A Massachusettan in the White House

[LoneStarDem]

Dec 24, 2004

Kerry names US Representative from Minnesota's 8th Congressional District Jim Oberstar (D-MN) as Secretary of Transportation



Kerry names Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA) as Secretary of Energy



Cabinet-level office leaks:
Director of National Intelligence: Jane Harman, Gary Hart
Office of Management and Budget: John Spratt, Kent Conrad

I'm assuming this means Kaine wins a full 4-year term in epic landslide in 2005 ?

[LoneStarDem]

Jan 20, 2005

CNN Special Coverage: Inauguration of John Kerry



Judy Woodruff: They are about to swear in Senator Kerry

William Rehnquist: Please raise your right hand and repeat after me, I, John Forbes Kerry, do solemnly swear
John Kerry: I, John Forbes Kerry, do solemly swear
Rehnquist: That I will faithfully execute
Kerry: That I will faithfully execute
Rehnquist: The office of President of the United States
Kerry: The office of President of the United States
Rehnquist: And will to the best of my ability
Kerry: And will to the best of my ability
Rehnquist: Preserve, protect, and defend
Kerry: Preserve protect and defend
Rehnquist: The Constitution of the United States
Kerry: The Constitution of the United States
Rehnquist, So, help me God
Kerry: So, help me God

Woodruff: That was Chief Justice William Rehnquist swearing in Senator Kerry, he is now officially the President of the United States

Woodruff: And here is a live look at Presidenr Bush leaving Washington

You forgot to do the 21 Cannon Salute.

[S019]

Jan 20, 2005

CNN Special Coverage: Inauguration of John Kerry

Woodruff: Here is a live look at the inaugural parade

[S019]

Jan 21, 2005

The Aftermath

Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA) will appoint Lt. Gov Kerry Healey (R-MA) to the Senate seat vacated by President Kerry, Healey will take office Monday, January 24, Gov. Romney called a special election for the seat on July 5, 2005


Sen Majority Leader Bill Frist announces his plan to confirm Kerry nominees

Appearances before Senate Panel (Jan. 24)

Joe Biden: 9:00-11:00 AM
Tom Kean: 12:00-2:00 PM
Mark Warner: 3:00-5:00 PM
Sam Nunn: 6:00-8:00 PM
Tom Vilsack: 9:00-11:00 PM

Leader Frist expects to schedule committee votes next week

[LoneStarDem]

Loving this timeline. I wonder where if the Kerry's bid the Bushes farewell on the East Front of the US Capitol before they boarded Marine One for the final time ?

[S019]

Jan 22, 2005

Party Leadership Senate

GOP:
Majority Leader: Bill Frist (R-TN)
Majority Whip: Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Republican Conference Chairman: Rick Santorum (R-PA)
Republican Policy Committee Chairman: Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Republican Conference Secretary: Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX)
Republican Campaign Committee Chair: Elizabeth Dole (R-NC)
Chief Deputy Whip: Bob Bennett (R-UT)

Democrats:
Minority Leader: Tom Daschle (D-SD)
Minority Whip: Harry Reid (D-NV)
Democratic Conference Chairman: Tom Daschle (D-SD)
Democratic Policy Committe Chairman: Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Democratic Conference Secretary: Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Democratic Campaign Committe Chair: Election delayed (scheduled for Feb. 3)
Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee Chair: Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Chief Deputy Whip: Hillary Clinton (D-NY)


 NY Times Featured Article: The DSCC Election

Washington Democrats have pushed back their campaign chair election. The reason is the difficult situation, that New York Democrats face involving two prominent New York politicians, Attorney General and EPA Nominee Eliot Spitzer and Senator Chuck Schumer and Governor George Pataki's 2006 reelection campaign. If Eliot Spitzer was confirmed as EPA Administrator it would leave NY Democrats without a clear challenger against Gov. George Pataki. In anticipation of this NY Dems have begun to reach out to Sen. Chuck Schumer to urge him to take on Pataki. Schumer, reportedly urged Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota to push the DSCC Election back, it is also increasingly likely that Spitzer's floor vote could come much earlier. If Spitzer is rejected, he could run against Pataki and Schumer will run for the DSCC position. If Spitzer is confirmed, Schumer is leaning towards a run against Pataki, according to Beltway insiders. Schumer is already facing freshman Senator Dan Mongiardo of Kentucky for the DSCC position, if Schumer opts out, it is widely rumored that one of the two Californian Senators will jump in, though Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer have said they have no intention of running against each other. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee is also reportedly considering moving the Spitzer nomination up. Then again, all of this moot, if either a Senate committee or the Senate floor rejects Spitzer, Republicans could also try to filibuster him. However this ends, this will be a major story line in Washington

[S019]

Jan 22, 2005

Party Leadership House

GOP:
Speaker: Dennis Hastert
Majority Leader: Tom DeLay
Majority Whip: Roy Blunt
Senior Chief Deputy Whip: Eric Cantor
Deputy Whip Team: Kevin Brady
Assistant Deputy Whip Team: Doc Hastings
Conference Chair: Deborah Pryce
Conference Vice-Chair: Jack Kingston
Conference Secretary: John T. Doolittle
Policy Committe Chairman: John Shadegg
Campaign Committee Chairman: Tom Reynolds

Next update, I will do Democratic leadership, provide an update on the Schumer/Spitzer situation (Frist's decision on whether or not to move up the Spitzer nomination), and will have initial pundit ratings for 2005-06 races.

[S019]

Jan 22, 2005

Party Leadership House

Democrats:
Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi
Minority Whip: Steny Hoyer
Senior Chief Deputy Whip: John Lewis
Minority Deputy Whip Team: Joe Crowley, Diana DeGette, Ron Kind, Ed Pastor, Jan Schakowsky, John Tanner, Maxine Waters
Democratic Caucus Chairman: Bob Menendez
Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman: Jim Clyburn
Assistant to the House Minority Leader: John Larson
Democratic Campaign Committe Chair: Rahm Emanuel
Democratic Steering Committe Co-Chairs: Rosa DeLauro, George Miller

Pundit ratings:
Will provide explanations in next update


2006 Senate (with specials)

AK is MA Special
DC is DE Special

2005 and 2006 Governor and Frist statement in next update

[S019]

Jan 22, 2005

2006 Governor Elections:

Statement by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist

After much consultation with my Democratic colleagues, I have determined that I will move Eliot Spitzer's panel appearance to January 24, from 6:00-8:00 PM, I will move Sen Nunn's appearance to 9:00-11-00 PM, I will move Gov. Vilsack's appearance to Jan 25, a schedule for which, I will release tomorrow, I will schedule a committee vote for Mr. Spitzer on Jan 28, and will hold a floor vote on Feb 1.

[S019]

Jan 22, 2005

Pundit Analysis of Competitive Races

Senate:

DE-Special: Lean D, this rating may seem way too friendly to Republicans, but Rep. Mike Castle, 2004 Gubernatorial Nominee William Swain Lee, and Auditor Tom Wagner are all considering runs, Gov. Minner looks like she'll appoint Lieutenant Governor John Carney. This is a race to keep an eye on

FL: Lean D, Bill Nelson is a very popular incumbent, but will be running in a Democratic midterm in a premier swing state, U.S.  Representative Katherine Harris and Governor Jeb Bush are considering runs against Nelson

MA-Special: Lean D (FLIP), another rating that seems way too friendly for Republicans, but Gov. Romney is apparently laying the foundations for a statewide run, and Kerry Healey would not exactly be a terrible candidate either. For now we think, Massachusetts' Democratic lean will help them win back Kerry's seat, potential candidates include U.S. Reps Richard Neal and Stephen F. Lynch, Treasurer Tim Cahill, and Attorney General Tom Reilly

