Subject: GOP VP DAILY ROUNDUP, 4/29/16
From: "Kasnetz, Joel" <[email-masked]>
To: "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>, "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>, Veepstakes <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 14:27:47 -0700

GOP VP DAILY ROUNDUP, 4/29/16

BOB CORKER
TOM COTTON
CARLY FIORINA
JEFF SESSIONS
RICK SCOTT
DOUG DUCEY
NIKKI HALEY
PAM BONDI
CHRIS CHRISTIE

BOB CORKER

Domestic Policy

Bob Corker Supported CFPB’s Decision To Reopen Mortgage-Disclosure Rule. “U.S. Senator Bob Corker, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, on Thursday applauded the decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reopen its new Truth in Lending Act-Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosure rule for public comment. ‘These new mortgage disclosure requirements have created some challenges for consumers and institutions,’ said Senator Corker. ‘I commend Director Cordray for taking this important step to provide more clarity. The TRID rule is impacting millions of Americans, and we must ensure it is implemented in the most transparent and effective manner possible.’” [The Chattanoogan, 4/29/16]

Foreign Policy

Bob Corker Helped Marco Rubio Maintain Sanctions On Venezuela After Rubio Helped Corker With His State Department Authorization Bill. “The U.S. Senate agreed to three more years of sanctions against key officials of the Venezuelan government, a law pushed by South Florida legislators to punish President Nicolás Maduro’s government… There was a wrinkle: Sen. Bob Corker, the Tennessee Republican who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, objected to the sanctions extension unless Rubio could persuade Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who is still campaigning for president, to stop blocking another piece of legislation dictating State Department operations… So: Rubio helps GOP leaders and the White House get an ambassador, Corker get a State Department bill and Cruz try to get approval for a street designation. Rubio gets to come home to West Miami with his Venezuela law extended for three more years — beyond his Senate term. He also gets to boast passage of the State Department bill, which includes seven of his proposals, ranging from requiring reporting on U.S. humanitarian assistance to Haiti to training the U.S. foreign service on international religious freedom.” [Miami Herald, 4/29/16<http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article74562412.html>]

Bob Corker Influenced The Decision To Stop Selling F-16s To Pakistan. “The United States has halted financial aid to Pakistan for procurement of its eight F-16 fighter jets, a report said on Friday. According to BBC Urdu, the Obama administration took the decision after orders by Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As a result, the government would have to make arrangements for $700 million to purchase eight F-16 from the United States, the notification for which was made by the State Department to the US Congress in late 2015.” [The Express Tribune, 4/30/16<http://tribune.com.pk/story/1094119/us-halts-financial-aid-to-pakistan-aimed-at-procurement-of-f-16s/>]

Bob Corker Sponsored “A Resolution Condemning The Terrorist Attacks In Brussels And Honoring The Memory Of The United States Citizens Murdered In Those Attacks.” “S.Res.442 - A resolution condemning the terrorist attacks in Brussels and honoring the memory of the United States citizens murdered in those attacks, and offering thoughts and prayers for all the victims, condolences to their families, resolve to support the Belgian people, and the pledge to defend democracy and stand in solidarity with the country of Belgium and all our allies in the face of continuing terrorist attacks on freedom and liberty.” [Congress.gov, 4/27/16<https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-resolution/442/titles>]

SFRC

Bob Corker Released A Statement Praising The Senate For Passing The State Department Authorization Bill For The First Time In 14 Years, Aiming To Streamline State Department Operations, Improve Embassy Security. CORKER: “For the first time in 14 years, the Senate today approved a bipartisan State Department authorization bill that meets critical oversight responsibilities on behalf of taxpayers. This legislation prioritizes security upgrades for U.S. personnel at high threat posts and lays the groundwork to streamline State Department operations and make them more effective. With enactment of this legislation and the bill that was reported out of committee earlier today, it is my hope that we will restore the annual practice of assuring the American people that funding for the State Department is being used responsibly to further U.S. interests.” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Corker, 4/29/16<http://www.corker.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-list?ID=F3CCD8D8-01C4-4CB7-A97E-66E2179DD1E9>]

Trump

Bob Corker Praised Donald Trump’s “America First Speech” For Challenging The Foreign Policy Establishment. “Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was quick to release a formal statement on Wednesday congratulating Trump for delivering a “very good foreign policy speech.” On Thursday, Corker went further telling reporters that what he liked most about Trump’s foreign policy was how he planned to shake things up. ‘Let’s face it, the foreign policy establishment in Washington hasn’t been exactly brilliant in their assessments of things,’ Corker said, adding it is the groups around Washington, not elected lawmakers, who really constitute ‘the establishment.’ ‘I do like the fact that he’s challenging that status quo, I really do,’ Corker said. ‘I thought it was really a good step in the right direction, and felt like I should say something about it.’” [Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/28/trump-gets-hat-tip-from-senates-top-foreign-policy-figure/>]

Bob Corker Talked With Donald Trump On The Phone About Foreign Policy, But Did Not Discuss An Endorsement. “But Trump seems to be working his Washington contacts more and more. He called Corker on Thursday for a conversation that was “90 percent about foreign policy,” the senator said, adding that the two have never met in person. Trump did not ask Corker to endorse him during the conversation, the senator added. But there seems to be a level of mutual respect developing between the two that isn’t often echoed around Capitol Hill, where many lawmakers openly express everything from reservations to outright derision of Trump.” [Washington Post, 4/29/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/28/trump-gets-hat-tip-from-senates-top-foreign-policy-figure/>]

Washington Post: While Bob Corker And Donald Trump Both Worked In Business Prior To Politics, They Are Otherwise “Extremely Different.” “Both Corker and Trump are businessmen by trade, but as political foreign policy figures, they are extremely different. Corker is well-respected in Washington for his knowledge of international affairs and his willingness to work across the aisle to make a deal. Trump has made a name for himself during the election with bombastic proposals that make even his own party squirm, such as his pledge to impose a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and statements questioning the continued worth of NATO.” [Washington Post, 4/29/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2016/04/28/trump-gets-hat-tip-from-senates-top-foreign-policy-figure/>]

HEADLINE: “Corker’s Comments On Trump Speech Are Disappointing.” [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 4/29/16]

Chattanooga Times Free Press: Bob Corker Praise Of Donald Trump Demonstrated That “He's Never Seen A Political Opportunity He Didn't Like.” “No one has said former Chattanooga mayor and now Tennessee's U.S. Sen. Bob Corker lacks ambition. In fact, he's unabashedly ambitious, and he's never seen a political opportunity he didn't like. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman proved it again Thursday and Friday as he gushed over Donald Trump's vague so-called ‘foreign policy speech.’ That would be the speech that The Washington Post's Dana Milbank wrote was ‘Trump's crazy attempt not to sound crazy,’ and The New York Times dubbed ‘Donald Trump's Strange World View." The Times notes Trump ‘did not exhibit much grasp of the complexity of the world, understanding of the balance or exercise of power, or even a careful reading of history.’ But Corker, ever eyeing his and his party's future, called it a ‘great step in the right direction’ and ‘full of substance.’” [Chattanooga Times Free Press, 4/29/16]

TOM COTTON

On The Heavy Water Amendment To Energy And Water Appropriations Bill

Office Of Senator Tom Cotton: “It's Disappointing That Senate Democrats Once Again Blocked The Energy And Water Appropriations Bill From Moving Forward. I Support This Bill; It's Critical To Our Water And Energy Infrastructure And I Believe It Should Move Forward.” ” Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement after Senate Democrats blocked Cloture on the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill: ‘It's disappointing that Senate Democrats once again blocked the Energy and Water Appropriations bill from moving forward. I support this bill; it's critical to our water and energy infrastructure and I believe it should move forward. That's why I've continually offered to work with Senate Democrats to find common ground on my amendment to block taxpayer money from going to Iran. Their dogged opposition to an amendment that simply codifies the administration's previously stated policy not to buy any more heavy water from the Iranians is perplexing and continues to raise the question of whether President Obama is being straight with the American people and how much more this president wishes to fund Iran's terrorist activities.’” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Tom Cotton, 4/28/16<http://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=372>]

Senate Democrats Again Blocked Progress On The Energy And Water Appropriations Bill Due To Tom Cotton’s Amendment. “On Wednesday, the Senate blocked a motion to file cloture on the same amendment in a 50-46 vote. Both votes were mostly along party lines, with four Republicans voting with Democrats to block the motion. Bipartisan support for the bill fell apart over an amendment filed by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) to ban the Obama administration from buying heavy water from Iran.” Morning Consult, 4/28/16<https://morningconsult.com/alert/senate-blocks-second-vote-cloture-substitute-amendment/>]

Tom Cotton’s Amendment Banning The Obama Administration From Buying Heavy Water Prevented The Senate From Passing The Energy And Water Appropriations Bill. “Senate leaders failed their first big test this week in their push to prove they can pass 12 spending bills and prevent the annual fiscal crisis that threatens to shut down the government at the end of the year. After starting off strong last week with bipartisan consensus to pass a $37.5 billion energy and water bill, the process blew up when Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., proposed an amendment Wednesday that Democrats charged was a ‘poison pill’ that would undermine the Iran nuclear deal.” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

USA Today: “The Failure To Advance The Bill…Underscores Just How Difficult It Will Be For Senators To Pass The Other 11 Measures, Many Of Which Are Much More Controversial.” “The failure to advance the bill, which would pay for popular flood control projects, port improvements and nuclear safety programs, underscores just how difficult it will be for senators to pass the other 11 measures, many of which are much more controversial.” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

Senate Democrats And Republicans Blamed Each Other For The Impasse Over Tom Cotton’s Amendment. “’We now have a bipartisan opportunity to responsibly work through individual funding bills,’ said McConnell, who accused Democrats of ‘blowing up’ the process for short-term political gain. ‘What it will take is for our Democratic colleagues to end this obstruction and work cooperatively across the aisle instead. That’s not too much to ask.’ Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., shot back, saying Democrats were ready to approve the bill until GOP leaders allowed Cotton to offer his amendment. ‘We want to do appropriations bills,’ Reid said. ‘And we were on a rush to get one done, the first one. We were headed to victory, and out of nowhere comes a poison pill rider. And everyone acknowledges that's what it is ... Republicans should step back and figure out some other way to try to embarrass the president. This is not the way to do it.’” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

The Obama Administration Had Said That It Will Veto The Appropriations Bill If It Contains Tom Cotton’s Amendment. “The White House said President Obama would veto the energy and water spending bill if it contained Cotton's amendment. ‘We've made clear our commitment to a principle that ideologically motivated policy riders are not appropriate for appropriations bills,’ White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday.” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

The Senate Adjured For A Week Long Recess Without Having Passed The Bill. “On Thursday, Democrats blocked the bill from advancing because of the amendment, leaving senators headed home for a weeklong recess without anything to show for two weeks of debate.” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

USA Today: “The Vote Was A Blow To Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell, R-Ky., Who Had Optimistically Vowed To Try To Pass All 12 Spending Bills For 2017 By Oct. 1. Congress Has Not Met That Deadline Since 1994.” “The vote was a blow to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who had optimistically vowed to try to pass all 12 spending bills for 2017 by Oct. 1. Congress has not met that deadline since 1994. When Congress fails to pass the bills by the beginning of a new fiscal year, lawmakers are forced to scramble to put together one huge hodgepodge of a funding bill at the last minute to keep the government running.” [USA Today, 4/29/16<http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/28/senates-push-pass-spending-bills-stalls-over-partisan-blowup/83651668/>]

