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President Xiomara de la Cruz Resigns Due to Severe Cancer Diagnosis (Washington D.C.) - In a shocking turn of events, President Xiomara de la Cruz has announced her resignation from office after receiving a devastating diagnosis of a severe form of pancreatic cancer. The news, which has sent shockwaves across the nation, comes as a heavy blow to both her supporters and the political landscape of our country. President de la Cruz, known for her unwavering dedication to public service and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of citizens, has been forced to step down from her position due to the demanding nature of the treatment required to combat her illness. The cancer, identified as stage IV pancreatic cancer, poses an immense threat to her health and well-being, requiring immediate and intensive medical attention. Pancreatic cancer is notorious for its aggressive nature and low survival rates. It arises when cells in the pancreas, a vital organ responsible for producing enzymes that aid in digestion and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, begin to grow uncontrollably. By the time symptoms manifest, the cancer is often in advanced stages, making it challenging to treat effectively. In President de la Cruz's case, the advanced stage of her cancer necessitates an aggressive treatment regimen that includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and possibly surgery. These treatments are not only physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally taxing. The side effects, ranging from nausea and fatigue to hair loss and weakened immune system, would severely limit her ability to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the presidency. As the leader of our nation, the President's role demands constant attention, decision-making, and engagement with both domestic and international affairs. "My heart is with the nation, but my focus must be on my recovery," the President said. "Battling a life-threatening illness requires her full focus and energy," the first Gentleman told the nation speaking alongside President de la Cruz, "leaving little room for the demanding rigors of governing and effectively leading the country." Understandably, President de la Cruz has made the difficult but necessary decision to prioritize her health and well-being over her political career. In her resignation speech, de la Cruz recognized her supporters, those who have been by her side during her diagnosis, and the American people for being patient. de la Cruz also spent a significant portion of her speech thanking Vice President Doug Murphy and reassuring the American people of her full faith and trust in him. Despite the immense challenges ahead, she remains optimistic about the future and urged unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The resignation of President Xiomara de la Cruz marks the end of an era in our nation's history. Her leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service have left an indelible mark on our society, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt deeply. At noon tomorrow, Doug Murphy will take office and become the 46th President of the United States. Murphy will have to tackle a number of challenges, including a vacant seat on the Supreme Court, choosing a new Vice President, and creating a renewed agenda.

POLITICO PLAYBOOK: GOP Drama Overshadows Democrats' Missteps in Senate By BARNABY ANTHONY and ELLA LANDRY | 05/04/2017 8:37AM Senate Majority Leader Diego Everhart speaks to reporters outside the Capitol in Washington D.C. on the Paul Watford nomination. MINIMUM WAGE BILL COMES AND GOES -- Democrats finally seemed interested in trying to reshape the political narrative surrounding Congress following the failed attempt to kill the filibuster on Supreme Court nominations, with newly elected Senate Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART docketing the 'Raise the Wage Act', which was sponsored by former Presidential candidate and Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO (I-CA). The bill would have raised the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour over the next seven years. THE FLEMING AMENDMENT: Former Senate Minority Leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL) offered an amendment to lower the wage hike to $10 an hour while also implementing E-Verify nationally. After proposing the amendment, notable Blue Dog Senator JOHN CARLSEN (D-IN) endorsed the amendment by Fleming on Twitter. There was also speculation on whether or not another Blue Dog, who is up for reelection in 2018, Sen. ANDREW CLARKE (D-MO) would support the amendment. "The amendment offered by Senator Fleming matches my own stated positions on e-verify [sic] and the size of the minimum wage increase," Carlsen wrote, "I am pleased to support his amendment." This immediately perked up observers as Democrats have no votes to spare when it comes to blocking amendments, with just a 50-seat majority currently. A Democratic staffer, who asked to remain anonymous, acknowledged there was no margin for error. "These discussions should've been had prior to the bill coming to the floor," the staffer said, "instead, the fallout is that we failed to communicate, and one of our major agenda items was stifled out of the gate." EVERHART PULLS THE BILL: After the amendment came to a vote, a number of Republican Senators seemed happy to oppose it, though it remains unclear why. Sen. JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA) and Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-AZ) opposed the amendment, raising questions on whether or not it could even obtain enough votes between the two parties to pass. Nonetheless, both Clarke and Carlsen voted for the amendment, seemingly drawing enough doubt among Democratic leadership for Everhart to pull the bill before voting could even finish on the Fleming amendment. A staffer for a rank-and-file Democrat told POLITICO they were frustrated with Everhart pulling the bill. "An increased minimum wage bill could have passed both Houses of Congress, but instead of accepting half a loaf, our leadership thinks it is