Hillary or Bust

[NewYorkExpress]

May 22, 2007

Kentucky Primaries Gubernatorial Primaries held

The Kentucky primaries to replace retiring Governor Ernie Fletcher were held today.

Kentucky Gubernatorial/Lieutenant Gubernatorial Primaries-Republicans

Former Representative Anne Northrup/State Representative Jeff Hoover 37%
Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence/State Senator Damon Thayer 31%
State Representative Marie Rader/Louisville Metro Councilwoman Julie Adams 28%
Businessman Billy Harper/Dick Wilson 4%

Kentucky Gubernatorial/Lieutenant Gubernatorial Primaries-Democrats

Former Lieutenant Governor Steve Beshear/State Senator Daniel Mongiardo 23%
Former Lieutenant Governor Steve Henry/Fayette County Property Valuation Administrator Renee True 20%
Businessman Bruce Lunsford/Former State Representative Eleanor Jordan 17%
Former Secretary of State John Brown III/Former Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac 13%
State Representative Jody Richards/Former Attorney General David Armstrong 10%
Attorney Gatewood Galbraith/Private Contracter Otis Hensley 9%
Louisville Metro Councilman Tom Owen/State Representative Tom Burch 8%

May 23, 2007

More debates announced

Democrats and Republicans announced their next set of debates today.

The seventh debate for Democrats will take place at the Iowa State Fair on August 13, and will be moderated by the Des Moines Register's Andie Dominick.

The Seventh Debate for Republicans will also take place at the Iowa State Fair on August 15, and will be moderated by Alan Colmes and Judith Miller.

Supreme Court declines to take up Rowling v. Li, states that fanfiction does not violate copyright law.

The United States Supreme Court, in an opinion written by Anthony Kennedy and signed by seven other justices announced that they would not hear oral arguments in Rowling v. Li, leaving in place a judgement by the Ninth Circuit back in March that fanfiction did not in and of itself violate copyright law. Clarence Thomas, in a solo dissent, stated that he would have taken the case, as he felt that copyright law as it is was too vague, and that had the case been argued at the court, he would like to overturn the current copyright laws in the United States.

May 24, 2007

Bill Richardson running for Senate

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has passed on the Presidential campaign he's been mulling for months, and instead will launch a bid for the open Senate seat in the Land of Enchantment, where the incumbent Pete Domenici is retiring.

Representative Tom Udall is still considering the race for Democrats.

For Republicans, Dona Ana County District Attorney Susana Martinez, Businessman Doug Turner, State Party chairman Allen Weh (who has not yet resigned as Chair of the New Mexico Republican Party, despite calls from his rivals to do so) and Domenici's son Pete Domenici Jr, have all announced campaigns, with Representative Heather Wilson and Representative Steve Pearce both considering campaigns.

May 26, 2007

Early polls of Kentucky Governor's race give Republicans the lead

Survey-USA was in the field immediately after the primaries in Kentucky, and early polls, show the Republican nominee, former Representative Anne Northrup with a modest lead for Governor.

Kentucky-Governor, Survey-USA

Anne Northrup (R) 45%
Steve Beshear (D) 40%

Poll of 900 registered Kentucky voters. Margin of error +/- 3%

May 30, 2007

New York State Legislature called into special session to propose a constitutional amendment allowing the Governor to appoint a Lieutenant Governor to fill a vacancy.

New York Governor David Paterson has called the New York State Legislature into a special session for the summer to propose a constitutional amendment to fix a hole in New York's constitution. The amendment he wants would allow him, or a future Governor to fill a vacancy in the office of Lieutenant Governor with an appointment, subject to confirmation by the legislature, according to the text of the proposed amendment sent from the Governor's office. It remains to be seen whether the anyone in the legislature will introduce the amendment as Governor Paterson wishes, whether it will pass the legislature by the necessary margin, as State Senate Republicans are divided on the proposed amendment either in this session or in 2009/2010., or whether the voters of New York will approve of the proposed amendment when it comes before them, the earliest time it can do so being 2009.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 31, 2007

Republicans United on Pakistan in Nevada debate. Huckabee not attending

Republicans held their sixth Presidential debate at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino today. Here's how the candidates did.

Ron Paul: Was the only candidate to oppose war or sanctions against Pakistan, and was roundly booed for it. It's really hard to see how his already struggling candidacy recovers from this, when even most the Democratic candidates are bloodlusted against Pakistan right now. F

Mike Huckabee: Did not attend the debate, citing an objection to it being held in a casino. It might him won him points with evangelicals, but it remains to be seen if it will help him with anyone else. Might have even won by not being present, given how everyone else did. N/A

John McCain: Was the first person to call for war with Pakistan, was criticized by Romney for stating that "we could win a nuclear war with Pakistan". The audience might have sided with McCain though. C

Fred Thompson: Also called for war with Pakistan. Suggested that we should withdraw the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan to do so. B-

George Allen: Also called for war with Pakistan, and suggested that the United States should enlist Israel's help in "remaking the map of the Middle East", which might be interpreted as a call to genocide by some. F

Mitt Romney: While he agreed with the idea of going to war with Pakistan, he lambasted McCain for wanting to get into a nuclear exchange with the Pakistanis, stating that "no one wins a nuclear war". Openly accused Allen of wanting to genocide Muslims following his suggestion that the U.S and Israel should remake the map of the Middle East. Probably had the best night, but it was a low bar tonight. B

Shock Texas poll shows Bill White within striking distance in Senate race

An Early poll of next year's Texas Senate election, conducted by Rasmussen shows Houston Mayor Bill White, the only major Democrat, within striking distance of incumbent Senator John Cornyn.

Political analyst Charlie Cook has moved the race from Likely R to Lean R in response to the poll.

Texas Senate-Rasmussen

John Cornyn (R) 41%
Bill White (D) 39%

Poll Conducted between May 24-27. 1,158 registered Texas voters were surveyed. Margin of error is +/- 2%

[NewYorkExpress]

June 1, 2007

Russian Term Limits referendum easily passes.

The referendum on removing terms limits for the President of Russia passed easily in a vote yesterday, as expected by many, both inside Russia and across the international community. This vote paves the way for President Vladimir Putin to serve for life, if he wishes.

Referendum on Term Limits for the Presidency of Russia

Do you wish to abolish term limits for the President of Russia?

Yes 82.4658%
No 17.5342%

Jeanne Shaheen will run for the Senate

Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen will run for the Senate she controversially lost in 2002, setting up a potential rematch with John Sununnu.

She will face Portsmouth Mayor Steve Marchand in the Democratic Primary.

On the Republican side, Sununnu is considering challenging John Lynch for Governor rather than running for reelection, with other candidates in both races waiting to see what he will do.

June 2, 2007

Supreme Court dismisses request for expedited hearing from Senate Democrats on whether recess appointments are constitutional, also say they won't take the case at all.

In a unanimous unsigned opinion, the Supreme Court rejected a request for an expedited hearing on whether recess appointments by the President are Constitutional. The same opinion also indicated that the court would not take up the case at all. According to outgoing Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she wrote the unsigned opinion, and agreed not to sign it in order to get Associate Justice Antonin Scalia on board, as Chief Justice Roberts wanted the Court's position to be unanimous.

June 3, 2007

R.T Rybak running for Senate

Minneapolis Mayor R.T Rybak became the first notable Democrat to announce a campaign against incumbent Norm Coleman today.

Comedian Al Franken is rumored to be considering the race, however sources close to Franken deny this.

Osama Bin Laden, fourteen others killed by Indian Army in Badin, Pakistan

Osama Bin Laden and seven members of his family were killed by the Indian Army in a cross border on Bin Laden's compound in Badin, Pakistan, near the Indian border last night. In addition, three Pakistani soldiers and four civilians were killed. All four civillians, were reportedly unarmed, and according a source in the Indian Army, all "witnesses" to the raid in Badin were to be killed, including civilians.

