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Q1, 2017 World News Updates Economic Crisis in Venezuela Could Impact Wider Hemisphere - SOUTH AMERICA Caracas - Venezuela, under the reign of dictator Nicholas Maduro, continues to suffer from economic decline as inflation reaches a historic level and growing discontent leading to mass migration out of the country. As the economic crisis continues to grow in Venezuela, the Maduro Regime has expanded its crackdown on democratic institutions and on some vocal members of the opposition. Migrants fleeing the crippled economy have placed significant pressure on neighbors like Colombia and could possibly begin to make their way towards the Southern United States. The Maduro Regime has condemned the United States as the cause of their economic woes as a result of economic sanctions currently placed on the country. Keiko Fujimori Declines to Pardon Father "At this Time" In Spite of Calls from Brother - SOUTH AMERICA Lima - Right-wing Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori has reaffirmed her position of not offering a pardon to her father, former controversial Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori. Alberto Fujimori's tenure as President of Peru was infamous in the 1990s for rampant human rights abuses, though supporters point to increased security as a result of his aggressive campaign against left-wing terrorist organizations. President Fujimori ran on not pardoning her father during the 2016 Peruvian Presidential Election that saw her Fujimorist party, the National Force, take power. President Fujimori did seemingly leave the door open to possibly pardoning her father in the future. Kenji Fujimori, brother of President Fujimori and son of Alberto Fujimori, has publicly rebuked his sister, citing her unwillingness to pardon their father. Former Finance Minister Emmanuel Macron Declines to Run for French Presidency - EUROPE Paris - Former French Minister of Economics, Industry and Digital Affairs under President François Hollande Emmanuel Macron has declined to run for the office of the Presidency in 2017. This comes after significant rumors of a possible presidential bid under the banner of a new political party. The decision by Macron, who had led in some opinion polls, has caused a shift in the overall electoral landscape for control of the Élysée Palace. Initial frontrunner François Fillon, a former Prime Minister and head of the center-right Republicans, has been marred in scandal since "Penelopegate" broke to the press regarding the employment of his wife. Pundits now fear that far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen could be well-positioned to win a spot to compete for the presidency on the second round. With the left now split between Socialist Party nominee Benoît Hamon, who is suffering in the polls due to unpopularity related to the incumbent Socialist government, and rising challenger Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the populist left-wing La France Insoumise, France could be heading into a very chaotic campaign season. Aftermath of Remain Victory in EU Referendum Rocks UK Labour Party Leadership as Local Elections Loom - EUROPE London - The decision by UK voters to narrowly remain with the European Union following the 2016 referendum has continued to shape UK politics as the Labour Party faces a contentious leadership battle. Citing lack of confidence in current Labour Party leader and Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn, opponents successfully triggered a challenge to his leadership at the helm of the embattled party. Many critics of Corbyn's leadership have pointed to his lackluster embrace of the Remain campaign in 2016, despite the majority of the party supporting the Remain campaign. Former Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn has emerged as the primary opposition challenger to Corbyn, amassing support from moderate and establishment elements of the Labour Party. Labour MP Chuka Umunna has emerged as a dark horse candidate with minimal support. The drop in popularity for Corbyn since the Remain victory could play a key role in determining whether he will remain as party leader. The Latvian Russian Union Sees Historic Victories in Eastern Latvia - EUROPE Daugavpils - The Latvia Russian Union, previously effectively a fringe party in Latvian politics following losing all their parliamentary representation in the early 2010s, has roared back to life with strong victories across Russian-majority townships and mayoralties in Eastern Latvia. The Latvia Russian Union has historically been supported primarily by ethnic Russians and other Russian-speaking minorities and advocates for Russian and Latgalian being recognized as co-official languages in municipalities where at least 20% of the population are native speakers of such a language. The party also supports stronger ties with Russia, has supported the annexation of Crimea, and stands out as the only major political organization to oppose Latvia's membership in NATO. The Latvia Russian Union did also make gains in city council races in Riga, the nation's capital that holds a sizable Russian minority population. The Latvia Russian Union and its leaders, such as MEP Tatjana Ždanoka, have had cordial relations with prominent Russian politicians. Eastern Afghanistan Becomes Three-Way Battle Between Afghan Forces, the Taliban, and the Islamic State - MIDDLE EAST Jalalabad - The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has gained a foothold in eastern Afghanistan, challenging both Taliban and Afghan Government forces. The rise of ISKP has placed a significant strain on resources for the Afghan National Government, as it struggles to maintain widespread legitimacy outside of the capital of Kabul. The Taliban is similarly hamstring by the increased conflict with ISKP, an entity it sees as its rival. As tension continues to rise in Eastern Afghanistan, how the United States reacts could be critical. Iran Nuclear Deal Continues Under President Xiomara de la Cruz - MIDDLE EAST Tehran - The de la Cruz Administration has opted to continue to adhere to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. International observers have confirmed that Iran has been in compliance with the historic agreement since it was signed in 2016. Republicans had run against the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2016 and many conservative voters continue to express concern about the deal. Foreign policy experts are in general agreement that the Iran Nuclear Deal is working in its goal of deterring Iran from creating nuclear weaponry, but continue to urge caution and vigilance to maintain compliance on all sides. Intensified Fighting Across Multiple African Regions Spark Concerns of Humanitarian Crisis - AFRICA Juba - As fighting rages across multiple regions of Africa, experts warn that the world could see the worst global humanitarian crisis in history in the coming years if conflict continues to rage. Two regions in particular have become flashpoints in the wider continental challenges with armed violence. The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and opposition forces have ripped through the world's newest nation of South Sudan as the ongoing civil war intensifies. UN observers have warned that wide scale famine could further decimate the already war-torn population. The terrorist group Boko Haram continues to launch various attacks in northeastern Nigeria, as well as in neighboring Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, causing widespread displacement and casualties. Recent movements by the group's continued allegiance to ISIS raises concerns about the spread of radical Islamist terrorism expanding in West Africa. The resulting conflicts have exacerbated issues of African migrants, putting significant pressure on European and Middle Eastern nations. Assassination of Kim Jong-nam Removes Prominent Possible Opponent to North Korean Regime - ASIA Kuala Lampur - International experts now believe that Kim Jong-nam, the son of deceased former North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il and half-brother of current North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, has been assassinated by the North Korean Regime following exposure to VX nerve agent at Kuala Lampur International Airport in Malaysia. Kim Jong-nam had been living abroad since his exile from North Korea in 2003, primarily in the city of Macau. North Korea has denied the allegations that they played a role in the assassination of Kim Jong-nam and have criticized Malaysia's preliminary findings as a partnership with South Korea. International condemnation has been fierce as one of the last remaining prominent figures within the North Korean exile community has been killed. University Students in Thailand Launch Mass Civil Disobedience Protest Against Military Junta - ASIA Bangkok - University students in Bangkok have launched a civil disobedience campaign against the military junta that has been in power in Thailand since 2014 following a military coup. Non-violent sit-in demonstrations have sprung up at Kasetsart University, the largest university in Thailand, and Bangkok University as students demand the restoration of democracy and reinstitution of civil liberties that have been heavily curtailed by the junta since it took power. Local reports have indicated a large police presence at both universities as the situation remains tense between the opposing forces. Rumors have grown that the military junta, led by military-backed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, is considering establishing a mandatory curfew and could take action to end the protests should they persist, citing the protests interfering with educational services. Chinese Communist Party Sees Surprising Setback as Moderate John Tsang Elected Next Hong Kong Executive - ASIA Hong Kong - International pundits were surprised to see that Beijing's preferred Chief Executive for Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, was defeated by the pro-Beijing, but regarded as more moderate, John Tsang. The surprising victory comes as pro-democracy and moderate pro-Beijing elements placed their electoral votes in favor of Tsang, for a final vote tally of 609-564-21 with 601 needed to win. John Tsang is the longest-serving Financial Secretary of Hong Kong from 2007 to the present. Tsang will now be set to attempt to implement the goals of his 75-page election platform entitled "Convergence of Hearts, Proactive Enablement", with a promise of revisiting the possibility of the Article 23 national security legislation and the possibility of relaunching political reform. Some additional policies pursued by Tsang included introducing a progressive profit tax, developing New Territories North and East Lantau and abolishing all Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA) and Basic Competency Assessment (BCA) tests, among others. Reports within the CCP have indicated frustration with how the preferred candidate of Beijing could fail to win, despite offering tepid congratulations to Tsang.