better to chase after a fantasy number and end up with nothing," the staffer said. PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR MINIMUM WAGE: A new Hill-HarrisX poll found that 53 percent of registered voters said they would support raising the the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Another 23 percent said it should be increased but to a lesser amount. Various polls based in states such as Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania show a large majority of voters also support the use of E-Verify to halt the hiring of undocumented immigrants. STEWART FOR LEADER? -- Rumors swirling that a number of Senators have endorsed and propped up Sen. DAVID STEWART (R-PA) for Republican Senate Leader have raised alarm bells internally and among incredulous Republican donors. Following recent revelations that Stewart met with Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa in an attempt to torpedo the primary campaign of Wisconsin Gov. SCOTT WALKER in the Wisconsin Senate special election, rumors are now swirling that several Senators have endorsed Stewart to replace outgoing Senate Minority Leader Cliff Fleming. This also comes after Stewart was censured by the Pennsylvania Republican Party and by RNC Chairman TOM DONELSON. In a press briefing, Donelson said the words and actions of Stewart "had been lacking," and indicated that Stewart had personally apologized to him for the meeting with Hoffa. -- It could be Fleming again, as he's publicly announced his intention to run for the job he was just thrown out of. Fleming has also been endorsed by a contingent of Senators, angry that there was ever a movement to remove him. Sen. LLOYD BISHOP (R-AZ) called the new elections "petty and wrong," saying that Stewart and "his gang" were making moves against Fleming "because they don't like him." Bishop predicted the division in the party would hurt their upcoming chances in the Wisconsin special election. Members of the House Freedom Caucus have stayed out of the fray, with many frustrated that protections for unions and a number of other left-leaning initiatives have been undertaken or backed by Stewart. -- Others are tired of Fleming and Stewart both, with suggestions of a compromise candidate looming in the background. Names such as JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA), KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY), and GARY SCOTT FREEMAN (R-SC) have all been thrown out there as possibilities for the top spot. Van Horn is currently the Republican Senate Whip, although new elections are also being held for his spot, and many expect him to run to try and keep his job. Cambridge endorsed Freeman as a replacement for Fleming on Twitter, saying he would "make a great leader for our conference." Stewart also called Freeman "an excellent choice" in a tweet of his own. -- Everyone agrees Republicans have shot themselves in the foot with the public division, gaffes, and more focus on party intrigue than actual policy. Democrats have made a number of missteps in the Senate, including the failed effort to confirm Watford by killing the filibuster, pulling a number of bills from the floor before they reach a vote due to their own division, and the lack of public presence or direction from President Xiomara de la Cruz. "We're giving up PR wins because we can't get our a shit together," Paul Brian, a Republican staffer in Ohio, told POLITICO. "I'm damn glad I'm not in communications in Wisconsin trying to explain this BS to voters, who I'm sure wonder why they should even come out to vote, if this is what they are going to get out of it." Good Wednesday morning, and thanks for reading Playbook. Drop us a line; Barnaby Jackson, Ella Landry. PRESENTED BY DELTA DRIVING WASHINGTON TODAY WHO'S NEXT FOR THE SUPREME COURT? Following the public disaster in the Republican Party, Sen. PAULINE RICHARDS (D-OH) publicly came out in support of a one-time vote to bypass cloture rules on Supreme Court nominations to confirm whoever President de la Cruz nominates next for the job. Richards was the roadblock in Democrats' previous attempt to kill the filibuster. Judge PAUL WATFORD was widely supported by voters but it seems unlikely he'd be renominated, as exhaustion grows with the process. Watford sat in wait for a year after he was appointed by Obama in 2016 to replace Scalia. He was then rejected by the Senate three times despite receiving some support among Republicans, but never enough to cross the 60 vote threshold. -- There's been rumors of backroom negotiations between Stewart and former Senate Majority Leader ALEX FAKHOURI on possible nominees, including Judge JANE KELLY, who was endorsed by a bipartisan contingent of Senators, including Stewart, Richards, Roy, and Cambridge. Pundits and commentators have thrown cold water on de la Cruz nominating Kelly, however, with MSNBC commentator James Carville calling it "a ridiculous ploy," arguing de la Cruz would be "out of her mind to capitulate to a group trying to control the nomination process." -- Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval was also rumored to possibly be in contention. Sandoval, a moderate Republican, is pro-choice and holds a number of center-left positions. Nonetheless, Sandoval is a Republican, and many of his positions are much further to the right than any mainstream Democrat. -- It still remains unclear if Democrats will have to kill the filibuster in order to confirm someone. Antonin Scalia's seat has now been vacant for well over a year and many are growing exhausted with the process. The latest poll from Pew Research showed that most Americans don't have strong opinions on the filibuster. Just 25% support eliminating the filibuster to confirm a nominee, while 28% oppose eliminating it, and 46% had no opinion. When asked if Paul Watford should have been confirmed by the Senate, 54% of respondents said yes, with 37% saying no. WATCH: VP DOUG MURPHY was on 60 Minutes and interviewed by Lesley Stahl last night. Murphy slammed Republican dysfunction, praised the poise of President de la Cruz, and confirmed he would be campaigning in Wisconsin alongside Senate candidate RON KIND in what is sure to be the summers hottest drama, The Tale of Ron and Doug. The Wisconsin Special Election is in the final weeks and both parties are expected to be out in force in the final stretch. The fate of Doug Murphy's former Senate seat is at stake and so is the question of whether or not Murphy will be put on center stage in the Senate with a tied 50-50 Senate, which would be the case of Gov. Scott Walker can pull it off. There's lingering questions about how impactful recent scandals inside the Republican Party will be, and how much Wisconsin voters believe in the direction of President de la Cruz. PLAYBOOK READS CNN: Bridge Repair Costs Estimated at $4 Billion, Cleanup Progressing -- "As the aftermath of the devastating bridge collapse on Interstate 5 near Sacramento unfolds, authorities have announced staggering estimates for the repair costs, reaching approximately $4 billion. However, amidst the financial projection, there's a glimmer of progress as most of the initial damage from the collapse has been cleared up." CNN: British Airways IT Meltdown Causes Global Disruption -- "In a massive setback for travelers, British Airways canceled all flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Saturday due to severe IT failures, affecting thousands of passengers. The disruption, attributed to a power supply issue, has brought operations to a standstill, with no clear resolution in sight. Travel plans for thousands were thrown into chaos as British Airways abruptly grounded its planes. Passengers described the scene at the airports as "chaotic" and criticized the airline for insufficient communication about the unfolding situation. Piles of unattended luggage and long, stagnant queues became the day’s grim symbols." BBC: Economic Crisis in Venezuela Could Impact Wider Hemisphere -- "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." NYT: Chaos and Missteps: Senate Freedom Caucus Spooks GOP Donors -- "The Senate Freedom Caucus has been at the center of firestorms and controversy after several weeks of leading members Sen. Jason Roy (R-SC) and Sen. David Stewart (R-PA) being in the news for accusations of racism, meddling in the Wisconsin Special election primary, and causing concern and backlash among major Republican donors and legacy figures in the party."

Chaos and Missteps: Senate Freedom Caucus Spooks GOP Donors, Meddles in WI Special Election, and Spark Accusations of Racism (WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Senate Freedom Caucus has been at the center of firestorms and controversy after several weeks of leading members Sen. Jason Roy (R-SC) and Sen. David Stewart (R-PA) being in the news for accusations of racism, meddling in the Wisconsin Special election primary, and causing concern and backlash among major Republican donors and legacy figures in the party. Sen. Jason Roy (R-SC) has been perhaps the most controversial figure in the entire Senate due to his inflammatory and bigoted remarks on social media as well as a recent speech he delivered at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) which, according to those in attendance, left many in the crowd "slack jawed" and "horrified" by his comments. At the event, Roy told attendees that "we have an anchor baby as President of the United States," asking the crowd "can you believe it?" Roy went on to say to speak directly to President de la Cruz, saying "we let your mother in, she got over here and dropped you out on American soil, but it wasn't enough I guess. It wasn't enough, people. Now she wants to let in her cousins; [sic] her nieces and nephews, her MS13 gang-member friends." Roy also suggested a "Muslim ban" because the country was being "invaded", while pointing out former Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri was "the same religion as Osama bin Laden." In the past, Roy suggested that Paul Watford's entire was "thanks to affirmative action." The comments lead to widespread backlash and criticism, although not totally, as Roy was full-throatily endorsed by Richard Spencer, a self-proclaimed white nationalist, and a crowd of his supporters. At an event shortly after CPAC, Spencer called Roy "the future of the political right" and told the crowd in attendance that he was "speaking our language." The crowd was delivering the Seig Heil salute, famously used by the Nazi Party in Germany, in video released by The Daily Beast. Roy was condemned by major rank-and-file figures in the party. Now Former Senate Minority Leader Cliff Fleming (R-AL) spoke out on social media against Roy. "Jason Roy is not representative of the Republican Party," Fleming wrote, "I have said before and will say again, his views do not match those of the other 48 members of the Senate Republican Caucus." Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said there was "no place for bigotry in the GOP" while Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) called Roy's comments "stupid, moronic, racist, disgusting, and intolerable." What shocked many in Washington, including high level insiders, was the apparent removal of Cliff Fleming as the Republican Senate Leader by the Republican Senate Conference. Fleming addressed this on Twitter shortly after a number of rules changes were passed to the conference charter. "Following changes to the Charter forced upon me at the threat of removal, my actions in calling out the hateful rhetoric of Senator Roy has led himself, Senator Lawler and Senator Cambridge to remove myself and Minority Whip van Horn without any sort of vote, debate or chance to defend ourselves," Fleming wrote, "this is sadly the state of the Senate Freedom Caucus and an explanation for why I ended my affiliation with them several months ago." Fleming said he had a "special shout out" to Pennsylvania Senator David Stewart, saying that Stewart "represents the worst kind of backstabbing, insider DC politics imaginable." It's notable that Fleming also called out Senator James Cambridge (R-IA) and Senator Linda Lawler (R-TN) specifically by name, both who have come to the defense of Jason Roy. Cambridge is a member of the Republican Mainstreet Partnership but has worked closely with David Stewart and Jason Roy, specifically during the Supreme