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State of the Union: Abrams to hit Trump over shutdown in Democratic response – live State of the Union: Abrams to hit Trump over shutdown in Democratic response – live
(35 minutes later)
Trump is yet again emphasizing the need for wall and a crackdown on illegal immigration in an excerpt from his speech released by the White House
No issue better illustrates the divide between America’s WORKING CLASS and America’s POLITICAL CLASS than illegal immigration. Wealthy politicians and donors push for open borders while living their lives behind walls and gates and guards.
Steve King, the Iowa Republican who lost his committee assignments after asking when the term “White Supremacist” became offensive in the latest of a series of offensive and racially charged comments over two decades in politics, has his own interesting State of the Union guest tonight.
Having only one ticket, I invited one of two guests for the State of the Union tonight, #sotu Lynnette Hardaway & Rochelle Richardson, otherwise know as Diamond & Silk. Diamond won the coin toss. Both will be my guest speakers at COS in the morning. pic.twitter.com/bCutypAOoJ
The Washington Post reports that embattled Virginia governor Ralph Northam is considering giving up his party affiliation as calls for him to resign come from all corners.
Northam has faced national opprobrium since a racist picture from his medical school yearbook emerged showing a man in blackface and a man in Ku Klux Klan hood. Northam has denied being the man in the picture but admitted to wearing blackface in a Michael Jackson dance party in 1984.
🚨Ralph Northam has considered leaving the Democratic Party and governing as an independent https://t.co/aquxT46b1U
Tonight Xavier Becerra will be delivering the Democrats’ Spanish language response to President Trump’s State of the Union— and he’s had plenty of practice. The California Attorney General has challenged the president’s policies through more than 100 legal actions over the past two years and has plans to use his time to push back against the Administration’s claims. That’s a large part of why the party selected him for the role.Tonight Xavier Becerra will be delivering the Democrats’ Spanish language response to President Trump’s State of the Union— and he’s had plenty of practice. The California Attorney General has challenged the president’s policies through more than 100 legal actions over the past two years and has plans to use his time to push back against the Administration’s claims. That’s a large part of why the party selected him for the role.
“Xavier Becerra embodies the promise of America,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement released with the announcement. “Throughout his career and most recently as the first Latino to serve as state attorney general in California history, he has kept that promise alive for millions of children and families across the nation by protecting access to affordable health care and defending the dignity of everyone in our country from the Trump administration’s harmful and divisive attacks. His moral and vigilant leadership on behalf of hardworking families is a critical marker for all who believe that our country’s best days are still ahead of us”.“Xavier Becerra embodies the promise of America,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement released with the announcement. “Throughout his career and most recently as the first Latino to serve as state attorney general in California history, he has kept that promise alive for millions of children and families across the nation by protecting access to affordable health care and defending the dignity of everyone in our country from the Trump administration’s harmful and divisive attacks. His moral and vigilant leadership on behalf of hardworking families is a critical marker for all who believe that our country’s best days are still ahead of us”.
During his reelection campaign last year, Becerra put his fight against the Trump Administration front and center, highlighting the 45 lawsuits that included contesting the President’s border wall as a violation of environmental laws, getting injunctions that protected reproductive rights under the Affordable Care Act, and litigation arguing against the addition of a census question on citizenship.During his reelection campaign last year, Becerra put his fight against the Trump Administration front and center, highlighting the 45 lawsuits that included contesting the President’s border wall as a violation of environmental laws, getting injunctions that protected reproductive rights under the Affordable Care Act, and litigation arguing against the addition of a census question on citizenship.
“These aren’t lawsuits that affect just a small community or part of California. Most of these lawsuits impact the entire state, plus people outside” he told The New York Times, adding having a response in Spanish is critical to ensuring non-English speaking Americans feel like they count. “It’s an opportunity for everyone in America to hear what the state of the union is and to hear the other side”.“These aren’t lawsuits that affect just a small community or part of California. Most of these lawsuits impact the entire state, plus people outside” he told The New York Times, adding having a response in Spanish is critical to ensuring non-English speaking Americans feel like they count. “It’s an opportunity for everyone in America to hear what the state of the union is and to hear the other side”.
