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PRESIDENT
Democratic National Convention: Attempts To Remove Biden Continue
While attempts to replace President Biden as the Democratic nominee were quelled temporarily in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Trump, California US Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) is now circulating a "Dear Colleague" letter to encourage the Democratic National Committee to forego plans to virtually renominate President Biden.
The virtual process is scheduled to begin at the end of the month, but Huffman's proposal would move the nomination roll call vote to occur at the Democratic National Convention.
The Congressman points out that delegates should make the nomination decision at the convention. This would open the door for the possibility of another candidate emerging as the party nominee, presumably Vice President Harris, in the hope that a different nominee may have a better chance of defeating Donald Trump in November.
Though delegates are bound by state law to cast their vote for the nominee supported by state voters, they can, as a matter of conscience, abstain from voting. If this happens, it could delay the nomination until the expiry of the various state laws and party rules that bind delegate votes to the candidate whom the state voters support. At that point, the convention would be open to nominate another candidate.
SENATE
New Jersey: Sen. Bob Menendez Found Guilty
Sen. Bob Menendez (D/I-NJ) was found guilty of bribery and corruption on all counts yesterday. Key Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Menendez’s home state Governor, Phil Murphy (D), are calling for him to resign.
Numerous other New Jersey Democrats and a Republican also made public statements yesterday, calling on Menendez to voluntarily leave office. Among them are the state’s junior Senator, Cory Booker (D-NJ); Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), the Democratic nominee poised to succeed Menendez in the November election; developer Curtis Bashaw, the Republican US Senate nominee; Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair); and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (D).
Governor Murphy stated that he would make a caretaker appointment to immediately fill the seat when Menendez resigns or is removed. Without Menendez, the Democratic majority would shrink to a 50D-49R division until his replacement is found.
HOUSE
New Jersey: McIver Wins Special Election
Last night, as expected, Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver easily won the special Democratic primary over four opponents. Mclver becomes the prohibitive favorite to win the September 18 special general election, the winner of that election will assume the seat left vacant by former Rep. Donald Payne and serve the remaining years of his term.
Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) passed away in late April, leaving the 10th District temporarily unrepresented. Though deceased, Mr. Payne posthumously won the Democratic primary, so now the party committee must replace him.
The local 10th Congressional District Democratic Committee will meet to choose a regular election nominee. The meeting was scheduled after the special primary so the committee could simply appoint the person who won the special primary as the nominee for the regular term.
GOVERNOR
Washington: Clear leaders emerge from a crowded primary
Survey USA just released a new gubernatorial poll for the state of Washington. The poll found Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) leads the open all-party primary with 42% of the vote. His closest competitor, former US Representative and ex-King County Sheriff Dave Reichert (R), is also expected to qualify for the general election, with 33%.
Of the 28 candidates seeking entry, the two closest competitors to the leaders are former School Board Member Semi Bird (R), who has 11% of the vote, and state Sen. Mark Mullet (D), who has 4%. The remaining 10% is spread over the other 26 candidates.
The Washington primary is scheduled for August 6.
Jim Ellis is a 35-year veteran of politics at the state and national levels. He has served ss executive director for two national political action committees, as well as a consultant to the three national Republican Party organizations in DC, the National Federation of Independent Business, and various national conservative groups.
Born and raised in Sacramento, California, he earned a B. A. in Political Science from the University of California at Davis in 1979. Jim raised his daughter, Jacqueline, alone after his wife died following a tragic car accident. He helped establish the Joan Ellis Victims Assistance Network in Rochester, NH. Jim also is a member of the Northern Virginia Football Officials Association, which officiates high school games throughout the region.
Now they claim Biden has covid! Surprise? 🤔😏😎