Orlando Sentinel: Gov. Crist’s record of accomplishment requires a little explaining

TALLAHASSEE – As his national profile grows, Charlie Crist is touting Florida’s education gains, spending cuts and a program to create affordable health insurance as key accomplishments of his term as governor.
Problem is, Crist’s efforts to build his résumé aren’t quite accurate.
Crist, the leading Republican candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in 2010, made the [...]

The Hill: Rep. Stark to constituent: I won’t ‘waste’ urine to pee on your leg

As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, and a video confirms, the man stood near the congressman and listed off what he felt were “smoke and mirrors” promises in the Obama administration’s healthcare reform proposal. At the close of his remarks, which he delivered in a civil tone, the constituent said: “Mr. Congressman, don’t pee on [...]

The Hill: We need the Consumer Financial Protection Agency

Faced with mounting consumer anger and congressional scrutiny, several of the nation’s largest banks took modest steps last week to curb abusive overdraft practices.
For years, as they raked in billions of dollars in overdraft fees, these same institutions protested that even such incremental changes weren’t possible. Public attention works wonders. But the changes are too [...]

Sun Sentinel: Broward doctor and fund-raiser who bragged of connections to Crist is arrested

FORT LAUDERDALE – An influential Broward County eye doctor whose boasts about his political connections in Tallahassee fueled a federal corruption investigation into Gov. Charlie Crist’s office was arrested today on fraud charges.
Dr. Alan Mendelsohn, a Hollywood ophthalmologist who has raised millions for Florida politicians, surrendered to FBI agents on charges linked to his alleged [...]

Politico: A rising GOP PR star

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich calls her “one of the most talented people I’ve met.” Republican strategist Mary Matalin calls her “the total package.” And there’s a Facebook group of more than 150 people hoping she’ll return to her home district and run against incumbent Rep. Marion Berry (D-Ark.).
Meet Princella Smith, who at age [...]

The Hill: Geithner says the Federal government needs more power to prevent bailouts

The Obama administration is taking steps to defend its financial reform plan against critics who are arguing that it enshrines a long-term role for Washington to bail out Wall Street.
The issue is percolating on the one-year anniversary of Congress reluctantly passing a $700 billion rescue package after the failures at Lehman Brothers and American International [...]

Yahoo: Crude and gasoline futures rise on supply data

NEW YORK – Oil prices rose Wednesday after a government report said the nation’s gasoline supply dropped unexpectedly.
Benchmark crude for November delivery added $1.55 at $68.26 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, Brent crude rose $1.34 to $66.83 a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.
The Energy Information Administration put U.S. gasoline [...]

The WSJ: Obama to Lobby for Chicago Olympic Bid

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will travel to Copenhagen Thursday to lobby the International Olympic Committee on behalf of Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games, Valerie Jarrett, a White House adviser, said Monday.
Iain Martin: Obama Follows in Blair’s Footsteps on Olympics http://www.chicago2016.org/ Journal Communitydiscuss“ Our soldiers are dying in Afghanistan, no decisions have been [...]

The Hill: Lack of competitive open seats could hinder GOP election gains

Republicans have touted 2010 as their comeback year, but the GOP lacks one key ingredient that could turn a good election night into a great one: open seats to win.
In the last three “wave elections,” the party that lost a large number of seats has been hampered by incumbents not running for reelection. But so [...]

The Hill: Public option debate continues to divide Democrats on healthcare

The most controversial component of healthcare reform promises to vex Democrats the rest of the year.
The spotlight this week will continue on the Senate Finance Committee, where amendments to add the public insurance option will be offered by Democratic Sens. Jay Rockefeller (W.Va.) and Chuck Schumer (N.Y.).
The issue will also continue to be a [...]