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Republicans play down expectations in North Carolina House race – live news Republicans play down expectations in North Carolina House race – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
We’re ending the liveblog for now, as we await the results of North Carolina’s ninth district election.We’re ending the liveblog for now, as we await the results of North Carolina’s ninth district election.
With just about half the votes counted, democrat Dan McCready is and republican Dan Bishop are neck and neck, each with just under 50% of the votes.With just about half the votes counted, democrat Dan McCready is and republican Dan Bishop are neck and neck, each with just under 50% of the votes.
Look for The Guardian’s coverage of the winner, once all the votes are tallied.Look for The Guardian’s coverage of the winner, once all the votes are tallied.
In the meantime, here’s a recap of today’s political news:In the meantime, here’s a recap of today’s political news:
That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.
But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.
Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security advisor while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security advisor while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.
Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance”.Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance”.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.
Murphy, a physician, decisively defeated his democratic opponent Allen Thomas and will succeed the late GOP Rep. Walter Jones Jr.Murphy, a physician, decisively defeated his democratic opponent Allen Thomas and will succeed the late GOP Rep. Walter Jones Jr.
With more than half of the votes counted, Murphy won by nearly 60%. This was expected — North Carolina’s third district leans heavily republican.With more than half of the votes counted, Murphy won by nearly 60%. This was expected — North Carolina’s third district leans heavily republican.
The more competitive election in the state’s ninth district is still too close to call.The more competitive election in the state’s ninth district is still too close to call.
The election between McCready and Dan Bishop in North Carolina’s Ninth District isn’t the only race going on in the state.The election between McCready and Dan Bishop in North Carolina’s Ninth District isn’t the only race going on in the state.
Votes are also being tallied up in the North Carolina’s Third, where the representative seat was left open after congressman Walter B. Jones Jr. died in February. Republican Greg Murphy is running against democrat Allen Thomas, the Former of Greenville. The district leans heavily republican and Murphy is leading as the results trickle in.Votes are also being tallied up in the North Carolina’s Third, where the representative seat was left open after congressman Walter B. Jones Jr. died in February. Republican Greg Murphy is running against democrat Allen Thomas, the Former of Greenville. The district leans heavily republican and Murphy is leading as the results trickle in.
The fact that McCready, a Democrat, narrowly lost in 2018 (but just 905 votes) was a surprise in itself.The fact that McCready, a Democrat, narrowly lost in 2018 (but just 905 votes) was a surprise in itself.
The district has leaned heavily Republican in the past. Trump won the district by 12 points 2016, and Mitt Romney running back 2012 against Barak Obama, won by 12 points as well.The district has leaned heavily Republican in the past. Trump won the district by 12 points 2016, and Mitt Romney running back 2012 against Barak Obama, won by 12 points as well.
The polls have closed, though we’re still awaiting the results of the fiercely contested election.The polls have closed, though we’re still awaiting the results of the fiercely contested election.
Democrat Dan McCready is running a close race against Republican Dan Bishop.Democrat Dan McCready is running a close race against Republican Dan Bishop.
The special election is the culmination of a months-long political scandal. McCready narrowly lost in 2018, against republic Mark Harris. But state officials voided the results and order a new election after evidence emerged that Harris’s campaign had funded a “ballot harvesting.”The special election is the culmination of a months-long political scandal. McCready narrowly lost in 2018, against republic Mark Harris. But state officials voided the results and order a new election after evidence emerged that Harris’s campaign had funded a “ballot harvesting.”
A political operative working for Harris’ was charged with paying people that he recruited $125 for every 50 mail-in ballots they collected and turned into him.A political operative working for Harris’ was charged with paying people that he recruited $125 for every 50 mail-in ballots they collected and turned into him.
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of far-right lawmakers within Congress, has elected a new chairman: Andy Biggs of Arizona.The House Freedom Caucus, a group of far-right lawmakers within Congress, has elected a new chairman: Andy Biggs of Arizona.
BREAKING NEWS: Our members elected @RepAndyBiggsAZ as our next chairman! pic.twitter.com/meI1v4TnRRBREAKING NEWS: Our members elected @RepAndyBiggsAZ as our next chairman! pic.twitter.com/meI1v4TnRR
Biggs will take the place of the current chair, North Carolina’s Mark Meadows starting October 1.Biggs will take the place of the current chair, North Carolina’s Mark Meadows starting October 1.