The United States Government has not commented on the death of Bin Laden.

Al Qaeda second in command Ayman al-Zwahiri released a video this morning stating that "he mourned the death of a lion for Allah", and that "we will have our revenge", threatening reprisal attacks on India.

June 4, 2007

Israeli Supreme Court rules that the Basic Law and Constitution may not be altered to discriminate against any religious or ethnic group

In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court of Israel ruled in a lawsuit brought by several leading Arab and Druze citizens of Israel that the Knesset's passing of changes to the Israeli Basic Law, and subsequent attempts to have that change added to the Israeli Constitution, that prohibited non-Jews from voting, holding government jobs or serving in the Israeli Defense Forces, in and of itself violated the Basic Law and Constitution. Speaking for the court, the Chief Justice, Dorit Beinisch said the changes were "shameful and not worthy of a civilized society", and that "even amendments to the constitution can be struck down when they violate other parts of the constitution".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had no comment on the ruling by the court.

Israeli Attorney General Reuven Rivlin (Likud) said that while the decision may be "right", he did not support the court striking down parts of the constitution and hoped it was a "one-time only" occurrence".

June 6, 2007

Hillary Clinton sets single day fundraising record

At a fundraiser in San Francisco featuring Robin Williams, Hillary Clinton set a new record for most money raised at single political fundraiser in the United States, taking in $8,346,250 through gate receipts, scheduled one-on-one time with Clinton, and raffles.

[NewYorkExpress]

June 7, 2007

President Bush announces that all American troops will leave Afghanistan by the end of September.

President Bush announced in a speech from the Oval Office that with the death of Osama Bin Laden, all American troops, a total that currently numbers roughly 20,000 by the end of September. Most other countries in the NATO alliance have followed suit and announced their withdrawals from Afghanistan, most announcing earlier timeframes for the withdrawals.

According to Secretary of Defense Colin Powell, the majority of the troops being withdrawn will be transferred will be transferred to Iraq, with the remainder heading to Okinawa or South Korea to blunt Chinese aggression in Asia, which has been more active lately.

Francis Slay running for Governor of Missouri

With several top Democratic recruits (Jay Nixon, Nancy Farmer, Susan Montee, Robin Carnahan, Russ Carnahan, Claire McCaskill) declining to run against Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, whose declining approval ratings have made state and national Democrats believe that he is vulnerable in 2008, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has become the first Democrat to enter the primary.

Political analysts say that the failure to recruit a more high-profile candidate in a battleground state is a great disappointment for Democrats, with most experts rating the race Lean R.

Representative Emmanuel Cleaver and State Senator Joan Bray are considering bids as well, for the Democrats.

June 8, 2007

Terrorist attack in Mumbai kills 388, wounds 287

A pair of suicide bombers wearing explosive vests and belts committed a terrorist attack at the World Trade Center in Mumbai earlier today, killing 388, and wounding 287.

Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility immediately, stating the attacks were "Allah's vengeance for the death of the martyr, Osama Bin Laden".

June 17, 2007

French Legislative Elections lead to deadlocked National Assembly

French legislative elections held over the last two weeks, which would determine Segolene Royal's choice as Prime Minister have led to the top two parties, UMP, and Royal' PS, getting the exact same number of seats, and neither party receiving a majority in the National Assembly.

French National Assembly Elections

UMP- Francois Fillion: 232 seats
PS- Francios Hollande: 232 seats
PCF- Marie-George Buffet: 30 seats
PRG- Jean Michael Baylet: 30 seats
LV- Dominique Voynet: 29 seats
MoDem- Francios Bayrou: 19 seats
FN- Jean-Marie Le Pen: 5 seats

PS, OFC,PRG and LV have agreed to a working agreement on votes in the Assembly, though it is uncertain who Royal will choose as Prime Minister.

June 18, 2007

Dominque Strauss-Kahn named Prime Minister of France

French President Segolene Royal announced that the Director of the IMF, Dominque Strauss-Kahn is her choice to become Prime Minister of France. The full cabinet is expected to be mostly members of Royal and Strauss-Kahn's PS, with the occasional member of PS's National Assembly coalition allies, PCF, PRG and LV.

[NewYorkExpress]

June 10, 2007

Al Franken arrested, charged with sexual assault

Comedian Al Franken, who has been contemplating a Senate bid in Minnesota, was arrested in Minneapolis and charged with the sexual assault of Leann Tweeden. Air America Radio has announced the immediate cancellation of Franken's radio show.

Montreal Canadiens wins Stanley Cup Finals

The Montreal Canadiens, left for dead back in January, won Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals Anaheim Ducks 5-3, to win the Stanley Cup Finals, 4-3. Canadiens Right Winger Alexi Kovalev, who scored five goals and had five assists had his name placed on the Conn Smythe Trophy. For the Canadiens, this is their first Stanley Cup since 1993.

Cleveland Cavaliers win NBA Finals, for Cleveland's first professional sports Championship since 1964.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won Game Four of the NBA Finals tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-87, to complete a sweep, and the City of Cleveland's first championship in any professional sport since 1964, when the Cleveland Browns were NFL Champions. LeBron James averaged 29.7 Points per game, 12.3 assists per game, 6.6 steals per game, and 7.6 rebounds per game on his way to being named Finals MVP.

June 11, 2007

Roy Moore running for Congress

Controversial former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, and candidate for Governor of Alabama in 2006 Roy Moore has announced a campaign for the House of Representatives, in Alabama's Fifth Congressional District, where the incumbent, Bud Cramer is yet to announce his plans for 2008.

Sources close to NRCC Chair Tom Cole state that while the district is a Republican target in 2008, Moore will not receive a penny of GOP funds, and that Cole believes Moore could cost them a chance to take the seat.

Political analysts rate Alabama's Fifth Congressional District as Likely Democrat in any race involving Moore as the Republican nominee, with Stu Rothenburg saying that while an upset cannot be ruled out, the climate favors Democrats, and Moore is simply too polarizing an individual to have much of a chance.

June 13, 2007

Bud Cramer running for Senate

Representative Bud Cramer will mount a Senate bid against Senator Jeff Sessions in 2008. While the Senate race in Alabama is not expected to be competitive, Cramer's presence in the race brings a high-profile candidate.

Cramer will face 2002 Gubernatorial candidate Mark Townsend in the primary, with State Senator Vivian Davis Figures still considering a bid.

June 15, 2007

Don Young charged in VECO scandal, will plead guilty, resign seat

Federal Prosecutors in Alaska unsealed an indictment against Representative Don Young yesterday as part of their continuing investigation. Today, in a court appearance in Juneau, Young pled guilty to two counts accepting bribes, and one count of obstruction of justice. As part of the terms of his plea deal with prosecutors, Young will resign his seat immediately after sentencing. Also as part of his plea deal, Young will be barred from running for state office in Alaska, or Federal office for twenty years after the completion of his sentence.

June 17, 2007

Don Young sentenced to eighteen months in prison

Federal Judge John Sedwick sentenced Representative Don Young to eighteen months in prison following his guilty plea to two counts of accepting bribes, and a single count of obstruction of justice.

June 18, 2007

Special Election to replace Don Young set for September 25

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin set the date for the Special election to replace Don Young in the House of Representatives to September 25, 2007. Palin denied interest in running in the special herself.

Political analysts have the special as a tossup, pending the selection of the nominees, which is expected to take place by the end of the month.

June 19, 2007

Susan Bies named Director of the IMF

Former Federal Reserve Governor Susan Bies was named Director of the International Monetary Fund today, replacing Dominque-Strauss Kahn, who left to become Prime Minister of France. Bies will be the first American to be Director of International Monetary Fund.

Des Moines Register poll shows, Clinton, Huckabee leading Iowa Caucus, Branstad leads Senate race.

