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2020 Election Live Updates: Obama Endorses 118 Candidates, Hoping to Tip Scales in Key States 2020 Election Live Updates: Obama Endorses 118 Candidates, Hoping to Tip Scales in Key States
(32 minutes later)
Former President Barack Obama issued his first slate of 2020 endorsements on Monday, backing 118 candidates in 17 states with the aim of helping Democrats maintain their majority in the House, win back control of the Senate and flip key state legislative chambers ahead of the 2020 redistricting.Former President Barack Obama issued his first slate of 2020 endorsements on Monday, backing 118 candidates in 17 states with the aim of helping Democrats maintain their majority in the House, win back control of the Senate and flip key state legislative chambers ahead of the 2020 redistricting.
Mr. Obama, who remains one of the most popular and unifying figures in the Democratic Party, has taken on a growing profile in the 2020 campaign, aggressively raising money for his former vice president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and delivering a sweeping call for changes to voting laws last week in a speech at the funeral of Representative John Lewis.Mr. Obama, who remains one of the most popular and unifying figures in the Democratic Party, has taken on a growing profile in the 2020 campaign, aggressively raising money for his former vice president, Joseph R. Biden Jr., and delivering a sweeping call for changes to voting laws last week in a speech at the funeral of Representative John Lewis.
His new endorsements — including 52 for the House of Representatives and five for the Senate — come in key battlegrounds for control of Capitol Hill, according to a list provided to The Times’s Shane Goldmacher and posted on Medium. A second set of endorsements is planned for states whose primaries have yet to be held.His new endorsements — including 52 for the House of Representatives and five for the Senate — come in key battlegrounds for control of Capitol Hill, according to a list provided to The Times’s Shane Goldmacher and posted on Medium. A second set of endorsements is planned for states whose primaries have yet to be held.
“Our country’s future hangs on this election,” Mr. Obama said in a statement.“Our country’s future hangs on this election,” Mr. Obama said in a statement.
Initially, he is backing Democratic challengers running for the Senate against Republican incumbents in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina.Initially, he is backing Democratic challengers running for the Senate against Republican incumbents in five states: Colorado, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Mr. Obama, whom the Republican Party found great success vilifying in down-ballot races during his presidency, is not so far endorsing Senate candidates in some more conservative states, including Montana, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, where it is less clear his support would help statewide.Mr. Obama, whom the Republican Party found great success vilifying in down-ballot races during his presidency, is not so far endorsing Senate candidates in some more conservative states, including Montana, Kentucky, Georgia and Texas, where it is less clear his support would help statewide.
But he is endorsing a full 27 candidates in Texas, including 19 for the state House, where the Democrats need to win nine seats to take control of the lower chamber, giving the party a political foothold before districts are redrawn after the 2020 census.But he is endorsing a full 27 candidates in Texas, including 19 for the state House, where the Democrats need to win nine seats to take control of the lower chamber, giving the party a political foothold before districts are redrawn after the 2020 census.
That has been a top priority for Mr. Obama, who has consistently backed candidates whom the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by his former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., has labeled important to the redistricting process.That has been a top priority for Mr. Obama, who has consistently backed candidates whom the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, led by his former attorney general Eric H. Holder Jr., has labeled important to the redistricting process.
Mr. Obama’s endorsements include five candidates for the State Senate in Pennsylvania and nine for the State House; six for the State House in Ohio; and 10 for the State House in North Carolina and five for the State Senate. The only governor in Mr. Obama’s initial endorsement list is Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a top presidential battleground where Mr. Obama is also supporting three other statewide officials.Mr. Obama’s endorsements include five candidates for the State Senate in Pennsylvania and nine for the State House; six for the State House in Ohio; and 10 for the State House in North Carolina and five for the State Senate. The only governor in Mr. Obama’s initial endorsement list is Roy Cooper of North Carolina, a top presidential battleground where Mr. Obama is also supporting three other statewide officials.
