The Note: Home Is Where the Polls Are
— -- WASHINGTON, Mar. 3
Before we get to the Ronald Brownstein and Heidi Przybyla write-ups of the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg national poll (neither of which, to be sure, contains boilerplate "There is some good news in the poll for Mr. Bush" language), let's remind you of three things.
1. A poll is a snapshot of a single moment in time, not a predictor of the future [or so the Senators Dole (R-Watergate) have told us].
2. The President's State of the Union address was intended in part to win back support for the war in Iraq and the War on Terror, and in part to convince the country that the President (and his party) have a comprehensive vision for dealing with jobs and the economy. (Missions accomplished? You make the call.)
3. The Bush-RNC-RGA-NRCC-NRSC plan for "winning" the midterms includes going to the country on the Bush national security record; raising more money than God; painting the Democratic candidates on a race-by-race basis as devoid of any ideas (except regarding how to raise taxes and weaken America's defenses); begging borrowing, and bribing in whatever ways necessary to keep House Republicans from retiring; getting outside groups revved up, by "dealing" with spending and through voter contact and ballot measures; getting more credit for the economy and the prescription drug benefit; doing uncommonly well by Republican standards with African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and older voters; and improving the President's poll numbers.
The plan, as conceived of last year, did NOT include the Vice President shooting someone in the face; various unnamed officials shooting (and recording) the Katrina preparedness meetings; the White House shooting itself in the foot over a ragingly unpopular ports deal; and congressional Republicans shooting bullets down Capitol Hill towards the corner of 16th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue over national security and the budget.
(Note to the United States Attorney and the United States Secret Service: "bribing" and "bullets," as used above, are meant metaphorically.)
In any event, this new national poll -- written up with haunting clarity by the formidable Przybyla/Brownstein duet -- is, uhm, bullet proof, even anticipating shots from the right-wing bloggersphere with this from the Times:
"Contributing to the fall in Bush's approval rating since January was a slight increase in the new poll in the number of respondents who identified themselves as Democrats."
"'Party identification is a dynamic variable that changes with the popularity of the party in control,' Pinkus said. 'The proportion of people who identified with the Republican Party was higher when Bush had more positive approval ratings.'"
(For the poll details, see below.)
President Bush, who is wildly popular with multiple hundreds of millions of Indians (and fewer numbers of Pakistanis and Americans), delivered the high-profile speech of his overseas trip at 8:15am ET in New Delhi before departing for Islamabad.
Per the Associated Press: "The United States will not give into the protectionists and lose these opportunities," Bush said in his speech at Purana Qila, a historic fort. "For the sake of workers in both our countries, America will trade with confidence." LINK
The address contained some inside jokes (the nerve!!) that The Note didn't understand. Mr. Bush is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad at 11:15 am ET.
Former Rep. Duke Cunningham's (R-CA) sentencing hearing is scheduled for 4:00 pm ET today. The judge "will decide whether to punish Cunningham with the 10-year maximum term, the six-year sentence defense lawyers are seeking or something in between," reports The San Diego Union Tribune. LINK
The congressional delegation lead by Reps. Hastert and Pelosi in the Gulf Coast visits New Orleans, LA, Bay St. Louis, MS, and Pass Christian, MS today.
The grand jury examining the CIA leak was scheduled to meet in Washington, DC at 9:30 am ET.
Sen. Clinton (D-NY) joins the President of Cornell University and others at a 3:00 pm ET press conference on breast cancer and Avian Flu research at Cornell in Ithaca, NY. Later this evening, Sen. Clinton addresses the Democratic Rural Conference dinner in Ithaca, NY.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean addresses the Democrats Abroad annual international meeting at noon ET in Washington, DC.
The Senate convenes at 9:45 am ET for continued consideration of a bill (S 2320) that would shift $1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Asistance Program from fiscal 2007 to the current fiscal year.
No votes are expected until Monday evening.
The Supreme Court Justices gather this morning for their formal group photograph and a two-minute photo opportunity so we'll have fresh video to show you (with Samuel Alito) when we next put a Supreme Court story on the air.
Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA) is in Utah today with no public schedule.
Sen./Dr./Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) addresses the South Carolina Republican Party Executive Committee in Columbia, SC tomorrow evening.
