Holder assures judge of administration's respect in health care case
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a letter written at the request of a federal appellate judge, Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday offered assurances that the Obama administration respects the authority of the courts.Appeals Court Judge Jerry Smith in Texas requested the letter after President Barack Obama said this week that it would be "unprecedented'' for the Supreme Court to overturn a major law passed by Congress like the health care overhaul whose constitutionality it is now considering.On Tuesday, saying he was seeking reassurances that the Justice Department recognizes judicial authority, Smith said he wanted a letter of at least three pages that makes specific references to the president's statements. "The longstanding, historical position of the United States regarding judicial review of the constitutionality of federal legislation has not changed,'' Holder wrote."The department has not in this litigation, nor in any other litigation of which I am aware, ever asked this or any other court to reconsider or limit long-established precedent concerning judicial review,'' Holder added.On Tuesday, after his remarks stirred controversy, the president himself had elaborated, saying that the court "is the final say on our Constitution.''In his letter Thursday, the attorney general said "the president's remarks were fully consistent with the principles'' Holder outlined in the letter.The attorney general noted the health care case now before the Supreme Court, saying the court "has often acknowledged the appropriateness of reliance on the political branches' policy choices and judgments.'' "These principles of deference,'' Holder wrote, "are fully applicable when Congress legislates in the commercial sphere,'' such as in the overhaul of the health care system now before the justices.Smith raised the issue of Obama's remarks during oral arguments over a provision in the new health care law that restricts physician-owned hospitals from expanding or building new facilities.Holder wrote that where someone bringing a case invokes the jurisdiction of the court and has a valid challenge, "there is no dispute that courts properly review the constitutionality of acts of Congress.''
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a letter written at the request of a federal appellate judge, Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday offered assurances that the Obama administration respects the authority of the courts.Appeals Court Judge Jerry Smith in Texas requested the letter after President Barack Obama said this week that it would be "unprecedented'' for the Supreme Court to overturn a major law passed by Congress like the health care overhaul whose constitutionality it is now considering.On Tuesday, saying he was seeking reassurances that the Justice Department recognizes judicial authority, Smith said he wanted a letter of at least three pages that makes specific references to the president's statements. "The longstanding, historical position of the United States regarding judicial review of the constitutionality of federal legislation has not changed,'' Holder wrote."The department has not in this litigation, nor in any other litigation of which I am aware, ever asked this or any other court to reconsider or limit long-established precedent concerning judicial review,'' Holder added.On Tuesday, after his remarks stirred controversy, the president himself had elaborated, saying that the court "is the final say on our Constitution.''In his letter Thursday, the attorney general said "the president's remarks were fully consistent with the principles'' Holder outlined in the letter.The attorney general noted the health care case now before the Supreme Court, saying the court "has often acknowledged the appropriateness of reliance on the political branches' policy choices and judgments.'' "These principles of deference,'' Holder wrote, "are fully applicable when Congress legislates in the commercial sphere,'' such as in the overhaul of the health care system now before the justices.Smith raised the issue of Obama's remarks during oral arguments over a provision in the new health care law that restricts physician-owned hospitals from expanding or building new facilities.Holder wrote that where someone bringing a case invokes the jurisdiction of the court and has a valid challenge, "there is no dispute that courts properly review the constitutionality of acts of Congress.''
Waukesha Co. District Attorney investigating Romney sub incident
WAUKESHA -- The Waukesha County District Attorney is investigating a complaint filed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
WAUKESHA -- The Waukesha County District Attorney is investigating a complaint filed by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin put Romney in position to secure GOP nomination
MILWAUKEE -- The presidential campaign spotlight has moved away from Wisconsin.
MILWAUKEE -- The presidential campaign spotlight has moved away from Wisconsin.
Barrett launches campaign for governor in Madison Wednesday
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett managed to hold onto his seat after Tuesday's election, beating out Edward McDonald.
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett managed to hold onto his seat after Tuesday's election, beating out Edward McDonald.
Wis. GOP names fake Democrats for recall primaries
MADISON (AP) -- The state GOP has lined up six fake Democrats to run in upcoming recall elections targeting Gov.
MADISON (AP) -- The state GOP has lined up six fake Democrats to run in upcoming recall elections targeting Gov.
Romney turns from primaries, toward Obama
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Mitt Romney is turning away from his primary opponents and toward Democratic President Barack Obama after sweeping three more Republican contests, including Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday, April 3rd.The likely GOP nominee was set Wednesday to take the same Washington stage that the president had used a day earlier to criticize Romney in a speech to newspaper editors in Washington.The former Massachusetts governor planned to address an audience of the Newspaper Association of America and the American Society of News Editors, a day after Obama spoke to the annual meeting of The Associated Press. "There is a basic choice before us,'' Romney said Tuesday night as he spoke to cheering supporters in Milwaukee. "Our different visions for America are the product of our values and our life experiences.''Romney's victories in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia widened his delegate lead and all but handed him the title of presumptive Republican nominee.
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Mitt Romney is turning away from his primary opponents and toward Democratic President Barack Obama after sweeping three more Republican contests, including Wisconsin's presidential primary Tuesday, April 3rd.The likely GOP nominee was set Wednesday to take the same Washington stage that the president had used a day earlier to criticize Romney in a speech to newspaper editors in Washington.The former Massachusetts governor planned to address an audience of the Newspaper Association of America and the American Society of News Editors, a day after Obama spoke to the annual meeting of The Associated Press. "There is a basic choice before us,'' Romney said Tuesday night as he spoke to cheering supporters in Milwaukee. "Our different visions for America are the product of our values and our life experiences.''Romney's victories in Wisconsin, Maryland and the District of Columbia widened his delegate lead and all but handed him the title of presumptive Republican nominee.
Election officials say Tuesday's voter turnout likely on track
MILWAUKEE -- Voters took to the polls on Election Day in Wisconsin - Tuesday, April 3rd, and poll workers say they believe we're on track to meet the predicted voter turnout for this election.Voters started filing in to their respective polling places as soon as the doors opened Tuesday morning, and poll workers say the volume ebbed and flowed all day long.
MILWAUKEE -- Voters took to the polls on Election Day in Wisconsin - Tuesday, April 3rd, and poll workers say they believe we're on track to meet the predicted voter turnout for this election.Voters started filing in to their respective polling places as soon as the doors opened Tuesday morning, and poll workers say the volume ebbed and flowed all day long.
Mitt Romney wins Wisconsin presidential primary
WAUKESHA -- Mitt Romney won Republican primaries in Wisconsin, Washington, D.C. and Maryland Tuesday, April 3rd, drawing closer to the GOP presidential nomination while rival Rick Santorum's prospects fade.
WAUKESHA -- Mitt Romney won Republican primaries in Wisconsin, Washington, D.C. and Maryland Tuesday, April 3rd, drawing closer to the GOP presidential nomination while rival Rick Santorum's prospects fade.
Searchable recall databases now on GAB website
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Searchable databases showing who signed recall petitions against Republican Gov.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Searchable databases showing who signed recall petitions against Republican Gov.
Wisconsin presidential primary dominates ballot
MADISON (AP) -- The Republican presidential primary election had little competition on Tuesday's ballot across Wisconsin, with no other statewide issue before voters.
MADISON (AP) -- The Republican presidential primary election had little competition on Tuesday's ballot across Wisconsin, with no other statewide issue before voters.
Mitt Romney rallies in Milwaukee leading up to Election Day
MILWAUKEE -- Wisconsin goes to the ballot box Tuesday, April 3rd to weigh in on the presidential race.
MILWAUKEE -- Wisconsin goes to the ballot box Tuesday, April 3rd to weigh in on the presidential race.
Barrett calls on Democrats to run clean campaigns
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Tom Barrett sent a letter to his fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidates Sunday, asking them to run clean campaigns in the primary for Wisconsin's recall election.According to a statement, the Milwaukee mayor's letter asked candidates to take responsibility for negative attacks in the primary, including attacks by independent groups that support them. "As Democrats, we must be united in the only mission that matters: recalling Scott Walker and moving our state forward,'' Barrett wrote.The Government Accountability Board ordered a recall election last week, and Barrett jumped into the race.
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Tom Barrett sent a letter to his fellow Democratic gubernatorial candidates Sunday, asking them to run clean campaigns in the primary for Wisconsin's recall election.According to a statement, the Milwaukee mayor's letter asked candidates to take responsibility for negative attacks in the primary, including attacks by independent groups that support them. "As Democrats, we must be united in the only mission that matters: recalling Scott Walker and moving our state forward,'' Barrett wrote.The Government Accountability Board ordered a recall election last week, and Barrett jumped into the race.
Final push to win votes before GOP presidential primary in Wis.
MILWAUKEE -- It is the final push to win votes before the GOP presidential primary in Wisconsin and Republican candidates are spending their last day campaigning before the polls open on Tuesday, April 3rd.
MILWAUKEE -- It is the final push to win votes before the GOP presidential primary in Wisconsin and Republican candidates are spending their last day campaigning before the polls open on Tuesday, April 3rd.
Wisconsin's highways show routes to GOP's primary
BROOKFIELD (AP) -- Well-traveled routes that serve as Wisconsin's vital arteries also provide a window into the competing hopes for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.Romney can roll up a solid win in Tuesday's presidential primary with a strong showing along the state's east-west Interstate 94, which bisects Milwaukee's GOP-rich western suburbs.Santorum's fading hopes rest on swamping Romney in cities and towns along north-south Interstate 43, which lead from Milwaukee north through the industrial and blue-collar base of the Fox River Valley.Wisconsin elections officials are projecting 35 percent of Wisconsin's 3.27 million voters will participate in Tuesday's primary.
BROOKFIELD (AP) -- Well-traveled routes that serve as Wisconsin's vital arteries also provide a window into the competing hopes for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.Romney can roll up a solid win in Tuesday's presidential primary with a strong showing along the state's east-west Interstate 94, which bisects Milwaukee's GOP-rich western suburbs.Santorum's fading hopes rest on swamping Romney in cities and towns along north-south Interstate 43, which lead from Milwaukee north through the industrial and blue-collar base of the Fox River Valley.Wisconsin elections officials are projecting 35 percent of Wisconsin's 3.27 million voters will participate in Tuesday's primary.
Mitt Romney campaigns with Paul Ryan, Ron Johnson
MIDDLETON -- Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney gathered more big-name support in Wisconsin this weekend.
MIDDLETON -- Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney gathered more big-name support in Wisconsin this weekend.
Santorum reacts to Johnson's Romney endorsement in West Bend
WEST BEND -- Sunday morning, April 1st, Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson announced he's endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
WEST BEND -- Sunday morning, April 1st, Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson announced he's endorsing Mitt Romney for president.
Paul Ryan considered a top GOP vice presidential candidate
MILWAUKEE -- Congressman Paul Ryan has endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president.
MILWAUKEE -- Congressman Paul Ryan has endorsed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney for president.
Dems sharpen attack as GOP rallies behind Romney
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- President Barack Obama's administration launched a multi-pronged assault on Mitt Romney's values and foreign policy credentials Sunday, while a fresh set of prominent Republicans rallied behind the GOP front-runner as the odds-on nominee, further signs the general election is overtaking the primary season.A defiant Rick Santorum outlined plans to leave Wisconsin the day before the state's contest Tuesday, an indication that the conservative favorite may be in retreat, his chances to stop Romney rapidly dwindling. "I think the chances are overwhelming that (Romney) will be our nominee,'' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union.'' "It seems to me we're in the final phases of wrapping up this nomination.
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- President Barack Obama's administration launched a multi-pronged assault on Mitt Romney's values and foreign policy credentials Sunday, while a fresh set of prominent Republicans rallied behind the GOP front-runner as the odds-on nominee, further signs the general election is overtaking the primary season.A defiant Rick Santorum outlined plans to leave Wisconsin the day before the state's contest Tuesday, an indication that the conservative favorite may be in retreat, his chances to stop Romney rapidly dwindling. "I think the chances are overwhelming that (Romney) will be our nominee,'' Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union.'' "It seems to me we're in the final phases of wrapping up this nomination.
Assembly Minority Leader Barca will not run for governor
MADISON -- Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca says he will not run for governor in the recall election against Governor Scott Walker.Barca posted a letter on his Facebook page Saturday night, March 31st.Barca says he appreciates the encouragement he's received from the public, and some constituents, but he wants to focus on returning the Wisconsin Assembly to Democratic control.The field of Democratic candidates vying to take on Walker in the recall election is already crowded - with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, state Senator Kathleen Vinehout and Secretary of State Doug LaFollette all in the running.
MADISON -- Wisconsin Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca says he will not run for governor in the recall election against Governor Scott Walker.Barca posted a letter on his Facebook page Saturday night, March 31st.Barca says he appreciates the encouragement he's received from the public, and some constituents, but he wants to focus on returning the Wisconsin Assembly to Democratic control.The field of Democratic candidates vying to take on Walker in the recall election is already crowded - with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, former Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, state Senator Kathleen Vinehout and Secretary of State Doug LaFollette all in the running.
Tammy Baldwin faces four big-name Republicans in Senate race
MADISON -- Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is running for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat, and is the only Democrat in the running.
MADISON -- Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is running for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat, and is the only Democrat in the running.