Daily Archives: June 6, 2020

WASHINGTON The Senate landscape has improved so much for Democrats that top party operatives are calling and texting one another to say they wish the election were held today.

Election Day is still five months away, but recent polls, fundraising deficits and other problems for Republican incumbents have diminished their prospects and opened up several possible avenues for Democrats to take control of the chamber.

I would rather be the Democrats than Republicans right now, said Jessica Taylor, the Senate editor of the Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election forecaster. Democrats have expanded the map and put Republicans on defense even in some very red states.

The stakes are enormous for the legislative agenda of the next president a re-elected Donald Trump or apparent Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who leads in national polls and most swing states as well as the future of the courts. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the leader of the liberal wing, turns 88 next year, and the next Senate might get to confirm her successor.

Trump's struggles in historically Republican states, like Arizona and Georgia, are creating collateral damage for his party's Senate candidates. Public skepticism of Trump's handling of the pandemic, and a Biden's expanding lead since the nationwide backlash to George Floyd's death, has put many GOP Senate candidates in a difficult position. They're forced to navigate a polarizing president whose ardent supporters they cannot afford to alienate and whose skeptics they'll likely need to attract to win.

Democrats currently have 47 seats four short of an outright majority and three shy of a controlling number should Biden win as his vice president could cast any tie-breaking votes. Theyre more likely than not to lose one seat in Alabama, held by Sen. Doug Jones, but have lots of pickup opportunities. GOP-held seats in Arizona, Colorado, Maine and North Carolina are rated toss up by the Cook Political Report.

Republicans are defending another five seats in Iowa, Kansas, Montana and two in Georgia that are in play but lean GOP, while Democrats are defending a seat in Michigan, where theyre favored. Of the 11 most competitive seats, Republicans are defending nine and Democrats two.

A few months ago, Democrats felt uncertain about winning the majority as Sens. Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine are the only Republican targets in states Trump lost in 2016.

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Lately theyre feeling so good that Biden said at a fundraiser last week that he believes Democrats will pick up six Senate seats, without elaborating, according to a pool report.

For the moment, all of the things that need to happen for Democrats to take control of the Senate are happening, said Guy Cecil, chairman of the Democratic super PAC Priorities USA, which plans to spend more than $200 million to win the White House and Senate. Im optimistic that we can win back the Senate.

Some GOP operatives fear that races like Colorado and Arizona once thought to be close are slipping away while Maine and North Carolina are becoming too close for comfort.

The nonpartisan newsletter Inside Elections rates Gardner's seat as "tilt Democratic."

Collins, meanwhile, did not join Trump during his visit to Maine on Friday, although she denied that the president was hurting her chances of re-election. But she said Democrats' attacks on her have had an impact as she has been out-raised and out-spent: "Its the barrage of unfounded falsehoods that have taken a toll," she said.

Arizona's Republican Sen. Martha McSally has consistently trailed former astronaut Mark Kelly, husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords, since last August, including by 13 points in a new Fox News survey.

And in North Carolina, Thom Tillis, the GOP incumbent, and his Democratic opponent, former state Sen. Cal Cunningham, were statistically tied in two recent polls.

A Montana State University poll in April found that state's Democratic governor, Steve Bullock, leading Republican Sen. Steve Daines by 7 points after Bullock's late entry breathed life into a red-state race that Democrats had all but written off.

And in Georgia, appointed Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler, sworn in this year, drew criticism for stock trades made on her behalf after early coronavirus briefings, for which shes been cleared by the Justice Department. Loeffler, who said she was unaware of the transactions at the time, faces a contentious "jungle primary" that includes Republican Rep. Doug Collins.

Republicans say the political environment will change as coronavirus lockdowns continue to ease after claiming more than 100,000 lives and Americans start to return to work.

Where we stand today is not an accurate picture of where we will be, said GOP consultant Brad Todd, who counts Tillis and Gardner as clients. We've been in such an abnormal position for the past 60 days that projecting it forward is careless, if not hubris.

