Subject: GOP VP Daily Update, 5/9/16
From: "Yoxall, Collin" <[email-masked]>
To: Veepstakes <[email-masked]>
Cc: "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 9 May 2016 13:06:11 -0700

GOP VP DAILY UPDATE – 5/9/16

MARSHA BLACKBURN

CHRIS CHRISTIE

BOB CORKER

TOM COTTON

DOUG DUCEY

MARY FALLIN

JIM JORDAN

JEFF SESSIONS

TIM SCOTT

MARSHA BLACKBURN

Misc Social Media

Marsha Blackburn Spoke At The North Carolina GOP Convention In May 2016, Along With Jeff Sessions. “Thank you @NCGOP. Honor to share the speakers podium with @PeteHegseth and @jeffsessions for your convention.” [@VoteMarsha, Twitter, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/VoteMarsha/status/728771306603302916>]

Online Ticketing

Clarksville Online: Marsha Blackburn And Paul Tonko Introduced Bipartisan Legislation To Curb And Criminalize Use Of Hacking Software To “Circumvent Security Measures Employed By Ticking Sites.” “U.S. Representatives Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016. This legislation would make the use of computer hacking software (BOTS) to circumvent security measures employed by ticketing sites an ‘unfair and deceptive practice’ under the Federal Trade Commission Act, and a crime under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. It would also create a private right of action whereby parties harmed by bots can sue in federal court to recover damages.” [Clarksville Online, 5/8/16<http://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2016/05/08/marsha-blackburn-paul-tonko-lead-bipartisan-effort-level-online-ticket-sales-playing-field-fans-live-entertainment/>]

VP

New York Times’ Gail Collins Cited Marsha Blackburn As A Potential Trump Running Mate. “There’s no reason you couldn’t do the Republican vice-presidential search as a reality show. Donald Trump is good at that stuff. Plus it’s more than two months until the convention, and I believe that many members of his party would welcome a diversion…Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee declared herself open to the possibility in February. We are all familiar with Blackburn’s immortal speech about government regulation, which seemed to be a reworking of the famous poem about the failure of German intellectuals to stand up to Nazism. Except … more current. (‘First they came for our health care. Then they took away our light bulbs … now they are coming after our ceiling fans.’)” [Gail Collins column, New York Times, 5/7/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/07/opinion/who-wants-to-be-on-trumps-ticket.html>]

Marsha Blackburn On Being Selected As Trump’s Running Mate: “I Would Be A Most Unusual Choice.” BLACKBURN: “Steve, individuals don’t say no to public service. With that said, I would be a most unusual choice.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn: “I Think We Need To Give A Little Time And Space And Make Sure That Mr. Trump And Speaker Ryan And Other Leaders In The Republican Party Have The Time To Run Together And To Work On Some Policy Issues.” BLACKBURN: “I think we as elected officials need to go into listen mode…I think we need to give a little time and space and make sure that Mr. Trump and Speaker Ryan and other leaders in the Republican Party have the time to run together and to work on some policy issues and then let’s package that, have a great convention, have a wonderful campaign in the fall, make certain we keep the House and the Senate and that we have a president in the White House so we can get some things done for this country.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Donald Trump’s Proposed Muslim Ban Becoming A Part Of The Republican Platform: “There Will Be Great Debate And Conversation Around These Issues.” KORNACKI: “If he tries to put [a Muslim Ban] in the Republican Party’s platform, would you be okay with that?” BLACKBURN: “Well, I chaired the platform committee…in 2012, and there will be great debate and conversation around these issues. The point is, do the American people want us to temporarily halt that program so that we know who is coming in the country and that we have a vetting program to verify that individuals are who they say they are. Now, most people want to see some common sense vetting brought to this process. Is it a platform plank? I would say probably not. I would say dealing with the immigration issue at large is probably be going to a platform plank, winning the war against ISIS is something that you want to see there, and making certain that we know who is coming into our country…Senator Sessions has done a great job leading the discussion on that specific issue.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Donald Trump’s Proposed Muslim Ban Becoming A Part Of The Republican Platform: “The Point Is, Do The American People Want Us To Temporarily Halt That Program So That We Know Who Is Coming In The Country And That We Have A Vetting Program To Verify That Individuals Are Who They Say They Are.” KORNACKI: “If he tries to put [a Muslim Ban] in the Republican Party’s platform, would you be okay with that?” BLACKBURN: “Well, I chaired the platform committee…in 2012, and there will be great debate and conversation around these issues. The point is, do the American people want us to temporarily halt that program so that we know who is coming in the country and that we have a vetting program to verify that individuals are who they say they are. Now, most people want to see some common sense vetting brought to this process. Is it a platform plank? I would say probably not. I would say dealing with the immigration issue at large is probably be going to a platform plank, winning the war against ISIS is something that you want to see there, and making certain that we know who is coming into our country…Senator Sessions has done a great job leading the discussion on that specific issue.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Donald Trump’s Stopping Syrian Refugees From Entering The Country: “Most People Want To See Some Common Sense Vetting Brought To This Process. Is It A Platform Plank? I Would Say Probably Not.” KORNACKI: “If he tries to put [a Muslim Ban] in the Republican Party’s platform, would you be okay with that?” BLACKBURN: “Well, I chaired the platform committee…in 2012, and there will be great debate and conversation around these issues. The point is, do the American people want us to temporarily halt that program so that we know who is coming in the country and that we have a vetting program to verify that individuals are who they say they are. Now, most people want to see some common sense vetting brought to this process. Is it a platform plank? I would say probably not. I would say dealing with the immigration issue at large is probably be going to a platform plank, winning the war against ISIS is something that you want to see there, and making certain that we know who is coming into our country…Senator Sessions has done a great job leading the discussion on that specific issue.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On The 2016 Republican Platform: “I Would Say Dealing With The Immigration Issue At Large Is Probably Be Going To A Platform Plank, Winning The War Against ISIS Is Something That You Want To See There, And Making Certain That We Know Who Is Coming Into Our Country.” KORNACKI: “If he tries to put [a Muslim Ban] in the Republican Party’s platform, would you be okay with that?” BLACKBURN: “Well, I chaired the platform committee…in 2012, and there will be great debate and conversation around these issues. The point is, do the American people want us to temporarily halt that program so that we know who is coming in the country and that we have a vetting program to verify that individuals are who they say they are. Now, most people want to see some common sense vetting brought to this process. Is it a platform plank? I would say probably not. I would say dealing with the immigration issue at large is probably be going to a platform plank, winning the war against ISIS is something that you want to see there, and making certain that we know who is coming into our country…Senator Sessions has done a great job leading the discussion on that specific issue.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Stopping Syrian Refugees From Entering The Country: “Senator Sessions Has Done A Great Job Leading The Discussion On That Specific Issue.” KORNACKI: “If he tries to put [a Muslim Ban] in the Republican Party’s platform, would you be okay with that?” BLACKBURN: “Well, I chaired the platform committee…in 2012, and there will be great debate and conversation around these issues. The point is, do the American people want us to temporarily halt that program so that we know who is coming in the country and that we have a vetting program to verify that individuals are who they say they are. Now, most people want to see some common sense vetting brought to this process. Is it a platform plank? I would say probably not. I would say dealing with the immigration issue at large is probably be going to a platform plank, winning the war against ISIS is something that you want to see there, and making certain that we know who is coming into our country…Senator Sessions has done a great job leading the discussion on that specific issue.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Trump’s Comments On Women: “I Think For Women, The Greater Issues Are National Security, Jobs, And Economic Security, And That They Will Be Very Forgiving.” BLACKBURN: “I think for women, the greater issues are national security, jobs, and economic security, and that they will be very forgiving. There are things that I wish that Mr. Trump had not said, or statements that would not have been made, but more people are saying the big issues, securing this country, focusing on individual freedom, getting the economy rolling again, making certain that we are pushing power and money back to the states, and looking at a smaller, centralized federal government, those are achievements that people want us to see recognized in the next four years, they are things we want to be able to say ‘we did it, we left this country in better shape for future generations,’ and they know that this country is on the wrong track. People are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work and I think that we’re going to be able to get past a lot of this, unify, and have a great convention and a great election in the fall.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Trump’s Comments On Women: “There Are Things That I Wish That Mr. Trump Had Not Said, Or Statements That Would Not Have Been Made.” BLACKBURN: “I think for women, the greater issues are national security, jobs, and economic security, and that they will be very forgiving. There are things that I wish that Mr. Trump had not said, or statements that would not have been made, but more people are saying the big issues, securing this country, focusing on individual freedom, getting the economy rolling again, making certain that we are pushing power and money back to the states, and looking at a smaller, centralized federal government, those are achievements that people want us to see recognized in the next four years, they are things we want to be able to say ‘we did it, we left this country in better shape for future generations,’ and they know that this country is on the wrong track. People are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work and I think that we’re going to be able to get past a lot of this, unify, and have a great convention and a great election in the fall.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Marsha Blackburn On Republicans Hesitant To Back Trump: “People Are Ready To Roll Up Their Sleeves And Get To Work And I Think That We’re Going To Be Able To Get Past A Lot Of This, Unify, And Have A Great Convention And A Great Election In The Fall.” BLACKBURN: “I think for women, the greater issues are national security, jobs, and economic security, and that they will be very forgiving. There are things that I wish that Mr. Trump had not said, or statements that would not have been made, but more people are saying the big issues, securing this country, focusing on individual freedom, getting the economy rolling again, making certain that we are pushing power and money back to the states, and looking at a smaller, centralized federal government, those are achievements that people want us to see recognized in the next four years, they are things we want to be able to say ‘we did it, we left this country in better shape for future generations,’ and they know that this country is on the wrong track. People are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work and I think that we’re going to be able to get past a lot of this, unify, and have a great convention and a great election in the fall.” [MSNBC Live, MSNBC, 5/6/16]

