President-elect Donald Trump intends to nominate former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue to serve as agriculture secretary, according to a person familiar with the decision but not authorized to speak publicly before it is announced.
Category: US Governors
Chamber passes resolution supporting Orr for Sessions’ seat
The Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce passed a resolution today supporting the selection of state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, to replace U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions if Sessions is confirmed as U.S. attorney general. Because of Judiciary Committee rules, Sessions has to wait longer than other Cabinet picks until his nomination can come to the floor.
Not real impressed with that speech
Governor Rick Snyder gave his annual state of the state speech last night. If you missed it, don’t feel bad.
Haley slams Obama for not blocking UN measure against Israel
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley assailed the Obama administration on Wednesday for failing to block a U.N. Security Council resolution that condemned Israel’s settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Nikki Haley Set for Confirmation Hearing
Nikki Haley delivers the State of the State in the House chambers at the South Carolina Statehouse, Jan. 20, 2016, in Columbia, South Carolina. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will face the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday for her confirmation hearing to be considered as President-elect Donald Trump ‘s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations .
Party at Pence’s: LGBT activists host dance party outside VP-elect’s Chevy Chase rental
Party at Pence’s: LGBT activists host dance party outside VP-elect’s Chevy Chase rental Activists brandished rainbow flags and signs that read “Queer Love” and “Trans Power.” Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2jB7lY9 Participants dances and march in the Chevy Chase, Md., neighborhood.
California progressivism is no substitute for activism
After overwhelmingly voting for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton by a margin of almost 2-1, the Golden State has now become the Blue State. But in anticipation of a Trump presidency, California quickly organized itself and reassured its residents that it would be a bulwark against perceived threats to justice, opportunity and progress.
Gov’s brief mention of Flint outrages congressman
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder mentioned the Flint water crisis 34 minutes into his “State of the State” address Tuesday. For Rep. Dan Kildee, whose congressional district includes the city, that 34-minute wait was too long.
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm named senior political commentator at CNN
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is joining CNN as a senior political commentator, according to Adweek , a trade publication covering the media and advertising industry. Granholm, a Democrat, is one of nine political commentators and contributors added by the cable news network for 2017 as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.
Maine governor to Rep. John Lewis: You need a history lesson
Maine Gov. Paul LePage says U.S. Rep. John Lewis needs a history lesson and should be grateful for all that presidents have done for black people.
Conservative talk radio host mulls Senate run in Virginia
Conservative talk radio host Laura Ingraham says she’s considering a 2018 challenge to Democrat Tim Kaine for a U.S. Senate representing Virginia. But the former attorney and Reagan White House aide said she’s been flattered by several “well-connected” people in Virginia asking her to be a candidate.
Paul LePage: John Lewis should thank Republican presidents for ending slavery, fighting Jim Crow
Paul LePage, the Republican governor of Maine, said Tuesday that civil rights icon and Georgia Rep. John Lewis should “look at history” and say “thank you” to 19th century Republican presidents for fighting for the rights of African-Americans. LePage’s comments come after Lewis said on NBC News that Donald Trump was not a “legitimate” president.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson unveils bipartisan legislation to abolish executions
Flanked by former Attorney General Rob McKenna and Governor Jay Inslee, current Attorney General Bob Ferguson today announced a major new effort to abolish the barbaric practice of state-sponsored executions in Washington, supported by a bipartisan group of legislators from each house. Declaring that it is the responsibility of leaders to lead, Ferguson said the time has come for the Legislature to take a vote on ending the costly, ineffective death penalty.
Anti-Trumper John Kasich to doubters: I’m no lame duck
In less than a year’s time, Ohio Gov. John Kasich has gone from an “adult in the room” alternative in a fractious Republican presidential field, to a potential convention spoiler in Cleveland, to now facing a hostile new president who reached down personally to seize control of the state GOP. The roller coaster ride has left many wondering whether Kasich’s political star and personal influence have faded.
