ND delegation wants to see changes in Iraq

via In Forum

Associated Press
11/30/05

The three members of North Dakota's congressional delegation said Tuesday that they would like to see a change of direction in the Iraq war.

Sens. Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy, all Democrats, responded to President Bush's speech Wednesday in which he refused to set a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawals and asserted that once-shaky Iraqi troops are proving increasingly capable.

Bush's speech at the U.S. Naval Academy did not outline a new strategy for the nearly three-year-old war. Rather, it was intended as a comprehensive answer to mounting criticism and questions.

Pomeroy echoed other Democrats in saying the president needs to "talk about a concrete strategy for security in Iraq while bringing our troops home."

"Clearly more of the same in Iraq is not the answer," he said.

Bush was ready for his critics.

"If by 'stay the course' they mean we will not permit al-Qaida to turn Iraq into what Afghanistan was under the Taliban - a safe haven for terrorism and a launching pad for attacks on America - they're right," Bush said.

Conrad said there needs to be a "course correction."

"This notion that we are going to turn Iraq into a Democracy anything like ours anytime soon is just not realistic," he said. "Our goal should be to stabilize the situation."

Dorgan said the president needs to set goals for training Iraqi troops.

"Having some goals to measure against makes a great deal of sense," he said.

Click here to link to the article...

Pomeroy to Host Town Hall in Fargo

Fargo – On Thursday, December 1, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., Representative Earl Pomeroy will be hosting a town hall discussion to help seniors and family members better understand the process for signing up for the new Medicare prescription drug plan.

All media is invited to attend.

WHO: Congressman Earl Pomeroy

WHAT: Town Hall meeting “Taking the Mystery Out of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan”

WHEN: Thursday, December 1, 2005, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Crossroads Senior Center
2525 17th Avenue South
Fargo

Statement by U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan on Inaccurate News Story

Nov., 28 2005

(BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) released the following statement Monday, in response to an inaccurate news story. Text follows:

Last Friday there was a sensational, but inaccurate front page news story that demands a response.

The story suggested that Jack Abramoff, a high profile Washington Republican lobbyist -- a man I’ve never met -- had arranged for campaign contributions to be made to me in exchange for my signing a letter to Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee to extend a program that his clients supported.

That’s completely and demonstrably false.

Senator John McCain and I are investigating Mr. Abramoff and his partner Michael Scanlon (who recently pleaded guilty) of bilking Indian tribes out of tens of millions of dollars. And we have uncovered a disgusting tale of greed and outright fraud. It’s not surprising that from the sleazy world of those who defrauded the Indian tribes, we have seen bogus charges against those of us who are doing the investigating. But our investigation will continue.

Click here to read the entire statement...

Democrats' effort helps get heating aid

Finding solutions to energy woes

Rep. Merle Boucher, N.D. House minority leader, D-Rolette
Minot Daily News

With higher energy prices, home heating aid has become a hot button issue. North Dakota Republicans have accused Democrats of playing partisan politics with this issue. That is far from the truth. Democrats wanted help for North Dakotans. With our persistence Gov. John Hoeven finally made a step in the right direction.

Here is why we were so fervent about getting something done.

Before Hoeven's announcement, his heating assistance plan fell short. He proposed that eligibility requirements from last season would have been good through November only. According to North Dakota Human Services, the approved applicants in November would have had to be retooled in December. This would have created confusion and ultimately less help. It was simply not an answer.

Not only would households' eligibility have to be retooled, but much of the heating aid budget in North Dakota will be expiring very soon. Thus, Hoeven would have left people in limbo. With no concrete federal funding as of yet, it was troubling to us. What is even more troubling is the Republican-controlled Congress has voted against aid several times. And Hoeven wanted to wait for them to pass something substantial when cold weather has already set in? After all, heating assistance dollars mainly come from the federal level.

While Republicans in the U.S. Congress wanted to cut assistance, Sens. Kent Conrad, Byron Dorgan and Rep. Earl Pomeroy have consistently supported it. We applaud their help. Hoeven's recent lobbying effort in Washington, D.C., has hopefully changed Republican minds for the better.

Click here to read the entire...

More from one of the Antigua five....

Internet poker licensing advocate exploring ballot initiative

DALE WETZEL
Associated Press

BISMARCK, N.D. - Fargo state Rep. Jim Kasper is asking gambling companies to help finance a ballot measure that would make North Dakota the first state to license and regulate Internet poker businesses.

