House judiciary cmte holds hearing on raid of Capitol Hill office

The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing during the congressional recess to hear testimony on the legality of the raid of a Capitol Hill office. They specifically referred to the speech and debate clause of the constitution which scholars testified that is priveleged information even though legislative material is not specified. The executive branch often uses executive privelege congress's ability to do oversight of the executive. Executive privelege is not in the constitution but was given by the courts. A member of congress is accused of accepting bribes and was not cooperating with the Justice Department in its investigation. Pres. Bush has ordered the seized material sealed for 45 days until the two branches can come up with an agreeable solution on how to deal with the material.

Gov. Pawlenty to run for second term

Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced today that he is officially running for a second term as governor. He will be dropping his radio show as of June 30 due to campaign finance laws.

Pres. Bush announces new Treasury Secretary

John Snow announced his resignation as Treasury Secretary and Pres. Bush announced his nomination for Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson to be the next Treasury Secretary.

US Senate confirms Hayden as new CIA Director

After much controversy including the fact that Hayden is a four star general and the NSA controversy the Senate Intelligence Commitee approved the nominee 12-3 and the full Senate confirmed the nominee today.

Former Enron executives found guilty

Former Enron executives Ken Lay and Jeffrey Skilling were found guilty by a Texas jury of fraud. In a separate but related case Ken Lay was also found guilty of defrauding a bank. He violated the terms of a loan by using the the money to buy stock. This is illegal because it allows individuals to artificially drive up the price of a stock.

US Senate Cmte approves constitutional amendment on marriage

FBI investigates Congressman's Capitol Hill office

The FBI investigated the office of Congressman William Jefferson's (D-LA) Capitol Hill office. It is part of an ongoing investigation into charges alleging bribery by the Congressman. His office in LA has also been searched as well. Some of his aides also could be indicted as well.

New Orleans mayor wins re-election

Ray Nagin won re-election in a runoff election in New Orleans. He beat Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu for the top job. With hurricanse season approaching soon the mayor will have little time to celebrate as he attempts to rebuild the torn city of more than just the hurricane. He must repair the city that is the most poverty stricken in the country even prior to Katrina.

State Supreme Court upholds tobacco fee

The State Supreme Court today ruled in favor of the state in the tobacco fee case. Tobacco companies challenged the fee in court on the grounds that it violated its tobacco settlement. The Attorney General's office arguing on behalf of the state argued that this settlement did not preclude the legislature from taking action such as additional taxes or fees. The Court agreed with the state stating that the soverignty of the state must be held in tact.

US renews diplomatic relations with Libya; bans arms sales to Venezuela

Bush to address nation on immigration Monday night

Pres. Bush will address the nation Monday night in which he is expected to announce that he will call for National Guard troops to the southern border with Mexico to curb the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. The National Guard will be there to back up the border patrol and provide security.

VP Cheney to visit MN on Monday

Moussaoui judge denies motion

The judge in the Moussaoui case has denied a motion by the defense to withdraw the guilty plea. The judge noted that the motion was denied because it was filed too late. Moussaoui wanted to withdraw a guilty plea and have a new trial. He currently resides in a federal maximum security prison in CO.

DFL endorses Patty Wetterling for Congress in 6th

Child Advocate Patty Wetterling beat out Elwyn Tinklenburg to be the candidate for congress for the DFL in the 6th. Wettterling got the endorsement after Tinklenburg decided to drop out and bring unity to the party. This is Wetterling's second run at congress for this district and faces republican challenger Michele Bachmann.

Congress approves tax relief bill

The United States House of Representatives passed a bill today providing $70 Billion in tax relief over 5 years to those with capital gains and the alternative minimum tax. The Senate is expected to follow suit. President Bush has been asking congress to push for permanent tax relief.

Federal Reserve raises interest rate

The Federal Reserve today raised the short term interest rate a quarter point to 5% today. The Fed wants to keep inflation in check while the economy is growing.

Federal Reserve raises interest rate

The Federal Reserve today raised the short term interest rate a quarter point to 5% today. The Fed wants to keep inflation in check while the economy is growing.

