JohnBreaux

JohnBreaux https://www.dailykos.com/news/JohnBreaux News Community Action Copyright 2005 - Steal what you want Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:08:54 +0000 Mon, 27 Jan 2020 00:08:54 +0000 Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) Daily Kos rss@dailykos.com (Daily Kos) Conservative Democrats agree Democrats will capitulate on privatizing Medicare https://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/4/30/1087693/-Conservative-Democrats-agree-Democrats-will-capitulate-on-privatizing-nbsp-Medicare <div id="uimg_right"><img src="http://images1.dailykos.com/i/user/6685/catfood_275.jpg" alt="cat food" height="183" width="275" /></div> Today's award for totally clueless Democrats who want the Very Serious People to love them is a tie: former Lousiana Sen. John Breaux, and Alice Rivlin, the former head of the White House's Office of the Management and Budget in the Clinton administration. They say <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/28/john-breaux-paul-ryan-democrats_n_1461568.html?ref=politics">Democrats are ready and waiting to go along with Rep. Paul Ryan's plan</a> to end Medicare as we know it, they're just waiting until after the election to do it. <blockquote>WASHINGTON -- Democrats who are staking the 2012 election in part on the charge that Republicans will "end Medicare as we know it" likely will join in on that transformation once the election is over, according to high-powered lobbyist John Breaux, a Democrat and former senator from Louisiana. "You're going to have to get past Nov. 5 or whenever the election is," Breaux told reporters after a Friday House hearing on "premium support," which is at the heart of Republican Rep. Paul Ryan's Medicare reform plan -- that Democrats equate with ending Medicare. [...] Rivlin, who also testified Friday, recently told The Huffington Post that Democrats "are lying, not to put too fine a point on it," when they say that premium support will end Medicare. Her vision (watch her explain it here), like Breaux's, includes aggressive oversight meant to ensure Medicare survives. [...] "People are starting to realize that you have to start in the center," Breaux added. "I'm hearing talk from members about that; I think they're open. Max Baucus on the Senate Finance Committee is a type of centrist that can help put together a deal like this. And Orrin Hatch, after the elections." </blockquote> That's ever so helpful, Breaux and Rivlin, in helping Democrats in this election. Of course, they don't want to help Democrats, because even though that's what they call themselves, it would just be far too nasty and partisan of them to not trash their party in public. This is how these so called centrist Democrats, including <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/02/1070230/-Action-Tell-Steny-Hoyer-don-t-make-deals-to-cut-Social-Security-Medicare-and-nbsp-Medicaid-">Rep. Steny Hoyer</a> and <a href="http://news.firedoglake.com/2012/04/18/conrad-explains-his-bowles-simpson-gambit/">Sen. Kent Conrad</a>, like to work. Either turn the decision-making over to some unelected, unaccountable commission (preferably with actual power) and have them make the critical decisions about the economic future of every middle-class and low-income American behind closed doors. Alternatively, have a bunch of lame duck Congress members who won't be back next term and who also aren't accountable to their constituents do the dirty work. Our job is to tell them <a href="http://campaigns.dailykos.com/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=82">no backroom deals on Medicare or Social Security</a>. rss@dailykos.com (Joan McCarter) AliceRivlin JohnBreaux Medicare Paul Ryan PaulRyan Vouchers _1087693 Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:48:09 +0000 The Still Obtuse Chris Matthews https://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/2/16/837783/-The-Still-Obtuse-Chris-Matthews After my last diary, <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/1/20/827828/-The-Obtuse-Chris-Matthews">The Obtuse Chris Matthews</a>, there was a comment on the show to the effect that, well, bloggers don’t have to govern. The implication was that if you weren’t in Congress then you are free to argue any solution because you don’t have to get your colleagues to go along. This would carry a lot more weight if Congress were actually solving problems and moving the country along. On a host of important issues from climate change to managing the economy virtually every solution offered on the Internet beats what Congress has actually done. Perhaps bloggers don’t need to get forty-one members of the Tea Bag Party in Congress to sign up for their legislation, but that’s doesn’t help the country progress. It’s time