McConnell Details Majority Game Plan

Senator Mitch McConnell is in the middle of a tough reelection campaign, but he knows what he’s going to do if he becomes the next Senate Majority Leader. In a recent interview with Manu Raju of Politico, the Minority Leader said that he could work with the President, but also confront him. Senator McConnell cited a number of areas where he could find some middle ground with President Obama, like means testing for Medicare or tax reform. At the same time, he suggested that he would force the President to make hard choices by passing spending bills with provisions that target the Obama’s priorities. The President would either have to accept the legislation or risk a government shutdown. Before he can implement this plan, Senator McConnell must win his reelection, which most forecasters have said will be a challenge. He will also have to work to unify his party, which includes some who have been known to resist those considered to be “establishment” Republicans.

Politico: McConnell’s Plan to Shut Down Obama

Sullivan Wins Alaskan Republican Senate Primary

The former Attorney General of Alaska Dan Sullivan has won the Republican nomination to compete against Senator Mark Begich in the state’s Senate general election. Sullivan defeated Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell and attorney Joe Miller, the winner of the 2010 Republican primary. Sullivan has been called an “establishment favorite” and Miller, whom Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski defeated as a write-in candidate in 2010, was considered the “Tea Party” candidate. Miller had the endorsement of former Governor Sarah Palin. The Alaska Senate race will be closely watched since Republicans are targeting it in their bid to take over the Chamber.

Former Alaska AG Sullivan Wins GOP Senate Primary, Eyes Vulnerable Dem’s Seat

Analysis: Why Rick Perry Might Be In For Some Trouble

Many have criticized the indictment of Governor Rick Perry for vetoing funding for a program run by a district attorney guilty of drunk driving, but he may well face a conviction, George Washington University legal professor Jonathan Turley writes. “When you decide to criminally charge a governor in a case with serious constitutional implications, you should have strong facts and clearly applicable law. Few people (including Perry) would have been put on notice that such laws could be used to criminalize this political dispute.” However, he notes, “constitutional concerns can get lost in a trial”.  If the prosecutor, for instance, has evidence of particularly objectionable behavior on the part of the Governor, this may overshadow the “constitutional concerns” involved. “Raw behind-the-scenes testimony can color a case and distract from what might seem abstract arguments based on inherent executive authority”, Turley writes.

USA Today: Governor Perry Could Be the Right’s Rod Blagojevich

Analysis: Justice for Rick Perry

Governor Rick Perry’s indictment last week was “laughable”, National Review’s Rich Lowry says. “The indictment collapses under the slightest scrutiny”, he writes. “It’s hard to believe that anyone thinks that these charges will stand up in court. But that’s not the point. The indictment is an undisguised attempt to wound Perry, to create bad headlines, to distract him. On cue, Texas Democrats absurdly called on Perry to resign. The indictment itself is, in short, a naked abuse of power.” Lowry writes that the district attorney’s office targeted by the veto is “infamous” for pursuing politically charged cases. “Forget vetoing funding for this office. If there were any justice, it would be shuttered and razed”, he concludes.

National Review: Free Rick Perry

Capitol Police Ramp Up Security at House Garages

The U.S. Capitol Police are ramping up security at parking garages at the House Office Buildings. When a car drives up to a garage, passengers will be required to show identification. Anyone over 18 without a congressional ID will be required to go to a regular entrance for security screening. Earlier this summer, Capitol Police arrested a staffer and a private citizen for trying to bring loaded guns to the Cannon House Office Building.

Roll Call: In Wake of Recent Arrests, Security Tightens at House Garages

And for our latest post: Is Congress Really “Useless”?