Brink
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Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $40,328 Q2 2025Border Security Coalition $9,400 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $14,116 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $43,218 Q2 2025
NAACP $607,972 Q2 2025
General Donors $707,749 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
Alphabet, Inc $13,443 Q2 2025American Medical Association $40,328 Q2 2025
Border Security Coalition $9,400 Q2 2025
Environmental Defense Action Fund $37,035 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $116,682 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $14,116 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $43,218 Q2 2025
NAACP $652,202 Q2 2025
Veterans for Common Sense. $69,083 Q2 2025
General Donors $976,499 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances.-
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Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $84,432 Q2 2025Environmental Defense Action Fund $258,423 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $116,682 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $289,651 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $180,017 Q2 2025
National Organization for Women $659,490 Q2 2025
General Donors $815,580 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
General Donors $631,856 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $40,328 Q2 2025Border Security Coalition $359,469 Q2 2025
Environmental Defense Action Fund $1,092,940 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $326,827 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $493,914 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $87,513 Q2 2025
NAACP $607,972 Q2 2025
National Organization for Women $133,078 Q2 2025
General Donors $631,856 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $20,164 Q2 2025Border Security Coalition $484,393 Q2 2025
Environmental Defense Action Fund $37,035 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $19,447 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $737,642 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $43,218 Q2 2025
General Donors $707,749 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
General Donors $815,580 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $20,164 Q2 2025Environmental Defense Action Fund $37,035 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $19,447 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $21,609 Q2 2025
General Donors $815,580 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances. -
Bank of America, LLC
General Donors $707,749 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balance.-
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Bank of America, LLC
American Medical Association $40,328 Q2 2025Border Security Coalition $359,469 Q2 2025
Environmental Defense Action Fund $37,035 Q2 2025
Farm Credit Council $145,852 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $493,914 Q2 2025
Laborers' International Union of North America $880,711 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances.-
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Q2 2025 Farm Credit Council Grades (EXPERIMENTAL)
Sen.Owen Ackerman(ME) B Sen.Michael Goreski(MO) F Sen.Daniel Hunt(AL) B Sen.Erik Kaberle(PA) B Sen.Janice Kamaka(HI) A Sen.Luke Rodgers(AR) B Sen.Aaron Sharpe(CA) A Sen.John Starnes(VA) B Sen.Jennifer Stohl(MT) B Sen.Hiram Storm(OH) A Sen.Alex Valdez(FL) D Sen.Donato Vinachelli(NJ) A Sen.Naomi Wolfe(GA) A Sen.Alexander Zharoff(AK) A ((Something new I am trying here, this is simply based on votes. Those with just one vote in favor are Bs for the purposes of this. I don't quite know what the threshold would be yet if we did this in the future. i don't think someone should get an auto A for showing up once.))
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Q2 2025 Fundraising Disclosures
Pres. Leah Ross (FL)
Ross got some money for signing the 21st Century Railway Safety Act into law, which is popular when you ask environmentalists generally. However, the amount of money for signing it is severely blunted by the fact that Ross nominated Mayra Flores for EPA Administrator. The President also signed the Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act into law, which got support from the National Coalition for Police and Troopers. Ross also publicly supported the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act almost from the beginning, and signed the legislation into law. Americans for Prosperity Action supported the President's many executive orders including the establishment of a Special Assistant for Life and Family, changes for the federal workforce, the requirement of First Amendment Assurances in federal grant applications, the removal of the list of educational institutions that have applied for a religious exemption from Title IX from all public-facing websites and databases, and more.
Americans for Prosperity Action: $1,796,892
Border Security Coalition: $848,258
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $183,467
Grassroots Law Project: $391,917
National Coalition for Police and Troopers: $810,886
Background: $2,929,497
Vice Pres. Corey Mcknight (SC)
The Vice President introduced the PROSPER Act on behalf of the White House, and eat a lot of poop from conservative groups. However, other groups like the NAACP supported the legislation for it's investment into historically black colleges and universities.
NAACP: $779,120
Background: $2,441,248
Sen.Owen Ackerman(ME)
Ackerman introduced the Jeremy Larson-Donald Holt Violent Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act, which is generally supported by the National Coalition for Police and Troopers. The legislation also made it to the Senate floor. Law enforcement is most supportive of expanding penalties for the assault of law enforcement officers and making it so that the government doesn't have to prove that a criminal defendant knew that a law enforcement officer was one when a person commits murder against them. Ackerman was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project.
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $745,220
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $12,345
Grassroots Law Project: $466,458
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
National Coalition for Police and Troopers: $148,667
Background: $631,856
Sen.Timothy Adeyemi(PA)
Background: $815,580
Sen.Mark Block(TX)
Background: $976,499
Sen.Colton Buckley(WI)
Buckley was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project.
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $553,030
Grassroots Law Project: $321,044
Background: $707,749
Sen.Douglas Butcher(MO)
The original version of the Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act was introduced by Butcher and it made it to the Senate floor in this quarter, yay! The Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act, which will will train Department of Labor employees to assist law enforcement in detecting human trafficking, also was signed by the President during the quarter.
Farm Credit Council: $97,280
National Coalition for Police and Troopers: $499,210
Background: $631,856
Sen.Thomas Carter(GA)
Background: $815,580
Sen.Michael Cook(CT)
Background: $631,856
Sen.John Domenico(LA)
Background: $707,749
Sen.Brandon Ewing(TX)
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $12,345
Grassroots Law Project: $9,175
Background: $976,499
Sen.Jim Fealty(MS)
The Farm Credit Council was very much in favor of the amendment giving a $10 billion increase to the Farm Ownership Loan Program every year through 2030. Right up there in impact was the amendment to increase the Rural Business Development Grants appropriation from $65 million to $400 million. Of course on top of this, it always helps when you write a press release to tout these accomplishments.
Farm Credit Council: $538,968
Background: $631,856
Sen.John Foster(AZ)
Background: $707,749
Sen.Padmavati Gandhi(MI)
Background: $815,580
Sen.Michael Goreski(MO)
Background: $631,856
Sen.Gabriel Helman(IN)
Helman's speech at the Farmers and Ranchers Conference was mostly well-received; however, some wealthy agri-business types would have also been in attendance and not been as much fans of the Bill Gates attack line. Though small family farmers did appreciate the acknowledgment of their hard work.
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Farm Credit Council: $52,817
Grassroots Law Project: $9,175
Background: $707,749
Sen.Vicente Hernandez(NV)
Background: $631,856
Sen.Daniel Hunt(AL)
Hunt was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project.