How's this for Oscar counter programming? Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) at the Spartanburg County Republican Party Convention in Spartanburg, SC and former Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) at local Democratic fundraisers in Davenport and Iowa City, IA will be aired on C-SPAN's "Road to the White House" on Sunday evening.
Iraq, ports, and the war on terror will be the topics on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on Sunday when George is joined by a roundtable of generals. And you also won't want to miss Stephen Colbert's take on his colleague Jon Stewart's Oscar hosting role.
Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg:
Ron Brownstein's write-up of the Los Angeles Times/Bloomberg poll ledes with the overwhelming opposition to the newsy Dubai Ports World deal and goes on to explain the drag on the President's traditional strong suit (handling the war on terror) -- and thereby on his overall approval rating -- the ports deal seems to cause. LINK
But Brownstein works his best magic when wisely getting at the crux of this political moment.
". . . in a trend that could affect turnout in the November midterm elections, Bush confronts what might be called an intensity gap: The percentage of Americans who said they strongly disapproved of his performance on a wide range of issues greatly exceeded the share who strongly approved."
More Brownstein: "GOP victories in the 2002 and 2004 elections derived largely from Bush's ability to generate a huge turnout of voters passionately committed to him. But in the new survey, Bush is generating much more ardor in opposition than in support. If that translates into a surge in turnout in November by his foes, Republicans could lose their control of Congress."
"The poll found 43% strongly disapproved of Bush's performance, more than double the 19% who strongly approved."
And check out the POTUS numbers on the economy and his policies meant to create jobs and growth.
Bloomberg News reports on dropping poll numbers for President Bush when it comes to terrorism, and numbers further plummet when pollsters asked about the Dubai port sale.LINK
Bush trip:
ABC News' Jessica Yellin reports that the mainstream Indian press is hailing President Bush's trip and the nuke deal as a major success. One of the major TV networks here (NDTV) described the nuke agreement as "the end of India's nuclear apartheid". The headline on the Times of India reads: "It's a Deal. A Very Big Deal." The Hindustan Times and the Indian Express both headline "We've Made history:" And lead photo on Times of India pictures POTUS, FLOTUS and Indian President Abdul Kalam and the caption reads: "Friends Forever."
All this is bound to improve the President's poll standing (in India).
There was some good natured teasing of the President, who surprised his Indian hosts by choosing not to take time out to visit the Taj Mahal. In comments yesterday, Prime Minister Singh looked to Mrs. Bush and said, "I'm sorry your husband is not taking you to the Taj Mahal." The Hindustan Times put the comment in an otherwise glowing story on the cover, below the fold.
The protests seem minor weighed against the overwhelmingly positive coverage the President has received.
Also amusing -- at a state dinner last night each White House staffer was introduced. Chief of Staff Andy Card was introduced as Andrew Card: Junior Assistant to the President. Brett Kavanaugh was introduced as Secretary of State. According to the program, entertainers played local music and, in apparent homage to the US, "We Are The World."
During a Q&A session with young entrepreneurs in Hyderabad, India, President Bush was asked about outsourcing and said: ". . . I've taken the position -- I've taken it as recently as my State of the Union, where I said, the United States of America will reject protectionism. We won't fear competition, we welcome competition, but we won't fear the future, either, because we intend to shape it through good policies. And that's how you deal in a global economy. You don't retrench and pull back. . . . "
The Times of India and the Economic Times also highlighted Bush's support for expanding the number of non-immigrant visas (H1-B visas for professionals and students). This would make it possible for US universities to accept more Indian students.
Steven Weisman of the New York Times offers up an excellent news analysis looking at the opposition on the Hill to the nuclear deal, but writes of the Administration's confidence that India's role as "a counterweight to China in Asia" will sway critics. LINK
". . .the pact received initial praise from Mohamed ElBaradei, the Nobel Prize-winning director-general of the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency, who called it 'timely for ongoing efforts to consolidate the nonproliferation regime, combat nuclear terrorism and strengthen nuclear safety,'" writes Peter Wallsten of the Los Angeles Times. LINK
Hillman and Landers of the Dallas Morning News look at the "uphill battle" that the nuclear pact faces in Congress.LINK
Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) "railed at the deal as a 'historic disaster' that 'undermines the security not only of the United States, but of the rest of the world' by setting one standard for India and another for any other nation that seeks to acquire nuclear weapons."
