Daily Democratic Wire 7-13-2009

George Wenschhof

Today, President Barack Obama will meet with twelve union presidents - they will be discussing health care reform and the "Employee Free Choice Act". The latter bill has been stuck in Congress as bipartisan support is lacking - expect the union presidents to urge Obama to openly support the passage of the bill. Meanwhile, health care reform battles continue in Congress. Politico.com has more here.

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Let the Sotomayor confirmation hearing begin - mid morning today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will begin the Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor. In spite of some Republican opposition, she is expected to win nomination. The hearings begin at 10:00 AM ET and newly sworn in Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) will be one of the members of the Judiciary Committee asking questions.

The Washington Post is reporting that at least four Republican Senators are expected to publicly express support for Sotomayor today. They are Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins from Maine, Richard Lugar from Indiana and Mel Martinez from Florida. You can read more here.

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White House office of Urban Affairs to kick off meetings today - throughout the day, mayors, county executives, governors, and heads of agencies will be discussing a national urban policy. Adolfo Carrion, the president of the White House Office says Obama will address the conference tonight. You can read more here.

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Obama to throw out first pitch in baseball all-start game tomorrow night - let's see if the southpaw can reach home plate. The president is also expected to join game announcers Joe Buck and Tim McCarver in the booth for a couple of innings. A seven minute pregame video will also be played featuring Presidents George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter who will be honoring 30 people recognized by MLB and People magazine for service to their communities. Sports Illustrated has more here.

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Afghanistan election on the horizon - this is one to watch as U.S. supported Afghan President Hamid Karzai may face stiff opposition. Human rights groups and the U.N. have warned that government officials were improperly using their positions to influence the election. The election is August 20 and the winner must receive 50.1% of the vote or balloting continues. Two opponents; Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani may force additional balloting.

Afghanistan continues to have poppy as the number one export. Lack of schools, jobs, and hospitals continue to be major problems for the country. MSNBC.com has more here.

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