The Texas Blue: News
New Home Sales Tank
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 10:00am
On Monday, Curtis Rochelle reported that sales on existing homes had actually picked up a bit in February over January, but cautioned against any raging optimism in regards to the housing crisis. Today the Commerce Department reports that new home sales decreased by 1.8 percent in February, settling to a pace lower than anything since 1995.
The Newest Libertarian: Mike Gravel
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 9:00am
An incredible development: Senator Mike Gravel, formerly seeking the Democratic nomination for President, has decided to bail on the Democratic Party altogether. He will now seek the Libertarian nomination, which will be decided at the party's convention in late May.
News Roundup, 3/26/2008: A World in Flux
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 8:56am
Tuesday presented new developments in Iraq, the Antarctic, and Indiana, of all places.
Lawyers for Hillary
Wed, 03/26/2008 - 8:54am
If you plan on attending this Saturday's conventions in Texas, you are likely to see plenty of familiar faces, some newly motivated Democrats ready to make a difference, and an attorney volunteering for the Clinton campaign. The Politico's Ben Smith has the text of an email sent to the Lawyers for Hillary group, stating a goal "to have an attorney present at each of the convention sites this Saturday."
If you were harboring hope for a speedy convention, you may be disappointed.
Sadr Militia Cease-Fire Endangered in Iraq
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 7:28pm
Today conditions deteriorated significantly:
Heavy fighting broke out Tuesday in two of Iraq’s largest cities, as Iraqi ground forces and helicopters mounted a huge operation to break the grip of the Shiite militias controlling Basra, and Iraqi forces clashed with militias in Baghdad. The fighting threatened to destabilize a long-term truce that had helped reduce the level of violence in the five-year-old Iraq war.
Optimism Does Not Win Seats
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 5:00pm
The Wall Street Journal tries to help NRCC Chair and Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole find the upside for House Republicans in the electoral beatings scheduled for November. Honestly, reading this is like reading a scouting report for the Kansas City Royals, but with less hope at second base.
Many GOP Committee Seat Openings
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 4:00pm
With 29 retirements among House GOP members thus far and the possibility of mounting defeats in the fall, plenty of seats on plenty of committees are opening up on the Republican side. Some relatively fresh-faced members will have a shot filling some high-profile, coveted spots on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and even Appropriations. Patrick O'Connor has a rather tongue-in-cheek rundown of the vacancies over at Politico.
Bad Antarctic News
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 3:00pm
Oh. Hey. This isn't good:
A chunk of Antarctic ice about seven times the size of Manhattan suddenly collapsed, putting an even greater portion of glacial ice at risk, scientists said Tuesday.
Well, at least global warming isn't real, am I right? Hello?
Huge Voter Turnout Creates Good News, Bad News Angles
By Chris Bell
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 2:30pm
Be careful what you wish for. That old saw is ringing in some ears as a result of this month’s Texas primary.
Coming Soon To A Historic Site Near You?
Tue, 03/25/2008 - 1:00pm
230 years have passed since the Continental Army under the command of General George Washington weathered a brutal winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. While there wasn't an actual battle at Valley Forge back in the winter of 1777-1778, there is a battle going on there now.