Political Quick Hits: February 17th Edition
Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:
- In 2012 news, Mitt Romney won the Maine caucuses on Saturday. However, he only beat Ron Paul by 3 percent in Maine. Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich also chose not to compete in the state. According to two national surveys, the 2012 race is now tied up between Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.
- On Monday, President Obama unveiled his $3.8 billion budget request that includes tax increases on the rich, reduction in military spending, and new spending on education and infrastructure projects. The budget is really just Obama’s blueprint of his fiscal priorities, and is just a request that Congress can either accept, reject, or modify. It’s unlikely that his budget will be accepted.
- On Tuesday, Congressional negotiators reached a tentative deal on extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. The measure, which extends it for the rest of the year, now goes to the House and Senate for final votes. One of the main points in the deal is that, beginning later this year, the maximum length of unemployment benefits will drop from 99 weeks down to 73 weeks. President Obama said he plans to sign the bill as soon as Congress acts on it.
- In same-sex marriage news, a New Jersey marriage equality bill has passed a state assembly vote and is now headed to Governor Chris Christie’s desk. The Assembly passed the bill allowing same-sex marriage by a 42-33 vote on Thursday. Gov. Christie has said previously stated he will veto the bill, which is what he is expected to now do. The Democratic-controlled Legislature will have two years to try to override the governor if he vetoes it.