The Des Moines Register was in the field last week to poll the Iowa Caucus, and the Senate race in the Hawkeye. While the polls show Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee leading in the caucuses, the Senate poll is what is causing Democrats some alarm, as Terry Branstad leads the incumbent, and Senate Majority Leader Tom Harkin.

Political Analysts have have moved the race from Likely D to Tossup, given the size of Branstad's lead in the poll.

Des Moines-Register, Iowa Caucus- Democrats

Hillary Clinton 31%
Al Gore 19%
Mario Cuomo 19%
Dick Gephardt 11%
Tom Vilsack 10%
Douglas Wilder 5%

Des Moines Register, Iowa Caucus-Republicans

Mike Huckabee 20%
John McCain 17%
Fred Thompson 13%
Mitt Romney 13%
George Allen 9%
Ron Paul 0%

Des Moines Register- Iowa Senate

Terry Branstad (R) 47%
Tom Harkin (D) 44%

Poll in the field between June 10-13 with 1,065 registered Iowa voters. Margin of error +/- 1.75%

June 20, 2007

John Harris will be the Republican candidate in Alaska Special Election

State Representative John Harris, currently serving as the Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, will be the Republican nominee in the Special Election to replace Don Young, after an Alaska Republican Party meeting in Anchorage. Harris defeated Attorney Joe Miller to claim the nomination.

June 21, 2007

Bryce Edgmon will be the Democratic nominee in Alaska Special Election

State Representative Bryce Edgmon will be the Democratic nominee the Special Election to replace Don Young after a Democratic Party meeting in Juneau. Edgmon defeated former Governor Tony Knowles and Sitka Mayor Scott McAdams to claim the nomination.

Political analysts currently rate the special election as a tossup.

[NewYorkExpress]

Will Franken be found guilty?

Trial won't be for a while yet, and don't expect me to put the result of the trial here, as the main impact is that Franken won't be running for the Senate in 2008.

[NewYorkExpress]

June 24, 2007

The United States wins the Gold Cup


The United States turned back the surprise team of the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Guatemala,  1-0 today in the Gold Cup final, behind an early goal from Landon Donavan. Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz, who scored nine goals in the tournament, including three in the semifinal upset of Mexico, was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

June 26, 2007

Georgia Prosecutors indict Vince and Linda McMahon on criminally negligent homicide charges in the death of Chris Benoit.

Prosecutors in Fayette County, Georgia indicted WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon and his wife Linda McMahon on three counts of criminally negligent homicide related to double murder-suicide of professional Chris Benoit and his family. Both McMahon's pled not guilty, and were denied bail by a judge today. Prosecutors say they are open to a plea bargain, but any deal would include jail time for both McMahon's and would require the forcible dissolution of the WWE as part of the terms of any deal. The Fayette County District Attorney's office is seeking to have the WWE forcibly dissolved if the McMahon's are convicted.

June 27, 2007

MLB owners offer Roger Goodell position of Commissioner

Major League Baseball owners voted to offer NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell the position of Commissioner, with a 50% pay raise from his current position today at a special owners meeting in New York City. It is believed that the owners first choice, championed by Mets Owner Fred Wilpon, was United States Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor, however Sotomayor is believed to have turned down the position because she was not promised powers similar to what Kenesaw Mountain Landis had as Commissioner. Goodell has already indicated he would accept the job if offered, and with Bud Selig's retirement due to take effect on December 31, 2007, Goodell will take office as Commissioner after the Super Bowl, which will be on February 3. Between Selig's retirement, and Goodell's start date, Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred will serve as Acting Commissioner.

Speculation about Roger Goodell's replacement as NFL Commissioner growing.

Speaking to most NFL Owners, ESPN NFL reporters John Clayton, Ed Werder and Chris Mortenson have assembled the list of people under consideration to succeed Roger Goodell as NFL Commissioner.

They are:

Former NCAA Executive Director Judith Sweet

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner

U.N Ambassador J.C Watts

Colorado Crush Co-Owner, CEO and former Denver Broncos Quarterback John Elway

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones

June 29, 2007

Mark Warner running for Senate

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner announced a campaign for the Senate seat held by retiring Senator John Warner today. No other Democrats have declared, however, former Governor Gerald Baliles is considering the race.

On the Republican side, no candidates have announced, however, former Governor Jim Gilmore, Representative Tom Davis and State Senator Ken Cuccinelli are all considering the race.

June 30, 2007

Ron Paul suspends campaign for Republican nomination, will run for Libertarian nomination instead

Representative Ron Paul, facing low poll numbers and poor fundraising has dropped out the Republican Primary field for President. Paul has instead announced that he was changing his party registration back to the Libertarian Party, and will seek the Libertarian nomination for President.

Paul joins activist Steve Kubby, entrepreneur Michael Jingozian, and the Chair of the New York Libertarian Party, Gary Popkin in the race for Libertarian nomination.

July 1, 2007

Caroline Kennedy becomes second member of Kennedy family to endorse Mario Cuomo

Following Ted Kennedy's endorsement back in April, Caroline Kennedy has become the second member of the Kennedy family to endorse Mario Cuomo for President. Appearing at a Cuomo rally in Boston with her father, Caroline stated that "Our field of candidates isn't perfect by any means. But perfect isn't easy. And sometimes, rather than looking towards the future, you have to look back to the past. Mario Cuomo is the candidate who represents the ideals my father stood for, more than any other candidate in our primary field".

The endorsement of Cuomo is being seen as a repudiation of Hillary Clinton, who is seeking to become the first female President, and Al Gore, whom Kennedy endorsed in 2000.

Gore in particular is having trouble attracting significant endorsements, with his lane in the primaries being taken up Clinton, and increasingly, Gephardt. The only major endorsements he has received to this point are Senator Harold Ford Jr and Representatives, Jim Cooper, Steve Cohen, John Tanner, Lincoln Davis and Bart Gordon, while Gephardt has yet to score a major endorsement, and Clinton has dominated the endorsement race to this point.

[NewYorkExpress]

NFL Commissioner Condi Rice?

No, but remember, the NCAA is getting a playoff in College Football starting next season, and there will need to be a committee to choose the seven at-large teams. Condi's interested in one of those spots (for that matter, so is current U.N Ambassador J.C Watts).

[NewYorkExpress]

July 2, 2007

Mike Castle to run for Senate

Representative Mike Castle, facing a tough reelection campaign against Beau Biden, has elected to instead run for the United States Senate against Joe Biden. Castle told a reporter for The News Journal that he was going to lose against Beau Biden anyways, so "I'd rather lose punching up, than punching down".

All political analysts rate this seat as Safe D, even with Castle's entry, citing the broad popularity Biden has, and the political climate largely being in favor of Democrats.

With Castle abandoning his House seat, major analysts have changed the rating from Tossup to Safe D, citing Beau Biden's strong political appeal, the likelihood that 2008 will be year that favors Democrats, and the fact that the only declared Republican, Christine O'Donnell, is a poor fit for a district that covers the entirety of Delaware.

July 3, 2007

Record for most games in a Tennis match set at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick set a record for most games in a professional tennis match in the Wimbledon Quarterfinals, as Djokovic defeated Roddick 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 102-100. The  match, which took eleven hours to complete on Center Court, also set a record for the number of aces in a professional tennis match, as Roddick had 130 Aces, and Djokovic had 121 Aces.

July 10, 2007

Second Round of Georgia Special election leads to win for Republican firebrand

Following the death of Representative Charlie Norwood in February, a Special Election for Georgia's Tenth Congressional District is being held. The All-Party Primary was held on June 19, and no candidate received a majority of the vote.

Georgia 10th Congressional district Special Election, primary

Physician Paul Broun (R) 31%
State Senator James Whitehead 27%
Marketing Executive at Yahoo!, James Marlow (D) 13%
Realtor Nate Pulliam (R) 6%
Political Consultant Erik Underwood (R) 5%
Attorney Evita Paschal (D) 5%
Baptist Minister and nominee in 1998 and 2000, Denise Freeman (D) 4%
Realtor Mark Myers (R) 4%
Conservative Activist William Greene (R) 3%
Psychotherapist Jim Sendelbach (L) 2%

The runoff was held today, and Whitehead, who campaigned on a more fiery conservative platform than Broun, including introducing constitutional amendments to legalize secession from the union and to repeal the 14th, 15th, 19th and 26th amendments, won by a small margin.

Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader Boehner have both said that they will not move to deny Whitehead a seat in the House, however Boehner said that Whitehead "will not receive committee assignments from this caucus".

Georgia 10th Congressional District, Special Election

James Whitehead 52.78925%
Paul Broun 47.21075%

[NewYorkExpress]

July 4, 2007

Sinn Fein announces that abstention from Parliament will be optional

Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams announced today that Sinn Fein elected members of the United Kingdom's House of Commons, who traditionally abstain from serving in Parliament because to do so requires swearing an oath of loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II, would no longer be required to do so. Instead, he stated that the policy of abstention would be a "personal decision for each elected Sinn Fein member of Parliament", and that there would be no requirement to either abstain or attend, starting with the next election to the House of Commons. In addition, he also announced that Sinn Fein members will be eligible to take up seats in the United Kingdom's House of Lords, should they be nominated for a peerage in the future.

July 6, 2007

New York State Assembly rejects Constitutional Amendment to allow Lieutenant Governor to be appointed by Governor when vacant

The New York State Assembly, in special session, rejected a proposed constitutional amendment wanted by Governor David Paterson, by a 39-111 margin, with many Assembly measures stating that proposed amendment is unconstitutional. State Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco said that since appointing a Lieutenant Governor is not specifically prohibited by the constitution, it must be allowed, while Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver stated that since the State Constitution is silent on the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor, Paterson should appoint one and "let the chips fall where they may".

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo stated that a Governor's ability to appoint a Lieutenant Governor was "probably" unconstitutional, but also stated that he felt the New York Court of Appeals, as currently composed, would likely rule such an appointment constitutional.

July 8, 2007

David Paterson names Christine Quinn Lieutenant Governor

New York Governor David Paterson has named New York City Councilwoman Christine Quinn as the new Lieutenant Governor of New York.

While it's murky whether the Governor of New York can appoint a replacement if the position Lieutenant Governor is vacant, sources close to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and State Senate Senate Majority Leader and Temporary President Joe Bruno say they will allow the appointment to proceed and for Quinn to serve as Lieutenant Governor, and New York Constitutional scholars say that an attempt for a private citizen to bring a lawsuit would be dismissed for lack of standing.

[NewYorkExpress]

July 10, 2007

Robert Singer to run for Senate

State Senator Robert Singer became the highest profile Republican to announce a campaign for the the Senate seat of retiring Senator Frank Lautenberg today.

Singer will face Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan in the Republican Primary.

Representative Rush Holt is the only Democrat running, and no other Democrat is currently considering a campaign.

July 11, 2007

Bob Menendez indicted, will resign Senate seat

U.S Attorney Chris Christie unsealed an indictment today against Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Menendez is being indicted on corruption charges with accusations, that while a Representative and as a Senator, he directed government contracts to political donors in Hudson County.

Menendez said that while he's "100% not guilty" he "could not mount an effective defense against these obviously political charges while remaining a United States Senator", and would resign, effective July 12.

July 12, 2007

Special Election in New Jersey set for Election Day

Governor Jon Corzine set the special election for the Senate seat in New Jersey to replace Bob Menendez for Election Day, which will be November 6. Primaries in the special election will be held on October 2, if necessary.

Corzine also stated that an interim Senator would likely be named in the next day or two.

July 13, 2007

Joseph Doria named interim Senator

Bayonne Mayor and State Senator Joseph Doria was announced by Governor John Corzine as his pick as interim Senator to fill the seat of Bob Menendez. Doria has announced that he will not run in the special election.

July 14, 2007

Mike Gravel to run for Green Party nomination for President

Former Senator Mike Gravel filed to run for President on the Green Party ballot line today. He's considered the highest profile Green Party candidate since Ralph Nader's campaigns in 1996 and 2000.

Gravel faces activist Kat Swift, Professor at Morgan State University Jared Ball, and Civil Rights Attorney Rich Whitney for the Green Party nomination, with activist, and 1996 and 2000 nominee (and 2004 Independent candidate) Ralph Nader still considering a fourth Presidential campaign.

Sheila Oliver will run in Senate Special Election

State Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver announced that she would run in this fall's special election for the United States Senate to replace Bob Menendez, becoming the first major Democrat to do so.

On the Democratic side, State Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, State Senator Barbara Buono and former Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford are considering bids.

On the Republican side, no candidates have announced yet, however, Representative Frank LoBiondo, U.S Attorney Chris Christie, Former EPA Administrator and Governor Christine Todd Whitman, and Federal Judge and Former Representative William Martini are all considering bids.

[NewYorkExpress]

Interesting

No comments beyond that? No suggestions on what I should do?

That's not really helpful...

[NewYorkExpress]

Interesting. Maybe focus a little less on culture and a little more on the political headlines.


I honestly feel bad for bumping this, I don’t think many people are interested really.

You bumped a thread FROM ONE DAY AGO.

Also this TL has thousands of views and is interesting, although maybe speeding it up would be a good idea.

The slow pace is somewhat deliberate, unfortunately, but I can try and space out events a little bit more.

I can confirm once we get to the 2007 elections, the pace will pick up a bit, because it's literally just primary/caucus in a row until the conventions.

[NewYorkExpress]

July 16, 2007

Deal reached between Iran, EU, Russia on Iranian nuclear program

After nine months of negotiation in Geneva and St. Petersburg between Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Manouchehr Mottaki, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy/Secretary General of the Council of the EU, Javier Solana, a deal regarding the Iranian nuclear program was reached today.

Here are the terms of the deal.

1. Iran must stop using nuclear energy for military and civilian purposes by January 1, 2008.

2. The IAEA must be allowed in to ensure compliance with this deal.

3. Upon completion of all terms of the deal, all signatories, and any third parties who later sign on to this deal, must lift all sanctions that currently exist on the Iranian Government. Sanctions on private individuals in Iran may remain on a case-by-case basis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decried the deal, saying the only way to stop Iran was "military action and overthrowing the Ayatollah".

President Bush, in a White House press briefing said the State Department was still studying the deal, but "it looked pretty good, and that we'd likely join it, or at least encourage the next administration to lift sanctions if Iran kept to the terms met in the deal as it was written".

United States designates Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism

In a joint press conference at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Colin Powell, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Attorney General Rudy Giuliani and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson, announced that Pakistan was being declared a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States government, as a result of their military and according to Rice, their civillian leadership willfully concealing Osama Bin Laden's whereabouts in there country for almost seven years.

Among the announcements made were:

1. The freezing of all Pakistani money in U.S financial institutions.

2. The expulsion of the Pakistani Ambassador, Mahmud Ali Durrani, and the entire diplomatic staff of the Pakistani Embassy, as well as the reacall of the U.S Ambassador Ryan Crocker, and  the entire diplomatic staff at the U.S Embassy in Islamabad.

3. The request for Interpol red notices for the former head of the ISI and current Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Ehsan ul Haq, the current head of the ISI, Ashfaq Pervez, Kayani, the Minister of Defense of Pakistan, Rao Sikandar Iqbal and the President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf on charges of obstruction of justice, and complicity through inaction in multiple Al-Qaeda linked attacks around the globe since 9/11, including the Madrid train bombings in 2004, and the London terror attacks in 2005.

4. Sanctions being placed on Pakistan by the United States Government. The United States will only supply humanitarian supplies to Pakistan.

July 18, 2007

Tony Blair to step down as British Prime Minister

Fulfilling a promise not to lead the Labour Party, or the United Kingdom into the next elections, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced he will step down as Prime Minister, pending the selection of next Leader of the Labour Party.

So far, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and Minister of State for Justice Harriet Harman have both indicated they are running to replace Blair. Backbencher Jeremy Corbyn has also indicated that he will mount a bid, but he may have his eyes on post in either Brown or Harman's Cabinet, rather than actually being Prime Minister.

A Party-wide vote on the next leader will be held on July 31, 2007.

Hillary Clinton under fire for misrepresenting time in Bosnia

Keith Olbermann hit Hillary Clinton hard tonight on Countdown with Keith Olbermann for statements she made earlier this week on the campaign trail in Iowa, stating that she was "greeted by sniper fire when she arrived in Bosnia". Olbermann, who had Mario Cuomo's campaign manager, Bob Shrum on, showed a clip of Clinton's actual arrival in Bosnia, where she and Chelsea were greeted by smiling children on an airport tarmac, and being presented with flowers. Olbermann called Clinton a liar, and Shrum made it clear that "we don't need liars in the White House, we've had almost sixteen years of that".

Poll in New York's 13th Congressional Congressional District shows Democratic candidates up by double digits.

A surprise poll in New York's 13th Congressional District showed both Democrats running, leading the incumbent, Vito Fosella by double digits. Fosella has not announced his intentions for 2008, but he has expressed interest in a bid for Mayor of New York City in 2009.

New York 13th Congressional District, Siena

New York City Councilman Michael McMahon (D) 47%
Incumbent Vito Fosella (R) 35%

New York State Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D) 50%
Incumbent Vito Fosella (R) 39%

Poll surveyed 590 registered voters in the 13th Congressional District. Margin of Error +/- 3%

With this poll, most analysts have moved the race into Lean D in their race ratings, with Charlie Cook rating the race as Likely D, citing the heavily Democratic climate, especially in New York.

July 19, 2007

Ehud Barak elected President of Israel

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak was elected by the Israeli Knesset over former Prime Minister Shimon Peres 94-26, to be the next President of Israel today. Barak was widely viewed as a consensus choice between the three parties (Likud, Labor and Kadima) in the governing coalition.

July 20, 2007

Federal Judge rules Defense of Marriage act is unconstitutional

Federal Judge Naomi Buchwald ruled today in a landmark ruling from a Civil servant in the Defense Department who was denied a government health care plan for himself and his spouse because of their same-sex relationship that the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional in McMichael vs Powell.

Marty Meehan to be appointed to the Federal Bench

President Bush announced the appointment of Representative Marty Meehan as a Federal Judge for the District of Massachusetts, replacing William Glover Young, who has taken Senior Status. Meehan is expected to get an easy confirmation, with all Democrats, and most Republicans expected to support his nomination.

His confirmation will trigger a special election for his Congressional seat, which likely will be around election day, if Senate Majority Leader Tom Harkin schedules Meehan's confirmation vote quickly.

So far, for the Democrats, former State Senator Michael Barrett and State Senator Steven Panagiatakos have expressed interest in running in the special election.

For the Republicans, 2004 nominee Thomas Tierney has announced a campaign in 2008, and is expected to announce a bid for the Special Election, while former State Representative and Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party Brian Cresta is reportedly considering a campaign in the Special Election.

July 21, 2007

U.S Airstrike kills Taliban leader

As the United States begins pulling it's troops and equipment out of Afghanistan, they are taking steps to ensure that the Taliban does not return to power. An airstrike today in Qalati Ghiji killed the Taliban's leader, Mohammed Omar, and three others.

July 29, 2007

Japanese Elections-LDP hangs on by a thread

Despite numerous scandals surrounding the party, the coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and the New Komeito Party, led by Akihiro Ota has hung on to the reins of government by narrow margin in general elections today.

Japanese Elections-House of Councilors

LDP: Shinzo Abe 89 seats
DPJ: Ichiro Ozawa 87 seats
New Komeito Party: Akihiro Ota 35 seats
JCP: Kazuo Shii 16 seats
SDP: Mizhuo Fukushima 9 seats
PNP: Tamisuke Watanuki 4 seats
New Party Nippon: Yasou Tanaka 2 seats

July 31, 2007

Harriet Harman elected leader of the Labour Party, UK Prime Minister

In a party-wide election, Minister of State for Justice Harriet Harman was elected was elected leader of the Labour of the Labour Party, and by extension Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to replace the departing Tony Blair, by a wide margin over Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown and backbencher Jeremy Corbyn.

According to released vote totals, Harman received roughly 70% of the vote of registered Labour Party members, with Corbyn finishing second with 16%,and Brown coming in third with 14%.

[NewYorkExpress]

August 1, 2007

Russia banned from multiple Olympics due to doping scandal.

After a expose in L'Equipe in November of a state sponsored doping program by Russia in most Olympic Sports, and a subsequent investigation by the IOC, IOC Chairman Jacques Rogge announced the harshest punishment of any individual or country in Olympic history.

All Russian athletes, government officials, and civilians are banned from the 2010 Winter Olympics, to be held in Vancouver, the 2012 Summer Olympics, to be held in London, and the 2014 Winter Olympics, to be held in Salzburg. The host committees are responsible for enforcing this punishment, and if they do not, the cities involved could be barred from hosting the Olympic Games in the future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the ban by stating that the accusations were a "witch hunt against Russia", and that "Every country has or had similar programs in their history"

Federal Judge rules that Social Media is not subject to the First Amendment

Federal Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled today, in what may be a landmark ruling that will almost certainly reach the Supreme Court that Social Media is not subject to First Amendment rights and privileges in the case of Zuckerberg vs Giuliani, which came about after Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, defied an order from the Justice Department to take down pages belonging to pedophiles, convicted terrorists, and individuals under thirteen and instead elected to sue the Justice Department, saying that the First Amendment allowed anyone to have a page on Facebook if they wished.

August 4, 2007

Jill Long Thompson running for Governor of Indiana

Indiana Democrats solved what was looking like a major recruiting woe, as former Representative and Undersecretary of Agriculture for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson has announced that she will run for Governor against incumbent Governor Mitch Daniels.

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Petersen is considering a campaign, if he can win reelection this year.

Almost all political analysts have this race as Likely or Safe Republican, with Charlie Cook stating that, while Democrats have momentum, Thompson is a weak potential nominee.

August 7, 2007

Mississippi Gubernatorial Primaries held, Barbour sweeps to renomination, Democratic opponent will start general election at disadvantage against popular incumbent.

Mississippi held it's primaries for it's statewide elections today. Haley Barbour, running for a second term, won renomination without much difficulty at all, while a closely contested Democratic Primary was won with a wider than expected margin.

Mississippi, Governor-Republican Primary

Incumbent Haley Barbour 96.87%
Fredrick Jones 3.13%

Mississippi, Governor-Democratic Primary

Former State Representative, Former Mayor of Moss Point Louis Fondren 51%
Attorney John Arthur Eaves 15%
State Representative Frances Fredericks 15%
Teacher William Compton 10%
Former State Senator Barbara Blackmon 9%

August 12, 2007

Polls in Kentucky, Mississippi Gubernatorial races show vastly different races.

Polling was done over the past week in the Kentucky and Mississippi Gubernatorial races. In Kentucky, where Anne Northrup previously held a lead over Steve Beshear, polling now shows Beshear having a slim lead.

In Mississippi, the first polls show Haley Barbour with a wide lead over Louis Fondren.

Kentucky,Governor-Survey USA

Steve Beshear (D) 45%
Anne Northrup (R) 44%

The following poll was conducted with 900 likely Kentucky voters. Margin of error +/- 2%

Mississippi, Governor- Rassmussen

Haley Barbour (R) 59%
Louis Fondren (D) 23%

Poll conducted with 875 Likely Mississippi voters. Margin of Error +/- 3%

[NewYorkExpress]

August 13, 2007

Seventh Democratic debate, features surprising lack of attacks

The seventh Democratic debate for President was held today at the Iowa State Fair.

Here's how the candidates did:

Douglas Wilder: Was not invited to the debate, due to his poor numbers in Iowa. He could be seen talking to voters at the fair, and making stump speeches. N/A

Tom Vilsack: Has been doing poorly in Iowa for being a former home state Governor. In what might be his last chance to make an impression, he stressed his Iowa roots, and contrasted himself with Cuomo and Clinton effectively. It's not certain that will be enough to move him up in the polls, but he did his part. A-

Dick Gephardt: Brought back painful memories of his stumbles in prior Presidential bids when he made one of the few attacks of the debate, by comparing Cuomo to a mafia don in a shockingly racist comment. Social Media lit up in response, with calls for Gephardt to drop out going viral, and Anderson Cooper, covering the debate on CNN, calling him "an old-fashioned southern racist". F

Al Gore: Continued to stress the need for moving away from most forms of energy, a message that won't play well in Iowa, or along the Gulf Coast, or in West Virginia. Just how much of the country can Democrats sacrifice and still win if they nominate Gore? B

Mario Cuomo: Decided to ignore Gephardt comparing him to a mafia don, which might work out after all. Otherwise had a quiet debate, but getting compared to John Gotti will draw headlines every time. B

Hillary Clinton: Blasted the Bush Administration for attempting to nation-build in Iraq and Afghanistan when it was clear both enterprises would be failures. Also suggested that the Bush Administration had learned nothing from the response to Hurricane Katrina, a tactic that may be designed to win votes for Mitch Landrieu in the Louisiana Gubernatorial race this fall. B+


August 15, 2007

Republicans debate as voters take part in Iowa Straw Poll

As voters took part in the Iowa Straw poll, Republicans held their seventh Presidential debate. Here's how the candidates did:

George Allen: Largely was irrelevant during the debate. Didn't get a question asked of him outside of questions asked to all candidates, and wasn't attacked once. It's hard to see how he continues further in the campaign, and Senate leaders are trying to persuade him to drop out and run for the Senate instead. D

Fred Thompson: Endorsed a soda tax proposed by New York City Michael Bloomberg, that failed to pass the City Council back in May, said he would support passing that Nationally as President, and got a round of boos for that. Otherwise had a quiet debate. C

Mitt Romney: Was forced to defend his Mormon faith after repeated questions about it from the moderators, and couldn't really get going in this debate. C

Mike Huckabee: A clear crowd favorite, played to the religious crowd, stating that he would support repealing and replacing the First Amendment to remove the Separation of Church and State, Establishment, and Free Exercise clauses. He's clearly aiming for near unanimous support from evangelicals. Will that be enough to get him the nomination? B+

John McCain: Told the moderators "it would be fine if our troops never left Iraq", and said he would "immediately re invade Afghanistan" if elected President. Provided a lot of cannon fodder for whoever the Democratic nominee is if he wins the Republican nomination. F

Mike Huckabee wins Iowa Straw Poll

Riding support from religious conservatives, and other conservatives suspicious of John McCain and Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee has comfortably won the Iowa Straw Poll today.

Iowa Straw Poll

Mike Huckabee 47%
Mitt Romney 19%
Fred Thompson 16%
John McCain 10%
George Allen 7%
Other 1%

[NewYorkExpress]

August 15, 2007

Final debates before Iowa Caucuses, New Hampshire Primaries, announced.

The Democrats and Republicans have announced the schedule for the final few debates before the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire Primaries, at the beginning of January.

The Eighth Republican Presidential debate will be on October 31, 2007 at the University of Northern Iowa, in Cedar Falls, Iowa and will be moderated by Chris Wallace.

The Ninth Republican Presidential debate will be on December 13, 2007 at American University in Washington D.C, and will be moderated by Elaine Quijano.

The Tenth Republican Presidential Debate will be on January 5, 2008 at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, and will be moderated by Meredith Vieria.

The Eighth Democratic Presidential Debate will be on November 15, 2007, at the University of Toledo in, Toledo, Ohio, and will be moderated by Brian Williams.

The Ninth Democratic Presidential Debate will be held on December 7, 2007, at Hofstra University, in Uniondale, New York, and will be moderated by Jake Tapper.

The Tenth Democratic Presidential Debate will be held on January 4, 2008 at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and will be moderated by John King.

August 16, 2007

Scandal involving 2006 Winter Olympics forces resignation of Mayor of Turin

After an expose in La Stampa revealed that City officials in Turin, Italy illegally sold tickets to the 2006 Winter Olympics on the black market, including to individuals that were on Italy's terrorist watch list and the indictment of nine police officers in Turin, four members of the Turin City Council, and three bureaucrats in the Mayor's office, Mayor Sergio Chiamparino has resigned today. Chimparino is not considered a target of the criminal of the investigation, and according to Justice Minister Clemente Mastella, is believed to be unaware of the criminal scheme that was going on the city surrounding the Games. Mastella and Prime Minister Romano Prodi prasied Chiamparino for resigning, with Prodi stating "reminding our voters that accountability comes first should always be first for any politician".

George Allen suspends Presidential Campaign, enters Senate race in Virginia.

George Allen has ended his struggling Presidential campaign today, and endorsed John McCain in a press release.

Allen also announced that he would enter the Senate race in Virginia to succeed retiring Senator John Warner.

Allen's entry into the Senate race is expected to force one or both of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both of whom are considering the race, to declare their intentions shortly.

August 18, 2007

Mark Warner will run for Senate

Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner announced today at a rally in Richmond that he would run for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator John Warner, setting up potentially important battle for Senate control with former Senator George Allen.

Governor Tim Kaine is reportedly still considering the race, but sources close to the Governor say an endorsement of Warner is likely any day now.

Political analysts rate this a tossup, with most stating that the race is tilting Democratic due to the national enviornment.

Pervez Musharraf to step down, Presidential and Parliamentary elections to be held in Pakistan in November.

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced that he would stand down as President of Pakistan at the next elections, which have been scheduled for November 1 and 19, 2007. These elections will be a Parliamentary Election on November 1, followed by the new Parliament electing the next President of Pakistan on November 19.

August 20, 2007

Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan

Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan People's Party) returned from exile in London today, landing in Karachi to large crowd. Bhutto is expected to contest the Parliamentary Elections in November, and is expected to be the PPP's candidate for Prime Minister for a third term in office.

August 21, 2007

Last Americans leave Afghanistan

United States Ambassador to Afghanistan Ronald Neumann, and the embassy staff in Kabul became the final Americans to leave Afghanistan this morning, as the United States Government has successfully evacuated all of their civillians from Afghanistan.

A Taliban offensive has begun in the south of the country, as Lashkargah has already fallen to the Taliban, and the fall of Khandahar and Ghazni is expected any day now.

The fall of Afghanistan itself to the Taliban is expected to happen "within weeks" according Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Peter Pace in seperate hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Intelligence Committees.

Margaret Thatcher dead at 81

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died this morning at eighty-one years old. Thatcher, the first woman to ever lead a major party in the United Kingdom or become Prime Minister, has widely been considered a trailblazer in British politics. Best known as "The Iron Lady", Thatcher was the Prime Minister in charge for Britain's victory in the Falklands War, and her eleven years as Prime Minister made her the longest serving Prime Minister in the 20th century.

President Bush issued a statement of condolence on Thatcher's passing, stating that she was "an inspiration to millions of little girls who dream of going into politics".

Hillary Clinton, while campaigning in Deltona, Florida, stated that "Thatcher was an inspiration to me when I was first running for the Senate. She made think that I could be not only a successful candidate, but a successful politician. She's still teaching me lessons today, about leadership, and how to run a national campaign."

Democrats win easily in Special Election for California's 37th Congressional District

Following the death of Representative Juanita Millender-McDonald in April, California held a special election to fill her House seat. The First round, an all-party primary, with the winner needing a majority to win the seat outright. Otherwise, the top finishers from each party, advance to the general election.

California 37th Congressional District-Special Election, All Party Primary

State Assemblywoman Laura Richardson (D) 34%
State Senator Jenny Oropeza (D) 26%
Businesswoman Teri Ramirez (R) 16%
Compton Mayor Eric Perrodin (D) 6.24%
Signal Hill Councilman Ed Wilson (D) 6.15%
CEO Felicia Ford (D) 6.13%
Publisher Lee Davis (D) 1%
Valerie McDonald (D) 1%
Paralegal/Businessman Bill Francisco Grisola (D) 1%
Veteran John Kanaley (R) 0.65%
Social Worker Daniel Abraham Brezenoff (G) 0.55%
Retired Aerospace Engineer Herb Peters (L) 0.28%
August 22, 2007

Richardson was the easy winner in today's general election.

California, 37th Congressional District-Special Election

Laura Richardson (D) 79.558%
Teri Ramirez (R) 16.798%
Abraham Brezenoff (G) 2.071%
Herb Peters (L) 1.573%

Chief Pollster for Clinton Campaign caught in scandal

Hillary Clinton's chief pollster, Mark Penn was fired by the candidate yesterday, after The Washington Post published a story stating that Penn had done unpaid consulting for Jean-Marie Le Pen, during the French Presidential elections last May. Le Pen, whose far-right anti-Semitic views have made him a pariah on the French and international political scene had no comment on Penn's firing.

Clinton has replaced Penn with Cornell Belcher as her chief pollster.

]August 22, 2007

Congress passes legislation expanding Secret Service protection

The United States House of Representatives and Senate seperately passed legislation this week that would dramatically increase the role of the United States Secret Service, by making all members of Congress automatically eligible for Secret Service protection, unless otherwise designated by the Speaker of the House or President Pro Tempore. The legislation, which was sponsored in the House by Tammy Duckworth, Peter King and Mike Pence, and in the Senate by Barack Obama and Richard Lugar, passed in the House 333-86, and in the Senate 96-1 (Bernie Sanders voted no, Craig Thomas, John McCain and Hillary Clinton were not present).

August 24, 2007

Craig Thomas dead at 74

Senator Craig Thomas died in Casper, Wyoming from complications of Lukemia at 74 years old on Wednesday.

'Governor Dave Fruedenthal is required to select a Senator from a list provided by the Wyoming Republican Party, however, he has asked today that all names that the Wyoming Republican Party provides not be candidates in the special election, which will be held on Election Day 2008.

August 28, 2007

State Senator Eli Bebout appointed to Senate seat.  

State Senator Eli Bebout was appointed to the vacant United States Senate seat from Wyoming by Governor Dave Freudenthal, from a list of three names provided by the Wyoming Republican Party. According to Freudenthal, the other two names submitted by the party were former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, Liz Cheney (who Freudenthal rejected because she still lived in Virginia), and former Governor Jim Geringer, who Freudenthal preferred, but ultimately declined to pick in favor of Bebout, largely because he respected Bebout's skills as a campaigner, as Bebout was his opponent in the Governor's race in 2002.

President Bush appoints Trent Lott as Director of FEMA

Following the departure of FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison to become a commentator on The Weather Channel in June, President Bush has nominated Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) to serve as Director of FEMA.

Lott is expected to face a tricky confirmation over past racially insensitive statements, with some Democrats and some Republicans opposed, however, he is expected to win confirmation.

[NewYorkExpress]

September 1, 2007

Jim Hodges running for Senate

Former South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges has electrified what was a sleepy Senate by announcing a campaign to take on the incumbent, Lindsey Graham today. Hodges said that Graham was "the biggest cheerleader of the failed administration policy in Iraq" in a fiery announcement speech.

Hodges faces State Senator Gerald Malloy, State Senator Clementa Pinckney, pilot Bob Conley, Attorney Michael Cone and the 2006 nominee in the First Congressional District, Randy Maataa in the Democratic Primary.

Also running are the Constitution Party's Patrick Tyndall, and the Green Party's Efia Nwangaza, each of whom was their party's nominee in 2004.

Most political analysts have this race as Likely R pending the primary, with Charlie Cook stating while Hodges might well be favored over Graham, with African-Americans being an overwhelming percentage of votes in a Democratic Primary, he would be at a disadvantage in the primary.

September 3, 2007

Hurricane Dean devastates Florida Panhandle

Hurricane Dean made landfall overnight at Wynnehaven Beach, Florida, as a Category 4 Hurricane with with 145 mph winds. The preliminary death count in Florida and Alabama is three people, and preliminary damage estimates come up to a total of $19.678 billion.

President Bush has issued an emergency disaster declaration for Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties in Florida, and for Escambia, Baldwin and Mobile Counties in Alabama.

September 5, 2007

Senate confirms Trent Lott as Administrator of FEMA

Senator Trent Lott (R-MS) was confirmed by the United States Senate as the new Administrator of FEMA in a 78-4 vote (Bill Nelson, Mary Landrieu, Barack Obama and Chuck Schumer were the four no votes. Hillary Clinton, while absent and campaigning in Vermont, indicated that she also opposed Lott's nomination, and would have voted no had she been in the Senate).

Lott's impending resignation will trigger a special election on election day.

Governor Haley Barbour said he would appoint a Senator who would run in the special election.

September 6, 2007

Amy Tuck appointed to the Senate

Governor Haley Barbour has appointed his Lieutenant Governor, Amy Tuck, who is term-limited from seeking another term as Lieutenant Governor to the Senate to replace Trent Lott. Tuck confirmed to Politico that she would run in the special election, to be held on Election Day.

Following eye-opening presentation from Dr. Bennet Omalu on CTE, legislation to ban American Football is introduced in the House of Representatives

Following dramatic testimony before two different House of Representatives Committees by Dr. Bennet Omalu on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy last week,  in which he recommended banning American Football for those under twenty-five, Representatives James Whitehead (R-GA-10) and Representative Steve Pearce (R-NM-2) have introduced legislation that would ban American Football in the United States at all levels, and would punish anyone who tried to organize an American Football competition on American soil with up to one year in prison, and a fine of $20 million.

The legislation is not expected to get a vote on the House floor, as Speaker Pelosi is not a supporter of banning whole sports.

The proposed legislation has been almost universally condemned on the Presidential campaign trail, with the Republicans decrying it as "nanny-state-ism", while Hillary Clinton said it was "overkill" and Al Gore said it was "a blatant trap, and it would horrible for us to fall into it".

Crisis in Ukraine as Viktor Yushchenko has dozens of opposition lawmakers arrested

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko's months long fight with the Verkohvna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament, over the passage of the budget, has ended dramatically, as Yushchenko has ordered the arrest of 160 of the opposition lawmakers, including all 129 lawmakers of the primary opposition, the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, led by Yulia Tymoshenko.

Secretary of State Condolezza Rice has issued a statement that the "conditions in Ukraine are concerning", and the United Kingdom's Ambassador the United Nations, Emyr Jones Parry, has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation and discuss possible sanctions.

September 7, 2007

Rod Blagojevich under indictment

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois unsealed a corruption indictment against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris, on charges of  racketeering, wire fraud, extortion, accepting bribes, and conspiracy today in relation to Operation Board Games, a multi-year investigation into Blagojevich's administration.

September 9, 2007

Illinois House, Senate, overwhelmingly vote to remove Blagojevich from office.

The Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate, reacting quickly to Rod Blagojevich's indictment, have voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office as Governor of Illinois. The vote was 118-0 in the House, and 57-2 in the State Senate, with Terry Link and Michael Bond being the two votes against removing Blagojevich in the State Senate.

With Blagojevich's removal from office, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn will be elevated to Governor.

