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Sep 30, 2011 3:11:51 PM

Afternoon update for September 30, 2011

LATEST NEWS

John Rossomando on The Republican: Separate secularism and state

Video: The real Congressional Black Caucus is unmasked

2012 update:

  • Could latecomers to the GOP presidential field face uphill battles in early primary states? – Daily Caller ChrisChristie
  • Christie could face crunch getting his name on the ballot should he announce – Politico
  • Is Obama having trouble raising money for his re-election?  Numbers say yes – CBSNews
  • Bachmann cribs attack line against Perry from Romney – The Atlantic
  • Poll shows Christie and Obama in statistical dead heat, 44% to 43% - Rasmussen Reports
Sep 30, 2011 6:58:12 AM

Newslinks for Friday September 30, 2011

John Rossomando on The Republican: Solyndra and its stepsisters show the need to end federal pay-to-play

Chris Christie seriously considering run for president in 2012?

Christie "Gov. Chris Christie is seriously rethinking his months of denials and may launch a campaign for the White House after all, a source close to the governor said tonight. In the last week, Christie has been swayed away from his earlier refusals to run by an aggressive draft effort from a cadre of Republicans and donors unhappy with the GOP field, said the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. ... In addition, the Governor’s wife, Mary Pat, no longer objects to a presidential run, according to an adviser to the governor. The governor has famously said 'my wife would kill me' as a reason not to run. However, a few months ago former first lady Barbara Bush called Mary Pat to assuage her concerns about life in the White House, the adviser said." - Star-Ledger

  • Chris Christie steers clear of presidential talk in Louisiana: It’s been "A really special week for me" - ABC
  • Chris Christie 2012 presidential run: What stands in his way - Politico
  • As Christie clamor grows, his positions face scrutiny - WSJ
  • A look at Christie's inner circle - Washington Post

Wall Street donors worried about Perry's electability

Perry Rick"The red meat Rick Perry is serving up to Republican primary voters is causing him problems with deep-pocketed Wall Street donors. Some bankers say they would prefer a more moderate candidate, and worry the Texas governor's style and stances on social issues could sink him in the general election. Their unease, along with rules against governors accepting money from certain financial executives, could crimp Mr. Perry's ability to tap into his party's single biggest source of cash." - WSJ ($)

  • Impending fundraising deadline brings flurry of last-minute appeals - The Hill
  • Perry's favorite enemy: the EPA - New York Times
  • "But while Mr. Perry condemns both efforts to make carrying health insurance mandatory, Texas faces a staggering crisis in health coverage" - New York Times
  • GOP kingmakers in Iowa: Support for Rick Perry is weakening - The Hill
  • Rick Perry commits to Iowa conservative forum Nov. 19 - Politico
  • Obama's former campaign funders on Wall Street turn against him - LA Times

Some Republicans in Iowa give Romney a new look - Des Moines Register

2012 GOP race in brief:

  • Screen shot 2011-01-15 at 12.54.13Newt Gingrich launches the "21st Century Contract with America" - MSNBC
  • Whirwind week awaits upstart Cain - CNN
  • White House ties health care to Mitt Romney - WSJ
  • Romney jockeys to Perry’s right on foreign policy - The Hill
  • Romney to report between $11 and $13 million - CNN
  • Club for Growth puts Romney on the spot over tariffs on Chinese goods - WSJ
  • "In case you were wondering, Sarah Palin has no plans to announce tomorrow whether she’ll run for president." - WSJ
  • New Hampshire or bust: Huntsman moves campaign headquarters to NH from Florida - WSJ
  • Ron Paul’s campaign raises at least $5 million in 3rd quarter - WSJ
  • Primary and a caucus in Missouri? - Politico 
  • Democrats open mouth on early primary. Joe Biden inserts foot - Miami Herald

Mitch Daniels: Social Security sniping must stop

Screen shot 2011-02-17 at 12.16.28 "The Indiana governor wants whoever wins the Republican presidential nomination to go big and bold with ideas, confronting what he believes is the existential fiscal crisis facing the country. And Daniels says the back-and-forth between the GOP frontrunners on Social Security doesn’t augur well for such a campaign. 'We should not scare people when there’s no reason to,' Daniels said when asked in an interview about Romney’s hard-hitting attacks on Perry over the Texas governor’s critique of the entitlement. ... He says of the spat: 'I don’t think it’s a good moment for our party.'" - Politico

House approves short-term funding plan

Screen shot 2011-09-24 at 5.36.55 PM "A short-term spending measure to fund the federal government into next week won approval Thursday from the U.S. House and now goes to President Barack Obama's desk. The measure was part of a bipartisan agreement intended to end a dispute over disaster relief spending that threatened to cause a partial shutdown of the government when the current fiscal year ends at midnight Friday. Congressional approval of the measure keeps the government funded through October 4. The House will then have to consider a more comprehensive measure that would keep the government funded through November 18." - CNN

