Hillary or Bust

[NewYorkExpress]

April 27, 2007

Democrats announce location for May debate

DNC Chairman Howard Dean announced this morning in response to complaints from the Clinton campaign that he had secured a location for the debate on May 22, to be moderated by Richard Quest and Christane Amanpour.

The debate will take place outdoors at the Myrtle Beach Speedway, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Terry Branstad to run for Senate

Iowa Republicans got a shot in the arm when former Governor Terry Branstad announced today at a press conference in Des Moines that he would challenge Senator Tom Harkin.

Political Analyst Charlie Cook said that while the fundamentals still favored Democrats, Branstad's entry would be Harkin's strongest challenge yet as an elected official.

Another analyst, Stu Rothenburg, stated that he wouldn't be surprised to see Branstad win, even on a good night for Democrats nationally, pointing out that incumbent Governor Chet Culver was unpopular, and that early polling showed the Presidential race as a coin-flip.

April 28, 2007

Ron Paul will drop reelection bid, will focus on Presidential run.

Ron Paul, in an interview with the Houston Chronicle confirmed that he would drop his bid for reelection in Texas's 14th Congressional District to focus on his longshot bid for President. This essentially clears the field for George P. Bush to win the Republican nomination. So far, one Democrat, State Representative Allen Craig Eiland has filed to run here, but polls show him trailing Bush by a sizable margin.

Most political analysts, rate this race as Safely Republican, though Charlie Cook warned that running a member of the Bush family could come back to haunt Republicans here as Eiland is a strong candidate in the event of a sizable Democratic wave.

May 1, 2007

Bush to nominate J.C Watts as U.N Ambassador

President Bush announced today the nomination of former Representative J.C Watts (R-OK) to fill the vacant position of Ambassador to the United Nations. Watts is expected to have a tough confirmation battle, as Democrats are expected to move to block his nomination until a withdrawal from Iraq is announced, much as they are doing with Colin Powell.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 2, 2007

Republicans hold Michigan debate

Republicans held their fifth Presidential debate earlier this evening at the Dow Events Center in Saginaw, Michigan. Here's how the candidates did.

Ron Paul: Was not invited to the debate, on account of low national polling numbers. Paul filed a lawsuit seeking to be included in this debate and in future debates in federal court, but a hearing had not been scheduled as of this debate. N/A

Fred Thompson: Surprised many when he attacked McCain on the Iraq surge, stating that "the job is done and it's time to come home". Otherwise had a quiet debate. B-

George Allen: Attacked McCain for his sponsorship of McCain-Feingold Campaign finance reform act, stating that "the rich should control our government". Got a round of boos from the audience for that attack. D

Mike Huckabee: Had a major gaffe, when asked about returning jobs to Michigan, saying "the jobs aren't coming back". Got a round of boos from the audience for that. D

Mitt Romney: Had the best comment of the debate, when prompted by Shep Smith to respond to Allen's attack on McCain with his thoughts on campaign finance reform, he said that "if rich people like me want to control our government, than they should run for office themselves, rather than funding other people". Got a round of applause for the comment. Also hit Huckabee for lying to the people of Michigan about jobs coming back. A

John McCain: Refused be suckered into a response on McCain-Feingold, and stated that "it would be fine with me if we never left Iraq" in response to Thompson's attack on him in regards to the Iraq surge, in what is regarded as a major gaffe. D+

Most countries support boycott of 2008 Olympics

In response to China's crackdown in Hong Kong and the formal end of the "One Country, Two Systems" governance, and rumors that similar plans exist for Macau, most countries in the world have announced that they are joining a U.S led boycott of the 2008 Olympics, to be held in Beijing.

Here are the countries that have not agreed to join the boycott:

China (hosts)
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Zimbabwe
Libya
Lebanon
Syria
Qatar
Russia
The United Arab Emirates
North Korea
Singapore
Pakistan
Belarus
Azerbaijan
Afghanistan
Iraq
Yemen
Algeria
Egypt
Sudan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan

[NewYorkExpress]

May 3, 2007

Senate will not hold hearings on J.C Watts to be U.N Ambassador until Iraq withdrawal takes place.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden confirmed that after consulting with the Democratic membership of his committee, there would be no hearing on J.C Watts's nomination to the position of Ambassador to the United Nations until President Bush ordered a full withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.