For the House, Mr. Obama is supporting an ideological range of new Democratic candidates and incumbents, including many who first won their seats in 2018, such as Representatives Katie Porter of California, Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Antonio Delgado of New York and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.For the House, Mr. Obama is supporting an ideological range of new Democratic candidates and incumbents, including many who first won their seats in 2018, such as Representatives Katie Porter of California, Lauren Underwood of Illinois, Abby Finkenauer of Iowa, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, Antonio Delgado of New York and Abigail Spanberger of Virginia.
Among candidates seeking Republican-held seats, Mr. Obama is supporting Amy Kennedy in New Jersey, who is seeking to unseat Representative Jeff Van Drew, who flipped parties to become a Republican; Jackie Gordon of New York, who is vying to replace the retiring Representative Peter King; and Wendy Davis, the Texas Democrat who previously ran for governor and is running against Representative Chip Roy this year.Among candidates seeking Republican-held seats, Mr. Obama is supporting Amy Kennedy in New Jersey, who is seeking to unseat Representative Jeff Van Drew, who flipped parties to become a Republican; Jackie Gordon of New York, who is vying to replace the retiring Representative Peter King; and Wendy Davis, the Texas Democrat who previously ran for governor and is running against Representative Chip Roy this year.
Mr. Obama also endorsed 10 alumni of his administration.Mr. Obama also endorsed 10 alumni of his administration.
“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats,” Mr. Obama said.“I’m proud to endorse this diverse and hopeful collection of thoughtful, empathetic and highly qualified Democrats,” Mr. Obama said.
A presidential endorsement is coveted because it can help drive local news coverage and be featured in mailers, digital ads and fund-raising appeals.A presidential endorsement is coveted because it can help drive local news coverage and be featured in mailers, digital ads and fund-raising appeals.
It will be one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the campaign: Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has said he expects to announce his choice for a running mate early this month.It will be one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the campaign: Joseph R. Biden Jr., the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, has said he expects to announce his choice for a running mate early this month.
Like everything else in this presidential campaign, the whole process has been odd.Like everything else in this presidential campaign, the whole process has been odd.
It may be harder, if not impossible, for Mr. Biden to do in-person interviews with the person he wants as his running mate. News organizations will be unable to use their best sleuthing techniques — like tracking down the tail number of private planes to figure out who is flying into town for the big reveal (since no one is likely to be flying anywhere for the announcement). And the announcement is likely to be as scaled back as this year’s conventions: no crowds, no hugs or hands hoisted in the air, no final shots of the families gathered around at the front of a stage.It may be harder, if not impossible, for Mr. Biden to do in-person interviews with the person he wants as his running mate. News organizations will be unable to use their best sleuthing techniques — like tracking down the tail number of private planes to figure out who is flying into town for the big reveal (since no one is likely to be flying anywhere for the announcement). And the announcement is likely to be as scaled back as this year’s conventions: no crowds, no hugs or hands hoisted in the air, no final shots of the families gathered around at the front of a stage.
Coronavirus aside, it’s already been an unusual vice-presidential nomination process. In a break from tradition, which dictated that the candidates laid low as the selection unfolded behind the scenes, many of the prospective choices have been freely giving interviews, talking policy or going on television. There has even been the rebuttal — in real time — of revelations that might have derailed a contender’s candidacy. (Some of those revelations may even have been dug up by supporters of rivals in the vice-presidential race.)Coronavirus aside, it’s already been an unusual vice-presidential nomination process. In a break from tradition, which dictated that the candidates laid low as the selection unfolded behind the scenes, many of the prospective choices have been freely giving interviews, talking policy or going on television. There has even been the rebuttal — in real time — of revelations that might have derailed a contender’s candidacy. (Some of those revelations may even have been dug up by supporters of rivals in the vice-presidential race.)
Over the weekend, one possible Biden running mate, Representative Karen Bass, Democrat of California, posted a tweet in response to the disclosure that she had offered warm praise for the Church of Scientology when she spoke at a groundbreaking of its headquarters in her Hollywood district 10 years ago. She explained why she had attended (it was a big project in her district) and added: “Just so you all know, I proudly worship at First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in South LA.”Over the weekend, one possible Biden running mate, Representative Karen Bass, Democrat of California, posted a tweet in response to the disclosure that she had offered warm praise for the Church of Scientology when she spoke at a groundbreaking of its headquarters in her Hollywood district 10 years ago. She explained why she had attended (it was a big project in her district) and added: “Just so you all know, I proudly worship at First New Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in South LA.”
Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in Georgia, started the trend of potential Biden running mates talking about being potential Biden running- mates, leaving no doubt about her interest. Susan E. Rice, the former national security adviser, spoke at length about her résumé and interest in electoral politics the other day.Stacey Abrams, who ran for governor in Georgia, started the trend of potential Biden running mates talking about being potential Biden running- mates, leaving no doubt about her interest. Susan E. Rice, the former national security adviser, spoke at length about her résumé and interest in electoral politics the other day.
This is another sign of how politics are changing; old rules around the process now seem quaint in this era of Twitter and 24/7 maneuvering. For another, should Mr. Biden win, the No. 2 slot is probably a more valuable job than in the past: Mr. Biden is 77 and many Democrats don’t expect him to seek a second term.This is another sign of how politics are changing; old rules around the process now seem quaint in this era of Twitter and 24/7 maneuvering. For another, should Mr. Biden win, the No. 2 slot is probably a more valuable job than in the past: Mr. Biden is 77 and many Democrats don’t expect him to seek a second term.
Nearly six weeks after New York City held a primary that featured dozens of hard-fought campaigns, two closely watched congressional races remain undecided, and major delays in counting a deluge of mail-in ballots have highlighted the challenges facing the nation as it prepares for the November general election amid a pandemic.Nearly six weeks after New York City held a primary that featured dozens of hard-fought campaigns, two closely watched congressional races remain undecided, and major delays in counting a deluge of mail-in ballots have highlighted the challenges facing the nation as it prepares for the November general election amid a pandemic.
In an effort to make voting easier, election officials in New York City widely distributed mail-in ballots for the primary on June 23 but did not seem prepared to handle the more than 400,000 were returned — about 10 times the number of absentee ballots the city received in recent elections. The weeks since — in which concerns surfaced over staffing shortages, Postal Service processing problems and an unknown number of disqualified ballots — have offered little clarity. In an effort to make voting easier, election officials in New York City widely distributed mail-in ballots for the primary on June 23 but did not seem prepared to handle the more than 400,000 were returned — about 10 times the number of absentee ballots the city received in recent elections. The weeks since — in which concerns surfaced over staffing shortages, Postal Service processing problems and an unknown number of disqualified ballots — have offered little clarity.
In recent days, President Trump has jumped into the fray, repeatedly citing the primary in New York City for his unfounded claims that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud “on a massive scale.”In recent days, President Trump has jumped into the fray, repeatedly citing the primary in New York City for his unfounded claims that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud “on a massive scale.”
There is no evidence that the New York primary results were tainted by criminal malfeasance, according to a wide array of election officials and campaign representatives. Still, candidates and political analysts are warning that government officials at all levels need to take urgent action to avoid a nightmare in November.There is no evidence that the New York primary results were tainted by criminal malfeasance, according to a wide array of election officials and campaign representatives. Still, candidates and political analysts are warning that government officials at all levels need to take urgent action to avoid a nightmare in November.
“This election is a canary in the coal mine,” said Suraj Patel, a Democrat who ran against the incumbent, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, in New York’s 12th Congressional District, trailing him by some 3,700 votes in a race where about 12,000 votes were disqualified. Mr. Patel has filed a federal lawsuit over the primary. “This election is a canary in the coal mine,” said Suraj Patel, a Democrat who ran against the incumbent, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, in New York’s 12th Congressional District, trailing him by some 3,700 votes in a race where about 12,000 votes were disqualified. Mr. Patel has filed a federal lawsuit over the primary.
Election experts pointed to an array of causes for the issues in New York’s primary, including lagging infrastructure that could not handle Mr. Cuomo’s expansion of absentee voting in late April. Until a wave of changes in 2019, New York had been behind other states in adopting measures like early voting.Election experts pointed to an array of causes for the issues in New York’s primary, including lagging infrastructure that could not handle Mr. Cuomo’s expansion of absentee voting in late April. Until a wave of changes in 2019, New York had been behind other states in adopting measures like early voting.
