Election News (Yahoo, TPM, McClatchey, Politico)

DeMint: My Senate Votes Are About The United States -- Not South Carolina

Eric Kleefeld — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:47:08 -0800

Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), who is up for re-election in 2010 and is heavily favored to win, has made an interesting admission: That he's not thinking about South Carolina when he votes in the Senate, but about larger conservative principles.

From The State:

DeMint, 58, makes no bones that he's more focused on advancing conservative goals nationwide than on pursuing the parochial interests of his state.

"All of you all over the country - please remember that Senate seats are not about a particular state," DeMint told more than 4,000 listeners on the recent conference call. "They're about our country. Every vote I take is not about South Carolina. It's about the United States of America."

In practice, legislative governance is often a balancing act between the immediate interests of one's constituents and the greater national interest. Sometimes, choosing one can mean short-changing another in immediate terms. But it's rare to see a legislator so bluntly acknowledge that his votes aren't about his constituents.

Iraqi civilian deaths drop to lowest level of war (Reuters)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:39:43 -0800

Reuters - The civilian death toll in Iraq fell to its lowest level in November since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion as bombings receded, defying predictions of a spike in violence before an election next year, officials said on Monday.

Senate to begin debate on healthcare overhaul (Reuters)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:33:10 -0800

Reuters - The U.S. Senate opens debate on a broad healthcare overhaul on Monday with senators seeking an elusive compromise on thorny issues like a government-run insurance plan, abortion coverage and holding down costs.

Sarah Palin: Hero Of Talk Radio Listeners -- But Anyone Else?

Eric Kleefeld — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:13:57 -0800

The new Washington Post poll illustrates the extent to which Sarah Palin's political appeal is a disproportionate one, focused on the harder line of the Republican Party -- which also happens to be where the GOP's energy is these days. The key question we have to really answer in the next few years, then, is how far Palin's disproportionate support among the hard right can really get her, and whether she can expand from there.

Overall, Palin had an 18% plurality when Republicans and GOP-leaners were asked who their choice for president was in 2012. But among Rush Limbaugh listeners it was a whopping 45%, and also a third among Glenn Beck viewers (we can probably assume that these two groups overlap to some extent). When asked who best represents the GOP's core values, Palin attracted 17% support -- with 48% among Limbaugh fans, and 35% among Beck's audience.

Palin certainly has built up a following with these two hosts and their audiences. She's not ruled out a Palin-Beck ticket in 2012 -- though Beck has ruled it out with some very colorful language. Limbaugh has praised Going Rogue as "one of the most substantive policy books I've read." And no less a voice than Bill Kristol, a frequent advocate of Palin's, has said that the GOP's "center of gravity, I suspect, will instead lie with individuals such as Palin and Huckabee and Gingrich, media personalities like Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh."

Another key number: When all GOPers were asked who best represents the party, Palin's 17% plurality put her ahead of John McCain, who had himself picked her for the 2008 ticket, at 13%.

A previous CBS poll from two weeks ago gave a similar hint about Palin's support. Only 44% of Republicans wanted her to run for president, and only 43% thought she had the ability to be an effective president. But her strong suit was white evangelicals, 48% of whom wanted her to run, and 50% of them who said she had the ability to be an effective president.

However, Palin certainly does have her work cut out for her if she wants to run for president. A previous Washington Post poll showed a majority of Americans viewing Palin unfavorably, and saying she was not qualified to be president. And that CBS poll mentioned above also found that even self-identified conservatives didn't want Palin running for president, despite the support of her white evangelical base.

On the other hand, as the recent Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll illustrates, the Republican base is very enthusiastic right now. If politics comes down to the simple question of who shows up, then the people who do like Palin could end up exercising a much greater influence than their raw numbers would suggest.

CBO: Health Care Reform Will Lower Out-Of-Pocket Burden For Most Consumers

Brian Beutler — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:10:49 -0800

A new CBO report, requested by Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) contains some helpful, though not unexpected information about the impact of Senate health care legislation on insurance premiums, particularly in the individual market.

