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/09/us-politics-florida-georgia-trump-live-updates

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Trump played 'central role' in hush money payments to women, report claims – live Trump played 'central role' in hush money payments to women, report claims – live
(35 minutes later)
A judge has ruled in Gov. Rick Scott’s favor in a freedom of information lawsuit against Broward County, CNN reported.
The judge ordered the county supervisor of elections to release records related to the vote count there, including tallies of how many votes have been received and how many still have to be tallied.
Scott leads narrowly in a Senate race against Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, with a margin currently close enough to trigger a recount.
The outgoing governor has alleged “rampant fraud” in the vote count, but the lawsuit heard Friday did not pertain to those allegations and dealt only with the release of records.
Sen. Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, supports bringing to the floor legislation to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.
Stmt today from @SenatorCollins: "I believe that we should bring to the Senate floor legislation that would put restrictions on the ability of President Donald Trump to fire the Special Counsel."
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is not investigating possible election fraud Broward County and Palm Beach County because no credible allegations of criminal behavior exist, the department said.
Gov. Rick Scott, the Republican nominee for a contested Senate seat, said Thursday night he was asking the department to investigate the two counties, accusing them of “rampant fraud,” according to the New York Times.
But FDLE has not launched such a probe.
“This morning the FDLE communicated with the Department of State and they indicated at the time that they have no allegations of fraud,” FDLE spokesman Jeremy Burnstold Florida Politics. “We offered our assistance in the event that any criminal allegations are identified, and we will remain in contact with them.”
Nothing to see here folks: there’s nothing unusual about the vote counting that is ongoing in the Arizona Senate race, the AP reports.Nothing to see here folks: there’s nothing unusual about the vote counting that is ongoing in the Arizona Senate race, the AP reports.
That may seem like an oddly “dog bites man” headline, but there have been allegations of fraud the AP calls “baseless” - most prominently from Donald Trump, who questioned why votes had suddenly showed up “out of the wilderness.”That may seem like an oddly “dog bites man” headline, but there have been allegations of fraud the AP calls “baseless” - most prominently from Donald Trump, who questioned why votes had suddenly showed up “out of the wilderness.”
In fact, it takes weeks for Arizona to count all its ballots in every election. That’s because voters there vote mostly by mail, and elections officials must manually match the voter’s signature on the envelope with the signature the state has on file before opening the envelope.In fact, it takes weeks for Arizona to count all its ballots in every election. That’s because voters there vote mostly by mail, and elections officials must manually match the voter’s signature on the envelope with the signature the state has on file before opening the envelope.
Democrat Kyrsten Sinema has now taken a narrow lead over Republican Martha McSally, a change from election night when McSally had the lead. But it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top when all the counting is done.Democrat Kyrsten Sinema has now taken a narrow lead over Republican Martha McSally, a change from election night when McSally had the lead. But it’s anyone’s guess who will come out on top when all the counting is done.
Per the AP:Per the AP:
There is no evidence of anything unusual going on in the Arizona vote-counting - and no elected Republican officials in the state have cried foul. It’s plausible that the Democrat Kyrsten Sinema’s opponent, Republican Rep. Martha McSally, could jump back into the lead in coming days. That wouldn’t be suspicious, either.There is no evidence of anything unusual going on in the Arizona vote-counting - and no elected Republican officials in the state have cried foul. It’s plausible that the Democrat Kyrsten Sinema’s opponent, Republican Rep. Martha McSally, could jump back into the lead in coming days. That wouldn’t be suspicious, either.
After this report establishing that things were utterly normal, Donald Trump again tweeted raising the possibility of a new election. We’re not clear on what he’s referring to here.
Just out — in Arizona, SIGNATURES DON’T MATCH. Electoral corruption - Call for a new Election? We must protect our Democracy!
Richard Luscombe writes from Miami:Richard Luscombe writes from Miami:
Protesters have gathered outside the office of Brenda Snipes, the Broward County supervisor of elections, in Lauderhill, Florida, chanting “Lock her up!” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting.Protesters have gathered outside the office of Brenda Snipes, the Broward County supervisor of elections, in Lauderhill, Florida, chanting “Lock her up!” the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting.
