Tag Archives: Republican

the Senate Convened at 10:00amET December 16, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 12:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the first hour equally divided and controlled between the Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first 30 minutes and the Republicans controlling the next 30 minutes.
We continue to work on an agreement to consider the omnibus spending bill and a payroll tax compromise. As a reminder to all Senators, cloture was filed on the motion to proceed to H.R.3630, the House Republican Payroll Tax bill. Unless an agreement is reached, that vote will occur Saturday morning.

Morning business has been extended until 5:00pm. This morning, Senator Reid announced Senators should expect roll call votes tomorrow, Saturday, December 17^th. The unofficial transcript of Senators Reid and McConnell’s remarks is below.

10:31:16 NSP} (MR. REID) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. REID: MR. PRESIDENT, SENATOR McCONNELL AND I HAVE JUST

FINISHED A MEETING. WE’RE MAKING REALLY GOOD PROGRESS ON BEING

ABLE TO HANDLE THE ISSUES THAT EVERYONE KNOWS ARE OUTSTANDING.

WE’RE NOT THERE YET, BUT WE’RE VERY, VERY CLOSE. THERE WILL BE

VOTES TOMORROW. THERE COULD BE VOTES THIS AFTERNOON ALSO. I

WOULD ALSO SAY, BECAUSE THIS IS A QUESTION THAT PEOPLE WILL

ASK, THE HOUSE IS GOING TO PASS

THEIR BILL AROUND 3:00. THAT IS THE OMNIBUS.

AROUND 3:00. THE TIME IS NOT ALWAYS EXACT. THERE’S A RULING

FROM THIS WHITE HOUSE, ITS PREDECESSORS THAT IF ONE HOUSE

PASSES A SPENDING BILL AS WE ARE DOING HERE, AND THERE’S A

PRESUMPTION IT WILL PASS IN THE OTHER BODY, THE TIME IS

EXTENDED FOR 24 HOURS. SO EVERYONE DOESN’T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT

THE GOVERNMENT CLOSING TONIGHT.

{10:32:10 NSP} (MR. McCONNELL) { NOT AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT }

MR. McCONNELL: MR. PRESIDENT, LET ME ECHO THE REMARKS OF THE

MAJORITY LEADER. AS HE’S INDICATED, THE ADMINISTRATION TAKES

THE VIEW THAT IF THE FINAL APPROPRIATIONS BILLS PASS ONE HOUSE

THIS AFTERNOON, WE COULD HAVE THAT VOTE TODAY OR IT COULD BE

TOMORROW. BUT THE ADMINISTRATION, I’M TOLD BY THE MAJORITY

LEADER, TAKES THE VIEW THAT IF IT’S PASSED ONE HOUSE, THERE

WILL NOT BE A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN. SO I THINK EVERYBODY SHOULD

BE REASSURED THAT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. THE CONFERENCE REPORT

HAS BEEN SIGNED AND WE’RE MOVING TOWARD COMPLETING THE BASIC

WORK OF GOVERNMENT THROUGH NEXT SEPTEMBER 30 VERY SHORTLY. ON

THE SECOND ISSUE, THE MAJORITY LEADER AND I ARE MAKING

SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS AND REACHING AN AGREEMENT ON A PACKAGE

THAT WILL HAVE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, I HOPE. I THINK WE’RE GOING

TO GET TO THAT PLACE. AND I SHARE HIS VIEW THAT GOOD PROGRESS

IS BEING MADE.

The Senate is now in recess subject to the call of the Chair. When the Senate reconvenes, another message will be sent.

The Senate has reached an agreement with respect to the 2 month extension of payroll tax, UI, SGR, and other tax extenders, disaster aid funding, and the Omnibus Appropriations conference report,.

As a result of this agreement, senators should expect a series of up to 4 roll call votes at approximately 9:00am tomorrow in relation to the following items:

– Reid substitute amendment to H.R.3630, 2 month extension of the payroll tax reduction, doc fix, and unemployment insurance (60-vote threshold);

((up to 15 minutes for debate))

– Passage of H.R.3672, emergency disaster funding (60-vote threshold);

– Adoption of H.Con.Res.94, a correcting resolution to provide offsets for the emergency disaster funding (60-vote threshold); and

– Adoption of the conference report to accompany H.R.2055, Omnibus Appropriations (60-vote threshold).

The agreement is as follows:

At 9am, Saturday, December 17^th, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of Calendar #257, H.R.3630. The Majority Leader be recognized to offer a Reid-McConnell substitute amendment agreed to by both Leaders – a two month extension of the payroll tax reduction, doc fix and unemployment insurance.

Following the reporting of the amendment, the Senate will proceed to vote in relation to the substitute. No amendments are in order to the substitute or the bill prior to the vote. The amendment is subject to a 60 vote threshold. If the substitute amendment is agreed to, the bill, as amended, will be read a third time and passed; if the Reid-McConnell substitute amendment is not agreed to, the Majority Leader will be recognized.

Upon disposition of H.R.3630, the Senate will proceed to the consideration of the conference report with respect to H.R.2055 (Omnibus appropriations). There will be 15 minutes of debate – 5 minutes each for Senators Inouye, Cochran and McCain.

Upon the use or yielding back of time, the conference report will be temporarily set aside and, notwithstanding the lack of receipt of the papers from the House with respect to H.R.3672, the Senate proceed to the consideration, en bloc, of the following items: H.R.3672, a bill regarding emergency disaster funding and H.Con.Res.94, a correcting resolution to provide offsets for the emergency disaster funding. There will be no amendments in order to the bill or the concurrent resolution prior to votes in relation to those measures. Following the reporting of the bill and the concurrent resolution, the Senate proceed to votes on the measures in the following order:

– Passage of H.R.3672;

– Adoption of H.Con.Res.94; and

– Adoption of the Conference Report to Accompany H.R.2055, the Omnibus Appropriations bill.

There will be two minutes equally divided prior to each vote. Each of the votes will be subject to a 60 affirmative vote threshold. No motions or points of order be in order prior to the votes other than budget points of order and the applicable motions to waive. Further, the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to H.R.3630 was vitiated. Finally, the House be immediately notified of the Senate’s action following the votes.

WRAP UP

Completed the Rule 14 process of H.R.3094, the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act.

Passed S.2009, the Insular Areas Act of 2011

Passed H.J.Res.94, 1 day CR

————————————————————————————————

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF DECEMBER 16, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

-The House adjourned pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 19, 2011.4:30:23 P.M. -On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.4:30:02 P.M. -Ms. Norton moved that the House do now adjourn.2:35:01 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House resumed Special Order speeches.2:34:49 P.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 2009.2:15:28 P.M. -SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.2:08:43 P.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.2:08:03 P.M. –Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent That when the House adjourns on Friday, December 16, 2011, it adjourn to meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011. Agreed to without objection.2:07:34 P.M. -H.J. Res. 95Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:07:23 P.M. -H.J. Res. 95On passage Passed without objection.2:07:10 P.M. -H.J. Res. 95Considered by unanimous consent. H.J. Res. 95 — “Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.”2:06:25 P.M. -H.J. Res. 95Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.2:06:20 P.M. -H.J. Res. 94Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:06:18 P.M. -H.J. Res. 94On passage Passed without objection.2:06:09 P.M. -H.J. Res. 94Considered by unanimous consent. H.J. Res. 94 — “Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes.”2:05:03 P.M. -H.J. Res. 94Mr. Rogers (KY) asked unanimous consent to consider as introduced.2:03:40 P.M. -H.R. 3672Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.2:03:39 P.M. -H.R. 3672On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 351 – 67 (Roll no. 943).1:56:24 P.M. -H.R. 3672Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 3672 — “Making appropriations for disaster relief requirements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”1:54:18 P.M. -HOUSE SCHEDULE – The Chair recognized Mr. Cantor for the purpose of informing Members of the legislative schedule.1:53:20 P.M. –H. Con. Res. 94Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:53:18 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 255 – 165 (Roll no. 942).1:46:18 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94Considered as unfinished business. H. Con. Res. 94 — “Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 3672.”1:45:59 P.M. -MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in remembrance of our brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the service of our Nation in Iraq and in Afghanistan and their families, and all who serve in our Armed Forces and their families.1:44:52 P.M. -H.R. 2055Motions to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.1:44:52 P.M. -H.R. 2055On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 296 – 121 (Roll no. 941).1:19:06 P.M. -H.R. 2055The House proceeded to consider the conference report H. Rept. 112-331 as unfinished business.1:18:29 P.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on agreeing to the conference report to accompany H.R. 2055, agreeing to H. Con. Res. 94, and passage of H.R. 3672 all of which were debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.1:18:28 P.M. -H.R. 3672POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause X of Rule 20, the yeas and nays were ordered. Pursuant to clause VIII of Rule 20, further proceedings on H.R. 3672 were postponed.1:18:05 P.M. -H.R. 3672The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.1:09:13 P.M. -H.R. 3672DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3672.1:08:59 P.M. -H.R. 3672Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 500. H.R. 3672 — “Making appropriations for disaster relief requirements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.”1:08:33 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause VIII of Rule 20, futher proceedings on H. Con. Res. 94 were postponed.1:08:12 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.1:06:32 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94DEBATE – The House proceeded with twenty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 94.1:05:50 P.M. -H. Con. Res. 94Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 500. H. Con. Res. 94 — “Directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 3672.”1:05:24 P.M. -H.R. 2055POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – Pursuant to clause X of Rule 20, the yeas and nays were ordered. Pursuant to clause VIII of Rule 20, further proceedings on H.R. 2055 were postponed.1:05:14 P.M. -H.R. 2055The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.11:55:52 A.M. -H.R. 2055DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on the conference report H. Rept. 112-331 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 500.11:55:34 A.M. -H.R. 2055Mr. Rogers (KY) brought up conference report H. Rept. 112-331 for consideration under the provisions of H. Res. 500.11:53:26 A.M. -S. 278Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:48:49 A.M. -S. 278On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by recorded vote (2/3 required): 413 – 0 (Roll no. 940).11:45:57 A.M. -S. 278Considered as unfinished business. S. 278 — “To provide for the exchange of certain land located in the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes.”11:45:54 A.M. -H.R. 1892Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:45:53 A.M. -H.R. 1892On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 396 – 23 (Roll no. 939).11:44:22 A.M. -UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings were postponed.11:36:21 A.M. -H. Res. 500Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.11:36:20 A.M. -H. Res. 500On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 252 – 164 (Roll no. 938).11:29:02 A.M. -H. Res. 500On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 239 – 179 (Roll no. 937).10:34:49 A.M. -H. Res. 500DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H. Res. 500.10:33:48 A.M. -The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed H.R. 3421, and S. 1612. Senate agreed to H. Con. Res. 93.9:58:00 A.M. -H. Res. 500DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 500.9:55:12 A.M. -H. Res. 500Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 500 — “Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2055) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3672) making appropriations for disaster relief requirements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 94) directing the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make corrections in the enrollment of H.R. 3672; and for other purposes.”9:54:44 A.M. -H.R. 2867Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.9:54:43 A.M. -H.R. 2867On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments Agreed to by voice vote.9:43:57 A.M. -H.R. 2867DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendments to H.R. 2867.9:43:40 A.M. -H.R. 2867Ms. Ros-Lehtinen moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments.9:42:46 A.M. -H.R. 1892At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.9:18:48 A.M. -H.R. 1892DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1892.9:18:33 A.M. -H.R. 1892Mr. Rogers (MI) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.9:17:45 A.M. -The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.9:03:00 A.M. -ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair, would be limited to 5 per side of the aisle.9:02:39 A.M. -PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.9:02:36 A.M. -The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.9:01:04 A.M. -Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.9:00:41 A.M. -The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert J. Dold to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.9:00:27 A.M. -The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Unicorns …Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America

12/15/2011 Nativegrl77 1 Comment

Oh those crazy Republicans.

