Daily Democratic Wire 8-17-2009

George Wenschhof

Today, before heading home from his trip out west, President Barack Obama will deliver remarks at the national VFW convention - he will discuss the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan while attending the Veteran of Foreign Wars national convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Time.com has more here.

--------------------

Health care reform bills being worked on during recess - while members of Congress are home listening to their constituents, staffers on the Hill are working to bring bills forward. It now appears the House bill will be ready for a vote by the end of September and will include the public option. The Senate version is expected to be ready for a vote by the second week in October. Reconciliation would then occur before the President would sign the bill into law prior to the end of the year. Politico.com has more here.

--------------------

CBO says FY'09 Budget deficit to be less than expected - however the increase over fiscal year 2008 is huge due to the two bills passed (Bailout and Stimulus) by Congress aimed at ending the recession and stopping a major economic depression. The federal 2009 budget year ends September 30. TheHill.com has more here.

--------------------

McDonnell leads Deeds in race for Governor of Virginia - a new Washington Post poll shows Robert McDonnell (R) leading Creigh Deeds(D) 47-40%. Virginia and New Jersey are two states where Republican candidates are leading in the race for Governor. The Washington Post has more here.

Next year 37 states have Governor contests. Presently, Democrats have the lead 28-22 with early projections indicating a wash next year.

--------------------

To receive "Daily Email Updates" from Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof, click on "Subscribe to this feed" below.