  • No Government Shutdown for at Least a Few More Days - Roll Call

Sen. Mark Kirk: Obama's Libya effort a "success"

"In March, Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) was urging President Barack Obama to better define the U.S. military’s role in Libya and seek Congress’s approval to use force in the north African nation. But after a day touring the streets of Tripoli and meeting rebel leaders who overthrew the regime of Col. Moammar Qadhafi, Kirk praised Obama’s handling of the Libyan conflict as a undeniable 'success.'" - Politico

  • Kirk: Libya Won’t Need U.S. Help - Roll Call
  • McCain hails Libya as inspiration - CNN

Sen. Durbin says Democrats don’t currently have the votes for Obama jobs bill - The Hill

Obama administration widens challenges to state immigration laws - Washington Post

Demographic changes allow Obama to plot a route to re-election

Screen shot 2011-08-27 at 16.01.13"With his support among blue-collar white voters far weaker than among white-collar independents, President Obama is charting an alternative course to re-election should he be unable to win Ohio and other industrial states traditionally essential to Democratic presidential victories. ... While Mr. Obama’s approval ratings have slid across the board as unemployment remains high, what buoys Democrats are the changing demographics of formerly Republican states like Colorado, where Democrats won a close Senate race in 2010, as well as Virginia and North Carolina." - New York Times

  • Hispanics rise in key states - WSJ
  • Dems focus on Spanish speakers in new ad - CNN

Peggy Noonan: A troubled nation needs a real leader, not a storyteller

Screen shot 2011-06-22 at 21.05.15 "Would the next president like a story? Here's one. America was anxious, and feared it was losing the air of opportunity that had allowed it to be what it was—expansive, generous, future-trusting. It was losing faith in its establishments and institutions. And someone came out of that need who led—who was wise and courageous and began to turn the ship around. And we saved our country, and that way saved the world.There's a narrative for you, the only one that matters. Go be a hero of that story. It will get around. It will bubble up." -Peggy Noonan in the WSJ ($)

Sen. Marco Rubio: America should stand up for religious freedom in Iran

Screen shot 2011-06-21 at 14.26.47 "As history has proven, countries that do not respect the rights of their citizens seldom respect the rights of their neighbors. The Iranian regime’s blatant disregard for its own citizens should raise alarms about its behavior in the region and the world should its illicit nuclear program be allowed to go on unchecked. America’s commitment to the universal rights of man requires us to clearly speak out against their violations wherever they make occur. I urge the administration to relentlessly call for an immediate and unconditional release for Pastor Nadarkhani." - Marco Rubio in National Review

Charles Krauthammer: Why Abbas went to the UN

Krauthammer "For nearly half a century, the United States has pursued a Middle East settlement on the basis of the formula of land for peace. Land for peace produced the Israel-Egypt peace of 1979 and the Israel-Jordan peace of 1994. Israel has offered the Palestinians land for peace three times since. And been refused every time. Why? For exactly the same reason Abbas went to the U.N. last week: to get land without peace. Sovereignty with no reciprocal recognition of a Jewish state. Statehood without negotiations. An independent Palestine in a continued state of war with Israel." - Charles Krauthammer in the Washington Post

US-born Islamist cleric Anwar al-Awlaki reported killed in Yemen airstrike - BBC

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Sep 29, 2011 1:47:33 PM

Afternoon update for September 29, 2011

LATEST NEWS

2012 update:

  • Screen shot 2011-09-29 at 1.47.25 PM Another “Christie is reconsidering a run” article, with new data point: Christie expected to announce intentions on Monday. - NY Post
  • And it seems like Palin has lost interest in the presidency…or has she? - The Week
  • History tells us that in order for Dems to do well in 2012, they need Obama to come roaring back. - Larry Sabato
  • …Which is a problem, since new poll numbers show Democrats’ intensity at a troublingly low point. - Chris Cillizza
  • Perry defends his tuition assistance to children of illegal immigrants, saying it was the result of failed federal immigration policy. - Breitbart
  • Blast from the past: Newt is planning to roll out a new Contract with America. - Washington Post
Sep 29, 2011 6:58:54 AM

Newslinks for Thursday September 29, 2011

11:00am Ryan Streeter on The Republican: Boob bait for the bubbas: Republicans have fallen for the bait year after year; will they really have the moral fortitude to resist the temptation after 2012?

