Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Oil Company Who Profited In The Deepwater Horizon Spill Tries to Get Out Of Paying Royalties

Zoe Schlanger | July 1, 2011, 6:12PM

A frame grab of the live video stream of operations to stop the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, as seen on May 28, 2010

Remember the BP "top hat"? It was one in a series of desperate attempts by the company to capture the oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico after the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion last year. The top hat, mocked though it was, managed to capture and remove 679,000 barrels of oil from the crippled well, pumping it to nearby tankers.

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Stephen Colbert

Colbert's Super PAC Not Actually Called Colbert Super PAC

Ryan J. Reilly | July 1, 2011, 5:25PM

Stephen Colbert outside the FEC

Turns out that Stephen Colbert's "Super PAC" won't be called "Colbert Super PAC" after all.

Instead, according to paperwork Colbert filed in person with the Federal Election Commission in person yesterday, the "Super PAC" will go by "Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow."

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Michigan

Court Strikes Down Michigan's Affirmative Action Ban

Jillian Rayfield | July 1, 2011, 3:52PM

NAACP march to the Michigan state capitol to oppose Proposal 2

A federal appeals court struck down Proposal 2 on Friday, a 2006 ballot initiative in Michigan that banned Affirmative Action in college admissions and government hiring.

In a 2-1 decision, the Appellate panel ruled that Prop 2 violated the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment. "The majority may not manipulate the channels of change in a manner that places unique burdens on issues of importance to racial minorities," Judges R. Guy Cole and Martha Craig Daughtrey wrote in the majority opinion.

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South Carolina

SC Lt. Gov. Reimburses Campaign For Cash Spent On Playstation, Women's Clothes

Jillian Rayfield | July 1, 2011, 3:48PM

SC Lieut. Gov. Ken Ard (R)

South Carolina Lt. Governor Ken Ard (R) has settled his 107 ethics violations with the State Ethics Commission, and agreed to pay a $48,400 fine, cover the cost of the investigation, and reimburse his campaign for $12,121 in illegal expenditures.

Among those expenditures, Corey Hutchins of the South Carolina Free Times reports, was Ard's wife's phone bill and more than $3000 at Best Buy for a "Playstation 3, a flat-screen TV, an iPod Touch 8G, and two 3G iPads." Ard initially claimed the purchases were "computer equip" for "campaign and office-related purposes."

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Voter Identification

With Drunk Driving Charge, Voter ID Bill Sponsor Might Not Have A License Anymore

Ryan J. Reilly | July 1, 2011, 3:45PM

Ohio State Rep. Robert Mecklenborg

The sponsor of an Ohio bill which restricts access to the ballot box was arrested back in April on drunk driving charges while he had a 26-year-old woman in his car and Viagra in his system, according to police reports.

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Charles Koch

Koch Industries Foreign Subsidiary Admits Making Illegal Donations

Ryan J. Reilly | July 1, 2011, 1:53PM

David and Charles Koch

A Luxembourg-based subsidiary of Koch Industries has admitted to making illegal campaign contributions to political candidates and committees.

INVISTA is a limited liability company involved in the textile manufacturing business that is organized in Luxembourg but headquartered in Kansas. They admitted in a filing with the Federal Election Commission that was disclosed this week that they made 12 contributions totally $26,800 to various political committees between Nov. 2005 and Oct. 2009.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

E-Mails Show WI Justices' Debate After 'Chokehold' -- Meet With Police Vs. Photo Session

Eric Kleefeld | July 1, 2011, 1:13PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court

The seven Justices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court really don't agree about anything. Besides politics and high-profile decisions, it has now emerged that after an incident that has liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley accusing conservative Justice David Prosser of putting her in a chokehold, they didn't even agree about whether to meet quickly with the Capitol Police -- or proceed to a group photo session first.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel obtained e-mails through an open-records request of Prosser's office, showing that Bradley e-mailed the other judges about having a meeting with Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs on "workplace security."

At which point, conservative Justice Patience Roggensack -- who reportedly separated Prosser and Bradley during their altercation -- wrote back asking what problems with security there could be, and that she had "never felt unsafe." Thus, she said the pre-scheduled photo session should go ahead first, and then they could meet with Chief Tubbs afterward.

Ultimately, Justice N. Patrick Crooks -- a moderate who has become publicly identified with the liberal minority, and was reportedly the only justice who was not a witness or participant in the incident -- insisted that the meeting with Chief Tubbs be held first, and then the photo session could follow.