While The Appropriations Process Was Blocked, Democrats Sought To Move Zika Funding Along, Which Republicans Disagreed With. “Even as they were blocking the spending bills, though, Democrats demanded Congress pass a smaller $1.9 billion bill to fund anti-Zika efforts. ‘Perhaps the most galling thing about Democrats again trying to blow up the appropriations process is this: They filibustered this appropriations bill, then walked into a press conference about Zika funding,’ Mr. McConnell said. ‘But the appropriations process is the path for that funding.’ Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Republican, said Democrats want Congress to approve a ‘blank check’ for Mr. Obama to spend on Zika. Republicans in both chambers have said the administration needs to give more specifics about how the president will spend nearly $2 billion. Specifically, Mr. Cornyn said Senate Democrats were pushing for a contingency fund that would allow the Health and Human Services Department to shift cash around for unspecified purposes. ‘What they want to do,’ he said, ‘is play a shell game with this money.’ [Washington Times, 4/28/16<http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/apr/28/senate-dems-block-spending-bill-over-iran-poison-p/?page=all#pagebreak>]

Morning Consult: “Democrats Are Calling For Congress Not To Adjourn For A Weeklong Recess Until It Considers Legislation To Address Zika.” [Morning Consult, 4/28/16<https://morningconsult.com/alert/republicans-democrats-dig-appropriations-process/>]

Tom Cotton’s Spokesperson Said That The Amendment Was Meant To Ensure That The Heavy Water Purchase Announced Last Friday Was a One Off Sale. “Cotton's concern, according to spokeswoman Caroline Rabbitt, is that Iran will violate the agreement, continue to produce heavy water, then claim the treaty forces it to sell the excess, and then use the money ‘to fund its nuclear research and terrorism,’ she told ME in an email. ‘What the Obama admin is doing is opening up Iran as a worldwide provider of heavy water. We want to stop that, and therefore hold the president to his administration’s promise that this is only a one-time purchase, and not a continuing one.’” [Politico, 4/28/16<http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2016/04/morningenergy-wolff-214018>]

Politico: “The U.S. Has Said It Has No Further Plans To Buy Any More Of The Material From Iran, And Cotton's Amendment Would Be Attached To An Appropriation That Starts On Sept. 1, Seemingly Rendering It Moot.” [Politico, 4/28/16<http://www.politico.com/tipsheets/morning-energy/2016/04/morningenergy-wolff-214018>]

Morning Consult: “McConnell Ended His Remarks By Borrowing Democrats’ Catchphrase For Republicans Who Refuse To Consider Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland (And A Whole Host Of Other Things): ‘Do Your Job.’” [Morning Consult, 4/28/16<https://morningconsult.com/alert/republicans-democrats-dig-appropriations-process/>]

A Republican Aide Said That Democrats Were Not Always Opposed To Controversial Riders, Like Tom Cotton’s Amendment, Getting A Vote On The Floor. “However, a GOP aide cried foul and noted that Democrats did not balk over other contentious riders during last week's vote on an amendment by Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) that would have barred funding for the joint EPA-Army Corps of Engineers rule defining the reach of the Clean Water Act (Greenwire, April 21). Hoeven, who has long advocated for allowing floor votes on disputed appropriations riders, reiterated the call yesterday. ‘It's got to be bipartisan to pass,’ he said in an interview. ‘You get consent at 60, and you vote, and it's not going to move unless you get 60 votes. And frankly, with a lot of them if the president vetoes, you've got to have 67.’” [Energy And Environment Publishing, 4/28/16<http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060036390>]

The Energy And Water Appropriations Bill Included Money For The Energy Department, Army Corps Of Engineers, And Others. “Until this last-minute glitch, the bill had been speeding toward passage. The bill would provide $37.5 billion for the Energy Department, Army Corps of Engineers, parts of the Interior Department and other agencies in fiscal 2017. That’s $355 million more than was allocated in fiscal year 2016 and $261 million more than Obama requested. It also includes a roughly $1.2 billion increase for the defense-related programs housed within the Energy Department compared to the previous year.” [Bloomberg Government, 4/28/16<http://about.bgov.com/blog/senate-boiling-over-heavy-water/>]

On EPA Flint Liability Law Change

Tom Cotton Is Considering Proposing Language To Deny The EPA A Defense If It is Being Sued By Victims Of The Flint Water Crisis. “Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) is considering legislation that would aid plaintiffs in Flint, MI, seeking damages from EPA under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) by preventing the agency from using the defense that it had discretion on when and whether to take more aggressive action against Flint.” [Inside EPA Weekly Report, 4/29/16]

Inside EPA Weekly Report: “A Spokesperson For Cotton's Office Says The Senator Is Looking At Introducing Legislation That Would Do Two Things: Remove The Discretionary Function Exemption To Allow Flint Victims To Sue EPA Under FTCA And Require That All Awards Come Out Of EPA's Budget.” [Inside EPA Weekly Report, 4/29/16]

Flint Water Victims Have Filed A Administrative Complaint Seeking Damages And Will Sue If EPA Rejects The Administrative Claim. “The possible legislation comes as an attorney for hundreds of Flint water users has filed an administrative complaint with EPA seeking $220 million in damages and plans to file an FTCA claim in federal court if the agency rejects the administrative claim, as expected.” [Inside EPA Weekly Report, 4/29/16]

Inside EPA Weekly Report: “An Attorney With Knowledge Of The Administrative Complaint And SDWA Says The Legislation Cotton Is Considering Would Make It Difficult For EPA To Use The Language In Section 1431 In Defense Of The Negligence Charges.” [Inside EPA Weekly Report, 4/29/16]

A Lawyer Involved With The Complaint Said That Tom Cotton’s Motives In Considering The Bill Are In Part Political. “The legal source says the Flint lawsuits should push Congress to examine better damage remedies against the federal government but notes politics are clearly involved in Cotton's bill. ‘Cotton wants to strip the EPA of that protection, but he's a conservative guy: he wants to dismantle EPA. I'm sure the liberals want to help the victims, but it seems they are all going in the same direction, they are strange bedfellows,’ the source says.” [Inside EPA Weekly Report, 4/29/16]

On Criminal Justice Reform

Office Of Senator Tom Cotton: “Instead Of Focusing On Real Consensus Reforms That Promote Rehabilitation And Reduce Recidivism, This Bill [Revised Version Of The Sentencing Reform And Corrections Act] Will Instead Expose American Communities To Thousands Of Drug Traffickers And Other Violent Felons.” “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the revised version of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act: ‘Instead of responding to the honest concerns of law-abiding Americans and law enforcement officers, this revised bill only raises more serious questions. Why does the bill still allow violent criminals out of prison early? Why does it introduce new leniency for international maritime drug smugglers? Why are juveniles rightly convicted as adults for murder and other heinous crimes still eligible for early release? Instead of focusing on real consensus reforms that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, this bill will instead expose American communities to thousands of drug traffickers and other violent felons. It is the victims of crime who will bear the costs of this dangerous experiment in criminal leniency and every community's law enforcement officers who must deal with that cost daily.’” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Tom Cotton, 4/28/16<http://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=373>]

On GDP Growth Numbers

Office Of Senator Tom Cotton: “President Obama's Legacy Is Likely To Make The Carter Years Look Rosy By Comparison. It's No Wonder Presidential Candidates Of Both Parties Are Running Against The Disastrous Economy Of The Last 8 Years." “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the Commerce Department's announcement that GDP grew by an annualized rate of .5 percent in the First Quarter: ‘Stagnant growth and trillions of dollars in debt are the hallmarks of the Obama economy. While Barack Obama was elected near the end of a recession, under his presidency we have had the worst ‘recovery' in American history. Washington, DC and Wall Street have done well - but the rest of America has been stuck with stagnant, if not declining, wages, record low workplace participation, increasing health care costs, and businesses being destroyed faster than they are created. President Obama's legacy is likely to make the Carter years look rosy by comparison. It's no wonder presidential candidates of both parties are running against the disastrous economy of the last 8 years.’” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Tom Cotton, 4/28/16<http://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=371>]

Social Media Action

Tom Cotton: “It's Disappointing That Senate Democrats Once Again Blocked The Energy And Water Appropriations Bill From Moving Forward.” “It's disappointing that Senate Democrats once again blocked the Energy and Water Appropriations bill from moving forward. I support this bill; it's critical to our water and energy infrastructure and I believe it should move forward. That's why I've continually offered to work with Senate Democrats to find common ground on my amendment to block taxpayer money from going to Iran. Their dogged opposition to an amendment that simply codifies the administration's previously stated policy not to buy any more heavy water from the Iranians is perplexing and continues to raise the question of whether President Obama is being straight with the American people and how much more this president wishes to fund Iran's terrorist activities. READ my statement here:” [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 4/28/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/posts/595273377300868>]

Tom Cotton: “My Statement On Senate Dems Continued Obstruction Of The #Ewapprops Bill: Http://Ow.Ly/4nd5ub” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/725753624375205891>]

Tom Cotton: “Dem Opposition To My Heavy Water Amendment Raises Question Of Whether .@POTUS<mailto:.@POTUS> Is Being Straight W/ The American Ppl Http://Ow.Ly/4nd5fr” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/725760273546678272>]

Tom Cotton: “IAEA Expert: It’s Iran’s Duty To Limit Stockpile Of Heavy Water, Not  U.S. Duty To Buy It. Http://Ow.Ly/4nduui” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<Tom%20Cotton:%20“IAEA%20Expert:%20It’s%20Iran’s%20Duty%20To%20Limit%20Stockpile%20Of%20Heavy%20Water,%20Not%20%20U.S.%20Duty%20To%20Buy%20It.%20Http:/Ow.Ly/4nduui”>]

Tom Cotton: “Instead Of Responding To The Honest Concerns Of Law-Abiding Americans And Law Enforcement Officers, This Revised Bill Only Raises More Serious Questions.” “My statement on the revised version of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act: Instead of responding to the honest concerns of law-abiding Americans and law enforcement officers, this revised bill only raises more serious questions. Why does the bill still allow violent criminals out of prison early? Why does it introduce new leniency for international maritime drug smugglers? Why are juveniles rightly convicted as adults for murder and other heinous crimes still eligible for early release? Instead of focusing on real consensus reforms that promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, this bill will instead expose American communities to thousands of drug traffickers and other violent felons. It is the victims of crime who will bear the costs of this dangerous experiment in criminal leniency and every community's law enforcement officers who must deal with that cost daily.” [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 4/28/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/posts/595273653967507>]

Tom Cotton: “My Statement On The Revised Version Of The Sentencing Reform And Corrections Act: Http://Ow.Ly/4ndbym” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/725762644335022080>]

Tom Cotton: “Great Meeting With Arkansas Members Of The American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association. Thanks For Stopping By!” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/725764098571526144>]

Tom Cotton (Deleted Tweet): “Enjoyed Meeting With Arkansas Members Of The Online Lenders Alliance. Thanks For Stopping By! Https://T.Co/7oyl89p59x” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 4/28/16<http://politwoops.sunlightfoundation.com/tweet/725748984355106817>]

CARLY FIORINA

California

CNN: Carly Fiorina Fell Short Of Expectations In 2010 When She Lost Her Senate Race To Barbara Boxer, An Election Cycle Were Republicans Performed Strongly. “During her own presidential run earlier this year, Fiorina liked to say that she was the highest Republican vote getter in California in 2010, which is true. She won 4,217,386 votes in California, nearly 90,000 more Republican gubernatorial nominee Meg Whitman(4,127,391), who was defeated in a embarrassing blowout that year by Jerry Brown after spending $177 million to Brown's $36 million. Fiorina defends her loss to Boxer by noting that California is a deep blue state where she was running against a veteran senator. But it's worth remembering that Fiorina was expected to do much better in 2010, the tea party year when Republicans took over the House. The political climate was not a good one for entrenched Washington veterans like Boxer, whose approval ratings were at the lowest level of her career.” [CNN, 4/29/16<http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/29/politics/california-primary-carly-fiorina/>]

HEADLINE: “Carly Fiorina’s Missing California Network: The Former Senate Candidate Moved Away After Losing In 2010, Dismantling Her Political Network And Leaving Some Bills Unpaid.”