Son as Trump Delegate

Marsha Blackburn’s Son Chad Is A Trump Delegate From Tennessee To The GOP Convention. “Blackburn said she strongly supports Trump as nominee, though she had been neutral during most of the presidential primary campaign. Her son, Chad Blackburn, is a Tennessee Trump delegate to the Republican National Convention.” [Knoxville News-Sentinel, 5/9/16]

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Conservative Backlash Against Trump Endorsers

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin On Donald Trump’s Endorsers: “The Most Acute Disdain Belongs To People Such As Sen. Jeff Sessions, Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie And Assorted Congressmen Who Cheered The Vulgarian And Rationalized His Inanities When Trump Was Still Seeking The Nomination.” “Republicans who did the expected by falling in line (former VP Dick Cheney, Bobby Jindal, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Tom Cotton) did at least not aid and abet Trump as he plowed through the primaries. No, the most acute disdain belongs to people such as Sen. Jeff Sessions, Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and assorted congressmen who cheered the vulgarian and rationalized his inanities when Trump was still seeking the nomination.” [Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 5/8/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/05/08/distinguished-pols-of-the-week-20/>]

Christie Named Donald Trump’s Transition Chair

Bloomberg: “Donald Trump On Monday Announced New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Will Serve As Chairman Of The Team Planning The Presumptive Republican Nominee’s Transition To The White House.” “Donald Trump on Monday announced New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will serve as chairman of the team planning the presumptive Republican nominee’s transition to the White House. Trump’s campaign said in a statement that he is taking “critical steps to gear up for the general election against potential Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, or whoever,” after ousting his final primary competitors last week.” [Bloomberg, 5/9/16<http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-09/trump-names-chris-christie-to-lead-transition-team>]

Steve Kornacki: “2004-05: Christie Puts Charles Kushner In Jail  2016: Christie Reportedly Teams Up With Kushner's Son On Trump Transition.” [@SteveKornacki, 5/9/16<https://twitter.com/SteveKornacki/status/729705987876261888>]

Philadelphia Inquirer’s Andrew Seidman: “Just Asked Christie Press Sec Why Trump Is Directing Reporters To Christie Comms Director. ‘You Have To Go Back To The Trump Campaign.’” [@AndrewSeidman, 5/9/16<https://twitter.com/AndrewSeidman/status/729696727331123200>]

  *   WNYC’s Matt Katz: “NJ Taxpayer-Funded Employee Handling Calls Related To Trump's Transition Team. Her Contact Info Provided By Campaign.” [@mattkatz00, 5/9/16<https://twitter.com/mattkatz00/status/729697993205624832>]

BOB CORKER

2016 Election

NewsChannel9: Bob Corker Called The 2016 Election “Backwards” For Its Focus On Personality Over Policy. “In an interview with NewsChannel9 Friday morning, Corker said this race has been put together ‘in a backwards fashion.’ He'd like to see more time spent discussing policy and less time focusing on the person. ‘We're entering a phase right now where the person who is going to be the nominee is more fully developing their policies.’ Corker said he's spoken with the Trump campaign several times. The latest was Thursday night when Corker talked over the phone with Trump's staff who was ‘seeking input on certain issues.’ Looking ahead to the general election, those phone calls will likely increase. ‘This is a time for all of us to pitch in who have expertise.,’ said Corker.” [NewsChannel9, 5/6/16<http://newschannel9.com/news/local/corker-it-has-always-been-my-stance-to-support-gop-presidential-nominee>]

Trump

NewsChannel9: Bob Corker Said That Those With Policy “Expertise” Should Help Donald Trump’s Campaign. “In an interview with NewsChannel9 Friday morning, Corker said this race has been put together ‘in a backwards fashion.’ He'd like to see more time spent discussing policy and less time focusing on the person. ‘We're entering a phase right now where the person who is going to be the nominee is more fully developing their policies.’ Corker said he's spoken with the Trump campaign several times. The latest was Thursday night when Corker talked over the phone with Trump's staff who was ‘seeking input on certain issues.’ Looking ahead to the general election, those phone calls will likely increase. ‘This is a time for all of us to pitch in who have expertise.,’ said Corker.” [NewsChannel9, 5/6/16<http://newschannel9.com/news/local/corker-it-has-always-been-my-stance-to-support-gop-presidential-nominee>]

Bob Corker Was Rumored To Be A Candidate For Secretary Of Treasury And Secretary Of State In A Donald Trump Administration. “Trump could still look to Wall Street for a Treasury secretary, perhaps from the private equity industry. A name often mentioned to replace Jack Lew is Blackstone Group Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman; a person close to Schwarzman described him as a “great choice” for Trump. Trump has also mentioned KKR co-founder and co-CEO Henry Kravis as a possible Treasury secretary. But Kravis, 72, has said he’s not interested. Trump also name-dropped former GE CEO Jack Welch, 80, for Treasury. Welch has also said he does not want the job. Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, who has worked extensively on financial issues including reforming the housing finance system, has also been mentioned for Treasury as well as for secretary of state.” [Politico, 5/9/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/donald-trump-administration-transition-222944>]

Foreign Policy

Bob Corker Was Among Four Senators To Call On The Obama Administration To Complete The Sale Of Fighter Jets To Kuwait, Qatar And Bahrain. “The sale of the fighters to Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain has been pending for more than two years, but the White House hasn’t yet allowed it to move forward. It has been tied up, in part, because of long-standing federal policies that require the U.S. to maintain a military advantage for Israel in the Middle East and avoid sales to regional partners that could undermine that advantage, according to U.S. officials and industry sources. In a letter last month, Sens. John McCain, (R., Ariz.), Bob Corker (R., Tenn.), Jack Reed (D., R.I.) and Claire McCaskill (D., Mo.) called on President Barack Obama to complete the deal, arguing that a delay was unnecessary and the sale wouldn’t threaten Israel’s advantage. ‘We understand that these requests must be carefully considered, but a decision on them has been pending too long,’ the senators wrote in the letter, which was provided to The Wall Street Journal. The proposed deal, valued at about $9 billion, includes F-16s made by Lockheed Martin Corp. and F-15 and F/A-18 jets made by Boeing Co. The two companies have warned they could be forced to close their production lines unless they secure new orders, according to the firms and policy makers who share the senators’ concerns.” [Wall Street Journal, 5/6/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-urged-to-approve-gulf-fighter-deal-1462580935>]

Wall Street Journal: Bob Corker And Ed Markey Supported A “Time Out” On East Asian Plutonium Recycling. “At a March hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sens. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) and Ed Markey (D., Mass.), both backed a “time out” on East Asian plutonium recycling. Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Countryman agreed: “I would be very happy to see all countries get out of the plutonium reprocessing business.” In the House a plutonium timeout has been championed by Reps. Brad Sherman (D., Calif.), Jeff Fortenberry (R., Neb.) and Adam Schiff (D., Calif.).” [Wall Street Journal, 5/8/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-and-south-korea-may-soon-go-nuclear-1462738914>]

Tennessee Politics

A Tennessee Watchdog Group Was Investigating A Payment-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes Policy In Chattanooga That Was Put In Place By Former Mayor Bob Corker, Which Offered Real Estate Developers Tax Incentives For Providing Affordable Housing. “PILOTs, or payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, have been used by city and Hamilton County officials to lure businesses to the area for decades. But it wasn't until 2002, when then real-estate mogul Bob Corker was mayor, that tax incentives were offered to real estate developers, who, in turn, were told to include affordable housing in their plans. Under Corker, the program was approved for a decade of use, and when it lapsed in 2012 elected officials chose not to reinstate it. A year later, however, newly elected Mayor Andy Berke promised to create more affordable housing, in part by reviving PILOT agreements for housing projects. Still, there is no proof that any of the deals made over the last 14 years have produced a single affordable rental unit and no one has been held accountable, said Helen Burns Sharp, a retired city planner who recently founded Accountability for Taxpayer Money. Sharp spent more than a year studying the fine print of the local PILOT agreements and culling through many other public records.” [Times Free Press, 5/8/16<http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/may/08/citizen-watchdog-groasks-chattanooghalt-furth/364370/>]

Misc. Social Media

Bob Corker: “Honored To Meet Medal Of Honor Recipient Charles H. Coolidge At Today's Armed Forces Luncheon In Chattanooga.” [@SenBobCorker, Twitter, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/SenBobCorker/status/728633715224612864>]

TOM COTTON

On South Carolina Republican Dinner

Tom Cotton Has Said That He Would Support Trump If He Were The Republican Nominee. “The show of unity begins today when state Republicans roll out the welcome mat to U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who will be the keynote speaker at their 49th annual Silver Elephant Dinner taking place at the Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia. Cotton is one of a few elected GOP officials to have met privately with Trump. After the meeting in March, Cotton said he was prepared to support Trump if he emerged as the nominee. ‘Well, I think he could be the commander-in-chief,’ Cotton told reporters at the time.” [Daily Journal-Messenger, 5/6/16]

Tom Cotton Did Not Mention Donald Trump In His Speech At The South Carolina Silver Elephant Dinner. “Cotton addresses SC Republicans U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, said "it's a great day...to be a Republican" but made no mention of his party's big news this week - that Donald Trump is now the presumptive nominee. Cotton was the keynote speaker at the S.C. Republican Party's annual Silver Elephant dinner. The senator said the media have talked a lot about the possibility of a competitive primary. ’But politics in our society is about so much more than a campaign and one election cycle,’ he said, adding that it's about governing.” [The State, 5/6/16]