Becerra has had many firsts in his life. He was the first Latino to serve as Attorney General in the state, appointed by then-governor Jerry Brown to replace Kamala Harris’s spot after she was elected to the U.S. Senate. He was the first member of his family to attend college, earning undergraduate and law degrees from Stanford. The 12-term former congressman was also the first Latino to serve on the House Ways and Means committee.Becerra has had many firsts in his life. He was the first Latino to serve as Attorney General in the state, appointed by then-governor Jerry Brown to replace Kamala Harris’s spot after she was elected to the U.S. Senate. He was the first member of his family to attend college, earning undergraduate and law degrees from Stanford. The 12-term former congressman was also the first Latino to serve on the House Ways and Means committee.
Becerra previously delivered then Spanish language response to the State of the Union in 2007. Then, he called for key progressive policies including healthcare and immigration reform, and minimum wage increases in Bush’s first State of the Union after Nancy Pelosi became Speaker for the first time.Becerra previously delivered then Spanish language response to the State of the Union in 2007. Then, he called for key progressive policies including healthcare and immigration reform, and minimum wage increases in Bush’s first State of the Union after Nancy Pelosi became Speaker for the first time.
It has been less than two months since Maria Mendoza-Sanchez was granted reentry into the US following her deportation a year and a half ago — and tonight she will be seated in the audience as the president gives his State of the Union address. The guest of California Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mendoza-Sanchez is one of many partisan plus-one’s invited by Democrats, who will be in attendance to serve as a rebuttal to Trump’s immigration rhetoric.It has been less than two months since Maria Mendoza-Sanchez was granted reentry into the US following her deportation a year and a half ago — and tonight she will be seated in the audience as the president gives his State of the Union address. The guest of California Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Mendoza-Sanchez is one of many partisan plus-one’s invited by Democrats, who will be in attendance to serve as a rebuttal to Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
“Maria is a beloved nurse, neighbor and friend in the East Bay. She is a living example of the incalculable contributions that immigrants make to our communities every single day,” Congresswoman Lee said in a statement released with the announcement.“Maria is a beloved nurse, neighbor and friend in the East Bay. She is a living example of the incalculable contributions that immigrants make to our communities every single day,” Congresswoman Lee said in a statement released with the announcement.
Trump is expected to double down on calls for support for his border wall, and his claims that its construction is the most pressing national priorities. But Mendoza-Sanchez’s story, recently recounted in the San Francisco Chronicle, shows the other side of the immigration reform debate and highlights how harsher policies against immigrants can tear families and communities apart.Trump is expected to double down on calls for support for his border wall, and his claims that its construction is the most pressing national priorities. But Mendoza-Sanchez’s story, recently recounted in the San Francisco Chronicle, shows the other side of the immigration reform debate and highlights how harsher policies against immigrants can tear families and communities apart.
“In the past, [Trump] has used public appearances like this to demonize immigrants, spread misinformation and deceive the American people,” Lee wrote in an email to supporters today. “But we all know that real people — neighbors, friends and classmates — have suffered because of the actions of the Trump Administration. That’s why I will be bringing Oakland resident Maria Mendoza-Sanchez as my guest to the State of the Union tonight”.“In the past, [Trump] has used public appearances like this to demonize immigrants, spread misinformation and deceive the American people,” Lee wrote in an email to supporters today. “But we all know that real people — neighbors, friends and classmates — have suffered because of the actions of the Trump Administration. That’s why I will be bringing Oakland resident Maria Mendoza-Sanchez as my guest to the State of the Union tonight”.
As a teenager, Mendoza-Sanchez left her home in Mexico and hiked across the US border. She cleaned houses, sold fruit, and slept only a few hours each night, working her way through city college and into a nursing program to fulfil her dreams of becoming a nurse. Before she was deported in 2017 — the result of harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants issued by the Trump Administration — her dreams had come true. All that was missing was a visa, which had been struggling to get for roughly 15 years.As a teenager, Mendoza-Sanchez left her home in Mexico and hiked across the US border. She cleaned houses, sold fruit, and slept only a few hours each night, working her way through city college and into a nursing program to fulfil her dreams of becoming a nurse. Before she was deported in 2017 — the result of harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants issued by the Trump Administration — her dreams had come true. All that was missing was a visa, which had been struggling to get for roughly 15 years.
For two years before she was deported, Mendoza-Sanchez was a nurse in the oncology department at a public hospital in Northern California. But, she was ineligible to apply for a visa because of how she originally came into the US.For two years before she was deported, Mendoza-Sanchez was a nurse in the oncology department at a public hospital in Northern California. But, she was ineligible to apply for a visa because of how she originally came into the US.
