Hillary or Bust

[NewYorkExpress]

April 7, 2007

IOC selects Salzburg to host 2014 Winter Olympics

At an IOC meeting in Guatemala City today, the International Olympic Committee selected Salzburg, Austria to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. Salzburg defeated Sochi, Russia and Pyeongchang, South Korea on the first ballot with over two-thirds of the votes.

April 10, 2007

Republicans upset defending Hastert seat

In the special election to replace Dennis Hastert, held today, Republicans defending the seat were defeated attempting to hold the seat.

Election Analyst Charlie Cook stated that the Hastert scandal didn't help Republicans in this district, but that the Democrats win could foreshadow major gains for Democrats in Illinois and nationally

Illinois 14th Congressional District-Special Election

Physicist/Business Owner Bill Foster (D) 54.453%
State Senator Chris Lauzen (R) 45.547%

Kim Jong-Il dead at 67

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il died of a massive heart attack in Pyongyang early this morning. He was 67.

The North Korean Government has rallied around his son, Kim Jong-un, (35-36) as the new leader of North Korea.

Henry Kissinger sentenced for role in Operation Condor

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger was sentenced in a Buenos Aries Court on over 1,200 counts of conspiracy to commit murder during his involvement in Operation Condor in Argentina, Chile and Brazil today in Buenos Aires. A judge sentenced Kissinger to a total of one hundred and five years in prison, an effective life sentence for the 83 year old Kissinger.

April 12, 2007

Ted Kennedy endorses Mario Cuomo

In a rally in Boston today, Ted Kennedy became the first high-profile Democrat to formally endorse, announcing his support for Mario Cuomo. Kennedy said Cuomo was "the great bridge between the old and the new" and said that "liberalism is not a dirty word, no it is a word we should be proud of" in his announcement speech.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

an effective life sentence for the 83 year old Kissinger.

No. As we know, Henry Kissinger is immortal.

[NewYorkExpress]

April 13, 2007

Scooter Libby alleges that Donald Rumsfeld ordered Valerie Plame's covert identity to be leaked to journalists

Testifying in his own defense today in his criminal trial for leaking Valerie Plame's cover in the CIA to journalists Robert Novak and Judith Miller, former Chief of Staff to the Vice President Lewis "Scooter" Libby alleged that his and Richard Armitage's orders to leak Plame's cover came from then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

When asked if an indictment of Rumsfeld would be forthcoming, U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois and Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald simply told reporters to "stay tuned".

Bud Selig to retire as Commissioner of Major League Baseball

Longtime Major Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will retire, effective December 31, 2007. Despite speculation that President George W. Bush will resign from office early to take his dream job one owner talked to said that this was "not being seriously considered".

The current front-runners for the position are:

Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred

Tampa Bay Devil Rays Owner Stuart Sternberg

U.S Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

April 14, 2007

Mitch Landrieu will run for Governor of Louisiana

Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu has become the highest profile candidate of either party to enter the Louisiana Gubernatorial election this autumn.

Political analyst Charlie Cook said that Landrieu's entry makes the race an instant tossup, especially if he can consolidate the Democratic vote.

In the October Jungle Primary, Landrieu faces State Representative Shirley Bowler (R), State Senator Robert Marionneaux (D), former State Representative Vic Stelly (I) and State Representative Carla Blanchard Dartez (D), with Representative Bobby Jindal and Secretary of State Jay Dardenne both considering runs.

April 17, 2007

Plamegate Special Prosecutor indicts Donald Rumsfeld

U.S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, acting as special prosecutor in the investigation for Valerie Plame leak investigation, announced the indictment of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on a single count of leaking classified information today.

Rumsfeld is expected to be arraigned tomorrow, and according to sources close to Rumsfeld, he will plead guilty, and might implicate Vice President Cheney, President Bush or both.

April 18, 2007

Rumsfeld pleads guilty in Washington D.C, sentencing set for April 23.

Former Secretary of Defense plead guilty to a single count of leaking classified information today, and his sentencing was set for April 23.

April 23, 2007

Rumsfeld sentenced to six months in prison

Donald Rumsfeld, after pleading guilty to a single count of leaking classified information earlier this week, was sentenced by Federal Judge Richard Leon to a term of six months in prison today.

April 22, 2007

French voters go to the polls for the first round of the Presidential Election, Segolene Royal, Nicolas Sarkozy advance.