Other states and localities held recent vote-by-mail primaries, with some scattered reports of problems — though nothing on the scale of New York City’s weekslong process.Other states and localities held recent vote-by-mail primaries, with some scattered reports of problems — though nothing on the scale of New York City’s weekslong process.
With mail-in voting expected to surge around the country in the general election because of the pandemic, New York’s delays soon could be mirrored elsewhere.With mail-in voting expected to surge around the country in the general election because of the pandemic, New York’s delays soon could be mirrored elsewhere.
That means the country’s news outlets will have an outsize role to play in conveying November election results to the public, especially if there’s a delay as key states like Pennsylvania count mail-in ballots for weeks and Mr. Trump tweets false allegations about fraud.That means the country’s news outlets will have an outsize role to play in conveying November election results to the public, especially if there’s a delay as key states like Pennsylvania count mail-in ballots for weeks and Mr. Trump tweets false allegations about fraud.
The Times’s media columnist, Ben Smith, spoke last week to executives, TV hosts and election analysts across leading American newsrooms, and wrote thatThe Times’s media columnist, Ben Smith, spoke last week to executives, TV hosts and election analysts across leading American newsrooms, and wrote that
he was alarmed by the near panic among some of the people paying the closest attention — the analysts and producers trying, and often failing, to get answers from state election officials about how and when they will count the ballots and report results.he was alarmed by the near panic among some of the people paying the closest attention — the analysts and producers trying, and often failing, to get answers from state election officials about how and when they will count the ballots and report results.
“The nerds are freaking out,” said Brandon Finnigan, the founder of Decision Desk HQ, which delivers election results to media outlets. “I don’t think it’s penetrated enough in the average viewer’s mind that there’s not going to be an election night. The usual razzmatazz of a panel sitting around discussing election results — that’s dead.”“The nerds are freaking out,” said Brandon Finnigan, the founder of Decision Desk HQ, which delivers election results to media outlets. “I don’t think it’s penetrated enough in the average viewer’s mind that there’s not going to be an election night. The usual razzmatazz of a panel sitting around discussing election results — that’s dead.”
Nevada is moving forward with a plan to send ballots to all eligible voters for the November general election after the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature approved the emergency measure over the weekend in a party-line vote.
Not a single Republican voted for the bill, which passed in the Senate on Sunday and in the Assembly on Friday. It now heads to Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, who is expected to sign it into law.
Mr. Trump, who has opposed any efforts to expand vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November election, threatened to take the state to court over the bill.
“In an illegal late night coup, Nevada’s clubhouse Governor made it impossible for Republicans to win the state,” Mr. Trump tweeted on Monday. “Post Office could never handle the Traffic of Mail-In Votes without preparation. Using Covid to steal the state. See you in Court!”
Mr. Trump has previously threatened to withhold federal funding from states that expanded vote-by-mail programs.
In California, Republicans sued Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, in May over his executive order calling for ballots to be sent to all registered voters for the November election. The litigation was withdrawn in July after the Legislature approved the vote-by-mail plan.
Five states, including the Republican stronghold of Utah, now conduct all elections almost entirely by mail. They report very little fraud. Mr. Trump has acknowledged that in March he voted absentee by mail in his adopted home state of Florida. In the 2018 midterm elections, Mr. Trump voted absentee by mail from New York.
Trump administration officials and top Democrats met Monday afternoon to try to bridge a so-far intractable logjam on a sweeping economic stabilization package.Trump administration officials and top Democrats met Monday afternoon to try to bridge a so-far intractable logjam on a sweeping economic stabilization package.
Mr. Trump has been largely absent from the talks, tweeting and commenting from the sidelines as his top advisers toil to find an elusive election-year compromise with Democrats only days after tens of millions of Americans were cut off from enhanced jobless benefits they have depended on for months.Mr. Trump has been largely absent from the talks, tweeting and commenting from the sidelines as his top advisers toil to find an elusive election-year compromise with Democrats only days after tens of millions of Americans were cut off from enhanced jobless benefits they have depended on for months.
