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Wisconsin's Democratic governor-elect considering suing Republicans over shock power grab – live Wisconsin's Democratic governor-elect considering suing Republicans over shock power grab – live
(35 minutes later)
George HW Bush’s casket is being carried out of a Houston church after funeral services concluded there, as “Hail to the Chief” is played.
He’ll be carried by train to College Station, Texas where he is set to be buried.
The executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party says he’s open to a new election if allegations of absentee ballot fraud in the state’s ninth Congressional district prove true.
“This has shaken us to the core,” executive director Dallas Woodhouse told CNN.
He said he was so upset after watching coverage of the controversy that he threw up.
“We are not ready to call for a new election yet,” Woodhouse said. “I think we have to let the board of elections come show their hand if they can show that this conceivably could have flipped the race in that neighborhood, we will absolutely support a new election.”
He said the Republican candidate in the race, Mark Harris, did not know about the activities of an operative working for him who appears to have been running an illegal operation collecting absentee ballots. There is “no way he knew about this stuff and sanctioned it,” Woodhouse said.
The House passed a two week extension of federal spending legislation to avert a government shutdown, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The Senate is expected to pass it later Thursday.
The move postpones by two weeks a deadline to agree on new spending bills, which could lead to a government shutdown because Donald Trump are demanding they include $5 billion for his proposed border wall and Democrats refuse.
A Maine court has ordered the state to roll out a Medicaid expansion by February.A Maine court has ordered the state to roll out a Medicaid expansion by February.
Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy said Thursday that the state has until Feb. 1 to adopt rules implementing Medicaid expansion for eligible Mainers who applied starting July 2, the Associated Press reports.Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy said Thursday that the state has until Feb. 1 to adopt rules implementing Medicaid expansion for eligible Mainers who applied starting July 2, the Associated Press reports.
The expansion was approved by voters, but outgoing Gov. Paul LePage asked for a stay to delay the order, which was denied.The expansion was approved by voters, but outgoing Gov. Paul LePage asked for a stay to delay the order, which was denied.
Grandson George P. Bush and former secretary of state James Baker paid tribute to George HW Bush in eulogies at Houston funeral services.Grandson George P. Bush and former secretary of state James Baker paid tribute to George HW Bush in eulogies at Houston funeral services.
Baker, a close friend as well as cabinet member, called Bush a “charter member of the greatest generation” and said, “His incredible service to our nation and the world are already etched into the marble of time.”Baker, a close friend as well as cabinet member, called Bush a “charter member of the greatest generation” and said, “His incredible service to our nation and the world are already etched into the marble of time.”
He hailed Bush’s work bringing the cold war to an end, signing nuclear arms control deals, and beating back Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in the first Gulf War.He hailed Bush’s work bringing the cold war to an end, signing nuclear arms control deals, and beating back Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in the first Gulf War.
“The world became a better place because George Bush occupied the White House,” he said. “He was not considered a skilled speaker, but his deeds were quite elegant.”“The world became a better place because George Bush occupied the White House,” he said. “He was not considered a skilled speaker, but his deeds were quite elegant.”
Baker said Bush, who was defeated for re-election by Bill Clinton, is “beyond any doubt our nation’s very best one term president.”Baker said Bush, who was defeated for re-election by Bill Clinton, is “beyond any doubt our nation’s very best one term president.”
George P. Bush shared the more personal side of the man he knew as “Gampy,” remembering how he made time for his grandkids, organizing horse shoe matchups and fly fishing expeditions and sending them heart-felt letters at school. He would serve of spreads of barbecue, pork rinds with hot sauce, and the “healthy complement” of Blue Bell ice cream and Klondike bars.George P. Bush shared the more personal side of the man he knew as “Gampy,” remembering how he made time for his grandkids, organizing horse shoe matchups and fly fishing expeditions and sending them heart-felt letters at school. He would serve of spreads of barbecue, pork rinds with hot sauce, and the “healthy complement” of Blue Bell ice cream and Klondike bars.
“We all grew up in awe of my grandfather,” he said.“We all grew up in awe of my grandfather,” he said.
Bush hailed his grandfather’s legacy of service, and called him the “most gracious, most decent, most humble man that I will ever know.”Bush hailed his grandfather’s legacy of service, and called him the “most gracious, most decent, most humble man that I will ever know.”