Politico: Carly Fiorina Could Help Open Fundraising Doors For Cruz In California. “As for California, Stewart declined to talk about Fiorina’s upcoming campaign schedule but said, ‘Her connections and contacts, and past in California is going to be a benefit in that state. It always helps to have someone with local ties.’ Fiorina could help open some fundraising doors for Cruz in the state. Charles Munger, one of the GOP’s most generous benefactors, has told associates of his fondness for Fiorina. She also has some ties to Silicon Valley from her time at Hewlett-Packard, though her tenure was tumultuous and she has enemies there, too.” [Politico, 4/29/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/carly-fiorinas-missing-california-network-222614>]

VP Nomination

CNBC: “Trump Has A 70-Percent Disapproval Rating Among Women… Carly Fiorina Is The Living Embodiment Of Why Donald Trump Is The Wrong Guy To Carly The GOP Banner In November.” “Perhaps the best thing about the Fiorina selection is she is just as valuable a primary-nomination asset as she is in the general election. In the primary, Donald Trump's vulnerability is likability and electability. Most voters don't like him and many Republicans worry he can't get elected in November. This is because his numbers with women are terrible. Trump has a 70-percent disapproval rating among women, according to the latest Gallup poll. That's all women but, with a number that high, he's not winning over Republican women. Carly Fiorina is the living embodiment of why Donald Trump is the wrong guy to carry the GOP banner in November. Cruz's numbers aren't great with women either. Fiorina helps increase his chances to get to the general election. And, if he does, she will not only help balance Cruz's image but be a great contrast to Hillary Clinton.” [CNBC, 4/28/16<http://www.cnbc.com/2016/04/28/ted-cruz-was-smart-to-name-carly-fiorina-as-his-running-mate-commentary.html>]

Huffington Post: Carly Fiorina Has Poor Favorability Numbers, But Slightly Better Than Cruz. ““Among the many confusing things about Republican hopeful Ted Cruz’s decision to announce Carly Fiorina as his running mate on Wednesday is this: She’s simply not that popular. There’s not much recent polling on Fiorina, who bowed out of the GOP race in February. But with the exception of a brief spike in popularity last fall, she made little impact on voters, peaking at less than 8 percent nationally before falling to just above the 2 percent mark. A late January YouGov/Economist survey found that 53 percent of Republicans viewed Fiorina favorably and 34 percent viewed her unfavorably, for a net rating of +19. That’s decent, but lower than GOP voters’ opinions of Cruz and fellow candidates Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, Marco Rubio and Donald Trump…. As of February, her average rating among all Americans was a net -18, making her nearly, though not quite, as disliked as Cruz himself, who stands at -23.” [Huffington Post, 4/29/16<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/carly-fiorina-ted-cruz-vp-pick_us_5721fb47e4b0b49df6aa3f99>]

Response To Boehner Comments

Carly Fiorina Criticized John Boehner’s Accomplishments After Boehner Compared Ted Cruz To Lucifer. “Walking out to ‘Cruz/Fiorina’ campaign signs, the former HP executive was greeted by chants of ‘Carly.’ She attacked and advocated for Cruz, lashing out at Trump and former House Speaker John Boehner while describing Cruz as the ultimate fighter. In a speech yesterday, Boehner had compared Cruz to ‘Lucifer’ and said he would not support him in a general election. ‘There’s some breaking news. John Boehner, you know the guy who used to be the speaker of the house, and he didn’t get anything done right?’ Fiorina said during the rally. ‘John Boehner last night said, “Well, Donald Trump and I are texting and golfing buddies.” I rest my case ladies and gentlemen, because only an insider gives $100,000 to John Boehner’s Super PAC and at the same time, funds Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. That’s what Donald Trump has done. So make no mistake, they will not fight the system -- they are the system.’” [ABC News, 4/29/16<http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ted-cruz-carly-fiorina-tag-team-attacks-donald/story?id=38742664>]

Carly Fiorina Used John Boehner’s Relationship With Donald Trump To Portray Trump As An “Insider.” “Walking out to ‘Cruz/Fiorina’ campaign signs, the former HP executive was greeted by chants of ‘Carly.’ She attacked and advocated for Cruz, lashing out at Trump and former House Speaker John Boehner while describing Cruz as the ultimate fighter. In a speech yesterday, Boehner had compared Cruz to ‘Lucifer’ and said he would not support him in a general election. ‘There’s some breaking news. John Boehner, you know the guy who used to be the speaker of the house, and he didn’t get anything done right?’ Fiorina said during the rally. ‘John Boehner last night said, “Well, Donald Trump and I are texting and golfing buddies.” I rest my case ladies and gentlemen, because only an insider gives $100,000 to John Boehner’s Super PAC and at the same time, funds Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. That’s what Donald Trump has done. So make no mistake, they will not fight the system -- they are the system.’” [ABC News, 4/29/16<http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ted-cruz-carly-fiorina-tag-team-attacks-donald/story?id=38742664>]

Misc.

HEADLINE: “The Odd $500,000 Super PAC Gift That May Have Foretold Vice President Carly Fiorina.” [Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/04/28/the-odd-500000-super-pac-gift-that-may-have-foretold-vice-president-carly-fiorina/>]

Due To The Unusual Arrangement Of CARLY For America, A Super PAC Supporting Carly Fiorina’s Candidacy, When Ted Cruz’s Super PAC Donated To CARLY For America, They Were Donating To Fiorina’s Campaign Organization. “In other words, Keep the Promise I was essentially giving to the actual campaign organization of Carly Fiorina, ​if not the actual campaign committee. Fiorina's campaign did spend money and buy ads, but CARLY for America was the engine doing the grunt work. That engine got a big boost last June from Cruz. It will probably be a while before we know just how that donation came about. Perhaps Mercer, the main funder, already had a PAC and wanted to use it to also support Fiorina. Perhaps he or his staff made the tactical decision that keeping Fiorina in the race helped split the moderate bloc that, at one point, seemed like it posed a threat to Cruz's chances. (Prior to Iowa, Cruz spoke not infrequently about how 2016 was unusual in that the moderate lane was more crowded than the conservative one.)” [Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/04/28/the-odd-500000-super-pac-gift-that-may-have-foretold-vice-president-carly-fiorina/>]

CarlyFiorinaForVicePresident.com Redirected To Planned Parenthood’s Website. “Carly Fiorina was only announced as Ted Cruz's VP pick this past Wednesday, but she's already been given a warm welcome by the internet through its friendly neighborhood trolls. Fiorina's VP nomination was gilded with a brand-new domain, CarlyFiorinaForVicePresident.com, which redirects to a donation page for the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. I guess Fiorina hadn't caught on to the golden rule for political candidates: Make sure you claim all your domain names, or else you'll go the way of Jeb Bush, who fell victim to JebBush.com redirecting to Donald Trump's website.” [Bustle, 4/28/16<http://www.bustle.com/articles/157655-carly-fiorina-may-actually-help-planned-parenthood-thanks-to-internet-trolling>]

JEFF SESSIONS

Trump – Immigration

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: Jeff Sessions Joined Donald Trump’s Campaign Motivated By An “Irrational Fixation On Stopping Immigration.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)...these two have given Trump cover, cooing over his pronouncements and ignoring his lies and inanities.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Right Wing Watch: Jeff Sessions “Helped Craft Trump’s Plan To Deport All Undocumented Immigrants Living In The U.S., As Well As His Proposal To Destroy The Mexican Economy By Blocking Remittances In Order To Force Mexico To Pay For The Border Wall.” [Right Wing Watch, 4/28/16<http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/who-should-trump-pick-his-vp-there-are-so-many-terrible-options#sthash.4HB1Sazy.dpuf>]

Right Wing Watch: Responding To Donald Trump’s Plans To Ban Muslims From Entering The United States,  Jeff “Sessions Said That Trump Was ‘Treading On Dangerous Ground’ But That It Is ‘Appropriate To Begin To Discuss’ The Issue.” “Sen. Jeff Sessions, the Alabama Republican who helped Donald Trump craft his far-right immigration platform, came cautiously to Trump’s defense today after Trump proposed banning all Muslims from entering the United States. Sessions said that Trump was ‘treading on dangerous ground’ but that it is ‘appropriate to begin to discuss’ the issue.” [Right Wing Watch 12/10/15<http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/sessions-defends-trump-muslim-ban-says-its-appropriate-begin-discuss#sthash.D5j7vJvX.dpuf>]

Trump – VP

Hot Air’s Allahpundit On Donald Trump’s Pick For Running Mate: “If I Had To Bet, I’d Bet Sessions.” “So, by process of elimination, it has to be Jeff Sessions, right? He’s not angling for higher office (he’s approaching 70). He has some insider credentials as a longtime member of the Senate but also loads of populist credibility as the congressional GOP’s staunchest critic of amnesty. He endorsed Trump despite Cruz’s tireless efforts to win him over, and he’s closer to Trump’s protectionist views than any other prominent Republican elected official. He represents a concession by Trump to the party’s southern base, and he seems congenial enough that he wouldn’t have the difficulty that Webb would defending Trump’s policies as a matter of course. I think he’s the pick…I think there’s a small chance that some Republican, whether Cruz himself or someone else, will view the VP slot that way, as a potentially low-cost way to build a bridge to Trumpists for 2020 rather than as a political dead end. But if I had to bet, I’d bet Sessions.” [Hot Air, 4/28/16<http://hotair.com/archives/2016/04/28/so-whos-going-to-be-trumps-vp/>]

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin:  Jeff Sessions And Chris Christie’s “Families Should Hope These Two Were Smart Enough To Secure Generous Spots In The Trump Organization Later On, Given That Their Political Credibility Is Now Shredded.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)…Their families should hope these two were smart enough to secure generous spots in the Trump organization later on, given that their political credibility is now shredded.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Trump – Other

