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October 01, 2008
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Why This Election Matters To You
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:31am »

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Why This Election Matters To You
U.S. News & World Report - Washington,DC,USA
Even if election fatigue has set in, push it aside for a second, because while this year's election is historic, its aftermath has far-reaching implications

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/....rs-to-you.htm l


ABSENTEE VOTING
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:33am »

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ABSENTEE VOTING
Saipan Tribune - Saipan,Northern Mariana Islands,Micronesia
Here's how: Generally, all US citizens 18 years or older who are or will be residing outside the United States during an election period are eligible to

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=83957&cat=1


A Quick Look at the US Presidential Election
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:34am »

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A Quick Look at the US Presidential Election
istockAnalyst.com (press release) - Salem,OR,USA
... so let’s take a quick look at the polls and see who’s up and what could transpire in the upcoming election just over a month away now.

http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewarticle+articleid_2657278.html


Election Race Diary Roundup (9/28 – 37 Days to Change)
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:35am »

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Election Race Diary Roundup (9/28 – 37 Days to Change)
By Election Diary Rescue
Representing 4 different states. - 7 On Various election races and ballot issues. - Encompassing Governor, Secretary of State, Local, and more. - 15 General election-related diaries. Follow us for more, come

http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/JaqonpLSPtI/613587


Poll: Obama Outperformed McCain in Debate
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:36am »

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Poll: Obama Outperformed McCain in Debate
ABC News - USA
By Jill Lawrence, USA TODAY The two presidential candidates are headed into another politically perilous week after a first debate that polls suggest helped ...

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5904352&page=1


Presidential Candidates After the Debate
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:37am »

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Presidential Candidates After the Debate
WNCT - Greenville,NC,USA
The much anticipated presidential debate went on as scheduled Friday-- and by Sunday both Presidential nominees were defending their statements in their ...

http://www.wnct.com/nct/news/politics/ar....e_debate/19913/


Democrats question McCain gambling ties
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:37am »

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Democrats question McCain gambling ties
Boston Globe - United States
The Democratic National Committee is up with a new web video seeking to capitalize on a new report about John McCain's ties to the gambling industry. ...

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/poli....rats_quest.html


Local Democrats React to Presidential Debate
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:38am »

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Local Democrats React to Presidential Debate
WJHG-TV - Panama City,FL,USA
Bay County Democrats came together Friday night to support presidential candidate Barack Obama at a couple of viewing parties across the county. ...

http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/29828524.html


Democrats, Republicans Reach Agreement On Bailout; House To Vote ...
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:38am »

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Democrats, Republicans Reach Agreement On Bailout; House To Vote ...
AHN - USA
But both Democrats and Republicans made significant changes to the original plan from Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Only $350 billion will be ...

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7012470006


Democrats take estimated 30000-vote lead in Iowa
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:39am »

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Democrats take estimated 30000-vote lead in Iowa
By John Deeth
Five weeks before Election Day, Barack Obama likely has a lead of more than 30000 votes in Iowa, based on a comparison of total absentee ballot requests from Democrats and Republicans. But Democrats will need to continue their early ...
Iowa Independent - http://iowaindependent.com

http://iowaindependent.com/6219/democrats-take-estimated-30000-vote-lead-in-iowa


Democrats to try again on bailout: Rep. Van Hollen
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:39am »

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Democrats to try again on bailout: Rep. Van Hollen
Reuters - USA
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives are going to try to move another financial rescue bill after a $700 billion plan ...

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE48S76Y20080929


Obama says 'stay calm,' McCain camp slams Democrat
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:40am »

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Obama says 'stay calm,' McCain camp slams Democrats
CNN Political Ticker - USA
Republicans and Democrats blamed each other for the failure of the bill, which President Bush had urged Congress to approve.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/200....lams-democrats/


Observers Say Election Fell Short of Democracy
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:41am »

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Observers Say Election Fell Short of Democracy
Spiegel Online - Berlin,Germany
Despite claims that Sunday's elections were free and fair, loyalists of Belarus' authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko won every seat in parliament. ...

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,581181,00.html


Senate May Try to Revive Bank-Rescue Bill as Early as Tomorrow
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:42am »

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Senate May Try to Revive Bank-Rescue Bill as Early as Tomorrow
Bloomberg - USA
30 (Bloomberg) -- The US Senate will try to salvage a $700 billion financial-rescue package after the measure was defeated in the House of Representatives. ...

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601068&sid=aHYICE9mPE7c&refer=home


Stephanopoulos: What's Next? Congress Mulls Four Options
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:43am »

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Stephanopoulos: What's Next? Congress Mulls Four Options
ABC News - USA
#2 -- Pass Bailout in Senate First: Some Senate and House leaders have been talking about letting the Senate go first and pass the bailout package, ...

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/stephanopoul-11.html


Congress agrees on tentative plan for $700B bailout
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:43am »

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Congress agrees on tentative plan for $700B bailout
Newsday - Long Island,NY,USA
Both the full House and the Senate have to approve the plan, which will then be sent to Bush. The president was scheduled to speak to the nation about the ...

http://www.newsday.com/services/newspape....0,2999571.story


US economy: How the $700 billion Wall Street bail-out fell flat
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:44am »

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US economy: How the $700 billion Wall Street bail-out fell flat
Telegraph.co.uk - United Kingdom
As Chris Dodd, the chairman of the senate banking committee, later said, that proposal "was dead in an hour". The depth of feeling against the Paulson plan ...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/finan....-fell-flat.html


"Senate to take up Indo-US N-deal on Wednesday"
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:44am »

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"Senate to take up Indo-US N-deal on Wednesday"
Hindu - Chennai,India
Washington (PTI): The US Senate, which is "close to working out" the Indo-US civil nuclear deal, will take up the accord for discussion and vote on ...