MI: Lean D, Debbie Stabenow is a freshmen Senator and the Spencer Abraham loss still stings for Republicans, Gov. Jennifer Granholm's approvals are not terrific. Stabenow is stuck to run an environment where the MI Democratic Party seems toxic, but MI is still a Likely D state on the federal level and that should help Stabenow overcome these difficulties, potential candidates include Attorney General Mike Cox and U.S. Reps Mike Rogers and Candice Miller

MN (OPEN): Likely D, Senator Mark Dayton is retiring, he was never particularly fond of Washington and has been ranked as one of the worst senators. Republicans could certainly try to use this against the Democratic nominee. However, Minnesota is a Safe D state, potential Republican candidates include U.S. Reps Gil Gutknecht and Mark Kennedy. Potential Democratic candidates include Treasurer Carol C. Johnson, U.S. Rep Collin Peterson, and Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar.

MO: Likely R, Sen. Talent won in a nailbiter over then-Sen. Jean Carnahan in 2002. The close race in a favorable year for the GOP, cemented Missouri's status as a classic swing state. Talent has taken conservative stances on many issues, which may be unpopular in swing-state Missouri. The Democrats will go after Talent hard, but is a Democratic midterm the wrong time to flip a Senate seat in a R-tilting swing state. Potential Democratic candidates include Attorney General Jay Nixon and Auditor Claire McCaskill

MT: Likely R, Sen. Conrad Burns is mired in controversy after controversy. Montana is also notorious for ticket splitting. Democrats also have a very strong bench here. But, will Montana swallow 6 more years of Burns to rebuke John Kerry. Potential candidates include Governor Brian Schweitzer, Attorney General Mike McGrath, Auditor John Morrison, and Montana Senate President John Tester

NE: Likely D, Ben Nelson is a moderate, popular incumbent senator. He is also a white whale for Republicans, occupying a seat in Safe Republican Nebraska while voting like a moderate. Had George  Bush won reelection, Nelson would be safe. But with John Kerry in the White House, Republicans can now hang the Kerry albatross around Nelson's neck. Whether or not it works, remains to be seen. Potential candidates include former Attorney General Don Stenberg, Attorney General Jon Bruning, and Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy

NV: Likely R, John Ensign is a relative inoffensive incumbent, but the demographics are changing in Nevada, John Kerry won it 2004, and except for the Bill Clinton elections (when Clinton once won NV with less than 38% of the vote and another time won it with less than 44% of the vote), when the conservative votes were split, the last time, Democrats won NV was 1964. The Hispanic population and Clark County is growing in Nevada, the question is, is it enough change to harm Ensign in a Democratic midterm. Potential candidates include U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley

NJ: Lean D, it is clear that the incumbent Senator in this seat will either be Bob Menendez or Jon Corzine, neither is a particularly strong candidate and running in a Democratic midterm will make things more complicated. Overall, though NJ is a very blue state and there may not be enough voters willing to vote for a Republican for Senate. Potential candidates included U.S. Reps Frank LoBiondo, Jim Saxton, and Rodney Frelinghuysen and State Senator Tom Kean Jr.

NM (OPEN??): Lean D, if Jeff Bingaman is rejected for Secretary of Energy and runs again, it is Safe D. If Bingaman retires or is confirmed, this will stay at Lean D. The New Mexico Democratic Party is in very good shape, and Governor Bill Richardson is poised for reelection. New Mexico has not voted Republican  for President since 1988, there are a lot of Hispanics in New Mexico, and New Mexico is exactly the type of state that has been trending away from the GOP. Potential Republican candidates include Treasurer Douglas Brown and U.S. Representative Heather Wilson. Potential Democratic candidates include Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, Attorney General Patricia Madrid, and U.S. Representative Tom Udall

ND (OPEN??): Tossup, Kent Conrad is expected to be confirmed as OMB Director, if Conrad is confirmed, Governor Hoeven would fill his seat with a Republican. If Conrad is rejected, this would move to Likely D. If Conrad is confirmed, Democrats still have a chance, because like Montana, North Dakota is notorious for ticket splitting, the state currently has an all Democratic congressional delegation. There is one candidate who would make this competitive, U.S. Representative Earl Pomeroy, if he passes on the race, this moves to Likely R. Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Jack Dalrympe and Attorney General Wayne Stenejham.  

