Archive for June 6th, 2006
Brian Bilbray, Republican candidate in the 50th congressional district, left, talks with a supporter at an election night party in San Diego, Tuesday, June 6, 2006.
ASSociated Press: Ex-GOP congressman ahead in Calif. race
A former Republican congressman led in early results Tuesday in a closely watched House race that was being seen as a barometer of voter attitudes ahead of the midterm elections.
Former Rep. Brian Bilbray was leading Democrat Francine Busby in the solidly Republican San Diego-area district about 30 miles north of the Mexican border. The immigration debate and a GOP corruption scandal dominated the campaign for the House seat held by Randy “Duke” Cunningham before he went to prison for bribery.
Tuesday’s victor will serve the remaining seven months of Cunningham’s term.
With 11 percent of precincts reporting in absentee voting, Bilbray had 20,448 votes, or 51 percent, compared with 17,329 votes, or 43 percent, for Busby.
Busby, a local school board member who ran against Cunningham in 2004, focused her campaign on public dissatisfaction with the Bush administration and the GOP-led Congress. She assailed Bilbray for working as a lobbyist in Washington and routinely referred to him as “lobbyist Bilbray.”
Democrats spent nearly $2 million on the high-stakes contest, and the GOP spent more than $4 million. President Bush and first lady Laura Bush recorded automated telephone messages for Bilbray. A mass e-mailing from Sen. John Kerry, the party’s 2004 presidential candidate, was sent last week to more than 100,000 supporters, urging them to help get out the vote. Al Gore also recorded a phone message telling Democrats to go to the polls.
It looks like the GOP and Brian Bilbray have held the seat.
The results can be viewed throughout the night and morning here.
Previous:
Election 2006 Watch: Francine Busby in California 50 – “You Don’t Need Papers for Votingâ€
Technorati Tags: FrancineBusby, BrianBilbray
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President Bush speaks to reporters during a visit to the Laredo Border Patrol Sector Headquarters in Laredo, Texas, Tuesday, June 6, 2006. President Bush said Tuesday that Iran’s initial response to a package of incentives and threats on the nuclear impasse ‘sounds like a positive step to me.’
ASSociated Press: Iran says Western proposal ‘positive’
Iran and the United States had a rare moment of agreement Tuesday, using similar language to describe “positive steps” toward an accord on a package of incentives aimed at persuading Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment.
Diplomats said the incentives include a previously undisclosed offer of some U.S. nuclear technology on top of European help in building light-water nuclear reactors. Other incentives include allowing Iran to buy spare airplane parts and support for joining the World Trade Organization.
Tehran is under intense international pressure to accept the deal in exchange for putting on hold a uranium enrichment program that the West fears could lead to the creation of nuclear weapons.
Iran’s top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, said the proposals had “positive steps” but that talks were needed to clear up ambiguities. Iran promised to study the proposals seriously, but gave no timeframe for a response.
And Bush, using the same language, said Iran’s initial response “sounds like a positive step.”
Before the world and Iran sings Cum Ba Ya, My Lord, Iran must first stop its uranium enrichment program. This is something that President Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs maintain is their sovereign right.
Crucially, the deal does not demand that Iran outright give up its uranium enrichment program — only suspend it, although likely for a long time. Two earlier diplomatic initiatives by Europe and Russia crumbled over the past year because each demanded Iran scrap enrichment completely — a stumbling block because of the program’s wide popularity with the Iranian public.
But, the likely outcome of Iranian acceptance of the deal is the provision of sufficient nuclear technology and material to establish peaceful nuclear operations within Iran. So, why would they desire a uranium enrichment program? – except to manufacture nuclear weapons.
Iran will have a difficult time in not accepting this offer.
But, does the United States and Israel expect Iran to accept.
NOPE.
Stay tuned…….
Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: U.S. Energy Secretary Bodman on Possible Iran Disruption of Persian Gulf Oil Supplies – “We Can Handle it For a Whileâ€Â
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Receives Big 6 Nuclear Initiative
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Sweetens the POT
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Threatens Oil Disruption
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad to Publish Big 6 Offer to Iran
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad – Iran Welcomes Unconditional Talks on Nukes
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Ahmadinejad – The West Won’t Deprive Iran of Its Nuclear Technology
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran “DETERMINED†to Go Ahead with Nuclear Enrichment Work
Iran Nuclear Watch: Big 6 Agree on Iran Nuclear Incentives and Sanctions (?)
