VP Kamala Harris Gets Big Dose of Trump In Guatemala
Vice President Kamala Harris’ much anticipated “foreign policy” trip to Guatemala to meet with leaders there about what can be done to stem the influx of illegal immigrants that are crossing into the U.S. from that country, got off to a bad start with Air Force 2 having to turn around because of “technical issue” and was then being greeted by pro-Trump, anti-Biden Guatemalan protestors. And then the signs came out. Big Signs READ MORE
And...Immigrants are not welcome her per Harris. READ MORE
Allen West for Congress, Governor, Lt. Governor Watch Continues...
He's no longer the chairman of the Texas GOP, so no he can entertain another run for public office, but what office will that be.
West is prolific at raising cash on the federal, so why not run for Congress again? READ MORE
Allen West
“VP Harris Now Urges Migrants To Avoid Journey To Border: ‘Do Not Come’” by Texas Politics’ Mona Salama – Vice President Kamala Harris is now issuing a stern warning to Guatemalan migrants, saying they should not make the dangerous trek to the U.S.-Mexico border and claiming that they would be “turned back” if they tried to do so. “I want to emphasize that the goal of our work is to help Guatemalans find hope at home. At the same time, I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking about making that dangerous trek to the United States-Mexico border, do not come. Do not come,” Harris said. “The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our border. There are legal methods by which migration can and should occur, but we, as one of our priorities, will discourage illegal migration. And I believe if you come to our border, you will be turned back,” she added.
“Kamala Harris Greeted In Guatemala With ‘Go Home’ and ‘Trump Won’ Messages” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – Vice President Kamala Harris’ much anticipated “foreign policy” trip to Guatemala to meet with leaders there about what can be done to stem the influx of illegal immigrants that are crossing into the U.S. from that country, got off to a bad start with Air Force 2 having to turn around because of “technical issue” and was then being greeted by pro-Trump, anti-Biden Guatemalan protestors. “It is a technical issue. There are no major safety concerns,” said Symone Sanders, spokeswoman for VP Harris. Harris shook off the midair scare, telling reporters after she deplaned that “we all said a little prayer, but we’re good.” But after boarding a new plane and taking the 4 1/2 hour flight to Guatemala, protestors were at the Guatemalan Air Force base waiting for the vice president with open arms and signs. Big signs.
“Republican Mattie Parker Wins Fort Worth Runoff Mayoral Election” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Following Betsy Price’s announcement in early 2021 that she would not seek re-election for a sixth term as mayor of Fort Worth, a closely watched mayoral election saw Mattie Parker declare victory in the runoff. On Saturday night, Parker led with 54% of the vote, according to unofficial results, before her opponent and former Democratic county chairwoman and AT&T executive Deborah Peoples conceded defeat. 37-year-year old Parker is the youngest mayor of any major U.S. city and was the former chief of staff for outgoing Fort Worth Mayor Price. She is a founder of an educational coalition, though refused to commit in her campaign to backing a police civilian review board in a city where police shootings and the 2016 arrest of a Black woman who called 911 have elevated tensions and led to protests.
“Allen West Could Challenge Progressive Rep. Colin Allred in North Texas” by Teas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – The news that former Florida Congressman Allen West had resigned his position of chairman at the Texas Republican Party took many supporters and media outlets by surprise and fueled the growing speculation that West would challenge Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for governor in 2022. With President Donald Trump having endorsed Gov. Abbott in May, some Texans believe that West will challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, but considering that Texas will be picking up two new congressional seats as a result of redistricting, could West be contemplating another run for the U.S. House of Representatives? Maybe. With one of the two new congressional seats most likely being dropped in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a couple of the other existing congressional seats deemed ‘toss-up’ seats, could be redrawn to favor Republicans.
“Allen West Resigns From Texas GOP” by Texas Politics’ Javier Manjarres – Texas GOP Chairman Allen West has resigned from the state Republican party, prompting speculation that he will be running for elected office, possibly against Gov. Greg Abbott or Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, or quite possibly for a congressional seat in the Dallas area. West tweeted,” Humbled and blessed by the opportunity to serve…” Statement from the Texas GOP: Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Allen West, has submitted his irrevocable resignation to the officials’ meeting as of 8am CT today. He will remain at the helm of the Texas GOP until a new Chairman can be selected on July 11th at an undetermined location as of now.
“Texas Valedictorian Speech Blasting Abortion Bill Goes Viral” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – The recent passage of a restrictive abortion bill by the Texas Legislature received a renewed wave of criticism after a video of Paxton Smith’s valedictorian speech in which she addressed the new law went viral. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed an abortion bill into law on May 19th which bans the procedure after a six-week mark (often before women are aware of their pregnancy), including in cases of rape or incest. It also allows any private citizen to sue doctors or abortion clinic employees who perform or help arrange for the procedure. The “heartbeat bill” is among the most restrictive abortion measures in the nation and goes into effect in September.
“Planned Parenthood Lawsuit Against Lubbock’s Abortion Ban is Dismissed” by Texas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – After Lubbock residents enacted an ordinance to make the city a “sanctuary city for the unborn” in May local elections, Planned Parenthood sued the city. On Wednesday, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit and announced that he would not issue an injunction against a referendum-approved abortion ban. The ordinance went into effect Tuesday. The “sanctuary city for the unborn” ordinance was passed by voters in May, after being originally rejected by Lubbock City Council members who said it conflicted with state law and could be costly to defend. The ordinance passed on to voters and it took effect June 1.
“George P. Bush Announces Primary Challenge to Attorney General Ken Paxton” by Teas Politics’ Isabel Webb Carey – Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced Wednesday evening his decision to run for attorney general against the high-profile Republican incumbent Ken Paxton. “I am proud to announce I am a Republican candidate to be the next Texas attorney general,” Bush announced to his supporters in downtown Austin. He went on to attack Paxton, who is currently under indictment for securities fraud and is also facing a separate FBI investigation for abuse of office. “We need an attorney general stacking up mug shots of hardened criminals, not an attorney general that’s stacking up mugshots of himself,” Bush stated. “Enough is enough, Ken. You’ve brought way too much scandal and too little integrity to this office. And as a career politician for 20 years, it’s time for you to go.”
“Migrant boy seen crying, walking alone in Texas desert reunited with family 2 months later” by Nexstar Media Wire – A bipartisan group of lawmakers is calling on President Joe Biden to keep U.S.-Mexico border restrictions in place amid rising numbers of migrant crossings. Their plea comes after the Biden administration’s decision to end a Trump-era immigration policy, known informally as “Remain in Mexico,” forced asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. Meanwhile, a young Nicaraguan boy, who was found walking alone in South Texas by U.S. Border Patrol agents, was reunited with his family. The heartbreaking encounter captured millions of people’s attention. In the translated bodycam video, released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents can be heard asking the boy if he’s traveling with his mother or father.
“Republicans celebrate mayoral win in majority-Hispanic McAllen, Texas” by Yahoo News’ Evie Fordham – Republicans celebrated Javier Villalobos' narrow win in the mayor's race in McAllen, Texas, on Saturday even though the race is technically nonpartisan. "Javier Villalobos is a proven leader who cares deeply about the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations on becoming the next Mayor of McAllen!" Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on Facebook. Villalobos, an attorney, was appointed to the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board by Abbott in 2018 and is the former chair of the Hidalgo County GOP.
“Texas Lawmakers Tackle Costs of Winter Freeze, Say More Action Needed” by WSJ’s Katherine Blunt – Texas lawmakers passed measures meant to stabilize the state’s power market in the wake of the deadly February freeze, but many legislators and others agree a broader overhaul is needed to keep it stable. The measures require power-plant owners to take steps to ensure their fleets can function during extreme cold snaps. They also direct state agencies to map critical infrastructure, and provide financial support for several large electricity cooperatives and retail electricity providers that purchased power at astronomical prices during the four-day freeze. They do little to alter the fundamental structure of the Texas power market or provide direct financial relief for Texas consumers impacted by the mass blackout event, which killed at least 151 people, according to the official state tally. Texas spent more than $46 billion buying electricity during a single week, more than five times what it spent on electricity in all of 2020.
“Beto O’Rourke shares timeline for decision about whether to run for Texas governor” by WFAA’s Michael McCardel – Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke is on the road again in Texas. We caught up with the one-time Senate and presidential candidate for Inside Texas Politics after he had just arrived in Midland. It’s his first stop on a statewide tour focusing on voting rights here in Texas. O’Rourke said he’s trying to prevent GOP efforts to make it harder to vote, particularly for minorities, with legislation such as Senate Bill 7 in Texas, which was just defeated after a Democratic walkout of the Texas House. But O’Rourke said plenty of other states have already enacted such legislation.