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Senate Republicans Call For Additional Scrutiny of Valdez, Flournoy, and Orszag - Q1, 2017 Washington D.C. - Senate Republicans have indicated that they will seek to additionally scrutinize three cabinet nominees of President Xiomara de la Cruz. While Democrats currently hold a 50-49 majority in the U.S. Senate, with a pending outcome in Wisconsin, they cannot afford to lose a single vote within their caucus to confirm the nominees of the President's cabinet. One name has floated consistently around the media in a firestorm since the President announced her cabinet. Former OMB Director Peter Orszag, tapped to return as OMB Director, has found himself in the crosshairs of conservative media. A former Director of the Congressional Budget Office and Director of the Office of Management and Budget during the early years of the Obama Administration, Mr. Orszag has been credited by many as a key player in keeping the United States from spiraling into a depression during the Great Recession. His personal life and somewhat contentious relationship with some members of the White House was subject of media speculation and interest during his time at the OMB. Republicans criticism of Peter Orszag has focused primarily around his private sector work for investment bank Citigroup. Accusations include claims that Mr. Orszag enriched himself after leaving office within the same industry he regulated. Republicans have also been critical of the White House for elevating a member of Wall Street after campaigning against Wall Street in 2016, going so far as to accuse their opponents of being the candidates of Wall Street. A joint statement by multiple members of the Senate Republican Conference, spearheaded by Senator David Stewart of Pennsylvania, stated that, "Peter Orszag enriched himself on the back of public service before and we have no reason not to believe he will do it again. He cannot become a part of this administration." Republicans have hammered the issue of his work at Citigroup and private sector work during his time after the Clinton Administration repeatedly in the press. "Citigroup used Peter Orszag when he worked for Obama to make sure Obama kept their financial elites out of jail," said Senator Jason Roy of South Carolina on Fox and Friends. "Then he left Obama and cashed-out and went to Citigroup. This bank took over $500 billion in bailout funds from the American people and no consequences from Obama and this guy helps them get off." While pundits expect Peter Orszag's upcoming hearing to be contentious as a result of significant Republican scrutiny, some have been critical of the rhetoric by some Senate Republicans centered around financial regulation. "Frankly, I'm scratching my head at these Senate Republicans demanding increased financial burden," exclaimed Fox News Host Sean Hannity. "I think Peter Orszag needs to be challenged for his shady business and bad record but some of these Republicans sound like lefty Camilo deSonido or Nolan Stokes. I guess we'll have to see." The decision by Republicans to challenge the nomination of former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy for Secretary of Defense came more into view following public criticism of her time in the Obama Administration. Previously the the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Department of Defense, Mrs. Flournoy has been a well-respected figure in foreign policy and defense circles. "Flournoy's nomination was a natural choice for President de la Cruz," explained Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin on Fox News Sunday. "While Flournoy will make history as the first female Defense Secretary should she be appointed, she is ideologically similar to the moderate de la Cruz." Senate Republicans have honed their criticism of Mrs. Flournoy around her role in crafting the Obama Administration's policy for the 2011 U.S. intervention in Libya that removed dictator Muammar Gaddafi from power. While the intervention was successful in removing Gaddafi from power, subsequent instability has left Libya in significant upheaval, with the violent attack on the American embassy in Benghazi in 2012 becoming synonymous with the overall intervention. "Flournoy, as the mastermind behind the disastrous intervention in Libya in 2011, has proven herself to be a reckless and irresponsible decision-maker when it comes to matters of national security," said Senator Anne Marie Morello of Idaho in a recent press release. "The intervention in Libya led to chaos and instability in the region, ultimately creating a breeding ground for terrorism and further exacerbating the refugee crisis. The final cabinet member receiving additional scrutiny is the nominee for Secretary of State, Senator Katrina Valdez of Virginia. The former Director of the CIA during the Obama Administration and Senator of Virginia since 2013, Senator Valdez had been a supporter of now-Vice President Doug Murphy of Wisconsin during the 2016 Democratic Presidential Primaries before backing the President. "Katrina Valdez is a natural choice for Secretary of State given her similar background and ideology to President de la Cruz," said MSNBC Host Rachel Maddow. "Valdez is qualified but also has the added benefit of having good relations across the Democratic Party." While Republicans have been relatively mum regarding their opinions of Senator Valdez's nomination, pundits expect her to be grilled by Republicans on current foreign affairs and her past tenure with the CIA. "The United States is operating in a world constantly changing with pressing issues that the de la Cruz Administration will need to address," explained CNN Host Fareed Zakaria. "I expect Senators have a lot of questions about where Senator Valdez, and by extension President de la Cruz herself, stand on key foreign policy challenges facing the United States. ISIS, trade, China, Russia, NATO, South America, etc. could all be issues Republicans seek concrete answers for." The President's cabinet has received broad support from the Democratic Party. Hailed by pundits as overall a left of center cabinet with nods to moderate conservatives and progressives, the de la Cruz Administration has not faced significant opposition from within the ranks of their party. Prominent Democratic leaders, such as DNC Chairwoman and Senator Heather James of Washington, have been vocal in the press on the positives of the cabinet. "I'm excited and encouraged by President de la Cruz's Cabinet nominations and executive appointments, which show every sign of a well prepared administration that has hit the ground running," said the DNC Chairwoman on Morning Edition with NPR. "Of course nominations for important federal office deserve due scrutiny, and the Senate's role to advise and consent on these nominations is integral, but I'm hopeful the confirmation process will not be held up unnecessarily." Polling indicates that a 61% majority of Americans approve of the cabinet put forward by the de la Cruz Administration. Polling for OMB Nominee Peter Orszag is the lowest of any nominee with a narrow 46% plurality of Americans favoring his confirmation to the role, more than likely the result of a concentrated conservative media campaign. Michele Flournoy and Katrina Valdez both hold majority support of 55% and 59% respectively, with the dip for Flournoy the result of renewed focus on the 2011 military intervention in Libya.