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John McGee

Idaho Lawmaker Who Drunkenly Stole Car Gets Off With Misdemeanor

Aaron Wiener | July 1, 2011, 11:38AM

After he stole a Ford Excursion and drove it with a .15 blood alcohol content -- almost twice the legal limit -- John McGee was charged with felony grand theft and faced the prospect of a hefty jail sentence. The Republican state senator from Idaho, who had been mentioned as a possible congressional or gubernatorial candidate, seemed to have reached the end of his political career.

Or maybe not. On Friday morning, McGee reached a plea agreement that saw the felony charged dropped, leaving him with just a misdemeanor DUI.

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Georgia

Tough Immigration Regulations In Effect In Georgia And South Carolina

Jillian Rayfield | July 1, 2011, 6:00AM

Though a federal judge temporarily blocked parts of Georgia's strict new immigration law this week, the rest of the law will go into effect Friday, including one provision that would penalize people who use a fake ID to get a job with up to 15 years in jail and up to $250,000 in fines.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Prosser Grabs Reporter's Microphone, Quickly Hands It Back (VIDEO)

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2011, 11:54PM

Wisconsin state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser, who has been publicly accused of putting Justice Ann Walsh Bradley in a chokehold, had another flare-up on Thursday -- this time with a reporter.

The local Fox affiliate in Milwaukee sent reporter Mike Lowe to the state Capitol in Madison, seeking to track down the members of the Supreme Court, including Prosser, and repeatedly ask them for comment.

In all, Lowe caught up with four out of the seven Justices. Of course, the Justices predictably declined to comment on a matter that is under a pending investigation -- especially a story that is embarrassing the court.

But when Prosser met up with Lowe, he quickly grabbed the microphone out of Lowe's hand, before just as quickly handing it right back to the surprised reporter -- apparently realizing that was a really bad idea in front of a video camera

Watch the video ...

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Kansas

Kansas Planned Parenthood Gets Licensed Under State's New Abortion Regulations

Jillian Rayfield | June 30, 2011, 6:32PM

A Planned Parenthood branch in Kansas said Thursday that has been licensed under the state's new law regarding abortion clinics, meaning it will be the only abortion clinic that will remain open Friday once the new law takes effect.

The license came through after Planned Parenthood announced a lawsuit against the law on Thursday. "We have been targeted in this bill and Kansas women are the ones who will suffer if their health care is taken away," Peter Brownlie, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri, said in a statement. "This is radical, extreme government intrusion into private health care."

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James Bopp Jr.

FEC: Politicians Can Solicit Donations For 'Super PACs,' But Only Up To $5K

Ryan J. Reilly | June 30, 2011, 4:05PM

RNC Committee Member James Bopp Jr. and the FEC building

As Stephen Colbert did his victory lap outside the Federal Election Commission's headquarters on Thursday, the six commissioners still inside the hearing voted on a measure that will have a much bigger effect on the 2012 election.

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Eric Holder

Eric Holder Announces Full DOJ Investigation Into Deaths Of Two Individuals In CIA Custody

Ryan J. Reilly | June 30, 2011, 1:52PM

President George Bush and Attorney Gen. Eric Holder

Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Justice Department is conducting a full investigation into the deaths of two individuals in CIA custody during the Bush administration.

Holder said that special prosecutor John Durham, who is leading the inquiry, reviewed a "tremendous volume of information pertaining to the detainees" that included "both information and matters that had never previously been examined by the Department."

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FEC

Outside FEC, Stephen Colbert Says His 'Super PAC' Is No Joke (VIDEO)

Ryan J. Reilly | June 30, 2011, 11:50AM

Stephen Colbert

The Federal Election Commission gets it -- Stephen Colbert is punking them. But the FEC treated the Comedy Central host's request for an advisory opinion like anyone else, and on Thursday granted him the ability to form a "super PAC."

Their ruling allows his parent company Viacom to pay for most of their "coverage" of Colbert Super PAC's activities under a press exemption without having to disclose such expenditures as in-kind donations.

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Westboro Baptist Church

FBI Invited Westboro Baptist Church To Agent Training Sessions

Jillian Rayfield | June 30, 2011, 11:07AM

Terry Jones and Westboro Baptist Protestors

The FBI confirmed Wednesday that it invited members of the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church to speak at counterterrorism training sessions, to teach new agents about domestic terrorists.