Ryan Streeter on The Republican: Give Cain's 9-9-9 plan a fair shake 

Fox News poll: GOP race top tier now Romney, Perry and Cain

"Three September debates have shaken-up the race for the Republican presidential nomination. Herman Cain has jumped into the top tier. Rick Perry’s stumbled. Mitt Romney's holding steady. And Michele Bachmann is hitting bottom. That’s according to a Fox News poll released Wednesday." - Fox

Complex calendar gives Romney the edge - Politico

Romney waits as GOP flirts with alternatives

Romney "After a summer spent skillfully navigating the obstacles of an unpredictable race, and after consistently rising above his rivals during three debates, Mr. Romney still faces one central question: Will he ever be able to satisfy Republicans? The latest drumbeat of adoration aimed at luring someone new into the race — this time, Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey — is also a slap at Mr. Romney, whose effort to consolidate support from donors and party activists is impeded every time another potential candidate surfaces." - New York Times

  • Must Read: Romney addresses flip-flop criticism at NH town hall - ABC

Perry walks back "heartless" immigration comment

Perry Rick "'I probably chose a poor word to explain that for people who don't want their state to be giving tuition to illegal aliens, illegal immigrants, in this country, that's their call, and I respect that,' Perry said in an on-camera interview with Newsmax. 'And I was probably a bit over-passionate in using that word, and it was inappropriate. But here's what I do believe: it's a state's sovereign right to decide that issue for themselves.'" - CNN 

  • Herman Cain: "I could not support Rick Perry" due to immigration comments - Politico

2012 GOP race in brief:

  • Screen shot 2011-01-15 at 12.54.13 Anita Perry: Rick Perry "Will be better prepared" for next debate - WSJ
  • Herman Cain says black voters are "brainwashed" - Politico
  • "Speculation about a presidential bid is not only boosting New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's profile nationally. It is also helping him raise money for his Republican Party back home." - WSJ
  • Romney: "It’d be fun" if Chris Christie enters GOP race - WSJ
  • Palin's self-imposed decision deadline looms - The Hill
  • Jon Huntsman should scrape by and qualify for Nevada debate - Politico
  • Bachmann tries to reignite: "The Minnesota congresswoman couldn't be more upbeat as she strives to revitalize her presidential campaign in Iowa. But Iowa Republican leaders and some of her own supporters say recent weeks have revealed weaknesses." - WSJ ($)
  • Philip Klein on Perry vs Santorum: "There are two questions at the heart of the debate: First, does government have a role in promoting morality through lawmaking? Second, should states and local communities answer this question rather than the federal government?" - Washington Examiner

Republicans hoping Obama's unpopularity will yield upset in West Virginia Governor's race - National Journal

Supreme Court asked to rule on Obamacare - with a decision by June 2012

Screen shot 2010-12-09 at 10.17.03 "A 26-state coalition has asked the Supreme Court to decide the constitutionality of the massive health care reform legislation championed by President Barack Obama. The petition filed Wednesday virtually assures a landmark decision by June, in the thick of a presidential election year." - CNN

"The political calculus is complicated. A decision striking down President Obama’s signature legislative achievement only months before the election would doubtless be a blow. But a decision from a court divided along ideological lines could further energize voters already critical of last year’s 5-to-4 campaign finance decision, Citizens United." - New York Times

  • "Whichever side the majority falls is likely to be decided by Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy will never be on a ballot, but the Obama administration has bolstered the possibility that Kennedy's decision will be the president's running mate next year." - National Journal 
  • Catholics fight Obamacare rules on contraceptives - WSJ

Florida will likely hold January primary, threatening presidential calendar

Screen shot 2011-08-27 at 16.01.13 "Florida is now expected to hold its presidential primary on the last day in January 2012, a move likely to throw the carefully arranged Republican nominating calendar into disarray and jumpstart the nominating process a month earlier than party leaders had hoped. ... If that happens, it would almost certainly force the traditional early states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada to leapfrog Florida and move their primaries and caucuses into early- to mid-January." - CNN

  • "The end result, some legal experts warn, could be a convoluted two-tier contest, with different rules for voting in different Florida counties." - National Journal
  • "Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus is facing one of the biggest challenges of his tenure — juggling the party’s presidential primary calendar." - The Hill

NRCC launches new campaign: "Where are the Blue Dogs?"

