The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from January 25th, 2009
Feingold to Introduce Senate Vacancies Amendment
The Wisconsin Democrat wants special elections, rather than governors' appointments, to fill empty seats. “The controversies surrounding some of the recent gubernatorial appointments to vacant Senate seats make it painfully clear that such appointments are an anachronism that must end." Says he will introduce constitutional amendment this week. Read release here. Permalink
Gillibrand Pledges to "Hit the Ground Running"
New York's Senate appointee speaks to the press Sunday following lunch at the Waldorf with Hillary Clinton, Gov. Paterson and Sen. Schumer. Says "there's enormous space for common ground" on issues that she differs from fellow New York Democrats. Paterson also addresses the Kennedy saga: "She had gotten no signal from me that she had to withdraw." Plus: Monday's NY Post on Kennedy's reasons" for "withdrawing from Senate consideration were not connected to damaging claims from Gov. Paterson's camp that she owed back taxes, had a nanny problem or faced a marital scandal." Permalink
Republicans Raise Flag on Stimulus Plan
Rep. Boehner, Sen. McCain voice concerns over the massive spending proposal. Boehner on "Meet the Press:" "...I think a lot of Republicans will vote no, because they see this as a lot of wasteful Washington spending.” McCain on "Fox News Sunday: "I think there has to be major rewrites, if we want to stimulate the economy." And/But: Politico asks is President Obama a one-man stimulus? Permalink
Biden: "We Are Off and Running" on Stimulus
In his first interview as vice president, Biden says important progress is being made on the economic recovery package. Tells CBS' "Face the Nation": "We have already had a lot of bipartisan support... We are trying to get money out of the door as rapidly as possible." Click here to watch. Says he's spoken with six GOP Senators by phone. Plus: Says he's not "deputy president," but rather a confidant and adviser to the president. Permalink
ON THE SUNDAY SHOWS
Fox News Sunday: Sens. McCain, Schumer Face the Nation: Vice President Biden. Watch video here. Meet the Press: Larry Summers, Rep. Boehner. Read transcript here. This Week: Speaker Pelosi. Read transcript here. State of the Union: Mayor Bloomberg, Rep. Pence. Full transcript here. Permalink
Report: Obama to Tighten Financial Rules Shortly
NY Times: Coming changes include stricter rules for hedge funds, federal standards for mortgage brokers, and more. Still no specific timeframe for rule changes. The legislation envisioned by Barney Frank would put the Fed, or less likely another government agency, in charge of protecting the stability of the entire system. Plus: Is the President prepared to nationalize a huge swath of the nation's banking system? Permalink
Axelrod: "You Can't Solve Problems Overnight"
The presidential adviser says closing Guantanamo-- among other challenges-- will require patience. Plus: Gingrich warns the White House must soon "follow up their words with real behavior.” Permalink
"The Governor's Going to Pay For This"
Unnamed insiders tell New York's tabloids the Kennedys are livid at Paterson over the Caroline Kennedy Senate drama. NY Post: "The governor's going to pay for this... Ted is furious. The family is furious." NY Daily News: "To disparage her the way they have is beyond understanding." More from New York magazine on the "slapstick fiasco." Plus: Kennedy on Gillibrand: "I wish her well and I wish her good luck." Permalink
Bush Hearts West Texas
The former president writes a letter of thanks for his "welcome home" rally in Midland. "Our return to Midland was a perfect bookend to the journey we began in the same place in January 2001." Permalink
Gov. Kaine's Balancing Act
WashPost looks at the Virginia governor's challenge in also juggling the top DNC job. Unclear if DNC will reimburse Virginia for Kaine's security on the road. Criticism from DailyKos' Moulitsas. Permalink
Aides: Obama Calls Cabinet System Outdated
Politico examines Obama's heavy use of czars, envoys and other officials outside the traditional executive branch structure. "Aides say he believes the Cabinet structure is outdated because it doesn’t recognize that problems like global warming sprawl across several agencies...." Permalink
AP: Pork Can Still Fill Stimulus Bill
The wire service says a "shadow lobbying effort" is underway to include lawmakers' pet projects in the spending bill. Lawmakers and lobbyists are said to be skirting around Obama's ban on earmarks. Permalink
Newsweek Fronts the First Couple
The magazine says ongoin g economic woes mean Obama's "smile won't last long." Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
