TRENDING UP

see also tag

neglected

merri ok

related to echo/escalator?

also DOWN? issa?

AG as stepping stone?

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February 9, 2024 rww

North Carolina’s Christian nationalist Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson participated in Charlie Kirk’s “Freedom Night In America” event held Thursday night in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Oklahoma’s Christian nationalist state Sen. Dusty Deevers proclaims that “because the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, the chief end of civil government is to honor and uphold the purpose of man by protecting the innocent, punishing the evildoer, and promoting that which is good.”

Michigan’s Christian nationalist state Rep. Josh Schriver defends his promotion of the racist “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory.

Christian nationalist Mark Gonzales falsely claims that it was pastors in the “Black Robe Regiment,” not the military, that won the American Revolution: “It wasn’t the American army, it was the church that did that.” None of that is true.

Finally, hundreds of Christian nationalists gathered for a “FlashPoint” event in Colorado on Thursday where they collectively decreed and declared that the U.S. government will honor God, pass only laws that are righteous, and issue only rulings that are biblical: “The blood of Jesus protects and covers our nation.”

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Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE) is reportedly going to resign. Sasse has become a frequent target of the Trump-wing of the Republican Party claiming that he's nothing more than a "RINO" (Republican in Name Only) and that he isn't loyal enough to former President Donald Trump.

Sasse was seen as a young Republican rising star until Trump took over the party and made him a target.

According to KFAB radio host Ian Swanson, Sasse is being offered a job at theUniversity of Florida. Sasse previously served as the 15th President of Midland University until he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He didn't attend the University of Florida and has no otherwise obvious ties to the state.

Politico also reported Thursday that Sasse plans to resign his Senate seat, citing "two people familiar with the Nebraska Republican’s plans."

The Nebraska governor would then appoint a replacement until the seat comes up for reelection.

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cf candace owen

youtube monetized, HQ attack b/c woman thot blocked, rt has used better/1st? echo/escalator?

alt rt uses effectively see RAM and red elephant

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veepstakes:

hillary

Amy Klobuchar: We know from Clinton's campaign chairman, John Podesta, that Clinton will have a woman in her final vice presidential mix. The only question is who. Klobuchar fills that slot for now as an up-and-coming star in the party who represents a state — Minnesota — where Democrats would be favored to hold a seat in the Senate. But this could be Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) or former Homeland Security secretary and Arizona governor Janet Napolitano — or a woman we are not even thinking about right now.

Tom Perez: The Labor secretary checks two boxes for Clinton (and, yes, some of vice presidential picking is box-checking): He's well regarded in liberal circles, and he's Hispanic. Also, he's not named "Elizabeth Warren" or "Bernie Sanders" — neither of whom Clinton wants to pick. The problem for Perez? This Politico report gets at it: "Aside from the wonkiest of Washington circles and the most progressive corners of the left, no one’s heard of Tom Perez. He isn’t young or handsome. He has zero foreign policy experience. The highest office he’s been elected to is a suburban county council." Yup. That.

3. Tim Kaine: The Virginia senator was among the first — if not the first — major elected official to endorse Clinton's presidential campaign. (He said he was for her in May 2014.) That's Kaine's MO; he endorsed then-Sen. Barack Obama in February 2007. Kaine's profile — Christian missionary, fluent Spanish speaker, governor and now senator of a swing state — is outstanding. The one issue for Kaine: He's a white male with "senator" before his name right now.

2. Sherrod Brown: Stylistically, Brown, who has been a member of Congress, Ohio secretary of state and now a U.S. senator, is Clinton's opposite. Gruff to her polished. Populist to her, um, not populist. Blue collar to her white collar. And he's from Ohio — one of the swingiest states in the country. Brown could also be — and would likely relish — the traditional vice presidential role as an attack dog against the Republican ticket. One downside for Brown: Picking him and winning puts a very competitive Senate seat in play at a time when Democrats are trying to win back control of the chamber.

