Category: Congress

Telethon For Democrats Without Balls, FISA Edition

No Comments

Really. I’m serious.

Here is Harry Reid, getting ready to completely capitulate on civil rights protection and telco immunity in the FISA update.

I should note that once again, Chris Dodd is excluded from my approbiation, as he is still threatening a filibuster on telco immunity.

Glenn Greenwald nails it:

Here we have a perfect expression of the most self-destructive Democratic disease which they seem unable to cure. More than anything, they fear looking ‘weak.’ To avoid this, they ‘cave’ and surrender and capitulate and stand for nothing. As a result, they are, as here, endlessly described in the media as ‘caving’ and surrendering. As a result, they look (and are) weak. It’s a self-destructive cycle that has no end.

I want my party back.

How about we try voodoo to raise Harry S Truman and Lyndon Baines Johnson from the grave, and send them to Congress to bitch slap Reid and Pelosi.

It’s like throwing away an impeachment investigation, even as just a technique to extract documents, because it trumps executive privilege.

NOT ON THE TABLE! NOT ON THE TABLE!

Let’s Get Rid of Bush Dog Leonard Boswell

No Comments

Ed Fallon is challenging Leonard Boswell in the Iowa primary. (I guess that they only do the caucus for presidential stuff, could someone confirm?

It’s a good idea to take

FWIW, Gore barely won in 2000, and Bush barely won in 2004, so it’s a competitive district, but if this isn’t a year for Democrats, particularly given the economy, it I’ll eat my hat.)

You can contribute via Act Blue, Fallon’s web site is not yet up.

Fallon is popular in the district, he carried it in the gubernatorial primary that he lost state wide, and Boswell has never connected well with the district, he moved following redistricting in 2000, and he’s voted for the war without condition and the Patriot act.

The primary is on June 3.

Probation Office Recommends 60 Years for Wilkes

No Comments

Yes, Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the gift that keeps on giving. the probation office of the DoJ has recommended, Brent Wilkes, who bribed Cunningham, and might have other bribes outstanding, be given a 60 year sentence.

Note that this is the probation office, not the prosecutor.

Judges take these recommendations rather seriously.

If Wilkes other figures that he can roll on, now would be a good time for him.

Bush to Hold Stimulus Package Hostage

No Comments

Read the article about the Bush Administration strategies.

The stimulus is needed now, but veto anything that does not extend Bush’s disastrous tax cuts, which would otherwise end in 2011.

The fact is that sticking with appallingly bad tax policies in order to create a relatively modest stimulus package is a bad idea both in terms of the well being of the republic, and in terms of politics, and the Democrats should be willing to walk away from the table if this is a condition.

Of course, they will drop the soap instead.

Democrats Move to Prevent Bush From Encumbering Next President on Iraq

No Comments

Honestly, I don’t see these going anywhere, because of the gutless leadership in the House and Senate, but Representative Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) have introduced bills prohibiting the Bush administration from entering into a binding security arrangement with Iraq. They require the President to follow Article II of the constitution, and get the “advice and consent” of the Senate.

You can see the House version here.

FWIW, it should be introduced once a month leading up to election day, just to make Republicans vote for the war, over, and over, and over again.

For the life of me, with a substantial majority of Republicans wanting a pullout, and a president who is less popular than the idea of Britney Spears* as a baby sitter, that the Republican delegation continues to back this failed war of a failed president.

They are drowning, and they are throwing themselves an anvil, and calling it water wings.

*Yes, I know that I have promised not to mention They Who Must Not Be Named, but this is not a discussion of her, rather an invocation.

Danny Glover Endorses Donna Edwards

No Comments

Danny Glover has endorsed Donna Edwards for Congress in the 4th district, against corrupt DINO Al Wynn.

Last primary, despite assaults on Edwards staffers by Wynn staffers, she came within a few thousand votes of winning, despite running a campaign on a shoestring.

To contribute, go here.

Note that the 4th district is very reliably Democratic, it covers most of PG county, so the real election is in the primary, held Feb 12.

Judge Rules that Mississippi Senate Election Must Be Held in 90 Days

No Comments

Haley Barbour loses one. The judge judge rules that the special election must be held sooner, rather than later.

