By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
At a Republican Radio Row, Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) spoke about President Obama’s budget. He is disappointed at the partisan atmosphere which has swallowed Congress in the budget process and in legislation thus far in this Congress.
(08:02)
By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
Congressman Ted Poe (R-Texas) spoke with Michael Ruhl at the House Republican Conference Radio Row concerning what kind of budget Ronald Reagan would put together in this economy. He emphasized the importance of the Government staying out of the private sector, the limited role of small government, and the need for limited taxation.
Poe called the President Obama’s budget an abomination, but said that the Republicans may themselves be spending too much in their budget.
(08:42)
By Michael Ruhl, University of New Mexico – Talk Radio News Service
Former presidential candidate and long time consumer rights advocate Ralph Nader talked with Michael Ruhl to discuss the status of his lawsuit against the Democratic National Committee (DNC). This was immediately following the circuit court argument for Nader vs. DNC. Nader claims that he was harassed and burdened in 2004 presidential election by the DNC, in what he calls “an abuse of the legal process” and malicious prosecution. In this interview, Nader explained background of the case, and the case’s current status. He said, “there is no other western democracy that comes close to obstructing voters and obstructing candidates as is the case in our country.”
Nader also spoke about the two-party system, and the effect that his case has on future third party candidates in the presidential process. He said that his case is designed to draw boundaries, to make sure that third party candidates can exercise their First Amendment rights. Nader also referred to the issue as one of democracy, because he said in limiting ballot access, one is truly limiting the right of the people to decide who they want to represent them. Nader called for national ballot standards, instead of ballot standards which vary state by state. He also advocated instant runoff voting and public funding of public campaigns.
Nader said that the two-party system is not allowing third parties access to the higher tiers of federal government, and this two-party system is moving gradually to a one-party system, where gerrymandered districts make reelection almost certain for many members of Congress. He called this a system that can be rented by the rich. In spite of the stronghold that the two parties have on the system, Nader said that he has talked with several members of Congress who may be interested in helping to move legislation on election reform. He mentioned by name: John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ron Paul (R-Texas), Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), and Jessie Jackson, Jr. (D-Ill.). He anticipates this reform effort to be difficult, because as he said, “the foxes are guarding the chicken coop.” Nader seems ready for a fight.
(08:50)
International Affairs Correspondent Blanquita Cullum interviews the former Texas Democratic Party Chairman Molly Beth Malcolm about Obama’s future, Texas, and female participation in politics. (11:55)
From the floor of the Republican National Committee Convention
Tammy Stern from Texas
Jim Herring, President of the delegation from Mississippi
Jeannie Leike from Mississippi
Listen to Audio File (5:42)
Former Vice- Presidential hopeful Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) discusses Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) choice of Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as his running mate with Bureau Chief Ellen Ratner. He also discusses his congressional district and issues facing Americans. Edwards answers questions about the current energy crisis as well as the American health care system and claims that it is not impossible for Sen. Obama to win Texas in the November election (5:17).
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on offenses committed by polygamist groups, Brett Tolman, a United States Attorney for the District of Utah, reads an exhausting list of varied crimes his office has investigated since 2004, from child abuse to tax fraud. (1:16)
Representative Ron Paul (R-Texas) expresses his view on an exit from Iraq at a briefing of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on “The Future of U.S.-Iraqi Relations: The Perspective of the Iraqi Parliament.” (0:56)
On a conference call led by Obama spokesman Josh Earnest Texas Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Chet Edwards, Al Green, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Charles Gonzales claimed a victory for Obama in Texas. (more…)
Josh Earnest, spokesman for the Obama campaign, held a conference call with Texas Representatives Lloyd Doggett, Chet Edwards, Al Green, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Charles Gonzales to claim a victory for Obama in Texas. Almost a month after the March 4 Texas primary, Obama has gained five more delegates from Texas than Hilary Clinton. His Texas victory earned him 99 delegates to the national convention, while Clinton has won 94. The members of Congress discussed the enthusiastic response by voters in the Texas primary, and what this will mean for the allocation of delegates and super-delegates at the National Democratic Conference June 6. [31:00]
