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Bob Agnew
Reporting from Capitol Hill, Bob Agnew has updates on what’s going on in the Senate.
DeSantis Predicts Rubio Replacement Selection By Early January
Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 4:34 pm
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis [R-FL] says he’ll likely select a replacement for Senator Marco Rubio [R-FL] by early January. DeSantis is vowing to find the. best candidate to replace Rubio, who’s been tapped by President-elect Trump to serve as Secretary of State. Facing GOP pressure by some to appoint Trump’s daughter in law Lara Trump DeSantis said in a statement Florida needs a senator who can help President Trump deliver on his promises but also one that -quote- “has a proven record of results,” Those pushing for Lara Trump include strong Trump allies senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, and Rick Scott of Florida.
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“Lawlessness”: GOP Files Multiple Lawsuits Over PA Senate Recount
Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 4:30 pm
Republicans are crying “foul” over the Democrats’ push for a recount in the Pennsylvania senate race. National and state Republicans have filed at least a dozen lawsuits over incumbent Bob Casey’s [D-PA] demand for a statewide recount, several days after th Associated Press called the race for Republican challenger Dave McCormick [R-PA].State officials in Democrat controlled Pennsylvania say they still hsve to count some 80,000 provisional, absentee, an mail-in ballots. Republicans are suing over plans by election officials in strong democrat countires to count mail-in ballots with missing or incorrect dates, something they say flies in the face of a recent election integrity ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Business Group Says Policy Changes In 2025 Will Secure 2026 GOP Win
Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Akash Chogule with Americans For Prosperity says the best way to prepare for 2026 is to pass better policies in 2025. For the AFP, Chogule says that means going from knocking on doors for the 2024 election, to climbing the steps on Capitol Hill. The AFP is lobbying hard to extend the Trump Tax cuts, and reversing what they see as bad policy on energy and immigration.
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Ben Domenech Offers Rave Reviews Of Trump Nominees
Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 2:16 pm
Washington insiders continue to weigh-in on President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominations. Editor-at-Large for The Spectator Ben Domenech gives high marks for Trump’s selection of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for secretary of the Interior. Domenech also applauds the choice of decorated war veteran Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary, as one who has recently served in combat. And yes, selecting a Fox News host for the role may seem “out of left field” for some Washington insiders, but Domenech says it was always expected Trump would offer up some “roll of the dice” nominations.
The Lancet: 3-in-4 U.S. Adults Overweight Or Obese
Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 1:07 pm
Some bad news about Americans and obesity from Britain’s The Lancet medical journal. The Lancet says 3-in-4 U.S adult can be classified as either obese or overweight. If current trends continue, researchers predict what one called the “epidemic” will affect 80% of U.S. adults by the year 2050. The research comes even as President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary. He has blasted the obesity epidemic as part of a faied U.S. health ecosystrm, and called for a shift away from weight loss drug and toward more healthy lifestyles.
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DeSantis Under Pressure To Select Lara Trump As Rubio Replacement
Thu, Nov 14, 2024 at 4:45 pm
A member of President Trump’s family may soon be a member of the U.S. Senate. The expected departure of GOP Senator Marco Rubio to take on he. Role of secretary of States laves it up to Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to appoint a replacement. There’s growing support among Republicans on the for the idea DeSantis should select Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump. . Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News it’s Governor DeSantis’ choice but that -quote-“ we could not do better on the Republican side than Lara Trump.”
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Tuberville [R-Ala] Says GOP Senators Who Oppose Trump Nominees Should “Geet Out Of The Way.”
Thu, Nov 14, 2024 at 4:43 pm
A pro-Trump senator is warning GOP colleagues not to oppose th president-elect’s cabinet nominees. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville [R-Ala] is a staunch Trump ally, warns GOP colleagues who oppose his nominees or legislation hat -quote-“ “we’re gonna try to get you out of the Senate”. He told Fox Business News Republicans who oppose trump nominees should “get out of the way.” In fact the U.S. Constitution calls on senators to “advise and consent” on nominations, but Tuberville says Trump’s big margin of victory give him a strong mandate, and that he deserves to assemble the team he wants to carry out his agenda.
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Cotton Elected Conference Chair, Media Point Man For Senate GOP
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 3:33 pm
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton [R-Ark] has become part of the Senate GOP leadership team. Senator Cotton has been elected by fellow Republicans to serve as conference chair. Cotton managed to edge out Iowa Senator Joni Ernst [R-IA] who also sought the coveted position. And he replaces Senator John Barrasso who advances to the position of GOPWhip. As conference chair Cotton now assumes the role of chief messenger for the Senate GOP.