Todd said Republicans will be helped by elevating the question of which party voters trust to rebuild the economy.

"I don't see anybody thinking that by October the economy has bounced back completely, he said.

National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Jesse Hunt said most Democratic candidates have not yet faced the scrutiny that GOP incumbents have.

Democratic challengers have lived a charmed life up to this point, Hunt said. As the ad wars begin to heat up and the press begins to scrutinize these Democrats, their records and scandals will be laid bare for voters to see and evaluate whether or not they are capable of handling the immense challenges facing the Senate.

But Lauren Passalacqua, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, said Republicans will pay a price for their efforts to repeal or overturn Affordable Care Act protections, as health care remains a top issue for voters.

"Democrats are focused on the issues that matter to voters, including affordable health care coverage, and are reporting record-breaking grassroots support, which is how weve expanded the map and continue to move these races in our direction," she said.

Republicans, meanwhile, are hyping the Michigan race after GOP businessman and Iraq war veteran John James out-raised Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Polls roundly show Peters leading.

Overall, the Cook Political Report's Taylor said, Democratic challengers are by far out-raising the Republicans early on.

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Democrats move within striking range of taking the Senate, forecasts say - NBC News

Not at all. We laid the groundwork in 2018 and he wouldnt have had a competitive primary if not for what we were able to do. I think what America needs is for people like Steve King to have their voices quieted, and I think this is a huge step forward for America. What were trying to do here in the Fourth District is the same thing we did last time. Its not talking about who were against or what were against, but what were for.

But doesnt this mean you have a tougher campaign ahead?

The people who are saying this race is an uphill battle as of now are the same people who told me that last time. Were going to work our tails off, get out there with our campaign R.V., which we named Sioux City Sue. Were going to go out and earn your vote. I spent more nights in Walmart parking lots the last few months of the campaign last cycle than I did in my own bed.

Were the second biggest agriculture-producing district in America. Were 39 counties, very rural, and in order to compete and connect with folks where theyre at, youve got to get out there. This past fall we went to 38 of 39 counties and towns of under 1,000 people and we called it the Dont Forget About Us tour. Some of these communities are fighting to keep their grocery stores. Some have to drive 30 minutes to buy fresh produce. When farmers arent making a dime, something isnt adding up.

How do you change your strategy?

It literally doesnt change. We go out there and campaign everywhere and, like I said, it doesnt matter who you are, were going to invite you to the table. If you came on the road with us last time, we barely mentioned Steve King.

Theres not enough people fighting for something who are running for office. The people of the Fourth District are sick of divisive politics. Its not enough just not being Steve King. We need to have something for this district and the ability to bring people together. And thats what we plan to do.

Do you intend to make it a campaign issue that Mr. Feenstra did not attack Mr. Kings racism?

He talks about how much of a man he is of faith. And theres a Proverbs message that really is near and dear to my heart. Its Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. To me, the absence of all five of the Republicans even addressing the George Floyd death or any of these protests or anything like that, I feel thats a huge issue. I think thats the type of people we dont need to go to Congress.

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With Steve King Gone, Does the Democrat Have a Shot in His Iowa District? - The New York Times

Republican operatives are attempting to link vulnerable Democrats to progressive members calls to disband police departments and reduce their budgets as they look to flip key swing districts in November.

Top progressive lawmakers and outside groups have called for substantial changes to the structure of U.S. law enforcement after thedeath of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in Minneapolis who died during an arrest after a police officer knelt on his neck.

Rep. Ilhan OmarIlhan OmarNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police Top progressive lawmaker unveils bill requiring national police training standards Pelosi demands Trump clarify deployment of unidentified law enforcement in DC MORE (D-Minn.) tweeted Friday: The Minneapolis Police Department has proven themselves beyond reform. Its time to disband them and reimagine public safety in Minneapolis."