"Self-proclaimed 'moderate' Blue Dog Democrats have become an endangered species after their constituents discovered their true colors. In the 2010 cycle, Republicans defeated 28 Blue Dogs, dwindling their coalition from 54 down to a mere 26 lap dogs. Now, seeing the writing on the wall, these 26 supposed moderates are in hiding, fearful of being found and held accountable for their partisan job-destroying records." - NRCC

Tea Party Sen. Ron Johnson vs. the establishment Sen. Roy Blunt in Senate GOP leadership race

"Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.) has quickly secured the support of conservatives in his bid for GOP Conference vice chairman, but Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.) could still prove to be a tough opponent in any head-to-head matchup if leadership members and other establishment Republicans side with him." - Roll Call

Alabama wins in ruling on its immigration law, now has toughest in the country - New York Times

Ohio, Pa. polls show trouble for Obama - USA Today

GOP stifling efforts for immigration reform, Obama says

Obama video "Obama reiterated that he he supports a pathway for legal status for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. His immigration vision includes having undocumented immigrants pay a fine or learn English, or other steps that will lead to citizenship. Tough border security enforcement and actions against employers who hire illegal immigrants are the other pillars of his plan." - CNN

  • "President Obama, seeking to shore up support among a key constituency that wants to see him work more to keep his 2008 promises, staunchly defended his record on Latino issues on Wednesday, insisting that 'it is just not true' that he can somehow bypass the Congress to push the Hispanic agenda." - National Journal

Karl Rove: Obama will alienate swing voters by feeding red meat to his base

Rove "There are two ways the president could re-energize Democrats. One is by offering a positive, uplifting vision, which is what Mr. Obama did in 2008. If employed now, that strategy would allow the president to reconnect with the swing voters he desperately needs for victory. The other approach is to feed the Democratic base red meat, which is what Mr. Obama is doing now. But what pleases left-wing donors and activists will alienate the decisive voters. Team Obama assumes the president can play to disenchanted donors and MoveOn.org organizers now and pivot to the center next fall. I'm not so sure." - WSJ ($)

John Bolton and Dan Blumenthal: Time to kill the Law of the Sea Treaty - again

Bolton John"The Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST)—signed by the U.S. in 1994 but never ratified by the Senate—is showing some signs of life on Capitol Hill, even as new circumstances make it less attractive than ever. With China emerging as a major power, ratifying the treaty now would encourage Sino-American strife, constrain U.S. naval activities, and do nothing to resolve China's expansive maritime territorial claims." - WSJ ($)

Man arrested in "step-by-step" plot to blow up Capitol, Pentagon

"The FBI arrested and charged a man Wednesday for allegedly plotting to blow up the Capitol and the Pentagon. The 26-year-old Massachusetts man, Rezwan Ferdaus, was arrested as part of an FBI sting operation in which he was made to believe he was working with members of al Qaeda, who were actually undercover agents." - The Hill

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Sep 28, 2011 3:00:09 PM

Afternoon update for September 28, 2011

John Rossomando on The Republican: Hey Lady Gaga: What about the nerds? Are some bullying victims more equal than others?

LATEST NEWS

2012 update:

  • Screen shot 2011-09-28 at 3.00.53 PM Rick Perry says he regrets his “heartless” comments on immigration. - Newsmax
  • Christie’s father reflects on his son’s chances against Obama: Yeah, he’d win. - NRO
  • While the RCP polling average for Iowa still shows Perry in front, a new Iowa poll shows Romney with a commanding lead. - Weekly Standard
  • Cain looking pretty good these days in head to head match-ups with Obama. - Daily Caller
  • Romney doesn’t care much for straw polls…except when he does well in them. - Hotline
  • Democrats may have a hard time holding onto the Senate in 2012. - RCP
Sep 28, 2011 6:50:53 AM

Newslinks for Wednesday September 28, 2011

10:15am VIDEO: Chris Christie's speech last night at the Reagan library

2012-field

Ryan Streeter on The Republican: Why are Rick Santorum, Jon Huntsman and other unelectables running for President while Chris Christie, Mitch Daniels, and Paul Ryan are not?

The anger driving American politics

Screen shot 2011-09-28 at 10.38.50

"Majorities of Democrats (65%) and Republicans (92%) are dissatisfied with the nation's governance. This perhaps reflects the shared political power arrangement in the nation's capital, with Democrats controlling the White House and U.S. Senate, and Republicans controlling the House of Representatives. Partisans on both sides can thus find fault with government without necessarily blaming their own party." - Gallup

Paul Ryan's big healthcare speech

"During a major speech today at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, Paul Ryan laid out his vision of health care reform, saying, “Choice and competition are critical to controlling costs…[and] improving quality….And yet, across the federal landscape, choice and competition are undermined by poorly designed programs and tax policies.” In other words, to fix our health care system, we need to undo the problems the government has created, rather than further empowering the government." - Weekly Standard

  • The Washington Examiner welcomes Paul Ryan's first draft of an alternative to ObamaCare
  • This year's 9% spike in premiums is concrete evidence of the substantial harm ObamaCare is already doing to our health care system - IBD

Christie flag Will Chris Christie run?

  • Fox say "sources" say Christie definitely ain't running.
  • Politico says he's keeping the door open.
  • The New York Post thinks he sounds like a candidate.
  • The Wall Street Journal thinks he's closed the door.
  • And the Washington Post can't decide: "In his nearly 30-minute speech, Christie offered no indication he might offer himself as that strong leader, but didn’t close the door, either."
  • Commentary says Romney would be main winner if Christies does NOT run
  • It's too late for Chris Christie to run says Ari Fleischer at CNN.

