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AP Political NewsBrief at 3:55 p.m. EDT(Associated Press Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Rivals ask: Is Perry weak on the right, or left?WASHINGTON (AP) _ Rick Perry's Republican rivals are struggling to find a coherent, easy-to-grasp argument against the Texas governor, who tops GOP presidential polls despite attacks from all sides. In fact, it's the "all sides" nature that complicates the opposition's message. Republican voters who watched last week's presidential debate and its aftermath might wonder: Should I see Perry as too conservative or too moderate? Obama announces debt plan built on taxes on richWASHINGTON (AP) _ In a blunt rejoinder to congressional Republicans, President Barack Obama called for $1.5 trillion in new taxes Monday, part of a total 10-year deficit reduction package totaling more than $3 trillion. He vowed to veto any deficit reduction package that cuts benefits to Medicare recipients but does not raise taxes on the wealthy and big corporations. "We can't just cut our way out of this hole," the president said. Romney swings through Georgia as Perry plans visitATLANTA (AP) _ Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will swing through Georgia to raise money. His Republican rival Rick Perry will hit the state for the first time next week. Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, is set to headline a $1,000-per-person event Monday night at the Atlanta home of supporters Rick and Joan Smith. GOP-led states change voting rules ahead of 2012COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ After years of expanding when and how people can vote, state legislatures now under new Republican control are moving to trim early voting days, beef up identification requirements and put new restrictions on how voters are notified about absentee ballots. Democrats claim their GOP counterparts are using midterm election wins to enforce changes favorable to Republicans ahead of the 2012 presidential election. They criticize such legislation, saying it could lead to longer lines in Democratic-leaning urban areas and discourage people from voting. Senator was not always critical of loan programWASHINGTON (AP) _ Republican Sen. David Vitter says the Obama administration has been "reckless" as it awards billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies for renewable energy projects, including a $528 million loan to a now-bankrupt California solar panel maker. The Louisiana senator and other Republicans have pounced on the bankruptcy of Fremont, Calif.-based Solyndra Inc., saying the White House rushed to approve a loan guarantee to the politically connected company without adequate oversight Clinton: GOP opposition to soften in election yearWASHINGTON (AP) _ Former President Bill Clinton on Monday dismissed Republican criticism of a debt-reduction proposal to raise taxes on the wealthy, and predicted President Barack Obama will see greater cooperation in the upcoming election year. Republican leaders already are lining up against Obama's proposal to end Bush-era tax cuts and to increase taxes on the nation's wealthiest people. But Clinton told NBC's "Today" show the GOP rhetoric is nothing new and not a deal-breaker for Obama. Palestinian push for statehood jeopardizes US aidWASHINGTON (AP) _ The Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas have repeatedly been warned: Pursue statehood recognition at the United Nations and risk losing millions of dollars in U.S. aid. For months, congressional Republicans and Democrats have threatened to cut off some $500 million in economic and security assistance to the Palestinians if they defy the United States and Israel by seeking statehood. The Americans and Israelis prefer negotiations between the sides leading to a two-state solution. Congress' forceful message has been delivered in letters to Abbas, through overwhelming bipartisan votes on resolutions and in fierce rhetoric. AP Enterprise: GOP won't touch Medicare drug planWASHINGTON (AP) _ Republicans want to pull the plug on the health care overhaul they call "Obamacare," blaming it in part for the United States' ballooning budget deficit. But they're quiet when it comes to the Medicare drug benefit _ another massive health care entitlement, with unfunded future costs over $7 trillion. Old dispute still burns between Perry-Bush campsAUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Here's the still-beating heart of the rift between Texas Gov. Rick Perry and his predecessor, George W. Bush: When Bush was governor he refused to appoint Perry's brother-in-law to the Texas appeals court bench. With Perry now running for president, the spotlight is shining on the tense relationship between the two Texans and their allied camps. Bill Clinton: Cheney trying to cause 2012 mischiefWASHINGTON (AP) _ Bill Clinton says he has high regard for Dick Cheney's political skills even if the former vice president tries to cause mischief for Democrats. Cheney recently praised Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as one of the Obama administration's "most competent" members and said it would be "interesting to speculate" how she might be as president. (c) 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |