Daily Political Wire 12-9-2010

George Wenschhof

Senate to take up Tax Compromise Today - the compromise announced by President Obama is being dubbed a stimulus bill by the White House. The cost is estimated to be up to 900 billion over two years, a higher figure than the first Stimulus bill. The Washington Post has more here.

In spite of objections from liberal Democrats to the extension of tax breaks for the wealthy and the exemption of inheritance taxes on estates valued up to ten million, the bill is expected to pass.

Interestingly, the inclusion of the inheritance tax exclusion may well have been aimed at Republican Senator Jon Kyl (Az.) who has long championed this action. He has been the most vocal opposition to the ratification of the START Treaty - a deal perhaps?

---

House Narrowly Passes DREAM Act - by a vote of 216-198. The bill, which provides a pathway to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants who attend college or serve in the military, is not expected to pass in the Senate. TheHill.com has more here.

---

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) Postpones D.A.D.T. Repeal Vote - negotiations continue with Republican Senators as the push for repeal gathers support. CNN.com has more here.

---

Finally, a Winner in the Minnesota Governor Race - yesterday, Republican Tom Emmer conceded to the winner; Democrat Mark Dayton. Politico.com has more here.

The last outstanding House race also came to an end as Democrat Tim Bishop won the New York 1st congressional district. Republicans ended with a net gain of 63 seats in the House. the incoming House will be

And, in the Senate, a judge will rule tomorrow on the lawsuit filed by the Joe Miller campaign. This is the last undecided race from the mid term elections and Senator Lisa Murkowski is expected to retain her seat and although she won as a write-in independent, she will caucus with Republicans.

---

Below, CNN John King and husband and wife political strategists James Carville and Mary Matalin on whether President Obama has kept campaign promises.



---

To receive "Daily Email Updates" from Air-it-Out with George Wenschhof, click on "Subscribe to this feed" below or use the sign up box located in the upper right hand margin.