They love to talk about tax cut this and tax cut that. They love to pretend that only they pass them. And they love to frame any attempt to increase revenue as a job killer.

But last week, when Democrats tried to extend the payroll tax cuts Obama passed last year — you know, the tax cuts that actually benefited poor and middle class workers — Republicans blocked it. They said paying for the cuts by raising taxes on millionaires stops job creation. Senator Harry Reid had a great response:

“Millionaire job creators are like unicorns. They are impossible to find and don’t exist.”

Frankly, Republicans are hypocrites that only care about lining the pockets of their big-money friends and it’s time we called them out for it.

We’re demanding answers. Click here to ask Republicans in Congress — Why do you hate tax cuts for working families?

Republicans are playing games with your money.

The payroll tax cuts are set to expire this month, but rather then pass tax cuts that mean real money in the pockets of working people, Republicans would rather grandstand and let them expire.

Just yesterday, the Republican House passed an extension they know Obama would veto if it made it to his desk. They loaded the bill up with a wish list of Republican goodies that have nothing to do with tax cuts: the Keystone oil pipeline, roll backs to healthcare, you name it — they probably included it.

Republicans have been getting a free pass on this for too long. It’s time that we stand up and called them out for propping up the super rich while pushing working families down.

Join us now and demand answers.
Thank you for everything you do.
-Charles
Charles Chamberlain, Political Director Democracy for America

~ Culture & History

The Untold Story … Horne of Africa

12/13/2011 Nativegrl77

The recent images of men, women and children starving in the Horn of Africa tell a painful story of famine and suffering. How does a nation recover from a devastating food crisis? To find out, Chip Duncan and Salim Amin returned to a Ethiopia, to a place where famine caused a massive death toll over 25 years ago. What they discovered was surprising and hopeful. In partnership with One, they created a documentary showing the contrast between 1984 and present-day Tigray. Read their words below, view a preview and watch their powerful short film. << click on link for VIDEO

In Somalia, innocent people are dying needless deaths due to a famine driven by politics and war. Those who are dying need our help and our voice.

Drought is a challenge faced by people around the world. Climate change is now making droughts more common and less predictable. But drought shouldn’t equal famine. Famine is the outcome of poor infrastructure, corrupt governments and warring factions who choose to use food as a weapon.

During our recent work in Ethiopia, we had a chance to revisit the site of the 1984 famine. Our film uses footage and stills from that famine to remind us of the suffering and of its causes. Our story also chronicles the policies and infrastructure put in place during the last two decades to build sustainable agriculture. Water retention systems, irrigation, improved transportation systems, terraced farming, training programs, improved seeds and fertilizers – this is the new legacy in Tigray Province. It’s a story worth sharing so people everywhere can promote small scale agriculture while motivating governments to make similar investments in the future.

Chip Duncan
Director, “The Untold Story”

I made a journey following the footsteps of my father from 25 years ago. When Mohamed Amin made that journey a quarter of a century ago, he never imagined it was one that would change his life forever. He had covered every major story in Africa over four decades, but nothing prepared him for what he saw in Korem in October 1984.

A famine of biblical proportions, with more than 5 million people on the verge of starvation. A famine that was, to a large extent, man-made. The ruler of Ethiopia at the time, Colonel Haile Mariam Mengistu, was using the famine as a tool to suppress the rebel movement that was rising against his brutal regime from the north of the country. He didn’t want the world to know this famine existed.

The pictures that my father shot on the plains of Korem changed his life and changed the world. They prompted the greatest single act of charity of the 20th century and saved the lives of millions of Ethiopians. After this story, he changed the way he looked at news coverage. He cared for the first time in his life and did everything he could to keep the story in the headlines. Those images were amongst the most powerful and iconic images in television history.