She spent more than a year away from her three daughters, the job she had worked so hard to get, and the community her family called home. Her husband is still separated from the family, and had to stay behind in Mexico. But Mendoza-Sanchez was one out of 65,000 who was lucky enough to be picked for a visa lottery. Her H-1B work visa, sponsored by her employer, Alameda Health Services, will give her the chance to return to nursing in the US for the next three years, with the potential for an additional three if granted an extension.She spent more than a year away from her three daughters, the job she had worked so hard to get, and the community her family called home. Her husband is still separated from the family, and had to stay behind in Mexico. But Mendoza-Sanchez was one out of 65,000 who was lucky enough to be picked for a visa lottery. Her H-1B work visa, sponsored by her employer, Alameda Health Services, will give her the chance to return to nursing in the US for the next three years, with the potential for an additional three if granted an extension.
“I was thrilled that Maria was able to return home – but I haven’t forgotten the many families across the East Bay who remain in limbo,” Lee wrote. “I hope that Maria’s attendance at the State of the Union will highlight the urgency around comprehensive immigration reform. Every day that we delay is another day that families suffer needlessly. Rest assured that I will keep fighting for immigration policies that treat every person with dignity, respect and compassion”.“I was thrilled that Maria was able to return home – but I haven’t forgotten the many families across the East Bay who remain in limbo,” Lee wrote. “I hope that Maria’s attendance at the State of the Union will highlight the urgency around comprehensive immigration reform. Every day that we delay is another day that families suffer needlessly. Rest assured that I will keep fighting for immigration policies that treat every person with dignity, respect and compassion”.
Along with Mendoza-Sanchez, ex-Trump National Golf Club employee Victorina Morales, an undocumented worker from Guatemala who was fired from the club after revealing her citizenship status in an interview with The New York Times, will also be in attendance. She was invited by Democratic New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.Along with Mendoza-Sanchez, ex-Trump National Golf Club employee Victorina Morales, an undocumented worker from Guatemala who was fired from the club after revealing her citizenship status in an interview with The New York Times, will also be in attendance. She was invited by Democratic New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Excerpts of the Democratic response from former Georgia state legislator Stacey Abrams have just released. Abrams, who lost the 2018 governor’s race in the Peach State and is being heavily recruited to run for Senate in 2020, attacks Trump and blames him for the 35-day partial government shutdown.Excerpts of the Democratic response from former Georgia state legislator Stacey Abrams have just released. Abrams, who lost the 2018 governor’s race in the Peach State and is being heavily recruited to run for Senate in 2020, attacks Trump and blames him for the 35-day partial government shutdown.
Just a few weeks ago, I joined volunteers to distribute meals to furloughed federal workers. They waited in line for a box of food and a sliver of hope since they hadn’t received a paycheck in weeks.Just a few weeks ago, I joined volunteers to distribute meals to furloughed federal workers. They waited in line for a box of food and a sliver of hope since they hadn’t received a paycheck in weeks.
Making their livelihoods a pawn for political games is a disgrace.Making their livelihoods a pawn for political games is a disgrace.
The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the President of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people - but our values.The shutdown was a stunt engineered by the President of the United States, one that defied every tenet of fairness and abandoned not just our people - but our values.
The Washington Post reports that in registering for the Texas bar, Elizabeth Warren wrote that her race was “American Indian.” She told the Post in an interview “I can’t go back. But I am sorry for furthering confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and harm that resulted.”The Washington Post reports that in registering for the Texas bar, Elizabeth Warren wrote that her race was “American Indian.” She told the Post in an interview “I can’t go back. But I am sorry for furthering confusion on tribal sovereignty and tribal citizenship and harm that resulted.”
Warren’s ethnic heritage has long been a partisan trip line. The Massachusetts Democrat was attacked in 2012 Senate race for representing herself as a Native American in order to take advantage of affirmative action. Warren insisted that she relied on family stories but a prominent Massachusetts right wing radio host nicknamed her “Fauxcahontas” to emphasize what he viewed as a lie.Warren’s ethnic heritage has long been a partisan trip line. The Massachusetts Democrat was attacked in 2012 Senate race for representing herself as a Native American in order to take advantage of affirmative action. Warren insisted that she relied on family stories but a prominent Massachusetts right wing radio host nicknamed her “Fauxcahontas” to emphasize what he viewed as a lie.
