TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE.

PANETTA TO HEAD CIA; TENNESSEE GOV RACE GETS CROWDED; BURRIS DEMANDS TO BE SEATED; FRANKEN NEWS; CHRISTIE TO RUN FOR NJ GOV; RNC HOPEFULS DEBATE; AND TWO POLITICAL OBITS.

OBAMA CABINET. Former Congressman Leon Panetta (D-CA, who served as Chief of Staff in the Clinton White House, has been named to by President-elect Barack Obama's to become the next CIA Director. However, Obama is facing some unexpectedly harsh criticism from Democrats and Republicans on Panetta's lack of intelligence experience. "I was not informed about the selection of Leon Panetta to be the CIA Director. I know nothing about this, other than what I've read. My position has consistently been that I believe the Agency is best-served by having an intelligence professional in charge at this time," read a statement issued by incoming US Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). Retired Admiral Dennis Blair, who formerly headed the Navy's Pacific Command, is slated to become the next Director of National Intelligence. In other news, Harvard Law School Dean Elena Kagan was selected to serve as the next US Solicitor General. Kagan was previously nominated by President Clinton as a US Appeals Court judge in 1999 -- but Senate Republicans stalled the confirmation until their party took over the White House in 2000 and the nomination was withdrawn by President Bush.

TENNESSEE. Just days after former US Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R) announced he would not run for Governor in 2010, the GOP contest quickly began to get crowded. Congressman Zach Wamp (R) announced his plans to enter the open gubernatorial race. "I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of Governor. While so much is good in Tennessee, I know in my heart we can continue to do better," said Wamp in his online announcement. Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons (R) also jumped into the race on Monday -- and Knoxvillle Mayor Bill Haslam (R) is set to launch his campaign in a series of statewide rallies on Tuesday. Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R) and State Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey (R) are both weighing runs for Governor. On the Democratic side, Congressman Lincoln Davis and former State House Majority Leader Kim McMillan have previously announced their intentions to run for Governor. However, after landing a key committee assignment last month, Davis seems to be reconsidering the race. State Senator Andy Berke (D) appears likely to jump in, and there is still fading buzz that former Congressman Harold Ford Jr. (D) could also enter the contest. Governor Phil Bredesen (D) is term-limited.

ILLINOIS #1. CNN and MSNBC are reporting that a possible compromise idea being considered by some in the Senate Democratic Leadership would be to allow former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris (D) to be seated in the Senate as long as he agrees not to run for a full term in 2010. Democrats are worried that a Blagojevich appointment would have great difficulty in winning the next election. "If Democrats lose the seat held by Obama, two years into his first term, it will be potentially embarrassing for not only Obama but for the party," one Democratic Senate source familiar with the discussions told Politics1. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Lynn Sweet told MSNBC that she has followed Burris' career for years and he will never agree to any condition limiting his ability to run in 2010. Burris, said Sweet, has a grandiose vision of himself and would certainly run in two years. Meanwhile, the Secretary of the US Senate on Monday rejected the certificiate of appointment for Burris, noting it does not conform with the Senate rule requiring that Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White must sign the transmittal certificate of appointment along with the Governor. Most observers expect Burris will eventually be seated by the Senate. "If a candidate presents himself with the appropriate credentials, what then would be the basis of the Senate to deny his being seated? I don't know," said Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ) to Politico. Burris is in DC and intends to present himself to the Senate on Tuesday to be sworn-in -- but vows not to make a scene in the Capitol building if the move is blocked. [RON'S ASIDE: I met Burris during his 1984 Senate race and agree with Sweet's assessment. During our entire conversation, he only spoke of himself in the third-person: "Burris is the strongest candidate. Burris can win, etc." The man is very full of himself.]

ILLINOIS #2. Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) has set dates for a special election in CD-5. Primary voters will head to the polls March 3, and make their general election pick on April 7 to decide who succeeds three-term Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D). Emanuel resigned to becoming the new White House Chief of Staff.

NEW JERSEY. Politics1.com sources confirm that former US Attorney Christopher Christie (R) will enter the 2009 race for Governor of New Jersey later this month. Christie will be the GOP frontrunner to challenge Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine. Christie has received praise from both parties for his successful high-profile prosecutions of top elected officials around the state, including Newark Mayor Sharpe James. Corzine suffers from low approval ratings and a recent poll shows Corzine and Christie deadlocked. Other Republican primary candidates include Franklin Township Mayor Brian Levine, State Assemblyman Rick Merkt and former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan.