Walid Phares, Advisor To Donald Trump Said That “Trump Received Input For His Address From A Variety Of Advisers, Such As US Senator Jeff Sessions Of Alabama.” “Walid Phares, a Trump foreign policy adviser, said Trump received input for his address from a variety of advisers, such as US Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama.” [Reuters, 4/28/16<http://interaksyon.com/article/127022/america-first-trump-bares-foreign-policy>]

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: Jeff Sessions And Chris Christie “Have Given Trump Cover, Cooing Over His Pronouncements And Ignoring His Lies And Inanities.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)… these two have given Trump cover, cooing over his pronouncements and ignoring his lies and inanities.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Claim Hillary Clinton Is Playing The “Woman Card”: I’m “Not Goin’ To Be The Person That Has An Answer For Everything A Candidate Says In The Race.” “Donald Trump’s top advocate in the Senate is refusing to defend the GOP front-runner’s remark that Hillary Clinton is playing ‘the woman card.’ Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he’s ‘not goin’ to be the person that has an answer for everything a candidate says in the race.’” [Associated Press, 4/28/16<http://www.myfoxspokane.com/the-latest-knight-says-trump-has-the-guts-to-use-a-bomb/>]

Jeff Sessions: “I Think There Can Be No Discrimination Against Women And I Do Not Believe That Donald Trump Would Ever Discriminate Against A Woman.” “Donald Trump’s top advocate in the Senate is refusing to defend the GOP front-runner’s remark that Hillary Clinton is playing ‘the woman card.’ Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he’s ‘not goin’ to be the person that has an answer for everything a candidate says in the race.’ Asked to defend Trump’s assertion about the former secretary of state, senator and lawyer, Sessions said, ‘I think there can be no discrimination against women and I do not believe that Donald Trump would ever discriminate against a woman.’” [Associated Press, 4/28/16<http://www.myfoxspokane.com/the-latest-knight-says-trump-has-the-guts-to-use-a-bomb/>]

4/29/16: Rick Dearborn, Chief Of Staff To Jeff Sessions, Participated In Meeting With Donald Trump Campaign Staff And DC Lawmakers At The Capitol Hill Club. [Politico, 4/28/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/donald-trump-capitol-hill-meeting-congress-222600>]

Sentencing Reform Act of 2015

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions On The Senator’s Opposition To The Sentencing Reform Act of 2015: “Passing This Legislation Would Not Only Be Unwise, It Would Be Unsafe.” “According to Gallup, Americans are more concerned about crime than they have been in 15 years.  If ever there was a time to release more violent felons into our communities, it most certainly is not now.  Passing this legislation would not only be unwise, it would be unsafe.” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions, 4/28/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=news-releases&id=53A4F324-C107-48AC-9D20-5443E9A5FA4A>]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: “The Changes Made To The Criminal Sentencing Bill Fail To Fix The Bill And Leave Us With Legislation That Still Would Release Thousands Of Violent Felons And Endanger Millions Of Americans Whose Safety Is Increasingly Threatened By Rising Crime Rates. “The changes made to the criminal sentencing bill fail to fix the bill and leave us with legislation that still would release thousands of violent felons and endanger millions of Americans whose safety is increasingly threatened by rising crime rates.  While visiting concern on prisoners is an important and valuable act, we must understand a core responsibility of the government is safety of the public.  The wise approach is to slow down and evaluate the trends before accelerating prison population decline.” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions, 4/28/16<http://www.sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=news-releases&id=53A4F324-C107-48AC-9D20-5443E9A5FA4A>]

Jeff Sessions On The Criminal Sentencing Reform Act Of 2015: It Would “Send A Message To Judges And Prosecutors That We’re Not Interested In People Serving Sentences Anymore” While “The Crime Rate Is Beginning To Go Up.” “Alterations to the bill are unlikely to win over its harshest Republican critics — namely, Sens. Tom Cotton (Ark.), Jeff Sessions (Ala.) and Cornyn’s fellow Texan, GOP hopeful Ted Cruz, who all argue that a reduction in mandatory minimums would make communities less safe.  Cotton immediately attacked the changes, saying the ‘revised bill only raises more serious questions.’ Sessions questioned whether the bill would ‘send a message to judges and prosecutors that we’re not interested in people serving sentences anymore’ as ‘the crime rate is beginning to go up.’ The U.S. crime rate is at a historic low, according to a recent study by the Brennan Center for Justice, and remained steady from 2014 to 2015.” [Huffington Post, 4/28/16<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/senators-criminal-justice-reform_us_57227d46e4b01a5ebde52012>]

Roll Call: To Consider the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, “McConnell would have to allow a vote over the objections of Republicans Orrin G. Hatch of Utah, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Jeff Sessions of Alabama and David Perdue of Georgia.” [Roll Call, 4/28/16<http://www.rollcall.com/news/policy/support-senate-sentencing-bill-hurdles-remain#sthash.7ECv75fX.dpuf>]

Associated Press: “Conservatives, Particularly Former Federal Prosecutors Like Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., Have Said They Believe The [Sentencing Reform Act Of 2015] Could Reverse An Overall Downward Trend In Crime.” “A bipartisan group of senators unveiled legislation on Thursday to give judges more discretion in sentencing offenders, a renewed push to overhaul the nation's criminal justice system over objections from some conservatives and Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz. Legislation approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee last November would allow some nonviolent drug offenders to get reduced prison sentences and give judges greater discretion in sentencing. The legislation had rare bipartisan support in the Senate and backing from President Barack Obama, but it stalled earlier this year when some conservatives suggested that it could let violent offenders out of prison. The bill's sponsors, including Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Senate Republican, denied that charge. But they have revised the bill anyway, hoping to convince Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky, that it has enough support to pass the Senate in a contentious election year…Other conservatives, particularly former federal prosecutors like Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., have said they believe the bill could reverse an overall downward trend in crime.” [Associated Press, 4/28/16]

Office of Senator Jeff Sessions: “Sessions Comments On Revised Criminal Sentencing Bill: 1.usa.gov/1Swushr” [@Senator Sessions, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenatorSessions/status/725790391438610433>]

Misc.

5/1/16: Jeff Sessions Delivered The Commencement Address And Received An Honorary Doctor Of Humane Letters Degree At The University Of Alabama In Huntsville. [Press Release, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 4/29/16]

American Banker: “A Bill Proposed Last Year By Sens. Jeff Session, R-Ala., And Bill Nelson, D-Fla., Would Reduce The Number Of Visas By 15,000.” [American Banker, 4/28/16]

CNN: “Senator Jeff Sessions Is One Of Only Three Republican Senators Who Didn't Sign A Letter To President Obama Urging Him To Increase” Military Aid To Israel. [CNN Newsroom, CNN, 4/28/16]

Office Of Senator Jeff Sessions: “Sen. Sessions Will Appear On The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer On CNN At 6:00 Pm EST Tonight.” [@Senator Sessions, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/SenatorSessions/status/725430391851614209>]

RICK SCOTT

Florida Economy

Rick Scott On Florida: “Our Wage Growth Rate Is Faster Than The Country By 40%. The Labor Force Growth Rate Is 50% Faster.” SCOTT: “Our wage growth rate is faster than the country by 40%. The labor force growth rate is 50% faster. So we're actually doing really well. But I want to keep it up. I want every Florida family to have a great job.” CNBC: “And you believe, I would assume, that raising the minimum wage by large increments if at all means lower employment overall.” SCOTT:  “The study that says that California's raise will -- they'll lose 700,000 jobs. And it hurts the people they say they're going to help…I want to make sure every business has the opportunity to succeed because they're the ones that create jobs.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Minimum Wage

Rick Scott: “.@Jerrybrowngov I Look Forward To Coming To CA To Tell Businesses Why They Need To Move To Florida.<mailto:.@Jerrybrowngov%20I%20Look%20Forward%20To%20Coming%20To%20CA%20To%20Tell%20Businesses%20Why%20They%20Need%20To%20Move%20To%20Florida.>” [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/725820387058130944>]

Rick Scott: “.@Jerrybrowngov FL Has No Income Tax – CA Is Up 13.3%!  I Am Coming To CA To Tell CA Businesses They Will Do Better In FL.<mailto:.@Jerrybrowngov%20FL%20Has%20No%20Income%20Tax%20–%20CA%20Is%20Up%2013.3%25! %20I%20Am%20Coming%20To%20CA%20To%20Tell%20CA%20Businesses%20They%20Will%20Do%20Better%20In%20FL.>” [@FLGovScott, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/FLGovScott/status/725820533946892292>]

CNBC: Defending Florida’s $8.05 Minimum Wage, Rick Scott Said “If You Want A Job, If You Want To Build A Global Business, Florida Is The Place Where You Want To Build Your Business Because We Understand What Business People Need.” CNBC: “What is the minimum wage in Florida?” SCOTT: “It's $8.05. So the campaign is basically, ‘move to Florida.’ If you want a job, if you want to build a global business, Florida is the place where you want to build your business because we understand what business people need.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Rick Scott Refused To Answer Whether Or Not He Believed There Should Be A Minimum Wage At All. CNBC: “Should there be -- it's something we talked about from time to time here on CNBC -- should there be a minimum wage at all?” SCOTT: “Well, here's what we know. We know that as we raise it, the Congressional Budget Office said if it’s raised to $10.10 that would be 500,000 jobs lost around the country. Now we know in California, if they raise it to $15 that’s 700,000 jobs. So what I want to do is focus on what do we do to compete globally? We have to have lower taxes. We have to have less regulation. We have to give businesses the opportunity to compete globally. If we do, we're going to get more jobs, and that's what I want in my state.” CNBC: “But philosophically, I'm asking a broad question there. Should an employee be able to work for whatever wage they think is fair for the job that's being offered to them and should an employer be able to pay whatever they think would attract the kind of worker they need?” SCOTT:  “Well, we already have the minimum wage. I don't think the minimum wage is going to go away. My focus is, put our state in the best position that we're in the best position. I don't think the minimum wage is going to go away. I know what California is doing with their taxes, with their minimum wage, with their regulation, they're the worst state to do business in. They are going to continue to lose jobs. Florida is going to continue to win jobs.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Rick Scott: “I Know What California Is Doing With Their Taxes, With Their Minimum Wage, With Their Regulation, They're The Worst State To Do Business In. They Are Going To Continue To Lose Jobs.” CNBC: “But philosophically, I'm asking a broad question there. Should an employee be able to work for whatever wage they think is fair for the job that's being offered to them and should an employer be able to pay whatever they think would attract the kind of worker they need?” SCOTT:  “Well, we already have the minimum wage. I don't think the minimum wage is going to go away. My focus is, put our state in the best position that we're in the best position. I don't think the minimum wage is going to go away. I know what California is doing with their taxes, with their minimum wage, with their regulation, they're the worst state to do business in. They are going to continue to lose jobs. Florida is going to continue to win jobs.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Hillary Clinton
Rick Scott On Hillary Clinton: “We Know Her Position. She's Not Going To Secure Our Borders. She's Not Going To Build Our Military. She's Not Going To Destroy ISIS And She Doesn't Care About Job Creation.”  CNBC: “You're one of only three sitting governors to have endorsed Donald Trump. Why do you think he has so few endorsements so far at your level? SCOTT: “You know, what's interesting is you go back to 2010. I got the fewest endorsements but I got the most number of votes, and so I became the governor. I think Donald Trump is in the exact same position. He has the fewest endorsements but he has got the votes. He's going to become the next president. Look, endorsements don't change races. What changes races is who can get to the voters? Donald Trump believes in job creation. He believes in securing our border. And look, this is between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. We know her position. She's not going to secure our borders. She's not going to build our military. She's not going to destroy ISIS and she doesn't care about job creation.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Trump

