NationalWatch

Abortion, Voting Rights, Guns Central to Governor Races Across US (Dreamstime)

Tim Reid and Daniel Trotta Monday, 07 November 2022 06:46 PM EST

Competitive governors contests are on the ballot in about a dozen states in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, with outcomes that hold far-reaching consequences on issues such as abortion, voting rights and guns.

The high stakes have brought increased money and attention to the state-level races, which typically get overshadowed in midterm elections by the fight for control of Congress.

Democrats are fighting to keep control of governorships in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan to maintain the power to veto any legislation by the three states' Republican-controlled legislatures that might curb abortion rights and voting access.

Republican victories in presidential battleground states including Arizona could have implications for the 2024 White House election. The party's nominees in several such states have embraced former President Donald Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

In Arizona, which has one of the country's closest gubernatorial races, Trump-backed candidate Kari Lake has repeated his assertions about voter fraud and said she would not have certified President Joe Biden's victory in that state.

She has vowed to ban mail-in voting if she wins.

Her opponent is Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who rose to national prominence in 2020 when she defended Arizona's election results.

Lake backed off the stolen election theme at a campaign event near Phoenix on Monday. She told supporters they needed to vote "like your life depends on it."

In all, 36 of the country's 50 states will elect governors on Tuesday, with the majority safely in either Democratic or Republican hands. Republicans hold 28 governor seats nationally, compared to 22 Democratic governorships.

In Florida, polls show Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis poised to defeat Democratic challenger Charlie Crist ahead of DeSantis' widely expected run for the presidency in 2024.

In Texas, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to win a third term despite a lively campaign by his Democratic opponent, former U.S. congressman Beto O'Rourke. Georgia's Republican governor, Brian Kemp, also looks likely to prevail against Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams in a rematch of their 2018 race.

Democrats are expected to flip Republican-held governorships in the states of Maryland and Massachusetts, but they face tough battles in a couple of other Democratic states.

TIGHT CONTESTS

A three-way race in Oregon could result in a Republican winning the state's governorship for the first time in 40 years.

Democrat Tina Kotek and Republican Christine Drazan are locked in a close battle for the open seat, and independent candidate Betsy Johnson, a former Democrat, could potentially siphon votes from Kotek.

Biden campaigned on Sunday in New York, where Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul's lead in the polls over Republican challenger Lee Zeldin has shrunk to single digits as Zeldin has hammered away on the crime issue.

No Republican has won statewide office in New York in 20 years.

As with congressional races across the country, Democratic candidates for governor have warned of the threats Republicans could pose to abortion rights and elections should they win on Tuesday. Republicans have focused largely on crime and the economy, blaming Democratic policies for inflation.

Democrat Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has made abortion a focal point of her re-election campaign in Michigan, where voters also will consider a ballot measure that would safeguard abortion rights in the state's constitution.

Her Republican opponent, Trump-backed conservative commentator Tudor Dixon, supports a near-total ban on abortion but says the topic is not an issue in the governor's race because of the ballot question.

Wisconsin's Democratic incumbent Tony Evers faces a strong challenge from Republican construction magnate Tim Michels, who has promised to enforce a 19th-century abortion ban that Evers is challenging in court.

Michels has raised concerns about how he would handle future elections, telling supporters at a recent campaign event that "Republicans will never lose another election in Wisconsin after I'm elected governor."

In Pennsylvania, the governor appoints the secretary of state, who oversees election administration. Biden and former presidents Barack Obama and Trump all spent part of the final weekend before Election Day rallying with their party's nominees in the pivotal state.

Republican candidate Doug Mastriano has echoed Trump's false claims of voter fraud and was present at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to protest the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Democratic candidate Josh Shapiro, the state's attorney general who is leading in opinion polls for the open seat, has cast Mastriano as too extreme for Pennsylvania.

Original Article

Zeldin Surge Worries Top Hochul Donors (Newsmax)

By Jack Gournell | Monday, 07 November 2022 06:15 PM EST

Republican challenger Lee Zeldin's late surge in the polls has some top donors to Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul nervous as election day closes in on Tuesday, CNBC reports.

The incumbent Hochul held a double-digit lead on Zeldin: 14 points. But in the past few weeks, the Donald Trump-endorsed congressman has pulled to within 7 points in the Real Clear Politics of polls.

A Quinnipiac poll in mid-October showed Hochul ahead by just 4 points.

Donor concerns late in the race led to suggestions for changes in tactics, CNBC reported, citing sources with knowledge of the issue who spoke on condition of anonymity.

One Democratic adviser who has multiple Hochul donors as clients told CNBNC he has "PTSD" over Zeldin's upward move. He said Zeldin's shoot upward looked similar to Trump's late surge against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Zeldin has been focusing on crime in New York City, saying he will fire Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Bragg has been criticized by Republicans and Democrats alike for his "no-bail" policy of allowing suspects back on the street soon after being arrested for serious crimes.

