shareblue--2020-05-18--Georgia governor forced to apologize for releasing fake numbers on infections

Republican Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp was forced to apologize last week after officials released misleading graphs that appeared to show coronavirus cases decreasing , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Wednesday .
The error came as Kemp and other conservative lawmakers rushed to reopen businesses in the state , despite warnings from health experts that acting too quickly could worsen the ongoing pandemic .
As the Journal-Constitution noted , the data reporting error was state officials ' third mistake in three weeks .
According to the outlet , a graph of coronavirus infections in five major counties published on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of order , giving the false impression that the number of coronavirus cases was decreasing when they were not .
Part of the original graph listed the number of cases from May 2 followed by May 7 .
However those dates were then followed by the number of reported cases from April 26 , and then May 3 .
Kemp 's office later fixed the data to properly convey the timeline , following public backlash , claiming it had simply made a mistake .
`` Our mission failed .
We apologize , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted about the incident .
`` It is fixed . ''
`` It 's just cuckoo , '' state Rep. Scott Holcomb , a Democrat from Atlanta , told the Journal-Constitution at the time .
`` I do n't know how anyone can defend this graph as not being misleading .
I really do n't . ''
Preliminary data from Georgia have not shown a downward trend in cases , but rather show that cases have either remained roughly the same or declined slightly .
Even before the timeline error , coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as misleading .
The state reports data based on when symptoms start in a patient , not when the positive results are reported to the state .
The unusual method means that data reported by the state `` always appears to show that cases are declining , even if they are not , '' the Journal-Constitution reported .
Further , the state health department was scrutinized for changing the criteria for color-coding counties on a statewide map showing infection rates .
Counties shaded red have the highest infection rates , but the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ county red increased several weeks ago .
`` Based on the ( key ) they were using a couple weeks ago , a good third to a half of our state would show up as red right now , '' Dr. Harry Heiman , a health professor at Georgia State University , told the outlet .
`` Because they keep moving the goalposts , if you will , it does n't look that way . '
In April , Georgia was one of the first states in the country to reopen a range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Barbershops , hair salons , massage parlors , and even bowling alleys were allowed to open on April 24 , with dine-in restaurants reopening soon after .
Even Donald Trump , who has advocated for revolts in states governed by Democrats to force them to reopen businesses , criticized Kemp for moving too fast .
`` I told the governor of Georgia , Brian Kemp , that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 .
Georgia residents are not happy with how Kemp has handled the coronavirus crisis .
Only 39 % of Georgians approved of how Kemp has handled the pandemic , while 61 % disapproved , according to a recent Washington Post poll .
Compared to 11 other governors , Kemp was the only one with a majority that disapproved of his response .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was forced to apologize last week after officials released misleading graphs that appeared to show coronavirus cases decreasing, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Wednesday.
The error came as Kemp and other conservative lawmakers rushed to reopen businesses in the state, despite warnings from health experts that acting too quickly could worsen the ongoing pandemic.
As the Journal-Constitution noted, the data reporting error was state officials’ third mistake in three weeks.
According to the outlet, a graph of coronavirus infections in five major counties published on the state health department website listed dates out of order, giving the false impression that the number of coronavirus cases was decreasing when they were not.
Part of the original graph listed the number of cases from May 2 followed by May 7. However those dates were then followed by the number of reported cases from April 26, and then May 3.
Kemp’s office later fixed the data to properly convey the timeline, following public backlash, claiming it had simply made a mistake.
“Our mission failed. We apologize,” Candice Broce, Kemp’s spokesperson, tweeted about the incident. “It is fixed.”
Kemp’s critics were unconvinced.
“It’s just cuckoo,” state Rep. Scott Holcomb, a Democrat from Atlanta, told the Journal-Constitution at the time. “I don’t know how anyone can defend this graph as not being misleading. I really don’t.”
Preliminary data from Georgia have not shown a downward trend in cases, but rather show that cases have either remained roughly the same or declined slightly.
Even before the timeline error, coronavirus infection data released by Georgia had been criticized as misleading.
The state reports data based on when symptoms start in a patient, not when the positive results are reported to the state. The unusual method means that data reported by the state “always appears to show that cases are declining, even if they are not,” the Journal-Constitution reported.
Further, the state health department was scrutinized for changing the criteria for color-coding counties on a statewide map showing infection rates.
Counties shaded red have the highest infection rates, but the number of cases necessary to color such a county red increased several weeks ago.
“Based on the (key) they were using a couple weeks ago, a good third to a half of our state would show up as red right now,” Dr. Harry Heiman, a health professor at Georgia State University, told the outlet. “Because they keep moving the goalposts, if you will, it doesn’t look that way.’
In April, Georgia was one of the first states in the country to reopen a range of businesses despite the lingering threat of coronavirus. Barbershops, hair salons, massage parlors, and even bowling alleys were allowed to open on April 24, with dine-in restaurants reopening soon after.
Even Donald Trump, who has advocated for revolts in states governed by Democrats to force them to reopen businesses, criticized Kemp for moving too fast.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities which are in violation of the phase one guidelines for the incredible people of Georgia,” Trump said on April 22.
Georgia residents are not happy with how Kemp has handled the coronavirus crisis.
Only 39% of Georgians approved of how Kemp has handled the pandemic, while 61% disapproved, according to a recent Washington Post poll. Compared to 11 other governors, Kemp was the only one with a majority that disapproved of his response.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Civil rights group sues to overturn Idaho law that targets trans people

A civil rights group this week asked a federal judge to confirm that an Idaho law barring transgender people from changing their gender on their birth certificates violates their constitutional rights .
Lambda Legal , a nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of LGBTQ people , has argued that the new law should be subject to a 2018 order that labeled similar policies unconstitutional .
Idaho passed a law in March that allows changes to birth certificates only to correct `` a clerical or data entry error . ''
It specifically prohibits any changes to a person 's gender markers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ male and female are a matter of scientific fact , and biological sex is an objectively defined category that has obvious , immutable , and distinguishable characteristics . ''
It also claims that changing someone 's biological sex on their birth certificate `` impacts the health and safety of all individuals . ''
Lambda Legal says that law is at odds with a 2018 decision that ruled a separate policy allowing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to effectively bar transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served as the judge in that case , said the 2018 policy violated the Equal Protection Clause and endangered those forced to show inaccurate official documents by opening them up to discrimination .

A civil rights group this week asked a federal judge to confirm that an Idaho law barring transgender people from changing their gender on their birth certificates violates their constitutional rights.
Lambda Legal, a nonprofit group that advocates on behalf of LGBTQ people, has argued that the new law should be subject to a 2018 order that labeled similar policies unconstitutional.
Idaho passed a law in March that allows changes to birth certificates only to correct “a clerical or data entry error.” It specifically prohibits any changes to a person’s gender markers, claiming that “biological distinctions between male and female are a matter of scientific fact, and biological sex is an objectively defined category that has obvious, immutable, and distinguishable characteristics.”
It also claims that changing someone’s biological sex on their birth certificate “impacts the health and safety of all individuals.”
Lambda Legal says that law is at odds with a 2018 decision that ruled a separate policy allowing the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to effectively bar transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates was similarly unconstitutional.
Dale, who also served as the judge in that case, said the 2018 policy violated the Equal Protection Clause and endangered those forced to show inaccurate official documents by opening them up to discrimination.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Top medical journal: Trump made up a report to attack World Health Organization