Television pictures broadcast on WFTS Tampa Bay showed a group of several dozen protesters, some carrying placards in support of Republicans Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor elect, and Rick Scott, the outgoing governor who leads his US Senate race over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson by fewer than 15,000 votes.Television pictures broadcast on WFTS Tampa Bay showed a group of several dozen protesters, some carrying placards in support of Republicans Ron DeSantis, Florida’s governor elect, and Rick Scott, the outgoing governor who leads his US Senate race over Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson by fewer than 15,000 votes.
Scott filed a lawsuit against Snipes on Thursday night alleging she deliberately withheld election information and may have been trying to inflate the Democratic vote.Scott filed a lawsuit against Snipes on Thursday night alleging she deliberately withheld election information and may have been trying to inflate the Democratic vote.
Several police cars were on the scene at the Broward elections office but there were no reports of trouble.Several police cars were on the scene at the Broward elections office but there were no reports of trouble.
The scene outside Broward’s Supervisor of Election’s office is tense.Here’s FL Congressman @mattgaetz and a Gillum supporter arguing over the recount. pic.twitter.com/YPueUqXVXOThe scene outside Broward’s Supervisor of Election’s office is tense.Here’s FL Congressman @mattgaetz and a Gillum supporter arguing over the recount. pic.twitter.com/YPueUqXVXO
Donald Trump played a central role in hush money payments to women who said they had sexual relationships with him, the Wall Street Journal reports.Donald Trump played a central role in hush money payments to women who said they had sexual relationships with him, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The Journal documents multiple instances where Trump intervened directly during the 2016 campaign to suppress the stories of women who said they had sexual relationships with him. Model Karen McDougal and porn actress Stormy Daniels received payments to stay silent about the alleged encounters.The Journal documents multiple instances where Trump intervened directly during the 2016 campaign to suppress the stories of women who said they had sexual relationships with him. Model Karen McDougal and porn actress Stormy Daniels received payments to stay silent about the alleged encounters.
The reporting contradicts denials by Trump, and could implicate him in violations of elections law. His former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, pled guilty to federal crimes for orchestrating the payments, which he said he did at Trump’s direction.The reporting contradicts denials by Trump, and could implicate him in violations of elections law. His former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, pled guilty to federal crimes for orchestrating the payments, which he said he did at Trump’s direction.
In a meeting at Trump Tower, David Pecker, the chief executive of American Media Inc., offered to use his National Enquirer to buy the silence of any women who might try to publicize affairs with Trump, according to the Journal.In a meeting at Trump Tower, David Pecker, the chief executive of American Media Inc., offered to use his National Enquirer to buy the silence of any women who might try to publicize affairs with Trump, according to the Journal.
The company later paid McDougal $150,000 to keep her mouth shut.The company later paid McDougal $150,000 to keep her mouth shut.
Pecker refused a similar arrangement in the Stormy Daniels case, the paper reports. Trump told Cohen to “get it done,” he has told prosecutors. Cohen then arranged the $130,000 payment to Daniels, and Trump’s company reimbursed him.Pecker refused a similar arrangement in the Stormy Daniels case, the paper reports. Trump told Cohen to “get it done,” he has told prosecutors. Cohen then arranged the $130,000 payment to Daniels, and Trump’s company reimbursed him.
Stacey Abrams’ campaign for Georgia governor says it has approved a $250,000 ad buy for a possible runoff.Stacey Abrams’ campaign for Georgia governor says it has approved a $250,000 ad buy for a possible runoff.
The Abrams campaign has been preparing for all possibilities. Voters who previously elected to vote by mail are receiving by mail today an absentee ballot application for the Dec 4 runoff, and we just approved a $250k TV buy. #CountEveryVote #CantTrustKemp #gapol #teamabramsThe Abrams campaign has been preparing for all possibilities. Voters who previously elected to vote by mail are receiving by mail today an absentee ballot application for the Dec 4 runoff, and we just approved a $250k TV buy. #CountEveryVote #CantTrustKemp #gapol #teamabrams
Abrams is behind in the count to Republican Brian Kemp, and Kemp has declared victory. But Abrams says it’s still possible that once all the votes are counted a runoff will be required.Abrams is behind in the count to Republican Brian Kemp, and Kemp has declared victory. But Abrams says it’s still possible that once all the votes are counted a runoff will be required.
More angry tweets from Donald Trump who is not pleased about the planned recount in Florida. He’s alleging without evidence that Broward County is committing fraud to swing the vote count.More angry tweets from Donald Trump who is not pleased about the planned recount in Florida. He’s alleging without evidence that Broward County is committing fraud to swing the vote count.
