Comptroller Peter Franchot, who has taken repeated political hits during this year's General Assembly session, slammed Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller in a radio interview Friday and accused the Democratic “machine” in Annapolis of corruption.“Corruption is alive and well in Annapolis and it comes from this absolute control without any checks and balances that we’ve got down there,” Franchot, also a Democrat, said on WAMU-FM’s Kojo Nnamdi Show. “Hopefully elections will sort some of that out.”The assembly voted this week to strip Gov. Larry Hogan and Franchot of their power over school construction decisions as members of the state’s Board of Public Works, a move the Republican governor suggested was motivated by a “vendetta” against his Democratic colleague on the board. The comptroller said Hogan’s theory surprised him.“I was kind of astonished to hear that, but yeah, that’s what they’re … [Read more...] about Maryland Comptroller Franchot slams Senate President Miller, ‘corrupt’ Democratic ‘machine’
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Mexican Senate, candidates slam deployment of US guardsmen
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican senators and presidential candidates put aside differences to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops to the border.The country's Senate passed a resolution Wednesday calling for the suspension of cooperation on illegal immigration and drug trafficking in retaliation for Trump's move.Presidential candidate Ricardo Anaya went further, saying Mexico should limit anti-terrorism cooperation until the National Guard is withdrawn. Anaya is the candidate of a left-right coalition in the country's July 1 presidential election.Ruling-party candidate Jose Antonio Meade said that "independently of our political differences, it is time for all the presidential candidates to unite in defense of the sovereignty and dignity of the nation ... to reject and repudiate thus kind of measure."Others took Trump's decision with a grain of salt after the Mexican government said guard members "will not carry weapons or have immigration or … [Read more...] about Mexican Senate, candidates slam deployment of US guardsmen
The Latest: Trump to see 2 GOP Senate candidates in W.Va.
The Latest: Trump to see 2 GOP Senate candidates in W.Va. April 5, 2018 Updated: April 5, 2018 10:35am Photo: Susan Walsh, AP Image 1of/7 CaptionClose Image 1 of 7 In this April 3, 2018, photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington. In this April 3, 2018, photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Photo: Susan Walsh, AP Image 2 of 7 . . Photo: AP Image 3 of 7 Increases standard deductionsThe standard deduction would be increased from $6,500 to $12,000 for single filers, from $9,550 to $18,000 for heads of household and from $13,000 to $24,000 for joint filers in 2018 less Increases standard deductions The standard deduction would be … [Read more...] about The Latest: Trump to see 2 GOP Senate candidates in W.Va.
State Senate Dems broker unity deal, looking to oust GOP from control
ALBANY – Long-feuding state Senate Democrats have brokered a framework deal to reunite, which Democrats claim will bolster the party’s prospects for taking control from Republicans of the 63-member chamber. And this time, they say it’s real. Following a Democratic “unity meeting" Tuesday in Manhattan, attended by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, Democratic Senate leaders and top officials of unions that hold influence over the Democratic Party, the cohesion deal among Senate Democrats was announced Wednesday afternoon. “Today is a very exciting day," said Cuomo, who has been criticized over the years for not doing more to use his influence as Democratic Party leader to end the intraparty battles in the Senate. The deal comes just three weeks before two vacant Senate seats get filled in special elections that could give Democrats a numerical advantage – though it can’t yet count on where one breakaway Democrat from Brooklyn might call home at the Capitol. … [Read more...] about State Senate Dems broker unity deal, looking to oust GOP from control
Colorado Senate votes against expelling lawmaker
0 View Comments DENVER — Colorado's Republican-led Senate voted late Monday against expelling a GOP senator accused of groping a former legislative aide, with opponents of expulsion arguing there isn't enough proof to merit the ultimate sanction. Senators voted 17-17 to defeat the measure to expel Sen. Randy Baumgardner, who represents a rural northwest Colorado district. During Monday's debate, Baumgardner apologized to anyone he offended but reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing. He was the second Colorado legislator to face expulsion this session over sexual misconduct claims. On March 2, Colorado state Rep. Steve Lebsock was expelled following complaints he harassed or intimidated five women, including a fellow lawmaker. Related: INSIGHTS: Sexual harassment victims and accusers deserve a better process Lebsock's ouster came after Arizona Republican Rep. Don Shooter was expelled Feb. 1 over misconduct claims. A California lawmaker resigned before debate on his … [Read more...] about Colorado Senate votes against expelling lawmaker