Court debacle, as Cambridge was the one to suggest Judge Jane Kelly be nominated by de la Cruz. Sen. David Stewart (R-PA) was the center of backlash involving the Wisconsin Special election, when news broke that Stewart had personally met with Teamsters President to strike a deal to oppose Scott Walker's bid for the Senate in exchange for Stewart's support to vote for a ban on Right to Work nationally. Hoffa was incredulous about the deal, saying he told Stewart during the meeting he would be adamantly opposing Walker regardless of anything he had to say. "I was rather ambivalent, I had low expectations, but anyone who wants to enhance the rights of unions has my ear," Hoffa told POLITICO. News of the deal further shocked political observers, considering Republican hostility to unions and labor laws like collective bargaining. Upon hearing the news, many staffers within the NRSC were furious. An anonymous staffer called Stewart's gambit "the dumbest f***ing thing I've ever heard," saying that it was "seemingly designed to try and sink Walker to placate union interests, and for what?" A spokesperson for Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) said that the Congressman "had nothing to do with David Stewart, James Hoffa, or any kind of meeting," and said Tiffany was "not in support of any kind of national right-to-work ban." Stewart's attempts to go behind the back of party leaders to strike deals didn't end there. A high-level staffer in the office of former Senate Majority Leader Alex Fakhouri (D-MI) revealed to The New York Times that Stewart was heavily involved with negotiations with Fakhouri on Paul Watford's nomination to the Supreme Court. According to the source, initial negotiations between Fakhouri and Fleming "lead no where," as Fleming insisted on a conservative nominee and simply "wouldn't budge." This prompted Fakhouri to backchannel with Stewart, who the source says claimed he had "a great amount of influence" within the Republican Senate Conference. "Not only did Stewart actively lobby votes for Watford, but he also pledged support for Judges Jane Kelly, Lucy Koh, and Patricia Millet in the event Watford failed," the staffer said. According to the staffer, it was a generous offer from Stewart, who also encouraged debate on the Equality Act, the Mass Incarceration Act, and the Cambridge-Richards child care bill. It's unclear why Stewart would lobby votes for Watford despite publicly opposing his nomination and voting against him. Roy and Stewart's wild adventures haven't come without consequence. Several major Republican donors have come forward and admitted they are concerned about the future of the party. One major donor, who asked to remain anonymous, said Roy was "embarrassing us, the party, and damaging our chances at winning a very important high level election in Wisconsin." Another donor in Wisconsin said Stewart's involvement with Teamsters was "the real nail in the coffin for his credibility as a possible major figure in the party." Staffers who committed to the NRSC have resigned in light of Fleming's removal as well, leaving a slew of empty roles needing filled by incoming RNC Chairman Tom Donelson. The Pennsylvania Republican Party has censured both Roy and Stewart and have called on the RNC Chairman to do so the same. Several Pennsylvania State Senators who previously endorsed Stewart withdrew their support from him after the news broke as well. "I want nothing to do with whatever nonsense they are trying to achieve," Gary Howard, a Republican State Senator, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "These guys are arsonists, they aren't real leaders, they are just lighting fires for the sake of it, in what seems like a desperate need for attention," Howard continued, "I won't support it." Nonetheless, it seems Roy and Stewart enjoy wider support among the Senate Republican Conference, as a number of their colleagues have jumped to their defense and instead criticized the media or Democrats and it remains unclear if there will be any consequences for Roy or Stewart, though it's clear there is mounting pressure on Republicans to quell the self-created crises and negative media coverage in the lead up to the upcoming Wisconsin Special election, and the 2018 midterms.

Name: Charles Walker Media/Outlet: CNN/State of the Union with Jake Tapper Reason: Democrats Attempt to Nuke the Filibuster Democrats are attempting an overt power grab in the United States Senate and one can only assume they are being directed to do so by the White House, including President de la Cruz and Vice President Doug Murphy. These are the people who pledged to unify the country. They pledged to bring forward bipartisan solutions and not cater to either extreme, be it on the left or the right. We now know that President de la Cruz lied to the American people when she pledged to work for 'all Americans' when she was elected President, and when she promised not to cater to the extremists on the left. This move by the Senate Majority Leader, to kill the filibuster, is one that will have wide ranging ramifications. It's the most bitterly partisan move Democrats could make because instead of withdrawing Paul Watford, and this President picking a nominee that can be confirmed, a consensus nominee, they are now trying to break the rules in the Senate and confirm him with just 50 votes. This is not only unprecedented, it is against the will of the American people, plain and simple. There's a special election in Wisconsin coming up to fill the Senate seat Doug Murphy ashamedly left behind, after the state voted for Katherine McCord and I in the 2016 election. Let this be a message to voters in Wisconsin: we cannot send another rubber stamp for this President and this Senate Majority Leader to run roughshod over the American people, who made their voices heard, and elected 49 Republicans in the Senate, and a Republican House Majority. The American people wanted Republicans in Congress to hold the President accountable. And now Democrats are trying to subvert the will of the American people by breaking the rules and making unprecedented motion to overturn the recent vote on Watford, which failed for the second time.