“Speaker Phelan says last minute bill changes in Senate pushed Texas House to legislative deadline” by WFAA – Video
“Texas Republican leaders promised action on gun safety after the El Paso shooting. Instead, they passed permitless carry.” By Texas Tribune – There was hope in the air when state lawmakers from El Paso arrived in Austin for the 2021 Texas Legislature. For them, this was going to be the year they passed substantive firearm restrictions in gun-loving Texas — an unreachable, unfathomable goal for any other Legislative session. But this wasn’t just any session. It was lawmakers’ first gathering since 2019, when 30 people were killed and dozens more were injured in back-to-back mass shootings in El Paso and Midland-Odessa. The tragedies were so earth-shattering that they moved Texas’ Republican leaders at the time to express an uncharacteristic openness to some gun control measures backed by Democrats. Gov. Greg Abbott swore to do “everything we can to make sure a crime like this doesn’t happen again,” proposing a slew of policies to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other people who should not possess them. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick famously said he was “willing to take an arrow” from the National Rifle Association in order to pursue stronger background check laws.
“Republicans celebrate mayoral win in majority-Hispanic McAllen, Texas” by Fox News’ Evie Fordham – Republicans celebrated Javier Villalobos' narrow win in the mayor's race in McAllen, Texas, on Saturday even though the race is technically nonpartisan. "Javier Villalobos is a proven leader who cares deeply about the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Congratulations on becoming the next Mayor of McAllen!" Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on Facebook. Villalobos, an attorney, was appointed to the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board by Abbott in 2018 and is the former chair of the Hidalgo County GOP. "Amazing news! McAllen, Texas is a major border town of 140,000 people. 85% Hispanic — and just elected a Republican mayor. The macro realignment accelerates in South Texas, and elsewhere, as Hispanics rally to America First," former Trump 2020 campaign adviser Steve Cortes wrote on Twitter.
National:
“US report found it plausible COVID-19 leaked from Wuhan lab” by WSJ via Fox News – A report on the origins of COVID-19 by a U.S. government national laboratory concluded that the hypothesis claiming the virus leaked from a Chinese lab in Wuhan is plausible and deserves further investigation, according to people familiar with the classified document. The study was prepared in May 2020 by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and was drawn on by the State Department when it conducted an inquiry into the pandemic’s origins during the final months of the Trump administration. It is attracting fresh interest in Congress now that President Biden has ordered that U.S. intelligence agencies report to him within 90 days on how the virus emerged. Mr. Biden said that U.S. intelligence has focused on two scenarios—whether the coronavirus came from human contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident.
“Supreme Court punts on including women in the draft, cites 'deference to Congress'” by Fox News’ Tyler Olson – The Supreme Court on Monday punted on a case that could have required women to be included in the Selective Service System – the military draft – citing Congress' ongoing consideration of the issue. The court denied a petition from the National Coalition for Men to hear the case on the system that currently requires all men from 18 to 25 to register for potential military service in a national crisis. The group said that the continued integration of women into the military and the reversal of the ban on women in combat removed the basis of the 1981 case that upheld the selection of only men for the draft. The Selective Service System, opposing a change that would mandate women register for the draft, emphasized that the court previously "deferred to Congress’s judgment" on the Selective Service System.
"Hispanics will vote Republican in 2022" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina
“Ilhan Omar says America, like Hamas and the Taliban, has committed 'unthinkable atrocities'” by Fox News’ Houston Keene – Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., on Monday appeared to place America in the same category as the Taliban and Hamas, saying the U.S., Israel and the terrorist groups have all committed "unthinkable atrocities." Omar, a member of the progressive "Squad," posted a tweet that said that the U.S. needs to "have the same level of accountability and justice for all victims of crimes against humanity." The Minnesota Democrat then claimed America and Israel have committed "unthinkable atrocities" like those committed by the terrorist groups. "We have seen unthinkable atrocities committed by the U.S., Hamas, Israel, Afghanistan, and the Taliban," wrote Omar. "I asked [Secretary of State Antony Blinken] where people are supposed to go for justice."
