POLITICO

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POLITICO covers politics and policy in the United States and internationally, often with a focus on inside Beltway politics.

[Jack]

 

 

The Year People Fought Over Bathrooms

Exploring the intersection of privacy, equality, and policy that shape the ongoing debate.

 

 

 

In 2015, the United States saw significant attention toward transgender issues, marked by an increasing public awareness and acceptance of transgender identities. This period coincided with notable media coverage of transgender individuals, such as Laverne Cox and Caitlyn Jenner, which played a crucial role in easing the social stigma associated with gender dysphoria and encouraged more transgender people to seek care for their condition. This surge in demand for transgender care was also facilitated by improved access to health insurance in the U.S., including both public and private options, which expanded coverage for services previously excluded. Clinics across the country reported changes in the medical needs of the transgender community, with healthcare providers adapting to meet these evolving demands. The landscape of transgender care and awareness in 2015 highlighted a shift towards greater understanding and support for transgender individuals, amidst a broader cultural recognition of the complexity of gender identity.

 

Moreover, societal views on gender identity and the importance of acknowledging transgender individuals' preferred pronouns and names were evolving, albeit at a pace that not everyone was comfortable with. A study by the Pew Research Center found that opinions on these issues varied significantly across different demographics and political affiliations. While a substantial portion of the population recognized the importance of referring to transgender people by their new names and pronouns, reflecting respect for their gender identity, there was also a notable segment that felt societal changes were occurring too quickly. This perspective was often rooted in religious beliefs, concerns over the long-term consequences of gender transition treatments, and a perception of these changes as a passing trend influenced by media. Despite these differences, the growing visibility of transgender issues signaled a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about gender identity in America.

 

The visibility of transgender issues saw an unprecedented rise in 2015, largely fueled by media coverage of high-profile transgender individuals like Caitlyn Jenner and Laverne Cox. Jenner's public transition, in particular, brought transgender issues into mainstream conversations, contributing to a broader awareness and understanding of transgender identities. Cox's role in popular media, including her groundbreaking Time magazine cover, further cemented the importance of transgender representation in challenging stereotypes and fostering a culture of acceptance.

 

These media milestones were crucial in humanizing transgender individuals, showcasing their narratives beyond the scope of their gender identity, and highlighting the diverse experiences within the transgender community. This increased visibility helped to ease social stigma and encouraged more transgender people to come out and seek care for gender dysphoria.

 

The year also saw significant legal advancements for transgender rights, including greater access to healthcare and legal protections against discrimination. Improved access to health insurance in the United States, both public and private, expanded coverage for services once excluded, enabling many transgender individuals to access appropriate care for the first time. These changes were part of a broader shift towards recognizing and addressing the medical needs of the transgender community, reflecting an increasing willingness among healthcare providers to meet these needs.

 

Despite these positive developments, the rise of transgender visibility and rights was not without its critics. Some segments of society expressed discomfort with the pace of change regarding gender identity issues, with concerns ranging from religious objections to fears about the long-term consequences of gender transition treatments. According to a Pew Research Center study, while there was a general trend toward acceptance, significant disparities existed in views on the importance of using transgender people's new names and pronouns, reflecting broader societal divides.

 

Critics argued that the rapid changes in societal attitudes towards gender identity were too much, too fast, and often driven by media and political agendas rather than organic social evolution. Concerns were also raised about the implications of these changes for children and the role of education in addressing gender identity. The fear that discussions on gender identity were being pushed prematurely onto young minds highlights a contentious debate over how society navigates the balance between fostering inclusivity and preserving traditional values.

 

The journey of transgender visibility and rights in the United States has underscored the dynamic interplay between societal acceptance, legal frameworks, and the broader cultural discourse on gender identity. As we have seen, this path is marked by significant achievements in media representation, public awareness, and healthcare access, as well as by contentious debates and criticisms from various segments of society. The contrasting perspectives on the pace of change and the role of education in addressing gender identity issues reveal deep-seated differences in how Americans envision the evolution of social norms and values.

 

Looking ahead, the future of transgender rights and societal acceptance may significantly hinge on the political landscape, particularly the policies and priorities of Republican or Democrat-led administrations. Each party has historically had different approaches to issues of gender identity, with Democrats generally advocating for more inclusive policies and protections for transgender individuals, and Republicans often emphasizing traditional gender norms and cautioning against rapid societal changes. These divergent paths raise important questions about how future political environments will shape the ongoing dialogue and policy-making related to transgender rights.

 

Will a Republican-led political environment focus on rolling back some of the advances made in transgender rights, emphasizing traditional values and slowing down the pace of change in response to societal concerns? Or will there be a movement within the party towards a more inclusive stance that recognizes the importance of addressing the rights and needs of transgender individuals?

