Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | September 17, 2009, 9:02AM

AP: BaucusCare Is Industry's Favorite So Far
The Associated Press reports that the Baucus health care plan appears to be the health insurance industry's favorite proposal so far, with mandates for people to purchase coverage, and no significant competition from the government -- and stocks have gone up since it was announced. However, a spokesman Americans Health Insurance Plans said they still have concerns: "We have some significant concerns, particularly the new taxes that are going to make health insurance less affordable."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold a rally on health insurance reform at 11:40 a.m. ET in College Park, Maryland. At 2:05 p.m. ET, he will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Sgt. First Class Jared C. Monti, whose parents will accept the medal. At 5:15 p.m. ET, Obama will host a viewing of portions of a documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

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Health Care

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 12, 2009, 9:02AM

Dem Talking Points: We Won't Kill Old People
The Hill reports that Senate Democrats have circulated a set of talking points, entitled "Responding to Opponents of Health Insurance Reform." One criticism that Dems are to rebut is, "The government will kill old people because they're too expensive to keep alive," responding that this is "outrageous and absolutely false."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama and the First Lady will host a reception in the East Room at 10:15 a.m. ET, honoring Justice Sonia Sotomayor. At 3:10 p.m. ET, the President and First Lady will host the Medal of Freedom ceremony.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 10, 2009, 8:59AM

Obama Looks To Regain Momentum Over Recess
Roll Call reports that President Obama plans to use the August recess to regain momentum in the health care debate. "It's been confusing for people and there's a lot of misinformation, so the president is going to use August to set the record straight," said an unnamed senior White House official. "He'll be very direct."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama is spending today in Guadalajara, Mexico. He will hold a trilateral meeting at 10 a.m. ET with Mexican President Felipe Calderón and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The three of them will hold a press conference at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will depart from Mexico at 2:15 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 6:35 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 8, 2009, 1:05PM

Obama: "Outlandish Claims" About Health Care Bill Are "Simply Not True"
In this week's YouTube address, President Obama rebutted what he called "outlandish claims" that have been made against his health care plan:

"So, let me explain what reform will mean for you," said Obama. "And let me start by dispelling the outlandish claims that reform will promote euthanasia, cut Medicaid, or bring about a government takeover of health care. That's simply not true. This isn't about putting government in charge of your health insurance; it's about putting you in charge of your health insurance.

Virginia Gubernatorial Race Takes Center Stage In GOP Address
This weekend's Republican address was delivered by Bob McDonnell, the GOP nominee for Governor of Virginia. He delivered a standard conservative message, with a focus on how these issues affect his own state as well as the country at large:

"As I travel throughout Virginia, I listen to our people who are concerned about the jobs they have, worried about finding the jobs they need, and concerned about what jobs will be available for their kids in the years ahead," McDonnell said, later adding: "As Republicans, we believe you create jobs by keeping taxes and regulation low, and litigation at a minimum."

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Supreme Court

Nine Republicans Vote For Sotomayor

Eric Kleefeld | August 6, 2009, 3:28PM

Nine Republicans voted to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, giving her that 68-31 margin.

Here's who they are: Lamar Alexander (TN), Kit Bond (MO), Susan Collins (ME), Lindsey Graham (SC), Judd Gregg (NH), Richard Lugar (IN), Mel Martinez (FL), Olympia Snowe (ME) and George Voinovich (OH).

All 31 other Republicans voted no. All 59 Democrats present voted yes, with Ted Kennedy missing the vote.

Sonia Sotomayor

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 6, 2009, 9:00AM

Sotomayor Set To Be Confirmed Today
The Senate is expected to vote today to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court. Her confirmation is essentially guaranteed, as no Democrats have come out against her, and eight Republicans are now set to vote in favor of the nomination as well.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with members of the Senate Finance Committee at 11:30 a.m. ET. He will meet with Sec. of the Treasury Tim Geithner at 3:15 p.m. ET. He will meet at 4 p.m. ET with John Brennan, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. He will speak at a 6:40 p.m. ET fundraiser in Virginia for state Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor this year, and then speak at a 7:10 p.m. ET rally for Deeds.

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Sonia Sotomayor

GOP Sen. Kit Bond To Vote For Sotomayor

Eric Kleefeld | August 5, 2009, 12:12PM

Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) has announced that he will vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, the Kansas City Star reports.

