Today: Crist’s Big Announcement
Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL) is widely expected to announce today that he will leave the Republican primary for Senate, and instead run for Senate as an independent. Crist’s official announcement is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, in his hometown of St. Petersburg.
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama will receive the presidential briefing at 9 a.m. ET. At 10 a.m., the President, Vice President and First Lady will attend the funeral of civil rights activist Dorothy Height, at the National Cathedral, with Obama delivering remarks. Obama and Biden will have lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET. Obama will deliver remarks in the Rose Garden at 1:40 p.m. ET, honoring the 2010 National Teacher of the Year. Obama and Biden will meet at 4:30 p.m. ET with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Obama will attend a DNC fundraising dinner at 7:35 p.m. ET, at a private residence.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden will attend the funeral of Dorothy Height in the morning. He will have lunch at 12:30 p.m. ET with President Obama. At 2:15 p.m. ET, Biden will hold a Recovery Act Implementation Cabinet meeting. At 4:30 p.m. ET, Biden will meet with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Justice Department Considers Suing Arizona To Block Immigration Law
The Washington Post reports that some in the Obama administration are considering the rare step of having the Justice Department challenge Arizona’s new anti-illegal immigration law. “The president had strong words to say and the attorney general had strong words to say,” said an anonymous law enforcement official. “Considering that it’s signed into law, and Arizona is doing a lot of pomp and circumstance, do you see a friendly way out of this?”
Obama: ‘There May Not Be An Appetite’ For Immigration Reform
President Obama told reporters Wednesday that Congress might not take on immigration reform. “We’ve gone though a very tough year and I’ve been working Congress very hard, so I know there may not be an appetite immediately to dive into another controversial issue,” said Obama.
Hoyer: House Dems Expect Conference On Wall Street Reform Bill
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) said House Democrats will still expect a conference committee process on financial reform, in addition to the current debates in the Senate. “I think we’re going to pass this piece of legislation through the Senate, we’ll have a conference report, and we’ll come out with a strong bill,” said Hoyer.
Roll Call: Reid Seems To Have His Groove Back
Roll Call reports that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has been more upbeat as of late, with recent successes on health care and overcoming a Republican filibuster to debate financial reform. “I don’t think there’s any one thing,” said Reid. “I just think the caucus is very supportive, and I think we’re on the right track on what we need for our country.”