HotAir probably summarizes the situation best: "Christie basically says he’s not running — but won’t say definitively".

...At NRO Rich Lowry imagines what kind of candidate Christie would be: "Every presidential candidate needs a narrative. Christie’s is that he’s the truth-teller who cares above all about getting things done: “When there is a problem, you fix it.” He’d be “honest and tough,” as he described his approach to the debt, in working to renew America in keeping with its finest traditions. From this speech you’d conclude that if he runs he’s going to be less timid than Romney but less rigid than Perry."

  • But also at NRO Daniel Foster identifies FIVE weaknesses in any Christie candidacy
  • Although his approval rating in New Jersey is up to 54% - Weekly Standard | Hotline

...While USA Today focuses on the meat of Christie's speech at the Reagan presidential library: "The Republican governor warned that the nation's credibility abroad was being damaged by troubles at home. He charged that an indecisive White House has deepened the nation's economic pain, and he accused President Obama of preparing to divide the country to win re-election next year."

Perry Rick After difficult two weeks Perry's campaign confirm they've raised more than $10 million - WSJ

The Washington Post reports on how Perry is attempting to reassure supporters. The Texas Governor has held a conference call with thousands of activists in early voting states, will speak to donors and has launched videos attacking Romney's flip flops.

  • In Iowa, Anita Perry defends husband's immigration views - LA Times... as does Jeb Bush - USA Today.
  • Perry isn't bipartisan - Economist

2012 GOP race in brief:

  • Now in sixth place, Bachmann attempts to revive campaign in the state that matters most to her; Iowa - WSJ
  • Cain's 999 economic plan is drawing attention - NPR
  • Herman Cain says there'd be no celebrity visits in his White House, just lots of focus on economic growth - Daily Caller
  • RedState praises Cain for running for someTHING, not against someONE.
  • All candidates seek Donald Trump's approval - Daily Beast
  • Huntsman lags so far behind in national polls that he may be excluded from an upcoming national debate, a critical platform he needs to sell himself to a national audience - Washington Examiner

Mitch Daniels' message to all GOP candidates...

Screen shot 2011-09-28 at 11.43.41 "Daniels' message, based on his new book, "Keeping the Republic," was important, one that every presidential candidate should heed -- because it was about a looming issue that Barack Obama has so far decided to duck but that one of them, if he is elected, may have to confront. We face, Daniels said, "a survival-level threat to the America we have known."" - Michael Barone in the Washington Examiner

Blue Dog Democrats are already an endangered species but redistricting poses new threat to them - Roll Call

Bill Clinton's criticisms of Obama's economic policies reignite speculation about Hillary Clinton running - Fox

Nothing is more crucial to the president’s reelection strategy than a super-strong showing among black voters...

Obama video ...argues Dick Morris in Roll Call BUT: "According to a Washington Post/ABC News survey, his favorability rating among African-Americans has dropped off a cliff, plunging from 83 percent five months ago to a mere 58 percent today — a drop of 25 points, a bit more than a point per week!"

  • Obama's economic policies hurt Obama most of all - Victor Davis Hanson for NRO

The President also has big problems with that other voting group that supported him in large numbers in 2008... Young Americans...

"In June of this year, a poll of young Americans found an astounding 44 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds disapprove of how Obama has handled youth unemployment, while only 31 percent approve. That discontent is potentially devastating to Democrats." - Fox

The deficit supercommittee is meeting in secret as John Kerry tells reporters: "I don't want to discuss what we discussed" - Politico

"House Republicans have begun an investigation into Planned Parenthood’s use of federal funds, questioning whether the national network of abortion providers has proper checks in place to prevent violations of federal law." - Washington Times

America's future job growth lies In traditional energy industries not in green jobs - Forbes

The myth of judicial acivism: The Supreme Court struck down less than 1% of the federal laws passed over a 50-year period

"America needs instead is a properly engaged judiciary that understands the importance of constitutionally limited government and refuses to be cowed by empirically baseless accusations of judicial activism." - Clark Neily in the Wall Street Journal

Should food stamps be usable at fast food restaurants? - New York Times

At the United Nations, Canada proves - yet again - that under Stephen Harper it is a staunch ally of Israel - FrumForum

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Sep 27, 2011 3:27:34 PM

Afternoon update for September 27, 2011

LATEST NEWS

John Rossomando on The Republican: Transform unemployment from a handout to a hand up

Video: Leftist filmmaker Michael Moore endorses John Huntsman

Michael Moore

 Health care update:

  • Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan releases his health care manifesto - Fortune
  • Kaiser poll shows health costs are up 9% this year - The Chicago Tribune

All eyes on N.J. Gov. Chris Christie amid speculation he might get into the race:

  • Conservatives beware: Christie has many of the same liabilities as Romney, Perry - The Washington Post
  • Focus drawn on the N.J. governor in advance of his speech at the Reagan library - Daily Caller
  • Christie's brother says he won't run - Newsmax
Sep 27, 2011 6:42:36 AM

Newslinks for Tuesday September 27, 2011

Ryan Streeter on The Republican: Where have the Republican reformers gone? Conservative voters haven't gotten the message about tax and entitlement reform - because candidates and politicians are too timid to talk about them

Government shutdown avoided after Senate deal

Screen shot 2011-09-24 at 5.36.55 PM "The new plan — which won prompt Senate approval on a series of floor votes — relies on enacting a short-term spending bill to keep agencies funded into early next week and having both parties put aside their differences on 2011 disaster funds since the fiscal year is almost over in any case. The compromise rests on new estimates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that it hopes to make it through this week without additional emergency funds. The House last week approved a $1 billion disaster aid package for 2011, including $774 million for FEMA, but insisted on $1.6 billion in spending offsets taken entirely from energy-related programs important to Democrats." - Politico

  • Senate Dems happy to have a way out - Politico
  • "House Republicans aren’t going to stand in the way of a bipartisan Senate deal that averted a Sept. 30 government shutdown." - Politico
  • "Of the dozen Republicans who voted against Monday night's budget deal to avert a government shutdown, seven are freshmen and two will face the voters in 2012." - Politico
  • The next Congressional crisis may be just around the corner - Fox
  • Government shutdown scares through the years - National Journal

Perry moves to reassure Republicans in Iowa, South Carolina

Screen shot 2011-09-25 at 8.47.58 AM "As he faces growing scrutiny about his conservative credentials, Texas Gov. Rick Perry called grassroots activists in the key early states of Iowa and South Carolina on Monday evening to address his record and take questions. ... The candidate immediately set about defending his record on three issues that have come to define his campaign in recent weeks: immigration, Social Security, and his 2007 executive order mandating that school girls be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer." - CNN

"Reeling from dismal showings in back-to-back straw polls over the weekend, GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry came out with guns blazing on Monday, accusing rival Mitt Romney of 'an integrity problem' in a statement and video." - National Journal

Other GOP 2012 news:

  • Screen shot 2011-01-15 at 12.54.13 Thomas Sowell: "Some Republicans seem to be longing for another Ronald Reagan. Good luck on that one, unless you are prepared to wait for several generations. Moreover, even Ronald Reagan himself did not always act like Ronald Reagan."
  • A pattern of disappointment emerges in the Republican presidential primary - The Hill
  • "Two of the loudest voices in the presidential race met today -- but in as quiet a fashion as possible. Donald Trump and Mitt Romney huddled for about an hour in midtown." - National Journal
  • Mike Huckabee to reconsider? - RedState
  • "On the House floor, in the cloakrooms and in private conversations, House Republicans are just as gossipy about the presidential contest as any dedicated primary voter, and how lawmakers are choosing sides tells the larger story of the party’s philosophical divide." - Politico
  • "On Monday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a tax break ... a $420,000 film tax credit for the 'Jersey Shore' reality television show." - WSJ
  • "They are rich. They are unattached. They are looking for a little excitement. Meet the Draft Christie committee" - New York Times
  • On Herman Cain: "Qualities that make [the] Republican popular also make it unlikely he will be nominated for president." - Washington Post
  • Marco Rubio to write memoirs - Miami Herald

GOP Young Guns blast regulations at Facebook event

Ryan Paul 2 "Three top Republican lawmakers used an appearance at the social media giant Facebook on Monday to push for eliminating regulations that hinder the private sector. Republicans’ push to cut federal spending and regulations is part of their effort to create “a future that holds a space for a lot more Facebooks,” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia said Monday in an interview held at the company’s Palo Alto, Calif., headquarters." - WSJ

  • "House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Monday he plans to unveil reforms this fall on a new budgeting process for Congress. ... Ryan's announcement falls in line with his decision to not join the supercommittee. He told the Republican leadership that he did not want a spot on the deficit cutting panel so he could tackle larger aspects of the federal budget and the budget process." - The Hill
  • Facebook raises its game in Washington by forming its own PAC - The Hill

White House won't seek to delay High Court healthcare review

"The Obama administration opened the door Monday for the Supreme Court to decide the constitutionally of the healthcare law before the next election. It opted not to seek a delay in the legal process, leaving little doubt that the court will rule on President Obama’s controversial legislation just months before he faces voters." - The Hill 