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2016 Congressional/Gubernatorial Results U.S. Senate: 50 (D) - 49 (R) [1 Pending Special Election] U.S. House of Representatives: 232 (R) - 202 (D)

2016 General Election Final Results Xiomara de la Cruz (D-TX)/Doug Murphy (D-WI) - 292 Electoral Votes - 50.8% Popular Vote Katherine McCord (R-SC)/Charles Walker (R-CA) - 246 Electoral Votes - 48.9% Popular Vote President: General Election, National Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 50.8% Katherine McCord . . . 48.9% President: General Election, Florida Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 50.7% Katherine McCord . . . 49.3% President: General Election, Iowa Katherine McCord . . . 53.3% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 46.7% President: General Election, Michigan Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 56.5% Katherine McCord . . . 43.5% President: General Election, Nevada Katherine McCord . . . 52.3% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 47.7% President: General Election, New Hampshire Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 51.4% Katherine McCord . . . 48.6% President: General Election, North Carolina Katherine McCord . . . 55.6% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 44.4% President: General Election, Ohio Katherine McCord . . . 51.4% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 48.6% President: General Election, Pennsylvania Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 51.1% Katherine McCord . . . 48.9% President: General Election, Texas Katherine McCord . . . 54.8% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 45.2% President: General Election, Wisconsin Katherine McCord . . . 51.2% Xiomara de la Cruz . . . 48.8% Notable Trends: - Woman Vote Reaches Record High: With female nominees heading the top of both major tickets, the 2016 Presidential Election saw record turnout among woman voters. Women made up 57% of the electorate in 2016 and were instrumental in key victories for both tickets. - Historic Hispanic Turnout: Turnout for Hispanic Americans reached a historic high of 55.6% percent of eligible Hispanic voters casting ballots in the 2016 Presidential Election. Previous turnout has hovered in the mid-30s range in past cycles. This attributed to combination of Xiomara de la Cruz inspiring Hispanic Americans to vote for her campaign due to her background and a concentrated effort by the McCord Campaign in Florida to turn out a record number of Cuban Americans. - Entitlement Reform for Seniors: Campaigns focused on entitlement reform continue to see more senior engagement. Promises of protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security resonate with the majority of senior voters. Democrats continue to hold an edge with voters on which party would better protect entitlements. - Union Strength: Labor unions played a significant role in elevating Xiomara de la Cruz to the presidency in 2016. While union participation remains at historic lows nationwide, prominent unions like the AFL-CIO and United Auto Workers provided significant grassroots support in key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. - The Blue Wall Holds (Partially): The "Blue Wall" of Rust Belt states somewhat held in the 2016 which two major defections. Democratic pundits have argued that Ohio and Wisconsin, two states flipped to the GOP in the election, have been trending more Republican than Michigan and Pennsylvania. While Democrats have kept victories in Ohio and Wisconsin to a small margin, Republicans could make future gains as the states trend red. - Veteran Rallying Cry: The 2016 Presidential Election pit the first two female presidential candidates of major parties against one another. Both veterans of the Air Force, and accompanied by veteran VP nominees, the election cycle saw historic veteran participation and elevation of veteran issues in the wider political conversation. Some pundits have credited the election cycle with bringing renewed awareness to veteran mental health, veteran homelessness, and VA care. - Battle for the Suburbs: Both major campaigns fought aggressively to court suburban voters as they worked to churn out base city and rural voters respectively. While Republicans have traditionally had an edge in the suburbs, Xiomara de la Cruz and Doug Murphy were able to make it a real fight. Issues like education and the ACA proved to be salient with these voters. - GOP Makes Inroads with Religious Minority Voters: While Xiomara de la Cruz won Hispanic Americans by a decisive 71% to 29% and generally won majorities with different minority groups, a key area of success for the McCord Campaign was strategic investment and attention to conservative Catholic Hispanic voters and some conservative evangelical Black communities, particularly in North Carolina and Nevada, allowing Katherine McCord to crack 10% of the African American vote nationally. - Asian American Turnout Stagnant: Asian American turnout remained relatively steady compared to 2012. Neither campaign made a major effort to court this growing voter group, particularly in key battleground states.

NAFTA Repeal Amendment Marks Shift in Trade Conversation As Chamber of Commerce Balks Openly - Q1, 2017 Washington D.C - A Republican-led effort to amend the Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act of 2017, a bill sponsored by Senator Andrew Clarke (D-MO) that seeks to invest in blue collar job training, to add a provision withdrawing Congressional approval for the North American Free Trade Agreement, commonly known as NAFTA, has marked a significant shift in the political conversation around NAFTA. The free trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1994 has been a major contention of controversy since its inception. As Republicans in Congress make a significant reversal in direct and open opposition to NAFTA and free trade, the issue of trade is gradually emerging as a major issue within the wider political climate. Since the election last November, Republican rhetoric on trade has become increasingly more populist in nature. Despite that, anti-free trade messaging began to take root within the GOP during the last election cycle. “We’re going to revive our manufacturing sector by saying no to bad trade deals and renegotiating the ones currently in place,” proclaimed now-RNC Chairman and 2016 Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Charles Walker (R-CA) at a 2016 general election rally in Sandusky, Ohio. “... putting to bed the horrible legacy that the Clinton’s left behind.” Trade overall as an issue proved to not be as significant of a campaign issue overall as pundits initially expected as both tickets spoke of trade in relation to a wider issue of revitalizing America’s struggling manufacturing sector. The National Republican Senatorial Committee did make trade a key issue in the waning days of the 2016 cycle, but did not provide policy specifics beyond acknowledging that existing trade deals have negatively impacted workers and that Democrats have inadequately addressed the struggles of workers impacted by trade. Free trade and the exploration of free trade agreements have strong roots within conservative economic policies. Republican presidential administrations in the 1980s and 2000s both pursued free trade agreement policies, with NAFTA itself being proposed by Republicans in the late 1980s. Former Senator and 2016 Republican Presidential Nominee Katherine McCord (R-SC) was the first Republican nominee in recent history to express skepticism towards free trade but did not go so far as to call for the repeal of NAFTA. The controversial proposal, known as the Repeal NAFTA Act, put forward by Senator Davd Stewart (R-PA), would withdraw the United States from NAFTA by ending Congressional approval for the agreement and require the President to inform both Mexico and Canada of their intention to withdraw from the agreement. “It is time to bring our jobs back