Kasper aggressively pushed the idea in the Legislature early this year, only to have the North Dakota Senate defeat a licensing bill and a constitutional amendment that would have given lawmakers authority to regulate Internet poker.

Click here to read the entire article...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Here's an article from Newsweek that will bring you some laughs over the holiday!

Let’s Be Thankful

By Andy Borowitz
Newsweek

Nov. 22, 2005 - In a special pre-Thanksgiving radio address broadcast from the White House, President George W. Bush asked his fellow Americans to join him in giving thanks for the following things:

"My fellow Americans, let's be thankful for global warming, because as these winter months approach, it makes the world such a nice, toasty place."

"Let's be thankful to Brownie for doing such a good job, even if he doesn't have it anymore."

"Let's be thankful that we live in a place like America and not in a place like China where the doors are really tricky to open."

"Let's be thankful that even though my approval numbers are falling, they're still higher than my grades at Yale."

Click here to read the entire article...

ACLU suing Bush event workers

Remember the 42 people on a do-not-admit list in Fargo to President Bush's Social Security event. In Denver, people were actually kicked out. Here's part of a story from Denver's Rocky Mountain News explaining the situation. Thankfully, someone is taking action.

ACLU suing over ouster from event

By Ann Imse, Rocky Mountain News
November 21, 2005

The American Civil Liberties Union is taking up the case of two of the three people ejected from a presidential appearance in Denver over a bumper sticker and has named a federal bureaucrat in Denver as the mystery man who ousted them.

The ACLU filed suit today in federal court in Denver, alleging violation of the pair's civil rights.

The suit identifies the man who ejected them as Michael Casper, a building manager in the General Services Administration in Denver. Casper has worked as a volunteer at several White House events since 1996.

The Rocky Mountain News has asked Casper several times if he is the man who forcibly removed the three. He has denied it, made jokes about it and, for some time, avoided being seen and identified by the three. He has acknowledged that he worked the event as a White House volunteer.

ACLU attorney Chris Hansen said the suit is being filed because "the government should not be in the business of silencing Americans who are perceived to be critical of certain policy decisions."

President Bush came to Denver March 21 to speak about Social Security at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Alex Young, 26, Leslie Weise, 39, and Karen Bauer, 38, say they were ejected from the event even though they had done nothing disruptive. Young and Weise are suing.

All three had tickets to the public event, which was sponsored by the White House and paid for by taxpayers.

Click here to read the entire article...

Dorgan Announces He Will Create an Energy Corridor Office in Western North Dakota to Help Grow Energy Sector

Here's some exciting news for western North Dakota.

(BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced today a new plan that would capitalize on the provisions he helped write into the energy bill earlier this year and tap into western North Dakota's potential to lead the Upper Great Plains in energy development.

Dorgan, at a press conference at Bismarck State College (BSC), proposed the creation of an “Energy Corridor” in the western part of the state to provide a regional support network for energy development. Western North Dakota, he said, can be the hub in the Upper Great Plains for new energy-related business fueled by the energy bill, which creates new policies to encourage and grow oil production, clean-coal technology, ethanol and biodiesel development, and wind energy.

“North Dakota has more diverse sources of energy than nearly any other state,” said Dorgan, a member of the Energy Committee who helped negotiate the final energy bill. “I want us to harness that potential and translate it into good, high-paying jobs in the energy industry here in North Dakota.”

Click here to read the entire article...

Delay's influence on anti-Murtha resolution

I would recommend clicking below to see what a NBC producer's findings are about House Republican attacks on Democratic Rep. John Murtha. It seems Rep. Tom DeLay, who has been indicted for breaking campaign finance laws, is still involved in Congressional policy. Murtha is a military hawk, but has recently called for a withdrawl of troops in Iraq.

Click here to read the article...

Cheney for torture?

Here's an interesting article about Vice President Dick Cheney's view on torture.

Ex-CIA boss: Cheney is 'vice president for torture'

Friday, November 18, 2005
CNN

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Former CIA chief Stansfield Turner lashed out at Dick Cheney on Thursday, calling him a "vice president for torture" that is out of touch with the American people.

Turner's condemnation, delivered during an interview with Britain's ITV network, comes amid an effort by Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, to pass legislation forbidding any U.S. authority from torturing a prisoner. McCain was tortured as a Vietnam prisoner of war.

Cheney has lobbied against the legislation, prompting Turner to say he's "embarrassed that the United States has a vice president for torture. I think it is just reprehensible."

Click here to read the entire article...

