Daily Democratic Wire 9-26-2009

George Wenschhof

Tonight, President Barack Obama will attend the Congressional Black Caucus annual dinner - the Phoenix Awards dinner will be held at the D.C. Convention Center and the First Lady will also be in attendance.

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

Paul Kirk sworn in as Massachusetts Senator - Vice President Joe Biden performed the ceremonial swearing in only hours after a Massachusetts Judge denied an appeal from the state Republican Party to block the appointment. Democrats now have 60 seats in the Senate as many close votes on issues are expected this fall included health care reform. The special election to fill the Senate seat in Massachusetts will be held January 19, 2010 and Kirk has indicated he will not run for the seat. You can read more here.

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

Feingold wants Senate vacancies filled by special elections - there are now six serving Senators (click the link below to find out who the six are) who were not elected from the voters of their states. The Obama presidential victory led to him selecting many Senators to fill Cabinet positions and Governors of those states were able to appoint temporary replacements. Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) wants to amend the constitution to state the filling of vacant senate seats would be by special election as is done in the House of Representatives. Politico.com has more here.

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

U.S. knew of secret Iran nuclear facility years ago - the underground complex was discovered during the George W. Bush administration. Interestingly, it was a recent note from Iran to the International Atomic Energy Agency disclosing the existence of this and their description of it as a pilot nuclear facility that led to the dramatic U.S. disclosure at the G-20 Summit. The NY Times has more here.

President Obama urges Iran to cooperate - on Thursday, the U.S. will conduct previously scheduled talks with Iran in Geneva. You can read more here.

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

Vice President Biden tours Georgia - promises federal aid - the torrential rains in Georgia have caused an estimated 250 million in damages and have affected 20 counties across the state. President Obama has declared a major disaster to provide funds for the areas affected. CNN.com has more here.

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

Ginsburg released from hospital - Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was released yesterday after spending the night in the hospital following her experiencing fainting spells. She indicated she had a clean bill of health and intended to serve another seven years on the court. Reuters.com has more here.

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

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