Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

President Obama Gives Preview of State of The Union - yesterday, the president sent a video to supporters from his campaign organization; Organizing For America, highlighting his intention to focus on job creation and the economy.



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Bachmann to Duel Palin for Tea Party Bragging Rights? - Representative Michele Bachmann is off to New Hampshire, the site of the beginning of the 2012 primaries. She is even planning to give her own response to President Obama's State of the Union address. TheHill.com has more here.

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House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan to Give GOP response to State of The Union - while, Representative Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) will give her own response, Representative Ryan will give the official Republican response. Politico.com has more here.

This GOP response is given media prime time and is highly coveted by politicians longing for exposure. But then, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal flopped in his prime time moment and fell from being a rising star in the Republican Party.

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Will Senate 60 Vote Filibuster Survive? - the short answer is yes. After enduring two years of just say "No" by Republicans in the senate, Democratic Senator Tom Udall (N.M.) may try to force a vote using a parliamentary procedure which would require only a simple majority at the opening of the Senate. However, it is unlikely to receive support from enough Democrats, who recognize the worth of keeping a 60 vote threshold to end debate.

The last time Senate filibuster rules were changed was in 1975 when it was changed from 67 votes to the current 6o votes. More likely changes are an end to "secret holds" placed on presidential appointments. The Washington Post has more here.

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Bill to Allow States to File for Bankruptcy to be Introduced - Individuals and businesses can file for bankruptcy, why not states? Former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich says a bill will be introduced in Congress to allow states who have long term debt problems to file for bankruptcy. Reuters.com has more here.

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Romney Wins New Hampshire Straw Poll - the former Massachusetts Governor won the Republican straw poll with 35% of the vote. Texas Rep. Rand Paul had 11%, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty had 8%. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin received only 7% and Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) had 5% of the vote. CNN.com has more here.

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