According to CBO, average premiums in the individual market would increase 10 to 13 percent because of provisions in the Senate health care bill, but, crucially, most people (about 57 percent) would actually find themselves paying significantly less money for insurance, thanks to federal subsidies for low- and middle-class consumers.

Those are two separate findings, but it seems likely that Republicans will use the former finding to attack reform, claiming it will raise people's premiums, and leave people confused about the second finding, which is actually the one that impacts people's pocket books.

The report finds that for the minority of consumers in the individual market who receive no federal assistance, premiums (and therefore out-of-pocket costs) will increase slightly--on the order of 10 percent--which could prove politically difficult in the years after health care reform takes effect.

Separately, for those who have high-end employer-provided insurance, CBO finds that a new excise tax on high-end policies will have disparate effects on premiums. Those who keep their "cadillac" insurance would end up paying higher premiums, and those who choose instead to change policies would pay lower premiums, but CBO finds that on average, people who have plans susceptible to the 40-percent tax will ultimately be paying less in premiums than they would without health care reform.

You can read the entire report here (PDF).

Obama facing tough selling job on Afghan policy (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:52:42 -0800

AP - Barack Obama has begun one of the toughest sales jobs of his presidency, launching the much-awaited rollout of his new Afghan war strategy by informing top military and civilian advisers in Washington and Kabul and telephoning key allies around the globe.

Gibbs Says Investigation Into State Dinner Crashers Ongoing

Christina Bellantoni — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:52:01 -0800

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had no new information this morning about the party crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi.

"As best I know the Secret Service continues to look into that situation," Gibbs said in his morning gaggle with reporters. "When there is something complete we'll have it."

The Salahi couple, who made a splash by attending the state dinner honoring India without an invitation, have maintained they were invited. Secret Service is doing an internal investigation as to why their names weren't verified from the guest list.

As we reported earlier, they have been called to testify before Congress.

Divided Senate poised to start health care debate (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:51:49 -0800

AP - Senate Democrats face deep divisions within their ranks as they begin debate Monday on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul, with the recent all-hands-on-deck coalition frayed over abortion and the option of government-run insurance.

Clinton daughter Chelsea engaged to be married (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:20:43 -0800

AP - Chelsea Clinton, the 29-year old daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, has become engaged to her longtime boyfriend, investment banker Marc Mezvinsky.

Obama Issues New Orders On Afghanistan

Christina Bellantoni — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:13:32 -0800

President Obama huddled at 5 p.m. Sunday with his top military and national security team, issuing orders for the Pentagon to implement his plan for sending more than 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters that Obama "issued orders" from the Oval Office to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Gen. David Petraeus, Adm. Mike Mullen, National Security Adviser Jim Jones, Gen. James Cartwright and chief of staff Rahm Emanuel. Before that meeting he spoke via phone with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

"The president communicated his final decision on the strategy ... and issued orders on the strategy's implementation," Gibbs said.

Obama also will be in "close consultation with our friends and allies throughout the day" because the administration believes the war "is a shared international challenge."

The president has called foreign leaders Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He will call Russian President Dimitri Medvedev and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown today. He also is meeting privately with Australia's Kevin Rudd today at the White House.

Australia has sent more troops to Afghanistan this year to a level the U.s. is "quite pleased with," Gibbs said, and Obama is not planning to ask the country for more.

Obama will formally announce the troops decision tomorrow night in a speech from West Point Military Academy.

The White House refuses to offer guidance on the exact number of troops who will be sent to the region, and Gibbs told reporters Obama is not being "overly specific" in his calls with world leaders to keep the circle of people who know tightly secure.

Gibbs said at 6 p.m. last night Obama spoke via secure video teleconference with Gen. Stanley McChrystal and Ambassador Eikenberry from the Situation Room to lay out his decision. He will tell 31 members of Congress tomorrow at 4:45 P.M.

