Voter Political Blog

Contenders for the retiring Mel Martinez’s Senate Seat breathed a sigh of relief as former Florida Governor Jeb Bush announced that he would not be a 2010 Senate Candidate. Also breathing a sigh of relief are Florida Democrats who are undoubtedly planning a relatively easy pick up for their party in the next election cycle.

Although his brother made a mockery of the Republican Party in his second Presidential term, Jeb Bush is really a stand up Republican and a great servant for the people of Florida. I must admit that I’m disappointed that he won’t be running for office and I’m sure there is no shortage of Florida Republicans thinking the same thing.

In a message he sent to Facebook supporters, the Former Florida Governor said that he intended to stay as active as ever to support the principles he governed with and that he would help rebuild the Republican Party - which we all know is broken pretty severely.

This leaves one to wonder if Jeb’s people are booking airline tickets to Des Moines. You know, to look at the corn, drive around aimlessly, look at some more corn, maybe run for President. Obviously, Jeb is at an inherent disadvantage coming from the Bush family after his brother will leave office with under a 30% approval rating. That said, Jeb isn’t his brother and he may very well make an excellent Presidential candidate. I can think of a few better candidates personally, but aside from his name, Jeb is certainly acceptable and more than qualified.

I’ve had two friends who have worked in the White House tell me this exact thing, “Don’t throw out your Bush For President campaign signs.” Which means either Jeb is interested in a Presidential run, or that the signs are going to fetch a small fortune in 50 years on E-Bay. Judging by the context, I’m assessing Jeb is interested in the job.

But there is quite a bit of difference between “interest” and “campaign.” Unless Obama really screws up in his first term, I can’t imagine another Bush will be a viable candidate in 2012. And when I say screw up, I mean, “Opps, I didn’t mean to fire that nuke at Philadelphia.” Not only would that hurt Obama’s popularity, but with Pennsylvania missing one of it’s most liberal cities, Republicans would probably be able to win the state. That’s the kind of insane screw up I’m talking about.

Of course, Jeb could hire a boat load of image consultants, campaign as just “Jeb!” like he did for Governor, hope that the Republican field is incredibly weak, and maybe get lucky and have people vote on issues instead of name association.

Opinions by Kevin Tracy

(CNN) — New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is withdrawing his nomination to be commerce secretary, citing the distraction of a federal investigation into ties to a company that has done business with his state.

Two Democratic officials told CNN the investigation involves a California company that won municipal bond business in New Mexico after contributing money to various Richardson causes.

In a statement Sunday, Richardson said he asked Obama “not to move forward” with his nomination now.

“I do so with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months,” the statement reads. “Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process.

More at CNN

The political drama from Illinois is nothing short of spectacular.  If this were a book, a warning would be placed on the cover not to read late at night as the contents may keep reader up all night long.   (I am loving this story!!)

The latest article to titillate from the Chicago Tribune, (the famed paper is doing an outstanding job during the past month covering every angle of the story as is WGN Radio and TV) is the possibility that Governor Rod Blagojevich will escort his nominee for the U.S. Senate to Washington, even to the Senate floor.  There is also a report that armed guards may be there to block the entrance to the floor.  If Roland Burris ever wanted to be remembered in the history books, this just might do it.  (Will C-SPAN 2 get a record number of viewers?)

Whether this happens is of course contingent on the actions of the Illinois Secretary of State Jessie White, the Illinois State Supreme Court, and the leaders in the Senate.  But given the chapters of this story that we already have watched unfold this past month I am not betting against anything from happening.

As U.S. Senate leadership developed an elaborate set of contingency plans Wednesday to keep Roland Burris from taking over President-elect Barack Obama’s seat, the disputed appointee promised not to “create a scene” when the Senate convenes next week.Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the outcomes range from a denial of entry to a limbo where he can hire staff but not vote.Jesse White to certify Blagojevich’s paperwork making the appointment.

If Burris shows up Tuesday to claim the seat given to him by disgraced

On Wednesday, Burris’ lawyers took the first legal action in what could be a prolonged court fight, seeking to force Illinois Secretary of State

Should Burris appear in Washington without that certification, armed police officers stand ready to bar him from the Senate floor, said a Democratic official briefed on Senate leaders’ plans.

Leadership also is considering the possibility of Blagojevich appearing in person to escort Burris. Ironically, the scandal-plagued governor would be allowed onto the Senate floor, because sitting governors are allowed floor privileges, while Burris would not without certification. Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the governor had not decided whether he will appear in Washington next week with Burris.

Democratic leaders hope to avoid any standoff, and in an interview with the Tribune on Wednesday, Burris said he hoped to claim the Senate seat without added drama.

“We’re not going to create a scene in Washington,” Burris said. “We hope it’s negotiated out prior to my going to Washington.”

Senate leaders have expressed no willingness to negotiate and have vowed to bar anyone appointed by Blagojevich because of his alleged attempt to sell Obama’s seat.

Source

NASA chief, Michael Griffin, is doing his best to retain his position in the upcoming Obama administration.

Griffin has an online petition that he is asking people to sign in hopes it will pressure Barack Obama to keep him. His wife has publicly asked friends to sign it.

As of today, the petition had 1,585 signees, but many included unfavorable comments.

“Dr. Griffin is useless, and in fact - detrimental, as a NASA admin.”

“This petition is a scandal.”

“Get him out, this petition is a disgrace.”

The position is a political appointment so it would be unlikely for Griffin to keep his position with a new President. The lobbying effort is a risky venture in itself, as Presidents do not generally like to be pressured on their political appointments by their prospective political appointees.

Griffin has also not cooperated well with Obama’s staff. He has not eagerly provided information that the transition team has requested and even told the head of the space transition team, Lori Garver, that she was not qualified to judge him.

To Griffin’s credit, many consider him responsible for pointing NASA in the right direction for its important and wide-ranging missions planned for the next decade.

Griffin also has some scientific differences with Obama. For example, he is not convinced that global warming is manmade or that anything should be done about it, even if it is.

Instead of a petition, a little humility probably would have gone a lot further.