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More Than 300 Arrested Thursday Night in St. Paul
September 5, 2008, 11:27 A.M. EDT
Police arrested more than 300 people Thursday night near the Minnesota Capitol, bringing the total arrests in St. Paul this week to 818.
McCain Embraces Maverick, Reform Mantles in Accepting Nod
September 5, 2008, 12:32 A.M. EDT
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) accepted his party’s presidential nomination Thursday night in front of a fired-up crowd of party loyalists, with a speech that weaved the former prisoner of war’s personal story into a narrative that sought to portray him as a fighter, a reformer and a maverick.
Graham Lauds McCain for Supporting ‘Surge’
September 4, 2008, 9:37 P.M. EDT
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) this evening took on the job of touting his “dear friend,” GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), as the candidate best suited to win the war on terrorism. Graham is not a top Senate leader and did not run for president, but he is considered McCain’s closest Senate ally, earning him a coveted prime-time speaking slot on the final night of the convention.
Pawlenty Passed Over, but Still Praises McCain
September 4, 2008, 8:40 P.M. EDT
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty tonight extolled Republican presidential nominee John McCain, showing no evidence of bitterness over McCain’s decision to tap Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Pawlenty was a finalist for the job, with some reports saying he was the final runner-up.
Police Arrest at Least 10 in Ongoing Standoff Outside Xcel Center
September 4, 2008, 8:27 P.M. EDT
Police arrested at least 10 people as of 7 p.m. Thursday after hundreds tried to march from the Minnesota state capitol to the Xcel Energy Center, the site of the Republican National Convention.
Civil Rights Group Fires Back at GOP for Ridiculing Community Organizing
September 4, 2008, 8:07 P.M. EDT
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama came under attack Wednesday night by several Republican convention speakers for his service as a community organizer in Chicago, including a zinger from GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, who said, “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.” Now, civil rights groups are fighting back.
Aides to McCain, Obama Spar Over Tax Policy
September 4, 2008, 7:53 P.M. EDT
Advisers to both presidential nominees today discussed their positions on tax policy at a panel discussion, “Tax Policy at a Crossroads.”
Excerpts from McCain Remarks
September 4, 2008, 7:42 P.M. EDT
The following are excerpts from Republican presidential nominee John McCain’s remarks.
Celebrities Fete Cindy McCain, Charity Work
September 4, 2008, 7:26 P.M. EDT
The stars came out for Cindy McCain this afternoon at a tribute luncheon at the Minneapolis Hilton. The star-studded event was hosted by television personality Elizabeth Hasselbeck and featured guest appearances by actor Jon Voight, country singer Clay Walker and three Olympians. Carly Fiorina, a top economic adviser to Cindy McCain’s husband, Republican presidential nominee John McCain (Ariz.), also made an appearance.
Bennett Touts Bipartisan Plan Over ‘HillaryCare’
September 4, 2008, 6:23 P.M. EDT
Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) touted a bipartisan plan today for expanding health care coverage through expanded tax breaks rather than the universal plan championed by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.).
Lawmaker, Experts Urge Better Coordination Among Foreign Policy Agencies
September 4, 2008, 6:20 P.M. EDT
Foreign policy experts and Rep. Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) today said that the degree of coordination between the State Department and other foreign policy entities within the federal government needs to be improved.
Allen Remains Positive
September 4, 2008, 6:06 P.M. EDT
If it wasn’t for a few moments on the campaign trail in southwest Virginia two years ago, this could have been a very different convention for George Allen (R).
McConnell Tapped to Nominate Palin Tonight
September 4, 2008, 5:10 P.M. EDT
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will nominate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for vice president tonight, the final night of the Republican National Convention.
Despite Obama, Black Republican Delegates Strongly for McCain
September 4, 2008, 5:04 P.M. EDT
Black Republican delegates met today in Minneapolis to discuss their strategy for reaching or surpassing their goal of 5 percent black support for presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), despite the historic candidacy of Democrat Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), the first black major-party presidential nominee.
Some Bellwether States Losing Their Status
September 4, 2008, 4:53 P.M. EDT
The presidential campaign of Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) has vowed to compete in all 50 states this fall. While he should perform better than Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) in some traditionally Republican states, he’s not going to achieve a Reagan-esque 1984 sweep.
Ensign Isn’t Shaking the Tree This Week
September 4, 2008, 4:42 P.M. EDT
After sending out a memo last week blasting his GOP colleagues for not coughing up enough money, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Ensign (Nev.) has spent little time fundraising during this week’s Republican National Convention.
McCain, Palin to Hit the Road Together
September 4, 2008, 3:15 P.M. EDT
Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the GOP’s White House ticket, plan to get on the road together right after the Republican National Convention wraps up. They will head on Friday to Cedarburg, Wis., for a morning appearance and then on to Sterling Heights, Mich., where they will appear together Friday evening. Both Wisconsin and Michigan are considered crucial swing states in the presidential election.