On Tuesday , one of the world 's top medical journals said that Donald Trump lied in recent letter to the World Health Organization , which threatened to permanently withhold funding from the agency .
The letter , sent Monday , stated that a review of the organization 's response to the coronavirus crisis found that it `` consistently ignored credible reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier , including reports from the Lancet medical journal . ''
The letter also stated that the Trump administration would withdraw its support of the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major substantial improvements in the next 30 days . ''
However , contrary to the claim in the letter , the Lancet did not publish anything about the new coronavirus in December 2019 .
Trump 's claim `` is factually incorrect , '' the Lancet , one of the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed medical journals in the world , wrote in a statement on Tuesday .
The medical journal noted that the first report it published on the new coronavirus was on Jan. 24 .
It also said Trump 's allegations against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts to strengthen international cooperation to control this pandemic , '' and that any review of the global response to the virus should be `` based on a factually accurate account of what took place in December and January . ''
On Friday , the Lancet published an op-ed that said Trump 's handling of the coronavirus crisis was so poor that Americans `` must put a president in the White House come January , 2021 , who will understand that public health should not be guided by partisan politics . ''
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump said on April 7 that the organization `` called it wrong . ''
Trump added that it `` should have known '' about the virus .
`` And they probably did know , '' he added , implying a cover-up .
Later in April , Trump threatened to cut off funding to the organization , alleging it was too closely aligned with China , despite the fact that Trump himself praised China 's handling of the crisis in January and February .
Republicans in Congress have followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO while remaining silent on Trump 's slow and chaotic response to the crisis .
On Wednesday , Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho introduced legislation to reexamine whether or not the United States should be a part of the organization , in part because of `` questionable actions taken by the World Health Organization in response to the spread of COVID-19 . ''
Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana , also a Republican , was clear as to why he was focused on blaming China during the pandemic .
Americans are `` either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communist Party ] or they 're going to blame President Trump as the left wants them to blame , '' he said on April 14 .
The Republican Party even shared a memo with campaigns advising them , `` do n't defend Trump , other than the China Travel Ban — attack China . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

On Tuesday, one of the world’s top medical journals said that Donald Trump lied in recent letter to the World Health Organization, which threatened to permanently withhold funding from the agency.
The letter, sent Monday, stated that a review of the organization’s response to the coronavirus crisis found that it “consistently ignored credible reports of the virus spreading in Wuhan in early December 2019 or even earlier, including reports from the Lancet medical journal.”
The letter also stated that the Trump administration would withdraw its support of the organization if it did not “commit to major substantial improvements in the next 30 days.”
However, contrary to the claim in the letter, the Lancet did not publish anything about the new coronavirus in December 2019.
Trump’s claim “is factually incorrect,” the Lancet, one of the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed medical journals in the world, wrote in a statement on Tuesday.
The medical journal noted that the first report it published on the new coronavirus was on Jan. 24. It also said Trump’s allegations against WHO are “serious and damaging to efforts to strengthen international cooperation to control this pandemic,” and that any review of the global response to the virus should be “based on a factually accurate account of what took place in December and January.”
On Friday, the Lancet published an op-ed that said Trump’s handling of the coronavirus crisis was so poor that Americans “must put a president in the White House come January, 2021, who will understand that public health should not be guided by partisan politics.”
Trump has spent weeks attacking WHO’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump said on April 7 that the organization “called it wrong.” Trump added that it “should have known” about the virus.
“And they probably did know,” he added, implying a cover-up.
Later in April, Trump threatened to cut off funding to the organization, alleging it was too closely aligned with China, despite the fact that Trump himself praised China’s handling of the crisis in January and February.
Republicans in Congress have followed Trump’s lead, attacking China and WHO while remaining silent on Trump’s slow and chaotic response to the crisis.
On Wednesday, Republican Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho introduced legislation to reexamine whether or not the United States should be a part of the organization, in part because of “questionable actions taken by the World Health Organization in response to the spread of COVID-19.”
Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana, also a Republican, was clear as to why he was focused on blaming China during the pandemic.
Americans are “either going to blame the CCP [China Communist Party] or they’re going to blame President Trump as the left wants them to blame,” he said on April 14.
The Republican Party even shared a memo with campaigns advising them, “don’t defend Trump, other than the China Travel Ban — attack China.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Trump campaign cites fake science group to justify his use of unproven drug

Donald Trump 's reelection campaign manager on Tuesday defended Trump 's preventive use of an anti-malaria drug unproven to work against the coronavirus , citing a fringe medical group known for promoting fake science .
`` The press is going nuts over @ realDonaldTrump taking hydroxychloroquine ( prescribed by doctor ) , '' Brad Parscale tweeted .
`` Of course , if he 's doing it , they must oppose it .
But the Assoc .
of American Physicians & Surgeons says otherwise . ''
He linked to an April press release by the group titled `` Hydroxychloroquine Has about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' that claims it has `` clear and convincing evidence that HCQ may be beneficial in COVID-19 . ''
But unlike the early studies the group references , subsequent research has not backed up claims for the use of hydroxychloroquine against the coronavirus .
In April , a limited study in veterans hospitals found no benefits to the drug as a treatment for the coronavirus and relatively more deaths among those given the drug .
In early May , a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found the drug did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the likelihood of needing a breathing tube for patients treated at Columbia University in New York .
A more recent French study also found little evidence that hydroxychloroquine was an effective treatment for COVID-19 .
Moreover , the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is hardly a reliable source of medical information .
In a 2009 profile of the group , Mother Jones ' Stephanie Mencimer wrote , `` Yet despite the lab coats and the official-sounding name , the docs of the AAPS are hardly part of mainstream medical society .
Think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She noted that the group 's `` principles of medical ethics '' says it is `` evil '' and `` immoral '' for doctors to participate in Medicare or Medicaid ; that its journal published a claim that tobacco taxes harm public health ; and that a 2008 article on its website suggested Barack Obama may have relied on `` a covert form of hypnosis '' in his presidential campaign .
The group 's executive director is Jane Orient .
Orient has decried what she termed the `` health risks of homosexual behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transgender people amount to a `` radical social experiment '' that puts at risk the `` physical , psychological , and spiritual health '' of children .
In 2016 , she wrote that universal health insurance coverage should not be the nation 's goal : `` The right to be uninsured is a necessary safeguard — not a threat to the system . ''
The Southern Poverty Law Center labeled the organization an `` ultra-conservative/Libertarian '' group with beliefs that `` are often at odds with evidence-based modern research about public health .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims '' in its journal , the SPLC noted , were `` that HIV does not cause AIDS ; that abortion is linked to breast cancer ; and that vaccines cause autism . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump’s reelection campaign manager on Tuesday defended Trump’s preventive use of an anti-malaria drug unproven to work against the coronavirus, citing a fringe medical group known for promoting fake science.
“The press is going nuts over @realDonaldTrump taking hydroxychloroquine (prescribed by doctor),” Brad Parscale tweeted. “Of course, if he’s doing it, they must oppose it. But the Assoc. of American Physicians & Surgeons says otherwise.”
He linked to an April press release by the group titled “Hydroxychloroquine Has about 90 Percent Chance of Helping COVID-19 Patients” that claims it has “clear and convincing evidence that HCQ may be beneficial in COVID-19.”
But unlike the early studies the group references, subsequent research has not backed up claims for the use of hydroxychloroquine against the coronavirus.
In April, a limited study in veterans hospitals found no benefits to the drug as a treatment for the coronavirus and relatively more deaths among those given the drug. In early May, a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found the drug did not lower the risk of death or the likelihood of needing a breathing tube for patients treated at Columbia University in New York. A more recent French study also found little evidence that hydroxychloroquine was an effective treatment for COVID-19.
Moreover, the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons is hardly a reliable source of medical information.
In a 2009 profile of the group, Mother Jones’ Stephanie Mencimer wrote, “Yet despite the lab coats and the official-sounding name, the docs of the AAPS are hardly part of mainstream medical society. Think Glenn Beck with an MD.” She noted that the group’s “principles of medical ethics” says it is “evil” and “immoral” for doctors to participate in Medicare or Medicaid; that its journal published a claim that tobacco taxes harm public health; and that a 2008 article on its website suggested Barack Obama may have relied on “a covert form of hypnosis” in his presidential campaign.
The group’s executive director is Jane Orient. Orient has decried what she termed the “health risks of homosexual behavior” and written that public accommodations for transgender people amount to a “radical social experiment” that puts at risk the “physical, psychological, and spiritual health” of children. In 2016, she wrote that universal health insurance coverage should not be the nation’s goal: “The right to be uninsured is a necessary safeguard — not a threat to the system.”
The Southern Poverty Law Center labeled the organization an “ultra-conservative/Libertarian” group with beliefs that “are often at odds with evidence-based modern research about public health.” Among the “pseudoscientific and false claims” in its journal, the SPLC noted, were “that HIV does not cause AIDS; that abortion is linked to breast cancer; and that vaccines cause autism.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Michigan voters will now be able to vote safely this November

