Dallas Morning News: Democrats Itch To See Texas Gov. Rick Perry In White House Hunt
On August 2, 2011, the Dallas Morning News reported:
Democratic operatives outside Austin are also scouring Perry’s record. Last week, American Bridge 21st Century — a liberal PAC formed to raise and spend unlimited money in the 2012 elections — flagged a new report that Texas had 86 mass layoffs in June, up from 50 in May, with a substantial uptick in initial jobless claims. “Rick Perry is the flavor of month” in a “weak, uninspiring field” of Republicans, said Rodell Mollineau, president of American Bridge. “Once the American people realize that his economic record as governor is based on smoke and mirrors, and his social record is miles out of the mainstream, his campaign will become an historical footnote just like Fred Thompson’s and Rudy Giuliani’s.”More from the Dallas Morning News after the jump.
AP: Romney And Huntsman In Spotlight As GOP Contenders Weigh In On Debt Deal In Washington
On August 2, 2011, the Associated Press reported:
A Democrat-friendly outside group, American Bridge, echoed the criticism of Romney. “It’s great to see that after more than a month of negotiations, Mitt Romney finally decided to weigh in on one of the most important issues facing our nation,” American Bridge spokesman Ty Matsdorf said. “As somebody who is trying to campaign as a savvy businessman, you would have thought he would have tried to lead his party, but instead he has decided to kowtow to the tea party.”More from the Associated Press after the jump
Boston Globe: Brown’s decision to skip ‘It Gets Better’ video brings a wave of criticism
On July 31, 2011, the Boston Globe reported:
In an act organized by [Brown's] senior partner, Senator John F. Kerry, the 11 Democrats in the state’s congressional delegation made an “It Gets Better’’ video aimed at offering moral support to gay teenagers contemplating suicide or struggling with depression. The 12th member of the delegation - Brown - declined to participate, prompting immediate questions when the video was released Wednesday.
AP: Lugar: Norquist tax pledge, others hamper Congress
On July 31, 2011. the Associated Press reported:
Lugar is the only Republican in the state’s Congressional delegation who hasn’t signed Norquist’s pledge, which requires the signer to “oppose and vote against any and all efforts to increase taxes.” The pledge is popular in Tea Party circles, and for Lugar, who faces a tough primary challenge from State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, a Tea Party favorite, signing it might seem to make sense. But Lugar said he won’t sign any political pledges because they tie lawmakers’ hands.
Huffington Post: Entire Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Appears In 'It Gets Better' Video — Except Scott Brown
On July 27, 2011, the Huffington Post reported:
The Massachusetts congressional delegation has put together a new video for the "It Gets Better" project, reassuring LGBT youth who may be getting bullied that their lives will improve when they get older. But one of the state's most high-profile politicians, Republican Sen. Scott Brown, is notably absent from the video. Of the 12 lawmakers who represent Massachusetts in the Senate and House of Representatives, Brown is the only one who does not appear.
Roll Call: In Missouri, Akin Has His Own Asset Problems
On July 25, 2011, Roll Call reported:
Rep. Todd Akin apparently has personal assets far beyond what he has previously revealed on his annual financial disclosure forms. Last week, the Missouri Republican amended nearly a decade’s worth of personal financial disclosure forms, reporting assets for 2010 worth a minimum of $355,000, more than 10 times what he had reported in May...
POLITICO: Allen West tirade: Wasserman Schultz 'vile…despicable…not a Lady'
On July 19, 2011, POLITICO reported:
Florida GOP Congressman Allen West this afternoon dispatched a scathing personal email to Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, calling her "vile, unprofessional ,and despicable," "a coward," "characterless," and "not a Lady," and demanding that she "shut the heck up."
Huffington Post: Scott Brown Taps Wall Street For Cash In Advance Of Possible Elizabeth Warren Challenge
On July 21, 2011, the Huffington Post reported:
As Democrats urge Elizabeth Warren, one of Wall Street's most public foes, to seek a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts next year, the financial industry is already throwing its support behind the seat's current occupant, Sen. Scott Brown (R), giving him nearly $315,000 in the most recent fundraising quarter.
Miami Herald: Feds investigate Congressman David Rivera on casino contract
On July 21, 2011, the Miami Herald reported:
Federal investigators have opened a second criminal probe of U.S. Rep. David Rivera, examining undisclosed payments from a Miami gambling enterprise to a company tied to the Republican congressman, The Miami Herald has learned.
WSJ: Bachmann: Everybody Should Pay Taxes
On July 21, 2011, the Wall Street Journal reported:
"Republican presidential candidates have been resolutely opposed to tax increases in the debate over the nation’s budget straits, but Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann this week suggested there’s one group that needs to be paying more: poor people who pay nothing now."More from the Wall Street Journal after the jump.