From one VP to another? Vice President Biden and then-San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro chat in Iowa in 2013. Castro is the one name almost always mentioned as Clinton's potential vice presidential pick. (Steve Pope/Getty Images)

Julian Castro: Castro, on paper, is the person Clinton would like to pick. Why? He is a telegenic 41-year-old Latino from Texas. He complements her in virtually every way, demographically speaking. My working belief has long been that Castro was picked to be secretary of housing and urban development in the Obama administration at least in part so he would have the experience and profile to be part of a national ticket. Castro will absolutely be vetted; whether he passes that vet remains to be seen.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/04/22/5-people-hillary-clinton-might-pick-as-her-vice-president/

7/16 ggl

Here is a look at some of the up-and-comers who may be making (more of) a name for themselves in 2016.

Julian Castro, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Image: Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Clinton holds the hand of HUD Secretary Castro after he endorsed her at a "Latinos for Hillary" rally in San Antonio, Texas

Hillary Clinton holds the hand of Julian Castro after he endorsed her at a "Latinos for Hillary" rally in San Antonio, Texas in October. DARREN ABATE / Reuters

The former San Antonio mayor became a star during the 2012 Democratic National Convention when he delivered a keynote address. The well-received speech and Castro's promotion to President Obama's cabinet as HUD secretary has many speculating he will be on the shortlist when it comes time for the Democratic nominee to choose a running mate. On top of his resume, Castro's Hispanic roots could make him an even more appealing choice in an election where Latino voters are expected to be a more critical voting bloc than ever before.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey

Image: Barack Obama, Cory Booker

President Barack Obama greets, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., at a gathering of criminal justice activists in September. Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP

The New Jersey Democrat has been in the public eye since his days as the social media savvy mayor of Newark, N.J. But since joining the Senate in 2013, Booker has kept a lower profile than he did as mayor. But the quasi-celebrity politician's name continues to be mentioned among top VP picks for a Democratic nominee, especially in an election when race relations has come to play a prominent role.

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Kamala Harris, California Attorney General

Image: California Attorney General Kamala Harris

California Attorney General Kamala Harris speaks at the Center for American Progress' 2014 Making Progress Policy Conference in Washington last year. GARY CAMERON / Reuters

California Attorney General Kamala Harris has been the early frontrunner in the race to succeed outgoing Sen. Barbara Boxer. The half-black and half-Indian 51-year-old touts a record fighting for equality, standing up to crime and even taking on the big banks. But before Harris gets to Capitol Hill, she'll need to win what is expected to be a bruising and expensive race to become the next senator from the Golden State. California Rep. Loretta Sanchez is also running and could pose a serious threat to Harris ahead of the Democratic primary.

Gov. Susana Martinez, R- New Mexico

Image:

Gov. Susana Martinez is the first female Hispanic American governor. Susan Montoya Bryan / AP

The Hispanic female Republican easily won a second term as governor in 2014 and is expected to be a sought after surrogate on the campaign trail. She was mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick for Mitt Romney in 2012, and that is expected to be the case again in 2016. The question is whether Martinez is interested in making the leap to the national stage. She cares for her sister, who has cerebral palsy, which would factor into any decision about taking the next step.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth, D- Illinois

Image: House Members-Elect Pose For Group Photo At The U.S. Capitol

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is expected to face Republican Sen. Mark Kirk in one of the most hotly contested Senate races of 2016. Mark Wilson / Getty Images

The former Blackhawk pilot who lost her legs and part of an arm in Iraq quickly became a Democratic rising star when she was elected to Congress in 2010. Duckworth is the leading Democrat and likely challenger to Republican incumbent Sen. Mark Kirk.

Kirk, who returned to the Senate after suffering a stroke in 2012, is one of the most vulnerable Republican senators in 2016 and the hotly contested race has already turned negative. The Illinois contest could determine which party wins control of the Senate next year.

Gov. Brian Sandoval, R- Nevada

Like Susana Martinez, Sandoval is a Hispanic governor whose name has often been mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick. He disappointed some Republicans in the Silver State earlier this year when he announced he would not seek outgoing Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid's seat. Many in the GOP felt Sandoval gave the party the best chance to prevent the seat from remaining in Democratic hands. But not running for the upper chamber frees Sandoval up to again be part of the VP speculation next year.

