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November 19, 2009

NRCC, NRSC To Nix Dinner

In a move that bucks a 30-year tradition, House and Senate Republican campaign leaders have agreed not to continue their annual joint fundraising dinner next year.

Durbin, Dorgan Writing Senate Jobs Bill

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Democratic Policy Committee Chairman Byron Dorgan (N.D.) have been quietly trying to write a jobs bill that the Senate can act on early next year, underscoring the renewed emphasis Congressional Democrats are putting on the economy as 2009 comes to a close.

Gitmo Still Vexing Democrats

House Republicans continued Wednesday to hammer Democrats over the issue of bringing suspected terrorists from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, onto U.S. soil for trial — and they appear to be making headway.

Heard on the Hill: State of the Art

Sen. Al Franken’s unique skill of drawing an accurate map of the United States from memory is pretty darn impressive, but it looks like the Minnesota Democrat has some emerging competition on the artistic front.

Jefferson to Stay Out of Prison Pending Appeal

Ex-Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.) received a temporary reprieve Wednesday when a federal judge ruled the former lawmaker will not have to begin his 13-year prison term while he appeals his conviction.

TechNet Uploads Ramsey as Its CEO

After a months-long search, TechNet has named Rey Ramsey as its new president and CEO.

D.C. Officials Renew Push for Greater Autonomy

D.C. officials are renewing their push for greater autonomy, pressing Members to pass two bills that would eliminate a Congressional review process they say disrupts the city’s operations and wastes local dollars.

K Street: Daschle Inks Deal With DLA

On the heels of former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) departing the firm, DLA Piper has snagged former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). Daschle joins the firm as a senior policy adviser.

Republicans Won't Back Off Criticism of DHS

Seven months ago, House Republicans decried as offensive a Homeland Security Department report that listed returning war veterans as possible recruits for “right-wing extremists.”

Economy Is Weak, Voters Are Angry — Time for Third Party?

“The mood of America is glum. Two-thirds of the public is dissatisfied with the way things are going in the country” and voters’ anti-incumbent mood is approaching 1994 and 2006 levels, when control of Congress changed hands.

Sarah Palin? Frankly, My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn

If you are planning on reading a column about former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s presidential prospects, you will be deeply disappointed.

Health Reform Must Focus on Quality of Care

America needs a new health care system that provides more choices, lower costs, better care and more coverage — but we must change the way we pay for it. We must focus on the value of care versus the volume of care if we want to control costs and encourage doctors to provide the best care at a price we can afford. I am pleased that the Affordable Health Care for America Act took steps to do just that.

Thanksgiving Filibuster

The latest cartoon from R.J. Matson.

Fiorina Has Much to Prove in California Race

As her Senate campaign finally gears up in earnest, Carly Fiorina has a lot to prove.
That’s the consensus among Republican strategists and political observers in California, who say that despite a rocky few months for the Hewlett-Packard CEO turned GOP Senate candidate, it is too early to tell how strong her bid to unseat Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) will be.

California Delegation Taking Stock of Primary Foes

Newly minted California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina (R) is making the rounds in Washington, D.C., this week, giving members of the Golden State House Republican delegation the chance to size her up as they begin to take sides in her primary against state Assemblyman Chuck DeVore.

Democrats' Words Are Weapons in New Ads

The National Republican Congressional Committee is releasing TV ads today in a trio of districts held by centrist Democrats, using an interesting campaign tactic that may become more common.

Shop Talk: All About Adam

New Jersey-based GOP pollster Adam Geller has joined forces with the Washington, D.C., lobbying firm Clark Lytle & Geduldig to work on projects based in the nation’s capital.

New York: DCCC Adds Owens to 'Frontline' Program

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is adding Rep. Bill Owens (D), the newly elected Congressman from New York’s traditionally Republican 23rd district, to its “Frontline” program for vulnerable incumbents. Owens is the 43rd Democrat added to the program, which is designed to bolster fundraising and outreach and help vulnerable Democrats prepare early on for competitive contests.

Utah: Possible Bennett Foe Has Audience With Club

Attorney Mike Lee (R), who is mulling a primary challenge to Sen. Bob Bennett (R), was making the rounds in Washington, D.C., this week. His visit included a sit-down with the anti-tax group Club for Growth on Wednesday to talk about the race.

Minnesota: Franken Throws His Support Behind Clark

Freshman Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) has lined up behind state Sen. Tarryl Clark (D) in the Democratic primary to take on Rep. Michele Bachmann (R).

Nation: NRSC Outraises DSCC by $300,000 in October

The National Republican Senatorial Committee outraised its partisan counterpart last month by about $300,000, but the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee ended October with roughly twice as much cash in the bank.

Texas: Will Republican Ride Hurd on Rodriguez?

Will Hurd (R), a former CIA officer, is initiating a 2010 campaign against Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D).

Florida: Kosmas Draws Ex-Mayor as Primary Opponent

Former Winter Springs Mayor Paul Partyka will announce this afternoon that he will challenge freshman Rep. Suzanne Kosmas for the Democratic nomination in the 24th district.

Missouri: You GOJO! Emerson Forms New PAC

Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R) has joined most Members in forming a leadership political action committee. The new organization, called the GOJO Political Action Committee, was just organized with the Federal Election Commission and will give Emerson another way to donate to Republican incumbents and candidates.

Connecticut: GOP Wooing Caligiuri to 5th District Race

State Republican leaders are pushing state Sen. Sam Caligiuri (R) to step out of the Senate race and run against Rep. Christopher Murphy (D) — a move the candidate is seriously considering, according to a statement from his campaign.

Alabama: Roby Feted Today by GOP Congresswomen

Montgomery City Councilwoman Martha Roby (R), who the National Republican Congressional Committee has touted as one of its top recruits of the cycle, is making the rounds on Capitol Hill this week and will be feted by a group of GOP Congresswomen at a lunch event this afternoon just off Capitol Hill.

Messengers From the Good Earth

Forget those giant pandas — there’s a new China-themed craze about to take Washington by storm, this one featuring a unit of ancient soldiers.

Small Plates: Celebrate Warriors In Culinary Style

Restaurants around town are celebrating the new Terra-Cotta Warriors exhibit at the National Geographic Museum with specials and themed menus.

Mug Shots: Hotel Bars Serve People-Watching Fun

Whether you’re sipping Champagne at the St. Regis or downing bourbon as you sway to blues at the Four Seasons, there’s something fun about a hotel bar. Drinking a cocktail among tourists and business travelers gives an interesting glimpse into the lives of those who pass through our fair city, and you never know what accent you’ll hear or what power deal you’ll see brokered in a corner.

Fringe Fest Takes on Fall Feeling

This weekend is your last chance to catch three one-person alternative theater pieces in downtown D.C.

Hill Talk: Capitol Hill Bikes To Close, but Seeks New Hill Location

The closing of Capitol Hill Bikes at 709 and 705 Eighth St. SE will mark the end of an era. The shop replaced another bike shop at the same location in May 2000, and customers in a neighborhood where cycling is common have relied on the shop for bikes, accessories and maintenance services.

Photo From the Attic: Turkey in a Box

Two deliverymen lift a large crate containing a turkey and carry it into the White House of President Warren Harding in November 1921. “Foremost among our blessings is the return of peace, and the approach to normal ways again,” Harding wrote in his Thanksgiving proclamation that year, as the country recovered from its involvement in the Great War.