"Elections do have consequences," said Bond, adding that he's voted in the past for justices with whom he disagreed, and that Sotomayor is well qualified.

Sotomayor currently has seven Republicans set to vote for her: Bond, Mel Martinez (FL), Lindsey Graham (SC), Lamar Alexander (TN), Dick Lugar (IN) Olympia Snowe (ME) and Susan Collins (ME). No Democrat has come out against her.

It's worth pointing that Bond will neither pay any price among the GOP base, nor win over swing voters -- he's retiring in 2010.

Tea Party

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 5, 2009, 8:59AM

DNC Web Ad Blasts Republican "Angry Mobs"
The Democratic National Committee is expanding its public relations push against the Tea Party crowds that are interrupting town hall meetings, with this new Web ad tying the right-wing base to the GOP establishment:

"Now, desperate Republicans and their well funded allies are organizing angry mobs -- just like they did during the election," the announcer says. "Their goal? Destroy President Obama, and stop the change Americans voted for overwhelmingly in November."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will be traveling today to Warakusa, Indiana. He will arrive at South Bend Regional Airport at 11:10 a.m. ET, and will deliver remarks on the economy at Monaco RV in Warakusa at 11:55 a.m. ET. He will depart from South Bend at 1:35 p.m. ET, and will arrive back at the White House at 3:20 p.m. ET.

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Sonia Sotomayor

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 4, 2009, 9:02AM

Senate To Take Up Sotomayor Confirmation
The full Senate is set to begin debating the Sonia Sotomayor nomination today, with a final vote as early as Thursday. Sotomayor is on track to win confirmation by a comfortable margin, with all or nearly all Democrats plus a few Republicans supporting her.

Obama's Birthday Ahead
Today is President Obama's 48th birthday -- but in terms of his schedule, it's a regular work day at the White House. Obama will meet at 11:05 a.m. ET with Dave Rehbein, the National Commander of the American Legion. At 12 p.m. ET, he and Vice President Biden will have lunch with the Senate Democratic Caucus. Obama will meet with Biden at 3:45 p.m. ET, and with Sec. of Defense Robert Gates at 4:30 p.m. ET.

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John McCain

McCain Opposes Sotomayor, Attacks Her As Activist Judge

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 3:26PM

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), who was of course President Obama's Republican rival in the 2008 general election, has announced that he will vote against Sonia Sotomayor, Obama's first nominee to the Supreme Court.

In his floor statement, McCain harshly criticized Sotomayor as an activist judge who does not respect the legislative branch, the written law, or the will of the people -- and who is now trying to hide from that record:

I know of no more profoundly anti-democratic attitude than that expressed by those who want judges to discover and enforce the ever-changing boundaries of a so-called 'living Constitution.' It demonstrates a lack of respect for the popular will that is at fundamental odds with our republican system of government. And regardless of one's success in academics and government service, an individual who does not appreciate the common sense limitations on judicial power in our democratic system of government ultimately lacks a key qualification for a lifetime appointment to the bench.

Though she attempted to walk back from her long public record of judicial activism during her confirmation hearings, Judge Sotomayor cannot change her record.

Ben Nelson

Ben Nelson To Vote For Sotomayor

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 2:05PM

Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) has announced that he will vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, the Lincoln Journal Star reports -- bringing her one of the last conservative Dem holdouts who hadn't yet stated a position.

"The record shows she is not an activist," said Nelson, adding that Sotomayor has "a great respect for the law."

This means that not only is Sotomayor on track for an easy confirmation, but that the National Rifle Association's last-ditch effort to demand that Senators vote against her has fallen flat. Pro-gun Democrats from across the country are voting for her, anyway. Nelson had previously indicated that the NRA's grading would not be a factor: "I'd probably have a good rating regardless."

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 3, 2009, 9:01AM

Two Sides Taking Health Care Debate Outside Washington
The Obama Administration and its opponents will be spending the August recess heavily promoting their sides of the health care debate. "Our job is to help folks understand how this will help them," said David Axelrod. On the other end of the spectrum, Sens. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and John Barrasso (R-WY) will be going on the road with their "Senate Doctors Show," warning against the Democratic plan.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will deliver remarks at 11:05 a.m. ET, on the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. At 12:30 p.m. ET, he will meet with Shaykh Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, and the two of them will be joined by Vice President Biden for lunch at 12:45 p.m. Et. Obama will meet with Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) at 3:30 p.m. ET.