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Jared Lee Loughner

Court Rules Accused Tucson Shooter Can Be Forcibly Medicated

Zoe Schlanger | June 30, 2011, 10:24AM

Jared Loughner

An emergency hearing Wednesday determined Jared Lee Loughner will continue to be be given psychotropic medication against his will. Reuters reports that a court filing urged the motion due to behavior that was "either intended or reasonably likely to cause physical harm to another," which included spitting on his attorney and throwing chairs at the prison psychologist.

The alleged Tucson shooter is on trial for killing 6 people and wounding 14 others, including Rep. Gabriel Giffords (D-AZ), who made her first public appearance since the January shooting at a NASA space center in Houston on Monday.

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Ron Johnson

Johnson $10M Payday Could Raise Red Flags For IRS

Susan Crabtree | June 30, 2011, 9:24AM

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI)

Sen. Ron Johnson's $10 million post-election windfall from his former company not only raises eyebrows among election lawyers, but the lump-sum payout also could raise serious red flags for the IRS, according to legal experts and accountants.

The Wisconsin Republican, a Tea Party favorite who defeated Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) last year, received a $10 million payment in deferred compensation from his former plastics company, Pacur, weeks after his $9 million self-financed 2010 campaign for Senate came to an end.

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Justice Department

Amid ATF Fast And Furious Scandal, House Democrats Point To Weak Gun Laws

Ryan J. Reilly | June 30, 2011, 8:00AM

Rep. Darrell E. Issa (D-CA) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)

A new report from the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee points to the difficulties that weak gun laws pose for federal agents trying to stop gun trafficking on the Mexican border.

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Wisconsin Judicial Commission

Disorder In The Court -- How Wisconsin Justice Became So Divisive

Eric Kleefeld | June 30, 2011, 6:00AM

Wisconsin Supreme Court

Something has clearly happened to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. With many contentious 4-3 rulings, and a conservative majority and liberal minority that openly castigate each other in their opinions -- and now an alleged physical altercation among two justices -- how has the top of Wisconsin's judicial branch become so politically divided as to possibly lead to physical confrontation?

TPM reached out to several former clerks at the court to get a sense of things on the inside. One former clerk who was willing to speak with us, who had served with one of the liberal justices, said that when the judges would discuss their decisions in a closed-door conference room, loud arguments -- including shouting by Prosser -- could be heard from outside the door. With that said, the source said that matters have escalated over the past decade, as the line-up of the court has changed through the addition of strongly conservative members in contested elections.

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Kansas

Kansas Abortion Docs Say New Law Is A 'Sham' That Is 'Stacked Against' Them

Jillian Rayfield | June 30, 2011, 5:45AM

Two Kansas doctors who perform abortions have asked the courts to block a set of new licensing restrictions that go into effect Friday, because they argue the regulations are a "sham" and have "made it impossible for existing medical practices to obtain a license by the effective date."

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Stephen Colbert

Campaign Reformers Say Stephen Colbert's FEC Joke Has Gone Far Enough

Ryan J. Reilly | June 29, 2011, 6:45PM

Stephen Colbert

Your average meeting of the Federal Election Commission is lucky to attract one reporter - usually Ken Doyle, the senior editor of the trade publication BNA's Money & Politics Report. "I've been there many times when he and I were the only people in the audience," campaign finance lawyer Brett Kappel told TPM.

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Joseph Farah

World Net Daily Writers Sue Esquire For $120 Million Over Birther Parody

Ryan J. Reilly | June 29, 2011, 4:00PM

It might be a week late, but World Net Daily editor Joseph Farah and author Jerome Corsi have finally made good on their threats and sued Esquire for a satirical article that claimed that they were no longer members of the so-called 'birther' movement.

[TPM SLIDESHOW: The Best Worst Crazy Anti-Obama (And One Pro-Obama) Billboards]

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Sovereign Citizens

'Sovereign Citizen' Thrown Out Of Pizza Chain Bankruptcy Hearings

Jillian Rayfield | June 29, 2011, 2:12PM

The bankruptcy hearings of the Giordano's Pizza chain in Chicago took a strange turn this week, when a sovereign citizen was thrown out of the courtroom after he made vague threats and caused what the judge called a "sideshow."

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Sheriff Turns Wis. 'Chokehold' Investigation Over To Subordinates

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2011, 12:13PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

It appears to now be politically difficult to even find a proper venue for investigating the alleged physical altercation at the Wisconsin Supreme Court -- in which liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has accused conservative Justice David Prosser of grabbing her neck in a chokehold, during an argument over the court's recent decision regarding the upholding of Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation.

Dane County (Madison) Sheriff Dave Mahoney, who was elected as a Democrat in a partisan election, has separated himself from the investigation, following complaints by some conservative activists -- and also following the investigation having been transferred to him on Monday by the Capitol Police, who had originally been investigating the matter.

Some conservatives had complained that in this past spring election for the state Supreme Court, Mahoney had endorsed Prosser's opponent JoAnn Kloppenburg. In addition, he has previously endorsed Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson -- whom Prosser has previously called a "total bitch," and when the incident was later reported said the comment was "entirely warranted"

In his statement, Mahoney described the process by which the case was transferred throughout his office in multiple steps, such that he would play no role in assigning detectives or overseeing the investigation.

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Justice Department

Dem Senators Urge DOJ To Use 'Full Power' To Scrutinize Voter ID Laws

Ryan J. Reilly | June 29, 2011, 12:05PM

Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO)

Sixteen Democratic Senators have written a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder urging the Justice Department to carefully review the "highly restrictive photo identification requirements" that are sweeping state legislatures across the country.

Concerned that the measures could "block millions of eligible American voters without addressing any problem commensurate with this kind of restriction on voting rights," the Senators ask DOJ to use the "full power of the Department of Justice to review these voter identification laws and scrutinize their implementation."

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Christine O'Donnell

Republican FEC Commissioners Stopped Probe Of Christine O'Donnell

Ryan J. Reilly | June 29, 2011, 11:17AM

Christine O'Donnell

Former Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell told supporters in an email earlier this month that the Federal Election Commission "dismissed the politically motivated complaint against me that was filed by my opponents last summer."

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Report: Wis. Justice Bradley Told Justice Prosser To Seek Anger Management

Eric Kleefeld | June 29, 2011, 10:30AM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

In the latest news from the bizarre story from the Wisconsin Supreme Court -- in which liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has accused conservative Justice David Prosser of grabbing her neck in a chokehold, during an argument over the court's recent decision regarding the upholding of Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation -- it is now being reported that Bradley told Prosser in the days following the incident to seek anger-management therapy.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports: "The request came June 15, when all the justices met with Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs to discuss the June 13 altercation between Prosser and Bradley. At least some of Prosser's fellow conservatives on the court said it would be ridiculous for him to take such courses, the sources said."

Unnamed sources on Prosser's side have alleged that Bradley initiated the violence, by charging at Prosser with her fists raised. He then raised his own hands, it is said, to defend himself. Bradley has shot back publicly, saying: "You can try to spin those facts and try to make it sound like I ran up to him and threw my neck into his hands, but that's only spin."

Voter Identification

Donna Brazile On Voter ID Laws: Republicans Willing To Violate Civil Rights To Win Elections

Ryan J. Reilly | June 29, 2011, 9:35AM

Donna Brazile

The Democratic Governors Association is raising money for a voter protection project intended to combat the Republican-backed voter ID laws that are sweeping through legislatures around the country.

"In Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas, extremist governors or legislatures are willing to violate people's civil rights in order to win elections," Donna Brazile wrote in an email to supporters trying to raise money for the DGA's Voter Protection Project.

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Don't Ask Don't Tell

After 'Don't Ask' Survey Leak, 'Concerned Source' Slips IG Report To Anti-Gay Group

Ryan J. Reilly | June 28, 2011, 5:33PM

Gay rights activists at the "One Nation Working Together" rally

Pretend you're angry that someone improperly leaked some details of a military survey that showed the vast majority of service members wouldn't care all that much about serving alongside gay troops. Say that disclosure was perfectly timed to jolt congressional support for repeal of the military's 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy.

How do you get back? By leaking the Defense Department Inspector General's report on the leak of that survey to an anti-gay group that fought against the repeal of the 'Don't Ask' policy, of course!

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CREW

Ethics Group Says Richardson Made Staffers Cross Line Into Political Work

Ryan J. Reilly | June 28, 2011, 3:00PM

Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA)

A ethics watchdog is asking the FBI to investigate whether Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA) was misusing her congressional staffers to by forcing them to work at campaign events and run personal errands, a violation of federal law.

The group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) said in a letter to the FBI's Washington field office that "requiring staff members to engage in campaign-related activities undermines the basic principle that government funds should not be spent to help incumbents gain re-election."