OH: Tossup, Governor Bob Taft's approval ratings are not good at all. Mike DeWine has also taken surprisingly conservative positions for representing a premier swing state. The Ohio GOP seems to be in a precarious position. Potential swing voter animosity towards John Kerry is the only reason that this race is not Lean D. Potential candidates include U.S. Reps Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland

PA: Tossup, Senator Rick Santorum has taken very conservative positions and Pennsylvania is transitioning from a swing state to a Lean D state. Santorum's approvals also are not spectacular and it looks like, he may begin this upcoming campaign as the underdog. Potential candidates include Auditor Jack Wagner and Treasurer Bob Casey Jr.

RI: Lean R, Lincoln Chaffee is a moderate Republican, but RI is a solid blue state, the Governor's race also looks close here. Chaffee can probably pull this off, but soon the inbuilt Democratic advantages in Rhode Island, will be too difficult to overcome, will it happen this year. Potential candidates include U.S. Representative Jim Langevin and Attorney General Patrick Lynch.

WI: Likely D, Herb Kohl is a Wisconsin tradition, the sports-magnate turned politician is adored in Wisconsin. However, Wisconsin is also a swing state and the Kerry albatross could be hung by Republicans around his neck. Is popularity high enough to withstand the coming barrage of attack ads. Potential candidates include Treasurer Jack Voight and U.S. Reps Tom Petri and Paul Ryan.

[S019]

Jan 22 2005

Pundit Analysis of Competitive Races

AK: Lean R, Gov. Frank Murkowski is suffering from downright terrible approval ratings. If this was a swing state, Murkowski would be an underdog, but the fact that he is favored, speaks to Alaska’s Republican lean. But the last Democrat to win statewide was former Gov. Tony Knowles, who is a potential candidate

AR (OPEN): Lean R, Gov. Mike Huckabee is term-limited. In a Democratic midterm, an open gubernatorial race in a Republican-trending state like AR should be a slam dunk for the GOP. However, AR is still heavily Democratic downballot and Democrats control all of the statewide offices, except for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Democrats also control 3 out of the state’s 4 seats in the House of Representatives and both Senate seats. This leaves Lieutenant Governor Winthrop Rockefeller and U.S. Rep John Boozman as the only Republican candidates. However they are both strong candidates, and have shown some interest in running. Potential Democratic candidates include Attorney General Mike Beebe, Secretary of State Charlie Daniels and U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder

CA: Likely R, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is very popular, however, CA is a tough state for any Republican. If Dems can tie Schwarzenegger to the Republican Party, he could be in big trouble. CA Dems also have many potential candidates, including, Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Treasurer Phil Angelides, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums, U.S. Reps Lois Capps, Brad Sherman, and Linda Sanchez

CO (OPEN): Tossup, Gov. Bill Owens is term-limited. CO is a swing state and President Kerry narrowly lost it in 2004. Potential Democratic candidates include Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and State House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. Potential Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Jane Norton, Attorney General John Suthers, Treasurer Mike Coffman, and U.S. Reps Tom Tancredo and Bob Beauprez

FL (OPEN): Tossup, Gov. Jeb Bush is retiring, leaving open a gubernatorial seat in a perennial swing state. Potential Republican candidates include Attorney General Charlie Crist and Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings. Potential Democratic candidates include U.S. Reps Allen Boyd and Jim Davis

HI: Likely R, Gov. Linda Lingle is very popular, but HI is a very blue state and Dems have many potential candidates. If Lingle can be tied to the Republican Party, she will be very vulnerable. Potential candidates include U.S. Reps Ed Case and Neil Abercrombie

