BeltwayBlips - Latest Democratic National Committee News Articles

A Rebuke, but No Penalty, for an Illinois Senator

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:45:50 +0000

The committee finds that a senator had been less than candid in statements on his dealings with associates of the Illinois governor, who was later forced from office.

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Strains in Party Threatens Democrats

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:40:29 +0000

The Democratic Party's broad ruling coalition is starting to fracture as lawmakers come under increasing pressure from the left to respond to voter anger over joblessness and Wall Street bailouts.

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Moderate Dems pivotal in Saturday health care vote (AP)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:34:37 +0000

AP - Suitably opaque, Section 2006 takes up only a few dozen lines in a sweeping health care bill that runs to 2,074 pages and mentions neither Sen. Mary Landrieu nor her state of Louisiana.

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Moderate Dems pivotal in Saturday health care vote (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:19:32 +0000

AP - Suitably opaque, Section 2006 takes up only a few dozen lines in a sweeping health care bill that runs to 2,074 pages and mentions neither Sen. Mary Landrieu nor her state of Louisiana.

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Senate Dems moving ahead on crucial health vote (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:15:06 +0000

AP - With no margin for rebellion, Senate Democrats pushed toward a crucial weekend test vote on their sweeping health care bill Friday, and wavering moderates appeared to be falling in line on President Barack Obama's signature issue.

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OFA fundraising off Palin book tour

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:32 +0000

OFA fundraising off Palin book tour. Washington (CNN) - The Democratic Party's fundraising off of Sarah Palin's "dangerous" book tour. "Right now, Sarah Palin is on a highly publicized, nationwide book tour, attacking President Obama and his plan for health reform at every turn," wrote Organizing for America director Mitch Stewart in a message sent to supporters Friday. "It's dangerous. Remember, this is the person who coined the term 'Death Panels' - and opened the flood gates for months of false attacks by special interests and partisan extremists. Whatever lie comes next will be widely covered by the media, then constantly echoed by right-wing attack groups and others who are trying to defeat reform. The group, the president's political arm at the Democratic National Committee, set a goal of raising $500,000 over the next week "to help push back against Sarah Palin and her allies." OFA said the contributions will be used to respond to those attacks via ads, events, and ...

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Senate Dems Moving With Test Health Vote

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:50:00 +0000

A wavering centrist Democrat said Friday he'd stand with Senate Democratic leaders on a crucial weekend test vote on their sweeping health care bill

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Senate Dems move ahead on crucial health vote

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:23:25 +0000

With no margin for rebellion, Senate Democratic leaders pushed ahead Friday toward a crucial weekend test vote on their sweeping health care bill amid indications the rank-and-file would stand together on President Barack Obama's signature issue.

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Senate Dems moving ahead on crucial health vote (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:54:43 +0000

AP - Senate Democratic leaders are looking ahead to a crucial test vote on health care amid indications the rank-and-file will stand together Saturday to give them the support they need.

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Dems fight over funds left from bailout

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:03 +0000

Congressional Dems may be heading toward a collision with the White House over $200B in leftover bailout money.

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Hard math for Dems - and middle class

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:29 +0000

Counting to 60 in the Senate is only the beginning of the tough math that bedevils Democrats these days.

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Dems' health hits Medicare third rail (Politico)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:12:34 +0000

Politico - In an Ideas piece, Bonjean says aspects of Medicare are in serious jeopardy.

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Reid, as Legislative Tactician, Takes Ownership of Health Care Overhaul

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:55:28 +0000

The Senate majority leader’s deep personal involvement in assembling the overhaul of the health care system has led the measure to the brink of a historic Senate debate.

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Reid, Dems stay cautiously optimistic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:28:20 +0000

Democrats seem confident they can clear the first health care hurdle with Saturday's vote to open debate.

