Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Japan Nuclear Crisis Now Rated a level 7 - which is the highest rating possible and equal to the 1986 Chernobyl tragedy in Russia. The operators of the Fukushima nuclear plant are now saying the plant is slowing becoming stable. You can read more here.

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Romney Makes it Official - well, sort of. He announced the forming of a presidential exploratory committee. This allows him to raise funds prior to actually filing for office. The former Governor of Massachusetts is considered the favorite to win the Republican nomination.



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Failure to Increase Debt Limit Will Impact Wall Street - the stability of financial markets around the world hinge on U.S. Treasury Bills. If the U.S. debt ceiling is not raised within the next month, the impact could be catastrophic. TheHill.com has more here.

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Senate Gang of 6 Budget Reduction Plan Close to Release - the bipartisan group of Senators have been working for months on a plan to dramatically reduce the nations' deficit. The question will be if their proposal will have any "Legs" as it will come after Republican Representative Ryan (Wisc.) already released proposal and the President Obama proposal expected tomorrow. Politico.com has more here.

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Maryland General Assembly Closes 2011 Session - a 1.5 billion deficit was balanced, but the rest of the action brings mixed reviews. Gay marriage failed and in-state tuition for children of illegal immigrants (Maryland version of the DREAM Act) passed. Alcohol tax saw a 50% increase and shipping of wine from out of state won approval. Two programs; a ban on use of septic systems and wind energy, pushed by Governor O'Malley were not passed. 75 million was approved for Invest Maryland and the ongoing financial debacle of the state owning the Rocky Gap resort continues with the state offering incentives for private investment into Slots - a continuation of pouring good money after bad into a losing situation. The Baltimore Sun has more here.

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Pakistan Tells U.S. They Want C.I.A. Out - the long simmering tensions between the Pakistani military and the U.S. government has resulted in the demand the unmanned drone missile attacks end in northwestern Pakistan and C.I.A. and special operatives leave Pakistan. The NY Times has more here.

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