Bush threatens veto

President Bush continued his threat to veto legislation that would force a timetable for US forces to withdraw from Iraq. In a test of political wills the Senate passed a bill that would require the Bush administration to set timetables. The bill is likely to get vetoed by the president and the Democrats will likely be forced to withdraw that provision. Bush urged the congress to act quickly on this defense appropriation because they will need the money by the middle of the month. The congress is on a two week recess.

Bush backs embattled AG Gonzalez

Despite the firestorm of controversy surrounding the firings of several federal prosecutors the White House continues to support Attorney General Gonzalez. The White House released a statement in support of the embattled Attorney General after his former Chief of Staff suggested that Gonzalez made statements that were contrary to internal email communications. The Senate has been adament about finding out why these US Attorneys were fired. The White House defended the decision on the grounds that US Attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president thus are political appointments not civil servants. The controversy comes because it was thought that the federal prosecutors were fired for incompetence not politics. The White House also stated that the federal prosecutors were fired because they were not following the presidents priorities.

UN approves sanctions against Iran

The UN Security Council approves sanctions against Iran for continuing its nuclear program. The US and its European allies have been trying for many months to try and get Iran to suspend its nuclear program because they believe its being developed for military rather than civilian use. Iran has stated that they will not be reporting to the UN. Iran must be careful because unlike Iraq Iran doesnt have as many friends when it comes this issue.

Congress vs The White House

As the democrats took over the Congress in November the White House has had a much more hostile relationship with the Congress. The current controversy is a prime example of payback by congressional democrats who say that republicans failed to provide adequate oversight of the White House. Congress has held numerous hearings including the War in Iraq. Congress held a vote this week to provide funding for the war which was requested by the president but was contingent on an exit strategy of early 08. With a significant number of Senators running for president in 08, the Senate is likely to get just as political as the US House. Dont feel too much sympathy for the White House as republicans have privately complained that the White House has not done a good job of explaining its policy and strategy goals. Rather they have just wanted to execute their strategy and expected that republicans would fall in line. While they were willing to do that in the first time most republicans are now looking for answers.

Bush draws crticism for Iraq plan

Pres. Bush drew criticism from both sides of the political aisle. He laid out a plan in which he would add an additonal 20,000 troops to secure Baghdad which is been plagued by secterian violence and IED's. Privately White House aides say they have told the Iraqi government that America's resolve is wearing thin and that they need to start making progress. The White House fears that a pull out of US forces would have far deadlier consequences both short term and long term. In the short term they fear that Syria and Iran would have a heavier hand in the political affairs of Iraq and would give Iran further incentive to puruse its nuclear programs. Also that Al-Qaeda would use Iraq as a base of operations to commit attacks dircectly against the United States. The long term consequence would result in a very unstable region which is already dealing with enough turmoil.

Democrats get ready to takeover Congress

The democrats are getting ready to takever Congress as the new majority. The Congress will be lead by Nancy Pelosi and the Senate will be lead by Harry Reid. Some of the items on the agenda for the 110th congress include border security, minimum wage increase and the Iraq War among others. The Pentagon has requested 110Billion for the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Appeals Court upholds Saddam conviction

In a ruling not unexpected an appeals court has ruled that Saddam's conviction has satisfied the legal requirements that now paves the way for his execution. The Sunni's hailed this as a botched trial while the Shiite majority hailed it as major victory and officially puts an end to the Saddam regime. Experts believe that this may quell any hopes that Saddam would be returning to power.

Saddam found guilty

This verdict while not surprising puts an end to a very murdurous regime that lasted for nearly 2 decades. Security has been tight in Baghdad enlight of a verdict negative or positive. Several senior leaders in the former regime were also found guilty of acts during that regime. Saddam is expected to appeal the verdict which could take sometime. When all of the appeals are exhausted he will be executed by hanging.

Political parties vying for control of Congress

The Democrat and Republican Parties are in an all out political war to control the majority in Congress. Republicans are trying to shore up their base which has been dismayed by rampant spending, the War in Iraq and Capitol Hill scandals. However the Democrats have not been able to effectively capitalize on the misfortunes of the republicans. Democrats have yet to offer a viable alternative which is why experts say that democrats are struggling to get traction against their republican opponents. More money has been spent on TV advertising than any other midterm in recent memory. While the democrats have a strong possibility of regaining control of congress that is less likely in the Senate. Consequently the ad wars have been the nastiest that we have seen in recent years. With so many races in a virtual dead and control of congress at stake experts say that candidates are likely to fight it out the end.

Races tighten as election nears

Campaigns have committed an all out blitz as the election comes to a close. Candidates are now using personal attacks to gain a political advantage. The air waves are expected to be he hit with a number of attack ads.

FL Congressman resigns over emails

Florida Congressman Mark Foley (R) resigned today amid allegations about sexually explicit emails to a former male congressional page. This comes as republicans battle to retain the majority in congress in the November election. The Florida Republican Party is scrambling to find a replacement candidate as lawyers try to find a way to get another candidate on the ballot.

RNC picks Twin Cities for 2008

The Republican National Commitee approved the Twin Cities to host its national convention. MN is also a swing state that borders on other swing states like Iowa and Wisconsin.

Rep. Bob Ney pleads guilty

Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH) pleaded guilty to charges related to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Ney initially denied any wrongdoing and was asked to step down from his leadership position as the Chair of the House Administration Committee. Ney has decided not to seek re-election. His republican challenger has asked to him to resign so that he can replace him for the general election.

Endorsed candidates win primaries with ease

US Senate candidate Mark Kennedy (R), US Senate candidate Amy Klobuchar (DFL) Governor Tim Pawlenty(R) Attorney General Mike Hatch(DFL) all easily won their parties primaries. The major party candidates are expected to slug it on the air waves as well as in the debates as the '06 election is expected to come to a fiery end. Control of the State House is at stake as well as control of Congress could well be decided on election. Republicans hope to keep majority while the democrats hope to take over as the new majority party.

White House buts heads with Congress over detainee bill

After the Supreme Court ruled the presidents military tribunals unconstitutional the White House has been urging congress to pass its version of the detainee bills. However its been tough sledding as the president faces opposition in his own party on Capitol Hill. A Senate committee this week passed a detaine bill which the White House opposes. The Senate version does not have as strict a policy on interrogations. President Bush held a press conference to press congress on passing his version of the detainee bill. He said that the CIA officers involved in interrogations must be able to use agressive tactics and should not be burdened with potential civil liability and criminal prosecution. There has been some debate over how to interpret Article 3 of the Geneva Convention which the Supreme Court cited in its Hamden vs. Rumsfeld decision. Some on Capitol Hill have argued that we should have our own interpretation of the article because it is too vague as its currently written and other countries interpret it based on their own laws.

Judge blocks strike until negotiations are exhausted

A federal appeals judge blocked the Northwest Flight attendants from striking against Northwest Airlines because there is too much economically at stake beyond the parties involved. The judge did not rule out allowing a strike if he believes that the parties cannot come to terms in the future.

US State Dept. issues limited visa to former head of Iran; current leader to address UN

Despite protest the State Department granted a visa to the former head of Iran. Opponents say Khatami should not be granted a visa because he resided over a regime that wanted the destruction of Israel and was a sworn of the United States. MA governor Mitt Romney who is a republican candidate for president blasted the decision to grant the visa and said that he should not be given protection by while visiting the United States.
The current Iranian leader has been granted a visa to visit the United States to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The Secret Service will be protecting him but his travel will be limited. The Secret Service provides security for foreign heads of state and dignitaries while in the United States. The United Nations is considered international territory even though its essentially in New York.

DOJ to propose law to prevent some convictions from being overturned

The Justice Department has proposed a law to congress that would prevent people like Ken Lay from having their convictions overturned. Lay's lawyers have filed motions to have their clients convictioned vacated by the judge because he is no longer alive. The judge has yet to certify the conviction. The Supreme Court has recently ruled that judges do not have the authority to overturn a jury verdict.

Mexican President Fox forgoes last speech to Mexican Congress

Mexican President Fox was forced due to security concerns to forgoe his annual speech to the Mexican congress following a protest outside of the chambers. Fox is the first Mexican president to forgoe his speech. Fox did give his speech on television. Leftist organizations continue to protest the outcome of the presidential election in which the winning candidate won by less than 1%. Protesters want a recount of all ballots. Mexico's Federal Election Tribunal has final authority on the outcome of the election.

FBI investigates AK State Lawmakers in probe of VECO

The FBI investigated the offices of Alaska state lawmakers as part of an investigation of VECO an oil field services company based in Alaska. VECO has made numerous contributions to political campaigns. The FBI stated that the lawmakers are not the target of the investigation.