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | August 1, 2009, 1:04PM

Obama: Economic Situation Improving, But More Work Needed
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama said that the latest GDP numbers show that the stimulus bill is working, and that the economy is on the way to recovery -- but there is still work to be done:

"This won't happen overnight. As I've said before, it will take many more months to fully dig ourselves out of a recession - a recession that we've now learned was even deeper than anyone thought," said Obama. "But I'll continue to work every day, and take every step necessary, to make sure that happens. I also want to make sure that we don't return to an economy where our growth is based on inflated profits and maxed-out credit cards - because that doesn't create a lot of jobs. Even as we rescue this economy, we must work to rebuild it stronger than before."

GOP Address: "Republicans Want Health Care Reform That Works"
In this weekend's Republican address, Sen. John Thune (R-SD) warned against a government takeover of health care by the Democrats:

"Republicans want health care reform that works. Reform that brings down costs for families and small businesses, and reform that provides better care to more people," said Thune. "On all these points, the current proposals by the President and the Democrat leadership in Congress fall short. Their plan for government-run health care would disrupt our current system and force millions of Americans who currently enjoy their employer-based coverage into a new health care plan run by government bureaucrats."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 31, 2009, 9:02AM

Beer Summit Goes Down Smoothly, Participants Agree To Have Lunch
The "Beer Summit" of President Obama, Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates and Cambridge Sergeant James Crowley appeared to conclude successfully yesterday -- with the three of them agreeing to meet again for lunch at a later time. Gates gave this very memorable line: "We hit it off right from the beginning. When he's not arresting you, Sergeant Crowley is a really likable guy."

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with business leaders at 12 p.m. ET. He will meet with Vice President Biden and Sec. of State Hillary Clinton at 3:30 p.m. ET. Obama and Biden will host a meeting with member of the Cabinet at 6:15 p.m. ET at Blair House, and they will return to the White House at 10 p.m. ET.

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John Cornyn

Cornyn: Dems "Ought To Be Ashamed" For Using Race In Sotomayor Debates

Eric Kleefeld | July 30, 2009, 9:59AM

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has accused the Democrats of using race as a wedge issue in the Sonia Sotomayor confirmation process -- that is, the Dems have been "giving cover to groups and individuals to nurture racial grievances for political advantage."

Cornyn was responding to statements from Harry Reid and other Democrats, that the GOP's opposition to Sotomayor will hurt them among Latino voters.

"I don't think it influences people's votes, but what it does encourage is a very poisonous -- indeed a very toxic -- tone of destructive politics," said Cornyn. "They ought to be ashamed of themselves."

Of course, this accusation can certainly cut both ways. Remember how the right wing celebrated the New Haven firefighters case?

Health Care

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 30, 2009, 9:01AM

CBS/NYT Poll: Public Conflicted About Health Care
A new CBS/New York Times poll finds the public feeling conflicted about health care reform. On the one hand 66% of adults favor a public options, and 55% say the government should guarantee health coverage for all Americans. On the other hand, 56% are very concerned that businesses would cut jobs if government acts to cover all Americans, and a 45% plurality are very concerned that their own taxes would go up.

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will meet with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, at 3 p.m. ET. He will meet with Treasury Sec. Tim Geithner at 4 p.m. ET, and with Vice President Biden at 4:30 p.m. Then at 6 p.m. ET, he will meet outside the Oval Office with Cambridge Police Sergeant James Crowley and Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr, for that round of beer that was announced last week.

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Health Care

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 29, 2009, 9:02AM

WaPo: Dems Boning Up On Health Care Bill
The Washington Post reports that House Democrats have gone through a five-hour meeting on the health care bill, in which they were briefed on the ins and outs of the 1,000-page bill section by section. "No one's going to say we haven't read the bill," said Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). After a cram session like this, they better ace their finals...

Obama's Day Ahead
President Obama will hold an 11:55 a.m. ET town hall meeting on health care reform in Raleigh, North Carolina. He will depart Raleigh at 2:45 p.m. ET, arriving in Bristol, Tennessee, at 3:40 p.m. ET. At 4:15 p.m. ET, he will hold another town hall on health care reform in Bristol, Virginia, with Kroger Supermarket employees. He will depart from Bristol at 6 p.m. ET, arriving back at the White House at 7:25 p.m. ET.

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FL-SEN

Rubio: "It's Curious" How Crist Came To Oppose Sotomayor

Eric Kleefeld | July 27, 2009, 12:44PM

Former Florida state House Speaker Marco Rubio is having a rough time in his campaign for Senate, in which he's running as an insurgent conservative challenger against moderate Gov. Charlie Crist -- but he's claiming credit for pushing Crist to the right.

Crist recently came out against the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court -- putting himself to the right of retiring GOP Sen. Mel Martinez, the man that Crist and Rubio are aiming to succeed, who supports Sotomayor. Rubio sees this as a sign of Crist reaching out to conservatives.

"A few months ago he appointed a judge to the Florida Supreme Court that is much more liberal than (Sotomayor) is in terms of his views," Rubio said told Bay News 9. "We agree on it, but it's curious how he got there."

Chuck Schumer

Schumer Predicts More GOP Support For Sotomayor After Graham Announcement

Eric Kleefeld | July 22, 2009, 6:48PM

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has released this statement regarding Sen. Lindsey's Graham's (R-SC) announcement that he'll vote to confirm Sonia Sotomayor, with Schumer predicting that more Republican support will be on the way:

"No one questioned Judge Sotomayor more pointedly at the hearings than Senator Graham. For a bellwether vote like him to endorse her suggests that more Republicans should end up supporting her as well."

Health Care

GOP Delay On Sotomayor Could Complicate Health Care

Brian Beutler | July 22, 2009, 2:12PM

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee delayed by one week a scheduled vote on the nomination of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. Prompted by committee Republicans, the delay is a procedural tactic, and a common one--other Judiciary Committee nominees, including Attorney General Eric Holder, and OLC chief-designate Dawn Johnsen, suffered similar obstacles, as have myriad Obama nominees in other committees.

But in a coincidence that will no doubt please health care reform opponents, the delay will almost certainly push a floor debate over Sotomayor's confirmation into August. And if leaders don't postpone recess, that will further imperil Democratic hopes of finishing a bill in the Senate before adjournment.

"We expected that," said Jim Manley, spokesman for Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid. "This is not going to impact our schedule at all."

Planned or not, though, the delay highlights the time crunch Senate Democrats have faced for weeks now. Judiciary Committee ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) is reportedly seeking four days of debate over Sotomayor on the Senate floor. President Bush's Supreme Court nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito faced similar timeframes.

Senate Democrats are currently debating the 2010 Defense Authorization act, while the Finance Committee continues drafting a health care bill. If the Senate finishes work on the defense legislation before health care legislation has been finalized, and before Sotomayor has been reported out of committee, precious days will slip away as progress is made on neither.

Sonia Sotomayor

Sotomayor Vote Delayed Until July 28

Rachel Slajda | July 21, 2009, 11:45AM

The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation to the Supreme Court on July 28, a week from today. The vote was originally scheduled for today, but Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) granted a delay request made by Republicans.

Leahy reportedly said he was disappointed in the stall, but still expects her to be on the bench for the Supreme Court's fall session. Sen. Jeff Sessions, the committee's ranking Republican, said he expects Sotomayor to be confirmed by early August.

In other news, Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has announced she will vote for Sotomayor's confirmation. She is the fourth Republican to do so, after Olympia Snowe, Richard Lugar and Mel Martinez.

Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-20-2009

Brian Beutler | July 20, 2009, 6:26PM

TPMDC's update on the biggest initiatives on Capitol Hill.

• Health Care: The House Energy and Commerce Committee continues marking up the tri-committee health care bill into this evening. Still no word from the Senate Finance Committee, though we're constantly on the lookout for updates. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee is marshaling its resources toward killing the bill.

• Nominations: Tomorrow, the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to decide whether to report Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor out of committee.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 18, 2009, 1:04PM

Obama: Health Care Reform Can't Wait, Must Include Public Option
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama answered his critics on health care -- and said that any plan he signs must include a public option:

"I don't believe that government can or should run health care. But I also don't think insurance companies should have free reign to do as they please," said Obama. "That's why any plan I sign must include an insurance exchange: a one-stop shopping marketplace where you can compare the benefits, cost and track records of a variety of plans - including a public option to increase competition and keep insurance companies honest - and choose what's best for your family."

