Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
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What Exactly Does Ramaswamy's Running Mate Need to "Explore" About Child Marriage?
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 22 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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What Exactly Does Ramaswamy's Running Mate Need to "Explore" About Child Marriage?
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Ohio Senate President and Ramaswamy LG Rob McColley Refuses to Take Strong Position Against Child Marriage
Columbus, Ohio - Vivek Ramaswamy's running mate Rob McColley said child marriage needs " further exploration " after legislation banning the practice was abruptly pulled from a planned committee vote. McColley is the President of the Ohio Senate and is responsible for setting the legislative agenda, in addition to leading
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 22 -- The Ohio Democratic Party posted the following news:
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What Exactly Does Ramaswamy's Running Mate Need to "Explore" About Child Marriage?
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Ohio Senate President and Ramaswamy LG Rob McColley Refuses to Take Strong Position Against Child Marriage
Columbus, Ohio - Vivek Ramaswamy's running mate Rob McColley said child marriage needs " further exploration " after legislation banning the practice was abruptly pulled from a planned committee vote. McColley is the President of the Ohio Senate and is responsible for setting the legislative agenda, in addition to leadingthe Ohio Senate Republicans.
This appears to be a pattern for Ramaswamy. During Ramaswamy's presidential campaign, he claimed to be the " first and most vocal proponent of releasing all Epstein related documents " and said he would release the client list " without exception." But in his run for governor he went " silent," running from reporters, and trying to change the subject, including refusing to return a $100,000 donation to his Super PAC from Epstein associate Glenn Dubin, despite pledging to do so.
Ramaswamy also proudly touted endorsements from two state lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct and then scrambled to scrub his campaign website after the fact. Ramaswamy touted his endorsements from Rep. Rodney Creech for months after he was accused of climbing in bed with a minor female relative, and Rep. Gary Click, who reminisced about talking to young girls about sex. Click's endorsement was added back to Ramaswamy's website within hours of removal. If that wasn't low enough for Ramaswamy, he truly hit rock bottom when he mocked his opponent, Dr. Amy Acton, for sharing her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse. Ramaswamy said Acton was only " complaining about what someone else did to her."
"Vivek Ramaswamy owes Ohioans answers after his running mate said a bill banning child marriage needs further exploration," said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer. "McColley's failure to protect Ohio's kids is unsurprising given he's running alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, who mocks child sexual abuse survivors and refuses to return donations from Epstein co-conspirators. Ramaswamy's lies, scams and 'exploring' something as simple as ending child marriage proves Ohioans can't believe a word he says when it comes to keeping their families safe."
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Original text here: https://ohiodems.org/what-exactly-does-ramaswamys-running-mate-need-to-explore-about-child-marriage/
Wall Street Journal: "The Memorial Day Barbecue Is Starting to Cost a Small Fortune"
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Wall Street Journal: "The Memorial Day Barbecue Is Starting to Cost a Small Fortune"
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Americans are kicking off the summer with cookout sticker shock
Thanks to House Republicans, Memorial Day cookouts are too damn expensive, forcing Americans to choose between breaking the bank for festivities or canceling them altogether.
Memorial Day cookouts have always been an affordable way to bring together family and friends -ushering in the start of summer with burgers, beers, and blue
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Wall Street Journal: "The Memorial Day Barbecue Is Starting to Cost a Small Fortune"
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Americans are kicking off the summer with cookout sticker shock
Thanks to House Republicans, Memorial Day cookouts are too damn expensive, forcing Americans to choose between breaking the bank for festivities or canceling them altogether.
Memorial Day cookouts have always been an affordable way to bring together family and friends -ushering in the start of summer with burgers, beers, and blueskies. But the Wall Street Journal reports that skyrocketing costs on cookout essentials are causing many Americans to reconsider their weekend plans.
A couple cited the cost of the Memorial Day cookout at $300. Another said "they agreed to make this month 'no-spend May' for nonessentials."
One man who usually attends cookouts found that the invitations weren't coming: "Nobody's like, 'Hey, we're having a barbecue this weekend.' Can you imagine, you're buying all that food and beer for people?"
On top of that, gas prices are at $4.52/gal, forcing many Americans to stay put or triage gas and groceries.
DCCC Spokesperson Liam Buckley :
"Americans deserve better than Memorial Day price hikes on holiday essentials -gas and groceries are through the roof, and cookouts are harder to find than ever. Thanks to House Republicans, families are paying more for beer, burgers, and bacon. It's no wonder that folks hate the Republican economy."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/wall-street-journal-the-memorial-day-barbecue-is-starting-to-cost-a-small-fortune/
Rep. Barrett claimed enough campaign driving to circle Earth once -- and then some [Detroit Metro Times]
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Rep. Barrett claimed enough campaign driving to circle Earth once -- and then some [Detroit Metro Times]
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New reporting from the Detroit Metro Times exposed how Tom Barrett paid himself nearly $22,000 in campaign cash for mileage: meaning per the standard IRS mileage, Barrett claims to have driven " about 32,350 miles."