May 4, 2007

IOC announces cancellation of Beijing Olympics

Citing the massive boycott, and an unwillingness to move the games on short notice, which was the condition laid out for the end to the boycott, International Olympic Committee Chairman Jacques Rogge announced that the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics were being cancelled, issuing a formal apology to the athletes that will be affected by news.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi called the decision "cowardice on the part of the IOC", and Doha and Dubai have both withdrawn bids for the 2016 Olympics that were being discussed by their countries National Olympic Committees.

May 6, 2007

Segolene Royal elected President of France

French voters went to the polls today in Round Two of their Presidential election to decide a winner between Nicolas Sarkozy and Segolene Royal. With endorsements from all other defeated left-wing candidates, plus the UDF's Francois Bayrou, Royal has emerged with an easy victory to become the first ever female President of France.

French Presidential Election-Second Round

Segolene Royal-PS 57.8966%
Nicolas Sarkozy-UMP 42.1034%

Leaked audio recording shows Hu Jintao and Cao Gangchuan arguing about nuking Pearl Harbor

A leaked audio recording, played for the world for the first time this evening on The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer shows China's Minister of National Defense Cao Gangchuan getting hysterical attempting to prevent Hu Jintao, the President of China, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and head of the military from ordering a nuclear strike on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in retaliation to the U.S led boycott of the now-cancelled Beijing Olympics. Gangchuan can be heard warning Jintao that the military "will not follow an order that will bring ruin to China", and that "if you give such an order, a coup will follow immediately".

Neither the American or the Chinese Governments have had any comment. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle when asked, said that "having a major military base here will always present dangers like this, but us Hawaiians aren't going to run from them".

[NewYorkExpress]

May 7, 2007

Pat Buchanan fired from MSNBC after stating J.C Watts was not qualified to be U.N Ambassador due to his race.

Pat Buchanan, a Presidential candidate in 1992, 1996 and the Reform Party nominee in 2000, was fired from his position writing columns for MSNBC after writing a column online that stated that because J.C Watts was black, he is unqualified to be Ambassador to the United Nations.

Watts has not commented on the article.

Italy will host Euro 2012

UEFA announced that Italy will host the 2012 European Championships after a vote taken today in Nyon.

The proposed venues for the tournament are:

San Siro/Stade Giuseppe Meazza, Milan (One Group, One Quarterfinal, One Semifinal)
Stadio Olimpico, Rome (One Group, One Quarterfinal, One Semifinal, Final)
Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence (One Group, One Quarterfinal)
Juventus Stadium, Turin (One Quarterfinal)
Stadio San Paolo, Naples (One Group)

May 9, 2007

Eliot Spitzer indicted for extorting madam of prostitution ring

New York County District Attorney Robert Morgenthau announced the indictment today of Governor of New York Eliot Spitzer on charges that he extorted the madam of the Emperor's Club, a prostitution ring being investigated by the Justice Department, to keep silent about seeing prostitutes employed the club while Attorney General of New York, threatening to personally prosecute the club if word got out that he was seeing the club's prostitutes.

Calls for Spitzer's resignation have been unanimous on both sides of the aisle.

If Spitzer were to resign, or were convicted, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson would become Governor.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 10, 2007

Myanmar Government has Aung San Suu Kyi executed while under house arrest

According to a report by the Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Myanmar, Shari Villarosa, the government of Myanmar executed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi by firing squad on May 3, in an attempt to squelch a protest movement that has been building.

For the past month scattered, intermittent protests have been occurring in Yangon and Naypiydaw against the ruling military junta, and the leadership is believed to have wanted to squash the protests before they reached a critical mass.

The American Government has not formally commented on the matter.

Hillary Clinton, campaigning in New Hampshire, stated that she mourned Suu Kyi's death, calling her an inspiration to women throughout Asia.

British Foreign Minister Margaret Beckett and Defence Minister Des Browne called for a military intervention in Myanmar. Prime Minister Tony Blair declined to comment on his ministers call for military action action in Myanmar, only telling the BBC that "there's no way we could invade Myanmar without American and Australian help, and I don't think that's available".

Wilder under fire for ad depicting Bill Clinton as a rapist, Hillary Clinton as a rape enabler

Douglas Wilder became the first candidate on the air, running a one minute ad in South Carolina, and his ad left a lot of people fuming.

The ad, which features Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky and Juanita Broaddrick (the last of whom has endorsed John McCain, but agreed to appear in the attack ad without telling McCain's campaign team) calling Bill Clinton a rapist, and Hillary Clinton a rape enabler as pictures of Bill and Hillary scroll across the screen. Bill, Jones and Lewinsky's testimony from the 1990's can be heard, before Wilder appears at the end saying that "America deserves better than someone who enables perverts as President".

