Politics - Parties, Candidates
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties - covering the U.S. political arena including state and national political parties.
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Texas Democrats on Police Shooting of Yet Another Unarmed Black Man, Texan Rev. Patrick Warren
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following statement:
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On January 10th, yet another unarmed Black man, Rev. Patrick Warren, was killed in a heinous shooting by a police officer in front of his mother, wife, and sons.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"Enough is enough. The shooting of Rev. Patrick Warren is one of the worst episodes of police brutality that I have ever seen and every single Texan should be outraged. Reverend Warren was going through a mental health crisis and a police officer should have never
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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following statement:
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On January 10th, yet another unarmed Black man, Rev. Patrick Warren, was killed in a heinous shooting by a police officer in front of his mother, wife, and sons.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
"Enough is enough. The shooting of Rev. Patrick Warren is one of the worst episodes of police brutality that I have ever seen and every single Texan should be outraged. Reverend Warren was going through a mental health crisis and a police officer should have neverbeen called to the house, much less one who was by himself and quick to draw his weapon. What happened was wrong and sickens me to my very core.
"Our hearts go out to the family of Rev. Patrick Warren, all who loved him, and a nation once again horrified by another killing of an unarmed Black man. Again, here in Texas, another Black man was killed by a police officer who took an Oath to protect our communities, not terrorize them.
"We need reform now. Our communities should not have to live with the trauma and fear of wondering if they will be next to die when they encounter a police officer. That's why Texas Democrats Rep. Senfronia Thompson, Sen. Royce West, and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus have proposed the George Floyd Act to hold police officers accountable while fighting for racial justice, fixing systemic inequalities, and combatting discriminatory policies and practices.
"Rev. Patrick Warren should be alive today. Today and every day, Black Lives Matter."
Texas Democratic Party: Close to 100 Texas Groups Are Now Calling on Ted Cruz, Ken Paxton and 16 Congressional Republicans to Resign for Their Role in Inciting the Deadly January 6 Right-wing Terror Attack on the US Capitol
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following press document:
A collection of grassroots groups has joined the Texas Democratic Party's call for Senator Ted Cruz, indicted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and 16 House and Senate Republicans who incited a violent right-wing terror into attacking the US Capitol on January 6.
ICYMI: Houston Chronicle: Texas groups call for Cruz, Paxton, other House members to resign: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Indivisible-TX-Lege-press-conference-15892885.php
"More than 70 Texas organizations
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AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 26 -- The Texas Democratic Party issued the following press document:
A collection of grassroots groups has joined the Texas Democratic Party's call for Senator Ted Cruz, indicted Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and 16 House and Senate Republicans who incited a violent right-wing terror into attacking the US Capitol on January 6.
ICYMI: Houston Chronicle: Texas groups call for Cruz, Paxton, other House members to resign: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Indivisible-TX-Lege-press-conference-15892885.php
"More than 70 Texas organizationsare calling for the resignation of Sen. Ted Cruz, indicted Attorney General Ken Paxton and the 16 Texas representatives who voted on Jan. 6 against certifying election results that formalized President Joe Biden's win."
More from the Houston Chronicle: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Indivisible-TX-Lege-press-conference-15892885.php
"The grassroots coalition is led by civic engagement group Indivisible TX Lege and includes organizations determined to hold Texas' elected officials accountable for their role in inspiring and encouraging the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former president Donald Trump. More than 850 individuals have also signed a letter in support of the effort to expel the Texas officials."
"They have made a mockery of democracy by embracing the fascist rhetoric of a far-right figurehead with a far-right movement behind him," the group's statement reads. "They have suppressed votes while lying about the nature of our election system, sullying our elections while opposing their legally legitimate losses. They have proven themselves entirely unfit for office. They must resign."
"Candice Matthews of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats said the situation goes "beyond politics." "This is about the foundation of our democracy," she said. "If we sanction these traitors to go back to work and normalize this behavior, we will never get past what happened on Jan. 6."
Cruz, Paxton, and the Other Republicans Whose Angry Rhetoric and False Narratives Incited an Insurrection on Our Democracy Must Resign or be Expelled Immediately. It's as Simple as That
Ohio Democratic Party Statement on Portman's Retirement
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 26 -- The Ohio Democratic Party issued the following statement on Jan. 25:
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The Ohio Democratic Party released the following statement from Chairwoman Liz Walters in response to Sen. Rob Portman's announcement today that he will not run for re-election in 2022:
"Over the past four years, Rob Portman has been one of Donald Trump's biggest defenders, so his attempt today to rewrite that history is ridiculous. This is the guy who, when asked about Trump's decision to attack peaceful protesters with tear gas, said he was 'late for lunch.' This is the guy who backed Mitch
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 26 -- The Ohio Democratic Party issued the following statement on Jan. 25:
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The Ohio Democratic Party released the following statement from Chairwoman Liz Walters in response to Sen. Rob Portman's announcement today that he will not run for re-election in 2022:
"Over the past four years, Rob Portman has been one of Donald Trump's biggest defenders, so his attempt today to rewrite that history is ridiculous. This is the guy who, when asked about Trump's decision to attack peaceful protesters with tear gas, said he was 'late for lunch.' This is the guy who backed MitchMcConnell's theft of a Supreme Court seat from President Barack Obama. If Portman wants to complain about the death of civility and the triumph of partisan gridlock, he should take a long, hard look in the mirror and think about what he wants to be his legacy.
