20062008bill clintonCampaigningdavid safavianDemocratsestate taxgay marriagegeorge w. bushhousejack abramoffjames dobsonpatrick kennedyrandy cunninghamrepublicansruss feingoldsenate
Daily Briefing: A Push Back?
- Bush renews call to ban gay marriage; social conservatives cheer the "litmus test" as critics contend the move is mainly political. James Dobson: "It is true what this vote will do will be to help the voters identify who is and is not supportive of the family, and I think those that are not are going to have to answer for it." [WP, NYT, USAT]
- This week's Senate agenda, from the ban on gay marriage to a repeal of the estate tax, is "all about" motivating conservative voters. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) on the marriage amendment: "I am confident that the American people will see this for what it is: a mean-spirited attempt to score political points in an election year." [WP, W$J]
- Intense campaigning is already underway for the midterm election, "reflecting a consensus in both parties that Republicans could lose control of the House and perhaps the Senate"; Republicans have spent at least $4.5M on today's special election for Randy Cunningham's seat. [NYT, W$J]
- Congress and the courts "are beginning to push back against what has been the greatest expansion of presidential powers in a generation or more." [USAT]
- Bill Clinton hopes to raise over $20M for midterm campaigns. [NYT]
- Lawmakers have accepted about $50M in free trips since 2000, nonpartisan study finds. [WP, NYT]
- David Safavian testifies that he provided "a lot of insight and advice" to Jack Abramoff; denies violating ethics rules. [USAT]
- Rep. Patrick Kennedy feels "positive" after a month at the Mayo Clinic. [NYT]