The ad has drawn condemnation from across the Democratic Party.

Both of Wilder's endorsements, Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) and State Senator/Former Representative Cleo Fields (D-LA) have rescinded their endorsements, and Scott issued a one-line endorsement of Clinton this morning.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) called for Wilder to suspend his campaign, stating that "even if Bill Clinton was a rapist, and even if Hillary Clinton did enable his behavior, what you are doing is the work of the Republicans by bringing up". Obama also suggested discreetly that Hillary should also consider suspending her campaign, stating that "she'll never earn my endorsement". When asked if he'd reconsider entering the race, Obama said he wasn't interested, as his work getting stronger Democrats to run was more important. He called on colleagues Joe Biden and Debbie Stabenow to enter the race instead.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 11, 2007

Frank Lautenberg to retire

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), has announced his retirement, citing pressure from national party leaders who were concerned that the 82 year old Lautenberg would not finish out another term. So far, only Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan (R) has declared a candidacy for either party, but other candidates are expected to announce shortly.

Huckabee surrogate says President Bush should've "nuked Mecca" as retaliation for 9/11.

Former Louisiana State Representative and Mike Huckabee surrogate Tony Perkins, campaigning for Huckabee in Pensacola, told a crowd that President Bush should have retaliated for the terrorist attacks on 9/11 by ordering a nuclear strike on Mecca, stating that "Islam was to blame for 9/11".

President Bush condemned the remarks, stating that "nuclear weapons are not meant to be used to commit genocide", and that "Muslims at large are not to blame for 9/11".

Huckabee, speaking in Waterloo, Iowa, stated that Perkins's statements "were not my beliefs or the beliefs of this campaign".

John McCain, Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton all issued press releases calling on Huckabee to end his Presidential campaign, while RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said that the RNC would be reevaluating whether Huckabee would be allowed to attend future primary debates.

May 13, 2007

Eliot Spitzer reaches plea agreement, will resign as Governor

Eliot Spitzer reached a plea agreement today with the New York County District Attorney's office today, pleading guilty to a single count of solicitation, and agreeing to resign as Governor of New York.

With Spitzer's resignation, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will become Governor.

Rush Holt will run for the United States Senate

Representative Rush Holt became the first notable Democrat to announce a campaign for the open Senate seat held by retiring Senator Frank Lautenberg today.

So far, Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan is the only declared Republican, however, former New Jersey Commissioner of Insurance Kenneth Merin, U.S Attorney Chris Christie and State Senator Robert Singer are all publicly considering the race, with State Senator Thomas Kean Jr, also believed to be mulling a run.

Political analysts currently have the Senate race as Likely D, with Charlie Cook saying much depends on just who the Republican nominee is, and how deep the Democratic Presidential nominee's coattails are in New Jersey.

Beau Biden to run for Congress

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden has announced a bid for the state's At-Large Congressional District today.

The incumbent, Mike Castle has not announced his plans for reelection, and already faces a primary challenge from his right in the form of activist and 2006 Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell, who launched her campaign back in February. Political insiders say Castle is likely to retire.

Major Political analysts currently have this race as a tossup, with Stu Rothenburg having it at Tilt D, stating the future of this race depends on whether Castle runs for reelection and wins his his primary.

Delaware At-Large Congressional District-PPP

Republican Primary

Mike Castle 54%
Christine O'Donnell 14%

General Election

Mike Castle (R) 46%
Beau Biden (D) 46%

Beau Biden (D) 55%
Christine O'Donnell (R) 22%

Poll conducted with 800 registered Delaware voters between May 19-22. Margin of error +/- 2.5%

May 15, 2007

John Edwards will run for Governor of North Carolina

Former Senator and 2004 Vice Presidential nominee John Edwards surprised some pundits by announcing a campaign for Governor of North Carolina today in a race where the incumbent Mike Easley is term-limited. Most political insiders expected Edwards to seek a return to the Senate, and challenge Elizabeth Dole, however Edwards told reporters that he would not seek a job that took him away from his wife Elizabeth, who has been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer for extended.

Edwards currently faces no primary opposition, but Lieutenant Governor Bev Purdue is considering a run in either this race or the Senate race as is Treasurer Richard Moore.

