Washington Examiner Political Digest for February 13 2009

Washington Examiner Political Digest for February 13 2009

February 13, 2009

Washington Examiner Political Digest

Byron York - Why Gregg Bailed
When he took the job, Republicans searched for a diplomatic way to ask: Are you crazy?
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Sen. Judd Gregg withdraws commerce secretary bid
At issue for Gregg was a plan announced by the White House last week to strip the 2010 census from the commerce secretary's control and have the U.S. Census Bureau report directly to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.
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House Democrats take unexpected back seat as stimulus hammered out
House Democrats, angry over some cuts made to the stimulus package, may have to get used to playing a more marginal role in negotiations on major legislation as appeasing key Senate Republicans on controversial bills remains the top priority.
“There are three senators running Congress,” one top House Democratic leadership aide complained.
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Matthew Continetti - Much heralded era of bipartisanship hasn't materialized
Like a lot of Americans, I thought the 2008 election would usher in an age of consensus. Figures like President Obama and Sen. McCain would forge bipartisan alliances in order to rationalize the U.S. tax code, health insurance system, energy sector and entitlements. In this new age, the D or R appended to the end of an elected official's name would matter less than his capacity for compromise and moderation.
Boy, was I wrong.

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Senate confirms Panetta as CIA chief
The Senate confirmed Leon Panetta as director of the CIA on Thursday, placing the nation's top spy agency in the hands of a government veteran valued for his skills as a lawmaker and policy manager rather than an expert at intelligence-gathering and analysis.

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Chris Stirewalt's Morning Must Reads

McClatchy -- Obama wins stimulus fight, but how battle played out suggests challenges for agenda


Politico - Gregg flip-flop emboldens GOP


Washington Post - Sifting Through Details of the Deal


N.Y. Times - Even After the Deal, Tinkering Goes On


Wall St. Journal - Next Challenge on Stimulus: Spending All That Money


David Brooks – The Worst-Case Scenario

20090213 Washington Examiner Political Digest for February 13 2009
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/