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $553,030
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $12,345
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Grassroots Law Project: $321,044
Background: $707,749
Sen.Daniel Jackson(IL)
Background: $815,580
Sen.Erik Kaberle(PA)
American Medical Association: $20,164
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $37,035
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Laborers' International Union of North America: $21,609
Background: $815,580
Sen.Janice Kamaka(HI)
Kamaka is likely one of the Farm Credit Council's top allies at this point, along with Jim Fealty. The farm equipment amendment endeared her to who the Farm Credit Council represents (farmers/agribusiness), however she did potentially make herself a quick enemy in the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association. She was also the most active voter in the Senate on issues that the Farm Credit Council cared about. She was also active on the Flores nomination and on getting the 21st Century Railway Safety Act passed which was a big deal for the Environmental Defense Action Fund in this quarter. Kamaka also denounced the President's executive order to abolish the Gender Policy Council, which got her some money from the National Organization for Women. Kamaka was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project. Kamaka was involved in the event to introduce the MSI and HBCU Enhancement Act, which got positive attention from the NAACP.
American Medical Association: $40,328
Border Security Coalition: $359,469
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $1,092,940
Farm Credit Council: $326,827
Grassroots Law Project: $493,914
Laborers' International Union of North America: $87,513
NAACP: $607,972
National Organization for Women: $133,078
Background: $631,856
Sen.Linda Lawler(OK)
Background: $631,856
Sen.James McAllister(NV)
McAllister was one of the loudest voices against the AI labeling bill, which while relatively popular by other members of Congress, did face lots of opposition from technology companies such as Alphabet.
Alphabet, Inc: $58,985
American Medical Association: $20,164
Background: $631,856
Sen.Jackson McKinley(KY)
American Medical Association: $20,164
Background: $707,749
Sen.Dennis Millhouse(IN)
Background: $707,749
Sen.John Pravnich(NE)
Background: $631,856
Sen.Thomas Prescott(TN)
Background: $707,749
Sen.Leyton Rappleye(ID)
Background: $631,856
Sen.Luke Rodgers(AR)
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Background: $631,856
Sen.Aaron Sharpe(CA)
While not being the most active voter on the Farm Credit Council's issues, Sharpe was still an active voter and was rewarded for that support. Kamaka was involved in the event to introduce the MSI and HBCU Enhancement Act, which got positive attention from the NAACP. Sharpe also recently introduced a resolution addressing suicide among minority adolescents, which also got positive attention from the organization. The Jacob Sexton Military Suicide Prevention Act of 2024 is also supported by Veterans for Common Sense, which was introduced for the 119th Congress by Sharpe.
Alphabet, Inc: $13,443
American Medical Association: $40,328
Border Security Coalition: $9,400
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $37,035
Farm Credit Council: $116,682
Grassroots Law Project: $14,116
Laborers' International Union of North America: $43,218
NAACP: $652,202
Veterans for Common Sense: $69,083
Background: $976,499
Sen.John Starnes(VA)
Starnes was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project. Reportedly, he pushed hard for a pathway to citizenship and it being in the final legislation made the Grassroots Law Project very appreciative.
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $484,393
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $37,035
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Grassroots Law Project: $737,642
Laborers' International Union of North America: $43,218
Background: $707,749
Sen.Jennifer Stohl(MT)
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Grassroots Law Project: $9,175
Background: $631,856
Sen.Nolan Stokes(MD)
Stokes was considerably active on the Fiorina nomination in the press this cycle (others: remember the timing, this is only for Q2), as well as in opposition to the President's executive orders on changing rules federal employee for conducting union business on government time.
Laborers' International Union of North America: $359,177
Background: $707,749
Sen.Hiram Storm(OH)
The NAACP supports Storm's proposal to permanently end the estate tax as individuals within African American communities who own businesses or have accumulated wealth through entrepreneurship are continuing to die and are unable to pass on that wealth under an estate tax. Storm's Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 was also considered by and passed the Senate during this quarter, which the AMA supports.
American Medical Association: $335,944
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $12,345
Farm Credit Council: $19,447
Grassroots Law Project: $9,175
NAACP: $68,459
Background: $815,580
Sen.Chad Underboard(SD)
Background: $631,856
Sen.Alex Valdez(FL)
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $12,345
Farm Credit Council: $97,235
Background: $864,357
Sen.Donato Vinachelli(NJ)
While not being the most active voter on the Farm Credit Council's issues, Vinachelli was still an active voter and was rewarded for that support. Where Vinachelli made his bread and butter however was with labor unions, he introduced multiple pieces of labor friendly legislation this time around. However, some unions aren't the biggest supporters of the prohibition of strikes, lockouts, or any organized job actions that could disrupt the delivery of emergency or public safety services in the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025. Obviously, it didn't hurt that badly, with Vinachelli being LIUNA's top man this time. Vinachelli was a part of the bipartisan group who introduced the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act which got support from the Border Security Coalition as well as the Grassroots Law Project.
American Medical Association: $40,328
Border Security Coalition: $359,469
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $37,035
Farm Credit Council: $145,852
Grassroots Law Project: $493,914
Laborers' International Union of North America: $880,711
Background: $707,749
Sen.Madeline White(MI)
Background: $815,580
Sen.Naomi Wolfe(GA)
While not being the most active voter on the Farm Credit Council's issues, Wolfe was still an active voter and was rewarded for that support. Wolfe was also a very active voice on the Fiorina nomination, with her cabinet nominations appearance on the Rachel Maddow Show catching a lot of positive buzz from LIUNA. Wolfe was also a very active voice on the Flores nomination, not just appearing on the Rachel Maddow Show but also on Inside with Jen Psaki. Also in this quarter, Wolfe spoke against the President's executive order abolishing the Gender Policy Council and passed her Women's Health Protection Act through the United States House, which garnered positive attention from the National Organization for Women. Wolfe was also the most active anti-death penalty voice during the quarter. While the Grassroots Law Project generally supported the provisions of the American Immigration Fairness and Security Act, they also strongly agreed with Wolfe's points about the federal death penalty and support the Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act, which she has now introduced.
American Medical Association: $84,432
Environmental Defense Action Fund: $258,423
Laborers' International Union of North America: $180,017
Farm Credit Council: $116,682
Grassroots Law Project: $289,651
National Organization for Women: $659,490
Background: $815,580
Sen.Alexander Zharoff(AK)
American Medical Association: $20,164
Border Security Coalition: $14,462
Farm Credit Council: $77,788
Grassroots Law Project: $9,175
Laborers' International Union of North America: $21,609
Background: $631,856
Sen.Camilo deSonido(CO)
deSonido was involved in the event to introduce the MSI and HBCU Enhancement Act, which got positive attention from the NAACP.