Sen. Roy Blunt eyeing Senate leadership run

"Blunt has played a key, bridge-building role in advancing stalled trade agreements and securing funding for disaster aid. And he has dipped his toe back in the leadership waters, publicly mulling a campaign for vice chairman of the Senate Republican Conference." - Washington Post

Obama is still fundraising in California

Obama (1) "President Barack Obama spent part of Monday hobnobbing with celebrities and other power-brokers in Southern California, continuing a West Coast trip that includes town-hall events, a meeting with Marines and fund-raisers for his re-election campaign." - CNN

  • "At a fund-raiser in Silicon Valley on Sunday, Mr. Obama took direct aim at one of his potential rivals, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, criticizing his skepticism that there is a human connection to global warming. Mr. Obama also suggested in Seattle that Republican leadership would "cripple" the nation's economic future." - WSJ ($)

How the electoral math is stacked in Obama's favor

Screen shot 2011-08-27 at 16.01.13 "There are 18 states plus the District of Columbia that have voted Democratic in all five presidential elections since 1992. Combined, they carry 242 electoral votes—90% of the votes needed for victory. Republicans have a much smaller bloc of highly reliable electoral college votes. There are just 13 states that have gone red in each of the last five elections, and they deliver 102 electoral votes, less than half of the number needed." - WSJ ($)

Other Obama 2012 news:

  • Big effort from Obama expected to be necessary to win Colorado - Politico
  • Obama touts jobs plan at LinkedIn event - WSJ

David Brooks: GOP and Democrat economic policies won't fix the mess, institutional reform will

Brooks David Newsnight "Try to reform whole institutions and hope that by getting the long-term fundamentals right you’ll set off a positive cascade to reverse the negative ones. Simplify the tax code. End corporate taxes and create a consumption tax. Reshape the European Union to make it either more unified or less, but not halfway as it is now. Reduce the barriers to business formation. Reform Medicare so it is fiscally sustainable. Break up the banks and increase capital requirements. Lighten debt burdens even if it means hitting the institutional creditors." - David Brooks in the New York Times

Dana Milbank: The Republican roots of Solyndra

6fbcea0bdf05f004 "What McConnell neglected to mention is that Solyndra was cleared to participate in this loan-guarantee program by President George W. Bush’s administration. He also did not mention that the legislation creating the loan-guarantee program, approved by the Republican-controlled Congress in 2005, received yes votes from — wait for it — DeMint, Hatch and McConnell." - Dana Milbank in the Washington Post

  • "The Republican lawmaker leading the charge against an Obama administration loan guarantee program for clean-energy companies wasn't always so skeptical of government attempts to boost the green economy." - USA Today

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Sep 26, 2011 4:13:16 PM

Afternoon update for September 26, 2011

LATEST NEWS

Screen shot 2011-09-26 at 5.33.31 PM Video: Allen West calls for the Palestinians to recognize Israel as a Jewish state

The Florida straw poll fallout continues:

  • Herman Cain attributes grass-roots support for his surprise win - National Review Online
  • Trump continues role as kingmaker in the GOP primaries, set to meet with Cain - Daily Caller
  • Perry holds onto lead in latest poll despite dismal straw poll, debate performances - CBS News
  • Cain slams Perry's debate performance in interview, says he "wasn't ready for prime time:- Miami Herald 
Sep 26, 2011 6:49:40 AM

Newslinks for Monday September 26, 2011

Questions about debate performance continue to dog Rick Perry

Perry "Of all the punches thrown at Gov. Rick Perry during last week's Republican presidential debate in Florida, few landed harder than questions about Perry's support for a Texas bill allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition. ... The political damage became clear Saturday, when Perry finished a distant second to businessman Herman Cain in a presidential straw poll conducted at the gathering." - CNN

"Texas Gov. Rick Perry had back surgery on July 1. Saturday night David Carney (Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s chief campaign strategist and long-time advisor) ... denied that Perry is now experiencing any back pain or is on any medication. 'He is not in any pain — why would he need pain medicine? No he is not taking pain medicine,' he emailed me. I asked if he was tired during the debates. He answered, 'Not that I know of.'" - Jennifer Rubin in the Washington Post

  • Obama says GOP debates "not reflective of who we are" - LA Times

Three reasons why Chris Christie should run for president - and three reasons why he should not - Chris Cillizza in the Washington Post

Other GOP 2012 news:

