Subject: GOP VP Daily, 5.5
From: "Haxo, Chris" <[email-masked]>
To: Veepstakes <[email-masked]>, "Dillon, Lauren" <[email-masked]>, "Graham, Caroline" <[email-masked]>, "Bauer, Nick" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 5 May 2016 09:16:06 -0700

GOP VP DAILY UPDATE – 5/5/16

CHRIS CHRISTIE
BOB CORKER
TOM COTTON
DOUG DUCEY
MARY FALLIN
JIM JORDAN
JEFF SESSIONS
RICK SCOTT
TIM SCOTT

CHRIS CHRISTIE

Monmouth University Poll: “New Jersey: Many GOP Voters See Christie As A Drag On Trump Ticket.” “Trump recently said his pick for vice president would “most likely” be an elected official. One name at the top of that list is New Jersey’s governor, Chris Christie. However, few New Jersey Republicans think choosing Christie would be a good idea. Just 15% say Christie would help Trump’s campaign while a plurality of 41% actually say Christie would hurt Trump in November. Another 37% say picking Christie for the ticket would not have an impact either way.” [Monmouth University Poll, 4/5/16<http://www.monmouth.edu/assets/0/32212254770/32212254991/32212254992/32212254994/32212254995/30064771087/07317aea-176f-4364-b42c-6807bea6012a.pdf>]

On EPA Accountability In Flint Act And POTUS Remarks In Flint, MI

BOB CORKER

2016 Election

Bob Corker Said He Always Planned To Support The Republican Nominee. “’My plan always has been to support the Republican nominee,’ said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. ‘It is my hope that the national conversation will shift to what the candidates will do to solve the problems our nation faces. I do believe Donald Trump's foreign policy speech last week was an important step in that direction.’” [Times Free Press, 5/5/16<http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/may/05/state-lawmakers-throw-support-behind-trump/363881/>]

After Donald Trump Became The Presumptive Nominee, Bob Corker Said That He Hopes “That The National Conversation Will Shift To What The Candidates Will Do To Solve The Problems Our Nation Faces.” “’My plan always has been to support the Republican nominee,’ said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. ‘It is my hope that the national conversation will shift to what the candidates will do to solve the problems our nation faces. I do believe Donald Trump's foreign policy speech last week was an important step in that direction.’” [Times Free Press, 5/5/16<http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2016/may/05/state-lawmakers-throw-support-behind-trump/363881/>]

Boston Globe: Bob Corker’s Perception Of Being “A Serious Policy Pro” And Willingness To Support Donald Trump As The Republican Nominee Made Corker A Contender For Trump’s Running Mate. “Donald Trump, after winning the Indiana primary this week and becoming the party’s presumptive nominee, has begun openly talking about his parameters for selecting a running mate… US Senator Bob Corker: The Tennessean is a self-made millionaire, the former mayor of Chattanooga, and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Inside Washington, D.C., Corker is seen as a serious policy pro. Most importantly for Trump, perhaps, he’s been one of the few Republicans in Washington who has said he would be fine with supporting Trump. Corker recently called Trump’s foreign policy speech ‘a great step in the right direction.’” [Boston Globe, 5/4/16<https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2016/05/04/seven-pols-who-could-donald-trump-pick-and-one-who-won/YJcJ8pCj4mbX8QJjNaNPmL/story.html>]

SFRC

Bob Corker Criticized Hedge Funds For Attempting To Profit Of Off Puerto Rico’s Debt. “Hedge funds that bought billions of dollars of Puerto Rico’s debt two years ago are resisting a broader restructuring in hopes of preserving their rights to be paid off first and in full… Sen. Bob Corker (R., Tenn.) said at a hearing last week that the ads had prompted constituents in Tennessee to ask him if Congress was planning to bailout Puerto Rico. ‘It’s been pretty shocking to me to see the lengths some hedge funds will go,’ he said.” [Wall Street Journal, 5/4/16<http://www.wsj.com/articles/in-puerto-ricos-debt-crisis-shades-of-argentina-1462403181>]

Tennessee Politics

Cleveland Banner: Bob Corker Praised Chemical Company Wack Chemie For Providing Energy In A Time OF “Tremendous Geopolitical Changes.” “During the recent historic ‘official’ opening of the Wacker Polysilicon North America plant near Charleston — an event that attracted news media and government attention from around the world — a world of comments illuminated the power of the day... ‘When you think about the tremendous geopolitical changes in the world and the changes in energy, for Wacker to make this kind of investment is something we deeply appreciate,’ were the words of U.S. Sen. Bob Corker.” [Cleveland Daily Banner, 5/4/16]

A Documentary On Illegal Practices By Swiss Banks Featuring Commentary By Bob Corker Called “Presumed Guilty” Was Set To Screen At The Cannes Film Festival. [Middle East And North Africa Financial Network, 5/4/16]

TOM COTTON

On EPA Accountability In Flint Act And POTUS Remarks In Flint, MI

Office Of Senator Tom Cotton: “"President Obama Is Absolutely Correct That The Responsible Parties Must Be Held Accountable And That We Must Fix The Mindset Of Neglect That Caused The Disaster In Flint.” “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on President Obama's remarks in Flint, Michigan: ‘President Obama is absolutely correct that the responsible parties must be held accountable and that we must fix the mindset of neglect that caused the disaster in Flint. That is why it is imperative that we address the irresponsibility and lack of transparency at the EPA and why we should pass the EPA Accountability in Flint Act immediately. This bill will rightly ensure that victims in Flint can seek redress for damages caused by both the EPA's actions and failure to act. President Obama should take action to demonstrate his EPA doesn't tolerate this kind of negligence.’” [Press Release, Office Of Senator Tom Cotton, 5/4/16<http://www.cotton.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=377>]