American Medical Association: $40,328
Border Security Coalition: $9,400
Grassroots Law Project: $14,116
Laborers' International Union of North America: $43,218
NAACP: $607,972
Background: $707,749
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On 1/24/2024 at 3:41 PM, Blakesley said:
NAME: Caroline Blakesley Fitzgerald
Avatar: Jane Fraser
GENDER: Female [5 points]
AGE: 55 (b. 2 January 1970) [0 points]
SEXUALITY: Straight, married with > 3 children [0 points].
RACE: White/Caucasian [0 points]
RELIGION: Episcopalian (Mainline Protestant) [0 points]
FAMILY HISTORY: Top 5% [-10 points]
PARTY: Democratic Party
CAUCUS: Progressive
EDUCATION: Undergraduate at Top University [10 points], JD at Top University [20 points]AB (Economics and Political Science), University of Chicago, 1992.
JD, Harvard Law School, 1997.
CAREER: Lawyer [10 points], Federal political staffer [10 points]
Associate Consultant, Bain & Co., 1992-1994.
Law Clerk, 1997-2000.
- Law Clerk to Judge Diane Wood, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, 1997-1998.
- Law Clerk to Judge Kimba Wood, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, 1998-1999.
- Law Clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, United States Supreme Court, 1999-2000.
Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General (Office of Legal Counsel), 2000-2001.
Assistant United States Attorney, Northern District of California, 2001-2005.
Counsel (Antitrust, Competition, and Consumer Rights), United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 2005-2009.
POLITICAL CAREER: Subcabinet position (2 terms) [20 points], 2 Senate terms [5 points]
Assistant Attorney General (Antitrust Division), 2009-2012.
General Counsel, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2012-2015.
Deputy Attorney General, 2015-2017.
Acting Attorney General, 20 January 2017-30 January 2017.
U.S. Senator for Wisconsin (Class 1), 2019-present.
KEY VOTES:
- United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement Implementation Act: Yea
- American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: Yea
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Yea
- Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022: Yea
- Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: Yea
APPROVED.
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Use the following format to make a media appearance in The Spin Zone:
Name:
Media/Outlet:
Reason: (Ex. Promoting Immigration Bill)
[Bullet points/brief outline of talking points during appearance.]
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Thanks to @Ollie for the base and completing the first couple of months while he was still on the AB.
This is where Yesterday's Gazette will post the "In the United States" series, where at the end of every quarter, there will be an updated day-by-day summary of the quarter and year in our nation.
NOTE: This will not contain foreign policy.
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On 1/16/2024 at 8:46 PM, Gamerboy said:
Lieutenant Commander Jackson Hermés McKinely, MA, USN
Name: Jackson McKinley, MA
Military Rank: Lieutenant Commander of the United States Navy
Date of Birth: November 9, 1962 (63 years old)
Place of Birth: Frenchburg, Kentucky
Place of Residence: Covington, Kentucky
Political Party: Republican Party
Faction: Mainstreet Partnerships
Religion: Christianity (Methodist)
Character: Keir Starmer
Race: White
Family History:
Spouse(s): Ellen Westfall (m. 1988)
Child(ren):
- Christina McKinley (b. 1990)
- Katherine “Katie” McKinley (b. 1992)
Parent(s): Stuart McKinley (1921 – 2002) and Linda Giannakopoulos (1938 – 2018)
Educational History:
United States Naval Academy – Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with Economics (g. 1983)
University of Cincinnati – Master of Arts in Economics (g. 1989)
Employment History:
United States Navy (1979 – 1988)
Actuarial Analyst for Kentucky Central Life Insurance Company (1986 – 1991)
Kentucky Senate – 28th District (1991 – 1995)
Senior Financial Analyst for Lincoln Income Life Insurance Company (1995 – 1997)
Senior Financial Analyst for Republic Bank & Trust Company (1997 – 1999)
Director of Financial Analytics for Fifth Third Bank (1999 – 2003)
Acting Secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development (2003 – 2004)
Secretary of Kentucky’s Finance and Administration Cabinet (2003 – 2006)
Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2006 – 2009)
President and CEO of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (2009 – 2017)
United States Secretary of Commerce (2017 – 2020)
United States Senate – Class I (2021 – present)
Biography:
Jackson “Jack” Lincoln McKinley was born on November 9, 1962, in Frenchburg, Kentucky to County Sheriff Stuart McKinley and Homemaker Linda Giannakopoulos. He has three brothers: Claude McKinley, Robert McKinley JD, and Col Louis McKinley. He married Navy Lieutenant Ellen Westfall in 1988; they have two daughters Kentucky Court Appeals Judge Christina McKinley-Kincaid and College Professor Katherine “Katie” McKinley.
McKinley graduated from the United States Naval Academy with his Bachelor in Mathematics with Economics in 1983. He was in the United States Navy for 9 years. He retired to go into the private sector in 1988. Jack worked in Actuary for Kentucky Central Life Insurance Company before running for public office and winning the 28th State Senate seat in 1990. In 1994, he won the Republican nominee but however lost the general election against Scotty Baesler in 1994 Kentucky’s 6th congressional district election. He returned to the private sector working as a Financial Analyst management for the three top Life Insurance companies and banks in Northern Kentucky. Jackson was known in the inner Kentucky Republican Party and the Hamilton County Republican Party for grassroots campaigns and fundraising. In 2003, he fundraiser for the United States Congressman Ernie Fletcher who was running for Governor of Kentucky. After he garnered the Republican nominee he became his Finance Chair and Deputy Chief of Staff for Ernie Fletcher's 2003 Governor campaign.
In 2003, Governor Ernie Fletcher appointed Jack McKinley as the Acting Secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development and the Secretary of Kentucky’s Finance and Administration Cabinet. In 2006, President George W. Bush appointed McKinley and he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in 2005. He held the post until President-elect Barack Obama was sworn in. As the Administrator of the SBA, he distributed $6 billion in loans to victims of Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Administrator McKinley became known for making the Small Business Administration more effective and the loan process quicker. His reform was met with bipartisan support.
In January 2009, just a few days after leaving his post he was hired by the Board of Directors to become President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Under Jackson McKinley's leadership, FDIC named Huntington the receiver of the $400 million deposit portfolio of the failed Warren Bank; acquired Michigan-based Fidelity Bank; acquired Ohio-based FirstMerit; acquired Ohio-based Camco Financial; acquired Central Michigan offices of Bank of America; and acquired Michigan-based Macquarie Equipment Finance Inc. When he left in February 2017, climbed 521st on the Fortune 1000 list and 26th of the largest bank in the United States.