Tom Cotton Focused His Speech On Criticizing Hillary Clinton And The President. “Cotton's comments focused on criticizing Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama, warning of the threats the nation faces in foreign policy.” [The State, 5/6/16]

Other Speakers, Governor Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott, And Congressman Trey Gowdy, All Did Not Mention Donald Trump In Their Speeches. “The near-blackout of Trump came through most glaringly on stage where Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, Gowdy and featured guest speaker Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas all delivered remarks without any reference to the New York City billionaire. Haley rattled through a list of state-specific accomplishments, Scott spoke about the state's resiliency through a year of tragedy and Gowdy introduced attendees to Cotton.” [US News And World Report, 5/8/16]

On Supporting Donald Trump

Tom Cotton And Other Republicans Have Said They Would Support The Party Nominee, Without Saying Trump’s Name. “Other Republicans -- including Sens. John McCain (Ariz.), Tom Cotton (Ark.) and Dan Sullivan (Alaska) -- have also said they would support ‘the nominee,’ while avoiding saying his name.” [Lowell Sun, 5/7/16]

On Criminal Justice Reform

Tom Cotton Has Been Blocking A Bill Backed By Senator Corey Booker And Republicans To Reduce Sentences For Those Convicted Of Drug Crimes. “So Booker, a Democrat, joined Republicans to support a bill that would reduce sentences for people convicted of drug crimes. More than 11,000 federal prisoners could get a new hearing in front of a judge and ask for their sentence to be shortened. But the bill hasn’t moved since the Senate Judiciary committee approved it in October. Among the obstacles are traditional tough-on-crime Republicans like Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, who said the bill will release dangerous felons from prison. ‘Drug trafficking is not non-violent as the bill’s proponents claim,’ Cotton said in a Senate floor speech in February. ‘It’s built on an entire edifice of violence, stretching from the narco-terrorists of South America to the drug-deal enforcers on our city streets.’” [WNYC, 5/9/16]

Social Media Action

Tom Cotton: “Great To Be In South Carolina Speaking At The Silver Elephant Dinner Tonight!” [Tom Cotton For Senate, Facebook, 5/6/16<https://www.facebook.com/TomCottonAR/photos/a.267914203253846.68856.224684514243482/1156239411087983/?type=3&theater>]

Avis Cotton (Retweeted By Tom Cotton): “Sarah And I Share A Happy Time With My Beautiful 93-Year-Old Mom @SenTomCotton 2014 Election Party. #MothersDay ❤️🙏” [@abcdard, 5/8/16<https://twitter.com/abcdard/status/729263503756935168>]

Tom Cotton: “I Saw My Old Drill Sergeant, George Norton, In SC Last Night. Great American!” [@TomCottonAR, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/TomCottonAR/status/728964953047220229>]

David Catanese (Retweeted By Tom Cotton): “Tom Cotton In South Carolina: ‘Hillary Clinton Had Her 3 AM Phone Call. It’s Called Benghazi. She Slept Through It And 4 Americans Died.’" [@davecatanese, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/davecatanese/status/728751546234765312>]

SC Republican Party (Retweeted By Tom Cotton): “Sen. @TomCottonAR Speaks To Our 49th Annual Silver Elephant Dinner! #LeadRight2016” [@SCGOP, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/SCGOP/status/728746117110874112>]

Tom Cotton: “Wishing A Happy Mother’s Day To All The Mothers, Expecting Mothers, Or Mother-Figures Celebrating Today. And A Very Happy Mother’s Day To My Wife Anna (Mom To Gabriel And Cowboy) And My Own Mom, Avis. Thank You For All You Do!” [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 5/8/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/posts/599736266854579>]

Tom Cotton: “It Is Imperative That We Address The Irresponsibility And Lack Of Transparency At The @EPA. http://ow.ly/4nuZUR” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728650597252120576>]

Tom Cotton: “Please Be Sure To Sign Up For My Newsletter! http://ow.ly/4nv0k1” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728936236191236096>]

Tom Cotton: “Thank You To The Men And Women Who Devote Their Lives To Education. #TeacherAppreciationWeek” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728953830109532162>]

Tom Cotton: “Need Help With The IRS, VA, Or Social Security? My Office Can Help! http://ow.ly/4nfhYF” [@SenTomCotton, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728984030134345732>]

Tom Cotton: “Great Groundbreaking For U Of A Community College Morrilton Workforce Training Center! Great Resource For Community.” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728991583568318465>]

Tom Cotton: “Celebrate The @NatlParkService’s 100th Birthday By Floating The Buffalo River And Enjoying Our National Parks In AR!” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/729015594280964097>]

Tom Cotton: “Great Groundbreaking For U Of A Community College Morrilton Workforce Training Center! Valuable Resource For Community.” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/7/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/729041931389575168>]

Tom Cotton: “Happy #MothersDay To All The Mothers Or Mother-Figures Celebrating Today!” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/8/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/729311207325315072>]

Tom Cotton: “Happy #MothersDay To My Wife Anna And My Own Mom, Avis. Thank You For All You Do!”

DOUG DUCEY

KidsCare

Arizona Restored KidsCare Funding In May 2016 After Six Years. “A health care program for children of the working poor that had been left out of the budget approved by the Arizona Legislature this week was resuscitated on Friday, after Democrats and moderate Republicans agreed to attach it to a bill expanding disabled students’ eligibility for school vouchers… Sixteen state senators — 11 Democrats and five Republicans — voted for it, essentially restoring the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in Arizona as KidsCare, six years after the state froze enrollment in the program to cut costs. The senators did so under intense protests from conservative lawmakers.” [New York Times, 5/7/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/07/us/arizona-restores-health-program-for-children-of-working-poor.html?_r=0>]

Doug Ducey: “Just Signed #Kidscare.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 5/6/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/photos/a.407194629402448.1073741827.407182479403663/899934020128504/?type=3&theater>]

Doug Ducey: “We Hear #Kidscare Is On Its Way Up. I Will Sign It.” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/6/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/728669925464637440>]

Arizona Republic: “If Kidscare Is A Parade, Gov. Doug Ducey Is The Guy Who Jumped In Front Of It.” “If KidsCare is a parade, Gov. Doug Ducey is the guy who jumped in front of it. The Republican governor, who had publicly maintained a neutral stance on the controversial legislation to revive the health-care program for children in lower-income families, quickly tweeted his intent to sign the bill as soon as the Senate had passed it on a bipartisan vote.” [Arizona Republic, 5/7/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/politicalinsider/2016/05/07/gov-doug-ducey-joins-kidscare-parade/84056088/>]

Arizona Republic: Doug Ducey’s Sudden Support For Kidscare “Touched Off A Lot Of Grumbling And Eye Rolling Among Lawmakers From Ducey's Own Party, Who Had Fought Hard Behind The Scenes To Put Together A Plan To Force A Vote On The Legislation, Despite Opposition From Their Leadership.” “That was good news to advocates, not to mention the estimated 30,000 Arizona kids who could benefit. But it touched off a lot of grumbling and eye rolling among lawmakers from Ducey's own party, who had fought hard behind the scenes to put together a plan to force a vote on the legislation, despite opposition from their leadership. A little assist from the Big Guy in the Governor's suite could have saved a lot of pain. The eye rolling increased after Ducey later tweeted out a picture of himself signing the bill - with no one else in the shot. Lawmakers felt this was a prime chance to give some kudos to all who worked to revive the program.” [Arizona Republic, 5/7/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/politicalinsider/2016/05/07/gov-doug-ducey-joins-kidscare-parade/84056088/>]

Pre-Emption

Arizona Republic: “State Lawmakers Introduced More Than A Dozen Bills To Strip Cities And Counties Of The Authority To Regulate By Declaring Everything From Dog Breeders And Rental-Home Taxes To Plastic Grocery Bags And Backyard Chickens  ‘A Matter Of Statewide Concern’ That Only The State Can Regulate.” “If the Arizona Legislature had a theme this session, it was power – specifically, making sure the state has it and cities and counties don't. State lawmakers introduced more than a dozen bills to strip cities and counties of the authority to regulate by declaring everything from dog breeders and rental-home taxes to plastic grocery bags and backyard chickens  ‘a matter of statewide concern’ that only the state can regulate. Then they sealed the deal with a new law signed by Gov. Doug Ducey to strip cities of state-shared revenue if they pass ordinances that conflict with state authority.” [Arizona Republic, 5/9/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2016/05/09/legislature-keeps-its-thumb-arizona-cities/83842924/>]

Arizona Republic: “ALEC Has Model Policy Similar To One That Arizona Republican Lawmakers Introduced This Session Declaring The Minimum Wage To Be A State Matter.” “Arizona's assertion of the state's primacy over local governments didn't come out of thin air. State legislatures nationwide are on track to consider a record number of pre-emption bills, so named because they overrule any conflicting city or county regulations. Helping drive it is the conservative, corporate-backed American Legislative Exchange Council and its local government task force, the American City County Exchange. ALEC serves as a clearinghouse for conservative ideas developed by lawmakers and business leaders working together in closed-door meetings. The ideas are turned into model legislation for lawmakers to then take back to their own state houses…ALEC has model policy similar to one that Arizona Republican lawmakers introduced this session declaring the minimum wage to be a state matter. Its city/county subsidiary held a virtual town hall recently on the issue featuring Phoenix Councilman Sal DiCiccio.” [Arizona Republic, 5/9/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2016/05/09/legislature-keeps-its-thumb-arizona-cities/83842924/>]

