PM [ET] Dash to the finish
09/08/08 05:16 PM [ET] Remember 2008
08/12/08 05:28 PM [ET] Pelosi’s shift
08/05/08 05:56 PM [ET] Oil on the floor
07/31/08 05:55 PM [ET] Ethics, heal thyself
07/30/08 06:25 PM [ET] Leader of the House
07/29/08 07:16 PM [ET] Counting SCHIP votes
07/28/08 06:02 PM [ET] A short time in politics
07/23/08 05:49 PM [ET] Gunning for Nov.
07/22/08 05:59 PM [ET] Cash flow on K Street
07/21/08 06:03 PM [ET] Spending time
07/16/08 06:41 PM [ET] Lots of energy
07/15/08 05:55 PM [ET] Changing times
07/14/08 04:40 PM [ET] Lieberman’s future
07/09/08 05:52 PM [ET] War powers are political
07/08/08 06:53 PM [ET] Handling the VP question
07/07/08 05:12 PM [ET] July’s prize
07/01/08 05:20 PM [ET] Two risky moves
06/25/08 06:17 PM [ET] Power House
06/24/08 05:28 PM [ET] Protecting the Capitol
06/23/08 06:05 PM [ET] A historic CBC meeting
06/19/08 04:19 PM [ET] Deals well done
06/18/08 05:12 PM [ET] Housing on the Hill
06/17/08 04:59 PM [ET] Denver gets ready
06/16/08 05:32 PM [ET] Nonstop regulating
06/11/08 05:14 PM [ET] Frankly unhelpful
06/11/08 02:06 PM [ET] Rep. Andrews’s decision
06/09/08 05:09 PM [ET] Gingrich rumbles
06/05/08 07:02 PM [ET] Liening on K Street
06/04/08 05:13 PM [ET] Obama’s first test
06/03/08 04:38 PM [ET] Graham’s staying power
06/02/08 05:24 PM [ET] The finish line
05/27/08 05:21 PM [ET] Bush challenged
05/22/08 07:04 PM [ET] Tough
05/21/08 04:52 PM [ET] Kennedy, a legislator
05/20/08 05:51 PM [ET] Driving forward
05/19/08 05:35 PM [ET] Picking campaign chiefs
05/14/08 05:31 PM [ET] Tough GOP times
05/13/08 05:25 PM [ET] Farm bill candor
05/12/08 06:16 PM [ET] Running for veep
05/07/08 04:46 PM [ET] New era
05/06/08 05:33 PM [ET] Slaughter’s journey
05/05/08 06:37 PM [ET] Seat Christensen
05/01/08 05:31 PM [ET] Eyes on the prize
04/30/08 05:38 PM [ET] Wasting floor time
04/29/08 05:15 PM [ET] Immigration pressure
04/28/08 05:37 PM [ET] Obama’s choice
04/24/08 05:51 PM [ET] Wall Street bets on
Washington
04/23/08 05:16 PM [ET] Still alive
04/22/08 04:25 PM [ET] K-Ching
04/21/08 05:22 PM [ET] Grassley’s test
04/17/08 06:20 PM [ET] Byrd on the wire
04/16/08 04:22 PM [ET] Meeting problems
04/15/08 05:06 PM [ET] Joe’s keynote
04/14/08 05:41 PM [ET] The home front
04/09/08 05:15 PM [ET] Pelosi-Clinton showdown
04/08/08 05:38 PM [ET] Fast-track to Pelosi
04/07/08 05:10 PM [ET] Being seen and heard
04/02/08 05:02 PM [ET] Betting on the Dems
04/01/08 05:01 PM [ET] Paulson’s plan
03/31/08 04:42 PM [ET] GOP housing woes
03/25/08 05:17 PM [ET] Schumer, the predator
03/18/08 05:32 PM [ET] Centrifugal forces
03/13/08 06:37 PM [ET] Big green letter
03/12/08 07:37 PM [ET] Ugly ethics
03/11/08 06:56 PM [ET] Senatorial duty
03/10/08 05:42 PM [ET] House GOP then, and now
03/06/08 04:29 PM [ET] Flying into turbulence
03/05/08 05:10 PM [ET] Return to Iraq
03/04/08 05:51 PM [ET] Leaking ethics
Leading The News
For GOP, Michigan gov. race getting crowded
By Reid Wilson
Posted: 12/05/08 04:03 PM [ET]
Republicans eyeing Michigan’s governor’s mansion are touting their prescriptions for the state’s ailing economy even though it’s two years until any ballot will be cast.
While Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) doesn’t step down for another two years, there is no shortage of candidates offering their solutions for the state’s economic problems.
Attorney General Mike Cox (R), a vocal critic of Granholm, was first out of the gate in filing an exploratory committee this year, just days after the 2008 elections. A former prosecutor, Cox won reelection in 2006 by a 54 percent-to-43 margin, even as Granholm cruised to an easy reelection over Republican businessman Dick DeVos.
Despite Cox's statewide name recognition, he won't have the field to himself.
News reports this week suggest Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R) is preparing to announce he will not run for reelection but will set his sights on the chief executive job.
Hoekstra's office says no announcement is imminent, but Michigan insiders expect him to take the plunge.
"He's looking at it very seriously," said Dave Waymire, a Lansing-based political expert with Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications.
Others said to be considering a GOP bid include Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Rep. Candice Miller, though both are seen as long shots at best.
The wild card could come from a prominent Republican donor and former University of Michigan regent who might be able to self-fund his race.
David Brandon, a Michigan native who chairs and serves as chief executive officer of Domino's Pizza, is reportedly contemplating his own bid and has appeared at some Republican events.
"He's kind of like a Dick DeVos without quite as much baggage," Waymire said.
The eventual winner of the GOP primary will not face what many saw as Democrats' best possible candidate.
Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer took himself out of the running last week. Instead, Lt. Gov. John Cherry is seen as the likely front-runner, though Flint Mayor Don Williamson and Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel have also expressed interest.
Whoever the eventual nominees are, they may find themselves faced with an even worse economic climate than exists now. While only Hoekstra will play a role in any federal auto bailout — he favors a bailout, with conditions — the fate of Michigan's economy rests in large part on whether Ford, General Motors and Chrysler can survive. Any headache for the Big Three will translate into a major pain for the next governor.
Franken wants rejected Minn. ballots counted
By Michael O'Brien
Posted: 12/05/08 02:22 PM [ET]
Democrat Al Franken is asking each Minnesota county to reconsider a number of rejected absentee ballots while claiming a four-vote lead in the recount of the undecided Senate race.
The campaign alleges that the absentee ballots were improperly disqualified. Franken is in a tight with Sen. Norm Coleman (R) for the only Senate seat yet to be decided.
"Today we are sending a letter to all 87 counties asking them that … the ballots for which there is no legal justification for them not being counted be opened and counted," said Franken attorney Marc Elias in a conference call Friday.
The Minnesota Secretary of State's office had ordered counties to sort rejected absentee ballots earlier this week, the fifth category of which includes ballots local officials deem to have been improperly disqualified.
"While we are pleased that we remain ahead in this recount, we want to give our thanks and appreciation for all Minnesota’s local election officials for their commitment to a fair, legal and transparent process," said Coleman campaign manager Cullen Sheehan in a statement sent during the Franken call. "We are confident that when the Canvassing Board begins meeting on Dec. 16 and ultimately completes its work, that Norm Coleman will continue to be ahead, and will be re-elected to the United States Senate."
With 99 percent of votes recounted, the Minneapolis Star Tribune said Coleman maintains a 251-vote lead over Franken.
But Franken's campaign said Friday it leads Coleman by four votes, citing an internal tally that assumes all ballot challenges lodged by both campaigns will be rejected by the state's Board of Canvassers,
The board will decide on the legitimacy of the challenges at a meeting Dec. 16.
A Rasmussen Reports poll of Minnesota voters released Friday showed that 37 percent of Minnesota voters said only absentee ballots rejected improperly should be counted, while 40 percent of voters say all rejected absentee ballots should be counted. Nineteen percent of Minnesotans said the votes should not be counted at all.
The Franken campaign reiterated its demand that 133 missing ballots, stuck somewhere in an envelope the Minnesota Secretary of State's office said was marked "1/5," be found before the recount is considered complete. The 133 votes, from Minneapolis's Third Ward, are expected to favor Franken.
"I am more convinced than ever these ballots will be found," Elias said. Yesterday, the Franken campaign had asked the state to conduct a "forensic search" for the ballots, leading the Coleman campaign to attack the Franken campaign for "raiding" polling places like churches in its search.
The Rasmussen survey showed 67 percent of voters in the state expect Coleman to win the recount, while 16 percent believe Franken will win.
Gutierrez: Existing money is key for auto bailout
By Sam Youngman
Posted: 12/05/08 01:28 PM [ET]
Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Friday that the administration sees congressional modification of already approved loans for struggling automakers as the “only practical” solution on the table.
In an interview with The Hill, Gutierrez said the Bush administration continues to believe that the $700 billion financial rescue package was not intended to bail out individual industries, and congressional Democrats should allow a vote on the bipartisan legislation that would accelerate the $25 billion in loans through the Department of Energy that are already approved.
“We have offered a solution. They didn’t even vote on it,” Gutierrez said. “That continues to be the most practical solution.”
President Bush added Friday morning that any funds the auto companies receive would have to be paid back.
The White House has held fast to its argument that the automakers need to demonstrate future viability to receive any funds. Gutierrez said there were some encouraging signs from Thursday’s Senate hearing with the heads of the Big Three, but he said he did not want to characterize the viability summaries the companies provided to Congress and the administration ahead of Friday’s testimonies in front of the House.
Earlier this week, White House press secretary Dana Perino said there were some signs that the automakers recognized the need for some of the “hard decisions” they will have to make to ensure viability. Gutierrez agreed that the companies did seem to be making clear that they have taken that point to heart.
“They came back with an increased intensity and an increased focus,” he said.
Senate Democrats were skeptical of the automakers’ summaries Thursday, but Gutierrez said that despite the lack of consensus on a way to move forward to aid the companies he does not think Congress will adjourn without finding some solution.
“I thought [Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn.] said it best when he said he’s not going to pack his suitcase until some kind of action is agreed to,” Gutierrez said. “I think that is the kind of attitude needed. I can’t imagine that people will leave town without some kind of action.”
Bush: Automakers 'may not survive'
By Klaus Marre
Posted: 12/05/08 12:14 PM [ET]
President Bush on Friday said he is worried about giving taxpayer money to car companies that “may not survive.”
“I am concerned about the viability of the automobile companies. I’m concerned about those who work for the automobile companies and their families,” Bush said from the White House, reacting to a November jobs report that showed payrolls had been slashed by 533,000 last month.
“And, likewise, I am concerned about taxpayer money being provided to those companies that may not survive,” Bush added, noting that his administration put out a plan “that uses money that Congress appropriated last fall for the auto industry, money that can be used so long as the companies make hard choices on all aspects of their business to prove that they can not only survive, but thrive.”
Bush urged Congress to pass his plan next week. However, Democratic leaders want money for loans to the Big Three to come from the $700 billion bailout package signed into law in October.
The president said the job losses reflect “the fact that our economy is in a recession.”
Bush added that measures taken by the federal government have begun to thaw the market and allow credit to move again.
“I am confident that the steps we’re taking will help fix the problems in our economy and return it to strength,” he stated. “My administration is committed to ensuring that our economy succeeds. And I know the incoming administration shares the same commitment.”
Obama shatters records with $745M haul
By Reid Wilson
Posted: 12/05/08 11:27 AM [ET]
President-elect Obama raised an incredible $745 million during his campaign, according to new Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports, shattering all previous fundraising records and far outpacing his GOP rival.
Reports from the final days of the election were due to the FEC on Thursday and show Obama raised more money in the final days leading up to the election than Republican candidate John McCain raised in his entire campaign. And, even more impressive, Obama still has campaign funds in the bank, even though candidates traditionally spend down to the last dime.
Obama pulled in $79 million from individual donors between Oct. 16 and Nov. 24, the filings showed, and received another $25 million in transfers from other committees. That $104 million is $20 million more than McCain had available for the entire general election.
Obama's decision to forgo federal funding paid off, as the Democratic candidate was easily able to outspend McCain, who accepted $84 million in federal funds. The filings also show McCain spent $17 million between Oct. 16 and Nov. 24, while Obama shelled out over $136 million.
Republicans had hoped the national party would be able to make up for the financial disparity McCain faced. But the combined forces of the GOP and McCain still fell $174 million short of Obama in spending. The Republican Party spent $335 million in the race and McCain spent $231 million, while Obama shelled out $740 million. And Obama's total is more than the $695 million combined that President Bush and Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) raised in 2004.
Obama thanked major members of his finance committee at a private reception Thursday in Chicago. "We didn't just win, but we ran and won in the right way," Obama told his financiers.
"This is the start. This is not the end. This is the beginning."
Though the campaign shattered spending records, it couldn't seem to spend the money fast enough; the FEC filing shows Obama still has $30 million in the bank. That money can be spread to other candidates or party committees, although Obama can also use it as seed money for the 2012 election.
Fundraising has never proven difficult for Obama, who shocked political observers as early as the first quarter of 2007 by raising $25.7 million.
Today's Stories
Help not wanted
Cover Stories
By Jordy Yager
Posted: 12/02/08 04:09 PM [ET]
It’s that time of year again — when giant blue bins, overflowing with papers, folders and office supplies, sit like new-age tombstones outside the offices of members who won’t be returning next Congress.
Read More...
The Culinary Inquisition with Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)
THE CULINARY INQUISITION
By Kris Kitto
Posted: 12/02/08 04:08 PM [ET]
Read More...
Sen. Feinstein won’t see new gay rights film, ‘Milk’
IN THE KNOW
By Betsy Rothstein
Posted: 12/02/08 04:07 PM [ET]
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) lived through the 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, and will not see the film that depicts the story.
Read More...
Inauguration frustration
Cover Stories
By Kris Kitto
Posted: 11/24/08 05:09 PM [ET]
Mention inauguration ticket requests to most any member of Congress, and the reaction is comparable to a migraine.
Read More...
Political film festival set for spring
TODAYS STORIES
By Bob Cusack
Posted: 11/24/08 05:07 PM [ET]
Just in time for the Obama administration, a touch of Tinseltown will hit the nation’s capital when the first Politics on Film festival takes place this spring.
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
11/24/08 05:06 PM [ET] Ann Hand to offer a ‘fabulous’ line of Obama jewelry
11/24/08 05:05 PM [ET] What is your least favorite Thanksgiving dish?
11/24/08 05:03 PM [ET] Berkley sells home via bulletin board
11/19/08 05:35 PM [ET] 1905: fills the date–night void
11/19/08 05:31 PM [ET] Food to soothe the soul
11/18/08 06:43 PM [ET] Male bonding over politics
11/18/08 06:42 PM [ET] Renowned pearl dealer pays visit to Washington
11/18/08 06:40 PM [ET] Beer: It's what's for lunch
11/18/08 06:39 PM [ET] Freshmen go house-hunting
11/17/08 03:28 PM [ET] Conyers’s intern enjoys talking to famous people
11/17/08 03:26 PM [ET] Welch’s aide paddles his way to Capitol Hill
11/17/08 03:24 PM [ET] Life after Congress for ousted lawmakers
11/17/08 03:21 PM [ET] An aunt's advice: Sage wisdom helps lawmaker through tough times
11/14/08 06:23 PM [ET] Waxman v. Dingell
11/14/08 06:08 PM [ET] Bachmann flack has unusual tie to Sarah Palin’s father
11/11/08 05:01 PM [ET] All fired up
11/11/08 04:59 PM [ET] Watch out, Angelina! Norquist adopts from abroad
11/05/08 06:45 PM [ET] Campaign's emotional rollercoaster takes its final twist
11/05/08 06:43 PM [ET] Election-night parties: The best, worst and weirdest of times
11/05/08 06:40 PM [ET] Political couple endures stressful election-night outcomes
11/03/08 06:56 PM [ET] Fighting ire with fire
11/03/08 06:16 PM [ET] Legendary cop forced into retirement
11/03/08 01:54 PM [ET] Election Night Parties
11/03/08 01:29 PM [ET] Election night observances for party faithful
11/02/08 09:11 AM [ET] In retirement, Germond is free to speak his mind
10/28/08 05:49 PM [ET] The campaign song loses its originality
10/28/08 05:47 PM [ET] For the unopposed, campaign season involves mild paranoia
10/28/08 05:43 PM [ET] Songbird in Senate chirps political tunes
10/28/08 05:41 PM [ET] A word to our future prez: Start grooming
10/28/08 05:39 PM [ET] In Pakistan, everybody’s hooked on American presidential debates
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > End >>
Results 1 - 35 of 1542
In The Know
Sen. Feinstein won’t see new gay rights film, ‘Milk’
By Betsy Rothstein
Posted: 12/02/08 04:07 PM [ET]
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) lived through the 1978 murders of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, and will not see the film that depicts the story.
Read More...
Current and Previous Articles
11/24/08 05:03 PM [ET] Berkley sells home via bulletin board
11/18/08 06:39 PM [ET] Freshmen go house-hunting
11/14/08 06:08 PM [ET] Bachmann flack has unusual tie to Sarah Palin’s father
11/11/08 04:59 PM [ET] Watch out, Angelina! Norquist adopts from abroad
11/05/08 06:40 PM [ET] Political couple endures stressful election-night outcomes
11/03/08 06:16 PM [ET] Legendary cop forced into retirement
10/28/08 05:34 PM [ET] Casting director seeks single female Hill aides for reality shows
10/21/08 05:12 PM [ET] Etheridge to host fundraiser for Kucinich
10/14/08 04:30 PM [ET] Secretary Paulson Purchases new threads at height of crisis
10/06/08 05:36 PM [ET] Reporter comes to Fortenberry’s rescue in quest to visit Senate floor
10/01/08 05:32 PM [ET] Rep. Frank injects his weight into debate
09/29/08 04:42 PM [ET] Zzzz … Company readies hundreds of beds for Capitol
09/24/08 05:42 PM [ET] Breakfast with Champions attendees chow down on bacon
09/22/08 05:14 PM [ET] Financial crisis not big enough to keep Rep. Frank from joking
09/17/08 06:07 PM [ET] Send the intern or lobbyist a drink with your regards
09/15/08 06:29 PM [ET] Leave your scandal at the door: The more the merrier on honoring retiring lawmakers
09/10/08 05:05 PM [ET] Three lawmakers to celebrate Sept. 11 birthdays — or not
09/08/08 06:05 PM [ET] Florida congressman uses status to do as he pleases at RNC
09/03/08 10:05 PM [ET] Romney admits enjoying women’s volleyball; Ridge adapts to life without driver
09/02/08 09:22 PM [ET] McCain and Obama flacks share shots — of alcohol
09/01/08 08:10 PM [ET] No media for Hadassah Lieberman
08/27/08 10:06 PM [ET] For Rep. Dennis Kucinich, his public awaits
08/27/08 07:22 PM [ET] ‘Yes we can’: the mean side of the familiar phrase
08/26/08 11:27 PM [ET] Steve Cohen: Lawmaker-turned-lounge singer
08/26/08 07:40 PM [ET] McKinney shows up in sweats to deliver presidential campaign speech
<< Start < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Next > End >>
Results 1 - 26 of 221
Today's Stories
Berkley sells home via bulletin board
By Betsy Rothstein
Posted: 11/24/08 05:03 PM [ET]
“HOUSE FOR SALE,” the sign reads on a bulletin board outside the Cannon carryout.
That 1,894-square-foot home belongs to Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), who is selling her colonial row house near the Cannon House Office Building on her own.
Her description: “3 floors, 3 bedrooms 2 bath, finished basement with another bedroom, bath & kitchenette. Refinished hardwood floors 1st floor. Fireplace, garden patio, central air, all appliances.”
“She and her husband would like to unload it,” said Berkley chief of staff Richard Urey, explaining that Berkley is not working through a Realtor, but “chatting it up” through the billboard.
The congresswoman, who bought the home from former Sen. Richard Bryan (D-Nev.), has owned the property since 2000, but has not lived in it for several years. She moved into a townhouse up the street while continuing to rent it.
“It has been a congressional abode for quite some period of time,” said Urey, recalling the free couch he got out of the Bryan sale. “It’s been in the Nevada family since about 1990.”
Is she emotional about selling the home? “She hasn’t emoted about that at all,” Urey said. “Only I am emoting about it.”
Berkley said Monday morning that she is ready to sell: “I’m not in a position where, when the garbage disposal breaks down, I can run over, you know what I mean? It looks gorgeous; anyone who buys it is going to be very, very happy. Looks nice, shows well.”
Cost? “Under $800,000,” she said. “It’s a bargain.”
Anyone interested can phone Berkley’s cell, which she gave ITK permission to publish: 702-275-2002.
Lieberman upstages Rep.-elect Himes
The estranged relative has come home.
An event last week that was intended to welcome Rep.-elect Jim Himes (D) to the Connecticut delegation quickly turned into a welcome-back pep rally for Joe Lieberman.
The Independent senator, who riled his Democratic colleagues for supporting Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the presidential race — but was ultimately spared his legislative livelihood — was greeted by his delegation peers with the gusto of a sobered-up family member.
The delegation’s dean, Sen. Chris Dodd (D), welcomed Lieberman back, though he quickly added, “not that he necessarily left.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D) said to Lieberman, “It’s good to be with you; it’s good to be back on track.”
When it came time for him to step up to the mic, Lieberman offered the expected groveling.
“Look, this last couple of weeks … hasn’t been an easy one,” he said.
“It meant everything to me,” Lieberman noted, to have Dodd stand by his side during the tumult.
He offered sweet talk to his former colleague, President-elect Barack Obama, whom he said has so far “set entirely the right tone to bring us all together.”
That new Himes guy? Lieberman didn’t forget about him, offering the freshman foreboding news.
“You have a special burden,” Lieberman told Himes, whose district abuts New York City and contains many opulent suburbs. “I’m sure you know I am your constituent. I’m very optimistic about the quality of service.”
Lone Code Pink lady arrives on the scene
Their pink-hued omnipresence has come to be expected.
Last week didn’t disappoint. Just when you thought the whole waiting scene might become tedious, the woman in pink emerged into the throng of reporters and cameramen gathered on Thursday morning outside the Cannon Caucus Room, where the Energy and Commerce Committee chairmanship race between Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman (Calif.) and John Dingell (Mich.) transpired.
“Oh no, oh no, here we go,” an amused cameraman said loudly of the anti-war Code Pink protester. “The party is starting.”
The woman wore a pink parka, a pink patterned hat and carried a camera.
A U.S. Capitol policewoman came over to chat with her and move her to the back of the crowd.
“Oh, ya big bully!” the cameraman called out.
No swarms for McCain
Reporters were swarming Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) by the Senate elevators on the second floor of the Capitol to get his views on the potential bailout of automakers. No one noticed when Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who was back to the Senate for the first time since the election, walked into the room.
McCain stood on his tiptoes to see what all the excitement was about, shrugged and got in an elevator without a single question from a reporter.
Sununu joins unofficial beard caucus
Sen. John Sununu (R-N.H.) has followed in the footsteps of Al Gore and Bill Richardson by growing a beard after his election loss, which in his case came at the hands of Sen.-elect Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).
Shaheen did not initially recognize Sununu when she walked by him in a Senate hallway. Sununu shouted after her, “Governor,” and she turned around, surprised to see him. After a bitter, tough campaign, it could have been an awkward moment.
Instead, the two engaged in friendly banter about office space.
Barbara Riley, Sununu’s spokeswoman, remarked on the exchange, saying, “John was in the Capitol and Jeanne walked past him from behind and he took the opportunity to say hello to her.”
Why the beard? “His daughters wanted to see what he’d look like with it,” Riley explained.
New Mexico Gov. Richardson grew a beard after he dropped out of the Democratic presidential primary earlier this year, and Gore grew one in 2000 after losing the presidential election.
Lyndsay wants you
Creepy e-mail titles. You know the ones. Half the time they don’t make sense; half the time they’re trying to appeal to a certain part of your anatomy.
So when an e-mail titled “Lyndsay wants you” rolls into an inbox, the first instinct is, of course: SPAM!
But wait a minute, that’s not some weirdo trying to make you think about Lindsay Lohan — that’s the Massachusetts Republican Party.
Once you read the e-mail, it turns out Lynsday is Lyndsay Jones, a party official, and she “wants you” to help stuff envelopes and relieve interns tasked with other party-building tasks. If you can’t do that, just donate money, she suggests.
Are there that few Republicans in Massachusetts that you need to trick people into volunteering? “We are very busy here at the MassGOP and we could use your help,” informs Rob Willington, also of the Massachusetts GOP, who sent the e-mail.
Idaho’s senators bond — to a point
Senators often think of themselves as belonging to a chummy club. In that vein, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) was seen ushering his new GOP home-state colleague, Sen.-elect Jim Risch, around the Capitol last week.
Risch leaned toward his new mentor as the two walked the tiled hallways and seemed on the verge of becoming fast friends. But as Risch found out, friendship has its limits in Washington.
Before they parted by the Mansfield Room, Risch asked Crapo for extra tickets for the Jan. 6 congressional swearing-in. Incoming senators get 16 tickets; incumbents get one. Risch was requesting Crapo's only ticket.
Crapo hesitated, stepped back and said he would like to share but couldn’t promise anything.
Crapo's spokeswoman Susan Wheeler insisted Crapo agreed to give Risch his ticket, although she was not present for the conversation.
This item was updated after it was printed in The Hill.
Waxman press gaggle interrupted by his daughter
In one of his first press gaggles after winning the Energy and Commerce Committee chairmanship, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) was only too glad to answer his cell phone while a small group of reporters waited.
“Give my best to your prime minister,” Waxman said, laughing into his phone.
Turns out the caller was his daughter, who is in Israel.