Tom Cotton Introduced The EPA Accountability In Flint Act, Which Would Allow Flint Residents To Sue The EPA For Its Part In The Flint Water Crisis. “Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) last week introduced the EPA Accountability in Flint Act, legislation that would hold the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accountable for its negligence in Flint, Michigan. Specifically, the bill would remove an exemption that could allow the EPA to avoid liability from private lawsuits. Senator Cotton’s bill also requires the EPA to work with Michigan and the localities to develop, fund, and implement a long-term monitoring program that addresses the water supply lead contamination. ‘Emails show that the EPA was aware of the extent of the lead crisis in Flint well before it made this information public. Whether it’s Flint, Michigan or the Animas River disaster—President Obama’s EPA evades responsibility for its reckless behaviors time and time again,’ said Senator Cotton. ‘Enough is enough. EPA officials are not above the law, and we must take action before Arkansas, or any other state, finds itself as the EPA's next victim.’” [KNWA, 5/4/16<http://www.nwahomepage.com/news/knwa/cotton-introduces-epa-accountability-in-flint-act>]

On Support For Donald Trump As The Republican Presidential Nominee

Tom Cotton Could Not Be Reached For Comment About Supporting Donald Trump In The General Election, But Did Previously Say He Would Support A Donald Trump Campaign. “KATV reached out to Arkansas's Washington delegation, all of which are Republicans. Sen. Tom Cotton could not be reached for comment, but has said publicly in the past that he would support a Trump presidency.” [KATV, 5/4/16<http://katv.com/news/political/majority-of-arkansas-republicans-say-they-will-support-donald-trump>]

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: “Arkansas GOP Says Loyal Will Sign On To Trump Bid.” [Paywall] [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 5/5/16<http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2016/may/05/state-gop-says-loyal-will-sign-on-20160/?f=news-arkansas>]

On WhatsApp Encryption

VentureBeat: Tom Cotton Statement On WhatsApp Encryption Was Like “Telling A Car Manufacturer That It Needs To Reevaluate Its Decision To Build A New Model Before It Facilitates Another Hit And Run.” “We’ve seen fear-mongering headlines such as ‘WhatsApp locks out terror police,’ as well as reprimands from US senators who stopped just short of saying that the company is responsible for future terrorist attacks: ‘I strongly urge WhatsApp and Facebook to reevaluate their decision before they help facilitate another terrorist attack,’ said Republican Senator Tom Cotton in a statement made at the time, which is pretty much like telling a car manufacturer that it needs to reevaluate its decision to build a new model before it facilitates another hit and run.” [VentureBeat, 5/4/16<http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/04/3-potential-holes-in-whatsapps-end-to-end-encryption/>]

Social Media Action

Tom Cotton: “President Obama Should Take Action To Demonstrate His EPA Doesn't Tolerate This Kind Of Negligence.” “My statement on President Obama's remarks in Flint, Michigan: President Obama is absolutely correct that the responsible parties must be held accountable and that we must fix the mindset of neglect that caused the disaster in Flint. That is why it is imperative that we address the irresponsibility and lack of transparency at the EPA and why we should pass the EPA Accountability in Flint Act immediately. This bill will rightly ensure that victims in Flint can seek redress for damages caused by both the EPA's actions and failure to act. President Obama should take action to demonstrate his EPA doesn't tolerate this kind of negligence.” [Senator Tom Cotton, Facebook, 5/4/16<https://www.facebook.com/SenatorTomCotton/posts/597943263700546>]

Tom Cotton: “Please Be Sure To Sign Up For My Newsletter! http://ow.ly/4mZbKU” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727906949157769216>]

Tom Cotton: “Great Recent AgHeritage Farm Credit Services Annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon In McGehee.” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727923299611717634>]

Tom Cotton: “.@EPA Officials Are Not Above The Law, We Must Take Action Before Arkansas Finds Itself As The EPA’s Next Victim: http://ow.ly/4nnEF9<mailto:.@EPA%20Officials%20Are%20Not%20Above%20The%20Law,%20We%20Must%20Take%20Action%20Before%20Arkansas%20Finds%20Itself%20As%20The%20EPA's%20Next%20Victim:%20http://ow.ly/4nnEF9>” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727932134187511808>]

Tom Cotton: “Please Be Sure To Sign Up For My Newsletter! http://ow.ly/4mZbKU” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727943511455215616>]

Tom Cotton: “Thanks To Union County Chamber For Hosting The 2016 Admin Professionals Appreciation Luncheon. Appreciate Your Work!” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/727959785149235204>]

Tom Cotton: “My Statement On President Obama’s Remarks In Flint, Michigan http://ow.ly/4nrlGV” [@SenTomCotton, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/SenTomCotton/status/728048457521483778>]