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Spurns Talks With United States
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran – United States Offer to Join Talks is “A Propaganda Move.â€
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Prepared To Join Other Nations in Direct Iran Talks – IF…
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States to Join Iran Nuclear Talks?
Iran Nuclear Watch: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “We Are Determinedâ€
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Wants to Resume Nuclear Talks with European Union
 The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, MahmoudAhmadinejad
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Ray Nagin, seated left with his wife Seletha Nagin, seated right, receive a standing ovation from U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La.,background left, and U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., before he is sworn in for a second term as Mayor of New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans on Thursday, June 1, 2006.
ASSociated Press: Documents tie Nigerian to Jefferson probe
Nigeria’s vice president sought as much as $500,000 and a stake in a technology venture in his country, Rep. William Jefferson (news, bio, voting record) told an FBI informant, according to court documents filed in a bribery probe of the congressman.
Jefferson is alleged to have told the informant that he had delivered “African art,” which authorities believe was code for cash, to the Potomac, Md., home of the wife of Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar at midnight last July 31.
Details of the alleged deal were included in an affidavit filed in August in U.S. District Court to secure a warrant to search Abubakar’s house in Potomac. The affidavit was unsealed Monday by the federal court in Greenbelt.
The affidavit says delivery of the money came shortly after Jefferson received $100,000 in cash from the FBI informant that was supposed to help smooth the way for a Kentucky telecommunications company, iGate Inc., to conduct business in Nigeria.
It is unclear if any of that money was delivered to the vice president’s home, and his possible role is described only by Jefferson in wiretaps the FBI made.
According to another search warrant affidavit for Jefferson’s congressional office, filed last month, $90,000 in cash was found in a freezer at Jefferson’s Washington home. A briefcase similar to the one Jefferson is alleged to have used to carry the money was found in a later search of his New Orleans home, according to federal court documents filed there.
The 39-page affidavit released Monday in Maryland, some sections of which remain sealed, does not mention Abubakar by name. But it does identify the Potomac home as the residence of Jennifer Douglas, Abubakar’s wife. It also refers to “the vice president of Nigeria” when detailing the alleged scheme. Although the search of the Potomac residence was mentioned in documents previously released by the courts, names and titles were blacked out to keep them secret.
Jefferson has denied wrongdoing.
And why is this MORON still sitting on the House Ways and Means Committee?
The GOP House Majority should vote his ASS off this committee and begin expulsion hearings.
Ludicrous……
Captain Ed has More On Jefferson’s CorruptionÂ
Seriously, this opens an entirely new dimension to the case against Jefferson. Using his seat to influence and be influenced by foreign powers borders on treason in a strict legal sense. If the FBI can prove that Jefferson cast votes or introduced legislation intending on bolstering his personal business relationship with the Nigerians, the Democrats have a huge scandal on their hands. The Times writes that this documentation suggests Jefferson was “aggressive seeking to lobby officials in Nigeria and other West African nations”, a mastery of understatement.
This stands in a completely different category of corruption altogether. The Democrats had better start cutting ties to Jefferson soon or risk having their biggest electoral strategy rendered null and void.
Previous:
Representative William Jefferson Watch: “Trying to Protect Their Ownâ€
Representative William Jefferson Watch: Jefferson Refuses to Quit Ways and Means Committee
Representative William Jefferson Watch: GOP Challenges FBI Raid of Jefferson’s Office
Representative William Jefferson Watch: “There are Two Sides to Every Storyâ€
Representative William Jefferson Watch: FBI has BRIBES on Tape
Technorati Tags: WilliamJefferson
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Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-Ga., shows her Georgia identification as she qualifies to run for re-election at the Capitol in Atlanta, Monday, April 24, 2006 in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: McKinney deal may be in works
Lawyer rejects talk of any negotiations
Federal prosecutors investigating the confrontation between Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia and a Capitol police officer have been talking privately with McKinney’s office in hopes of resolving the case without the spectacle of an indictment and trial, officials familiar with the talks say.
Prosecutors for several weeks have been carrying on confidential discussions with the DeKalb County Democrat in what they characterized as an effort to reach a plea agreement, even as they were presenting evidence in the March 29 incident to a grand jury, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The grand jury has not yet decided whether McKinney should be charged, an official familiar with the proceedings said, and no decision is expected this week. The prosecutors have subpoenaed at least six witnesses to appear before the jury over the last two months.
McKinney’s office rejected claims that there have been discussions of a plea agreement, saying the congresswoman has not been charged with anything and may never be, so there’s no plea to negotiate.
“At this time, I have no comment as I am unaware of any ‘legal case’ regarding Ms. McKinney and [the] March 29 incident,” William Moffitt, one of McKinney’s lawyers, said in an e-mailed statement.
A spokesman for U.S. Attorney Ken Wainstein’s office and a Justice Department spokesman declined to comment on the talks or even confirm they were occurring.
Cynthia McKinney is as BIG a MORON as you can have.
Why wouldn’t she want to “COP A PLEA?” She is GUILTY.
Negotiated settlements in cases as controversial and politically sensitive as McKinney’s are common, according to former federal prosecutors and lawyers with experience in Washington’s Superior Court. They said there is often pressure on the prosecutors from higher-ups at the Justice Department and possibly the White House to resolve such cases quickly and quietly.
She has probably offered a deal in order to “SAVE FACE” but she is too stupid or ARROGANT to accept the deal.
Why haven’t they arrested her yet? And why hasn’t the Grand Jury finished up their work?
Prosecute her – NO backroom deals.
McKinney is not above the law.
Tick Tick Tick
Stay tuned……
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Previous:
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Probe Enters 3rd Month
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Sponsors Bill Honoring Capitol Police
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Investigation Continuing With Congressional Staffers Subpoenaed
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: More Aides Subpoenaed in McKinney Case
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: CNN Burns McKinney AGAIN – “Off the Recordâ€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Official Police Report Cites Assault with “Closed Fistâ€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: “I am NOT a Normal Member of Congressâ€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney Apologizes to the House
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Federal Grand Jury to Hear McKinney Case
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Georgia GOP Seizes on McKinney
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Thyroid Problem?
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: U. S. Capitol Police Chief Terrance Gainer – “Racism NOT a Factorâ€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Black Minister Calls for McKinney Prosecution by United States Attorney
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Admits to Misusing Taxpayer Funds
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Capitol Police Ask for ARREST WARRANT
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: News Conference Today – “NOTHING New!â€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: News Conference Today – “Something New?â€
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: McKinney a Victim of a Racist Capitol Hill Police Officer
Representative Cynthia McKinney Watch: Going to Jail?
Technorati Tags: CynthiaMcKinney, CapitolPolice,
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Defence lawyers Donald McLeod (L) and Gary Batasar address the media after a bail hearing at court in Brampton, Ontario on June 6, 2006. McLeod is representing Jahmaal James while Batasar is representing Steven Vikash Chand.
Reuters: Canada plot suspect accused of plan to behead PM
One of 17 men accused of plotting bombings in major Canadian cities and of training militants also faces an allegation that he sought to behead Prime Minister Stephen Harper, his lawyer said on Tuesday.
Steven Chand, 25, was among 15 members of the alleged terrorist ring who appeared in a heavily guarded courtroom north of Toronto to set dates for bail hearings.
The Muslim men, five of them under the age of 18, were arrested on Friday in Canada’s largest counterterrorism operation, and police said more arrests are possible.
Chand’s lawyer, Gary Batasar, said his client faced several serious charges and was concerned that intense media interest in the details of the case in Canada and the United States could jeopardize Chand’s chances of a fair trial.
Allegations include plans for the “storming and bombing of various buildings,” Batasar told reporters.
“There’s an allegation apparently that my client personally indicated that he wanted to behead the prime minister of Canada,” Batasar said.
“It’s a very serious allegation — he’s said nothing about that. My clients retains the right to silence.”
Members of the group are alleged to have considered plans to take hostages and to attack Canada’s parliament in Ottawa, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. building in Toronto and power grids, according to a synopsis of charges Batasar said he saw.
Two Muslim women believed to be family members of the 17 suspected al-Qaeda sympathizers accused of planning bomb attacks, arrive carrying a copy of the Koran for a bail hearing in the Toronto suburb of Brampton, June 6, 2006.
Sounds like a poorly written 24 script.
This is serious business and a wake-up call to Canadians and Americans that we can have NO complacency in the Global War on Terror.
Do you think any of the bleating and moaning about the NSA Surveillance Program will be repeated soon?
Nope……
Mohammhed Abdelhaleen (L), father of Shareef Abdelhaleen, one of the 17 suspected al-Qaeda sympathizers accused of planning bomb attacks, arrives with two burkha clad women, for a bail hearing in the Toronto suburb of Brampton, June 6, 2006.
MSM:
CNN: Lawyer: Government says terror plans included beheading
Washington Post: Charges Against Canadian Terror Suspects Read
New York Times: Details of Canadian Plot Emerge
ASSociated Press: Canada Terror Suspect Charges Made Public
Blogosphere:
Wizbang: Canadian Terror Suspect Accused of Plan to Behead Canadian PM
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Previous:
Canada Terrorist Watch: Muslim Leader Accuses Media of ‘Racism’Â
Canada Terrorist Watch: United States Links to Canada Terrorist Plot Investigated
Canada Terrorism Watch: Canadian Terror Probe Expands to 7 nations
Canada Terrorism Watch: Toronto Mosque Vandalized
Canada Terrorism Watch: Terrorists from “Broad Strata†of Society
Canada Terrorism Watch: Suspects Complain About Conditions and Demand Korans
Canada Terrorism Watch: 17 Canadians in Custody for Terrorist Plot to Use Explosives
Technorati Tags: Canada, Terrorists
1 Comment »
Maria Shriver smiles as she watches her husband, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, vote in the California primary election in Los Angeles’ Brentwood district Tuesday, June 6, 2006.
Los Angeles Times: California Balloting Begins
California voters began casting their ballots this morning on a wide variety of races, ranging from hotly contested Democratic primaries for governor and controller and tight Republican races for treasurer and controller.
Secretary of State Bruce McPherson predicted that just 38% of California’s 15.7 million registered voters would cast ballots. About 1.3 million have already voted by mail.
For those who have not, neighborhood polling stations are open until 8 p.m. Those who do not belong to a political party can vote on ballot measures and in nonpartisan local races. To vote in a party primary, they must request a Democratic, Republican or American Independent ballot.
Please vote today……
Flap knows you will be glad you did.
Technorati Tags: California, CaliforniaElection2006, CaliforniaPrimaryElection2006
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(L-R) US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev and BP PLC Chief Executive John Brown attend an inauguration ceremony of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (BTC). The long-awaited first shipment of Caspian oil from the BTC pipeline got on its way from a Turkish port.
ASSociated Press: Bodman: U.S. Can Handle Oil Disruption
Consumers wouldn’t suffer undue hardships in the event Iran disrupts Persian Gulf oil supplies because the Bush administration has a plan “if push were to come to shove,” Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Tuesday.
Bodman told reporters that in such a scenario, the government would tap its emergency oil reserve. He said he doesn’t anticipate an oil supply disruption and said he was speaking hypothetically.
As to any sharp reduction of Iran oil or a disruption in the supply line, Bodman said, “We certainly can handle it for a while. … There is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and we have other approaches.”
This was an off-hand yet orchestrated response to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s bloviation about disrupting the Persian Gulf.
Has the United States planned contingencies should Iran resort to a military response to the world communities insistence that they stand down their uranium enrichment program?
You bet.
Bodman, meeting with reporters after a speech at an electricity forum, suggested that there seems to be plenty of oil available.
He said Saudi Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi told him that Saudi Arabia recently cut back production by 100,000 barrel a day “because he isn’t finding customers.”
Bodman said he is convinced oil producers want “to keep the market well supplied. It’s in their interest as well as the interest of consumers.”
Oil industry analysts also have said the market remains well-supplied and that there are signs global demand growth is weakening.
“What I’ve been hearing from traders is that there is oil available in the market that is not being bought,” said Ann-Louise Huttle, head oil analyst for Wood Mackenzie.
Iran is not the only oil supplier on the block and they need refined oil for their own internal needs since they lack adequate refining capacity.
The United States just called Iran’s BLUFF.
Stay tuned…..
Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Receives Big 6 Nuclear Initiative
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Sweetens the POT
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Threatens Oil Disruption
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad to Publish Big 6 Offer to Iran
Iran Nuclear Watch: Ahmadinejad – Iran Welcomes Unconditional Talks on Nukes
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Ahmadinejad – The West Won’t Deprive Iran of Its Nuclear Technology
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran “DETERMINED†to Go Ahead with Nuclear Enrichment Work
Iran Nuclear Watch: Big 6 Agree on Iran Nuclear Incentives and Sanctions (?)
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Spurns Talks With United States
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran – United States Offer to Join Talks is “A Propaganda Move.â€
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Prepared To Join Other Nations in Direct Iran Talks – IF…
Iran Nuclear Watch: United States to Join Iran Nuclear Talks?
Iran Nuclear Watch: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “We Are Determinedâ€
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Wants to Resume Nuclear Talks with European Union
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, MahmoudAhmadinejad
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