Massachusetts: Tsongas Breaks With Colleagues, Backs AG

By Emily Cadei
Roll Call Staff

Oct. 29, 2009, 12 a.m.

Rep. Niki Tsongas (D) broke ranks with the men in her House delegation, endorsing state Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) in the special Senate election Wednesday. Tsongas, who herself went to Congress via a special election, touted Coakley’s record as attorney general and service to the state. In backing the attorney general, Tsongas passed over her House colleague, six-term Rep. Mike Capuano, who is one of three men running against Coakley in the Dec. 8 Democratic primary. Four other Massachusetts Democratic House Members have endorsed Capuano: Reps. Jim McGovern, Barney Frank, John Tierney and Stephen Lynch.

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