For the Republicans, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is considering the race, pending his reelection, while attorney Bill Graham and State Senator Fred Smith have already announced their campaigns.

Political analysts consider this race a tossup, with Charlie Cook stating that while the climate may favor Democrats, they may be better off nominating someone other than Edwards, as the scars of his 2004 Vice Presidential campaign run deep.

May 16, 2007

Knesset passes legislation that restricts the right to vote to Jews only, prohibits non-Jews from serving in Israeli government jobs..

The Israeli Knesset passed a change to the Basic Law in Israel today, 112-8, with only the Arab parties, and a single Labor MK voting against the change.

The proposed change would restrict the right to vote in any Israeli election to Jews only, and prohibits non-Jews from serving in Israeli government jobs, including the army.

Several European countries, most notably, the United Kingdom and France have recalled their ambassadors, and an emergency meeting of the U.N Security council has been called by British Ambassador to the U.N, John Sawers. Acting U.S Ambassador Alejandro Wolff has promised that the U.S will veto any UN measure that criticizes Israel's actions, telling the New York Post that "non-Jews are a grave threat to Israel's security as a nation, because most non-Jews hate Israel for being a state that prides itself on being Jewish, spiritually and culturally."

[NewYorkExpress]

May 16, 2007

President Bush to recess appoint Colin Powell, J.C Watts.

With the Senate having midway through their Memorial Day recess, and not due to return to Washington until May 30, President Bush announced in a Rose Garden address that he was making a pair of recess appointments to fill two positions Senate Democrats had been blocking indefinitely.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has been given a recess appointment to the position of Secretary of Defense. Senate Democrats had pledged to block Powell's nomination until a pullout from Iraq was undertaken, with Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin stating that Powell "likely wouldn't get a hearing on his committee regardless of whether the troops were withdrawn".

Former Representative J.C Watts has been given a recess appointment as Ambassador to the United Nations. Senate Democrats pledged to block his nomination until troops were withdrawn from Iraq, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joe Biden said that should a withdrawal occur he'd give Watts a hearing, but "it was unlikely he'd make it to the full Senate".

Dick Gephardt running for President

Former Representative Dick Gephardt launched a third Presidential bid this morning, after disappointing performances in 1988 and 2004. His announcement speech, delivered in St. Louis, was considered relatively mild in it's attacks on the front-runner, Hillary Clinton, instead reserving his harshest criticism for President Bush's attempts to privatize Social Security, and attacking Al Gore, the 2000 Presidential nominee, and a current candidate in this race, as a "hypocrite" on climate change.

Joe Lieberman says Islam isn't a religion, it's a terrorist lifestyle while campaigning for McCain.

Former Senator and John McCain surrogate Joe Lieberman put himself and McCain in hot water, when he told a group of donors in Kew Gardens Hills, in Queens, that "Islam isn't a religion, it's a terrorist lifestyle, and therefore isn't protected by the First Amendment." McCain's campaign manager, Steve Schmidt, stated that "Lieberman is expressing his own views on the subject, and that we not only disavow his comments, but his endorsement altogether".

Ibrahim Hooper, speaking on behalf of the Council on American-Islamic relations stated that the Republican Party was "hopelessly anti-Muslim, and should be outlawed forthwith" citing Lieberman's statements on behalf of McCain, as well as last week's comments by Huckabee surrogate Tony Perkins that President Bush should have nuked Mecca in retaliation for 9/11.

Politicians from across the spectrum criticized and Attorney General Rudy Giuliani stated to reporters that Lieberman's comments "in no way reflected any realistic American position".

May 17, 2007

Saudi Arabia expels American Ambassador following multiple anti-Muslim comments by American politicians.

Following the anti-Muslim comments of Tony Perkins and Joe Lieberman, it remained to be seen what the fallout would be in the Muslim world. Today, however, it's clear there will be at least some fallout, as Saudi Arabia expelled Ambassador James Oberwetter, and gave him and the entire staff at the United States embassy in Riydah 36 hours to leave the country, as well as recalling their Ambassador, Adel al-Jubeir, and the entire embassy staff of their embassy in Washington D.C.

In addition, according to a spokesman at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, American Muslims would not be permitted entry into Saudi Arabia "for the foreseeable future" for any reason, including for the Hajj.

May 21, 2007

The New York Times publishes bombshell story revealing that Pervez Musharraf is involved in a conspiracy to conceal Osama Bin Laden's presence inside Pakistan.