Hu Jintao confirms that Hong Kong Security Law also applies to Macau

Hu Jintao, President of China, and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, confirmed to reporters that the Hong Kong Security Act introduced there, which is scheduled to be passed China-wide when the Politburo meets later this month, will also apply to Macau. He told China Daily that he did not have anyone immediately in mind to be the formal Communist Party chair in Macau, and that the citizens of Macau had taken the news well when it was announced to them, compared to in Hong Kong.

September 11, 2007

Taliban enter Kabul as Hamid Karzai flees Afghanistan

The Taliban triumphantly entered Kabul today, as Afghani President Hamid Karzai and his Government have fled the country.

Taliban leader Akhtar Mansour has demanded that countries around the Middle East and South Asia, where Karzai and his government are believed to have fled to, return them to Afghanistan so they can face "the justice of traitors".

[NewYorkExpress]

September 12, 2007

Marty Meehan confirmed as Federal Judge by United States Senate

Representative Marty Meehan was confirmed as a Federal Judge for District of Massachusetts today, 69-23, following a short filibuster from Jim DeMint, which was broken after two hours. Meehan's resignation triggers a special election, which is expected to be in November, though Governor Deval Patrick has said, that owing to the date of the Senate vote, the special will not be on election day.

Deval Patrick sets special election for Meehan's seat to be December 11, 2007.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has set the Special Election for the House race to succeed Marty Meehan for December 11, 2007, with primaries, if necessary to be held on Election Day, November 6.

September 13, 2007

Brian Cresta running in Massachusetts Special Election

Former State Representative and Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party Brian Cresta has announced a campaign to succeed Marty Meehan.

While 2004 nominee Thomas Tierney is still officially considering a bid in the special election, sources close to Tierney say he is expected to pass on a campaign in favor of focusing on his campaign for the seat in 2008.

Steven Panagiatakos running in Massachusetts Special Election

State Senator Steven Panagiatakos has filed to run in the Massachusetts special election to succeed Marty Meehan.

While sources close to former State Senator Michael Barrett say he is still considering pursuing the House seat, Barrett is considered more likely to instead file for Panagiatakos's State Senate seat in the likely event he wins the special election.

September 25, 2007

Democrats score pickup in Alaska Special Election

Democrats gained another pickup, part of a string of successes in recent months, in the Special Election to succeed Don Young, despite the NRCC spending $3,768,000 on the race to the DCCC's $697,000.

Political Observers cited the continuing unpopularity of the Bush Administration, as well the knock on-effects of the VECO scandal.

Alaska, At-Large Congressional District, Special Election

State Representative Bryce Edgmon (D) 39.697%
State Representative John Harris (R) 35.555%
Former State Representative Andre Marrou (L) 21.073%
Former Lieutenant Governor Jack Coghill (AIP) 3.675%

[NewYorkExpress]

American Football is a great band, why do they deserve to be illegal?

It's horribly unsafe, beyond the usual levels of unsafe.

In any event, Pelosi isn't bringing that bill up for a vote anytime soon, and a large majority of the Republican Caucus in the House is also opposed to the legislation. It's not going to pass.

[NewYorkExpress]

American Football is a great band, why do they deserve to be illegal?

It's horribly unsafe, beyond the usual levels of unsafe.

In any event, Pelosi isn't bringing that bill up for a vote anytime soon, and a large majority of the Republican Caucus in the House is also opposed to the legislation. It's not going to pass.

How is the band unsafe? They just make music

It's the sport, not a band (which I've never even heard of).

[NewYorkExpress]

October 1, 2007

Ban Ki-moon to step down as Secretary-General of the United Nations, run for President of South Korea.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced that he will resign as Secretary-General after only being on the job since January, and will return to South Korea and run for President as an independent, ahead of the November registration deadline.

Moon, who previously served as Foreign and Trade Minister, has been shown to have wide leads over all declared candidates, and in head-to-head matchups with the three frontrunners,  the Grand National Party's nominee, former Seoul Mayor Lee Myung-bak, the Grand Unified Democratic New Party's nominee, former Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young and Independent Candidate, former Prime Minister, Lee Hoi-chang, according to public surveys of the race.

October 2, 2007

UN sets vote for Ban Ki-moon's successor for mid-October.

The United Nations has set the voting schedule for naming Ban Ki-moon's successor as Secretary-General.

The Security Council will meet to recommend a candidate (or more than one) on October 5, and the General Assembly's vote on the candidate or candidates is tentatively scheduled for October 15.

October 5, 2007

UN Security Council recommends five candidates to replace Ban Ki-Moon as Secretary General

The General Assembly is getting a lot of choice as to who the next Secretary General of the United Nations might be, as the United Nations Security Council chose to recommend five candidates to the general assembly.

They are:

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa
Director of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei
Former Foreign Minister of Japan Yoriko Kawaguchi
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Sallai Meridor

A sixth candidate was vetoed by the United States:

Iranian Foreign Minister Manoucheher Mottaki

October 7, 2007

Mississippi delays Senate special election until 2008

Citing the short amount of time between Trent Lott's resignation in September and Election Day, Governor Haley Barbour signed legislation passed by the Mississippi Legislature that would delay the special election until Election Day 2008.

The legislation passed the Mississippi House of Representatives 115-8, and the State Senate 46-4 last week.

The legislation delays the filing deadline for the race, which originally was October 11, until June of 2008, and reestablishes the primaries for the race, which will be held in August, with a runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote.

Bobby Jindal to run for Senate

Representative Bobby Jindal, who surprised many observers of Louisiana politics by declining to run for Governor this year, announced a bid for the Senate against Mary Landrieu in what is believed to be one of the few pick up opportunities, along with Iowa, for the Republicans in 2008.

Former State Senator Mike Branch has already declared a candidacy, and former State Representative and noted White Supremacist David Duke is considering a either a Senate bid or a bid for the House seat Jindal is vacating.

[NewYorkExpress]

American Football is a great band, why do they deserve to be illegal?

It's horribly unsafe, beyond the usual levels of unsafe.

In any event, Pelosi isn't bringing that bill up for a vote anytime soon, and a large majority of the Republican Caucus in the House is also opposed to the legislation. It's not going to pass.

How is the band unsafe? They just make music

It's the sport, not a band (which I've never even heard of).

When I hear American Football I think of the band

Well, there's football (what Americans call soccer) and football (what the rest of the world calls American Football).

[NewYorkExpress]

Just wondering NewYorkExpress why your TLs always feature some strange or improbable events (like in the Obama one where Jeb Bush said he would resign if elected and Michelle Bachmann being held at Gitmo)?

I'm a very strange person.

To be fair, I don't think I've gone too extreme to this point in this TL, though we have a long way to go yet.

[NewYorkExpress]

October 9, 2007

Des Moines Register poll shows Cuomo, Huckabee in the lead in Iowa, tight Senate race. Democrats leading in four of five House Districts, competitive in the fifth.

Iowa Caucus-Democrats

Mario Cuomo 30%
Hillary Clinton 29%
Tom Vilsack 15%
Dick Gephardt 13%
Douglas Wilder 3%

Iowa Caucus-Republicans

Mike Huckabee 33%
John McCain 26%
Mitt Romney 22%
Fred Thompson 9%


Iowa-Senate

Incumbent Tom Harkin (D) 45%
Former Governor Terry Branstad (R) 45%

Iowa-First Congressional District

Incumbent Bruce Braley (D) 53%
State Senator David Hartsuch (R) 35%

Iowa-Second Congressional District

Incumbent Dave Loebsack (D) 49%
Lt. Col. Marianette Miller-Meeks (R) 36%

Iowa-Third Congressional District

Incumbent Leonard Boswell (D) 56%
State Senator Andy McKean (R) 40%

Iowa-Fourth Congressional District

State Senator Herman Quimbach (D) 44%
Incumbent Tom Latham (R) 42%

Iowa-Fifth Congressional District

Incumbent Steve King (R) 46%
State Representative Roger Wendt (D) 41%

The above polls were all conducted by the Des Moines Register. 1,500 Iowans were polled statewide. Margin of error was +/- 3%