and punish the companies that have stolen our prosperity from hard-working Americans,” said a press release from Senator Stewart’s office. “This job-killing trade deal must end, and I will work every day in the Senate to ensure it ends.” The proposed amendment ending NAFTA without an alternative on the books elicited immediate negative reactions from the Canadian and Mexican Governments. “I think the United States unilaterally withdrawing from NAFTA without an alternative would be a significant mistake,” said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an interview with CBC News. “It would destabilize our collective markets and ruin our collective competitive edge economically.” The Mexican Government cited concerns that repealing NAFTA without an alternative would force all three nations to revert to WTO rules around trade, which could possibly upend supply chains and disrupt production throughout the continent. Various former Republican leaders have expressed similar frustration with the direction that a significant portion of Republicans as of late have been moving towards on the issue of trade. “Republicans like Dave Stewart and Jason Roy are destroying any credibility our party had on trade issues,” exclaimed 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee and former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA). “Free trade is a core tenant of our party’s economic vision and their haphazard approach to the issue only serves to benefit Democrats who come off looking sensible in not unilaterally throwing NAFTA down the drain.” The amendment has also faced severe and public criticism from traditional Republican interest groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in recent weeks. “Republican politicians in Washington supporting ridiculous and ill-conceived nonsense like an outright repeal of NAFTA, with no alternative to boot, is simply unacceptable,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue. “Rhetoric throughout the past year to now has eroded significant confidence from organizations like ours that Republicans are committed to free market principles and free trade. We have serious concerns about proposals like this and frankly, we are unconvinced that supporting Republican candidates in 2018 and beyond is beneficial for the long-term economic growth of our nation.” Democrats have by and large opposed the amendment put forward by Republicans, citing the unstable reality it would create if it passed. Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri (D-MI), when speaking to This Week on ABC News, stated, “What this proposes is millions of jobs gone in a blink of an eye and untold inflation, and the hardest hit will be the farmers all across the Corn Belt - including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and so on.” Democratic voices have acknowledged a collective desire to reevaluate existing trade agreements but have not gone so far as to outright call for the repeal of NAFTA. Democrats and Republicans alike do appear to have found more common ground on a separate amendment put forward by Senator Stewart, known as the End Outsourcing Act, that would seek to end outsourcing by corporations by financially punishing businesses that engage in the process. “It’s clear this Congress is on track to have a far more populist tilt compared to previous sessions,” explained CNN Host Jake Tapper. “What remains to be seen is how much political appetite on both sides exists to actually get these issues to President de la Cruz’s desk, or if she’d even sign them for that matter. The Chamber of Commerce fired a not so subtle warning shot as of late that continued action on the issue by Republicans could be a financial challenge for the party entering future election cycles. They aren't a group to just ignore.” An issue that has been left relatively untouched since the early days of the presidential campaign season in 2016 has been the status of the Trans Pacific Partnership, or TPP. Republicans and Democrats alike have been relatively mum on the subject as TPP still requires approval from Congress. “Everyone is talking NAFTA, NAFTA, NAFTA as if there is not a significantly more pressing issue related to trade floating in limbo,” said former Labor Secretary Robert Reich. “Democrats and Republicans alike need to make their positions on TPP known, particularly the White House. If they do wish to move forward with TPP, I question whether it could get approval with this Congress.” One signal regarding the thought process in the White House could be rhetoric used by Vice President Doug Murphy (D-WI) during the 2016 Democratic Presidential Primaries. Now-VP Murphy actively opposed TPP throughout the early campaign cycle. As a member of the de la Cruz Administration expected to be a major player in manufacturing and blue collar policy, his position on TPP and trade in general could heavily influence the policies the White House undertakes. A majority of 63% of Americans broadly favor reevaluating existing trade agreements on the books while a narrow 52% of Americans oppose ratification of the Trans Pacific Partnership, due in part to bipartisan criticism of the proposed deal during the early months of 2016. While nearly 42% of Americans favor getting rid of NAFTA, the percentage drops to 21% when voters are asked about getting rid of NAFTA without a replacement.

Q1, 2017 (RL - 03/31/2024) Andy Barr (R-KY) Announces Bid for Speaker of the House @Fox News - BREAKING: Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky announces challenge to Paul Ryan for Speaker of the House. @Steve Bannon - It’s time to take out the RINO trash and kick Paul Ryan to the curb. @Sean Hannity - Paul Ryan helped hold the House Republican Majority in 2016 and they pay him back by stabbing him in the back? Make it make sense! Paul Ryan (R-WI) Faces Serious Threat to Leadership @The Hill - Growing Republican Fissure in the House Threatens Speaker Ryan's Hold on Conference: ARTICLE @Larry Sabato - I think its beyond clear that Speaker Ryan and his allies were blindsided by the level of opposition they've seen within the party. This was the guy who just led them to holding the House of Representatives less than two months ago. @Congressman Mo Brooks - Republican voters demand new leadership. Losing three presidential cycles in a row is a sign that the party must change approach. Ryan must go. @Congressman Justin Amash - I thought Republicans valued small government, low taxes, and less dependance on government services. The people running around calling Paul Ryan a RINO should take a look in the mirror. @Congressman Scott Jennings - Paul Ryan has been a steadfast and even-handed leader of House Republicans. Freshman representatives like me were elected to get to work, not getting dragged under by petty inter-party squabbles. @Mitt Romney - Paul Ryan is a proud Republican through and through dedicated to conservative values. I was proud to have him as my running mate in 2012 and I believe he deserves to continue to serve as Speaker. @Newt Gingrich - Being Speaker of the House is a herculean task on its own. Paul Ryan has proven time and time again that he is the unity figure that keeps our House Republicans united. @Tucker Carlson - House Republicans need fresh leadership that can inspire our movement. Andy Barr is the right guy to take the mantle of Speaker. @James Carville - Democrats would be morons to not take advantage of the ongoing nasty inter-party fight going on with the Republicans. Voters in Wisconsin will remember in March! @Jim Acosta - I am being told that incoming House Majority Leader Jim Jordan has stayed mum on whether to support or oppose Paul Ryan's bid for another term as Speaker. Marica Fudge (D-OH) Suspends Bid for House Minority Leader @MSNBC - BREAKING: Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio suspends her brief bid for House Minority Leader. @Kyle Kulinski - What are progressives doing? What was the point of that? @Jake Tapper - Marcia Fudge withdrawing from the Minority Leader race could be a signal that Nancy Pelosi has possibly secured support for her reelection bid. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Forced into Second Ballot Following Surprise Surge for Brad Ashford (D-NE) @The Hill - Nancy Pelosi Faces Stronger than Anticipated Challenge from Moderates in Bid for House Minority Leader: ARTICLE @Van Jones - Moderates and Progressives are making their voices heard that there is not enough representation in leadership. They want more of a seat at the table and they expect to get one now that President-elect de la Cruz leads the party. @James Carville - I don't think no one expected Brad Ashford of Nebraska to actually pose a challenge to Pelosi but here we are. Curious to see if support was centered on him as a candidate or his call for better representation in leadership. @Kyle Kulinski - Marcia Fudge could have been a strong progressive compromise candidate for Speaker. I think pulling her campaign was a bad idea but maybe they've got some concessions out of Pelosi. @Congresswoman Debbie Halvorsan - My fellow Blue Dogs have made clear that we want a seat at the table. I think Brad would make an excellent Speaker but I will take my caucus' position to heart. @Congressman Jim Cooper - Look, I supported Congressman Ashford on the first ballot because I want to see more representation. Leader Pelosi indicating to us that she is ready to do that is a big win in my book. @Donna Brazile - Swift victories for Steny Hoyer, Joe Crowley, and Ben Ray Lujan tells me the House Democratic Conference is generally a united front. They're having a conversation at the top about direction in comparison to the bloodbath on the Republican side. @Jake Tapper - It's definitely clear that Democrats are having a much more tame leadership challenge then the Republicans. While the attacks on Paul Ryan have become more ideological and personal in nature, Democrats have been fairly quiet about their process. Second House Leadership Internal Ballots Set @Fox News - Paul Ryan will face Andy Barr on the next ballot for Speaker of the House. No challenger emerges against Cathy McMorris Rodgers for House Republican Conference Chair after rivals fail to secure enough seconds. @MSNBC - Nancy Pelosi and Brad Ashford will duke it out for House Minority Leader after Bradford's surprising showing in the first round of balloting. Pundits expect Pelosi will emerge victorius after Congresswoman Marcia Fudge dropped out of the running. David Stewart (R-PA) Attacks Cliff Fleming (R-AL) and Charles Walker (R-CA) On Meet the Press @NBC News - Senator David Stewart openly criticizes Senate Minority Leader Cliff Fleming and RNC Chairman Charles Walker for backing Speaker Paul Ryan's re-election bid on Meet the Press: SPIN ZONE @Sean Hannity - I don't know who this Stewart schmuck thinks he is, attacking Cliff Fleming and Charles Walker for supporting Speaker Ryan after he held the majority in House is ridiculous! @Steve Bannon - Cliff Fleming and Charles Walker should be joining other caucus members and backing Andy Barr for Speaker. We need new conservative leadership and Paul Ryan ain't it. @Megyn Kelly - I think going after the leadership as openly as David Stewart has isn't nearly as effective as he might hope. General Walker and Minority Leader Fleming both have made a strong case for Ryan remaining as Speaker and base voters tend to defer to their view. @Tucker Carlson - It's clear that the Republican grassroots are finally taking leadership to task after three failed presidential cycles. Cliff Fleming and Charles Walker should be on the right side of history and stop backing Ryan. @Senator John McCain - Paul Ryan is a strong constitutional conservative dedicated to our party values. The naysayers are proposing radical departures from traditional Republican values as they brazenly call Speaker Ryan a RINO. @Rudy Giuliani - It's clear that Paul Ryan has got to go. We need a fresh slate of leadership ready to stand up to President de la Cruz at every turn. We need a STRONG Speaker! Alex Fakhouri (D-MI) Warns of Right-Wing Takeover of House Republican Leadership @CNN - Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri shares his thoughts on the ongoing battle for Speaker of the House on The Lead with Jake Tapper: SPIN ZONE @Jake Tapper - "This kind of chaos is indicative of a total failure of leadership, and should worry everyone about their ability to govern effectively." - Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri (D-MI) @Jim Acosta - Strong words from Senate Majority Leader Fakhouri towards Cliff Fleming, Charles Walker, and Paul Ryan. Saying they "fanned the flames of hatred" that led to this point is certainly pointed. @Jesse Watters - I think Alex Fakhouri should worry about his own House Democratic colleauges before commenting on Republicans. This guy has no idea what he's doing. @Hillary Clinton - Alex Fakhouri is correct that a far-right House Republican Conference is a danger to stability and the ability of Congress to deliver results. John Carlsen (D-IN) Meets With Reverend Franklin Graham on Capitol Hill @Fox News - Reverend Franklin Graham spotted meeting with President Pro Tempore John Carlsen of Indiana at the Russell Senate Office Building. @Franklin Graham - I was glad to have a productive conversation with Senator Carlsen. His leading voice of moderation within the Senate Democratic Conference could be exactly what we need to avoid further transgressions on the sanctity of life or the sanctity of marriage. @Rosie O'Donnell - John Carlsen meeting with someone as homophobic and anti-choice as Franklin Graham is a slap in the face to Democratic voters. @Jake Tapper - Reverend Graham reportedly expressed openness to supporting legislation from the moderate Democrats like the Carlsen and Clarke-backed Child Tax Credit for Pregnant Moms Act of 2017. @Bret Baier - Little doubt making inroads with prominent evangelicals like Franklin Graham could be critical to John Carlsen's future success as a Democrat in Indiana. Rand Paul (R-KY) Announced as Next Heritage Foundation President @Fox News - Heritage Foundation announces that former one-term Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky will replace Jim DeMint as President of the prominent conservative organization. @Megyn Kelly - Conservative activists continue to question why Paul would decide to retire in 2016 rather than run for reelection. Getting the top job at the Heritage Foundation could be the reason. @Steve Bannon - Rand Paul taking the helm at the Heritage Foundation marks a strong shift in favor of the new conservative movement agenda. I wish him luck. John Bel Edwards (D-LA) Chosen to Serve as Democratic Governors Association Chair for 2017-2018 Cycle @CNN - Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana has been selected to serve as Democratic Governor's Association Chair for the 2017-2018 cycle. @James Carville - A decidedly conservative shift within the DGA following the leadership of Connecticut Governor Dannell Malloy during the 2016 cycle. @Norah O'Donnell - A Blue Dog at the helm of the DGA will no doubt be a boost to future moderate candidates in upcoming gubernatorial elections. @Rachel Maddow - Democrats putting a pro-life Democrat in charge of the DGA for the 2017-2018 cycle is certainly a choice. Xiomara de la Cruz (D-TX) Set to Be Inaugurated as 45th President of the United States @CNN - Tomorrow marks the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States and America's first female President. @NBC News - Law enforcement is actively preparing for large crowds expected at the upcoming inauguration ceremony. @MSNBC - Xiomara de la Cruz will become the first Hispanic, first woman, and youngest president to ever serve once sworn in. @Fox News - Sources indicate that President-elect de la Cruz has invited 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate Katherine McCord of South Carolina to attend the inauguration.