for those in Congress to open up to the solutions that the bloggers (and many others outside of their club) have to offer. Today, Matthews followed up his comments with a segment promoting centrism, pulling in two former (centrist) Senators (John Breaux and William Cohen) as guests. This led to an excellent discussion based on a faulty premise. rss@dailykos.com (Liberal Thinking) Bloggers Centrism Centrist ChrisMatthews Congress EvanBayh Filibuster Hardball JohnBreaux Left Wing LeftWing Netroots Right Wing RightWing Senate WilliamCohen _837783 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 05:53:29 +0000 2009-2010 ELECTIONS: For find any strong candidate more for senate (updated) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/30/678438/-2009-2010-ELECTIONS-For-find-any-strong-candidate-more-for-senate-updated For any of states with interesting races for senate for 2010, we know some democrats who have important offices currently or in the past, and who not are old for return or change the office. Today we will try see who of they can help better to Democratic Party for win the 2010 senate race in their home state. Maybe any can help. The candidates of todays poll are from six states: <ol><li value="1"> Kentucky, where until now we not try see like can help current governor S Beshear for the senate race.</li></ol> <ol><li value="2"> North Carolina, where they are some of these names. Famous democrats who can help or not, we will try see today.</li></ol> <ol><li value="3"> Missouri, where they are too some of these names, and we will try see who of they can help better for the race.</li></ol> <ol><li value="4"> Oklahoma, where seems time for B Henry, but they are more knows names.</li></ol> <ol><li value="5"> Florida, where B Graham seems the strongest democrat, but we dont know about other famous names.</li></ol> <ol><li value="6"> Georgia, where they are too any possible candidates in same case of these others.</li></ol> rss@dailykos.com (abgin) 2010 2010elections 2010Senate AK-Sen AL-Sen AZ-Sen EdRendell FL-Sen GA-Sen IA-Sen ID-Sen JohnBreaux JohnLynch KathleenSebelius KS-Sen KY-Sen LA-Sen MO-Sen NC-Sen NH-Sen OH-Sen OK-Sen PA-Sen SC-Sen SD-Sen Senate Ted Strickland TedStrickland TX-Sen UT-Sen _678438 Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:35:07 +0000 2009-2010 ELECTIONS: LA-Sen. Maybe the moment for J Breaux return? (updated) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/15/672581/-2009-2010-ELECTIONS-LA-Sen-Maybe-the-moment-for-J-Breaux-return-updated After the scandals around incunbent senator from Louisiana D Vitter (R) seems their seat can be vulnerable, but in Louisiana democratics continue with problems for find strong candidate against Vitter, and seems this incunbent can win and safe their seat. Possible candidates for Senate in Louisiana: <ol><li value="1"> John Berlinger Breaux: LA 1944 US Senator from LA 87-05.</li></ol> <ol><li value="2"> Kathleen Babineaux Blanco: LA 1942 Governor of LA 04-08. Lieutenant Governor of LA 96-04.</li></ol> <ol><li value="3"> Charles Joseph Melancon: LA 1947 USHRep 05- .</li></ol> <ol><li value="4"> Thomas Gerald Huckaby: LA 1941 USHRep 77-93. Lost for House 92. Living in Virginia?</li></ol> <ol><li value="5"> Donald J Cazayoux: LA 1964 USHRep 08-09. Lost for House 08.</li></ol> <ol><li value="6"> Mitchell Joseph Landrieu: LA 1960 Lieutenant Governor of LA 04- . Lost for Mayor of New Orleans 94 and 06.</li></ol> <ol><li value="7"> James "Buddy" Caldwell: LA 1946 Attorney General of LA 08- .</li></ol> rss@dailykos.com (abgin) 2010 2010Senate DavidVitter JohnBreaux LA-Sen Louisiana Senate _672581 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:06:32 +0000 Attn Obama campaign: How to beat McCain https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/28/558343/-Attn-Obama-campaign-How-to-beat-McCain This is a longshot but I'm writing this diary in hopes that the DNC or Obama's campaign will read it.  It's a how to diary on running against negative campaigning.  I know, I know... I'm being presumptuous, naive, etc. But give a listen. We've seen, not a day goes by when McCain or his surrogates are not attacking Obama.  And now they are stooping to ridiculous baseless attack ads. Some pundits are saying this might backfire against McCain. It might. But here's how to be certain of the backfire... after the fold rss@dailykos.com (Bidabunch) AttackAds Barack Obama BarackObama HensonMoore John McCain JohnBreaux JohnMcCain NegativeCampaigning _558343 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:12:07 +0000 Direct Action. Target: Insurance companies and their lobbyists https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/7/14/551524/-Direct-Action-Target-Insurance-companies-and-their-lobbyists A few weeks ago, the <a href="http://www.calnurse.org/">California Nurses Association</a> asked me if I'd be willing to attend the insurance industry's version of Netroots Nation (<a href="http://www.ahip.org/links/institute2008/resource.htm">AHIP</a>) and do what I do... capture bad guys being deceitful, bad and ugly. I, of course, leaped at the chance.  (Shout out to <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/user/nyceve">nyceve</a> – without her, I wouldn't have gotten the gig). To get to San Francisco, I had to fly from my home in Charlottesville, Virginia.  The 7 hours spent in cramp-inducing airplane/airport seats surely contributed to a key issue that comes up later in this narrative. So I arrived Wednesday afternoon and met up with nyceve, the activist crew of CNA, and all the nurses that flew in from hospitals around the country.  We had a nice dinner buffet and heard from several people that have really been screwed by health bottom-line care corporations.  <a href="http://www.calacanis.com/2007/12/21/cigna-kills-nataline-sarkisyan/">Nataline Sarkisyan</a>'s mother and cousin spoke; the cousin left us all speechless and teary. rss@dailykos.com (Mike Stark) AHIP BillFrist JohnBreaux murderbyspreadsheet TommyThompson _551524 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:38:50 +0000 MSNBC: Trent Lott favoring alternative energy??? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/9/532836/-MSNBC-Trent-Lott-favoring-alternative-energy Did hell just freeze over?  I'm watching former Sen. Trent Lott (R-MS) speaking on MSNBC right now with Andrea Mitchell, and the first thing that came out of his mouth on energy independence sounded like one of us talking!! He didn't say the words "Apollo-style program", but he did say we needed to invest in all types of renewable energies, including nuclear (which is something we do need to do, folks, like it or not).  He admitted that Congress had only been "nibbling" around the edges in combating our addiction to oil, and that we needed to go big to really become more energy independent. And then, you had former Sen. John Breaux (D-LA) diss Obama's idea for a windfall profits tax on the oil companies.  Of course, given that it's Louisiana, I'm not sure you could find a current or former statewide elected official in that state come out in favor of a windfall profits tax on Big Oil. Oh, then the discussion turned to evangelicals, and Lott reverted back to what we're accustomed to. rss@dailykos.com (BruinKid) EnergyIndependence JohnBreaux MSNBC TrentLott _532836 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:56:25 +0000 Trent Lott's Career in Education https://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/5/430840/-Trent-Lott-s-Career-in-Education At the end of November, Trent Lott sadly informed his colleagues that he would be <a href="http://www.cdispatch.com/articles/2007/12/07/local_news/local02.txt">departing</a>. <blockquote> Lott announced a week ago that he's vacating his U.S. Senate seat this month, ending his 35-year congressional career representing Mississippi. He said he wants to do something else after working so long in one place. ... A year after being re-elected to his fourth six-year Senate term, Lott announced Nov. 26 that he wants a different job and to spend more time with his family. </blockquote> His friends in the Senate gave Lott a rousing send off, interrupting a critical legislative session to say their farewells.  It was clear that Trent was aching to see that family, and would not <a href="http://www.sunherald.com/218/story/256186.html">hang around DC</a> <blockquote> Lott said last month that new restrictions on lobbying that take effect after Dec. 31 "didn't have a big role" in his decision to retire. ... Lott said he wants to spend more time with his family and to pursue other job opportunities, possibly teaching. </blockquote> And today, Trent Lott announced that he had found that education job and his long-missed family. Turns out they were living on <a href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/1_1/breakingnews/21494-1.html">K Street</a>. <blockquote> Putting weeks of speculation to rest, former Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) confirmed Friday they plan to file paperwork next week to form a powerful lobbying partnership called The Breaux Lott Leadership Group. </blockquote> It's always touching to see a man spending his golden years with those he loves. rss@dailykos.com (Mark Sumner) JohnBreaux TrentLott _430840 Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:52:08 +0000 LA-Gov: This race gets stranger every day... https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/5/18/335977/-LA-Gov-This-race-gets-stranger-every-day (Cross-posted at my blog, <a href="http://enduringdemocraticmajority.blogspot.com/">An