In his order, DeLaughter said the election should be held “within 90 days of the governor’s Dec. 20, 2007 proclamation of writ of election…on or before March 19, 2008.

Hood cited Mississippi Code 23-15-855, which applies to U.S. senator vacancies. He and Barbour have differing interpretations of that statute.

This is significant for a number of reasons:

  • Special elections favor motivated parties, and the Democrats are motivated, and the Republicans are not.
  • Barbour’s appointee, Roger Wicker is largely unknown throughout the state, and it prevents the politicking to make him look like a real incumbent.
  • The RSCC is broke, and the DSCC is flush with cash, and the election must be held before the RSCC can recover.

I’m doing a happy dance now.

It’s Called Oversight, Dude: EPA Edition

No Comments

Why it’s good to have Democrats in control of Congress, when the EPA political apparatchiks decide to ignore the recommendations of professional staff, and veto California’s clean air standards, you have someone looking into what happened, and why, in this case, Henry Waxman.

Dear Administrator Johnson:

On December 20, 2007, I wrote to request that you provide the Committee with documents relating to your decision to reject California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I requested that the documents be produced on a rolling schedule, starting on January 10 with responsive documents from your immediate office. On January 4 and January 11, 2008, your staff responded to my letter, but did not provide any documents.

I appreciate the efforts EPA is taking to collect responsive documents, but I am concerned about the failure of the agency to meet the Committee’s January 10 deadline. I am also concerned that no schedules for document production are proposed in your letters.

In an effort to accommodate the agency without unduly delaying the Committee’s investigation, I ask that your staff work with Committee staff to establish by the close of business on January 16 mutually agreeable deadlines for producing documents to the Committee.

The Committee will also be conducting transcribed interviews or depositions of agency staff who may have knowledge of the agency’s deliberations. As a first step in this process, I request that a schedule be established by the close of business on January 16 for the interview or deposition of the following officials:

* Robert Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation
* Jason Burnett, Associate Deputy Administrator, Office of the Administrator
* Margo Oge, Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
* Karl Simon, Director, Compliance and Innovative Strategies Division, Office of Transportation and Air Quality
* Brian McLean, Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs
* Dina Kruger, Director, Climate Change Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs
* Rob Brenner, Director, Office of Program Analysis and Review

In prior investigations, the Committee has allowed counsel representing the agency to be present during transcribed interviews. In this case, since your own conduct is being examined, this accommodation would not be appropriate, although counsel employed by the agency may participate if they certify that their presence is as counsel for the witness. Attachments to this letter provide additional information about Committee interview and deposition procedures.

If you have any questions concerning this request, please have your staff contact Greg Dotson of the Committee staff at (202) 225-4407.

Sincerely,

Henry A. Waxman
Chairman

Mr. Johnson, it won’t be pretty.

Another Republican House Seat in Play

No Comments

Rep. Jerry Weller (R-El Guatamala*) has decided not to run for re-election†, and both the Republicans and Democrats are scrambling to try to get the seat.

It’s been Republican for years, but appears increasingly competitive, With the vote being 46%D 43%R, and 11%Green in the last gubernatorial election.

*His wife is the daughter of Efrain Rios Mott, wanted by the ICC for genocide against Mayan Indians in Guatamala.
†He’s financially tied into Mott, and has a history of shady Central American land deals.

No Telco Immunity for a While

No Comments

As a result of Dodd’s activism against Telco immunity, Harry Reid has decided not to attempt to pass such a provision while Bush is still in office. Instead, he’s looking at extending the last bill for another 18 months. (Note the article linked is a WSJ editorial, and so it is in many ways factually inaccurate where there are clear facts, and wrong in its analysis, read only if you have a strong stomach or an affection for dark humor)

Still, this is not good enough. The “Protect America Act” is an assault on the constitution and its principles. It should not be extended a day, much less 18 months.

Dodd is now out of the Presidential race, but in 2000, he lost to Daschle in a race for the Senate Democratic leader, and he should challenge Reid next time.

CREW Calls for Criminal Investigation of Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

No Comments

Well, a corrupt politician in Louisiana, who would have thunk it.