"The truth is, Portman is looking at the same data we are -- the Ohio Senate seat was going to be a hard road for him, after he backed failed policies like the Trump tax scam and the Affordable Care Act repeal. In 2022 Ohioans want to send someone to the U.S. Senate who fights for them, not for special interests. This was always going to be a competitive race, and now it's even more competitive."
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Scott Statement on Sen. Portman
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued the following statement:
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NRSC Chairman Rick Scott released the following statement regarding Senator Rob Portman's decision not to seek reelection in 2022:
"From his earliest days as a member of the House of Representatives to serving in the Bush Administration and in the United States Senate, Rob Portman has been instrumental in ushering through pro-growth policies to create jobs and opportunity for Ohioans and for all Americans. From combatting the opioid epidemic to tax reform, he is a relentless fighter for
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The National Republican Senatorial Committee issued the following statement:
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NRSC Chairman Rick Scott released the following statement regarding Senator Rob Portman's decision not to seek reelection in 2022:
"From his earliest days as a member of the House of Representatives to serving in the Bush Administration and in the United States Senate, Rob Portman has been instrumental in ushering through pro-growth policies to create jobs and opportunity for Ohioans and for all Americans. From combatting the opioid epidemic to tax reform, he is a relentless fighter forthe people of Ohio. Rob is an invaluable member of the Senate Republican conference, and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We are all grateful for his decades of service to our nation.
"The 2022 election in Ohio starts today and Republicans will hold that seat. The NRSC will fight tirelessly in Ohio to ensure Senator Portman's successor supports a pro-growth, pro-family, pro-Ohio agenda - not the Radical Left's agenda of higher taxes, bigger government, open borders and a weakened America."
FDP, Cuban Leaders Call Out Senators Rubio and Scott as Republicans Delay Confirming Cuban-American Alejandro Mayorkas as DHS Secretary
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 26 -- The Florida Democratic Party issued the following news:
In response to news that Senate Republicans are blocking a swift confirmation vote on DHS Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas, Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz and Juan-Carlos Planas, a Cuban-American lawyer and former Republican Florida legislator released the following statement pushing Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to quickly confirm Mayorkas. If confirmed, Mayorkas would be the first Latino, first Cuban-American, and the first immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security."
Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Jan. 26 -- The Florida Democratic Party issued the following news:
In response to news that Senate Republicans are blocking a swift confirmation vote on DHS Secretary-designate Alejandro Mayorkas, Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz and Juan-Carlos Planas, a Cuban-American lawyer and former Republican Florida legislator released the following statement pushing Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott to quickly confirm Mayorkas. If confirmed, Mayorkas would be the first Latino, first Cuban-American, and the first immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security."
FloridaDemocratic Party Chair Manny Diaz:
"In the wake of the deadly insurrectionist attack on our Capitol, it is imperative to have trusted, experienced leaders working seamlessly with President Biden in our most important national security roles. With the historic nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas, President Biden has chosen an impeccably credentialed fellow Cuban-American who is ready to take the reins of DHS on day one.
"It is imperative that Senators Rubio and Scott forego the politics of partisan obstructionism and instead put our national security interests first by swiftly confirming Alejandro Mayorkas, allowing him to work immediately to keep our homeland and fellow citizens safe and secure. I am hopeful that our Senators share our enormous pride and will support President Biden's selection of Alejandro Mayorkas.
"If they do not, it will be a historic affront to Florida's Cuban-Americans as well as our greater immigrant community, and it will jeopardize our nation's safety for the sake of their own self-serving politics."
Juan-Carlos Planas, a Cuban-American and former Republican Florida Legislator:
"Senate Republicans' latest stunt of delaying Alejandro Mayorkas' confirmation is not only ridiculous, but it puts the safety of the American people at great risk. If Senators Rubio and Scott want to offer more than empty words to Cubans in our state and the greater immigrant community in Florida, then they should follow precedent and move quickly to support the confirmation of Alejandro Mayorkas -- a proven leader and one of the most knowledgeable homeland security experts in the country."