Kyl: McCain to Preview First Year of Presidency Tonight
September 4, 2008, 1:09 P.M. EDT
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will deliver a nomination acceptance speech tonight that will include a focus on domestic policy, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), a top surrogate for McCain’s campaign, suggested this morning.
Police Arrest 102 After Rage Against the Machine Concert
September 4, 2008, 12:29 P.M. EDT
Police arrested 102 protesters in Minneapolis in the early morning hours on Thursday, bringing the total arrests at the Republican National Convention to 422.
Democrats Begin Palin Counterattack
September 4, 2008, 12:17 P.M. EDT
Democrats are attacking Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on policy but not style after her speech accepting the vice presidential nomination received a rapturous response at the Republican National Convention.
McCain to Wave Reform Banner
September 4, 2008, 12:08 P.M. EDT
Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona will tout his “record of reform” tonight during his acceptance speech before the Republican National Convention — a direct challenge to his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois.
Kilpatrick’s Son Resigning as Detroit Mayor
September 4, 2008, 11:44 A.M. EDT
Embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the son of Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), is resigning Thursday and will admit in court that he lied while under oath at a police whistle-blower trial, according to media reports.
Andrews Jumps Back Into House Race
September 4, 2008, 11:01 A.M. EDT
New Jersey Rep. Robert Andrews (D) announced Thursday morning that he intends to seek the House seat that he previously said he would relinquish at the end of his term.
Democratic Poll Shows Boswell Leading for Lewis Seat
September 4, 2008, 10:36 A.M. EDT
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee released a new poll Wednesday from Kentucky’s 2nd district that showed state Sen. David Boswell (D) with an 8-point lead over state Sen. Brett Guthrie (R) in the race to replace retiring Rep. Ron Lewis (R).
Palin Makes Her Case Before Adoring Crowd
September 4, 2008, 12:14 A.M. EDT
In what arguably has become the marquee event of the Republican National Convention, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin – virtually unknown to most Americans less than a week ago – took the stage Wednesday evening to formally accept her nomination as the Republican candidate for vice president. Her highly anticipated address drew a standing ovation and an eruption of cheers that lasted nearly five minutes.
Ad-Libbing Giuliani Ridicules Obama's Voting Record, Issue Stances
September 3, 2008, 11:05 P.M. EDT
A frenetic crowd greeted former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R), who delivered the most critical assessment of Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) so far this evening.
Huckabee Praises Obama's Climb But Pans His Plans
September 3, 2008, 9:57 P.M. EDT
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) opened his remarks to GOP convention delegates this evening with a quip conceding that he would have rather had the speaking slot reserved for the presidential nomination acceptance speech that will feature Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Romney Pushes Change Theme, Blasts Democrats
September 3, 2008, 9:28 P.M. EDT
Greeted by a crowd on its feet, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) — a major rival of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the GOP primaries — tonight blasted what he called liberal interests controlling federal government while dismissing Democrats’ use of the “change” theme this cycle.
Steele Gets Crowd Going, Says 'Drill Now'
September 3, 2008, 9:16 P.M. EDT
If former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (R) was as well-received by voters in the 2006 Senate race as he was by Republican convention delegates Wednesday evening, he would probably be the junior Senator from his home state rather than the chairman of GOPAC, a Republican organization.
Political Leaders Urge Focus on Sustainable Transportation
September 3, 2008, 9:09 P.M. EDT
Political leaders and experts today debated how best to encourage sustainable transportation with as little disruption to the environment as possible.
Fiorina Vouches for McCain’s ‘Knowledge,’ ‘Guts’
September 3, 2008, 9:03 P.M. EDT
Former Hewlett-Packard Chairwoman and CEO Carly Fiorina used her floor time at the GOP convention tonight to talk about her personal experience with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), repeating throughout her speech the mantra, “I know John McCain.”
“He understands that government's highest calling is to unlock and unleash the determination, creativity and potential of every single American,” she said.
Whitman Urges Women to Vote Republican This Fall
September 3, 2008, 8:58 P.M. EDT
McCain Campaign National co-Chairwoman Meg Whitman, formerly the president and CEO of eBay, offered a personal, feminist appeal to the convention floor Wednesday evening, urging women to vote Republican this November.
Fortuño Addresses Americans in Economic Straits
September 3, 2008, 8:53 P.M. EDT
Luis Fortuño, a Republican who represents Puerto Rico in Congress as its resident commissioner, delivered a short address to convention delegates Wednesday evening laced with populist themes intended to reach voters facing economic difficulties.
Texas Official Knocks Obama’s Readiness for Presidency
September 3, 2008, 8:44 P.M. EDT
In front of an increasingly enthusiastic crowd tonight, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams touted the experience of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) and shot across the bow of his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).