CIA leak prosecutor says he needs to continue probe

From Kevin Bohn
CNN
Friday, November 18, 2005

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald said he will have to bring more information before a new grand jury in the CIA leak probe, adding that his work is not complete.

In a new court filing, Fitzgerald said sensitive information from his investigation still needs to be protected, especially since proceedings will involve a different jury than the one that indicted former Lewis Libby, chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney.

Click here to read the entire article...

WATCHDOG: Democrat questions holiday home tour

Critic says business support of Republican fund-raiser amounts to illegal campaign contribution

By Ryan Bakken
Grand Forks Herald Staff Writer

The recent Holiday Tour of Homes fund-raiser in Grand Forks violated state campaign finance law.

So says a Grand Forks man who has won in the courts before on the same issue.

Bill Couchigian, a retired electrician, said the event run by the Republican Women's Club included illegal contributions.

He cites state law that prohibits corporations, limited liability companies and associations from making direct contributions to aid "any political party, political committee or organization."

Four local businesses assisted in decorating the five homes on the tour, held Nov. 5-6. That help is a violation, Couchigian said, because the law says a contribution is "a gift ... or anything of value ... including any good or service of more than nominal value."

Click here to read the entire article...

Education, health spending bill rejected

Thursday, November 17, 2005

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Legislation to fund many of the nation's health, education and social programs went down to a startling defeat in the House Thursday, led by Democrats who said cuts in the bill hurt some of America's neediest people.

The 224-209 vote against the $142.5 billion spending bill disrupted plans by Republican leaders to finish up work on this year's spending bills and cast doubt on whether they would have the votes to pass a major budget-cutting bill also on the day's agenda.

Democrats, unanimous in opposing the legislation, said it included the first cut in education funding in a decade and slashed funds for several health care programs.

"It betrays our nation's values and its future," said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. "It is neither compassionate, conservative nor wise."

Click here to read the entire article...

North Dakota Democrats take part in National Organizing Day

(Fargo) You are invited to join Democrats in the Cass County area Nov. 15 for a National Organizing Day for Democrats. The highlight of the evening will be at 6:30 p.m., CST, when those attending will have the opportunity to participate in a "listen in" conference call with Governor Howard Dean, chair of the Democratic National Party. This event is for anyone who is interested in learning more about how he or she can become active, or more active, in Democrat activities in the area. Snacks and beverages will be provided throughout the evening. Contact ccdems@cableone.net with questions.

-Time: Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. - 2 hours

-Host: Rebecca Knutson

-Location: Democratic-NPL of Cass County (Fargo, ND) 1137 19th Avenue North Fargo, ND 58102

-Directions: Behind Pizza Hut on 19th Avenue North. In the west end of Happy Harry's strip mall, just northeast of the Fargodome.

(Bismarck) This is a meet up of local Democrats from around the Bismarck area. Please come and listen to DNC Chairman Howard Dean on a conference call to Democrats around the country. The call will take place at 6:30 p.m. Central Time.

-Time: Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00-7:30 p.m.

-Host: Matt Pearce

-Location: Kennedy Center (Bismarck, ND) 1902 E. Divide Ave Bismarck, ND 58501

-For information call (701) 255-0460

DNC Chairman Howard Dean on Meet the Press

DNC Chairman Howard Dean made a guest appearance yesterday on NBC's Meet the Press. Here's an excerpt from one of Dean's answers to Tim Russert.

"We all should speak about our values. I think one of the mistakes we've made is to not understand that most Americans believe that moral values include making sure that kids don't go to bed hungry at night. The Republicans are cutting the school lunch program. We want to make sure that everybody in America has health insurance. That is a moral value. The Republicans are kicking people off their health care. We ought to talk about our values. ...I'm a Democrat because of my moral values. I believe that we can't leave anybody behind. We are the party of America's values."

Bad news for Bush

Things aren't looking so good for President Bush. His approval rating is down again.

Poll: Bush approval mark at all-time low

Monday, November 14, 2005

(CNN) -- Beset with an unpopular war and an American public increasingly less trusting, President Bush faces the lowest approval rating of his presidency, according to a national poll released Monday.

Bush also received his all-time worst marks in three other categories in the CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll. The categories were terrorism, Bush's trustworthiness and whether the Iraq war was worthwhile.

Bush's 37 percent overall approval rating was two percentage points below his ranking in an October survey. Both polls had a sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.

Click here to read the entire article...

Minnesota Republican leaders for increased heating aid

While Minnesota Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty flew around his state yesterday talking helpful energy policy, North Dakota Governor John Hoeven sat and did nothing about heating aid issues facing this state. The article from The Forum today best explains Pawlenty's stance. Although some Democrats in Minnesota don't think it is enough, it is encouraging to many.

