Republican Moderates Showing some Life

As we had been talking in class a little while ago, the moderate wing of the Republicans aren't doing as well as they had been doing 10 years ago. This article talks about how the moderates may be making a come back, and could gain a few more members at the mid-terms even with the whole tea party movement.

Pelosi Struggles to Keep Democrat Moderates on Board for Healthcare Reform

Maintaining moderate support is proving to be a continued uphill battle for Speaker Pelosi as she tries to assemble her caucus. Wary of negative political consequences in 2010, many moderates have begun to abandon current healthcare reform efforts altogether.

Entertaining exchange in congress

Congress is usually known for its polite reserved debates but Rep. Anthony Weiner injected some emotion into it the other day in this entertaining exchange. I wish more politicians would speak their mind and not tiptoe around controversial observations. Decorum is overrated.

Hope & Change Meet the US Senate

Paul Krugman on policy change in the New Yorker:

Now that we have people whose goals I share in power, I’ve seen what it actually takes to make policy change happen... It’s pretty revelatory. It’s one thing to do opinion pieces about the way things ought to be; it’s another thing to think about, O.K., given the makeup of the U.S. Senate, given the difficulties of getting people on board and of communicating stuff to the public, what can you actually do?

Can't we all get along

health care reform is the biggest issue being pushed forward. but it appears as though both sides refuse to cooperate and reach a final consensus on the issue. It would be great if the two parties could reach a final decision on the matter but it is unclear on when that will happen.

U.S. to test Lexus model cited in Toyota hearings

With all this talk on health care reform, and the fact that no one can agree because the Republicans are sticking together, I almost forgot that Congress is looking into the whole Toyota recall fiasco. They're ordering tests! Holy cow! They might be doing something to help the everyday American by re-testing some Toyota models.

Or not...if tests were the answer, wouldn't the problem have been found the first time around? I just don't know anymore!!!

TOFIAS EDIT: bad title. Fixed now.

Ethics Violations

Charles Rangel, chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, basically had his hand slapped for not ensuring his people knew the rules governing travel expenses. Technically, he was not found to be at fault. Other ethics investigations involving Rangel continue. Meanwhile, another preliminary investigation has found "probable cause" behind Rep. Visclosky's (D-Ind) alleged promising of federal contracts for corporate campaign contributions. However, the committee has chosen not to pursue it any further. Really?

Congress filbusters the unemployed

Here is the classical case of the senate holding up legislation to help there constituents. But for the sake of party politics and mid term election they are using the extension of unemployment benefits as a political ploy to help derail the president’s health care bill.
Also it looks like this bill is far from the preferences of most senators. It is interesting to see how one simple bill cascades to other larger issues.

President Obama & Congress

Yesterday in class we talked about different styles of presidential relationships with congress. This article discusses President Obama's style which was exemplified yesterday at his health care summit.

What do you think of his style? Do you appreciate his thoughtful, collected manner aimed at consensus-building? Or do you think he could be more effective if he took a more aggressive approach? What would health care reform look like if he took a different approach with congress?

Whatdya' expect?

Holy smokes bloggers! The bickering continues over the health care bill after Obama's summit on Thursday. Can the two parties compromise? Will the Republicans break down and give Democrats the majority they desire? Find out; or not, in the next contentious meeting of Congress!

CNN POLL: Health care provisions popular but overall bills unpopular

This article demonstrates that some sort of a bill regarding health care should be able to be reached. The problem however is one that has existed throughout history and in democracies is that a lot of people really do not think through things, and they vote. The poll in the article states that majority of people think health insurance companies should not deny people with pre-existing conditions. The poll then linked in the article then states that forcing people to buy insurance is wrong as well. This is one point Obama was correct on, if you require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions then you have to force people to buy insurance because otherwise some people, particularly younger people will not buy insurance until they get sick. Insurance companies cannot afford this. This is one of the reasons why public opinion polls should not always be the final say in any matter. The problem is that I believe if you asked these same people is it ok to wait until you get sick to buy health insurance they would probably say no. I think you often get different responses to questions based on how they are worded.

Gop's Brown Branded Turncoat for Jobs Bill Vote

Potential fallout (or not) for Brown and the other 4 Republicans who voted for cloture on the jobs bill.

