Push Builds To Quickly Fill Kennedy’s Seat
The New York Times reports that Democrats are quickly stepping up efforts to change Massachusetts law so that Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat can be filled by an interim appointment. Said state Rep. Michael Moran, chairman of the election rules committee: “Ted Kennedy was one of the most impressive senators we’ve ever had, and to have him write a letter just prior to his death saying this is something Massachusetts needs — how do you not take that seriously and give your position another look?”
Palin Supports Glenn Beck
Sarah Palin posted a note to her Facebook page yesterday, supporting Glenn Beck. “FOX News’ Glenn Beck is doing an extraordinary job this week walking America behind the scenes of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and outlining who is actually running the White House,” wrote Palin. “Monday night he asked us to invite one friend to watch; tonight I invite all my friends to watch.”
Biden’s Day Ahead
Vice President Biden is working today in Washington, D.C. At 10:15 a.m. ET, he will host a Recovery Act Implementation Cabinet meeting at the White House. At 2:45 p.m. ET, he will meet with Gen. James Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. At 4 p.m. ET, he will meet with Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Kennedy To Lie In Repose In Boston For Two Days
Sen. Ted Kennedy’s (D-MA) body will be brought today from Hyannis Port to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, where he will lie in repose until Friday. There will be an invitation-only memorial service Friday evening. On Saturday, President Obama will speak at a private funeral mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica, which will also be attended by former Presidents Carter, Clinton and both Bushes.
CQ: Even In Illness, Kennedy Had Legislative Successes
CQ points out that although Ted Kennedy was struggling with brain cancer this year, he was able to witness some key victories on legislation he’d long favored: “The economic stimulus law included provisions to expand the use of electronic medical records, long a Kennedy priority. Congress cleared an expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which Kennedy, D-Mass., helped create in 1997. Congress passed a law named for Kennedy that would expand national service programs, such as AmeriCorps. And he lived long enough to see a law signed that would authorize the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco products, another long-sought goal.”
Sanford Fights Back Against Calls For Resignation
Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is firing back at calls for him to resign. “A lot of what’s going on is pure politics, plain and simple,” Sanford said yesterday. He also sent a letter to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who had called for his resignation: “I most humbly decline your offer, but thank you for it nonetheless.”
AP: GOP Members Opposed Stimulus Plan, Then Sought Money
The Associated Press reports that numerous Congressional Republicans who voted against the stimulus bill have since actively sought money from it for projects in their states or districts. Examples include Rep. Mary Fallin (R-OK) — who called the bill a “Big Brother spending program” — as well as Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson of Georgia, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), and many more.