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DNC brings in $11.5 million in October

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:55:07 +0000

Washington (CNN) – It appears the Democratic National Committee outraised its Republican counterpart last month. The DNC raked in $11.5 million in October, a party source told CNN Thursday. Earlier in the day, the Republican National Committee reported that they brought in $8.79 million last month, with $11.2 million cash on hand and no debt. According to the Democratic party source, the DNC has $12.3 million in the bank, with debt of $4.4 million. The $11.5 million the DNC says it raised in October would be a monthly record for a non-presidential election year since the implementation of campaign finance reform measures earlier this decade. The RNC says the $8.79 million they raised in October was their highest monthly total in an off-election year. The RNC's $11.2 million in the bank is down nearly $8 million from the start of October, which reflects the large amounts of money the party committee spent last month to help GOP candidates in this November's contests. Republican ...

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RNC reports $9 million cash haul last month

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:02:12 +0000

Washington (CNN) - With less than a year to go until crucial mid-term contests, the Republican National Committee says they've raised what they call an off-election year record of money last month. The RNC reports Thursday morning that they raked in $8.79 million in October, with $11.2 million cash on hand and no debt. The RNC says it has now topped one million active donors and that as of November 11, it has registered a record 305,000 new contributors this year. The $8.79 million is up slightly from the $8.74 million the RNC says they raised in September. The $11.2 million in the bank is down nearly $8 million from the start of October, which reflects the large amounts of money the RNC spent last month to help Republican candidates in this November's contests. Republican gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia both won, grabbing back two seats held by Democrats. "I am extremely pleased that the Republican National Committee continues to show solid fundraising numbers, and we ...

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Suburban districts see red

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:58:44 +0000

Suburban Dems are bracing to defend their recent gains amid unmistakable signs of volatility among the electorate.

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Dems back power to break up firms

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:05:15 +0000

Committee approves Kanjorski amendment on “too big to fail” financial companies.

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How to pass a health bill fast

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:43:41 +0000

Congressional Dems know they’ll have to short-circuit the legislative process to get the bill done.

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Abortion causes family feud for Dems

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:58:18 +0000

Abortion rights activists work to regroup in the wake of the sweeping Stupak-Pitts abortion ban.

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3 Democrats Could Block Health Bill in Senate

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:15:32 +0000

The procedural approval needed to begin consideration of a bill in the Senate is looming as anything but routine in the case of health care reform.

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Lawmakers caution Obama against Afghan troops (AFP)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:44:47 +0000

AFP - Liberal lawmakers from US President Barack Obama's Democratic Party on Tuesday voiced concern to him about sending more troops to Afghanistan, saying that US objectives remained ill-defined.

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House Dems sharpening "too big to fail" plan

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:16:48 +0000

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A key U.S. congressional panel moved toward toughening a plan for dealing with "too big to fail" financial firms on Tuesday, while rejecting a Republican alternative backed by Wall Street.

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Hoyer: Dems plan vote on jobs bill before Xmas

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:14:29 +0000

A top House Democrat told reporters Tuesday that Congressional Democrats are moving ahead with plans to vote before the Christmas holidays on legislation that would create more jobs.

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CNN/Opinion Research Poll – November 13-15, 2009 – Political Parties

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:00:59 +0000

TOPICS: Republican and Democratic parties Full results (pdf)

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Hoyer: Dems plan vote on jobs bill before Christmas

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:00:06 +0000

Washington (CNN) – A top House Democrat told reporters Tuesday that congressional Democrats are moving ahead with plans to vote before the Christmas holidays on legislation intended to create more jobs. "Clearly 10.2 percent unemployment is unacceptable and is causing great pain to literally millions of people around the country." House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said. Hoyer said Democratic leaders are still deciding what components to include in the new jobs bill, but pledged they were on track to pass legislation before Congress breaks for the year. Several measures are under discussion, including additional unemployment assistance, extension of temporary health care coverage for those out of work, assistance for cash-strapped states, and tax credits for employers who hire new workers. Hoyer also indicated another federal infusion of money to build roads and bridges - a major component of the stimulus bill enacted in February - is likely to be a major focus. But Hoyer ...

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Dems scramble to write jobs bill

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:57:14 +0000

House Democrats are moving quickly to craft a jobs bill that shows their focus on lowering unemployment.

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Dems, Republicans at odds over BofA, Merrill deal (AP)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:22:41 +0000

AP - A senior House Democrat said Tuesday the government didn't force Bank of America to take over Merrill Lynch, but Republicans charged that a committee inquiry was covering up the role of an Obama administration official.

