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Joe Biden attacks Republicans over healthcare as Beto O'Rourke gets poll boost – midterms live Joe Biden attacks Republicans over healthcare as Beto O'Rourke gets poll boost – midterms live
(35 minutes later)
This, somewhat baffling attempt at Halloween humor, comes by way of Seema Verma, the administrator of Medicare under the Trump’s administration.
This year’s scariest Halloween costume goes to... pic.twitter.com/QtRbdmiR8T
While it may be Republican orthodoxy that a national healthcare system, or “Medicare for all” would be bad policy, Verma’s tweet easily reads like an indictment of her own ability to run the program.
Not every day a government administrator takes a potshot at the program she runs. https://t.co/3IrHhFmFUd
The campaign of Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat running a tight race in Virginia’s 7th district, says it was recently infiltrated by a “mole” from the conservative group Project Veritas.
They say the woman posed as a Democratic volunteer and spent every day over the past several weeks in Spanberger’s suburban Richmond campaign office, performing basic office tasks — and peppering her office mates with questions that eventually raised red flags, reports the Washington Post.
Project Veritas was founded by James O’Keefe, a conservative operative who first came into national prominence by releasing deceptively edited candid video intended to malign the community organizing group ACORN.
The organization still relies on deception as its primary mode of trying to influence US politics and elections. Last year, a woman who worked for Project Veritas falsely claimed to The Washington Post that, then Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore, impregnated her as a teenager — an apparent effort to trick the Post into publishing an untrue story.
From the Daily Beast:
A new campaign ad for Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) features great American pastimes like playing baseball, riding a rollercoaster, football and hunting.
It’s a nice, wholesome video the likes of which one could expect any generic incumbent to be running. But in this case, the ad appears to use stock footage shot in Russia and Estonia.
Donald Trump tweeted a new anti-immigration ad this afternoon, accusing Democrats of letting violent criminal undocumented persons into the US.Donald Trump tweeted a new anti-immigration ad this afternoon, accusing Democrats of letting violent criminal undocumented persons into the US.
It is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our Country. Vote Republican now! https://t.co/0pWiwCHGbh pic.twitter.com/2crea9HF7GIt is outrageous what the Democrats are doing to our Country. Vote Republican now! https://t.co/0pWiwCHGbh pic.twitter.com/2crea9HF7G
In a clear play at energizing his base, the spot highlights the case of Luis Bracamontes an undocumented man who killed two police officers in California in 2014, and is now on death row.In a clear play at energizing his base, the spot highlights the case of Luis Bracamontes an undocumented man who killed two police officers in California in 2014, and is now on death row.
“President Donald J. Trump and Republicans are making America safe again,” the ad concludes. It comes as Trump has dispatched military personnel to the southern border to intercept a reported Caravan of migrants fleeing South and Central America seeking amnesty.“President Donald J. Trump and Republicans are making America safe again,” the ad concludes. It comes as Trump has dispatched military personnel to the southern border to intercept a reported Caravan of migrants fleeing South and Central America seeking amnesty.
The ad fails to mention that undocumented people commit crimes at lower rates than American citizens.The ad fails to mention that undocumented people commit crimes at lower rates than American citizens.
The suspect in the spate of pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats also threatened Texas Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, his campaign said.The suspect in the spate of pipe bombs sent to prominent Democrats also threatened Texas Senate candidate Beto O’Rourke, his campaign said.
The threatening Facebook messages from Cesar Sayoc came weeks ago, according to the Texas Tribune.The threatening Facebook messages from Cesar Sayoc came weeks ago, according to the Texas Tribune.
“We received a threat via Facebook from that individual in April, a threat toward Beto, and we immediately reported it to the [U.S.] Capitol police,” O’Rourke spokesman Chris Evans told the Tribune. “Then we turned over the message and the information and the threat to the FBI in July.”“We received a threat via Facebook from that individual in April, a threat toward Beto, and we immediately reported it to the [U.S.] Capitol police,” O’Rourke spokesman Chris Evans told the Tribune. “Then we turned over the message and the information and the threat to the FBI in July.”