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200809300343.htm


Lawmakers at Impasse on Incentives for Renewable Energy
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:45am »

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Lawmakers at Impasse on Incentives for Renewable Energy
New York Times - United States
By ROBERT PEAR WASHINGTON — The House and the Senate conceded Monday that they were in a stalemate over proposals to provide tax incentives for the ...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/washington/30energy.html?ref=science


House defeats $700B bailout
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:45am »

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House defeats $700B bailout
Detroit Free Press - United States
By a vote of 205-228 that scrambled party lines, the House refused to send the bill on to the Senate. The House could still move to reconsider the bill ...

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic....7/80929069/1020


Senate awaits further House developments on bailout legislation
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:45am »

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Senate awaits further House developments on bailout legislation
The Hill - Washington,DC,USA
By J. Taylor Rushing The Senate intends to wait for the House to figure out its next move on a $700 billion Wall Street bailout package, despite having more ...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/sena....008-09-29.html


Senate Race Roundup
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:46am »

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Senate Race Roundup
By brownsox
She joined the US Senate in 2003 with a hefty resume as a two-time Cabinet member, one-time presidential candidate and former head of one of the nation's largest charities. She was one of politics' true rock stars. ...
Daily Kos - http://www.dailykos.com

http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/hq6QyFDIr44/614488


Eye on the Senate: Democrat Hagan Leading Dole in NC
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:47am »

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Eye on the Senate: Democrat Hagan Leading Dole in NC
Today we update North Carolina - where Democrat Kay Hagan has pulled ahead of Republican Elizabeth Dole - and Kentucky - where Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell finds himself in a dead heat with Democrat Bruce Lunsford in the ...
Poll Tracker - http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/polltracker/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/polltracker/....mocrat-hag.html


Things are a rockin' in the Senate Swing States
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:47am »

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Things are a rockin' in the Senate Swing States
By Daily Kos(Daily Kos)
Last week, I called attention to six key senate battleground races where Democrats have a chance of winning. Then two days later, we found two more Senate races where the Democratic candidates were fast catching up in the polls ...
Daily Kos - http://www.dailykos.com/section/Diary

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/29/144813/790


Voting begins in US state of Ohio
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:48am »

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Voting begins in US state of Ohio
BBC News - UK
Republicans, who argue same-day voting opens the door to voter fraud, opposed the measure; Democrats backed it. Both John McCain and Barack Obama have been ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7643682.stm


Election Fraud: GOP IT consultant subpoenaed
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:49am »

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Election Fraud: GOP IT consultant subpoenaed

COLUMBUS -- A high-level Republican consultant has been subpoenaed in a case regarding alleged tampering with the 2004 election. Michael L. Connell was ...

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Republican_IT_consultant_subpoenaed_in_case_0929.html


Election Day isn't ahead of us -- it's already here
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:50am »

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Election Day isn't ahead of us -- it's already here.

Early voting has begun in eight states -- including the key battleground of Ohio, where voting begins today -- and it will be starting in a dozen more over the next two weeks.

Tonight is also the most important financial reporting deadline of the campaign. The resources we have on hand heading into October will decide the size of our voter registration and Get Out The Vote operations.

The need for your support today is more urgent than it will ever be.

If you haven't made a donation yet, now is the time to donate. If you donate $30 or more, you'll receive a limited edition Election Day T-shirt before Friday, October 17th.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/m2/55c135....891861251/VEsH/

You can have a major impact on our strategy for the remainder of the election -- including where we can compete and how many voters we can reach.

With voting already under way, we're racing to register voters and get the high turnout we'll need to win.

What we do -- or don't do -- in these next 34 days will determine whether America gets the change we need or four more years of the same.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America


Today on the presidential campaign trail
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:58am »

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Today on the presidential campaign trail
The Associated Press
Early voting begins in Ohio, election officials prepare for rush ___ Candidates propose raising deposit insurance limit WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican John ...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNxTApa2sQRu0Xx99P3jt2bEXw7gD93H3OEG0


Ohio election officials brace for early voting
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:59am »

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Ohio election officials brace for early voting
The Associated Press
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — For weeks, the Ohio GOP accused the state's Democratic elections chief of interpreting early voting law to benefit her own party in a ...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gmJpgsrR27lwSUQ24_WSSrU0W-JwD93GUI9G1


US financial woes cast shadow on Japan election date
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 9:59am »

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US financial woes cast shadow on Japan election date
AFP
Prime Minister Taro Aso, who took office last week, was initially expected to call general elections in late October to seize on the advantage of early ...

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gkRjoFhSC63HUXr7o7LV1_4K__uQ


Election Race Diary Roundup (9/29 - 36 Days to Change)
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:00am »

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Election Race Diary Roundup (9/29 - 36 Days to Change)
By Election Diary Rescue
Representing 6 different states. - 7 On Various election races and ballot issues. - Encompassing Governor, Secretary of State, Local, and more. - 17 General election-related diaries. Follow us for more, come on in............
Daily Kos - http://www.dailykos.com

http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/4cxc3Mm5yJs/615016


Hoyer Statement on Next Steps to Address Economic Crisis
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:01am »

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Hoyer Statement on Next Steps to
Address Economic Crisis

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement regarding the next steps on legislation to stabilize the financial system and shore up the economy:

“Democrats remain focused on working towards a bipartisan response to the economic crisis facing our nation. I have already spoken with Administration officials, as well as Congressional Republican and Democratic leaders about what needs to be done moving forward, and I will continue those conversations today.