Enduring Democratic Majority</a>.) Today I thought I'd take a look at the happenings in the Lousiana Governor's race from the past 7 days or so. This seat, currently held by Democrat Kathleen Blanco, is easily the most endangered, prominent Democratic office to come up for election in the last two years. Speaking of which, here's an interesting fact: <blockquote> The Democrats have not lost an incumbent statewide or congressional election since 2004. </blockquote> However, that may all change come November of 2007 in Louisiana. Let's take a look at the timeline and the players: rss@dailykos.com (Skulnick) 2007Elections BobbyJindal FosterCampbell JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov WalterBoasso _335977 Fri, 18 May 2007 14:31:34 +0000 Oh please no! (Blanco re-entry) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/30/329282/-Oh-please-no-Blanco-re-entry I sure hope this one isn't true. According to the Advocate, Governor Kathleen Blanco is thinking about unretiring and getting back into the Louisiana governor's race.http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/7241306.html rss@dailykos.com (Pozzo) BobbyJindal JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco Louisiana _329282 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 17:14:18 +0000 Why we need to draft Edwin Murray for LA Governor https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/16/323916/-Why-we-need-to-draft-Edwin-Murray-for-LA-Governor After learning that John Breaux would not run for Governor, I was understandably dismayed.  I set out to look for a new candidate.  Somebody who is a dedicated progressive.  Somebody who would make the Democratic Party proud.  And, most of all, somebody who could win.  No, I'm not talking about Mitch Landrieu.  I'm talking about State Senator Edwin Murray.  Who is Edwin Murray?  Let's find out... rss@dailykos.com (clark2008) 2007Elections EdwinMurray Governor JohnBreaux LA-Gov _323916 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:53:13 +0000 LA-Gov: Breaux passes on race https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/13/322967/-LA-Gov-Breaux-passes-on-race Breaux <a href="http://blog.nola.com/times-picayune/2007/04/breaux_says_he_wont_run.html">is out</a>. <blockquote> Former U.S. Sen. John Breaux said Friday that he will not be a candidate for governor this year. Breaux made the announcement just hours after Attorney General Charles Foti declined to issue a legal opinion on Breaux's qualifications to run. A spokeswoman for Breaux said the lack of a definitive ruling persuaded him to back away from a campaign he has flirted with for weeks. </blockquote> Democratic Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu, most recently seen losing a race of New Orleans mayor, is interested in running. Former Democratic Rep. Chris John, most recently seen getting crushed by now-Sen. David Vitter, is as well. This governorship is likely going Red. Update: Great <a href="http://www.dailykingfish.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=15">numbers analysis</a> on the potential alternatives to Breaux from the Daily Kingfish -- a new Louisiana group blog. rss@dailykos.com (kos) 2007Elections BobbyJindal CharlesFoti ChrisJohn DavidVitter Governor JohnBreaux LA-Gov Louisiana MitchLandrieu _322967 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 23:46:13 +0000 Senator Breaux's Candidacy for Louisiana Governor in Peril? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/13/322828/-Senator-Breaux-s-Candidacy-for-Louisiana-Governor-in-Peril (Cross-posted at <a href="http://www.dailykingfish.com">Daily Kingfish</a>) Edited to flesh out party affiliations and enter more analysis Update [2007-4-13 17:3:58 by DailyKingFish]: Further analysis thanks to questions and for Breaux statement Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti (D-New Orleans) has declined to issue an advisory opinion on whether or not former Senator John Breaux would be considered a citizen of Louisiana under our Constitution. rss@dailykos.com (DailyKingFish) CharlesFoti JohnBreaux LA-Gov _322828 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:28:15 +0000 Developing: LA Attorney General Punts Breaux Question https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/13/322795/-Developing-LA-Attorney-General-Punts-Breaux-Question <blockquote> Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti has decided against issuing a ruling on whether former U.S. Senator John Breaux can run for governor. </blockquote> Analysis Below the Fold rss@dailykos.com (Unlabled) JohnBreaux LA-Gov _322795 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:00:11 +0000 LA Gov: Decision on Breaux Due Today