The messages included pictures of O’Rourke’s family and a warning to “hug your loved ones everytime you leave home. See you soon.”The messages included pictures of O’Rourke’s family and a warning to “hug your loved ones everytime you leave home. See you soon.”
Sayoc, of Florida, is charged with federal crimes for sending the explosive devices to Donald Trump critics including former President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.Sayoc, of Florida, is charged with federal crimes for sending the explosive devices to Donald Trump critics including former President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
After attacking House Speaker Paul Ryan earlier in the day over their differences on birthright citizenship, Donald Trump said he will not blame Ryan if Republicans lose the House.After attacking House Speaker Paul Ryan earlier in the day over their differences on birthright citizenship, Donald Trump said he will not blame Ryan if Republicans lose the House.
“I’m not going to blame anybody,” he told reporters outside the White House, per CNN.“I’m not going to blame anybody,” he told reporters outside the White House, per CNN.
President Trump defends attack on @SpeakerRyan and doubles down on ending birthright citizenship. He says he isn’t fear mongering. He would do in Congress or by EO. Asked if he is preparing to blame Ryan if GOP loses house, he says: “I’m not going to blame anybody.” pic.twitter.com/1XsB7wedpZPresident Trump defends attack on @SpeakerRyan and doubles down on ending birthright citizenship. He says he isn’t fear mongering. He would do in Congress or by EO. Asked if he is preparing to blame Ryan if GOP loses house, he says: “I’m not going to blame anybody.” pic.twitter.com/1XsB7wedpZ
Most forecasts say it is likely Democrats will take control of the House. Ryan has announced plans to step down regardless.Most forecasts say it is likely Democrats will take control of the House. Ryan has announced plans to step down regardless.
Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Republicans claiming they’ll protect people with pre-existing health conditions are either “really stupid” or “not telling the truth.”Former Vice President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Republicans claiming they’ll protect people with pre-existing health conditions are either “really stupid” or “not telling the truth.”
Biden made the remarks at a rally endorsing Illinois Democrat Lauren Underwood in her run for Congress, Politico reported.Biden made the remarks at a rally endorsing Illinois Democrat Lauren Underwood in her run for Congress, Politico reported.
“They’re either not telling the truth or they’re really stupid,” Biden said. “Because there’s no way you can afford to cover pre-existing conditions without everybody being in on the deal.”“They’re either not telling the truth or they’re really stupid,” Biden said. “Because there’s no way you can afford to cover pre-existing conditions without everybody being in on the deal.”
Trump has argued that Republicans will do a better job protecting pre-existing condition sufferers, even though Republicans attempted to repeal Obamacare, which requires health insurance companies to cover the conditions.Trump has argued that Republicans will do a better job protecting pre-existing condition sufferers, even though Republicans attempted to repeal Obamacare, which requires health insurance companies to cover the conditions.
Trump made the claim in a tweet on Wednesday.Trump made the claim in a tweet on Wednesday.
Republicans will protect people with pre-existing conditions far better than the Dems!Republicans will protect people with pre-existing conditions far better than the Dems!
Candidates in New York City will be able to use campaign funds to pay for childcare after the City Council voted Wednesday to allow it.Candidates in New York City will be able to use campaign funds to pay for childcare after the City Council voted Wednesday to allow it.
A candidate who is the primary caregiver for a child under 13, and can demonstrate that their need for childcare is due to the campaign, will be able to use donations to pay for it.A candidate who is the primary caregiver for a child under 13, and can demonstrate that their need for childcare is due to the campaign, will be able to use donations to pay for it.
The move follows a ruling by the Federal Election Commission to allow Long Island Congressional candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley to use campaign funds for childcare. The New York State Board of Elections has also issued a decision to permit it in state races.The move follows a ruling by the Federal Election Commission to allow Long Island Congressional candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley to use campaign funds for childcare. The New York State Board of Elections has also issued a decision to permit it in state races.
