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.