White House unveils compromise health care bill

This article details the compromises made in the proposed health care bill, including expanded Medicare prescription coverage and the ablity to block excessive health insurance rates.

Ron Paul's CPAC Speech

In case you are interested in my post below, here is Ron Paul's speech at CPAC 2010

At CPAC... Winner: Ron Paul, Loser: Social Conservatism

This article reviews, with some videos as well, the CPAC event that just closed. Highlights are the denouncement of the Bush era Republicanism, and the incredible backing for Texas Rep. Ron Paul to be the GOP Presidential candidate in 2012... I never thought I'd see the day :)

Ads Pressure Brown to Vote Yes on Jobs Bill

Democrats fight hard to gain the vote of new Senator-elect Scott Brown: Reid says there is greater than a 50/50 chance of Brown voting yes on a new $15billion job stimulus proposal.

Questions for Paul Ryan

Wisconsin's own Paul Ryan faces off against the New York Times's Deborah Solomon in the NYT Magazine Section's weekly Q&A feature.

A wave is building

This is very interesting to see the political pundits come out and predict the mid-term elections. The best part was how they did not put names but rather party identification.I like who they used the spacial model in a sense where they predict "moderate republican" to win or "safe Democrat" etc.

In Case You Forgot How it Works...

Give Scott Brown a Chance?

This article talks about Majority Leader Harry Reid getting newly elected Senator Scott Brown on board with the jobs bill. As the man who ended the Democrats 60 seat majority in the senate, it's very interesting to see Brown potentially working with the Democrats.

Draft Mellencamp for senate

A sudden grassroots effort has created an effort, starting on Facebook, to enlist Rock Star John Mellencamp to replace Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana. Mellencamp has not commented whether or not he would accept the nomination yet, but he would likely be a very strong candidate if he did. What do you think?

What's so funny 'bout peace, love and transparency?

You're asking yourself, "Did he just make and Elvis Costello reference?" Yup, and I've never seen a news story in which it was so apt. Get this, at the CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) earlier this week Representative John Boehner, (R) Ohio, said that if he were the next House Speaker things would change. Many of the proposals are non-partisan and therefore more possible, yet others seem like fundamental changes that just won't do for any majority in the House. A three day waiting period for voting on bills? I'm not sure that is likely. Transparency sounds nice, maybe even great, but when it comes to enacting it's unlikely to happen. So let's pump it up, and see those comments!

A little more PORK

Even thought the rhetoric if the 2008 campaign emphasized a need for the reduction of pet projects, earmarks, or pork barrels spending Congress has slightly stepped up their hypocrisy.

Can Obama's debt commission overcome congressional politics?

With the nation's debt higher than it has been since post WWII, something needs to be done. It's hard for legislation to get through congress, as many are worried about what their constituents will think about higher taxes. In an executive order, Obama has made a bi partisan committee to work on the issue. Most are skeptic, but some are hopeful. I, who always looks at the glass half full, am one of the hopeful ones.

Good Night Super Majorities?

After having much of their agenda being held in the hands of two or three Senators (I'm looking at you Nelson, Snowe, Collins) Democrats appear to be on the cusp of changing long standing Senate rules regarding the filibuster.

Retiring Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) told MSNBC in an interview today that he would support lowering the threshold for filibusters from 60 to around 55 or so.

This is a sign that Democrats expect to loose seats in November, but a cloture threshold at 55 votes would force Democrats to work with moderate republicans (of which there may be a few more after November, Castle in Delaware, Ayotte in New Hampshire) which in the end could produce legislation that is better for America.

A Worried Congress Won't Take Risks

Ed Rollins, of CNN, writes an interesting piece that covers a lot of what we've been discussing. With 60 seats in the House up for grabs, and 10 Senates seats at risk, Congress almost seems paralyzed when it comes to voting on controversial bills. Of course, and even noted in "The Vulnerable American Politician," they are worried that their votes will come back to haunt them.

This week, when they all go home to their districts, Congress won't be feeling the love from their respective constituencies. This is somewhat unusual, because folks tend to like the person, though they hate the institution. And here it is, three years after we "threw the bums out," and we're doing it again. Or threatening to. Makes me wonder ... are they really that bad? Or are we growing ever more impatient?

Terrance Wall's tax free lifestyle

This article details how the Republican challenger to Russ Feingold has not paid personal state taxes in the last 9 of 10 years because of the loopholes that developers get. This is legal however it does not look good, and almost assures that if he is the challenger to Russ Fiengold, Feingold will win. I do not think the average Wisconsin voter will look favorably on this, and I think the Republican party would be wise to bail on Mr. Wall as soon as possible. I think that in the end Wall will not be the candidate because most Republican candidates are staying away now because they are unsure of Tommy Thompson's intentions. I think if Thompson does not run a qualified person will run. The article also details how Wall ran for several local elections in his hometown and lost. I think it is insane for someone who cannot win a local election because his neighbors feel he is unqualified to lead locally should run for a U.S. senate seat. I also think that while Terrance Wall is clearly wealthy and money is clearly important to a successful election run, he is not qualified for this seat, and should not be supported by his party or anyone else.

Dan Quayle - Constitutional Scholar

Former Vice President Dan Quayle used to be the President of the US Senate. If you need a laugh like that time he tried to correct a child spelling potato by suggesting he add and "e" at the end... then you'll love this.

Bayh's had enough?

This article talks about the announcement that Sen. Bayh would not be seeking reelection, even though he would most likely win. It's interesting that his reason is the fact that there is increased partisanship in Congress. This certainly won't help the Democrats as they are going to be attempting to hold off a possible Republican surge in November.

Subtle Foreign Policy

At least its better than a CIA assassination program depending on your perspective...
Two Republican Senators propose a bill that would allow non-military assistance to the opposition groups throughout Iran and a show of support for any government that replaces it with a democratic system.

Then again maybe Congress knows something we don't and this bill is simply providing the framework for a post assassination program...
Conspiracy theorists have at it.

Tea Party to Challenge Reid?

It seems the "third party" is starting to take itself seriously after their convention in Tennessee

Reid fearing wrath of constituents

This article talks about how Sen. Reid pulled the Job Bill because he was afraid that it would not be good for the democrats facing reelection since it is so controversial. This is a good example of Congress looking ahead towards reelection and being more concerned about their future then the country's future.

In Which I Share My Spam

The spam I get is probably a lot like the spam you get, it's advertisements for Viagra spelled in creative ways, promises for easy money, and invitations to join Facebook that I don't want. But as a professor, there is another class of spam I get as well. Mostly, it's offers to buy unwanted exam copies of textbooks and attend conferences for obscure academic societies. However, sometimes it's about politics and political causes. Last night, I received spam which proposed an amendment to the Constitution (I believe a first for me). I reprint the proposal in its entirety because it might spur an interesting discussion.

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of one Senator from each State, elected by the people thereof, for five years; and each Senator shall have one vote. Of the two Senators from each State prior to ratification of this amendment, only the junior Senator shall continue in term following ratification. Following ratification, immediately after the junior Senators shall be assembled, they shall be divided as equally as may be into five Classes, ordered according to their current term in office. The Seats of the Senators of the first and longest term Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the first Year, of the second Class at the Expiration of the second Year, of the third Class at the Expiration of the third Year, of the forth Class at the Expiration of the forth Year, and of the fifth Class at the Expiration of the fifth Year.

No person shall be elected to the office of Senator for consecutive terms and no person who has held the office of Senator, or acted as Senator, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected shall be elected to the office for the following term.

Signed, Granvel D. Gibson of Lake Jackson, TX.

Your responses in the comments please.

Wall Vs Feingold opening shot

Right here in our own state we have a snapshot of the political proccess. Out of the box, before "issues" are even brought up, the opening shot is a negative ad. However it does indicate how easy it is to chalange the incombent.

Raise Money...Govern....Raise Money....Govern....Raise Money...Raise Money...Raise Money

Barbara Boxer expects to raise $20 million and receive support from other Democrats and the national party to hang on to her seat in California. Truly, not enough time for her to read the whole health care bill.

Supermajority or fili-bust-er!