That nickname has since been transmuted by Donald Trump to simply be “Pocahontas” and has been construed as an ethnic slur by some. In an effort to put the issue behind her, Warren released a video that included a DNA test of her heritage. That sparked even more criticism from Native Americans about whether she was attempting to circumvent the tribal citizenship process.That nickname has since been transmuted by Donald Trump to simply be “Pocahontas” and has been construed as an ethnic slur by some. In an effort to put the issue behind her, Warren released a video that included a DNA test of her heritage. That sparked even more criticism from Native Americans about whether she was attempting to circumvent the tribal citizenship process.
CNN reports that President Donald Trump met with contractors at the White House on Monday to discuss building a border wall.CNN reports that President Donald Trump met with contractors at the White House on Monday to discuss building a border wall.
The meeting comes less than two weeks before the next government funding deadline. Trump has long insisted that he won’t sign a bill to fund the government that doesn’t include wall funding. Democrats won’t support a bill that funds a wall. The resulting impasse led to a five week shutdown in December and January before a temporary compromise was reached.The meeting comes less than two weeks before the next government funding deadline. Trump has long insisted that he won’t sign a bill to fund the government that doesn’t include wall funding. Democrats won’t support a bill that funds a wall. The resulting impasse led to a five week shutdown in December and January before a temporary compromise was reached.
CNN reports one unique detail from the meeting:CNN reports one unique detail from the meeting:
The President is so fixated on building the wall that he told a group of political allies on Monday that he wants to paint a section of current border fencing where it meets the ocean in San Diego, a person familiar with the exchange told CNN’s Jim Acosta. Trump complained he was told by a general that painting that area could harm the environment.The President is so fixated on building the wall that he told a group of political allies on Monday that he wants to paint a section of current border fencing where it meets the ocean in San Diego, a person familiar with the exchange told CNN’s Jim Acosta. Trump complained he was told by a general that painting that area could harm the environment.
At least four Democrats are boycotting the State of the Union tonight.At least four Democrats are boycotting the State of the Union tonight.
John Lewis, a veteran congressman from Georgia and civil rights hero is boycotting as are Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Lewis’s fellow Georgian, Hank Johnson.John Lewis, a veteran congressman from Georgia and civil rights hero is boycotting as are Earl Blumenauer of Oregon, Steve Cohen of Tennessee and Lewis’s fellow Georgian, Hank Johnson.
I'll be joining @RepJohnLewis and others in boycotting the #SOTU. I’ll come to the House Chamber for the State of the Union when I can hear from a president who will tell the #Truth. I’ll watch on TV, Trump’s preferred medium, although I won’t be his audience, his believing base. https://t.co/ZC6coCNpHlI'll be joining @RepJohnLewis and others in boycotting the #SOTU. I’ll come to the House Chamber for the State of the Union when I can hear from a president who will tell the #Truth. I’ll watch on TV, Trump’s preferred medium, although I won’t be his audience, his believing base. https://t.co/ZC6coCNpHl
Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard received the endorsement of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Tuesday.Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard received the endorsement of former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke on Tuesday.
Gabbard, who is mounting a longshot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, was praised by Duke as “a candidate who will actually put America First rather than Israel First.” The Hawaii Democrat repudiated the endorsement.Gabbard, who is mounting a longshot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination, was praised by Duke as “a candidate who will actually put America First rather than Israel First.” The Hawaii Democrat repudiated the endorsement.
However, the endorsement is likely particularly unwanted as Gabbard is already facing scrutiny for her visit to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017 as well as past homophobic comments.However, the endorsement is likely particularly unwanted as Gabbard is already facing scrutiny for her visit to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017 as well as past homophobic comments.
In a preview of the speech given to influential Republicans at the White House yesterday, Trump said much of the speech would be about foreign policy. However, it doesn’t appear the deficit will come up as White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney says “nobody cares” about the growing deficit. Mulvaney was an ardent fiscal hawk while serving as a Republican member of Congress.In a preview of the speech given to influential Republicans at the White House yesterday, Trump said much of the speech would be about foreign policy. However, it doesn’t appear the deficit will come up as White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney says “nobody cares” about the growing deficit. Mulvaney was an ardent fiscal hawk while serving as a Republican member of Congress.
Trump told supporters 40-50% of speech will be about foreign policy. When asked if the deficit will be mentioned in #SOTU speech, chief of staff Mulvaney said “nobody cares,” per attendee https://t.co/YeBTSdF3HXTrump told supporters 40-50% of speech will be about foreign policy. When asked if the deficit will be mentioned in #SOTU speech, chief of staff Mulvaney said “nobody cares,” per attendee https://t.co/YeBTSdF3HX
Politico reports White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has invited a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Camp David on Friday.Politico reports White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has invited a bipartisan group of lawmakers to Camp David on Friday.
