U.S. Supreme Court « Washington Hotlist

$642.5 billion defense bill is approved by House May 19, 2012
The House approved a bill Friday that would provide $642.5 billion in defense spending for the next fiscal year, despite a veto threat from the White House, which objected to a series of provisions that would limit the president’s authority and challenge administration policies. Read full article >> […]
Walter Pincus
Featured Advertiser May 19, 2012
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Biden on West Virginians’ vote for felon Keith Judd: ‘I don’t blame people’ for frustration over economy May 18, 2012
Why did four-in-ten Democratic primary voters in West Virginia earlier this month cast their ballots for felon Keith Judd over President Obama? To hear Vice President Biden tell it, it’s because those voters are taking out their frustration and anger about the economy on Obama. Read full article >> […]
Felicia Sonmez
Scott Brown raising money off Elizabeth Warren Native American questions May 18, 2012
Scott Brown raising money off Elizabeth Warren flap, Al Gore is dating, and George W. Bush is returning to the White House (for a portrait). Make sure to sign up to get “Afternoon Fix ” in your e-mail inbox every day by 5 (ish) p.m! Read full article >> […]
Rachel Weiner
North Carolina same-sex marriage amendment: Confusion over domestic partner benefits May 18, 2012
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mecklenburg County commissioner Bill James survived his own primary race on May 8. But it was the marquee fight over Amendment One that topped his agenda the following day. It was predicted that the change to the state constitution, with its broad language proclaiming “marriage between one man and one woman … the only domestic legal union t […]
Mary C. Curtis
Mitt and Ann Romney each give $75,000 to Romney Victory Fund May 18, 2012
Republican candidate Mitt Romney and his wife have each given $75,000 to the Romney Victory Fund, the joint fundraising group that collects money for his presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee, campaign sources said Friday. Read full article >> […]
Dan Eggen
Mitt Romney plans restful break after busy week May 18, 2012
Mitt Romney wrapped up a very busy week (Iowa, Florida, New Hampshire) with a very short speech (barely nine minutes) Friday afternoon in New Hampshire. On Saturday, the former Massachusetts governor will spend the day opening his Wolfeboro, N.H., home on Lake Winnepesaukee. Read full article >> […]
Nia-Malika Henderson
Birtherism isn’t dead May 18, 2012
Discussion of President Obama’s place of birth died down significantly when he released his long-form birth certicate. But birtherism still lives, even if it no longer gets as much attention. Nationally, conservative bloggers have seized an opportunity to raise the issue. In some places disbelief in Obama’s America origins is still strong, and politicians ar […]
Rachel Weiner
Wisconsin recall slipping away from Democrats May 18, 2012
Just two and a half weeks remain in the recall of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R), and momentum seems to be firmly on the GOP’s side. All three polls out this week show Walker leading Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (D) by between 5 percent and 9 percent. Perhaps more illustrative, though, are the candidate’s personal favorability and approval numbers. Read full […]
Aaron Blake
Following Obama meeting, France’s Hollande promises different approach to Afghan aid May 18, 2012
President Obama welcomed new French President Francois Hollande to the White House on Friday, an initial meeting that came as world leaders feel a renewed sense of urgency to contain the European debt crisis. Read full article >> […]
David Nakamura

Affirmative Action Is Wrong

Partial Birth Abortion Ban Upheld

Yet another 5-4 ruling for the new Chief Justice that was supposed to bring consensus and legal clarity to the “court of last resort.” This time, Justice Kennedy was the swing vote and joined the majority. One wonders if this would have come out the other way if retired Justice O’Connor was still on the [...]

A Loss For Meaningful Campaign Finance Reform

In a severe blow to those that wish to limit the influence that big money has on the legislative process (include myself in this group), a federal court loosened restrictions on corporations, unions and other special interest groups that run political advertising in peak election season.

The 2-1 ruling said groups may mention candidates by [...]

Breyer Gets It Right

Some quotes for today by the Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. I couldn’t have said these better myself.

“It’s a Constitution that protects a democratic system, basic liberties, a rule of law, a degree of equality, a division of powers, state, federal, so that no one gets too powerful.”

“You don’t want one [...]

Flag Burning Amendment Falls One Vote Short

Flag Burning Amendment Analysis

You’ve got to be kidding me…