Palin Plans To Stay Involved In Politics
Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) told the Washington Times that she’ll be staying involved in politics: “I will go around the country on behalf of candidates who believe in the right things, regardless of their party label or affiliation.” She did not rule out a presidential campaign in the future. “I’m not ruling out anything – it is the way I have lived my life from the youngest age,” she said. “Let me peek out there and see if there’s an open door somewhere. And if there’s even a little crack of light, I’ll hope to plow through it.”
McCain: Palin Will Continue To Be A Major Factor
Appearing on Meet The Press, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) was asked about Sarah Palin’s resignation. “Obviously I was a bit surprised, but I wasn’t shocked,” said McCain. “I love and respect her and her family, I’m grateful that she agreed to run with me.” He added: “I’m confident that she will be a major factor in the national scene and in Alaska as well.”
Sebelius Doesn’t Rule Out Taxing Health Benefits
Appearing on State of the Union, Sec. of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius said that health care reform will have to be paid for. “We all have a shared responsibility, that we all need to play a role,” said Sebelius. When asked by Wolf Blitzer about whether the Obama Administration would reject taxation of health benefits, she said there are “no lines in the sand at this point.”
Kyl: “No Chance” Of Health Care Bill Before August
Appearing on This Week, Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) declared that health-care reform will not pass before the August recess. “There is no chance that it’s going to be done by August,” said Kyl, who said that President Obama wants a quick bill because “the longer it hangs out there, the more the American people are skeptical, anxious.”
Durbin: Secret Cheney Program “Could Be Illegal”
Appearing on This Week, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) said that former Vice President Cheney’s concealment from Congress of a secret counterterrorism program may have been illegal. “The executive branch of government should not create programs like these programs and keep congress in the dark,” said Durbin. “To have a massive program that was concealed from the leaders in congress is not only inappropriate, it could be illegal.”
Feinstein On Secret Programs: “I Think You Weaken your Case When You Go Outside Of The Law”
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) told Fox News Sunday that Congress should have been informed of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s secret counterterrorism programs. “I think you weaken your case when you go outside of the law,” said Feinstein. “And I think that if the Intelligence Committees had been briefed, they could have watched the program. They could have asked for regular reports on the program. They could have made judgments about the program as it went along. That was not the case because we were kept in the dark. That’s something that should never, ever happen again.”
Sessions: I Hope Secret Program Story Doesn’t Impact On Cheney’s “Outstanding Record”
Appearing on Face The Nation, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) questioned the accuracy of the Cheney story — but he expects it will be looked into. “I don’t know what the facts are, but I believe that Vice President Cheney served his country with as much fidelity as he could possibly give to it, and he tried to serve us in an effective way,” Sessions said. He added: “I hope nothing like this will impact on his outstanding record.”
Cornyn: If Sotomayor Had Her Way, People Would Be Denied Promotions Because Of Race
Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) used some strong language against Sonia Sotomayor. “Well, what’s troubling about the outcome in the Ricci case, where — if judge Sotomayor had her way, that cities would basically deny promotions based on the color of one’s skin,” said Cornyn, “including Hispanics like Lieutenant Ben Vargas, who will be testifying at the hearing this week, and that’s just wrong. That can’t be the case.”