Senators from both parties are meeting Thursday to hash out a deal on legislation to punish Saudi Arabia for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.Senators from both parties are meeting Thursday to hash out a deal on legislation to punish Saudi Arabia for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The measures could curtail US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, suspend arm sales with Saudi Arabia, CNN reported. And a proposed resolution would officially blame Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Washington Post columnist’s murder at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul.The measures could curtail US involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen, suspend arm sales with Saudi Arabia, CNN reported. And a proposed resolution would officially blame Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Washington Post columnist’s murder at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Participating in the meeting were Republicans Bob Corker of Tennessee, Todd Young of Indiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democrats Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.Participating in the meeting were Republicans Bob Corker of Tennessee, Todd Young of Indiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democrats Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Chris Murphy of Connecticut.
“There’s a lot of momentum,” Corker told CNN.“There’s a lot of momentum,” Corker told CNN.
Hillary Clinton is condemning moves by lame duck GOP legislatures in Wisconsin and Michigan to limit the power of incoming Democratic governors.Hillary Clinton is condemning moves by lame duck GOP legislatures in Wisconsin and Michigan to limit the power of incoming Democratic governors.
Republicans in Michigan and Wisconsin lost elections on Nov. 6. Rather than respect the will of voters, they're using their last few weeks in office to pass laws limiting the power of new governors and put roadblocks on voting. It's not just anti-Democratic. It's anti-democratic.Republicans in Michigan and Wisconsin lost elections on Nov. 6. Rather than respect the will of voters, they're using their last few weeks in office to pass laws limiting the power of new governors and put roadblocks on voting. It's not just anti-Democratic. It's anti-democratic.
This is not in line with American values, and it’s a dangerous path. It's a fundamental building block of democracy that elected representatives respect the outcome of elections. To ignore those outcomes is to silence voters and endanger the health of our democracy itself.This is not in line with American values, and it’s a dangerous path. It's a fundamental building block of democracy that elected representatives respect the outcome of elections. To ignore those outcomes is to silence voters and endanger the health of our democracy itself.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says the election fraud allegations in a North Carolina Congressional race are “undermining the integrity of our elections,” per Talking Points Memo.House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi says the election fraud allegations in a North Carolina Congressional race are “undermining the integrity of our elections,” per Talking Points Memo.
North Carolina election still undecided amid absentee ballot fraud inquiryNorth Carolina election still undecided amid absentee ballot fraud inquiry
Funeral services are now beginning for former President George HW Bush at Houston’s St Martin’s Episcopal Church.Funeral services are now beginning for former President George HW Bush at Houston’s St Martin’s Episcopal Church.
The service is kicking off with “America the Beautiful.” Watch live here.The service is kicking off with “America the Beautiful.” Watch live here.
Republican senators have introduced a bill to fully fund Donald Trump’s border wall with $25 billion.Republican senators have introduced a bill to fully fund Donald Trump’s border wall with $25 billion.
The legislation would attempt to raise money toward the total by increasing fines for people caught crossing the border illegally, and tightening requirements to qualify for federal tax credits and welfare benefits, the Hill reports.The legislation would attempt to raise money toward the total by increasing fines for people caught crossing the border illegally, and tightening requirements to qualify for federal tax credits and welfare benefits, the Hill reports.
Sens. Ted Cruz, John Kennedy, James Inhofe and Mike Rounds are sponsoring the legislation.Sens. Ted Cruz, John Kennedy, James Inhofe and Mike Rounds are sponsoring the legislation.
Trump has said he’s willing to settle for $5 billion for the wall in the current round of budget negotiations, a demand Democrats are balking at.Trump has said he’s willing to settle for $5 billion for the wall in the current round of budget negotiations, a demand Democrats are balking at.
Donald Trump claims in a tweet that his approval rating would be at 75% without special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, accusing investigators of “Presidential Harassment.”
In the world as it stands, Trump has a 49% approval rating in the daily Rasmussen Reports tracking poll, his favored source, and other polls put him around 42%.
Without the phony Russia Witch Hunt, and with all that we have accomplished in the last almost two years (Tax & Regulation Cuts, Judge’s, Military, Vets, etc.) my approval rating would be at 75% rather than the 50% just reported by Rasmussen. It’s called Presidential Harassment!
A Texas Republican congressman invoked liberal billionaire George Soros’s religion in attacking him during an appearance on Fox Business.
“George Soros is supposed to be Jewish, but you wouldn’t know it from the damage he inflicted on Israel and the fact that he turned on fellow Jews and helped take the property that they owned,” said Representative Louie Gohmert.
Holy crap!Appearing on Fox Biz, Louie Gohmert says "George Soros is supposed to be Jewish but you wouldn't know it from the damage he inflicted on Israel and the fact that he turned on fellow Jews & helped take the property that they owned."Stuart Varney quickly moves on pic.twitter.com/P4KUjOVnKb
Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer will meet with Donald Trump next Tuesday about his demand for funding for a border wall, per Politico.
The meeting had been scheduled for this week, but was postponed due to services for George HW Bush. It’s now set for 11 December at 11:30am in the Oval Office.
Trump is demanding $5bn for the wall as part of a bill to fund the federal government, a demand that could lead to a government shutdown if Democrats and Republicans can’t agree to funding legislation.
The Houston funeral service for former President George HW Bush is set to begin at 11am.
You can watch a live feed here.
The supreme court is hearing arguments today in a case dealing with the constitution’s prohibition on double jeopardy, or being tried twice for the same crime. The decision could have ramifications for the Trump Russia investigation, the Associated Press reports.
The appeal comes from a federal prison inmate, Terance Gamble, who was tried separately by both the federal government and the state of Alabama for illegally having a gun after an earlier robbery conviction.
That was allowed under an exception to the constitution’s double-jeopardy bar that allows state and federal prosecutions for the same crime.
What does that have to do with the Russia investigation? If Donald Trump were to pardon someone implicated in the investigation, that would spare them from federal charges, but under current rules they could still be charged by a state. New York has been moving to shore up its authority to potentially bring charges against Trump associates. But a ruling from the high court expanding the double jeopardy protection would complicate that effort.
Prominent Democrats plan on Thursday to begin ramping up calls for stronger gun control after the party took control of the House of Representatives.
The newly empowered Democratic majority in the House of Representatives is expected to introduce sweeping legislation to impose background checks on all gun sales as one of the first priorities in the incoming Congress of 2019, according to a report this week in Mother Jones.
On Thursday Murphy and Blumenthal will be joined on Capitol Hill by House Democrats and gun control advocates to push for stronger regulations. The event will follow the annual national vigil for all victims of gun violence at St Mark’s episcopal church just off Pennsylvania Avenue, close to the Capitol.
Newly empowered Democrats ramp up calls for stronger gun control
Another funeral service will take place Thursday for former President George HW Bush, this time in Houston.
At the Thursday service at Houston’s St Martin’s Episcopal Church, the Oak Ridge Boys will perform Amazing Grace and Reba McEntire will sing The Lord’s Prayer, according to the Associated Press.
Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys says Bush had personally requested that the group sing Amazing Grace at his funeral.
James Baker, Bush’s former secretary of state, will deliver a eulogy.
More than 11,000 people paid their respects as Bush’s casket lay in repose over night at the church.
He’ll be buried later Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station.
The incoming Democratic governor of Wisconsin says he’ll make a personal appeal to outgoing GOP governor Scott Walker to veto lame duck GOP legislation that would strip the governor of powers.
If that doesn’t work, governor-elect Tony Evers said he might sue, the Associated Press reports.
“The will of the people has officially been ignored by the legislature,” Evers said. “Wisconsin should be embarrassed by this.”
Evers said he would speak to Walker, who he defeated in November’s election, as soon as the bills reach his desk. If he won’t veto them, Evers said he’ll consider a lawsuit “to make sure that this legislation does not get into practice”.
The Republican-controlled state Senate voted early Wednesday, after an all night session to pass legislation to weaken the incoming Democratic governor as well as the attorney general.
Donald Trump may have tried to bury his administration’s dire report on climate change, but a large majority of Americans say the findings worry them, according to a new poll.
Two thirds of voters said they are very concerned or somewhat concerned about the climate assessment, the Politico/Morning Consult poll found. A 58% majority backed the scientific consensus, disputed by Trump, that human activity is contributing to climate change, while 30% called it a natural phenomenon.
67% of voters said they are very or somewhat concerned about the impact of climate change on the economy, and 68% are concerned about the impact on the environment. 46% said it’s a critical threat to the US national interest, and 29% said it’s an important threat.
Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick made it official that he won’t run for president this morning, blaming “the cruelty of our elections process”.
“I’ve decided that a 2020 campaign for president is not for me,” he said in a Facebook post. “Knowing that the cruelty of our elections process would ultimately splash back on people whom [his wife] Diane and I love, but who hadn’t signed up for the journey, was more than I could ask.”
Patrick has traveled the country this year to stump for Congressional candidates.
“America feels more ready than usual for big answers to our big challenges. That’s an exciting moment that I hope we don’t miss. I hope to help in whatever way I can. It just won’t be as a candidate for president,” he said.
The past few months on the road in support of Democrats during the midterms was humbling. Here are my thoughts on what’s ahead: https://t.co/BrQ8ioTf6O