Barrett's payments to himself over a span of just over two years " far exceed the mileage payments reported by his recent opponents and most members of Michigan's
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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NEW: Rep. Barrett claimed enough campaign driving to circle Earth once -- and then some [Detroit Metro Times]
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New reporting from the Detroit Metro Times exposed how Tom Barrett paid himself nearly $22,000 in campaign cash for mileage: meaning per the standard IRS mileage, Barrett claims to have driven " about 32,350 miles."
Barrett's payments to himself over a span of just over two years " far exceed the mileage payments reported by his recent opponents and most members of Michigan'scongressional delegation " and already exceed every other member of the delegation in yearly average reimbursements.
How far is 32,350 miles? Let's do some math:
* Enough to "make hundreds of trips across Barrett's entire mid-Michigan congressional district."
* Or "cross the continental United States more than 11 times."
* Or "circle the Earth once with about 7,000 miles left to spare."
Barrett's large reimbursements are the latest proof point in a pattern of questionable campaign spending from Barrett, who faced scrutiny for funneling campaign cash to his wife's companies and refused to answer questions about if he benefited.
Barrett must answer questions about " if the reimbursements included miles Barrett did not actually drive or trips that were not campaign-related " - or a reimbursement rate that takes advantage of and far exceeds the standard IRS rate - as these payments raise red flags under " federal campaign finance rules that prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for personal expenses."
DCCC Spokesperson Katie Smith :
"Once again, Tom Barrett gets caught funneling campaign cash to his own pockets. Michiganders are sick and tired of this kind of slimy inside dealing and these payments raise serious questions about whether Barrett was fudging the reimbursement rate, funding personal travel on his campaign's dime, or using his campaign as a personal piggy bank."
Read more:
Detroit Metro Times: Rep. Barrett claimed enough campaign driving to circle Earth once -and then some
* If U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett's mileage reimbursements are accurate, the Michigan Republican drove enough campaign-related miles to circle the Earth once with about 7,000 miles left to spare.
* From January 2024 through March 2026, Barrett's campaign reimbursed him $21,908.83 for mileage, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reviewed by Metro Times.
* Using the Internal Revenue Service standard mileage rates for those years, the reimbursements equal about 32,350 miles. That's enough to drive from Michigan to California and back about seven times, cross the continental United States more than 11 times, or make hundreds of trips across Barrett's entire mid-Michigan congressional district.
* Barrett's reimbursements are notable because they far exceed the mileage payments reported by his recent opponents and most members of Michigan's congressional delegation. In 2024, Barrett reimbursed himself $17,142.05 for mileage, equal to about 25,585 miles using the IRS rate of 67 cents per mile. In 2025, he reimbursed himself another $3,900.81, equal to about 5,572 miles at 70 cents per mile. Through the first quarter of 2026, he reimbursed himself $865.64, equal to about 1,193 miles at 72.5 cents per mile.
* By comparison, Barrett's 2024 Democratic opponent, Curtis Hertel, reimbursed himself $2,197.53 for mileage during the same election cycle. Former U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, Barrett's 2022 opponent and predecessor in the 7th District, did not reimburse herself for mileage during her 2024 U.S. Senate campaign, according to FEC filings.
* The reimbursements also stand out among Michigan Republicans in Congress. Barrett's average annual mileage reimbursements were nearly $9,800 from 2024 through the first quarter of 2026. By comparison, U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga averaged about $3,327 a year in self-mileage reimbursements from 2009 to 2022, U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg averaged about $2,372 from 2008 to 2019, and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar averaged about $1,075 from 2014 to 2023, according to FEC records.
* If the reimbursements included miles Barrett did not actually drive or trips that were not campaign-related, they could raise questions under federal campaign finance rules that prohibit candidates from using campaign funds for personal expenses. Civil penalties can apply, and knowing and willful violations can carry steeper fines. The FEC also can refer violations to the U.S. Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution.
* Barrett's campaign did not respond to Metro Times' questions about the mileage, including whether he has documentation to support the reimbursement claims.
* The mileage reimbursements come amid serious questions about Barrett's ethics and campaign spending, which are presenting Democrats with an opportunity to win back the seat.
* Earlier this year, Democrats criticized Barrett after Politico reported that his campaign and joint fundraising committee paid nearly $56,000 to firms where his wife, Ashley Barrett, worked as a campaign finance lawyer.
* Barrett's campaign and joint fundraising committee, Barrett Brigade Victory Fund, paid the law firm Butzel Long $31,000 for legal services during the 2024 campaign cycle, according to FEC records. Ashley Barrett was hired as counsel at Butzel Long in May 2023. The firm also contributed more than $13,000 to Barrett's campaign and joint fundraising committee in 2024, after not donating to his unsuccessful 2022 campaign against Slotkin.