Bush nominates Air Force General for CIA Director

Pres. Bush announced the nomination of Air Force General Michael Hayden. Hayden is a four star general. Hayden currently serves under John Negroponte the National Intelligence Director. Some Senators voiced concern over the nomination because they would prefer a civilian be in charge of the CIA rather than a general. The CIA Director now reports to the NID.

Conventions endorse candidates

Congressional conventions endorsed candidates seeking the backing of their respective parties this weekend. Former Senator Rod Grams was endorsed as the republican candidate to run against incumbent DFL congressman Jim Oberstar. Grams entry into the race will make it somewhat more competitive than in recent races in the district but Grams faces an uphill battle with the entrenched incumbent.
State Senator Michele Bachmann won the republican endorsement of the 6th CD republicans beating out 3 other candidates. The 6th CD leans republican. Pres. Bush won the district with 57%.

State Representative Keith Ellison won the DFL endorsement of the 5th CD DFLers. Minneapolis is the heart of the district. Allan Fine is the republican endorsed candidate. The 5th district leans heavily DFL so Fine faces an uphill battle against Ellison. Ellison's competitors will most likely be his fellow democrats in the primary in September.

UN Security Council meets to deal with Iran

The UN Security Council is meeting in a rare Sat. session to deal with Iran's nuclear program. The US would like the Security Council to approve a resolution demanding sanctions or military action against Iran if they do not cease their nuclear program. China and Russia have veto powers as permanent members of the Security Council and oppose sanctions against Iran. It will be the job of US Ambassador Bolten to try and negotiate language that will meet the demands of the US yet satisfy the concerns of the Chinese and Russians. Vice-President Cheney criticised Russia while on an overseas trip accusing them of not cooperating. Iran defended its position stating that it has the right to develop a nuclear program for peaceful purposes. However the US and many European coutries are skeptical because Iran has an abundace of oil and has had a history of sponsoring terrorism.

Senate cmte approves constitutional amendment on flag burning

The Senate Judiciary Commitee passed a constitutional amendment to prohibit burning of the US flag. The amendment goes to the full Senate where it needs a 2/3 vote for it to pass. The House has passed a similar version. If the amendment is approved by the Senate it would be sent to the states for ratification.

Stadiums hit speed bump in Senate

After clearing major hurdles in the House the stadiums for the Gophers, Twins and Vikings hit a major road block in the Senate when they added additional provisions to the bills that the teams consider deal breakers. The Gophers stadium bill financing would be replaced from the TCF Bank naming rights to a sports merchandise tax. The Twins and Vikings would be required to have a referendum. The Senate also is combining all three stadiums into one bill. The Governor stated that the current form from the Senate is unacceptable. That the stadiums must be presented based on their own merits and that the current versions are dead on arrival as far as he is concerned.

CIA Director to resign

Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) to get treatment at Mayo Clinic

Congressman Patrick Kennedy announced he will be going to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota to get treatment after an incident with Capitol Hill police early Thursday morning. Kennedy was seen reportedly stumbling out of his car after he crashed into a security barricade and had alcohol on his breath. Kennedy was driven home after supieror officers waved off the patrolman and did not give Kennedy a breathalizer. Kennedy told the patrolman that he was a member of congress and that he was late for a floor vote even though the congress had adjourned several hours earlier. Kennedy also said that he was on Ambien.

Moussaoui gets life

Zacharias Moussaoui will be getting life in prison for his role in 9/11. The jury deliberated for several days before coming to the verdict. The judge will be sentencing him tomorrow. Moussaoui was his own worst enemy as he testified against the advice of counsel that he was involved in the 9/11 attacks. His attorneys tried to downplay their clients role showing from other Al-Qaeda members that he was just an Al-Qaeda wannabe.

Illegal immigrants protest US immigration polcy

Some illegal immigrants took today for "Day without immigrants" The illegal immigrants stated that they are doing the work that other Americans will not do and that they are providing for their families. It was a day to make known the financial contribution that illegal immigrants make to the US.

Senate cmte backs referendum stadiums

The Senate Tax Committee unanimously voted for a referendum for the Twins stadium. This was many proposals put forth by the committee during a rare weekend session to finance three stadiums. The Twins and Vikings have both stated that a referendum would be a deal breaker. One of the proposals would include a 1/2 cent increase in the sales tax for the Metro area.