What Does Kevin McCarthy's Ascension Mean for California?
Later today, Republicans in the House of Representatives will choose a new Majority Leader. The winner will replace Eric Cantor of Virginia, who suffered a stunning primary defeat last week at the hands of a Tea Party candidate. By all accounts, Congressman Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield has the job sewn up. What might this mean for the issues California cares about? Like water, immigration reform, patent reform and high speed rail?
Iraq War Veterans Despair Over Chaos and Violence in Former Combat Region
In a meeting yesterday with congressional leaders, the President Obama reportedly told them he doesn't need new congressional authority to act. He's asked security advisers to draw up a range of options for responding to insurgents taking over Iraq, options that don't include sending in ground troops. Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom are watching with particular grief and frustration as Iraq descends into chaos.