June 29, 2015
Before the Supreme Court’s decision in the Arizona redistricting case, electoral reform efforts had been in limbo. But Monday’s 5-4 ruling is a major victory for those who support citizen redistricting commissions as a way to counter the polarization and partisan gerrymandering that result from politicians drawing their own legislative districts.Please click here to read the full article.
June 19, 2015
If Lindsey Graham wants, as he says, to use his presidential campaign to show how best to keep this nation safe, the shooting Wednesday at a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., is an opportunity to talk about real threats that are being overlooked. Sen. Graham, the senior senator from South Carolina, could address racial hatred and how the federal government has fallen short on dealing with domestic terrorism. He might consider appearing with the Palmetto State’s junior senator, Tim Scott, an African American who is also a Republican, to jointly decry racial violence in South Carolina and around the country.Please click here to read the full article.
June 16, 2015
Many pundits and journalists will dismiss Donald Trump’s candidacy as a joke. But in his announcement that he is running for president, Mr. Trump said a lot of things that many Americans have been longing to hear. And he said it all plainly and bluntly–communication styles that are not in the repertoire of most politicians. Mr. Trump began by talking about how the rest of the world is “beating us.” When was the last time we had a victory, he asked. “Our enemies are getting stronger and stronger . . . and we as a country are getting weaker.”Please click here to read the full article.
June 12, 2015
Niccolo Machiavelli wrote way back when that it is much safer for a leader to be feared than loved if he cannot be both. With the House defeat Friday of the fast-track trade package, largely thanks to Democratic votes, it appears that President Barack Obama may no longer be either with members of his own Party.Please click here to read the full article.
June 11, 2015
A recent U.S. District Court ruling that Virginia lawmakers engaged in racial gerrymandering by packing minority voters into one congressional district appears headed to the Supreme Court where the outcome could have a significant impact on other states with large minority populations covered by the Voting Rights Act. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ordered the Virginia legislature to redraw its congressional map by Sept. 1, but Republican lawmakers intend to appeal to the high court.Please click here to read the full article.
June 11, 2015
With a July deadline looming and no agreement between Republicans and Democrats over how to pay for a long-term extension of the Federal Highway Trust Fund, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) has scheduled a hearing next week to discuss options. Just before they left town for a recess in late May, lawmakers approved a two-month transportation funding extension that runs out at the end of July.Please click here to read the full article.
June 6, 2015
In her speech Thursday on voting rights, Hillary Clinton suggested automatically registering all citizens to vote when they turn 18 as well as expanding early voting and online registration. Measures by Republican-controlled state legislatures to tighten voter ID laws and limit early and weekend voting hurt minority, poor, and young voters the most, she said.Please click here to read the full article.
June 2, 2015
When Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) declared his candidacy for president Monday–joining what already feels like a Republican cast of thousands—what he didn’t say was more important than the words he spoke.Please click here to read the full article.
June 1, 2015
Just before it recessed last month the Senate approved “fast track” trade authority that would help conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal that’s been the subject of much debate and media coverage. The legislation is expected to be considered by the House this month. But a recent Pew Research Poll shows that uncertainty about trade deals’ benefits for American workers spans party and ideological lines.Please click here to read the full article.