“Obama criticizes Republicans for embracing 2020 falsehoods” by CNN’s Dan Merica – Former President Barack Obama said Republicans have been "cowed into accepting" a series of positions that "would be unrecognizable and unacceptable even five years ago or a decade ago," telling CNN's Anderson Cooper he is worried about the state of democracy in the United States in an exclusive interview that aired Monday. Obama, in an interview that comes after his latest memoir, "A Promised Land," was published in late 2020, said he never thought some of the "dark spirits" that began rising within the Republican Party during his tenure would get this dark and reach the epicenter of the party. "We have to worry," Obama said, "when one of our major political parties is willing to embrace a way of thinking about our democracy that would be unrecognizable and unacceptable even five years ago or a decade ago."
“First on CNN: US recovers millions in cryptocurrency paid to Colonial Pipeline ransomware hackers” by CNN’s Evan Perez, Zachary Cohen and Alex Marquardt – US investigators have recovered millions in cryptocurrency they say was paid in ransom to hackers whose attack prompted the shutdown of the key East Coast pipeline last month, the Justice Department announced Monday. The announcement confirms CNN's earlier reporting about the FBI-led operation, which was carried out with cooperation from Colonial Pipeline, the company that fell victim to the ransomware attack in question. Specifically, the Justice Department said it seized approximately $2.3 million in Bitcoins paid to individuals in a criminal hacking group known as DarkSide. The FBI said it has been investigating DarkSide, which is said to share its malware tools with other criminal hackers, for over a year.
“Supreme Court Says Protected Noncitizens Who Entered U.S. Unlawfully Can’t Get Green Cards” by WSJ’s Jess Bravin – The Supreme Court said Monday that noncitizens who entered the U.S. unlawfully can’t obtain permanent residency even if the government has permitted them to stay under temporary protected status. The unanimous opinion, written by Justice Elena Kagan, said current immigration law only permits those who were admitted lawfully to the U.S. to apply for permanent residency. Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, defers the deportation of noncitizens when conditions in their home countries make it too dangerous to return. The court returned the issue to Congress, noting that pending legislation would explicitly authorize TPS recipients who entered unlawfully to seek green cards; the American Dream and Promise Act, which passed the House in March with support from all Democrats and a handful of Republicans, now awaits action in the Senate.
“Federal Prosecutors Subpoena Material Related to Andrew Cuomo's Book” by WSJ’s Jimmy Vielkind and Corinne Ramey – Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed material related to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s recent memoir as part of their probe into Covid-19 deaths in the state’s nursing homes, people familiar with the matter said. Prosecutors working for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn asked for communications related to Mr. Cuomo’s October 2020 book, “American Crisis,” including contracts and materials used to pitch the book to publishers, the people said. They said the subpoenas indicated prosecutors are interested in nursing-home issues in the book, which more broadly recounted the governor’s response to the pandemic. The demands were included in subpoenas sent last month to individuals who were involved in editing early versions of the book, the people said, including state officials.
“U.S., Taiwan to Launch Trade Talks” by WSJ’s William Mauldin and Josh Zumbrun – The Biden administration is launching trade and investment talks with Taiwan, advancing U.S. ties with Taipei and likely adding to frictions with the island’s nemesis, Beijing. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a House committee on Monday about the plans for trade talks. “We are engaged in conversations with Taiwan, or soon will be—on some kind of framework agreement,” Mr. Blinken said in response to a question from Rep. Andy Barr (R., Ky.) during the virtual hearing. Mr. Blinken declined to elaborate and referred questions about details to Katherine Tai, the U.S. trade representative, who wasn’t at the hearing. A spokesman for Ms. Tai’s office said that strengthening relations with Taiwan is important, though “we have no meetings to announce at this time.”
“Biden Justice Department defends Trump in suit over rape denial” by Politico’s Josh Gerstein – The Biden administration is pressing on with a controversial Justice Department defense of President Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit brought by a writer who accused him of raping her at a New York City department store in the 1990s The brief filed on Monday night with a federal appeals court is an illustration of how administrations of sharply different political outlooks often flock to the same legal positions in court, even if it means seeming to excuse or immunize alleged bad conduct by their predecessors. In the filing with the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the Justice Department insisted that it was not endorsing Trump’s conduct toward the writer, E. Jean Carroll, even as it argued that a law governing suits against federal officials justified the government’s move to take over the former president’s defense in the case.