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First on the Ticker: DNC begins ad campaign against GOP

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:51 +0000

Washington (CNN) – The Democratic National Committee is targeting 32 House Republicans in a new radio ad campaign that criticizes them for voting against health care reform legislation earlier this month. The commercials will begin running Tuesday and are aimed at Republicans in congressional districts that voted for President Obama in the 2008 election. "Republicans have read this wrong politically," said DNC spokesman Hari Sevugan. "They think the political peril is in voting for reform. The political peril is in voting against reform and siding with big insurance companies instead of their neighbors." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was able to marshal a health care reform bill through her chamber, although not without controversy. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to bring the Senate bill to the floor soon, but the fate of health care reform remains up in the air as Democrats remain divided over issues such as a government-run insurance option and abortion. A full list ...

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Vice President Joe Biden the (Democratic) Party Guy

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:32:05 +0000

(CNN) – Vice President Joe Biden is lending a helping hand to five Western House Democrats who may face competitive re-election races next year. The vice president attends a political event in Phoenix Monday for Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick and Harry Mitchell. Kirkpatrick, a freshman, won her seat in Arizona's 1st congressional district by 17 points. Mitchell, a two-term representative, won re-election last year by 9 points. Both the non-partisan Rothenberg Political Report and Cook Political Report are keeping their eyes on both races. Later Monday, Biden attends an event in Albuquerque, New Mexico for Reps. Harry Teague and Martin Heinrich. Republicans are gunning to win back Teague's seat, in New Mexico's 2nd congressional district. Teague, a freshman, won the district by 12 points last year. Both the Rothenberg and Cook Political Reports consider the race a tossup. Heinrich is also a freshman who won his race in 2008 by 12 points. On Sunday, the vice president was the main attraction in ...

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Bauer Set to Narrow Counsel's Scope

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:36:46 +0000

The resignation of White House Counsel Greg Craig makes way for what is likely to be a more traditional counsel's office under longtime Democratic Party lawyer Bob Bauer.

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Can the Dems Overcome Their Abortion Split on Health Care?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:45:00 +0000

In the end, all of the tea party town halls, Glenn Beck rallies and "death panel" rumors may have less of a hand in bringing down health-care reform than an intra-party Democratic culture war

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Health reform's hidden land mines

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:32:16 +0000

Dems gloss over nagging details of just how limited reform’s reach would be for some Americans.

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Bauer Set to Narrow Counsel's Scope

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:51:03 +0000

The resignation of White House Counsel Greg Craig makes way for what is likely to be a more traditional counsel's office under longtime Democratic Party lawyer Bob Bauer.

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MSNBC Presses Obama on Campaign Promises

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:20:45 +0000

MSNBC hosts are calling on the president to keep his campaign promises about health care and other issues.

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Dems, GOP split on NY trials of alleged terrorists (AP)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:34:00 +0000

AP - Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and other Republicans said Sunday that putting suspected terrorists on trial in New York created unnecessary security issues and indicated the Obama administration's skewed take on the "war on terrorism."

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Dems risk losing Catholics over abortion (Politico)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:57:13 +0000

Politico - Millions of Catholic swing voters who voted Democratic in 2008 could shift back to Republicans in 2010.

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Obama Backers Fear Opportunities to Reshape Judiciary Are Slipping Away

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:27:39 +0000

President Obama has sent the Senate far fewer judicial nominations than former President George W. Bush did in his first 10 months in office.

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Republican bashes Dems over health care proposals (AP)

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:03:30 +0000

AP - House Democrats missed opportunities to improve the House-passed health care bill when they rejected Republican ideas to limit lawsuits and give states more flexibility to enact innovative changes, a GOP lawmaker said Saturday.

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Wooing moderate Nelson may be a tough task for Senate Dems

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:12:37 +0000

Sen. Ben Nelson has spoken out against the costs of health care plans being discussed. Can the Democratic leadership sway the Nebraska Democrat?