MINNESOTA. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, neither declared winner Al Franken (D) nor seemingly defeated US Senator Norm Coleman (R) will present themselves at the US Senate on Tuesday to be sworn into office. However, US Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said it was "likely" the Democratic Leadership will move to provisionally seat Franken before the end of this week. Coleman announced Tuesday he will file a legal action this week challenging Franken's election by a margin of 225 votes out of nearly 3 million ballots cast.

RNC. Six candidates vying to be the next Republican National Chair participated in a debate moderated by Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform. Incumbent RNC Chair Mike Duncan faces a challenge from former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, South Carolina Republican Chair Katon Dawson, former Tennessee Republican Chair Chip Saltsman, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and Michigan Republican Chair Saul Anuzis. When asked their biggest complaint with the Bush Administration, each of the six candidates gave different complaints. They included mismanagement and mishandling of the war in Iraq, mishandling of Hurricane Katrina, poor communication, overspending, and massive deficits. When asked who their favorite President was, all the candidates named Ronald Reagan. VIN'S ANALYSIS: This forum was viewed by GOP committee members and party leaders all over the country. Duncan was unable to give a reason other than the December re-election win of Saxby Chamblis in Georgia as to why he should be returned as Chair. Steele looked to be the apparent winner of the debate, getting the best crowd response and getting the strongest post-debate responses from GOP bloggers. Most observers say the key to victory will be forging coalitions between the various rival candidates -- as none are expected to win a sufficient number votes on the first ballot to prevail. DC pundits predict Duncan is likely to finish first on the initial ballot, but may not be able to pickup much support on subsequent ballots from any other camps.

OBIT #1. The "First Cat" died earlier this week at age 18, the White House announced. President Bush's daughter Barbara -- at age 8 -- had named the black American Shorthair "India." She was named after former Texas Rangers baseball player Ruben Sierra, who was called "El Indio." In 1992, then-Texas Rangers' General Manager George W. Bush made the decision of trading Sierra to the Oakland A's for Jose Canseco. When Barbara left the White House for college, India stayed in DC with her parents.

OBIT #2. Former US Attorney General Griffin Bell died on Monday at the age of 90. Bell got his political start in 1960, serving as Georgia State Co-Chair of John F. Kennedy's Presidential campaign. In 1961, President Kennedy appointed Bell to the US Court of Appeals. He was appointed in 1977 as US Attorney General by President Jimmy Carter. He remained active in law and politics for the duration of his life, serving appointments from Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, and Bush 43.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 01.06.09 | Permalink |

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE.

RICHARDSON WITHDRAWS FROM CABINET POST; FRANKEN WINS; KAINE TO CHAIR DNC; REID TAKES LAST SHOTS AT BUSH; McAULIFFE ENTERS VA GOV RACE.

OBAMA CABINET. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) has withdrawn his name from entering the confirmation process to be Commerce Secretary in President-elect Barack Obama's new cabinet. Richardson acknowledged he is under federal investigation for ties with a bond company that did business with New Mexico state government, after making contributions to groups connected with Richardson. "I [withdraw] with great sorrow. But a pending investigation of a company that has done business with New Mexico state government promises to extend for several weeks or, perhaps, even months," a statement from Richardson reads. "Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact. But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process. Given the gravity of the economic situation the nation is facing, I could not in good conscience ask the President-elect and his Administration to delay for one day the important work that needs to be done." Obama has accepted his withdrawal. Richardson said he will remain as Governor "for now." Richardson -- who previously served in the Clinton Administration Cabinet -- was a candidate for President last year. After being passed over as the VP runningmate, and later as Secretary of State, Richardson was then offered the post of Commerce Secretary by Obama.

MINNESOTA. In a remarkable turn of events since election night, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board on Monday will formally certify that Democratic challenger Al Franken defeated US Senator Norm Coleman (R) by 225 votes. Over the past month, state officials did a hand recount of every ballot cast in the race. Once the certification paperwork is signed, Coleman has seven days under state law to challenge the certification in court. Based upon the certification, Senate Democrats want to provisionally seat Franken on Tuesday -- along with the other incoming Senators -- as he will be the state-certified winner. Senate Republicans are vowing to block the move until the court challenge is resolved. However, some precedent exists for provisionally seating Franken. The Senate provisionally seated Mary Landrieu (D-LA) in 1996, even though her GOP opponent's legal challenge was still pending on the day the term began.