* The campaign also sharply increased payments to Aristotle International, a political software firm that hired Ashley Barrett as a compliance attorney in February 2023. Barrett's campaign has said the payments were legitimate and unrelated to Ashley Barrett's compensation.
* Barrett has also drawn criticism from Democrats over his co-sponsorship of H.R. 143, a bill critics say jeopardizes more than $100 billion a year in Veterans Affairs medical funding.
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/new-rep-barrett-claimed-enough-campaign-driving-to-circle-earth-once-and-then-some-detroit-metro-times/
ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: Brian Fitzpatrick Cast The Deciding Vote For Trump's Big Beautiful Bill
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: Brian Fitzpatrick Cast The Deciding Vote For Trump's Big Beautiful Bill
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Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/22/25 : "Every Pa. Republican voted for Trump's budget bill, which passed the House by one vote"
On this day in history, vulnerable Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick cast the deciding vote for Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill.
Fitzpatrick could have voted to stop the OBBB dead in its tracks, but instead voted to unleash historic cuts to Medicaid and
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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ONE YEAR AGO TODAY: Brian Fitzpatrick Cast The Deciding Vote For Trump's Big Beautiful Bill
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Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/22/25 : "Every Pa. Republican voted for Trump's budget bill, which passed the House by one vote"
On this day in history, vulnerable Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick cast the deciding vote for Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill.
Fitzpatrick could have voted to stop the OBBB dead in its tracks, but instead voted to unleash historic cuts to Medicaid andSNAP in order to fund more tax breaks for his billionaire backers.
Philly Mag summed up the cruelty of Fitzpatrick's deciding vote, noting: " the first version of the bill -the one he supported -was pretty damned harsh itself, calling for $750 billion in cuts to Medicaid and nearly $200 billion in cuts to SNAP, all while adding more than $3 trillion to the national debt. "
Fitzpatrick and Trump's partnership is a two-way street. Donald Trump recorded a robocall for Fitzpatrick in 2020, where he told Bucks County voters to vote for the two of them together. They say you are the company you keep.
DCCC Spokesperson Eli Cousin :
"When Donald Trump needed his vote, Brian Fitzpatrick cast the deciding vote for his Big Beautiful Bill that guts health care in order to fund tax cuts for billionaires. That's a fact. Fitzpatrick will sign pointless letters and run to the TV cameras to pretend like he's independent, but Bucks and Montgomery County families are seeing and feeling the consequences of his meaningless gestures. Fitzpatrick doesn't stand up to Trump when it matters most. Bob Harvie will."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/%f0%9f%9a%a8-one-year-ago-today-brian-fitzpatrick-cast-the-deciding-vote-for-trumps-big-beautiful-bill/
Gabe Vasquez Stands Up for New Mexico Veterans and Servicemembers
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Gabe Vasquez Stands Up for New Mexico Veterans and Servicemembers
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Congressman Gabe Vasquez is taking decisive action to provide support for New Mexico's veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families.
Vasquez voted to provide over $450 billion in federal investment to critical services for veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families - from improving housing and child care services, to helping lower the cost of health care and education, to increasing services
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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Gabe Vasquez Stands Up for New Mexico Veterans and Servicemembers
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Congressman Gabe Vasquez is taking decisive action to provide support for New Mexico's veterans, active duty servicemembers, and military families.
Vasquez voted to provide over $450 billion in federal investment to critical services for veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families - from improving housing and child care services, to helping lower the cost of health care and education, to increasing servicesfor Borderland residents.
"Those who raise their hand to serve and protect our country, whether they are currently serving or [have] served our nation honorably, deserve a good home, good health care, and a good life for their family." - Rep. Vasquez
DCCC Spokesperson Anna Elsasser :
"Congressman Gabe Vasquez is working to deliver real solutions for New Mexico's servicemembers and military families. Vasquez will always put the wellbeing of New Mexico's veterans and servicemembers first, and this is just the latest example of that commitment."
Read more about Vasquez's work:
KVIA: US Rep. Gabe Vasquez votes for $469 billion bill to fund New Mexico veterans, military families
* U.S. Representative Gabe Vazquez voted to support $469 billion in funding for veterans and active-duty servicemembers in New Mexico...
* Rep. Vasquez voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which provides money for veterans' benefits, health care, housing and other investments for military families.
* The bill breaks down into $19.2 billion...to invest in improving housing and child development centers for military families, Rep. Vasquez said.
* The bill also includes $450.29 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs to make health care, education and other veteran benefits more affordable.
* "Those who raise their hand to serve and protect our country, whether they are currently serving or [have] served our nation honorably, deserve a good home, good health care, and a good life for their family." - Rep. Vasquez
* He also... introduced amendments to the bill that would impact Borderland residents. Those amendments include:
* Legislation to allow Otero County veterans to access care through the El Paso Veterans Integrated Service Network
* Legislation to rename the Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Las Cruces to memorialize more than 1,800 New Mexicans who died in World War II. Rep. Vasquez said almost half of the New Mexicans who served in Bataan died in battle, as prisoners of war and after liberation.
* Legislation to increase book and supply stipends for student veterans from $1,000 to $1,400 -[making necessary adjustments for inflation for the first time since 2008.]
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/gabe-vasquez-stands-up-for-new-mexico-veterans-and-servicemembers/
DNC: Republicans Flee Town To Avoid Votes Over Trump's Ballroom and Slush Fund
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
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Republicans Flee Town To Avoid Votes Over Trump's Ballroom and Slush Fund
Republicans abruptly sent Congress home early for the Memorial Day weekend yesterday amid chaos within their own ranks as Donald Trump pushes for taxpayers to fund his $1 billion White House ballroom project -- which Americans overwhelmingly reject by a 2-to-1 margin -- and his $1.776 billion slush fund for his political allies and supporters.
In response, DNC Spokesperson Jaelin O'Halloran released the following statement:
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release:
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Republicans Flee Town To Avoid Votes Over Trump's Ballroom and Slush Fund
Republicans abruptly sent Congress home early for the Memorial Day weekend yesterday amid chaos within their own ranks as Donald Trump pushes for taxpayers to fund his $1 billion White House ballroom project -- which Americans overwhelmingly reject by a 2-to-1 margin -- and his $1.776 billion slush fund for his political allies and supporters.
In response, DNC Spokesperson Jaelin O'Halloran released the following statement:
"Republicans are fleeing town to avoid voting on Donald Trump's demands: sticking taxpayers with the bill for his $1 billion ballroom project and his $1.776 billion slush fund. Make no mistake: When Congress returns, Democrats will put Republicans on the record over Trump's corrupt vanity projects and schemes, and Republicans will have to choose whether they're loyal to Trump or to the American people."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/republicans-flee-town-to-avoid-votes-over-trumps-ballroom-and-slush-fund/
RATINGS CHANGE: INSIDE ELECTIONS SHIFTS THREE MORE RACES IN DEMOCRATS' FAVOR
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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RATINGS CHANGE: INSIDE ELECTIONS SHIFTS THREE MORE RACES IN DEMOCRATS' FAVOR
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Self-inflicted vulnerabilities haunt Republicans in swing districts
The nonpartisan elections analysts at Inside Elections have shifted three major races in Democrats' direction just under six months out from the November midterms. The underlying reason is the strength of Democratic incumbents and candidates, coupled with scandals haunting these Republicans.
The races include:
* NJ-07 - Rep. Tom
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 22 -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee posted the following news release:
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RATINGS CHANGE: INSIDE ELECTIONS SHIFTS THREE MORE RACES IN DEMOCRATS' FAVOR
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Self-inflicted vulnerabilities haunt Republicans in swing districts
The nonpartisan elections analysts at Inside Elections have shifted three major races in Democrats' direction just under six months out from the November midterms. The underlying reason is the strength of Democratic incumbents and candidates, coupled with scandals haunting these Republicans.
The races include:
* NJ-07 - Rep. TomKean Jr. - Tilt Republican - Toss up
* PA-10 - Rep. Scott Perry - Tilt Republican - Toss up
* VA-07 - Rep. Eugene Vindman - Lean Democratic - Likely Democratic
In the case of NJ-07, Tom Kean Jr. has missed a shocking 100 votes as a result of a mysterious, unexplained absence. While Kean Jr.'s staff continues to tell GOP leadership he intends to run for Congress, his mind-boggling disappearance is even forcing Republicans to wonder about his whereabouts.
In PA-10, Red to Blue candidate Janelle Stelson shocked the nation when she nearly won this Trump-district in 2024, despite a tough national environment. Now, Stelson's own polls show her in the lead and she is significantly outraising her extremist opponent, Scott Perry. To make matters worse, Perry faces an increasingly difficult environment with Gov. Josh Shapiro at the top of the ticket.
And finally, in VA-07, Eugene Vindman's strength coupled with his cash advantage makes this swing district safe. Even worse: Republicans' hand-picked candidate suspended her campaign yesterday.
DCCC Communications Director Courtney Rice :
"House Republicans who are rocked by scandals and subservience to the least popular president in modern American history, coupled with authentic, compelling candidates running in swing districts across the country all point to one thing: Democrats are poised for victory in November."
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Original text here: https://dccc.org/%f0%9f%9a%a8-ratings-change-inside-elections-shifts-three-more-races-in-democrats-favor/