Police secure the crime scene of the San Bernardino Attack in San Bernardino, California on December 2, 2015. (Credit: SBSun) With Crime on the Rise, Congress Must Act A feature by Larry Coleman (@LRColeman) In recent years, America has been grappling with a sobering reality: the alarming surge in murder rates. The years 2015 and 2016 witnessed a large spike in homicides, centered mainly in the 30 largest U.S. cities mostly ran by Democrat Mayors, sending a rippling effect of fear and concern in communities across the nation. This crime surge and the implications from it demands not just attention but decisive action, and it's high time for Congress to step up to the plate and act to quell the chaos. The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, the murder rate rose by a staggering 10.8% in 2015, followed by another 8.6% increase in 2016. These aren't just numbers on a page; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities torn apart by violence. But it's worse than that as police officers face more danger as well. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 14 police officers were killed in 2016 in "ambush killings." An example is two police officers in Iowa who were ambushed and shot by an assailant while on patrol. In Democrat run cities, the picture is even more bleak. Chicago alone accounted for more than 40% of the murder rate increase in 2016 resulting in the deadliest year in recorded history, with Baltimore and Washington D.C. trailing close behind. This represents a catastrophic failure on policy and in addressing the core issues resulting in crime, as well as an increasing lack of dedicated resources for law enforcement to address growing gang violence, all the while being under enhanced threat of death or violence. Now it's up to Congress to act on this alarming growth in murder and crime overall. There's a litany of things Congress can achieve if they came together to pass measures that would curb the rising crime rate. But most paramount is increasing resources for local police departments, putting more cops on the street, and addressing the core issues of crime, including the out of control drug epidemic, personal responsibility in our youth, and the disparity in our education system. But let's start with how Congress can do the bare minimum, by assisting police officers on the ground, and putting an end to the lackadaisical approach by local Democrat leadership. 1. DRUG TRAFFICKING: A SCOURGE ON COMMUNITIES Drug trafficking is a scourge on American communities, leading to overdoses in our youth, gang crimes in our urban centers, and crimes committed by people using drugs or seeking drugs, including theft, murder, rape, and home invasions. The only way to stop the massive amount of drug trafficking in the U.S. is to stop the flow of drugs coming from Mexico. This requires a real effort to secure our border, which includes enhanced funding for more border patrol agents, advancing the technology available to border patrol agents, and reforming our immigration system to ensure would-be traffickers or existing traffickers are not allowed to ingratiate themselves inside the United States. A good option is to pass the Secure the Border First Act of 2017. This bill contains a number of innovative solutions to address drug trafficking and curb the flow of drugs from Mexico into the United States. 2. TOUGHER SENTENCING LAWS: CONSEQUENCES MUST MEET THE CRIME Implementing stricter sentencing guidelines for violent offenders and drug traffickers can serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals. Congress should consider legislation that imposes mandatory minimum sentences for individuals convicted of violent crimes, particularly repeat offenders. At the moment, if you manufacture or distribute drugs that result in the death of someone else, the mandatory minimum sentence is just 20 years. This crime should be considered on the same level as premeditated murder. The mandatory minimum for using a firearm to commit a felony is just 5 years. Our sentencing laws can and should be tougher, especially for repeat offenders. 3. BRING POLICE INTO THE 21ST CENTURY WITH MORE RESOURCES Far too often, police departments have fallen behind in technological resources thanks to a lack of resources. Law enforcement departments across the country face shrinking budgets and are forced to partner with non-profits and surplus stores to get proper equipment. This is unacceptable. Our police officers shouldn't have less of a technological capacity than the Apple Store down the road. Congress can enact measures to enhance police access to new technology, including drones, computer systems, gunfire analytics equipment, and more. Congress could also consider expanding the 1033 Program which provides surplus military equipment to local police officers by rolling back Executive Order 13688 and allowing more advanced technologies for police use. 4. STOP DEMONIZING THE POLICE IN THE MEDIA The media and social media companies have allowed the demonization of the police to infect our culture, as police officers as a whole have been accused of being racist, prejudice, and outright abusive to communities. The reality, however, is that an overwhelming majority of police officers put their lives on the line day in and day out to protect their communities. Widows and children who have lost a parent who worked as a police officer can testify this. Not only do they have to live with losing their loved one, but they have to live with their loved one being villainized even in death. Those who believe in the police and their purpose must help repair this perception. These are just a few ways Congress can act to assist law enforcement officers on the ground and curb the growing rate of violent crime and murders. But we cannot overlook the importance of personal responsibility. While government policies can certainly create an environment conducive to reducing crime, ultimately, it's up to individuals to make the right choices and abide by the law. Instilling a sense of personal responsibility and accountability is essential to fostering a law-abiding society. Our schools and our community leaders must do better in encouraging children, especially high-school aged children, to not pursue criminality and rather offer them other outlets. This is why Congress must also look at school choice, expanding voucher programs, and expanding vocational training offered by community colleges and private institutions. In addition, Congress must encourage family stability and responsible fatherhood. At the end of the day, the surge in murder rates demands urgent attention from Congress. By embracing principles that align with our law enforcement agencies and departments across the country, and enacting commonsense policies aimed at addressing the root causes of crime, we can work towards a safer, more secure America for all its citizens.