DNC. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has been tapped to serve as the next Democratic National Chair. Kaine succeeds former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, who did not seek another term. Traditionally, the sitting President gets to name the chair of his own party -- and Kaine is Obama's choice to lead the party. Kaine previously served as Mayor of Richmond and Lieutenant Governor before being elected Governor in 2005. Kaine was considered one of the final three "short-listed" to be Barack Obama's possible Vice Presidential runningmate. Kaine will serve as a part-time basis as DNC Chair until his term as Governor ends in January of 2010.

BUSHED. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) stated his belief that George W. Bush is "the worst" President in the US history. Reid pointed to Bush's failed plan to privatize social security and also said Bush has done his best "to destory Medicare." Reid made his remarks on MSNBC's Meet the Press.

VIRGINIA. As expected, former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe announced this weekend he will be a candidate for Governor this year. McCauliffe, a top advisor to President Bill Clinton, served as the national chairman from 2001-05. He served as National Chair of Senator Hillary Clinton's unsuccessful Presidential campaign in 2008. McAuliffe faces State Senator Creigh Deeds and former State Representative Brian Moran in the Democratic Primary. The winner will face Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R) in the general election.

FACEBOOK. Please send Vin your thoughts on what you would like to see on Politics1 this year in terms of news coverage and articles. Send your thoughts, suggestions, comments and predictions to Vin via Facebook by clicking here.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 01.05.09 | Permalink |

WEEKEND NEWS UPDATE.

COLEMAN-FRANKEN RECOUNT NEARS END; COLORADO GOV NAMES NEW US SENATOR.

MINNESOTA. The Minnesota Supreme Court kept the door open for another possible intervention in the state's still unresolved US Senate race between incumbent Republican Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken. Coleman's campaign is asking the court to hear arguments that no organized guidelines are being followed in how improperly rejected absentee ballots are added to the recount. Local officials have identified close to 1,350 ballots that may have been rejected by mistake. Franken currently leads by close to 50 votes. Meanwhile, MSNBC's Norah O'Donnell predicts that a winner will be determined by next week. Counting of the disputed absentee ballots is set to take place on Saturday, barring court action blocking the tallying. Republican Senate Leadership is vowing to filibuster any attempt next week to provisionally seat Franken, unless his election is formally certified in writing by Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (D) and Governor Tim Pawlenty (R).

COLORADO. Denver Public Schools Superintendent Michael Bennet will be the next US Senator from Colorado. News sources reported that Governor Bill Ritter (D) will replace departing Senator Ken Salazar (D) with the politically unknown Bennet. Salazar was recently tapped by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as the next Secretary of Interior. According to several sources close to Ritter, Bennet beat out Denver mayor John Hickenlooper. The Governor will make a formal announcement on Saturday afternoon. Prior to becoming Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Bennet served as Chief of Staff to Hickenlooper.

NEXT WEEK ON POLITICS1. We'll provide full analysis of the new Congress, an introduction to the incoming freshmen (as well as reporting on the seats which recently became vacant due to Obama Administration appointments). Stay tuned.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 01.03.09 | Permalink |

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE.

PELL DIES; HOLLYWOOD DONATES; ROBERTS SAYS FED JUDGES NEED MORE MONEY; MEDIA SPECULATION ON BILL CLINTON AND MARIO CUOMO AS POSSIBLE NY SENATE SEAT CARETAKERS.

RHODE ISLAND. Retired six-term US Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI), who was largely responsible for the creation of what arenow known as "Pell Grants" for US college students, passed away on Thursday at the age of 90. Pell -- a Yankee patrician and former US Foreign Service diplomat -- represented Rhode Island in the US Senate from 1961 to 1997. He served as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1987 to 1994. A strong advocate for education, Pell was also the main sponsor of the bill creating the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

INAUGURATION. Standing with his commitment not to fund the inaugural ceremonies with lobbyist money, President-elect Barack Obama is getting some help from Hollywood. Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, and Jamie Foxx are among the Hollywood stars who have each donated the maximum $50,000 individual contribution to the Presidential Inauguration Committee.