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), a co-chairman of the Senate's India Caucus, "called it 'another important step for an important alliance' and promised to help move the deal forward."
The Washington Post's Jim VandeHei and Dafna Linzer on the President's trip. LINK
Big Casino budget politics:
Bloomberg News Notes that former U.S. Treasury Secretary under Clinton, Robert Rubin, spoke to Democrats yesterday urging them to oppose President Bush's Social Security plan. LINK
The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood writes that Republican leaders may have a difficult time extending a rate of 15% on dividends and capital gains before April 15.
Politics of Iraq:
National Journal's Murray Waas reports that the President received "highly classified intelligence reports containing information at odds with his justifications for going to war."
Michael Kinsley thinks that there is no case against democracy. But he also thinks that the case "against spreading democracy -- especially through military force -- as a mission of the U.S. government is also pretty self-evident." LINK
Port politics:
The Washington Times reports on House Member Duncan Hunter (R-CA), who wants to kill the deal between the U.S and Dubai. LINK
The Wall Street Journal's Hitt and Singer Note that the White House has failed to quell the concerns of lawmakers opposed to the Dubai ports deal. The piece includes Rep. Hunter saying "this problem is not going away," and Rep. Peter King (R-NY) saying of the Administration: "I don't think they get it."
USA Today reports on port controversy between President Bush and Congressional members. Plus, a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll found overwhelming opposition to the deal.LINK
Lawmakers say, in light of the Dubai ports deal, the CFIUS process is ripe for change, reports the New York Times. LINK
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), takes the lead in calling for a review of the head of the US Maritime Administration, David Sanborn. Nelson wants to know what Sanborn's involvement was within the Dubai port deal and if it served his own best interests.LINK
Amy Parnes of the Naple Daily News has Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) responding to the ports deal differently than most Florida lawmakers: "for the time being," the Senator's spokesperson said, the Senator "is not opposed and not supportive of the deal." LINK
Clintons of Chappaqua:
Both Sen. Clinton and Jay Carson assert the FPOTUS is fully on board with her legislation aimed at blocking any foreign government owned company from operating US ports.
Earlier in the week, when the former president spoke to reporters after addressing the nation's governors, he described a prohibition on any foreign government owned company operating US ports as an ideal position but he didn't seem prepared to fully embrace it.
Ian Bishop of the New York Post reports Sen. Clinton admitted yesterday that she had not been aware that her husband, the former president, had been in touch with the Dubai company about the ports deal controversy. LINK
The New York Daily News header: "Bill, Hill no shipmates: He advises Dubai as she fights deal" LINK
RNC spokesgal Tracey Schmitt reacted to the daylight between the two Clintons by telling ABC News: "It's hardly surprising that rather than take her cues from a former President who understands the substance of the issue, Hillary Clinton instead gets wrapped up in the politics du jour."
Towards the end of his story which ledes with Rep. Hunter, the Washington Post's Jonathan Weisman writes that the port flap has "created some uncomfortable politics in Congress" before discussing the Clintons and the Doles. LINK
Glenn Thrush of Newsday recaps President Bill Clinton's suggestion to Dubai Ports World that they "voluntarily submit to a 45-day probe." LINK
Lobbying reform:
Who wouldn't want to police themselves, really?
By a vote of 11 to 5, the Senate Committee on Homeland and Governmental Affairs rejected a bipartisan Collins-Lieberman proposal on Thursday that would have created an office of public integrity to toughen enforcement of congressional ethics and lobbying laws.
