Kerry Gets Committee’s Backing For State; LaHood Leaving Transportation
As expected, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee supports the nomination of Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to succeed Secretary Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood is the latest member of the administration to announce a departure.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Despite Bipartisan Beginnings, Immigration Overhaul Could Splinter GOP
If President Obama wanted to pick the perfect wedge issue to split the Republican Party, he could hardly have improved on a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws. Not that he has an ulterior motive in advocating for action on Capitol Hill. But it works out the same way.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
On Climate Change, Americans May Trust Politics Above Preachers
Members of religious groups who have long looked to President Obama for action on climate change may have been encouraged by his inaugural call for tackling the issue. But if studies are correct, most religious Americans take their cue on this issue from political — not religious — beliefs.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
‘Path To Citizenship’ Part Of Senators’ Bipartisan Immigration Plan
Eight senators — four Democrats and four Republicans — are unveiling what they say is a comprehensive immigration overhaul. It would let undocumented immigrants with no criminal records get probationary legal residency if they pay fines and taxes. Full citizenship might come after other reforms.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Gun-Control Advocates Should Listen More, Obama Says
In an interview with The New Republic, the president said that those who dismiss the traditions of hunting “out of hand make a big mistake.” The comments come amid his administration’s efforts to push gun control in the wake of the shootings last month in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 children were killed.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
The GOP And Taxes: In The States, It Can Get Complicated
Republican Mike Pence just began his term as Indiana governor with a plan to cut the state income tax rate, joining Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal, Wisconsin’s Scott Walker, Nebraska’s Dave Heineman and other GOP governors in pushing for similar plans. But some Republican state legislators aren’t convinced.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Court Ruling Upsets Conventional Wisdom On Recess Appointments
In a bombshell decision, a federal appeals court panel has invalidated President Obama’s recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board. Legal experts say the ruling deals a big victory to Senate Republicans in an era of congressional gridlock, and could push the issue to the Supreme Court.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
For GOP Comeback, Leaders Urge Stepped-Up Outreach
“I will talk to a head of lettuce if I can get them to vote Republican,” says Sharon Day, the newly re-elected Republican National Committee co-chair. RNC Chairman Reince Priebus says the GOP needs better relationships in “minority communities, urban centers, college towns.”» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Obama Administration Takes Gun Control Fight Outside Washington
With gun control legislation facing obstacles in Congress, the president’s political team is looking for support outside the Beltway. On Friday, Vice President Joe Biden held a roundtable discussion in Richmond, Va., with people who worked on gun safety after the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
Some In GOP Want New Electoral College Rules
Republicans in states that President Obama carried are looking at proposals to change the way Electoral College votes are given out. If these changes had been in place nationwide in November, Mitt Romney might have won.» E-Mail This » Add to Del.icio.us