The invitation marks rare outreach across the aisle by the Trump White House which has struggled to build relationships with Democrats, particularly in the wake of the president’s inflammatory rhetoric.The invitation marks rare outreach across the aisle by the Trump White House which has struggled to build relationships with Democrats, particularly in the wake of the president’s inflammatory rhetoric.
Trump will not be attending.Trump will not be attending.
In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the former Texas congressman said he will decide on a presidential bid by the February. O’Rourke, who narrowly lost a Senate race to Ted Cruz, has been contemplating a White House bid and went a much publicized road trip in Feburary that he chronicled in posts on the website Medium.In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the former Texas congressman said he will decide on a presidential bid by the February. O’Rourke, who narrowly lost a Senate race to Ted Cruz, has been contemplating a White House bid and went a much publicized road trip in Feburary that he chronicled in posts on the website Medium.
Beto says decision will come before the end of the monthBeto says decision will come before the end of the month
The Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) apologized to a Buzzfeed reporter after an agent quizzed extensively about the website’s reporting at JFK Airport.The Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) apologized to a Buzzfeed reporter after an agent quizzed extensively about the website’s reporting at JFK Airport.
After Mack, an Australian citizen, was returning to the United States after getting his visa renewed, he was asked a torrent of questions by an agent at passport control about Buzzfeed’s reporting on Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.After Mack, an Australian citizen, was returning to the United States after getting his visa renewed, he was asked a torrent of questions by an agent at passport control about Buzzfeed’s reporting on Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
In a statement to Buzzfeed, CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Andrew Meehan said:In a statement to Buzzfeed, CBP Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs Andrew Meehan said:
“On behalf of the agency, I would like to extend our apologies to Mr. David Mack for the inappropriate remarks made to him during his CBP processing upon his arrival to the United States. The officer’s comments do not reflect CBP’s commitment to integrity and professionalism of its workforce. In response to this incident, CBP immediately reviewed the event and has initiated the appropriate personnel inquiry and action.”“On behalf of the agency, I would like to extend our apologies to Mr. David Mack for the inappropriate remarks made to him during his CBP processing upon his arrival to the United States. The officer’s comments do not reflect CBP’s commitment to integrity and professionalism of its workforce. In response to this incident, CBP immediately reviewed the event and has initiated the appropriate personnel inquiry and action.”
Elizabeth Warren and her husband Bruce have a net worth somewhere between $4 and $11 million and she received a book advance worth $300,000 last year.Elizabeth Warren and her husband Bruce have a net worth somewhere between $4 and $11 million and she received a book advance worth $300,000 last year.
The Massachusetts senator outlined her assets in financial disclosures filed Tuesday. She and her husband have previously disclosed their tax returns and had a gross income of $913,000 in 2017.The Massachusetts senator outlined her assets in financial disclosures filed Tuesday. She and her husband have previously disclosed their tax returns and had a gross income of $913,000 in 2017.
Warren is the first 2020 presidential candidate to release their financial disclosure.Warren is the first 2020 presidential candidate to release their financial disclosure.
NEW: @SenWarren, D-Mass., has filed her presidential candidate personal financial disclosure. We have the document. Read it here, along with lots of other facts about her political and personal finances. https://t.co/p1WGb4bytvNEW: @SenWarren, D-Mass., has filed her presidential candidate personal financial disclosure. We have the document. Read it here, along with lots of other facts about her political and personal finances. https://t.co/p1WGb4bytv
Only four of the nine Justices on the United States Supreme Court are expected to attend tonight’s State of the Union. Attendance by the Court has become increasingly spotty since Obama directly criticized the Court’s ruling in Citizens United during his 2010 speech. Justice Samuel Alito responded by mouthing “not true.”Only four of the nine Justices on the United States Supreme Court are expected to attend tonight’s State of the Union. Attendance by the Court has become increasingly spotty since Obama directly criticized the Court’s ruling in Citizens United during his 2010 speech. Justice Samuel Alito responded by mouthing “not true.”
Among the five not attending is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who had cancer surgery in December. Ginsburg made her first public appearance yesterday since the surgery at a concert in Washington.Among the five not attending is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who had cancer surgery in December. Ginsburg made her first public appearance yesterday since the surgery at a concert in Washington.
Supreme Court justices expected to attend State of the Union:Chief Justice RobertsJustice KaganJustice GorsuchJustice KavanaughSupreme Court justices expected to attend State of the Union:Chief Justice RobertsJustice KaganJustice GorsuchJustice Kavanaugh
A group of “MAGA all-stars” are seeking ways to privately fund a wall on the United States’s southern border.A group of “MAGA all-stars” are seeking ways to privately fund a wall on the United States’s southern border.
Last week in McAllen, Texas, an assortment of Trumpists met to discuss building a wall even if Trump can’t. It included Steve Bannon, baseball great Curt Schilling, former Colorado congressman and presidential candidate Tom Tancredo and Kris Kobach, the former Kansas secretary of state.Last week in McAllen, Texas, an assortment of Trumpists met to discuss building a wall even if Trump can’t. It included Steve Bannon, baseball great Curt Schilling, former Colorado congressman and presidential candidate Tom Tancredo and Kris Kobach, the former Kansas secretary of state.
As Politico reports:As Politico reports:
The idea, which began in December as a Florida man’s quixotic online crowdfunding campaign, is becoming something more, well, concrete. Big name Trump supporters like Bannon, a former Trump campaign and White House strategist, have flocked to the project. And they have initiated talks with the Israeli firm that constructed that country’s border fence with Gaza, the group told POLITICO. They expect to hold a town hall in Tucson, Arizona, as soon as Friday and to visit the border in Laredo, Texas, next week . . .The idea, which began in December as a Florida man’s quixotic online crowdfunding campaign, is becoming something more, well, concrete. Big name Trump supporters like Bannon, a former Trump campaign and White House strategist, have flocked to the project. And they have initiated talks with the Israeli firm that constructed that country’s border fence with Gaza, the group told POLITICO. They expect to hold a town hall in Tucson, Arizona, as soon as Friday and to visit the border in Laredo, Texas, next week . . .
Bannon told POLITICO that his team is studying whether their wall could be constructed from the hemp-based building material hempcrete. “Do you understand the irony of using hempcrete to keep out marijuana?” Bannon said. The group has already entered into a partnership with the Kansas-based America’s Hemp Academy to supply the material if it is ultimately selected for use, according to organizers.Bannon told POLITICO that his team is studying whether their wall could be constructed from the hemp-based building material hempcrete. “Do you understand the irony of using hempcrete to keep out marijuana?” Bannon said. The group has already entered into a partnership with the Kansas-based America’s Hemp Academy to supply the material if it is ultimately selected for use, according to organizers.
Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is visiting Iowa later this month as she explores a presidential bid.Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is visiting Iowa later this month as she explores a presidential bid.
Klobuchar, a three-term Democrat first elected in 2006, has long been considered a potential presidential prospect and has occasionally made trips to Iowa, a state that is on Minnesota’s southern border.Klobuchar, a three-term Democrat first elected in 2006, has long been considered a potential presidential prospect and has occasionally made trips to Iowa, a state that is on Minnesota’s southern border.
As Politico reports:As Politico reports:
A December poll shows Klobuchar could be well positioned in her neighboring Iowa, where at 10 percent, she placed fourth in a crowded Democratic presidential field. She headlined several events throughout the fall in the state, stumping for Iowa Reps. Abby Finkenauer and Cindy Axne in the runup to the midterms.A December poll shows Klobuchar could be well positioned in her neighboring Iowa, where at 10 percent, she placed fourth in a crowded Democratic presidential field. She headlined several events throughout the fall in the state, stumping for Iowa Reps. Abby Finkenauer and Cindy Axne in the runup to the midterms.
If Klobuchar enters the fray, she would become the first official candidate who hails from the Midwest, a critical battleground region in the 2020 map. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown — who is also considering a presidential run, but hasn’t formally launched — held events throughout Iowa last week, as he kicked off his ‘Dignity of Work’ listening tour.If Klobuchar enters the fray, she would become the first official candidate who hails from the Midwest, a critical battleground region in the 2020 map. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown — who is also considering a presidential run, but hasn’t formally launched — held events throughout Iowa last week, as he kicked off his ‘Dignity of Work’ listening tour.
Klobuchar has frequently said that the eventual 2020 Democratic nominee must focus on Midwestern voters, bringing “an understanding of those voices that weren’t heard in 2016 from the Midwest and really from the middle of the country.”Klobuchar has frequently said that the eventual 2020 Democratic nominee must focus on Midwestern voters, bringing “an understanding of those voices that weren’t heard in 2016 from the Midwest and really from the middle of the country.”