Every voter in Michigan will automatically receive an absentee ballot application for elections to be held in August and November , Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced on Tuesday , the Detroit Free Press reported .
`` By mailing applications , we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote .
Voting by mail is easy , convenient , safe , and secure , and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it , '' Benson , a Democrat , said in a statement .
Benson also noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want the option to vote by mail , '' a statement supported by recent polls .
After Michigan voters sign the application , they can either mail it to their local election clerk or take a photo of it and email it in .
Voters can also download the absentee ballot application at Michigan.gov/vote .
Michigan is a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election .
An average of recent polls shows presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden leading Donald Trump 46 % to 41 % .
However , Trump carried the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 11,000 of 4.5 million votes cast .
The state also has a potentially competitive U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Gary Peters and Republican John James .
Recent polls show Peters leading by about seven points .
The announcement came as other states make the move to mail-in voting .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom recently announced that every voter in the state will receive an absentee ballot in the mail for the November election .
On Tuesday , New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy signed an executive order stating that every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballot or application , depending on their party registration status , in the mail for the state 's upcoming July 7 primary .
Attempts to expand safer voting during the coronavirus have been met in some states by opposition from Republican officials .
In Texas , Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton falsely claimed that increased absentee voting `` damages the integrity of our elections and increases the risk of voter fraud , '' despite no evidence backing up his claim .
In Wisconsin , Republicans fought against efforts by Democratic Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ election to allow more time for voters to cast absentee ballots , resulting in thousands of voters being forced to risk their health in order to vote .
Despite voting by mail himself , Trump has falsely stated that absentee ballots are dangerous and lead to fraud .
The Michigan Republican Party did not respond to a request for comment about Benson 's announcement .
The decision to expand absentee voting `` is smart and necessary , '' Maddie McComb , a Democratic National Committee spokesperson , said in an email , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote without fear of risking their health this year . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Every voter in Michigan will automatically receive an absentee ballot application for elections to be held in August and November, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced on Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reported.
“By mailing applications, we have ensured that no Michigander has to choose between their health and their right to vote. Voting by mail is easy, convenient, safe, and secure, and every voter in Michigan has the right to do it,” Benson, a Democrat, said in a statement.
Benson also noted that most voters “across the political spectrum want the option to vote by mail,” a statement supported by recent polls.
After Michigan voters sign the application, they can either mail it to their local election clerk or take a photo of it and email it in. Voters can also download the absentee ballot application at Michigan.gov/vote.
Michigan is a key battleground state in the 2020 presidential election. An average of recent polls shows presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden leading Donald Trump 46% to 41%. However, Trump carried the state in 2016 by 0.3%, or about 11,000 of 4.5 million votes cast.
The state also has a potentially competitive U.S. Senate race between Democratic incumbent Gary Peters and Republican John James. Recent polls show Peters leading by about seven points.
The announcement came as other states make the move to mail-in voting. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced that every voter in the state will receive an absentee ballot in the mail for the November election.
On Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order stating that every voter in the state will receive an absentee ballot or application, depending on their party registration status, in the mail for the state’s upcoming July 7 primary.
Attempts to expand safer voting during the coronavirus have been met in some states by opposition from Republican officials.
In Texas, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton falsely claimed that increased absentee voting “damages the integrity of our elections and increases the risk of voter fraud,” despite no evidence backing up his claim.
In Wisconsin, Republicans fought against efforts by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers to postpone an April 7 election to allow more time for voters to cast absentee ballots, resulting in thousands of voters being forced to risk their health in order to vote.
Despite voting by mail himself, Trump has falsely stated that absentee ballots are dangerous and lead to fraud.
The Michigan Republican Party did not respond to a request for comment about Benson’s announcement.
The decision to expand absentee voting “is smart and necessary,” Maddie McComb, a Democratic National Committee spokesperson, said in an email, adding that the decision ensures “people can vote without fear of risking their health this year.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Coronavirus is a 'living nightmare' for families of first responders

When you 're married to a first responder , you learn to do a lot of things alone .
You take out the garbage , cheer at the kids ' games , figure out all of the math problems , and lug all of the Christmas presents from the attic to the tree — alone .
You shovel two feet of snow and learn ( the hard way ) how to shut off the water main — alone .
And during catastrophes when your spouse is wading through the flood waters , is knee-deep in downed trees and power lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house — alone .
Now , COVID-19 , which has infiltrated every precinct and firehouse in the nation , exposing essential workers to a new and unprecedented type of poison , has presented first responder families with an even more daunting reality .
`` This is beyond anything I 've ever experienced before in the scope of my husband 's law enforcement career , '' said Holly Bonner , whose husband Joe is a detective for the NYPD .
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks , Bonner witnessed her husband sift @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zero for weeks .
Seven months pregnant during Hurricane Sandy , one of New York City ’ s most catastrophic storms , she held down the fort as he was forced to deal with transit interruptions and massive flooding .
`` The difference with the coronavirus is its invisibility , '' she said .
`` You simply do n't know who 's a-symptomatic or if you 've been exposed . ''
Bonner , who is legally blind — an aggressive breast cancer treatment claiming her vision eight years ago — has more on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Already severely immunocompromised and still battling her cancer , both she and Joe made the difficult decision to live in separate residences in early March .
`` My husband 's job puts him in the epicenter of Midtown Manhattan on a nightly basis , '' Bonner said .
`` Yes , the streets have less traffic as people practice social distancing , but there are still plenty of jobs for him to respond to .
In addition , he is also being exposed to his co-workers and using police vehicles that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not a matter of 'if ' but 'when ' he contracts this disease . ''
As a result , Bonner is solitarily grappling with the challenges of raising the couples ' two daughters in this new normal .
She homeschools the girls during the day before cooking breakfast , lunch , and dinner for her husband and leaving a care package on their front stoop .
Joe picks up the package and waves to his family from the street .
He sleeps in an Airbnb at night .
`` My youngest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her own bed ; my oldest is having difficulties eating , '' Bonner said .
`` Neither had these issues prior to their father moving out . ''
She added , `` They know daddy 's job is important , but they are afraid .
I am too .
In fact , I am afraid all the time . ''
Family assistance agencies throughout the country who aid the families of first responders during times of sickness and crisis are now partnering with nonprofits and corporations to help amid the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund through the FDNY Foundation , which assists affected members and their families , '' said Jim Long , director of public information for the New York City Fire Department .
`` One of the ways it is supporting FDNY members is by providing alternative lodging .
Right now it ’ s based upon a seven-day stay , but that can be extended to two weeks on a case-by-case basis . ''
The program , which launched on April 1 , works with NYC & Company , a not-for-profit travel and tourism agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participating hotels or furnished apartments throughout the city .
More than 200 FDNY members have used the service since its inception .
`` Some members have a scenario or situation at home where it may not be a good thing for them to return to their families after working , '' Long continued .
`` There may be a family member with underlying health issues who can not afford to be exposed or impacted or by this virus .
So the department has made arrangements for anyone who wants to take them where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones . ''
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians ( NAEMT ) has partnered with Hilton and American Express to donate 1 million hotel nights to frontline medical professionals across the United States during the pandemic .
Launched on April 13 and currently scheduled to run through May 31 , the program offers nurses , physicians and EMTs across the nation access to rooms at no cost through the association 's website .
There are limited food services available and as a health precaution no daily housekeeping of rooms will be performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exposure .
`` NAEMT sends our deepest gratitude to all of you bravely caring for patients during this unprecedented public health crisis , '' the organization wrote in an email to first responders , obtained in April .
`` We admire you and want to support you any way we can .
We hope this partnership…provides some peace of mind and the chance to recharge as you continue on your mission . ''
But not all first responders can feasibly distance themselves from family for an elongated period of time .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CDC and WHO guidelines as well as those of the state and city health departments , ” Long noted when asked what other measures were being taken to protect the department .
`` We practice social distancing in our firehouses , pay strict attention to hygiene by reminding members to wash hands and not touch their faces .
And in keeping our members protected , we ’ re doing everything we can to keep their families protected too . ''
Regardless of these measures , first responders are still contracting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department in New Jersey , recently shared his story with Gothamist , saying his wife Iris , a nurse , had been forced to sleep in a separate room when he became sick with the virus .
`` She had me text her what my blood pressure was , what my oxygen levels were , what my heart rate was , '' he told the outlet , noting he 'd had `` the usual run of high fever , chest pains and chills , but also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said two of his colleagues who contracted the virus were less lucky .
Daniel Francis , 51 , and Tolbert A. Furr , 59 , had both died from COVID-19 weeks earlier , Furr on April 3 and Francis on April 13 .
`` I 'd been exposed to many traumatic events .
This has to be one of the top ones , '' Peppers said .
Meanwhile , Iris , who worked at the hard-hit Holy Name Medical Center , was particularly overwhelmed by the chaos at both home and work , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see my wife come home and cry , sit at the table and cry like in hopelessness , '' he recalled .
`` ...
If people were able to see the effects that not only corona is having on the population , but the effect that it ’ s having on the people that have to serve those that are sick , '' he added , `` that is going to be everlasting .
This is something that 's not gon na go away . ''
For those first responder families who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s at least one small glimmer of hope .
Previously , families had to jump through hoops if their loved one died from coronavirus , and were forced to prove that their family member became infected on the job in order to receive survivor benefits from the Justice Department ’ s Public Safety Officers Benefits Program , which provides assistance to families of police and first responders who are killed in the line of duty .
Then in mid-May , the U.S. Senate passed the Safeguarding America ’ s First Responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released by the bipartisan group of lawmakers who sponsored the bill , establishes “ a temporary presumption that COVID-19 infections will be considered to be contracted while on duty if diagnosed within 45 days of an officer ’ s last shift . ''
`` Our firefighters , police officers , EMTs , and other emergency services personnel risk their lives to keep us safe , and face significantly increased hazards during this pandemic , '' New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker , one of the bill 's authors , stated at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety officers have already lost their lives to COVID-19 , and we must make sure that their families are supported when they face unimaginable loss — and that ’ s exactly what this bill does . ''
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley ( R ) , the bill 's co-author , agreed , stating that `` families of those lost to COVID-19 shouldn ’ t face an uphill struggle to access financial support promised to them . ''
`` Today 's vote sends a loud and clear message to America 's public safety officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most trying times and we ’ re here to help if the unthinkable happens , '' he said .
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for approval .
If passed , it will head to Donald Trump 's desk to be signed into law .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

