CQ Today Midday Update
Midday Update for FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008 – 2:18 P.M. In This Issue
--------------------------------- Today in WashingtonThe House is not in session. The Senate is in a period of morning business with no votes scheduled. The President meets with families of Cuban political prisoners at the Oval Office, makes a statement on the economy and later participates in U.S. Department of Defense briefings at the Pentagon. In Washington, Busboys and Poets Restaurant hosts a discussion on the future of U.S.-Iran relations with Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times correspondent. Busboys and Poets Restaurant, 14th and V Street N.W. --------------------------------- Top StoriesSenate Passes One-Month Extension of Higher Education LawThe Senate on Friday passed a one-month extension of the primary law governing colleges, universities and federal financial aid. [Read More]Opponents of Immunity for Telecoms Seize on Spying ClaimsDemocratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce panel, citing new domestic spying claims, are urging careful examination of surveillance overhaul legislation that may delay progress on the measure. [Read More]Political Trivia for March 7When was the last time a U.S. House district switched in party control because of a special election? [Read More] --------------------------------- Media Relations for Public Affairs ProfessionalsThis course is designed to help newer public or government affairs professionals. Our media training explores essential skills to help maximize your message in the Washington media environment. Instruction includes hands-on exercises, an overview of key media players, basic message development, and effective press release and media kit preparation. WHERE: Goethe-Institut, 812 Seventh Street N.W. WHEN: May 6, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration Fee: $495 Full program description and online registration, or call our registrar at 202-678-1600. This training conference is sponsored by TheCapitol.Net, exclusive provider of Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences. --------------------------------- Political ClippingsThe Bloomington Pantagraph reports on speculation about who would fill Barack Obama’s Senate seat if he vacates it after the November election. The Illinois Democrat is seeking his party’s presidential nomination. State law gives Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich the power to pick a replacement to serve until the next congressional election in 2010. Blagojevich could name himself to the seat, but a more likely choice is state Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a possible challenger to Blagojevich in 2010. Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Rahm Emanuel and Jesse Jackson Jr. or state Senate President Emil Jones are also possible choices.The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that former Lt. Gov. Steve Kirby plans to announce Monday whether he will seek the Republican nomination to challenge Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D. National GOP leaders have courted Kirby to enter the race. Three other Republicans are already running: state Rep. Joel Dykstra, the assistant majority leader, businessman Sam Kephart and Bert Tollefson, a former ambassador and an assistant to former Gov. Sig Anderson. The Montgomery Advertiser reports state Rep. Dave Grimes was to announce Friday that he would seek the House seat being vacated by Rep. Terry Everett, R-Ala. Grimes, a conservative, faces several other Republicans, including state Rep. Jay Love, state Sen. Harri Anne Smith, Montgomery television station executive David Woods and Dothan residents Craig Schmidtke and John W. Martin. Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright is the only Democrat so far in the race. --------------------------------- World Health Care CongressBe one of only 2,000 executives to register for the World Health Care Congress, April 21-23, 2008 in Washington, D.C. WHCC is limiting participation to 2,000 decision makers from employers; health plans; providers; healthcare IT; pharmaceutical, biotech & medical device; benefits/HR; and government officials. This is an international gathering to discuss trends driving the global healthcare industry. Do not miss your opportunity to be one of 2,000 to join this exclusive conference! --------------------------------- Other CQ ProductsSign up for free trialsCQ Legislative Impact CQ.com CQ Weekly CQ Today CQ Today Action Alerts CQ BillTrack CQ Budget Tracker CQ Committee Amendments CQ HealthBeat CQ Homeland Security CQ House Action Reports CQPolitics.com CQ Press CQ Top Docs See all CQ products |