The Note: More political shock waves possible
The TAKE with Emily Goodin
The ground shook for Republicans on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue this week with signs there may be more tremors to come.
On Tuesday morning, President Donald Trump fired his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. And, on Tuesday night, House Republicans appeared to take a beating in a Pennsylvania district the president carried by 20 points in 2016.
The White House has not ruled out more firings and a game of musical cabinet chairs consumed Washington this week.
Trump himself, when asked by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl, said “there’ll always be change.”
Both events may signal that there are more shock waves for Republicans on the horizon.
The weather’s not much better for the GOP on the Capitol Hill side of the nation’s capital.
Republican leaders warned their incumbents to get serious about their campaigns and fretted that more GOP lawmakers could retire.
But Democrats, feeling bullish after Conor Lamb’s strong performance in Pennsylvania’s special election, could face their own shakeup next week.
Tuesday’s primary in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District could see incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski lose to a progressive challenger — and no lawmaker likes to see a colleague lose in a primary.
It’s also a race with tremors of an issue that has long plagued the party — the progressive wing vs. the establishment favorite.
The RUNDOWN with MaryAlice Parks
Politics so often still feels like a game about who’s the biggest boogeyman.
The results of the Pennsylvania special election seemed to indicate President Trump was a great motivator for Democrats than Nancy Pelosi was for Republicans. Outside Republican groups spent millions on an anti-Leader Pelosi, pro-tax cut message and it was not enough even in a solid red district.
Democrat Conor Lamb’s casual dismissal of Pelosi seemed to neutralize that GOP attack and interestingly Democrats in Washington, even Pelosi herself, seemed okay with that tack of his… at least for now.
After all, Democrats this week feel they are winning on policy arguments. In Washington, D.C., in Pennsylvania and around the country, on issues from gun control to health care and taxes, it was a good week for the blue team.
However, the next question will be: Is there a tipping point? It is hard to imagine Pelosi will accept a majority of Democratic candidates distancing themselves from her, even if they stand with her on major policy questions. What does it mean for the future of House Democrats if they do?
The TIP with Alexander Mallin
Former White House press secretary Sean Spicer made a cameo in the West Wing press office yesterday, stopping by to mingle with some of his former assistants ahead of the Shamrock Bowl reception in the East Room.
Spicer insisted he wasn't in the building looking to get his old job back, despite the recently announced departure of White House communications director Hope Hicks. At the ceremony, Spicer also told reporters he had not yet had a chance to speak with the president.
Since his departure from the White House last July, Spicer has been making the rounds on the cable news circuit while he continues work on his book "The Briefing."
Spicer has promised the book will provide a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of his often rocky tenure for President Trump's first seven months in office that helped make him one of the most controversial press secretaries in history.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY
QUOTE OF THE DAYMore
“After 12 years of marriage, we have decided to go our separate ways. We will always have tremendous respect for each other and our families. We have five beautiful children together and they remain our top priority. We ask for your privacy during this time.” – Donald Jr. and Vanessa Trump in a statement about ending their marriage.
NEED TO READ
Felix Sater touts years as US intel asset, but offers few insights on Donald Trump The Soviet-born American businessman, who once billed himself as a "senior advisor to Donald Trump," has become known for his supporting role in the unfolding drama that is Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian efforts to interfere in the 2016 election.(Pete Madden and Meghan Keneally) http://abcn.ws/2FEpsJ4
Trump administration sanctions Russians for 2016 election interference, other cyber attacks. The Trump administration is hitting five Russian entities and 19 Russian citizens with sanctions for cyber activity, including their interference in the 2016 election. (Conor Finnegan, Jordyn Phelps and Arlette Saenz) http://abcn.ws/2DrHubr
GOP legal challenges ahead in Pennsylvania special election. The election to fill a vacant House seat for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District was too close to call Tuesday night - less than one-third of a percentage point separated the two candidates - and now Republicans are challenging the results. (Lauren Pearle, John Verhovek, Rick Klein and Matt Seyler) http://abcn.ws/2DvQht4
Republican Rep. Ryan Costello considering retirement. Republican Rep. Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania is considering retirement, several state and national officials in GOP politics have told ABC News, a move that would boost Democratic hopes in their quest to retake control of the House. (Emily Goodin and Benjamin Siegel) http://abcn.ws/2DyV1OM
Donald Trump Jr., wife are separating: 'We will always have tremendous respect for each other.' Trump Jr. and Vanessa were married in 2005 and have five children together. http://abcn.ws/2tQVE6z
Conor Lamb, Rick Saccone to run again in November in new and different congressional districts. Just days after the still too-close-to call special election for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District, it appears that Democrat Conor Lamb will seek reelection in state's new 17th Congressional District this fall, setting up a likely match with GOP Rep. Keith Rothfus. (Emily Goodin and John Verhovek) http://abcn.ws/2DsW1DX
President Trump says 'it certainly looks' like Russia was behind spy attack. “It certainly looks like the Russians were behind it, something that should never ever happen and we’re taking it very seriously, as I think are many others,” Trump said in the Oval Office when asked by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl if Russian President Vladmir Putin was to blame. (Arlette Saenz) http://abcn.ws/2FXKPo7
Trump Organization subpoenaed for Russia-related documents. The scope of the subpoena was not immediately clear, but it represents the latest indication of the breadth of the special counsel’s nearly year-long, wide-ranging probe into possible collusion between Russian agents and members of the Trump campaign during the 2016 presidential election. (John Santucci) http://abcn.ws/2FKOMcx
Former FBI deputy director makes case to DOJ to keep job 3 more days. The embattled former deputy director of the FBI, Andy McCabe, will have at most just a few hours on Thursday to encapsulate a 22-year career in public service and make the case to keep his job until he is officially eligible for his retirement benefits in a few days. (Mike Levine) http://abcn.ws/2FD1D4f
US trade relationship 'balanced,' despite Trump's claims: Canada. President Donald Trump's leaked remarks from a private fundraiser have provoked a rebuke from Canada, disputing the president's claim that the U.S. has a trade deficit with its northern neighbor. (Alexander Mallin) http://abcn.ws/2piAg4v
The Washington Post gives a rundown of the half-dozen senior officials being investigated over alleged extravagant expenses. http://53eig.ht/2Gwc5rr
FiveThirtyEight reports on unusual partnerships formed by factions of Republicans and Democrats over issues of bank regulation and tariffs. http://53eig.ht/2Gwc5rr
The Note is a daily ABC News feature that highlights the key political moments of the day ahead. Please check back on Monday for the latest.