FEDERAL JUDICIARY. CNN reports that US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts is renewing his call for higher judicial pay, warning of long-term damage to the fabric of the courts. "I must renew the judiciary's modest petition: Simply provide cost-of-living increases that have been unfairly denied," wrote Roberts. "We have done our part -- it is long past time for Congress to do its," stated Roberts. He noted Congress recently voted itself as cost of living raise, but did not include the judiciary in the pay increases.

NEW YORK. The AP reports that former President Bill Clinton and former New York Governor Mario Cuomo are both being bandied about as possible caretaker appointments to fill the seat soon to be vacated by Senator Hillary Clinton. CNN's Anderson Cooper says both men have had discussions with Governor David Paterson about filling the vacancy. However, the AP disagrees at least in part, reporting that a "spokesman for Bill Clinton said Wednesday that the former chief executive isn't interested in the job. Cuomo declined through a spokesman to discuss the seat." Media sources repeatedly claim that attorney and author Caroline Kennedy is the current frontrunner to succeed Clinton for the Senate seat.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 01.02.09 | Permalink |

NEW YEAR'S OPEN THREAD.

FREE SPEECH ZONE. Ron and Vin wish our readers and friends all the best for 2009. Health, happiness, hope and success.
01.01.09 | Permalink |

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE.

BLAGO APPOINTS BURRIS TO SENATE, LEADERSHIP VOWS TO REJECT APPOINTMENT; SENATE GOP THREATENS TO BLOCK FRANKEN FROM BEING SEATED.

ILLINOIS. Embattled and recently arrested Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) has appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris (D) to fill the US Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. Burris, age 71, has previously been an unsuccessful candidate for US Senate (1984), Governor (1994, 1998, 2002) and Mayor of Chicago (1995). Burris was also the first black elected to statewide office in Illinois. Blagojevich said he filled to vacancy because the state legislature failed to act over the past three weeks to adopt a law requiring a special election to fill the seat. US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued a statement on behalf of all sitting Senate Democrats reaffirming their previous threat that they would refuse to seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich, as any selection by him would be seen as "tainted." Senate Republicans also back the Democratic stance. Later in the day, Obama issued a statement: "Roland Burris is a good man and a fine public servant, but the Senate Democrats made it clear weeks ago that they cannot accept an appointment made by a Governor who is accused of selling this very Senate seat. I agree with their decision, and it is extremely disappointing that Gov. Blagojevich has chosen to ignore it." Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White (D) has previously stated that he would not certify any Blagojevich appointment, but his office now concedes he may lack the legal authority to block the appointment as his certification is viewed as a mere ministerial act. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) praised the selection at the Blagojevich press conference. Rush said Burris was needed in the Senate, as there are currently no blacks in the new Senate. Senator-designate Burris, meanwhile, has been making the rounds on network news. He is vowing that he will fight to be seated.

[Ron's note from his perspective as an attorney: Burris and Blagojevich may ultimately win this fight. In the Adam Clayton Powell case, the US Supreme Court said there are reasonable limits to a chamber's ability to deny seating someone. Unless they can show Burris unqualified to serve, or directly implicated in the scandal, the Senate may be unable to refuse him the seat. Blagojevich as Governor clearly retains the legal authority to appoint someone, regardless of how politically questionable the action. Further, Burris or the Governor could bring a legal action for a writ of mandamus to force White to certify his appointment. As the certification is a ministerial act not validly requiring discretion on the part of the official, White can be forced by a judge to issue the certification. In the end the only way the Senate may be able to "block" Burris is by delaying his seating long enough to put sufficient public pressure on him to voluntarily step aside. However, as Burris is clearly at the end of his political career and likely seeking only to serve as an interim placeholder, Burris may simply not care about public perceptions as he never plans to face the voters again on a ballot. And, FYI, this button is from Burris' 1984 race -- and I liked the irony today of his old slogan.]