Rick Scott: “Donald Trump Believes In Job Creation. He Believes In Securing Our Border.” CNBC: “You're one of only three sitting governors to have endorsed Donald Trump. Why do you think he has so few endorsements so far at your level? SCOTT: “You know, what's interesting is you go back to 2010. I got the fewest endorsements but I got the most number of votes, and so I became the governor. I think Donald Trump is in the exact same position. He has the fewest endorsements but he has got the votes. He's going to become the next president. Look, endorsements don't change races. What changes races is who can get to the voters? Donald Trump believes in job creation. He believes in securing our border. And look, this is between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. We know her position. She's not going to secure our borders. She's not going to build our military. She's not going to destroy ISIS and she doesn't care about job creation.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Rick Scott: “I’ve Met Mrs. Fiorina One Time, She Seemed Like A Very Nice Person. But This Election Is Between Donald Trump And Hillary Clinton.” CNBC: “What do you think of the alliance earlier this week of Governor Kasich and Mr. Cruz with respect to kind of dividing up their campaigning concentration in an effort to deny Mr. Trump a first ballot win and second, your reaction to Mr. Cruz's choice of Carly Fiorina as his potential running mate?” SCOTT: “Well the alliance sure didn't seem to help anybody on Tuesday other than Donald Trump. If you look at his big wins on Tuesday. I’ve met Mrs. Fiorina one time, she seemed like a very nice person. But this election is between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump is either going to be close or at 1237. We've got to stop trying to stop Trump. All that is doing is helping Hillary. We've got to focus on winning November. We can't have -- we can't have four more years of Barack Obama's economic policy, healthcare policy, all the things that have damaged this country.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Rick Scott: “We've Got To Stop Trying To Stop Trump. All That Is Doing Is Helping Hillary.” CNBC: “What do you think of the alliance earlier this week of Governor Kasich and Mr. Cruz with respect to kind of dividing up their campaigning concentration in an effort to deny Mr. Trump a first ballot win and second, your reaction to Mr. Cruz's choice of Carly Fiorina as his potential running mate?” SCOTT: “Well the alliance sure didn't seem to help anybody on Tuesday other than Donald Trump. If you look at his big wins on Tuesday. I’ve met Mrs. Fiorina one time, she seemed like a very nice person. But this election is between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump is either going to be close or at 1237. We've got to stop trying to stop Trump. All that is doing is helping Hillary. We've got to focus on winning November. We can't have -- we can't have four more years of Barack Obama's economic policy, healthcare policy, all the things that have damaged this country.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Spending

Rick Scott Refused To Answer Whether Or Not He Would Support A Large Stimulus To Get The Economy Moving, As Carl Icahn Suggested. CNBC: “Mr. Carl Icahn was just on our air a few minutes ago. Somebody that Mr. Trump -- who has endorsed Mr. Trump and who Mr. Trump has mentioned as the kind of guy he's like to have as his Treasury Secretary. Mr. Icahn favored stimulus, spending, and that we’re, and politicians particularly are way too concerned about the size of the U.S. debt. Would you be comfortable with a large stimulus as part of a way to get the economy moving forward, and are you as unconcerned about debt as Mr. Icahn is?” SCOTT: “I can tell what you I have done in our state. We've cut taxes 55 times. In the last two years over $1 billion in tax cuts. I have cut 4200 regulations. I have traveled outside the country and around the country to get jobs. We've added 1.61 million jobs…The four years before we got elected, we lost jobs in Florida, we lost 832,000 jobs in Florida. We've paid down 7.5 billion worth of debt. And here’s what’s happened, we've almost doubled our transportation funding. We have the highest education funding in the history of the state. So the path of making it a better place for business means we get more revenues that we can spend.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Rick Scott On His Record In Florida: “We've Almost Doubled Our Transportation Funding. We Have The Highest Education Funding In The History Of The State. So The Path Of Making It A Better Place For Business Means We Get More Revenues That We Can Spend.”  CNBC: “Mr. Carl Icahn was just on our air a few minutes ago. Somebody that Mr. Trump -- who has endorsed Mr. Trump and who Mr. Trump has mentioned as the kind of guy he's like to have as his Treasury Secretary. Mr. Icahn favored stimulus, spending, and that we’re, and politicians particularly are way too concerned about the size of the U.S. debt. Would you be comfortable with a large stimulus as part of a way to get the economy moving forward, and are you as unconcerned about debt as Mr. Icahn is?” SCOTT: “I can tell what you I have done in our state. We've cut taxes 55 times. In the last two years over $1 billion in tax cuts. I have cut 4200 regulations. I have traveled outside the country and around the country to get jobs. We've added 1.61 million jobs…The four years before we got elected, we lost jobs in Florida, we lost 832,000 jobs in Florida. We've paid down 7.5 billion worth of debt. And here’s what’s happened, we've almost doubled our transportation funding. We have the highest education funding in the history of the state. So the path of making it a better place for business means we get more revenues that we can spend.” [Power Lunch, CNBC, 4/28/16; VIDEO<https://toolbox.dnc.org/?tool_name=vantage%20uploader&path=vantageuploader.dnc.org/videos/shared_show?jwt=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJpYXQiOjE0NjE4NzE2NTIsImVtYWlsIjoiamFrdWJpZWNtQGRuYy5vcmciLCJpZCI6MzEzMDUwLCJkb3dubG9hZGFibGUiOnRydWV9.fhng5gDvlFI8YPO-hi-fA-7eIcCnNU4XZTGOQzISBRY>]

Insurance Commissioner

HEADLINE: “McCarty Plans To Work Next Week, Over Scott Objections.” [Politico, 4/29/16<http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/florida/2016/04/8597952/mccarty-plans-work-next-week-over-scott-objections>]

Tampa Bay Times On Rick Scott: “Does He Think There Should Be A Minimum Wage? Asked Twice In A CNBC Interview Thursday, He Wouldn't Say.” “Gov. Rick Scott doesn't like a higher minimum wage. He made that clear this week when he announced radio ads in California ahead of his trade mission to that state, which will raise its wage from $10 to $15 an hour by 2022. But does he think there should be a minimum wage? Asked twice in a CNBC interview Thursday, he wouldn't say.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/28/16<http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/rick-scott-on-cnbc-i-dont-think-the-minimum-wage-is-going-away/2275166>]

Judicial Appointments

HEADLINE: “Scott Plan To Replace Judge With Appointment Decried As Court Packing.” [Palm Beach Post, 4/28/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/scott-plan-to-replace-judge-with-appointment-decri/nrDbq/>]

Palm Beach Post: “Rick Scott This Week Announced Plans To Appoint Someone To Replace A Judge Leaving The Palm Beach County Bench Even Though The County’s Elections Supervisor Said State Law Calls For The Replacement To Be Elected By Voters.” “In a move that critics claim smacks of an attempt to pack the court, Florida Gov. Rick Scott this week announced plans to appoint someone to replace a judge leaving the Palm Beach County bench even though the county’s elections supervisor said state law calls for the replacement to be elected by voters. Attorney Gregg Lerman, who had already announced plans to run for the seat, vowed to file a lawsuit if Scott won’t back down from his plans to appoint a judge to replace longtime County Court Judge Laura Johnson, who is resigning to seek a seat on the circuit court bench.” [Palm Beach Post, 4/28/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/scott-plan-to-replace-judge-with-appointment-decri/nrDbq/>]

Palm Beach Post: Rick Scott Planned “To Appoint A Judge To Replace Longtime County Court Judge Laura Johnson, Who Is Resigning To Seek A Seat On The Circuit Court Bench.” “In a move that critics claim smacks of an attempt to pack the court, Florida Gov. Rick Scott this week announced plans to appoint someone to replace a judge leaving the Palm Beach County bench even though the county’s elections supervisor said state law calls for the replacement to be elected by voters. Attorney Gregg Lerman, who had already announced plans to run for the seat, vowed to file a lawsuit if Scott won’t back down from his plans to appoint a judge to replace longtime County Court Judge Laura Johnson, who is resigning to seek a seat on the circuit court bench.” [Palm Beach Post, 4/28/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/scott-plan-to-replace-judge-with-appointment-decri/nrDbq/>]

Mary Thomas

Rick Scott Praised Congressional Hopeful Mary Thomas At A Club For Growth Meeting In February. “Gov. Rick Scott gave a shout-out to Republican congressional candidate Mary Thomas during a closed door event at a conference hosted by Club for Growth, the conservative group that each election cycle supports candidates across the country. ‘Mary came aboard with me right after I got elected back in 2010 and worked in my general counsel office, and to give her bragging rights, everything she touched, it worked,’ Scott said, according to audio from the meeting provided to POLITICO Florida… Thomas served as an attorney in Scott’s administration, including as general counsel for the Department of Elder Affairs. She is running in the Republican primary for the 2nd Congressional District against Panama City physician Neal Dunn. The seat, which covers the eastern panhandle and sections of north-central Florida, is held by Democrat Gwen Graham, who is not running for re-election after a redistricting challenge made the seat much more conservative.” [Politico, 4/28/16<http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/florida/2016/04/8597941/closed-door-event-scott-praised-congressional-hopeful-mary-thomas>]

Fox 13 News Highlighted The Story Of A Florida Cancer Victim Who Lost Healthcare Coverage After Falling Into The Gap Created When Rick Scott Blocked Florida’s Medicaid Expansion. “While federal health care reform was intended to provide universal coverage, millions of people continue to slip through the cracks  -- including hundreds of thousands in Florida like Raymond Martineau, who thought they would not lose coverage when they get sick. Martineau lined up a job in the Tampa Bay area and purchased a health insurance policy through Heathcare.gov. He could afford the policy because he qualified for subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. However, he learned he had advanced cancer, and was unable to keep his job. As a result, he could not meet the income requirements under the ACA to retain his subsidies, and as a result lost his ability to keep his coverage… When federal lawmakers passed Obamacare, they determined people with no money should not buy policies. Instead, they designed to law to offer them an expanded form of state-run Medicaid, fully funded by federal money for the first three years… Florida continues to refuse around $50 billion from the federal government to expand health care services. The Republican-controlled Florida Senate tried to expand health care for the poor last year. The Florida House and Governor Scott blocked it, and the Senate did not fight for it this year.” [Fox 13 News, 4/28/16<http://www.fox13news.com/news/fox-13-investigates/134159602-story>]

