ANALYSIS
Party split ideologically, geographically on major issues
Politico Nov 25, 08 10:22 AM CST
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The Democrats have amassed so much power in Congress their internal conflicts may matter more than their fights with the GOP. In Politico, Martin Kady II takes a look at some likely intra-party fault lines: Californians against rust-belters on the environment: “The Midwestern Democrats—Sherrod Brown, Evan Bayh, and the Michigan senators—are not going to let it go too far left,” says a Democratic Senate leadership aide.
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Automaker scrambles to retrench ahead of Congress' deadline
Bloomberg Nov 24, 08 9:43 AM CST
(Newser)
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General Motors is revving up its efforts to prove to Congress it can survive if it receives a multibillion-dollar federal loan, reports Bloomberg. The automaker is asking unions to ease work rules, attempting to reduce its debt load, and considering cutting brands from its lineup as it tries to stretch its remaining cash. The company has a week to present a plan to lawmakers.
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talk show roundup
Joe says Obama never called back; politicos talk bailouts on TV
Politico Nov 23, 08 12:00 PM CST
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Joe Lieberman told Meet the Press today that he regrets "some things I said in the heat of the campaign that I wish I'd said more clearly," and hopes Barack Obama will put, er, "country first" by leading in a bipartisan fashion. Lieberman said he called Obama during the campaign, but, oddly, never heard back from him, Politico reports. In other talk shows: On Fox News Sunday, Obama adviser David Axelrod urged the next Congress to create a new multi-billion-dollar bailout plan to create jobs, The Hill reports. “We don’t have time to waste here,” Axelrod said.
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Detroit News Nov 20, 08 3:05 PM CST
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After failing to strike a deal today on a possible bailout for the Big Three automakers, Congressional leaders offered the firms one more chance to push for the $25 billion lifeline they've requested, the Detroit News reports. Lawmakers will wait until December and require concrete plans for the money before proceeding. “The best way to proceed is to give them another opportunity to make their case,” Harry Reid said.
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Energy and Commerce Committee will see much legislation from Obama
The Hill Nov 20, 08 11:14 AM CST
(Newser)
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House Democrats elected Californian Henry Waxman to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee today, the Hill reports. Waxman’s new post will hold considerable influence over how the next administration will effect its legislative agenda; his selection over Michigan’s John Dingell, who has served on the committee for 28 years, is seen as a victory for the further-left elements of the party.
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Politico Nov 12, 08 3:03 PM CST
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Nancy Pelosi may wield her influence behind the scenes, but she is the most powerful woman in the history of US politics, Politico reports, and with recent Democratic gains in Congress, she's poised to have power few other speakers could match. Though she’s nice about it, “whatever Nancy wants, Nancy gets,” a lawmaker said.
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Wall Street Journal Nov 11, 08 5:35 PM CST
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Nancy Pelosi plans to convene a lame-duck House session to vote on an expanded rescue of the auto industry, the Wall Street Journal reports. “I am confident Congress can consider emergency assistance legislation next week,” the House Speaker said. Both GM and Ford have said they are cash poor, even after the $25 billion in government loan they received prior to the election.
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Pelosi, Reid want $700B bailout to aid GM, Ford, and Chrysler
Politico Nov 8, 08 4:56 PM CST
(Newser)
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Congressional Democrats are urging Henry Paulson to pump funds into the sputtering Big Three automakers, Politico reports. In a letter to the treasury secretary, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid called for a broadening of the $700 billion bailout package to help GM, Ford, and Chrysler qualify for federal aid. A thriving auto industry is vital to restoring market stability, the Dems said.
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Waxman aims to bump Dingell out of key chairmanship
Politico Nov 6, 08 9:40 AM CST
(Newser)
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Tuesday's votes were still being counted when House Democrats started wrangling over leadership positions, Politico reports. Henry Waxman has launched a challenge for chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, aiming to take out John Dingell of Michigan, whose support is eroding. Says a lobbyist: "He has done nothing on energy because he is in the pockets of the auto companies, and that hurt us this year."
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Latest reports
sound alarm on
industry crisis
Detroit Free Press Nov 6, 08 1:50 AM CST
(Newser)
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The CEOs of Detroit's troubled Big Three automakers and the head of the UAW are set to meet today with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to ask for another $25 billion in government loans, the Detroit Free Press reports. Detroit had its worst sales month in 25 years in October, and insiders say General Motors' financial results, due out tomorrow, will be so bleak that the government will have to step in if the company is to survive.
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Democrats say bipartisan, White House support crucial to measure
Reuters Nov 5, 08 3:56 PM CST
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Nancy Pelosi says she hopes to quickly push through a $61 billion economic stimulus package but will need the support of President Bush and the current crop of Senate Republicans, Reuters reports. Pelosi said a "lame duck session" could come as early as Nov. 16. "It depends on what the White House is going to do," she said of the prospects of getting a bill signed.
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