Jack & Jill Politics

rikyrah: GOSSIP: Under the HEADING: REALLY?:

Political Meddling in Johnston Drug Case?

Here we go again. For anyone worried that after the election, we poor Alaskan bloggers would have nothing more to write about, take heart. Here’s the latest in the Sherry Johston drug bust. Sherry Johnston as you all know is the mother of Levi Johnston, Governor Palin’s soon to be son-in-law.

Levi has been in the news and on blogs coast to coast over speculation that he somehow managed to get an apprenticeship electrician job on the North Slope ahead of all the others on the waiting list, and without the required high school diploma. More will be revealed on this in time.

But today’s Anchorage Daily News focused on his mother, and Bristol Palin’s soon to be mother-in-law Sherry Johnston.

A Mat-Su drug investigator and the union representing Alaska State Troopers are alleging political meddling in the Sherry Johnston drug case, including a delay in serving the search warrant because of the November election.

While new Public Safety Commissioner Joe Masters (Walt Monegan’s replacement) and Col. Audie Holloway of the Alaska State Troopers deny that there were any irregularities, the head of the Troopers Union, John Cyr, and Troopers drug investigator Kyle Young say otherwise.

Cyr said the union is confident Young’s version of what happened is true. That’s because the union verified it in discussions “with the entire drug unit, with all of our members,” he said.

He said the people the union president spoke with included the case officer for the Johnston investigation, Donna Anthony. She works on the Mat-Su drug unit but is a member of the Palmer police force, which is not part of the union.

The rest of the new developments can be found HERE.

And Tuesday, Ms. Johnston will be arraigned at the courthouse in Palmer, Alaska. She will then be informed of the charges against her, and presumably enter a plea. Stay tuned.

TUESDAY, January 6, 2009 is looking like IT will be a BIG DRAMA DAY!! :>) :>)

JJP "popcorn" CHECK! Green Tea. CHECK!! Remote control. CHECK! :>)

rikyrah: Hope this isn't a duplicate:

Franken to be declared Senate victor in Minnesota (Sun Jan 4, 2009 11:56pm EST)

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - Democrat Al Franken will be declared the winner of the tight U.S. Senate contest in Minnesota, emerging from a ballot recount with a slim margin over Republican Norm Coleman, state officials said on Sunday.

But Coleman, the incumbent, has asked Minnesota's supreme court to require that a few hundred additional absentee ballots be included in the recount -- and he could then ask the court to investigate the contest all over again.

"At the moment, Franken has a 225-vote lead," after the weekend counting of what were deemed the last uncounted absentee ballots, said Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat who oversaw the process.

Ritchie said unless the supreme court acts on Coleman's request and orders more ballots to be counted, he will reconvene the state's Canvassing Board on Monday to certify Franken as the winner of the November 4 contest.

Even so, Coleman's campaign said it will likely challenge the result, which would require the state supreme court's chief justice to appoint three judges to investigate its claims.

Hundreds of absentee voters were "disenfranchised," other votes were double-counted, and still other ballots that went missing were counted anyway, Coleman's campaign manager Cullen Sheehan said in a statement.

"We remain convinced that this process is broken, and as a result, the numbers being reported will not be accurate or valid ... (It) clearly means that a contest is the only likely remedy to ensure a fair outcome," Sheehan said.

SATIRIST

Franken, 57, is a well-known satirist who wrote for and starred on NBC television's long-running comedy show "Saturday Night Live," and more recently hosted a liberal radio show before running for the Senate from his home state.

Coleman, 59, just completed his first term that he won by defeating Walter Mondale, the former Democratic presidential candidate who stood in for Sen. Paul Wellstone. Wellstone died in a plane crash during his 2002 reelection campaign.

The recount of some 2.4 million votes cast for the pair has swung back and forth over several weeks. Coleman initially held the edge, but his narrow victory margin necessitated the recount under state law.

The Canvassing Board sifted through hundreds of ballots contested by the two campaigns.

"The recount has been done so precisely, and so transparently," it would be difficult to envision a challenge succeeding, Ritchie said.

Senate Republicans have pledged not to seat Franken provisionally while the race is still in doubt. Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer of New York urged that Franken be seated, which would expand the party's majority to 58 of the 100 members.

But Republican Sen. John Cronyn of Texas issued a sharply worded statement saying "Sen. Schumer's exultations are premature to say the least." Continued...

THERE IS MORE.

Continuing SAGA! ***shrug*** :>)

Where is MsKitty? She's been missing since Christmas.

Where's Whiterosebuddy?

I Miss them!

whiterosebuddy is on holiday til Jan 8. MsKitty?

Thanks Spirit!

Hope MsKitty is alright!

rikyrah: DAY -16 On His "JOURNEY TO JANUARY 20, 2009!! :>) :>)

1. HEADLINE(s):

a) OBAMA HEADS TO WASHINGTON DC

From the pool report: As he boarded plane, he waved to press and said he would see us in DC. He came to back of plane and said the following:

"Well guys, I am looking forward to seeing you guys in Washington... I gotta say I choked up a little bit leaving my house today."