 

Conversely, in a Democrat-led environment, how will the party navigate the balance between advancing transgender rights and addressing the concerns of those who feel the changes are too rapid or far-reaching? Will there be efforts to foster broader societal consensus on these issues, or will the focus remain on pushing through legislative and policy changes to ensure transgender individuals have equal rights and protections?

 

As the United States continues to grapple with these questions, the political leadership's approach to transgender rights and gender identity will undoubtedly play a critical role in determining the trajectory of societal acceptance and legal protections for transgender individuals. The challenge lies in finding common ground that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, while also considering the diverse viewpoints and concerns that exist within the American public.

[Conrad]

FREEDOM CAUCUS BACKROOM DEAL TO END RIGHT TO WORK REVEALED

 

General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters James P. Hoffa has told POLITICO that a member of the Freedom Caucus, Senator David Stewart had met him with a proposition that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. The deal purportedly involved the Republican seeking Hoffa's public opposition against Republican candidate for Wisconsin Senate Governor Scott Walker in exchange for supporting national right-to-unionize legislation.

 

Sources close to the matter revealed that the Republican made a direct plea to Hoffa, emphasizing the potential benefits of his opposition to Governor Walker.

 

The crux of the deal centered around Stewart's commitment to backing legislation aimed at establishing a national right-to-unionize policy, effectively ending right-to-work. In exchange, the Republican sought Hoffa's vocal disapproval of the Republican Senate candidate, a move that would carry significant weight within union circles but of course given Walker's record as Governor, it was likely a position Hoffa was already going to take. 

 

The union leader, known for his steadfast advocacy for workers' rights, maintained that his focus remains on advancing policies that benefit working-class Americans, irrespective of party lines.

 

Reacting to the news, political analysts and commentators have expressed astonishment at the audacity of the proposed deal. The revelation of this clandestine negotiation has sparked a debate within Republican circles and some have even called it a clear betrayal of Republican values. This entire saga underscores the lengths to which some politicians are willing to go to secure support or gain a strategic advantage in electoral battles.

 

 

 

[Ollie]

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." 

[Ollie]

POLITICO PLAYBOOK: Stewart-White House Deal on Jackson Turns Sour

By BARNABY ANTHONY and ELLA LANDRY | 05/19/2017 7:31AM

D.C. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Doug Murphy. CREDIT: NYT)

 

 

DON'T MISS IT: Uber CEO Travis Kalanick Resigns Amid Shareholder Revolt

 

FIRST IN: President DOUG MURPHY had a busy week after taking office following the resignation of former President Xiomara de la Cruz, who is now home being treated for cancer. His first big move was choosing KETANJI BROWN JACKSON, a Judge on the D.C. District Court, to fill the now year-long vacancy on the Supreme Court. Jackson, appointed by Barack Obama in 2013, has served on the court for four years, previously serving as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Jackson is the first African American woman to be nominated to serve on the Supreme Court. 

 

A DAY OF DRAMA -- At the White House, flanked by Senate Minority Leader DAVID STEWART and Minority Whip JAMES CAMBRIDGE, the President announced Jackson's nomination to surprise from White House reporters.  Her nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2012 sailed through the Senate by a voice vote and had the support of the now-Speaker of the House Paul Ryan," the President boasted, before turning over the podium to Stewart, who echoed Ryan's support of Jackson during her confirmation for the district court. "If we cannot support a woman who has previously received unanimous support, and has the support of our current House Speaker, I don't know what to say," Stewart said, almost foreshadowing the days events ahead. 

 

The announcement shocked and stunned Senate Republicans, many of whom admitted openly they were never consulted or told about Stewart and Cambridge's support of Jackson before they appeared at the White House. Sen. LLOYD BISHOP (R-AZ), who was name checked at the press conference by the President and thanked for his support, clarified on Twitter that he was not in support of Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court. It was later revealed by sources within the White House that Stewart had directly told the President he could count on Bishop's support. Minority Whip James Cambridge later admitted on Twitter that Stewart had told him that he had the votes to confirm Jackson, and that it was "clearly not the case." 

 

-- Stewart, already on shaky foundation, was immediately attacked by Republicans and Democrats alike. All day, leaks were coming in, with Republicans stating their dissatisfaction and frustration. Even staunch Stewart ally Sen. JASON ROY (R-SC) came out in opposition to Jackson's nomination, saying Stewart was "trying to appease too many people from the left and the right." Former Senate Minority Whip KYLE VAN HORN (R-KY) had harsher words, saying he told Stewart he wasn't ready to be Senate Minority Leader, calling him "more establishment than Paul Ryan." House Republicans loyal to Stewart, like Rep. MATT GAETZ (R-FL), jumped ship and called on Stewart to resign, calling his actions "a betrayal." RNC Chairman TOM DONELSON accused Stewart of blackmail and "bullying" fellow Republicans into voting to confirm Jackson, noting his opposition to her nomination, while saying Stewart "governs with a lens of power, manipulation, fear and blackmail."  