Hometown Senator Makes Most of Speaking Slots
September 3, 2008, 7:49 P.M. EDT
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) got additional face time in front of Republican National Convention delegates Wednesday evening, addressing the Xcel Energy Center gathering for the second night in a row.
Despite Palin, GOP Still Opposes Tax on Oil Companies
September 3, 2008, 6:49 P.M. EDT
One of the biggest maverick feathers in Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R) cap is the plan she pushed through to raise taxes on massively profitable oil companies and give each of Alaska’s residents a $1,200 check. But Congressional Republicans aren’t about to jump on the soak-the-oil-companies bandwagon.
Paul Supporters Can Back McCain
September 3, 2008, 6:46 P.M. EDT
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) said this afternoon he would not object if supporters of his presidential candidacy backed presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.).
Advocacy Group, McCain Aide Tout Importance of Latino Voters
September 3, 2008, 5:38 P.M. EDT
Representatives of a leading Hispanic advocacy group joined an aide to presumptive GOP presidential nominee John McCain (R-Ariz.) Wednesday in emphasizing the importance of Latino voters in this fall’s election.
Convention Daybook: Events for Thursday
September 3, 2008, 4:52 P.M. EDT
The following events will take place in the Twin Cities on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Man Charged With Explosives Possession; RNC Plot Alleged
September 3, 2008, 4:32 P.M. EDT
FBI agents have charged a Michigan man with possession of five Molotov cocktails, allegedly to be used at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn., during the Republican National Convention.
McConnell, Kyl to Address Convention
September 3, 2008, 4:12 P.M. EDT
After being cut from a speaking slot Monday because of the Gulf Coast storms, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is schedule to speak tonight at the GOP convention on behalf of Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Palin Supporters Scold Media
September 3, 2008, 3:38 P.M. EDT
On the same day that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is to take to the stage in St. Paul, Minn., to introduce herself to the nation, Republican women went after the media for its coverage of the GOP vice presidential pick.
Ramstad Raps GOP for Moving Away From the Center
September 3, 2008, 3:17 P.M. EDT
Sounding a discordant note during the Republican National Convention, Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-Minn.) — who is retiring this year after a long career as one of a dwindling band of GOP moderates — criticized his own party Wednesday for moving to an ideological extreme and eschewing bipartisanship.
Latino and Jewish Groups Seek Common Ground
September 3, 2008, 2:26 P.M. EDT
Latino and Jewish groups want to join forces to push legislative issues important to both communities, including immigration reform.
EMILY’s List Poll: Palin Not Attracting Female Voters to GOP Ticket
September 3, 2008, 12:42 P.M. EDT
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) continues to hold a double-digit lead among female voters over presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), even with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin now on the GOP ticket, a new survey by EMILY’s List found.
GOP Runners-Up Appearing Tonight
September 3, 2008, 11:57 A.M. EDT
Tonight could be dubbed “Runner-Up Night” at the Republican National Convention, with defeated presidential primary candidates former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee all slated to give speeches hailing their vanquisher, presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), and slamming his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).
Louisiana Primary Will Be Postponed
September 3, 2008, 10:57 A.M. EDT
A spokesman for the Louisiana secretary of state’s office said Wednesday that the state will not hold its scheduled primaries on Saturday because of devastation from Hurricane Gustav earlier this week.
Reid Pans Lieberman Speech to GOP
September 3, 2008, 9:18 A.M. EDT
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) expressed displeasure with Sen. Joe Lieberman on Tuesday, after the Connecticut Independent Democratic Senator used his speech at the Republican convention to attack Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.).
McCain Replaces Gustav as Convention Star
September 3, 2008, 12:31 A.M. EDT
Day Two of the Republican convention ended in the more traditional fashion of highlighting the GOP nominee rather than watching weather maps of a rampaging Hurricane Gustav.
Lieberman Stumps for McCain
September 2, 2008, 11:53 P.M. EDT
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (ID-Conn.) stepped to the Republican National Convention podium Tuesday evening to make the case for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to independents and Democrats who might cross party lines to vote Republican.
President Bush Hails McCain
September 2, 2008, 10:49 P.M. EDT
President Bush and first lady Laura Bush were the opening act to the main event at the Republican National Convention Tuesday Night.
Bush the Elder Gets Warm Welcome
September 2, 2008, 10:14 P.M. EDT
Former President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, were in the convention hall Tuesday to view a video tribute to the 41st president and what was described as his lifetime of service. His appearance coincided with his son's, President Bush, scheduled to address the Republican convention by video.
Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel
Nov. 16, 12 a.m.
As Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon Johnson once said of the Joint Economic Committee, “It’s as useless as tits on a bull.” But as that panel’s chairman during the 110th Congress, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized the opportunity to elevate the traditionally low-profile post to the forefront of shaping policy. Read Full Article
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