I was expecting to see Korem still reeling from the effects of that massive famine. It takes generations to repair that kind of damage, but I was in for a shock. I went in with the best TV production team I had ever worked with, and what we saw stunned us all! A massive drought is taking hold of the Horn of Africa once again, but Korem and Tigray Province is an oasis of crops. Irrigation schemes that have been put in place over the last decade. There’s also a new awareness of the types of crops to grow and how to market and sell them for the best prices; and new resilient seeds have all transformed a community from being “takers” to being “providers”.

The farmers of Tigray Province have proved that drought doesn’t have to equal famine, and smart aid can work.

Salim Amin
Chairman Camerapix/A24 Media

~ my 2cents ...

mashup Monday &some News …

12/12/2011 Nativegrl77

Today, President Obama and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki held a joint press conference at the White House . In other news, Occupy Wall Street has decided to block or interfere with Ports along the West Coast while The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of: the Affordable Health Care Act, the Arizona immigration law though Justice Kagan has recused herself from the case due to her involvement as a solicitor general with the Obama Admin. The high court’s ruling will have implications for 44 states considering their own immigration policies.

just another rant …

If Congress does not act in 18 days Middle Class Americans will have an increase of approximately $1000 in taxes

The official date of winter is 12/20 but the weather outside is getting frightful …well, depending upon what part of the country you live in. The Politics is getting uglier and people on the Hill are downright rude; Republican rude that is. Speaking of Republicans… who do you want as the Teapublican Presidential challenger – Newt the Grinch, Willard the flip flopper or Rick Perry the Secessionist. I know someone has to challenge Barack Obama though like he said last night; it really does not matter whom because Teapublicans all seem to have the same core values and it is a stark difference from the guy who is getting my vote, Barack Obama in 2012. The notion that the difference between Obama and Teapublican Ideology is a close as the nose on your face is obvious to me yet if you listen and I suggest listening – just don’t believe everything you hear main stream media, TV hosts, or those so-called reporters say. It is as if listening to a drumbeat of misinformation misguided misunderstood hitting the airwaves daily. The meme and the person delivering the crap should be held accountable -listen the 2010 elections had help from TV pundits, hosts etc. that put not only unqualified into both Chambers of Congress they are extreme and represent only a small percentage of their own constituents. I hope everyone gets informed with the facts use YouTube and watch the many town halls the interviews of my fellow Americans suffering from not just their status in life. Teapublicans have put their States at risk, rising unemployment numbers; situations that these new Teapublican Governors and Mayors promised. Now, a big dose of buyer’s remorse has led Americans in various States to become pro-active with progress made by the Middle Class to gain back control that will turn around that downward spiral being offered up by Teapublicans. The latest news is an effort to recall Teapublicans who do not believe in regulations, comprehensive immigration, the right to choose, Medicare, Medicaid, social security or that there is even an worker emergency that needs to be addressed, unemployment given and a real sincere effort to get America back on track instead of using their fellow Americans as pawns. If you listen to folks discuss the so-called “Polls” with strange survey question you have to wonder just how much are they being paid. I also wonder if anyone else wonders, where our economy would be if Teapublicans had not gotten into office in 2010 or got there but did what we all pay them for … To do the Peoples Business but they are not. The People’s Business is far from done and what are coming out of the Republican led House of Representatives are on most days an embarrassment and a big waste of taxpayer money. If you have not seen what goes on in Congress; the bills, the nasty attached amendments, the votes and the comments from Teapublican leaders yet you must take the time. The behavior of grown men and women working to gain whatever they can for their individual States is the job but these lawmakers seem to have forgotten the country. I have to say watching Congress some days the rhetoric is silly, the lack of action upsetting. It brings to mind what some members of the Democratic Party have referenced and I wonder why it took so long for them to get it. It is that football scene on snoopy; an animated cartoon that can be watched and laughed at by millions then forgotten but a look closer at the actions by Teapublican Leadership lately and it is a look at Lucy (Teapublicans) pulling that football(AmericanJobsACT) away from Charlie Brown(Dems) though in our case the scene(story) affects millions watching the crap go down.