George P. Bush, Texas Land Commissioner

Image: George P. Bush

George P. Bush is used to being a surrogate for family members presidential campaigns. Juan Carlos Llorca / AP

The son of Jeb Bush got into the family business in 2014 when he was elected Texas land commissioner. He attempted to run a low-key campaign that did not overplay his family's connections, though being a Bush meant his father and uncle, President George W. Bush, naturally were issues. "P," as his family calls him, has been a top surrogate for his father's presidential campaign, a position he is not unfamiliar with. During his uncle's 2000 campaign he helped his George W. Bush attract young and Hispanic voters. The photogenic and half-Hispanic Bush drew plenty of press attention on the campaign trail, earning him the nickname "Ricky Martin" from family members ribbing him for his new celebrity status

2013?

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wapo

The Fix’s top 10 rising stars

By Sean Sullivan and Aaron Blake August 23, 2013

Here at The Fix, we try to make sure you're ahead of the curve when it comes to future elections -- be they four, six, eight or even 10 years away. Some people don't like that; we love it.

But when it comes to the future of politics, who will be some of the big names? Who are some state legislators and downballot statewide officials that even Fix readers (and, in some cases, Fix writers) don't know but are expected to make some moves in the coming years?

We checked with smart people who follow such politicians closely and came up with The Fix's top 10 rising stars. (Note: This list is hardly exhaustive, and if we missed some, please let us know in the comments section.)

The politicians below are listed in alphabetical order and by party.

Democrats:

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden: Biden, who returned home Thursday after undergoing a medical procedure in Houston, has a name and a resume tailor-made for moving up to higher office some day. The son of Vice President Biden, the attorney general surprised many Democrats when he declined to run for the Senate in 2010. But at just 44, Biden, who served in Iraq and gave a well-received speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, still has plenty of time to think about his future. And the next time a Senate seat opens up in Delaware, the conversation will begin with his name, as Biden would be a heavy front-runner as a candidate.

Kamala Harris. (Washington Post video)

California Attorney General Kamala Harris: For many Americans, President Obama's comment earlier this year that Harris is the "best looking attorney general in the country" (he later apologized) may have been the first time they heard about Harris. But in California, she has been on the rise for years. Before being elected attorney general in 2010, Harris was the first female district attorney in the history of San Francisco. Harris, 48, is favored to win reelection in 2014, so 2016 or 2018 look like the most plausible chances for her to move up, possibly to a campaign for governor or Senate.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane: The first woman and first Democrat elected to her position, Kane was a a rising star even before she took office earlier this year. She won more voters in 2012 than Obama and Sen. Bob Casey (D), and made national headlines when she refused to defend the state's same-sex marriage ban in federal court last month. Kane has ruled out a run for governor in 2014, a smart move considering that Rep. Allyson Schwartz, a rising star in her own right, is already in the race. The smart money says that at some point, Kane's name will be in the mix for Senate or governor. But for now, she seems content with her current gig.

Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller:Miller became the youngest secretary of state in the country when he was first elected in 2006. In 2014, he's expected to run for attorney general, which could just be the one of several steps up the ladder for the 37-year old. There remain some questions about whether Miller will get a strong opponent in 2014; Adam Laxalt, the grandson of former senator Paul Laxalt (R-Nev.) who was also recently revealed to be the son of former senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.), is looking at the race.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed: Shifting demographics in Georgia have made Democrats bullish about their future in the Peach State. And no discussion about the future is complete without Reed, who a former state legislator who was elected by the slimmest of margins in 2009. Since that time, Reed, 44, has built his national profile, and he's one of the Democratic Party's biggest rising African American stars. The 2018 governor's race seems like Reed's best bet to move up. In the meantime, he's cultivating relationships with the national party: The Democratic National Committee is reportedly set to add him to its executive committee Friday.