Hochul has instead focused on abortion, something voters have shown less interest in, and said Bragg's fate should be decided by the voters since he is a "duly elected official."

Original Article

Trump Might Launch '24 Run at Ohio Rally (Newsmax)

By Michael Katz | Monday, 07 November 2022 04:46 PM EST

Republicans will be closely watching former President Donald Trump’s rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Monday night because of speculation he might formally announce his 2024 presidential bid.

The Hill, citing two sources familiar with the talks, reported Trump has discussed with some aides about announcing the bid as early as Monday night. Many media outlets previously reported Trump would wait until after Tuesday's midterm elections, Nov. 14 specifically, to announce his bid.

The sources, who requested anonymity, said Trump has been mulling an announcement during the rally, which was to boost support for GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance.

No decision has been made, the sources said.

Speculation about an announcement from Trump has accelerated significantly in recent weeks, with the former president teasing at recent rallies and saying supporters should watch the Ohio rally.

“I ran twice; I won twice; and I did much better the second time than the first,” Trump said Sunday at a rally in Miami. “In order to make our country successful, safe and glorious, I probably have to do it again. Stay tuned tomorrow night in the great state of Ohio. Stay tuned.”

Some in Trump’s orbit have cautioned him against an early announcement that might step on the GOP’s midterm messaging.

“I give him a ton of credit for not announcing this year, for not stepping in the way of the midterm candidates, which a lot of people around him — who, frankly, need him for their next meal and their next gig and their next center of power — were urging him and begging him and leaking to a lot of you that he would be announcing any moment,” former Trump campaign manager and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway told reporters last week.

“I’m glad that he didn’t do that. That was certainly my advice from the beginning, you know, wait until after the midterms if you do it at all.”

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

Kari Lake to Newsmax: 'We Will Not Be Slowed' After Powder Scare Kari Lake (Getty Images)

By Brian Pfail | Monday, 07 November 2022 04:37 PM EST

After a scare in which an unknown powdery substance was delivered to Kari Lake's headquarters, the Arizona gubernatorial nominee on Monday told Newsmax, "We will not be slowed down."

"My team's doing well, so far so good, but we're keeping an eye on them and monitoring their health because sometimes if it's a substance as dangerous," said Lake. "You can see the effects of it days later, so we're keeping an eye on them."

Lake staffers on Sunday were exposed to a white powdery substance found in packages sent to her office. FBI and Phoenix police responded, collecting the two envelopes containing the substance. There were no reported injuries; however, the Lake headquarters has been shut down during the investigation.

"The FBI is investigating, and hopefully, we can find out who is responsible," said Lake. "This is very disturbing. It's unsettling to see the kind of attacks that have been going on to people in politics, but we will not be slowed down.

"We have two offices. Everything has been moved to our other office, and we are moving forward. We've got our foot on the pedal, and we are flooring it right up until election day tomorrow, getting people out to vote, reminding them they have to show up."

According to FiveThirtyEight, Lake is leading Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, by 2.6 percentage points.

"We've had polls showing us up 11 and nine points, and I think it's more likely that we have hundreds of people that show up for every event, sometimes more than 1000," Lake said. "The enthusiasm, it's like going to a Trump rally."

Lake said people voters are motivated after enduring economic turmoil under the Biden administration.

"You can't afford gas right now. We can't afford groceries. We are trying to save money or look at our 401K, and we see that disappearing before our eyes," said Lake.

Lake addressed the crime issue, saying Republicans, not Democrats, would improve safety and security in Arizona.

"The Democrats have lost their way," said Lake. "The party has left their platform, and they've moved right on to Marxism, and that's why we're seeing Democrats come our way and vote for us."

She remarked on the poor quality of Democrat candidates, then spoke about GOP Senate candidate Blake Masters and Secretary of State candidate Mark Fincham.

Masters trails Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., by a 1.6 percentage-points, according to FiveThirtyEight. Lake hopes to boost Masters and Fincham to the finish line.

"I want to lift the whole [Republican] team," said Lake. "Because when we lift the team, we get great leaders and great representation, then the people of Arizona do better."

Original Article

DOJ to Monitor 24 States for Voting Rights Compliance (Newsmax/"Spicer & Co.")

By Jack Gournell | Monday, 07 November 2022 04:27 PM EST

The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday it will monitor 64 jurisdictions in 24 states to ensure compliance with federal voting rights laws.

The DOJ's Civil Rights Division has regularly monitored elections around the country ever since the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a DOJ press release noted while adding that the division will also take complaints from the public nationwide if they think they have seen violations of the federal voting rights laws.

"The Civil Rights Division enforces the federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all citizens to access the ballot," the DOJ said. A list of all 64 jurisdictions was provided in the press release.

Accusations of voter intimidation have increased this election cycle, with Reuters reporting earlier this year that 1 in 5 election workers said they might quit, apparently spooked by threats of violence following the 2020 elections.