The New York Times published a bombshell story this morning stating that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, and top leadership in the Pakistani Army and Intelligence services were involved in a massive conspiracy to cover up Osama Bin Laden's presence in Pakistan from the United States. Citing a source in the Pakistani army, that stated that Bin Laden's hideaway had been in Abottabad as recently as August 2006, and that he was responsible for making sure Bin Laden's basic needs were met while he stayed in Abbotabad, and that the Army and Pakistani Government provided him with a budget to do so.

The Times also revealed that Musharraf used an elaborate campaign of deception to convince American officials that Bin Laden was not actually in Pakistan, and that he had either fled back into Afghanistan, or that he had fled elsewhere in the Middle East, including providing fake Bin Laden sightings across the Middle East to U.S officials and soldiers, and even having the Intelligence Service record fake videos purporting to be from Bin Laden, to establish that he was in another country.

Bin Laden's current whereabouts are unknown, as the army source says he left Abbottabad in January 2007, though he believes he is still in Pakistan.

[NewYorkExpress]

May 22, 2007

Democrats debate in Myrtle Beach, Pakistan target of outrage by many.

Democrats had their sixth Presidential debate earlier tonight at the Myrtle Beach Speedway. Let's run down how the candidates did:

Tom Vilsack: Called for an invasion of Pakistan, a position that was relatively popular with the Democratic field, and will be a popular position in the Republican next week. Also got mocked by Gore for his support of ethanol. B-

Douglas Wilder: Also called for an invasion of Pakistan. Suggested that Whites should have lost the right to vote after the Civil War, an assertion that was savaged by pretty much everyone else on the stage, and it's uncertain whether that will be a winner with African-American voters in the South. May have done in his own candidacy tonight. F

Al Gore: Cautioned against an invasion of Afghanistan, reminding voters of what happened in Iraq. Mocked Vilsack for his support of ethanol, but was hit by Cuomo for his shifting positions on Same-Sex marriage and Civil Unions. Responded effectively to the attack, finally revealing that he was in favor of same-sex marriage, but he might get labeled a flip-flopper in the future. B

Dick Gephardt: Joined the chorus calling for an invasion of Pakistan. Went as far as to suggest that if he got solid intelligence on Bin Laden's location, he would order a nuclear strike on that location, even if civilian casualties were to number in the "millions". F

Mario Cuomo: Suggested that crippling sanctions would be enough to force Pakistan to hand over Bin Laden.  Hit Gore for shifting positions on same-sex marriage, and made a general attack against the Clinton Administration for having "three Vice Presidents". B+

Hillary Clinton: Agreed with Cuomo about sanctions being more effective than an outright invasion of Pakistan. Stated that the recent severing of ties with Saudi Arabia should be made permanent. Otherwise ignored all jabs made at her. A

May 23, 2007

Manchester United wins UEFA Champions League

Manchester United won the UEFA Champions League, arguably the most prestigious club football competition in the world, today, defeating Arsenal 4-0, behind braces for Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

[NewYorkExpress]

Knesset passes legislation that restricts the right to vote to Jews only, prohibits non-Jews from serving in Israeli government jobs..

The Israeli Knesset passed a change to the Basic Law in Israel today, 112-8, with only the Arab parties, and a single Labor MK voting against the change.

The proposed change would restrict the right to vote in any Israeli election to Jews only, and prohibits non-Jews from serving in Israeli government jobs, including the army.

Several European countries, most notably, the United Kingdom and France have recalled their ambassadors, and an emergency meeting of the U.N Security council has been called by British Ambassador to the U.N, John Sawers. Acting U.S Ambassador Alejandro Wolff has promised that the U.S will veto any UN measure that criticizes Israel's actions, telling the New York Post that "non-Jews are a grave threat to Israel's security as a nation, because most non-Jews hate Israel for being a state that prides itself on being Jewish, spiritually and culturally."

No. That would never happen.

Israel has a thing called the Israeli Supreme Court. Non-Jewish Israelis HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. You clearly either hate Israel or are uninformed.


[/quote]

It's not mentioned, but leading Arab and Druze individuals are filing a court challenge. I'd expect it to wrap up sometime in late 2007 or early 2008, so stay tuned for that.

[NewYorkExpress]

Also what happened to the appeal in the fanfiction lawsuit?

The Ninth Circuit overturned Judge Walker's ruling.

J.K Rowling has appealed to the Supreme Court, however, they have yet to announce whether they will take the case.

[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%