 

-- The backlash was immediate with Republicans calling for new elections with Stewart's opponents using the same new charter rules that were leveraged to toss out former leader CLIFF FLEMING (R-AL) against him. Fleming, notably, is rumored to be running for the job for a third time. The motion to oust Stewart was reportedly initiated by Sen. BARAK MOFAZ (R-GA),  who earlier in the day on Twitter publicly announced his displeasure with Stewart, confirming he was among the large number of Senate Republicans kept in the dark on the White House Press Conference announcing Jackson. 

 

-- There is real hope this is rock bottom for the GOP among staffers and donors, after weeks of tumultuous infighting and chaos that has cost them dearly. Early reports for Q1 and Q2 fundraising for both parties shows Democrats with a likely large advantage as donors have watched in horror, staffers have resigned en masse from the NRSC and NRCC, and recent polling of a generic congressional ballot by NBC News shows Republicans with a jaw dropping six point deficit. "This has to be rock bottom, the end of the chaos, otherwise we're toast," a staffer admitted to POLITICO, "there needs to be a complete turnaround or we are risking everything in 2018." 

 

-- Whoever the new leader is has a tall task ahead with a majority of Republicans opposed to a Supreme Court Justice nominee that just received a wholehearted endorsement from top Republican brass, and who has received support from Speaker PAUL RYAN in the past, making for an awkward situation. In addition to that, the new Senate Leader will have to deal with the divided factions within the Senate Conference. While it's clear Stewart's influence has been significantly damaged by his support of Jackson, it's clear to anyone observing that the party remains deeply fractured and in need of a unifying figure at the helm of leadership. 

 

REPUBLICANS ON JACKSON: 

 

VAN HORN: "She is the ultimate left-wing judicial activist."

 

ROY: "I never supported Watford and I do not support Jackson."

 

BISHOP: "I have not supported nor will I support Judge Brown for SCOTUS. Period."

 

MOFAZ: "I was not consulted by leadership. I will not support anything when left in the dark."

 

WHO'S THE NEXT VICE PRESIDENT? Nobody knows yet but that hasn't stopped rumors circulating around the beltway, with the names of many on the tip of every staffers tongue. A few we've heard include Sen. ANNEY IYAL (D-WA), Nat. Security Advisor CYNTHIA HARVEY, Sen. ANDREW CLARKE (D-MO), and Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO (I-CA). No official list has come from a White House source yet as anyone the President might be considering has been kept close to the vest. While many Democrats hope it is someone exciting to the base, others acknowledge the political reality that whoever it is will need to be confirmed by the Republican House majority. 

 

Good Saturday morning and thanks for reading Playbook weekend edition. Drop us a line; Barnaby Anthony, Ella Landry.

 

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Google supports small businesses by providing resources that help them succeed. From advertising tools to free business profiles,

we’re helping small business owners make the most of the web. Learn more at grow.google/local-businesses.

 

 

DRIVING THE DAY

On the Hill

RELIEF FOR SACRAMENTO: The I-5 Relief Act, spearheaded by California Sen. CAMILO deSONIDO, has been docketed by Sen. Majority Leader DIEGO EVERHART. The legislation would allocate $6 billion toward relief efforts for the I-5 bridge collapse, with $2 billion coming in the form of a loan. The money would be used to repair I-5 and surrounding areas, though the language of the bill was kept fairly vague, allowing funds to be used for emergency appropriations and other relief efforts. Sen. KIMBERLY ATKINS (R-AZ) has sought to amend the bill, making the entirety of the allocated funds a loan to be paid back in ten years.

 

Republicans are still reeling from their loss in the Wisconsin special election as DAN KIND (D-WI) was sworn in this morning by President Pro-tempore PATRICK LEAHY (D-VT) due to the vacancy of the Vice Presidency. Kind defeated Gov. SCOTT WALKER (R-WI) in a close election. Many pundits attributed Walker's loss with the public chaos in the GOP happening in split screen with the election and staffers on the ground believed the debacle tainted the party with Wisconsin voters. "It was embarrassing, it was humiliating," a staffer told POLITICO, asking to remain anonymous, acknowledging that many on the ground "remain furious at what happened here." It's a big victory for Democrats who were able to hold on to the seat once held now-President Doug Murphy.