Chairman: Tom Donelson Press Spokesperson: Mariah Carlisle

Thank you CPAC! Thank you very much. I'm proud to be Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Despite what you might hear in the media, despite what some of the establishment may try and tell you, this is a strong party, with a deep bench of talent, and a motivated and talented group of activists leading the way on the ground. I know many of you are here tonight, so let me tell you, from the bottom of my heart: thank you. It is because of folks like you that the assault on our religious liberty as Americans is being talked about. It is because of people like you that Republicans across this country understand what an important fight it is in the Senate against the nomination of Paul Watford, a man who defended two cop killers out in Kentucky, and a man who believes in unfettered mass migration in the United States, with a sanctuary for illegal immigrants in every other town over. That isn't the America we want! That isn't what de la Cruz promised blue collar Americans during the election. That's not what she claimed her record would be. Democrats lied their way to the White House. They lied to the American people and they deceived voters to get their way. Now that they are in power, they are trying to ram through a Supreme Court nominee who is on the very fringe of the far left. And what about ISIS? What about the terrorists who've been targeting our cities, killing journalists abroad, and planning more terrorist attacks in our country? Not a peep from this administration on any kind of change in policy in Iraq, in Syria, or anywhere else in the Middle East. This President has been absent in defending this country from terrorism. She's been absent from giving us any kind of update on what she's doing to better protect us from what we see on the news every single day -- Islamic extremist terrorists hellbent on destroying our way of life. Want to know why? Because it was never truly a priority for them. The way the Democrat Party sees it, ISIS deserves to exist, because in their eyes, Islamic extremist terrorism isn't even real. This is the kind of backward world view we are dealing with. But guess what -- we can hold them accountable, and we have an opportunity to do so coming up in Wisconsin. Doug Murphy, the man ashamed of Wisconsin, left for Washington. We now have an opportunity to hold his feet to the fire and the President's feet to the fire. We have an opportunity to make the Senate 50-50. And every time they want to pass an extremist left wing piece of legislation, when we win in Wisconsin, they'll have to cart old Doug Murphy out of his house and bring him into the Senate, to put the White House stamp of approval on it. Because we're not going to let this President, this White House, pretend they are representative of the average American anymore when the truth is they are representative of the very far left, the extremists, the socialists, and those who wish to see our country become something completely unrecognizable. Now, we rely on people like you, to organize, to register voters, to raise funds. The battleground moves to Wisconsin this week, my friends. Join us in this fight. And join us in holding de la Cruz and Democrats accountable for their actions. Thank you all so much, God bless you, and God bless America.

Name: Charles Walker Media/Outlet: CNN Reason: Watford Nomination Paul Watford, a nominee baked in from the Obama administration, is an activist. And he'd be an activist from the bench. We saw his activism on illegal immigration where he defended sanctuary cities on behalf of the ACLU. We know he would aid in the assault on the right to life, our second amendment rights, and our religious liberties. Here's the facts: President de la Cruz presented herself as a moderate when she ran for President. She told the American people she wanted to work with Republicans and her intention was to work with both parties to achieve more for them. But the first thing she does is appoint a dozen Obama alums to her cabinet and then appoint Obama's Supreme Court pick. The President should do the right thing, withdraw Watford from consideration, and submit a moderate, consensus candidate in line with the values she presented to the American people during the election. That would be a big step in proving she is actually serious about the promises she made during the campaign, and most recently, at the inauguration. Any comments made about Judge Watford's race are abhorrent and not in line with the values of the Republican Party. We aren't worried about the color of Judge Watford's skin: we're worried about his plans if he replaces Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court. And many Republicans, rightfully so, believe those plans to be in line with an extremist vision of the far left.