Obama is still working with Ben Rhodes of the NSC team on the final version speech.

Late Update: The Pentagon used its Twitter feed to solicit thoughts from citizens: "Lots in the news today on Pres. Obama's Afghan speech tomorrow. What points and/or issues do you think he should highlight?"

House panel sets hearing on White House breach (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:41:34 -0800

AP - The top Democrat on the House Homeland Security committee is calling the Secret Service director and the couple who crashed the Obama administration's first state dinner to testify on the incident Thursday.

Huckabeeâs Link to Shooting Suspect Could Be Political Setback (Bloomberg)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:36:29 -0800

Bloomberg - Nov. 30 (Bloomberg) -- The political future of former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee could be damaged by his role in commuting the sentence of the gunman suspected of killing four police officers in Washington state.

Google Exec, Columbia Prof, Union Leaders Among Invitees To WH Jobs Summit

Christina Bellantoni — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:33:33 -0800

President Obama Thursday is hosting a jobs summit at the White House, with the administration putting its full attention toward the economy and unemployment.

Among the 130 attendees are small business owners, experts from the "green jobs" sector, business leaders, academics, city officials and representatives from nonprofits, the White House said.

Some names that jump out right away are Eric Schmidt of Google (he is an informal Obama adviser), New York Times columnist and Nobel economics prize winner Paul Krugman, Columbia Business School professor Joe Stiglitz and Anna Burger of the Change to Win union.

Full list of confirmed attendees after the jump:

Eric Schmidt, Google Randall Stevenson, AT&T Surya Mohapatra, Quest Frederick Smith, Fed Ex Brian Roberts, Comcast Bob Iger, Disney James McNerney, Boeing Andrew Livens, Dow Peter, Solmssen, Siemens Stephanie Burns, Dow Corning Phaedra Ellis Lamkins, Green for All Reed Hundt, Coalition for the Green Bank Larry Mishel, EPI Alan Blinder, Princeton Paul Krugman, Princeton Joe Stiglitz, Columbia Bob Greenstein,Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia
Small Business Owners including:
David Ickert, Air Tractor
Woody Hall, Diversapack
Rose Wang, Binary Group

Anna Burger, Change to Win
Leo Gerard, United Steel Workers
Joe Hansen, United Food and Commercial Workers
Randi Weingarten, AFT
Mayor Frank Cownie, Des Moines, IA
Mayor Julian Castro, San Antonio, Texas
Mayor Ed Pawlowski , Allentown, PA

Court won't disturb $82.6M award in SUV rollover (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:22:45 -0800

AP - The Supreme Court has left in place an $82.6 million award to a woman who was paralyzed after her Ford Explorer rolled over.

Official: Leaders may join Obama at climate summit (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:18:35 -0800

AP - An administration official says some world leaders may change their schedules so they can attend an upcoming climate conference the same day as President Barack Obama.

After Green Party Rallies, Nader Still Undecided On CT-Sen

Evan McMorris-Santoro — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:16:52 -0800

"More than 100 people" turned out at Ralph Nader's book signing in West Hartford and, as expected, the AP reports that "some of them" were holding signs calling on Nader to run for Senate. (Click here for our story last week on the grassroots effort to recruit Nader by the Connecticut Green Party.)

Nader remained undecided on a run, he told reporters after the signing. But he suggested the final decision rested in the hands of his supporters. From the AP:

"It really depends on what kind of momentum there is and how many people are willing to roll up their sleeves because I'm very accustomed to people saying 'run Ralph run' and then they drift away, predisposed and preoccupied with their daily life," he told reporters. "It has to be bottom up."

Court sides with Gov't in detainee photo case (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:16:28 -0800

AP - The Supreme Court has thrown out an appeals court ruling ordering the disclosure of photographs of detainees being abused by their U.S. captors.