Republicans:

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi: Bondi upset the sitting lieutenant governor, Jeff Kottkamp, to win her job in 2010. A telegenic former Fox News legal analyst politician, who has appeared as a guest on Fox News, earned the endorsement of Sarah Palin in her first campaign, she is seeking reelection next year, and assuming she wins, will be one of a few Florida Republicans in line for major statewide office in the coming years. And at 47, her political career is really just getting started.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R). (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)

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George P. Bush: The 37-year-old son of former Florida governor Jeb Bush (R) shares a first name with two former presidents. He brings both famous bloodlines and diversity to the GOP ticket as the son of Jeb Bush and his Mexican-American mother. And if any young Bush is likely to lead the “family business” in the coming years, it’s George P. In fact, he’s making his first run in 2014 – for Texas land commissioner. Rest assured that nobody thinks that’s where his political career will end.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted: Following state Treasurer Josh Mandel’s unsuccessful Senate bid in 2012, Husted may be the Ohio GOP’s next big hope. The secretary of state served in the state Senate and as speaker of the state House for four years. He didn’t have a great 2012 election, overseeing some controversy over how the state conducted its elections. But the 45-year-old is still in line for big things, including potentially his party’s next gubernatorial candidate, after Gov. John Kasich (R) is finished.

Iowa Lieutenant Gov. Kim Reynolds: Iowa’s lieutenant governor opted not to run for Senate this year – a decision that disappointed Republicans – but she’s still seen as a rising star in the Iowa GOP and potentially Gov. Terry Branstad’s (R) successor – if he ever retires. Branstad is seeking his sixth, non-consecutive term as governor in 2014. That means the governor’s seat won’t be up until 2018, but Reynolds, 54, could also be in the mix if Sen. Charles Grassley (R) retires in 2016, when he will be in his early 80s.

Oklahoma state House Speaker T.W. Shannon: The 35-year old is not only Oklahoma's first African American speaker of the House, he's also the country's first black Republican state House speaker since Reconstruction. He also happens to be an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation. Oklahoma is a conservative state that will offer plenty of opportunities for upwardly mobile Republicans, and given that Shannon is term-limited in 2018, he'll be looking for that next move pretty soon.

8:01 p.m. Correction: The previous version of this story described Bondi as a former Fox News analyst. She has appeared on the network as a guest, but was not a paid analyst.

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the presumptive nominees for their parties. Stay caught up on the race.

Trump announces VP pick

Donald J. Trump ? @realDonaldTrump

I am pleased to announce that I have chosen Governor Mike Pence as my Vice Presidential running mate. News conference tomorrow at 11:00

Who's speaking at the GOP convention?

Six Trumps

Donald, wife Melania, and kids Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany.

Six sitting senators

Iowa's Joni Ernst, Texas's Ted Cruz, Alabama's Jeff Sessions, Arkansas's Tom Cotton, Kentucky's Mitch McConnell and West Virginia's Shelley Moore Capito.

Four Republican governors

Oklahoma's Mary Fallin, New Jersey's Chris Christie, Florida's Rick Scott and Wisconsin's Scott Walker.

Several prominent billionaires

Trump, entrepreneur and oilman Harold Hamm, Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin, Paypal founder Peter Thiel, and real estate investor Tom Barrack

Many others

Two soap opera stars, reality TV stars and quite a few more unexpected speakers.

Read the full list of speakers here.

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Most disapprove of FBI recommendation not to charge Clinton

In a recent Washington Post poll we asked: Do you approve or disapprove of Comey's recommendation that Clinton should NOT be charged with a crime?

02040Approve35%Disapprove56No opinion9

Question lead-in: As you may have heard, FBI Director James Comey has recommended NOT charging Hillary Clinton with a crime for her use of personal email while secretary of state saying she did not have any criminal intent. He also said Clinton was "extremely careless" in her handling of classified information in her personal email.

Source: Washington Post-ABC News July 6-7 poll of 519 U.S. adults. Margin of sampling error +/- 5 points.

Trump picks Pence after late hesitation, hoping for a steadying influence

The Indiana governor’s social conservatism could solve some problems and cause others.

Britain’s new leader May seen as more Merkel than Maggie

Within moments of Theresa May’s confirmation as the next prime minister of Britain, London tabloids and wags were comparing her to Britain’s “iron lady” of the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher. But those taking a closer look see more in common with Europe’s most powerful woman today: Germany’s “iron chancellor,” Angela Merkel.

Why turning Texas blue is A LOT harder than it looks

The second in our "Postcards from the Great Divide" documentary series.

Trump introduces 'solid, solid person' Pence

Newser