MINNESOTA. Humorist Al Franken (D) now holds a 50 vote lead over US Senator Norm Coleman (R). Close to 1350 previously rejected absentee ballots are currently being reviewed, but both sides expect those to widen Franken's current lead. US Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) suggested on Tuesday that the Senate should provisionally seat Franken in January, subject to the outcome of any litigation expected to be filed by Coleman. The US Senate Republicans issued a sharply worded response: "Al Franken is falsely declaring victory based on an artificial lead created on the back of the double counting of ballots. His campaign's actions in the last several days on the issues of rejected absentee ballots are creating additional chaos and disorder in the Minnesota recount. Those actions, coupled with the recent comments by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who suggests seating someone even if there is an election contest, are unprecedented. Minnesotans will not accept a recount in which some votes are counted twice, and I expect the Senate would have a problem seating a candidate who has not duly won an election." Stay tuned to see who -- if anyone -- is seated on January 5. Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) has previously said he would consider appointing an interim caretaker to fill the seat until the election outcome is resolved.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 12.31.08 | Permalink |

TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE.

EMANUEL FORMALLY RESIGNS HOUSE SEAT; COLEMAN-FRANKEN UPDATE; AND JERSEY CITY MAYOR NEWS.

ILLINOIS. Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D) formally resigned his seat in the United States House of Representatives. The three-term Democrat submitted his letter of resignation to Governor Rod Blagojevich on Monday, making his resignation effective January 2nd. Emanuel was appointed by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as the next White House Chief of Staff. A special election is expected to happen in Spring 2009, and several Democrats have already announced their candidacies. They include State Representatives Sara Feigenholtz and Deb Mell, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, Chicago Alderman Gene Schulter and several others (see Ron's Illinois Page for the full list). The only announced Republican is 2008 GOP nominee and real estate broker Tom Hanson. The CD-5 seat is solidly Democratic.

MINNESOTA. US Senator Norm Coleman (R) -- after publicly criticizing challenger Al Franken (D) for his successful legal push to have 1,346 absentee ballots counted which were accidentally disqualified in error on election day -- is now demanding that an additional 654 rejected absentee ballots from other counties also be tallied. NBC News, however, says that these 654 absentee ballots were rejected for reasons other then the clerical mistakes involving the other 1,346 ballots. NBC reported that the 654 ballots are mainly absentee ballots submitted by voters who voted in person on election day, returned ballots where the name on the absentee envelope doesn't match the name of the requesting voter, and ballots where the voter signatures did not match. The Franken campaign did not agree to allow the 654 additional absentee ballots to be counted. Franken currently leads by 46 votes -- but the 1,346 absentee ballots (once they tabulated by January 5) are expected to extend Franken's lead because they mainly come from heavily Democratic counties. As Franken is expected to be certified the winner when the state canvassing board meets next week, Coleman's campaign is already vowing to challenge the certification in court.

NEW JERSEY. The May 2009 race for control of New Jersey's largest city is in full gear. Jersey City Mayor Jeremiah Healy (D) is seeking re-election to a second full term. Announced Democratic challengers include State Assemblyman and former City Council President L. Harvey Smith and former State Assemblyman Lou Manzo. Manzo lost narrowly to Healy last time around. The only announced Republican candidate is former Jersey City Mayor two-time gubernatorial candidate Bret Schundler. Healy sits well-positioned for re-election, with over $1 million dollars cash on hand, he was also a major early backer of Barack Obama -- whereas most of the New Jersey political establishment had backed Hillary Clinton during the primaries. The May 2009 elections are nonpartisan. If no candidate receives over 50%, a runoff election will take place with the top two candidates.
Daily Report by Vin Gopal - Email Vin - Facebook Vin - 12.30.08 | Permalink |

MONDAY NEWS UPDATE.

CONDI RICE SAYS '08 WAS NOT REFENDUM ON BUSH; IL LT GOV SAYS BLAGO WILL BE IMPEACHED; RNC CHAIR CANDIDATE IN HOT WATER FOR "BARACK THE MAGIC NEGRO" SONG.

BUSH ADMINISTRATION: Speaking on CBS News on Sunday, Secretary of State Condi Rice explicitly said she didn't believe the 2008 elections was in any way a referendum on President Bush as "he was already re-elected in 2004" and wasn't running this year. Rice also said the American public will soon "start to thank this president for what he's done ... [because] he has delivered policies that are going to stand the test of time."

ILLINOIS: Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn (D) on Sunday predicted that Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) will be impeached by February, and a special election to fill Barack Obama's open US Senate seat will likely occur in June 2009.