Biden Goes On The Attack As Senate Begins Health Care Debate

Evan McMorris-Santoro — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:56:14 -0800

Senators will gather this afternoon to start banging out a final health care reform bill. Vice President Biden is doing a little hammering of his own in advance of the debate, taking on reform opponents in a new video posted to the White House website. Biden enlists a slew of health care providers advocating reform to take on those who have criticized the Obama administration's efforts to drive health care reform.

"When it comes to explaining what health care reform means to you, who do you trust?" Biden asks in the video. "Do you trust the people who defend the status quo, who say you'd be better off leaving things just the way they are? Or, would you rather hear from the people who actually know something about what's going on in our health care system?"

The featured voices on the video include doctors and nurses. Biden says at the end of the video that their individual takes lead to one conclusion -- people who work in health care want the Democratic-led reforms.

"The status quo is simply unsustainable. But we're going to pass health care insurance reform," Biden says. "Doctors and nurses know that what they see every day is wrong. And they know that we're going to change it. When it comes to something as important as your health, listen to the people you trust."

Both sides of the reform debate this year have attempted to claim doctors agree with them. In October, Glenn Beck hosted a "town hall" of doctors opposed to reform, and has claimed that health care providers fear the changes proposed in Congress. Democrats meanwhile, have touted public endorsements of their reform efforts from the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association.

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:02:35 -0800

Poll: Palin Popular With Limbaugh, Beck Audiences
A new Washington Post poll finds that Sarah Palin is especially popular among Republicans who listen to Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck. Overall, 17% of Republicans said they would vote for Palin for the 2012 nomination for president -- with a higher number of 45% among Limbaugh listeners, and a third of Beck listeners.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will have his daily briefing at 9:30 a.m. ET. He will meet with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at 11:10 a.m. ET. He will receive the economic daily briefing at 4 p.m. ET, and will meet with senior advisers at 4:45 p.m. ET.

Senate To Open Health Care Debate Today
The Senate is set to begin debate on the health care bill today. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid faces the difficult task of crafting a bill that can receive 60 votes, with no room for error against a 40-member Republican caucus.

Secret Service Interviews Party-Crashers
The Secret Service has now interviewed Tareq and Michaele Salehi, the infamous party-crashers at last week's state dinner. "There are more interviews to do," an official told the New York Times.

Obama's Afghanistan Speech To Envision Exit Plan
President Obama's speech tomorrow on Afghanistan will lay out an exit strategy, the New York Times reports. "It's accurate to say that he will be more explicit about both goals and time frame than has been the case before and than has been part of the public discussion," said an anonymous senior official. "He wants to give a clear sense of both the time frame for action and how the war will eventually wind down."

Administration Plans New Effort On Foreclosures
The Obama administration is set to announce a new program to help people caught in the mortgage crisis to stay in their homes. The government will offer cash incentives to companies that renegotiate loans, and will reportedly wait until loan modifications are permanent before paying the incentives.

Total House Wealth Exceeds $1 Billion
Roll Call reports that the total membership of the House of Representatives has a collective reported wealth of $1.13 billion, with a minimum debt of $125.69 million: "Individual wealth varies widely in the chamber, including 125 lawmakers with assets of $1 million or more but 34 Members who report assets valued at or less than zero."

Florida taxpayers foot bill for Gov. Crist, top lawmakers' health care subsidy

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:59:00 -0800

Top Florida lawmakers are balking at Congress' plans to help more poor people get health care, though they've protected an entitlement of their own: free insurance premiums.

As unemployment ranks swell, veterans fare worse

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:57:00 -0800

WASHINGTON — Victor Ruiz has been looking for work since January.

Republicans, Democrats waging internal fights before 2010 elections

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:41:00 -0800

Republicans and Democrats have their prey in sight as they target races to contest in the 2010 elections.

Fetus 'personhood' becomes new fight in abortion debate

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:49:00 -0800

A ballot initiative that sponsors hope will outlaw abortion in Alaska by declaring fetuses to be "legal persons" appears headed for a court fight.

7 stories Obama doesn't want told

John F. Harris — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:45:45 -0800

These storylines could seriously threaten Obama's presidency if they become the dominant frame.

