Afternoon Update - 2.7.05

Good Afternoon . .

Democrats are not the only ones worried about the Bush budget. Republicans are worried about the record deficit, as well as, how to cut or eliminate popular "pork" projects that have been part of the budget for many years.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) summed it up, "It's going to be a tough budget year." He's right unless he can rein in Senate Republicans and eliminate Democrat whining during debates. Yahoo! News - Anxious over deficit, GOP lawmakers eye budget cuts
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It is done just a matter of time. The last opponent to former Vermont Governor Howard Dean has withdrawn from the race for Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Tim Roemer a former Congressman from Indiana and a member of the 9/11 Commission has withdrawn his name from consideration for the post. Roemer did issue a warning to Democrats for upcoming elections. He said Democrats must be more inclusive in their outreach to fast-growing parts of the country.

"It's not about 60,000 votes in Ohio," Roemer said, "It's about losing 97 of the 100 fastest growing counties in the country."

So, the way is clear for the failed presidential candidate and anti-war screamer to become chair of the DNC. The DNC vote is scheduled for February 12.

By the way, Dean becoming chair of the DNC is the Republicans dream-come-true.
CNN.com - Roemer withdraws from "DNC chair" race - Feb 7, 2005
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During the State of the Union Address many Democrats decided that cat-calls, booing, and hissing were appropriate. It is obvious that many of the Dems have not gotten over the last two elections and are acting out.

I'm sure that many of the "boo birds" also hustled to the aisle to shake President Bush's hand as he left the chamber.

Democrats here is another thing to be ashamed of.
Republicans criticize Dems for hissing at speech
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Last month the Supreme Court rules that sentencing guidelines could only be advisory and not mandatory. This enabled Congress to look at passing mandatory sentences that were Constitutional.

The American Bar Association issued today a proposal that will ask Congress to stop and proposed legislation. The largest association of attorneys wants to give the federal court system a year to sort out a new system. Lawmakers could then evaluate whether changes should be made to ensure that punishment is headed out equally across the country.

Isn't that what the Supreme Court wants Congress to do? It looks like a case of the "foxes guarding the hen house" to me.
Yahoo! News - Lawyers May Seek Sentencing Reform Delay
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More tomorrow in the Morning Briefing.