French voters went to the polls today for the first of two rounds in the French Presidential Election, and results so far show Segolene Royal and Nicolas Sarkozy advancing to the second round.

French Presidential Election-First Round

Interior Minister (former) Nicolas Sarkozy (UMP) 19.557%'
President of the Regional Council of Poitou- Charentes Segolene Royal (PS) 19.057%
MEP Jean-Marie Le Pen (FN) 16%
Former Minister of National Education Francois Bayrou (UDF) 14.76%
Activist Oliver Besancenot (LCR) 6.778%
MEP Phillipe de Villiers (MPF) 6.346%
Former Minister of the Environment and Regional Planning Dominique Voynet (LV) 5.999%
National Assemblywoman, former Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Marie-George Buffet (PCF) 3.075%
Former MEP, former member of the Regional Council of Ile-de France Arlette Laguiller (LO) 2.988%
Activist Jose Bove 2%
Gerard Schiavardi (PT) 1.89%
Fredric Nihous (CPNT) 1.55%

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

MLB Commissioner Sotomayor!

[NewYorkExpress]

April 26, 2007

Democrats hold Florida debate without Clinton, Gore

Democrats held their fifth Presidential debate this evening. Hillary Clinton and Al Gore did not attend, with Bill Clinton stating that the reason for Hillary's absence is because she wasn't happy that the DNC has not yet announced a location for the debate on May 22. Gore did not give a reason for his absence from the debate, but his campaign manager Donna Brazile stated  that Gore would be on the campaign trail elsewhere in Florida as he felt that he had done poorly in prior debates, and that his candidacy would do better if he didn't attend them.

Here's how the candidates that did attend did:
Tom Vilsack: Claimed without evidence that ethanol is more environmentally friendly than any other type of gasoline. Al Gore (not attending the debate) bashed it on Twitter immediately. D

Mario Cuomo: Really shone tonight, presenting a detailed climate policy plan. His plan to save Social Security by dramatically raising the taxes that pay for it might not go over so well, but it's more than other candidates will offer. A

Douglas Wilder: Became the first candidate to call for racial reparations tonight in what seemed to be a gotcha question from Joe Scarborough. Even so, he made himself very unpopular with everyone but his African-American base. D+

April 24, 2007

Israeli Elections held, broad coalition brings Benjamin Netanyahu to the Prime Minster's office.

Elections in Israel were held on Thursday with the following results:

Israel-Knesset

Likud-Benjamin Netanyahu 24 seats
Kadima- Tzipi Livni 24 seats
Labor-Meimad- Amir Peretz 23 seats
Hetz- Avraham Poraz 12 seats
Shas- Eli Yishai 10 seats
Yisreal Beitneu- Avigdor Lieberman 5 seats
United Torah Judaism- Yaakov Litzman 5 seats
Meretz-Yachad- Yossi Beilin 4 seats
Mafdal- Zevulun Orlev 3 seats
National Union- Benny Elon 3 seats
Hadash- Mohammed Barakeh 3 seats
Ra'am-Ta'al- Ibrahim Sarsur 2 seats
Balad- Jamal Zalkha 2 seats

Today, a broad coalition between Likud, Kadima and Labor-Meimad has been announced.

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will become Prime Minister and will also become Minister of Foreign Affairs. Kadima Leader Tzipi Livni will become Minister of Defense, and Labor Leader Amir Peretz will serve as Minister of Finance and Minister of the Economy.

[John King wannabe]

April 26, 2007

Democrats hold Florida debate without Clinton, Gore

Democrats held their fifth Presidential debate this evening. Hillary Clinton and Al Gore did not attend, with Bill Clinton stating that the reason for Hillary's absence is because she wasn't happy that the DNC has not yet announced a location for the debate on May 22. Gore did not give a reason for his absence from the debate, but his campaign manager Donna Brazile stated  that Gore would be on the campaign trail elsewhere in Florida as he felt that he had done poorly in prior debates, and that his candidacy would do better if he didn't attend them.

Here's how the candidates that did attend did:
Tom Vilsack: Claimed without evidence that ethanol is more environmentally friendly than any other type of gasoline. Al Gore (not attending the debate) bashed it on Twitter immediately. D

Mario Cuomo: Really shone tonight, presenting a detailed climate policy plan. His plan to save Social Security by dramatically raising the taxes that pay for it might not go over so well, but it's more than other candidates will offer. A

Douglas Wilder: Became the first candidate to call for racial reparations tonight in what seemed to be a gotcha question from Joe Scarborough. Even so, he made himself very unpopular with everyone but his African-American base. D+

April 24, 2007

Israeli Elections held, broad coalition brings Benjamin Netanyahu to the Prime Minster's office.

Elections in Israel were held on Thursday with the following results:

Israel-Knesset

Likud-Benjamin Netanyahu 24 seats
Kadima- Tzipi Livni 24 seats
Labor-Meimad- Amir Peretz 23 seats
Hetz- Avraham Poraz 12 seats
Shas- Eli Yishai 10 seats
Yisreal Beitneu- Avigdor Lieberman 5 seats
United Torah Judaism- Yaakov Litzman 5 seats
Meretz-Yachad- Yossi Beilin 4 seats
Mafdal- Zevulun Orlev 3 seats
National Union- Benny Elon 3 seats
Hadash- Mohammed Barakeh 3 seats
Ra'am-Ta'al- Ibrahim Sarsur 2 seats
Balad- Jamal Zalkha 2 seats

Today, a broad coalition between Likud, Kadima and Labor-Meimad has been announced.

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will become Prime Minister and will also become Minister of Foreign Affairs. Kadima Leader Tzipi Livni will become Minister of Defense, and Labor Leader Amir Peretz will serve as Minister of Finance and Minister of the Economy.

I can already see the headlines; Gore unable to handle pressure of debate, can he handle Presidency?

[NewYorkExpress]

April 26, 2007

Democrats hold Florida debate without Clinton, Gore

Democrats held their fifth Presidential debate this evening. Hillary Clinton and Al Gore did not attend, with Bill Clinton stating that the reason for Hillary's absence is because she wasn't happy that the DNC has not yet announced a location for the debate on May 22. Gore did not give a reason for his absence from the debate, but his campaign manager Donna Brazile stated  that Gore would be on the campaign trail elsewhere in Florida as he felt that he had done poorly in prior debates, and that his candidacy would do better if he didn't attend them.

Here's how the candidates that did attend did:
Tom Vilsack: Claimed without evidence that ethanol is more environmentally friendly than any other type of gasoline. Al Gore (not attending the debate) bashed it on Twitter immediately. D

Mario Cuomo: Really shone tonight, presenting a detailed climate policy plan. His plan to save Social Security by dramatically raising the taxes that pay for it might not go over so well, but it's more than other candidates will offer. A

Douglas Wilder: Became the first candidate to call for racial reparations tonight in what seemed to be a gotcha question from Joe Scarborough. Even so, he made himself very unpopular with everyone but his African-American base. D+

April 24, 2007

Israeli Elections held, broad coalition brings Benjamin Netanyahu to the Prime Minster's office.

Elections in Israel were held on Thursday with the following results:

Israel-Knesset

Likud-Benjamin Netanyahu 24 seats
Kadima- Tzipi Livni 24 seats
Labor-Meimad- Amir Peretz 23 seats
Hetz- Avraham Poraz 12 seats
Shas- Eli Yishai 10 seats
Yisreal Beitneu- Avigdor Lieberman 5 seats
United Torah Judaism- Yaakov Litzman 5 seats
Meretz-Yachad- Yossi Beilin 4 seats
Mafdal- Zevulun Orlev 3 seats
National Union- Benny Elon 3 seats
Hadash- Mohammed Barakeh 3 seats
Ra'am-Ta'al- Ibrahim Sarsur 2 seats
Balad- Jamal Zalkha 2 seats

Today, a broad coalition between Likud, Kadima and Labor-Meimad has been announced.

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu will become Prime Minister and will also become Minister of Foreign Affairs. Kadima Leader Tzipi Livni will become Minister of Defense, and Labor Leader Amir Peretz will serve as Minister of Finance and Minister of the Economy.

I can already see the headlines; Gore unable to handle pressure of debate, can he handle Presidency?

If you look back at the 2000 General Election debates with Bush, it was widely agreed that Gore came off worse there too, so this isn't new territory for him, and he's been treated like a pinata by his rivals so far this election.

[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.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

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."
[/quote]

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.

[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.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Also what happened to the appeal in the fanfiction lawsuit?

[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.

[Kahane's Grave Is A Gender-Neutral Bathroom]

Will Franken be found guilty?