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-CortezAlexandria Ocasio-CortezNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police Overnight Energy: US Park Police say 'tear gas' statements were 'mistake' | Trump to reopen area off New England coast for fishing | Vulnerable Republicans embrace green issues Engel primary challenger hits million in donations MORE (D-N.Y.) also took to social media to blast New Yorks police budget, tweeting: If police budgets bought peace, the $6 billion NYPD budget wouldve bought the most sophisticated de-escalatory operation in the world. Clearly, it didnt.

The Minneapolis Police Department has proven themselves beyond reform.

Its time to disband them and reimagine public safety in Minneapolis.

Thank you to @MplsWard3 for your leadership on this! https://t.co/AQfHM5M6eR

Last night the NYPD Sergeants union *publicly threatened the mayors daughter* while they held her.

Indefensible.

If police budgets bought peace, the $6 *billion* NYPD budget wouldve bought the most sophisticated de-escalatory operation in the world.

Clearly, it didnt. https://t.co/wjl8MG059w

Republicans have slammed the proposal, arguing that while bad actors like those responsible for Floyds death should be held accountable, they believe that defunding and disbanding the police goes too far. A number of Democrats, including Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Karen BassKaren Ruth BassNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police House Judiciary Committee to hold hearing on police brutality next week Minority caucuses call for quick action on police reform MORE (D-Calif.), also said they dont agree with calls to defund law enforcement.

"No, I don't believe that we should defund police departments," she said at apress conference on Wednesday.

While the Democratic party is not in agreement over the issue, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the House GOP's campaign arm, and outside groups like the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) are looking to seize on progressives comments by taking aim at those representing purple districts, many of which flipped during the midterm election cycle.

Of all of the things these insane Democrats have tried to abolish, this may be the most dangerously insane one yet, NRCC spokesman Chris Pack said in a statement. Whats next, the fire department?

While the Democratic lawmakers and candidates being targeted have not publicly weighed in on the topic, the NRCC has taken to social media and sent out numerous email blasts targeting members.

[Rep.] Tom MalinowskiThomas (Tom) MalinowskiNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police Gun control group rolls out House endorsements Human Rights Campaign rolls out congressional endorsements on Equality Act anniversary MORE (D-N.J.) is honored to have the support of Indivisible, an extreme liberal group that wants to defund the police. Malinowski has even gone so far to say the group is 'essential to a healthy democracy',"it sent in a mass email on Thursday.

And CLF, the main House Republican super PAC, has employed similar tactics, highlighting donations made by Omar to vulnerable members campaigns.

WillRep. Underwood stay silent about her top donor [Omar]'s support of defunding the police? WillUnderwood push to defundChicago Police as well? the group tweeted, referring to Rep. Lauren UnderwoodLauren UnderwoodNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police Julin Castro launches PAC to support progressive candidates Gun control group rolls out House endorsements MORE (D-Ill.), whom Omar has supported.

Will @RepUnderwood stay silent about her top donor @IlhanMN's support of defunding the police? Will @LaurenUnderwood push to defund @Chicago_Police as well? https://t.co/ljEng9EBb7 #ILpolitics #IL14 https://t.co/8trZRfwd2y

Attempting to connect moderates with progressive policies has been a leading component in the GOPs strategy in its efforts to take back control of the lower chamber.

While at times the NRCCs aggressive messaging tactics have come under fire, the group has asserted it needs to take a bold approach if theGOP is going to flip back the House.

Democratic lawmakers have vowed to take bold legislative action to prevent police brutality, but it is unclear whether any of the bills will include language to change the funding mechanisms for police departments.

Well, I did hear of Los Angeles, that's about almost onetenth of the budget, it's about $1.3ish billion, so that would be onetenth of that,"Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiNRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police Shocking job numbers raise hopes for quicker recovery Engel primary challenger hits million in donations MORE (D-Calif.) said at a press conference on Thursday when asked about thecity'splan to divert $150 million fromLAPD to various other programs. "Again, I'd refer to the Congressional Black Caucus as to how they want to prioritize. Its a question of curating some of these... overlap, prioritizing and then deciding in how many different bills will they appear."