“What is absolutely clear is that the threat to our economy and millions of working Americans requires that we act. At this time, the House is scheduled to meet at noon on Thursday. It still remains to be decided when the House will consider new legislation regarding the economic crisis.”

 

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WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement regarding the next steps on legislation to stabilize the financial system and shore up the economy:

“Democrats remain focused on working towards a bipartisan response to the economic crisis facing our nation. I have already spoken with Administration officials, as well as Congressional Republican and Democratic leaders about what needs to be done moving forward, and I will continue those conversations today.

“What is absolutely clear is that the threat to our economy and millions of working Americans requires that we act. At this time, the House is scheduled to meet at noon on Thursday. It still remains to be decided when the House will consider new legislation regarding the economic crisis.”

 

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US Presidential Candidates Propose Ideas on Financial Crisis
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:01am »

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US Presidential Candidates Propose Ideas on Financial Crisis
Voice of America - USA
By VOA News The US presidential candidates are proposing temporary measures to ease the economic crisis while congressional leaders debate a financial ...

http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-30-voa23.cfm


Which presidential candidate would make the best moves in Iraq and ...
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:02am »

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Which presidential candidate would make the best moves in Iraq and ...
News Sentinel - Fort Wayne,IN,USA
His campaign references to “victory with honor” in Iraq are reminiscent of presidential candidate Richard Nixon's 1968 promise of “peace with honor” in ...

http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.d....322/0/FRONTPAGE


Sudan: US Presidential Candidates Answer Questions on Darfur
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:02am »

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Sudan: US Presidential Candidates Answer Questions on Darfur
AllAfrica.com - Washington,USA
The responses tell us a great deal about the candidate’s approach not only to Darfur, but their views on the International Criminal Court, sanctions, ...

http://allafrica.com/stories/200809300294.html


2008 Presidential Candidate Biographies, Historical Debates & How ...
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:03am »

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2008 Presidential Candidate Biographies, Historical Debates & How ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA
As the two vice presidential candidates, Sen. Joseph Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin, get ready for their one-and-only debate on Oct. 2, voters can visit ...

http://www.prweb.com/releases/presidenti....rweb1402304.htm


Wall Street Bailout Hot Topic On Campaign Trail
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:03am »

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Wall Street Bailout Hot Topic On Campaign Trail
KSBW - Salinas,CA,USA
The Wall Street bailout bill was the hot topic on the campaign trail Monday and with just 36 days to go, the presidential candidates are making their case ...

http://www.ksbw.com/news/17586181/detail.html


The Bailout and What's Next
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:04am »

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The Bailout and What's Next
Dear Friend,
Yesterday marked a day that will go down in history, when Congressional Democrats and Republicans alike took on full responsibility to protect the interests of taxpaying Americans, and defeated the deceptive bail out bill, defying the dictates of the Administration, the House Majority Leadership, the House Minority Leadership and the special interests on Wall Street.
Obviously Congress must consider quickly another course. There are immediate issues which demand attention and responsible action by the Congress so that the taxpayers, their assets, and their futures are protected.
We MUST do something to protect millions of Americans whose homes, bank deposits, investments, and pensions are at risk in a financial system that has become seriously corrupted. We are told that we must stabilize markets in order for the people to be protected. I think we need to protect peoples' homes, bank deposits, investments, and pensions, to order to stabilize the market.
We cannot delay taking action. But the action must benefit all Americans, not just a privileged few. Otherwise, more plans will fail, and the financial security of everyone will be at risk.
The $700 billion bailout would have added to our existing unbearable load of national debt, trade deficits, and the cost of paying for the war. It would have been a disaster for the American public and the government for decades and maybe even centuries to come.
To be sure, there are many different reasons why people voted against the bailout. The legislation did not regard in any meaningful way the plight of millions of Americans who are about to lose their homes. It did nothing to strengthen existing regulatory structures or impose new ones at the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve in order to protect investors. There were no direct protections for bank depositors. There was nothing to stop further speculation, which is what brought us into this mess in the first place.
This was a bailout for some firms (and investors) on Wall Street, with the idea that in doing so there would be certain, unspecified, general benefits to the economy.
This is a perfect time to open a broader discussion about our financial system, especially our monetary system. Such a discussion is like searching for a needle in a haystack, and then, upon finding it, discussing its qualities at great length. Let me briefly describe the haystack instead.
Here is a very quick explanation of the $700 billion bailout within the context of the mechanics of our monetary and banking system:
The taxpayers loan money to the banks. But the taxpayers do not have the money. So we have to borrow it from the banks to give it back to the banks. But the banks do not have the money to loan to the government. So they create it into existence (through a mechanism called fractional reserve) and then loan it to us, at interest, so we can then give it back to them.
Confused?
This is the system. This is the standard mechanism used to expand the money supply on a daily basis not a special one designed only for the "$700 billion" transaction. People will explain this to you in many different ways, but this is what it comes down to.
The banks needed Congress' approval. Of course in this topsy turvy world, it is the banks which set the terms of the money they are borrowing from the taxpayers. And what do we get for this transaction? Long term debt enslavement of our country. We get to pay back to the banks trillions of dollars ($700 billion with compounded interest) and the banks give us their bad debt which they cull from everywhere in the world.
Who could turn down a deal like this? I did.
The globalization of the debt puts the United States in the position that in order to repay the money that we borrow from the banks (for the banks) we could be forced to accept International Monetary Fund dictates which involve cutting health, social security benefits and all other social spending in addition to reducing wages and exploiting our natural resources. This inevitably leads to a loss of economic, social and political freedom.
Under the failed $700 billion bailout plan, Wall Street's profits are Wall Street's profits and Wall Street's losses are the taxpayers' losses. Profits are capitalized. Losses are socialized.
We are at a teachable moment on matters of money and finance. In the coming days and weeks, I will share with you thoughts about what can be done to take us not just in a new direction, but in a new direction which is just.
Thank you,