Nancy Pelosi Faces Stronger than Anticipated Challenge from Moderates in Bid for House Minority Leader - Q1, 2017 Washington D.C. - The race for House Minority Leader is heating up as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has failed to secure another term as leader on the first internal ballot. A revolt from the moderate and progressive factions of the conference has surprisingly gained traction within the House Minority Leader race, denying Nancy Pelosi a first ballot victory. In contrast to the current ideological fight for Speaker of the House within the House Republican Conference, the divisions within the House Democratic Conference has centered on lack of geographic and ideological representation within leadership positions across the chamber. The 114th Session of Congress did have the majority of ranking member positions held by coastal state representatives and coastal Democrats representing key conference leadership roles. "Little question a lot of members of the Democratic conference have been discontent about the composition of leadership for quite some time," said CNN Contributor Van Jones during an appearance on CNN's New Day. "I think its clear that they've finally had enough. The election of a moderate like President-elect de la Cruz further emboldens them to take action." Pundits were surprised by the level of support that Minority Leader Pelosi's challenger, Congressman Brad Ashford (D-NE), had on the first ballot. The moderate Blue Dog from Nebraska was not perceived by many to be a threat to Pelosi's leadership. "I think Brad Ashford challenging Pelosi is unorthodox enough as it is, but for him to actually gain momentum against Pelosi is a signal that elements of the conference agree with Ashford's call for more geographic and ideological diversity within leadership," theorized veteran Democratic strategist James Carville. "I suspect a portion of Ashford's supporters are more supportive of what Ashford is calling for than for Ashford himself. This is a fairly moderate to conservative Democrat but he encapsulates the criticism of Pelosi's leadership structure." The brief bid for Speaker by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) following Pelosi's loss on the first ballot further highlights discontent with the structure of leadership from the left as well. The Progressive Caucus propped up the challenge by Marcia Fudge before determining that there would not be a path. "I think progressives dropped the ball a bit here," exclaimed leftist commentator Kyle Kulinski. "I hope progressive leadership has a idea in mind by ending Marcia Fudge's bid after recruiting her so soon. We need more progressive voices in leadership. That is where the real decision making is and it's time to get a seat at the table." Despite the bulk of their members supporting the challenge to Pelosi by Brad Ashford, Blue Dogs now find themselves in a similar situation to Progressives regarding which way to turn. Sources close to Ashford himself expressed shock when seeing the level of support he received on the first ballot. "Look, I like Brad a lot and I think the changes he rallied for are critical for building our bench and uniting our party," said moderate freshman Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) during Meet the Press. "I am going to take to heart whatever my fellow Blue Dogs decide. Brad has shown the feeling of many in our conference that we need better representation in leadership. It's on Leader Pelosi to show us she is willing to listen to those demands." Minority Leader Pelosi reportedly did make an address to the wider House Democratic Conference following the end of the 1st ballot to make guarantees of listening to concerns from members. Sources on record have indicated that she promised the conference that there would be more geographic and ideological diversity within the House Democratic leadership should she be reelected to serve as Minority Leader. "To me, this was a big victory for what Congressman Ashford called for by having Leader Pelosi confirm that she'd listen to us," explained prominent Blue Dog Congressman Jim Cooper (D-TN) to the press following the conference meeting. "I think we've got promises from leadership to expand the bench in our leadership across geographic and ideological lines. That to me is a win and one I can support." The rest of House Democratic Leadership was elected with varying degrees of opposition that couldn't clear 50%. House Minority Whip will continue to be Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who has served in the role for multiple Congresses. Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY) faced minimal opposition but won the role of House Democratic Conference Chair. Congressman Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) was unanimously elected as the next DCCC Chair for the 2017-2018 cycle. "I think its clear that the Democratic Conference overall is a united front," said former DNC Chairwoman Donna Brazile during an appearance on Fox News Sunday. "Democrats want strong leadership and they are overwhelmingly voting to keep the ship stable. Certainly going much smoother overall than the Republican bloodbath." Polling has indicated that a large majority of 71% of Democratic voters are supportive of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi retaining her role. Polling conducted towards moderate and progressive voters show much narrower majorities within both subgroups. "I think Democrats find themselves in a better position on their leadership issues than Republicans because the issues at the heart of the challenge aren't ideological or personal in nature," said CNN Host Jake Tapper. "It's a signal by both the moderates and progressives that they want their voices heard. They aren't throwing Nancy Pelosi under the bus like many Republicans are with Paul Ryan and the Speakership race. Republicans have a real risk of depressing their party enthusiasm with a drawn out fight for leadership while Democrats hash out what ultimately is more of a public flex of influence over an vicious ideological battle."

Growing Republican Fissure in the House Threatens Speaker Ryan's Hold on Conference - Q1, 2017 Washington D.C. - Shock would be an understatement across Capitol Hill as Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) faces a growing fissure within the House Republican Conference that has threatened to derail his speakership. Despite holding the House of Representatives in the 2016 elections, a conservative grassroots backlash, promoted by elements of the House Freedom Caucus, has denied Speaker Ryan an outright majority victory on the first internal ballot of the House Republican Conference to serve another term as Speaker of the House in the 115th Session of Congress. The fissure over Speaker Ryan's bid for a second term comes with the backdrop of a rightwing lurch for the rest of the House Republican Conference Leadership. Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH), a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, trounced incumbent House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and will serve as House Majority Leader in the 115th Congress. Establishment Republican Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) failed to secure a majority of the vote for House Republican Conference Chair and is expected to face a challenge. Freedom Caucus member Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX) will lead the NRCC into the 2017-2018 election cycle. Only House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) was spared from a first ballot loss and will continue in the role. Pundits across the spectrum expected Speaker Ryan to be unopposed in his bid to continue serving as Speaker of the House in the 115th Session of Congress. Following a dominating victory in 2016 for Republican Study Committee candidates over other factions of the party, Speaker Ryan was anticipated to have a less hostile Republican Conference to the wishes of leadership. "The establishment wing of the Republican Party dominated in 2016, you see that in 144 members of Congress associated with the Republican Study Committee within the overall 232 majority," said Professor Larry Sabato on Meet the Press. "This speaker bid should have been a slam dunk." A slam dunk that ultimately never materialized. Despite famously backing his bid for Speaker in the 114th Session of Congress, the right-wing House Freedom Caucus has roared to life, backed