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Wooing Nelson could be a tough task for Senate Dems

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:30:19 +0000

Liberal groups have targeted Democrat Ben Nelson of Nebraska over his views on health care reform. WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sixty. It's the magic number of votes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid needs to move his health care reform bill to the Senate floor and tamp down filibuster threats by Republicans. And the 60th vote could well be Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Nebraska. Nelson and other Democrats have spoken out against the costs of plans being discussed, and most recently the $1.1 trillion House bill, which passed last weekend. Reid doesn't expect Republican support for the bill, so he'll need all of the 58 Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them. Nelson, 68, recently said he would decide how to vote on whether to send the bill to the Senate floor once he sees the final version. "I'm not going to make any kind of commitment until I see the bill," Nelson said, adding that he has not given Reid any assurance or "secret" acknowledgment of support. "I can't decide ...

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Moderate Dems will determine if health care bill gets to Senate

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:10:11 +0000

(CNN) - The House squeaked out its version of health care reform and now President Obama is putting pressure on the Senate to do the same so he can sign a bill before the end of the year. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he hopes to start debate next week on whether to send his bill to the floor. The Congressional Budget Office is appraising components of Reid's legislation. But a handful of moderate Democrats might determine whether Reid's bill is debated. Republicans are basically united in opposition to Reid's plan. With 60 votes needed to start debate on the legislation, Reid needs all 58 of the Democrats in the Senate and the two independents who caucus with them to vote his way. Time is ticking away on reaching Obama's goal. Democrats are already doubtful that they'll be able to reach it. The Senate will have a week to get its bill to the floor before it begins its traditional break for Thanksgiving, although some tell CNN that they could stay in the capital ...

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Health care bill's future in moderate Dems' hands?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:38:39 +0000

A handful of moderate Democrats may play a key role in whether Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's health care bill is debated in the Senate next week.

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GOP reacts angrily to trial move

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:24:41 +0000

Dems are OK with the idea that the alleged mastermind of Sept. 11 will be judged by a jury of New Yorkers.

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2010: Health care hurting Dems?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:03:00 +0000

"The healthcare battle appears to be helping Republicans running for the Senate," The Hill notes. "Two Quinnipiac polls released Thursday show the leading GOP candidates in Connecticut and Ohio growing their leads. Former Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) leads Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), 49-38, and former Rep. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has opened his first leads over two potential Democratic opponents." "Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (Md.) said Thursday that House Democrats should brace for challenging races in 2010, but he dismissed the idea that next year’s mid-term elections would be an all-out sweep for Republicans," Roll Call notes. Van Hollen said at the Bloomberg Washington Summit: "People who think this is a redux of 1994 are totally misreading the current situation." "[Recent polling shows that just 20 percent of Americans identify themselves as Republicans, a drop of 8 percentage points from the 2008 elections, according to Van Hollen. ...

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Democrats Worry Joe Lieberman Could Sink Health Care

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The Democratic Party is trying to grin and bear the roguish independent Joe Lieberman in their caucus (they do need his vote on health care), but it is getting harder and harder

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Craig out as WH counsel

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:45:00 +0000

From NBC's Chuck ToddNBC News has learned the long-rumored departure of White House Counsel Greg Craig will likely be made official tomorrow. Craig will be replaced by veteran Democratic Party campaign attorney Bob Bauer. This is the highest-level departure in the Obama White House this year. In 2008, Bauer served as lead counsel for Obama's campaign. Bauer is married to outgoing White House communications director Anita Dunn. Among the reasons for Dunn's decision to leave was so that both of...( read more )

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Will Senate Close Health Care Deal? Dems Feel Urgency

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Now that the House has passed its health care bill with a vote of 220 to 215, Democrats on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue feel an even greater sense of urgency

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Health Care Passes the House; Dems Forced to Go It Alone

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:30:00 +0000

Democrats on Capitol Hill are congratulating themselves on their historic achievement of passing a health care-reform bill, but they know as well as anyone that it is too early to really celebrate

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Christie, GOP Wins Separate Dems from Obama Popularity

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:30:00 +0000

The GOP gubernatorial victories in New Jersey and Virginia may not have been a referendum on Obama, but they did show that the President's popularity cannot so easily be transferred

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