Markey: Spillcam was game-changer in BP disaster response
Washington (CNN) - As they furiously typed computer code through the night in a small Capitol Hill office, little did they know they were about to change the way Americans would view what has become known as the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
The handful of staffers from Rep. Ed Markey's now defunct Select Committee for Energy Independence and Global Warming had just received word from oil giant BP that they would be given a live feed of the underwater cameras monitoring the spewing oil from 8,000 feet below the Gulf of Mexico. The date: May 19, 2010 - nearly one month to the day that the Deepwater Horizon well had exploded, killing 11 workers and causing oil to stream unabated into the Gulf.
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Judicial nominee logjam creates 'crisis' in some federal courts
Washington (CNN) - In the words of Judge Roslyn Silver, the situation is "dire." From her chambers in Phoenix, Arizona, the chief judge of federal judicial District of Arizona warns a bulging criminal caseload is being exacerbated by three unfilled bench seats, which the Obama administration and the Senate have, until recently, shown little urgency to address.
"We have a crisis, we have vacancies, and we would like to have them filled so that justice can be served," she told CNN in an exclusive television interview.
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Whitman 'doubts' she will run for public office
(CNN)–While former eBay CEO Meg Whitman indicated Wednesday afternoon that she’s out of politics, she is not giving the impression of sour grapes after her failed race for California governor.
When asked on Fox Business Network if she planned to run for public office again, she said, “I doubt it. I doubt it. I’m back in business working on some not-for-profit initiatives. I’ve joined the board of Teach for America and our local charter school here. So, that’s where I’m going to put my efforts.”
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Obamas to attend space shuttle launch
Washington (CNN) - The Obama family plans to attend the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour later this month.
According to a senior administration official, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha will watch the launch in person on Friday, April 29th at Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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Boehner calls on Obama to explain 'pace' of Afghan withdrawal
(CNN) - U.S. House Speaker John Boehner wrapped up a two-day trip to Afghanistan Wednesday with a demand that President Barack Obama explain how the "pace and scope" of a planned U.S. troop withdrawal will not undermine the country's fragile security gains.
The president has repeatedly said he is confident the United States can meet a self-imposed deadline to begin bringing U.S. troops back from Afghanistan in July without compromising Afghan security, though military commanders and government officials have raised concern about the readiness of Afghan security forces.
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Iowa's potential showdown: Vilsack vs. King?
Washington (CNN) – In what could become one of the most heated battles of the next Congressional election, Christie Vilsack is exploring a run against conservative Rep. Steve King of Iowa.
The Democratic wife of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Iowa's popular former governor, announced Wednesday that she will form an exploratory committee for a congressional seat in Iowa's newly drawn fourth district.
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Obama visits Facebook for online town hall
Palo Alto, California (CNN) - President Barack Obama isn't just in the news Wednesday. He'll also be in your news feed.
The White House is holding a "town hall" at Facebook headquarters, where the president is expected to answer questions before a small audience about the economy and the federal deficit. The event also will be broadcast live online to Facebook's more than 500 million users, starting at 1:45 p.m. PT (4:45 p.m. ET).
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DSCC and NRSC reveal March cash numbers
Washington (CNN) - As the next battle for the Senate heats up, both the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are showing their latest finance numbers.
The DSCC Wednesday reported raising $5.6 million last month, with $5.5 million cash on hand as of April 1, and a debt of $4.89 million.
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San Francisco opens wallet to President Obama
San Francisco (CNN) - We all know that San Francisco's an overwhelmingly Democratic leaning city. And if you are a Democratic president running for re-election, the city's also a pretty good place to fund raise, and that's just what President Barack Obama's doing Wednesday night and Thursday morning.
The president headlines two fundraisers Wednesday night. The first is a small dinner at a private residence and the second is being held at the Nob Hill Masonic Center. National Football League hall of famer Jerry Rice, a former wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers, is scheduled to speak at the second event, which is expected to have approximately 2,500 people in attendance.
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U.S. 'losing the future,' says RNC chair
(CNN) - Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus used President Barack Obama's tag line against him Wednesday, saying for the first time in years the United States is "losing the future."
At a speech to the City Club of Chicago, in the president's backyard, the newly-elected chairman jabbed the president over spending and the budget, while making the case for a Republican president in 2012.
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