Dennis
www.Kucinich.us
216-252-9000 877-933-6647

PS Watch the 47 minute 'Money as Debt' animated documentary in http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9050474362583451279. This is a useful, though by no means definitive, introduction to the topic of debt and the monetary system. Let me know what you think.


C-SPAN Daily Alert
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:05am »

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C-SPAN Daily Alert
Programming Information for Tues. 9/30 - Weds. 10/1, 2008
**********************************************************************

C-SPAN Highlights

Tonight:
* Pres. Bush Statement on U.S. House Financial Plan (8pm)
* White House Press Briefing (8:05pm)
* House Democratic Members Press Briefing on New Financial Plan (8:40pm)

Tomorrow:
* U.S House: Not In Session
* Brookings Institution Panel on "The Economic Rescue Package" (10am) - LIVE
* Pres. Bill Clinton Rally for Presidential Candidate Barack Obama (D-IL) (12pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN2 Highlights

Tonight:
* Pentagon Press Briefing (8pm)
* George Washington University Panel Discussion on Public Diplomacy (8:30pm)
* American Univ. Panel on the Latino Vote & the Presidential Election (10pm)

Tomorrow:
* U.S. Senate: In Session (Time TBA) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN3 Highlights

Tonight:
* Programming on U.S.-Vietnam Relations (8pm)
* Booknotes: Frederick Downs, "No Longer Enemies; Not Yet Friends" (Time TBA)

Tomorrow:
* Pentagon Press Briefing on Security Operations in Afghanistan (9am) - LIVE
* Fmr. Iraqi Weapons Inspector David Kay on Iran's Nuclear Capabilities (12pm) - LIVE
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Radio Highlights

Tonight:
* American Univ. Panel on the Latino Vote & the Presidential Election (6pm) - LIVE

Tomorrow:
* Washington Journal (7am) - LIVE
* Brookings Institution Panel on "The Economic Rescue Package" (10am) - LIVE
* Pres. Bill Clinton Rally for Presidential Candidate Barack Obama (D-IL) (12pm) - LIVE

**********************************************************************
Politics Highlights

* Vice Presidential Debate at in St. Louis, MO - Thurs., C-SPAN, 9pm ET LIVE
* Road to the White House - Sunday on C-SPAN at 6:30pm ET
**********************************************************************
Washington Journal Highlights

* Newspaper Articles
* Viewer Calls
* Rep. Christopher Shays (R-CT)
* Discussion on the Global Impact of U.S. Financial Markets
**********************************************************************
C-SPAN Capitol Spotlight

* Leaders of both parties vowed Tuesday to keep working with the White House to get legislation passed this week to shore up the troubled financial system... - Full Story at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/

* Three televised presidential debates were held in how many previous election years? - Answer at www.c-span.org/capitolspotlight/


deploying field staff and volunteers to key battle
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:06am »

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I've never asked you to make a donation before.

But I'm about to make some major decisions about deploying field staff and volunteers to key battleground states.

The resources we have on hand going into October will directly impact our voter registration and Get Out The Vote operations. And now that early voting has begun in eight states -- including Ohio as of today -- we need to move as quickly as possible.

Please donate $5 or more before the deadline to help register voters, get out the vote, and win this election.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/m2/55c135....805009929/VEsH/

We're stretching every dollar and doing everything we can with what we have. But every day I see firsthand how much more we could do -- and how far your donation will go.

Thanks for your support,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America


Hoyer Statement on Announced Senate Action on Economic Recovery Package and Tax Extenders
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:07am »

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Hoyer Statement on Announced Senate Action on Economic Recovery Package and Tax Extenders

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this evening after the Senate announced it would vote on a combined economic recovery and tax extenders package tomorrow night:

“I am talking with my House colleagues about the Senate action and how to best proceed taking that into consideration in determining what action in the House will be most successful.”