In June 2016, Jack endorsed Businessman Donald J. Trump for President of the United States. In December 2016, he spoke with President-elect Trump in Trump Towers and discussed multiple opportunities to work in the Trump administration. McKinley was hesitant due to becoming an everyday figure in politics. On January 15, 2017, he resigned then on January 20, 2017, he chose to accept the United States Secretary of Commerce position. On February 27, 2017, he was confirmed by the United States Senate by a 72-27 vote and sworn in on February 28, 2017.
Secretary McKinley announced he would run against Mitch McConnell for the United States Senate seat. In 2020, he defeated McConnell by 2.5%+ margin and he went on to defeat Democratic nominee Marine Corps Veteran Amy McGrath. Senator McKinley is considered Libertarian fiscally, moderate foreign policy, and Moderate socially. He opposes pork barrel spending and earmarks; firm supporter of Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine; opposes abortion except for the mother’s life and rape. He has supported same-sex marriage due to his libertarian belief in small government however he voted against the Respect for Marriage Act on the basis that the federal government should not intervene. He is a member of the Mainstreet Partnership due to his Libertarian ways being regarded as Moderate stances in comparison to today's Republican Party.
Family History (TBA):
- Stuart McKinley was born on June 1, 1921, in Lexington, Kentucky low-income household as the youngest of three. He graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of History and became a police officer for Fayette County. McKinley married Charlotte Toole in 1940 but she later passed just five years later due to brain hemorrhaging. He married 17 years his junior, Linda Giannakopoulous. His parents-in-law and his parents originally opposed the marriage due to their age gap but came around. In 1957, he became the Menifee County Sheriff until 1965. He was in multiple Kentucky cities' Chief of Police until 1986. After 43 years of service, he retired from the force. He passed away on February 19, 2002.
- Linda McKinley (nee Giannakopoulos) was born on June 3, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was born as an only child to Greek immigrants. She met Stuart McKinley when she her and friends were driving from Huntington, West Virginia back to Eastern Kentucky University and got pulled over after getting lost by Deputy County Sheriff Stuart McKinley. One month later she was stranded on the side of the road in Cincinnati and was helped by the same officer, Stuart who saw her and wanted to help. Linda was a proud homemaker from the time she was married until the day she passed on April 30, 2018.
- Claude McKinley was born on September 25, 1963, in Frenchburg, Kentucky. He attended the University of Cincinnati started 1981. He was drafted to Louisville Bat minor league baseball in 1984 and was transferred to the Cincinnati Reds in 1986. He retired after a serious knee and back injury in 1991. He joined the Jefferson County Fire Service in 1992 and later retired in 2018. He has since become a Baseball Coach for a local high school.
- Robert McKinley was born on October 11, 1966, in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated from Transylvania University with a Bachelor's in Psychology then attended the University of Kentucky College of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 1991. He was the co-founder of McKinley & Barkings, LLP in 1998 and has been Managing Partner since 2004 when his founding partner passed away. He temporarily left when Jackson became the CEO of Huntington to become the Chief Legal Officer of Huntington from 2011 - 2014.
- Louis McKinley was born on January 2, 1968, in Lexington, Kentucky. He graduated from West Point in 1990 and retired from the United States Army as a Colonel in 2023.
- Ellen Westfall was born on August 1, 1964, in East Missoula, Montana to a local farming family. She met Jackson McKinley during their stint at the United States Navy Academy in 1983 and married in 1988. She retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service.
- Christina McKinley-Kincaid was born on September 10, 1990, in Covington, Kentucky. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelor in Political Science in 2012 and from the University of Kentucky College of Law with a Juris Doctorate in 2015. She clerked for the Kentucky Supreme Court and Antonin Scalia. In 2021, she was elected to the Kentucky Court of Appeals.
- Katherine McKinley was born on December 2, 1992, in Covington, Kentucky. She attended Ohio State University obtained her Bachelor's and Master's in Mathematics and graduated from the University of Louisville with a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics. She became a Mathematics Professor at the University of Cincinnati in January 2020.
Election History:
1994 Kentucky’s 6th congressional district election:
Popular Vote: 49,032
Percentage: 41.16%
2002 Kentucky’s 4th congressional district election:
Popular Vote: 81,651
Percentage: 47.5%
2003 Kentucky State Treasurer election:
Popular Vote: 437,101
Percentage: 43.4%
2020 United States Senate election in Kentucky:
Popular Vote: 1,233,315
Percentage: 57.76%
Fun Facts:
- Page of the United States Senate from 1978 to 1979
- Speaks for English and Greek fluently
- Is a member of First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Kentucky
- LCDR McKinley fought in the Cold War and Tankar War.
Points:
Gender: Male (0)
Age: 62 (0)
Sexuality: Straight, married with 2 children (-5)
Race: White (0)
Religion: Christianity (Methodist) (0)
Education:
- Bachelor from USNA: 5 pts
- MA from UC: 10 pts
Family History: Upper Class (-5)
Career Information:
- Commissioned Officer: 10 pts
- Business Associate: 10 pts
- State Political Staffer: 5 pts
- CEO: 30 pts
Political Experience:
- State Senate – 2 terms: 4 pts
- Sub-Cabinet – 1 term: 10 pts
- Cabinet – 1 term: 20 pts
Awards and Extras: 0
Total: 94 points
TBA
APPROVED. Welcome back!
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18 minutes ago, Conrad said:
Names: James "Jim" Fealty
Place of Birth: Gulfport, Mississippi
Place of Residence: Madison, Mississippi
Party: Republican
Faction: Freedom Caucus
Seat: Class 2
Age: 46 (5 points)
Family: Married with 4 children (0 points)
Religion: Protestant (0 points)
Wealth: Upper Class (-10 points)
Educational History: University of Texas at Austin 1997 - 2001 (BA) (5 points), Harvard University 2001 - 2004 (JD) (10 points)
Career History:
- Associate, Geller & Solomon 2004 - 2007
- Junior Partner, Geller and Solomon 2007 - 2010
- Senior Partner, Geller and Solomon 2010 - 2012
- Name Partner, Geller, Solomon and Fealty 2012 - 2016 (20 points) (well known)
- Assistant United States Attorney, Department of Justice 2016 - 2018 (10 points)
- United States Attorney, Southern District of Mississippi 2018 - 2020 (10 points)
Electoral History
United States Senator, 2021 - Present
APPROVED. Welcome back!
