Democrats seeking perjury charges against Attorney General Alberto Gonzales got more ammunition Wednesday. FBI Director Robert Meuller gave testimony to the House Judiciary Committee that seemed to conflict with sworn testimony that Gonzales has given Congress. Contrary to what Gonzales has said, Meuller said there were disagreements within the Bush administration about its secret eavesdropping program. A Justice Department spokesman said that Gonzales was referring only to the international eavesdropping program, not the domestic one, when he said there was no controversy. Few lawmakers are buying that.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
Having let the Democrats go first in answering questions from YouTube users, Republicans are now showing reluctance about their own CNN/YouTube debate Sept. 17.
"I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman," said Mitt Romney, who may not participate.
Rudy Giuliani also newly has a "scheduling conflict" (aka fundraising activity).
As of Friday, the only confirmed debaters were Ron Paul and John McCain, despite having said this week, "I just don’t think that questions from snowmen are appropriate in presidential campaigns."
Posted by Rhonda Holman
Here’s an endorsement that few Republicans ever get: Trial lawyers strongly supported Fred Thompson when he was in the Senate.
"We viewed him as someone we could work with, particularly given he had been an advocate in court for individuals and corporations, and had an innate understanding of what went on in a civil jury," Linda Lipsen, the chief lobbyist for the American trial lawyers lobby group, told the Washington Post. That’s the same group that most Republicans love to hate.
Thompson’s background as an attorney made him more understanding of the concerns of trial lawyers and less willing to buy into GOP demagoguery of the profession. For example, Thompson bucked the GOP in not supporting limits on medical malpractice lawsuits.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee
First state Treasurer Lynn Jenkins would have to beat former Rep. Jim Ryun in the GOP primary. But if she defeats not only Ryun but also incumbent Rep. Nancy Boyda, D-Topeka, Jenkins’ replacement would be chosen by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who could use the job to "build more candidate bench strength," noted the Kansas City Star’s Steve Kraske. Having the 2nd Congressional District seat back in GOP hands would be a relief for Republicans. But the prospect of a Democratic governor, attorney general and treasurer — along with a GOP insurance commissioner and a GOP secretary of state who drew conservative challengers last year — will give some Republicans the willies.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
To "better understand the perceived personalities of the candidates," advertising agency JWT used an online poll to, among other things, do a fantasy recasting of "Gilligan’s Island" with the top six presidential candidates. And the winners were:
Hillary Clinton as Mrs. Howell ("Clinton cannot get out from under her husband’s shadow," wrote Ann W. Mack in Adweek).
Rudy Giuliani and, to a lesser extent, John McCain as the Skipper.
Barack Obama as the professor.
Mitt Romney as Thurston Howell.
And John Edwards as Gilligan.
The possibilities with such recastings are endless. Here are some to ponder: "Star Trek," "The A-Team," "MASH" and "Green Acres."
Posted by Rhonda Holman
The oil that leaked during the Coffeyville flood created an environmental mess. But despite all the problems and heartache that it caused, the spill may have a silver lining for some homeowners. That’s because most residents didn’t have flood insurance to pay for the severe water damage to their homes. But Coffeyville Resources, which spilled the oil into the water, has stepped up and pledged to buy about 300 homes at 110 percent of their pre-flood values. The refinery may use the purchased properties to create a buffer zone.
Posted by Phillip Brownlee