Landrieu to make history in next Congress

Landrieu and Snowe to make history

When Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, becomes chair and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, becomes the ranking member of the Senate’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, the two will become the first pair of women to lead a full committee in the House or the Senate.

President Bush finally annouces aid for Automakers

The Bush administration came to the aid of the troubled U.S. auto industry Friday, offering $17.4 billion in loans.

Ailing automakers will get $17.4 billion in loans from the federal government under a rescue package the White House announced on Friday for the industry crushed by the financial credit crisis and deepening recession.

According to terms of the deal, the firms must use these funds to become financially viable. Taxpayers will not be asked to provide financing for firms that do not become viable, the official said. If the firms have not attained viability by March 31, 2009, the loan will be called and all funds returned to the Treasury. "If we were to allow the free market to take its course now, it would almost certainly lead to disorderly bankruptcy," Bush said at the White House.

Of the total, $13.4 billion will be paid out in December and January, administration officials told reporters in a briefing. The last $4 billion is contingent on the second installment of the Wall Street bailout funds from Congress.

I guess the President has opened his eyes up to see what mess his administration has caused during these past eight years.

Sen. Brownback retires

United States Senator Sam. Brownback will retire in 2010 and will not seek re-election, instead the Senator is looking forward to a Governor run in 2010.

Sen. Sam Brownback a republican from Kansas has officially announced he will not be running for re-election. Sen. Brownback also was a 2008 presidential candidate who didnt come close to carrying any primary.

Sen. Brownback is a potential candidate for Governor in Kansas in 2010, I expect Brownback to take the republican nomination to compete with the Democratic Nominee in 2010 for Governor of Kansas. Brownback also will have to fen off the poor leadership among republicans in Washington for the past eight years, especially the last two.

Shame on the Republicans

Republicans bails out Wall Street but not the auto industry. The US Senate failed to help the Big 3 Auto Makers in Detroit, cause of republicans failure to support there need for financial assistance in a terrible time as this.

Just 10 Republicans supported the $14 billion loan package on the 52-35 roll call, which fell well short of the 60 needed to move forward. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) condemned the outcome as one of the “most costly filibusters” in Senate history.

Several Republican lawmakers pointed the finger at the United Auto Workers labour union, saying they had been told by their chief negotiator Senator Bob Corker that the unions were unwilling to accept reductions in employee compensation as part of a deal. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, said that union leaders refused to accept a firm deadline for when the cut in labour costs would occur.

The House of Representatives passed a version of a rescue bill based on an agreement between congressional Democrats and the White House yesterday. Facing the potential bankruptcy of iconic American firms, President George W. Bush on Friday abandoned his long-standing objection to using the Wall Street bailout fund to help save GM and Chrysler.

The $14 Million Dollars the Big Three was asking for to stay afloat may be coming from the TARP funds, part of the $700 Billion congress approved to bailout big corporations and buy up bad debit.

Republicans just showed how they dont really care about the three million jobs that is at risk if these auto makers go under.

Sen. Norm Coleman maybe under FBI probe

The Political Beacon has learned that Norm Coleman, is narrowly ahead of Al Franken in the Minny recount in Minnesota, is facing what seems like a preliminary FBI probe into his connections to businessman-benefactor Nasser Kazeminy.

Federal investigators are looking into allegations that a longtime friend and benefactor tried to steer money to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, the Political Beacon has learned. Houston is where the first of two lawsuits was filed alleging Nasser Kazeminy, a Bloomington financier, tried to steer $100,000 to Coleman via his wife's Minneapolis employer. The second suit, filed in Delaware, alleges Kazeminy initially tried to get money directly to the senator. Both Coleman and Kazeminy have denied any wrongdoing, and Coleman last month said he welcomes an investigation.

La. Governor Jindal says no to Presidency in 2012

He simply said "NO".

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday he's not interested in a 2012 Republican presidential bid and will seek a second term as Governor in 2011. "I think anybody who is even thinking of running would be well served to roll up their sleeves and support our new president," Jindal said. "I told our people, 'It doesn't matter whether you're Republican, Democrat or independent, it doesn't matter whether you voted for him or not, President-elect Barack Obama is our president."

At a news conference Wednesday with Bob McDonnell, Virginia's 2009 Republican candidate for governor, Jindal was asked if he was interested in being president, He said: "No."

Obama calls on Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign

President-Elect now has to ask his own Governor to resign.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, accused of scheming to enrich himself by selling Obama's vacant Senate seat. The governor has authority to appoint Senate replacements. Obama and his aides have largely refrained from commenting on the scandal.

In brief comments to reporters Tuesday, Obama said, "Like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the U.S. attorney's office today." He did add about Blagojevich's process of considering a successor: "I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening."

Robert Gibbs a spokesman for Obama said in an e-mail Wednesday that Obama is siding with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and "many others" in calling for Blagojevich to step down, also Obama says the Illinois legislature should take up the matter and select a replacement that can serve the people of Illinois.

A look at Alabama Possible 2010 Candidates

Alabama could see an interesting race for several statewide races in 2010. Campaign season for several of those offices will soon kickoff mid to late 2009. Here are some names and persons to watch out for in various races in Alabama.

