Aaron Wiener
Obama Introduces Kaine as New DNC Chair
At a press conference moments ago, President-elect Barack Obama endorsed Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to be the new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, succeeding the highly successful Howard Dean.
After praising Dean’s “outstanding work,” Obama highlighted Kaine’s “progressive philosophy” that allowed him to build “a model of good and responsible government in the Commonwealth of [...]
What’s Next in Minnesota?
Our brethren at The Minnesota Independent have a nice rundown of what the coming weeks will bring in the complex U.S. Senate battle in Minnesota. But for the link-averse among you, I’ll provide a rundown of the rundown:
Basically, Republican Norm Coleman is contesting DFLer Al Franken’s election victory on three fronts. First, he says that [...]
Obama Lays Out Economic Recovery Plan; Republican Leaders Respond
In his first policy speech since the election, President-elect Barack Obama laid out his “American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan” to stimulate the economy by pumping money into infrastructure, alternative energy, technology and aid to states.
Speaking at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., he warned of the hard times to come and emphasized the urgent need [...]
TWI Contributor Sunstein to Join Obama Team
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to tap Cass Sunstein, a Harvard constitutional scholar and contributor to The Washington Independent, to lead the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, according to the Chicago Tribune.
From the Trib:
A low-profile position in the current administration, the job is likely to be a higher-wattage one after Obama takes office this [...]
Right-Wing Website Sends Joe the Plumber to Israel to Report on Hamas
In the past three months, Joe Wurzelbacher has gone from plumber to pundit to potential Congressman. The logical next step? War correspondent, of course.
The Associated Press reports that the conservative PajamasTV Website is sending Wurzelbacher to Israel to cover the Gaza invasion. He plans to spend ten days there to let “‘Average Joes’ share their [...]
Under Pressure to Concede, Coleman Plans Lawsuit
Former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson, a Republican, is the latest public figure to urge incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman to concede defeat in the state’s protracted U.S. Senate battle, reports TWI’s sister site, The Minnesota Independent. But all indications are that Coleman and his lawyers will contest the election and prevent the challenger — and now-certified [...]
RNC Chair Accuses Dems of ‘Stealing’ Minn. Senate Seat
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan — who is currently campaigning to keep his job — is accusing Senate Democrats of trying to steal the U.S. Senate election in Minnesota, and he expressed confidence that incumbent Republican Norm Coleman will emerge victorious.
Here’s his press release in full:
“Minnesota law reads that an election contest – not [...]
Minnesota Board Certifies Franken as Winner
It’s official: the Minnesota State Canvassing Board has just certified DFLer Al Franken as the junior U.S. senator from Minnesota.
The Norm Coleman campaign is expected to contest this result via lawsuit.
Update: Paul Demko, over at our sister site, The Minnesota Independent, has more details here.
Senate Dems May Attempt to Seat Franken Tomorrow
At 3:30 ET today, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board is expected to declare Al Franken the winner of his U.S. Senate race against incumbent GOP Sen. Norm Coleman, and Senate Democrats may try to seat him tomorrow when the new Congress is sworn in, according to Congressional Quarterly.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told CQ [...]
The Senate’s Crusade to Stay a 98-Member Chamber
In eighth-grade civics, I learned that the U.S. Senate had, and would continue to have, 100 members. Well, Mr. Miller, seems you didn’t tell me the whole story.
When the new Senate is sworn in next week, it will most likely be a team of 98, following declarations by Senate leaders that Minnesota and Illinois will [...]
