http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/house/ en-us Fri, 1 Jan 2010 11:48:49 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418885/posts A number of House Democrats have announced they are retiring, and party officials say more could follow in a tough midterm election year of high unemployment, a slow economic recovery and a very angry electorate. A growing number of Democrats have read the handwriting on the wall that tells of bleak prospects for their party in 2010 when Republicans are expected to pick up seats in the House and possibly in the Senate, too. Historically, the party out of power makes gains in an administration's midterm point, and that seems to be what is in store for the Democrats this... The Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418885/posts#comment Fri, 1 Jan 2010 11:48:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418767/posts If you needed more confirmation that entrenched, nine-term incumbent Earl Pomeroy is in a lot of trouble in the upcoming election year (after ignoring his constituents and casting a vote for an unpopular health care bill this last year, among other things) I have the line on some private polling that shows Pomeroy floundering even against an unnamed opponent. Say Anything Blog http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418767/posts#comment Fri, 1 Jan 2010 03:01:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2417815/posts I haven’t written here in a year. I’ve been busy with life, I’m getting ready for retirement and want to cruise in a boat for a few years. So, I’ve spent time with my family, my wife and we’ve been working on our plans. But recently I’ve been more and more upset at the lack of caring on the part of many, if not all of the the members of Congress. Both the House and the Senate. The partisan politics of these two political bodies have come recently under fire by both sides and when this past summer “Tea Parties”... Reality Check http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2417815/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:09:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2417811/posts Ladies and Gentlemen, The time has come for you to realize that the United States of America is made up of individuals who believe in Liberty, Freedom and Justice. It’s time those of you we asked to do a job, did that job. Your job is not to tell ME how to behave, how to act, how to give my own money for others. If I want to give my money for a charitable cause I will do so on my own, without prompting. It’s NOT your job to tell me how much gasoline to use, or electricity. If I... Reality Check http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2417811/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:02:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417733/posts The trend is not the Democrats’ friend. At least not in 2010. The party of the sitting president almost always suffers losses in midterm congressional elections. To that time-tested dynamic now add voter angst about high unemployment, big deficits and controversial legislation. Expect Senate majority leader Harry Reid to lose his effective 60-seat supermajority and Nancy Pelosi to hand the House back to the Republicans. Here’s why 2010 is looking like 1994 all over again: 1. Virginia and New Jersey. Big GOP wins in the gubernatorial races not only highlighted discontent with incumbents by recession-weary voters, they also greatly helped... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417733/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:09:10 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414595/posts A former Abington fifth-grade teacher accused of having sex with a 13-year-old boy hundreds of times has been sprung from house arrest to spend Christmas with her family. Brockton Superior Court Judge Thomas Connors gave Christine McCallum the OK to visit her mother in Rhode Island today and tomorrow, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz’s office. Boston Herald http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414595/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:51:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414876/posts Harry Reid finally begged, cajoled and bribed enough votes to pass a health-care-reform bill through the Senate. But before Democrats break out the champagne, they should realize that the road to final passage hasn't gotten any easier. The bill must now go to a conference committee to resolve significant differences between the House and Senate versions. And history shows that agreement is far from guaranteed. In fact, just last year, a bill reforming the Indian Health Service died when the conference committee couldn't overcome its differences on abortion. Similarly, in 2007, bills dealing with issues as varied as campaign-finance reform,... NY Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414876/posts#comment Fri, 25 Dec 2009 10:23:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414587/posts With the White House reportedly expecting the health care debate to go into February, it seems House Democrats aren’t going to roll over and play dead, as New York Rep. Louise Slaughter made clear. Instead they plan to play, then roll over dead. From Politico: "(Obama) has also been told that House Democratic leaders seem inclined, at least for now, to largely accept the compromise worked out in the Senate." In other words, more Kabuki! IBD's Capital Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414587/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:34:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413911/posts Marbury v. Madison - First time SCOTUS proclaims power to decide constitutionality of laws. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marbury_v._Madison Relevant law “ In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be a Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned [within the judicial power of the United States], the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make. ” — U.S. Constitution, Article III, Section 2, Clause 2 “ The Supreme Court... Me http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413911/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:44:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413150/posts JOSH KRAUSHAAR over at Politico has the latest scoop... Freshman House Representative Parker Griffith will be announcing he's officially switching his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican this afternoon. Griffith, who captured the seat in a close 2008 open seat contest, will become the first Republican to hold the historically Democratic, Huntsville-based district. A radiation oncologist who founded a cancer treatment center, Griffith plans to blast the Democratic health care bill as a prime reason for his decision to switch parties—and is expected to cite his medical background as his authority on the subject. While the timing of his... Flopping Aces http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413150/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:39:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2412629/posts 14-TERM CONGRESSMAN ENDS SPECULATION OVER RETIREMENT Congressman John Spratt has ended months of speculation over whether he will resign or run to retain his seat next year. On Monday, the 14-term Democrat officially filed for re-election with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC filing showed Spratt, 67, with nearly $600,000 cash-on-hand. He is currently South Carolina’s longest-serving Congressman. A number of media outlets had been probing Spratt’s intentions of late, which likely pressured him into making a decisive move before he lost the support of his 5th district base. “Washington is sort of like an echo chamber,” Spratt told... The Palmetto Scoop http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-gop/2412629/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:42:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412382/posts Question - I have been hearing commentators state that the House can simply pass the Senate Health Care bill without the bill going to a conference