Democratic Chatter 3-10-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Today, President Barack Obama will discuss his education plan - He will speak this morning at the annual legislative conference of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. One of the components of the education reform plan will include merit pay for teachers. ThePage.Time.com has the White House Fact Sheet on the President's Education proposal here.

Also today, the president will meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

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Yesterday, the President ordered the review of past Presidential Signing Statements - Presidential signing statements have been in use for some time as previous administrations while signing a bill into law, wanted to note questions pertaining to certain aspects of the bill. President George W. Bush is reported to use this practice more than any other president. Obama has sent a memo to all Agency heads informing them to refer previous signing statements to the Attorney General's office for guidance before relying on them. Bloomberg.com has more here.

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Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner meets with House Democratic Caucus - last night for nearly two hours Geithner described the administration's plan to end the economic crisis and answered questions from Representatives. Apprehension continues as to exact measures being taken and questions were asked as to when he intends to have his Department fully staffed. House Financial Services Committee Chair Barney Frank (D-Mass.) spoke in defense of Geithner. Politico.com has more here. It may not happen for another 6-12 months but the odds remain high that Geithner will become the first Obama Cabinet member to be replaced.

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Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke says financial system regulation needed - in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations he spoke of how the financial regulatory system must be overhauled. Not a big surprise to many as we watch what deregulation of the financial institutions under the previous George W. Bush administration has done. You can read more here.

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Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to face stiff challenge in 2010? - Dodd is the current Senate Banking committee chair and was also a candidate for the Democratic Party nomination for president last year. He has faced criticism for receiving favorable refinancing on homes he owns. A new Quinnipiac poll shows him trailing a former Republican Representative Bob Simmons by 1 point, 43-42. Still way early, but an interesting development. Stay tuned.. TheHill.com has more here.

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