Background: The Olliver Liberty Center (OLC) is a conservative U.S. think tank based in Washington D.C. Founded in 1994, its influence has steadily grown in conservative circles within Washington and beyond. The founder of the OLC, Jacob Olliver, is a former advisor to President Ronald Reagan, who founded the think tank during the Clinton years. Inspired by the 'Gingrich Revolution', the goal of the think-tank was to help Republicans usher in conservative policies while they had control of the House of Representatives. Since then, it has worked to shape public policy and influence judicial and executive appointments both on the federal and state level. Mission: The primary mission of the Olliver Liberty Center is to advance the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and personal freedom. Through research, policy analysis, and advocacy, the center seeks to shape public policy debates and influence decision-makers at all levels of government. OUR LEADERSHIP Chairman and CEO, Jacob Olliver Jacob Olliver is a prominent Republican policy advisor and strategist with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Olliver began his career as a policy analyst and he was later recruited to serve as a policy advisor for the Ford administration, where he played a role in shaping economic and regulatory policies. Olliver's reputation as a skilled strategist caught the attention of Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign, and he was tapped to join the team as a senior advisor. Olliver played a role in crafting Reagan's message of economic freedom and national renewal. Olliver would go on to work in the White House for several years. In the years that followed, Olliver remained at the forefront of conservative politics, advising Republican candidates and leaders at both the state and national levels. He played a key role in the successful gubernatorial campaign of George Deukmejian in California. In 1994, Olliver founded the Olliver Liberty Center. Under his leadership, the center has emerged as a leading voice in the conservative movement, providing research, analysis, and advocacy on a wide range of policy issues. President, Cecilia Adams Cecilia Adams, a Harvard graduate, began her career working at the United Nations as a policy advisor for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Adams would later leave the UN and join the U.S. State Department as a spokesperson. Adams was subsequently recruited to join the National Security Council, advising on political affairs, which lead to her joining NATO as a public affairs advisor there. Adams was appointed as a Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy in 2006. After leaving the Bush administration, Adams delivered guest lectures at Stanford. Adams joined the Olliver Liberty Center in 2010 as President.

Background: The Olliver Liberty Center (OLC) is a conservative U.S. think tank based in Washington D.C. Founded in 1994, its influence has steadily grown in conservative circles within Washington and beyond. The founder of the OLC, Jacob Olliver, is a former advisor to President Ronald Reagan, who founded the think tank during the Clinton years. Inspired by the 'Gingrich Revolution', the goal of the think-tank was to help Republicans usher in conservative policies while they had control of the House of Representatives. Since then, it has worked to shape public policy and influence judicial and executive appointments both on the federal and state level. Mission: The primary mission of the Olliver Liberty Center is to advance the principles of limited government, free enterprise, and personal freedom. Through research, policy analysis, and advocacy, the center seeks to shape public policy debates and influence decision-makers at all levels of government. Founder: Jacob Olliver, a seasoned political strategist and influential conservative thinker, founded the Olliver Liberty Center with a vision ushering in a new conservative vision for the Republican Party, based on Newt Gingrich's 'Contract with America.' Olliver previously served in Republican circles for decades prior advising on policy, including the Ford administration, the Reagan administration and serving as a close advisor to California Governor George Deukmejian. During the Bush years, and more so in the Obama years, the OLC has shifted further to the right. Current Leadership: The current President of the Olliver Liberty Center is Cecilia Adams, a respected policy expert who previously worked in the U.S. State Department as well as the United Nations. With a background in law and public policy, Thompson brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to advancing the center's mission. Jacob Olliver remains the Chairman and CEO of OLC. Other Major Participants: Dr. Michael Harris: A renowned economist and Senior Fellow at the center, Dr. Harris is a leading voice on free-market economics and fiscal policy. Emily Wallace: As Director of Communications, Wallace plays a key role in shaping the center's messaging and outreach efforts, ensuring that its research and analysis reach a broad audience. John Parker: A distinguished Senior Fellow and former U.S. Congressman, Parker provides invaluable insights and expertise on legislative matters and public policy. Dr. Ron Nguyen: A rising star in conservative intellectual circles, Dr. Nguyen serves as a Research Fellow specializing in healthcare and regulatory policy.