Doug Ducey On Local Efforts To Raise The Minimum Wage And Ban Plastic Bags: “These Efforts Are Based On The Trendy, Feel-Good Policies That Are Stifling Opportunity Across The Nation.” “Ducey foreshadowed the the pre-emption push on the first day of the legislative session. In his State of the State address, Ducey issued a warning to Arizona cities and towns, telling them to halt efforts to take local action on employment policies or risk losing some of their state revenue. Residents of some communities had pushed for local governments to raise the minimum wage above the state's $8.05 an hour. Other local governments were pushing back against other state laws, including last year's law preventing cities from banning plastic grocery bags. ‘If these political subdivisions don’t stop, they’ll drive our economy off a cliff,’ Ducey said. ‘These efforts are based on the trendy, feel-good policies that are stifling opportunity across the nation.’” [Arizona Republic, 5/9/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2016/05/09/legislature-keeps-its-thumb-arizona-cities/83842924/>]

Arizona Republic: Doug Ducey’s Administration Did Not Consider State Pre-Emption “Bills ‘Anti-City,’ But Consider It The State's Responsibility To Protect Residents And Taxpayers From Overreaching Municipalities.” “Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said they don't consider the bills ‘anti-city,’ but consider it the state's responsibility to protect residents and taxpayers from overreaching municipalities. He said bills regulating rules on businesses, including minimum wage, provide consistency and benefit economic development.” [Arizona Republic, 5/9/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/legislature/2016/05/09/legislature-keeps-its-thumb-arizona-cities/83842924/>]

Budget

Doug Ducey On Arizona’s 2016 Budget: “This Session Was About Addressing Priorities, Keeping Promises And Solving Problems.” “This session was about addressing priorities, keeping promises and solving problems. Together, lawmakers stepped up and worked in a spirit of good faith and good government to keep Arizona on a strong and stable path forward.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 5/7/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/photos/a.407194629402448.1073741827.407182479403663/900239130097993/?type=3&theater>]

Doug Ducey On Arizona’s 2016 Budget: “Together, Lawmakers Stepped Up And Worked In A Spirit Of Good Faith And Good Government To Keep Arizona On A Strong And Stable Path Forward.” “This session was about addressing priorities, keeping promises and solving problems. Together, lawmakers stepped up and worked in a spirit of good faith and good government to keep Arizona on a strong and stable path forward.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 5/7/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/photos/a.407194629402448.1073741827.407182479403663/900239130097993/?type=3&theater>]

Doug Ducey On Arizona’s 2016 Budget: “We Had The First Structurally Balanced Budget Since 2007.” DUCEY: “We had a little more money than we had last year. We had the first structurally balanced budget since 2007. We were able to put dollars into K-12 education, into universities, into child safety, into a veterans home. So it was a positive budget. We still live within our means, but we’re investing in the state of Arizona.” [Arizona Public Media, 5/6/16<https://www.azpm.org/p/crawler-stories/2016/5/6/87440-doug-ducey-were-investing-in-the-state-of-arizona/>]

Prop 123

Doug Ducey Thanked Jan Brewer For Coming Out In Support Of Prop 123. “Thank you for your support of ‪#‎Arizona kids, Governor Jan Brewer! It's critical we get this funding to Arizona's teachers and students.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 5/6/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/posts/899987456789827>]

Koch Bros

Doug Ducey On Arizona Freedom Schools' Connection To The Koch Brothers: “There Are Significant Donors To All Of Our Universities… So I Think This Is Normal And Customary For Universities, Especially Public Universities Across The Country.”  DUCEY: “There are significant donors to all of our universities. Some people have a heart for the medical school, some people have a heart for different services that are taught inside our schools and others have a heart for our free enterprise system for our capitalist system of economic development and growth. So I think this is normal and customary for universities, especially public universities across the country.” [Arizona Public Media, 5/6/16<https://www.azpm.org/p/crawler-stories/2016/5/6/87440-doug-ducey-were-investing-in-the-state-of-arizona/>]

Immigration

Doug Ducey On His Border Strike Force: “The Federal Government Has Neglected The Border…We Have Drug Cartels And Human Trafficking In A Wide Open And Unprotected Southern Border.” DUCEY: “The Federal government has neglected the border. I think anyone will tell you that in southern Arizona. We have drug cartels and human trafficking in a wide open and unprotected southern border.” [Arizona Public Media, 5/6/16<https://www.azpm.org/p/crawler-stories/2016/5/6/87440-doug-ducey-were-investing-in-the-state-of-arizona/>]

Misc. Social Media

Doug Ducey: “Saddened By The Tragic Passing Of Ann Day -- We Remember Her Outstanding Legacy Of Public Service. Prayers W/ Her Family.” [Governor Doug Ducey, Facebook, 5/7/16<https://www.facebook.com/dougducey/posts/900422373413002>]

MARY FALLIN

On Being Donald Trump’s Vice President

AZ Central: Jan Brewer Said That “Mary Fallin Would Be Terrific." As A Vice Presidential Candidate. “Brewer, who became a conservative icon of sorts during her six-year tenure as governor, appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" political show. She and other panelists were shown a short-list of 10 potential Trump running mates, which included U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich… Tapper responded, ‘What about you? What about Jan Brewer? Would you be willing to be considered?’ She answered, ‘Of course I would be! I would be willing to serve in any capacity that I could be of help with Donald on. But that's a tremendous list of people to choose from. They're all very wonderful people, well-qualified. I certainly think that Newt, I've known him for a long time, we all have experienced what he can get done in Washington, D.C. And Marco Rubio would be terrific. Mary Fallin would be terrific.’” [AZ Central, 5/8/16<http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/politicalinsider/2016/05/08/youre-hired-former-arizona-gov-brewer-willing-serve-trumps-vp/84113906/>]

Mary Fallin Has Told Allie She Would Be Willing To Considered For Vice President. “Two governors, Chris Christie of New Jersey and Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, have also told allies that they were open to being Mr. Trump's running mate.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/8/16]

The New York Times’ Gail Collins: “Trump Folk Are Talking About Mary Fallin, The Governor Of Oklahoma. She's Not All That Well Known, But There Are Tons Of Selling Points…” “Trump folk are talking about Mary Fallin, the governor of Oklahoma. She's not all that well known, but there are tons of selling points, including her stupendous enthusiasm for executing people, and a hatred of same-sex marriage so great that she eliminated benefits for all National Guard spouses rather than give anything to gay couples. And thanks to her strong support for fracking, Oklahoma experienced 907 notable earthquakes last year. In their first TV challenge, veep hopefuls could compete with Fallin to see who could jump up and down hard enough to make the room shake. Winner is the first to break some crockery.” [Gail Collins, The New York Times, 5/7/16]

On Criminal Justice

News 9: “Oklahoma Reform Groups Say Gov. Mary Fallin's Recent Decision To Commute The Sentence Of An Inmate Serving Life Without Parole For Drug Trafficking Could Lead To A Re-Evaluation Of Dozens Of Similar Cases.” “Oklahoma reform groups say Gov. Mary Fallin's recent decision to commute the sentence of an inmate serving life without parole for drug trafficking could lead to a re-evaluation of dozens of similar cases. Fallin granted the commutation for 66-year-old Larry Yarbrough earlier this year, converting his sentence to life with the possibility of parole. Yarbrough's parole request will be considered later this month. Oklahoma is among many states that have passed sentencing reform laws giving courts more discretion in how nonviolent offenders are punished. Reform groups say Yarbrough's commutation could improve the chances for dozens of other inmates serving life without parole for nonviolent drug offenses who apply for similar relief.” [News 9, 5/8/16<http://www.news9.com/story/31919814/fallins-commuting-sentence-of-inmate-may-change-other-drug-cases>]

On Cigarette Tax

Mary Fallin Said That The State Cigarette Tax Needs to Be Raised. “Swallow hard: Gov. Mary Fallin's monthly column calls on legislators to raise the state cigarette tax themselves rather than send it to a vote of the people.

‘Putting the measure on the November general election ballot means the additional revenue won't be available in the upcoming fiscal year,’ Fallin said. ‘And, of course, huge sums of money would be spent by big tobacco firms to kill the measure.’ Because it appears mainly in small hometown and neighborhood newspapers read by voters throughout the state, the column may give legislators some cover to pass the tax proposal with the supermajority needed to keep it off the ballot. Polling indicates the public supports the tax increase, which would be used to head off deep cuts to Medicaid, but lawmakers are loath to raise any tax in an election year. ‘As a former state legislator,’ Fallin said, ‘I understand the pressure that can be placed on lawmakers by lobbyists, constituents and special-interest groups. But we're talking about approving legislation that is the single-most effective strategy to improve Oklahomans' health and reduce health costs and cigarette consumption.’” [Tulsa World, 5/8/16]

Tulsa World’s Mary Fallin: “And The Most Important Thing We Can Do To Improve Our Health Is To Reduce Oklahoma's Leading Cause Of Preventable Death — Smoking. That's Why At The Start Of This Year's Legislative Session Three Months Ago I Proposed Increasing The Tax On Cigarettes. It Is The Single Most Effective Way To Reduce Smoking.” “Improving the health of Oklahomans has been a continuing goal of my administration. And the most important thing we can do to improve our health is to reduce Oklahoma's leading cause of preventable death — smoking. That's why at the start of this year's legislative session three months ago I proposed increasing the tax on cigarettes. It is the single most effective way to reduce smoking.” [Mary Fallin, Tulsa World, 5/7/16]