Some of them may have some bipartisan support right away and others may need some more work in that regard," she added. "So we shall see.

Excerpt from:

NRCC turns up heat on vulnerable Democrats over Omar's call to abolish police | TheHill - The Hill

As the pandemic continues to prevent large in-person gatherings, the candidates in Texas' top Democratic primary runoff will meet Saturday for a virtual debate at the Texas Democratic Convention. The threat of the new coronavirus has meant MJ Hegar and Royce West have been campaigning almost exclusively online since the March primary.

West, a state senator from Dallas, has emphasized his endorsements. He has touted the support of most of his Democratic colleagues in the Legislature. Hegar, a former Air Force helicopter pilot, has received the backing of the powerful Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Hegar finished first in the 12-way Democratic Senate primary on March 3. She remains the top Democratic fundraiser, ending the latest fundraising period which went through March 31 with $1.1 million cash on hand to West's $121,000.

Watch the debate live starting at 6 p.m. Central Time.

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Royce West and MJ Hegar debate ahead of U.S. Senate Democratic runoff - The Texas Tribune

The Cabarrus County Senior Democrats will host their monthly meeting online on Tuesday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Normally held at Troutmans BBQ, this month the event will be hosted on ZOOM. To register for the event click on this link, https://tinyurl.com/ccsdJune9 .

This month the featured speaker is candidate for U.S. Congress, Justice Pat Timmons-Goodson. She is a civil rights leader and former North Carolina Supreme Court justice running for Congress to continue her outstanding career of public service. Pat grew up as the eldest of six children in a military family, and her parents taught her the value of education.

She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was among the first African American students to become a double Tar Heel. After law school, she oversaw district operations for the U.S. Census during the 1980 count. She went on to serve as a Cumberland County assistant district attorney and worked for Legal Aid. At the age of 29, Timmons-Goodson became the first African American woman named in the 12th Judicial District of North Carolina. She was elected to three consecutive terms and was elevated to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 1997. In 2006, Pat was honored to become the first African American woman on the Supreme Court of North Carolina.

Voters in the state ratified the governors appointment in a statewide election later that year. She stepped down from the Supreme Court in 2012 and was appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights in 2014. In 2016, President Obama nominated her to serve as a judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The American Bar Association unanimously gave her its highest rating, but the Senate never acted on her nomination. Pat has been awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award offered for state service, and the North Carolina Bar Association named her a Liberty Bell Award recipient.

Timmons-Goodson and her husband, Dr. Ernest Goodson, met as students at UNC. The proud parents of two adult sons. Pat and Dr. Goodson live in Fayetteville, where they are active members in their church, First Baptist Church, Moore Street.

Pat is running for Congress to expand economic opportunity for hardworking North Carolina families.

I wanted to be that lawyer that folks came to when they had a problem that they could not solve, she said of her decision to dedicate her career to helping others. As a graduate of a North Carolina public university, she is deeply committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Vezza said Timmons-Goodson is a trailblazer who has broken down barriers throughout her career, and she credits her father for teaching her to resist the forces holding her back, and to instead focus her energy on moving forward. She believes that each generation is charged with strengthening America and continuing its centuries of progress, and she has worked tirelessly to fulfill that duty as an attorney, a judge, and as a member of the United States Commission on Civil Rights.

"Our board recognizes the special threat that COVID 19 poses for our age group,CCSD President Vincent Vezza said. Until restrictions are fully lifted, we live in a world where virtual gatherings are now the norm.

Vezza said during this election cycle, the senior Democrats are co-sponsoring the virtual venue with the Cabarrus County Democratic Party, the Cabarrus County Democratic Women, and the Young Democrats of Cabarrus County. As much as we miss meeting in person over good food and refreshments, this online alternative allows this democratic coalition to greatly expand our reach to an audience eager to hear from candidates, Vezza said.

