Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
Featured Stories
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Necochea: When it Comes to Protecting Public Lands, Democrats Have the Strong Track Record
BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 20 -- The Idaho Democratic Party issued the following statement on Dec. 19, 2025, by Chair Lauren Necochea:
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When it Comes to Protecting Public Lands, Democrats Have the Strong Track Record
For generations, Idaho Democrats have protected the places that make this state what it is. We believe our public lands belong to all of us, not just the highest-bidding billionaires.
Sen. Frank Church led the fight to pass the Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. As Interior Secretary, Cecil Andrus drove the effort that secured passage of the Alaska National Interest
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BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 20 -- The Idaho Democratic Party issued the following statement on Dec. 19, 2025, by Chair Lauren Necochea:
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When it Comes to Protecting Public Lands, Democrats Have the Strong Track Record
For generations, Idaho Democrats have protected the places that make this state what it is. We believe our public lands belong to all of us, not just the highest-bidding billionaires.
Sen. Frank Church led the fight to pass the Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. As Interior Secretary, Cecil Andrus drove the effort that secured passage of the Alaska National InterestLands Conservation Act, the largest conservation law in U.S. history. Today, Democrats like Rep. Ilana Rubel are pushing to keep access from shrinking when state land is sold. Idaho voters back this work.
In contrast, Rep. Russ Fulcher is trying to end that tradition with his move to put federally managed public lands into state control. Let's call it what it is: a hoax. An outright sell-off can't survive public scrutiny, so he's rebranding the same years-old scheme.
But Idaho can't afford to take on millions of additional acres. Managing federal public lands in Idaho costs more than $500 million a year, and a severe fire season can drive costs even higher. That includes suppression, roads, enforcement, and recreation sites. Without a dedicated, permanent funding stream, pressure mounts to sell land to close the gap.
This is where Idaho's own history matters. State-owned land is not run like federal public lands. Endowment lands must maximize financial return for specific beneficiaries. That revenue-first mandate puts access at risk.
Since statehood, Idaho has sold off more than 1.7 million acres. Much of that land moved into private ownership, where access becomes optional and the public has little leverage. Look at what happened in Teton County this year. A fifth-generation ranching family had leased and cared for a parcel. The Republican-controlled Land Board decided to sell it after a wealthy newcomer set his sights on it.
An overwhelming majority of Idahoans oppose selling public lands, but there are dissenters. A decade ago, I gave a budget presentation where a man with a far-right outlook asked why Idaho didn't just sell land to fund basic services. He had just moved here. He didn't value our access for hunting, fishing, and recreation. He was willing to trade permanent loss for one-time dollars.
Fulcher's congressional record lines up with that fringe view. He supported Sen. Mike Lee's amendment tied to selling off thousands of acres of federal public land earlier this year. He refuses to join bipartisan efforts that block major federal land sales or transfers.
Public lands power rural communities, keep agriculture working, provide grazing space for ranches, and protect our water. Idaho Democrats will keep fighting for better management without surrendering access. Fulcher's takeover is a backdoor sell-off. Idaho should demand better stewardship and stronger leadership.
Onward,
Lauren Necochea
Idaho Democratic Party Chair
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Original text here: https://idahodems.org/when-it-comes-to-protecting-public-lands-democrats-have-the-strong-track-record/
Tom Kean Jr. Skips Town Without Doing Anything to Prevent Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Tom Kean Jr. Skips Town Without Doing Anything to Prevent Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
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Tom Kean Jr. spent weeks signing onto meaningless letters pretending that he cared about extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
But now Kean Jr. is jetting off for vacation while New Jersey families are set to face skyrocketing health care costs.
True to form, the New Jersey Globe reports that Kean Jr. is dodging questions about why he has failed to take meaningful action to
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Tom Kean Jr. Skips Town Without Doing Anything to Prevent Skyrocketing Health Care Costs
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Tom Kean Jr. spent weeks signing onto meaningless letters pretending that he cared about extending the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
But now Kean Jr. is jetting off for vacation while New Jersey families are set to face skyrocketing health care costs.
True to form, the New Jersey Globe reports that Kean Jr. is dodging questions about why he has failed to take meaningful action toprevent spiking prices for his own constituents.