 

###


Good day for democracy
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:08am »

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Good day for democracy
guardian.co.uk - UK
For all the rhetoric about democracy and good governance, the citizens in those countries didn't really get a chance to vote on the bail-outs. ...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/oct/01/useconomy.congress


DMACC economics prof says failed bailout ‘great day for democracy’
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:08am »

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DMACC economics prof says failed bailout ‘great day for democracy’
Iowa Independent - Des Moines,IA,USA
“I thought yesterday was a great day for American democracy,” says Maggio, who teaches economics at several DMACC campuses around the state. ...

http://iowaindependent.com/6327/dmacc-ec....y-for-democracy


The week that democracy won
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:09am »

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The week that democracy won
ISN - Zurich,Switzerland
What is remarkable is that, after a fashion, democracy has won. The days and night of intense and tortuous negotiations came to a provisional conclusion on ...

http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Current-Affai....lng=en&id=92150


US Senate voting on adapted rescue package
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:10am »

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US Senate voting on adapted rescue package
Radio Netherlands - Netherlands
The United States Senate is voting on Wednesday on an new version of the rescue plan for the financial sector. Both presidential candidates John McCain and ...

http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/inte....-rescue-package


Ted Stevens got special deals, Bill J. Allen tells
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:10am »

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Ted Stevens got special deals, Bill J. Allen tells court
Los Angeles Times - CA,USA
Stevens is charged with seven felony counts of filing false information with the Senate regarding more than $250000 in gifts and home improvements he ...

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/....0,2457231.story


Senate leaders modify rescue bill...Asian markets
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:11am »

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Senate leaders modify rescue bill...Asian markets improve...Oil ...
KXMC - Minot,ND,USA
The Senate is set to vote on a modified bill Wednesday night. Their version adds tax cuts meant to appeal to Republicans in the House, which rejected the ...

http://www.kxmc.com/News/281127.asp


Senate to Vote on Financial Bailout Plan on Wednesday
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:11am »

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Senate to Vote on Financial Bailout Plan on Wednesday
WFMZ-TV Online - Allentown,PA,USA
The Senate plan is expected to add in a tax cut package denied by the House on Monday. That move could sit well with Republicans, but may not prove popular ...

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=493954


The Bailout: Senate Is Next
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:11am »

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The Bailout: Senate Is Next
BusinessWeek - USA
Senate leaders announced that rather than wait for another round of wrangling over the controversial plan in the House, they would hold a vote Wednesday ...

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnfl....tem p_top+story


Lawmakers hope small changes will spur bailout
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:12am »

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Lawmakers hope small changes will spur bailout
International Herald Tribune - France
In the Senate, bipartisan support for the rescue plan remained strong, but it was unclear whether the Senate might seek approve the measure first and try to ...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/01/business/01bailout.php


Senate sweetens deal; vote Wednesday
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:13am »

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Senate sweetens deal; vote Wednesday
Minneapolis Star Tribune - Minneapolis,MN,USA
After a day of behind-the-scenes maneuvering, lawmakers said the Senate proposal would include a tax package caught in a stalemate with the House as well as ...

http://www.startribune.com/politics/2993....iD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU


Senate to vote on reworked bail-out
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:14am »

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Senate to vote on reworked bail-out
The Press Association
The US Senate is due to vote on a £385 billion rescue package for the nation's economy in a surprise bid to get the rejected plan passed. ...

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5h5CVEFaxM-124lfUo1yEuhGxbITQ


Senate Race Roundup
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:14am »

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Senate Race Roundup
By brownsox
"(He) has been in Congress for 12 years and on the Senate banking committee for five of those years pushing for lax accountability. It is unbelievable that he's now trying to point fingers for a financial crisis he helped create." ...
Daily Kos - http://www.dailykos.com

http://feeds.dailykos.com/~r/dailykos/index/~3/goTdhhA2t4I/615669


Flash: Senate bailout vote scheduled tomorrow at approx. 9pm Eastern
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:15am »

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Flash: Senate bailout vote scheduled tomorrow at approx. 9pm Eastern
A Senate bailout vote is scheduled tomorrow at 9pm Eastern. No bill details seen yet. How it will go down...There will be up to 6 roll call votes on the following items: (1)Motion to concur on the House message, HR 2095, Rail Safety; ...
Michelle Malkin - http://michellemalkin.com

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/30/fla....ox-9pm-eastern/


Democrats roll out new study, blame GOP for economic losses
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:17am »

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Democrats roll out new study, blame GOP for economic losses
LimaOhio.com - OH
COLUMBUS - Ohio Democrats on Monday released a report blaming more than 1000 company closures statewide in the last eight years on "failed Republican ...

http://www.limaohio.com/news/ohio_28844___article.html/years_mccain.html


Group of Democrats Says Alternative Bailout Plan Could Interest ...
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:20am »

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Group of Democrats Says Alternative Bailout Plan Could Interest ...
CQPolitics.com - Washington,DC,USA
By Adrianne Kroepsch, CQ Staff A small group of liberal House Democrats says its alternative proposal to bolster the teetering financial system is capable ...

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002967493


Obama and Democrats Fighting Hard on GOP Turf
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 10:20am »

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Obama and Democrats Fighting Hard on GOP Turf
Huffington Post - New York,NY,USA
Democratic Senate candidates too are not shying away from previously unthinkable GOP targets, and they now have a shot at a filibuster-proof 60-vote ...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-jenki....t_b_130755.html


Slow down, some House Dems say
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:43pm »

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Slow down, some House Dems say
Posted: 04:09 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Several Democratic House members compiling an alternative to the financial bailout measure defeated Monday said they were pressured to act too quickly.

“The whole bill has been fueled by fear, and hinged on haste,” said Lloyd Doggett of Texas at a news conference Tuesday.

“I think every single member of Congress understands the urgency of this matter and we all want to resolve it, but ladies and gents let me be clear, just because we have an urgent situation doesn’t mean we don’t have to be deliberative,” added Elijah Cummings of Maryland.


