Daily Political Wire 8-16-2010

George Wenschhof

Today, President Obama heads to Milwaukee, Wisconsin - he will be touting the success of ZBB Energy Corp. which makes batteries and fuel cells. Afterward, he will attend a fundraiser for Milwaukee Mayor and Democratic Governor candidate Tom Barrett. The Boston Herald has more here. Back in 1980, when I was Employment and Training Director for the National Association of Counties, I had the fortune of traveling to this wonderful city.

The president is then off to Los Angeles, where he will speak at a fundraiser for the DCCC.

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In case you missed them, here are highlights of the Sunday morning "Talking Heads".



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Crist Ahead in Florida Senate Race - The new Independent has a slight lead according to a Ipsos Public Affairs poll. Charlie Crist had 32% and Republican Marco Rubio had 30%. Democratic candidates Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene are also running close. Reuters.com has more here.

Look to see Crist prevail in the fall with the major question being which political party does he caucus with while serving in Congress? A hint - he showed up when President Obama visited Florida over the weekend and gave his support of the president's statement on religious freedom.

Former President Bill Clinton will be campaign for Kendrick Meek today and while Clinton still has star power, he will not be enough to propel Meek to victory. You can read more here.

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Bloomberg helping Sestak in Pennsylvania Senate Race - the Mayor of New York will be helping Democratic candidate for Senate Joe Sestak who is in a close battle with Republican Pat Toomey. The winner will take the seat currently held by Senator Arlen Specter (D). Politico.com has more here.

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Defense secretary Robert Gates plans to leave next year - a left over from the former George W. Bush administration, he recently stated he plans to step down next year after the U.S. review of Afghanistan policy is complete. ForeignPolicy.com has more here.

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