7 stories Obama doesn't want told (Politico)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:45:00 -0800

Politico - Presidential politics is about storytelling. Presented with a vivid storyline, voters naturally tend to fit every new event or piece of information into a picture that is already neatly framed in their minds.

Hater sites take flight

Erika Lovley — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:24:12 -0800

Grassroots blogs offer a decidely partisan take on lawmakers’ work.

Who will pick up tab for surge?

Nia-Malika Henderson — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:20:42 -0800

There's no shortage of advice for Obama as he prepares to announce his Afghanistan strategy.

Ron Paul gains mainstream steam (Politico)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:19:00 -0800

Politico - Is libertarian rock star and Texas Republican Ron Paul going mainstream?

Harry Reid's hometown feud

John Bresnahan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0800

Reid can’t seem to escape the Las Vegas Review-Journal and its publisher, Sherman Frederick.

Obama welcomes Australian prime minister (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:50:53 -0800

AP - The White House says Afghanistan and climate change will top President Barack Obama's agenda when he meets with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

Drug courts successful for few who get in (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:36:42 -0800

AP - In a five-year span, Candice Singer went from being a respected juvenile defense lawyer to a homeless meth addict who once broke into a house just to take a shower.

Doctors in training still learn from cadavers (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:31:10 -0800

AP - Color-coded denim cloths cover the row upon row of black body bags atop cold metal tables. Blue means a body that eventually will go into a common grave. Tan, the family wants those remains back for burial, eventually.

United States, Brazil at odds over Honduras crisis (Reuters)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:51:06 -0800

Reuters - Honduras' disputed presidential election is likely to set Washington against emerging Latin American power Brazil over whether to recognize the winner of a vote promoted by the leaders of a June coup.

Maine's moderate Republican senators thriving (AP)

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:22:46 -0800

AP - Moderate Republicans may be a vanishing breed elsewhere, but Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins are thriving.

Honduras' Lobo claims big win in election (AFP)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:58:41 -0800

AFP - Conservative Porfirio Lobo has claimed a large win in the controversial first presidential election in Honduras since a June 28 coup -- and vowed to form a national unity government.

Conservative Lobo claims victory in Honduras polls (AFP)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 22:02:51 -0800

AFP - Conservative Porfirio Lobo on Sunday claimed victory in the controversial first presidential election in Honduras since a June 28 coup and vowed to form a national unity government.

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:00:48 -0800

Levin: War Tax 'Probably Not' Going To Happen During Recession
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) downplayed the idea of a war tax. "In the middle of a recession we're probably not going to be able to increase taxes to pay for it," said Levin. "There should have been, as far as I'm concerned, tax increases for upper bracket folks who did so well during the Bush years - that's where the tax increases should have taken place. But that should have happened some time ago."

Graham: Can We Cut Stimulus To Pay For Afghanistan?
Appearing on This Week, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) called for cuts in domestic spending, including the stimulus package and the health care bill, to pay for the Afghanistan war. "Well, I'd like to see an endeavor to see if we can cut current spending and find some dollars that we're spending today to pay for the war, and prioritize American spending. Where does our national security rate in terms of spending?" said Graham. "Are there things that we can do in the stimulus package? Can we trim up the health care bill and other big-ticket items to pay for a war that we can't afford to lose?"

Lugar's 'Audacious' Proposal: Delay Health Care Debate, Focus On Afghanistan And Economy
Appearing on State of the Union, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) said that the health care bill should be postponed, in order to focus on Afghanistan and the economy. "The war is terribly important," Lugar said. "Jobs and our economy are terribly important. This may be an audacious suggestion, but I would suggest we put aside the health care debate until next year, the same way we put cap-and-trade and climate change [aside], and talk now about the essentials -- the war and money."

