Daily Political Wire

George Wenschhof

Competing Debt Proposals Expected Today - seems no agreement was reached over the weekend on a long term debt reduction and a lifting of the nation's debt ceiling. Republican House Speaker John Boehner is likely to propose a two step deal which would require further negotiations early next year. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is saying a two step proposal is a non-starter and will be proposing a 2.7 trillion debt reduction plan today with no tax increases.

President Obama cancelled two fundraising appearances scheduled today as budget talks failed to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, concern remains global financial markets will drop as a result of failed negotiations to date. The Wall Street Journal has live updates on the markets here.

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Pelosi Asks For Ethics Investigation of Wu - Representative David Wu (D-Ore.) has been undergoing psychiatric treatment ever since his staff reported erratic behavior prior to the election last year. Now, with reports he had a unwanted sexual encounter with a teenage daughter of a supporter, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is asking for an ethics investigation. TPM.com has more here.

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African American Representation Under Review as Redistricting in Maryland gets Underway - ten years ago, the courts were forced to redraw the legislative maps after the Democratic controlled state legislature drew lines which were not acceptable.

In Maryland, minorities, mostly African American make up nearly fifty per cent of the population but only two of the eight Representatives are African American. The Fannie Lou Hamer political action committee is making the point lines are being drawn to favor incumbents and not represent the community. The Washington Post has more here.

Democrats currently hold six of the eight seats in the House from the state.

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U.S. Aid Ending Up With Taliban - another crazy development in the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. Reports indicate a review of the 2.16 billion trucking contract with eight firms show money diverted to the Taliban. Politico.com has more here.

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