by surprising defections from the Republican Study Committee, to oppose Speaker Ryan's bid for another term. "We've now lost three presidential cycles in a row and it's clear to me that we need a change in direction and leadership," said Congressman Mo Brooks (R-AL) during an appearance on Fox News Sunday. "I don't think Paul Ryan's version of the Republican Party is what the voters want anymore. That change should be reflected in our leadership." Not all members of the House Freedom Caucus have been onboard with the move to oust Speaker Ryan. Many libertarian-minded members of the caucus have been supportive of Speaker Ryan's agenda related to entitlement reform, tax cuts, and scaling back government regulation. "Speaker Ryan isn't perfect, but neither is any one of us," said Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) to a press gaggle. "What Speaker Ryan does get right is his commitment to small-government conservatism, something that rhetoric from his opponents increasingly indicate to members like myself that they want to shift away from those principles." Despite all of the current infighting, numerous members of the House Republican Conference have expressed confusion over the sudden backlash to Speaker Ryan's leadership. "I think Speaker Ryan and his allies were caught off-guard by the sheer backlash to his speakership," said Bush White House alum and freshman Congressman Scott Jennings (R-KY) on Anderson Cooper 360. "Frankly, a lot of us have been caught off guard. We keep hearing about Paul Ryan being a RINO but when they explain why, they talk about issues that aren't traditional conservative positions. It's bizarre to me. If Paul Ryan is a RINO, then I don't know what a Republican is." Senate Republicans have been equally fiercely divided on Speaker Ryan's bid for a second term. Newly-minted Senate Minority Leader Cliff Fleming (R-AL) has spoken out in support of Speaker Ryan despite being a member of the Freedom Caucus himself. Other members of leadership within the Senate Republican Conference, such as Senate Minority Whip William Croft (R-OH), have come out in support of Speaker Ryan as balloting continues. The Republican National Committee, through RNC Chairman General Charles Walker (R-CA), has openly expressed support for Speaker Ryan's continued tenure at the helm of the House Republican Conference. "I think it is very telling that Republican leadership have consolidated around Speaker Ryan," said Fox News Sunday Host Chris Wallace. "Despite being members of the right-wing of the Republican Party, the leadership clearly sees benefit to keeping Ryan on for the 115th Session of Congress." Prominent Republican leaders, such as 2012 Republican Presidential Nominee and Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) and former Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA), have spoken out in support of Speaker Ryan in recent days. Various other Senators within the Republican Conference have expressed opposition to Speaker Ryan's continued leadership. Despite previously claiming to be unwavering in his support for Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House, Senator William Whitaker (R-KY), has now come out against Speaker Ryan and reportedly moved to formally nominate a challenger. Senator Anne Marie Morello (R-ID) expressed their "thrill" related to Speaker Ryan failing to secure a majority on the first conference vote. None have been perhaps more bold than Senator David Stewart (R-PA) who publicly attacked Speaker Ryan and his leadership in his own backyard at an event in Milwaukee. "The fight we're waging right now in Washington is a fight we must win. It's not about who will become Speaker of the House, it's about the symbolism of Paul Ryan's downfall. Paul Ryan represents everything we need to fight against in the Republican party and in the Democratic party. He's a creature of those globalist special interests." Speaker Ryan now faces a direct challenger for the Speakership from Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY). While some conservative pundits have pointed out that Congressman Barr's views on key issues raised by opponents of Speaker Ryan are relatively similar to Ryan's own, others have noted Congressman Barr as a fresh face to bring in a new wave of leadership. "I think Andy Barr is just the right kind of change House Republicans need," said Fox News Pundit Tucker Carlson. "He's a fighter through and through that will provide House Republicans with an actual conservative leader, not the politics as usual nonsense of Paul Ryan." Democrats, for their part, have basked in the infighting within the House Republican Conference as the Wisconsin Senate Special Election looms. "These right-wing wackadoodles in the House and Senate are giving Democrats a gold mine of content to hit them over the damn head with in that upcoming special election," exclaimed veteran Democratic strategist James Carville on MSNBC's Morning Joe. "They've been ripping Paul Ryan apart in the press and in his own damn state, the same state that will determine whether Democrats get a outright 51-49 majority in the Senate. They're exposing a rift that Democrats would be morons not to exploit going into that election and beyond." Recent polling indicated that 67% of respondents told pollsters that they support Paul Ryan remaining as Speaker of the House. This percentage is down from over 79% of respondents prior to the significant backlash to his leadership. Republican voters indicated general support for Paul Ryan's traditional positions to key issues like trade and entitlement reform, though overall at lower percentages than prior to the 2016 election cycle. Over 80% of respondents could not name what state Congressman Andy Barr is from.

Q1, 2017 (RL - 03/30/2024) Paul Ryan (R-WI) Faces Possible Challenger for Speaker of the House @Bret Baier - Sources within the House Republican Conference have stated that they do not believe Paul Ryan has the votes to win his party’s approval for another term as Speaker of the House at this time. @Megyn Kelly - So let me get this straight Republicans, Paul Ryan sucks it up and takes on the role of unity candidate after feckless John Boehner leaves office and now we knife him? Make it make sense! @Steve Bannon - It’s time for strong conservative leadership in the House. Tired of being told we have to put up with leaders like Paul Ryan who cave at every opportunity! We need a fighter against de la Cruz’s extremism! @Jose Diaz-Balart - Sources close to Speaker Ryan have also said they are surprised by the backlash to Ryan’s leadership following a dominating election cycle for the Study Committee in the 2016 elections. @Sean Hannity - How f-ing stupid you have to be to oppose the guy who gave you a House majority. Real classic. @Rachel Maddow - Right-wing Republicans are out to avenge their 'mishaps' last election. First peson on the chopping block? Paul Ryan. The start of Republican infighting? More on that with Russiagate. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Faces Stronger Challenge from Brad Ashford (D-NE) Than Expected for House Minority Leader @Jake Tapper - Not all is sunshine and rainbows on the Democratic side as sources close to Minority Leader Pelosi have indicated that the insurgent campaign of Brad Ashford of Nebraska is garnering more support than previously anticipated. @James Carville - While Ashford may not be the flashiest guy by any means, his challenge to Pelosi is rightfully pointing out the issues within the conference as it related to proper regional representation within leadership and spread across committee rosters. @Donna Brazile - Nancy Pelosi has been the fearless leader of House Democrats and should continue to be as we enter the 115th Congress. @Brian Williams - A small segment of the House Democratic Conference also appears to be supportive of an alternative option to both Pelosi and Ashford according to sources familiar with the ongoing race. National Speculation on Possible Wisconsin Senate Special Election Candidates @CNN Politics - Senator Scott Walker?: Rumors abound in Madison as some sources indicate Governor Scott Walker could consider a bid for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming Wisconsin special election. @Sean Hannity - Scott Walker took the fight to the unions and won big. Can’t think of a better candidate than him to win the seat and create a 50-50 Senate! @George Will - Wisconsin Republicans have a decent bench of