The Washington Post's Jeff Birnbaum sees yesterday's vote "signaling a reluctance in Congress to beef up the enforcement of its rules on lobbying."LINK
The Los Angeles Times' Curtius and Simon write that yesterday's vote "underscored the growing resistance on Capitol Hill to overhauls advocated by government watchdog groups and some lawmakers after recent political scandals. Rather than significantly rewrite their rules for conduct, most members of Congress appear to favor more extensive reporting requirements -- mostly for lobbyists." LINK
". . .the measure's defeat, coupled with strong disagreements among Republican leaders in the House over what form lobbying legislation should take, suggests that the path to changing the way Congress does business will be fraught with obstacles," writes Sheryl Gay Stolberg of the New York Times. LINK
More from the Boston Globe: LINK
Wishing Karen Finney a happy weekend, the New York Times takes a front page look at the revolving door from the farming community to the Interior Department. LINK
"At the Interior Department, at least six high political positions have been occupied by people associated with businesses or trade associations tied to public lands or resources."
Politics of Katrina:
In a front-page analysis for the Washington Post, Peter Baker and (the Calvert-Woodley-shopping LINK) Spencer Hsu write that the latest Katrina tape has "revived a dispute" over whether the President was "misinformed, misspoken or misleading" when he appeared on television two days after Hurricane Katrina wiped out most of New Orleans and said: "I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." LINK
Marc Sandalow of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that what you see in the Katrina tape "depends on your view of Bush – in charge or incompetent?" LINK
Sandalow: "Critics see a president ignoring warning signs, displaying no inquisitiveness and expressing unfounded confidence in his administration's capabilities, with disastrous consequences."
More Sandalow: "Supporters see an engaged chief executive taking control of a situation and being unfairly blamed for circumstances beyond his control."
The AP reports that in new Katrina video released, Gov. Blanco sounds "uncertain about the reliability of her information." LINK
Politics of surveillance:
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales denies any systematic surveilling of Americans beyond the acknowledged NSA program, the Washington Post reports. LINK
The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig reports that a classified document that an Islamic charity says is "evidence of illegal government eavesdropping on its phone calls and e-mails was provided in 2004 to a Washington Post reporter, who returned it when the FBI demanded it back a few months later."LINK
Chairman Hoekstra announced the House Intelligence Committee is planning to expand its oversight of the Bush Administration's domestic warrantless wiretapping program, reports the Los Angeles Times. LINK
The New York Times paints the expanded review as a victory for Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM). LINK
Politics of immigration:
In a story that breaks down the three-way split among Republicans on the issue of immigration, the San Francisco Chronicle's Carolyn Lochhead has Sen. Specter conceding that he has found no takers for his compromise bill. LINK
"The fracture in the Republican Party over immigration immediately became apparent in a three-way division among party members on the committee. Hardliners urged a crackdown on employers and the border. Others pushed a guest worker program that would require an exodus of all 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. And still others called for a guest worker program that would allow illegal immigrants now here to apply for permanent residence and citizenship while enforcement was beefed up."
The Judiciary Committee started the clock ticking toward Sen. Frist's March 27 goal to bring immigration reform legislation to the floor of the Senate. But, as the Los Angeles Times reports, Chairman Specter said his colleagues on the committee considered Sen. Specter's bill to be an "unmitigated disaster." LINK
The Los Angeles Times editorial board offers kudos to Cardinal Mahony for his approach to immigration and for speaking his mind. LINK
The Schwarzenegger Era:
The new Field poll in the California gubernatorial contest shows the Democrats still widely unknown, but the Westly Camp will surely act gleeful that he slightly edges out Schwarzenegger in a head to head general election matchup, whereas Angelides simply ties with the governor. LINK
Of course, it is all within the margin of error, so the glee may be somewhat misplaced.
As criticism rises on his upcoming visit in Ohio for the Arnold Classic -- incidentally also a gathering of "supplement"- makers and lobbyists--, the fierce Governor tells reporters that he would "pass up the trip if he was needed in Sacramento." LINK
DeLay:
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) has planned a fundraiser hosted by lobbyists Bill Paxon and Susan Molinari for next Tuesday, according to the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood.