https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/13/322764/-LA-Gov-Decision-on-Breaux-Due-Today This afternoon the Lousiana Attorney General Charles Foti is set to announce whether or not former US Senator and Congressman John Breaux is eligible to run for Governor of Lousiana this November. From <a href="http://www.kplctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6365337&nav=0nqx">KPLC-TV</a>: <blockquote> Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti will release his opinion today on the question of whether former U.S. Senator John Breaux is eligible to run for governor. Foti's spokeswoman, Kris Wartelle, says the opinion is undergoing some minor legal changes. </blockquote> rss@dailykos.com (Skulnick) BobbyJindal JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov _322764 Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:51:22 +0000 No Indictment for Rep. William Jefferson? Why Not? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/4/4/319477/-No-Indictment-for-Rep-William-Jefferson-Why-Not Lost in all of the brouhaha over the fired US attorneys is the dog that didn't bark. We all know about the prosecutions US Attorneys were pressured into accelerating, or charges they were tasked with bringing against Democrats in the last election cycle. rss@dailykos.com (Hesiod) JohnBreaux Louisiana MaryLandrieu Purge Scandal U.SAttorneys WilliamJefferson _319477 Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:12:01 +0000 LA-GOV: WTF, Crazy Polling and Melancon Getting In? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/22/314770/-LA-GOV-WTF-Crazy-Polling-and-Melancon-Getting-In Things are getting <a href="http://www.thenew995fm.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?&article=1864512">crazy</a> in Louisisana. First of all come report of a "poll" that gives Bobby Jinal an unlikely 55% to 26% lead over the popular fomer senator John Breaux. Secondly, and more significant, popular Congressman Charlie Melancon is thinking about jumping in. rss@dailykos.com (RandyMI) 2007Elections BobbyJindal CharlieMelancon ForsterCampbell Governor JohnBreaux LA-Gov Louisiana _314770 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:52:34 +0000 Before-and-After: Louisiana Politics in the wake of the storm - Part 2 https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/22/314685/-Before-and-After-Louisiana-Politics-in-the-wake-of-the-storm-Part-2 In Part 1 of this diary, we looked at the state in terms of four regions:  North, Central, Southwest, and Southeast.  That leaves Metro New Orleans for today.   Metro New Orleans consists of three sections.  There's the original "tri-parish" area, Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, then there's the Northshore (St. Tammany), and the extended metro area, which includes St. Charles, St. John, and parts of St. James and Tangipahoa. rss@dailykos.com (YatPundit) BobbyJindal HurricaneKatrina JohnBreaux LA-01 LA-03 LA-Gov Louisiana NewOrleans _314685 Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:50:03 +0000 Before-and-After: Louisiana Politics in the wake of the storm https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/21/314347/-Before-and-After-Louisiana-Politics-in-the-wake-of-the-storm Yesterday's announcement that Governor Kathleen Blanco has announced she won't seek a second term, everyone is re-analyzing and re-handicapping the race for La-Gov.  The conventional wisdom is that the big winner today is former US Senator John Breaux, and the big loser is Congressman Bobby Jindal.  The problem is quantifying just how much each man has won or lost. To fully understand the dynamics in play here, let's review the playing field.  There are basically four regions in Louisiana that are significant in statewide elections, North, Central, Southwest, Southeast, and Metro New Orleans.  Some thoughts on each region below the fold. rss@dailykos.com (YatPundit) BobbyJindal JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-03 LA-Gov Louisiana Rescued _314347 Wed, 21 Mar 2007 16:16:59 +0000 LA-Gov: Blanco is out? Breaux is in? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/20/314030/-LA-Gov-Blanco-is-out-Breaux-is-in A ticker at the top of the <a href="http://www.wwltv.com/">WWL-TV website</a> says: <blockquote> Governor Kathleen Blanco has requested television time tonight for a gubernatorial address that will be carried live on Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.. Sources tell Eyewitness News that Blanco will announce she is not seeking re-election. </blockquote> Coupled with the sort-of launch of John Breaux's <a href="http://www.johnbreaux07.com/">website</a> (just harvesting emails right now), it's clear that Breaux is 1) running, and 2) has muscled Blanco out of the race. Republicans are already <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7M01IELv4c">attacking Breaux</a> on his residency issues. That might suggest, among other things, that the state GOP isn't confident they can legally keep Breaux off the ballot. Breaux remains one of the state's most popular politicians. To have a shot at beating him, Republicans will have to sell voters in the state on the notion that Breaux abandoned them for Maryland. It'll be interesting to see how effectively Breaux's operation can refute those charges and turn the spotlight on the GOP's golden boy's (Bobby Jindal) <a href="http://www.jindalisbad.com/jindal-one-of-the-least-effective-members-of-congress/">congressional record</a> (or lack thereof). rss@dailykos.com (kos) 2007Elections BobbyJindal Governor JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov Louisiana _314030 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:31:59 +0000 Midday open thread https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/3/12/310985/-Midday-open-thread <ul><li> LA-Gov: Breaux to <a href="http://www.acadiananow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070310/NEWS01/703100303/1002/NEWS17">decide soon</a> whether to run for governor. And the citizenship requirement? <blockquote> Breaux said there's no question that he meets the state Constitution's requirement of being a "citizen" of Louisiana for the past five years, even though he changed his voter registration to Maryland in 2005. "I don't just own two lots in Crowley. It is my family home. When my mama died, I inherited half of it. My dad lives there. We pay taxes on it. My wife, Lois, owns property in Louisiana," Breaux said. "I never revoked my citizenship in Louisiana." Lawyers have looked at the constitutional requirement and determined he meets the citizenship requirement, Breaux said. </blockquote> </li> <li> The Washington Post's Dan Balz <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/10/AR2007031001374.html">writes</a>: <blockquote> Edwards also has wooed the Net-roots activists on the left. </blockquote> "Net-roots"? What the heck is that? This reads like <a href="http://www.theonion.com/content/node/37288">something</a> by the Onion's Herman Zweibel: <blockquote> My nurse informs me that it is now the autumn-time, which to every red-blooded American boy means the season in which the professional base-ball sporting clubs vie for a berth in the great Championship Series of the World. I predict that the Knickerbockers will give those accursed Red Stockings a sound thrashing. Of course, we can't count out the great Pie Traynor and his Philadelphia Peglegs. </blockquote> Time for the Washington Post to update that style guide, lol.</li> <li> Glenn Greenwald on the Kagan brother's "surge" <a href="http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2007/03/12/The_Kagans/index.html">monopoly</a> and Howie Kurtz's refusal to highlight the potential conflicts of interest. <blockquote> New York, N.Y.: Frederick Kagan is one of the primary architects of the so called surge in Iraq. His brother, Robert Kagan, wrote an op-ed in yesterday's Post about how great the surge is working and how the media is covering that up. The Post never informed its readers about the relationship between the two Kagans. This is incredibly dishonest. Howard Kurtz: I don't know -- Robert Kagan has been such a strong supporter of the war on his own that I don't think there's any doubt where he is coming from on this issue [...] Washington:"Robert Kagan has been such a strong supporter of the war on his own that I don't think there's any doubt where he is coming from on this issue." And here we have one of the primary problems with the MSM. The assumption that the general public (i.e., me) knows more than we actually do. I had never heard of Mr. Kagan, and his connection to the other Mr. Kagan would have certainly given his opinion some much-needed context. Howard Kurtz: I have to think about that. I don't know if it's fair to hold someone responsible for a brother or sister's views. Bill Bennett (Reagan Cabinet member and talk show host) and Bob Bennett (Clinton's impeachment lawyer) don't agree on many things. It would be different if Fred Kagan were a Bush administration official, but he works at the American Enterprise Institute and as far as I know was informally consulted by the administration on Iraq. </blockquote> </li> <li> Ha ha -- Nebraska Democratic <a href="http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/03/hagel_being_hag.html">response</a> to Hagel's useless press conference today: <blockquote> “I think it is extremely disappointing that Senator Hagel would bring the entire state of Nebraska to a screeching halt by holding an elaborate ceremony to announce absolutely nothing.” </blockquote> </li> <li> Giuliani in 1989: "There must be public funding for abortions for poor women. We cannot deny any woman the right to make her own decision about abortion because she lacks resources." And it's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALDfwXIYUX0&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fhotlineblog%2Enationaljournal%2Ecom%2F">all on YouTube</a> and being circulated by the wingers.</li></ul> rss@dailykos.com (kos) ChuckHagel HowardKurtz JohnBreaux Louisiana Nebraska Open Thread OpenThread RudyGiuliani _310985 Mon, 12 Mar 2007 19:49:14 +0000 LA-Gov, Sen: The Breaux factor https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/26/305928/-LA-Gov-Sen-The-Breaux-factor The conventional wisdom in and out of Louisiana is that Gov. Kathleen Blanco is dead woman walking. The DNC isn't ready to call it quits -- apparently <a href="http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/Governor_race/Louisiana_Waits_For_Governor_Blanco__2901.asp">committing $3 million</a> to bring down the top Republican challenger Bobby Jindal's numbers. Indeed, the only way Blanco could win this thing at this point is to make Jindal radioactive. But there's the X factor complicating matters -- will former Sen. John Breaux enter the race? Breaux has "demi-god" status in Louisiana, and his entry would instantly give Democrats the upper hand in the contest. While his politics are infuriating at the national level, Breaux is a solid party guy at the local level and shares much of the credit for our past two tough victories in the state (Blanco and Landrieu). The GOP thinks it can take the state legislature with Blanco dragging down the Democratic ticket (it's 24D 15R in the Senate, 62D 32R in the House). Breaux at the top would make that increasingly unlikely. If he runs, Republicans will argue that <a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070223/NEWS01/70223008">Breaux doesn't meet residency requirements</a> and sue to keep him off the ballot. The 2007 governor's election would then be just about decided in a courtroom. <blockquote> To be eligible to run for a statewide elected office, the Louisiana Constitution requires that a person be a “citizen” of the state for “at least the preceding five years.” Breaux is registered to vote and lists his primary address in Maryland, about 70 miles from Washington, where he works for the lobbying firm of Patton Boggs. Breaux changed his voter registration to Maryland after he retired from the U.S. Senate in 2005, according to documents reviewed by The Associated Press. </blockquote> Along with the Louisiana Republican Party, another interested observer who'd rather Breaux not run is probably Sen. Mary Landrieu. Landrieu is easily the most endangered Democrat up for reelection in 2008, and one of the plusses going into that race is that the state GOP doesn't have any top-tier challengers to throw at her. The most popular Republican in the state is easily Bobby Jindal, and if he's hanging the curtains in the State House, he can't challenge her endangered seat. But if Breaux sends him back to the House, the restless Jindal (the House is so beneath him...) will have only one other place to go, and Landrieu will face an even tougher job than she already does. Race tracker wiki: <a href="http://www.2008racetracker.com/page/LA-Gov">LA-Gov</a>, <a href="http://www.2008racetracker.com/page/LA-Sen">LA-Sen</a> rss@dailykos.com (kos) 2007Elections 2008 elections 2008elections BobbyJindal Governor JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov Louisiana MaryLandrieu Senate _305928 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:01:58 +0000 Losing Louisiana to the GOP https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/21/304272/-Losing-Louisiana-to-the-GOP Well, the yahoos are nursing hangovers from Mardi Gras, wondering who is (or isn't) in bed with them, and packing up to leave.  Those citizens who are left are going back to work. Some will attend church services on Ash Wednesday, and go around town with the smudge from burnt palms. Piles of trash are being stuffed into garbage bags to be picked up much later on in the week. New Orleans: the most free city in the South, and perhaps the entire country?  How about New Orleans: the Democratic stronghold of Louisiana?  Perhaps, not for long. The following diary, written yesterday by LouisianaGirl of Booman Tribune says that politics as well as the 2005 levee breaks will underscore what occurs in New Orleans this year, and for years to come.  And--like those suffering hangovers staring at their bathroom mirrors today--it's not a pretty sight for Dems. rss@dailykos.com (blksista) 2007Elections Blacks BobbyJindal HurricaneKatrina JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov levees LouisianaDemocraticParty NewOrleans Recommended _304272 Wed, 21 Feb 2007 16:43:52 +0000 LA-Gov: Breaux to run? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/17/302975/-LA-Gov-Breaux-to-run Apologies if this has been diaried already. As many of you know, there will be an election this fall for Governor of Louisiana. The incumbent Democratic Governor, the embattled Kathleen Blanco, has been extremely unpopular since Hurricane Katrina; polls have shown her losing badly to her 2003 opponent, now-Rep. Bobby Jindal, by 25-30 points. However, according to the Cook Political Report, it appears that a savior may be on the horizon for Democrats, in the person of former U.S. Senator John Breaux. More below the fold! rss@dailykos.com (Arjun Jaikumar) 2007Elections BobbyJindal JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov _302975 Sat, 17 Feb 2007 16:31:49 +0000 La-Gov: Breaux to the rescue? https://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/2/16/302726/-La-Gov-Breaux-to-the-rescue Hi all, I made it my New Year's Resolution to post on the blogs more often; so far I've joined millions of other Americans in failing miserably to fulfill mine. Hopefully I can turn that around from now on, starting with this nugget of information. rss@dailykos.com (MrLiberal) 2007Elections BobbyJindal Governor HurricaneKatrina JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-Gov Louisiana _302726 Fri, 16 Feb 2007 19:57:50 +0000 Louisiana Governor Race (2007) https://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/11/16/271812/-Louisiana-Governor-Race-2007 <a href="http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/capital/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1163663744242390.xml&coll=1">Today</a> Bobby Jindal-R(LA-01) announced that he is going to run again for Governor of Louisiana in 2007. Jindal, who won by 88% in his race to retain his seat in the U.S. house, will either have a dogfight or cruise to an easy victory depending on which Democrat runs against him. Jindal had previously run against Blanco in 2003 and narrowly lost to her (52-48%). Check it Out.. rss@dailykos.com (Unlabled) 2007Elections BobbyJindal JohnBreaux KathleenBlanco LA-01 LA-Gov Louisiana NewOrleans _271812 Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:34:21 +0000 My editor was right: I should have stuck it to Lieberman when I had the chance https://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/10/16/258101/-My-editor-was-right-I-should-have-stuck-it-to-Lieberman-when-I-had-the-chance One of the most fun parts about writing a novel is getting to play God.  You get to decide how you want the universe to work and you can impose divine retribution if you choose. Frustrated with the people who keep voting Republican yet are pro-choice, pro-environment, gay tolerant, and believe in separation of Church and State, I adopted the attitude, "Look what's going to happen to our country if you keep voting this way.  Wake up! YOU'RE going to get a life you don't like either." In my dystopian world of <a href="http://www.raisethebar.com">Doublethink</a>, Jeb Bush succeeds his brother at President.  When my editor, James O'Shea Wade, advised me to change Jeb's 2012 running mate from the omnipresent Cheney to Lieberman back in 2005, I couldn't bring myself to do it for reasons I'll explain below the fold.  I've been furious with Lieberman's decision to not honor the results of the primary and when today in the New York Times, I read Paul Krugman's column, "Party Matters," I deeply regretted I had not listened to my editor. rss@dailykos.com (JESchwartz) Democrats JebBush Joe Lieberman JoeLieberman JohnBreaux PaulKrugman Personal Republicans _258101 Tue, 17 Oct 2006 03:08:19 +0000 The budget, AMT, and IRS w/Poll https://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/2/7/185258/-The-budget-AMT-and-IRS-w-Poll The subtitle for this diary is the subject of the poll question. So today we have a couple of particularly egregious examples of tax and budget policy in George Bush's America. Kos front-paged the gory details on the 2007 Bush budget here: <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/2/7/13411/37983">Bush's dishonest budget</a> But let's not forget, this is business as usual for these guys. They lurk in the shadows and do the quiet little things that make us all so angry we just want to burst. They nibble and chomp their way to concentrating wealth and power in the hands of the few away from the media spotlight and leave us to pick up the pieces in our lives and the lives of those we love and care for in our communities. rss@dailykos.com (mbair) AMT Budget ConnieMackIV DeborahPryce George W. Bush GeorgeWBush IRS John Edwards JohnBreaux JohnEdwards Medicaid StudentLoans Welfare _185258 Tue, 07 Feb 2006 22:06:19 +0000