House

Andy Harris: Campaign PhotoThis Independence Day, First district Republican nominee and state Sen. Andy Harris (R-Cockeysville) offered up his thoughts on the greatness of America, evidenced by his family’s journey to freedom.

Evoking Ronald Reagan’s comparison of the United States to “a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere," Harris asks citizens to remember “our nation's unparalleled freedom and opportunity for its citizens.”

“The United States has always shone as a beacon of hope and continues to do so today,” he said. “Our nation was founded by and continues to thrive on the hard work, dedication and faith of those who saw America as a land of opportunity for all, regardless of status, wealth or nationality.”

As an example, Harris points to his own parents.

Donna EdwardsIt should be hard to keep up with Fourth district U.S. Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Fort Washington), given how active she is. Yet her office works tirelessly at communicating the latest accomplishments of Congress’s newest addition.

This morning, Edwards released a statement celebrating Independence Day and the latest legislation passed by the House Democratic majority.

“For 232 years, our great nation has celebrated its independence each fourth day of July,” she said. “And while this time offers us a wonderful opportunity to enjoy barbecues and fireworks in the company of friends and family, it is also a time to reflect, honor and cherish our rich history as a nation – not always perfect but ever growing and learning from our experiment with governance.”

Collins Bailey: Campaign PhotoU.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.), who’s presidential campaign turned heads with its fundraising and online energy, has endorsed Fifth district Republican Collins Bailey of Waldorf in his challenge to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Mechanicsville).

"Collins Bailey is a man of dignity who stays true to our principles,” Paul said in a statement released earlier this week. “He has the utmost respect for the rule of law and our Constitution.”

“As a believer in a constitutionally limited federal government, sound monetary policies, civil liberties, and a common sense foreign policy, Collins understands what the real issues are and how they are affecting our country.”

Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville) announces his investigation into Louisville's gas prices on Thursday: Politicker photo

LOUISVILLE -- At a joint press conference in Louisville today - where gas costs up to 30 cents more per gallon than in the rest of the Commonwealth - U.S. Rep John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and state Attorney General Jack Conway (D-Louisville) elaborated on their newest proposals for confronting the energy dilemma.

In front of reporters gathered in a cul-de-sac near a noisy highway on-ramp, Yarmuth said he was pressuring President Bush to permit the usage of emergency provisions he argued would decrease speculation in the oil market. Conway, on the other hand, announced an investigation into potential anti-competitive activity by gas retailers and wholesalers leading to the price disparities between Louisville and other parts of the state.

Touting a letter he sent to President Bush on Wednesday, Yarmuth said a provision enacted by Congress in 2000 - termed the "Enron loophole" - exempted energy speculators from federal regulation and allowed speculators in the oil market to drive prices up.

"We are in the mode where the fundamentals of supply and demand don't really drive the price," said Yarmuth.

California State Sen. Tom McClintock will make two public appearances over the Independence Day weekend, including one that could bring him face to face with Charlie Brown, his opponent in the 4th Congressional District race.

McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) will participate in a Fourth of July parade Friday morning in Lincoln, where Brown, a Democrat from Roseville, is also scheduled to appear.

On Sunday, McClintock will attend a Fourth of July parade in Graeagle, in Plumas County.

Congressional candidate Charlie Brown has released a three-day slate of activities related to the Independence Day weekend, while criticizing Republican opponent Tom McClintock for not doing the same.

Brown, a Democrat running in California's 4th Congressional District, will visit six different cities in the district, which stretches over a few hundred miles of northeastern California.

The Bob Lord campaign will report that it raised more money in the 2nd quarter than in any previous quarter, according to Lord campaign manager Andrew Eldredge-Martin.

"We're really pleased with how the quarter went, and especially pleased that we now have over 3,000 individual contributors," Eldredge-Martin told PolitickerAZ.com. "It's our best quarter ever."

However, he said the campaign was still receiving contributions sent before the June 30 deadline, and therefore they aren't able to release a total yet.

Congressional candidate Kathy Dahlkemper received another boost Thursday as she tries to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Phil English in the 3rd Congressional District.

The non-partisan Cook Political Report has changed the district from "likely Republican" to "lean Republican" (subscription required). The political report has seven rankings, and "lean Republican" is only one step from "toss up."

The announcement comes after The Rothenberg Political Report identified Dahlkemper as a "top-tier challenger" and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee placed her on its "Red-to-Blue" program in June.

First we had Republican Lee Adam Gentry the mystery candidate in the 5th Congressional district.  Now we have Dr. Sandra Livingstone, a Republican in the 1st.  If rumors are right the only difference is this unknown is sitting on a good amount of money for her congressional race.

President George W. Bush is coming to Tucson on July 18 to "honor" state Senate President and 8th Congressional District candidate Tim Bee (R-Tucson).

According to the invitation, the event will take place at the home of Jackie and William Bell, and is being hosted by auto dealership magnate Jim Click, National Rifle Association President Sandra Froman, lawyer and real estate developer Duff Hearon and former Carondelet Foundation CEO Jannie Cox.

The event is being mounted by the Tim Bee Arizona Trust, a joint fundraising venture of Tim Bee for Congress, the National Republican Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Pima County Republican Party Federal Campaign. Contributors of $10,000 or more get a VIP reception and photo op with Pres. Bush, while donations of $1,000 to $9,999 earn the donor breakfast at the event.