IL: Likely D, Gov. Rod Blagojevich does not have strong approvals, but the GOP is still tainted by the George Ryan scandals. Also IL is a state that gets bluer and bluer, each cycle. Potential Republican candidates include Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka and former President of the Illinois Senate James Philip

IA (OPEN): Tossup, Gov. Tom Vilsack will either leave office, because he has already stated that he will retire at the end of his term or he will be confimed as Secretary of Education. If Gov. Vilsack is confimed as Education Secretary, Lieutenant Governor Sally Pederson would take over, and have to run for reelection less than 2 years later in 2006, that will be Pederson’s first test at the ballot box, she will not have the built-in incumbency advantage. Iowa is also a tossup, albeit tilting Democratic. Republicans have credible potential candidates in U.S. Reps Jim Nussle and Jim Leach. It is also not clear if Pederson would be interested in running for re-election, if Pederson is not the “incumbent” or expresses no interest in running, Secretary of State Chet Culver or Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald could jump in

KS: Likely D, Gov. Kathleen Sebellius is popular, but KS remains heavily Republican. If Republicans can nationalize this race, Sebellius will be in trouble. Potential candidates include U.S. Reps Jim Ryun and Jerry Moran, Attorney General Phil Cline, and Treasurer Lynn Jenkins

ME: Tossup, Gov. John Baldacci could be endangered by Maine’s strong third party tradition, and it is not uncommon to see Maine Governors elected with pluralities, the last governor to win a majority was independent Angus King, the last Democrat to win a majority was Joseph Brennan in 1982. Maine independents usually take votes from Democrats. Potential candidates include state senators Chandler Woodcock and Peter Mills

MD: Lean R, Gov. Bob Ehrlich is popular, but MD is very, very blue. Dems have many potential candidates, including, Comptroller William Schaefer, Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, and U.S. Reps Chris Van Hollen and Albert Wynn

MA(OPEN???): Tossup, MA is a deep blue state, thus, Gov. Mitt Romney has been weighing whether or not to run for re-election. If he opts out, Senator-designate Kerry Healey, who will not run for re-election, would be a potential candidate. For the Democrats, Attorney General Tom Reilly and Treasurer Tim Cahill, are potential candidates

MI: Tossup, Gov. Jennifer Granholm does not have strong approvals and Republicans will come after her hard in this Democratic-leaning state. This is a race where a national mood favoring Republicans , could prove critical. Potential candidates include Attorney General Mike Cox and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land

MN: Likely R, Gov. Tim Pawlenty is known as a moderate, MN has long been a blue state, yet often elects people like Pawlenty and Coleman, the state’s moderate senator. Can Dems tie Pawlenty to the national party and endanger him? It remains to be seen. Potential candidates are Attorney General Mike Hatch and Treasurer Carol Johnson

NV (OPEN): Tossup, Gov. Kerry Guinn is retiring, leaving an open seat in a rapidly diversifying state. The Hispanic population and Clark County is growing in NV, and President Kerry became the first candidate to carry NV without a third party split, since 1964. NV is becoming a swing state. Potential Republican candidates include Secreatry of State Dean Heller, Treasurer Brian Krolicki, and U.S. Rep Jim Gibbons.
U.S. Rep Shelley Berkley is a potential Democratic candidate

NJ(OPEN/2005 Election): Lean D, Gov. Richard Codey is retiring. Sen. Jon Corzine who won by 3 in his 2000 Senate race, while Al Gore won NJ by 16, is eyeing the governor’s mansion. Corzine could underperform again in this safe blue state. However, like 2000, NJ’s Democratic lean should bail him out, again. Potential Republican candidates include U.S. Reps Frank LoBiondo, Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Jim Saxton