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GOP Candidate Hovde May Seek Recount In Close Wisconsin Senate Race
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 2:22 pm
Republican candidate Eric Hovde (HUVV’-dee) says he may seek a recount after a paper-thin loss to incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin [D-Wisc] in the Wisconsin senate race. Hovde can request a recount because his margin of defeat was less than 1 percentage point, at about 29,000 votes. But he hasn’t said yet whether he will request one, explaining in a video directed at his supporters that he wants to review all of the information and options that are available. Hovde also cites what he says were irregularities in the election. He notes that some precincts in the Democrat stronghold of Milwaukee saw turnout that was higher than the number of registered voters posted on the county’s website.
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S.D. Senator John Thune Wins Election As Senate Majority Leader
Wed, Nov 13, 2024 at 1:48 pm
Republicans have elected South Dakota Senator John Thune [R-SD] the next Senate majority leader. Thune, 63, is in his fourth Senate term and has promised to work closely with Trump, despite differences the two have had over the years, and will be a crucial part of the incoming president’s efforts to push through his policy agenda. Thune managed to beat two opponents—Rick Scott of Florida and John Cornyn of Texas—both with stronger pro-Trump credentials. In a statement, Thune said he was “extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues.”
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Sen. Rick Scott Says As GOP Leader He Would Accomplish Trump Agenda
Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Florida Senator Rick Scott [R-FL] says he’s committed to the Trump agenda. Scott tells the Salem Radio Network his business experience taught him how to accomplish big goals. Scott is competing for the party’s top job against party Whip John Thune of South Dakota, and Texas Senator John Cornyn.
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Schumer Relents, Invites Republican McCormick To Orientation
Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 11:15 am
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer [D-NY] now says two freshmen senators will be allowed to attend Senate orientation this week. Schumer drew criticism when he refused to invite Senator-elect David McCormick to orientation, despite the fact his race had been called days ago by the Associated Press. Democrat winner in Arizona, Ruben Gallego [D-AZ] will also be allowed to attend. Some of the criticism of Schumer came from Arizona’s now Independent Senator Kirsten Sinema [I-AZ]. She wrote on X that she when she won election as a Democrat in 2018, she was allowed to attend orientation even though her race had not yet been called.
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Fetterman Says He’ll Vote To Confirm Rubio As Secretary Of State
Tue, Nov 12, 2024 at 10:38 am
Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman [D-PA] says he’ll vote to confirm Senator Marco Rubio [R-FL] as President Trump’s Secretary of State. Fetterman was quick to speak out after news broke that Trump is expected to nominate Rubio to serve as his top diplomat. Fetterman writes on X that it’s no surprise he has political differences with the Florida Republican but that-quote- “Rubio is a strong choice and I look forward to voting for his confirmation.”. Rubio’s expected departure will temporarily reduce the Republican majority in the Senate, until a temporary replacement is selected by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
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Senator Eric Schmitt Has No Wish To Be US Attorney General
Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 4:16 pm
Republican Senator Eric Schmitt [R-Mo] says he doesn’t want to be considered for the job of Attorney General. Schmitt—a long time Trump ally-say’s he’s pulling his name from the list of potential U.S. Attorney General nominees. Schmitt -a former Missouri Attorney General-is expected to focus on helping Trump judicial nominees navigate their way through the upper camber. Schmitt writes on X that -“I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and I’m just getting started,”
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Schumer: Declared GOP Winner Of PA Senate Race Not Invited To Orientation
Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 3:43 pm
The declared winner of Pennsylvania’s Senate race won’t be allowed to attend this week’s new members’ orientation meeting. Despite being declared the winner over Democrat incumbent Bob Casey [D-PA], Republican David McCormick [won’t b allowed to join other incoming members to learn the ropes when the Senate holds it’s orientation sesson this week. A spokesperdon for Schumer defends the decision, saying with some “100,000 ballots left to be counted in Pennsylvania, the race has not been decided.” As a custom, Schumer’s office says the winner will be invited once all the votes are counted.
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Trump Wins In Arizona. Sweeps All Seven 2024 Swing States
Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 10:04 pm
Donald Trump has been declared the winner in Arizona, allowing him to complete a sweep of all seven swing states in this year’s election. Arizona, which holds 11 Electoral College votes, had been trending blue in recent years, with many statewide jobs held by Democrats, but the former president brought it back to Republicans. The victory returns Arizona and its 11 electoral votes to the Republican column after Joe Biden’s 2020 victory. The win over Kamala Harris marks Trump’s second in Arizona since 2016. Trump campaigned on border security and the economy, tying Harris to inflation and record illegal border crossings during Biden’s administration.