“There are many costs associated with running for office, but few so impactful as to make or break a candidate’s decision to run. This legislation changes the game for would-be candidates, especially women candidates,” said Manhattan Councilman Keith Powers, who sponsored the bill. “There is no doubt that this legislation will encourage new mothers and new fathers to run for office.”“There are many costs associated with running for office, but few so impactful as to make or break a candidate’s decision to run. This legislation changes the game for would-be candidates, especially women candidates,” said Manhattan Councilman Keith Powers, who sponsored the bill. “There is no doubt that this legislation will encourage new mothers and new fathers to run for office.”
Montana libertarian Senate candidate Rick Breckenridge, announced Wednesday he’s throwing his support behind the Republican in the race, Matt Rosendale.Montana libertarian Senate candidate Rick Breckenridge, announced Wednesday he’s throwing his support behind the Republican in the race, Matt Rosendale.
Rosendale is taking on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in a competitive race.Rosendale is taking on incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester in a competitive race.
Breckenridge told reporters Wednesday that he knows he doesn’t have the votes to win himself and is endorsing the Republican in order to push back against “dark money” in politics, the Hill reported.Breckenridge told reporters Wednesday that he knows he doesn’t have the votes to win himself and is endorsing the Republican in order to push back against “dark money” in politics, the Hill reported.
A campaign mailer has circulated in the state urging voters to support Breckenridge because Rosendale supports excessive government surveillance. In a violation of election law, the mailer did not identify its funder. The Republican challenger has alleged it was sent by allies of Tester in order to cut into his opponent’s support.A campaign mailer has circulated in the state urging voters to support Breckenridge because Rosendale supports excessive government surveillance. In a violation of election law, the mailer did not identify its funder. The Republican challenger has alleged it was sent by allies of Tester in order to cut into his opponent’s support.
“I’m standing in unity and solidarity with Matt to combat dark money in Montana politics. I’m here to stand and say, with my 3 and 4 percent polling numbers, honestly I’m not going to take the seat,” Breckenridge said, according to the Hill.“I’m standing in unity and solidarity with Matt to combat dark money in Montana politics. I’m here to stand and say, with my 3 and 4 percent polling numbers, honestly I’m not going to take the seat,” Breckenridge said, according to the Hill.
The four large Native American tribes in North Dakota are providing free identification to thousands of members in advance of Tuesday’s election, according to the Associated Press.The four large Native American tribes in North Dakota are providing free identification to thousands of members in advance of Tuesday’s election, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reports:The AP reports:
The effort comes in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing the state to continue requiring street addresses on IDs, as opposed to other addresses such as post office boxes.The effort comes in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing the state to continue requiring street addresses on IDs, as opposed to other addresses such as post office boxes.
Streets addresses aren’t important on reservations, and some feel the rule could disenfranchise thousands of Native American voters. That sparked the free ID efforts launched with the help of the Lakota People’s Law Project and the Four Directions nonprofit.Streets addresses aren’t important on reservations, and some feel the rule could disenfranchise thousands of Native American voters. That sparked the free ID efforts launched with the help of the Lakota People’s Law Project and the Four Directions nonprofit.
So far, they’ve provided more than 2,000 free IDs to tribal members. That’s about half of a federal judge’s estimate of the number of Native Americans who don’t possess a qualifying voter ID under state rules.So far, they’ve provided more than 2,000 free IDs to tribal members. That’s about half of a federal judge’s estimate of the number of Native Americans who don’t possess a qualifying voter ID under state rules.
A federal judge in Georgia has kept in place an injunction barring local officials from rejecting certain absentee ballots.A federal judge in Georgia has kept in place an injunction barring local officials from rejecting certain absentee ballots.
The judge rejected Republican candidate and Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s request to lift the injunction, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.The judge rejected Republican candidate and Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s request to lift the injunction, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
The fight is over the rejection of absentee ballots in Gwinnett County, the most diverse county in the state, because of mismatches in signatures. The county rejected a much higher share of ballots than anywhere else in the state.The fight is over the rejection of absentee ballots in Gwinnett County, the most diverse county in the state, because of mismatches in signatures. The county rejected a much higher share of ballots than anywhere else in the state.
The judge ordered Kemp’s office to tell local elections officials they may not reject absentee ballots because of signature discrepancies, and much instead give voters a chance to correct any mismatch.The judge ordered Kemp’s office to tell local elections officials they may not reject absentee ballots because of signature discrepancies, and much instead give voters a chance to correct any mismatch.
Kemp has refused calls to step aside as secretary of state - overseeing the state’s election system - while he is himself a candidate for governor.Kemp has refused calls to step aside as secretary of state - overseeing the state’s election system - while he is himself a candidate for governor.
Meanwhile in Ohio, a federal appeals court ruled that boards of elections must count provisional ballots cast by certain people who had been purged from the state’s voter rolls, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.Meanwhile in Ohio, a federal appeals court ruled that boards of elections must count provisional ballots cast by certain people who had been purged from the state’s voter rolls, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.
Votes must be counted for people removed from the rolls between 2011 and 2015 if they still live in the same county where they registered, and have not been disqualified from voting because of a felony conviction or mental incapacity, the court ruled.Votes must be counted for people removed from the rolls between 2011 and 2015 if they still live in the same county where they registered, and have not been disqualified from voting because of a felony conviction or mental incapacity, the court ruled.
Indicted New York Congressman Chris Collins - who is running for re-election despite previously saying he would drop out of the race - was a no-show at a debate with his opponent.Indicted New York Congressman Chris Collins - who is running for re-election despite previously saying he would drop out of the race - was a no-show at a debate with his opponent.
An empty podium took Collins’ place at the annual debate hosted by St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, a private catholic high school in Buffalo, State of Politics reported.An empty podium took Collins’ place at the annual debate hosted by St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, a private catholic high school in Buffalo, State of Politics reported.
“It’s a cowardly thing to do. He should be here. There’s only one reason he’s not standing on stage with me and it’s because he doesn’t want to face accountability,” said his opponent, Nate McMurray.“It’s a cowardly thing to do. He should be here. There’s only one reason he’s not standing on stage with me and it’s because he doesn’t want to face accountability,” said his opponent, Nate McMurray.
Collins was indicted on insider trading charges in August. He said days later he was ending his re-election bid, but then reversed course and opted to stay in the race.Collins was indicted on insider trading charges in August. He said days later he was ending his re-election bid, but then reversed course and opted to stay in the race.
His first campaign ad was criticized as racist, featuring McMurray speaking Korean and claiming he worked to send jobs to Korea. (He was actually discussing his hopes for peace on the Korean peninsula.)His first campaign ad was criticized as racist, featuring McMurray speaking Korean and claiming he worked to send jobs to Korea. (He was actually discussing his hopes for peace on the Korean peninsula.)
Collins has been actively campaigning but has not made his schedule public since being arrested, according to State of Politics. He has a slight lead in public polls.Collins has been actively campaigning but has not made his schedule public since being arrested, according to State of Politics. He has a slight lead in public polls.
It’s a dead heat in the Wisconsin race for governor, with incumbent Republican Scott Walker and Democrat challenger Tony Evers each receiving 47% support among likely voters, according to a new poll.It’s a dead heat in the Wisconsin race for governor, with incumbent Republican Scott Walker and Democrat challenger Tony Evers each receiving 47% support among likely voters, according to a new poll.
Walker is seeking a third term as governor. Libertarian candidate Phil Anderson gets 3% in the poll by Marquette Law School.Walker is seeking a third term as governor. Libertarian candidate Phil Anderson gets 3% in the poll by Marquette Law School.
Read our recent look at the race here.Read our recent look at the race here.