Morning Ex

Submitted by kmr on

(Via the Ex Files)

Meet the new boss—definitely not the same as the old boss.
• WaPo: Click ticking on the One Hundred Hours.
• TPM on the GOP's irony deafness.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch;
• What a feeling: Toyota coming to NC?
• Ag-Mart slips out of big fines
• Soft landing predicted for NC economy

And as far as the gavel in the NC House is concerned, it's still up for grabs. Today's Insider notes that Rep. Jim Crawford held a get-together yesterday to try and build support, but that nothing's settled.

One list being circulated showed as many as 15 House Democratic caucus members undecided. The House Democratic caucus is scheduled to meet Jan. 10 to elect its speaker nominee.

On the legislative calendar today, the House Select Committee on Capital Punishment is holding a public hearing at 1 p.m.

Comments

From the WaPo piece:

Submitted by James on

Heh.

That may not be 100 hours, but let's not be too literal about these things. After all, the Bible tells us that Abraham died at 175; his wife, Sarah, gave birth to Isaac at the matronly age of 90; and Noah made it to age 950. Talk about a drain on the Social Security system.

Plus this smart move by Mr. Jerry Meek

Submitted by James on

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2007

North Carolina Democrats Call on Republicans to Embrace Democrats' 100 Hours Agenda

Raleigh--With new polls showing widespread support among the American people for the legislative agenda Democrats will advance in the first 100 hours of the new Congress, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek today called on North Carolina's Republicans in Congress to put partisanship aside and join Democrats in addressing the priorities of the American people. According to a new AP/AOL/Ipsos poll, the vast majority of Americans support key elements of the Democratic 100 Hours agenda. Roughly 80 percent support raising the minimum wage, 56 percent support Democratic plans to expand federal support for stem cell research, and 69 percent support the Democratic plan to allow negotiations for lower prescription drug prices.

"By pushing an ambitious reform agenda in the first 100 hours of the new Congress, Democrats are not wasting any time getting to the business of the American people," said Meek. "I urge North Carolina's Republicans in Congress to join Democrats in putting partisanship aside and join us in working to advance the people's agenda."

"During last year's elections, Democrats pledged to bring real change to Congress so our government can finally put the priorities of the American people first," Meek continued. "Democrats are committed to keeping that promise by passing real ethics reform, making America more secure by implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations, increasing the minimum wage, making college more affordable by cutting interest rates on student loans, allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices, starting America on the path to energy independence, and expanding stem cell research."

"These priorities are the core of the Democratic agenda, one the American people overwhelmingly support as evidenced by the resounding electoral victories in November and overwhelming support in the polls. As Democrats like Congressman Heath Shuler work to implement these initiatives, Republicans need to join them in standing up for the values and priorities of the hardworking people of North Carolina. Make no mistake, if partisans like Patrick McHenry, Robin Hayes, or Elizabeth Dole choose their Party over their constituents, we will hold them accountable. During last year's elections, we said Republicans want to run North Carolina like they're running Washington. The voters of our state soundly rejected that idea. Now, we look forward to Washington being run with the same Democratic common sense that has benefited North Carolina." Meek concluded.

Patrick McHenry

Submitted by George Pence on

Did anyone see Pat "Pit Bully" McHenry on C-Span this morning? He was loudly complaining that Speaker Pelosi wouldn't abide by her own minority bill of rights. You'll recall that he's made much out of a letter he sent to his fellow Republicans whining about the issue.

The problem here is that for the Democrat's 100 hours legislative blitz to work it would not be possible to provide all the advance reading and opportunities for amendment that Pelosi's original proposal, which the Republicans rejected without comment, would give to the minority party. And no doubt, in this instance, the Republicans would do all in their power to derail the 100 hours agenda for the sheer joy of obstructionism - and their efforts would have nothing to do with an honest desire to improve legislation.

As an interesting side note, Steny Hoyer reportedly said that as soon as the 100 hours are over the minority party would get exactly what they are asking for... and evidently exactly what they were unwilling to give the Democrats when they held the majority.

I'm 56 years old. I moved to North Carolina five years ago. The previous twenty-five years I spent as a resident of Chicago's north shore and before that Wisconsin, Utah and California. I live in Moore County. My Congressman is Howard Coble, my State Sen

Has anyone heard that Miers resigned?

Submitted by momoaizo on

Heard about it an hour ago and just read this article online....from MSNBC

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.

Ed Cone has links.

Submitted by Robert P. on

to people saying this is so Condi can run for President.

Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me

Do you think that people would actually

Submitted by momoaizo on

consider voting for the Imelda Marcos wannabee?

No matter that patriotism is too often the refuge of scoundrels. Dissent, rebellion, and all-around hell-raising remain the true duty of patriots.