This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2018/nov/07/midterm-elections-democrats-trump-republicans-house-latest-live

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Donald Trump fires Jeff Sessions, US attorney general – live updates Jeff Sessions fired and replaced with longtime Mueller critic – live updates
(35 minutes later)
This is interesting re: blue wave.
Of the sixty House races in eight northeastern states, including New York and New Jersey, not a single Republican is on pace to top 57% of the vote, according to the New York Times.
The party lost six of their seats and of the nine that they still hold, three incumbents led with less than 50% of the vote.
“Not long ago, Republicans held half of New Jersey’s 12 Congressional seats; now they are possibly down to just one,” the Times said.
It was only a few hours ago that Trump gave his first remarks since the midterm elections. Here are some highlights:
Asked less than three hours ago about Jeff Sessions' future, Trump said, “I’d rather answer that at a little different time."
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has called on acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker to recuse himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.
“Given his previous comments advocating defunding and imposing limitations on the Mueller investigation, Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from its oversight for the duration of his time as acting attorney general,” Schumer said in a statement.
In Florida, razor thin margins in the races for both the Senate and governorship may trigger a recount, giving Democrats fresh hopes that all is not yet lost.Bill Nelson, the state’s incumbent Senate Democrat, refused to concede to Republican Rick Scott even as the latter declared victory on Tuesday night. Latest projections showed Nelson narrowly trailing Scott, the outgoing Florida governor, by about 34,000 votes of 8.1 million ballots cast. While candidates cannot petition for a recount in Florida, state law requires that a recount be automatically triggered if the margin is less than one-half-a-percent of the total vote. As Scott’s shrunk to only 0.4 percentage points, Nelson declared in a statement: “We are proceeding to a recount.”Scott’s campaign suggested Nelson, who was first elected in 2000, was acting out of desperation. An electronic recount would need to be ordered by Florida’s Secretary of State, Ken Detzner, who was appointed by Scott, after unofficial results are delivered on Saturday. The closely watched Florida governor’s race also moved closer to recount territory, as Republican Ron DeSantis’s lead over Democrat Andrew Gillum stood at just over 0.6 percentage points on Wednesday. Gillum conceded to DeSantis on Tuesday in what marked one of the Democratic Party’s biggest upsets of the night.In Florida, razor thin margins in the races for both the Senate and governorship may trigger a recount, giving Democrats fresh hopes that all is not yet lost.Bill Nelson, the state’s incumbent Senate Democrat, refused to concede to Republican Rick Scott even as the latter declared victory on Tuesday night. Latest projections showed Nelson narrowly trailing Scott, the outgoing Florida governor, by about 34,000 votes of 8.1 million ballots cast. While candidates cannot petition for a recount in Florida, state law requires that a recount be automatically triggered if the margin is less than one-half-a-percent of the total vote. As Scott’s shrunk to only 0.4 percentage points, Nelson declared in a statement: “We are proceeding to a recount.”Scott’s campaign suggested Nelson, who was first elected in 2000, was acting out of desperation. An electronic recount would need to be ordered by Florida’s Secretary of State, Ken Detzner, who was appointed by Scott, after unofficial results are delivered on Saturday. The closely watched Florida governor’s race also moved closer to recount territory, as Republican Ron DeSantis’s lead over Democrat Andrew Gillum stood at just over 0.6 percentage points on Wednesday. Gillum conceded to DeSantis on Tuesday in what marked one of the Democratic Party’s biggest upsets of the night.
A small glimpse into the mind of the new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, is available on his Twitter feed.A small glimpse into the mind of the new acting attorney general, Matt Whitaker, is available on his Twitter feed.
Most of the posts are about the University of Iowa’s football team, which he played on (#GoHawkeyes):Most of the posts are about the University of Iowa’s football team, which he played on (#GoHawkeyes):
Instant reaction to @TheIowaHawkeyes 24-3 win over Wyo. Solid defense w/ improved secondary, off. plenty of room for growth, mucho upsideInstant reaction to @TheIowaHawkeyes 24-3 win over Wyo. Solid defense w/ improved secondary, off. plenty of room for growth, mucho upside
Whitaker is also fluent in bitmoji:Whitaker is also fluent in bitmoji:
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I am thankful for so much. God is great. pic.twitter.com/9CWXZb9B08Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I am thankful for so much. God is great. pic.twitter.com/9CWXZb9B08
There is also a peak into his personal life:There is also a peak into his personal life:
Do boots & guitar mean I am a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll? pic.twitter.com/IktvDBeJ5BDo boots & guitar mean I am a little bit country and a little bit rock & roll? pic.twitter.com/IktvDBeJ5B
~~ Sessions break ~~~~ Sessions break ~~
California’s 49th congressional district has been called. Democrat Mike Levin wins the seat.California’s 49th congressional district has been called. Democrat Mike Levin wins the seat.
