The World Around You

Dennis…always stirring stuff up.

U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel of Austin said Thursday he would hold a hearing next week to hear presidential contender Dennis Kucinich’s challenge to the Texas Democratic Party, which has refused to put his name on the March 4 primary ballot.
The argument stems from Kucinich’s refusal to sign an oath pledging to “fully support” the eventual Democratic nominee for president. Because he refused to sign the oath, party officials would not accept his filing.
Yeakel said in a court hearing Thursday morning that he would hear arguments in the case on Jan. 11 and rule at that time.
“This is an important case that will have ramifications beyond this election, obviously,” Yeakel said.
The Texas Democratic Party has required the loyalty oath since at least 1988.

Judge to hear Kucinich ballot case next week | Postcards

I’ll be shocked if Barack Obama doesn’t win. In fact, I think he’s potentially sitting on a very big win. He seems to have upward momentum in the polls, his crowds are huge, and his message appears to still be connecting with voters and there is no indication that he’s experiencing an erosion of support in the final hours of the campaign. In other words, all the signs are pointing to a strong finish for Obama.

As I’ve said before, that will open the door for him to run the table on Clinton in the early states, especially if she finishes third - which I think she might. I’m hesitant to underestimate the Clinton people or their organizing ability, but from what I can tell she has nowhere near the enthusiasm in her campaign or among her supporters to match Edwards or Obama.

Run the table? That has a nice ring to it.

The Wait is Over - Real Clear Politics - Mid Term Elections - Elections 2008 - TIME

At a time when the state of Alabama, along with many other states around the country are searching desperately for assistance in reducing the number of incarcerated individuals, our brave Senator has temporarily stopped a bill that has tremendous bi-partisan support and has been waiting too long to be passed as it is.

Overall, the proposed legislation would spend about $165 million annually on grants, research, career training, family counseling and mentoring, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center, which endorses the bill.

With about 1.7 million people in state and federal prisons and most of them serving less than a life sentence, advocates say the issue of recidivism has attracted liberals and conservatives who want to keep people from cycling back through, costing taxpayers money and causing prison crowding. Almost 68 percent of prisoners are rearrested within three years, according to Department of Justice statistics.

“A modest expenditure to help transition offenders back into the community can save taxpayers thousands of dollars in the long run,” Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, said when the bill passed the House 347-62. “Nothing in this bill will shorten sentences or ameliorate punishment. The work of this bill begins the day someone steps outside of the prison gates.”

Everyone in Alabama’s House delegation voted for the bill except Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, who missed the vote because he was in Birmingham attending the mayor’s inauguration.

Bobby Timmons, president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association, said the Second Chance Act is necessary because prisoners need more rehabilitation than they get behind bars.

“They need some kind of program to be put back into society so they don’t go back into the criminal element that put them there to start with,” Timmons said. “If it works, they’re out of my hair and not back being a problem for me anymore.”

But Senator Sessions thinks he knows better…even Rep. Mike Rogers and Rep. Terry Everett voted for this thing…he never ceases to amaze with his lack of understanding.

Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions holds up prisoner rehab bill- al.com

Pat Robertson is so funny…he makes me laugh…a lot.

“What I’m praying about is China. I’m asking for 250 million in China. We haven’t had that breakthrough yet but I think we’re going to get it. God’s going to give us China. And China will be the largest Christian nation on the face of the earth. They’re going to come to Jesus.”

Good luck with that Pat…

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Okay, it comes with the territory as a Clinton that she has no shame, but for Hillary Clinton to try to portray herself as the change candidate just makes me sick to my stomach.

Marc Ambinder (January 02, 2008) - Clinton Borrows An Obama Line From The Stump

I don’t know that the whole, “I won’t hire lobbyists in my administration,” gambit is worth what it costs you when things like the Hodges situation happen. However, the promise was made and it does appear former SC Governor Jim Hodges is a registered state and federal lobbyist. He cannot be the campaign co-chair for Obama, it’s as simple as that. Great to have his support, but don’t put him in a leadership role for the campaign.

Obama co-chair a state lobbyist - First Read - msnbc.com

The Montgomery area gets yet another opportunity to start seeing better entertainment with the opening of the new Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Manager Allen Sanders has booked an incredible lineup with some of the best acts to come to town in a long time, including B.B. King, Jason Aldean and George Jones.

I am begging the Montgomery community to support these shows. We have seen these opportunities pass us by too many times…don’t let it happen again.

montgomeryadvertiser.com :: New convention center releases lineup of entertainment acts