[HE IS SENSITIVE!! ***warm smile***]

"Malia's friend had dropped off an album of the two of them together. They had been friends since pre-school and I just looked through the pages and the house was empty and it was a little tough, it got me."

b) Obama Arrives in Washington-Sunday, January 4th, 2009

[NOTE: LOVED the pics!! Plane with PRESIDENTIAL SEAL!! Whooo! Hoo!

c) Obama plans to unveil big tax cuts

Aiming to foster bipartisan support for his record-setting economic stimulus, President-elect Obama plans to propose huge tax cuts for businesses and middle-class workers that will total about 40 percent of the package, or up to $310 billion, congressional officials said.

The revelation is part of an intricately orchestrated roll-out of the plan that includes an appearance by Obama on Capitol Hill on Monday and a major speech about the economy later in the week.

Obama plans to ask Congress for a stimulus package of $675 billion to $775 billion, so the planned tax cuts will total about $270 billion to $310 billion, the officials said.

Obama strategists say he wants to get 80 or more votes in the 100-member Senate, and the emphasis on tax cuts is a way to defuse conservative criticism and enlist Republican support.

But officials say the tax cuts will be based on historical and empirical evidence of what works, not ideology. Rather, the targeted tax cuts will be designed to stimulate job growth in the private sector and help middle class families, the officials said.

For families, the tax cuts include the $500 “Making Work Pay” payroll tax credit Obama proposed during the campaign.

For businesses, the tax cuts would include breaks for small employers and a “new jobs credit.”

Obama is scheduled to meet Monday with congressional leaders and will update them on what economists have told him about the country’s financial outlook, stressing the imperative for action and his eagerness to work with them on the specifics.

While meeting with the leaders, Obama plans to say that a significant crisis needs a significant response, but one that is disciplined and targeted. The test for components of the stimulus plan will be whether they create jobs, jumpstart the economy and lay the foundation for significant long-term investment.

Obama will emphasize his desire for transparency, with oversight and strict accountability, aides said.

Robert Gibbs, the incoming White House press secretary, told reporters as they flew from Chicago to Washington with Obama on Sunday evening: “We’ve seen Christmas sales, consumer confidence and obviously upcoming job numbers which underscore that a very serious situation has only gotten worse and isn't likely to get better any time soon."

The Labor Department is releasing figures Friday that could show the country’s job losses last year were the worst since World War II.

Later in the week, probably Thursday, Obama plans to give a speech in the Washington area taking the case for his package directly to the public, emphasizing the urgency of the crisis and the fact that unemployment could slip over 10 percent if decisive action is not taken.

Obama will talk about the economic crisis and the response it requires, and the setting will be a serious one that will make the appearance very different from a campaign speech, aides said.

The speech is designed as a contrast to the approach taken by President Bush, who has been criticized for not sufficiently explaining his solutions to the economic crisis, including the Wall Street bailout that has now been extended to automakers.

Aides described the speech as part of a carefully planned effort to sell the stimulus package to the country, including nationwide travel by Obama and his inner circle.

About 10 percent of the stimulus package will consist of expansion of unemployment insurance and COBRA health insurance for people whose coverage might otherwise be terminated.

The package also consists of infrastructure investments such as roads and bridges; long-term investments in energy, health care and education; and aid to states such as more generous Medicaid reimbursement rates.

The proportions those measures will take in the final passage has not been specified.

2. HIS SCHEDULE: Sunday Jan. 4, 2009
All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:37 AM

Obama arrives at his Chicago transition offices.
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:40 PM

Obama leaves his downtown transition office and heads home.
3:00 PM
3:03 PM

Obama leaves his Hyde Park home and makes his way to the gym.
4:00 PM
4:07 PM

Obama finishes his workout and returns home.
5:00 PM
5:45 PM

Obama's flight takes off from Chicago, heading for Washington.

PHOTO
6:00 PM
7:00 PM

Obama arrives in Washington.

PHOTO
7:30 PM

Obama arrives at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington.

3. Obama Arrives In DC (PHOTOS)

Barack Obama landed in Washington DC Sunday, joining his family at the Hay Adams hotel the day after they arrived.


Taking off from Chicago's Midway and landing at Andrews Air Force Base, Obama flew in an Air Force 757 and greeted airport personnel at either end.


PHOTOS:

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! :>)

"Malia's friend had dropped off an album of the two of them together. They had been friends since pre-school and I just looked through the pages and the house was empty and it was a little tough, it got me."



Isn't that so sweet! He's a such a darling! (With His Good-Looking Self) :)

Justice58: LOL! :>)

You ain't neva lied!! :>) :>)

Am I the only person who doesn't understand why we know PE Obama's every move? It creeps me out the access that people have. smh

Nickwah22: Sorry that it took so looooong for me to reply. :>) :>)

My computer is V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W today! AAARRRRGGGG!