The way it looks right now, it’s something like 2 to something like 133 by party, with all the Dem’s cases being in Louisiana.

This one appears to be a bit more prosaic though, no money in the freezer, just earmarks for contributions.

Personally, I would not miss her in the Senate one bit. She is a DINO, and a much too consistent vote for the Republican agenda.

At some point, party discipline must be enforced, or you stand for nothing.

Franken Outraising Coleman

No Comments

Whatever side you are on in Minnesota, it’s clear that you will lose, because with the amount of money raised, Franken raised $1.9 million in the last quarter, and Coleman raised $1.7 million, you are going to be getting wall to wall ads.

Once you get wall to wall ads, they go negative, because otherwise they become background noise.

I’m wondering how long before Franken is accused of being a “Thespian”.

Coleman is ahead in cash on hand, about $6m to about $3.1m, and it’s likely that even with Franken out raising his next nearest primary opponent by a significant amount, he will have a serious primary campaign.

Of course, this election is all about him, Al Franken. (Old SNL reference)

CIA Coverup: Jane Harman Warned Them Not to Destroy Tapes in 2003

No Comments

This is significant, because her warning letter (reproduced from TPM below) specifically mentions issues of oversight.

Harman has been trying to get her letter declassified for some time.

February 10, 2003

Mr. Scott Muller
General Counsel
Central Intelligence Agency
Washington, DC 20505

Dear Mr. Muller:

Last week’s briefing brought home to me the difficult challenges faced by the Central Intelligence Agency in the current threat environment. I realize we are at a time when the balance between security and liberty must be constantly evaluated and recalibrated in order to protect our nation and its people from catastrophic terrorist attack and I thus appreciate the obvious effort that you and your Office have made to address the tough questions. At the briefing you assured us that the [redacted] approved by the Attorney General have been subject to an extensive review by lawyers at the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Justice and the National Security Council and found to be within the law.

It is also the case, however, that what was described raises profound policy questions and I am concerned about whether these have been as rigorously examined as the legal questions. I would like to know what kind of policy review took place and what questions were examined. In particular, I would like to know whether the most senior levels of the White House have determined that these practices are consistent with the principles and policies of the United States. Have enhanced techniques been authorized and approved by the President?

You discussed the fact that there is videotape of Abu Zubaydah following his capture that will be destroyed after the Inspector General finishes his inquiry. I would urge the Agency to reconsider that plan. Even if the videotape does not constitute an official record that must be preserved under the law, the videotape would be the best proof that the written record is accurate, if such record is called into question in the future. The fact of destruction would reflect badly on the Agency.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

JANE HARMAN

(emphasis mine)

This letter bolsters the case for obstruction, either of justice or of a federal investigation.

Lawsuit in Mississippi Over Special Election for Senate

No Comments

Lott resigned on December 18, so as to avoid the new ethics rules in his new lobbying job.

Mississippi law, Mississippi Code 23-15-855, requires that a special election occur within 90 days of a vacancy.

There is an exception, but only if a vacancy occurs in a year there shall be a general state or congressional election. (emphasis mine).

Since Lott could not wait an additional 11 days, he needed to collect his fat fees, the law is clear: a special election has to occur within 90 days.

Of course Haley Barbour, like any good Republican has decided that the law does not apply to him when it is inconvenient, so state Attorney General Jim Hood had taken him to court.

Here is the section of code:

SEC. 23-15-855. Elections to fill vacancies in office of U.S. Senator; interim appointments by Governor.

(1) If a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator from Mississippi by death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor shall, within ten (10) days after receiving official notice of such vacancy, issue his proclamation for an election to be held in the state to elect a Senator to fill such unexpired term as may remain, provided the unexpired term is more than twelve (12) months and the election shall be held within ninety (90) days from the time the proclamation is issued and the returns of such election shall be certified to the Governor in the manner set out above for regular elections, unless the vacancy shall occur in a year that there shall be held a general state or congressional election, in which event the Governor’s proclamation shall designate the general election day as the time for electing a Senator, and the vacancy shall be filled by appointment as hereinafter provided.

