Daily Dose for July 30, 2008

Cohen Slavery Apology Passes House

Cohen Slavery Apology Passes House -- Congressman Steve Cohen's bill apologizing for slavery and Jim Crow legislation has passed the US House. After a lengthy plea by Cohen in the well, the bill passed on a voice vote. Cohen: "Only a great nation can recognize and admit its mistakes and then go forth to create, indeed, 'a more perfect union' that works to bring people of all races, religions and creeds together in unity as Americans." Sen. Tom Harkin is considering introducing a companion measure in the Senate. A total of 120 lawmakers, including two Republicans, co-sponsored the resolution, which is also supported by Senate candidate Bob Tuke, according to a recent press release. Critics of the bill say it is an election year ploy on the part of Cohen, who faces an uphill reelection bid in a majority black district. More here.

Judges On the Ballot Too -- Voters on Aug. 7 have an opportunity to reject Gov. Phil Bredesen's appointments of two Tennessee Supreme Court justices and five other appeals court judges, but it's a pretty safe bet they will not. Of the 146 judicial retention elections held since the state's system for selecting top judges was established, 145 resulted in a win for the incumbent judge. That system is to change if Republicans in the State Senate have anything to do about it. They want to scrap the so-called "Tennessee-system" for electing judges whereby a group of lawyers select nominees who are then chosen by the Governor and then confirmed in a "retention question" on the ballot. The state constitution specifies that judges should be elected and the TN system is a way to satisfy this requirement, albeit in an fairly undemocratic way. Judges, however, seem to favor the system, which they say allow them to rise above political campaigns.

Corker Criticizes Budget Accounting -- Sen. Bob Corker said the administration's budget estimate, "is not an honest view of our country's budget deficit." Corker says the budgets are inaccuarate because they include not additional funding for Iraq and Afghanistan in 2009 or beyond and the alternative minimum tax will be patched only for tax year 2008. Corker: "This is not an honest view of our country's budget deficit and the administration knows it. Their failure to include a realistic assessment for war spending and refusal to make accurate assumptions about the alternative minimum tax is disappointing and does not set the right tone for having a serious discussion about our country's dire fiscal situation."

So Long Long -- Saying he had made a number of statements that reveal a "blood-thirsty" disposition, federal prosecutors urged a jury not to give any leniency to former Hamilton Co. Sheriff Billy Long. The defense for their part have argued that Long qualifies for a federal sentencing provision called the "safety valve." Judges can use the safety valve to disregard mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug crimes when defendants meet a set of criteria including having no prior criminal history. Mr. Long pleaded guilty May 5 to 19 counts of extortion, six counts of money laundering, one count of providing a firearm to a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to sell cocaine.

Posted by Adam Groves | Email This |