Sanders Stops Short Of Saying He'll Filibuster Bill Without Public Option
Also on This Week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) signaled his strong support for a public option -- but didn't go so far as to say he would filibuster a bill without one. "I would be very reluctant to support legislation that did not have a strong public option," said Sanders. When asked whether he would support a filibuster, Sanders said: "I gotta see what ends up happening."

Huckabee Not Sure About 2012 -- Would Need Big GOP Support
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) said that he's not ready to decide on whether to run for president again -- and that it would depend on whether he can get establishment Republican support. "I would have to see that the Republicans would be willing to unite behind me," Huckabee said. "The last time out my biggest challenge was with the establishment Republicans, who just never showed their support."

Armey On GOP Purity Resolution: 'Demonstrate That You're Someone Like Us"
Appearing on Face The Nation, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX) spoke favorably of the so-called "purity" resolution being proposed at the Republican National Committee, saying that it calls on candidates to "demonstrate some allegiance to the primary positions taken by the party. That's not a litmus test. That's just if you want us to give you our money, our support, our troops in the field, our endorsements, then demonstrate that you're someone like us."

Scozzafava: 'I Think It WAs Very Difficult' For RNC 'Not To Cave In' To The Right
Also on Face The Nation, former NY-23 Republican candidate Dede Scozzafava blamed the loss of the special election on conservative groups such as the Club For Growth, who forced her out of the race in favor of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman (she subsequently endorsed Democrat Bill Owens). "I think it was very difficult for leadership at the RNC not to cave in to the pressures that they were receiving from the right," said Scozzafava.

Iran building 10 new enrichment sites

Politico Staff — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:47:29 -0800

New sites a strong rebuke to the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog.

GOP senator says health care bill can't be fixed (AP)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:48:36 -0800

AP - The No. 2 Republican in the Senate is urging his Democratic colleagues to start over in crafting a bill to overhaul the health care system.

South Carolina conservative sets himself up as kingmaker

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 07:13:00 -0800

WASHINGTON -- South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint is using his rising national profile among conservative activists to support and bankroll Republican Senate candidates around the country, some of them underdogs challenging GOP establishment favorites.

Texas parties waging internal fights before battling in 2010

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 06:32:00 -0800

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Republicans and Democrats have their prey in sight as they target races to contest in the 2010 elections.

Obama 'realism' faces Afghan test

Ben Smith — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:04:19 -0800

Obama urged to say U.S. has moral obligation in war.

MIT analysis backs Obama health plan

Mike Allen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:48:14 -0800

The report finds Americans buying individual coverage will pay less than today's prices.

'Jobs Summit' no magic bullet

Eamon Javers — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:05:17 -0800

President Obama plans on holding a 'jobs summit' this week to aid the economy.

In Alaska, new fight develops over rights of fetuses

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:13:00 -0800

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A ballot initiative that sponsors hope will outlaw abortion in Alaska by declaring fetuses to be "legal persons" appears headed for a court fight.

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:07:55 -0800

House Oversight Chairman Wants Answers On Party Crashers
Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wants answers on the two party-crashers at President Obama's state dinner. "We need an immediate investigation into the facts of this case, and a review of the Secret Service's security practices," said Towns. "I have asked for a preliminary briefing next week and will follow the investigation until we understand what actually happened."

New Group Seeks To Draft Dick Cheney For 2012 Presidential Race
A new Web site, Draft Cheney 2012, has been launched to ask former Vice President Dick Cheney to run for president in 2012. "There is only one person in our party with the experience, political courage and unwavering commitment to the values that made our party strong - and that person is Dick Cheney," said Christopher Barron, an organizer of the group.

Nader On Potential Senate Run: 'It Really Depends On What Kind Of Momentum There Is'
Ralph Nader said he is "absorbing a lot of the feedback" before he makes a decision on whether to run for Senate in Connecticut, against incumbent Democrat Chris Dodd. "It really depends on what kind of momentum there is and how many people are willing to roll up their sleeves," Nader explained, "because I'm very accustomed to people saying 'run Ralph run' and then they drift away, predisposed and preoccupied with their daily life. It has to be bottom up."