Abortion

Orlando Weekly: A Florida Administrative Law Judge “Rejected A State Agency's Arguments That A Gainesville Abortion Clinic Should Be Fined For Performing Second-Trimester Abortions Without A Proper License.” “An administrative law judge Thursday rejected a state agency's arguments that a Gainesville abortion clinic should be fined for performing second-trimester abortions without a proper license.  In a 25-page ruling, Judge Lawrence P. Stevenson concluded that the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration had failed to make its case against Bread & Roses Well Woman Care. AHCA filed an administrative complaint against Bread and Roses in August, contending that the clinic, which is licensed to perform only first-trimester abortions, had performed five abortions on women who were in the second trimesters of pregnancies… The agency based its complaint on the fact that documentation in the five cases did not include the dates of the women's last normal menstrual periods. The files showed how many weeks of pregnancy were indicated by ultrasound procedures, which the clinic's owner and director, Kristin Davy, said was standard practice.” [Orlando Weekly, 4/29/16<http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/04/29/judge-rejects-floridas-claim-against-gainesville-abortion-clinic>]

Miami Herald: “In A Major Victory For Injured Workers And Stinging Defeat For Businesses, The Florida Supreme Court…Struck Down A Law Limiting Attorney’s Fees In Workers’ Compensation Cases.” “In a major victory for injured workers and stinging defeat for businesses, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a law limiting attorney’s fees in workers’ compensation cases. The 5-2 ruling is a setback for business groups who say legal fees drive up the cost of workers’ compensation insurance and threaten Florida’s economy and they must seek help from a reliably pro-business Legislature. The long-awaited decision puts pressure on lawmakers to call a special session in an election year to referee a high-stakes battle between Republican-aligned businesses and Democrat-leaning law firms, two deep-pocketed rivals that are among the biggest contributors to legislators’ political campaigns.”  [Miami Herald, 4/28/16<http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article74444272.html>]

Miami Herald: A Florida Supreme Court Decision Striking Down A Law Limiting Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Fees “Puts Pressure On Lawmakers To Call A Special Session In An Election Year To Referee A High-Stakes Battle Between Republican-Aligned Businesses And Democrat-Leaning Law Firms.”   “In a major victory for injured workers and stinging defeat for businesses, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a law limiting attorney’s fees in workers’ compensation cases. The 5-2 ruling is a setback for business groups who say legal fees drive up the cost of workers’ compensation insurance and threaten Florida’s economy and they must seek help from a reliably pro-business Legislature. The long-awaited decision puts pressure on lawmakers to call a special session in an election year to referee a high-stakes battle between Republican-aligned businesses and Democrat-leaning law firms, two deep-pocketed rivals that are among the biggest contributors to legislators’ political campaigns.” [Miami Herald, 4/28/16<http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article74444272.html>]

Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Fees In Florida Were Determined BY The State Insurance Commissioner’s Office Of Insurance Regulation. “Workers’ compensation rates in Florida are regulated by the Office of Insurance Regulation, run by Kevin McCarty, who has resigned effective May 2 but who has offered to stay on with no permanent successor in place. Gov. Rick Scott said he wants to appoint McCarty’s successor on Friday. McCarty said that until the Legislature acts, the state will base attorney’s fees on the ‘reasonable’ standard defined in a 2008 case, Murray vs. Mariner Health. ‘Limiting attorney’s fees has been an important factor in reducing workers’ compensation rates,’ McCarty said. ‘A legislative remedy will be required to prevent significant increases in rates, and we look forward to working with all parties affected to bring about a sensible solution.’” [Miami Herald, 4/28/16<http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article74444272.html>]

DOUG DUCEY

Budget

Capitol Media Services: Doug Ducey Was “Counting On Rank-And-File Lawmakers To Restore Some Of The Cuts In Public School Funding,” But Ducey Negotiated The Education Cuts Himself And “Shares At Least Part Of The Blame For Why The Process Has Dragged On.” “Gov. Doug Ducey is counting on rank-and-file lawmakers to restore some of the cuts in public school funding -- cuts that are in the budget deal he negotiated with Republican legislative leaders. And there are signs that's going to happen. A tentative agreement being negotiated late Thursday would reverse a year-old decision by lawmakers to change how the state calculates aid to schools. The result would be to restore money that schools would have lost in the agreement announced earlier this week. The deal being worked on also would scrap a proposed change in law that would penalize districts which use their own taxpayer dollars to construct needed new schools. ‘We're very close,’ the governor said in a Tweet. But Ducey shares at least part of the blame for why the process has dragged on. Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato acknowledged his boss agreed to the $9.58 billion spending package unveiled earlier this week. That plan already has gained approval of the Senate Appropriations Committee on a party-line vote.” [Capitol Media Services, 4/29/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/ducey-lawmakers-looking-to-restore-education-cuts/article_88edd330-aee7-5640-b532-9da071d51e03.html>]

Doug Ducey Aide: “The Governor Has Made It Very Clear That Schools Need To See More Money Moving Ahead…And He Is Confident That The Result And What Comes Out At The End Through The Budget Negotiations Will Be Something Very Satisfactory To The Schools.” “The bottom line is that K-12 funding next year under the deal Ducey agreed to would have been $21 million less than what the schools would otherwise get automatically just from enrollment and inflation. Scarpinato said Thursday that Arizonans should not be alarmed -- or read too much -- into the fact that his boss was a party to the package, including the cuts to education. ‘This is a framework for legislative leadership to take to members,’ he said. ‘The governor has made it very clear that schools need to see more money moving ahead,’ Scarpinato continued. ‘And he is confident that the result and what comes out at the end through the budget negotiations will be something very satisfactory to the schools.’” [Capitol Media Services, 4/29/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/ducey-lawmakers-looking-to-restore-education-cuts/article_88edd330-aee7-5640-b532-9da071d51e03.html>]

Capitol Media Services: “The Bottom Line Is That K-12 Funding Next Year Under The Deal Ducey Agreed To Would Have Been $21 Million Less Than What The Schools Would Otherwise Get Automatically Just From Enrollment And Inflation.” “The bottom line is that K-12 funding next year under the deal Ducey agreed to would have been $21 million less than what the schools would otherwise get automatically just from enrollment and inflation. Scarpinato said Thursday that Arizonans should not be alarmed -- or read too much -- into the fact that his boss was a party to the package, including the cuts to education. ‘This is a framework for legislative leadership to take to members,’ he said. ‘The governor has made it very clear that schools need to see more money moving ahead,’ Scarpinato continued. ‘And he is confident that the result and what comes out at the end through the budget negotiations will be something very satisfactory to the schools.’” [Capitol Media Services, 4/29/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/ducey-lawmakers-looking-to-restore-education-cuts/article_88edd330-aee7-5640-b532-9da071d51e03.html>]

Capitol Media Services: Doug Ducey’s Aide “Did Not Dispute That Ducey, In Negotiating With Legislative Leaders, Did Not Hold Out For The Larger K-12 Spending He Now Says He Wants.” “Scarpinato said Ducey wants any final plan means more than just a larger bottom-line number. He said the governor wants Ducey wants to be sure that individual school districts have ‘a net increase in available dollars.’ The gubernatorial aide did not dispute that Ducey, in negotiating with legislative leaders, did not hold out for the larger K-12 spending he now says he wants. But he insisted that Ducey was quite aware that there are Republican legislators who, like he, would find that plan unacceptable and insist on the changes that are now being negotiated.” [Capitol Media Services, 4/29/16<http://azdailysun.com/news/local/ducey-lawmakers-looking-to-restore-education-cuts/article_88edd330-aee7-5640-b532-9da071d51e03.html>]

Koch Bros

HEADLINE: “$5 Million In Arizona Higher Education Funding Is Going To Koch-Backed ‘Freedom Schools.’” [Think Progress, 4/28/16<http://thinkprogress.org/education/2016/04/28/3773610/arizona-freedom-schools/>]

Social Media

Doug Ducey: “My Sincerest Condolences Governor @Claudiapavlovic On The Passing Of Your Father. Our Thoughts And Prayers Are With You & Your Family.” [@dougducey, Twitter, 4/28/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/725833887188803584>]
Solar

Solar

Associated Press: Doug Ducey Helped Negotiate  “A Deal Between The Nation's Largest Solar Company And Arizona's Biggest Utility Announced…[That] Means Competing Measures Asking Voters About How To Treat Rooftop Solar Power Are Being Withdrawn.” “A deal between the nation's largest solar company and Arizona's biggest utility announced Thursday means competing measures asking voters about how to treat rooftop solar power are being withdrawn. The agreement between SolarCity and Arizona Public Service Co. puts an end to an increasingly public fight pitting the utility against solar companies, for now. The two sides agreed to mediation over how solar customers are paid for the power they produce on their rooftops. Gov. Doug Ducey and lawmakers negotiated with the two sides and the governor's office will participate in the talks. The hope is that other utilities and solar firms will eventually sign on.” [Associated Press, 4/28/16<http://www.abc15.com/news/state/deal-ends-fight-between-solarcity-and-aps-for-now>]

Associated Press: Doug Ducey Helped Negotiate A Deal Between The Nation’s Largest Solar Company And Arizona’s Largest Utility “In Response To A Solarcity-Backed Citizens' Initiative Mandating That Utilities Pay Homeowners With Rooftop Solar Panels The Full Retail Price For Power They Send Back To The Grid.” “The two sides agreed to mediation over how solar customers are paid for the power they produce on their rooftops. Gov. Doug Ducey and lawmakers negotiated with the two sides and the governor's office will participate in the talks. The hope is that other utilities and solar firms will eventually sign on. The deal was announced by Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, less than an hour after Republicans in the Arizona Senate took steps to send Arizona voters measures mandating separate rates for rooftop solar users and regulating solar leasing companies as utilities. That was in response to a SolarCity-backed citizens' initiative mandating that utilities pay homeowners with rooftop solar panels the full retail price for power they send back to the grid.” [Associated Press, 4/28/16<http://www.abc15.com/news/state/deal-ends-fight-between-solarcity-and-aps-for-now>]

Trump/Cruz

KJZZ: Arizona State Treasurer And Trump Supporter Jeff Dewit Said Doug Ducey’s Staff Was Pushing The Opportunity To Proxy Vote At Local GOP Meetings, “Allowing Cruz Supporters To Pick Up State Delegate Slots.” “DeWit says in the local meetings to select the state delegates, voting policies varied locally, which he said benefited Cruz. Some meetings allowed ‘proxy’ votes for absent precinct committeemen, while others did not. DeWit said the variation was often used in ways to benefit Cruz, allowing Cruz supporters to pick up state delegate slots. DeWit claims Governor Doug Ducey’s office staff helped with those efforts.” [KJZZ, 4/29/16<http://kjzz.org/content/299251/trump-cruz-camps-battle-delegates-state-gop-convention>]

Arizona State Treasurer And Trump Supporter Jeff Dewit: “The Ducey Staff People Who Work In The Governor’s Office Have Been At These Meetings Pushing Ted Cruz’s Slate… They Have Said That Their Goal Is To The Ted Cruz Delegates Elected.” “‘The Ducey staff people who work in the Governor’s office have been at these meetings pushing Ted Cruz’s slate,’ DeWit said. ‘They have said that their goal is to the Ted Cruz delegates elected. The Governor wants to be the chairman, and from what we have heard, he wants to turn the delegation to Cruz on the second vote. And so we are actively working to keep that from happening.’” [KJZZ, 4/29/16<http://kjzz.org/content/299251/trump-cruz-camps-battle-delegates-state-gop-convention>]