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin:
"Tom Kean Jr. is a career politician who refuses to figure out a way to prevent health care costs from skyrocketing for New Jersey families. It's time for a change."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/tom-kean-jr-skips-town-without-doing-anything-to-prevent-skyrocketing-health-care-costs/
New Poll Shows Health Care Tops List of 2026 Congressional Priorities for Americans
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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New Poll Shows Health Care Tops List of 2026 Congressional Priorities for Americans
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But Republicans leave Washington without fixing health care crisis they created
Hardworking Americans are begging the Republican-controlled Congress to address rising health care costs and inflation in the new year, a new AP-NORC poll finds.
The latest polling comes as Deputy Speaker Mike Johnson called it quits on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits and failed to bring up a substantive
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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New Poll Shows Health Care Tops List of 2026 Congressional Priorities for Americans
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But Republicans leave Washington without fixing health care crisis they created
Hardworking Americans are begging the Republican-controlled Congress to address rising health care costs and inflation in the new year, a new AP-NORC poll finds.
The latest polling comes as Deputy Speaker Mike Johnson called it quits on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits and failed to bring up a substantivepiece of legislation that lowers the high cost of living.
In 2024, vulnerable House Republicans campaigned on lowering costs - but failed to take action during the first year of the 119th Congress. In April, after the first 100 days of the Trump administration, the DCCC made clear that we would hold vulnerable House Republicans accountable for failing to make good on their promise.
Even worse for House Republicans, additional polling released this week from PBS/NPR/Marist shows that more Americans say Democrats would do a better job handling the economy and NBC News polling showing a majority of Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans to address rising health care costs.
DCCC Spokesperson Justin Chermol:
"Americans were promised lower costs on day one and House Republicans broke that promise. Instead, Deputy Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House home for recess without fixing the health care crisis they created and delivering on their core promise to lower the high cost of living. The American people are ready to reject the GOP's failed agenda and eager to power House Democrats to the majority next year."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/new-poll-shows-health-care-tops-list-of-2026-congressional-priorities-for-americans/
NEW: Mike Lawler Called a "Doormat" for MAGA Leadership, Admits He's Ready to Sell Out New Yorkers on Health Care
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Mike Lawler Called a "Doormat" for MAGA Leadership, Admits He's Ready to Sell Out New Yorkers on Health Care
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Lawler dismissed Republicans' affordability crisis, admitted he wants to "phase out" ACA tax credits, and called the only serious proposal to stop premiums from skyrocketing "bullshit"
In a stunningly revealing interview with Punchbowl News, vulnerable Republican Mike Lawler made it painfully clear that he's selling out Hudson Valley families to MAGA Republicans.
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Mike Lawler Called a "Doormat" for MAGA Leadership, Admits He's Ready to Sell Out New Yorkers on Health Care
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Lawler dismissed Republicans' affordability crisis, admitted he wants to "phase out" ACA tax credits, and called the only serious proposal to stop premiums from skyrocketing "bullshit"
In a stunningly revealing interview with Punchbowl News, vulnerable Republican Mike Lawler made it painfully clear that he's selling out Hudson Valley families to MAGA Republicans.
As NY-17 residents face skyrocketing premiums, Lawler all but admitted he's backing his big party bosses as they try to kill any chance of protecting affordable health care for New Yorkers. Lawler not only defended Mike Johnson for refusing to even allow a vote to extend ACA tax credits, but dismissed the three-year extension itself as " bullshit " and "not a serious proposal."
Lawler went further, once again embracing Donald Trump's agenda to "phase out" the ACA tax credits - a move that would jack up health care costs and rip coverage away from working families - all while ignoring the affordability crisis his own party created.
DCCC Spokesperson Riya Vashi :
"Mike Lawler just got called out for being a weak bystander to his big party bosses' chaos and a doormat for MAGA leadership. While hardworking New Yorkers worry about affording health care, Lawler is cheering on plans to phase out ACA tax credits and siding with Donald Trump's toxic agenda to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. Hudson Valley voters deserve a leader who fights for them - not a self-obsessed politician who leaves his constituents to pay the price."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/new-mike-lawler-called-a-doormat-for-maga-leadership-admits-hes-ready-to-sell-out-new-yorkers-on-health-care/
NEW: Kevin Lincoln Bought and Paid for by the GOP
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Kevin Lincoln Bought and Paid for by the GOP
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A bombshell report shows that Kevin Lincoln pocketed more than $50,000 directly from the California GOP this year. The Lincoln campaign and party "declined to comment" on the nature of his employment - a silence that speaks volumes.
