Democratic Chatter 12-2-2008

George Wenschhof

Dow loses 679.95 and yes, the U.S. is in a Recession - Yesterday, the Dow Jones closed at 8,149.09 to continue the up and down roller coaster ride of late. Finally, a report comes out that says the country has been in a recession since last December - just ask any family and they could have told you that. Federal Reserve chair Ben Bernanke said yesterday the economic downturn could continue for some time. CNN.com has more here.

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GM, Ford and Chrysler expected to deliver their restructure plans to Congress today - as requested, their plans will be submitted today and hearings will take place later in the week in the House and the Senate on the 25 Billion bail out. Time.com has more here.

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Who will replace Senator Hillary Clinton as Senator? - whoever it is will have to wait until Ms. Clinton is confirmed as Secretary of State as she will not resign until then. Many names have surfaced including Caroline Kennedy to fill the soon to be vacant Senate seat and serve a two year term until a special election is held. How about Bill Clinton? The NY Times CityRoom Blog has more here.

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Will Georgia Senate race be decided today? - the runoff election is today between incumbent republican Saxby Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin - we will report the results when they become available.

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Yesterday, President George W. Bush and his wife held a press conference on AIDS Day - they talked about a program widely supported by both sides of the aisle, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar). 48 Billion was authorized and over 10 million have been helped by providing medical assistance in over 15 targeted nations. The Chicago Tribune Swamppolitics.com has more here.

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Next Up to be announced by President-elect Obama may be Education Secretary - lots of names out there beginning with Stanford University Professor Linda Darling-Hammond who is currently serving on the transition team. Also, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, and Chicago School Chief Arne Duncan. The Wall Street Journal has more here.

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Obama and Biden to meet with Governors today - Yesterday, President-elect Obama met with the 28 Democratic Governors in Philadelphia and today will met with all the Governors to hear their concerns on the economy. Expected topics are unemployment benefits, medicaid and food stamps along with needed infrastructure improvements. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more here.

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