Democratic Chatter 12-28-2008

George Wenschhof Bio

Power restored to President-elect Barack Obama's vacation home and the rest of the Island of Oahu - the power was only out for approximately nine hours Friday night and although generators were brought to the vacation house the future first family were staying in, they waited it out as did the rest of the Islanders. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle was pleased at how fast power was restored. The Hawaii Star Bulletin has more here.

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Israel Air Strikes continue in Gaza - Hamas targets continue to be bombarded as the death toll from yesterday's bombing exceeds 275. Hamas also continues to fire missiles at Israel as the UN Security Council calls for an immediate cease-fire. CNN.com has more here.

President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice issued statements in support of the action taken by Israel to defend itself. President-elect Barack Obama continues to receive the Daily Intelligence Briefs but has stated as he has on other recent issues, we only have one President at a time.

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RNC Chairman Mike Duncan denounces CD sent by Saltsman - Chip Saltsman, who is vying for the Chair of the Republican National Committee sent out a Holiday CD entitled "Barack the Magic Negro" which is clearly offensive. Saltsman was the campaign manager for Mike Huckabee's recent failed Presidential bid. Politico.com has more here.

Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele, who is an African-American is also running for the chair of the RNC. He has not commented on this issue to date.

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Illinois state legislative committee considering impeachment of Governor Blagojevich denies subpoena requests - Ed Gensen who is the defense attorney for the Governor had requested subpoenas of Rham Emanuel who is the incoming Obama White House Chief of Staff, Valarie Jarret, an incoming White House adviser, Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and Chicago Tribune executive Nils Larsen. U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald had asked the committee not to subpoena them as it would adversely impact an ongoing investigation. The NY Times has more here.

There is surely more to come to this story as we will hear the response from Mr. Gensen. This action also makes it more difficult for the state legislative committee considering beginning impeachment proceedings against Governor Blagojevich. A question that has not been asked but will certainly come up will be did U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald act too early in his arrest of the Governor?

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