In this time of pandemic restrictions, strained health care delivery, economic retrenchment and civil unrest, we desperately need to hear a message of hope for our county, state, and nation. To that end we ask candidates to share their vision and plans for a better future, he said.

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Senior Democrats to hear from congressional candidate in virtual meeting - Independent Tribune

East Lyme Town Democrats have organized a peaceful rally and vigil to take place at noon Saturday at the Samuel M. Peretz Park at Bridebrook, 221 West Main St.

The event seeks to honor the lives of George Floyd and Breonna Taylorwhile alsostanding "in solidarity with Black Indigenous People of Color in the fight against racism, the fight for social justice and to support the reform necessary to break the cycle of brutality that led to their, and countless other deaths," according to a Facebook post about the event.

Floyd is the blackman who died lastmonth after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee into his neck during an arrest, andTayloris a black womanfatally shot in her own home by Louisville Metro Police Department officers in March.

Confirmed speakers at the event will include Dr. Terrlyn L. Currey, founder of Sacred Intelligence; Jean Jordan, a retired teacher and president of the New London NAACP; Janelle Posey-Green, a social worker who recently created the CT Black Mental Health Forum to support the emotional needs of the local black community; Tariko Satterfield, an entrepreneur; Kevin Booker Jr., founder of Booker Empowerment, and Elizabeth Allen, a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience onsubstance abuse, complex trauma and forensic settings.

Those coming to the event are asked to wear a mask and follow social distancing measures.

m.biekert@theday.com

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East Lyme Democrats to host peaceful rally and vigil Saturday - theday.com

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced today that a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease is occurring in Wangata health zone, Mbandaka, in quateur province. The announcement comes as a long, difficult and complex Ebola outbreak in easternDemocratic Republic of the Congois in its final phase, while the country also battles COVID-19 and the worlds largest measles outbreak.

Initial information from the Ministry of Health is that six Ebola cases have so far been detected in Wangata, of which four have died and two are alive and under care. Three of these six cases have been confirmed with laboratory testing. It is likely more people will be identified with the disease as surveillance activities increase.

This is a reminder that COVID-19 is not the only health threat people face, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Although much of our attention is on the pandemic, WHO is continuing to monitor and respond to many other health emergencies.

This is the Democratic Republic of the Congos 11th outbreak of Ebola since the virus was first discovered in the country in 1976. The city of Mbandaka and its surrounding area were the site of Democratic Republic of the Congos 9th Ebola outbreak, which took place from May to July 2018.

Its happening at a challenging time, but WHO has worked over the last two years with health authorities, Africa CDC and other partners to strengthen national capacity to respond to outbreaks, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. To reinforce local leadership, WHO plans to send a team to support scaling up the response. Given the proximity of this new outbreak to busy transport routes and vulnerable neighbouring countries we must act quickly.

WHO is already on the ground in Mbandaka supporting the response to this outbreak, as part of capacity built during the 2018 outbreak. The team supported the collection and testing of samples, and reference to the national laboratory for confirmation. Contact tracing is underway. Work is ongoing to send additional supplies from North Kivu and from Kinshasa to support the government-led response. A further 25 people are expected to arrive in Mbandaka tomorrow. WHO is also working to ensure that essential health services are provided to communities despite these emergency events.

The Democratic Republic of the Congos 10th outbreak of Ebola, in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces, is in its final stages. On 14 May 2020, the Ministry of Health began the 42-day countdown to the declaration of the end of that outbreak.

New outbreaks of Ebola are expected in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo given the existence of the virus in an animal reservoir in many parts of the country.

Note to Editors - key figures

COVID-19 in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo

Measles in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo

Recent Ebola outbreaks in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo

11th outbreak: Mbandaka, quateur province.

10thoutbreak: North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces

9th outbreak: Mbandaka, quateur province.

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New Ebola outbreak detected in northwest Democratic Republic of the Congo; WHO surge team supporting the response - World Health Organization