Central Valley voters deserve to know: is Lincoln running to represent them, or is he bought, paid, for and propped up by GOP insiders?
REMINDER: This is the same failed mayor whose record offers
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Kevin Lincoln Bought and Paid for by the GOP
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A bombshell report shows that Kevin Lincoln pocketed more than $50,000 directly from the California GOP this year. The Lincoln campaign and party "declined to comment" on the nature of his employment - a silence that speaks volumes.
Central Valley voters deserve to know: is Lincoln running to represent them, or is he bought, paid, for and propped up by GOP insiders?
REMINDER: This is the same failed mayor whose record offersnothing but skyrocketing housing and utility costs, rampant crime, and taxpayer-funded perks for himself. Now, his party's leadership is trying to buy him a promotion.
The Central Valley deserves better than a repeat loser turned party operative.
DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser:
"Republicans are clearly in shambles if they're throwing $50,000 at an unpopular repeat loser. Central Valley voters deserve to know who failed mayor Kevin Lincoln works for - his party bosses or them?"
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/new-kevin-lincoln-bought-and-paid-for-by-the-gop/
DGA Statement on Elise Stefanik's Decision to Drop Out of the New York Governor's Race
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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DGA Statement on Elise Stefanik's Decision to Drop Out of the New York Governor's Race
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Today, Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe released the following statement:
"Just like Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik saw the writing on the wall and knew she would lose big to Governor Hochul. The fact that two major candidates who planned to run against Governor Hochul have now called it quits tells you just how formidable the governor is. With a record of fighting for New Yorkers on everything
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Governors Association posted the following news:
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DGA Statement on Elise Stefanik's Decision to Drop Out of the New York Governor's Race
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Today, Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Kevin Donohoe released the following statement:
"Just like Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik saw the writing on the wall and knew she would lose big to Governor Hochul. The fact that two major candidates who planned to run against Governor Hochul have now called it quits tells you just how formidable the governor is. With a record of fighting for New Yorkers on everythingfrom lowering costs to public safety, Governor Hochul is in a commanding position to win reelection and that's why New York Republicans are scared to run against her."
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Original text here: https://democraticgovernors.org/updates/dga-statement-on-elise-stefaniks-decision-to-drop-out-of-the-new-york-governors-race/
DECEMBER UPDATE: The Failed Republican Economy Is Crushing Latinos
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DECEMBER UPDATE: The Failed Republican Economy Is Crushing Latinos
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" 7 in 10 Americans say they're barely able to pay their bills"
As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: Republican policies have devastated hardworking families across the country and voters are souring on them in droves. Polling shows that 36% of Latino voters say they are disappointed or regret electing Trump, with a majority (61%) disapproving of his handling of the economy. The range of factors that have
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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DECEMBER UPDATE: The Failed Republican Economy Is Crushing Latinos
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" 7 in 10 Americans say they're barely able to pay their bills"
As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: Republican policies have devastated hardworking families across the country and voters are souring on them in droves. Polling shows that 36% of Latino voters say they are disappointed or regret electing Trump, with a majority (61%) disapproving of his handling of the economy. The range of factors that havedriven the disappointment include: Trump's extremism and abuse of power, economic pessimism, and higher everyday costs.
It's easy to see why the public is tired of Republican rule. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level since April, health care costs are soaring, and Republicans forced through the widely-hated Big, Ugly Law all of which have made everyday life harder.
Collectively, the low Republican approval rating along with Democrats' recent wins across the country make it evident that the Democratic party is well on its way to take back the House in 2026.
DCCC spokesperson Bridget Gonzalez:
"Latino voters are demanding real results, while House Republicans have been laser-focused on delivering chaos and cruel policies that have made it harder to get ahead. The writing is on the wall, voters are done with Republicans and will vote for a Democratic majority next November."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/december-update-the-failed-republican-economy-is-crushing-latinos/