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Q2, 2025
Senate Considers Comprehensive Crime Bill: Controversial Provisions Spark Concerns and Support Amidst Calls for Full Deliberation
The United States Senate is now considering the Jeremy Larson-Donald Holt Violent Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act. The legislation, based on it's name, appears to be in response to the April 4th prison riot at the federal correctional institution outside of Florence, Colorado.
However, the legislation does much more than just respond directly to the prison riot. Experts told the New York Times that this is more reminiscent of a comprehensive crime bill than one solely focused on federal prison reform. Those same experts said that of the original legislation, only sections 7, 13, and 14 directly apply to federal prisons.
Section 2 of the legislation changes existing law to say that when a person kills "any officer or employee of the United States or of any agency in any branch of the United States Government (including any member of the uniformed services) while such officer or employee is engaged in or on account of the performance of official duties", that the government is not required to prove that the defendant knew that the victim was an officer or employee or that they were performing official duties. The government also would not be required to prove that the defendant acted with any intent greater than knowledge.
The NAACP has expressed concerns about this section. They argue that these changes could be exploited to disproportionately target African Americans and other minorities who may not pose a genuine threat to federal officers.
Meanwhile, the National Coalition for Police and Troopers as well as various federal employee unions have come out in support, saying that it could expedite justice for federal officers as well as federal employees. With how the section ties back into existing law, this change could even apply to an employee of the Government Publishing Office who is killed in a car accident while conducting their official duties, for example.
Senate Minority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) has proposed an amendment to strike this section from the legislation
"As a litigator myself, I understand how difficult it can be to prove intent, to prove prior knowledge of someone who commits a criminal act, but that doesn't mean that the solution should be to completely abrogate the prosecution's requirement to allow for the accused to be afforded their constitutional rights to due process and equal protection under the law," Starnes said.
Section 2 also states that it shall be illegal to kill a current or former federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer while engaged in official duties or on account of the performance or past performance of official duties. The possible punishments for violators of this portion of Section 2 would include the death penalty. The American Immigration Fairness and Security Act and the Securing America's Borders, Communities, and Allies Act both also include provisions for the death penalty for killers of law enforcement officers, making this an obvious priority for Republicans if it might be passed twice in a matter of weeks.
The National Coalition for Police and Troopers support this measure. The Grassroots Law Project, the most adamant opposers to the federal death penalty, oppose it.
Notably, the terminology of "public safety officer" has made some legal analysts question if this could also be defined broadly to include emergency managers, chaplains, or members of local rescue squads.
Section 3 would add the murder of a law enforcement officer, prosecutor, judge, or first responder to the list of aggravating factors to be considered in determining whether a sentence of death is justified for committing homicide. This would only add first responders, such as firefighters, as the murder of a "Federal public servant who is a judge, a law enforcement officer, or an employee of a United States penal or correctional institution" is already considered an aggravating factor as they are listed under the “high public officials” in the pertinent statutes.
Section 4 places limits on federal writs of habeas corpus to state court convictions for killing a public safety officer or judge. A writ of habeas corpus is a legal order that requires a person who is detained or imprisoned to be brought before a court or judge. It allows a person who is in custody to challenge the legality of their imprisonment.
Section 5 grants authority to carry firearms to sworn officers, agents, or employees of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision who are authorized by law to engage in law enforcement activities. It specifies that this authority includes carrying firearms within federal facilities or federal court facilities, and on grounds appurtenant to such facilities. The section also allows for current and retired law enforcement officers to carry loaded magazines separately into these same facilities.
Section 6 would order the Attorney General to allocate up to $20 million each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program as well as general, unspent Department of Justice "general administration" funds for a grant program to "improve the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve". The JAG Program is the leading source of federal Department of Justice funding to state and local jurisdictions.
Section 7 would double the federal maximum sentence for rioting from 5 years to 10 years.
Section 8 would give the same penalties for those whom conspire to use force, violence, or intimidation to take property or money from a bank, credit union, or savings and loan association or enter such institutions with the intent to commit a felony that violates federal law or involves theft as those who personally commit those crimes.
Section 9 increases the base maximum sentence for committing vehicular theft from 15 years to 20 years. If a "dangerous weapon or device" is used, a new maximum sentence would be set at 25 years. For cases where serious bodily harm is caused, the maximum sentence would be increased from 25 years to 40 years. Conspiracy to commit vehicular theft would also be set to the same standards.
Section 11 would impose penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing controlled substances (those that are in schedule I or II of the Controlled Substances Act) combined with candy or beverage products, marketed to look like them, or modified to appear similar, with the intent to distribute to individuals under 18. The penalties for violating this new section of law would include an additional prison term (on top of any other charges) of not more than 10 years for a first time offense and not more than 20 years for second and subsequent offenses. The federal sentencing guidelines would also be required to include a penalty enhancement of not less than 2 offense levels for these offenders.
Section 12 would reformat federal kidnapping statue, but so far as the New York Times can tell, make no tangible changes to federal law on the subject.
Section 13 would allow for Bureau of Prisons employees who currently receive a "Rest of U.S." locality pay rate to receive the pay rate that is closest to their official work station. A locality pay rate is an extra amount of money added to the standard salary of a government employee. A locality pay rate is determined by looking at the salaries of federal employees compared to those of non-federal employees in similar jobs, residing in the same area. At the Bureau of Prisons, all salaried employees who permanently work in a correctional setting receive law enforcement pay. All salaried employees who do not work in a correctional setting receive general schedule pay and all hourly craft, trade, and blue collar employees receive their pay pursuant to the federal wage system.
For example, a salaried employee who permanently works at United States Penitentiary, Beaumont in Texas at the GS-3 level currently makes $30,918 per year at Step 1. Under this section, the employees at USP Beaumont would likely be switched to the Houston locality pay rate. The same employee would now make $41,575 per year. It should be noted that employees working at FCI Florence, where the April 4th prison riot took place, would not receive an increase in their locality pay rate as they are already considered to be within the boundaries of the Colorado Springs locality pay rate. GS-3 Step 1 employees at FCI Florence make $36,826 per year.
Section 14 would require the Bureau of Prisons to conduct a comprehensive staffing review and submit it to Congress within six months.
Section 15 would change fentanyl to from a class II schedule drug to a class I schedule drug in the Controlled Substances Act. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) defines class I schedule drugs as those "with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse". Drugs currently classified at class I include heroin, LSD, marijuana, and ecstasy among others.
