Robert Menendez

Dems: If Corporate Donations Are Free Speech, Let Shareholders Speak Too

Igor Bobic | July 13, 2011, 3:45PM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Congressional Democrats introduced a bill today that would take some of the sting out of last year's controversial Citizens United decision by empowering shareholders to weigh in before a corporation makes any political contribution.

The Shareholder Protection Act is a last ditch-effort by Democrats to stem the tide of unlimited political expenditures that corporations will surely use to influence the 2012 election, and one wisely crafted on the conservative premise that shareholders' wallets ought to have the same level of free speech protection as the corporations they helped create.

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'Obama's Wars'

As Obama Mulls Afghan Drawdown, War Weariness Grows On Capitol Hill

Susan Crabtree | June 8, 2011, 3:44PM

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)

With President Obama's July deadline for withdrawing some troops in Afghanistan just weeks away, the future of the U.S. commitment to the nearly 10-year war has been a hot topic on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in recent weeks.

Concern over the nation's budget woes have taken center stage in Washington, and with few tangible signs of progress in Afghanistan, members of Congress are increasingly expressing deep skepticism about maintaining U.S. nation-building efforts there.

The most notable aspect of Wednesday's Senate Foreign Relations hearing on the nomination of Ryan Crocker to be ambassador to Afghanistan, was the absence of voices supporting an ongoing robust U.S. presence there.

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Gas Prices

Democrats Call Oil Execs On The Carpet For Tax Breaks

Susan Crabtree | May 12, 2011, 6:34AM

The stark differences between Democrats and Republicans on the oil industry and rising gas prices are on vivid display in Congress this week, as Democrats continue to demand an end to tax subsidies for the big-five oil giants while House Republicans pushed through a bill to expand offshore oil drilling.

A group of Senate Democrats gathered at an ExxonMobil station a stone's throw from the Capitol to call on the top five oil producers to voluntarily swear off $25 billion in industry incentives and tax breaks over the next decade.

Against the backdrop of a sign displaying $4.29 for regular unleaded, Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY), Bob Menendez (NJ) and Debbie Stabenow (MI), said oil companies have made a record $125 billion profit, and in tough budgetary times, don't need the tax breaks in order to create incentives for more oil and gas exploration.

"It's time for the big oil companies to give up the subsidies and pay their fair share of the deficit reduction," Menendez said.

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Health Care

Dems Plan Last-Ditch Effort To Protect Health Law From Latest GOP Attack

Brian Beutler | March 29, 2011, 11:24AM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Republicans are poised to undermine one portion of the health care reform law without much of a fight -- and with the help of some Democrats -- unless Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) gets his way.

Menendez is undertaking a last-ditch effort to prevent the GOP from clawing back billions of dollars in subsidies to middle class insurance consumers, provided under the health care reform law.

Several weeks ago, it looked like the GOP would get its way. The official purpose was to use that money to repeal a tax-reporting requirement for businesses, also in the law. That so-called "1099 provision" raises money but also the ire of the business community.

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Health Care

In Letter To Cantor, Schumer, Menendez Demand Answer To Key Repeal Question

Brian Beutler | January 24, 2011, 8:30AM

Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

As promised, Senate Democrats aren't going to take the GOP's health care repeal push lying down.

In a letter delivered to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor Sunday, Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) demand an answer to a question now at the center of the Republican party's top legislative priority: Will repealing the health care law force seniors to reimburse the government for the $250 check they received in 2010 to help them pay for prescription drugs?

"We are particularly concerned that repeal would reverse the course of making prescription drugs more affordable for seniors," Schumer and Menendez write. "The [repeal] legislation approved by the House could require seniors to repay the government."

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Robert Menendez

Menendez On GOP Tax Cut Posture: 'Do You Negotiate With Terrorists?'

Brian Beutler | December 3, 2010, 2:22PM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

At a press conference this afternoon with several Senators calling out Republicans for blocking middle-class tax cuts, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) escalated the Dem rhetoric by comparing the GOP's my-way-or-the-highway posture to the demands of terrorists.

Responding to a reporter pressing Dems to explain why the haven't put forth a compromise that can pass the Senate, Menendez said a quickly negotiated solution might not be in the best interest of the nation.

