Democrats have big win in Wisconsin judge contest
Despite Elon Musk campaigning in person and pouring an estimated $20 million into the campaign to elect Republican conservative Brad Schimel to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Democrat Susan Crawford was elected to the court in yesterday’s special election. Crawford’s win keeps the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the liberal camp. Donald Trump along with Musk pushed for Schimel. Musk’s spending made the contest the most expensive race for a judgeship in U.S. history.
Florida gains for Democrats
Republicans won two elections for Congressional seats in traditionally Republican districts in Florida yesterday, but the margin of victory was dramatically reduced from the margins with which Republicans previously had won the districts. Jimmy Patronis won the District 1 seat formerly held by Matt Gaetz. He beat Democrat Gay Valimont by about 15 points. Gaetz had beaten her by 32 points in November. In Florida’s sixth district, Republican Randy Fein beat Democrat Josh Weil by 14 points, less than half the margin of previous Republican wins in the district.
Booker sets Senate record
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey set a record for the longest speech in history on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Booker spoke for 25 hours and 4 minutes, eclipsing the record formerly set by Sen. Strom Thurmond. In 1957, Thurmond filibustered for 24 hours and 8 minutes against the Civil Right Act of 1957. Booker used his speech to denounce what Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been doing to the federal government and the threat posed to the survival of democracy in the U.S.
Eric Adams case dropped
A federal judge today formally dropped the corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Both Adams and the Trump Administration denied that there had been an agreement for the government to drop the case against Adams in exchange for Adams agreeing to cooperate with the administration regarding immigration and to publicly support Trump ‘s immigration policies. Adams is running for reelection as mayor.
Republicans prepare for vote on Senate tax cut bill
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he hopes to bring the Senate version of a tax cut resolution to the Senate floor this week. The House has passed its version of a spending resolution that includes tax cuts of $4.5 trillion and spending cuts of $2 trillion. The House version would force about $800 billion in cuts to health care, although it doesn’t specifically name Medicaid. The Senate version would not specify that spending cuts need to be made to pay for the tax cuts. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calls not including a requirement to pay for the tax cuts to be a fraud on the American people.
Actor Val Kilmer dies at age 65
Actor Val Kilmer has died in Los Angeles from pneumonia. He was 65 years old. Kilmer is known for his roles as Batman in the movie “Batman Forever” and musician Jim Morrison in the movie “The Doors.” Kilmer also is noted for his roles in the movies “Tombstone” and “Top Gun” and “Top Gun: Maverick.” Kilmer grew up in Los Angeles. In 1981, he became the youngest student ever admitted to study drama at the Juilliard School. Kilmer and his former wife Joanne Whalley had two children.