Justice Department Says ACORN Can Be Paid For Existing Contracts
The Justice Department has declared that the new Congressional ban on federal funding for ACORN should not be read in such a way as to break pre-existing contracts with the group, "where doing so would give rise to contractual liability." Acting Assistant Attorney General David Barron also argued that the breaking of contracts, including where ACORN's services have been performed but payment hasn't yet been processed, would raise constitutional concerns that are best avoided through a narrow interpretation of the law.

Jenny Sanford Moves Into The Limelight
The New York Times reports that South Carolina First Lady Jenny Sanford has been expanding her public profile in the wake of her husband's sex scandal, with Mrs. Sanford coming out with a new book, trademarking her own name, and an upcoming interview with Barbara Walters -- and perhaps even a run for office: "In South Carolina, some politicians and experts believe she may run for office. They are quick to note that she has served as campaign manager during her husband's races, shares his conservative fiscal values and acted as de facto chief of staff briefly in his first term."

Norquist: Nelson, Specter Would Break Tax Pledge If They Vote For Health Care Bill
The Hill reports that Grover Norquist says Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) would be violating the Americans For Tax Reform pledge to not raise taxes, which both of them have signed, if they vote for the health care bill as it is currently written. Norquist also said that Specter would not be released from the pressure of the pledge, simply because he signed it when he was a Republican: "That doesn't get you off the hook."

Towns will investigate Secret Service

Jake Sherman — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:02:27 -0800

Towns says he will review security practices after an uninvited couple attend the first state dinner.

White House says world moving toward new Iran sanctions

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:31:00 -0800

WASHINGTON — The United Nations nuclear agency blasted Iran in a resolution Friday for obstructing investigations into its suspected nuclear-weapons program and demanded that the Islamic Republic stop construction of a once-secret facility.

Tareq Salahi Donated To Virginia Pols And Sold $25K Worth Of Wine For Kaine Inaugural

Christina Bellantoni — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:26:18 -0800

We already know that now-famed party crashers Michaele and Tareq Salahi of Hume in Faquier County in Virginia like to pose with celebrities and top politicians, but they also dabble a bit in local political donations.

Tareq Salahi, who owns Oasis Winery, has made two donations large enough to make the federal database - $600 to Republican George Allen's first campaign for the U.S. Senate in Virginia and $1,000 to Rep. Jim Moran's (D-VA) primary campaign in 2006.

Virginia Public Access Project records show that Tim Kaine's inaugural committee bought $25,000 worth of Oasis wine for an event held the night before Kaine's inauguration in 2006 as governor of Virginia.

TPMDC tonight interviewed state Delegate Dave Albo, a Republican from Northern Virginia.

Albo is a longtime friend of the Salahis, even attending an ACDC concert with them recently.

"They are really fun and very nice," he said.

Albo said the Salahis spend a lot of time at social events.

"They are the kind of people who would get invited to something like that," Albo said.

As I reported earlier, they have attended events at the executive mansion and were involved with Virginia tourism promotion and active in the state's winery association.

Salahi also donated $2,500 to a Democratic candidate for delegate in 2007.

Presented By:

Pheedo — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:26:18 -0800

Secret Service takes blame for White House party crashers

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:20:00 -0800

WASHINGTON — The director of the Secret Service took the blame Friday for security failures that allowed a publicity-hungry couple from Virginia who weren't on the guest list for President Barack Obama's first state dinner to slip through security and directly encounter the president.

Political clash expected soon over rising U.S. $12 trillion dollar debt

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:38:00 -0800

WASHINGTON — In the past, members of Congress never have been particularly eager to remind the public that they regularly vote to raise the ceiling on the national debt, which now exceeds $12 trillion.

The Salahi-Obama Meeting

Evan McMorris-Santoro — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:36:14 -0800

The White House just released this photo of Michaele and Tareq Salahi meeting President Obama at the Nov. 24 state dinner the Salahis crashed.