RNC CHAIR: Chip Saltsman -- former Tennessee GOP Chair and former Huckabee for President campaign manager -- is drawing fire from within his own party for distributing a CD disc to RNC members which featured the "Barack the Magic Negro" parody song. Saltsman called it "light hearted" and "good humored." Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich disagreed and blasted it: "This is so inappropriate that it should disqualify any Republican National Committee candidate who would use it. There are no grounds for demeaning [Obama] or for using racist descriptions." Michigan GOP Chair Saul Anuzis, another RNC Chair candidate, said distributing the song was "in bad taste." Incumbent RNC Chair Mike Duncan, who is seeking re-election, said he was "shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction." By contrast, RNC Chair candidate Ken Blackwell -- a conservative African-American -- dismissed the whole incident as being caused by "hypersensitivity."
Daily Report by Ron Gunzburger - Facebook Ron - 12.29.08 | Permalink |

Premier Ad. Click here to learn about premier ad placements on Politics1.

READ MORE ARTICLES IN OUR BLOG ARCHIVES.

JOIN THE POLITICS1
FACEBOOK GROUP:

BLOG ARCHIVE:

January 1-15, 2009
December 2008
November 16-30, 2008
November 1-15, 2008
October 16-31, 2008
October 1-15, 2008
MORE BLOG ARCHIVES

POLITICAL BLOG ROLL:

KINDA NEUTRAL:
ABC News: Politics
CNN: Political Ticker
CQ Politics
MSNBC: First Read
Pollster.com
PolitiFact.com
The Hill
Rothenberg Pol. Report
Stateline.org
Governing.com
Hotline On Call
Hotline's Blogometer
The Politico
WatchBlog
Jake Tapper
FactCheck.org
Marc Ambinder
WSJ: Best of the Web
D.C.'s Political Report
Political Wire
Larry Sabato
James Kotecki
PressThink
PoliticsTV
Electoral-Vote.com
US News & World Report
Time Magazine
Newsweek
Five-Thirty-Eight
The Daily Beast
Politics-Line
Vot3r.com
memeorandum
Campaign Circus
Politizine.com
Foreign Policy Watch
Media Bistro

DEM/LEFT:
DNC Blog
DCCC Blog
DSCC Blog
DailyKos
Lefty Blogs
Talking Points Memo
TPM Cafe
The Raw Story
DownWithTyranny!
Democracy for America
Senate Guru
Swing State Project
Campaign Diaries
Fishbowl America
Mother Jones
Frameshop
The New Argument
Democratic Strategist
Think Progress
AmericaBlog.com
Amer Prospect: Tapped
Huffington Post
BAG News Notes
Eric Alterman
FishBowl DC
Fired Up! America
TalkLeft
TNR: The Plank
ZNet
Joe Trippi
Media Matters
Juan Cole
Wonkette
MyDD
Credo Action
Crooks & Liars
Mathew Gross
Progressive Dems: Blog
Eschaton
Off the Kuff
Tom Tomorrow
The Washington Note
Agonist
TruthOut
Liberal Oasis
Firedoglake
The Homo Politico
Good As You
All Spin Zone
Down With Tyranny
BuzzFlash
Taylor Marsh
Brad Blog
Nation-Building
TruthDig
Dem Underground
Open Left
Rod 2.0
Pam's House Blend
Bad Attitudes
GoLeft.tv
at-Largely
The American Street
BlogActive

GOP/RIGHT:
RNC (GOP.com)
NRCC Blog
NRSC Blog
Club for Growth
TownHall.com
Real Clear Politics
SayfieNews.com
Mickey Kaus
Virginia Postrel
RedState
WSJ Opinion Journal
Free Republic
Instapundit
Drudge Report
Pajamas Media
Hugh Hewitt
Daniel Drezner
News Busters
Daily Pundit
Extreme Mortman
NRO: The Corner
NRO: Campaign Spot
Reason: Hit & Run
Outside the Beltway
Little Green Footballs
World Mag Blog
Right Wing News
Right Pundits
Volokh Conspiracy
Brothers Judd
David Frum
Save the GOP
Enter Stage Right
PoliPundit
Power Line
The Next Right
Hedgehog Report
Right Voices
Right Bias
Booker Rising
Conservative Grapevine
Don Singleton
StoneZone
Diggers Realm

OTHER:
Ballot Access News
Indep. Political Report
ThirdPartyWatch.com
Kn@ppster
Green Party Watch
News for Greens
Greens for Greens
Infoshop News

For those who would like to track Politics1 with a newsreader, we publish a RSS feed: