Charles Rangel is the latest politician to be nailed to the cross, after a House panel found that he broke ethics rules when paying for a Caribbean trip.
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I think he wants a more private life. … It’s difficult being a Kennedy. People see the upside, without being aware of the downside.
Patrick Kennedy biographer Darrell M. West • Regarding why Patrick Kennedy might be so willing to give up his congressional seat. Beyond poll-related reasons (Kennedy, who’s been in Congress since his mid-20s, wasn’t doing well), recent family issues had a lot to do with it. He has two cancer-survivor siblings, his mom is an alcoholic and his dad, Ted Kennedy, just died. “There is lot of stuff going on in that family at every level,” he said. Kennedy, at 42, is young enough to enjoy life out of politics. source
We have lots more written up about Obama’s SOTU speech, but we’re saving that for later. Simply put: It was a good speech but we have no clue if it’ll change anything. Here are some more thoughts:
Biggest shot in the arm His reminder to Senate Democrats not to back down after losing their 60th vote in Scott Brown’s surprise Massachusetts win. After a week and a half of crying in locked rooms and saying “woe is me,” it was exactly what was needed.
Biggest disappointment Obama admitted that the three-year partial budget freeze wouldn’t take place until 2011, which drew big boos from many. “It’s the way budgets work,” he claimed. He wasn’t upfront about this in his speech, which was pretty bad form.
Most amusing moments There were two – Obama’s bringing up of the Supreme Court decision on campaign finance reform to utter blankness on the part of the Court, and Michelle Obama’s obvious desire to not be there. You could totally read her face! source
The fact of the matter is that Robert Hurt is the establishment candidate, and it appears that the GOP is doing everything it can to make sure he is the nominee. That’s causing a whole lot of bad blood right now between some of the Tea Party people.
Charlottesville, Va.-based Jefferson Area Tea Party leader Bill Hay • Regarding a House race in his Virginia district which is something of a bellwether to larger problems facing the Republican party. Despite the unpopularity of Democratic Rep. Tom Perriello in his district, tea partiers are pushing for a more conservative candidate than the Republican Party, and it’s leading to difficulty in staying on message. Yo, tea partiers: Your push for conservative candidates is noble, but unrealistic. You’re going to hurt yourselves in November if you push away moderates. For every Scott Brown, there will be a Bill Owens. source
The North Dakota senator was seen as super-vulnerable. The clock is ticking on the Democratic supermajority in the Senate, which promises to have many kinks in its armor come November. With Dorgan’s retirement, the seat will likely flip to the Republican column. Even before this, he was seen as one of the most vulnerable senators. Peace, brah. Loved the three terms. source