When you’re married to a first responder, you learn to do a lot of things alone.
You take out the garbage, cheer at the kids’ games, figure out all of the math problems, and lug all of the Christmas presents from the attic to the tree — alone.
You shovel two feet of snow and learn (the hard way) how to shut off the water main — alone.
And during catastrophes when your spouse is wading through the flood waters, is knee-deep in downed trees and power lines, you protect the kids and the house — alone.
Now, COVID-19, which has infiltrated every precinct and firehouse in the nation, exposing essential workers to a new and unprecedented type of poison, has presented first responder families with an even more daunting reality.
“This is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before in the scope of my husband’s law enforcement career,” said Holly Bonner, whose husband Joe is a detective for the NYPD.
In the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Bonner witnessed her husband sift through rubble and human remains at Ground Zero for weeks. Seven months pregnant during Hurricane Sandy, one of New York City’s most catastrophic storms, she held down the fort as he was forced to deal with transit interruptions and massive flooding.
Still, she calls COVID-19 a “living nightmare.”
“The difference with the coronavirus is its invisibility,” she said. “You simply don’t know who’s a-symptomatic or if you’ve been exposed.”
Bonner, who is legally blind — an aggressive breast cancer treatment claiming her vision eight years ago — has more on the line than most first responder spouses. Already severely immunocompromised and still battling her cancer, both she and Joe made the difficult decision to live in separate residences in early March.
“My husband’s job puts him in the epicenter of Midtown Manhattan on a nightly basis,” Bonner said. “Yes, the streets have less traffic as people practice social distancing, but there are still plenty of jobs for him to respond to. In addition, he is also being exposed to his co-workers and using police vehicles that other people have previously used that day. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ he contracts this disease.”
As a result, Bonner is solitarily grappling with the challenges of raising the couples’ two daughters in this new normal. She homeschools the girls during the day before cooking breakfast, lunch, and dinner for her husband and leaving a care package on their front stoop.
Joe picks up the package and waves to his family from the street. He sleeps in an Airbnb at night.
“My youngest daughter is five and will not sleep in her own bed; my oldest is having difficulties eating,” Bonner said. “Neither had these issues prior to their father moving out.”
She added, “They know daddy’s job is important, but they are afraid. I am too. In fact, I am afraid all the time.”
Family assistance agencies throughout the country who aid the families of first responders during times of sickness and crisis are now partnering with nonprofits and corporations to help amid the pandemic.
“The Department created the FDNY COVID-19 Fund through the FDNY Foundation, which assists affected members and their families,” said Jim Long, director of public information for the New York City Fire Department. “One of the ways it is supporting FDNY members is by providing alternative lodging. Right now it’s based upon a seven-day stay, but that can be extended to two weeks on a case-by-case basis.”
The program, which launched on April 1, works with NYC & Company, a not-for-profit travel and tourism agency, to place members in 21 different participating hotels or furnished apartments throughout the city.
More than 200 FDNY members have used the service since its inception.
“Some members have a scenario or situation at home where it may not be a good thing for them to return to their families after working,” Long continued. “There may be a family member with underlying health issues who cannot afford to be exposed or impacted or by this virus. So the department has made arrangements for anyone who wants to take them where they can stay remote from their loved ones.”
The National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) has partnered with Hilton and American Express to donate 1 million hotel nights to frontline medical professionals across the United States during the pandemic.
Launched on April 13 and currently scheduled to run through May 31, the program offers nurses, physicians and EMTs across the nation access to rooms at no cost through the association’s website. There are limited food services available and as a health precaution no daily housekeeping of rooms will be performed, but the service safeguards families after an exposure.
“NAEMT sends our deepest gratitude to all of you bravely caring for patients during this unprecedented public health crisis,” the organization wrote in an email to first responders, obtained in April. “We admire you and want to support you any way we can. We hope this partnership…provides some peace of mind and the chance to recharge as you continue on your mission.”
But not all first responders can feasibly distance themselves from family for an elongated period of time.
“Right now our concern is following all of the CDC and WHO guidelines as well as those of the state and city health departments,” Long noted when asked what other measures were being taken to protect the department. “We practice social distancing in our firehouses, pay strict attention to hygiene by reminding members to wash hands and not touch their faces. And in keeping our members protected, we’re doing everything we can to keep their families protected too.”
Regardless of these measures, first responders are still contracting the virus in great numbers.
Rasheen Peppers, a lieutenant with the Newark Police Department in New Jersey, recently shared his story with Gothamist, saying his wife Iris, a nurse, had been forced to sleep in a separate room when he became sick with the virus.
“She had me text her what my blood pressure was, what my oxygen levels were, what my heart rate was,” he told the outlet, noting he’d had “the usual run of high fever, chest pains and chills, but also felt a debilitating exhaustion.”
He said two of his colleagues who contracted the virus were less lucky. Daniel Francis, 51, and Tolbert A. Furr, 59, had both died from COVID-19 weeks earlier, Furr on April 3 and Francis on April 13.
“I’d been exposed to many traumatic events. This has to be one of the top ones,” Peppers said.
Meanwhile, Iris, who worked at the hard-hit Holy Name Medical Center, was particularly overwhelmed by the chaos at both home and work, he said.
“Just to have to see my wife come home and cry, sit at the table and cry like in hopelessness,” he recalled. “… If people were able to see the effects that not only corona is having on the population, but the effect that it’s having on the people that have to serve those that are sick,” he added, “that is going to be everlasting. This is something that’s not gonna go away.”
For those first responder families who do lose loved ones to coronavirus, there’s at least one small glimmer of hope.
Previously, families had to jump through hoops if their loved one died from coronavirus, and were forced to prove that their family member became infected on the job in order to receive survivor benefits from the Justice Department’s Public Safety Officers Benefits Program, which provides assistance to families of police and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
Then in mid-May, the U.S. Senate passed the Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act, which, according to a statement released by the bipartisan group of lawmakers who sponsored the bill, establishes “a temporary presumption that COVID-19 infections will be considered to be contracted while on duty if diagnosed within 45 days of an officer’s last shift.”
“Our firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other emergency services personnel risk their lives to keep us safe, and face significantly increased hazards during this pandemic,” New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, one of the bill’s authors, stated at the time.
“A staggering number of public safety officers have already lost their lives to COVID-19, and we must make sure that their families are supported when they face unimaginable loss — and that’s exactly what this bill does.”
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R), the bill’s co-author, agreed, stating that “families of those lost to COVID-19 shouldn’t face an uphill struggle to access financial support promised to them.”
“Today’s vote sends a loud and clear message to America’s public safety officers: We appreciate your steadfast dedication in the most trying times and we’re here to help if the unthinkable happens,” he said.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for approval. If passed, it will head to Donald Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--McConnell blocks help for abuse victims as lockdown puts them at greater risk