The Caucus often butt heads with Republican leadership, looking to push the party farther right. But the group’s influence has waned since democrats took control of the house.The Caucus often butt heads with Republican leadership, looking to push the party farther right. But the group’s influence has waned since democrats took control of the house.
Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar had a chance to spar a bit ahead of Thursday’s Democratic primary debate...Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar had a chance to spar a bit ahead of Thursday’s Democratic primary debate...
Very funny, @united pic.twitter.com/6RZuvXXGBzVery funny, @united pic.twitter.com/6RZuvXXGBz
... when they were seated next to each other on a flight.... when they were seated next to each other on a flight.
And the debate begins... Good sitting by you @PeteButtigieg https://t.co/YlotOl9ozMAnd the debate begins... Good sitting by you @PeteButtigieg https://t.co/YlotOl9ozM
Hunters and anglers can now shoot and cast their rods on federally protected land that serves as critical habitat waterfowl and other birds, in the administration’s latest effort to open up protected lands to recreation as well as industry — including oil and gas drilling.Hunters and anglers can now shoot and cast their rods on federally protected land that serves as critical habitat waterfowl and other birds, in the administration’s latest effort to open up protected lands to recreation as well as industry — including oil and gas drilling.
Hunting and fishing will now be allowed for the first time at seven national wildlife refuges, and restrictions will be reduced at 70 others.Hunting and fishing will now be allowed for the first time at seven national wildlife refuges, and restrictions will be reduced at 70 others.
More context from the AP:More context from the AP:
Conservationists said the changes went into effect without adequate environmental review.Conservationists said the changes went into effect without adequate environmental review.
“While the Trump policy retains federal ownership, it basically eviscerates federal management,” said Jeff Ruch of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. “The states end up managing federal land with federal dollars but following state laws. That’s a sea change from federal management for conservation and biodiversity rather than promoting hunting.”“While the Trump policy retains federal ownership, it basically eviscerates federal management,” said Jeff Ruch of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. “The states end up managing federal land with federal dollars but following state laws. That’s a sea change from federal management for conservation and biodiversity rather than promoting hunting.”
One of the big concerns is that state and federal officials don’t appear to have a monitoring system to see what effect the changes might have, not only on game species but those that aren’t hunted, Ruch said.One of the big concerns is that state and federal officials don’t appear to have a monitoring system to see what effect the changes might have, not only on game species but those that aren’t hunted, Ruch said.
The Trump administration is ordering a “sweeping crackdown” on homelessness in California, The Washington Post reports.The Trump administration is ordering a “sweeping crackdown” on homelessness in California, The Washington Post reports.
Administration officials have been discussing using federal funds and resources to get homeless people off the streets of Los Angeles and into government facilities, as part of a broader effort to target California, Baltimore, Chicago and other cities and states that Trump believes suffer poverty and crime due to failed Democratic leadership:Administration officials have been discussing using federal funds and resources to get homeless people off the streets of Los Angeles and into government facilities, as part of a broader effort to target California, Baltimore, Chicago and other cities and states that Trump believes suffer poverty and crime due to failed Democratic leadership:
But it is unclear how they could accomplish this and what legal authority they would use. It is also unclear whether the state’s Democratic politicians would cooperate with Trump, who has sought to embarrass them over the homelessness crisis with repeated attacks on their competency. ...But it is unclear how they could accomplish this and what legal authority they would use. It is also unclear whether the state’s Democratic politicians would cooperate with Trump, who has sought to embarrass them over the homelessness crisis with repeated attacks on their competency. ...
Top officials representing the White House and Department of Housing and Urban Development arrived in California this week for a round of meetings. A particular focus has been the “skid row” section of Los Angeles, officials said. The president is directly involved with the initiative, officials said, and has asked for updates.Top officials representing the White House and Department of Housing and Urban Development arrived in California this week for a round of meetings. A particular focus has been the “skid row” section of Los Angeles, officials said. The president is directly involved with the initiative, officials said, and has asked for updates.