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee: Portman Retirement Deals Another Blow to Senate GOP, Creating Vulnerable Open Seat in 2022 Battleground State
WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following news release:
Today's news that Senator Rob Portman of Ohio will not seek re-election in 2022 is yet another blow to a struggling NRSC after losing the Senate majority earlier this month. This cycle's latest retirement has opened up another open Republican-held Senate seat in a major battleground state, putting the GOP even further on defense and offering Democrats another improved pickup opportunity as "open seats are more difficult to defend." Republicans will face a "crowded and nasty" primary to replace
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following news release:
Today's news that Senator Rob Portman of Ohio will not seek re-election in 2022 is yet another blow to a struggling NRSC after losing the Senate majority earlier this month. This cycle's latest retirement has opened up another open Republican-held Senate seat in a major battleground state, putting the GOP even further on defense and offering Democrats another improved pickup opportunity as "open seats are more difficult to defend." Republicans will face a "crowded and nasty" primary to replacePortman, as Ohio joins Pennsylvania and North Carolina as open seats that the NRSC will be forced to defend this cycle.
After losing both of the Georgia runoffs, Portman's retirement is an unwelcome development for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. It's also another setback for new NRSC Chair Rick Scott who has had what is likely the worst first weeks of any party campaign committee chair in recent history. With Portman's decision to retire, Scott has already failed one of his self-proclaimed key tasks as NRSC Chair -- "trying to convince all the GOP incumbents who are up for reelection in 2022 to run again." Scott's latest failure in his new position won't quiet growing Republicans' concerns that he "has dug the party a hole for the 2022 midterms."
"Senator Portman's retirement is yet another blow for Republicans as they face a deeply divided caucus, a controversial and problematic new NRSC Chair, and an increasingly tough map in 2022," said DSCC spokesperson Stewart Boss. "The NRSC must now deal with another open seat liability in a major battleground state, setting the stage for what is sure to be a messy and divisive primary."
What they're saying about Portman's retirement and the 2022 Senate map:
* Bloomberg's Jennifer Jacobs: "GOP operatives saying they believe Republican US Sen. @senrobportman's decision to not seek re-election in 2020 signals that he doesn't think the party is coming back anytime soon into a working majority"
* POLITICO's Burgess Everett: "A blow to Senate GOP"
* Cook Political Report's Jessica Taylor: "It will move from Solid R to Lean R. An opportunity for Dems"
* Crystal Ball's Larry Sabato: "Rob Portman's surprise retirement gives Dems a critical opening they wouldn't have had in 2022"
* POLITICO: "Ohio Republican Rob Portman will not seek a third Senate term in 2022, a blow to both Republicans' hopes of taking back the Senate...the Republican primary could quickly become crowded and nasty"
* CNN: "The announcement will set off what could become a highly competitive race to fill the seat and will reshape the 2022 battlefield for control of the Senate"
* NPR: "Portman is the third Republican senator to not seek another term in 2022, joining North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr and Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey"
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Lathan Statement on Transmission of Articles of Impeachment to Senate
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Jan. 26 -- The Alabama Republican Party issued the following statement:
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Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement following the transmission of Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Senate:
"This is the greatest display of abject partisanship by the Democrats I have ever witnessed during my political lifetime. During his Inaugural address, President Biden spoke repeatedly of the need to unite our country using 'unity/uniting' no fewer than nine times. He also pledged to 'be a President for all
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Jan. 26 -- The Alabama Republican Party issued the following statement:
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Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement following the transmission of Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Senate:
"This is the greatest display of abject partisanship by the Democrats I have ever witnessed during my political lifetime. During his Inaugural address, President Biden spoke repeatedly of the need to unite our country using 'unity/uniting' no fewer than nine times. He also pledged to 'be a President for allAmericans'. Today's actions are the exact opposite of unity. His party's persistence on their path of 'Get Trump' with the transmission of these irresponsible and false articles of impeachment against President Trump, now a private citizen, are an abuse of political power. Instead of showing us how he will work to heal our great nation and focus on the important issues we are facing, President Biden is playing second fiddle to Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and their ultra left-wing agenda. No evidence, no hearings, no nothing - just shameful political abuse of power.
"If President Biden doesn't ask the Democrats to stand down and spend their time on serious issues facing the American people, his 'unity' plea is a complete farce. This obvious political vendetta will be met with fierce response in election booths across the nation in 2022. A reminder to them all that on November 3, 2020, there was a massive Republican wave across our country in U.S. House seats and state legislatures - and that was no accident. There are 75 million voters that will be loudly heard again in the U.S. House and Senate elections on our ballots if this type of deplorable behavior continues."