I see your point. BUT, he does have a "press corp" with him.


Annnnnnnnd, they are "eager" to report this MOMENTOUS EVENT. :>)


I also wanted to SHARE your question on the Israeli-Hamas "situation." I don't "GET IT" as much as I would like 2. Soooooo, I'm continuing to "learn" as I read the THREADS/posts!!

Annnnnnnnd, I'm takin' NOTES! :>) :>)

Feels like "back in school!" :>) :>)

You do a great job, GreenLady!

Justice58: THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! :>)

Love doin' this!! - - - communicatin' with U'ALL!! :>) :>)

Nice pics, GreenLady. Thanks! My daughter called to inform me of the shift in energy she feels since PEO & family have arrived in DC.

spirit: THANK YOU! :>)

I can imagine the FEELIN'!!*** Whooo! Hoo! :>)

BTW - - -I put your daughter/you/family on the "prayer list" 2-day! God Bless! :>)

***Dancing On The Ceiling [Oh what a feeling!] (Lionel Richie)

ENJOY!!! :>) :>) :>) ***I'm dancin' - - - "old school"*** :>)

Thank you for your prayers, GreenLady.

My daughter, Renita brought me a ticket to see The Alvin Ailey Dance Company the day before I leave DC!!!!!!

She knows how much I wanted to attend the Inaguaration events. I love my daughters sooooo much!

spirit: LOOK AT-CHOO!! :>) :>)

Ya did some GREAT RAISIN' [of your daughters!!] THEY KNOW!! :>)

Enjoy the production!! :>)

icebergslim: Me 2!! THANK YOU! :>) :>)

Iceberg, you KNOW I loved that picture.

Something just hit me.

WHERE IS MICHELLE OBAMA?

I've been hearing about Barack and the girls, but not Michelle.

Any stories about her and how she is holding up with all this change?

Michele and the girls have been in DC since yesterday and went to a private welcome to DC party. It looks like her mother may not live in the WH, but have her own place in DC, approved by the secret service. This is a period of adjustment.

Looks like the pilot that flew Barack to Andrews Air Force Base is Black. He's going to be the pilot for Air Force One as well.

He's not Black. Here's a picture of him...

http://www.daylife.com/photo/058Q5ml6oa8Wo

rikyrah, you're holding it down! Keep up the good work.

Where did you see this Craig?

On MSNBC

From the Post:

As he boarded the plane, Obama met with Col. Scott Turner, the aircraft commander who will pilot Air Force One for Obama once he takes office, and Reggie Dickson, chief flight attendant. Obama ordered a cheeseburger and french fries from Dickson, who joked with reporters that he prepared the burger "Air Force One-style."

TOO COOL!

Here's the link. WAY COOL!

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2009...

Now that is too cool!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/04/roland...


This right here sounds like some "if you help us we'll help you BS." I.E....


You help us block Burris, we'll help you block Franken (I don't see the Dems coming out to help Franken, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the Dems. want Franken in there either).

You help us block Burris and seat Franken, we'll support a special election in IL and if ya win, hey...


This don't pass the smell test...

OK....I thought I was the only one a lil suspect of the eerie silence coming from the DNC regarding Franken.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/art...

Tim Kaine to head the DNC.

i think its a great pick. kaine backed barack early on, and did some incredible work for him in va with his father in law who was a republican former gov of virginia. When Palin made that pro america comment and that Nancy Photenfucker lady said real virginia they really shot themselves in the foot in VA. Terry Mac is going to run for Gov of Va and probably win it which gives us a 2 democratic senators in Webb and the other guy whose name escapes me. But Kaine will keep Howard deans 50 state model. O and word is that Dean was really wanted back to govern his state, thats why barack didnt put him in the administration.

Terry Mac won't be the next gov of Va.

IMO Bob McDonnell will be.

Terry Mac's problem is 1) he's a carpetbagger -- not a problem in NoVa, big problem in the rest of the state. 2) another candidate, Brian Moran, who used to be a congressman representing parts of NoVa is running. They might cancel each other out.

Brian Moran's problem is nobody outside of NoVa knows who he is.

Same with Creigh Deeds --- nobody knows who the hell is he outside of the mountains of Western VA.

But everybody knows McDonnell is the attorney general.

Plus Tim Kaine just became DNC chair so he'll probably divert resources to Moran --- McAuliffe was a Clintonista. Kaine was on Obama's team.

I just think McDonnell and his perfectly coiffed hair will be the next Gov. of VA unless these three jokers start gladhanding people outside of NoVa.

Just came to post this. I wanted Plouffe, but I can't blame a man with a new child not wanting to take on a job that will definitely take him away from his family at this time.

We can certainly give him a pass after the spectacular work he did with the campaign. I'm sure we'll see or hear from him again in the not to distant future.