 

A bill to enhance U.S. cyber security efforts was proposed by Sen. JAMES CAMBRIDGE (R-IA) and Sen. GEORGE FREEMAN (R-SC) during a press conference with Stewart. The press conference was largely overshadowed by the days events, however, and all three left without taking any questions from reporters. Cyber security has come to the forefront after a report came out that recent sophisticated cyber attacks against U.S. businesses was straining critical cyber infrastructure and aging systems were becoming more vulnerable. 

 

ALL POLITICS 

Republicans severely lagged behind Democrats in Q1 and Q2 fundraising with Dems raising $25,440,000 to the GOP's $10,250,000. The staggering lead by Democrats in 2017 is likely to serve as a wake up call to Republicans after a chaotic six months of instability and infighting. The top fundraisers for DEMS were: MURPHY, EVERHART, JAMES, and deSONIDO. The top fundraisers for the GOP were: VAN HORN, DONELSON, FLEMING, and STEWART. 

 

KEEP AN EYE ON IT: Progressives, furious over the quick death of the $15 minimum wage bill in the Senate, have taken the fight to California, but this time they are asking for more. Activists behind the group 'FairWage Advocates' have called for a $20 minimum wage in the state by the year 2024. Director of the organization, PAU LUALI, said the fight for $15 has turned into a fight for fair wages for all, no matter where they live. "The fight for $15 started a movement, but that number doesn't mean the same thing here in California," Luali said, "we are going to fight for a fair living wage in every state across the country and it begins here." California Gov. JERRY BROWN has previously pledged support for a $15 minimum wage but the legislature has not yet acted on a minimum wage increase. 

 

SUPREME COURT UPDATE: It is not known whether the court will return at full strength for the 2017 term in October but we do know the new term could be a blockbuster one with several cases likely to provoke conflict. One of them, on political gerrymandering, has the potential to reshape American politics. Another may settle the question of whether businesses can turn away patrons like gay couples in the name of religious freedom. The court will hear important workers’ rights cases, including one on employers’ power to prevent workers from banding together to sue them. In addition, the court will hear arguments in a case on immigration and due process for undocumented immigrants who have spent more than six months in detention without a hearing.

 

MORE HEADLINES 

BBC: GLOBAL RANSOMWARE ATTACK CAUSES CHAOS

DRUDGE: CLEAN HOUSE OR LAY DOWN AND DIE: GOP IN CHAOS

MEDIAITE: INFIGHTING SEEPS INTO CONSERVATIVE MEDIA

NYT: WHO IS KETANJI BROWN JACKSON? 

WSJ: PASS THE EL CHAPO ACT NOW

[Conrad]

RNC Chairman Engages High-Dollar Conservative Donors in Exclusive DC Summit Amidst Recent GOP Turmoil

 

Against the backdrop of a Republican Party navigating through choppy political waters, the newly minted Republican National Committee Chairman Tarik Lee convened a gathering of influential conservative donors at an upscale hotel in the heart of the nation's capital. The closed-door meeting, characterized by insiders as a crucial moment of strategizing and reassurance, comes at a time when the GOP finds itself reeling from internal divisions and external challenges. Recently, the parties more mainline wing retook control of the leadership.

 

Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that the event, hosted at a discreet venue in Washington D.C. was attended by prominent donors whose financial support holds significant sway within conservative circles. Attendees included titans of industry, high-net-worth individuals, and key figures from the conservative political establishment.

 

The timing of the gathering is noteworthy, as the Republican Party continues to navigate through a series of tumultuous events that have tested its unity and electoral prospects. From internal rifts over policy direction and constant changes of leadership to which the Republican Governors Association had to step in, the GOP finds itself at a critical juncture.

 

In recent months, the party has grappled with a range of challenges, including contentious debates over its stance on key issues such as right to work and the appointment of Supreme Court Justices. Additionally, the amendment of the parties charter to make it easier to vacate the leadership sent the party into disarray.

 

Against this backdrop, the meeting chaired by the RNC Chairman served as a platform for candid discussions and strategic planning aimed at charting a course forward for the GOP. Attendees reportedly engaged in frank exchanges on a range of topics, including electoral strategies, fundraising efforts and messaging tactics designed to resonate with voters across the political spectrum.

 

While specifics of the discussions remain confidential, sources close to the RNC indicate that the meeting underscored a shared commitment among conservative donors to rally behind the party and support its efforts to regain momentum heading into the next election cycle.

 

The closed-door summit in Washington D.C. signals a concerted effort by the Republican Party to regroup and reenergize its base amidst ongoing challenges and uncertainties. 

 

((No actual dollars were raised, this was simply an in character roleplay action by the GOP.))