Check it out:

Here's our story on the couple.

And check out this rundown of other famous people the Salahis have shaken hands with, including John McCain, Donny Osmond, Charlie Rangel, Prince Charles and Matt Damon.

Earlier tonight, the Secret Service took sole responsibility for the Salahi-Obama handshake, and promised that other uninvited socialites will not be taking pictures with the leader of the free world any time soon.

Friends In High Places: The Salahis And The Famous People They Take Pictures With

Evan McMorris-Santoro — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:15:46 -0800

Tareq and Michaele Salahi may not have what it takes to get a White House state dinner invite, but the couple has far-ranging connections with the famous, near famous and wannabe famous.

Photos found across the net show the couple posing for photos with a diverse crowd of people you've heard of, ranging from Donny Osmond to John McCain to Prince Charles.

The couple's relationship with celebrity is more than just skin deep -- as we already mentioned, the Salahis claim their wedding included speeches from then-Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, among other famous names. Last year, Tareq Salahi attempted to buy his family's winery in a complex deal that he said put him at odds with celebrity investor/star of Kazaam Shaquille O'Neal. Much like the Salahis' recent attempt to get close to a celebrity for fame and fortune, the deal with Shaq resulted in some negative headlines.

Some of the big names that have stood next to the Salahis over the years:

Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL)

Fmr. Virginia Gov./DNC chair Tim Kaine

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy

Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)

Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY)

Matt Damon

Party Crashers: Who Are Michaele And Tareq Salahi?

Christina Bellantoni — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:22:19 -0800

For all the consternation about how two uninvited reality show hopefuls were able to crash a state dinner at the White House, much remains unknown about who the husband and wife glitterati wannabes actually are.

TPM has been digging, and on close examination Michaele and Tareq Salahi have been moving in high end social and political circles for quite some time.

The White House is just the creme de la creme of the hot spots they've hit - the Salahis have attended receptions at the Executive Mansion in Virginia, big-dollar dinners for Congressional leadership and appear grinning next to top politicians and celebrities in dozens of photos on the Internet.

They own a winery and are heavily involved with the U.S. Polo Team, and they managed to get formally announced at the White House Wednesday night, before posing happily with Vice President Joe Biden and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. (They also met President Obama in the receiving line.)

The Secret Service today admitted "failing" to screen the couple, who did not appear on the guest list, saying in a statement they are embarrassed about the situation.

Secret Service agents reportedly visited their Virginia winery and the couple also reportedly has financial trouble.

The Salahi lawyer has told news outlets they did not crash the event and they plan to address the issue in an interview with Larry King Monday night.

TPM has spoken today to people who have interacted with the Salahi couple, and those sources say the couple loves the limelight. They find out where the hot social scene is buzzing and show up, dressed to the nines.

They've posed with politicians and celebrities (even interviewing hip-hop's will.i.am) and have shown up at more-and-more D.C. events as buzz builds over the new Real Housewives cast.

The couple claims Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Justice Anthony Kennedy were speakers at their 2003 wedding, though TPM has not been able to confirm that detail. (Warner appears in photos on their winery Web site.)

Gawker speculated as to whether the couple's ties to the Indian embassy had something to do with how they ended up at the dinner, but Rahul Chhabra, a spokesman, strongly denies that possibility.

"Neither the embassy nor anyone from the embassy was involved in any way in their getting into the White House. Nor did we request any invitation for them," Chhabra told TPMDC today.

We've called and emailed the Salahis for comment - and we'll update you if we hear back.

The news also percolates as the White House prepares for a busy season of holiday parties for diplomats, government employees and members of the press.

Late Update: Evan takes a sample of the celebrities and politicians the Salahi couple has met along the way.

Friday night document dump update: The White House releases a photo of Obama meeting Michaele Salahi.

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The Salahi-Obama Meeting

Friends In High Places: The Salahis And The Famous People They Take Pictures With

Party Crashers: Who Are Michaele And Tareq Salahi?

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