Kyl: Health Care "Needs To Be Done Right, Rather Than Done Quickly"
In this weekend's Republican YouTube, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) attacked the Democrats' health care proposals:

"But the President and some Democrats insist we must rush this plan through. Why? Because the more Americans know about it, the more they oppose it. Something this important needs to be done right, rather than done quickly," said Kyl. "We know Americans would prefer us to work together to ensure access to affordable quality health care for all. But Americans do not want a government takeover of health care that will jeopardize their current coverage, ration care, and create mountains of new debt and higher taxes."

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Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-16-2009

Brian Beutler | July 16, 2009, 6:39PM

TPMDC's roundup of the biggest initiatives on Capitol Hill.

• Health Care: Three House committees are now holding mark-up hearings on health care legislation. At the Energy and Commerce hearing, seven Blue Dogs gave identical opening statements--which I've placed below the fold--restating their desire for a health care bill that cuts costs, but eschews cost cutting measures. They're countered by House progressives, dozens of whom have silently committed to oppose any health care bill without a public option. And in the Senate, things still just don't seem to be coming together.
• Nominations: Fire fighter Frank Ricci--better known as the thorn in Sonia Sotomayor's side--finally had his moment in the sun. But even Sen. Jeff Sessions is saying she won't be filibustered.

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  PERMALINK | COMMENTS (1) | RECOMMEND RECOMMEND (1)
  Topics: Blue Dogs, Health Care, House of Representatives, Senate, Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court

Jeff Sessions

Sessions to Sotomayor: I Will Not Support A Filibuster Of Your Nomination

Brian Beutler | July 16, 2009, 3:32PM

Earlier today, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made it pretty clear that Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor will not be filibustered.

"I will not support--and I don't think any member of this side will support--a filibuster or any attempt to block a vote on your nomination."

That's even farther than Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was willing to go yesterday. Obviously other senators will do what they'll do, but it seems that, despite all the flame throwing, if Sessions has his way, Sotomayor will be confirmed before the August recess.

Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-15-2009

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 5:59PM

TPMDC's roundup of the biggest initiatives on Capitol Hill.

• Health Care: The Senate HELP Committee passed its health care reform bill on a party line vote this morning. Now all eyes are on the Senate Finance Committee, which, according to Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND), will mark up its bill next week. Then the bills can be merged and debated and, hopefully, voted on. Meanwhile, members of the House Education and Labor Committee offered opening statements in their first mark-up hearing of the House's health care reform draft bill.
• Nominations: Sonia Sotomayor's Supreme Court confirmation hearings continued today. I'm told by reliable sources that she may have been asked to explain the "wise Latina woman" comment that's caused her so much grief, but I've been unable to confirm.
• Nominations: Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) has placed a hold on Robert Perciasepe, who's been nominated to serve as deputy EPA administrator. Voinovich doesn't seem to have any beef with Perciasepe per se--he just wishes the EPA would cough up a Waxman-Markey bill analysis to his liking.
• Studen Loan Reform: House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller has introduced student loan reform legislation. President Obama is pleased: "I applaud Chairman Miller for introducing an education reform bill that will cut giveaways to special interests, invest in our children's future, and save taxpayer's money," he said. "Chairman Miller and I are working to end the wasteful subsidies that are given to banks and private lenders for student loans." You can read the whole statement below the fold. Interestingly, Congress' budget included reconciliation instructions on this issue, so if it meets too much resistance in the Senate, it may have a path around a filibuster.

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Frank Ricci

SJC Changes Ricci Affiliation After Complaints From ConnectiCOSH

Rachel Slajda | July 15, 2009, 3:46PM

The witness list on the Senate Judiciary Committee web site has been changed to identify Frank Ricci as a member of the New Haven Fire Department following a complaint from the organization he claimed to represent.

Two board members of the Connecticut Council for Occupational Safety and Health sent a letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy explaining that Ricci is not, as he states in his bio, the director of fire services for the council. He had been identified as such in official witness lists for Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearings.

"It made it appear as if he was speaking for ConnectiCOSH, which he does not," said Judy Sanger, a board member, in a phone interview this afternoon. Sanger said the board doesn't have a position on Sotomayor's confirmation and has not discussed it.

"We've never talked about it, so it's absurd to be claiming that you're representing the occupational safety and health community. He's not authorized to do it," she said.

"We don't want to be identified with" opposing Sotomayor, she said. "It's not what we're doing here."

Sanger confirmed to us that Ricci is not and has never been an employee of, or spokesperson for, ConnectiCOSH. She said the council has "certainly worked with him over the years," work including firefighter safety initiatives such as getting better rehab after injuries.

"We have no wish to deny the good things he has done," Sanger said, but "he's not speaking for ConnectiCOSH here."

Ricci's lawyer, Karen Torre, did not immediately return a call for comment.

Frank Ricci

Connecticut Council On Occupational Safety: Despite His Claims, We're Not Affiliated With Ricci

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 11:36AM

The Senate may wish to place a moratorium on criticism of New Haven fire fighter cum expert legal witness Frank Ricci. But we sure don't.

On its official witness list, the Senate Judiciary Committee lists Ricci as Director of Fire Services, ConnectiCOSH (Connecticut Council on Occupational Safety and Health). And that's understandable--he boasts as much on his website.

The problem, unfortunately, is that there is no such position.

Seeking to distance themselves from Ricci, ConnectiCOSH has sent a letter to Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) asking him to correct the record. "Mr. Ricci has posted on his website that he is the "Director of Fire Services for ConnectiCOSH" but there is no such position with ConnectiCOSH," writes ConnectiCOSH Co-Chair Steve Schrag.

We have in no way authorized him to testify in relation to this nomination. In fact he does not hold any elected or appointed position with ConnectiCOSH.

Please remove ConnectiCOSH from any association with Mr. Frank Ricci in relation to his testimony before your committee regarding Judge Sonia Sodamayor as his views are his own and do not reflect our organization's position regarding his lawsuit against the city of New Haven and subsequent legal decisions.

You can read the entire letter below the fold. At a glance, I'd say the non-existence of a "Director of Fire Services" position is probably evidence of anti-Ricci discrimination of some sort on the part of ConnectiCOSH, and they should either invent one or expect to be sued.

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John Cornyn

Cornyn to Sotomayor: 'You Will Get An Up Or Down Vote On The Senate Floor'

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 9:54AM

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has taken a softer approach than most of his colleagues to Sonia Sotomayor since President Obama nominated her to the Supreme Court. But now, with her confirmation hearings entering their third day, the high-ranking Republican is saying he'll go to the mat for Sotomayor if Republicans try to filibuster her.

Of course some have been filibustered, they've been denied the opportunity to have an up or down vote on the Senate floor. I told you when we visited in my office, that's not going to happen to you if I have anything to say about it. You will get that up or down vote on the Senate floor.

Cornyn's job, of course, is to make sure vulnerable Republicans don't lose their Senate seats, and that task is complicated when the Republican party is seen as--or is actually--hostile to Hispanics. A filibuster attempt against the first Latina nominated to the Supreme Court would probably be a major headache for him.

Sonia Sotomayor

Committee for Justice: Sotomayor, Like Bill Ayers, Is An Unrepentant Terrorist

Brian Beutler | July 15, 2009, 9:16AM

This hearkens back to some news we brought you as the anti-Sotomayor campaigns were just warming up on the right. Do you remember Curt Levey and the Committee for Justice? Levey's the guy who went on TV and offered up race- and gender-based attacks on Sotomayor, then turned around and expressed shock that other conservatives had gone so far as to call her a racist.

Now his group is running this ad:

In the spot, Sotomayor is compared to conservative bogeyman Bill Ayers, and is alleged to have "led a group supporting violent, Puerto Rican terrorists." Sotomayor was a Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund board member, and from there, I suppose, it's only a hop, skip, and a jump to leading a support group for terrorists. Early last month, Levey said he "underestimated the degree to which a few conservatives would say a few extreme things, and that would be characterized as what all conservatives think." Then his group made this ad.

Sonia Sotomayor

Mitchell: Ricci Case Is Affirmative Action Case Despite Not Being Affirmative Action Case

Brian Beutler | July 14, 2009, 3:39PM

Earlier this afternoon on MSNBC, Andrea Mitchell insisted that the now-infamous Ricci case is an affirmative action case despite the fact that it is nothing of the sort. Watch:

Emphasis mine. "The Ricci case will forever be known as an affirmative action case. She's trying to describe it narrowly, according to the law. But the way it has been interpreted--not legally, but politically--it's an affirmative action case, and she's being tagged with it."

"Narrowly, according to the law" is a strange way of saying "accurately." But in a way this exchange epitomizes a common critique of political media. That there's a factual history of the Ricci case never mattered. Sonia Sotomayor's political critics characterized it as an affirmative action case, and characterized her as somebody smacks down affirmative action challenges because she is a minority. And to the extent that the charges stuck, it was in no small part because people like Andrea Mitchell--people who could have done quite a bit to set the record straight--let that inaccurate characterization stand.

Sonia Sotomayor

Sonia Sotomayor Explains The Many Dangers Of Ninja Nunchucks

Brian Beutler | July 14, 2009, 12:43PM

I suppose Republicans worry that there's a slippery slope between "they're taking our nunchucks!" and "they're taking our guns!" Or something.

Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-13-2009

Brian Beutler | July 13, 2009, 5:31PM

TPMDC's round up of the biggest initiatives on Capitol Hill:

• Health Care: House leaders delayed the release of their health care legislation for yet another day as they paper over differences with more conservative members of the Democratic party. Meanwhile, with President Obama back from abroad, the White House is wading in to the debate on the Hill like never before.
• Nominations: Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the first day of her week-long confirmation hearing. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) said her nomination could send the court down a "dangerous path". And Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) lashed out at those who would dare criticize one of the New Haven firefighter's who's been recruited to testify against her. Read TPM's live blog of the hearings, where Andrew Pincus is cataloging and analyzing just about every key moment.


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Topics: Health Care, House of Representatives, Senate, Senate Judiciary Committee, Sonia Sotomayor, Supreme Court

John McCain

TPMDC Sunday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 12, 2009, 1:20PM

Palin Plans To Stay Involved In Politics
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) told the Washington Times that she'll be staying involved in politics: "I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation." She did not rule out a presidential campaign in the future. "I'm not ruling out anything - it is the way I have lived my life from the youngest age," she said. "Let me peek out there and see if there's an open door somewhere. And if there's even a little crack of light, I'll hope to plow through it."

McCain: Palin Will Continue To Be A Major Factor
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was asked about Sarah Palin's resignation. "Obviously I was a bit surprised, but I wasn't shocked," said McCain. "I love and respect her and her family, I'm grateful that she agreed to run with me." He added: "I'm confident that she will be a major factor in the national scene and in Alaska as well."

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Barack Obama

TPMDC Saturday Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 11, 2009, 1:22PM

Obama: Stimulus Designed To Work Over Two Years -- Not Four Months
In this weekend's YouTube address, President Obama answered stimulus opponents who say that it has not restored the economy -- as well as those who say it didn't go far enough -- by saying that it has saved the economy from greater disaster, and calling for patience:

"But, as I made clear at the time it was passed, the Recovery Act was not designed to work in four months - it was designed to work over two years," said Obama. "We also knew that it would take some time for the money to get out the door, because we are committed to spending it in a way that is effective and transparent. Crucially, this is a plan that will also accelerate greatly throughout the summer and the fall. We must let it work the way it's supposed to, with the understanding that in any recession, unemployment tends to recover more slowly than other measures of economic activity."

Cantor: "This is now President Obama's Economy"
In this weekend's Republican address, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) blasted President Obama and Congressional Democrats for producing a stimulus program that he said has failed to create jobs:

"In fact, they said that unemployment would stay under eight percent. Yet just months later, they are telling us to brace for unemployment to climb over ten percent," said Cantor. "They promised jobs created. Now they scramble to find a way to play games with government numbers by claiming jobs saved. Simply put, this is now President Obama's economy and the American people are beginning to question whether his policies are working."

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Supreme Court

New Haven Firefighter Originally Hired By Claiming Discrimination

Brian Beutler | July 10, 2009, 1:26PM

Deserved or not, the biggest political thorn in Sonia Sotomayor's side has been one Frank Ricci of New Haven, CT. Ricci is a firefighter who sued the city claiming reverse discrimination in 2003 after officials there discarded the results of a firefighter's promotion test after the test was revealed to have a disparate impact on blacks and Hispanics.

But flash back, if you will, to January 25, 1995, when, according to the Hartford Courant Ricci was singing the opposite tune: "A decorated firefighter has filed a lawsuit against the city, saying he was not hired because he is dyslexic."

The lawsuit, filed recently in federal court, could shed light on the selection process used by the city, which has been beset with criticism over politics and nepotism.

Frank Ricci charges in the lawsuit that the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

Ricci, a Wallingford native who now lives in Maryland, was one of 795 candidates who were interviewed for 40 openings. Ricci told interviewers that he has a learning disability, the lawsuit says.

Fire commissioners have said that although Ricci was qualified, many others also were qualified because they passed the Civil Service examination.

Two years later, that case was resolved. "In a confidential settlement, struck two years later, Mr. Ricci withdrew his lawsuit in exchange for a job with the fire department and $11,143 in attorney's fees."

If you were Frank Ricci, you might say something like, "Frank Ricci got a job and somebody who wasn't dyslexic didn't." Remember, this is the same Frank Ricci who took his reverse discrimination suit all the way to the Supreme Court, where lower court rulings against him--including one by Sotomayor's Second Circuit--were overturned.

Ricci will testify against Sotomayor before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week--this despite the fact that his views on jurisprudence seem to begin and end with the proposition that legal protections against discrimination are great when they work in his favor, and unconscionable when they don't.

Barack Obama

TPMDC Morning Roundup

Eric Kleefeld | July 10, 2009, 9:02AM

Obama: "Full Recovery Is Still A Ways Off"
During his press conference this morning, President Obama said the world seems to have avoided a total economic collapse, but that "full recovery is still a ways off." With the end of the G-8 Summit, Obama said leaders have agreed on significant measures for the economy, the environment and national security, with a "widespread consensus we must continue our work to restore economic growth and restore our financial regulatory systems."

Obama's Day: Meeting With The Pope
President Obama attended a working breakfast with G-8 and African leaders, at 2:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. local time). At 4:30 a.m. ET, he attended a meeting with G-8 and African leaders, and then at 6:35 a.m. ET he met with South African President Jacob Zuma. He held a press conference at 8 a.m. ET. At 10 a.m. ET, he will meet with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone at the Vatican, and then at 10:15 a.m. he will have a bilateral meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. The First Family will have an audience with the Pope at 10:40 a.m. ET. At 12 p.m. ET, Obama will leave Rome for Accra, Ghana, arriving there at 4:20 p.m. ET.

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Health Care

The Mark-Up, 07-09-2009

Brian Beutler | July 9, 2009, 6:00PM

TPMDC's update on the biggest legislative initiatives on the Hill:

• Health Care: The marathon mark-up of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee's health care reform bill continued. Meanwhile, with the idea of capping the health insurance tax exclusion now on ice, a Finance Committee staffer unveiled some of the other funding schemes the panel is considering.
• Climate Change: Looks like the Senate action on climate change legislation has been pushed back to September.
• Nominations: The Senate Judiciary Committee released the witness list for Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing. The hearing will begin on Monday, stretching on for days. And the GOP has invited a few doozies to testify.

Supreme Court

Anti-Sotomayor Witness: A Vote For Sotomayor Is A Vote Against Regulating Abortion

Brian Beutler | July 9, 2009, 4:21PM

Either the pickings were slim, or Republicans didn't use much imagination when they selected witnesses to testify against Sonia Sotomayor at her confirmation hearing next week. They invited the legal experts New Haven firefighters, and they invited a Bush appointee who warned of Arab internment, and, it seems, they invited someone who wouldn't have been happy with any pro-choice nominee of any stripe.

"For all the President's talk of finding 'common ground,' this appointment completely contradicts that hollow promise," said Charmaine Yoest, president and CEO of Americans United for Life, when Obama announced his first Supreme Court pick.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor's judicial philosophy undermines common ground. She is a radical pick that divides America. She believes the role of the Court is to set policy which is exactly the philosophy that led to the Supreme Court turning into the National Abortion Control Board denying the American people to right to be heard on this critical issue....

A vote to confirm Judge Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court Justice is a vote to strip Americans of the ability to choose for themselves how to regulate abortion.

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