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Alleged Wisconsin Supreme Court 'Chokehold' Incident Could Be Decided By...Wisconsin Supreme Court

Eric Kleefeld | June 28, 2011, 12:04PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

The investigations are now proceeding in Wisconsin of the alleged incident on the Supreme Court, in which liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley has accused conservative Justice David Prosser of grabbing her neck in a chokehold, during an argument. As it turns out, for one of the ongoing investigations into the problems on this very polarized and acrimonious state Supreme Court, the ultimate arbiter of the controversy would be...that very Supreme Court.

Assuming both Prosser and Bradley recused themselves, that would leave the court's now very polarized wings at 3-2 for the conservatives. But even this could be a hairy situation -- how would recusal work when multiple other justices were witnesses to the incident in question?

On Monday, the Dane County (Madison) Sheriff's Office announced that it was taking up the investigation of the alleged assault, after the case was handed over to it by the Capitol Police (who in turn consulted with the Supreme Court itself on the decision). In addition, the Wisconsin Judicial Commission, which investigates alleged misconduct involving judges, released a statement Monday that it, too, was looking into the alleged incident, and would have no further comment about the case.

To be clear, both of these investigations could potentially continue, separate from one another.

According to the commission's web site, the commission consists of "one court of appeals judge, one circuit court judge, and two attorneys, all appointed by the Supreme Court; and five non-lawyer members appointed by the governor with Senate confirmation." The commissioners are appointed to three-year terms, with a limit of two consecutive terms. The current members of the commission were appointed over a spread of the past six years.

TPM called up the commission, seeking a basic civics lesson in how the commission and its investigations work, keeping in mind that they could not comment on the specifics of this case.

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Proposition 8

Prop 8 Supporters Appeal Ruling Over Judge's Sexuality

Jillian Rayfield | June 28, 2011, 11:35AM

Proponents of the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban are appealing a federal judge's refusal to vacate Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling on the measure, because, as they have argued, the decision represents a conflict of interest because Walker is gay.

Reuters reports that Matthew McGill, who is representing two same-sex couples challenging the measure, called the appeal part of a "smear campaign" against Walker.

"The only thing surprising about this development is doing so in the face of such a well-reasoned opinion," McGill said.

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Alaska

State Trial Of AK 'Sovereign Citizens' May Be Delayed Until Next Year

Jillian Rayfield | June 28, 2011, 10:21AM

Schaeffer Cox

Attorneys for the group of Alaska sovereign citizens who allegedly plotted to murder a federal judge are pushing for the trial to be delayed until after the federal charges against them have been resolved.

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Voter Identification

New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Photo ID Bill, Says There's No Fraud Problem In State

Ryan J. Reilly | June 28, 2011, 5:55AM

Gov. John Lynch (D-NH)

Democratic New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch vetoed a voter identification law on Monday night because he said it "creates a real risk that New Hampshire voters will be denied their right to vote."

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National Organization for Marriage

New York Gay Marriage Decision Another Blow To NOM

Ryan J. Reilly | June 28, 2011, 5:45AM

NYS Senator the Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., left, marches with Brian Brown, right, of the National Organization for Marriage

The National Organization for Marriage has a flair for the dramatic. Their much-mocked advertisement against gay marriage featured literal clouds forming over the heads of actors portraying regular American citizens whimpering at the thought of an impending gay marriage-acalypse.

If they'd chosen a cinematic interpretation of the "D-Day" metaphor they used in emails to anti-gay marriage supporters before their big loss last week, it might feature flamboyant soldiers invading the shores of the Hamptons.

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Jesse Jackson Jr.

End Of Blago Case Could Mean House Ethics Probe For Jackson Jr.

Ryan J. Reilly | June 27, 2011, 5:30PM

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL)

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich being found guilty on 17 of 20 corruption charges might mean the House Ethics Committee probe into allegations against Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill) could get underway soon.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Dane County Sheriff's Office Investigating Alleged Prosser 'Chokehold' Incident

Eric Kleefeld | June 27, 2011, 4:18PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

In the latest development on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where conservative Justice David Prosser has been accused of physically assaulting liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, the principal investigation of the matter has now been turned over to the Sheriff's Office in Dane County (Madison).

The sheriff's office said in a statement issued Monday:

Today, at the request of the Wisconsin Capital Police Department, the Dane County Sheriff's Office opened an investigation into the June 13th incident involving an alleged altercation at the offices of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The Dane County Sheriff's Office recognizes the significance and sensitive nature of this investigation. Beginning today, detectives will work diligently to conduct a thorough and timely investigation. Because this case is in the very early stages, no further information is available at this time.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports that Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs, whose office had originally received a report of the alleged incident, has instead turned the matter over to the Dane County Sheriff's office after consulting with members of the Supreme Court itself.

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Rod Blagojevich

Blago Convicted Of Trying To Sell Obama's Senate Seat

Jillian Rayfield | June 27, 2011, 3:15PM

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

A Chicago jury has found former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich guilty of 17 of the 20 charges in his corruption trial, including multiple charges of wire fraud and bribery, and attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat.

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Campaign Finance

Kagan: SCOTUS Ruling Against Arizona Public Financing Is 'Chutzpah'

Ryan J. Reilly | June 27, 2011, 12:45PM

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan

The conservative majority of the Supreme Court on Monday struck down an Arizona campaign finance law that offered political candidates facing well-funded opponents a subsidy to "level the playing field" and protect from public corruption.

Chief Justice John Roberts and the conservative majority agreed with the five conservative politicians and two political action committees who argued that the law stifled free speech, claiming it meant they were punished if they raised too much money because the government would subsidize their opponents.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wis. Senate Leader: 'Wow! The Supreme Court Is Crazier Than The Legislature'

Eric Kleefeld | June 27, 2011, 11:57AM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser and State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI)

Wisconsin state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R) has responded -- with some surprise and a bit of sarcastic humor -- to the reports that emerged over the weekend of conservative state Supreme Court Justice David Prosser being accused of grabbing liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley by the neck in a chokehold.

"Wow! The Supreme Court is crazier than the Legislature apparently," said Fitzgerald, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.

On a more serious note, Fitzgerald said "it appears something happened" but that the details were hazy.

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Rod Blagojevich

Jury In Blago Re-Trial Reaches Verdict

Jillian Rayfield | June 27, 2011, 11:51AM

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich

The jury in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected to announce its verdict early Monday afternoon in Chicago.

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Indiana

Federal Judge Rules Indiana Can't Block Planned Parenthood Funding

Jillian Rayfield | June 27, 2011, 10:47AM

Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN)

A federal judge has granted Planned Parenthood a temporary injunction against an Indiana law that stripped it of all federal funding in the state.

"If dogma trumps pragmatism and neither side budges, Indiana's most vulnerable citizens could end up paying the price as the collateral damage of a partisan battle," U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt wrote in her decision.

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Newt Gingrich

Thrice Married Newt Gingrich Says Gays 'Muddle' Marriage

Ryan J. Reilly | June 27, 2011, 9:55AM

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) with wife, Callista.

Newt Gingrich, who is married to his third wife, said this weekend that the U.S. was "drifting towards a terrible muddle" by not limiting marriage to members of the opposite sex, Reuters reported.

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Voter Identification

'Most Restrictive' Voter ID Law In The Country Loses Support Of Republican Secretary Of State

Ryan J. Reilly | June 27, 2011, 5:45AM

The Ohio state Senate was set to consider this week what critics are calling the most restrictive voter identification law in the country. The push for restrictive voter ID measures in the Buckeye state is part of a trend of similar legislation sweeping Republican-controlled legislatures across the country.

But Ohio's measure is so restrictive -- it requires the photo IDs to be issued by the state, so voters couldn't identify themselves with their full Social Security numbers -- that it lost the support of Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted.

"I want to be perfectly clear, when I began working with the General Assembly to improve Ohio's elections system it was never my intent to reject valid votes," Husted said in a short statement posted on his official website.

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Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wis. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley: Justice Prosser 'Put His Hands Around My Neck In Anger In A Chokehold'

Eric Kleefeld | June 26, 2011, 12:53PM

Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser

New details are emerging in this weekend's story that Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice David Prosser -- a member of the court's 4-3 conservative majority who was just re-elected to a ten-year term in a heated race that involved a recount and vote-tabulating controversies -- allegedly attacked liberal Justice Ann Walsh Bradley during an argument over the court's recent decision regarding the upholding of Gov. Scott Walker's anti-public employee union legislation. Now, Bradley is speaking up, and saying publicly that she was assaulted by Prosser.

"The facts are that I was demanding that he get out of my office and he put his hands around my neck in anger in a chokehold," Bradley told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Meanwhile, an unnamed source who is on Prosser's side of the argument accused Bradley of initiating the violence. "She charged him with fists raised," the source told the paper, saying that Prosser "put his hands in a defensive posture" to block her, and made contact with her neck. Bradley is then said to have immediately complained of being choked, while another, unnamed Justice responded, "You were not choked."

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