New Orleans:
From the New Orleans Times-Picayune: "More than 700,000 displaced Louisiana voters will soon get information packets on how they can participate in local, state and federal elections this year. But a radio and television education campaign informing them of their voting rights has not gotten off the ground, officials said Thursday." LINK
Peggy Wilson, Johnny Adrianni, F. Nick Bacque, and Virginia Boulet threw their hats in the New Orleans mayoral ring yesterday, bringing the number of total candidates to 14, reports Frank Donze of the New Orleans Times-Picayune. The list is expected to grow even further before today's 5pm deadline. LINK
2006:
The Boston Globe reports that President Bush and his Administration continue to be "hammered" by Democrats over Katrina and port issues, but top GOP members continue their support. Sen. John McCain said, "'Have we got problems? Sure. But I'm not pessimistic, six months is a lifetime in politics.'"LINK
The New York Times' Patrick Healy, yet again, writes of a Republican candidate poised to take on Sen. Hillary Clinton this fall. K.T. McFarland, a "protégée" of Henry Kissinger is hoping to build New York Republican Party support for her candidacy. LINK
And check out what Healy writes of former Yonkers Mayor John Spencer: "Just weeks ago, Mr. Spencer looked poised to be the challenger, with a record of accomplishment as a former mayor of Yonkers. But with a caustic manner and a history of marital infidelity, Mr. Spencer may foil the party's drive for female voters and match up badly against Mrs. Clinton, some Republicans say."
Note to Ed Rollins: are we wrong to expect a candidate running on national security credentials to have a view of the biggest national security issue of our time before entering a race for federal office?
The AP reports that the Hawaii Democratic Party and the Matt Brown campaign are returning their respective contributions due to what the Democratic chairman in Hawaii called a "mistake." LINK
A day in the life on the Ohio GOP gubernatorial campaign trail as captured by the Columbus Dispatch's Niquette and Nash: "Betty was accused by Tim of strong-arm tactics and misrepresenting the truth. Meanwhile, Jim and others ganged up on Ken, saying he exposed Ohioans to rip-off artists. And in perhaps the unkindest cut of all, Ken slammed Jim for not caring about Lima, Ohio." LINK
Mitch Stacy of the AP has details on Rep. Katherine Harris' (R-FL) connections to Mitchell Wade, the defense contactor who admitted last week he bribed the Dukester with more than $1 million. LINK
Keith Epstein of tbo.com reports that yesterday, Harris hired "top-gun" campaign finance lawyer Ben Ginsberg, "as a 'precaution.'" LINK
The Washington Times reports that "Maryland Democratic leaders are aiming to tie Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele to the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina to dampen his appeal among black voters in his U.S. Senate bid."LINK
The Seattle Times is reporting that Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) announced yesterday that he is withdrawing a bill to open up the Puget Sound to more oil tankers at the urging of Mike McGavick, the Republican running against Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Stevens's "nemesis" on environmental matters. LINK
"'I'm pretty proud of the role I played in this,' McGavick said. 'If I can do this as a candidate, imagine what I can do as a senator.'"
2008: Republicans:
In a story that looks at America turning "inward," the Washington Post's Dana Milbank Notes that on the issues of immigration and ports President Bush is "the lonely internationalist, aided only by the likes of Sen. John McCain" (R-AZ). LINK
The Washington Post's White and Leonnig report that Bush Administration lawyers argued yesterday that the new McCain-sponsored law that "bans cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of detainees in US custody does not apply to people held" in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. LINK
"Thomas Wilner, a lawyer representing several detainees at Guantanamo, agreed that the law cannot be enforced. 'This is what Guantanamo was about to begin with, a place to keep detainees out of the US precisely so they can say they can't go to court,' Wilner said."
"A spokeswoman for McCain's office did not respond to questions yesterday," reports the Washington Post.
Salon's Joe Conason writes that the recent avalanche of troubles for the White House and the Republican Party are benefiting not only the Democratic Party, but also Sen. McCain, who "has seen his institutional adversaries in the Republican establishment brought low, one by one, clearing away the obstacles to his likely presidential bid in 2008." LINK
Lt. Gov. Kerry Healy (R) voices her opinion in opposition to Catholic bishops banning adoption to gays from Catholic adoption agencies. LINK
Former Republican Bay State governors threw a fundraiser last night in Boston for GOP gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Kerry Healy (R) in efforts to boost both campaign funding and stamina after Republican Chris Mihos announced his entrance to the race as an independent.LINK
The Boston Globe reports that health care reform in Massachusetts has hit another road bump. LINK
The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood writes in his "Washington Wire" section that President Bill Clinton's action on child obesity provides a boost to Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR) on the path to 2008.
What was up with DeLay's favorable presidential comments towards Secretary Rice yesterday?
2008: Democrats:
MSNBC's Tom Curry talks with Jerome Armstrong, the founder of mydd.com and Dean campaign veteran, who will handle "netroots" operations for former Gov. Mark Warner's (D-VA) 2008 bid. LINK
Armstrong is the co-author of a new book called "Crashing the Gate: Netroots, Grassroots, and the Rise of Peofple-Powered Politics" which he wrote with Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, the proprietor of the Daily Kos web site. Armstrong and "Kos" are critical of veteran consultants Bob Shrum, Tad Devine, Steve McMahon and others who they accuse of giving bad advice and producing ineffective campaign ads.
The Washington Post's front page story about a study which warns that the Antarctic ice sheet is melting includes a reference to Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) saying that the US must act quickly to impose "mandatory limits on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases." LINK
Sylvia A. Smith of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette recaps a National Journal report that says Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN) is the "most conservative" of the Democratic '08ers. LINK
Apparently, not all Indianans agree. The headline of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette's letters to the editor section: "Sen. Bayh has become much too liberal". LINK
Sen. Bayh continued his criticism of the Dubai ports deal yesterday in a telephone news conference, reports James Wensits of the South Bend Tribune. LINK
"We simply can't put the desire for profit ahead of our desire to protect American safety," Bayh said.
Sen. John Edwards plays H-O-R-S-E during ESPN's coverage of Duke vs. UNC tomorrow night. LINK
Patriot Act:
On Sen. Feingold's birthday, the Patriot Act reauthorization passed 89 - 10.
The "no" votes came from Sen. Jeffords (I-VT), Sen. Feingold (D-WI), Sen. Byrd (D-WV), Sen. Akaka (D-HI), Sen. Bingaman (D-NM), Sen. Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Levin (D-MI), Sen. Murray (D-WA), and Sen. Wyden (D-OR).
"The Senate action was a bit of good news for the president, who has been buffeted by dipping poll numbers and criticism from within his own party on matters including Hurricane Katrina, electronic eavesdropping and port security," writes the New York Times' Stolberg. LINK
Los Angeles Times: LINK
Abramoff affair:
Bloomberg News's Michael Forsythe reports that a scandal may be good for fundraising. LINK
Reps. DeLay, Bob Ney (R-OH), Richard Pombo (D-CA), and John Doolittle, as well as Sen. Conrad Burns (D-MT) "saw their fund-raising totals surge in the past year compared with previous elections."
Politics of mine safety:
USA Today reports on Senate meetings with top mine safety officials yesterday. LINK
Iowa:
Per the Des Moines Register's Thomas Beaumont, "Democrat Mike Blouin's decision to place" Andrea McGuire, a female physician, on the gubernatorial ticket with him "was reassuring to some Democratic activists who have been uneasy about Blouin's opposition to abortion rights."LINK
New Hampshire:
Nine '08ers continue their bids to win over New Hampshire with visits to the Granite State over the next month. Those making the rounds include Gov. Romney, Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR), Sen. McCain, Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), Sen. George Allen (R-VA), Gov. Bill Richardson, (D-NM), Sen. Evan Bayh (D-IN), Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), and Gen. Wesley Clark. LINK
Politics:
Legislation for stem cell research, which won support in the House last year, has become a divisive issue within the Senate GOP, according to Matthew Chayes of the Chicago Tribune. LINK
The nation's chief archivist has announced a "moratorium" on removing records from the National Archives for reclassification, reports the New York Times. LINK
Golden State Warriors Center, Colgate alumnus, and grassroots organizer Adonal Foyle says, "the goal of his self-financed Democracy Matters group is 'full public funding' of elections," according to the Wall Street Journal's John Harwood.
Florida Trend's detailed cover-story on Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) describes him as "one of the most influential governors in Florida's modern history." LINK
The Wall Street Journal's John Harwood observes that Democratic lobbyist Mike Berman addresses, "weight gain amid stressful presidential battles," in his new memoir "Living Large.
One advantage of the extra pounds: "Berman used his heft "to create presence" and command meetings. (The Note now understands why the networks covered all four nights of the Boston convention.)