Pawlenty touts energy help

By Dave Roepke
The Forum
Published Friday, November 11, 2005

Though November has been mild, daunting heating bills are right around the corner.

To counter natural gas costs expected to be 40 percent higher than last year, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty spent Thursday discussing his energy assistance plans.

At press conferences in Moorhead, St. Paul and other cities, Pawlenty said the state has struck a deal with major gas suppliers making it more difficult for utilities to cut off residential heat this winter.

“Minnesotans need and deserve to have heated homes,” the governor said.

Click here to read the entire article...

Dems hit Hoeven over fuel aid plan

By Patrick Springer
The Forum
Published: Thursday, November 10, 2005

A state Democratic House leader argues that poor North Dakotans could be “left out in the cold” if the state fails to bolster federal energy assistance payments.

Rep. Merle Boucher, D-Rolette, the House minority leader, on Wednesday accused Gov. John Hoeven of not taking the initiative to have a state plan in place if federal funding isn’t increased to meet rising fuel costs.

“I think it’s incumbent on us here in the state of North Dakota to fill in the gap,” Boucher said. “If we need to have a special session to accomplish it, then we need to consider it.”

Click here to read the entire article...

Students protest budget bill

FARGO (AP) - North Dakota college students are speaking out against a federal budget bill they say would hit student loan programs hard.

"I'm afraid it will price students out of college," said Minot State University junior Mike Sadowski.

Kayla Pulvermacher, a senior at North Dakota State University, said she worries the bill will force her two younger brothers to bypass a college education.

"It is important to me to see my younger brothers have the same opportunity as me," Pulvermacher said Tuesday, at a press conference called by the North Dakota Progressive Coalition.

Click here to read the entire article...

Forum editorial: Two trips: one right, one wrong

The Forum
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Editorial

There are trade trips and then there are junkets disguised as trade trips.

Falling into the former category was the recent trip – several trips, in fact – to Cuba by bipartisan North Dakota delegations, led by Republican Gov. John Hoeven or Republican Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple and Democratic state Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. Falling into the latter category was the jaunt to Antigua a few months ago by a tight-knit group of Republican legislators – a trip that would not have been exposed but for the reporting of The Forum’s capitol correspondent Janell Cole.

The Cuba trips were appropriately transparent, paid for by state funds and coordinated with a federal effort led by Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., to open trade between Cuba and North Dakota. It’s working. The trips resulted in trade deals that promise to be the first of many. The bipartisan and completely open nature of the effort to establish ag trade with Cuba further confirms the legitimacy of the trips.

By contrast, the excursion to Antigua was an exclusively Republican affair, paid for in full by the Antiguan government and aimed primarily at entangling North Dakota in the Internet gambling business. The trip was approved by no one other than the participants, yet the legislators involved certainly would have been viewed as representatives of the government of North Dakota – and by extension the people of North Dakota. While the trip was not illegal, its clandestine and unofficial nature raises an odor of illegitimacy.

Click here to read the entire article...

House budget-cut bill faces GOP objections

Tuesday, November 8, 2005

WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republican leaders' $54 billion deficit reduction package is encountering objections from many GOP lawmakers -- and not just the usual moderates upset about cuts to social programs.

Objections to Arctic drilling cut across the spectrum, and the generally conservative Florida delegation is in an uproar over coastal drilling. Killing a program that compensates companies hurt by unfair trade practices is losing support among stalwart Republicans from Idaho and Alabama.

The sweeping bill is the first in eight years to take on the automatic growth in government programs like Medicaid, food stamps and student loan subsidies, but it will have to be rewritten if it is going to have a chance to pass later this week.

Click here to read the entire article...

Senate to OK Conrad Plan to Fund UAVs

Conrad Bill Secures $218 million to Support Predators at Grand Forks AFB

11/08/05

Washington — Under a provision authored by Senator Kent Conrad the Pentagon will be authorized to ramp-up the number of Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a need voiced by Air Force planners who wish to use Grand Forks Air Force Base as a UAV home. The Conrad provision is expected to be approved today by the U.S. Senate as an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill.

"We are one step closer to making Grand Forks Air Force Base the new home to the next generation of UAVs," Senator Conrad said. "The Senate will soon authorize the expansion of plans for buying Predators, which will help the Air Force accelerate the basing of a family of UAVs in Grand Forks."

Click here to read the entire press release...

Big Oil bosses prepare to face Congress

(Reuters) NEW YORK - The all-star cast of energy executives due to face Congress Wednesday has an unenviable task: convincing lawmakers that record profits in the face of sky-high gasoline prices do not warrant penalties.

At issue is whether Congress will levy a tax on record oil industry profits, be it a windfall tax on sales of oil over a certain price or a tax to fund a winter heating program for low-income families.

Most of the fireworks at the hearing are expected to be set off by lawmakers, feeling heat from constituents over gasoline prices and heating bills.

Click here to read the entire article...

THIS JUST IN..........

Military backs down, will carry Ed Schultz Show overseas

Raw News
11/7/05

Armed Forces Radio has decided to include the Ed Schultz Show in overseas programming, RAW STORY has learned.

The show recently got into a fracas with the Defense Department after the liberal radio host called out Allison Barber, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, for staging a teleconference event between President Bush and U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

The Department had intended to begin carrying Schultz's show earlier, but that deal was put on hold after Schultz's remarks. Several Democratic senators then wrote to officials in the Defense Department.

Click here to read the entire story...

It's simply a diversion tactic

By VELMA ROESKE
Bismarck Tribune
Letter to the editor

It's a pretty sad state of affairs that the five Republican legislators who took an Antiguan government paid trip last month feel the need to pounce when it was announced that Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson was going on a trade mission to Cuba.

Johnson has been leading a delegation of North Dakota farmers and businessmen to Cuba for the International Food Fair held in Havana the past several days.

It is unfortunate that these legislators want to turn a genuinely bipartisan trade effort into a partisan matter. Since the Cuban market became open for food importation, thanks to the congressional efforts of a Democrat, Sen. Byron Dorgan, and a Republican, former Sen. John Ashcroft of Missouri, North Dakota has taken full advantage of the opportunity.

Gov. John Hoeven has been to Cuba, Lt. Gov. Jack Dalrymple has been there and Johnson has led delegations a number of times. The result has been more than $20 million in sales. Of all the efforts made by state government to promote exports, the Cuban marketing effort has given the biggest bang for the buck.

It's amazing what some legislators will do to try to divert the public from their own deeds.

Click here to link with the article...

In North Dakota we use twice as much gasoline per person as New Yorkers do. Why?

By Sen. Byron Dorgan
The Forum
Published Sunday, November 06, 2005

In North Dakota we use twice as much gasoline per person as New Yorkers do. Why? Simple. We are a farm state. And we drive longer distances when we travel. We are fifth in the nation in per capita total energy use and rank second in per capita gasoline use.

When the price of oil spikes up and when gasoline, diesel, natural gas and home heating fuel prices increase as a result, it hurts North Dakota residents more than most others in the United States.

That’s why oil prices are of such concern to our state.

On Jan. 1, 2004, the price of a barrel of oil was $34.50. At that price the major, integrated oil companies were earning the largest profits in their history.

These days the price of oil is more than $60 a barrel. The major oil companies (larger now because of blockbuster mergers in recent years) are making the bulk of nearly $7 billion a month in windfall profits above their record profits of last year.

Click here to read the entire article...

A fruitful Caribbean trade trip

N.D. growers land $20M Cuban deal

By Patrick Springer
The Forum
Published Sunday, November 06, 2005

North Dakota growers have struck an agreement to sell $20 million of farm commodities to Cuba in a record deal that nearly equals the state’s agricultural exports to that nation over the last three years.

The agreement was announced Saturday by officials representing North Dakota and Cuba at an international food trade expo in Havana, who also lamented the “onerous” restrictions on U.S. food exports to the island nation.

“It’s been a productive time down here,” Roger Johnson, North Dakota’s agriculture commissioner, told reporters in a news conference with a telephone link. “We’re pretty delighted.”

Click here to read the entire article...

Bush sends staff back to ethics class

11/5/05

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With his chief political aide under investigation as part of a probe into the public unmasking of a CIA operative, President Bush is sending his staff back to school -- ethics school.

Bush is requiring his executive office staff to attend refresher courses on ethics and handling classified materials, according to a White House memo.

"The President has made clear his expectation that each member of his Executive Office of the President (EOP) staff adhere to the spirit as well as the letter of all rules governing ethical conduct for EOP staff," states the memo sent to Bush's staff.

Staff members with security clearances will attend mandatory sessions next week, and those without security clearances will attend mandatory sessions the following week.

Click here to read the entire article...