Section 16 would change registration requirements for research of class I schedule drugs. Researchers registered for controlled substance research would be allowed to use a single registration if all research sites are in the same city or county and are under the control of the same institution, organization, or agency. Additionally, if a person already conducting research on one controlled substance applies to research with a second one that is in the same or a higher (numerical) schedule, a new inspection by the Attorney General of the location would not be required.
Sections 17 and 18 primarily pertain to Sections 15 and 16 and do not set any notable policy.
Section 19 instructs the Secretary of State to prioritize efforts against international drug trafficking. Section 19 also empowers the President to impose sanctions on individuals or entities from China engaged in drug-related activities. The President would also be authorized to use the emergency powers outlined in sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for this situation. Those emergency powers include the authority for the President to investigate, regulate, or prohibit financial transactions involving foreign countries and impose record-keeping and reporting requirements, with legal protections for those acting in good faith.
Finally, the section appropriates $100 million for the Secretary of State from fiscal years 2026 through 2029 for "International Narcotics and Law Enforcement for Mexico". None of the $100 million may be used until the Secretary of State certifies to Congress that the Government of Mexico is taking sustained and effective measures to enhance law enforcement cooperation with the United States, specifically addressing precursor chemicals and covered synthetic drugs, including identifying labs and routes, increasing interdiction, sharing seized samples, and prosecuting criminal organizations involved in illicit activities. Outside of that, the funds can be used however the Secretary would see fit.
$50 million would be appropriated to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for gun interdiction in fiscal years 2024 through 2027 and $2.5 million in fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to pay vetted members of a Transnational Criminal Investigative Unit in Mexico a monetary stipend.
Upon being brought up for debate, Senator Daniel Hunt (R-Alabama) very quickly motioned for cloture on the legislation. That motion was later seconded by RNC Chairman and Senator Colton Buckley (R-Wisconsin).
Senator Donato Vinachelli (D-New Jersey) moved to add two sections from his Supporting Our Federal Correctional Officers Act into the legislation. Those sections are ones pertaining to allowing the Bureau of Prisons direct hire authority (which had previously been denied by the Office of Personnel Management due to a lack of reliable data) and an additional $1 billion every year for the permanent authorization of 25% recruitment and retention bonuses for correctional officers, increased recruitment and bonuses of up to 50% at facilities with critical staff shortages, as well as comprehensive training for new and transitioning federal prison staff.
“We already know a critical shortage of workers is continuing to put our federal prison system at risk and its long past time to hold BOP accountable to move forward with ideas that work, rather than gambling workers and communities safety on dangerous technology,” Vinachelli told CNN when he introduced the Supporting Our Federal Correctional Officers Act.
These sections were seconded by Starnes and have passed 100-0.
An additional amendment from the Supporting Our Federal Correctional Officers Act was proposed by Vinachelli to make the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons a Senate confirmable post rather than one appointed by the Attorney General. Colette S. Peters, the most recent Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, was fired by Attorney General Shane Ewing in response to the April 4th prison riot.
Senator Naomi Wolfe (D-Georgia) seconded the amendment and also proposed a similar concept in her prison riot response legislation.
Wolfe also called Hunt’s motion for cloture an “absolutely ridiculous power trip” on the Senate floor.
“Pushing a bill of this scope and size… to cloture within hours of it hitting the floor, closing off debate before any debate has even occurred -- there has not been one word spoken in favor of this bill anywhere in this chamber -- is an absolutely ridiculous power trip,” Wolfe said. “There is much in this bill that I would be prepared to support, after proper review and debate. But that support will not be coming until the unfathomable arrogance of invoking cloture under these terms is checked.”
When asked about the legislation in the Capitol hallways ((yes, you should absolutely be making yourself available there if you want to be quoted in stories on things without a bunch of PRs and Spin Zones)), Senator Camilo deSonido (D-Colorado) took a more reserved, but similar tune.
“I think there are some merits to it, but I’m still reviewing the language,” deSonido said. “I also like where the amendments are going but that’ll depend on whether the GOP is open to it. So, we’ll see.”
It is unknown if the Starnes and most recent Vinachelli amendments will be considered with a motion for cloture seconded and potentially likely to go to vote next. Cloture votes for legislation do require 60 votes though, which Republicans cannot get on their own.
Very early polling ((numbers will come next time, had to get a handle on the legislation and let you all get one first)) suggests that Americans agree with Senator Wolfe and other Democrats who want Congress to properly consider the legislation before passing it. Most Americans have yet to form an opinion on if the legislation itself is good, bad, or indifferent.
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Q2, 2025
Conspiracy Theories About Donald Trump Death Spread on TikTok
In a hard to escape TikTok trend, many recent videos posted on the app have cast doubt on the death of Donald Trump.
Content creators, such as Nora Conley, have told their followers that the "left wing establishment" was responsible for the death of the former President.
"It's not a coincidence that Joe Biden decided not to run for re-election right before Donald Trump died," Conley told her 2.3 million followers in a recent video. "He knew something was going to happen. Just like Killary and the Clinton Crime Family, he backed out before anyone could be none the wiser."
Commenters on this popular video have been across the spectrum, some denouncing it and some promoting the theory.
"You're so right," one commenter posted. "TRUMP had more real & successful accomplishments than any president in American history # do your research & check it out. Genocide Joe knew he couldn't beat TRUMP."
"This video is such a fucking spin its insane," another commenter said. "He's dead, get the fuck over it Nora!"
The Organization for Social Media Safety is sounding the alarm about this content being on the platform.
"As an organization committed to fostering a safe online environment, we are deeply concerned about this latest dangerous trend on TikTok," James M. Jensen, an Organization for Social Media Safety spokesperson said. "TikTok's 'For You' page, which caters predominantly to younger users, plays a crucial role in shaping their digital experience. We urge TikTok and other social media companies to reevaluate their content curation algorithms and take proactive measures to ensure responsible dissemination of information, recognizing the platform's responsibility in safeguarding the well-being of its diverse user base."
Last year, TikTok and other social media platforms were accused of consistently showing pro-Palestinian videos and videos of the violent deaths of Israelis on a massive scale by groups such as the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.
At the beginning of January 2024, Montana was slated to enact a first of its kind TikTok ban. However, a federal court ruled against the state, stating that the state was more focused on exposing China's role in the app than protecting Montana's consumers. The court cited Governor Greg Gianforte's statement signing the bill that the bill would enact "our shared priority to protect Montanans from Chinese Communist Party surveillance.”
34 states and the federal government have banned the app on government issued devices.
Those 34 states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Congress attempted to take action federally on the issue throughout the 118th Congress, but a consensus could not be reached amongst both parties on how to best address the situation.