While White House officials and Democratic leaders reported some progress over the weekend in their talks, they still have substantial differences. Democrats are pushing a $3 trillion rescue plan that would include restoring $600-per-week jobless aid payments that expired on Friday and extending them through January, while Republicans have proposed a $1 trillion package that would slash the unemployment payments considerably.While White House officials and Democratic leaders reported some progress over the weekend in their talks, they still have substantial differences. Democrats are pushing a $3 trillion rescue plan that would include restoring $600-per-week jobless aid payments that expired on Friday and extending them through January, while Republicans have proposed a $1 trillion package that would slash the unemployment payments considerably.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi was scheduled to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in her Capitol Hill office. It was the fifth such meeting in eight days, following a staff policy call on Sunday and a rare Saturday session with the four negotiators.Speaker Nancy Pelosi was scheduled to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader, Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, and Steven Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary, in her Capitol Hill office. It was the fifth such meeting in eight days, following a staff policy call on Sunday and a rare Saturday session with the four negotiators.
After retreating from the television airwaves nationwide last week to reassess its strategy, President Trump’s campaign announced a return in four states on Monday with two new ads and a national cable buy.After retreating from the television airwaves nationwide last week to reassess its strategy, President Trump’s campaign announced a return in four states on Monday with two new ads and a national cable buy.
The Trump campaign is pressing a similar message as before, arguing that Mr. Biden is pushing policies of the “radical left” and his agenda would make the country less safe.The Trump campaign is pressing a similar message as before, arguing that Mr. Biden is pushing policies of the “radical left” and his agenda would make the country less safe.
One ad features images of three liberal boogeymen that Republicans have had more success demonizing than Mr. Biden himself: Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ilhan Omar.One ad features images of three liberal boogeymen that Republicans have had more success demonizing than Mr. Biden himself: Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Representative Ilhan Omar.
The second ad features a woman, identified as a mother of four, silently flipping through cards warning about things Mr. Biden would do as president, including raising taxes and granting “amnesty.” It ends with, “I won’t risk my children’s future with Biden.”The second ad features a woman, identified as a mother of four, silently flipping through cards warning about things Mr. Biden would do as president, including raising taxes and granting “amnesty.” It ends with, “I won’t risk my children’s future with Biden.”
The campaign says it is appealing to the “silent majority,” the group of voters who helped Mr. Trump win in 2016 and that the campaign claims “remains undercounted today” in a race that polls show Mr. Trump losing.The campaign says it is appealing to the “silent majority,” the group of voters who helped Mr. Trump win in 2016 and that the campaign claims “remains undercounted today” in a race that polls show Mr. Trump losing.
Bill Stepien, Mr. Trump’s new campaign manager, said the ads were focused on states that will begin voting earlier in the process. “In many states, more than half of voters will cast their votes well before Election Day, and we have adjusted our strategy to reflect that,” he said. “Joe Biden is continuing to spend millions of dollars a week in states that won’t come online for two months, and we encourage him to keep at it.”Bill Stepien, Mr. Trump’s new campaign manager, said the ads were focused on states that will begin voting earlier in the process. “In many states, more than half of voters will cast their votes well before Election Day, and we have adjusted our strategy to reflect that,” he said. “Joe Biden is continuing to spend millions of dollars a week in states that won’t come online for two months, and we encourage him to keep at it.”
The new ad buy leaves off some notable battlegrounds, especially Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan — all states that Mr. Trump won four years ago.The new ad buy leaves off some notable battlegrounds, especially Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan — all states that Mr. Trump won four years ago.
Mr. Stepien on Monday also renewed the campaign’s call for more and earlier debates.Mr. Stepien on Monday also renewed the campaign’s call for more and earlier debates.
Appearing on “Fox and Friends,” one of Mr. Trump’s favorite programs, in his first television interview since becoming campaign manager, Mr. Stepien noted that by the time of the first debate, on Sept. 29, voting will have already begun in 16 states. The Trump campaign has accused Mr. Biden of avoiding scrutiny by mostly remaining in his Delaware home during the pandemic.Appearing on “Fox and Friends,” one of Mr. Trump’s favorite programs, in his first television interview since becoming campaign manager, Mr. Stepien noted that by the time of the first debate, on Sept. 29, voting will have already begun in 16 states. The Trump campaign has accused Mr. Biden of avoiding scrutiny by mostly remaining in his Delaware home during the pandemic.