prominent candidates like Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Congressman Sean Duffy, and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald. @Steve Bannon - You won’t find a more red-blooded patriot than Sheriff David Clarke to win the Wisconsin special election! @Rachel Maddow - Democrats proved in 2016 with Russ Feingold’s victory over Ron Johnson that they can be competitive in the state. A strong Democratic candidate can hold VP-elect Murphy’s seat for Democrats. @James Carville - Former Congressman Ron Kind, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, and State Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling would all be strong candidates to replace Murphy in Wisconsin. @Jeff Weaver - Establishment types are crazy if they think Wisconsin Democrats should embrace a moderate candidate. Firefighter Union President Mahlon Mitchell, Congressman Mark Pocan, and Madison Mayor Paul Soglin are all viable progressive options. @Donna Brazile - Wisconsin state superintendent Tony Evers would make an excellent candidate in the upcoming Wisconsin senate race. @Jake Tapper - Ultimately, both parties have extensive benches to choose from in the all-important state of Wisconsin as the special election in March will determine whether or not Democrats will have breathing room with their new Senate majority. Joe Biden (D-DE) Travels to Capitol Hill to Start 115th Session of Congress @CNN - Vice President Joe Biden is en route from the Naval Observatory to Capitol Hill to swear in newly-elected Senators for the 115th Congress. @Jim Acosta - The 115th Session of Congress is expected to begin later today. @Megyn Kelly - House Republicans stand as the bulwark against the radical agenda of supposed “moderate” Xiomara de la Cruz! They will be instrumental in this new Congress. @Rachel Maddow - With a narrow majority in the Senate and a minority in the House, moderate Blue Dog Democrats will be the key to any legislation reaching President-elect de la Cruz’s desk. 115th Session of Congress Begins @MSNBC - Vice President Joe Biden, in his last year in office, opens the United States for the last time. @POLITICO - As the Senate opens, Senators rush to file bills hoping theirs will be picked, allowing them to make their mark. @New York Times - With an incoming Democrat-controlled Senate and continued presence in the White House, many Democrats, especially in the black community, are looking forward to a 'swift' confirmation of Judge Watford who was nominated by President Obama just last year. ABC News 2016 Year in Review @ABC News - Look Back at 2016: LINK First 115th Session House Leadership Ballot Outcome @CNN Politics - BREAKING: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi falls short of a majority of her conference to win another term on the first ballot. @MSNBC - Steny Hoyer of Maryland has been reelected as House Minority Whip. Joe Crowley of New York has been elected to serve as House Democratic Conference Chair and Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico will be DCCC Chair for the 2017-2018 election cycles. @CNN Politics - BREAKING: Speaker of the House Paul Ryan fails to earn a majority of his conference to serve as their Speaker nominee on the first internal ballot. Kevin McCarthy is overwhelmingly defeated by Freedom Caucus member Jim Jordan of Ohio for House Majority Leader. @Fox News - Steve Scalise of Louisiana is narrowly reelected to serve as House Majority Whip while Roger Williams of Texas decisively defeats Steve Strivers of Ohio to serve as NRCC Chairman. @NBC News - Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington fails to secure a majority on the first ballot for House Republican Conference Chair. @Texas Tribune - Confusion abound in Texas as former assistant state attorney general Chip Roy is being floated as a candidate for Speaker of the House. William Croft (R-OH) Elevated to Senate Minority Whip @Fox News - Senate Republicans elevate Senator William Croft to serve as Senate Minority Whip for the 115th Session of Congress. @MSNBC - Senator William Croft of Ohio is the first openly gay member of the Senate to take a top leadership role within either major party. @Franklin Graham - Pray for America! Soddom and Gomorrah have no place in the halls of Congress, let alone Republican Leadership! @Megyn Kelly - Republicans are a big-tent coalition through and through. Voices of sanity being elevated from the LGBT community to push back against ideological agendas is a win in my book! @Jesse Watters - Can't help but scratch my head at why Senate Republicans would elevate Croft to Whip. No doubt a conservative through and through but questionable lifestyle choices! @Rosie O'Donnell - Expect homophobic Republicans to come out of the woodwork to oppose William Croft simply because he is gay. Don't forget that Croft has stood silent while his own party works to roll back the clock on LGBT rights! @Family Research Council - We are thoroughly disappointed with Senate Republicans for elevating a member fundamentally opposed to traditional family values. @Log Cabin Republicans - LGBT Republicans are Republicans. William Croft will make an excellent Whip for Senate Republicans. @Charlie Kirk - A gay Republican is a RINO. @Ben Shapiro - …A Democrat @Candace Owens - …Not real. @Sean Hannity - …A Republican. Andy Barr (R-KY) Emerges as Possible Speaker Candidate @CNN Politics - Speaker Andy Barr?: Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr emerges as a possible challenger to Paul Ryan for Speaker of the House. @George Will - Curious to see if Andy Barr gains momentum in his possible challenge to Ryan. Little differentiates Barr from Ryan on the issues, including on key issues like repealing the ACA, scaling back financial regulation, and shared views of entitlements. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) Emerges as Possible House Minority Leader Candidate @CNN Politics - Progressive Challenger?: Reports from within the House Democratic Conference inidcate that Marcia Fudge of Ohio could be mounting a bid for House Minority Leader. @Jeff Weaver - The Black Caucus and Progressives putting up their own possible candidate compared to Pelosi and Ashford could throw the race for House Minority Leader entirely up in the air. Diego Everhart (D-PA) Announced as Senate Majority Whip @MSNBC - Democrats elevate Diego Everhart of Pennsylvania to serve as Senate Majority Whip. Nolan Stokes of Maryland will serve as deputy whip. @Donna Brazile - A historic moment for Senate Democrats as Diego Everhart and Nolan Stoke become the first African American whip and deputy whip respectively. @Jim Acosta - Senator Everhart was a prominent surrogate for VP-elect Doug Murphy's 2016 primary campaign and a key surrogate for the de la Cruz/Murphy ticket in the fall of 2016. @Norah O'Donnell - No doubt Senator Everhart may have notable influence over the relationship between the White House and Congressional Democrats given his closeness to the President-elect and VP-elect. John Carlsen (D-IN) Announced as President Pro Tempore @Fox News - Prominent Blue Dog and 2016 Democratic primary candidate John Carlsen has been elected unanimously to serve as President Pro Tempore for the 115th Congress. @James Carville - Senator Carlsen is a top Democratic focus going into 2018. His leadership and expertise as a prominent moderate Democrat could make him highly influencial in the upcoming session. @Sean Hannity - Lefty John Carlsen will cave to de la Cruz and Fakhouri at every turn. Mark my words! Marcia Fudge (D-OH) Announces Bid for House Minority Leader @MSNBC - BREAKING: Congresswoman Marcia Fudge of Ohio announces bid for House Minority Leader. @Rachel Maddow - Promoted by members of the Progressive Caucus, Marcia Fudge emerges as a potential alternative to Nancy Pelosi and Brad Ashford for House Minority Leader. @Al Sharpton - Marcia Fudge would make a strong and bold choice for House Minority Leader should she win the approval of the majority of her conference.

Players are encouraged to participate in the 2017 CPAC and Netroots Nation Conferences. Speeches are expected to be around 400 words at a minimum but can be longer. These conferences are an opportunity to build enthusiasm for your party and promote issues that matter to you. Depending on the quality of speech, you may receive benefits from interest groups and GP points awarded. CPAC 2017 | Netroots Nation 2017 CPAC and Netroots Nation 2017 will be due April 9th at 11:59pm EST