Among the ideas under consideration is razing existing tent camps for the homeless, creating new temporary facilities, or refurbishing existing government facilities, two officials said. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the planning hasn’t been publicly revealed. The changes would attempt to give the federal government a larger role in supervising housing and health care for residents.Among the ideas under consideration is razing existing tent camps for the homeless, creating new temporary facilities, or refurbishing existing government facilities, two officials said. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because the planning hasn’t been publicly revealed. The changes would attempt to give the federal government a larger role in supervising housing and health care for residents.
That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.That’s it from me on this very eventful Tuesday, brought to you by Trump’s habit of firing senior officials by tweet. My west coast colleague, Maanvi Singh, will take over the blog for the next few hours.
Here’s where the day stands so far:Here’s where the day stands so far:
In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.In case you missed the roughly 10,000 headlines: Trump fired John Bolton just days after reports emerged that the national security adviser had opposed the president’s controversial plan to hold secret talks with the Taliban at Camp David.
But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.But, but, but: Bolton claimed he had actually offered his resignation to Trump the day before but that the president said they would return to the issue later. Trump asserted he asked for Bolton’s resignation last night and received it this morning.
Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security adviser while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.Bolton’s deputy, Charlie Kupperman, is taking over as acting national security adviser while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.
Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance”.Some Democrats bemoaned the “instability” of Trump throwing aside a third national security adviser since taking office, but most just wished the hawkish Bolton “good riddance”.
But there was important other news being made today. Voting is underway in North Carolina’s ninth congressional district, where a special election is being read for signs of Trump’s resiliency in areas he carried in 2016. Congressional Republicans downplayed expectations of a win this afternoon.But there was important other news being made today. Voting is underway in North Carolina’s ninth congressional district, where a special election is being read for signs of Trump’s resiliency in areas he carried in 2016. Congressional Republicans downplayed expectations of a win this afternoon.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.Congressional Democrats and Republicans sparred over gun policy as Mitch McConnell reiterated he would not bring a bill to the Senate floor unless it had Trump’s blessing.
Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.Maanvi will have more on the news of the day, so stay tuned.
Some names are already being floated as possible replacements for Bolton as national security adviser. His deputy, Charlie Kupperman, has currently assumed the role on an acting basis.Some names are already being floated as possible replacements for Bolton as national security adviser. His deputy, Charlie Kupperman, has currently assumed the role on an acting basis.
Bloomberg News reports:Bloomberg News reports:
Kupperman is a Bolton confidant who has counseled the former national security adviser for more than 30 years, Bolton has said. Grisham said it was ‘too soon to say’ whether Bolton’s closest National Security Council aides would remain in their jobs.Kupperman is a Bolton confidant who has counseled the former national security adviser for more than 30 years, Bolton has said. Grisham said it was ‘too soon to say’ whether Bolton’s closest National Security Council aides would remain in their jobs.
Possible Bolton replacements discussed by Trump associates include Robert O’Brien, who is the president’s envoy for hostage affairs, and Brian Hook, [secretary of state Mike] Pompeo’s senior policy adviser.Possible Bolton replacements discussed by Trump associates include Robert O’Brien, who is the president’s envoy for hostage affairs, and Brian Hook, [secretary of state Mike] Pompeo’s senior policy adviser.
CNN has just released a poll showing Trump’s approval rating has hit 39 percent, its lowest point in the network’s polling since January. Arguably more worrisome for the president is that 6 in 10 Americans don’t believe he deserves re-election.CNN has just released a poll showing Trump’s approval rating has hit 39 percent, its lowest point in the network’s polling since January. Arguably more worrisome for the president is that 6 in 10 Americans don’t believe he deserves re-election.
The results corroborate the Washington Post/ABC News poll released this morning, which showed the president’s approval rating at 38 percent. (Trump lashed out against those results in a pair of morning tweets, so CNN can expect the same.)The results corroborate the Washington Post/ABC News poll released this morning, which showed the president’s approval rating at 38 percent. (Trump lashed out against those results in a pair of morning tweets, so CNN can expect the same.)
CNN has more on the results:CNN has more on the results:
Overall, the poll paints a picture of a President who has done little to improve negative impressions of him or his work during his time in office. Across several questions asked early in Trump’s time in office and asked again now, the poll finds little positive change and deep partisan polarization.Overall, the poll paints a picture of a President who has done little to improve negative impressions of him or his work during his time in office. Across several questions asked early in Trump’s time in office and asked again now, the poll finds little positive change and deep partisan polarization.
