Today: The Texas Primary
Voters are headed to the polls today in the Texas primaries, to pick nominees for governor and other offices. Incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Perry is being challenged by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Tea Party activist Debra Medina. Perry has been well ahead in the polls, but the big question is whether he will be able to surpass the 50% needed to avoid a runoff election in April.
Obama’s Day Ahead
President Obama and Vice President Biden will receive the presidential daily briefing at 9:15 a.m. ET. Obama will depart the White House at 9:45 a.m. ET, take off from Andrews Air Force Base at 10 a.m. ET, and arrive at 11:35 a.m. ET in Savannah, Georgia. He will tour Savannah Technical College at 11:55 a.m. ET, and deliver remarks on jobs and the economy at 12:30 p.m. ET. He will tour a local manufacturing facility at 1:20 p.m. ET, and tour a local small business at 2:50 p.m. ET. He will depart from Savannah at 3:40 p.m. ET. arriving back at Andrews Air Force Base at 5 p.m. ET, and back at the White House at 5:15 p.m. ET.
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden had breakfast at 7:45 a.m. ET this morning with Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), at the Naval Observatory. He will attend President Obama’s daily briefing at 9:15 a.m. ET. He will then hold a Recovery Act Implementation Cabinet Meeting at 10:15 a.m. ET. He will spend the remainder of the day meeting with senior advisers at the White House.
Jerry Brown To Announce Campaign For Governor Today
California Attorney General Jerry Brown (D) is expected to formally announce today that he is running for governor. Brown previously served as governor from 1975-1983, and also ran for president in 1976, 1980 and 1992.
Board Openings Give Obama Chance To Remake Federal Reserve
Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Donald Kohn announced Monday that he will retire — giving President Obama the opportunity to shape Fed policy through a key appointment. “It is a pivotal point in the history of the Fed,” said Diane Swonk, chief economist at Mesirow Financial. “You need somebody who has credibility and can defend the Fed’s independence in a way that doesn’t offend Congress. They need finesse on regulatory policy. There will be a lot on their plate.”
Obama Angers Teachers Union With Remarks In Support Of Rhode Island Firings
Teachers unions are criticizing President Obama for remarks he made on Monday, in support of a Rhode Island school that fired 93 teachers amidst poor student performance and a continued impasse in union negotiations. “We know it is tempting for people in Washington to score political points by scapegoating teachers, but it does nothing to give our students and teachers the tools they need to succeed,” said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.
Franken: ‘I Pick My Spots’
Roll Call profiles Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), who has been emerging as a vocal progressive voice in the eight months since he took office after a disputed election. Franken discussed how he has carefully used his celebrity status: “These events maybe have a little larger turnout and people pay a little closer attention because it’s me, and I’m aware of that obviously, but that’s why I pick my spots.”