Arizona State Treasurer And Trump Supporter Jeff Dewit On Arizona’s Delegation To The GOP Convention: “The Governor Wants To Be The Chairman, And From What We Have Heard, He Wants To Turn The Delegation To Cruz On The Second Vote.” “‘The Ducey staff people who work in the Governor’s office have been at these meetings pushing Ted Cruz’s slate,’ DeWit said. ‘They have said that their goal is to the Ted Cruz delegates elected. The Governor wants to be the chairman, and from what we have heard, he wants to turn the delegation to Cruz on the second vote. And so we are actively working to keep that from happening.’” [KJZZ, 4/29/16<http://kjzz.org/content/299251/trump-cruz-camps-battle-delegates-state-gop-convention>]

KJZZ: “Ducey Himself Is One Of The Candidates To Be A National Delegate Along With Other Known Republican Leaders, Including Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.” “Ducey’s office did not return a request for comment, but the Governor has not publicly endorsed a candidate. Ducey himself is one of the candidates to be a national delegate along with other known Republican leaders, including Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.” [KJZZ, 4/29/16<http://kjzz.org/content/299251/trump-cruz-camps-battle-delegates-state-gop-convention>]

NIKKI HALEY

On Congressional Testimony On Guantanamo Bay Prisoner Transfer Sites

The Hill: “South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley On Thursday Came To Capitol Hill To Plead With House Lawmakers Not To Let Guantánamo Bay Detainees Be Brought To Her State.” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Nikki Haley Said That The Department Of Defense Had Contacted Her Out Of The Blue About Looking At The Charleston Naval Brig For Guantanamo Bay Detainees. “Haley told the committee that the Pentagon reached out last summer to tell her they were scouting the U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig in Hanahan, S.C., as a possible site to transfer the detainees. The facility lies five miles from North Charleston. ‘Imagine my surprise,’ she said. ‘Not only was it against federal law (…) but why would anyone want to put terrorists in Charleston?’” [The Kansas City Star, 4/28/16<http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article74424732.html>]

Nikki Haley Testified That The Administration Has Not Communicated With South Carolina Officials Aside From The Initial Message From The Defense Department. “’They’ve [The Obama Administration] handled this very much on their own and have not included us in the process,’ Haley, a second-term Republican, told a U.S. House Homeland Security subcommittee examining the implications of moving prisoners to certain communities…On Thursday, she told lawmakers that Defense Department officials surveyed the Naval brig 15 miles from Charleston but have said nothing about whether they still considering bringing prisoners there. ‘We would welcome them talking to us,’ Haley said, adding she has no answers for people wanting updates. ‘We have gotten no input whatsoever.’” [The Times And Democrat, 4/28/16<http://thetandd.com/ap/state/haley-feds-have-left-south-carolina-in-dark-on-guantanamo/article_a86650f8-76ff-5540-a85a-812d9d514131.html/>]

Nikki Haley Said That Having Detainees In The Charleston Naval Brig Would Hurt The Local Economy And Increase The Risk Of An Attack. “Haley, a rising star in the Republican Party, told members of a House Homeland Security subcommittee that proposals to bring suspected terrorists to the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, S.C., would dramatically affect the local economy, make the community vulnerable to extremist violence and cast a shadow of fear over the public.” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

The Hill: Nikki Haley Said That “You Could Pay The State Of South Carolina To Host These Terrorists And We Wouldn’t Take Them For Any Amount Of Money. There Is No Price,” “‘You could pay the state of South Carolina to host these terrorists and we wouldn’t take them for any amount of money. There is no price,’ she claimed. ‘What company is going to invest in a state where they keep these heinous terrorists? They’re not going to,’ Haley added. ‘Who’s going to come vacation in a state that is now known to house these terrorists?’” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Nikki Haley Said That Saving Money By Closing Guantanamo Was Not A Good Reason To Close The Facility. “Obama said his plan would save American taxpayers more than $300 million in the first 10 years after implementation and as much as $1.7 billion over two decades. Haley said that saving federal dollars does not justify the risk. ‘I come from a state where we balance our budget – I promise we can help you find the $85 million elsewhere to cut,’ she said.” [The Kansas City Star, 4/28/16<http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article74424732.html>]

Nikki Haley Disagreed With The President’s Rational For Closing Guantanamo Bay. “But closing the facility, Haley argued Thursday, would do little to quash extremism around the globe. ‘This line of thinking is giving the terrorists too much credit and too much validity,’ she said. ‘Terrorists do not need a jail to hate us; they hate us on their own.’ Any facility that housed the terrorists in the U.S. would be a target for al Qaeda and other radical organizations, as well as ‘lone wolf’ extremists who officials warn are the biggest threat to the country, Haley warned. It would also become a magnet for protests, she claimed, which would force the state to beef up the security and diminish terrorism. That’s not to mention the cloud of fear that Haley promised would follow the suspected terrorists, including alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. ‘We can talk about cost, but you can’t put a cost on fear,’ she insisted. ‘You can’t put a cost on what it will do to a state.’ [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Nikki Haley Testified That Foreign Companies In South Carolina Would Be Adversely Impacted By The Possible Move Of Detainees. “Haley also said she was ‘tremendously concerned’ about the impact on foreign relations for her state, citing the plants that international manufacturing giants Boeing, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have in the Charleston area. ‘How am I to tell these companies that they will be sharing an address with the most heinous and dangerous terrorists on earth?’ she asked. ‘The truth is I can’t. And I won’t.’” .” [The Kansas City Star, 4/28/16<http://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article74424732.html>]

The Charleston Naval Brig Has Held A Former Guantanamo Bay Prisoner And Now Holds Mother Emmanuel Shooter Dylann Roof. “The Brig in Charleston has previously hosted ex-Guantánamo detainee Yaser Esam Hamdi, and a state prison is now home to Dylann Roof, the accused gunman in last summer’s slaughter of nine people at Charleston’s Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Democrats On The House Homeland Security Committee Said That Nikki Haley Was Making A “Not In My Backyard” Case. “Democrats on the House panel pointed to those captives on Thursday to claim that Haley’s complaints were overblown. ‘The fact that you can hold a domestic terrorist means you have the ability to safely house a dangerous person that others would want to do harm to,’ Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.) argued. ‘This is just a classic example of all the American territories and states saying “not in my backyard.”’” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Nikki Haley Disagreed With The Democrats Charge And Pivoted To The Mother Emmanuel Shooting. “’Last summer, the city of Charleston stared hate in the eyes. We know true hate,’ she said. ‘We don’t need to see it again nor do we wish it on any other state.’ ‘I don’t want it going to any state in the country,’ Haley added. ‘This is not my backyard; this is the United States of America.’” [The Hill, 4/28/16<http://thehill.com/policy/national-security/278020-haley-pleads-with-congress-not-to-bring-gitmo-detainees-to-sc>]

Legislation Has Been Introduced To Maintain The Ban On Detainee Transfers To The US Mainland. “Legislation introduced Monday maintains a ban on bringing prisoners from Guantanamo to the United States. The longstanding congressional prohibition has kept President Barack Obama from fulfilling a campaign pledge to close the facility.” [The Times And Democrat, 4/28/16<http://thetandd.com/ap/state/haley-feds-have-left-south-carolina-in-dark-on-guantanamo/article_a86650f8-76ff-5540-a85a-812d9d514131.html/>]

On A Nikki Haley Campaign For President In 2016

Brooke Rogers, Who Works For National Review Online, Argued That Nikki Haley Appealed To Enough Conservatives And Libertarians To Beat Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump. “Brooke Rogers (Twitter, here) – who works for the publisher of National Review Online – penned a column on the website HeatStreet arguing that Haley provided ‘voters on the right – libertarians and conservatives especially’ with a compelling alternative to presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and presumptive ‘Republican’ nominee Donald Trump. Here’s her argument … ‘The South Carolina governor is the antithesis of Hillary and Trump: a sharp, articulate and experienced leader with just the right balance of political savvy and likability. As far as I know, she’s not being investigated by the FBI. She’s not being sued for fraud. She hasn’t left a trail of failed businesses and failed marriages in her wake, and she doesn’t, publicly at least, believe the U.S. should commit war crimes or provide taxpayer-funded abortions. While Donald Trump is the living, breathing representation of every negative characteristic the Left tries to stick to the Right, Haley represents the best side of the party. Trump was born into privilege, and his sense of entitlement is so pervasive that he cries fraud when he loses state elections. Haley is a first-generation American whose family worked their way up from nothing. Haley is the embodiment of the American Dream.’ [FITS News, 4/28/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/28/write-in-nikki-haley-movement-begins/>]

FITS News: “Um … Hold Up. Anyone Who Thinks [Nikki] Haley Is A ‘Conservative’ Needs To Read This.  Or This.  Or This.  Or … This. And Anyone Who Thinks She’s Done Good Things For South Carolina Needs To Read This.  Or This.” [FITS News, 4/28/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/28/write-in-nikki-haley-movement-begins/>]

FITS News: “[Nikki] Haley Is No Conservative…Seriously: You Can’t Crown Someone A ‘Conservative’ Champion If They Are Telling Real Conservatives To Sit Down And Shut Up…As For Haley Being The Sort Of Candidate Libertarian Voters Could Conceivably Embrace?  We’ve Got Three Letters For That Theory: LOL. “ “Haley is no conservative … she’s a cheerleader for the liberal ‘Republican’ establishment, a crumbling edifice to which she demonstrated her unwavering allegiance during her most recent failed foray on the national stage. Seriously: You can’t crown someone a ‘conservative’ champion if they are telling real conservatives to sit down and shut up. As for Haley being the sort of candidate libertarian voters could conceivably embrace?  We’ve got three letters for that theory: LOL.  After all, this is the same woman who recently exposed taxpayers to a major lawsuit by throwing protestors in jail … who has also pushed so-called ‘ethics reform’ measures with the backdoor goal of silencing Second Amendment advocates and other political dissenters. Yeah … some libertarian.” [FITS News, 4/28/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/28/write-in-nikki-haley-movement-begins/>]

FITS News: “Bottom Line?  Haley Would Be A Disaster On The National Stage In Any Capacity” “Look, we get that the ‘Republican’ establishment is in full-on freakout mode.  The party is full of hypocrites.  And its coalitions are fractured beyond repair.  But a write-in campaign on behalf of failed candidate Marco Rubio‘s cheerleader?  That’s not the answer. They tried that already … it didn’t work. Bottom line?  Haley would be a disaster on the national stage in any capacity … although we welcome her ascendancy as it would offer a chance to expose her left-of-center record (and perhaps other things) once and for all.” [FITS News, 4/28/16<http://www.fitsnews.com/2016/04/28/write-in-nikki-haley-movement-begins/>]

On Farm Relief Bill

Nikki Haley Said She Would Veto A Bill For Farm Relief. “Haley vowed in March she would veto it, arguing farmers already get enough help and subsidies from the federal government. ‘We’re going to keep cheering and supporting the farmers in every way that we can to help them get back on track,’ Haley said. ‘I don’t think we should treat them any differently than we do everybody else.’” [Post And Courier, 4/28/16<http://www.postandcourier.com/20160428/160429356/farm-relief-bill-passes-senate-sets-up-veto-showdown-with-gov-nikki-haley>]