“We want more debates,” Mr. Stepien said. “We want debates starting sooner.”“We want more debates,” Mr. Stepien said. “We want debates starting sooner.”
In a three-minute video posted by his campaign, Mr. Biden on Monday recognized the first anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso in which 23 people were killed by a white gunman who targeted Latinos. The gunman posted a manifesto online saying the attack was in response to “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”In a three-minute video posted by his campaign, Mr. Biden on Monday recognized the first anniversary of the mass shooting in El Paso in which 23 people were killed by a white gunman who targeted Latinos. The gunman posted a manifesto online saying the attack was in response to “the Hispanic invasion of Texas.”
“He chose El Paso because it is a city defined by its diversity,” Mr. Biden said in the video.“He chose El Paso because it is a city defined by its diversity,” Mr. Biden said in the video.
Mr. Biden has made restoring the “soul of the nation” a centerpiece of his campaign since he entered the race and, without naming President Trump directly, he said the anniversary of the massacre was a moment “to recommit to the battle for the soul of this nation.”Mr. Biden has made restoring the “soul of the nation” a centerpiece of his campaign since he entered the race and, without naming President Trump directly, he said the anniversary of the massacre was a moment “to recommit to the battle for the soul of this nation.”
“A battle against the forces of white supremacy that are part of the very foundations of our nation — but which this president has encouraged and emboldened,” he said. “A battle against the spread of hatred’s poisonous ideas in every form.”“A battle against the forces of white supremacy that are part of the very foundations of our nation — but which this president has encouraged and emboldened,” he said. “A battle against the spread of hatred’s poisonous ideas in every form.”
Latinos are viewed as a key voting bloc for Mr. Biden, particularly as his campaign tries not merely to turn Arizona into a swing state but also to win its electoral votes. His campaign has said it also hopes to compete in Texas, and it named six staff members there on Monday, including his state director. But the state is typically seen as prohibitively expensive given that winning there would almost certainly mean that Mr. Biden had already won enough electoral votes to become president.Latinos are viewed as a key voting bloc for Mr. Biden, particularly as his campaign tries not merely to turn Arizona into a swing state but also to win its electoral votes. His campaign has said it also hopes to compete in Texas, and it named six staff members there on Monday, including his state director. But the state is typically seen as prohibitively expensive given that winning there would almost certainly mean that Mr. Biden had already won enough electoral votes to become president.
Mr. Trump is almost certain to lose the Latino vote, but his campaign hopes to keep the vote margin down among the demographic.Mr. Trump is almost certain to lose the Latino vote, but his campaign hopes to keep the vote margin down among the demographic.
The Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating Mr. Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past.The Manhattan district attorney’s office suggested on Monday that it has been investigating Mr. Trump and his company for possible bank and insurance fraud, a significantly broader inquiry than the prosecutors have acknowledged in the past.
The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing that Mr. Trump’s accountants must comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid and has said it was “wildly overbroad” and politically motivated.The office of the district attorney, Cyrus R. Vance Jr., made the disclosure in a new federal court filing arguing that Mr. Trump’s accountants must comply with its subpoena seeking eight years of his personal and corporate tax returns. Mr. Trump has asked a judge to declare the subpoena invalid and has said it was “wildly overbroad” and politically motivated.
The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “undisputed” news reports last year about Mr. Trump’s business practices — including investigations showing that the president may have illegally inflated his net worth and the value of his properties to lenders and insurers — made it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena.The prosecutors did not directly identify the focus of their inquiry but said that “undisputed” news reports last year about Mr. Trump’s business practices — including investigations showing that the president may have illegally inflated his net worth and the value of his properties to lenders and insurers — made it clear that the office had a legal basis for the subpoena.