Jensen said that this issue will continue to exacerbate without intervention.
"Without prompt intervention from both government authorities and social media companies, the unchecked dissemination of biased content on platforms like TikTok will have catastrophic effects on America's youth. Failing to address these issues proactively may contribute to a broader erosion of trust in legitimate information and exacerbate societal and political divisions in our country."
RNC Chairman and Senator Colton Buckley (R-Wisconsin) recently introduced the Prohibition of TikTok Usage and Federal Contract Restrictions Act in the Senate. This legislation would, within 30 days, ban installation and access to TikTok across the United States.
Punishments for violating the proposed ban would consist of escalating fines starting at an amount "not to exceed $500" for an individual and "not to exceed $10,000" for entities. Additional penalties would ensure for repeat violations; however, outside of entities potentially facing suspension or revocation of relevant business licenses or permits, it is unknown how exactly those would look at this time. ((OOC Note: if the bill passes and this is unclear, it will be up to the Attorney General))
The legislation would also require a comprehensive review be conducted of Chinese-owned applications to assess potential risks to national security, individual privacy, and democratic values; prohibit the federal government from entering contracts with technology companies having known ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); and require a report be issued to Congress on both of the above requirements.
Senate Minority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia), meanwhile, introduced the Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act. This legislation would establish a grant program for state and local educational agencies, public libraries, and qualified non-profits to promote media literacy and digital citizenship competencies for school children. $20 million would be appropriated to this program in fiscal years 2027, 2029, and 2031.
At the end of 2024, the Pew Research Center reported that 70% of teens who are ages 13 to 17 self-identified as TikTok users. Additionally, 20% of adults reported that they regularly get news from TikTok. This is a 7% and 6% increase, respectively, over the previous year.
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Q2, 2025
Senate Considers Closing Debate on Cabinet Nominations
Members of the United States Senate are currently voting on if to close debate on President Leah Ross's (R-Florida) four outstanding cabinet nominations currently on the floor.
Those nominations include Abel Burke to be Secretary of State, Carly Fiorina to be Secretary of Labor, Mayra Flores to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and David Perdue to be Secretary of Treasury.
Burke's nomination is the most recent, coming after the resignation of Aaron Rabin for personal reasons. Burke is a long time staffer in the U.S. intelligence community, having worked his way from being a CIA intelligence analyst to being Director of Central Intelligence during the later years of the administration of President George H.W. Bush. In the Spring of 1991, Burke was investigated stemming from an inquiry into the Iran–Contra affair and activities by CIA officials over the course of the affair. The independent counsel determined that Burke's actions did not necessitate prosecution.
After leaving the intelligence community, Burke spent a decade at the Heritage Foundation before serving in roles as the U.S. Ambassador to Germany, President of Texas A&M University, and the U.S. Ambassador to China.
Recent flareups in the Venezuela-Guyana conflict, including Venezuela shooting down two American fighter planes and taking the planes' pilots, have made Burke's nomination a little less of a slam dunk than it would likely normally be.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader John Starnes (D-Virginia) and Senator Naomi Wolfe (D-Georgia), have expressed that they would like to hear more from Burke.
"As of yet, we haven't heard hardly a word from the Secretary-designate and there hasn't been any opportunity for this body as a whole to question the distinguished gentleman," Starnes said on the Senate floor. "With the widely reported failure of this Administration to handle diplomatically the ongoing border dispute in Guyana and Venezuela, I think it's imperative this body is given the opportunity to ensure that Mr. Burke has the experience, knowledge and most importantly the ability to navigate complex situations in an environment when many within this Administration and this body are more concerned with partisan gamesmanship."
Meanwhile, the nomination getting the most attention as of now is Fiorina's.
Senator Camilo deSonido (D-Colorado) expressed profound concern about Fiorina on the Senate floor as well as on social media.
"Throughout her career, she has been a proponent of reducing government intervention in labor affairs," deSonido said on the Senate floor. "While I acknowledge the importance of fostering a dynamic and efficient labor market, it is crucial that we do not compromise on the fundamental rights and dignity of our workers. The Secretary of Labor must be an unwavering advocate for fair treatment, just compensation, and humane working conditions."
RNC Chairman and Senator Colton Buckley (R-Wisconsin) accused Democrats of doing whatever it takes to sink Ross's cabinet nominees.
"Ms. Fiorina’s business record speaks for itself," Buckley said. "Her expansive experience and expertise provides her with the foundation and background necessary to lead the Labor Department. Many of the bogeyman arguments Democrats are invoking here are exactly that. My colleagues are spouting out fear-mongering words and statements meant to make you believe that this woman has not been successful in her career and through her leadership practices. Clearly, they did not read my editorial for the Wall Street Journal. It may come in handy for them to brush up on these nominees’ TRUE qualifications."
Buckley's editorial in the Wall Street Journal energized Republicans for likely the first time in the debate of these cabinet nominees. Buckley said that Democrats were on a "crusade against a conservative cabinet". He said that Democrats criticizing Perdue for insider trading was hypocritical and ignoring the fact that former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-California) was doing the same thing. Pelosi's husband, Paul Pelosi, is a notorious venture capitalist who regularly buys and sells stocks. Speaker Pelosi even opposed a ban on congressional stock trading in 2021.
Brett Baier referred to the editorial as "a surprisingly solid defense of the Ross nominees, at least in terms of pointing out Democrat hypocrisy" on X.
Buckley is not the only Senator to recently publish an editorial on cabinet nominees, he was joined by Senate Minority Whip Janice Kamaka (D-Hawaii). In the New York Times, Kamaka referred to Perdue as "the embodiment of what is wrong with Washington D.C." Kamaka not just attacked Perdue on the insider stock trading scandal, but criticized his record as a businessman noting that he publicly admitted to spending most of his career outsourcing jobs in a 2005 deposition.
While debate on the Senate floor has been non-existent on Flores, the Environmental Defense Action Fund recently put out another statement opposing her nomination. This time they called her "one of if not the most unqualified nominee to serve as EPA Administrator". This is similar to previous attacks from Wolfe who more recently told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow that the President nominated a "conspiracist kook" for the post.
"Confirming Flores would be the death knell of any claim the Republicans have to the center ground," Wolfe told Maddow. "It was a Republican President who created the EPA, there have been good men and women of conscience, whom I have disagreed with on some political issues but who have recognized climate change is the single greatest threat facing every state, red, blue, or purple, regardless of political affiliation. Flores is a conspiracist kook with zero experience and less regard for scientific consensus."