Governor:

Republicans
Joe Bonner - Alabama Congressman
Kay Ivey - State Treasurer
Tim James - Businessman & Son of Ex-Governor Fob James
Former Sen. Bradley Byrne - Two Year College Chanchellor

Democrats
Artur Davis - Alabama Congressman
Ron Sparks - State AG Commissioner
Jim Folsom - State Lt. Governor
Seth Hammett - State Rep. & Speaker of the House
Mike Dow - Former Mayor of Mobile, AL & Businessman

Lt. Governor:

Republicans
Beth Chapman - State Sec. of State
Scott Beason - State Rep.
Luther Strange - 06 Nominee
Steve French - State Senator

Democrats
Jim Folsom - Incumbent
Susan Parker - Public Service Commissioner

US Senate:

Republicans
Richard Shelby - Incumbent

Democrats
Artur Davis - Congressman
Ron Sparks - AG Commissioner


More races will be coming soon, stay tuned.

Alabama State Treasurer for Governor

State Treasurer Kay Ivey is exploring a run for Governor of Alabama.

At the age of 64, She said she is looking at a run for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010 and has already loaned $1 million to her campaign. Ivey grew up in Camden, the seat of Wilcox County. Ivey is a two term Treasurer of Alabama with little name recognition around the State.

Ivey has worked in state government before, she joined then-Gov. Fob James' administration, first as a member of his staff and later as assistant director of the Alabama Development Office — traveling the state, helping communities attract business. Ivey ran for state auditor in 1982 but lost the Democratic nomination to Jan Cook, now a member of the Public Service Commission.

Ivey will have a very costly primary contest, with Business Tim James already in the republican field of candidates, and others high profile names are expected to enter the race such as Congressman Jo Bonner, Chanchellor Bradley Byrne, Jack Hawkins, State Attorney General Troy King, and others.

Kilroy wins Ohio Fifteenth Congressional District

Democrats win one more seat in US House.

Mary Jo Kilroy has defeated Republican Steve Stivers to be the congresswoman to represent the 15th Congressional District in Ohio. Kilroy won by little over two thousand votes. She has pledged to work with Democrats, Republicans and the incoming President Obama get things done for her community and this country back on the right track.

Palin and the RNC $180K

Republican National Committee did in fact spend $180k on Gov. Sarah Palin and former republican Vice Presidential nominee.

According to the records of the Federa Election Committee, the RNC has reported spending a total of about $180,000 on Palin. The RNC reported spending on salons and spas according to the November report, but most of the spending came from the $150 the RNC spent in October on clothes for palin.

She's the VP nominee and she can't purchase her own clothing? WOW! This shows you that politicians look for the special treatment and the give aways, be forget about the accountability of public office. The question is, what made Sarah Palin so special to recieve this type of treatment?

Alabama Senator calls Big Three bailout "Disturbing"

Alabama U.S. Senator Richard Shelby calls the bailout plan of Big Three Automakers "Disturbing".

Sen. Shelby is the ranking member on the Senate Banking Committee, and is he questions in the three automakers plans for a bailout from the US Government. Shelby went on to say "I wouldn't loan them any money."

Sen. Shelby said the Federal Reserve can assist the automakers with a smaller loan without the action of congress. But if this smaller assistance come from the Federal Reserve, would it be enough to help the automakers and save our jobs and economy from going deeper into recession? Shelby has been speaking out against the bailouts, however all plans should be given consideration but no guarantee.

This is not a time for our congressional leader to reject back bone of our nation jobs and economy. However, it is the time to question the leadership and management of these giants and operations of the corporations, and ensure the American citizens that accountability will take form for better our economy.

Bush in 2010

Former Gov. Jeb Bush says he is considering a run for US Senate in Florida.

The younger brother of the president — is weighing a run for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Mel Martinez who announced this week that he will not seek re-election. Bush has kept a low-profile since leaving office in 2007, but he retains a strong following among Florida Republicans and would almost certainly clear the Republican field should he decide to run.

But don't count out the democrats in this race, some high profiled democrats has been mentioned for a possible run for this Senate seat in 2010, and the talk will be will the voters elect another Bush. Will they? This is another Senate seat to watch come 2010, the State of Florida went democratic in 2008 for Presidential elections, is this a message from voters in Florida saying they are tired of the republican agenda, policy and politics in Washington. "Sounds like it to me!"

MSNBC Chris Matthews advised to quit show

There is word that Chris Matthews is seriously considering a run for US Senate in 2010 as a democrat in Pennsylvania.

Matthews has been consulting with his family and close friends over the Thanksgiving Holidays about a possible US Senate run. Word is that Matthews family has given him their full support and backing.

Chris Matthews has also been consulting with democratic operatives about a run for US Senate and when should he quit as MSNBC "HARDBALL" show host. Matthews has been advised that its better to quit now sooner than later. Chris Matthews contract ends in June with MSNBC he have the opportunity to stay on until the contract end or leave now if he is going to run for the United State Senate. There has been rumors that Matthews is not running for the US Senate, however the Political Beacon finds that hard to believe. It seems to me that Matthews is making necessary moves to make a possible run. He has also aquired a home in Pennsylvania.

If Chris Matthews decides to run, he will be running against Sen. Arlen Spector of PA., this would be a interesting Senate seat to watch in 2010.

POLITICAL BEACON WILL BE FOLLOWING THIS STORY FOR YOU.