FDIC seeks boost in deposit insurance limit
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:44pm »

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FDIC seeks boost in deposit insurance limit
Posted: 04:28 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The federal agency that guarantees bank deposits is asking Congress for temporary authority to raise the limit on the amount of money it insures for individual bank accounts.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Shelia Bair put out a statement late Tuesday afternoon asking that Congress allow her agency to increase the $100,000 limit per account that has been in place since 1980.

She did not say what she thinks the new limit should be. FDIC spokesman Andrew Gray said simply, “We’ll leave that to Congress.” Earlier Tuesday, both presidential nominees — Barack Obama, D-Illinois, and John McCain, R-Arizona — backed increasing the maximum to $250,000.


Star witness takes stand in Stevens trial
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:45pm »

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Star witness takes stand in Stevens trial
Posted: 04:40 PM ET
From CNN’s Paul Courson

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The man who bankrolled most of the “free benefits” that Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is on trial for allegedly trying to hide took the stand Tuesday, acknowledging his close friendship with the lawmaker even while serving as the government’s star witness against him.

Wearing a gray sport coat, Bill Allen did not look toward the defense table as he took the stand. Asked whether he knew Stevens, he said, “Yes, he’s right over there,” pointing to the expressionless senator.

During his testimony, Allen acknowledged trading Stevens a new Land Rover vehicle he had paid about $44,000 for in exchange for Stevens’ 1964 1/2 Mustang plus $5,000.

Asked if he thought it was a fair trade, Allen said, “not really,” but testified he entered into the agreement “because I liked Ted.


Wall Street bounces back
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:46pm »

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Wall Street bounces back
Posted: 04:52 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Stocks rallied Tuesday afternoon as investors scooped up shares battered in the bloodletting that followed Congress’ failure to pass a $700 billion bank rescue plan.

The Dow Jones industrial average added 485 points, about 4.7 percent, recovering some of the record 777 points lost the day before. It was the third-biggest one-day point advance for the indicator in its history.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index rose 5 percent and the Nasdaq composite gained about 5.3 percent.

Stock gains accelerated late in the day after the FDIC chairwoman said she’ll seek to boost the limit on protected bank deposits. Such a move would give individuals more protection amid the financial crisis. The inclusion of such a provision in the $700 billion bailout plan might also mollify critics who think the plan is too focused on Wall Street, versus Main Street.
–By CNNMoney.com’s Alexandra Twin


Testimony done for day in Stevens trial
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:47pm »

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Testimony done for day in Stevens trial
Posted: 05:11 PM ET
From CNN’s Paul Courson

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The man who bankrolled most of the “free benefits” that Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is on trial for allegedly trying to hide took the stand Tuesday, acknowledging his close friendship with the lawmaker even while serving as the government’s star witness against him.

Bill Allen also testified that Veco purchased a switch to power a generator at the Girdwood home, and that he did not know what it had cost. Asked if Stevens ever paid the company back, Allen said, “No, not that I know of.”

Court recessed for the day after about an hour and a half of Allen’s testimony. He will return to the stand Wednesday. Prosecutor Nicholas Marsh told the judge earlier Tuesday that the state may rest its case on Thursday.


Gang arrests from ’summer surge’ increased in 2008
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:48pm »

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Gang arrests from ’summer surge’ increased in 2008
Posted: 05:44 PM ET
From CNN Justice Producer Terry Frieden

WASHINGTON (CNN) — More than 1,750 gang members and associates were taken into custody in a nationwide “summer surge” of police operations aimed at reducing street violence, authorities announced Tuesday.

The arrests of members of MS-13, 18th Street and many other gangs between June 1 and September 30 compares with about 1,300 arrests in similar operations a year ago.

Details of the four-month law enforcement “surge operation” coordinated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be announced Wednesday at a press conference in Washington. ICE Assistant Secretary Julie Myers and local police officials from New Jersey, Georgia and Kansas will describe some of the operations, including the capture of dangerous MS-13 and other gang leaders re-arrested after they had been deported.


Feds reviewing La. bridge shooting
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:49pm »

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Feds reviewing La. bridge shooting
Posted: 06:37 PM ET
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) — Federal authorities will conduct an investigation into the shootings of unarmed civilians, allegedly by seven police officers, on a New Orleans bridge in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, officials said Tuesday.

In August, a judge dismissed state charges against the seven, six of whom are still police officers.

The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana and the FBI’s New Orleans office issued a statement saying they plan to conduct “an independent and thorough review” of the incident on the Danziger Bridge.


Senate vote possible on India deal
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:50pm »

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Senate vote possible on India deal
Posted: 07:01 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate may be ready to give approval this week to a nuclear trade deal with India that the Bush administration has been pushing Congress to wrap up.

The House of Representatives gave its OK to the bill Saturday and now Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has predicted the Senate could vote as early as Wednesday.

But the vote is not a certainty, thanks to a rapidly approaching congressional adjournment and complicated Senate rules. At least one senator, remaining anonymous under parliamentary rules, has been blocking a vote. And there must be agreement to remove a rare requirement that congressional approval must be after the Senate is in session for 30 days, an impossible-to-meet clause as Congress races to go on the campaign trail for the November election.
–From CNN’s Charley Keyes


Senate to vote on bailout plan Wednesday
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:52pm »

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Senate to vote on bailout plan Wednesday
Posted: 07:44 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate plans to vote on the $700 billion bank rescue plan Wednesday evening — two days after the House failed to pass it.


Senate to take up bailout before House
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:52pm »

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Senate to take up bailout before House
Posted: 08:14 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate plans to vote on the $700 billion bank rescue plan Wednesday evening — two days after the House failed to pass it.

The bill adds provisions — include raising the FDIC insurance cap from $100,000 to $250,000 — and will be attached to an existing revenue bill that the House also rejected Monday, according to several

The vote is scheduled for after sundown, in observance of the Jewish holiday. Republican presidential nominee John McCain and Democratic nominee Barack Obama and his running mate Joe Biden confirmed that they would be present for the vote.


Senate makes risky move on bailout
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:53pm »

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Senate makes risky move on bailout
Posted: 10:31 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Senate plans to vote on the $700 billion bank rescue plan Wednesday evening — two days after the House failed to pass it, leaders from both parties announced late Tuesday.

In a surprising and potentially risky move, the Senate is adding an enhanced version of the failed bill to an existing revenue bill that the House also rejected Monday.

The bailout plan has new provisions, including a hike to the FDIC insurance cap from $100,000 to $250,000.


Hill in North Korea for nuclear talks
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:54pm »

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Hill in North Korea for nuclear talks
Posted: 02:11 AM ET
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) — U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill arrived in North Korea Wednesday for talks aimed at saving a disarmament deal with the reclusive communist nation, the U.S. Embassy said.

Hill’s visit comes at the invitation of North Korean officials and is part of a multi-capital trip that also includes South Korea, China and Japan.

Talks involving North Korea and five other nations — known as the six-party talks — had come to an agreement on North Korea disabling its Yongbyon nuclear reactor and reprocessing facilities that produced plutonium for nuclear weapons. But in recent weeks, after the United States insisted on measures to verify information North Korea has provided, Pyongyang has taken steps that could reverse course and put the facilities back on line.



Bailout: Senate to vote Wednesday
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:58pm »

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Bailout: Senate to vote Wednesday
Posted: 10:27 AM ET
WASHINGTON (CNNMoney.com) — The Senate plans to vote on the amended $700 billion bank rescue plan Wednesday evening — two days after the House failed to pass the original version of the measure.

The bill adds new provisions — including raising the FDIC insurance cap to $250,000 from $100,000 — and will be attached to an existing tax bill that the House also rejected Monday, according to several Democratic leadership aides.

The vote is scheduled for after sundown, in observance of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah. Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, and Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois and his running mate Joe Biden, D-Delaware, confirmed that they would be present for the vote.


Obama, McCain tout plans for economy before bailout vote
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:58pm »

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Obama, McCain tout plans for economy before bailout vote
Posted: 10:38 AM ET
(CNN) — Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain on Wednesday are pushing their economic plans before heading to Washington in the evening to vote on the $700 billion financial rescue plan.

Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee, has a rally scheduled in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he will talk about the economic crisis. Wisconsin is a toss-up state with 10 electoral votes. His running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, is also expected to travel to Washington for the vote Wednesday evening.

McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, is giving an economic speech in Kansas City, Missouri. That state has 11 electoral votes. According to CNN’s interactive electoral map, Missouri is leaning toward McCain.


Senate leaders urge passage
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 12:59pm »

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Senate leaders urge passage
Posted: 10:51 AM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Democratic and Republican leaders of the Senate on Wednesday urged their colleagues in both the Senate and House to pass a $700 billion plan to pump government money into the financial sector.

“No one is happy about taking this dramatic and expensive step with the bailout,” said Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat who is the Senate majority leader. “No one is glad that we have reached this critical point.”

But, he said, “I am hopeful that tonight we will see a strong vote in support of this plan and that bipartisanship shown here in the Senate today will spark the House of Representatives to do the same.”

The House of Representatives voted down the plan Monday in a surprise development that followed marathon negotiations between congressional leaders and the Treasury, which proposed the plan.


Allen continues testimony in Stevens trial
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:00pm »

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Allen continues testimony in Stevens trial
Posted: 11:32 AM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The Alaska oil kingpin who bankrolled improvements to Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens’ family chalet testified Wednesday that Stevens requested a bill for some of the work, but he disregarded that request when a go-between told him that “Ted’s just covering his ass.”

On the witness stand for the second day Wednesday, Bill Allen read a note that Stevens had written him saying, “You owe me a bill. Remember Torricelli. Friendship is one thing, compliance with ethics rules is another. I asked Bob (Persons) to talk with you about this. … It just has to be done right.”

Allen said he spoke with Persons, a Stevens neighbor and friend who served as a go-between while improvements to the home were taking place. “He said, ‘Aw, Bill, don’t worry about getting a bill, Ted’s just covering his ass,’” Allen testified. As the courtroom chuckled, he apologized for the expression, saying, “Maybe I shouldn’t say that.”

Former New Jersey Sen. Robert Torricelli was admonished in 2002 after an ethics committee probe into whether he had improperly accepted gifts from a campaign contributor. Torricelli gave up his re-election bid soon afterward.
–From CNN’s Paul Courson


Candidates tout bailout plan
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:01pm »

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Candidates tout bailout plan
Posted: 11:52 AM ET
(CNN) — Both leading presidential candidates Wednesday talked up the virtues of the $700 billion plan for the government to buy debts to prop up the lending industry.

Sen. John McCain, the Republican hopeful, told an audience in President Harry Truman’s hometown of Independence, Missouri, that the bill before the Senate is much better than the one the Treasury Department originally proposed, with the addition of “taxpayer protections, stronger oversight, limitations on executive compensation and more protections for people’s bank accounts.”