After closing down for a month due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate has returned to its usual role of blocking legislation previously passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives , including some that could help abuse victims trapped in lockdown with their abusers .
Last year , the House passed hundreds of pieces of legislation , including a bipartisan gun safety bill that would require universal background checks for all firearms sales .
Although that bill passed by a strong 240-to-190 majority last February , it has not been given a vote in the Senate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to block it and at least 394 other House bills .
`` It is true .
They 've been on full left-wing parade over there , trotting out all of their left-wing solutions that are going to be issues in the fall campaign , '' McConnell told Fox News in February .
`` We 're not gon na pass those . ''
He has previously nicknamed himself the `` Grim Reaper '' who kills progressive legislation .
Without the gun safety law , people in most states can purchase guns through private sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having to go through any criminal background check .
It has been over a year since the House sent the background check bill to the Senate .
Now , with the coronavirus pandemic resulting in stay-at-home orders in most states , gun safety protections have become even more important for many Americans .
As states moved into lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus , large numbers of domestic abuse victims found themselves trapped at home with their abusers .
While other types of crime are reported to have plummeted since social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of domestic violence in many communities have spiked .
Activists around the world have reported the increased domestic abuse numbers .
The advocacy group Women Deliver told the Guardian , `` What we worry about is just as rates of violence are on the rise , the accessibility of services and the ability of women to access these services will decrease .
This is a real challenge . ''
`` We are hearing from survivors how COVID-19 is already being used by their abusive partners to further control and abuse , how COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and services like accessing shelter , counseling , different things that they would typically lean on in their communities , '' Crystal Justice of the National Domestic Violence Hotline said .
In March , the number of gun purchases spiked to an all-time high , and accidental gun deaths involving children increased by 43 % .
Poll results released Monday by Everytown for Gun Safety and the Global Strategy Group found that support for background checks has increased since the pandemic began .
Asked if it was `` more or less important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sales now than it was before the coronavirus outbreak , '' a total of 60 % said it was more important , and 3 % said less .
When asked if it was now `` more or less important to pass legislation to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers , '' 68 % said it was more important , and 2 % said less .
Majorities of Democrats , Republicans , independents , and gun owners all said `` more important '' in response to both questions .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country , and across political parties , the pandemic has only intensified their desire for common-sense gun laws , '' the president of Everytown for Gun Safety , John Feinblatt , said in a press release .
`` Support for gun safety is surging , along with the electoral prospects of candidates who pledge to do everything in their power to prevent gun violence . ''
McConnell 's office did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the poll results .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

After closing down for a month due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate has returned to its usual role of blocking legislation previously passed by the Democratic-led House of Representatives, including some that could help abuse victims trapped in lockdown with their abusers.
Last year, the House passed hundreds of pieces of legislation, including a bipartisan gun safety bill that would require universal background checks for all firearms sales. Although that bill passed by a strong 240-to-190 majority last February, it has not been given a vote in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to block it and at least 394 other House bills.
“It is true. They’ve been on full left-wing parade over there, trotting out all of their left-wing solutions that are going to be issues in the fall campaign,” McConnell told Fox News in February. “We’re not gonna pass those.” He has previously nicknamed himself the “Grim Reaper” who kills progressive legislation.
Without the gun safety law, people in most states can purchase guns through private sales, including at gun shows, without having to go through any criminal background check.
It has been over a year since the House sent the background check bill to the Senate. Now, with the coronavirus pandemic resulting in stay-at-home orders in most states, gun safety protections have become even more important for many Americans.
As states moved into lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, large numbers of domestic abuse victims found themselves trapped at home with their abusers. While other types of crime are reported to have plummeted since social distancing rules went into effect, reports of domestic violence in many communities have spiked.
Activists around the world have reported the increased domestic abuse numbers. The advocacy group Women Deliver told the Guardian, “What we worry about is just as rates of violence are on the rise, the accessibility of services and the ability of women to access these services will decrease. This is a real challenge.”
“We are hearing from survivors how COVID-19 is already being used by their abusive partners to further control and abuse, how COVID-19 is already impacting their ability to access support and services like accessing shelter, counseling, different things that they would typically lean on in their communities,” Crystal Justice of the National Domestic Violence Hotline said.
In March, the number of gun purchases spiked to an all-time high, and accidental gun deaths involving children increased by 43%.
Poll results released Monday by Everytown for Gun Safety and the Global Strategy Group found that support for background checks has increased since the pandemic began.
Asked if it was “more or less important to require background checks on all gun sales now than it was before the coronavirus outbreak,” a total of 60% said it was more important, and 3% said less. When asked if it was now “more or less important to pass legislation to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers,” 68% said it was more important, and 2% said less.
Majorities of Democrats, Republicans, independents, and gun owners all said “more important” in response to both questions.
“This poll makes it clear that for voters across the country, and across political parties, the pandemic has only intensified their desire for common-sense gun laws,” the president of Everytown for Gun Safety, John Feinblatt, said in a press release. “Support for gun safety is surging, along with the electoral prospects of candidates who pledge to do everything in their power to prevent gun violence.”
McConnell’s office did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the poll results.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--GOP leader: 'I don't see the need' to give Americans any more help

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday said he did n't support more coronavirus relief , saying that he does n't think it 's needed at the moment .
`` I do n't see the need right now , '' McCarthy told reporters Tuesday , following a meeting on Capitol Hill with Vice President Mike Pence and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin .
McCarthy 's comment mirrors that of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , who said recently that he feels no `` urgency '' to pass more aid .
The GOP 's rejection of more coronavirus aid comes as more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Meanwhile , Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell predicted that the unemployment rate could hit 25 % , higher than the peak of the Great Depression .
Powell said the job losses have hit the neediest Americans the hardest , with 40 % of the losses coming from those who make $ 40,000 a year or less .
Polls also show that even the GOP base wants to see more coronavirus aid , with 73 % of those voters saying that coronavirus aid should be a `` top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Morning Consult/Politico poll from earlier in May .
In fact , that poll found that `` economic stimulus for COVID-19 '' is the top priority for all voters , second only to controlling the spread of the coronavirus .
House Democrats , for their part , passed a $ 3 trillion stimulus package last week that included more direct payments to Americans , among other relief efforts .
However , Donald Trump has vowed to veto the legislation , giving the bill almost no chance of becoming law .
Published with permission @ @ @ @ @ @

