Democratic Daily Wire 7-8-2009

George Wenschhof

Today, President Barack Obama is in Italy - he began the day with a meeting with Italian President Giorgia Napolitano. Then, it is meetings with seven other industrialized nations who make up the G-8. The meetings will be held in L'Aquila which is near Rome and will focus on the global economic crisis and climate change. Time.com has more here.

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Chinese President Hu Jintao leaves G-8 Summit in Italy to return to China due to the riots in Xinjiang - so far the riots have reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 150 with 1000 injured. Reuters.com has more here.

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Cost Rica President to mediate Honduran crisis - President Oscar Arias, who won a nobel prize in 1987 for his efforts in brokering an end to civil wars in Central America will mediate the efforts to resolve the leadership question in Honduras. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made the announcement yesterday after meeting with ousted Honduran President Zelaya. Honduran interim President Roberto Micheletti has also agreed to the mediation. You can read more here.

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Republicans strategize on how to stop Sotomayor appointment to Supreme Court - the Senate confirmation hearing begins next week and Republican leaders plan to focus on her positions on gun rights and affirmative action. While Sonia Sotomayor will receive flak from some angry Republicans, expect her nomination to be confirmed. Newly sworn in Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) was appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee so he will be in the spotlight immediately. Politico.com has more here.

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Karl Rove testifies in front of House Judiciary Committee - the former White House aid during the George W. Bush administration was grilled on his role in the firing of U.S. attorneys. President Bush had claimed executive privilege in refusing to allow testimony from Rove or White House counsel Harriet Miers. You can read more here.

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