NY: Lean R, Gov. George Pataki’s reelection campaign has already drawn national attention with Attorney General Eliot Spitzer’s nomination to lead the EPA, it is unclear if Sen. Chuck Schumer will run, if Spitzer is confirmed. It is also unclear whether either can oust Pataki in a Republican-leaning year. If both Schumer and Spitzer bow out, U.S. Rep Nita Lowey and Comptroller Alan Hevesi are potential candidates. While NY’s Democratic lean will make Pataki vulnerable, it is unclear, how vulnerable he will be, until NY Democrats can figure out this situation, this remains Lean R

OH (OPEN): Tossup, Retiring Gov. Bob Taft has weak approval ratings and could drag down the Ohio Republican Party. Ohio is also a perennial battleground, and Taft’s approvals may be too low to save the OH GOP, even in a Republican leaning year. Potential candidates include Attorney General Jim Petro and Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. Potential Democratic candidates include U.S. Reps Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland

OR: Lean D, Gov. Ted Kulongoski has weak approvals and was narrowly elected in 2002. OR is a Democratic-leaning swing state that occasionally will vote for Moderate Republicans, such as it's Senator, Gordon Smith. Potential candidates include U.S. Rep Greg Walden

PA: Lean D, Gov. Ed Rendell is very popular, however PA is a swing state. Also there is a Marquee Senate race in Pennsylvania this cycle. This could help narrow Rendell's margins substantially, but his popularity indicates that he is unlikely to actually lose. Potential Republican candidates include former U.S. Rep Jim Gerlach and Attorney General Tom Corbett

RI: Tossup, Gov. Don Carcieri has decent, but not spectacular approval ratings. Rhode Island's political lean could prove a problem for Carcieri. Rhode Island is extremely Democratic, and if Carcieri is tied to the national Republican Party, he is finished. Potential candidates include Lieutenant Governor Charles J. Fogarty, Secretary of State Matt Brown, and Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch

TX: Tossup, Gov. Rick Perry has weak approval ratings, and Tax's Republican lean may not save him in his reelection bid. Several prominent Republicans are mulling primary challenges to Perry. Also TX still has some down-ballot Democratic tradition. U.S. Reps Chet Edwards and Henry Cuellar are potential candidates
 
VT: Likely R, Gov. Jim Douglas is a popular moderate. However, even the moderates are disappearing in Vermont, an example is Sen. Jim Jefford's party switch in 2001. VT's political lean could prove to be a drag on Douglas' reelection campaign. Potential candidates include Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz, Attorney General William Sorrell, and Treasurer Jeb Spalding

VA (OPEN): Gov. Mark Warner is leaving office, either because of term limits or to become Secretary of Energy. Party elites in both parties are already coalescing around candidates. Attorney General Jerry Kilgore seems to be the choice of Republicans. Lieutenant Governor, and potential future Governor Tim Kaine seems to be the choice of Democrats. This should be a competitive races, with heavyweights from both parties.

WI: Lean D, Gov. Jim Doyle has decent, but not phenomenal approval ratings WI is a swing state and this will be a hotly contested race. Potential candidates include Treasurer Jack Voight and U.S. Rep Mark Green

WY: Likely D, Gov. Dave Freudenthal is very popular. However, WY is one of the most Republican states in the nation. Freudenthal is the only elected statewide Democrat and the Republicans will likely come after him hard. Potential candidates include Secretary of State Joseph B. Meyer, Auditor Max Maxfield, Treasurer Cynthia Lummis, and U.S. Rep Barbara Cubin


Confirmation process is coming in the next updates

[S019]

Jan 24, 2005

Sen. Kerry Healey (R-MA) sworn in, Healey will join the Finance, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Judiciary Committees


Also here are the committee assignments for the new Senators:

Betty Castor (D-FL): Environment and Public Works, Foreign Relations, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Chris John (D-LA): Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Energy and National Resources, and Environment and Public Works

Daniel Mongiardo (D-KY): Energy and National Resources, Environment and Public Works, and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Also in addition to serving as Minority Leader, Tom Daschle (D-SD) will serve on the Veterans Affairs and Finance committees



Composition of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Richard Lugar, Chairman (R-IN)
Chuck Hagel (R-NE)
Lincoln Chaffee (R-RI)
George Allen (R-VA)
Norm Coleman (R-MN)
George Voinovich (R-OH)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
John Sununu (R-NH)
Lisa Murkowksi (R-AK)
Paul Sarbanes, De-Facto Ranking Member (D-MD)
Chris Dodd (D-CT)
Russ Feingold (D-WI)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
Betty Castor (D-FL)
Barack Obama (D-IL)


Nominee: Sen. Joseph R. Biden (D-DE) for Secretary of State
Time of Hearing: 9:00-11:00 AM

[S019]

Jan 24 2005

The Senate Panel Appearance



Key moments:

Sen. George Allen (R-VA): Senator Biden, what is your guiding philosophy in relation to the Iraq War?



Sen. Joseph R. Biden(D-DE): Senator Allen, I believe that we have to continue to fight the war in Iraq, and I oppose any moves to pull out, but we do have to manage this war better than the Bush administration did.

Sen. George Allen (R-VA): Thank you, Senator Biden.

Sen. John Sununu (R-NH): Senator Biden, what are your views on United States foreign policy toward Cuba?



Sen. Joseph R. Biden (D-DE): Senator Sununu, I support the current embargo on Cuba and would urge them to democratize their nation.

Sen. John Sununu (R-NH): Thank you, Senator Biden.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL): Senator Biden, is there any case, in which, you would consider opposing the Iraq War?



Sen. Joseph R. Biden (D-DE): Senator Obama, I do not believe that at this time, it is a wise course of action, to oppose the Iraq War, I think we need more time, before making that decision.

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL): Thank you, Senator Biden.

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA): Senator Biden, do you believe that we need our allies to contribute more to the war effort in Iraq?



Sen. Joseph R. Biden (D-DE): Senator Boxer, I do believe we should have more foreign involvement, but we should not believe that we cannot fight this war, without foreign involvement.

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA): Thank you, Senator Biden.

Those are the key moments from Joe Biden's Senate panel hearings

More panel hearings for different nominees are coming in the next update

[S019]

Composition of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Susan Collins (R-ME), Chairwoman
Ted Stevens (R-AK)
George Voinovich (R-OH)
Norm Coleman (R-MN)
Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Lincoln Chafee (R-RI)
Bob Bennett (R-UT)
Pete Domenici (R-NM)
John Warner (R-VA)
Joe Lieberman (D-CT), Ranking Member
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Tom Carper (D-DE)
Mark Dayton (D-MN)
Frank Lautenburg (D-NJ)
Mark Pryor (D-AR)

Nominee: Former Governor of New Jersey Tom Kean Sr. (R-NJ) fir Secretary of Homeland Security

Hearing Time: 12:00-2:00 PM

[LoneStarDem]

IA does NOT have term limits buddy.

[S019]

Jan 24 2005

The Panel Appearance



Key moments

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI): Gov. Kean, would you support using torture against suspected terrorists



Former Gov. Tom Kean Sr. (R-NJ): Sen. Levin, I support any measure that we can take to prevent terrorist attacks, whether or not that entails torture, should be determiend on a case-to-case basis

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI): Thank You, Gov. Kean


That was the key moment from Gov. Kean’s hearing

[S019]

Composition of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Pete Domenici (R-NM), Chairman
Larry Craig (R-ID)
Craig Thomas (R-WY)
Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Jim Talent (R-MO)
Conrad Burns (R-MT)
George Allen (R-VA)
Gordon Smith (R-OR)
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Ranking Member
Daniel Akaka (D-HI)
Byron Dorgan (D-ND)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Tim Johnson (D-SD)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Ken Salazar (D-CO)
Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Chris John (D-LA)
Daniel Mongiardo (D-KY)

Nominee: Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA) for Secretary of Energy

Hearing Time: 3:00-5:00 PM

[S019]

Jan 24 2005

Panel Appearance



Key Moments:

Sen. Chris John (D-LA): Governor Warner, how would you ensure that states with large oil industries liek Louisiana are not adversely affected by a switch to renewable energy



Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA): Senator John, I will not oppose the rights of states to use coal if they desire, I also will not oppose offshore oil drilling, if a state or oil company wishes to do so

Sen. Chris John (D-LA): Thank you, Governor Warner

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM): Governor Warner, do you support oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge



Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA): Mr. Chairman, I oppose drilling in the ANWR, that is a step too far

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM): Thank you, Governor Warner

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND): Governor Warner, what steps would you be willing to take to make our nation, less dependent on fossil fuels



Gov. Mark Warner (D-VA): Senator Dorgan, I believe that we should invest in alternative energies and at the same time, should continue to invest in coal and oil

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND): Thank you, Governor Warner

Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY): Gov. Warner would you, as Secretary of Energy, fund research for renewable energy



Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA): I do not think that my Department can fund that, without an appropriation from Congress, if I did receive an appropriation, I would ask the advice of the President and high ranking members of my Department, and then make a decision

Sen. Craig Thomas (R-WY): Thank you, Gov. Warner


Those were the key moments from Gov. Warner's hearing

[S019]

Politico Article
1/24/2005



5:05 PM




This is a huge bombshell! President John Kerry at 5:02 PM, announced that he has chosen former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) as Secretary of Veterans' Affairs. President Kerry says that he spoke to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), who "promised a panel hearing for [Sen. Rockefeller], tomorrow. POLITICO will have more on this breaking story soon

[S019]

Roll Call Article



5:27 PM


Gov. Mitt Romney (R) of MA has announced that he will run for the open United States Senate seat from Massachusetts. An official announcement will come Wednesday morning in Boston.



Following Gov. Romney's announcement, these are the old and new ratings for the MA Senate Special Election

Sabato Crystal Ball: Likely D---->Lean D
Cook Political Report. Lean D--->Tossup
Rothenberg Political Report: Lean D--->Tilt D

"Democrats are favored to retain the seat, but Romney's entrance gives the Republicans a doable path," said Jennifer Duffy, Cook Political Report's Senior Editor

Roll Call's Stuart Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report, said that "Massachusetts is a tough state for any Republican, but if any Republican can win this seat, it is Gov. Romney"

At the same time, pundits revealed ratings for a hypothetical WV Special Election

Cook Political Report: Tossup
Sabato Crystal Ball: Lean R (FLIP)
Rothenberg Political Report: Tilt R (FLIP)

Roll Call asked Sen. Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) about his party's chances at taking the Senate. Leader Daschle said "It's too early to put much stock in political predictions, my focus is on getting President Kerry's nominees confirmed, but I know that Gov. Manchin (D-WV) will pick a strong candidate to replace Sen. Rockefeller (D-WV, chosen as nominee for Secretary of Veterans' Affairs). I also know that we will get a strong candidate in MA and defeat Gov. Romney or whoever the Republicans nominate. But first, we have to get the President's nominees through the obstructionist Republican Senate. For example, I was appalled by some of the questions that the Republicans asked to Gov. Warner (D-VA, nominee for Secretary of Energy). Lastly, we cannot focus on elections, until we have an elections chair."

It's early, but Kerry and Daschle know that campaigning never stops, and the Republicans are eager to start this cycle ahead of them.

[S019]

Composition of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Chairman
John Warner (R-VA)
Kit Bond (R-MO)
George Voinovich (R-OH)
Lincoln Chaffee (R-RI)
Lisa Murkowksi (R-AK)
Jim DeMint (R-SC)
Johnny Isaskson (R-GA)
Jim Jeffords (I-VT), Ranking Member
Max Baucus (D-MT)
Joe Lieberman (D-CT)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Tom Carper (D-DE)
Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Betty Castor (D-FL)
Chris John (D-LA)
Daniel Mongiardo (D-KY)
Barack Obama (D-IL)

Nominee: NY Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) for Administrator of the EPA

Hearing Time: 6:00-8:00 PM