In August, both full-time election officials in Gillespie County, Texas quit, leaving the county scrambling for the midterms, PBS reported.

More than 140 threats of violence against election workers have been reported against election workers in Maricopa County, Arizona, Axios reported.

With many supporters of former President Donald Trump upset at his loss and echoing his claims that the 2020 election was "stolen," some have applied to be poll watchers. Ostensibly, their reasoning is to prevent more "fraud" from being repeated from the last election cycle.

But from the DOJ's perspective, this gives them "access to sensitive areas that could interfere with voting or ballot processing," Axios Denver reports.

In Colorado, Weld County clerk Carly Koppes told Axios she will have a zero-tolerance policy and will dismiss any poll watchers who cause a disruption.

Original Article

Dick Morris to Newsmax: GOP Will Gain Senate Control Dick Morris (Getty Images)

By Charles Kim | Monday, 07 November 2022 04:20 PM EST

Dick Morris, adviser to former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, told Newsmax on Monday that he believes Republicans will gain a majority in the Senate in tomorrow's midterm elections and hold 52 to 55 seats.

"I do feel that in Pennsylvania, [GOP Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet] Oz is going to win," Morris said during "American Agenda." "I believe that the Republicans are going to end tomorrow night with somewhere between 52-55 seats in the Senate."

Oz is locked in a tight race with Democrat Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in one of the nation's most closely watched midterm races.

Morris said that many of the races will likely be decided by the "undecided" voters, who he believes will break for the Republicans amid the current problems caused during the first two years of President Joe Biden's administration and the Democratic Congressional majorities.

"In all of these close races, I think the Republican has the advantage because they are usually the challenger and the Democrat is the incumbent," Morris said. "When you ask someone who are they going to vote for, and the election that's a week away, or a day away, and they say, 'I'm undecided' it's a little bit like asking a woman, 'Are you going to be married to the same guy next year?' And she says, 'I'm undecided.' It doesn't say good things about that marriage."

Morris said that if voters claim are undecided this close to the election, it usually means that they want to vote against the incumbent, or party in power and are looking for more information to vote for the challenger.

About NEWSMAX TV:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America!

• Find NEWSMAX in over 100 million U.S. homes via cable/streaming – More Info Here
• Watch NEWSMAX TV online – See It Here
• Download the FREE NEWSMAX App on Your Smartphone to Watch Now!

Original Article

GOP's Karamo to Newsmax: Parents Being 'Demonized' by Dem Leaders (Newsmax)

By Jay Clemons | Monday, 07 November 2022 03:59 PM EST

Kristina Karamo, the Republican candidate for Michigan secretary of state, was quick to respond on how she planned to shake things up on day one this January — if she prevails in tomorrow night's midterm elections.

"By following the law," Karamo succinctly told Newsmax Monday afternoon, while appearing on "American Agenda" with hosts Bob Sellers and Katrina Szish.

In previous election cycles, Michigan voters were fooled by Democratic Party candidates characterizing themselves as moderates along the campaign trail.

"But then they tend to take a left turn once getting into office," said Karamo, a community college professor who has also secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. "But that won't happen to me as [Michigan's] secretary of state.

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's current secretary of state and Karamo's main opponent for Tuesday's race, has garnered previous criticism from residents over the last few years — with issues ranging from election integrity and election security to the Democrat leaders' actions in handling the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21.

Karamo said the secretary of state position is "really not a partisan role."

She pointed out Benson's office committing election-related violations in the last month.

"I"m running on following the law" and making sure Michigan residents are properly served, regardless of political affiliation, said Karamo.

When asked about a report on minority groups, such as Hispanics, supporting the Republicans in droves this election cycle, Karamo expressed no surprise.

"The Democratic Party is no longer liberal," said Karamo, while adding the progressive wing has taken over party control.

As part of that, Karamo says Benson's office previously proposed "doing away" with photo identification needed for voting.

Also, Karamo said Democrat leaders supported the promotion of pornographic materials in schools — which angered a large faction of conservative Arab or Muslim families living in Metro Detroit.

"The parents were demonized for making reasonable requests" of school leaders, said Karamo.

Michigan's questionable handling of the COVID-19 response, in getting kids back in schools in a timely manner — prompted these same families to get behind the Republicans' general platform, she said.

"And [the parents] are not going to stand for [being ignored] any longer," she said.

Original Article

GOP's Karamo to Newsmax: 'Running on Following the Law' Kristina Karamo (Getty Images)

By Jay Clemons | Monday, 07 November 2022 03:58 PM EST

Kristina Karamo, the Republican candidate for Michigan secretary of state, didn't require much time to answer the question of how she plans to shake things up on her first day in January — if she prevails in Tuesday's midterm elections.

"By following the law," Karamo succinctly told Newsmax on Monday while appearing on "American Agenda."

From Karamo's perspective, in previous election cycles, Michigan voters were fooled by Democratic Party candidates characterizing themselves as moderates.

"But then they tend to take a left turn once getting into office," says Karamo, a community college professor who has also secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. "But that won't happen to me as [Michigan's] secretary of state."

Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's current secretary of state and Karamo's main opponent, has garnered criticism from residents over the last few years — with issues ranging from election integrity and election security to the Democrat leaders' actions in handling the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-21.

This strikes Karamo as odd, since the secretary of state position is "really not a partisan role."

Also, Karamo alluded to allegations of Benson's office committing election-related violations in the past month.

"I'm running on following the law" and making sure Michigan residents are properly served, regardless of political affiliation, Karamo said.

When the Newsmax interview turned to reports of minority groups, such as Hispanics and Latino, supporting the Republicans in droves this election cycle, Karamo expressed no surprise.

"The Democratic Party is no longer liberal," said Karamo, adding that the progressive wing has taken over.

As part of that, Karamo says Benson's office previously proposed "doing away" with photo identification needed for voting.

Also, Karamo said Democrat leaders supported the promotion of pornographic materials in schools, which angered a large faction of conservative Arab or Muslim families living in Metro Detroit.

"The parents were demonized for making reasonable requests" of school leaders, said Karamo.

And that experience — along with Michigan's questionable handling of the COVID-19 response, in terms of getting kids back in schools in a timely manner — has prompted these same families to get behind the Republicans' general platform, said Karamo.

"And [the parents] are not going to stand for [being ignored] any longer," said Karamo.

Original Article

Oath Keepers Founder Denies He Organized Attack on Capitol (Newsmax/"The Gorka Reality Check")

By Brian Freeman | Monday, 07 November 2022 02:18 PM EST

Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes testified in his own defense Monday in his federal trial that he was not part of planning the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol, saying such a breach of the building "was nowhere in the mission scope at all," NPR reported.

Rhodes added that members of his group who burst into the building made a "stupid" decision, which he only learned about after the fact.

He insisted breaching the Capitol "opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us," pointing out that is exactly what happened as evidenced by his trial, which is now in its sixth week.

Rhodes and four other defendants are charged with seditious conspiracy, with prosecutors having presented hundreds of text messages and witnesses who linked them to sometimes violent rhetoric about keeping former President Donald Trump in power despite his defeat in the election.

Rhodes said he spent the morning of Jan. 6 at a hotel, traveling to the Capitol only after he had heard the barricades had been breached, Politico reported.

He added he had difficulty communicating that day with allies due to poor cell phone service.

Rhodes used a large part of his testimony Monday to differentiate his hope for Trump to remain in power from the group's presence in Washington, D.C., which he said was to carry out security details and escort Trump supporters from the Ellipse, near the White House, to the Capitol.

Rhodes insisted that work was distinct from his urging of Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and call up the Oath Keepers as a state-sanctioned militia, which he repeatedly said he believed would have been within the president's legal and constitutional authority, according to Politico.

Oath Keepers Founder Denies He Organized Attack on Capitol (Newsmax/"The Gorka Reality Check")

By Brian Freeman | Monday, 07 November 2022 02:18 PM EST

Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes testified in his own defense Monday in his federal trial that he was not part of planning the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol, saying such a breach of the building "was nowhere in the mission scope at all," NPR reported.

Rhodes added that members of his group who burst into the building made a "stupid" decision, which he only learned about after the fact.

He insisted breaching the Capitol "opened the door for our political enemies to persecute us," pointing out that is exactly what happened as evidenced by his trial, which is now in its sixth week.

Rhodes and four other defendants are charged with seditious conspiracy, with prosecutors having presented hundreds of text messages and witnesses who linked them to sometimes violent rhetoric about keeping former President Donald Trump in power despite his defeat in the election.

Rhodes said he spent the morning of Jan. 6 at a hotel, traveling to the Capitol only after he had heard the barricades had been breached, Politico reported.

He added he had difficulty communicating that day with allies due to poor cellphone service.

Rhodes used a large part of his testimony Monday to differentiate his hope for Trump to remain in power from the group's presence in Washington, D.C., which he said was to carry out security details and escort Trump supporters from the Ellipse, near the White House, to the Capitol.

Rhodes insisted that work was distinct from his urging of Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act and call up the Oath Keepers as a state-sanctioned militia, which he repeatedly said he believed would have been within the president's legal and constitutional authority, according to Politico.

Original Article

WSJ Poll: Rising Support for GOP Among Black, Latino Voters (Newsmax)

By Brian Pfail | Monday, 07 November 2022 01:52 PM EST

Republicans are seeing a surge in Black and Latino support, according to the latest Wall Street Journal poll.

About 17% of surveyed Black voters said they would pick a GOP candidate for Congress. That's up from the 8% of Black voters who voted for Republicans in the 2018 midterms.

The poll also found a meager 5-point Democrat lead over Republicans among Latino voters after holding an 11-point lead in August.

A Washington Post-Ipsos poll last month had Democrats' lead among Latino voters shrunk by several points since 2016.

At a rally in Florida on Sunday, former President Trump said the GOP was "setting records" among Latinos, despite controversial immigration policies.

Last month, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said "we've never tried as a party" with Latino voters, citing the lack of legislation geared toward reforming the immigration process.

"We really need to step up both in our efforts on campaign, but also in our efforts in governance," Ocasio-Cortez said.

Overwhelmingly, Black voters still support Democrats, which was vital to the 2020 election of President Joe Biden. They are particularly powerful in Georgia, where progressives have focused on these interest groups. In 2018, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abram received 97% of Black women's votes.

In October, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Stacey Abram claimed the shifting of Black voters is a "manufactured crisis designed to suppress turnout."

She added: "I do not take any voting bloc for granted. I may be African-American, but I'm not entitled to a single vote that I don't earn."

The Wall Street Journal poll was conducted from Oct. 22-26 among 1,500 people. Among 180 Black voters polled, the margin of error is 7.3 percentage points, and among 400 Latino voters, the margin of error is 4.9 percentage points.

Original Article

Howard Stern: No Greater Issue Than 'Saving Democracy' (Newsmax/"The Gorka Reality Check")

By Nicole Wells | Monday, 07 November 2022 01:51 PM EST

SiriusXM radio host Howard Stern said "saving democracy" is on the ballot in Tuesday's midterm elections, according to The Hill.

"I love this country," Stern told listeners of his Monday show. "I love what it stands for. I know the history of the world. I've seen what happens when people who are authoritarians — who want to control the vote, fix the vote, and then eventually eliminate the vote — I know what that means, and I know the kind of society you'd be in."

"To me, there's no more important issue on the table for these elections than saving democracy," he added.

Taking aim at those who believe former President Donald Trump's 2020 loss to President Joe Biden was the result of widespread election fraud, Stern said, "You have no idea what you have til it's gone."

According to the nonprofit States United Action, candidates labeled "election deniers" are running in half of the country's governor's races and one-third of the attorney general and secretary of state races.

"I'm going to suggest to you that the things you enjoy about this country, the freedoms, they will all be gone when you elect someone who says, 'I don't believe the vote. F*** you. We're going and we're taking over.' That's how Hitler came to power," Stern reportedly said.

"I never thought I'd be saying this on the radio," the former "America's Got Talent" judge continued. "I never thought that this would be in jeopardy."

Citing the conflict in Ukraine, rising energy prices, and the global economy, Stern said he happens "to think [President Joe] Biden's doing a good job," while also saying the U.S. is facing problems.

"We struggle as a nation all the time with certain issues, but lo and behold, the one thing we got is our freedom — to elect a**holes and kick a**holes out of office," he said. "That's the most important thing."

Allegations of 2020 election fraud and "so-called evidence" were considered in court and judges nationwide found "everything seems to be on the up and up," Stern said.

According to the bestselling author, election deniers still say the elections were "stolen somehow" when they lose, but don't say the same thing when they win.

"You can't have it both ways," Stern said. "So you accept your win, but you don't accept your loss."

"I like waking up in an America where I know that the United States senators, people in Congress and the president all believe in America — not in a dictatorship," he added.

Original Article

Sen. Rick Scott Silent on Run for Majority Leader Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks on the economy during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 4. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty)

By Brian Pfail | Monday, 07 November 2022 11:39 AM EST

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, remained silent Sunday on whether he will be running for majority leader if Republicans regain control of the upper chamber.

"I’m not focused on anything except getting a majority Tuesday night,” Scott said to NBC’s Chuck Todd when asked if he would consider running. “Everybody wants to ask me about a bunch of things that are going to happen after Tuesday night, and my whole focus is Tuesday night.”

Scott acknowledged the difference of opinion with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who claimed he was worried about GOP “candidate quality.” However, former President Trump’s endorsed nominees have been successful overall.

“Sen. McConnell and I clearly have a strategic disagreement here … We have great candidates,” Scott told Politico in August. “He wants to do the same thing I want to do: I want to get a majority. And I think it’s important that we’re all cheerleaders for our candidates.”

McConnell has distanced himself from Scott’s memo that laid out his vision for the GOP agenda if Republicans take the Senate. It included provisions to require all Americans to pay some income tax and sunset all federal laws after five years.

Rather than discussing the policy, McConnell attempted to use the midterms to target President Biden, whose approval ratings have remained abysmal.

“We will not have as part of our agenda a bill that raises taxes on half the American people and sunsets Social Security and Medicare within five years,” McConnell said during a press conference in February.

Scott has removed the income tax provision, while Democrats have laid into the agenda claiming the provision to automatically sunset legislation would end Social Security and Medicare.

“There’s a guy name Sen. Rick Scott of Florida who's in charge of electing the Republicans in the Senate. He’s the guy pushing [Pennsylvania Republican Senate nominee Mehmet] Oz,” said Biden during a rally in Philadelphia on Saturday.

The President then held up a copy of Scott’s agenda, saying, “I’m going to quote what they say about Social Security: ‘All the federal legislation sunsets in five years. If that law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.’”

Original Article

Sen. Rick Scott Silent on Run for Majority Leader Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks on the economy during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on May 4. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty)

By Brian Pfail | Monday, 07 November 2022 11:39 AM EST

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, remained silent Sunday on whether he will be running for majority leader if Republicans regain control of the upper chamber.

"I’m not focused on anything except getting a majority Tuesday night,” Scott said to NBC’s Chuck Todd when asked if he would consider running. “Everybody wants to ask me about a bunch of things that are going to happen after Tuesday night, and my whole focus is Tuesday night.”

Scott acknowledged the difference of opinion with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who claimed he was worried about GOP “candidate quality.” However, former President Trump’s endorsed nominees have been successful overall.

“Sen. McConnell and I clearly have a strategic disagreement here … We have great candidates,” Scott told Politico in August. “He wants to do the same thing I want to do: I want to get a majority. And I think it’s important that we’re all cheerleaders for our candidates.”

McConnell has distanced himself from Scott’s memo that laid out his vision for the GOP agenda if Republicans take the Senate. It included provisions to require all Americans to pay some income tax and sunset all federal laws after five years.

Rather than discussing the policy, McConnell attempted to use the midterms to target President Biden, whose approval ratings have remained abysmal.

“We will not have as part of our agenda a bill that raises taxes on half the American people and sunsets Social Security and Medicare within five years,” McConnell said during a press conference in February.

Scott has removed the income tax provision, while Democrats have laid into the agenda claiming the provision to automatically sunset legislation would end Social Security and Medicare.

“There’s a guy name Sen. Rick Scott of Florida who's in charge of electing the Republicans in the Senate. He’s the guy pushing [Pennsylvania Republican Senate nominee Mehmet] Oz,” said Biden during a rally in Philadelphia on Saturday.

The President then held up a copy of Scott’s agenda, saying, “I’m going to quote what they say about Social Security: ‘All the federal legislation sunsets in five years. If that law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.’”

Billionaire Ken Griffin Wants DeSantis, Not Trump, in 2024 (Newsmax)

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 07 November 2022 10:07 AM EST

Billionaire hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin told Politico the U.S. would be "well-served" with Ron DeSantis as president, saying "it's time" for Republicans "to move on" from former President Donald Trump.

Griffin, a philanthropist who has given $60 million to federal GOP campaigns for the midterms, told Politico he's prepared to support Florida Gov. DeSantis if he runs for the White House.

"I don't know what he's going to do. It's a huge personal decision," said Griffin, whose $5 million made him the leading donor to DeSantis' reelection campaign this cycle.

"He has a tremendous record as governor of Florida, and our country would be well-served by him as president. Would I support him? The bigger question is, is he going to run? That bridge has to be crossed."

As for Trump, Griffin said he supported the former president's fiscal policies. However, Griffin's only donation to Trump was $100,000 to his inaugural committee.

"He did a lot of things really well and missed the mark on some important areas," Griffin said. "And for a litany of reasons, I think it's time to move on to the next generation."

Politico said Griffin shrugs at single-issue (e.g. abortion, election fraud) populist movements, and he doesn't expect to agree with candidates, including DeSantis, all the time.

Griffin disagreed with DeSantis' move to fly nearly 50 Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in protest of President Joe Biden failing to adequately police the southern border.

Griffin, 54, head of investment firm Citadel, also criticized DeSantis and Florida GOP lawmakers for dismantling "independent special district" status for Disney World as a result of the entertainment company's woke policies.

"I have no qualms with the very public fight, but the revocation of Disney's special tax district felt like retribution," Griffin told Politico.

Griffin trails only progressive billionaire George Soros ($128 million to Democrats), and Richard Uihlein ($62 million to far-right candidates and organizations) in financial support for the midterms.

"Do I get a bronze medal?" Griffin asked with a chuckle while allowing, "It's not a competition."

At one time, Griffin backed Democrats, including former Chicago Mayors Richard M. Daley and Rahm Emanuel, and former President Barack Obama.

Griffin's donations in recent years, though, have shifted rightward due to concerns about public safety, schools, and politicians' lack of fiscal responsibility.

Before the 2022 elections, Griffin talked with GOP leaders about endorsing women and minority candidates, which he sees as the future of the party.

"Many of the conversations with [House Minority Leader] Kevin McCarthy about candidates are really about, 'How do we bring more people from different backgrounds into the Republican Party?'" Griffin told Politico.

"Kevin is really thoughtful about thinking how to make sure minorities feel the Republican Party is focused on areas important to them, whether it's education, crime, or other issues they care about."

Original Article

McCarthy: Southern Border Top Priority for Expected GOP-led House House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 9, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty)

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 07 November 2022 08:30 AM EST

The top priority of a Republican-led House would be addressing the migrant crisis at the southern border, current Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told CNN.

McCarthy, in line to become speaker if the GOP wins control of the House in Tuesday’s midterms, told CNN that the U.S.-Mexico border tops the list of to-dos that also include tackling rising crime and inflation, and probing actions of the Biden administration

"The first thing you'll see is a bill to control the border first," McCarthy told CNN. "You've got to get control over the border. You’ve had almost 2 million people just this year alone coming across."

Saying "there’s a number of different ways" Republicans could tackle the migrant crisis, McCarthy added that party lawmakers would not present a bill to fix the broken immigration system until the border is secure — something that would help stem the flow of fentanyl.

"I think 'Stay in Mexico' you have to have right off the bat," said McCarthy, referring to the Trump administration's policy that forced migrants to remain in Mexico while awaiting their immigration proceedings in the U.S.

The minority leader spoke to CNN while campaigning during the weekend in Texas, where three Hispanic GOP women are vying to represent key districts along the southern border.

Although he declined to say how many seats Republicans will pick up Tuesday, McCarthy said he was confident it will "be at least enough to win the majority."

"Anywhere over 20 is a red wave," he told CNN.

McCarthy, who exited the speaker's race in 2015 amid opposition from House Freedom Caucus, told CNN he believes he has the support of both his conference and former President Donald Trump to become speaker.

"I'll believe we'll have the votes for speaker, yes,” McCarthy said. "I think Trump will be very supportive."

McCarthy said Republicans also would perform oversight and conduct investigations into administration behavior concerning the disastrous troops pullout from Afghanistan, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in dealing with parents and school board meetings.

While some GOP lawmakers have suggested potential impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden, McCarthy insisted, "We will never use impeachment for political purposes."

However, he added, "That doesn’t mean if something rises to the occasion, it would not be used at any other time."

McCarthy also will need to navigate his party through dealings with Ukraine. Some conservatives have called for cutting off funding to Ukraine, while other Republicans have vowed not to abandon President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's country in its war against Russia.

"I'm very supportive of Ukraine," McCarthy told CNN. "I think there has to be accountability going forward. … You always need, not a blank check, but make sure the resources are going to where it is needed. And make sure Congress, and the Senate, have the ability to debate it openly."

Original Article

McCarthy: Southern Border Top Priority for Expected GOP-led House House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, 2020. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

By Charlie McCarthy | Monday, 07 November 2022 09:19 AM EST

The top priority of a Republican-led House would be addressing the migrant crisis at the southern border, current Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told CNN.

McCarthy, in line to become speaker if the GOP wins control of the House in Tuesday's midterms, told CNN that the U.S.-Mexico border tops the list of to-dos that also include tackling rising crime and inflation, and probing actions of the Biden administration.

"The first thing you'll see is a bill to control the border first," McCarthy told CNN. "You've got to get control over the border. You've had almost 2 million people just this year alone coming across."

Saying "there's a number of different ways" Republicans could tackle the migrant crisis, McCarthy added that party lawmakers would not present a bill to fix the broken immigration system until the border is secure — something that would help stem the flow of fentanyl.

"I think 'Stay in Mexico' you have to have right off the bat," said McCarthy, referring to the Trump administration's policy that forced migrants to remain in Mexico while awaiting their immigration proceedings in the U.S.

The minority leader spoke to CNN while campaigning during the weekend in Texas, where three Hispanic GOP women are running to represent key districts along the southern border.

Although he declined to say how many seats Republicans will pick up Tuesday, McCarthy said he was confident it will "be at least enough to win the majority."

"Anywhere over 20 is a red wave," he told CNN.

McCarthy, who exited the speaker's race in 2015 amid opposition from House Freedom Caucus, told CNN he believes he has the support of both his conference and former President Donald Trump to become speaker.

"I'll believe we'll have the votes for speaker, yes," McCarthy said. "I think Trump will be very supportive."

McCarthy said Republicans also would perform oversight and conduct investigations into administration behavior concerning the disastrous troops pullout from Afghanistan, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in dealing with parents and school board meetings.

While some GOP lawmakers have suggested potential impeachment proceedings against President Joe Biden, McCarthy insisted, "We will never use impeachment for political purposes."

However, he added, "That doesn't mean if something rises to the occasion, it would not be used at any other time."

McCarthy also will need to navigate his party through dealings with Ukraine. Some conservatives have called for cutting off funding to Ukraine, while other Republicans have vowed not to abandon President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's country in its war against Russia.

"I'm very supportive of Ukraine," McCarthy told CNN. "I think there has to be accountability going forward. … You always need, not a blank check, but make sure the resources are going to where it is needed. And make sure Congress, and the Senate, have the ability to debate it openly."

Original Article

Former Miss Ohio USA Favored in Ohio-13 Republican congressional candidate Madison Gesiotto Gilbert speaks at a rally in Delaware, Ohio, on April 23. (Joe Maiorana/AP)

By John Gizzi Monday, 07 November 2022 08:45 AM EST Current | Bio | Archive

In one of the most closely-watched — and easily one of the most intriguing — contests for the U.S. House, signs are strong that the last-minute momentum in Ohio's 13th District is with Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert over liberal state House Democrat leader Emilia Sykes.

The 13th District is the redrawn Akron and Canton-based district that Democrat Tim Ryan relinquished to run for the U.S. Senate. Sykes, 36, whose father and mother represented her legislative district before her (father Vernon is now a state senator), was considered the initial favorite. But a GQR poll conducted shortly after the Democratic primary showed the race to be a standoff: Sykes 47% and political newcomer Gilbert 45%.

Gilbert, a lawyer and Miss Ohio USA (who represented the Buckeye State in the 2014 Miss USA pageant), was an early supporter of former President Donald Trump. The former president, in turn, endorsed her in the crowded Republican primary for the seat.

In the last few weeks, Sykes, who has the backing of national pro-choice groups such as EMILY's List, has hit hard at Gilbert for her strong pro-life stand. The Republican hopeful, 30, has never backed down and freely discusses her opposition to abortion. But she also hits back at "career politicians" who, she charges, have caused inflation and what she calls "burdensome regulations."

Last weekend, Republican National Chair Ronna McDaniel campaigned with Gilbert. Also stumping hard with her was the candidate's husband, a one-time offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.

Original Article

Former Miss Ohio USA Favored in Ohio-13 Republican congressional candidate Madison Gesiotto Gilbert speaks at a rally in Delaware, Ohio, on April 23. (Joe Maiorana/AP)

By John Gizzi Monday, 07 November 2022 08:45 AM EST Current | Bio | Archive

In one of the most closely-watched — and easily one of the most intriguing — contests for the U.S. House, signs are strong that the last-minute momentum in Ohio's 13th District is with Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert over liberal state House Democrat leader Emilia Sykes.

The 13th District is the redrawn Akron and Canton-based district that Democrat Tim Ryan relinquished to run for the U.S. Senate. Sykes, 36, whose father and mother represented her legislative district before her (father Vernon is now a state senator), was considered the initial favorite. But a GQR poll conducted shortly after the Democratic primary showed the race to be a standoff: Sykes 47% and political newcomer Gilbert 45%.

Gilbert, a lawyer and Miss Ohio USA (who represented the Buckeye State in the 2014 Miss USA pageant), was an early supporter of former President Donald Trump. The former president, in turn, endorsed her in the crowded Republican primary for the seat.

In the last few weeks, Sykes, who has the backing of national pro-choice groups such as EMILY's List, has hit hard at Gilbert for her strong pro-life stand. The Republican hopeful, 30, has never backed down and freely discusses her opposition to abortion. But she also hits back at "career politicians" who, she charges, have caused inflation and what she calls "burdensome regulations."

Last weekend, Republican National Chair Ronna McDaniel campaigned with Gilbert. Also stumping hard with her was the candidate's husband, a one-time offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.

Original Article

Musk: Twitter Impersonators Will Be Suspended Permanently

Sunday, 06 November 2022 07:45 PM EST

Elon Musk said on Sunday Twitter users engaging in impersonation without clearly specifying it as a "parody" account will be permanently suspended without a warning.

In a separate tweet, Musk said Twitter previously issued a warning before suspension, but as Twitter is rolling out widespread verification, there will be no warning as well as "no exceptions."

"This will be clearly identified as a condition for signing up to Twitter Blue," Musk said, adding any name change at all will cause temporary loss of verified checkmark.

Twitter on Saturday updated its app in Apple's App Store to begin charging $8 for sought-after blue check verification marks, in Elon Musk's first major revision of the social media platform.

Tesla Inc boss Musk, who also will serve as chief executive of Twitter, last month said Twitter will be forming a content moderation council with "widely diverse viewpoints."

"No major content decisions or account reinstatements will happen before that council convenes," he added.

On the topic of banned accounts, Musk last week said they will not be allowed back onto Twitter until the social media platform has "a clear process for doing so."

Creating such a process would take at least a few more weeks, Musk had tweeted, giving more clarity about the potential return of Twitter's most famous banned user, former U.S. President Donald Trump. The new timeline implies Trump will not return in time for the midterm elections on Nov. 8.

Earlier on Sunday, the New York Times reported Twitter is delaying the rollout of verification check marks to subscribers of its new service until after Tuesday's midterm elections.