Rubio Cautious On Immigration Reform; David Rouzer Preps for Rematch; GOP Seeks Cuomo Challenger

National Journal

Click hereto read online and see our archives.

WHAT'S NEWS

  • "Members of the bipartisan Gang of Eight senators" working on immigration reform legislation "said Sunday they expect to have a draft bill agreeable to their circle by the end of this week." But Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said "it was too soon to consider the deal struck" (CNN).

  • SC-01 Special: Ex-Gov. Mark Sanford (R) released two new TV ads touting his fiscally conservative record ahead of Tuesday's GOP primary runoff (Hotline reporting).

  • VA GOV '13: AG Ken Cuccinelli (R) "failed to disclose for nearly a year that he had substantial stock holdings" in a company that had filed "a tax lawsuit" against the state, "even though disclosure is required by law" (Washington Post).

  • Boston Mayor '13: Rep. Stephen Lynch (D), the "underdog" in the MA SEN special election, said he is "'not interested'" in running to replace retiring Mayor Tom Menino (D) (Washington Post).

  • The NRCC has made "minimal" TV ad buys targeting Dem Reps. Ron Barber (AZ-02), John Barrow (GA-12) and Collin Peterson (MN-07) (Roll Call).

  • IA-01: State Sen. Steve Sodders (D) announced that he won't run for Rep. Bruce Braley's (D) seat, just "three weeks after saying he was forming an exploratory committee" (Mason City Globe Gazette).

  • NC-07: '12 nominee David Rouzer (R) "confirmed" that he will seek a rematch against Rep. Mike McIntyre (D) and will "make an official announcement" early this week (Raleigh News & Observer).

  • IA GOV: Ag. Sec./ex-Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) said that he already has a job, but is "buying a house in Dallas County" (Des Moines Register).

  • NY GOV: As Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) approval ratings have "hit a slide," GOPers are "smelling blood" and strategists "have been talking with at least five" potential GOP challengers (New York Post).

OUR CALL

Hotline editors weigh in on the stories that drive the day

• Charlie Crist's early lead in the FL GOV Democratic primary is as impressive, and perhaps as meaningless, as Arlen Specter's was throughout most of 2009.

• Mark Sanford appears to be the heavy favorite in tomorrow's GOP primary runoff, but his aggressive treatment of Curtis Bostic in last week's debate and recent behind-the-scenes sparring are signs his team knows just how easily this race could turn in an expected low-turnout election.

• With speeches in Iowa and an upcoming autobiography, Gov. Scott Walker is looking very much like a presidential candidate. While such national profile-raising nearly cost Rep. Michele Bachmann her seat last cycle, Walker has less to worry about back home thanks to a 2012 recall survival that has potential challengers leery of mounting a bid.

• Rep. Allyson Schwartz is the early favorite on the Democratic side in the PA GOV race, but it could be an ugly road to the nomination, if the early sniping between Schwartz's chief of staff and Treas. Rob McCord's consultant is any indication.

HAIR OF THE DOG

FRESH BREWED BUZZ

  • "Earlier this month," an aide to Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) "warned an adviser" to PA Treas. Rob McCord (D) -- a "likely primary opponent" in the '14 GOV race -- "that there could be consequences for his political consulting business if he continues to criticize" Schwartz "behind closed doors" (Politico).

  • "It's not a Paul Ryan time. ... I legitimately qualified" -- MA SEN special candidate/ex-Navy SEAL Gabriel Gomez (R), on qualifying for the Boston Marathon (Daily Caller).

  • "A half-dozen people now work for" ex-Sec/State Hillary Clinton in "a tiny corporate space on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, in what is called her 'transition office.' Transition to what, Mrs. Clinton and her aides have not yet said" (New York Times).

  • Caroline Kennedy will be named the next U.S. amb. to Japan (Washington Post).

  • WI Gov. Scott Walker's (R) "total legal tab due to the John Doe probe": $650K (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel).

  • Braley "drew the ire of Twitter" for comparing OH State's "last-minute wins in the NCAA tournament to the 'trail of tears.'" He has since deleted the tweet and "apologized to 'anyone who was offended'" (BuzzFeed).

  • "On my way to NYC to host the O'Reilly Factor@oreillyfactor tonight. Should be a good show. Enjoy" -- a tweet from ex-Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA).

  • Ex-Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN) "awarded his staff some of the largest salary increases in Congress last year as he left office. ... (T)he average three-month salary for full-time staff in Cravaack's office rose 93 percent, from $12,269 to $23,722, in the fourth quarter of the year, with most of the increases coming in November -- when he lost his re-election bid" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune).

  • "NPR Has Heard Just About Enough of You" (New York Magazine).

SWIZZLE CHALLENGE

  • The Harlem Globetrotters' theme song is "Sweet Georgia Brown."

  • The winner is ex-Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), and here's his Swizzle Challenge: "Which congressman received the most votes in 2012?" The 3rd correct e-mailer gets to submit the next question.

NJ'S EARLY BIRD SPECIALS

SHOT...

"I have an illicit relationship with two guys named Ben and Jerry. That is enjoyable" -- Newark Mayor Cory Booker (D) (ABC News).

...CHASER

"Woowoo! Next stop my thighs" -- "J.C. Chasez" ("Family Guy").

Sarah Mimms, Editor