PoliticsRx Political Prescription

On the heals of the Illinois Governor Blagojevich’s “pay-to-play” scandal, Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold is said to be backing a constitutional amendment to allow special elections when filling Senate vacancies.

Opponents of the measure argue that during the election process, states will not be equally represented.  Proponents refer to current House rules, in which elections are to be held when filling vacancies.

Read More: Proposal Calls For Elections To Fill Senate Vacancies : NPR.

Posted under Corruption, Keeping Informed

According to Politico, the new stimulus package is to include $8 billion for high-speed rail, one of Obama’s signature projects aimed at energy conservation and congestion relief.

Read More: Obama plots huge railroad expansion.

Posted under Energy, Keeping Informed, Stimulus

According to Gallup, only 31% of Americans approve of Congress’ work.  Good news (maybe) is this is a sharp increase from last month’s 19% approval-rating.

Read More: Congress’ Approval Rating Jumps to 31%.

Posted under Keeping Informed

Another instance of our legislators and leaders experiencing the frayed-rope that is the tax system.  This news is on the heels of other tax issues involving Senator Tom Daschle, Timothy Geithner, Senator Mark Begich and others.

Our opinion: time for a review of the current tax code.  When educated tax specialists can’t get it right for their clients (who include the elected officials writing and overseeing the tax code), it’s time to simplify.

Read More: Palin owes tax on per diem, state says: Gov. Sarah Palin | adn.com

Read More: Survey: Some senators admit tax errors

Posted under Keeping Informed, Taxes

Alan Greenspan, a free-market advocate, supports the nationalization of some banks to facilitate transfer of toxic assets into a “Bad Bank”.  He also stated that this will be the longest recession since the 1930s.

Read More: The Raw Story | Greenspan says recession will be ‘longest and deepest’ since ’30s.

Posted under Keeping Informed