I still have the audacity for hope and change …the possibilities to make America better with reforms to counter the corruption that almost brought us to our knees are as far as you can see, yet Teapublicans continue to do us all dirty with those filibusters hurting our entire social and economic system. I have to say if this is, what they think qualifies them to be trusted or to govern the beautiful United States of American then We the People have to make sure Teapublicans do not gain more power in 2012 because the changes they will make will disrupt and dismantle our Democracy as we know it.

Other News …

British Prime Minister on Refusal to Join EU Treaty

President Meets With Iraqi Prime Minister

House Prepares to Debate Payroll Tax Cut

Ben and Jerry Support Occupy Movement

Gingrich & Huntsman Debate Nat’l Security Issues

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Talks About Military Cuts

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

DSCC.ORG – Our Top Senate Races in Play – Stay informed

12/08/2011 Nativegrl77

It’s nearly 2012, and Senate campaigns are really starting to heat up across the country. As the DSCC’s political director, it’s my job to keep a close eye on all of our Senate races, find political opportunities, and do all I can to support our outstanding Democratic candidates. Read below about some of the top races we are working to win – many of which are in battleground states that will help determine the presidential race.

As always, we’ll keep you informed whenever campaign news breaks. Thanks for all you do to help Democrats win.

Crystal King

P.S. Recent polls show great opportunities for Democrats, but seizing the momentum takes money. Can you give $5 or $10 to the DSCC today? Our 500,000 donors are playing a crucial role in preventing a total takeover by radical Republicans. We can’t do our work without your help!

Races Update

ARIZONA: Democrat Richard Carmona’s entry into the race has put this red state in play, according to a new poll. Republican Rep. Jeff Flake – “one of the GOP‘s most outspoken critics of extending the payroll tax cut” – leads Carmona by just 4 points, 40-36. Carmona is receiving especially strong support from Hispanic voters, who favor him 56-19. [Full Story]

FLORIDA: A new poll of Sunshine State voters shows that Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson has a 46-35 lead over Republican Connie Mack, and an even larger lead over the rest of the GOP field. The Republican primary is shaping up to be brutal slog, and whoever emerges will most likely be damaged for the general election. [Full Story]

MASSACHUSETTS: This is a state where we have a really good shot at turning a red Senate seat blue. Elizabeth Warren is building a massive following, and in recent polls, she’s either tied with or leading Wall Street’s favorite senator, Republican Scott Brown. This is definitely a race to keep your eyes on. [Full Story]

MONTANA: A brand new Montana Chamber of Commerce poll has Democratic Sen. Jon Tester leading Republican Rep. Dennis Rehberg by 5 points – and that’s after the national Chamber of Commerce ran a slew of attack ads targeting Tester. Rehberg, if you remember, is the lawmaker who sued his hometown fire department and called Pell grants “the welfare of the 21st century.” [Full Story]

NEVADA: In Nevada, a recent poll showed Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley in a dead heat with appointed Sen. Dean Heller, 45-45. In a previous poll, Heller led by 3 points. Heller has the dubious distinction of being the only lawmaker to vote for Rep. Paul Ryan’s End Medicare Plan twice – once in the House and once after he was appointed to the Senate. [Full Story]

NORTH DAKOTA: The entry of former Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp into the North Dakota Senate race caused leading analysts to shift their prediction from Likely Republican to Tossup. And recent polling shows Heitkamp leading freshman GOP Rep. Rick Berg by 5 points, 47-42. In fact, only 28% of poll respondents gave Berg favorable marks, while 56% were thumbs down. [Full Story]

WISCONSIN: The most recent polling in Wisconsin shows a tossup, with Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin within the margin of error of three Republican candidates. The Republican primary in Wisconsin is hotly contested and has already become nasty, giving Baldwin the opportunity to concentrate on sharing her plan to create jobs, protect Medicare and Social Security and put middle class families first. [Full Story]