Democratic Chatter 1-3-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

President-elect Barack Obama and family to fly to Washington D.C. tomorrow - their two girls begin school next week at a private school named Sidwell. Politico.com has a good read here on the media attention the arrival of Malia and Sasha at Sidwell will receive.

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As Israel continues aerial bombardment, discussion begins on an international peace keeping force - reportedly, Arab nations, Israel, and the U.S. are discussing a international force to keep the peace in the Gaza strip once agreement is reached on a cease-fire. McClatchydc.com has more here.

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CNN is reporting Colorado Governor Bill Ritter will select Michael Bennett to fill vacant Senate seat - Let's hope controversy does not follow this pick. This will fill the seat to be vacated by Senator Ken Salazar (D) who was nominated for Interior Secretary. Mr. Bennett is Public Schools Superintendent of Denver. CNN.com has more here.

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Illinois House may vote on Governor Blagojevich impeachment next week - only a majority vote in the House is needed to begin the process. The state senate would then conduct the hearings and a two-thirds vote would be needed to find the Governor guilty of misconduct. USAToday has more here.

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Democratic Chatter 12-28-2008

George Wenschhof Bio

Power restored to President-elect Barack Obama's vacation home and the rest of the Island of Oahu - the power was only out for approximately nine hours Friday night and although generators were brought to the vacation house the future first family were staying in, they waited it out as did the rest of the Islanders. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle was pleased at how fast power was restored. The Hawaii Star Bulletin has more here.

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Israel Air Strikes continue in Gaza - Hamas targets continue to be bombarded as the death toll from yesterday's bombing exceeds 275. Hamas also continues to fire missiles at Israel as the UN Security Council calls for an immediate cease-fire. CNN.com has more here.

President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice issued statements in support of the action taken by Israel to defend itself. President-elect Barack Obama continues to receive the Daily Intelligence Briefs but has stated as he has on other recent issues, we only have one President at a time.

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RNC Chairman Mike Duncan denounces CD sent by Saltsman - Chip Saltsman, who is vying for the Chair of the Republican National Committee sent out a Holiday CD entitled "Barack the Magic Negro" which is clearly offensive. Saltsman was the campaign manager for Mike Huckabee's recent failed Presidential bid. Politico.com has more here.

Former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele, who is an African-American is also running for the chair of the RNC. He has not commented on this issue to date.

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Illinois state legislative committee considering impeachment of Governor Blagojevich denies subpoena requests - Ed Gensen who is the defense attorney for the Governor had requested subpoenas of Rham Emanuel who is the incoming Obama White House Chief of Staff, Valarie Jarret, an incoming White House adviser, Illinois Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. and Chicago Tribune executive Nils Larsen. U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald had asked the committee not to subpoena them as it would adversely impact an ongoing investigation. The NY Times has more here.

There is surely more to come to this story as we will hear the response from Mr. Gensen. This action also makes it more difficult for the state legislative committee considering beginning impeachment proceedings against Governor Blagojevich. A question that has not been asked but will certainly come up will be did U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald act too early in his arrest of the Governor?

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Democratic Chatter 12-26-2008

George Wenschhof Bio

President-elect remains in Hawaii with his family - He took the time yesterday to visit a Marine Base and visit with the troops. The NY Times has more here. Later, he and his family enjoyed a traditional holiday meal of Turkey and Ham with all the Trimmings. Obama is expected to return home after New Years, after spending about two weeks on his last vacation before assuming office.

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Governor Blagojevich (D-Ill.) attorney asks Illinois state legislative impeachment committee to subpoena 12 witnesses - Ed Gensen who is the attorney representing Blagojevich made this request and three of the individuals who were requested to testify are incoming chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, Valarie Jarrett, and Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. - The Washington Post has more here.

This request, if approved could prove to be messy for the incoming administration. Although, nothing illegal has reportedly been done by any of the individuals, a long drawn out impeachment hearing would not be helpful to the incoming administration.

The action by Gensen appears to be more posturing on his part for his client. I would guess he is angling for some sort of limited immunity for Blagojevich in return for his resignation.

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Grand Jury investigating possible pay-to-play activities that may include New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson - seems a California firm who had contributed to Richardson's political campaigns won a lucrative government contract. Richardson was recently nominated for Commerce Secretary. MSNBC.com has more here.

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Representative Gene Green (D-Tex.) informs House Speaker Pelosi he will not continue as Chair of the Ethics committee - He became acting chair after the death of Stephanie Tubbs Jones in August. The Ethics committee is presently investigating Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY). TheHill.com has more here.

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The Inaugural Balls are almost upon us - These celebrations by each state take place in Washington D.C. prior to the swearing-in ceremonies on January 20.

My home state of Maryland is having theirs on Sunday, January 18 at the Washington Mayflower Hotel. The tickets are $125.00 - This seems to be the going price as I have been invited to Inaugural Balls from other states and the cost is the same. You can find out more about the Maryland Inaugural Ball by going to their website here.

The President-elect has also set up a Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) where you can find all kinds of information. There are also volunteer opportunities at many events for those who are interested. You can find out more here.

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