(2) In case of a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, the Governor may appoint a Senator to fill such vacancy temporarily, and if the United States Senate be in session at the time the vacancy occurs the Governor shall appoint a Senator within ten (10) days after receiving official notice thereof, and the Senator so appointed shall serve until his successor is elected and commissioned as provided for in subsection (1) of this section, provided that such unexpired term as he may be appointed to fill shall be for a longer time than one (1) year, but if for a shorter time than one (1) year he shall serve for the full time of the unexpired term and no special election shall be called by the Governor but his successor shall be elected at the regular election.

SOURCES: Derived from 1972 Code Sec. 23-5-229 [Codes, Hemingway’s 1917, Sec. 6835; 1930, Sec. 6279; 1942, Sec. 3308; Laws, 1914, ch. 148] and Sec. 23-5-231 [Codes, Hemingway’s 1917, Sec. 6836; 1930, Sec. 6280; 1942, Sec. 3309; Laws, 1914, ch. 148], both Repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, Sec. 335; En, Laws, 1986, ch. 495, Sec. 260, eff from and after January 1, 1987.

Hood’s suit is here. (pdf)

Tom Lantos Retiring

No Comments

The reason given is esophageal cancer, but doubtless the challenge of Jackie Speier in the primary, where she was leading by 30% in the polls, had a lot to do with that too.

It comes down to the fact that he was a very strong hawk on Iraq, and any Iraq Hawk deserves to lose their seat.

FWIW, part of his statement is very disingenuous.

It is only in the United States that a penniless survivor of the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi underground could have received an education, raised a family, and had the privilege of serving the last three decades of his life as a Member of Congress. I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country.

Of course, Leon Blum (France), Bruno Kreisky (Austria), both of whom were holocaust survivors and not in America, and, of course, Menachem Begin in Israel were all PMs and Holocaust survivors. (H/t The Reality Based Community)

This kind of ahistorical American exceptionalism is de regeur in US politics, and dangerous, because it leads to things like invading Iraq.

Election Update

No Comments

Let’s start with simple not insane (Blago is another post, thank you very much).

It appears that Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet has been chosen the replacement for Ken Salazar in Colorado and we have reports that Governor Paterson is leaning toward Caroline Kennedy.

No opinion on the first bit, but I still think that everyone is going to discover that Kennedy will be the 2nd coming of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend for the 2010 elections, and the Republicans will take that seat.

There is also a difference between winning an election because of your lineage, and getting an appointment because of your lineage, and while I find both distasteful, my Congressman is Paul Sarbanes, I find the latter much more profoundly disturbing.

In Minnesota, which is not crazy central, because that is Springfield, Illinois, we have had some interesting developments:

First is that the ‘Phants are threatening a filibuster against a provisional seating of Franken, despite the fact that they did this very same thing for Landrieu in the late 1990s, and they are using the Rod Blagojevich precedent “set” by Harry Reid as justification. (Thanks, Harry).

Also, the Coleman camp has pretty much ceded defeat in the current round, TheHill.com – Coleman team virtually guarantees lawsuit

Sen. Norm Coleman’s (R-Minn.) attorneys said Friday that there will be a legal challenge to the recount in the senator’s reelection race, and conceded that they are almost certainly the ones that will bring it.

“I think that an election challenge here is inevitable,” said Coleman lawyer Fritz Knaak, adding that there is “no doubt” in his mind.

Knaak then acknowledged that the actions of the state canvassing board will likely leave Democrat Al Franken ahead. Franken currently leads by 49 votes out of nearly 3 million cast.

That’s a concession that Franken got more votes, and they are going to try for a Bush 2008 move, because unlike Florida, Minnesota is doing this in an honest way.

In the mean time, Coleman is filing, or threatening to file, lawsuits at the drop of a hat, calling the process “Invalid And Unreliable,” unless they include about 650 additional ballots from Coleman strongholds. See also here and here.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has declined to take action on at least one of Coleman’s claims, though they have made it clear that this is because it’s premature, and not on the merits of the case, so that can hear it later.

The assessment at TPM Election Central, that this would likely prevent a resolution for weeks or months, is accurate, but that is a feature, not a bug, for the ‘Phants.