committee. My question is this - because the Constitution requires all revenue bills to originate in the House, can the House even do this? Wouldn't the bill have to go to committee, then the House vote on the bill first, then the Senate? http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2412382/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:49:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2411758/posts Pull up a chair to the fireplace, crank up the lap top and join us for a Nite Cap and a cigar at NiteCap at Freedom Radio. This week we have 3 terrific guests. Nick Popaditch, aka "Gunny Pop", a fabulous Vet running for the House from southern California and author of "Once a Marine". Also welcome Susan Bonner, RN and author who has written a very timely book "Opening a Registered Nurses Eyes" Susan is also the producer of another show on BTR. We also are honored to welcome to the Freedom Radio family another Vet, Col. Frank Ryan... BlogtalkRadio/NiteCap at Freedom Radio http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2411758/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:36:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411705/posts http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/19/us/politics/1119-plan-comparison.html#tab=0 The New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411705/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:33:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411483/posts myFOXDetroit.com Staff - A Macomb Township soldier injured in Iraq got a new, custom built home for Christmas. A group called Homes for our Troops helped build the home for 23-year old US Army Specialist Alex Knapp. http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/latest_video/Injured_Soldier_Gets_New_Home http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2411483/posts#comment Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:56:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410921/posts Illinois Family Institute has come out with their voter guide for 2010 Primary's in Illinois, see how how canditate will vote on key issues. 2010 Voter Guide | Senate & U.S. Congressional Candidate Survey Questions U.S. Congressional candidates were asked if they Support or Oppose: 1 | Tax Increase/Cap and Trade — will tax energy consumption to combat “global warming.” (American Clean Energy and Security Act - 2009) 2 | “Hate Crimes” legislation — allows 2 identical crimes to be prosecuted differently if one victim is homosexual, a cross dresser or transsexual. (H.R.1913 - 2009) 3 | Employment Non-Discrimination Act... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410921/posts#comment Sat, 19 Dec 2009 03:04:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410357/posts A $626 billion Pentagon budget narrowly advanced in the Senate Friday morning but not before Washington’s political battles seemed to eclipse the real wars of Iraq and Afghanistan overseas. The whole Senate scene, played out in a post midnight session on a freezing night, dramatized how poisonous the atmosphere has become in the health care fight. Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2410357/posts#comment Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:22:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409559/posts A Public Policy Polling survey of South Dakota was released today, and it contains some disturbing news for Congresswoman Herseth-Sandlin. South Dakota Politics http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409559/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:18:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409313/posts In an end-of-session nail-biter vote, the House passed a short-term increase of the debt limit Wednesday, setting the stage for a February showdown on deficit spending. It was not a popular measure with centrist and vulnerable lawmakers, who don’t want to be portrayed as allowing the nation to go deeper into debt. The $290 billion increase would set the debt ceiling at $12.394 trillion. The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409313/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:42:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409183/posts Pelosi surprised by Baird's decision to retireBy Charles Pope, The Oregonian December 16, 2009, 3:42PM WASHINGTON -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Wednesday she was surprised by Rep. Brian Baird's decision to retire but remains confident Democrats will maintain control of the House after the 2010 elections. "Brian Baird, he didn't give me 72 hours notice,'' Pelosi joked, referring to Baird's unsuccessful – and persistent -- efforts to provide lawmakers at least 72 hours to review and understand legislation before voting. Like others who follow politics in the Northwest and beyond, Pelosi said she was surprised by Baird's announcement. "He... Oregon Live http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409183/posts#comment Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:49:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409059/posts WASHINGTON (AP) - The House on Wednesday passed legislation giving the federal government the ability to borrow a whopping $290 billion to finance its operations for just six additional weeks. The 218-214 vote sends the must-pass bill to the Senate, which is expected to approve it as its last act before adjourning for the year. The alternative would be a market-rattling, first-ever default on U.S. obligations. The measure is needed as a result of the out-of-control budget deficit, which registered $1.4 trillion for the budget year that ended in September. The current debt ceiling is $12.1 trillion and is set... breitbard\t http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2409059/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:59:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2408783/posts I guess elections do have consequences. After the shellacking in Virginia and the surprising loss in New Jersey this year, the Dems are finally seeing the writing on the wall. Nancy Pelosi is either pulling controversial legislation or making the Senate pass something before the House takes a vote on it. Patriot Room http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2408783/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:32:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408399/posts At the White House Holiday Party last night, an oddly shaped cookie grabbed my attention. Who knew that acorns were part of the traditional holiday fare? Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, noticed these earlier, as reported by Yeas and Nays, but it seems like they've made these in bulk. I wonder if they made voter registration cookies too? Washington Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408399/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:42:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408226/posts Rumors have been circulating for several days through Charlotte’s Eastover neighborhood that former U.S. Sen. John Edwards bought a home here for his admitted former mistress, Rielle Hunter. And now the National Enquirer is reporting in its Dec. 21 issue that Edwards has, in fact, bought a house here that the Charlotte Business Journal has identified as a residence on Providence Road. Edwards, the vice presidential nominee on the 2004 Democratic ticket and a presidential candidate last year, saw his political career derail after details of the affair emerged. In late 2007, the Enquirer first reported claims from an... Charlotte Business Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408226/posts#comment Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:56:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2407463/posts Ron Fusselman, Coffee D'Vine owner, has decided to step away from his candidacy for the District 17 Senate race. He has decides to bow out citing his support for Republican Candidate Jim Banks, a city councilman from Columbia City. Huntington Political Examiner http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2407463/posts#comment Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:39:11 GMT