Listen DownloadSenator Thune Urges Trump To Stay Out Of GOP Leadership Battle
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 2:03 pm
Republican Whip Senator John Thune [R-SD] is asking Donald Trump to stay out of the debate over who will succeed Mitch McConnell as GOP leader in the next Congress. Thune has served as leader McConnell’s number TWO since 2019, but much like his soon to be former boss, does not enjoy the support of President-elect Trump. Two other Republicans, Rick Scott [R-FL] of Florida and John Cornyn [R-TX] are both Trump supporters and spent sgnificant time with him on the campaign trail. Conservatives hope that—unlike during his first term-President Trump will enjoy robust support from both a GOP controlled House and a Senat where Republicans will hold at least a 53 seat majority.
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Pro Biz Group Says “Prosperity” Message Resonated With Voters
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 1:58 pm
The nation’s leading pro-business group is cheering the results of this week’s election.
Akash Chougule with Americans for Prosperity says his organization did as much as any conservative group to steer American voters toward Donald Trump. He says now’s the time for Donald Trump and Republicans to fulfill their promises on things like inflation and the open border.
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Senator Tim Scott Seeks To Head GOP Senate Re-election Effort
Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 1:55 pm
Republican Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) says he want’s to lead the party’s effort to win Senate elections in 2026. Senator Scott [R-SC] announced Friday he’s running for chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The role means a lot of hard work in helping fellow GOP senators hold their seats in the next election. Republicans will face an uphill climm as they defend 20 of the 33 seats in play. Looking through 2026 Scott says-“two years of a Republican agenda is good, but four years of success under Donald J. Trump is even better,”.
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PA Senate Win Gives GOP 53-Seat Majority With Two Races Still To Count
Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Republicans have picked up another Senate seat with a win in Pennslyvania. The victory by Republican challenger Dave McCormick [R-PA] over incumbent Democrat Bob Casey [D-PA] gives the GOP 53 seats in the upper chamber, with TWO seats still to be called. The GOP is looking to notch another win in Nevada. Democrats will be able to add to their caucus — currently at 45 members — if Ruben Gallego pulls out a win in Arizona.
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U.S. B-52’s Pose Clear And Present Danger To Iran’s Nuke Sites
Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 3:07 pm
Israel hopes the presence of B-52 bombers sent by the U.S. will help it prevent a possible nuclear strike by Iran. Dr. Michael Oren, Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S. says the big planes fly at 50,000 feet, and each carry a 30,000 lb. “bunker buster” bomb. Observers suspect the planes could be used soon to launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.
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Pro-Abortion Measures See Mixed Results On Election Day
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 1:40 am
Pro-abortion forces lost Tuesday on a Florida ballot measure but prevailed in two other states. By rejecting adding abortion rights to their state constitution Florida voters kept a ban on abortion after the first six weeks of pregnancy in place. It’s the first time abortion rights groups have lost in a statewide ballot question since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended a national legal right to abortion in 2022. Most voters did support the measure, but it fell short of the 60% required to pass. It was a victory for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. Pro-abortion measures were adopted in Maryland and New York.
Listen DownloadRepublicans Claim Senate Majority
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 1:36 am
Republicans have taken the Senate majority for first time in four years. Republicans seized control after flipping more than enough Democrat-held seats, holding onto GOP incumbents and wresting away the majority for the first time in four years. The unexpected battleground of Nebraska pushed Republicans over the top as Sen. Deb Fischer [R-Neb] brushed back a challenge from independent newcomer Dan Osborn. That came after Republican Sen. Ted Cruz [R-TX] of Texas defeated Democrat Colin Allred. Democratic efforts to salvage their majority slipped further out of reach with Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown [D-OH] in Ohio lost his reelection to Republican Bernie Moreno. Early on, Republicans picked up the seat in West Virginia.
Listen DownloadPolls Suggest Senate GOP To Flip More Seats Than Democrats
Mon, Nov 4, 2024 at 3:03 pm
Control of the Senate after tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) election will come down to which party can flip the most seats. In a year when Senate Democrats have 23 seats in play to the Republican’s 11, The GOP is expected to use that advantage to reclaim the majority. Something they would need only ONE new seat to accomplish if Donald Trump wins the white house, TWO seats if Kamala Harris wins. Those flipped seats are next to certain this year in West Virginia, and Montana. Republicans also hope to pad their new majority with tight races in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Polls show Democrat attempts to flip Republican seats in Texas, Florida, and Nebraska will likely come up short.
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