Tulsa World’s Mary Fallin: Lawmakers Should Raise The Tax Before The End Of The Legislative Session To Avoid A Ballot Issue In November. “Lawmakers have two options. They can approve the cigarette tax themselves, which would require a three-fourths majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate, or approve a measure sending the question to a vote of the people in November. I prefer they decide the issue themselves. The revenue from the tax, estimated at $181.6 million a year, can start pouring in immediately, which would help offset some of the $1.3 billion deficit facing our state in the upcoming fiscal year, which starts July 1. The additional revenue also could prevent large health-care provider cuts, which could result in the closing of hospitals and nursing homes across the state, or help with public school expenses. Legislators can decide as they grapple with crafting a balanced budget by the time they adjourn. Putting the measure on the November general election ballot means the additional revenue won't be available in the upcoming fiscal year. And, of course, huge sums of money would be spent by big tobacco firms to kill the measure. There are going to be numerous state questions on the election ballot and voters might become fatigued or confused, thus not voting on the cigarette tax.” [Mary Fallin, Tulsa World, 5/7/16]

Tulsa World’s Mary Fallin: Oklahomans Support Raising The Cigarette Tax. “Polling shows overwhelming support on this issue. Recent surveys have shown that 74 percent of Oklahoma voters favor a $1.50 increase in the cigarette tax.” [Mary Fallin, Tulsa World, 5/7/16]

Tulsa World’s Mary Fallin: Passing A Cigarette Tax Would Greatly Improve Health And Funding For Important Services. “And voters overwhelmingly support cigarette tax revenues being spent on two main areas of government: common education, to pay for public school teachers, and health, to fund tobacco cessation, Insure Oklahoma or cancer research…At the current rate, 88,000 Oklahoma children alive today will die prematurely of smoking-related illnesses.

Our overall smoking rate has dropped 19 percent since I took office, but about one in five Oklahomans still smokes.

Reducing the consumption of cigarettes is the most important thing we can do to improve Oklahoma's health ranking.

Make no mistake about it, the science tells us strongly that this increase will save tens of thousands of Oklahomans' lives for generations to come. By enacting a $1.50 per pack increase in the tax on cigarettes, research has shown the following will happen: • 26 million fewer packs of cigarettes will be sold in the first year. • More than 29,000 adults will quit smoking in the first year. • 31,800 children alive today will be prevented from starting cigarette use. • When we have fewer people smoking, we will see dramatically reduced health-care costs. • Long-term health-care cost savings from fewer adults and youth smoking equals $1.25 billion. • And each Oklahoma household would save $923 each year that is currently paid in federal and state taxes to cover smoking-related health-care costs. Yes, I'm passionate about ways we can reduce smoking in our state. Both of my parents smoked and died from smoking-related causes.” [Mary Fallin, Tulsa World, 5/7/16]

Tulsa World’s Mary Fallin: State Legislator Are Under Pressure To Oppose Raising The Tax. “As a former state legislator, I understand the pressure that can be placed on lawmakers by lobbyists, constituents and special-interest groups. But we're talking about approving legislation that is the single-most effective strategy to improve Oklahomans' health and reduce health costs and cigarette consumption… I've let the legislators know how I want them to vote on this issue. Now it's your turn. I'm confident most of you agree with me. But act quickly. You're almost out of time.” [Mary Fallin, Tulsa World, 5/7/16]

On Pension Rainy Day Fund

Mary Fallin Signed A Bill Creating A Public Pension Rainy Day Fund. “Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill into law this week that establishes a rainy day fund for the state's pension system. Called the Pension Improvement Act, the law creates a fund that the state can use to help with its annual pension costs. There are no rules for when to put money in the fund, but the law does say money can only come out via legislative appropriation. It also says that money can only be used to help the state pay its full pension bill in tough economic years or to help fund cost-of-living increases for public employees.” [Governing, 5/6/16]

JIM JORDAN

Congress-Related

Jim Jordan Supported A Bill A That Would Require Able-Bodied Adults To Provide Proof Of Work Before Receiving Food Stamps. “Congressman Jim Jordan spoke to members of the Allen County Republican Party Friday afternoon about the future of the party. Congressman Jordan says it's important to remember that Hillary Clinton is the likely nominee is on the other side -- and when you are looking to fill the highest office, you can't have someone who isn't straight with the American people. He tells us the republican party needs to rally around that idea… He also spoke to the party about policies they've recently introduced, including a bill that would require able-bodied adults in the food stamp program to show proof of work.” [Hometown Stations, 5/6/16<http://www.hometownstations.com/story/31911250/congressman-jim-jordan-speaks-to-republican-party>]

Donald Trump

Jim Jordan Predicted That Voters Would Pick Donald Trump Over Hillary Clinton. “Congressman Jim Jordan spoke to members of the Allen County Republican Party Friday afternoon about the future of the party. Congressman Jordan says it's important to remember that Hillary Clinton is the likely nominee is on the other side -- and when you are looking to fill the highest office, you can't have someone who isn't straight with the American people. He tells us the republican party needs to rally around that idea. When asked about the presumptive republican nominee, Donald Trump, Jordan says the voters have spoken and he is confident the party will be able to unify. ‘He's the winner, and we've said all along when the process is over, we're going to support the nominee. And that's the choice, Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton, and I think when that's the choice, I think Americans will see the right person for the job,’ Jordan, (R) Ohio's 4th District Congressman, said.” [Hometown Stations, 5/6/16<http://www.hometownstations.com/story/31911250/congressman-jim-jordan-speaks-to-republican-party>]

Jim Jordan Said That “Donald Trump Got Close To 10 Million Votes, More Than, At This Point In The Process, Anyone’s Ever Received.” “Now that the presumptive Republican presidential nominee has been named, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan believes the time has come for the party to unite and back its candidate, maintaining that the focus needs to be on defeating Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton. That was Jordan’s message at the Allen County Republican Party Luncheon held Friday at the Lima Elks Lodge. ‘I think the voters have spoken in a big way,’ he said. ‘Donald Trump got close to 10 million votes, more than, at this point in the process, anyone’s ever received.’” [Lima Ohio, 5/6/16<http://limaohio.com/news/180119/jordan-calls-for-gop-to-rally-around-trump>]

Jim Jordan Criticized Hillary Clinton’s Role In The Benghazi Attacks. “Jordan, who had refused to endorse a presidential candidate throughout the campaign, emphasized the urgency of having a strong showing on Election Day to prevent Clinton from entering the White House a second time. ‘Here is an individual who, at an important, critical moment, when four Americans gave their lives for their country on Sept. 11, 2012 in Benghazi, Libya, issued a statement that is entirely different from what she said privately to her family and to the Egyptian prime minister,’ he said. ‘She told the American people that the motive for the attack was a video, when in fact, no evidence supported that. So when you’re thinking about who’s going to be commander-in-chief, who will hold the highest office in the land, you cannot have someone in that position who will not be straight with the American people.’” [Lima Ohio, 5/6/16<http://limaohio.com/news/180119/jordan-calls-for-gop-to-rally-around-trump>]

Jim Jordan Said That Donald Trump’s Success Was A Result Of Public Frustration And Criticized Never Trump Republicans. “Jordan noted that Trump’s ascension in the primary is in no small part the result of public frustration with the current political landscape. ‘People have had it,’ he said. ‘They’ve had it with too many folks in Washington who won’t do what they told the voters they were going to do, who aren’t fighting for middle class families.’ Jordan spoke against Republican leaders, such as Ohio Auditor Dave Yost and U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska, who have publicly stated they will not support Trump even as the nominee. ‘It’s important that we unite around our nominee,’ he said. ‘It’s important because the Democratic nominee is going to be Secretary Clinton.’” [Lima Ohio, 5/6/16<http://limaohio.com/news/180119/jordan-calls-for-gop-to-rally-around-trump>]

JEFF SESSIONS

Donald Trump – Running Mate

Jeff Sessions On Being Donald Trump’s Running Mate: “We’ve Got Enough Problems.” “He's Donald Trump's No. 1 advisor on Capitol Hill, somebody who has opened doors of conservatives for presumptive GOP presidential nominee, but don't look for Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions to become the vice presidential nominee. When asked about a Trump-Sessions ticket, the senator smiled, and said, ‘We've got enough problems.’” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jeff-sessions-trumps-vp-sure-wont-be-me/article/2590594>]

Jeff Sessions On Being Donald Trump’s Running Mate: Trump “Needs To Get Somebody Who Can Help Him Win This Election. And That's What I Support. And I'm Not Sure Who That Is, But I'm Sure It Won't Be Me.” “When asked about a Trump-Sessions ticket, the senator smiled, and said, ‘We've got enough problems.’ Instead of a southern senator, Sessions said that Trump ‘needs to get somebody who can help him win this election. And that's what I support. And I'm not sure who that is, but I'm sure it won't be me.’ Many conservatives have talked up Sessions as the vice presidential post, but other say that he prefers to stay in the Senate where he is a leading voice on criminal and immigration issues. He is 69.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jeff-sessions-trumps-vp-sure-wont-be-me/article/2590594>]