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Robert Menendez

Menendez: Temporary Extension Of Bush Tax Cuts Possible

Brian Beutler | October 31, 2010, 10:53AM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Appearing with his Republican counterpart this morning on ABC's this week, DSCC chairman Robert Menendez floated the idea of temporarily extending the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

"I certainly believe that there may be some opportunity for a temporary approval of some of these cuts, Menendez said. "We well not support...a permanent extension, four trillion dollars."

Congress will have to address the expiring Bush tax cuts during the coming lame-duck session or else all of them will lapse, including on the middle class.

Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | October 1, 2010, 5:37PM

KY Sen. candidates Rand Paul (R) and Jack Conway (D)

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: A town hall on Islam in America, featuring Franklin Graham, Daisy Khan, and others.

• CBS, Face The Nation: Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), former Gore presidential campaign manager Donna Brazile, former George W. Bush aide Ed Gillespie, Pakistan ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani.

• Fox News Sunday: Kentucky Senate candidates Rand Paul (R) and Jack Conway (D).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Will not air, due to NBC's coverage of the Ryder Cup.

Immigration

Democrats To Thrust Immigration Back Into Spotlight

Christina Bellantoni | September 17, 2010, 8:53AM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) in the coming weeks will introduce a new comprehensive immigration reform bill that will include a pathway to citizenship, reviving a debate that could help Democrats in the short-term but could also be as brutal as it's been in years past. President Obama is framing the issue to the crucial Latino voting bloc as one party is with them, and the other is against them.

Menendez's bill is based on the bipartisan framework developed by Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), according to a plan revealed last night as the White House released some details of President Obama's private huddle with Menendez, Rep. Nydia Velazquez and Rep. Luis Gutierrez.

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Financial Reform

Signs Point To Tough Haul For A Potential Elizabeth Warren Nomination

Brian Beutler | July 21, 2010, 8:56AM

Elizabeth Warren, Chairman of the Congressional Oversight Panel for TARP

Progressive pressure on President Obama to appoint Elizabeth Warren to head a soon-to-be-created consumer financial protection bureau has reached a fever pitch. But in a troubling sign for her supporters, the White House is remaining mum, and key senators aren't rallying to her defense. In some cases quite the opposite.

"Elizabeth can be a terrific nominee but the question is, is she confirmable? And there is a serious question about that," said Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd during an interview on NPR Monday.

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | July 16, 2010, 3:22PM

Vice President Joe Biden

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Vice President Joe Biden.

• CBS, Face The Nation: Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM), former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD).

• Fox News Sunday: House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), House Republican Conference Chair Mike Pence (R-IN).

• NBC, Meet The Press: National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (R-TX), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), National Republican Congressman Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-IN), Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | June 25, 2010, 2:08PM

Senators Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL)

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: CIA Director Leon Panetta.

• CBS, Face The Nation: Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX).

• Fox News Sunday: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), former Gov. Mike Huckabee (R-AR).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

BP

Would The GOP Plan To Hold BP Accountable Actually Work?

Brian Beutler | June 14, 2010, 11:12AM

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) and Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)

The Republican plan to stick BP with the full cost of the Gulf oil spill lacks the teeth to actually make BP pay for the damages caused by the worst spill in U.S. history, according to Democrats and experts on offshore drilling law who spoke with TPM.

Until House Minority Leader John Boehner went on the record this weekend in support of lifting the $75 million cap on BP's liability for damages caused by the catastrophe, he and his party for weeks had opposed Democratic efforts to retroactively and permanently lift that cap so that BP ponies up for this spill and so that damages from future spills are the full responsibility of the oil companies that cause them.

Last week, as controversy over the GOP's position on BP raged, Boehner's office suggested to me that a better way to hold the oil giant accountable for the current spill would be to pass legislation sponsored by Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) who proposes lifting the cap on BP, but leaving the $75 million cap in place -- punting for now on the question of what to do about future spills.

The big problem: Democrats and experts say it won't work.

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John Boehner

Boehner Says BP On Hook For All Oil Spill Costs

Brian Beutler | June 10, 2010, 6:50PM

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) And House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH)

House Minority Leader John Boehner fully broke ranks with the Chamber of Commerce today by accepting that under no circumstances should taxpayers be on the hook for any clean up costs or damages resulting from the Gulf oil spill.

"No taxpayer money for cleanup or damages -- period. BP pays," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel tells the Washington Post.

It's an uncomfortable departure for Boehner who got hammered all day, after he appeared to agree with Chamber President Tom Donohue that the government should pitch in to pay those costs. But it remains unclear how or when Boehner proposes to force BP to cover damages.

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Recall

NJ Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Attempted Menendez Recall

Eric Kleefeld | May 25, 2010, 6:50PM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

The New Jersey Supreme Court today heard arguments on a Tea Party-led campaign to recall Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez -- an effort that has little chance of ultimate legal success, but sure provides for a fun civics lesson.

Menendez attorney Marc Elias argued that this case is very simple and straightforward -- that federal recalls are not allowed under the Constitution: "The committee has asked this court to ignore the Constitution's plain text, a century of US Supreme Court precedent, the overwhelming consensus of legal scholars and executive branch officials around the country, and the opinion of the attorney general of this state."

The recall committee was represented by Andrew Schlafly, a conservative activist, son of Phyllis Schlafly, and founder of the right-wing Conservapedia website. Interestingly, Schlafly took a broad and expansive -- dare we say, activist -- view of the Constitution allowing for rights that are not expressly enumerated, which he said would include the ability to recall a Senator. "There are many rights of the people that are not in the Constitution," Schlafly said. "There's no freedom of association in the U.S. Constitution -- it's a very important right."

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | May 21, 2010, 4:05PM

Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA)

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.

• CBS, Face The Nation: White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA), Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), BP managing director Bob Dudley.

• Fox News Sunday: Former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.

• NBC, Meet The Press: Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA), Senate nominee Rand Paul (R-KY), National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (R-TX), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

Late Update: Rand Paul has canceled his Meet The Press appearance, citing exhaustion.

2010 elections

Dems Will Frame Senate Candidates As Washington Outsiders

Christina Bellantoni | May 20, 2010, 9:56AM

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. Bob Menendez told me in a brief interview that his takeaway from Tuesday's elections is that Democrats are the ones willing to shake things up in Washington, and that's a message you can expect to hear from candidates in the coming months. In the battle for control of Congress, Democrats see improved chances, in part by the choices voters made in Tuesday's primaries.

Menendez (D-NJ) boasted that in all three states which held elections Tuesday, Democrats outnumbered Republican voters, calling it "hooey" that GOPers think they have the intensity on their side this fall.

Menendez also said that Rep. Joe Sestak will be a great general election candidate against former Rep. Pat Toomey (R) in Pennsylvania. He said since Toomey is a former derivatives trader who voted for George W. Bush's agenda Sestak will have no trouble reminding voters he's the one who can shakeup Washington, especially after having challenged his own party establishment in a primary. "I'll take that contrast," Menendez told me.

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Recall

New Jersey Attorney General Not Appealing To Stop Tea Party Recall Effort Against Menendez

Eric Kleefeld | April 27, 2010, 3:25PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

The New Jersey Attorney General's office is no longer seeking to legally stop a Tea Party-backed effort to recall Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez -- a move that the Tea Partiers are taking as an endorsement of their views.

Back in March, an appeals court declined to block efforts by a group called Recall NJ to gather signatures to recall Menendez, but simultaneously stayed its own ruling pending appeal by Menendez and/or the state, both of which had argued that a recall was unconstitutional. (The group needed certification from the Secretary of State in order to even begin gathering signatures.) The court did not specifically rule on the constitutional of a federal recall, but instead said that this issue would not have to be tested at all if the group could not gather the required 1.3 million signatures statewide -- which is nearly as many people as voted for John McCain in New Jersey in 2008.

State Attorney General Paula T. Dow, a Democrat appointed by Republican Gov. Chris Christie, noted that position in a letter to the state Supreme Court late last week. "While the State's position on federal constitutionality remains the same, as articulated in the brief filed below," Dow writes, "it is mindful that the Appellate Division correctly pointed out that a condition precedent to any recall election - obtaining the signatures of approximately 1.3 million registered voters within 320 days - may never come to pass." Dow later added: "The State will not seek to overturn this exercise of judicial prudence and restraint."

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | April 23, 2010, 3:29PM

Austan Goolsbee, Chief Economist on the Economic Recovery Advisory Board

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: White House Economic Adviser Austan Goolsbee, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN).

• CBS, Face The Nation: National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers.

• CNN, State Of The Union: Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ).

• Fox News Sunday: National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform Co-Chairs Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles.

• NBC, Meet The Press: Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL).

Recall

Poll: Menendez Recall Effort Has a Way To Go (If It Can Even Start)

Eric Kleefeld | April 16, 2010, 1:41PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

A new Rasmussen poll finds that the Tea Party-backed effort to recall Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) would have a tough road to success -- and that's even if it survives the current court challenges against it.

The poll asked: "If an election were held today to recall Senator Menendez from office would you vote to recall him or to let him continue serving as a United States senator?" The answer is recall 39%, continue serving 34%, and 27% undecided. Menendez has an approval rating of 45%, with a matching 45% disapproval -- not the sort of mega-unpopular, Gray Davis territory that could lead to a successful recall.

Also bear in mind that this poll result is a long way from even holding a recall election. The effort to gather signatures for a recall must still withstand litigation at the state Supreme Court and perhaps even the United States Supreme Court, on whether members of Congress can be recalled in the first place. And if it is found to be legal, its supporters would then have to gather 1.3 million signatures -- nearly as many people as the 1.6 million who voted for John McCain in New Jersey for the high-turnout 2008 election.

Robert Menendez

Tea Party Group Soldiers On With Menendez Recall Effort Despite Legal Hurdles

Eric Kleefeld | April 7, 2010, 11:41AM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Can the Tea Partiers in New Jersey actually recall Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez from office, over his support for the health care bill? Members of Congress cannot be recalled, because the United States Constitution establishes the qualifications and term in office for representatives and senators.

But that's not stopping Recall NJ from trying to unseat Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat who supported health reform. So why are they taking on this uphill battle, which is currently being litigated through New Jersey's court system? What if it all comes to nothing and they lose, we asked?

"The message that is being sent, win or lose, is that public servants, you are on notice, we want accountability at the highest levels of government and the lowest levels of government," said Recall NJ spokesman James Bridge, a high school teacher and Tea Party activist. "And you can never forget we are the ones who send you to Washington, or Trenton, or your county office. And you can never forget us. We will not let you forget us."

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Robert Menendez

New Jersey Court: Recall Against Sen. Menendez Can Go Forward (Maybe)

Eric Kleefeld | March 16, 2010, 10:52AM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

A New Jersey appeals court just threw a real curveball to Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), handing down a ruling that a Tea Party-led recall effort against him can go forward -- or at least it can go forward if this decision isn't reversed on appeal.

The court stayed its own decision, pending an expected appeal by Menendez, so the recall effort cannot actually go forward as of yet. Menendez's lawyer Marc Elias -- perhaps best known for having been Sen. Al Franken's (D-MN) lead attorney during the Minnesota recount and election contest -- argues that the United States Constitution does not allow the recall of a federal lawmaker.

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | February 26, 2010, 4:03PM

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN).

• CBS, Face The Nation: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

• Fox News Sunday: Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

Public Option

No. 20: Menendez Signs Public Option Letter

Rachel Slajda | February 22, 2010, 8:55AM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

The chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), has signed the letter urging leadership to pass a public option via reconciliation. He is the 20th senator to do so.

The letter also gained the backing of former DNC Chair Howard Dean's group, Democracy for America. In a fund-raising email to supporters, Dean praises the letter as a renewed, serious push for the public option.

"We're back on offense with the momentum on our side," he wrote.

The letter, written by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), also has 119 signatures from House members.

Passing a measure by reconciliation would require 50 votes.

2010 elections

After Mass. Loss, DSCC Launches 'Forensic Examination' Of 2010 Field

Christina Bellantoni | January 20, 2010, 12:37PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is scouring each Senate race with a "forensic examination" of each campaign and candidate in the aftermath of the party's stunning loss last night in Massachusetts.

DSCC Chairman Sen. Robert Menendez told TPMDC in an interview today that Democrats running for and defending Senate seats can't afford to cede the "change" mantle.

The DSCC is immediately assessing each battle from New Hampshire to Colorado to make sure those campaigns are "calibrated to the volatility of this electorate," Menendez said.

"We've got to conduct a forensic examination of each of our campaigns and candidates," he said

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DSCC

Dems Raise Money Off GOP Threat To Repeal Health Care

Brian Beutler | December 31, 2009, 9:43AM

Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and President Obama

In the past week, Democrats and Democratic strategists have tried to publicly box in Republicans on the question of whether they will do the bidding of their right wing base, and try to repeal health care reform if voters send them back to power. But in a sign that Democrats think they've hit a sweet spot, they've begun using the threat of "repealism" as a fundraising tool.

"[T]he GOP is so desperate to stop our progress, before that [health care] vote Republican Senator Tom Coburn literally called on supporters to pray for some Democratic Senator not to be able to make it to the Capitol for the vote," reads an email from Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), sent to a large list in the middle of last week. "And already, Newt Gingrich proclaimed, 'When we get a majority, we're repealing the whole thing.'"

"We can't let them do this," the letter goes on. "We need to not only keep the gains we've made, but expand them."

Kendrick Meek in Florida, Paul Hodes in New Hampshire, and Lee Fisher in Ohio all stood with us in 2004, and they are fighting for us now. They all supported a strong public option in the health care fight, and all stand up for real clean energy reform.

And they're all running in seats currently held by Republicans. Just imagine the change that will bring to the Senate, replacing three Republicans with three great progressives.

Apparently the drive is proving successful.

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Sunday Shows

The Sunday Show Line-Ups

Eric Kleefeld | November 6, 2009, 2:18PM

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and RNC Chairman Michael Steele

Here are the line-ups for the Sunday talk shows this weekend:

• ABC, This Week: RNC chairman Michael Steele, DNC chairman Tim Kaine

• CBS, Face The Nation: Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX), Republican political consultant Ed Rollins, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ).

• CNN, State Of The Union: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R-VA).

• Fox News Sunday: Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R-VA), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), former New York Times reporter Jayson Blair, Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT).

• NBC, Meet The Press: Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA).

NJ-GOV

Menendez Uses Bush Against Christie On Election Day

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 12:28PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

At a get-out-the-vote rally today in New Jersey, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) continued to use the legacy of the unpopular George W. Bush as a cudgel against Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie.

Menendez asked the crowd: "Are you going to vote for a Bush pioneer who will try to implement the same policies that led us into the worst economy since the Great Depression?"

Christie served as a U.S. Attorney in the Bush administration, and before that had raised money for the Bush 2000 campaign.

DSCC

DSCC Outraises NRSC For The Third Time In Row

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 16, 2009, 3:01PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

The national campaign arm for Senate Democrats outraised its GOP counterpart for the third straight quarter, according to figures released by the DSCC today.

The Democratic group raised $10.2 million in the latest quarter. During the same time, the NRSC raised $8.6 million. And at the quarter's end, the DSCC had $10.3 million cash on hand to the NRSC's $5.2 million.

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Health Care

Key Senators Say Dem Leadership Entertaining Idea Of Weak Public Option

Brian Beutler | October 7, 2009, 12:46PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

In recent days, Senate Democratic leadership, and even the White House have been sounding a bit more bullish on the public option than they had in recent weeks. Majority Leader Harry Reid even went so far as to say that 'some kind' of public option will be in the Senate bill at the end of the day. But just how great a range of ideas is under discussion at this point?

In a press conference this morning with other Democratic senators, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) -- member of the Senate Finance Committee and a supporter of a robust public option -- says it's a "broad definition."

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Robert Menendez

Menendez: Dems Are Going To Get Health Care Done

Eric Kleefeld | September 8, 2009, 4:45PM

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

On a conference call just now with Democratic supporters, DSCC chairman Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) sought to paint an optimistic but cautious outlook for 2010 -- and also dealt with some skepticism from the base over health care.

Menendez said how the president's party has almost always lost seats in the mid-term elections, but that Dems have a good set of candidates and will have real accomplishments to run on in key races in 2010.

He then took questions that had been submitted by e-mail, and got a tough one: Why should the e-mailer continue to help Democrats, if they can't get health care done?

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