Charles Walker Wins South Carolina, Defies the Odds LOS ANGELES -- Charles Walker was victorious tonight in the state of South Carolina, the home state of Senator Katherine McCord, defying expectations and odds of pundits and commentators across the nation by placing close seconds in Iowa and New Hampshire as well. Charles Walker provided remarks on the state of the race from Los Angeles, where his campaign has headquartered ahead of Super Tuesday. "I'm fired up. The people of South Carolina spoke loudly tonight. The momentum I've seen for this campaign has grown stronger and stronger and there is no better proof than what's in the pudding. Iowa, New Hampshire, thank you. We beat career politicians tonight. You used your voice and woke up the establishment tonight. I saw earlier Senator John McCain and Governor Mitt Romney endorsed my opponents. I have great respect for Senator McCain, a hero to the country. Governor Romney fought valiantly for what he believes in. But they lost. They lost to this President, who has failed us, time and time again. The direction of our party, and the direction of our country, can no longer be dictated and puppeteered by career politicians and creates of the Capitol. It's time we move on from that and on to leaders who will deliver us more than hope; leaders that will actually deliver results. "This campaign -- I offer an alternative. A lot of folks have told me they weren't paying attention to politics before this election, that they've become so disillusioned with it, they don't even want to hear about it. But look, that's not an option anymore. This time, it's up to us. This time, we put our foot down. We wake up in the morning, pull ourselves out of bed, and get in the fight. Because we have to. The future of this country depends on people like you putting your foot down and saying enough is enough. We're tired of it. Our jobs matter. Our southern border should be protected. Our children should be safe enough to play outside. Conservatives shouldn't be unfairly targeted by the government simply for being conservative. Corrupt politicians shouldn't be able to harm the national security of our country and get off free without consequence. We have to do more than just pay attention, my friends, we have to fight back! "And I'm glad to be fighting back, I'm glad to be in this race, because it's clear we can win this damn thing. We're now on to Super Tuesday. These next primaries will very likely decide the outcome of this race. And we need all hands on deck. Get in the fight. Get registered to vote. This campaign is strong, my will is stronger than ever. Doug Murphy's policies would be detrimental to our country. He's not only offering another four years of what we've already had -- he's offering a more extreme version of it. We know what we're up against. The question now is, how do we beat them? I can tell you: we do it by sending someone into the race who hasn't spent their time voting for the spending packages, tax hikes, and backroom negotiated deals that Doug Murphy has. And I'm the only one in this race who can claim that. Get in the fight! Vote! Thank you, God bless you, and God bless the United States."

Name: Charles Walker Media Outlet: The Rush Limbaugh Show Reason: National Polls in the Republican Primary You know, Rush, a lot of people said our campaign was a longshot. A lot of the political consulting class said we'd have a hard time against folks who've already been in Washington, making connections, calling up donors, building up their names. But Americans, Republicans, they see through it. They want someone who hasn't spent their time trying to break in. They don't want a creature of D.C., they want leadership to come in and take a sledgehammer to the old way of doing things and provide some real leadership after the last eight years of failure and empty suits. I have a lot of respect for Senator David Rollins, I'm sure he's a good family man. I just don't think he'll win. I think he has a good shot of losing this race in November if he's our nominee, because of his policies, which would be detrimental to American seniors. Look, we're virtually tied for first nationally, and in Senator McCord's own home state of South Carolina, we're close to beating her there. If this doesn't tell you our campaign has major momentum heading toward the first four, then you're wearing blinders. There is an establishment in place that has a lot of interest in trying to stop our momentum. Whether it be the media spreading falsehoods or Democrats attacking my character, just know this: we will not waver, we will not back down, and we're in this fight to win it.

Walker 2016 Platform Released NASHUA -- Charles Walker has released his platform for the 2016 Presidential campaign. It can be viewed in full below.

Charles Walker Announcement Speech Los Angeles, California LOS ANGELES -- Gen. Charles Walker, USA (ret.) delivered a speech in Los Angeles, California announcing his candidacy for President of the United States of America. Below are some of the remarks he delivered. "I'm tired of the same Washington games. Year after year, decade after decade, the same politicians are selling the same lies. It's the same names you see each time, telling you to keep hoping, while failing to deliver results. Folks can't find work. Food, gas, and healthcare is more expensive. Our reputation has been tarnished on the world stage. Yet, it seems after each passing vote, members of Congress' net worth grows a little bit more, while yours shrinks. It has become less and less about your interests and more about the interests of high-paying lobbyists and billionaire megadonors. It's become a feature of the system. And it's wrought hell on our people. And I think, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, as long as you're an American paying attention, we can all agree -- the system is broken. Our government has failed us. As your jobs are shipped overseas, and as your livelihoods have been ripped out from under you like a rug, little to nothing has been done to stop it. As China grows stronger, our economy and our military has been weakened. As terrorists grow more emboldened, our military has been cut out from the knees to act decisively against them. You have to ask yourself, friends: do you feel safer than you did four or eight years ago? Do you feel more confident about the future of this country? Do you feel like you've been dealt a fair hand by our government, by your representatives, by our commander-in-chief? I know my answer. I know a lot of Americans had hope the last eight years. They sure wanted change. And right now, it might appear as though it might have passed you by. Well, frankly, I'm tired of hoping. I'm tired of waiting for change. It's time for action. It's time for results. It's time to have leadership in place in Washington that has your values, your interests, and your livelihood in mind before their own. We need to secure our border and enforce our laws; together, we will. We need to restore America's reputation abroad, eliminate ISIS for good, and stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon; together, we will. We need to become energy independent, expand offshore drilling, and deliver on fracking; together, we will. We need to stop the conveyor belt of American jobs heading to China and reinvigorate our economy; together, we will. That is why, today, I am announcing my candidacy for President of the United States of America."