DOUG DUCEY

Misc. Social Media

Doug Ducey: “What Does #Yuma Have To Do With #Starwars? @Azcentral Has The Story.” “What does #Yuma have to do with #StarWars? @azcentral has the story: http://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/2015/12/16/star-wars-mania-yuma/77425560/ … #MayTheFourthBeWithYou #StarWarsDay #AZawesome” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727993716766474240>]

Doug Ducey: “Thank You, @Jrothschildaz, For Making Me An Honorary Tucsonan. Looking Forward To My Next Trip To #Tucson!” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727964593616654338>]

Doug Ducey: “Thank You @Thispanicchmbr & @Leapeterson For Inviting Me To Speak. Always Enjoy Being In Southern Arizona!” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727959479703101440>]

Doug Ducey: “Enjoyed The Opportunity To Speak With Intl. Mining Pros On Making #AZ Into A Global Hub For Mining Innovation.” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727919822458081280>]

Budget

Doug Ducey: “It’s Official: #Azleg Passed A Balanced Budget That Prioritizes K-12 Ed, With $181M In NEW Funding For Our Schools!” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727861072372244480>]

Doug Ducey: “Thank You #Azleg - Especially Speaker @Davidgowanaz & President Andy Biggs - For Your Hard Work To Pass A Fiscally-Responsible #Azbudget” [@dougducey, Twitter, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/dougducey/status/727861443928858628>]

Arizona Daily Star: Doug Ducey “Said The State Legislature Wants To Reward The State’s Three Universities And That University Of Arizona Will ‘Win Big’ In Terms Of Funding Next Year.” “He also touted the budget for next year, calling it a success. Specifically, he said the state Legislature wants to reward the state’s three universities and that University of Arizona will ‘win big’ in terms of funding next year.” [Arizona Daily Star, 5/5/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ducey-touts-prop-in-tucson-visit/article_4c73b65e-6834-59b2-9d44-c3c00c232883.html>]

Trump

Doug Ducey: “I’ve Been Pretty Clear On This And I’ve Said What I Want To Say And That I Am Going To Support The Republican Nominee For President.” “Ducey was more cautious with his remarks while talking to reporters. He wouldn’t discuss the recent news in the Republican presidential race, saying he was focused on being a full-time governor and would support the nominee. ‘I’ve been pretty clear on this and I’ve said what I want to say and that I am going to support the Republican nominee for president,’ he said.” [Arizona Daily Star, 5/5/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ducey-touts-prop-in-tucson-visit/article_4c73b65e-6834-59b2-9d44-c3c00c232883.html>]

Climate

Doug Ducey On Combating Damaging Dust Storms In Arizona: “We Don’t Control The Weather.” “As for recent dust storms that have closed portions of Interstate 10, Ducey said his administration was looking into any and all solutions. ‘We don’t control the weather,’ Ducey said, noting it is a major issue affecting Interstate 10. He said his office could ‘bring people together’ to find solutions.” [Arizona Daily Star, 5/5/16<http://tucson.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/ducey-touts-prop-in-tucson-visit/article_4c73b65e-6834-59b2-9d44-c3c00c232883.html>]

KidsCare

HEADLINE: “Arizona Doesn’t Restore Federal Child Health Care Program.” [New York Times, 5/4/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/arizona-doesnt-restore-federal-child-health-care-program.html?_r=0>]

New York Times On KidsCare: Republican Arizona Senate Leader Andy Biggs “Would Not Allow It To Come To A Vote” Because “He Did Not Trust Future Legislators To Resist Public Pressure And Cut Off The Benefit If The Federal Funds Dried Up.”  “A proposal to restore the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in Arizona as KidsCare, stalled in the State Senate this week as lawmakers passed a $9.6 billion budget. Senate leaders voiced concern that the federal government would eventually cut payments to the children’s health care program and that the state would be forced to assume the cost. State lawmakers originally froze enrollment in the program about six years ago amid an economic slowdown. But supporters saw an opportunity to restore the program after Congress last year increased the states’ matching rate by 23 percent, which allowed 10 states, including Arizona, to receive full reimbursement because of their low per capita income. Arizona’s Republican-controlled House voted, 47 to 12, last month to allow the program to restart, but permitted the state to suspend it if fewer federal dollars came in. But the measure died Tuesday in the Senate when its president, Andy Biggs, would not allow it to come to a vote. He suggested that he did not trust future legislators to resist public pressure and cut off the benefit if the federal funds dried up.” [New York Times, 5/4/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/arizona-doesnt-restore-federal-child-health-care-program.html?_r=0>]

New York Times: While Arizona Rejected Children’s Health Insurance Funding, Doug Ducey “Stood On The Sideline.” “A proposal to restore the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program, known in Arizona as KidsCare, stalled in the State Senate this week as lawmakers passed a $9.6 billion budget. Senate leaders voiced concern that the federal government would eventually cut payments to the children’s health care program and that the state would be forced to assume the cost…When budget negotiations began last week, Republicans in both chambers shut out Democrats from the meetings, effectively excluding them from final decisions over school funding, the makeup of the State Supreme Court and the children’s health care program. Tensions flared and a tenuous bipartisan coalition that had won the program’s approval in the House of Representatives disintegrated. Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, stood on the sideline. The reason for the opposition here lies somewhere in Arizona’s messy and deeply divided politics. Whether it is immigration, abortion or the right to bear arms, conservative lawmakers often take hard-line stances against federal social programs.” [New York Times, 5/4/16<http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/05/us/arizona-doesnt-restore-federal-child-health-care-program.html?_r=0>]