Washington Examiner: “Many Conservatives Have Talked Up Sessions As The Vice Presidential Post, But Other Say That He Prefers To Stay In The Senate Where He Is A Leading Voice On Criminal And Immigration Issues.” “When asked about a Trump-Sessions ticket, the senator smiled, and said, ‘We've got enough problems.’ Instead of a southern senator, Sessions said that Trump ‘needs to get somebody who can help him win this election. And that's what I support. And I'm not sure who that is, but I'm sure it won't be me.’ Many conservatives have talked up Sessions as the vice presidential post, but other say that he prefers to stay in the Senate where he is a leading voice on criminal and immigration issues. He is 69.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jeff-sessions-trumps-vp-sure-wont-be-me/article/2590594>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Pick For Running Mate: “He Needs To Get The Best Person Who Can Run This Country If Something Happens To Him, And He Needs To Consider The Political Strength Of A Candidate To Help Him Win. I’m Sure There Are A Lot Of People Far Superior To I That Meet Those Qualifications.” “Sessions also said Trump has not approached him about the possibility of a Trump-Sessions ticket, and the Alabama senator all but ruled himself out of contention. ‘He needs to get the best person who can run this country if something happens to him, and he needs to consider the political strength of a candidate to help him win,’ Sessions said. ‘I’m sure there are a lot of people far superior to I that meet those qualifications.’” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Daily Beast’s Gideon Resnick On Donald Trump’s Choice For Running Mate: Jeff Sessions Was “Allegedly Not Touching The VP Spot With A 10-Foot Pole.” “Trump is not rife with options for people that fit the 25-year experience parameters. His friends in Washington are few and far between and as he continues to try and wrest away whatever power Speaker of the House Paul Ryan still has, Trump isn’t making it easy for people to like him. That being said, there’s a veteran of the force who has been forthright about his Trump love: Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. But he too is allegedly not touching the VP spot with a 10-foot pole.” [The Daily Beast, 5/9/16<http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/09/trump-s-veep-volunteers-could-fill-a-clown-car.html>]

Daily Beast’s Gideon Resnick On Jeff Sessions’ Unease With Being Considered For Donald Trump’s Running Mate: “Alabama Is Not A State That Is A Major Threat For Trump In The General Election And It’s Not Like Sessions Is The Most Lauded Man In Washington. It’d Be Like Adding A Side Of Mashed Potatoes To A Plate Of Fries; More Of The Same.” “There’s a veteran of the force who has been forthright about his Trump love: Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions. But he too is allegedly not touching the VP spot with a 10-foot pole. ‘We’ve got enough problems,’ Sessions told The Washington Examiner when asked this week. He added that Trump ‘needs to get somebody who can help him win this election. And that’s what I support. And I’m not sure who that is, but I’m sure it won’t be me.’ To his point, Alabama is not a state that is a major threat for Trump in the general election and it’s not like Sessions is the most lauded man in Washington. It’d be like adding a side of mashed potatoes to a plate of fries; more of the same.” [The Daily Beast, 5/9/16<http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/09/trump-s-veep-volunteers-could-fill-a-clown-car.html>]

Northeastern Illinois University’s Jeffrey Hill On Donald Trump’s Running Mate Choice: Jeff Sessions “And Trump Appear To Get Along. Sessions Has Strong Conservative Credentials, He Also Has Some National Defence Experience.” “Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump knows what he wants in a running mate. The billionaire has insisted that he would pick someone with legislative experience in order to complement his own skill set, which is skewed towards business. In an interview with MSNBC, he said his pick would be ‘somebody that can help me get things passed and somebody that's been friends with the senators and congressmen’. So someone like Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions might be in the running, said experts. ‘He and Trump appear to get along. Sessions has strong conservative credentials, he also has some national defence experience,’ said political science professor Jeffrey Hill from Northeastern Illinois University.” [The Straits Times (Singapore), 5/9/16]

CNN’s Ryan Lizza: “Trump Has Said He Wants To Pick Someone Who Knows Congress. So, I Expect Him To Take Him At His Word And Expect That He Will Pick A Senator Or Former Member Of The House. So, You Know, Gingrich Or Sessions Sound Like Possibilities.” BROWN: “Ryan, we've got to wrap it up with you for the final word. Ryan.” LIZZA: “Well, Trump has said he wants to pick someone who knows Congress. So, I expect him to take him at his word and expect that he will pick a senator or former member of the House. So, you know, Gingrich or Sessions sound like possibilities. For Hillary, I think her number one priority is to pick someone who everyone can agree can take over in the event that she can't. And so, that will be the only criteria. I don't think that race or gender or ideology will be as important. She wants a competent person who can take over if she is not there.” [CNN Newsroom, CNN, 5/7/16]

Montgomery Advertiser: Jeff “Sessions Also Said Trump Has Not Approached Him About The Possibility Of A [Donald] Trump-Sessions Ticket, And The Alabama Senator All But Ruled Himself Out Of Contention.” “Sessions also said Trump has not approached him about the possibility of a Trump-Sessions ticket, and the Alabama senator all but ruled himself out of contention. ‘He needs to get the best person who can run this country if something happens to him, and he needs to consider the political strength of a candidate to help him win,’ Sessions said. ‘I’m sure there are a lot of people far superior to I that meet those qualifications.’” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Donald Trump and the Conservative Movement

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump: “People Don’t Have To Endorse All Of His Rhetoric, But He’s Correct On The Issues, Substantively, And He’s Where The American People Want To Be, And We As A Party Should Celebrate This And Join This Movement.” “Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, whose name has shown up on speculative lists of Trump’s possible choices for running mate, has little patience for party members who haven't warmed up to the idea that the billionaire New Yorker could win the White House. ‘People don’t have to endorse all of his rhetoric, but he’s correct on the issues, substantively, and he’s where the American people want to be, and we as a party should celebrate this and join this movement,’ Sessions said in a Thursday interview in his Senate office.” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Jeff Sessions: Donald Trump’s Opposition To Free Trade, Support For U.S.-Mexico Border Wall, And Less Engaged Foreign Policy “Are Three Big Issues Where Trump Has Broken With Republican Orthodoxy, And I Contend He Broke Conservative On All Three” “House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin said he's still not ready to back Trump, and Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina became at least the fourth Republican senator to say he won't vote for Trump. ‘I do not believe (Trump) is a reliable Republican conservative, nor has he displayed the judgment and temperament to serve as commander in chief,’ Graham said. Sessions takes the opposite view. He says the GOP has lost its way on conservative principles and Trump – by opposing free trade and by calling for a U.S.-Mexico border wall and a more cautious approach to military intervention – is righting the ship. ‘Those are three big issues where Trump has broken with Republican orthodoxy, and I contend he broke conservative on all three,’ Sessions said.”  [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Montgomery Advertiser: Jeff Sessions Said Donald “Trump’s Victory Over 16 Other Republicans In The Presidential Primary Confirms The Validity Of Trump's Positions On Those Issues.” “Sessions takes the opposite view. He says the GOP has lost its way on conservative principles and Trump – by opposing free trade and by calling for a U.S.-Mexico border wall and a more cautious approach to military intervention – is righting the ship. ‘Those are three big issues where Trump has broken with Republican orthodoxy, and I contend he broke conservative on all three,’ Sessions said. He said Trump’s victory over 16 other Republicans in the presidential primary confirms the validity of Trump's positions on those issues -- the same ones Sessions has been advising Trump on for months, well before endorsing him in February.” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Jeff Sessions On Conservative Intellectuals Who Oppose Donald Trump On The Grounds He Is Not Conservative: “I Was Reading William F. Buckley In Wilcox County Before They Were Born, And I Don’t Need A Lecture From Them About What Is Conservative.” “He said Trump’s victory over 16 other Republicans in the presidential primary confirms the validity of Trump's positions on those issues -- the same ones Sessions has been advising Trump on for months, well before endorsing him in February. ‘Some of our intellectuals who support free trade, open borders and an interventionist foreign policy are trying to make out like this is not conservative,’ Sessions said. ‘I was reading William F. Buckley in Wilcox County before they were born, and I don’t need a lecture from them about what is conservative.’” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Appeal: “He's Attuned To The Voters, And Many Are Angry And Frustrated Because Leaders Have Refused To Do What They've Been Requesting For 30 Years, And He's Hopeful, ‘I Know How To Get Things Done And We're Going To Make America Great Again.’” “He portrayed Trump's message as both conservative and hopeful. ‘He's attuned to the voters, and many are angry and frustrated because leaders have refused to do what they've been requesting for 30 years, and he's hopeful, 'I know how to get things done and we're going to make America great again,’ said Sessions. ‘I don't think people have appreciated the fundamental hopefulness that he's creating and I think it will be even more clear as time goes by. He says, “I know how to fix this problem and it's been bad leadership, bad decisions, and you paid the price for it, and we're gonna fix it,”‘ he said.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Donald Trump – Fitness for Office