So far, the nominees are on track to pass cloture along party lines which means that debate would immediately stop and a final vote would begin. Notably, when asked for his vote on whether to close debate on the Fiorina nomination, deSonido shouted "HELL TO THE NAW, TO THE NAW, NAW, NAW."
Do you approve or disapprove of the following presidential cabinet nominees?
Nominees - Approve - Disapprove - Unsure/Unknown
Fiorina, Flores, and Perdue - 40.36% - 50.94% - 8.7%
Burke - 47.25% - 20.25% - 32.5%The Buckley editorial gained back some ground when it came to Republicans who were feeling skeptical of the three main nominees. Democrats continuing to hammer their message home however blunted any real change when it came to independents. Democrats really already won this battle from the beginning, all Republicans could do was make it look like less of a blowout than what it is. The Burke nomination is much newer, therefore, many more undecideds. Simply on the base, Americans think the Secretary of State position should be filled and that is what this poll reflects. Of course, barring real mayhem, it's likely that nomination will come and pass without many Americans forming a real opinion.
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Q2, 2025
Mugshots of Victor Martinez, 29 and Dominic Russo 38, per Federal Bureau of Prisons
Department of Justice to Pursue Death Penalty Against Inmates Involved in FCI Florence Riot
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado filed murder charges today against Victor Martinez, 29 and Dominic Russo, 38. Martinez and Russo are former inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Florence outside of Florence, Colorado.
Martinez and Russo are being accused of killing prison guard Donald Holt during April's riot at the institution. Since the riot, they have been transferred to USP Marion High.
"Accused reportedly overwhelmed victim in midst of prison riot and stabbed victim with shanks," today's filing reads.
The indictment also goes in depth on Martinez's involvement in gang activities in the prison. The U.S. Attorney's office claims in the filing that he was driven by the riot to assert dominance and protect his interests within the prison.
Russo is being considered more of the muscle in this situation. The filing reveals that he has a reputation at FCI Florence for being unpredictable and prone to aggressive behavior with multiple disciplinary reports on file.
Under 18 U.S. Code § 1111 and 18 U.S. Code § 1118, the federal government can pursue murder charges against persons who commit murder while confined in a federal correctional institution. If convicted, they can be punished by "death or life imprisonment".
The U.S. Attorney's office, in a press conference, announced they will be seeking the death penalty against Martinez and Russo.
"This was a heinous act," JD Lowell, Chief of the Criminal Division, told reporters. "These inmates showed extreme contempt and brutality when murdering Mr. Holt."
Lowell also told reporters that federal prosecutors would not be seeking to make a plea deal with either suspect.
The Associated Press also has learned that the U.S. Attorney's office is filing charges against other inmates involved in the riot including known ringleaders Robert "Bulldog" Thompson, age 32 and Anthony "Swiftblade" Carter, age 25 as well as two other previously unknown inmates who provided support to Thompson and Carter. Those two are Xavier Johnson, age 31 and Garrett Turner, age 34.
This is the first time that the administration of President Leah Ross (R-Florida) has authorized seeking the death penalty against a criminal defendant.
The first day of trial in the cases of Martinez and Russo is currently slated for November 18, 2025.
Trials for Thompson, Carter, Johnson, and Turner are slated to start just less than one week later, on November 24, 2023. The 24th is the Monday before Thanksgiving.
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((Expect an updated article on Wednesday with these updates, assuming nothing crazy comes up before then))
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23 minutes ago, Ollie said:
Updated with all relevant info!
My apologies. When I meant Family History I just meant this little thing:
SOCIOECONOMIC HISTORY:
Super-Rich (Top 1%): 5 Points
Top 5%: -10 points
Upper Class: -5 points
Middle Class: 0 points
Working Class: 10 points
Child of Immigrant: 15 points
Immigrant: 20 pointsBut since it literally does not matter which you select based on the points count, this is APPROVED. Just make sure you get it in there
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2 hours ago, Redacted said:
Basic Information
Name: Adam Vargas
Date of Birth: 06/29/90(Age 35)
Place of Birth: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Place of Residence: Langley, Virginia
Socioeconomic Status: Upper Class
Family Information:
Father: Daniel Vargas SR (b.1963)
Mother: Kathrine Smith (b.1961)
Brother: Daniel Vargas JR (b.1988)
Sister: Elizabeth Vargas (b.2008)
Family Occupations:
- Daniel SR, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police
- Kathrine, Stay at Home Mon
- Daniel JR, Pennsylvania State Trooper
- Elzabeth- High School Student
Educational History:
Local High School (2003-2007)
Bachelors in law and Society, Pennsylvania State University (2007-2009)
Masters in public policy, (George Manson University (2016-2029)
Juris Doctrine, Pennsylvania State University Carey Law School (2009-2011)
Career History
- Intern for the Central Intelligence Agency (2007-2011)
- Central Intelligence Agent (2011-2025)
-Chief of Staff to President Ross (2025-Present)
Points
Male: 0
35:20
Straight Unmarried: 5
Latino: 5
Mainline Protestant: 0Masters Degree/J.D Public: 20
Upper Class: -5
Carrer History: 20
Total Points: 65
Biography
Adam Vargas (Born June 29th, 1990) is currently the White House Chief of Staff under President Ross, who is also a former Central Intelligence Agency Agent.
Early Life and Education
Adam was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on June 29th, 1990, and graduated from Pen State University with a bachelor's in law and society, then earned a J.D from Cary Law School in 2011 and was admitted to the state bar that year and in the Virgina bar the following year, also has a Masters in Public Policy from George Manson University.
Durning his time in college he was an intern for the Pennsylvania State Police, in which after his first two years in college went to intern to the Central Intelligence Agency.
Carrer
After graduating from pen state with his J.D Adam went to work with the CIA, as not much is known what he did within the CIA until the end of the trump administration where he was a part of the Far-East division where he meet President Ross when she was ambassador so South Korea.
He left the CIA after ross was elected and became her Chief of Staff.
Just a note for everyone, the 20 points for career history was pre-cleared by me. APPROVED.
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Bank Account of Leah Ross (R-FL)
in Federal Election Commission Archive
Posted
Bank of America, LLC
Americans for Prosperity Action $1,796,892 Q2 2025
Border Security Coalition $848,258 Q2 2025
Environmental Defense Action Fund $183,467 Q2 2025
Grassroots Law Project $391,917 Q2 2025
National Coalition for Police and Troopers $810,886 Q2 2025
General Donors $2,929,497 Q2 2025
Your account has been credited with the above balances.