Eric Kleefeld July 20, 2010, 8:56 AM

Dems To Vote On Jobless Benefits With WV’s Goodwin Sworn In
Senate Democrats are set to vote on an extension of unemployment benefits today, following the swearing-in of Sen.-designate Carte Goodwin (D-WV). The Associated Press reports: “Democrats have stripped the unemployment insurance measure down to the bare essentials for Tuesday’s vote, which is a do-over of a tally taken late last month. With West Virginia Democrat Carte Goodwin poised to claim the seat of the late Robert Byrd, two Republicans will be needed to vault the measure over the filibuster hurdle. Maine GOP moderates Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins are expected to provide the key votes to create a filibuster-breaking tally on a key procedural test.”

Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:45 a.m. ET, and meet at 10:15 a.m. ET with senior advisers. At 11 a.m. ET, he will hold a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron. He will host a working lunch at 12:20 p.m. ET with Prime Minister Cameron and Vice President Biden. Obama and Cameron will hold a joint press conference at 2 p.m. ET.

Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden had breakfast at 8 a.m. ET with British Prime Minister David Cameron, at the British Embassy. At 10:45 a.m. ET, he will hold a Middle Class Task Force event on solutions for families balancing the dual demands of work and caring for family. He will attend a working lunch at 12:20 p.m. ET with President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron. At 2:15 p.m. ET, he will swear in Sen.-designate Carte Goodwin (D-WV) at the Capitol.

GOP Leery Of Tea Party Caucus
Politico reports: “With the official formation of a congressional Tea Party Caucus, Rep. Michele Bachmann has thrust an existential question before House Republican leaders: Are you in or are you out?…Until now, they have had the luxury of enjoying the benefits of tea party enthusiasm without having to actually declare membership. But now that Bachmann has brought the tea party inside the Capitol, House Republican leaders and rank-and-file members may have to choose whether to join the institutionalized movement.”

GOP Immigration Position Likely To Alienate Latinos, Obama Officials Say
The Washington Post reports: “President Obama and his political aides privately acknowledge that the government’s decision to sue Arizona over its new immigration law is helping to fuel an anti-immigration fervor that could benefit some Republicans in elections this fall. But White House officials have concluded that, over the long term, the Republicans’ get-tough message is a major political miscalculation. They predict it will ultimately alienate millions of Latinos, the fastest-growing minority group in the nation.”

Committee Vote Today On Kagan Court Nomination
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote today on the Supreme Court nomination of Elena Kagan, with the Democratic-dominated committee expected to support her. The Associated Press reports: “So far, no Democrat has announced opposition to Kagan and no Republican has announced support. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is considered the most likely Republican on the Judiciary panel to vote for Kagan’s confirmation.”

Democratic Gavel Races Heat Up
Roll Call reports: “It’s unclear whether House Democrats will even retain the majority next Congress, but that isn’t stopping a few Members from jockeying for two of the most coveted committee gavels. Rep. Richard Neal (Mass.) is making an early play to lead the Ways and Means Committee next year, while Rep. Chaka Fattah (Pa.) is hoping to leapfrog a number of colleagues to take over the Appropriations panel. And both lawmakers are hoping to win support for their respective bids by unloading cash on Democratic incumbents and party committees.”

2010 elections, Arizona, Barack Obama, David Cameron, Elena Kagan, Immigration, Joe Biden, Michele Bachmann, Roundup, Supreme Court, Supreme Court vacancy, Tea Party, Tea Party Caucus