Sen. Barack Obama, his Democratic rival, pushed a similar message in La Crosse, Wisconsin. “Democrats and Republicans in Congress have legitimate concerns about (the plan). I know many Americans share those concerns. But it is clear that this is what we must do right now to prevent a crisis from turning into a catastrophe.”

Both McCain and Obama are expected to fly to Washington to vote for the bill.


605,000 jobs lost - and counting
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:01pm »

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605,000 jobs lost - and counting
Posted: 11:57 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Job losses have been mounting recently, and the slowing economy and credit crunch is likely to take an even greater toll in the coming months.

Analysts on average forecast that the monthly employment report expected Friday will reveal that the economy shed 105,000 jobs in September — the largest monthly loss in five years. The economy already has lost 605,000 jobs this year.

Unemployment is expected to remain at a relatively high 6.1 percent.

–By CNNMoney.com’s Steve Hargreaves


New bailout bill adds provisions
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:01pm »

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New bailout bill adds provisions
Posted: 12:21 PM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The core of the Senate version of the financial bailout bill is the Bush administration’s original plan to buy troubled assets from banks, but the proposal includes a number of new provisions aimed at Main Street, according to a copy of the bill posted on a Senate Web site.

The add-ons are intended to attract more votes in the House, which defeated an earlier version of a bailout plan Monday. In particular, they are designed to attract more House Republicans, two-thirds of whom rejected the House version of the bill.

The Senate plans to vote on the bill Wednesday evening. Because of the new measures added, the bill’s initial price tag will be higher than the $700 billion that the Treasury would use to buy troubled assets. But over time, supporters say, taxpayers are likely to make back much if not all of the money the Treasury uses for the program because it will be investing in assets with underlying value.

Among the provisions added to the bill is one to temporarily raise the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. insurance cap to $250,000 from $100,000. It says the FDIC may not charge member banks more to cover the increase. Instead, the bill allows the FDIC to borrow from the Treasury to cover any losses that might occur as a result of the higher insurance limit.
–From CNNMoney.com’s Jeanne Sahadi


Ford sales drop 35 percent on credit squeeze, customer worries
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:02pm »

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Ford sales drop 35 percent on credit squeeze, customer worries
Posted: 12:42 PM ET
NEW YORK — Sales at Ford Motor Co. plunged in September as lower gasoline prices were not enough to overcome tighter credit for buyers and dealers during the month.

Ford reported that U.S. sales tumbled 35 percent from a year earlier. Sales tracker Edmunds.com had forecast a 25 percent drop in sales in the period.

Overall industry sales are expected to fall 20 percent from year-ago levels. Experts said many consumers were apparently reluctant to make big ticket purchases at a time of economic upheaval.

–By CNNMoney.com’s Chris Isidore


House expected to vote on bailout Friday
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:03pm »

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House expected to vote on bailout Friday
Posted: 01:47 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — The House of Representatives is expected to vote
Friday on a massive plan to pump government cash into the lending industry,
Democratic leadership aides told CNN Wednesday.

The House dramatically rejected an earlier version of the plan on Monday,
dealing a stinging defeat to the White House and Congressional leaders, who had
spent more than a week negotiating the deal.

The Senate is voting on a new version of the bill on Wednesday, partly in
order to increase pressure on the House to pass it.

– From CNN’s Jessica Yellin and Deirdre Walsh


Sales drop sharply for GM and Ford
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 1:59pm »

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Sales drop sharply for GM and Ford
Posted: 02:20 PM ET
NEW YORK — Sales at General Motors and Ford Motor Co. fell sharply in September as tighter credit for buyers and dealers during the month combined with stubbornly high fuel prices to sharply curtail demand for cars and trucks.

General Motors reported that sales of cars and light trucks dropped 16 percent compared to September a year ago. That was better than the forecast of a 24 percent decline from sales tracker Edmunds.com but it is still clearly a sign of weakened demand for autos. Sales of GM’s cars fell 10 percent while sales of light trucks, such as pickups, SUVs and vans, declined 19 percent.

The news was worse at Ford, which reported that U.S. sales tumbled 35 percent from a year earlier. Sales tracker Edmunds.com had forecast a 25 percent drop in sales in the period.

–By CNNMoney.com’s Chris Isidore


Public mood shifts, senator says
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 2:07pm »

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Public mood shifts, senator says
Posted: 02:44 PM ET
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Massive government intervention into the lending industry is more likely to pass now that ordinary people are feeling the effects of tighter credit, a leading Republican senator said Wednesday.

“We are beginning to feel the tightening of credit in our own communities,” said Sen. Jon Kyl, an Arizona Republican. There is a “growing realization by folks throughout the country … that this situation (is) a lot more serious than they thought.”

The Senate is expected to pass the bill Wednesday evening, two days after the House of Representatives dramatically rejected an earlier version. Many opponents of the bill cited angry phone calls from constituents as a reason for opposing it.


Bailout plan forces McCain, Obama into balancing act
« Thread Started on Oct 1, 2008, 2:12pm »

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Bailout plan forces McCain, Obama into balancing act
Posted: 02:49 PM ET
(CNN) — With the bailout proposal dominating the campaign trail, Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama must balance sending out a message of a bipartisan solution while trying to gain a political advantage.

The presidential candidates have revamped their financial messages this week, shifting away from attacks on each other and intensifying their calls for action from Congress.

Obama and McCain want their fellow lawmakers to rally behind the proposed $700 billion financial industry bailout, but there is a lot on the line for both candidates.


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