The Farm Relief Bill Looked Like It Has The Support To Override A Veto From Nikki Haley. “South Carolina’s Senate passed a bill that would grant relief for farmers affected by October’s floods, setting up the chance of a veto showdown with Gov. Nikki Haley…Despite Haley’s threat, both chambers passed the bill with a large majority, making a veto override by the General Assembly likely. A request for comment from Haley’s office was not immediately returned.” [Post And Courier, 4/28/16<http://www.postandcourier.com/20160428/160429356/farm-relief-bill-passes-senate-sets-up-veto-showdown-with-gov-nikki-haley>]

On the Confederate Flag At The Citadel

Nikki Haley Told Reporters Said That Congress Should Not Interfere With The Flying Of The Confederate Flag At The Citadel. “S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley, who was on Capitol Hill Thursday to testify about the potential transfer of Guantanamo detainees to a Navy brig outside Charleston, said the state did not need Congress to interfere in the flag debate. ‘They could very easily move the Confederate flag to the museum, which is right next door to where it’s being housed now,’ Haley told reporters. ‘But they would have to do that through the same ways that we did it at the State House. As South Carolinians we handled that ourselves in South Carolina, so I don't think we need to go through a D.C. plan to do that. I think that's a matter of South Carolinians making that decision.’” [The State, 4/28/16<http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article74518737.html>]

Two Amendments To The National Defense Budget Were Voted Down That Would Have Banned Giving ROTC [Reserve Officer Training Corps] Money To Institutions That Flew The Confederate Flag, Like The Citadel. “The House Armed Services Committee rejected a measure, championed by U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-Columbia, that would have forced The Citadel to choose between displaying the flag and federal money for its Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. ‘I am greatly disappointed that a majority of Republican members of the House Armed Services Committee have voted to keep the Confederate battle flag flying in a place of worship at The Citadel,’ Clyburn said in a statement. ‘Americans’ tax dollars should not be directed to institutions where it is flown.’ The amendment, proposed by U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., would have barred the Defense Department from giving federal money to ROTC programs at any school that flies the Confederate flag.” [The State, 4/28/16<http://www.thestate.com/news/politics-government/politics-columns-blogs/the-buzz/article74518737.html>]

On Police Body Cameras

South Carolina Law Enforcement Does Not Have Enough Money For Body Cameras. “A deadly shooting in South Carolina that made national headlines was a huge force in pushing legislation that requires all law enforcement to wear body cameras. Right now, however, there's no timeline on when law enforcement will actually get that technology. Agencies had to send in body camera rules and submit them for approval to the state's law enforcement training council just last month, but now officials say there just isn't enough money to give cameras to every agency. Lawmakers have made provisions for the legislation in the state budget plan, but there's not enough money to go around. Departments won't see any money until late June, however. More than 270 agencies in the state have submitted usage policies to the law enforcement training council for approval.” [WACH, 4/28/16<http://wach.com/news/local/body-camera-legislation-looking-for-funding-to-assist-all-sc-law-enforcement>]

PAM BONDI

On Florida Insurance Commissioner Search

Rick Scott Called An Emergency Meeting Of The Cabinet To Decide On An Insurance Commissioner. “Gov. Rick Scott and other top Republicans will hold an emergency meeting Friday to try, once again, to pick a new insurance commissioner. Scott and three members of his Cabinet will interview new candidates for the job. They may then vote to hire someone for the position.” [CBS Miami, 4/29/16<http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/04/29/emergency-meeting-on-new-insurance-commissioner/>]

Pam Bondi Was Not Attending The Event In Person, But Planned On Phoning In. “Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet are supposed to meet Friday to pick the state’s new Insurance Commissioner. But except for Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, none of them will actually be there. The rest, including Scott, will be phoning it in. Friday’s get-together (or lack thereof) is a last-minute emergency meeting, called by the governor when there was no agreement on any candidate at a Tuesday meeting…Attorney General Pam Bondi will be ‘on previously scheduled personal travel out of state,” said spokesman Whitney Ray, but “will join via phone.’” [Florida Politics, 4/29/16<http://floridapolitics.com/archives/208153-atwater-scott-cabinet-insurance>]

On Indian Gaming Compacts

A Lawyer For The Seminole Tribe Of Florida Said Pam Bondi Was Wrong To Seek A Dismissal Of The Tribe’s Lawsuit. “The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires states to negotiate in good faith with tribes seeking gambling authority. Florida argued that the federal law only requires states to negotiate initial compacts but not to renegotiate deals when they expire. ‘The contention is plainly wrong,’ Hinkle wrote in January, rejecting Attorney General Pam Bondi’s request that the tribe’s lawsuit be dismissed. At the time, Hinkle also consolidated the tribe’s lawsuit and the state’s lawsuit in federal court in Tallahassee.” [NorthEscambia.com, 4/29/16<http://www.northescambia.com/2016/04/florida-legal-bills-mount-in-gambling-dispute>]

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Bridgegate

NJ Advance Media: Defense counsel for former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni served a subpoena on Chris Christie’s cell phone . “Defense subpoenas served last month to Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, which represents the New Jersey governor's office, should produce new documents, and perhaps other evidence to bolster the defendants' case, said defense lawyer Michael Baldassare. ‘I want the governor's phone,’ Baldassare told reporters after the approximately 90-minute hearing before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton. Baldassare, representing former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, grabbed a reporter's cell phone to emphasize that he wants physical possession of Gov. Chris Christie's phone to see if it contains evidence to help his case.” [NJ Advance Media, 4/28/16<http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2016/04/lawyers_argue_over_motions_to_dismiss_bridgegate_c.html#incart_river_index>]

Trump

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: Chris Christie Joined Donald Trump’s Campaign Motivated By “Sheer Opportunism And Infatuation With Fame.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.). Whether sheer opportunism and infatuation with fame (Christie)…these two have given Trump cover, cooing over his pronouncements and ignoring his lies and inanities.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin: Jeff Sessions And Chris Christie “Have Given Trump Cover, Cooing Over His Pronouncements And Ignoring His Lies And Inanities.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)… these two have given Trump cover, cooing over his pronouncements and ignoring his lies and inanities.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin:  Jeff Sessions And Chris Christie’s “Families Should Hope These Two Were Smart Enough To Secure Generous Spots In The Trump Organization Later On, Given That Their Political Credibility Is Now Shredded.” “First, we can take off the prospective 2020 list (and leave out the successor to the Republican Party in the wake of Donald Trump) those who actively enabled Trump. The worst of the worst in this regard are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)…Their families should hope these two were smart enough to secure generous spots in the Trump organization later on, given that their political credibility is now shredded.” [Opinion, Washington Post, 4/28/16<https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/04/28/lets-name-names-who-has-stood-up-to-trump/>]

Julian Zelizer Of Princeton University On Chris Christie’s Waning Influence With Republicans: “If Christie Went Out There…[and couldn’t convince Gov. Mike Pence] To Throw His Support Behind Trump, It Obviously Undercuts His Position As A Republican, And Also Within The Trump Campaign, As Someone Who Can Deliver. This Is Pretty Pivotal.” “The consequences of Pence's planned announcement could be just as significant for Gov. Chris Christie, who personally lobbied the fellow Republican governor last week to get behind Trump's campaign, argued Julian Zelizer, a professor of political history at Princeton University. ‘Indiana's primary race is basically the opportunity for Trump to stop Cruz's campaign all together,’ Zelizer said. ‘If Christie went out there, given his role in the Republican Party and the Republican governors, can't convince him to throw his support behind Trump, it obviously undercuts his position as a Republican, and also within the Trump campaign, as someone who can deliver,’ he said. ‘This is pretty pivotal.’” [NJ Advance Media, 4/29/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/christies_ability_to_woo_gop_to_support_trump_call.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter>]

Julian Zelizer Of Princeton University On Chris Christie’s Waning Influence With Republicans: “This Is The Sort Of Thing Christie Is Being Measured By And That's Why Trump Brought Him On. If He Can't Get That On It Goes On As Another Negative As For What Christie Can Deliver For His Candidacy.” “Pence's endorsement is much less about Christie than it is the candidates themselves. ‘It's really about Trump, not Christie,’ Zelizer said. ‘But that doesn't matter, this is the sort of thing Christie is being measured by and that's why Trump brought him on. If he can't get that on it goes on as another negative as for what Christie can deliver for his candidacy.’” [NJ Advance Media, 4/29/16<http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/04/christies_ability_to_woo_gop_to_support_trump_call.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter>]

Right Wing Watch: “Following His Victory In Five States On Tuesday, Trump Suggested That He Would Consider Naming New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Who Was Standing By His Side And Trying His Best Not To Look Like A Hostage, As His Running Mate.” [Right Wing Watch, 4/28/16<http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/who-should-trump-pick-his-vp-there-are-so-many-terrible-options#sthash.XEiSTkCW.dpuf>]

NJ Advance Media’s Matt Arco On Governor Mike Pence’s Endorsement Of Ted Cruz Over Donald Trump: “So Much For Christie Traveling All The Way To Indiana To Get Pence In Trump's Circle: s.nj.com/oeLT14j” [@MatthewArco, 4/29/16<https://twitter.com/MatthewArco/status/726061717847941120>]

Buzzfeed: Chris Christie Joked About Acrobatic Pornography During A 4/29/16 Appearance On A New York Sports Radio Show. “In the interview, Christie and regular host Craig Carton also joked about Knicks head coach Kurt Rambis, who in February, was caught having liked pornographic photos on Twitter. ‘Live and let live,’ Christie said, before the two men joked about what it would be like if they viewed similar pictures on Carton’s phone. ‘Oh, what is she doing there?’ said Carton. ‘Oh, what is that upside down?’ ‘I didn’t know a human being could do that,’ Christie quipped. ‘That’s flexibility,’ Carton replied.” [Buzzfeed, 4/29/16<https://www.buzzfeed.com/christophermassie/chris-christie-says-i-cant-take-my-eyes-off-nfl-draftee-smok?utm_term=.ltzZ5bmP2#.ivk0r3v9D>]

Buzzfeed: Reacting To A Video Of An NFL Recruit Smoking Marijuana Through A Gas Mask, Chris Christie Said, “When I Was A Prosecutor, I Would’ve Gone In And Cuffed This Guy. I Would’ve Been All Over It.” “Chris Christie says he can’t take his eyes off the video showing NFL draftee Laremy Tunsil smoking marijuana out of a gas mask…The video of Tunsil, a top prospect ultimately drafted by the Miami Dolphins, showed him smoking from a bong connected to a gas mask. ‘It’s unbelievable,’ Christie said. ‘Because the bong hits aren’t enough. Give me the gas mask too. It’s incredible. I can’t take my eyes off it. It’s unbelievable.’ Earlier in the interview, Christie, who opposes marijuana legalization, said, ‘When I was a prosecutor, I would’ve gone in and cuffed this guy,’ adding, ‘I would’ve been all over it.’” [Buzzfeed, 4/29/16<https://www.buzzfeed.com/christophermassie/chris-christie-says-i-cant-take-my-eyes-off-nfl-draftee-smok?utm_term=.ltzZ5bmP2#.ivk0r3v9D>]