  • "With the third-quarter fundraising deadline looming Friday, all eyes will be on what the two top GOP presidential contenders have raised." - Politico
  • By showing willingness to compete in Nevada, Perry may have "singlehandedly saved the Nevada caucuses" - Politico
  • Florida Gov. Rick Scott wants to beat Rick Perry at job creation - Daily Caller
  • Romney using wife's story to connect with voters - Associated Press
  • Santorum sees Cain win as sign of GOP dissatisfaction - LA Times
  • "President Barack Obama is swiping at Texas Gov. Rick Perry, criticizing him as 'a governor whose state is on fire, denying climate change.'" - Politico
  • GOP looks for a winner in Midwest swing states - WSJ
  • "Florida Republicans want the GOP presidential field to tread lightly on the subjects of Social Security and Medicare. Very, very lightly." - Politico

After no spending progress over the weekend, government shutdown looms

Screen shot 2011-09-24 at 5.36.55 PM "Despite promises to work together following a public backlash against the bickering that consumed much of the summer, Republicans and Democrats face the reality that disaster aid could run out Tuesday and the government could partially shut down beginning this weekend unless they strike a deal quickly." - WSJ

"The Democratic-led Senate, which on Friday blocked a GOP House measure to fund the government through Nov. 18, will vote late Monday on its own version of the bill. The Senate bill includes dollars for disaster relief without an offsetting spending cut elsewhere that the House GOP demands." - Washington Post

  • Political brinkmanship becomes the new normal for Boehner - Roll Call
  • "Democrats and Republicans continue feuding over the same issues -- taxes and entitlement programs -- that have dominated the deficit discussion for more than a year." - CNN
  • The New York Times Caucus blog profiles Sen. Lamar Alexander, who is taking "a stand for compromise"

GOP's "Young Guns" head to Facebook

"Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg is holding an online “Facebook Live” conversation with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). On Monday, the three leaders will be at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif., where they’ll take questions in front of an audience of about 100 Facebook employees and guests" - Politico

As the deficit reduction supercommittee "digs in", expectations for spending cuts get even lower

Screen shot 2011-08-30 at 11.29.12 "Few in Washington see a politically realistic way for the 12 members of the joint House-Senate deficit committee, six from each party, to meet their mandate to identify at least $1.2 trillion in deficit reductions over 10 years. People in both parties worry that the panel, which plans to meet privately this week, could fall far short of that goal or deadlock altogether, with potentially damaging economic consequences." - New York Times

  • "Tea party leaders can be found this fall hawking a Constitution-themed coloring book, riding a tour bus across the country and endorsing 2012 candidates — but not issuing policy proposals for cutting the deficit." - Roll Call
  • "It's a move that's been dismissed as a budget gimmick, but it's also one that could make the supercommittee's job a whole lot easier: counting the savings of withdrawing troops from Iraq and Afghanistan." - The Hill

GOP to sink its teeth deeper into Solyndra and White House

"Unlike other GOP-led probes of the White House that quickly faded away, Republicans are vowing to intensify their investigation into the California-based Solyndra. Republicans have seized the moment, launching investigations, leaking damaging emails from the White House and blasting the administration on television and the radio. And it’s not over yet. Not even close." - The Hill 

Sen. Susan Collins: The economy needs a regulation time-out

"American businesses need pro-growth economic policies that will end the uncertainty and kick-start hiring and investment. American workers need policies that will get them off the sidelines and back on the job. In sports, time-outs are called to give athletes a chance to catch their breaths and make better decisions about the next play. American workers and businesses are the athletes in a global competition that we must win. They need a time-out from excessive regulation so that America can get back to work." - Sen. Susan Collins in the WSJ

Sen. Lindsey Graham doesn't rule out military action against Pakistan

Afghanistan "Arguing that Pakistan has made a 'tremendous miscalculation' in allowing the Haqqanis to operate without consequence, Graham said the U.S. won't make the same mistake with Pakistan. 'The sovereign nation of Pakistan is engaging in hostile acts against the United States and our ally Afghanistan that must cease. I will leave it up to the experts, but if the experts believe that we need to elevate our response, they will have a lot of bipartisan support on Capitol Hill,' the South Carolina senator told 'Fox News Sunday.'" - Fox

Obama is away in California, fundraising

Obama (1) "President Barack Obama will spend part of Monday hobnobbing with celebrities and other power-brokers in Los Angeles ... Then, Obama will head to the Fig and Olive, a restaurant on Los Angeles' trendy Melrose Place, for a private fundraiser co-hosted by investment manager John Emerson, consultant Andy Spahn, Hollywood producer Jeffrey Katzenberg and Tennis Channel CEO Ken Solomon, a Democrat with knowledge of the event told CNN. The campaign official said the cost to attend is $17,900 per person." - CNN

Other Obama 2012 news:

  • Obama gaffe: President says billionaires should pay ‘Jew’ tax rate - Daily Caller
  • Pelosi and Reid at odds with Obama over trade - The Hill
  • Some on the left say the Obama administration’s communication strategy often cuts them out - Roll Call
  • A campaign finance ruling turned to labor’s advantage - New York Times

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