The 60% who say the President does not deserve to be reelected is similar to the 63% who felt that way in November 2017. That outpaces his most recent predecessors at a similar stage in their presidencies. In October 2003, a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll found that 52% of Americans thought George W. Bush did deserve reelection, and Gallup’s polling in 2011 found the share saying Barack Obama did not deserve to be reelected stood in the low 50s.The 60% who say the President does not deserve to be reelected is similar to the 63% who felt that way in November 2017. That outpaces his most recent predecessors at a similar stage in their presidencies. In October 2003, a CNN/Gallup/USA Today poll found that 52% of Americans thought George W. Bush did deserve reelection, and Gallup’s polling in 2011 found the share saying Barack Obama did not deserve to be reelected stood in the low 50s.
Trump’s approval rating is also historically low for presidents seeking re-election, a CNN reporter noted. The only president who had a lower approval rating a year before his second election was Jimmy Carter ... who lost to Ronald Reagan.Trump’s approval rating is also historically low for presidents seeking re-election, a CNN reporter noted. The only president who had a lower approval rating a year before his second election was Jimmy Carter ... who lost to Ronald Reagan.
Presidential Approval RatingsSeptember of Third Year Eisenhower, 1955 71%Bush, 1991 68%Kennedy, 1963 56%Bush, 2003 50%Nixon, 1971* 49%Reagan, 1983 47%Clinton, 1995 44%Obama, 2011 43%Trump now 39%Carter, 1979 30%Presidential Approval RatingsSeptember of Third Year Eisenhower, 1955 71%Bush, 1991 68%Kennedy, 1963 56%Bush, 2003 50%Nixon, 1971* 49%Reagan, 1983 47%Clinton, 1995 44%Obama, 2011 43%Trump now 39%Carter, 1979 30%
There is indeed still a special congressional race being held today in North Carolina, just in case you forget amid the Trump personnel turmoil.There is indeed still a special congressional race being held today in North Carolina, just in case you forget amid the Trump personnel turmoil.
Republicans are appearing less and less confident that their candidate, Dan Bishop, can pull off a win in the traditionally red Ninth District.Republicans are appearing less and less confident that their candidate, Dan Bishop, can pull off a win in the traditionally red Ninth District.
Trump carried the district by 12 points back in 2016, but a senior House Republican told reporters today that it was a “swing district.”Trump carried the district by 12 points back in 2016, but a senior House Republican told reporters today that it was a “swing district.”
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called #NC09 a "swing district" “The Bishop district is a very tough swing district, as we’ve seen," Scalise said.#NC09 went for Trump by 12 points in 2016, and a Dem hasn't held the seat since early 1960sHouse Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) called #NC09 a "swing district" “The Bishop district is a very tough swing district, as we’ve seen," Scalise said.#NC09 went for Trump by 12 points in 2016, and a Dem hasn't held the seat since early 1960s
A loss would not only be embarrassing for Republicans, who have dumped $20 million into the race, but potentially ominous as well. If the party can’t carry the Ninth District, which covers some of the suburbs outside Charlotte, it may have trouble in similar districts across the country – which could prove disastrous for 2020.A loss would not only be embarrassing for Republicans, who have dumped $20 million into the race, but potentially ominous as well. If the party can’t carry the Ninth District, which covers some of the suburbs outside Charlotte, it may have trouble in similar districts across the country – which could prove disastrous for 2020.
But, as a Republican strategist noted, the actual consequences of this race are quite minimal. It’s more a matter of controlling the dreaded “narrative.”But, as a Republican strategist noted, the actual consequences of this race are quite minimal. It’s more a matter of controlling the dreaded “narrative.”
Now you're in a situation where you're playing not to lose. There really is no "win." Squeak it out, and congrats--you burned millions to hold a meaningless seat an maybe keep a few retirements at bay. In a Trump +12 CD, Ds inevitably beat the spread. But if you compete *&* lose?Now you're in a situation where you're playing not to lose. There really is no "win." Squeak it out, and congrats--you burned millions to hold a meaningless seat an maybe keep a few retirements at bay. In a Trump +12 CD, Ds inevitably beat the spread. But if you compete *&* lose?