Jeff Sessions: “Yes, [Donald] Trump Can Win And Will Win. I Believe Trump Will Win Because He Is Generating Enthusiasm And, In Particular, He's Generating Enthusiasm Among The Voters Republicans Have Lost, The People Who Make Below Median Income.” “’Yes, Trump can win and will win. I believe Trump will win because he is generating enthusiasm and, in particular, he's generating enthusiasm among the voters Republicans have lost, the people who make below median income,’ added the first senator to endorse Trump, in an interview with Secrets. Sessions said that many voters have given up on ‘Obama-Clinton,’ and mocked Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Readiness To Lead: “He Is Prepared, The Man Is Exceedingly Competent, He's Traveled The World, He's Been A Close Observer Of American Politics, And He's Formed Some Opinions, And One Of Them Is We Need To Protect The National Interest.” “Sessions dismissed claims by Washington insiders that Trump isn't qualified to be in the Oval Office. "He is prepared, the man is exceedingly competent, he's traveled the world, he's been a close observer of American politics, and he's formed some opinions, and one of them is we need to protect the national interest," said Sessions. And that, combined with a string of victories against GOP rivals, all of whom have dropped out of the race, have helped to reinforce a belief among voters that Trump is best, said Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Washington Examiner: Jeff Sessions Said That Trump’s Knowledge Of Politics, “Combined With A String Of Victories Against GOP Rivals, All Of Whom Have Dropped Out Of The Race, Have Helped To Reinforce A Belief Among Voters That Trump Is Best.” “Sessions dismissed claims by Washington insiders that Trump isn't qualified to be in the Oval Office. ‘He is prepared, the man is exceedingly competent, he's traveled the world, he's been a close observer of American politics, and he's formed some opinions, and one of them is we need to protect the national interest,’ said Sessions. And that, combined with a string of victories against GOP rivals, all of whom have dropped out of the race, have helped to reinforce a belief among voters that Trump is best, said Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions: “The Normal Voter Says, ‘You Know, I Like Trump. They Say He's Bad, But My Instincts Are Being Affirmed By The Victories And The Size Of The Vote And He Can Win And He Will Win.’ And I Think It Will Strengthen His Support, Is Strengthening His Support.” “Sessions dismissed claims by Washington insiders that Trump isn't qualified to be in the Oval Office. ‘He is prepared, the man is exceedingly competent, he's traveled the world, he's been a close observer of American politics, and he's formed some opinions, and one of them is we need to protect the national interest,’ said Sessions. And that, combined with a string of victories against GOP rivals, all of whom have dropped out of the race, have helped to reinforce a belief among voters that Trump is best, said Sessions. ‘The normal voter says, 'You know, I like Trump. They say he's bad, but my instincts are being affirmed by the victories and the size of the vote and he can win and he will win.' And I think it will strengthen his support, is strengthening his support,’ said the senator.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Montgomery Advertiser: “Asked How He Reconciles His Family Values Record With [Donald] Trump’s Crude Language And Multiple Marriages, [Jeff] Sessions Said, ‘You Choose Your Leader, And Nobody’s Perfect.’ Trump’s Demeanor And Personal Life Are Less Important Than His Positions On Trade And Immigration, Sessions Said.” “Asked how he reconciles his family values record with Trump’s crude language and multiple marriages, Sessions said, ‘You choose your leader, and nobody’s perfect.’ Trump’s demeanor and personal life are less important than his positions on trade and immigration, Sessions said. ‘If you’re a football coach and you’ve got an all-American middle linebacker, I’m not sure they’re going to replace him with someone who has better moral standards, I’m just saying,’ Sessions said.” [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Moral Indiscretions: “If You’re A Football Coach And You’ve Got An All-American Middle Linebacker, I’m Not Sure They’re Going To Replace Him With Someone Who Has Better Moral Standards, I’m Just Saying.” “Asked how he reconciles his family values record with Trump’s crude language and multiple marriages, Sessions said, ‘You choose your leader, and nobody’s perfect.’ Trump’s demeanor and personal life are less important than his positions on trade and immigration, Sessions said. ‘If you’re a football coach and you’ve got an all-American middle linebacker, I’m not sure they’re going to replace him with someone who has better moral standards, I’m just saying,’ Sessions said.”  [Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/local/alabama/2016/05/08/sen-jeff-sessions-says-donald-trump-redefining-conservatism/83984222/>]

Donald Trump – Meetings with Lawmakers

CNN: “’Rick Dearborn, Chief Of Staff To Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, A Close Trump Ally, Had Been Making Calls To Republicans, Including To Top Leadership Offices,’ To Seek Their Support For Trump.” “Trump became the presumptive nominee with just a small group of Hill backers, but now that the divisive primary process is over, his campaign team and supporters in Congress are hoping more Republicans will publicly come around and help in the fall election…Rick Dearborn, chief of staff to Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions, a close Trump ally, had been making calls to Republicans, including to top leadership offices.” [CNN, 5/6/16]

The Independent (UK): Donald Trump’s Visit To Washington To Muster Support For His Candidacy “Is Expected To Happen Sometime Before The Middle Of This Month With Senator Jeff Sessions Also From Alabama, A Longtime Trump Ally, Expected To Broker Meetings Between Him And Different Factions Of The Party, Politico Said.” “Donald Trump will blitz top Republicans in Washington as soon as next week with a mix of courtship and cajoling in the hope of bringing those voicing doubts about his candidacy into line. As Mr Trump turns his attention away from the primary contest towards battling Hillary Clinton, his likely Democrat rival in November, the horror that his becoming the presumptive nominee has elicited in some quarters of his own party threatens gravely to damage him going forward…The Washington trip is expected to happen sometime before the middle of this month with Senator Jeff Sessions also from Alabama, a longtime Trump ally, expected to broker meetings between him and different factions of the party, Politico said.” [The Independent, 5/6/16]

Donald Trump – Misc.

Washington Examiner: Jeff Sessions “Expects [Donald] Trump To Win, In Part Because He Is Offering A Message Of Economic Hopefulness That Is Helping To Restore The 1980 Reagan Coalition Of Republicans And Blue Collar Democrats.” “Many conservatives have talked up Sessions as the vice presidential post, but other say that he prefers to stay in the Senate where he is a leading voice on criminal and immigration issues. He is 69. Sessions has been working overtime to help Trump win support among lawmakers and pundits. He also told Secrets that he expects Trump to win, in part because he is offering a message of economic hopefulness that is helping to restore the 1980 Reagan coalition of Republicans and blue collar Democrats.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/jeff-sessions-trumps-vp-sure-wont-be-me/article/2590594>]

Jeff Sessions: “Millions Of Americans Drifted From The Reagan Coalition To The Democratic Coalition And There's Only One Person Making Progress To Bring Them Back And That's Donald Trump.” “Comparing Donald Trump's surprising capture of the GOP presidential nomination to Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign, the presumptive nominee's chief congressional ally is boldly predicting that the New York businessman will win in November on a message of economic hope. ‘Millions of Americans drifted from the Reagan coalition to the Democratic coalition and there's only one person making progress to bring them back and that's Donald Trump,’ said Alabama Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions On Pundits’ Apprehension In Supporting Trump: “There Are 50,000 Voters For Every One Who Writes Columns In Newspapers.” “Sessions has begun encouraging lawmakers and pundits to endorse Trump as the Republican begins his general election campaign. It's easier for politicians, after seeing millions of people vote for Trump, but harder for pundits and editorialists to join as fast, he suggested. But, he added, ‘There are 50,000 voters for every one who writes columns in newspapers.’ Trump, he said, will build on his message to enforce immigration laws, negotiate better trade deals and bolster national security, and won't back down to Clinton.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions: “What [Donald] Trump Has Proven Is, They Said That If You Spoke Up On Immigration, You Couldn't Win. They Said If You Speak Up On Trade, You'll Be Killed. They Said If You Aren't Advocating An Expansive Foreign Policy, That Seeks To Intervene Where Ever, You Can't Win. Well Who Won The Nomination?” “Trump, he said, will build on his message to enforce immigration laws, negotiate better trade deals and bolster national security, and won't back down to Clinton. ‘What Trump has proven is, they said that if you spoke up on immigration, you couldn't win. They said if you speak up on trade, you'll be killed. They said if you aren't advocating an expansive foreign policy, that seeks to intervene where ever, you can't win. Well who won the nomination?’ said Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin On Donald Trump’s Endorsers: “The Most Acute Disdain Belongs To People Such As Sen. Jeff Sessions, Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie And Assorted Congressmen Who Cheered The Vulgarian And Rationalized His Inanities When Trump Was Still Seeking The Nomination.” “Republicans who did the expected by falling in line (former VP Dick Cheney, Bobby Jindal, Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Tom Cotton) did at least not aid and abet Trump as he plowed through the primaries. No, the most acute disdain belongs to people such as Sen. Jeff Sessions, Newt Gingrich, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and assorted congressmen who cheered the vulgarian and rationalized his inanities when Trump was still seeking the nomination.” [Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 5/8/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/05/08/distinguished-pols-of-the-week-20/>]

Hillary Clinton

Jeff Sessions: “Hillary Is Same Old, Same Old, And That's The Honest Truth, She's Same Old, Same Old, Just An Extension Of Barack Obama.” “Sessions said that many voters have given up on ‘Obama-Clinton,’ and mocked Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton. ‘Hillary is same old, same old, and that's the honest truth, she's same old, same old, just an extension of Barack Obama,’ said the senator, a former federal prosecutor appointed by Reagan. The proof, he added, was her defeat this week in moderate Indiana to Sen. Bernie Sanders.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions On Hillary Clinton: “She's Nowhere Close To Where The American People Are. Her Message, Her History, Is Not Resonating And Is Unlikely To Ever Resonate With The Voters And Generate Enthusiasm.” “Sessions said that many voters have given up on ‘Obama-Clinton,’ and mocked Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton. ‘Hillary is same old, same old, and that's the honest truth, she's same old, same old, just an extension of Barack Obama,’ said the senator, a former federal prosecutor appointed by Reagan. The proof, he added, was her defeat this week in moderate Indiana to Sen. Bernie Sanders. ‘She's nowhere close to where the American people are. Her message, her history, is not resonating and is unlikely to ever resonate with the voters and generate enthusiasm. Look, think about this, too little has been said about it, but here with her super delegates, the nomination is locked up, and she just lost a mainstream state to a socialist. I mean she's been losing primaries, and struggling in primaries when she should be the heir apparent and locked it up all up by now. This has got to be incredibly embarrassing to the Clinton campaign that she can't even win after she's won the nomination. I think that's pretty huge,’ said Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

