Democrats take another step forward in war legislation

Democrats in the Senate turned back the Republicans attempt to remove the call for removal of the United States involvement including all troops from Iraq. This only adds to the democrat's confidence about their moves when it comes to issues on the war.

McGee spends $10,185 to defend seat

Its nice to see that an alderman spending 10,000 dollars made the news. What a dramatic difference from members of Congress. My favorite part of the article was the last paragraph where it mentioned that others who were running did not intend to raise or spend more than 1000 dollars. Talk about fiscal responsibility.

McCain's MySpace Page Hacked

Yet another example of how the internet is going to play a role in the '08 election.


ABC News' Jennifer Parker Reports: In what is perhaps a new weapon in campaign digital media warfare, the MySpace page of presidential candidate Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., was hacked Tuesday.

The March Madness Loophole

Its march madness baby, and we got some P T P ers. Apparently division 1 schools have lobbyists in Washington who can give members of congress tickets to both final four games and the championship. The packages can also "legally" include airfare, hotel and limo rides to and from the game. Wow this is a perk. "These contacts can give lobbyists golden opportunities to solicit earmarks for their schools." The cost of this package to any regular joe would be over 6 Gs. A big chunk of change. The rules allow public universities to give gifts to congress. Apparently some people are pissed about this, saying that big money is bad in politics. However, I love college basketball, and it has continued to grow into this huge money making machine, and I think this is one exception that I am willing to deal with. Go State!

My Fellow Americans: Pls Post a Comment!

Here is yet another example of how the internet is really playing a huge role in the upcoming election. Now you can post comments on the myspace walls of Senator Joe Biden and Governor Bill Richardson! This is definately a new type of campaigning that I think has the potential to really have an impact on the younger generations. This could be a good way to start informing potential younger voters that have traditionally been uninvolved.

Congress Expands Scope of Inquiries Into Justice Department Practices and Politics

This week Congress heard accounts from members of the Justice Department that acknowledged mistakes were made in relation to the F.B.I.'s mishandling of national security letters that were used to gain important information without judicial oversight. This article itself is an example of congressional oversight as the legislative branch puts pressure on the Justice Department in addition to the questions they have already raised concerning Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' specific involvement in the firing of eight U.S attorneys. As the media alerted the public about the questionable firings of the eight attorneys, Congress utilized fire alarm oversight to investigate the matter and is taking a similar step in this incident concerning the national security letters. Congress's criticisms of Attorney General Gonzales are a part of their larger discontent with Bush administration.

Democrats Pass Iraq Appropriations Bill

This article summarizes the House’s 218-212 vote to approve an appropriations bill that not only allocates $128 million to American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan but also requires American forces to withdraw from Iraq no later than September 2008, possibly sooner depending on the extent to which the Iraqi government complies with or violates specific terms not elaborated upon in the article. I used THOMAS to search for the bill, but there were so many similar-sounding bills that have received recent floor action that I decided to just use the information from the article. Such articles really should include the short title of the bill and/or the bill number. Anyway, Bush was right in more ways than one when he opined, “Political theater…These Democrats believe that the longer they can delay funding for our troops, the more likely they are to force me to accept restrictions on our commanders, an artificial timetable for withdrawal and their pet spending projects.” The Dems are likely to continue their battle against Bush’s war well into the summer due to their electoral mandate, and the sheer number of bills about what to do with the Iraq war (over a hundred on both houses) taxes the limit of how many of the roll call votes any given representative or senator can be in attendance for. As stated on page 118 of Steve Smith’s [u]The American Congress[u], it is very difficult for any member of Congress to be present for all roll call votes. The availability of Congressional members interacts with the large number of Iraq-related bills to produce a chaotic effect that is tempered primarily by W the veto actor. Meanwhile, domestic bills that Bush is less likely to veto fall by the wayside.

A Brave New World of Political Skulduggery?

This article greatly coincides with our lecture on campaign advertisements and the growing influence of internet advertisements. Here is a scenario in which a person made amd anti-Clinton video and posted it on YouTube. He flashed Obama's campaign website at the end, suggesting that Obama was in some way connected with the video. This ad has now been viewed more than 2 million times. I think this is just one of many situations in which the internet is going to play a huge role in informing people and influencing them in regards to the upcoming elections.

need a partner

If anyone does not have a partner for the HW next week and is in town, let me know! I was kinda sick last week and did not want to deal with this! Email me at wcwalker.edu. Thanks!

2008: March Money Madness

Hillary and Bill held a fundraising campaign in which attendees had to pay 1000$ to attend. She netted 2.7 million for her campaign. This amount blows me away, I guess I never really thought about how much money they actually spend to get elected. Even more astonishing is that the washington post is predicting that "the collective field could match in a single quarter the nearly $100 million that George W. Bush raised during his record-breaking primary effort two presidential cycles ago.” It doesnt seem like the thing the candidates hate the most is raising money since they are doing more than ever. Also, the article said that only finger foods were served, if I am paying a thousand dollars to hear somebody speak I had better be getting a steak.

White House issues veto threat on Iraq pullout bill

It seems that everyone has posted something on this site about the war; however, it seems like many of us, including myself, may have been missing a very key elements to the stopping of the war...the things that go along with the bills that they may be passing. In the Presidents speech yesterday he spoke of having "clean" bills. Up until then it had never crossed my mind as to what may be thrown on some of these bills, which may be very realistic ones, but made unpassable by the things that may be attached to them. Maybe if we cut some of the pork we could have a way, that many people may agree on, to get out of Iraq.

"No" votes and not showing up to vote doesn't make Reps look good.

As far as the vote to withdrawal troops and to cut spending, President Bush's strongest allies for the war in Iraq, Sen. John McCain didn't even show up to vote, because he was too busy campaigning in Iowa at the time. What kind of message is this sending to the Senators constituencies in Arizona?? Is he too concerned with his own campaign and his own career to be apart of a vote that affects millions of dollars and thousands of American troops in Iraq. Also can someone explain to me why Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee of California would not vote when support for the Democrats is so crucial?

Just like a Broadway play, congressional hearings have many acts.

We all know agenda's are abound and seemingly important things are discussed in congressional hearings, but this article shows just how monotonous and sometimes trivial they can be. The whole process of a congressional hearing appears to be organized chaos, with all committee members rarely present at the same time and some senators attending multiple hearings at once.

US legislation could set Iraq pullout date

The House is considering important legislation that could require troops to pull out of Iraq all together by September 2008. I see this as two dimensions, spatically, one dimension with bringing the troops home and the other making Iraq safe. Many people want both, but some feel enough is enough. Senator John Kerry has claimed that it is time that Iraq start taking responsibility for itself. In other words, Kerry feels Iraqis should assume more responsibility for Iraq so that the United States does not have to. It seems that more people feel that bringing the troops home is more salient than a safe Iraq in this Democratically controlled Congress.

Dems Demand more Cash

This is a really good example of what we have talked about in class. We learned that elections that tend to be really close spends more money. In other words, if there is serious a challenger and incumbents spend lots of money. Now, because the Democrats have taken over Congress, the House democratic leaders are asking their colleagues to cough up $155 million for campaign operations. That sounds to me like the Democrats are expecting to have a very close races. This has received some criticism as people's ideal points differ on how much more money is needed. Even more Democrats like, Diane E. Watson, have pointed out that raising that much money is a full time job and takes away from the time Congress people spend in Congress. I see this as driving a small rift through the Democratic party.

