Daily Political Wire 8-17-2010

George Wenschhof

Today, President Obama is in Seattle, Washington - he will hold a roundtable discussion with small business owners. Later, he speaks at a fundraiser before heading to Ohio. Last night, the president attended and spoke at a fundraiser in California which raised over 1 million for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Tomorrow, the president will visit with a family in Columbus at their home and hold a discussion with families from the area. Later, he will attend a fundraiser for Governor Ted Strickland (D) who is facing Republican John Kasich. Ohio was a swing state in the last two presidential elections and promises to be so again in 2012. You can read more here.

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Gallup polls bring bad news for Democrats - President Obama's job approval ratings fell to 44%, the lowest since he assume office, per polling conducted from August 9-15. While 80% of Democrats still support the president, Independents have fallen to 39%. Gallup.com has more here.

Another Gallup poll taken over the same period shows voters supporting Republican candidates over democratic candidates in their district by a margin of 50% to 43%. Gallup.com has more here.

Republicans need a net gain of 39 seats to regain control of the House and 10 seats to regain control of the Senate in the fall mid term elections.

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Gay Marriage ban to remain in effect in California - as expected, the stay by Judge Vaughn Walker on his own decision to overturn the ban has now been extended to at least December. The U.S. Court of appeals for the 9th District extended to stay until they hear an appeal scheduled for early December. The Washington Post has more here.

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Treasury Conference Meets to discuss future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac - the two huge government controlled mortgage companies were seized by the former George W. Bush administration in 2008. To date, they have receive 150 billion of the bail out funds.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called the process to restructure the companies "consequential and complicated". Reuters.com has more here.

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Direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine set to begin soon - U.S. Middle east Envoy has had his hands full with "proximity talks" between the leaders of both nations. Now, it appears direct talks will begin in early September. At issue has been continued West bank settlement construction by Israel and the blockade around the Gaza Strip preventing even humanitarian supplies from entering. Politico.com has more here.

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