Lawyers for Mr. Trump have said he did nothing wrong.Lawyers for Mr. Trump have said he did nothing wrong.
The clash over the subpoena comes less than a month after the Supreme Court, in a major ruling on the limits of presidential power, cleared the way for Mr. Vance’s prosecutors to seek Mr. Trump’s financial records.The clash over the subpoena comes less than a month after the Supreme Court, in a major ruling on the limits of presidential power, cleared the way for Mr. Vance’s prosecutors to seek Mr. Trump’s financial records.
Mr. Vance, a Democrat, had subpoenaed Mr. Trump’s accounting firm last August for eight years of his personal tax returns and those of his family business as part of an investigation into hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump.Mr. Vance, a Democrat, had subpoenaed Mr. Trump’s accounting firm last August for eight years of his personal tax returns and those of his family business as part of an investigation into hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress who said she had an affair with Mr. Trump.
A year ago, Democrats had all but given up on Ohio as a lost cause, citing Mr. Trump’s decisive eight-percentage-point victory in the state in 2016.
But with recent public polls suggesting that Mr. Biden is neck-and-neck with Mr. Trump there, Mr. Biden has expanded his campaign map to include the Buckeye State, a traditional battleground that President Barack Obama carried in 2008 and 2012.
The latest evidence of the campaign’s newfound Ohio ambition is a four-stop — albeit virtual — Biden for President tour that is set for this week.
Senator Sherrod Brown and other Ohio leaders will promote Mr. Biden’s plan to bring back manufacturing jobs and create five million new ones during online round-table discussions in four cities, the Biden campaign announced Sunday.
Mr. Biden also announced a seven-figure television and digital ad buy in the Youngstown and Toledo markets.
The ads feature Mr. Biden’s childhood home, working-class Scranton, Pa. One of the ads leads off with an aerial view of the city, once known for its dominance in the iron, coal and railroad industries.
Mr. Trump, meanwhile, is expected to appear in person in Ohio this week. A spokesman for the Republican National Committee confirmed that Mr. Trump would fly to Bratenahl, a lakefront suburb of Cleveland, for a fund-raiser on Thursday.
A $35,000 contribution will get donors a photo with the president.
As an activist who jumped into the political arena after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., six years ago, Cori Bush is accustomed to hard fights. She has been maced, shot at with rubber bullets and cloaked in tear gas at so many protests against police brutality that they have blurred together.As an activist who jumped into the political arena after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., six years ago, Cori Bush is accustomed to hard fights. She has been maced, shot at with rubber bullets and cloaked in tear gas at so many protests against police brutality that they have blurred together.
So when she heard that Representative William Lacy Clay, the 10-term Democrat she is challenging in Missouri’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, had called her “a prop” for the Justice Democrats, a national progressive group, Ms. Bush did not miss a beat.So when she heard that Representative William Lacy Clay, the 10-term Democrat she is challenging in Missouri’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, had called her “a prop” for the Justice Democrats, a national progressive group, Ms. Bush did not miss a beat.
“I had no title, no name, came out of the Ferguson uprising and people know who I am across the world,” Ms. Bush said on Saturday, responding to comments Mr. Clay made about her in an interview with The New York Times. “Not because I took money from some group — none of that. It is because I stayed true to a message of change for real people.”“I had no title, no name, came out of the Ferguson uprising and people know who I am across the world,” Ms. Bush said on Saturday, responding to comments Mr. Clay made about her in an interview with The New York Times. “Not because I took money from some group — none of that. It is because I stayed true to a message of change for real people.”
Of Mr. Clay, she added, “He doesn’t understand that, because he doesn’t understand fighting for people.”Of Mr. Clay, she added, “He doesn’t understand that, because he doesn’t understand fighting for people.”
All over the country, progressive candidates like Ms. Bush, 44, are doing battle with veteran incumbents over the identity of the Democratic Party. In New York City, Jamaal Bowman defeated Representative Eliot L. Engel, a 16-term incumbent and powerful committee chairman. In western Massachusetts, Alex Morse, the mayor of Holyoke, is trying to unseat another long-serving chairman, Representative Richard E. Neal.All over the country, progressive candidates like Ms. Bush, 44, are doing battle with veteran incumbents over the identity of the Democratic Party. In New York City, Jamaal Bowman defeated Representative Eliot L. Engel, a 16-term incumbent and powerful committee chairman. In western Massachusetts, Alex Morse, the mayor of Holyoke, is trying to unseat another long-serving chairman, Representative Richard E. Neal.