Pence Looks Like He Will Be Trump’s Inside Man in Congress
When Mike Pence landed in Congress after the 2000 election, he was a conservative agitator who often bucked President George W. Bush’s agenda. Seventeen years later, he’s the vice president-elect and Donald Trump’s inside man on Capitol Hill .
Freeman Mathis & Gary announces additions
Freeman Mathis & Gary announced the expansion of the firm’s government and regulatory practices with the addition of Dan Lee, principal of Piedmont Public Affairs.
Anti-Trumper John Kasich to doubters: Ia m no lame duck
In less than a year’s time, Ohio Gov. John Kasich has gone from an “adult in the room” alternative in a fractious Republican presidential field, to a potential convention spoiler in Cleveland, to now facing a hostile new president who reached down personally to seize control of the state GOP. The roller coaster ride has left many wondering whether Kasich’s political star and personal influence have faded.
Democrats rally in Richmond for Affordable Care Act
Congressman Donald McEachin speaks during the Our First Stand: Save Health Care rally at the Capitol Square Bell Tower in Richmond VA Sun.
Few Asian-Americans hold top legal jobs, new study says
California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu is interviewed in his office in San Francisco, Friday, Jan. 13, 2017. A new study co-authored by Liu, a prominent Asian American judge, finds Asian Americans are well-represented among the nation’s attorneys, but still missing from leadership positions in the legal profession.
GOP leaders pledge vape law overhaul, subject of FBI probe
Republican legislative leaders say they want to unwind stiff regulations they imposed on Indiana’s vaping industry, which created a stranglehold on the burgeoning market for one company and prompted an FBI investigation. The law, which is subject to a legal challenge, was passed in 2015 ostensibly to ensure that the nicotine-laced liquid consumed through vaping met safety standards.
Strickland assistant talks about experiences on campaign trail
At age 23, he became personal assistant to former Ohio governor Ted Strickland, campaigning across the state during the Democrat’s bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Rob Portman.
Trump’s tough talk unlikely to redefine U.S. relationship with China
Donald Trump talked tough on China during his presidential run, blaming the country for the loss of American jobs, lobbing accusations of unfair currency manipulation or hostile trade practices, and suggesting that the United States levy enormous tariffs on Chinese goods. “Look at what China is doing to our country,” Mr.Trump said in September, during a presidential debate with Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Toyota’s line into Trump: Mike Pence
Broadsided by this month’s Trump tweet targeting Toyota, the Japanese carmaker’s president, Akio Toyoda, is wasting no time in appealing to the new administration. On day one of the Detroit auto show, Toyoda ballyhooed the company’s plan to invest $10 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
The Latest: Capitol architect says pig painting breaks rules
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., center, accompanied by Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Md., right, and Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 to discuss P… Just weeks before a gunman opened fire at Fort Lauderdale’s airport, authorities said he walked into an FBI office in Alaska, telling agents the government was controlling his mind and that he was having… Just weeks before a gunman opened fire at Fort Lauderdale’s airport, authorities said he walked into an FBI office in Alaska, telling agents the government was controlling his mind and that he was having terroristic… States across the nation’s midsection are bracing for another round of winter storms expected to add to thick ice that already has glazed roads, grounded flights and prompted class cancellations amid warnings… Parts of the central U.S. grappled … (more)
A Total Abortion Ban Was Introduced In Congress & Here’s What It Means
Rep. Steve King has introduced a bill into Congress that would essentially amount to a total abortion ban, Rewire reports . The introduction of this bill came on the heels of a vote that would defund the Affordable Care Act , also known as Obamacare, as well as Paul Ryan’s promise to defund Planned Parenthood .
Analysis: Tax cut push comes as budget projected to tighten
After commanding the legislative agenda for six years, Republicans say now is the time to finally enact a major tax cut for Michigan residents. GOP lawmakers pushing to gradually repeal the 4.25 percent personal income tax will confront some stark realities – namely, future budget pressures created by the Legislature itself.
Tax help breaks legislative ice, but bigger fights loom
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton addresses reporters Tuesday morning prior to the start of the 2017 Minnesota State legislative session. The Democratic Governor will face stiff challenges in his final two years with Republicans controlling both the house and the senate.
Mike Pence Shops for Ice Cream
Vice president-elect Mike Pence and his wife Karen Pence embrace at Republican president-elect Donald Trump’s election night event. Soon-to-be Vice President Mike Pence makes emergency ice cream runs just like the rest of us — except for the gang of Secret Service agents trailing him, of course.
In first act, Reykdal pulls OSPI out of lawsuit against school districts
New state Superintendent Chris Reykdal, right, has directed OSPI lawyers to pull the agency out of a lawsuit filed by his predecessor Randy Dorn. As one of his first acts as state schools superintendent, Chris Reykdal has undone one of the final acts of his predecessor, Randy Dorn.
New York Voting Process ‘Very Close to Failing,’ Advocate Says
Common Cause New York said the state lags far behind others in areas like early voting, allocating polling place resources and using electronic poll books. The organization led the federal suit against voter suppression in the city.
The misfortunes of the vice presidents from Indiana
Indiana has produced five vice presidents, but history shows that they didn’t have the best of luck once in office. “I just want to give Mike Pence an advanced warning that sometimes Hoosiers and the vice presidency do not go well together,” said Ray Boomhower, senior editor of the Indiana Historical Society Press.
Common themes among Obama’s good-bye and Holcomb’s hello
One speech said hello. The other said goodbye – sort of. As I watched new Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s inaugural address and outgoing President Barack Obama’s farewell address, I was struck by their similarities.
States – Including West Virginia – Face Questions About Billionaire Leaders
Some of the conflict-of-interest issues swirling around President-elect Donald Trump in Washington are playing out on a smaller scale in West Virginia, where the richest man in the state – an Appalachian coal baron with real estate, resort and farm holdings, too – is about to be sworn in as governor. Democratic Gov.-elect Jim Justice, like Trump, has refused to shed his holdings, giving assurances he can be trusted to act honorably.
Trump says buy LL Bean but many products are made in China
Republican President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday urged people to buy from outdoors retailer L.L. Bean – even though many of its products are made in China – as it faces calls for a boycott because of a company heiress’ donations to his candidacy. Trump, in tweeting the endorsement, garnered criticism from the nonpartisan money-in-politics watchdog Every Voice for “personally encouraging his supporters to boost the companies of his super donors.”
Stephanie Grace: Bobby Jindal’s side won the election. Could John Bel …
Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNIS. Governor Bobby Jindal speaks about his reelection Saturday and new staff personnel.
Trump defends L.L. Bean heiress over donations backing him
In this June 2012 photo, Linda Bean speaks to reporters outside the Cabinet Room after a meeting with Maine Gov. Paul LePage at the State House in Augusta, Maine. President-elect Donald Trump urged Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, for people to buy L.L. Bean products as the company faces calls for a boycott because of Linda Bean’s donations to his candidacy.
Manchin: Research showing repeal ofACA would cripple opioid epidemic fight –
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and prominent organizations and healthcare service providers in West Virginia, announce research by Harvard and New York University that shows repealing the Affordable Care Act would cut $5.5 billion per year from the fight against the opioid epidemic.
Walker’s Wisconsin Tuition Plan Shuffles Political Alliances
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s proposal to cut tuition at the University of Wisconsin and use taxpayer funds to pay for it is shaking up normal political alliances with some Democrats supporting it while skeptical fellow Republicans worry it could put the state on a path toward socialist Bernie Sanders ‘ free college tuition plan. Republican governors across the nation have criticized universities over higher tuition and some, including Walker, have forced tuition freezes.
The Latest: Reaction split on proposed California budget
Republican state lawmakers are optimistic about Gov. Jerry Brown’s fiscally restrained budget, while Democrats want more spending on social welfare programs. Brown is proposing more than $3 billion in cuts as California faces uncertainty about federal funding under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump .
Governor pitches $122.5B California budget, warns of deficit
California Gov. Jerry Brown discusses his 2017-2018 state budget plan he released at a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif. California Gov. Jerry Brown discusses his 2017-2018 state budget plan he released at a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, in Sacramento, Calif.