Jeff Sessions On Hillary Clinton: “The Nomination Is Locked Up, And She Just Lost A Mainstream State To A Socialist. I Mean She's Been Losing Primaries, And Struggling In Primaries…This Has Got To Be Incredibly Embarrassing To The Clinton Campaign That She Can't Even Win After She's Won The Nomination.” “Sessions said that many voters have given up on ‘Obama-Clinton,’ and mocked Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton. ‘Hillary is same old, same old, and that's the honest truth, she's same old, same old, just an extension of Barack Obama,’ said the senator, a former federal prosecutor appointed by Reagan. The proof, he added, was her defeat this week in moderate Indiana to Sen. Bernie Sanders. ‘She's nowhere close to where the American people are. Her message, her history, is not resonating and is unlikely to ever resonate with the voters and generate enthusiasm. Look, think about this, too little has been said about it, but here with her super delegates, the nomination is locked up, and she just lost a mainstream state to a socialist. I mean she's been losing primaries, and struggling in primaries when she should be the heir apparent and locked it up all up by now. This has got to be incredibly embarrassing to the Clinton campaign that she can't even win after she's won the nomination. I think that's pretty huge, ’ said Sessions.” [Washington Examiner, 5/6/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sessions-trump-doesnt-get-credit-for-fundamental-hopefulness-hes-creating/article/2590567>]

SCOTUS

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial: “Alabama Voters Should Demand [Senators Jeff] Sessions And [Richard] Shelby Push For Timely Action On Garland’s Supreme Court Nomination.” “Most people who refuse to do their jobs get canned. Not so with GOP senators in Congress who refuse to hold hearings or vote on the Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland. President Obama nominated Garland, a moderate, in March, after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Republican senators, including Alabama’s Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, immediately began playing politics with the judicial process, saying they wouldn’t consider any nominee to the high court until a new president takes office in January…Anti-Obama obstructionists in the Senate should stop their disrespectful dereliction of duty. Alabama voters should demand Sessions and Shelby push for timely action on Garland’s Supreme Court nomination.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial: “Most People Who Refuse To Do Their Jobs Get Canned. Not So With GOP Senators In Congress Who Refuse To Hold Hearings Or Vote On The Supreme Court Nomination Of Merrick Garland.” “Most people who refuse to do their jobs get canned. Not so with GOP senators in Congress who refuse to hold hearings or vote on the Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland. President Obama nominated Garland, a moderate, in March, after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Republican senators, including Alabama’s Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, immediately began playing politics with the judicial process, saying they wouldn’t consider any nominee to the high court until a new president takes office in January…Anti-Obama obstructionists in the Senate should stop their disrespectful dereliction of duty. Alabama voters should demand Sessions and Shelby push for timely action on Garland’s Supreme Court nomination.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial On President Obama’s Nomination Of Merrick Garland To The Supreme Court: “Anti-Obama Obstructionists In The Senate Should Stop Their Disrespectful Dereliction Of Duty,” By Acting On Nomination. “Most people who refuse to do their jobs get canned. Not so with GOP senators in Congress who refuse to hold hearings or vote on the Supreme Court nomination of Merrick Garland. President Obama nominated Garland, a moderate, in March, after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Republican senators, including Alabama’s Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, immediately began playing politics with the judicial process, saying they wouldn’t consider any nominee to the high court until a new president takes office in January…Anti-Obama obstructionists in the Senate should stop their disrespectful dereliction of duty. Alabama voters should demand Sessions and Shelby push for timely action on Garland’s Supreme Court nomination.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial: Jeff Sessions And Richard Shelby Said They “Wouldn’t Consider Any Nominee To The High Court Until A New President Takes Office In January…The American People Have Already Spoken Loudly, Twice, In Electing A Democrat To The White House With A Majority Of The Popular Vote.” “President Obama nominated Garland, a moderate, in March, after the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. Republican senators, including Alabama’s Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, immediately began playing politics with the judicial process, saying they wouldn’t consider any nominee to the high court until a new president takes office in January. They claimed this would allow American voters the chance to have their voices heard, code for allowing a potential Republican presidential candidate to take office and nominate someone with stronger right-wing credentials…The American people have already spoken loudly, twice, in electing a Democrat to the White House with a majority of the popular vote.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial On President Obama’s Nomination Of Merrick Garland To The Supreme Court: “There’s No Established Precedent For Stonewalling On Supreme Court Nominees.” “Precedents on filling Supreme Court vacancies in presidential election years since 1900 include a nomination by Republican Pres. William Taft, approved by the Senate in March of 1912; two nominations by Democrat Woodrow Wilson, approved in June and July of 1916; and a nomination by Republican Herbert Hoover approved in February, 1932. The list goes on and includes GOP President Ronald Reagan’s nomination of Justice Anthony Kennedy, approved by the U.S. Senate in February, 1988. In some of these cases, but not all, the high court vacancies occurred in the year before the presidential elections, with the confirmations following in the next year. Nonetheless, there’s no established precedent for stonewalling on Supreme Court nominees.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial: “Should A Democratic Presidential Candidate Win In November, But GOP Senators Hold On To A Majority Of Seats, The Moratorium On A New Supreme Court Appointment Could Drag On For Months, With More Critical Decisions Delayed As A Draw Or Relegated To Limbo.” “The court, now weakened with only eight members, is largely a four-four split between liberals and conservatives. The wheels of justice are grinding more slowly. As this year’s court term winds down, tie votes are likely in cases involving important issues like immigration, abortion rights, access to birth control. Should a Democratic presidential candidate win in November, but GOP senators hold on to a majority of seats, the moratorium on a new Supreme Court appointment could drag on for months, with more critical decisions delayed as a draw or relegated to limbo.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Montgomery Advertiser Editorial On President Obama’s Nomination Of Merrick Garland To The Supreme Court: “Garland’s Fitness To Serve On The High Court Isn’t In Question.” “Garland’s fitness to serve on the high court isn’t in question. His background as chief justice for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit since 1995 and previously as a leader and investigator in the Justice Department more than qualifies him for consideration and a vote. Anti-Obama obstructionists in the Senate should stop their disrespectful dereliction of duty. Alabama voters should demand Sessions and Shelby push for timely action on Garland’s Supreme Court nomination.” [Editorial, Montgomery Advertiser, 5/8/16<http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/editorials/2016/05/08/gop-senators-refuse-do-their-jobs/83966310/>]

Defense

Washington Examiner: Senator Ron Johnson Suggested “Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Could Be An Advocate On The Senate Armed Services Committee For Buying More RD-180s, But Instead Expects The Senator To Let Shelby And McCain Duke It Out Between The Authorization And Appropriation Processes.” “‘While I am a strong advocate for the development of an all-American rocket engine that can launch our national security assets into orbit, our military leaders continually emphasize the need for the United States to have the ability to purchase additional RD-180s,’ he said in a statement. ‘I will continue to use all avenues to ensure that we safeguard assured access to space and protect American taxpayers while we transition off of foreign-made engines.’ Johnson said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., could be an advocate on the Senate Armed Services Committee for buying more RD-180s, but instead expects the senator to let Shelby and McCain duke it out between the authorization and appropriation processes. ‘Why join the fight at this point? If you're a sitting member of SASC, even if you're Sessions, if you offer something like this, you're just going to upset the chairman and you know it doesn't necessarily contribute to moving the ball forward,’ he said.” [Washington Examiner, 5/9/16<http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/engines-bombers-and-spending-a-preview-of-this-weeks-sasc-mark-up/article/2590153>]

TIM SCOTT

On Supporting Donald Trump

Tim Scott’s Campaign Spokesperson Said That The Senator Would Support The Republican Nominee But That He Would Focus On His Own Reelection. “Other candidates, however, have vowed to stick with their party in the November election, even with Trump as the party's pick for president. Sen. Tim Scott's campaign spokeswoman, Margaret Spaulding, issued a statement on his behalf this week, saying, ‘As (Scott) has consistently said over the past year, he will support the Republican nominee.’ Spaulding added, ‘Now that Donald Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee, the Senator will do what he can to assist his campaign; however, his focus will remain on his own reelection and serving the people of South Carolina.’” [The Island Packet, 5/6/16]

Tim Scott And Other Speakers At The South Carolina GOP Silver Elephant Dinnerl Did Not Mention Donald Trump In Their Speeches. “The near-blackout of Trump came through most glaringly on stage where Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, Gowdy and featured guest speaker Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas all delivered remarks without any reference to the New York City billionaire. Haley rattled through a list of state-specific accomplishments, Scott spoke about the state's resiliency through a year of tragedy and Gowdy introduced attendees to Cotton.” [US News And World Report, 5/8/16]

On White House Correspondents Dinner

Tim Scott Was Recognized During The White House Correspondents Dinner For His Opposition To Confirming Merrick Garland To The Supreme Court. “I think we ve got Republican senators Tim Scott and Cory Gardner, they re in the house, Obama said of Scott and his colleague from Colorado. Obama continued, Which reminds me: Security, bar the doors. Judge Merrick Garland, come on out, we re going to do this right here, right now. Scott, who has been clear that he has no interest in confirming the Supreme Court pick of a lame duck president, said he enjoyed being singled out. It s always a good thing to hear the president call your name as long as he s calling it out because he s mad at you for not doing something, Scott said with a laugh.” [The State, 5/8/16]

On Federal Judgeships

Tim Scott Said That He Would Advocate For Congressman Trey Gowdy To Be Nominated For A Federal Judgeship. “Gowdy s name has come up during instances of previous vacancies on the South Carolina federal bench, thanks to Tim Scott, who in his capacity as a U.S. senator gets to recommend in-state nominees to President Barack Obama. So far, Gowdy s fellow South Carolina Republican has been unsuccessful. He is the number one candidate I would like to see, Scott said, promising to advocate for Gowdy as long as I m in the Senate. Gowdy said he appreciates Scott s efforts, but he s told his close friend to let it go. It s not going to happen, Gowdy said.” [Post And Courier, 5/8/16]

Collin Yoxall
Research Associate, DNC
Office: 202-863-8126 X8126
Mobile: 334-703-1690
[email-masked]<mailto:[email-masked]>