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday said he didn’t support more coronavirus relief, saying that he doesn’t think it’s needed at the moment.
“I don’t see the need right now,” McCarthy told reporters Tuesday, following a meeting on Capitol Hill with Vice President Mike Pence and Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
McCarthy’s comment mirrors that of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said recently that he feels no “urgency” to pass more aid.
The GOP’s rejection of more coronavirus aid comes as more than 36 million Americans have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell predicted that the unemployment rate could hit 25%, higher than the peak of the Great Depression.
Powell said the job losses have hit the neediest Americans the hardest, with 40% of the losses coming from those who make $40,000 a year or less.
Polls also show that even the GOP base wants to see more coronavirus aid, with 73% of those voters saying that coronavirus aid should be a “top priority” for Congress, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll from earlier in May.
In fact, that poll found that “economic stimulus for COVID-19” is the top priority for all voters, second only to controlling the spread of the coronavirus.
House Democrats, for their part, passed a $3 trillion stimulus package last week that included more direct payments to Americans, among other relief efforts.
However, Donald Trump has vowed to veto the legislation, giving the bill almost no chance of becoming law.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Arizona Sen. Martha McSally trails Democratic opponent in 10th straight poll

Republican Sen. Martha McSally has trailed her reelection opponent , Democrat Mark Kelly , for months .
On Tuesday , a poll conducted by OH Predictive Insights showed her losing to Kelly by 13 points , 51 % to 38 % — the 10th consecutive statewide poll showing Kelly , a former astronaut and Navy captain , in the lead .
According to Real Clear Politics , of those 10 polls , three were released in 2019 , and the remaining seven were released in 2020 .
The last time McSally held a lead was a year ago , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terribly , '' Mike Noble , an OH Predictive Insights pollster , told the Arizona Republic on Monday .
`` There 's no way to find a bright spot on that one . ''
Even before the latest poll was released , some Republicans were already writing off McSally 's chances of winning in November 's election .
`` There 's no love for her , '' a GOP consultant told McClatchy on Monday , adding that Republicans and Democrats were planning to spend tens of millions of dollars each on the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose . ''
Arizona is a key battleground state in 2020 that will help determine which party controls the Senate next year .
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 seat majority , meaning Democrats need to flip four seats to regain control .
Democrats could also regain control if they flip three seats and former Vice President Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump .
In addition to Arizona , Democrats are targeting Republican-held seats in Colorado , Maine , North Carolina , Iowa , Georgia , Kansas , Montana , and Texas .
Republicans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Alabama , where Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in 2017 , and Michigan , where Democratic incumbent Sen. Gary Peters could face a tight race .
McSally lost her 2018 Senate race to Democrat Krysten Sinema by 2.5 points , or about 55,000 votes .
Sinema became the first Democratic senator from Arizona in more than 30 years .
McSally was later appointed by the state 's Republican governor to fill out the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain 's term , after former Sen. Jon Kyl , previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in December that year .
In addition to trailing in polls , McSally failed to keep up with Kelly 's fundraising numbers .
In the first three months of 2020 alone , Kelly raised $ 11 million , almost twice as much as McSally , who raised $ 6.3 million .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Republican Sen. Martha McSally has trailed her reelection opponent, Democrat Mark Kelly, for months.
On Tuesday, a poll conducted by OH Predictive Insights showed her losing to Kelly by 13 points, 51% to 38% — the 10th consecutive statewide poll showing Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain, in the lead.
According to Real Clear Politics, of those 10 polls, three were released in 2019, and the remaining seven were released in 2020.
The last time McSally held a lead was a year ago, in May 2019.
“McSally is doing terribly,” Mike Noble, an OH Predictive Insights pollster, told the Arizona Republic on Monday. “There’s no way to find a bright spot on that one.”
Even before the latest poll was released, some Republicans were already writing off McSally’s chances of winning in November’s election.
“There’s no love for her,” a GOP consultant told McClatchy on Monday, adding that Republicans and Democrats were planning to spend tens of millions of dollars each on the race, “and she’s going to lose.”
Arizona is a key battleground state in 2020 that will help determine which party controls the Senate next year. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 seat majority, meaning Democrats need to flip four seats to regain control. Democrats could also regain control if they flip three seats and former Vice President Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump.
In addition to Arizona, Democrats are targeting Republican-held seats in Colorado, Maine, North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia, Kansas, Montana, and Texas.
Republicans, meanwhile, are hoping to gain seats in Alabama, where Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in 2017, and Michigan, where Democratic incumbent Sen. Gary Peters could face a tight race.
McSally lost her 2018 Senate race to Democrat Krysten Sinema by 2.5 points, or about 55,000 votes. Sinema became the first Democratic senator from Arizona in more than 30 years.
McSally was later appointed by the state’s Republican governor to fill out the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain’s term, after former Sen. Jon Kyl, previously appointed to McCain’s seat, resigned in December that year.
In addition to trailing in polls, McSally failed to keep up with Kelly’s fundraising numbers.
In the first three months of 2020 alone, Kelly raised $11 million, almost twice as much as McSally, who raised $6.3 million.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Governors who pushed hardest for reopening get lowest approval

A 50-state poll released Tuesday shows that most governors who refused to issue stay-at-home orders or rushed to reopen their states get among the lowest marks for their handling of the coronavirus .
The SurveyMonkey data shows that while 49 of the 50 governors get majority approval for their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic , the eight who got the least support included three governors who never issued stay-at-home orders , another who co-authored a Washington Post opinion piece bragging about keeping his state `` open for business '' during the pandemic , and three more who have come under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seven governors — all Republicans — who refused to issue stay-at-home orders at any point in the pandemic , most rate in the bottom half nationally as far as approval .
They include Kim Reynolds of Iowa , Pete Ricketts of Nebraska , and Kristi Noem of South Dakota , and Mark Gordon of Wyoming .
( Arkansas Gov .
Asa Hutchinson and Utah Gov .
Gary Herbert fared slightly better . )
Four of those governors — Gordon , Ricketts , Hutchinson , and Reynolds — boasted earlier this month that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covid-19 pandemic '' and that their `` approach worked . ''
Not all of their constituents seem to agree .
Reynolds and Ricketts , who both refused to issue stay-home orders , were in the bottom eight nationally when it comes to approval .
Iowa and Nebraska also saw a higher number of infections , per capita , than most other states .
Four more governors who ranked among the lowest in approval have pushed to reopen their economies quickly .
Mike Parson of Missouri encouraged residents of his state to go out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Greg Abbott continued to reopen more businesses and schools in Texas this week , even after seeing the highest jump in new cases in his state since the start of the pandemic .
He even admitted in a private call with state legislators earlier this month that `` pretty much every scientific and medical report '' predicted reopening would `` lead to an increase in spreads . ''
Ron DeSantis of Florida spent the first several weeks of the COVID-19 crisis stubbornly refusing to close the state 's beaches to spring breakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus does not affect young people .
Though he eventually issued a stay-at-home order , he has been rapidly reopening the state even as cases continue to climb .
And Brian Kemp of Georgia , whose 43 % approval for the crisis makes him the only governor without majority support , pushed to reopen so quickly that even Donald Trump — an evangelist for speedy reopening — chastised him last month .
This week , he was forced to apologize after his administration released misleading data falsely showing coronavirus cases were significantly decreasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the survey went to Republican governors of `` blue states '' — Larry Hogan of Maryland , Phil Scott of Vermont , and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts — who were perceived as taking the crisis seriously and taking quick action to promote social distancing .
All three received higher levels of approval from their Democratic constituents than from Republicans .
Notably , every governor except Georgia 's Brian Kemp received a higher percentage of support for their pandemic response than Donald Trump .
Just 43 % of Americans approve of Kemp 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week .
Trump said in March that on this crisis the buck does not stop with him and has repeatedly said governors were responsible for testing and reopening .
This piece has been updated .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A 50-state poll released Tuesday shows that most governors who refused to issue stay-at-home orders or rushed to reopen their states get among the lowest marks for their handling of the coronavirus.
The SurveyMonkey data shows that while 49 of the 50 governors get majority approval for their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the eight who got the least support included three governors who never issued stay-at-home orders, another who co-authored a Washington Post opinion piece bragging about keeping his state “open for business” during the pandemic, and three more who have come under fire for reopening too quickly.
Of the seven governors — all Republicans — who refused to issue stay-at-home orders at any point in the pandemic, most rate in the bottom half nationally as far as approval. They include Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, and Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Mark Gordon of Wyoming. (Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert fared slightly better.)
Four of those governors — Gordon, Ricketts, Hutchinson, and Reynolds — boasted earlier this month that their states “stayed open in the covid-19 pandemic” and that their “approach worked.”
Not all of their constituents seem to agree. Reynolds and Ricketts, who both refused to issue stay-home orders, were in the bottom eight nationally when it comes to approval. Iowa and Nebraska also saw a higher number of infections, per capita, than most other states.
Four more governors who ranked among the lowest in approval have pushed to reopen their economies quickly.
Mike Parson of Missouri encouraged residents of his state to go out shopping and to concerts despite the pandemic.
Greg Abbott continued to reopen more businesses and schools in Texas this week, even after seeing the highest jump in new cases in his state since the start of the pandemic. He even admitted in a private call with state legislators earlier this month that “pretty much every scientific and medical report” predicted reopening would “lead to an increase in spreads.”
Ron DeSantis of Florida spent the first several weeks of the COVID-19 crisis stubbornly refusing to close the state’s beaches to spring breakers and pushed the false claim that the coronavirus does not affect young people. Though he eventually issued a stay-at-home order, he has been rapidly reopening the state even as cases continue to climb.
And Brian Kemp of Georgia, whose 43% approval for the crisis makes him the only governor without majority support, pushed to reopen so quickly that even Donald Trump — an evangelist for speedy reopening — chastised him last month. This week, he was forced to apologize after his administration released misleading data falsely showing coronavirus cases were significantly decreasing in Georgia.
The three top ratings in the survey went to Republican governors of “blue states” — Larry Hogan of Maryland, Phil Scott of Vermont, and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts — who were perceived as taking the crisis seriously and taking quick action to promote social distancing. All three received higher levels of approval from their Democratic constituents than from Republicans.
Notably, every governor except Georgia’s Brian Kemp received a higher percentage of support for their pandemic response than Donald Trump. Just 43% of Americans approve of Kemp’s handling of the crisis, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll last week.
Trump said in March that on this crisis the buck does not stop with him and has repeatedly said governors were responsible for testing and reopening.
This piece has been updated.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-19--Senate committee approves Trump loyalist to lead national intelligence

The Senate intelligence committee has approved the nomination of Texas GOP Rep. John Ratcliffe to be Director of National Intelligence , sending the nomination to the Senate floor for confirmation .
Ratcliffe 's nomination was approved 8-7 in a closed committee hearing , with senators voting along party lines , according to a committee aide .
The aide was granted anonymity to discuss the closed proceedings ahead of an official announcement .
Republicans have praised Ratcliffe , who has been ardent defender of Donald Trump , while Democrats have been skeptical that he would serve with the independence they say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to shed his reputation as a Trump loyalist at his confirmation hearing earlier this month , insisting he would lead the nation 's intelligence agencies without partisan influence .
Ratcliffe would replace Dan Coats , a former GOP senator who was popular in Congress but who clashed with Trump in his two years in the job .
Richard Grenell , who is close to Trump , is now the acting director .
Trump , who has always viewed the intelligence committee with skepticism , has nominated Ratcliffe twice .
Ratcliffe was first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly after Coats ' resignation , but then withdrew after some Senate Republicans questioned his experience .
GOP senators warmed to Ratcliffe after Trump unexpectedly nominated him again in February .
The months in between were a tumultuous time in the intelligence community , as Trump ousted and fired multiple officials , and senators were eager for a permanent replacement for Coats .
The hearing was the first for the panel 's new chairman , Florida Sen. Marco Rubio .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tapped Rubio to temporarily lead the committee after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aside amid an FBI inquiry of his recent stock sales .

The Senate intelligence committee has approved the nomination of Texas GOP Rep. John Ratcliffe to be Director of National Intelligence, sending the nomination to the Senate floor for confirmation.
Ratcliffe’s nomination was approved 8-7 in a closed committee hearing, with senators voting along party lines, according to a committee aide. The aide was granted anonymity to discuss the closed proceedings ahead of an official announcement.
Republicans have praised Ratcliffe, who has been ardent defender of Donald Trump, while Democrats have been skeptical that he would serve with the independence they say is crucial for the job. Ratcliffe sought to shed his reputation as a Trump loyalist at his confirmation hearing earlier this month, insisting he would lead the nation’s intelligence agencies without partisan influence.
Ratcliffe would replace Dan Coats, a former GOP senator who was popular in Congress but who clashed with Trump in his two years in the job. Richard Grenell, who is close to Trump, is now the acting director.
Trump, who has always viewed the intelligence committee with skepticism, has nominated Ratcliffe twice. Ratcliffe was first picked for the post last summer, shortly after Coats’ resignation, but then withdrew after some Senate Republicans questioned his experience.
GOP senators warmed to Ratcliffe after Trump unexpectedly nominated him again in February. The months in between were a tumultuous time in the intelligence community, as Trump ousted and fired multiple officials, and senators were eager for a permanent replacement for Coats.
The hearing was the first for the panel’s new chairman, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tapped Rubio to temporarily lead the committee after Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) stepped aside amid an FBI inquiry of his recent stock sales.


shareblue--2020-05-20--House GOP backs candidate even after he wrote multiple racist Facebook posts

The National Republican Congressional Committee is still raising funds for California Republican House candidate Ted Howze despite the publication of racist and bigoted posts and conspiracy theories on Howze 's personal social media pages , Politico reported on Wednesday .
Howze is still listed as part of the NRCC 's `` Young Guns '' candidate recruitment program , which `` identifies candidates across the country who embody the principles of the House Republican Conference and show promise of running a successful campaign , '' according to its website .
Howze is listed as a `` Contender '' candidate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displaying a bio , a photo , and links for making contributions .
The NRCC did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday on whether the group continues to support Howze 's campaign , nor did it respond to a similar request from Politico the day before .
In the social media posts , Howze accused Dreamers , undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children , of being child molesters .
`` Surely they understand that pedophiles are 'dreamers ' too , '' Howze wrote .
He also claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens : `` The Western world and Christian Nations should all be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS ! ''
When previous racist and bigoted posts were unearthed in early May , Howze claimed he did not write them .
`` I made the mistake of allowing others access to these accounts unknowingly — and I am angered , horrified and extremely offended that these ugly ideas were shared or posted by those individuals several years ago , '' his campaign said in a statement .
Those posts were deleted , but the recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Tuesday , Politico reported .
`` Bigotry has no place in society — let alone the U.S. House of Representatives , '' Rep. Cheri Bustos ( D-IL ) , chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee , said in a statement .
Instead of Republicans withdrawing their support of Howze , `` all we have heard from them is silence , '' Bustos said .
Howze is running against Democratic incumbent Rep. Josh Harder , a freshman who defeated an incumbent Republican to flip the seat in 2018 .
Published with permission @ @ @ @ @ @

The National Republican Congressional Committee is still raising funds for California Republican House candidate Ted Howze despite the publication of racist and bigoted posts and conspiracy theories on Howze’s personal social media pages, Politico reported on Wednesday.
Howze is still listed as part of the NRCC’s “Young Guns” candidate recruitment program, which “identifies candidates across the country who embody the principles of the House Republican Conference and show promise of running a successful campaign,” according to its website.
Howze is listed as a “Contender” candidate, and has his own page on the site displaying a bio, a photo, and links for making contributions.
The NRCC did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday on whether the group continues to support Howze’s campaign, nor did it respond to a similar request from Politico the day before.
In the social media posts, Howze accused Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, of being child molesters.
“Surely they understand that pedophiles are ‘dreamers’ too,” Howze wrote.
He also claimed that Muslims cannot be good American citizens: “The Western world and Christian Nations should all be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS!”
When previous racist and bigoted posts were unearthed in early May, Howze claimed he did not write them.
“I made the mistake of allowing others access to these accounts unknowingly — and I am angered, horrified and extremely offended that these ugly ideas were shared or posted by those individuals several years ago,” his campaign said in a statement.
Those posts were deleted, but the recently uncovered posts were still available as recently as Tuesday, Politico reported.
“Bigotry has no place in society — let alone the U.S. House of Representatives,” Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement. Instead of Republicans withdrawing their support of Howze, “all we have heard from them is silence,” Bustos said.
Howze is running against Democratic incumbent Rep. Josh Harder, a freshman who defeated an incumbent Republican to flip the seat in 2018.
Update, May 21: GOP leaders said in a statement Wednesday night that they had removed Howze from the NRCC’s Young Guns program. His name no longer appears on the program’s website.
“The content in question on Mr. Howze’s social media channels is disappointing and disturbing. Bigotry and hateful rhetoric — in any form — have no place in the Republican Party,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.
He called the posts “unacceptable” and not reflective of “the Ted Howze that I have briefly interacted with.”
NRCC Chair Tom Emmer also called the posts “unacceptable” and said they were “not indicative of the Republican Party and what we are building here at the NRCC with our diverse slate of candidates.”
Emmer and McCarthy said they will keep Howze off of the NRCC’s Young Guns program “while they look into the origin of the posts,” according to Politico.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-20--McEnany: Trump tweeted threats to states to 'alert' his Cabinet of his 'concerns'

Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada after those states made efforts to ease voting during the pandemic .
Michigan is sending absentee ballots to residents , and Nevada is encouraging residents to vote by mail .
Without evidence , Trump claimed on Twitter that those states were acting `` illegally . ''
In 2016 , Trump narrowly won Michigan and lost Nevada .
In both states , more Americans disapprove than approve of Trump by a double-digit margin .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany later in the day said Trump 's tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own administration to his unspecified legal concerns .
McEnany did not explain why Trump could not communicate his issues in a phone call to the officials he put in power .
JOHN ROBERTS : What does the president believe is `` illegal '' about the secretary of state in Michigan sending out absentee ballot applications and what federal funding is he considering withholding from the state of Michigan as a result ?
KAYLEIGH McENANY : So , you know , I wo n't get into exactly what the funding considerations are .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to alert Secretary [ Steven ] Mnuchin and Mr. [ Russell ] Vought — head of OMB — about his concerns with trillions of dollars going to these states and his noted concern about a lot of fraud that 's potentially at play when you have mass mail-in voting .
So with regard to the legality and illegality of it , that 's a question for the campaign as to their voting and ballot practices .
I would just note that his tweet was meant to alert OMB .
He wanted to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dollars to states that we keep this important in mind and we assure that there is fairness in our voting system and absolute accuracy .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to withhold federal funding from Michigan and Nevada after those states made efforts to ease voting during the pandemic. Michigan is sending absentee ballots to residents, and Nevada is encouraging residents to vote by mail.
Without evidence, Trump claimed on Twitter that those states were acting “illegally.”
In 2016, Trump narrowly won Michigan and lost Nevada. In both states, more Americans disapprove than approve of Trump by a double-digit margin.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany later in the day said Trump’s tweets were meant to “alert” his own administration to his unspecified legal concerns. McEnany did not explain why Trump could not communicate his issues in a phone call to the officials he put in power.
From a May 20 White House press briefing:
JOHN ROBERTS: What does the president believe is “illegal” about the secretary of state in Michigan sending out absentee ballot applications and what federal funding is he considering withholding from the state of Michigan as a result? KAYLEIGH McENANY: So, you know, I won’t get into exactly what the funding considerations are. I would note that his tweets were meant to alert Secretary [Steven] Mnuchin and Mr. [Russell] Vought — head of OMB — about his concerns with trillions of dollars going to these states and his noted concern about a lot of fraud that’s potentially at play when you have mass mail-in voting. So with regard to the legality and illegality of it, that’s a question for the campaign as to their voting and ballot practices. I would just note that his tweet was meant to alert OMB. He wanted to be very careful when we send trillions of dollars to states that we keep this important in mind and we assure that there is fairness in our voting system and absolute accuracy.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-05-20--Don Jr.: Last two months prove Trump 'was more right than we could have imagined'

Donald Trump Jr. says the coronavirus crisis has proven that his father has the right agenda for the country — even as the number of deaths from the coronavirus in the United States rose above 90,000 and the number of cases reached nearly 1.5 million .
`` If the last two months has taught us anything , it 's that Donald Trump and the MAGA 2016 agenda was more right than we ever could have imagined , '' Trump Jr. said in audio obtained from a Zoom fundraiser held Monday for Michigan Republican Senate candidate John James .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control our supply chains , '' he added .
`` Stupid leftist policies sent all of that abroad .
Frankly policies for both sides . ''
Trump Jr. 's claims , however , sidestep a number of errors made by the administration , which were reported widely in the media , including failing for months to take the necessary steps to secure enough medical equipment .
In January and February , intelligence agencies warned the Trump administration multiple times about the severity of the coronavirus outbreaks , according to a Washington Post report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( D-CA ) , a member of the House Oversight Committee , revealed that the administration `` should have been stockpiling medical supplies '' during those first critical months of the year .
Instead , the United States was exporting ventilators , masks , and other medical supplies at that time .
Porter 's report , published in April , concluded that the administration `` failed to prepare for COVID-19 and to protect the health of Americans . ''
The Trump administration 's failure to adequately prepare for the crisis meant doctors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at increased risk of getting sick due to a lack of proper equipment .
Even the White House seemed to contradict Trump Jr. 's suggestion that manufacturing in the United States could have helped his father 's administration better handle the pandemic .
Last week , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed the administration was fully prepared to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
Administration officials `` did a whole exercise on pandemic preparedness in August of last year and had an entire after-action report put together , '' McEnany said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign responded to requests for comment about Trump Jr. 's comments .
The Detroit News previously reported on the fundraiser where he spoke .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump Jr. says the coronavirus crisis has proven that his father has the right agenda for the country — even as the number of deaths from the coronavirus in the United States rose above 90,000 and the number of cases reached nearly 1.5 million.
“If the last two months has taught us anything, it’s that Donald Trump and the MAGA 2016 agenda was more right than we ever could have imagined,” Trump Jr. said in audio obtained from a Zoom fundraiser held Monday for Michigan Republican Senate candidate John James.
“We need American manufacturing. We need to control our supply chains,” he added. “Stupid leftist policies sent all of that abroad. Frankly policies for both sides.”
Trump Jr.’s claims, however, sidestep a number of errors made by the administration, which were reported widely in the media, including failing for months to take the necessary steps to secure enough medical equipment.
In January and February, intelligence agencies warned the Trump administration multiple times about the severity of the coronavirus outbreaks, according to a Washington Post report.
An investigation by Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), a member of the House Oversight Committee, revealed that the administration “should have been stockpiling medical supplies” during those first critical months of the year. Instead, the United States was exporting ventilators, masks, and other medical supplies at that time.
Porter’s report, published in April, concluded that the administration “failed to prepare for COVID-19 and to protect the health of Americans.”
The Trump administration’s failure to adequately prepare for the crisis meant doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals were at increased risk of getting sick due to a lack of proper equipment.
Even the White House seemed to contradict Trump Jr.’s suggestion that manufacturing in the United States could have helped his father’s administration better handle the pandemic.
Last week, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany claimed the administration was fully prepared to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
Administration officials “did a whole exercise on pandemic preparedness in August of last year and had an entire after-action report put together,” McEnany said.
Neither the White House nor the Trump campaign responded to requests for comment about Trump Jr.’s comments. The Detroit News previously reported on the fundraiser where he spoke.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.