In the 2016 Election I was winning by so much in Florida that Broward County, which was very late with vote tabulation and probably getting ready to do a “number,” couldn’t do it because not enough people live in Broward for them to falsify a victory!In the 2016 Election I was winning by so much in Florida that Broward County, which was very late with vote tabulation and probably getting ready to do a “number,” couldn’t do it because not enough people live in Broward for them to falsify a victory!
Mayor Gillum conceded on Election Day and now Broward County has put him “back into play.” Bill Nelson conceded Election - now he’s back in play!? This is an embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy!Mayor Gillum conceded on Election Day and now Broward County has put him “back into play.” Bill Nelson conceded Election - now he’s back in play!? This is an embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy!
Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they “found” many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. “The Broward Effect.” How come they never find Republican votes?Rick Scott was up by 50,000+ votes on Election Day, now they “found” many votes and he is only up 15,000 votes. “The Broward Effect.” How come they never find Republican votes?
As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes. Don’t worry, Florida - I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD!As soon as Democrats sent their best Election stealing lawyer, Marc Elias, to Broward County they miraculously started finding Democrat votes. Don’t worry, Florida - I am sending much better lawyers to expose the FRAUD!
The officials in charge do have a long history of seeming incompetence, which is distinct from deliberate fraud favoring one side.The officials in charge do have a long history of seeming incompetence, which is distinct from deliberate fraud favoring one side.
Yup. I do understand why Republicans' spidey sense is tingling in this race (much more so than AZ), but the actual evidence of fraud is lacking. Hard truth: Sketchy stuff happens in elections all the time, often due to incompetence, but we only pay attention when it is close. https://t.co/74ma71KjvKYup. I do understand why Republicans' spidey sense is tingling in this race (much more so than AZ), but the actual evidence of fraud is lacking. Hard truth: Sketchy stuff happens in elections all the time, often due to incompetence, but we only pay attention when it is close. https://t.co/74ma71KjvK
Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Friday that there’s no need for legislation to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell said Friday that there’s no need for legislation to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.
“It’s not necessary. The Mueller investigation is not under threat. The president said repeatedly that he’s not going to dismiss the Mueller investigation. He’s said repeatedly it’s going to be allowed to finish. That also happens to be my view,” McConnell told reporters in Kentucky, the Hill reported.“It’s not necessary. The Mueller investigation is not under threat. The president said repeatedly that he’s not going to dismiss the Mueller investigation. He’s said repeatedly it’s going to be allowed to finish. That also happens to be my view,” McConnell told reporters in Kentucky, the Hill reported.
Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is moving for a vote on the bill, after Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions.Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake is moving for a vote on the bill, after Trump fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
“It’s not going to come up because it isn’t necessary,” McConnell said, according to the Hill. “There has never been any indication that [Trump] wants to dismiss Mueller or the investigation.”“It’s not going to come up because it isn’t necessary,” McConnell said, according to the Hill. “There has never been any indication that [Trump] wants to dismiss Mueller or the investigation.”
Fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions said after his dismissal he is “confident” that the special counsel’s Russia investigation will be handled “appropriately and with justification.”Fired Attorney General Jeff Sessions said after his dismissal he is “confident” that the special counsel’s Russia investigation will be handled “appropriately and with justification.”
Speaking to a Wall Street Journal opinion writer, Sessions said if he could do it again, he still would have recused himself from overseeing the probe - a decision that followed the advice of the Justice Department’s ethics officer, but infuriated Donald Trump.Speaking to a Wall Street Journal opinion writer, Sessions said if he could do it again, he still would have recused himself from overseeing the probe - a decision that followed the advice of the Justice Department’s ethics officer, but infuriated Donald Trump.
“No one is above supervision,” he said.“No one is above supervision,” he said.
Sessions told the Journal the long duration of the Mueller probe has been “unhealthy,” but said, “the country is committed to this course.”Sessions told the Journal the long duration of the Mueller probe has been “unhealthy,” but said, “the country is committed to this course.”
Sessions said he hasn’t decided on his next step. “I want some family time and to let my head clear,” he said.Sessions said he hasn’t decided on his next step. “I want some family time and to let my head clear,” he said.
Sessions declined to take any parting shots at Trump, the Journal reported. “We’ve had a good run,” he said. “It’s been an adventure.”Sessions declined to take any parting shots at Trump, the Journal reported. “We’ve had a good run,” he said. “It’s been an adventure.”
He called the sendoff he got from 200 DOJ employees “heartwarming.” “I told them that we were all part of the executive branch and served at the pleasure of the president, that we had protected the legal process which was vital to our work, and that we should all feel proud,” he said.He called the sendoff he got from 200 DOJ employees “heartwarming.” “I told them that we were all part of the executive branch and served at the pleasure of the president, that we had protected the legal process which was vital to our work, and that we should all feel proud,” he said.
Somali refugees in a camp in Kenya are celebrating the election of one of their own to the House of Representatives.Somali refugees in a camp in Kenya are celebrating the election of one of their own to the House of Representatives.
Ilhan Omar, 37, won a seat in Minnesota. She was born in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and fled the country’s civil war with her family, living for four years in the Dadaab camp in neighbouring Kenya.Ilhan Omar, 37, won a seat in Minnesota. She was born in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and fled the country’s civil war with her family, living for four years in the Dadaab camp in neighbouring Kenya.
“We are glad that she won. She made us proud as refugees and Somalis. This shows that even if you are a refugee, you can still succeed. We pray for her and hope she will support the refugees. She must know that we are here in Dadaab,” said Abdullahi Osman Haji Adam, who knew her back then.“We are glad that she won. She made us proud as refugees and Somalis. This shows that even if you are a refugee, you can still succeed. We pray for her and hope she will support the refugees. She must know that we are here in Dadaab,” said Abdullahi Osman Haji Adam, who knew her back then.
En route to Paris, Donald Trump continues to tweet up a storm and is now disparaging Republican Sen. Jeff Flake for pushing a bill to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.En route to Paris, Donald Trump continues to tweet up a storm and is now disparaging Republican Sen. Jeff Flake for pushing a bill to protect the job of special counsel Robert Mueller.
Jeff Flake(y) doesn’t want to protect the Non-Senate confirmed Special Counsel, he wants to protect his future after being unelectable in Arizona for the “crime” of doing a terrible job! A weak and ineffective guy!Jeff Flake(y) doesn’t want to protect the Non-Senate confirmed Special Counsel, he wants to protect his future after being unelectable in Arizona for the “crime” of doing a terrible job! A weak and ineffective guy!
Mueller was not confirmed by the Senate and there is no requirement that he must be. He is a so-called inferior officer, reporting until this week to deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The attorney general, by contrast, is a principal officer who reports only to Trump. That is the driver behind arguments that Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting AG without Senate confirmation violates the Constitution.Mueller was not confirmed by the Senate and there is no requirement that he must be. He is a so-called inferior officer, reporting until this week to deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The attorney general, by contrast, is a principal officer who reports only to Trump. That is the driver behind arguments that Trump’s appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting AG without Senate confirmation violates the Constitution.
Former Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy says his votes in the governor’s and Senate races were not counted because of a signature mismatch.Former Florida Congressman Patrick Murphy says his votes in the governor’s and Senate races were not counted because of a signature mismatch.
Hey @MarcACaputo, just saw notice from @PBCounty that my absentee ballot wasn’t counted due to ‘invalid signature’ match. Should be +1 @NelsonForSenate @AndrewGillum. Must overhaul these ridiculous barriers to voting #FloridaRecount #FLSen #FLGovHey @MarcACaputo, just saw notice from @PBCounty that my absentee ballot wasn’t counted due to ‘invalid signature’ match. Should be +1 @NelsonForSenate @AndrewGillum. Must overhaul these ridiculous barriers to voting #FloridaRecount #FLSen #FLGov
The rules for matching signatures and validating absentee and provisional ballots are at issue in a lawsuit filed Friday by Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign.The rules for matching signatures and validating absentee and provisional ballots are at issue in a lawsuit filed Friday by Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign.
Both races are headed for recounts, with narrow leads in the votes counted so far for the Republicans.Both races are headed for recounts, with narrow leads in the votes counted so far for the Republicans.
Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told Donald Trump in a letter Friday that his appointment of an acting attorney general may violate the constitution.Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told Donald Trump in a letter Friday that his appointment of an acting attorney general may violate the constitution.
Schumer wrote that the appointment of Matt Whitaker to replace Jeff Sessions ignored the established line of succession and may violate the appointments clause of the constitution, which requires the highest-ranking federal officials to have Senate approval.Schumer wrote that the appointment of Matt Whitaker to replace Jeff Sessions ignored the established line of succession and may violate the appointments clause of the constitution, which requires the highest-ranking federal officials to have Senate approval.
“Given that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has been confirmed by the Senate and is next in the line of succession established by law, I see no legitimate reason for you to have taken the unprecedented step of naming Mr. Whitaker instead,” he wrote. “As an unconfirmed political appointee, Mr. Whitaker has not been subject to the scrutiny that the Constitution requires.”“Given that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein has been confirmed by the Senate and is next in the line of succession established by law, I see no legitimate reason for you to have taken the unprecedented step of naming Mr. Whitaker instead,” he wrote. “As an unconfirmed political appointee, Mr. Whitaker has not been subject to the scrutiny that the Constitution requires.”
Schumer asks if Trump got a legal opinion on the propriety of the appointment, and whether he asked for or received a pledge of loyalty from Whitaker.Schumer asks if Trump got a legal opinion on the propriety of the appointment, and whether he asked for or received a pledge of loyalty from Whitaker.
Read the full letter here.Read the full letter here.
Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee notes Trump’s pattern of attacking black female reporters, after he told a CNN reporter who asked him about the Mueller probe Friday she was asking a “stupid question.”Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee notes Trump’s pattern of attacking black female reporters, after he told a CNN reporter who asked him about the Mueller probe Friday she was asking a “stupid question.”
.@AprilDRyan & @abbydphillip & @Yamiche are 3 of the finest reporters in the @whca and custodians of the #FirstAmendment - dismissing them or their questions as dumb, racist or stupid says more about @realDonaldTrump and his #dogwhistle racism than it does about these fine women..@AprilDRyan & @abbydphillip & @Yamiche are 3 of the finest reporters in the @whca and custodians of the #FirstAmendment - dismissing them or their questions as dumb, racist or stupid says more about @realDonaldTrump and his #dogwhistle racism than it does about these fine women.
Florida Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign is suing in an attempt to extend the deadline for local election offices to turn in vote counts, Spectrum News reported.Florida Sen. Bill Nelson’s campaign is suing in an attempt to extend the deadline for local election offices to turn in vote counts, Spectrum News reported.
The suit comes as the race between Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican Rick Scott is likely headed to a recount. Scott filed a separate suit Friday night over access to vote count records.The suit comes as the race between Nelson, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican Rick Scott is likely headed to a recount. Scott filed a separate suit Friday night over access to vote count records.
Nelson’s campaign and the state Democratic party are suing Secretary of State Ken Detzner in Tallahassee federal court, asking a judge to extend the deadline for county Supervisor of Elections Offices to turn in unofficial vote counts, according to Spectrum.Nelson’s campaign and the state Democratic party are suing Secretary of State Ken Detzner in Tallahassee federal court, asking a judge to extend the deadline for county Supervisor of Elections Offices to turn in unofficial vote counts, according to Spectrum.
Nelson’s lawsuit also seeks to set a uniform standard for the adjudication of provisional ballots, attorney Marc Elias said.Nelson’s lawsuit also seeks to set a uniform standard for the adjudication of provisional ballots, attorney Marc Elias said.
He said that the current lack of standards it to the “untrained opinions” of poll workers to decide whether signatures match, leading to a “complete lack of uniformity” in decisions, according to CNN.He said that the current lack of standards it to the “untrained opinions” of poll workers to decide whether signatures match, leading to a “complete lack of uniformity” in decisions, according to CNN.
“This serves as an outright disenfranchisement and burden on the right to vote,” Elias said on a call Friday.“This serves as an outright disenfranchisement and burden on the right to vote,” Elias said on a call Friday.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been released from the hospital, CNN reported.Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been released from the hospital, CNN reported.
The 85-year-old justice and liberal icon was hospitalized after falling in her office and breaking three ribs.The 85-year-old justice and liberal icon was hospitalized after falling in her office and breaking three ribs.
“She is doing well and plans to work from home today,” a Supreme Court spokesperson told CNN.“She is doing well and plans to work from home today,” a Supreme Court spokesperson told CNN.