Hillary Invokes Proletarian Interests

(Note: I’m posting twice this weekend because I finally have the time to do so, pushing myself over the minimum threshold for grade-A posting.) This article summarizes the press conference that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) held in Nashua, New Hampshire, at which she vowed to enhance domestic programs that would help the working class rise from poverty and aid the middle class in staying above poverty. It should be noted that she did not mention what she would do to assist businesses or to protect the holdings of the rich, and sensibly so: Although those earning above $70,000 annually have the highest vote turnout (about 86% compared to middle-class 65% and working-class 52%), they comprise the smallest segment of the population by far (about 12% compared to middle-class 32% and working-class 56%). Collectively, the absolute number of active voters not earning over $70,000 annual income is significantly larger than the number of active voters earning $70,000 or less annual income. Of course, the difficulty lies in convincing those the programs would appeal to that the proposed measures are feasible. The “too-good-to-be-true” argument ultimately prevents such a proletariat-centered platform from becoming the Condorcet winner (unless another Great Depression hits the United States).

Hagel Stays Out of Presidential Race

This article summarizes the press conference that Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) held at the University of Nebraska to announce he would not seek nomination for the 2008 presidential race, stating, “I want to…not divert my energy, efforts, and judgment with competing political considerations.” Hagel’s decision is sound because being socially and fiscally moderate in addition to opposing the Iraqi War makes Hagel a de facto Republican In Name Only (RINO), precluding him from gaining the presidential or vice-presidential GOP nomination. Hagel’s refusal to jump parties results in a candidate who has alienated himself from both potential bases of the strongest support, which hinders his chances of presidential nomination and election far more than it does a possible 2008 Senate race. Whereas Hagel is not even close to gaining enough of an overlap of interests to gain the presidency, log rolling with GOP partisans might be just the thing to make him a Condorcet winner come Senate nomination time. Hagel also acknowledged that running as a third-party presidential candidate would be a waste. (I suppose he figures there are already enough third-party candidates to split the vote…Perhaps in return for a kickback, or else why invest so many resources in a guaranteed failed venture? Something or another is adding to the third-party candidates’ immediate satisfaction from running…)

partner anyone?

does anyone still need a partner for the upcoming assignment? Please email me at mereidy@uwm.edu. Thanks!!

YouTube Sets Aside 'Channel' for Presidential Candidates

I thought this was a very interesting article after we were talking about voters being ignorant for the most part. I think that using a media like youtube, young voters in particular, can become more educated in the future. This perhaps is overly optimistic but who knows.

The New Dean Political Plan

"I am trying to build relationships with other governments in preparation for a Democratic takeover," Dean told me. "I want to make clear that there is an opposition in America and that we are ready to take power and that when we do, we are going to have much better relationships with them."


I think this is an interesting quote. He is claiming that a Democratic takeover would actually get something accomplished. I would love to see either party take a more controversial stance on, well anything really....although each side is claiming to either take power or reunite the party etc. I have yet to see any real action take place.

Emanuel tells freshmen to avoid Stephen Colbert

So much for the idea that voters get Colbert.

Here's the whole story since the website seems to be getting hammered right now.

Emanuel tells freshmen to avoid Stephen Colbert

By Jonathan E. Kaplan

March 15, 2007

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), the Democratic Caucus chairman, has told new Democratic members of Congress to steer clear of Stephen Colbert, or at least his satirical Comedy Central program, “The Colbert Report.”

“He said don’t do it … it’s a risk and it’s probably safer not to do it,” said Rep. Steve Cohen. But the freshman lawmaker from Tennessee taped a segment that last week was featured in the 32nd installment of the “Better Know a District” series. Colbert asked Cohen whether he was a black woman. He isn’t.

Eyes (but thankfully, not heads) roll in Emanuel’s office when other freshmen stumble, such as the time Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) got into a debate about the merits of throwing kittens into a wood-chipper, or when Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) explained that he is not his predecessor, convicted felon Bob Ney (R).

The freshmen respect Emanuel, but they don’t always follow his orders. On the other hand, avoiding the kind of publicity that only “The Colbert Report” can confer on a lawmaker may be the only advice from Emanuel that freshman Democrats are ignoring.

Last year, as the House Democrats’ chief election strategist, Emanuel engineered the party’s takeover of the House by capitalizing on a nationalized midterm election. Now, as the House Democratic spokesman, Emanuel is working to keep freshman Democrats in office. His thoughts on how to manage casework, campaign for reelection, and win favorable press coverage are rooted in former Speaker Tip O’Neill’s (D-Mass.) maxim that “all politics is local.”

“Pay attention to your district, don’t go Washington, go home every weekend,” is a message Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) said Emanuel has drilled in. “He’s encouraging people to stay local and focus on change, change, change. He and [Speaker Nancy] Pelosi (D-Calif.) both say to renew your commitment to change every day … be local, be practical and maintain that connection to the district.”

Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) said of Emanuel, “He has been helpful and a pain-in-the-you-know-what, to my great benefit … he’s an advocate for making sure folks in the district know what you’re doing … Of course, he keeps a close watch on doing what we need to do to get reelected.”

Emanuel also understands that what works in a traditional Democratic district won’t necessarily work in a more conservative district, Rep. Chris Carney (D-Pa.) said.

If lawmakers are doing their jobs and staying out of trouble, chances are Emanuel won’t say anything. If they stumble, he speaks up. Hodes considers Emanuel a mentor who understands the value of “tough love.”

One freshman who has been on the receiving end of Emanuel’s “tough love” is Rep. Steve Kagen (Wis.), who boasted to a group of anti-war activists that he had dressed down President Bush’s top political adviser, Karl Rove, during a White House reception. The administration denied the story.

But Emanuel threw a fit. Kagen’s staff was hauled into the Democratic Caucus’s office for lessons on how to handle the media, Democratic sources said.

Rep. Nancy Boyda (D-Kan.) said, “It took [Emanuel] three weeks to come down off of the ceiling” after she refused to accept the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) assistance in her bid to win reelection in 2008.
Boyda said Emanuel would “worry until November 4, 2008, but he says it in a very caring, grandmotherly way.”

Emanuel is not the only House leader advising first-term Democrats. Pelosi hosts a weekly breakfast for freshmen and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) guides them through the legislative process. Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), chairman of the DCCC, tells new lawmakers that the first 100 days is the time to cement their relationship with voters by ably handling constituent service requests and pushing a positive legislative agenda.

Victory won’t be easy in 2008. Democrats may have opportunities to defeat GOP incumbents or pick up open seats, but they first must defend 33 new incumbents of their own. In 1994, House GOPers gained 52 seats and had to protect 73 new freshmen. In 1996, Democrats defeated 12 GOP freshmen and picked up nine seats.

Some first-term Democrats can breathe a bit easier because former GOP lawmakers and conceivably strong GOP candidates have demurred, including former Reps. Richard Pombo (Calif.) and Rob Simmons (Conn.). Reps. Ron Klein (D-Fla.) and Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.) also have had opponents decline to run.

Despite Emanuel’s energetic style of browbeating and worrying, freshman lawmakers esteem him.

“He’s the Al Davis of Congress,” said Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-Pa.), referring to the legendary owner of the Oakland Raiders who coined the phrase, “Just win, baby.”

Never say that you're not learning anything up here on the east side.

Democrat David Obey attacks "idiot liberals"

This may be breaking the unspoken blog format, but I thought it was interesting to see some thick Congress Action. There is quite a lot of technical jazz thrown out in this "interview" between a liberal group and Wisconsin's Dave Obey. It seems Obey is trying to use his years and years of experience in terms of how to proceed with the ugliness in Iraq.

What makes the situation in Washington so complex? Is it more than the war itself being complex and the decision makers not knowing what decision is best, or is there more institiuational complexity that comes with congress?

Either way, frustration is the emotion prevelent with Obey as well as the "idiot liberals."

Happy "Sunshine Week" Everybody!

In an apparent attempt to shed some light on some of the government's activities, the Democrats have introduced legislation to protect whistle-blowers, as well as to increase public access to government activities. While in office, Democrats claim Bush has restricted access to a number of items that should be available via the Freedom of Information Act. This is a real week-long event organized by the American Society of Newspaper Editors from March 11-17. Will it change anything? Who knows.

Veto players always get their way

The Senate on Wednesday began its first formal debate on the Iraq war since Democrats took control of Congress, taking up a measure calling for President Bush to withdraw combat troops by the end of next March. The White House swiftly issued a veto threat.The 89-9 vote paved the way for consideration of the Democratic legislation, which would start troop withdrawals within four months and calls for—but does not require—the complete removal of combat troops by the end of March 2008.


Yet another look at the way congress votes and how important a veto actor is. Although overwhelming (89-9) would pass it, the president can veto it. I suggest that congress move their ideal preferences closer to something the president would actually approve and not veto.

Legislator's love triangle implodes

I think the best part in this article is when Leon Young takes both of his mistresses on the same flight to Vegas. You do have to be a risk taker to be in politics.

Dems to Russert, Wallace, and Sheiffer: You're on notice!

I actually do watch the Sunday morning talk shows. I have noticed a trend toward more conservative guests and apparently so has a group of progressive Democratic Congressmen. A new study suggests that ABC's This Week, with George Stephanopoulos was the most balanced in opinions, while the others booked at least 10% more conservative opinions than liberal. The liberal media, eh? Anyway, I really don't think this matters all that much. After all, those who watch these programs (the few who do) probably form their political opinions on something more substantive than a softball question Russert tosses to Elizabeth Dole.

Dems optimistic about Iraq plan passage

Dems are pushing for a bill that would have us out of Iraq in under two years, but with house republicans and the White house standing united in opposition, the bill has little chance of success. Of course good ol' Dick Cheney threw his two cents, saying that the bill only empowers the "enemy" by telling them the date in which we plan on pulling out.

need a partner?

Does anyone need a partner for the homework assignment that was handed out today? I would really like to work with anyone available and I am willing to do any candidate. my email is dmweigel@uwm.edu, or you can find me on facebook. Thanks mucho.

-Deb

Lantos Introduces Iran Sanctions Legislation

I don't really have any idea why we are imposing sanctions on other countries that by into Irans nuclear power. I understand that they may be led by somebody crazy, but this will only affect our relationship (which is alreay in shambles) with our foreign allies. Also if we were so worried about what they are capable of, then wouldn't you try not to irritate the madman. All they are doing now is egging these extremest into a political area we simply aren't ready for.

Democrats Look to Scrap Spending Bill Riders

The example written about in the article was the Hyde amendment which restricts federal money from being used for abortions in most circumstances. While one can see why this is an issue the Democrats may not like they have to remember that this is a sword that will cut both ways. Now if the Republicans retake control and allow some sort of lumber contract, the Democrats can't put in a rider that says the contract needs to replant however much they take, or something of that sort. Closing this door will take any second chance they may want in the future.

Pelosi Reveals Who's Who On Global Warming Panel

Nancy Pelosi has finally announced the 15 official members of the new committee on global warming, formally known as the Select Committee on Energy Independence andGlobal Warming. The purpose of the committee is to raise the visibility of these energy and climate issues, rather than having legislative jurisdiction. This is a very short article, but I thought it was interesting to see that one of the 15 members is our very own Congressman Sensenbrenner!

Paperless Ballot Ban

Sen. Bill Nelson from Florida introduced the first legislation to ban paperless voting in the country. In a time when technology is skyrocketing and everything is going internet, it is important to make sure some things stay the same. I agree with Nelson. Without a paper trail, it is too easy for corruption on both sides. It doesn't matter how much easier it is to vote online or through a computer, it shouldn't be done. Think about Myspace for example. How many times has anyone tried to log on and the site is too busy or just loads improperly. Now imagine the entire nation logging on at the same time, and the site is built by the lowest bidder. It's just asking for trouble.

Senators argue about Alberto Gonzales

Senators fear that Attorney General Gonzales is much too political for his job. His job is not to solely serve the President any longer, his job is much more important than that. Many are calling for his resignation while others believe it may be the President's job to handle the situation.

Ted Kennedy Talks: Do I Listen??

There is an interesting article in today's Washington Post by that great lunatic from the left, none other than our friendly Ted Kennedy. Now, normally I don't put much stock by his "wisdom", but this article clearly does spell out that the Democrats are going to re-establish the balance of power in Washington. It's about time! Unfortunatly this bit of wisdom didn't come from someone a bit more credible than the most notorious drunk in D.C. This new Congress is going to hold Georgie's little behind to the fire on the numerous debacles that seem to follow his administration, but that is exactly what the Congess is supposed to do. It was never intended to be a rubber stamp for every idiotic idea that came from the White House, but since January of 2001 it has been --until now. Way to go Teddy! For once you are dead right.

Bush Asks Congress for Armed Forces Funding Shift

Although the headline emphasizes Bush’s request for a budget revision to shift $3.2 billion from particular defense items into another troop buildup, the real story here is the composition of the appropriations bill Bush wants Congress to approve. During an international flight on March 10th, President Bush signed a letter (likely prepared by his cabinet) beckoning Congress to approve his latest armed forces appropriations bill, which would enable the deployment of 8,200 more troops to Afghanistan and Iraq in addition to his separate planned deployment of 21,000 American soldiers to Iraq. Given that about 47.5% of the requested funds are to fund Iraqi police and security forces to help the Iraqi government be more able to enforce its laws to eventually reduce dependence on American forces, it is likely that a two-thirds supermajority coalition of Republican and Bluedog Democrats will vote in favor of the bill in both chambers. Any revision that passes both the House and the Senate are unlikely to be much different from the original appropriations bill, as the 52% of requested funds going towards combat support troops is necessary to stabilize attacks against coalition forces, and the 0.5% of requested funds going towards reconstruction teams is appropriate for restoring infrastructure damaged in attacks. Therefore, it is safe to say that Bush’s appropriations proposal is a Condorcet winner in both chambers of Congress and will then (obviously) be signed into effect by President Bush.

Democrats’ Iraq Plan Draws Broad Support, Poll Shows

One of the first poles to test individual public opinion in individual congressional districts since the 2006 midterm elections. The pole results reveal that the democrats plan from with drawl of Iraq by early 2008. Also, 58% also oppose Bush's plans for a surge in the amount of troops. The result of this could be negative if Congress does not act. It is possible that voters could vote for a challenger in the next election if no pull out happens.

House Dems Face Uphill Battle Over Iraq

This article, from the New York Times, is about Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House) and a problem she is having. She introduced legislation that would require troops to leave Iraq by fall 2008. Even though her own party (Democrats) is in control of Congress, there are still some difficulties because the democrats hold a slim majority and if some defect then the legislation would not pass.

The democrats are divided about what to do. Some want more involvement and some want less involvement in Iraq. Some Democrats want out by March 2008. Democrats ideal points all over the political spectrum. Getting the bill in a win set that would please Democrats is going to be difficult but through use of strategic voting, it is possible. Especially since some Republicans may support this legislation as well.

It's Like I'm On Crazy Pills or Something!

WHAT is the deal lately? Newt Gingrich admits to an extra-marital affair with HIS Congressional aide WHILE he's leading the attack on Bill Clinton for the Monica Lewinsky situation? Morality be damned, I suppose. He says he's not a hypocrite because he was only railing against Clinton for committing the crime of lying under oath. Well, OK. I guess I remember the situation a tad differently than Newt and the gang. What about all the conservatives calling for Scooter Libby to be PARDONED for committing the SAME crime? My head feels like it's about to explode here.

Broad Support for Dems' Iraq Plan?

That's what the folks over at MoveOn.org are claiming in their new poll. 58% of respondents oppose Bush's troop surge and 67% of voters want American troops to “be out of Iraq by early 2008.” The poll claims a majority of Americans in competitive right-leaning districts approve of a withdrawal date. I've consistently opposed the Iraq war from the beginning , but I'd take the poll for what it's worth, coming from an organization with political agenda. It's interesting if nothing else.

Obama pays parking tickets...only took him 17 years

Obama took care of some unfinished business at Harvard University, paying about $400 in parking fines dating back to his days as a law student. A Harvard grad, who wants to be our next president, cannot even pay his own parking tickets!! How can he handle a budget for an entire country?

Kohl pushes anti-trust issue

After Sen. Herb Kohl criticized the proposed hostile takeover of Midwest Airlines at a hearing Wednesday, he won a pledge from a top Justice Department official that any information sparking anti-trust concerns would be reviewed.

Kohl lauded Midwest Airlines, which he uses when flying to and from the nation's capital, as a "true success story." He said Midwest was unique as an airliner since it offered the highest quality of service and is "beloved by its customers."

Already the department has completed an initial review of the proposed takeover.
Barnett said while the department had closed its initial review, it was "not precluded from looking at it further based on additional information." He said he would take information from Kohl, his staff and constituents and consider whether anti-trust concerns arose. He noted that when the department examines competition, it considers competition both in price and quality.
Kohl said no one doubts Midwest's service would suffer if AirTran bought the airliner. More worrisome, he said, was AirTran's history of promising high levels of service when it enters new markets, then abruptly breaking those pledges. Since 2004, AirTran has left 29 markets it said it would serve; sometimes it returned with scaled-down offerings and other times, not at all, he said.


I think this is a good example of a Senator doing something for his constituents. Politicians on both side of the aisle have expressed that they do NOT want to see Midwest airlines be sold and the people of the state feel the same way. Midwest is held close to many of our hearts because of their great service, affordable prices, and personal care.

Scooter Libby

So, Libby was found guilty. He faces up to ten years in prison. I totally agree that he was guilty and am amazed that something was done about it. My big question is, what about the guy who actually leaked the name? Dick Cheney. Why hasn't he been brought up on charges?

Two Freshmen Learn the Perils of Talking Too Much

This article talk about freshmen representatives Michelle Bachman and Steve Kagen. Both representatives have received negative publicity because of outlandish comments and actions. (Bachmann claimed to know of an "Iranian plan to partitition the Northern part of Iraq if American troops withdrew"). The article has commentary from a political scientist that says that freshmen representatives should keep there mouth shut, and gain only wanted publicity. Bachmann is also a advocate of banning gay marriage, and made some innappropriate comments about this as well (see article). It also says that she is in a very good position for reelection, because of the very high amount of republican support in her district.
Her advantage as a incumbent has not decreased because of her comments, mostly because of the hoighty tighty area she represents. However, her advantage could get smaller if she keeps making national blunders. Maybe her sophomore surge will be smaller based on her past actions, if she gets reelected. She also ran against Patty Wetterling, who was a single issue candidate (child protection), and the democrats have a more centrist candidate lined up for next time (Female district attorney seems to be the trend in MN). I hope she is one and done I have seen enough.

Senate to question Army on Walter Reed

The senate and the President are starting to look into failures in the veteran's administration. This topic could be a potential hot button when elections come up next year. The republicans can speak of their swift concern and action, and the democrats will be asking how this was allowed to happen. It will be harder for incumbent republicans to distance themselves from the President if this is brought up during their campaign.

obama vs. hillary part 2393893

Obama and Clinton, joined by the former president, planned to speak at the same time from pulpits three blocks apart. They also were to appear together at a rally before making the ceremonial walk to the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor the Selma-to-Montgomery marches.

As the season heats up, its hard to beleive that the election is yet soo far away. I am interested to see the endurance of these two candidates, and the positions they take, following each other around the country. Which came first, hillary or obama....the chicken or the egg.

Arizona's Other Senator Wants to Fix Leaks

On March 1st, Senator John Kyl (R – AZ) proposed an amendment this week to an anti-terrorism bill that would criminalize disclosure of at least three distinct classes of congressional reports. Kyl’s amendment primarily targets members of Congress and Capitol Hill staff, as the only people in a position to disclosure the content of such offline reports would be Congress members or other staff present during the issuing of the reports. This is actually Kyl’s third amendment to an anti-terrorism bill attempting to criminalize a broader array of information disclosure (via expanding the definition of “classified communications”) as well as increasing penalties for such offenses (such as doubling the maximum prison term for such disclosure). Although the Journal Sentinel did not report much congressional support for the bill as amended, that will be revealed in the next week or so when the amended bill hits the floor. Because the first two Kyl amendments were too draconian relative to the status quo of restricted communications, they were voted down in the Senate. Perhaps Kyl’s third try will be modest enough (adding only three groups of congressional reports) to obtain a simple majority (given the congressional emphasis on national security), but it is unlikely that the House will agree on the same provisions because the sentiment there is somewhat more populist and therefore in favor of a shift away from the high-security status quo but towards fewer classifications of communications, not more.

Children's Health Care on Agenda

This Washington Post article explains the current disagreement between Democrats and Republicans in Congress concerning the state-federal Children's Health Insurance Program. Democrats tend to favor a more robust program role that covers more children from families in different economic brackets while Republicans tend to favor a more limited role where the neediest children receive the assistance.
Below are the current ideal points and one possible outcome for the new proposal:
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the program needs 13-15 billion above current levels to keep covering the same number of children it currently covers. President Bush's administration has proposed 4.8 billion for the new budget. The Democratic majority in Congress has proposed 50 billion over the next five years. I believe the new budget will fall somewhere close to the 13-15 billion needed to support the current number of children at a point between the President and the majority in Congress's ideal points.

Democrats' plan: Meet goals or bring troops home

One of the problems that has plagued the democratic party was how much to scale back the involvement in Iraq. All of the democrats in the house have been working to come up with a compromise on how to go about this as they all have different ideal points. The end result of this looks to be a resolution which would change the status quo by authorizing spending and troops if the Iraqis live up to agreements made with the president, including coming to political agreement sharing the nation's oil resources as well as reconstruction. Failure to comply on the part of Iraq would mean they would get less US troops to battleterrorism.

I think that this change in the status quo is needed-why should we stick our troops and tax money over there if they are not going to live up to their ends of the bargain. They need to work to improve their situation, the United States can not do it for them.

Republicans United in Opposition?

This is an interesting article on the conservative and moderate factions within the Republican party attempting to put differences aside to defeat the Democrats in 2008. What's that you say? Wall Street and Main Street working together again after a decade of Wall Street domination? Realistically, their ideal points are still closer to each other than to the Democrats, so this does make sense. However, they do occupy very different positions on certain issues. So, can it work? Maybe, but it means a move to the middle. I argue that they have been trying this since Pat Robertson endorsed Rudy Giuliani for President. Giuliani holds positions on gay-rights and abortion rights that do not jive with the Christian right, and in any other campaign, would have meant the tele-evangelists on the attack. Hypocrisy? Absolutely! But they need somebody they think can win.

Democrats eye cuts to 2008 Iraq war request

In today's Congress, one of the big debates continues to be over military operation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats have now proposed changing the status quo by cutting $20 billion from President's Bush proposed $ 142 billion budget from next year. There is also distinction about this policy in Congress. In order to successfully maintain the military operation, some members of Congress believe that rather than lowering the status quo, it will actually have to be increased to maintain the military operation for at least the next five years. This is an example of the legislative power that Congress holds over the president from the Constitution, President Bush may not be happy about this yet there is nothing he can do about it if Bush were to veto the bill and Congress overrides it. It just goes to show you how truly powerless the president is compared to congress.

A Three Way Split

There seems to be a three way split in congress on what to do about the war in Iraq. Some of the democrats that we are against the idea of passing a bill that would put a time limit on the fundind available to the troops in that are still in Iraq. Some of the democrats want to take away the funding and some now are leaning away from that approach.

Rice: Congress Shouldn't Micromanage War

I was intrigued by the discussion in class about Congress's rights and abilities when it comes to foreign affairs. The nonbinding resolution stuff seems very ineffectual and petty, but nothing is not an option. Congress must work within it's limitations, and the sooner the better. Vietnam took a very long time for there to be enough nonbinding resolutions to make things different. It still looks like Congress is not ready to be really brave and impose money restrictions. Risky strategy for the war or for getting reelected????

Will Gore Run for President after his Oscar Nod?

Ever since An Inconvenient Truth was nominated for an Oscar there has been buzz that Al Gore would announce his bid for 2008 Democratic Party President in his acceptance speech. He did win but he didn't announce anything. Officially he stated that he hasn't ruled out running but I don't think he will. I just don't think there is room for him anymore, not between Hillary and Obama. He had his chance and some would argue that he did win, but now he needs to step aside. Theres always the Nobel Peace Prize Al.

Govenors See Influence Wane In Race For Presidency

This is an interesting artcile that was published in the Washington Post over the weekend pointing out the obvious lack of governors in the "race for presidency" and the alarming dominance of senators. The most recent event highlighting this lack of governors in the race was the announcement that Former Governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack, dropped his campaign for president a mere three months after launching it. I think this lack of governors in the race is very interesting a also pretty rare. I think that it is rather safe to argue that we will see many, if any, governors making it past the primary elections. This is just another issue that I feel is going to make this upcoming election stand out from all previous ones.

CLINTON SEES ROLE FOR HUSBAND

Honey, can I have a job? Hilary Clinton is considering letting her husband back into the White House not only as the first first man if she is elected, but as a potential diplomat. These types of considerations are exponentially crucial 617 days before the election. I'm thrilled to see Clinton so focused on whether or not Al Gore is going to win an Oscar and defending her husband while attending a San Fransisco fund raiser for her presidential campaign. Talk about time-horizons, she will not complete a single senatorial duty that is not a contrived or strategic ploy at securing a potential nomination for the next two years. Not to say everyone else wont be doing the same thing.... it just seems so much more obvious with her.

Supreme Court Possible Veto Actor in Iraq Resolution

The article describes Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Carl Levin (D-MI)’s plan for limiting American troop involvement in Iraq. However, the provisions of the bill, if enacted, would infringe upon the Commander-in-Chief’s prerogative to set war strategy, as Congress’ constitutional role in war is to declare it (in the Senate) and to fund it (in the House). The current conservative composition of the Supreme Court is more likely to rule in favor of greater presidential authority over foreign policy. The political reality that the House will have to continue funding war equipment or be alienated from voters (at least until this goes on for another year or so, at which point the majority of the American public might not argue much against de-funding troops, but the Pentagon would still be able to dip into its overdraft funds and fund itself as an executive agency to deploy troops, putting the ball back into the House to fund the troops who the Pentagon continues to send). Most of the 29 Republicans oppose the bill and consequently are with the status quo (presidential position), which the Supreme Court approximates on this issues. Hence, any attempt this quarter to restrict the activities of the troops will ultimately lose despite the Democratic majority due to a range of disagreements about what specific provisions should and should not be preventing a potential override of a presidential veto, with the Supreme Court primed to be a veto actor given the language of the bill.

June Vote Set for Ga. Congressional Seat

There will be a June 19 special election held to fill the vacant House seat of GOP Rep. Charles Norwood, a seven-term congressman, who died last week. The number of terms he served in the legislative branch reminded me of the graph in the Polsby article that looked at the mean percentage of first-term members and how it decreased over time from around 50% in the 1780s to less than 20% by the 1960s.

Because the special election is in June, the candidates who will be running for the seat (3 Republicans and 1 Democrat so far) will have only about 4 months to campaign.

Eye to the Telescope.

This is a great article from THE ECONOMIST, it looks at the primaries from a game theory perspective. "It is reasonably clear where the process will end, as the states scramble over each other...", I'll let you read to find out where it leads...

The issue comes into play because California’s state Congress has approved a bill to move their primary date to February 5th, it will soon be approved it in their house. What happens next is obvious from a game theory perspective, 17 more states are likely to follow suit...

This is a great look at the consequences of our current primaries system, how it will likely change, and a perspective on how it should change...

I've posted the article on my blog since you wont be able to access the Economist page. It's a one page magazie article and it's a very fast read... I recommend it.

Vilsack Out.

As I was posting a comment, the news broke that Ex-Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is dropping out of the Presidential race. More on it in 20 minutes or so at a press conference. At least that's what they're saying on MSNBC in between the bizarre Anna Nichole Smith coverage. Literally, the AP wire posted this comment and only this comment.

Democratic Senate Majority in Jeopardy?

Joe Lieberman has not ruled out switching from "I" caucusing with the Democrat's to an "R". "What issue could possibly prompt this?" I can hear you asking yourself. Well, none other than the war in Iraq, of course. You see, Joe is fully committed to supporting the troop surge and is concerned that the Democrats might not fully fund the war effort.
The bright side for Democrats is that he doesn't want to switch, or is at least saying as much. With the Democratic majority already on shaky ground with the Tim Johnson situation, Lieberman has become a player, dare I say the median voter, at least on Iraq. Sadly, the Democrats need him more than he needs the Democrats. Joe knows that as much as Harry Reid. My prognostication: Joe continues to caucus with the Democrats, at least through 2008. The Democrats will do enough to appease him and the Republicans won't offer him enough to switch. Not to mention the potential problem Lieberman faces in the 33% of Democrats in CT that voted for him in the general. Interesting, if not tricky and kind of scary situation.

Pelosi tattles on Cheney

I thought this article was pretty interesting after we talked about the relationship between members of Congress and the President. I am interested to know what role the Vice President plays or how he influences the Presidents decision making.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi phoned President Bush to air her complaints over Vice President Dick Cheney's comments that the Congressional Democrats' plan for Iraq would "validate the Al Qaeda strategy."

Pelosi, who said she could not reach the president, said Cheney's comments wrongly questioned critics' patriotism and ignored Bush's call for openness on Iraq strategy.
"You cannot say as the president of the United States, 'I welcome disagreement in a time of war,' and then have the vice president of the United States go out of the country and mischaracterize a position of the speaker of the House and in a manner that says that person in that position of authority is acting against the national security of our country," the speaker said.

Where did the issues go?

It seems to be that the race for president has become more of a "look at who I can get on my side!!!" Now I know what you are thinking, "yeah it has always been that way..." I agree that popularity is what gets you elected, but back in the day it was the senators or house reps that were on your side. Maybe a well known public figure who had a good moral standing with the voters. However, today it has become who knows the most famous people in Hollywood. Hollywood...where the people are paid to be different then who they are. Most people couldn't tell you how Brad Pitt feels about the national debt, but since he is voting for Obama then so will they. I know that most of you who are reading this are smarter than to fall for they hype, but think of all those people who read US as their source of news. Don't get me wrong it is a very smart strategy to get a vote, but maybe this is what is meant when the framers look at the mob theory...

Committee approves 'informed consent' abortion bill

Here is an interesting article. A bill requiring doctors to tell pregant woman seeking abortions made it out of the Senate committe and now will go for debate on the floor. Basically, the committe members are trying to change the status quo and tell woman that life begins human life begins when the spream reaches the egg. It will be interesting to see how the debates go on the floor of the senate and if the bill will pass.

Committee approves 'informed consent' abortion bill

Here is an interesting article. A bill requiring doctors to tell pregant woman seeking abortions made it out of the Senate committe and now will go for debate on the floor. Basically, the committe members are trying to change the status quo and tell woman that life begins human life begins when the spream reaches the egg. It will be interesting to see how the debates go on the floor of the senate and if the bill will pass.

McCain wants to overturn Roe v Wade

John McCain, looking to improve his standing with the party's conservative voters, said Sunday the court decision that legalized abortion should be overturned. This is interesting considering that most Republicans planning to run for president are pro-choice, and McCain is boldly reminding conservatives that he is way on one side of the spatial model.

"I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned," the Arizona senator told about 800 people in South Carolina, one of the early voting states.

The landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade gave women the right to choose an abortion to terminate a pregnancy. The Supreme Court has narrowly upheld the decision, with the presence of an increasing number of more conservative justices on the court raising the possibility that abortion rights would be limited.


Keating told the crowd that McCain is the "only candidate who is a true-blue, Ronald Reagan conservative."

The Hot Ticket in Hollywood: An Evening With Obama

Oh my gosh my Hollywood stars agree with this man so now I am going to vote for him. Personally, I do not care if Jennifer Aniston is voting for Barack Obama. It reminds me of that chappelle standup when after 9/11 MTV got JA Rule on the phone to see what he thought "Somebody get Ja on the phone I don't know what to do." What I do like is that they did not allow the media into this fundraising function, so as to not overhype Obama's connection with Hollywood. Even Hillary has clout in Hollywood (she will be holding her own fund raiser inMarch). After the dinner the people who provided the most money for Obama's campaign will get to have a sit down with him. Please someone get David Schwimmer on the phone because I do not know what to do. It's too bad that Hollywood stars have all the money or else the presidential candidates would'nt have to make connections with them.

WI student lobbies in Washington for more funding

A junior attending UW Stevens Point isin Washington right now with hundreds of other students lobbying for the Student Aid Reward Act. STAR was introduced two years ago but never brought to a vote. Now with the Democrats in control it just might be the year that power and money is transferred to the hands of students. Basicially the bill would cut out the middle man in student loans, private banks, passing the savings onto schools and students. With most students graduating with thousands of dollars in debt I think this bill would help the economy and students. We shouldn't have to live like starving students after we graduate.

Free Trade? At What Cost?

The Chicago Tribune today carried an excellent op-ed piece by William Daley that argues in favor or re-evaluating certain aspects of our current trade policy. With the new Congress controlled by the Democrats (with a base that is heavily controlled by the unions and other anti-free trade groups) it would not be unreasonable to assume that our current trade policies will be certainly reviewed, and quite possibly revised. There are a handful of anti-free trade Republicans who will certainly lend support. This review would be an excellent activity in light of the growing gap between the middle class and the wealthy. What is good for China is probably not in the best interest of the American people (with exceptions), and unless something is done soon, we will have to trade them California to erase our debt.

Senate Gridlocks on Iraq War Resolution

It's amazing how heated a debate this non-binding resolution is. The goal for the Democrats may be to win Foreign relations as a democrat valence issue. The republicans are not looking too hot right now. To top that, Democratic legislation to guarentee minimum protection for soldiers will surely make Bush's job more difficult ($ per soldier will go up), and will be popular with voters. Republicans are preparing to debate against it, that is going to prove to be a tough job.

Senate Belatedly Passes Spending Bill for 2007

The Senate approved a spending bill for the 2007 year that funds almost half of the federal government. While approving this bill is not so interesting in itself, the fact that the Democrats in Congress issued a continuing resolution to ensure that some of their priorities (Pell Grants included) are included in the spending measure has angered some Republicans because they claim they were not allowed to offer amendments to the bill. Sen. Trent Lott claimed that majority leader Harry Reid was "trying to turn the Senate into a mini-House."
My response: WWRD? What would the Republicans do if they still had majority in the House? Enough said.

Petri Breaks With GOP on Iraq

"I don't think it's fair to ask our sons and daughters to be policemen in a civil war." If you haven't heard in any of the wall-to-wall coverage on just about any news show, there's a vote coming up to disapprove of the troop surge in Iraq. Well, this is a non-binding resolution, so it's just about as likely as Ralph Nader winning the Presidency, but it's interesting none-the-less. Petri, a semi-moderate Republican was the source of the quote at the top, not a Democrat. Interestingly, Wisconsin's other GOP Reps called the resolution "spineless" and "shameful" or "a slap in the face." Thinking about those weird spatial models we saw in class yesterday with the different congresses, would Petri be an example of that sober guy out in the middle?

House set to OK tax package worth $1.8B

The House has set the line to the left at 1.8 billion in tax cuts. The senate has set the line further to the right at 8.3 billion in tax cuts. The president would prefer even more cuts than the senate, but the tax cuts of the senate far in to his indifference curve, though he might pass the 1.8 billion in tax cuts. So does that make the win set between 1.8 and the status quo? I think so.

Live from MN, it's Al Franken for Senate!

Ok, so this "news" is actually from yesterday, but it's still relevant given it's Congress. Norm Coleman, who was a Democrat, sort of flip-flopped parties because of the Democratic Party's stances abortion and other social issues when he ran for Governor as a Republican, only to lose to Jesse "the Body" Ventura in the general. Anyway...Al Franken, hopefully everyone recognizes the name, has now declared his intentions to run for the Democratic nomination. Spatially, Norm Coleman is much closer to the center than Franken out in left field (speaking of baseball, Brewers pitchers and catchers report on the 17th YEA!). However, it looks as though Democrats in MN are gaining traction statewide and it should be an interesting race.

Senate Coalition Prevents Different Median Vote

By filibustering to refuse the bringing if separate pro-escalation and anti-escalation bills to the Senate floor, Republican senators siding with Bush have maintained the distance between the status quo and the bill that has come closest to passing but still failed. This is a wise move on the pro-Bush senators’ part because they know that a division of the issue into separate bills each reflecting the opposite side of the issue would force a more definitive dichotomy in which the anti-escalation bill would have a better chance of passing due to being closer to the status quo of maintaining troop concentrations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given President Bush’s proposal for at least 21,500 additional troops to be deployed, the pro-Bush senators’ position is farther away from the status quo and hence must be packaged into the same bill as checks on escalation, resulting in a more moderate bill that still advances the escalation agenda if passed. Of potential significance is the Senate scheduling its vote on a bill analogous to the House bill on the issue for this Saturday, as depending on which senators can and cannot make it to the meeting, the veto pivot might be skewed more towards the pro-escalation or anti-escalation side than what has been the case in recent Senate votes.

War at Home: Bush and the Debate

This is classic Bush strategy pulling attention away from the important points. In a speech this morning he spoke about the need to push democracy on that battling region known as Afghanistan. How long do we have to be in Afghanistan until its good and democratized? The issue at hand is the bill in the house dissaproving of the troop increase in Irock. "some House Democrats and others have been circulating ways to limit financing for new troop levels unless military readiness can be proven, (while others are shying away from any notion that might be construed as a lack of support for American troops), " Military readiness? We are not ready because the people of Iraq are not going to ever be ready. In the 1700s being called a tyrant was a bad thing, today somebody saying that you don't support the troops is like saying the holocaust didnt occur. Its safe to say that all sane people support the men and women over in Iraq, but where is the line between supporting your troops and dissaproving of the reason for being there in the first place? Its impossible to support and dissaprove at the same time without pissing somebody off. If legislators truly supported the troops in Iraq they would sacrifice their careers to do the right thing and bring our boys home. Its not an easy thing to do, but I think if done this person would go down in history as one of the saving figures in national politics, whereas Bush will go down as one of the worst presidents in history. His time will come to.

Falwell, Robertson, and Miscellaneous nutjobs

Seems that everyone has to court God these days... even John McCain, Sam Brownback, Mitt Romney, and Rudy Giuliani. Doesn't this make one miss the days of the Chicago Riots when all America worried about was keeping law and order (or for that matter, a blue dress)? America's attachment to religious politics is the wonder of the rest of the world, especially those who come from not-so-religious countries (France?). As a mainline Protestant Episcopalian and a left of center Republican (yes- we still exist, but we are protected by the Endangered Species Act), I find this appeal to religious leaders to be just as nauseating as always. Why must we look like a Christian version of an Islamic nation? Instead of focusing on serious issues, such as the need to rectify the situation in Iraq, or the dire need for high protective tariffs for the sake of our working classes, we focus on gay marriage and abortion and whatever else Pat Robertson's "red phone" to God happens to cook up. Seems to me there are better things to worry about.

McCain Tries To Make Amends With Christian Conservatives

Senator John McCain is hoping to regain good working relationships with activists that are Christian Conservatives as he feels he will need their support for the GOP nomination. People question his sincerety due to past statements and congressional bill writing. He has hired people to help reconstruct his relationships with such groups, and has been making many strides in his attempts to make things better.

Pact With North Korea Draws Fire From a Wide Range of Critics in U.S.

The United States has made a pact with North Korea, getting it to agree to freeze its production of plutonium at its five-megawatt nuclear facility and allow international agencies in to see if that is what it is really doing. I thought that this was interesting because it shows the United States government is trying to disarm the nuclear threat that North Korea faced.

California Senate votes to move presidential primary to February

California wants to have the earliest of the early primaries. Believing that California politics such as oil drilling and immigration deserve a larger spotlight, the California Senate has voted to move their primary from June. 3 to Feb. 5.

what life is more important-- a baby or a chicken

A Congressional committee on this past Wednesday decided to vote against an amendment that would prohibit taking teenagers out of state for secret abortions without their parents' knowledge. This seems to be a no brainer for me but who knows in this day in age. The most interesting part though is what follows. The committee eventually decided protecting chickens was more important than protecting children.
The House Judiciary Committee considered a bill to limit animal fighting such as using cockfighters.The bill prohibits transporting the animals across state lines to participate in these fights. During the debate, pro-life Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, tried to attach an amendment to the bill to prevent someone other than a teenager's parents from taking her to another state to have an abortion. Once again, no one other than a teenage girls parents should be helping her make this decision, besides her boyfriend perhaps. But that was not the case with Marcia Carroll.
Sensenbrenner brought up the case of Marcia Carroll, whose 14-year-old daughter was coerced by her boyfriend's family into traveling from her home state of Pennsylvania to New Jersey to have an abortion against her will.
"I recognize we are meeting here today to consider a bill to protect chickens," Sensenbrenner said in a statement given to LifeNews.com. "But isn't protecting our nation's young women, like Mr. Carroll's daughter, and their unborn equally, if not more important, than our dinner entree?"
"Without this amendment, we will be giving more protection to chickens than we will be giving to minor children, their parents and their unborn baby," he said



I do agree with this position, surprise surprise, but I also thought it was a good example for the class where things are either pushed through, or prevented from being passed, by adding different elements to certain bills and amendments.

Australian leader: Al-Qaida wants Obama

Australia' Prime Minister John Howard announced that the Al-Qaida wants Senator Obama and the Democrats to win the 2008 race for President. Its interesting that Howard would say this as he is a staunch Bush ally and a conservative who also has an election campaign underway. I thought that the whole fear of Democrats being too easy on terrorism had gone away with the 2006 election. Obama's reply that Howard should send more troops was probably the perfect reply if not completely politically correct.

States and U.S. at Odds on Aid for Uninsured

Many states are saying on health care and the uninsured, "If you want something done at all, we will have to do it ourselves." Washington is lagging behind on what is growing into an even more desperate situation across the country. There is reportedly close to 47 million Americans without health insurance, and the federal government is squeezing coverage programs instead of expanding them right now. Many states are forced to take matters in their own hands because little is being done federally.

War at Home: In the People’s House

This proposal is very short and to the point. We support the troops, but we do not want anymore troops sent over to Iraq. I like the fact that the republican minority in the house does not have enough power to push this bill into a procedural death. This new found democratic power in the white house will certainly allow us to see changes in what types of bills we see proposed. Also, many of the republicans in the house will be siding with the democrats on this one. It is unclear whether the democrats will allow a alternative plan, but I feel that they should not. They have already fouled up so many bills, it is someone elses turn to make a decision on the quagmire across the ocean. Of course, the republicans whine about bi-partisan campaign promises, but they will not be heard, they do not have the power.

Former Pentagon official defends report on Iraq, al Qaeda.

Former Pentagon policy chief Douglas Feith defends the intelligence the CIA presented them. He states there was a relationship, but does not say there was an operational relationship. The acting Inspector General Thomas F. Gimble's report said the policy chief "advanced unsupported theories", of a "mature symbolic relationship." Much of this is he said she said playground crap, however, this is really important information. The basis of the Pentagons' report was what was told to the President and to the American people. This administration has really given America a black eye, in the eyes of its proponents. I really hope the truth comes out about all the controversial issues surrounding this war and this administration. The longer this drug out the more likely it will be buried in the ruble of Iraq.

Congressional Circumvention of Lobbying Laws

Although new lobbying payment rules are in place for the 110th Congress, senators and representatives are still using freedom of association to get quality time with their lobbyists. Despite lobbyists being unable to directly fund congressmen’s social outings, lobbyists may donate to their congressman’s political action committee, which then foots the bill. This is important for centralizing control of lobbying activities closer towards the purview of the political action committee (hence making that PAC’s oversight of lobbying activities easier and more comprehensive) as well as for increasing turnout at expensive fundraising dinners and luncheons that lobbyists might otherwise discount as a diminishing return on assets. Some have criticized this mere shifting of donations from politician to PAC as a token accountability measure, but at least it encourages lobbyists and politicians to keep their relationships and funding activities in the open. If restrictions were to become more draconian, the integrity of the official lobbying-campaign funding system would be further jeopardized.

Committee chairman: Homeland protected 'on the cheap

In this article, a house committee chairman accused the Bush administration of protecting the United States from terrorism "on the cheap." A paper created by a panel of democrats cites Bush's inability to protect the country from terrorism. Examples cited include borders, ports, mass transit, rail, aviation, cyberspace and critical infrastructure. Throughout the article, Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff defended his department's budget plan before congressional committees claiming that there was budget was fine and that adding this extra security would require that more money be dumped into the budget.

Advice for Hillary from one of the greatest political minds of our time...

Donatella Versace is precisely the person I'd take advice from, seeing as though she has so much influence with world leaders. I know I already posted one today, but I saw this. Her "trouser" ditching strategy, while catchy and somewhat risky, will fail when Mike Huckabee does the same. Honestly, why is this in the politics section on CNN. Who cares what Donatella Versace has to say about anything? Maybe I'll consult Paris Hilton or Mario Lopez on my investment portfolio. Shame on you Reuters.

Wait...There was no conclusive link between Osama and Hussein?

Well, that's what the report says. While not admitting any illegal action, the report says that they Pentagon may have manipulated the intelligence to show a link between Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. Senator Carl Levin, that kindly old Michigander who frequently pops up on Meet the Press glaring over the glasses that have slid uncomfortably down his nose calls this report "very damning." With the White House linking the two countless times, it's no wonder the American public went along with it. Finally, I can tell off all those people who were absolutely convinced that a religious fundamentalist and a secularist, albeit of Sunni upbringing and a semi-religious end, teamed up in some crazy Odd Couple sort of way. I guess we'll hear more about it later today. Until then...

Pelosi and the Plane

Tony Snow is an amazing press secretary, isn't he? He will not budge, he will make you look stupid for expecting him to budge, and many that thought they have gotten him to budge have actually walked out of the press conference more lost than when they entered.

Except this time, he actually budged and leaked some information on, probably, the least thing I could possibly care about as far as the haps of my representatives are concerned. All aboard!

To the highest bidder goes the Presidency

How many millions of dollars does it take to get elected President? Do mud slinger commercials really cost that much? What about the little guy, the work horse, who doesn't have the ability or the means to collect that much money? They may make it so that the individual person is able to contribute only a certain amount to each candidate, but what about a cap on the amount that a candidate can have totally? In my mind that could create an even playing field for those candidate who could possibly be a better one to vote for.

Global warming ethics, pork and profits

In our rush to protect the planet from global warming we may want to make sure that politicians aren't exploiting our fears to line their pockets. Global warming proposals are going to have a ton of pork attatched. What politician is going to vote against ending the great evil of our time?

Going the Way of the Buffalo...Social Security

Many people have different views on what should be done with Social Security just as they do with what should be done about the taxes that we pay. However, I am sure that we all can agree that if Social Securtiy is something that is left to die, that we will all suffer in the long run. I feel that even thought I probably won't ever recieve much in the amount of Social Security, something is better than nothing. Private accounts that the President has proposed would allow younger workers that ability to save their own money pre-tax and allow them to set up a fund which they would be able to utilize when they are able to collect Social Security, or what is left of it. Possibly a good idea for younger generations, who are less likley to receive any Social Security at the rate we are going today, and a bad idea for those who are already collecting.

Run, Al, Run

A very interesting article from Rolling Stone. It follows how Al Gore would be the perfect candidate for the Democrats and why he's got what it takes to be the next president. While Gore says he doesn't have plans for running in 2008, he doesn't outright deny that he might. If he ran for nomination it would be an extremely interesting race. He could follow in the path of Nixon in the 1968 election. Either way, he's definitely worth watching.

Giuliani Announces He's In '08 Presidential Race

Well here is another candidate to add to the list. I think Giuliani will be a very interesting candidate to follow. If he were to make it past the primary election, which I think very unlikey due to his liberal views on social issues, it would be interesting to see two presidential candidates that have the same opinions concerning abortion and gay rights. That would sure make for stimulating arguments during the debates!

Smoking Ban in Shorewood Defeated

Well, I finally see that some governments have finally seen the light and haven't forgotten what the term "private property" means. In Shorewood yesterday the village council voted to table the proposed ban on smoking in indoor public areas. Now, not being a smoker myself, I fully understand that horrible smell that permeates ones clothing after being in a bar (not to mention the health risks), but the last time I checked, taverns were still private property and it should be up to the owners whether smoking should be allowed. If there was such a demand for smoke-free bars then a plethora of them would exist, but off the top of my head, I cannot think of one in Milwaukee. I tend bar for 4 or 5 shifts per week and all the baloney about protecting the health of those poor bartenders doesn't add up either. Most of the bartenders that I know smoke. If the government wishes to ban smoking in public buildings (IE: offices, police cars, other government owned property) then so be it, but as long as those bar owners meet their tax obligations and make reasonable efforts to not serve minors, then leave them alone! This is the United States, not the Soviet Union. If all those who whine about smoking in bars actually went to one every now and then, maybe a smoke-free bar would exist. Until then, stop the complaining, as smokers are tax-paying citizens as well!

Bush sends $2.9 trillion plan to Congress

WASHINGTON- (AP)---President Bush is sending Congress a $2.9 trillion budget that would provide billions of dollars for the war in Iraq, make his first-term tax cuts permanent and achieve a budget surplus three years after he leaves office. The massive four-volume set of budget books, featuring two-tone green covers, was headed to Congress today, where the plan will receive a decidedly mixed reaction from Democrats. They have made clear that they plan to push their own budget priorities after regaining control of the House and Senate for the first time in 12 years.

House to Take Up Iraq Resolution Debate

"WASHINGTON — While the Senate's Democratic majority failed to shut off debate on a non-binding resolution that "disagrees" with President Bush's troop surge in Iraq, House Democrats say they think they have a better shot of getting something passed.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said Tuesday that House Democratic leaders are drafting their own non-binding resolution on Iraq that signifies opposition to troop escalation.
The resolution is being written by Reps. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Tom Lantos, D-Calif., chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Amendments will not be permitted on the resolution, to be debated over three days and wrapped up before the President's Day recess on Feb. 19, Hoyer said."

Wash. initiative would require married couples to have kids

Obviously Initiative 957 is never going to pass, but same-sex marriage proponents get their point across in this hilarious attempt at giving some perspective to what was an equally ridiculous ban on same-sex marriages that occurred in Washington last summer.

PA Senator abuses Non-Profit

Is there such thing as an honest politician? Senator Fumo has been charged with 139 counts of fraud including using Senate employees as campaign aides. The saddest thing is that Fumo used a Non-Profit agency he set up in the neighborhood where he grew up that was designed to make the community a better place. Fumo denies everything but has website announced that he has temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Appropriations Committee.

A Presidential Also-Ran, Kerry Adjusts to What Passes for a Normal Life in the Senate

This article speaks about the fact that presidential also-ran, (meaning he lost an election) John Kerry has been a loner around Capitol Hill. His presidential aspirations are nearly gone, and now he must get back to "normal" senate life. This is proving difficult for the one time presidential candidate. However, I feel that Mr. Kerry is in a peculiar position to make a difference as a lawmaker. Yes, he lost, and as the article says "america does not tolerate losers," but I think that being in this position allows him to transcend the vulnerable politician role that seems to lurk in the shadows of all of our representatives, and make a difference on the senate floor. More incumbents do win the elections, but the name John Kerry puts him in an even more stable position that in essence could bring back his presidential aspirations. The talks about how Richard Nixon lost to JFK and then went on to win presidency. So don't count this old soldier out. And just for fun a joke from the article (“John Kerry walks into a bar,” goes the Washington version of the old joke. “Bartender says, ‘Hey, Senator Kerry, why the long face?)