MARY FALLIN

On Donald Trump Nomination And Possible Vice President

KOCO: “Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin Said Wednesday She Supports Republican Donald Trump ‘100 Percent’ And Offered Her Enthusiastic Endorsement Of The New York Billionaire In His Bid For The Presidency.” “Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said Wednesday she supports Republican Donald Trump ‘100 percent’ and offered her enthusiastic endorsement of the New York billionaire in his bid for the presidency. The two-term governor, who had been mum on her pick for president, said her priority is to elect a conservative, pro-business Republican who is strong on national defense, and that she believes Trump is that candidate. ‘I know that our nation wants a change,’ Fallin said. ‘Donald Trump has led a movement across our nation that will cause that change to happen, so I'm 100 percent behind him.’” [KOCO, 5/4/16<http://www.koco.com/news/gov-mary-fallin-endorses-trumps-presidential-bid-welcomes-vp-talk/39378324>]

KOCO: Mary Fallin Said She Would “Happy To Take That Call” If Ask To Be Donald Trump’s Vice President. “Fallin also said she was honored to be discussed as a potential vice presidential candidate alongside Trump, although she said neither Trump nor anyone from his campaign had approached her about the possibility. ‘It's a great honor just to be mentioned,’ said Fallin, a former state legislator, three-term lieutenant governor and two-term U.S. member. ‘My first and foremost goal right now is to finish our legislative session, but if I were to receive a call that said: “I need you to help make America great again,” I'd be happy to take that call.’” [KOCO, 5/4/16<http://www.koco.com/news/gov-mary-fallin-endorses-trumps-presidential-bid-welcomes-vp-talk/39378324>]

Former South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer Suggested That Mary Fallin Be A Vice Presidential Nominee. “Trump seemed to give a nod to the thought of her after tweeting to former South Carolina Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer his suggestion of Fallin was ‘great’ advice.” [NBC News, 5/4/16<http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/here-s-what-donald-trump-will-consider-picking-running-mate-n567071>]

Fox 25: Mary Fallin Said That She Has Not Been Contact By The Donald Trump Campaign About Running For Vice President. “Fallin said she hasn't been contacted by Trump or anyone with his campaign about running as vice president.” [Fox 25, 5/4/16<http://okcfox.com/news/local/governor-fallin-endorses-trump-for-president>]

The Oklahoman: An Oklahoma State Senator Described Donald Trump As “Incompetent, Unprincipled, Autocratic And Lacking In Human Decency.” “Meanwhile, some Republican elected officials said they are taking the unusual step of not supporting the party's presumptive presidential nominee. State Sen. David Holt, R-Oklahoma City, said there was no way he could support someone he described as incompetent, unprincipled, autocratic and lacking in human decency. ‘There is no way I could ever cast a vote for Donald Trump for anything under any circumstances,’ he said.” [The Oklahoman, 5/4/16<http://newsok.com/article/5495981>]

A University Of Oklahoma Professor Said That Mary Fallin Would Not Help Donald Trump Expand The Electoral Map And The Ongoing State Budget Crisis. [KOCO, 5/4/16<http://www.koco.com/news/expert-says-gov-fallin-could-be-liability-to-trumps-presidential-run/39383312>]

KTUL: The Tulsa County Republican Chair Said “Please Don’t” When Asked About Mary Fallin As A Potential Vice Presidential Candidate. “Tulsa County Republican Party Chair Mike Ford said Fallin may not be Trump's best idea. Ford said Fallin's track record as governor of Oklahoma makes her a bad choice for the VP spot. ‘The Oklahoman in me says that would be a good idea, but the political strategist in me says, please don't,’ said Ford. Ford said if Fallin is chosen, the democrats are sure to use Oklahoma's current state of affairs against her. ‘Oklahoma is in a budget crisis and education crisis and a roads and bridges crisis,’ said Ford. ‘It's probably not a good idea to give a lot of ammunition to Hillary Clinton.’” [KTUL, 5/4/16<http://ktul.com/news/local/republicans-democrats-say-fallin-bad-choice-for-vp>]

KFOR: When Asked About Mary Fallin Being Considered For Donald Trump’s Vice President, One Oklahoma Trump Supporter Said “Mr. Trump Would Be Better Served Elsewhere” [KFOR, 5/4/16<http://kfor.com/2016/05/04/oklahoma-republicans-divided-on-donald-trump/>]

On Planned Parenthood Funding

Mary Fallin’s Head Of Medicaid Terminated Contracts With Planned Parenthood Affiliates. “Oklahoma is ending its contracts with two Planned Parenthood organizations that provide health services to thousands of mostly low-income women and families, the head of the state's Medicaid agency said Wednesday. Oklahoma Health Care Authority Chief Executive Officer Nico Gomez said the agency notified Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma and Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma in February of its intent to terminate provider agreements with the two affiliates. ‘My decision in February was made based upon what I firmly believe to be the best interests of this agency going forward,’ Gomez told The Associated Press in a statement.” [Associated Press, 5/4/16]

Mary Fallin Had Asked Medicaid To Cancel Contracts For Bad Billing Errors, A Charge Planned Parenthood Denies. “The intent to terminate the contracts was made ‘without cause’ under the parties' agreements, which permit either Planned Parenthood or the agency to terminate the contracts, Gomez said. Republican Gov. Mary Fallin urged Gomez last year to cancel the contracts citing what she called a ‘high rate’ of billing errors. Planned Parenthood has said the problems are exaggerated… The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has not responded to the AP's open records request made in November for information on the agency's billing-error rates.” [Associated Press, 5/4/16]

The Planned Parenthood Affiliate Affected Do Not Provide Abortions. “Planned Parenthood operates clinics in both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas, providing services like cervical and breast cancer screenings, birth control, sexually transmitted infection treatment and testing, vaccinations and immunizations, and family practice services. The clinics do not provide abortions in Oklahoma.” [Associated Press, 5/4/16]

JEFF SESSIONS

Sessions As Trump VP

NBC’s Katy Tur: “Trump Now Vetting VP Picks, Two Senior Campaign Sources Tell Me.” [@KatyTurNBC, 5/3/16<https://twitter.com/KatyTurNBC/status/727657862470709249>]

•       The Daily Beast’s Gideon Resnick, In Response: “Gonna Be Jeff Sessions twitter.com/KatyTurNBC/sta…<https://t.co/6AJfMf0kKy>” [@GideonResnick, 5/3/16<https://twitter.com/gideonresnick/status/727687244425904133?refsrc=email&s=11>]

New York Post’s John Podhoretz On Donald Trump’s VP Pick: “Why Won't He Pick Jeff Sessions? I Think He Picks Sessions.” [@jpodhoretz, 5/4/16<https://twitter.com/jpodhoretz/status/727831771165888512>]

Laura Ingraham On Jeff Sessions Identifying The Rise Of Donald Trump: “Once Again … The Smartest Person In The U.S. Senate Is Jeff Sessions.” “Radio host Laura Ingraham labeled Sen. Jeff Sessions ’the smartest person in the U.S. Senate’ for noticing the rise of Donald Trump back in August 2015. During Wednesday’s broadcast of ‘The Laura Ingraham Show,’ Ingraham said, ‘I go back to that moment and Alabama, and remember when we saw Jeff Sessions jump onstage in Mobile, Ala., in August and Jeff Sessions put that make America great again hat on.’…Ingraham then went on to says that the Alabama senator’s endorsement of Trump proves ‘once again … the smartest person in the U.S. Senate is Jeff Sessions.’” [Daily Caller, 5/4/16<http://dailycaller.com/2016/05/04/ingraham-jeff-sessions-is-the-smartest-person-in-the-senate-audio/>]

Donald Trump On Whether He’d Choose Jeff Sessions For His Running Mate: Jeff Sessions Would Make A “Good Anything.” “Trump said he prefers to pick a running mate with government experience, because as a businessman he has business issues covered and he'd like help in pushing legislation through. Sen. Jeff Sessions, who has endorsed Trump, would make a ‘good anything,’ Trump said in response to a question of whether the Alabama Republican would make a good VP choice.” [CNBC, 5/5/16<http://www.cnbc.com/2016/05/05/donald-trump-a-chance-ill-pick-a-vp-from-field-of-former-gop-candidates.html>]

WBRC (Birmingham AL): “Many Politico Observers Have Said Sen. Sessions, Highly Respected In The Most Conservative Wing Of The GOP, Would Be An Unlikely Running Mate Because Trump Will Need A Candidate From A More Strategic Battleground States.” “The Sessions mention added to speculation that the junior senator from Alabama could be in the running for some ranking post in a Trump presidency - even running mate? Many politico observers have said Sen. Sessions, highly respected in the most conservative wing of the GOP, would be an unlikely running mate because Trump will need a candidate from a more strategic battleground states. Sen. Sessions office declined to comment on the question, but he’s not the first Alabama politician praised by Trump on the national stage.” [WBRC, 5/4/16<http://www.wtvm.com/story/31895012/trump-speaks-highly-of-2-al-politicos-sessions-pryor>]

Sessions On On The Record With Greta Van Susteren

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump Picking A Running Mate: “He Needs To Get The Best Person He Can. One That Can Govern This Country If Called Upon And One That Can Help Him Win The Election.” VAN SUSTEREN: “Indeed, I bet you feel that way. All right. First, before we get to foreign policy. Donald Trump is going to have to pick a vice presidential nominee at some point. Do you want to throw out a name or two?” SESSIONS: “Well, I won't throw out a name, but he needs to get the best person he can. One that can govern this country if called upon and one that can help him win the election.” [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Doctrine: “He Is Saying We Need To Put The National Interest First. We Have Got To Evaluate Any Potential Military Action In Terms Of Does It Impact The Interest Of The American People.” VAN SUSTEREN: “Is -- turn to foreign policy. Is there -- it's really early, but is there some way to describe the Donald Trump foreign policy doctrine?” SESSIONS: “I think so. First, he is saying we need to put the national interest first. We have got to evaluate any potential military action in terms of does it impact the interest of the American people. We simply can't afford to be drawn in to action after action, where we don't have a direct interest. [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

Jeff Sessions On Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Doctrine: “I Think He Believes In The Realism. Thinking Through These Situations.” SESSIONS: “I think he believes in the realism. Thinking through these situations. He is dubious about excessive military involvements. But he is going to lead. The United States will have to continue to be a world leader. And we will do that. But we've got to be careful about excessive involvement.” [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

Jeff Sessions: “The Biggest Error Of The 21st Century Was Withdrawal Completely Of All Troops Out Of Iraq. If We Just Left A Few Thousand, Iraq Wouldn't Have Fallen.” SESSIONS: “Well, you can just say a lot of things have just been disastrous, it's the Clinton-Obama policy. She was secretary of state for President Obama. And he is -- he sets these -- he chose her and she is his top advisor.” VAN SUSTEREN: “And what is his -- how does his policy differ from Trump?” SESSIONS: “Then a colossal series of errors. Maybe the biggest error of the 21st century was withdrawal completely of all troops out of Iraq. If we just left a few thousand, Iraq wouldn't have fallen.” [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

Jeff Sessions: Donald Trump Needs To Make The Release Of Bob Levinson “A Part Of Our Negotiating Relationship With Iran.” VAN SUSTEREN: “All right. Let me zero in on one issue. Former FBI agent Bob Levinson. We had his son on the other night. He's still -- he got picked up in Iran in 2007. And the deal was struck with Iran and he didn't come home as part of the deal. What would you advise Donald Trump to do if anything about Bob Levinson, if he is alive?” SESSIONS: “He has got to make that a part of our negotiating relationship with Iran. Iran is a nation that shoves us hard. They are very relentless, tough negotiators. Trump has said time and again, you need to know how to walk away from a negotiation when it's going nowhere.” [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

•       Jeff Sessions On Prioritizing The Release Of Bob Levinson From Iran: “Trump Has Said Time And Again, You Need To Know How To Walk Away From A Negotiation When It's Going Nowhere.” VAN SUSTEREN: “All right. Let me zero in on one issue. Former FBI agent Bob Levinson. We had his son on the other night. He's still -- he got picked up in Iran in 2007. And the deal was struck with Iran and he didn't come home as part of the deal. What would you advise Donald Trump to do if anything about Bob Levinson, if he is alive?” SESSIONS: “He has got to make that a part of our negotiating relationship with Iran. Iran is a nation that shoves us hard. They are very relentless, tough negotiators. Trump has said time and again, you need to know how to walk away from a negotiation when it's going nowhere.” [On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Fox News, 5/4/16]

Sentencing Reform Act

Weatherford Democrat: A Letter Sent By Four Senators, Including Jeff Sessions, Connected The Sentencing Reform And Corrections Act Of 2015 Currently Being Considered By The US Senate To Multiple Murders In Ohio. “Sen. David Perdue is taking the kind of tough-on-crime stance that other Republicans usually applaud. But attacking a bipartisan effort to reform prison sentences, which he derides as the ‘Criminal Leniency Act,’ is drawing fire to the first-term senator from Georgia from other conservatives…In a letter sent to senators before the bill’s latest revision, Perdue and three colleagues, including Alabama’s Jeff Sessions, described the ‘heinous murders’ in Ohio as a cautionary tale of the consequences of releasing ‘thousands of violent criminals.’ The proposal, the wrote, is a ‘risky and possibly devastating social experiment in criminal leniency.’” [Weatherford Democrat, 5/4/16<http://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/news/local_news/gop-senators-are-at-odds-over-lighter-sentences/article_6865c864-1e24-52bb-ba6b-3854c3d4d961.html>]

Misc.

The Decatur Daily (Alabama): “James Henderson [An Alabama Republican National Convention Delegate]…Said He's Supporting Trump Because U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, Is In Trump's Camp, And Because It's Time For Major Changes.” “James Henderson of Priceville [is] among the 36 pledged Trump delegates from Alabama who will attend the convention in Cleveland on July 18-21… Henderson, a retired colonel and a minister, said this will be his first convention as a delegate…Henderson said he's supporting Trump because U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Mobile, is in Trump's camp, and because it's time for major changes.” [The Decatur Daily, 5/4/16]

Jeff Sessions: “Trump Understands That A Nation Must Always Place The Interests Of Its Own People First.” “‘This election is our last chance to save U.S. sovereignty and to end the domination of the political establishment over the interests of working Americans,’ Sessions said in a Sunday statement released by the Trump campaign. ‘Trump alone has rejected the donor class, defending America’s jobs and wages from open borders, uncontrolled immigration and the massive Trans-Pacific Partnership that will cede U.S. authority to foreign powers. Trump’s trade and immigration plans will revitalize our shrinking middle class, keeping jobs and wealth and income inside the United States of America. Trump understands that a nation must always place the interests of its own people first.’” [Donald Trump Campaign Rally, Madison AL, 2/29/16<http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/jeff-sessions-donald-trump-endorsement>]

JIM JORDAN

Ohio Politics

Jim Jordan Complimented The City of Tiffin.  “U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan made several stops in Tiffin and Seneca County Wednesday, including a stop at Sentinel Career and Technology Center for a luncheon prepared by culinary and hospitality students. ‘I'm impressed with what is happening in downtown Tiffin and what (Seneca Industrial Economic Development Corp.) is doing,’ he said. ‘The House needs to be close to the people and the way to do that is to get out there and talk to the small business owners and people who make everything happen.’ Sentinel is an example of that, Jordan said, with the school providing students with skills needed to be in the workforce.” [Adviser-Tribune, 5/5/16<http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/599261/Jordan-lauds-Sentinel-at-lunch.html?nav=5005>]

Adviser-Tribune: Jim Jordan Said Congress Should Be “Close To The People… And Talk To The Small Business Owners And People Who Make Everything Happen.” “U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan made several stops in Tiffin and Seneca County Wednesday, including a stop at Sentinel Career and Technology Center for a luncheon prepared by culinary and hospitality students. ‘I'm impressed with what is happening in downtown Tiffin and what (Seneca Industrial Economic Development Corp.) is doing,’ he said. ‘The House needs to be close to the people and the way to do that is to get out there and talk to the small business owners and people who make everything happen.’ Sentinel is an example of that, Jordan said, with the school providing students with skills needed to be in the workforce.” [Adviser-Tribune, 5/5/16<http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/page/content.detail/id/599261/Jordan-lauds-Sentinel-at-lunch.html?nav=5005>]

5/6/16: Jim Jordan Was Scheduled To Speak At An Allen County Republican Party Luncheon. [Limaohio.com, 5/4/16<https://limaohio.com/news/179683/jordan-to-speak-at-allen-county-gop-lunch>]

VP Buzz

My Palm Beach Post: Jim Jordan’s Name Has Been “Floated” As A Potential Running-Mate For Donald Trump. “With Donald Trump now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, chatter intensified Wednesday about who will join him on the GOP ticket…names being floated because of various strengths are Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.” [My Palm Beach Post, 5/4/16<http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/scott-in-conversation-as-talk-turns-to-trump-runni/nrHHP/>]

Misc. Social Media

Jim Jordan: “The Congressional Prayer Caucus Recognizes 2016 National Day Of Prayer https://youtu.be/ai58OR3M7OU  Via @YouTube” [@Jim_Jordan, Twitter, 5/5/16<https://twitter.com/Jim_Jordan/status/728228206210371585>]

RICK SCOTT

Trade Mission / Minimum Wage

Rick Scott: “My Goal Is To Get Individuals And Companies To Move To Florida. By Raising The Minimum Wage In California, 700,000 People Are Going To Lose Their Jobs. There Are A Lot Of Opportunities For Companies To Prosper And Compete In Florida And That’s What I’m Going After.” [Rick Scott, Facebook, 5/4/16<https://www.facebook.com/scottforflorida/posts/1206980369326415>]

Zika

Rick Scott Planned To “Meet With Congressional Leaders On The Importance Of Putting Partisanship Aside And Treating The Zika Virus Threat Like A Hurricane, Which Triggers Specific Preparation And Response Efforts By The Federal Government.” “Today, Governor Rick Scott released the following statement announcing that he will travel to Washington D.C. next week, May 11th and 12th, to meet with Congressional leaders on the importance of putting partisanship aside and treating the Zika virus threat like a hurricane, which triggers specific preparation and response efforts by the federal government. Governor Scott said, ‘Florida has now had more than 100 documented cases of the Zika virus. We are now headed into summer, when heat and rainfall cause our mosquito population to grow. Simultaneously, the Olympic games in Brazil will heavily increase travel to a country where the Zika virus is spreading rapidly.’” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 5/4/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/05/04/gov-rick-scott-washington-must-handle-zika-like-a-hurricane/>]

Rick Scott: “While There Is No Doubt That Washington Wastes Money On Many Things, That Vast History Of Wrongful Spending Should Not Stop The Federal Government From Doing The Right Thing Now By Executing A Robust Plan To Prevent And Combat The Spread Of Zika In America.” “We don’t yet know for certain what will happen with this virus, but we owe our citizens a vigorous and thorough preparation effort at the federal level to best protect their health. Congress and the Obama Administration have discussed different plans to combat the Zika virus, some with different price tags. While there is no doubt that Washington wastes money on many things, that vast history of wrongful spending should not stop the federal government from doing the right thing now by executing a robust plan to prevent and combat the spread of Zika in America.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 5/4/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/05/04/gov-rick-scott-washington-must-handle-zika-like-a-hurricane/>]

Rick Scott: “The Federal Government’s Actions To Combat Zika Should Be Without Political Grandstanding, And Soley Focus On Protecting Our Citizens From A Dangerous Threat.” “Working together, Washington leaders can ensure Zika protection and response efforts are both fully funded and fully safeguarded against waste – just as they enact safeguards on emergency spending around a natural disaster. We have enough opportunity for politics in 2016. The federal government’s actions to combat Zika should be without political grandstanding, and soley focus on protecting our citizens from a dangerous threat.” [Press Release, Office of Governor Scott, 5/4/16<http://www.flgov.com/2016/05/04/gov-rick-scott-washington-must-handle-zika-like-a-hurricane/>]

VP

HEADLINE: “Rick Scott: Don't Want To Be Trump's VP.” [Politico, 5/4/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/rick-scott-donald-trump-veep-222828>]

Rick Scott On Being Chosen As Donald Trump’s Running Mate: “I Like My Job. I Worked Hard To Get This Job. I’m Going To Stay In This Job.” “Florida Gov. Rick Scott made it clear Wednesday that if offered, he would decline to be a vice presidential candidate on the GOP ticket with Donald Trump. ‘I like my job. I worked hard to get this job. I’m going to stay in this job,’ Scott said on CNN’s ‘Erin Burnett Outfront.’ When asked if he'd tell Trump ‘no,’ Scott said, ‘I'm going to pass.’ Burnett’s question came on the premise that Scott could be an attractive VP option for Trump, who could potentially use the governor’s help to win the key state of Florida.” [Politico, 5/4/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/rick-scott-donald-trump-veep-222828>]

Politico: “When Asked If He'd Tell Trump ‘No,’” In Response To A Request To Be Trump’s Running Mate, “Scott Said, ‘I'm Going To Pass.’” “Florida Gov. Rick Scott made it clear Wednesday that if offered, he would decline to be a vice presidential candidate on the GOP ticket with Donald Trump. ‘I like my job. I worked hard to get this job. I’m going to stay in this job,’ Scott said on CNN’s ‘Erin Burnett Outfront.’ When asked if he'd tell Trump ‘no,’ Scott said, ‘I'm going to pass.’ Burnett’s question came on the premise that Scott could be an attractive VP option for Trump, who could potentially use the governor’s help to win the key state of Florida.” [Politico, 5/4/16<http://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/rick-scott-donald-trump-veep-222828>]

Rick Scott On Being Chosen As Donald Trump’s Running Mate: “No, I'm Going To Stay In This Job And Finish This Job.” BURNETT: “So the question then to you, Governor, is if Donald Trump believes that having you as his vice president would help him win your state, and the presidency, because he's got to win Florida, would you turn him down?” SCOTT: “Well, I would predict Donald is going to have a big win. I like my job. I worked hard to get this job. I'm going to stay in this job. We have added 1 million jobs. I was just in California recruiting companies to come here, because California has these ridiculously high taxes and regulations. But no, I'm going to stay in this job and finish this job. I've got two years and eight months to go. It will be nice to have somebody in the White House that cares about jobs, because under Barack Obama, I have no help with jobs.” [Erin Burnett Outfront, CNN, 5/4/16]

Rick Scott On Being Chosen As Donald Trump’s Running Mate: “I Will Do Everything I Can To Make Sure He Wins…But I'm Going To Stay In This Job And Finish This Job And Have A Good Partner In The White House.” BURNETT: “So, you like your job. I know you're saying there's two more years left. But just to be clear, if he comes and calls you and says, Governor Scott, will you do it, you will tell him no?” SCOTT: “I'm going to- I'm going to pass. I will do everything I can to make sure he wins. Both our state and if he wants any help nationwide, I'll do anything I can to make sure he wins. But I'm going to stay in this job and finish this job and have a good partner in the White House.” [Erin Burnett Outfront, CNN, 5/4/16]

TIM SCOTT

On Being Donald Trump’s Vice President

NewsTalk Florida: Tim Scott Said He Would Not Rule Himself “In Or Out” On Being On A Ticket With Donald Trump. “One name that keeps coming up is South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, the only black Republican member of the senate. Scott, whose appeal as a black Republican could be an advantage for Trump, repeatedly sidestepped whether he would be willing to be on the ticket. Finally, asked if he would not rule himself out, he replied, Im not ruling myself in or out.” [NewsTalk Florida, 5/4/16<http://www.newstalkflorida.com/scott-rubio-getting-vp-consideration>]

WSOC: “Channel 9 Learned Wednesday That South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, And North Carolina's Thom Tillis And Richard Burr Will Support Trump Moving Forward.” [WSOC, 5/4/16<http://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/local-national-gop-leaders-urge-faithful-to-rally-behind-trump/259190241>]

Tim Scott Said His First Priority Was Winning Reelection In The Fall And That Would Help Donald Trump If He Could, But Could Not Take Time Away From His Own Campaign. “U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, who previously endorsed Rubio, said Wednesday that he, too, would be backing Trump in November, though his endorsement was not as strongly worded as the GOP chairman s. I ve always said I would support the nominee, and nothing has changed, said Scott, R-S.C. You have to understand what that means, how do we make it work and how do I campaign constructively. Scott said his first priority is winning his own re-election this fall. He d help Trump if he could but said he wasn t going to take time out of his own campaign to do so. It would have been a different story, he said, if Rubio was the nominee.” [Post And Courier, 5/5/16]

On Supreme Court Vacancy

Huffington Post: “’Senator Scott Believes The Next President Should Choose Who Should Fill The Vacancy,’ Said Sean Smith, Spokesman For Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.).” [Huffington Post, 5/4/16<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ted-cruz-clinton-trump-supreme-court_us_572a58e4e4b0bc9cb045977a>]

On Changes To Overtime Law

Tim Scott Joined Senate Lamar Alexander In Supporting Legislation To Block Changes To Overtime Pay Regulations. “Senate labor committee Chairman Lamar Alexander today said that the administrations reported plans to revise its proposed overtime rule wont do much to protect students from tuition hikes as one Tennessee independent college estimated the revised rule could increase tuition by nearly $850 per student… I have joined Senator Scott in introducing legislation to overturn this disastrous proposal and will consider all options to help protect Tennessee colleges and businesses alike…Also on March 17, Senator Alexander joined Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), and House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Kline (R-Minn.) in introducing the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, which will: Prevent the department from finalizing a proposal that will limit opportunities for employees and place significant burdens on job creators; Require the department to fully and accurately consider the economic impact of any rule on small businesses, nonprofits, schools, and others who will be affected; Ensure future changes to the salary threshold accurately reflect the economic realities facing workers and employers by making clear automatic increases are not allowed under current law; and Promote transparency and accountability by requiring any changes to the duties tests be made available for public review and comment.” [States News Service, 5/4/16]