Okay, so the great busting up of the filibuster is at hand but will this legislative aspiration of the Democrats be dashed? Democratic senators Tom Harkin and Jeanne Shaheen have proposed a bill that would effectively eliminate the filibuster by robbing it of it's power to hold the Senate in its vice indefinitely. Yet for all its intentions of allowing debate while not paralyzing the Senate the move to rid the filibuster requires 67 votes to pass. It's more than the 60 needed to end a filibuster and therefore unlikely to be realized.

The End of America's Monarchy

In this article, it depicts the end of Rep. Patrick Kennedy's tenure in the house, meaning that after his term is up... there will be no more Kennedy's in office. America's royal family will be out of Washington for the first time in over 60 years...

Tommy Thompson and Senate Candidacy (possibility)

Former Governor Tommy Thompson still left the door open today to a possible U.S. Senate candidacy, even though he just added a new corporate position to his workload.

A couple of recent polls showed that Thompson could beat Feingold. Last week, Thompson was named to an advisory board for a private equity fund that invests in new farm-related companies.

Simple Definitions of the Senate and the House

Just in case we're asked on the up coming mid-term ....

In an article meant to place a good deal of blame on Rahm Emanuel for the healthcare bill failing, an unnamed liberal Democrat describes Emanuel's strong-arming as something not well-suited to dealing with Senators. Why? Because, "the House is like an Australian-rules rugby match. The Senate is like a march at a men’s club in imperial Britain. They're a bunch of barons over there."

I think I am too easily amused.

Obama talks to the GOP again

For the 2nd time in as many weeks President Obama goes to Congressional GOP members to talk about bipartisanship. You wouldn't be able to tell it from this article though, which is mostly a hack job on Republicans saying that Democrats and Republican's ideal points are too far appart.

Democrats want the only alternative on the table while the status quo is more favorable to Republicans then the alternative, unless that changes healthcare will stay the same.

Game On

This article describes how game theorists view the ongoing health care debate.

It also discusses how the Founders set up the structure of congress to make passing legislation extremely difficult. Ultimately concluding, "That doesn't mean the Founders didn't want health care reform to pass. It just means they intended it to be a pain in the ass."

Isn't flip flopping bad?

Watch this and you will wonder if all this theory about spacial politics actually is applied in the political arena.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Obama to GOP: work with me

This article demonstrates that once again the power in the senate has shifted dramatically because of one vote. This article however is meant to try to regain some footing in the eyes of the American public by trying to portray Republicans as obstructionists and unreasonable. Obama is attempting to work with the other side. The problem is that when the Democrats had 60 votes they had no intention of working with Republicans on the health care bill. I personally try to be an unbiased observer of the current events. I think that if Republicans had the 60 votes they probably would have tried to ram their agenda through as well. The main point however is that I personally am cynical of anyone claiming to want to work with the other side now that they need the other side. I would be just as cynical of a Republican doing the same thing.

Democratic Frontline incumbent protection program

Here are the contributors in the Democratic party, who hope to aid their fellow Democrats in the upcoming elections.

One Senator can grind it all to a stop

After putting a "blanket hold" all 70 of Obamas appointments, Senator Shelby (R-Alabama) releases most of them after getting the "White House's attention on two issues that are critical to our national security - the Air Force's aerial refueling tanker acquisition and the FBI's Terrorist Device Analytical Center."
White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs said, "If you needed one example of what's wrong with this town, it might be that one senator can hold up 70 qualified individuals to make government better because he didn't get his earmarks."
...I couldn't have said it better.

Senate Seat is Up for Grabs

After the republican party picked up a crucial senate seat (Scott Brown), they could pick up another one in Ohio. This could be a trend in many upcoming elections. This shows a little of how the nation is viewing the job President Barack Obama is doing (Good, but not good enough).

Another open seat

With the unexpected death of Rep. John Murtha, there could be a change is the makeup of the house. With Mid-Term elections comming up this could turn to the Republicans favor. It is vert interesting reading his history in the legislature.

Demonstrative of changing political will

This article shows the nervousness that exists that because of the election of Scott Brown which is fueling grumblings that Obama may, like Clinton, fail to implement substantive health care reform. The speculation can also be correlated to the inability of Democrats to come to an agreement amongst themselves when they had total control, and shows that the rift deepens when faced with the real possibility that some may lose re-election to their seats.

America Is Not Yet Lost

Op-ed about Senate in "paralysis" because of the filibuster and the ability of individual senators to put a hold on nominations in effect holding hostage the senate and govt agencies waiting for their appointed heads to be confirmed.

Ryan acting like a Trustee

Paul Ryan has proposed a solution to the budget problem which can be considered radical. It includes privatizing SS, Medicare, and Medicaid, and as a result leads to a solution to the health care debate. There is definitely going to be disagreement over this idea, but the article reveals at the end that he is definitely acting like a trustee with this. He is fine if he gets voted out because of this, because he feels that this important and is his duty as a Representative to fix this problem.

Feinstein says Obama should move terror trials from New York City

This article details how Khalid Shaikh Mohammed's trial in New York is creating a public controversy because it is seen as a possible terrorist threat. Feinstein states,"In my view, from an intelligence perspective, I think the situation has changed with the Christmas attack,". I think that this is pure political grandstanding on the part of Feinstein because the idea of having his trial in New York was questioned long before the Christmas bomber attempted to blow up a plane over Detroit. Dianne Feinstein is chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee so her input is of some value and relevance, I just question the timing of this statement, because poll numbers for Obama have declined lately.

The Fundraising Congress

Lawerence Lessig characterizes congress as the "fundraising congress" and a "bankrupt institution." He brings up a lot of points that were also in "the vulnerable american politician." I think these are fair and accurate characterizations with plenty of facts to back them up. Another clear example of congressmen acting as perpetual fundraisers is Sen. Shelby of Alabama putting a complete hold on presidential nominations until two pork projects worth billions of dollars get back on track for his state.

Democrats chafe as White House wavers on health care bill

This story written by Carrie Brown illustrates who the administration is now essentially at square one in the health care debate. This is due to the fact the senate does not have enough votes for passing the current bill and the house does not want to pass the senate bill. This has left the congress looking to President Obama for directions and frustrated they have not found the answers they are looking for. Sen Bill Nelson from Florida summed this up by asserting, "The president has not been engaged like he should". This comment demonstrates how the Massachusetts election has dramatically shifted the power structure in the in the senate even though the democrats still have a 59-41 lead.

Hawk-Dove or Dove-Hawk

I see this is an interresting debate within congress, how to retain you seat, satisfy "the folks back home" and get the job done in congress.
This article deals with senator Kent Conrad

Senate Campaigns: California style.

From the NY-23 and spreading across the country, one of the biggest developing stories of the 2010 cycle is the increasing tension within GOP primaries between moderate "mainstream" Republicans and the so called "Tea Party" Activists. What is so bizzare about this ad from the Carly Fiorina U.S. Senate campaign is that she is not all that conservative herself, to run an ad like this is a pretty desperate attempt at getting the "Tea Party" vote.



This (poorly done) campaign ad may take the GOP Con vs. Moderate war to a whole new level (a great book was written about this a few years ago) While watching intra-party squabbles is fun in any party, part of me really wishes this was a parody since it is more than a little depressing that a U.S. Senate race has come to this.

Can we bring seriousness back to politics?

We don't need no stinking deficiet reductions!

The Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action Act of 2009 was defeated 53 For 46 Against. So much for majority rule... especially troubling was 7 of its Co-Sponsors voted against it. How the heck do you vote against a bill you sponsored?

AP Analysis: Possibility of GOP takeover of Congress?

Still a long shot, as the article admits, but an increasing possibility as anti-incumbent sentiment rises, even in solidly blue states like Massachusetts and New York, as a result of continued economic distress, high unemployment rates, and fallout over healthcare reform.

Why not "get out the cots and do it for real?"

This post explains the evolution of the filibuster, and how it has made the Senate "a dam in the governing stream."

Senate Fundraising

Our reading this week points to the expense of election campaigns as being one reason why our elected officials are so vulnerable. King says American politicians "are mostly required to find the means of funding their own election campaigns." Rollcall.com lists what senators nationwide have raised, what they spent, and how much they have left.

The senator who has raised the most money at the end of 2008, is Carly Fiorina (R) Cal., at nearly 3.6 million. Conrad Reynolds, Republican from Arkansas, has the distinction of gathering a mere 42 grand. Our own Russ Feingold raised $947,000, but has spent close to half. Not to worry Feingold supporters! The man still has a few mill on hand to work with.

Republican Takeover of the Senate?

An Opinion Column in the Washington Post, listing all of the competative senate races around the country in 2010. This was propted by underdog Alexi Giannoulias winning the Democratic Primary for President Obama's old senate seat. It's also the only article I've seen in awhile not to mention the hypothetical race in Wisconsin between Russ Feingold and Tommy Thompson.

Congress Speaks

Congress Speaks is a cute little website that counts how many words each member of Congress spoke during the 110th Congress. It turns out that Russ Feingold is one of the talkiest talkers in Congress (13th overall, Kohl is much more quiet). You can also see which words members were using more frequently than their colleagues.

I'm not sure it's useful for anything, but it's fun to poke around. Karma points to whoever reveals in the comments who is the biggest gasbag in Congress.

Via the indispensable political science blog The Monkey Cage.

Congressional hearing reveals US Intelligence agencies shielded Flight 253 bomber

Its apparent that without congressional hearings, there would be too many agencies acting independent from their charters. While the case of the underwear bomber could have been a coverup to this day, at least Congressional pressure puts the pressure on independent agencies to work harder in NOT making mistakes.

Lawmakers pledge action to limit election spending

An interesting article about lawmakers reaction to the recent Supreme court campaign finance decision. I found this interesting because of John kerry's suggestion that a constitutional amendment might be needed to ensure corporations dont have the same free speech rights as individuals. Any mention of constitutional amendments gets me excited!

Great Source for Final Paper: CFI article with Figures

As we know, money is critical to most contests in American Society. This report shows figures on challenger and incumbent fund raising over the past few elections. It gives a nice perspective of trends and differences between challengers and incumbents from 2003-2009.

This empirical data is a good example of a type of source to consider when writing your final paper.

Charlie Crist's Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

On paper Florida Governor Charlie Crist should be cruising toward the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, socially liberal, fiscally conservative, handsome, an "Schwarzenegger" style Republican, he should have no problem winning over independents and moderates in a state where the President only won by 2%.

However in a scene very similar to the NY-23 special election, conservatives are revolting and turning toward their hero, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio, young, latino, and very conservative.

With two polls showing a widening lead for the GOP primary, some pundits are speculating that Crist could make FL Senate even more like NY-23 and run as an independent, so the 2010 roller coaster continues.

GOP election strategy

It seems as we move forward to the midterm elections that a strategy is unfolding to use the damage done to the United States via terror to gain political advantage. It is clear from polling in Mass. that the threat of terror is on the minds of Americans, but is that a reason to politicize the fear. The article points out this strategy of the GOP to expose the hint of weakness in the Democrat's and the Presidents ability to protect the country.
My thought on this is not weather this is a viable strategy to gain election wins, as it may very well be. My concern would lie in the prudence of the decision to exploit a potential weakness in American defenses. If the GOP members in Congress see real threats it is their responsibility to bring to light not only those weaknesses but also corrective action. If they intend to use this solely as a political strategy it seems like this strategy has the ability to cause more harm than good for the country. Divisive rhetoric over the safety and security of the nation has a dangerous ramification to embolden the enemies of the U.S.
If the rhetoric encourages more attacks on the country by exposing weakness (real or imaginary) regardless of its potential to win elections then it is irresponsible. This (National security) is an issue that should not be used to expose partisanship. It should be an issue that draws both parties, and all branches together to seek best approaches and fixes. At this point with the writing on the wall for the strategies for the 2010 midterms one has to ask is this the best strategy for the Country as a whole.

"Behind the fundraising numbers"

This article highlights some of the contested seats that could be threatened in upcoming elections based on the amount of fund raising being done in certain contests.

Congress Faces Obama's 3.83 Trillion Dollar Heart Attack

This article entails Obama's newly introduced 3.83 trillion dollar 2011 budget including ways to tax Americans. Will congress be able to stop themselves from having a heart attack long enough to vote it through to approval?