Democratic Chatter 2-12-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

Today, President Barack Obama heads to Illinois to continue to sell his Stimulus bill - his first stop is East Peoria and a Caterpillar plant. Then, he is off to Springfield to speak at a Banquet celebrating Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. You can read more here.

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House-Senate conference committee reaches compromise on Stimulus bill - within 24 hours of when the Senate voted to approve the bill, agreement on a 789 Billion compromise bill was reached. Some of the breakdown of the spending is as follows: 275 billion on tax relief, 150 billion on new building and infrastructure and 54 billion for aid to states. It is anticipated the bill will be signed by the President no later than Monday. The NY Times has more here.

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Meanwhile, the U.S. Budget Deficit reaches 529 Billion in just the first four months of the year - the federal fiscal year begins in October. The deficit for the month of January alone was 83.8 billion. When the stimulus bill is added, the deficit spending for this year could reach 2 Trillion. This would be added to the existing national debt of 10.7 Trillion. MSNBC.com has more here.

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Clinton expected to name Stephen Bosworth special envoy to North Korea - he is a former state department official. CNN.com has more here. Interesting to follow some of the nuances of the special envoy announcements. George Mitchell (Middle East) and Richard Holbrooke (Afghanistan/Pakistan) were both announced by President Obama. When Mitchell returned from a recent trip to the Middle East, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton appeared in a photo-op with the President and Mitchell when Mitchell briefed the President on his trip.

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D.C. voting rights bill clears Senate committee - for some time the District has been lobbying for representation in Congress. in 2007, the bill fell three votes short of the 60 votes needed to end a filibuster in the Senate. This would give D.C. one House seat. The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee voted 11-1 to send the bill for a full Senate vote. The lone Senator to vote against the bill was John McCain (R-Az.). The Washington Post has more here.

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Democratic Chatter 1-7-2009

George Wenschhof Bio

President-elect Barack Obama will hold a press conference this morning - he will be discussing the need for fiscal restraint in addition to the massive stimulus program that is needed to get the economy back on track. He is expected to also name a new White House position, the chief performance officer. This position would help to set performance standards for government agencies which would hold managers accountable. Time.com has more here. Those of us who live in Maryland, have seen a similar system put in place by Governor Martin O'Malley.

Obama will also have lunch today at the White House today with President George W. Bush, and former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

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Blagojevich pick of Burris to fill vacant Illinois Obama Senate seat may stand - the initial move by Senate Democratic Leaders to block the swearing in of Burris yesterday may be losing support. Politico.com has more here. It is unfortunate that a Governor who has been arrested picked Mr. Burris but there has been no indictment by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who recently requested a 90 day extension before issuing an indictment. California Senator Diane Feinstein (D) also said yesterday that Burris should be seated. Today, Burris is meeting with democratic senate Leaders Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). One rumor has it that if Burris would agree to serve the remaining two years of the term and not run for reelection in 2010, he would be seated. Looks like the pendulum is swinging and Burris may not have to agree to any compromise.

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In Minnesota, Coleman files suit challenging the election - the state canvassing board certified Democrat Al Franken the winner by 225 votes over Republican incumbent Norm Coleman. However, Minnesota law allows a candidate to file suit challenging the election within seven days of the certification. The Coleman campaign's move to file suit means the Senate seat will remain vacant until the suit is decided. It is anticipated it will take weeks and possibly months before an outcome. TheHill.com has more here.

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Dr. Sanjay Gupta under consideration for U.S. Surgeon General - we know him as the medical correspondent for CNN. He is also a practicing neurosurgeon. His impressive medical experience along with his communication skills would make him a excellent pick for this position. Stay Tuned. CNN.com has more here.

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Conditions for the release of the additional 350 Billion TARP funds being negotiated - Bloomberg.com has more here. You may recall the first 350 Billion from the Trouble Assets relief Program went directly to financial institutions without any accountability. We still do not know how those funds were spent. Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the head of the House Financial Services Committee has been negotiating terms for the release of the additional 350 Billion which would include more of what the plan initially called for including relief on foreclosures. Also requiring more loans to be made available and to restrict bonuses to executives.

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