House bill counters eminent domain ruling

11/4/05

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Contending that the Supreme Court has undermined a pillar of American society -- the sanctity of the home -- the House overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday to block the court-approved seizure of private property for use by developers.

The bill, passed 376-38, would withhold federal money from state and local governments that use powers of eminent domain to force businesses and homeowners to give up their property for commercial uses.

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling in June, recognized the power of local governments to seize property needed for private development projects that generate tax revenue. The decision drew criticism from private property, civil rights, farm and religious groups that said it was an abuse of the Fifth Amendment's "takings clause." That language provides for the taking of private property, with fair compensation, for public use.

Click here to read the entire article...

Senate approves billions in spending cuts

11/4/05

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved around $36 billion in net spending cuts over five years in a first step toward slowing the explosive growth of popular programs that help the poor and the elderly as well as students, farmers and others. The partisan 52-47 vote came as Democrats mostly boycotted the initiative and argued that even more onerous cuts on the poor being advanced by the House of Representatives would end up in the final version of legislation.

Click here to link to the story...

Bush's Popularity Reaches New Low

58 Percent in Poll Question His Integrity

By Richard Morin and Dan Balz
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, November 4, 2005

For the first time in his presidency a majority of Americans question the integrity of President Bush, and growing doubts about his leadership have left him with record negative ratings on the economy, Iraq and even the war on terrorism, a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows.

On almost every key measure of presidential character and performance, the survey found that Bush has never been less popular with the American people. Currently 39 percent approve of the job he is doing as president, while 60 percent disapprove of his performance in office -- the highest level of disapproval ever recorded for Bush in Post-ABC polls.

Click here to read the entire article...

Republican Budget cuts in The U.S. House

Here is an excerpt from a Nov. 3 article from CNN.com titled "House Republicans chop several programs." The slashing of these programs is being pushed by House Republicans rather than repealing one of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans.

"It also imposes new fees on students who default on loans or consolidate them and higher fees on parents who borrow on behalf of their college-age children. California Rep. George Miller, the senior Democrat on the panel, called the package a "raid on student aid."

The Ways and Means Committee approved on a party-line vote a plan by its chairman, Rep. Bill Thomas, R-California, with so many difficult-to-swallow provisions that lawmakers and aides whispered about whether the intent was to make it hard for GOP leaders to win its passage in the full House.

It includes $3.8 billion in cuts to child support enforcement. Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-North Dakota, charged that Republicans were appealing to the "constituency of deadbeat dads."

Click here to read the entire article...

Bush disappointed by Alito hearings schedule

Friday, November 4, 2005

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush -- who had wanted an up-or-down vote on his Supreme Court nominee, Samuel Alito, by the end of the year -- said Friday he was disappointed that hearings on his nominee will not begin until January.

"Sam Alito Jr. is a incredibly intelligent, well-qualified person who should be on the court," Bush said while attending the Summit of the Americas in Mar del Plata, Argentina. "I told the leadership I thought it would be best to have the hearings before Christmas. They didn't feel like they could get the job done."

"Fortunately there is a firm date and we look forward to working on that date," Bush said.

Click here to read the entire article...

Bush's Job Approval Hits New Low

11/3/05

(CBS) Tempers cooled a bit in Washington today after the partisan meltdown that brought Senate business to a halt Tuesday.

Even so, neither Congress nor the White House will find much in a new CBS News poll to put them in a better humor. President Bush's job approval has reached the lowest level yet. Only 35 percent approve of the job he's doing.

Ex-Cheney aide pleads not guilty

11/3/05

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Vice President Dick Cheney's former top adviser made his first court appearance Thursday, pleading not guilty to felony charges of lying to investigators and a grand jury in the probe into a leak of a CIA agent's name.

I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby appeared before U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton, who set the next court date for February 3 and released Libby on his own recognizance.

"With respect your honor, I plead not guilty," Libby said.

Click here to read the entire article...

Republican enters Fargo mayor race

Swenson second candidate for Fargo mayor

By Mike Nowatzki
The Forum
Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Fargo attorney Brad Swenson announced his candidacy for mayor Wednesday, presenting a three-pronged approach to improve the city.

About 70 supporters clapped and cheered as Swenson, 39, made his announcement at the Fargo Holiday Inn.

Read the entire story...

Sen. Trent Lott on Karl Rove

In an interview with Chris Matthews (Hardball, MSNBC) Tuesday evening, Trent Lott became the first Republican Senator to question whether Karl Rove should stay at the White House as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.

Click here to view the video clip...

Click here to read an article on this post...