They are seeking to sustain the momentum gathered in 2018 by insurgents like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In St. Louis, Ms. Bush’s candidacy is a test of whether the national protest movement can translate into hard electoral power on the federal level.They are seeking to sustain the momentum gathered in 2018 by insurgents like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In St. Louis, Ms. Bush’s candidacy is a test of whether the national protest movement can translate into hard electoral power on the federal level.
For Democratic leaders watching warily from Washington, Mr. Clay’s fate will also indicate whether the rise in progressive energy that has cost powerful white incumbents in places like the Bronx, Queens and Boston their seats can also dislodge a Black representative deep in the heartland of the country.For Democratic leaders watching warily from Washington, Mr. Clay’s fate will also indicate whether the rise in progressive energy that has cost powerful white incumbents in places like the Bronx, Queens and Boston their seats can also dislodge a Black representative deep in the heartland of the country.
Joe Arpaio, who spent 24 years doling out his punitive brand of justice in Arizona’s most populous county and billed himself as “America’s toughest sheriff,” suffered a landslide defeat in 2016, largely because of his hard-line immigration stances and his own pugnacious defiance, which earned him a criminal conviction for contempt of court.
Now he’s trying to win back his old job.
Mr. Arpaio faces his first test in the Republican primary election in Maricopa County on Tuesday, when he must survive a three-way race that includes a challenge from his former chief deputy, Jerry Sheridan.
Few in the state believe Mr. Arpaio, 88, can mount a successful comeback and win in November, saying that he’s too old, too out of touch or too politically damaged to run a credible campaign in 2020.
There are signs that Mr. Arpaio, a former kingmaker in Republican circles, may not even survive the primary. Nearly 80 percent of Arizonans cast their ballots early by mail, and a recent poll of Republicans who had already voted showed Mr. Arpaio and Mr. Sheridan statistically tied.
Still, strategists and political operatives are monitoring Mr. Arpaio’s fate for signs of the broader implications for Arizona politics. The former sheriff had closely aligned himself with Mr. Trump on immigration, earning the president’s praise. The two men are stylistic doppelgängers who vilify undocumented immigrants and are pushing a strident law-and-order message amid a nationwide movement to stop police abuses against people of color.
“If you want to track the trajectory of Trumpism, you should study Arizona circa 2006 to about 2016,” said Kirk Adams, a Republican former speaker of the Arizona House and former chief of staff to Gov. Doug Ducey. “Arizona was the precursor.”
A Michigan state senator who has been highly critical of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Michigan said on Sunday that he had tested positive for the virus.
The senator, Tom Barrett, a Republican from Charlotte, Mich., announced in a statement that as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, he underwent a coronavirus test on Friday as part of a program to test reservists before they depart for training.
“Despite taking reasonable precautions, I was notified this afternoon that I tested positive,” he said. “Thankfully, I do not have any significant symptoms at this time and I will be self-isolating according to medical guidelines.”
Mr. Barrett sponsored a bill in April that would have repealed a law that gave governors emergency authority during a public health crisis. The bill came after Ms. Whitmer extended a stay-at-home order that kept most businesses closed and Michigan residents at home.
The bills passed on party-line votes with Republicans supporting the measure and Democrats opposing. Ms. Whitmer vetoed the bill when it reached her desk.
Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Shane Goldmacher, Kathleen Gray, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, William K. Rashbaum, Stephanie Saul, Ben Smith, Hank Stephenson, Benjamin Weiser.Reporting was contributed by Emily Cochrane, Nicholas Fandos, Shane Goldmacher, Kathleen Gray, Adam Nagourney, Jeremy W. Peters, William K. Rashbaum, Stephanie Saul, Ben Smith, Hank Stephenson, Benjamin Weiser.