First formal call of a Democratic pickup in California. They lead in two other Republican held districts in the state right now https://t.co/z9I9qmHsWFFirst formal call of a Democratic pickup in California. They lead in two other Republican held districts in the state right now https://t.co/z9I9qmHsWF
A lot can happen in a year …A lot can happen in a year …
Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters last year there would be “holy hell to pay” if Sessions is fired.Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters last year there would be “holy hell to pay” if Sessions is fired.
Lindsey Graham in July 2017: "If Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay." (via CNN) pic.twitter.com/VmqsAjXNlJLindsey Graham in July 2017: "If Sessions is fired, there will be holy hell to pay." (via CNN) pic.twitter.com/VmqsAjXNlJ
Now that the moment has arrived (though instead of being fired, Sessions resigned at the president’s request), Graham has said in a statement: “I look forward to working with President Trump to find a confirmable, worthy successor so that we can start a new chapter at the Department of Justice and deal with both the opportunities and challenges our nation faces.”Now that the moment has arrived (though instead of being fired, Sessions resigned at the president’s request), Graham has said in a statement: “I look forward to working with President Trump to find a confirmable, worthy successor so that we can start a new chapter at the Department of Justice and deal with both the opportunities and challenges our nation faces.”
Graham’s office is also telling reporters he won’t take the newly vacated job.Graham’s office is also telling reporters he won’t take the newly vacated job.
MORE: I just asked a spokesman if @LindseyGrahamSC would be interested in the AG post. Quoting him, he told me: "No, no, no."MORE: I just asked a spokesman if @LindseyGrahamSC would be interested in the AG post. Quoting him, he told me: "No, no, no."
Leading constitutional lawyer, Laurence Tribe, warns the “rule of law crisis has been a slow-motion train-wreck for a long time,” in an email to the Guardian.Leading constitutional lawyer, Laurence Tribe, warns the “rule of law crisis has been a slow-motion train-wreck for a long time,” in an email to the Guardian.
Matt Whittaker is on record about the ways to clip Mueller’s wings and the alleged need to do so. And I suspect that very few ordinary people will care that this Wednesday afternoon massacre has quietly taken place. Even though Whittaker is only ‘acting’ AG now that Sessions is out, it looks like Whittaker will become Mueller’s minder effective immediately. That could mean the effective termination by an abusive president of the principal investigation into his abuses of power. Arguably an impeachable offense, but in circumstances where impeachment wouldn’t lead to removal.Matt Whittaker is on record about the ways to clip Mueller’s wings and the alleged need to do so. And I suspect that very few ordinary people will care that this Wednesday afternoon massacre has quietly taken place. Even though Whittaker is only ‘acting’ AG now that Sessions is out, it looks like Whittaker will become Mueller’s minder effective immediately. That could mean the effective termination by an abusive president of the principal investigation into his abuses of power. Arguably an impeachable offense, but in circumstances where impeachment wouldn’t lead to removal.
Former attorney general Eric Holder, who held the post for six years under Barack Obama, weighs in on Sessions’ resignation.Former attorney general Eric Holder, who held the post for six years under Barack Obama, weighs in on Sessions’ resignation.
Anyone who attempts to interfere with or obstruct the Mueller inquiry must be held accountable. This is a red line. We are a nation of laws and norms not subject to the self interested actions of one man.Anyone who attempts to interfere with or obstruct the Mueller inquiry must be held accountable. This is a red line. We are a nation of laws and norms not subject to the self interested actions of one man.
The incoming chair of the House judiciary committee, Democrat Jerry Nadler, asks the top question of the moment: “Why is the President making this change and who has authority over Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation?”The incoming chair of the House judiciary committee, Democrat Jerry Nadler, asks the top question of the moment: “Why is the President making this change and who has authority over Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation?”
Americans must have answers immediately as to the reasoning behind @realDonaldTrump removing Jeff Sessions from @TheJusticeDept. Why is the President making this change and who has authority over Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation? We will be holding people accountable. https://t.co/weykMuiCxmAmericans must have answers immediately as to the reasoning behind @realDonaldTrump removing Jeff Sessions from @TheJusticeDept. Why is the President making this change and who has authority over Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation? We will be holding people accountable. https://t.co/weykMuiCxm
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been in combat with Sessions since he took up the attorney general post.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been in combat with Sessions since he took up the attorney general post.
ACLU executive director, Anthony Romero, was blunt in his assessment of Sessions’ tenure. “Jeff Sessions was the worst attorney general in modern American history,” Romero said in a statement.ACLU executive director, Anthony Romero, was blunt in his assessment of Sessions’ tenure. “Jeff Sessions was the worst attorney general in modern American history,” Romero said in a statement.
Romero continued:Romero continued:
He was an egregious violator of civil rights and civil liberties. From his plot to deport Dreamers, remove police and law enforcement accountability, discriminate against trans people, perpetuate and expand senseless enforcement of racist drug laws, use of religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people and undermine reproductive rights, abandon protections for women against violence, and even lie to the Senate to cover up Trump campaign contact with Russian officials, his tenure as the highest chief law enforcement officer was a complete disgrace to our nation’s constitutional protections. Sessions allowed the Department of Justice to function as the political arm of the Trump administration to undo fundamental rights that protect each of us, disregarding years of legal precedent and settled law.He was an egregious violator of civil rights and civil liberties. From his plot to deport Dreamers, remove police and law enforcement accountability, discriminate against trans people, perpetuate and expand senseless enforcement of racist drug laws, use of religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people and undermine reproductive rights, abandon protections for women against violence, and even lie to the Senate to cover up Trump campaign contact with Russian officials, his tenure as the highest chief law enforcement officer was a complete disgrace to our nation’s constitutional protections. Sessions allowed the Department of Justice to function as the political arm of the Trump administration to undo fundamental rights that protect each of us, disregarding years of legal precedent and settled law.
The dismissal of the nation’s top law enforcement official is a huge step, one that should not be based on political motives – and certainly should not be done to protect the president or his cronies from the law. While the constitution grants the president the authority to dismiss his cabinet members, we will be keeping a close watch on the future of the special counsel’s investigation and the impact of the appointment of a new Attorney General. The Senate must demand that any nominee for attorney general must commit to not interfere in the special counsel investigation, and continue to have Robert Mueller operate under the special counsel regulation.”The dismissal of the nation’s top law enforcement official is a huge step, one that should not be based on political motives – and certainly should not be done to protect the president or his cronies from the law. While the constitution grants the president the authority to dismiss his cabinet members, we will be keeping a close watch on the future of the special counsel’s investigation and the impact of the appointment of a new Attorney General. The Senate must demand that any nominee for attorney general must commit to not interfere in the special counsel investigation, and continue to have Robert Mueller operate under the special counsel regulation.”
Last year, the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, wrote a CNN opinion piece arguing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Trump “is going too far.”Last year, the new acting attorney general, Matthew Whitaker, wrote a CNN opinion piece arguing special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation of Trump “is going too far.”
“Mueller has come up to a red line in the Russia 2016 election-meddling investigation that he is dangerously close to crossing,” Whitaker wrote in the August 2017 piece.“Mueller has come up to a red line in the Russia 2016 election-meddling investigation that he is dangerously close to crossing,” Whitaker wrote in the August 2017 piece.
He continued:He continued:
This information is deeply concerning to me. It does not take a lawyer or even a former federal prosecutor like myself to conclude that investigating Donald Trump’s finances or his family’s finances falls completely outside of the realm of his 2016 campaign and allegations that the campaign coordinated with the Russian government or anyone else. That goes beyond the scope of the appointment of the special counsel.This information is deeply concerning to me. It does not take a lawyer or even a former federal prosecutor like myself to conclude that investigating Donald Trump’s finances or his family’s finances falls completely outside of the realm of his 2016 campaign and allegations that the campaign coordinated with the Russian government or anyone else. That goes beyond the scope of the appointment of the special counsel.
In fact, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s letter appointing special counsel Robert Mueller does not give Mueller broad, far-reaching powers in this investigation. He is only authorized to investigate matters that involved any potential links to and coordination between two entities -- the Trump campaign and the Russian government. People are wrongly pointing to, and taking out of context, the phrase “any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation” to characterize special counsel’s authority as broad.In fact, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein’s letter appointing special counsel Robert Mueller does not give Mueller broad, far-reaching powers in this investigation. He is only authorized to investigate matters that involved any potential links to and coordination between two entities -- the Trump campaign and the Russian government. People are wrongly pointing to, and taking out of context, the phrase “any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation” to characterize special counsel’s authority as broad.
The word “investigation” is clearly defined directly preceding it in the same sentence specifically as coordination between individuals associated with the campaign of Donald Trump and Russia. The Trump Organization’s business dealings are plainly not within the scope of the investigation, nor should they be.The word “investigation” is clearly defined directly preceding it in the same sentence specifically as coordination between individuals associated with the campaign of Donald Trump and Russia. The Trump Organization’s business dealings are plainly not within the scope of the investigation, nor should they be.
“At your request, I am submitting my resignation,” begins Sessions’ resignation letter.“At your request, I am submitting my resignation,” begins Sessions’ resignation letter.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns: “At your request, I am submitting my resignation.” pic.twitter.com/s9gYL5GCx2Attorney General Jeff Sessions resigns: “At your request, I am submitting my resignation.” pic.twitter.com/s9gYL5GCx2
In the letter, Sessions touts the Justice department’s work in immigration enforcement, the opioid epidemic and prosecuting gangs.In the letter, Sessions touts the Justice department’s work in immigration enforcement, the opioid epidemic and prosecuting gangs.
“I am particularly grateful to the fabulous men and women in law enforcement all over this country with whom I have served,” Sessions wrote. “I have had no greater honor than to serve alongside them.”“I am particularly grateful to the fabulous men and women in law enforcement all over this country with whom I have served,” Sessions wrote. “I have had no greater honor than to serve alongside them.”
John Cornyn, the second-ranking senate Republican, already has a statement on Sessions’ departure:John Cornyn, the second-ranking senate Republican, already has a statement on Sessions’ departure:
Attorney General Sessions has selflessly dedicated more than 40 years to serving the people of Alabama and the nation. As our country’s top law enforcement official, he has been integral in fighting the opioid epidemic, keeping violent criminals off our streets, and supporting victims. Those who know him understand his commitment to the rule of law, and his deep and abiding concern for our country.Attorney General Sessions has selflessly dedicated more than 40 years to serving the people of Alabama and the nation. As our country’s top law enforcement official, he has been integral in fighting the opioid epidemic, keeping violent criminals off our streets, and supporting victims. Those who know him understand his commitment to the rule of law, and his deep and abiding concern for our country.
I’ve had the honor of working closely with Jeff since I came to the Senate, and I’m proud to call him a friend. I wish Jeff and Mary the best of luck in their next chapter, and I hope everyone will join me in honoring his public service to the country.I’ve had the honor of working closely with Jeff since I came to the Senate, and I’m proud to call him a friend. I wish Jeff and Mary the best of luck in their next chapter, and I hope everyone will join me in honoring his public service to the country.
Jeff Sessions has submitted his resignation at the president’s request, according to the New York Times.Jeff Sessions has submitted his resignation at the president’s request, according to the New York Times.
Sessions has been in Trump’s firing line since the attorney general recused himself from the Russia inquiry in March 2017.Sessions has been in Trump’s firing line since the attorney general recused himself from the Russia inquiry in March 2017.
“He took the job and then he said, ‘I’m going to recuse myself.’ I said, ‘What kind of a man is this?’” Trump told Fox News in August. “I wanted to stay uninvolved. But when everybody sees what’s going on in the Justice Department — I always put ‘justice’ now with quotes.”“He took the job and then he said, ‘I’m going to recuse myself.’ I said, ‘What kind of a man is this?’” Trump told Fox News in August. “I wanted to stay uninvolved. But when everybody sees what’s going on in the Justice Department — I always put ‘justice’ now with quotes.”
Trump just announced on Twitter that Sessions is being replaced by his chief of staff Matthew Whitaker, who will serve as the acting attorney general.Trump just announced on Twitter that Sessions is being replaced by his chief of staff Matthew Whitaker, who will serve as the acting attorney general.
“We thank attorney general Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! “Trump said. “A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date.”“We thank attorney general Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! “Trump said. “A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date.”
We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Department of Justice, will become our new Acting Attorney General of the United States. He will serve our Country well....We are pleased to announce that Matthew G. Whitaker, Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Department of Justice, will become our new Acting Attorney General of the United States. He will serve our Country well....
....We thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date.....We thank Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his service, and wish him well! A permanent replacement will be nominated at a later date.
What do midterm results mean for the Trump-Russia inquiry, climate change, immigration and other key issues?What do midterm results mean for the Trump-Russia inquiry, climate change, immigration and other key issues?
Guardian reporters have some answers:Guardian reporters have some answers: