usatoday--2020-03-09--OnPolitics: All the political coronavirus news you want

President Donald Trump said Monday he will ask Congress to provide financial relief for workers and businesses hurt by coronavirus , as new cases were reported across the country and U.S. stocks suffered their worst drop since 2008 .
Trump said he would be proposing `` very major '' and `` very dramatic '' measures but did not say specifically what they would be .
He said his administration will meet Tuesday with House and Senate leaders to discuss a possible payroll tax cut and providing relief to hourly wage earners to ensure that they wo n't have to miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of fear of contact with coronavirus • Trump says he 's not worried as coronavirus arrives in DC area • A look at the coronavirus in six states slated to hold Democratic elections on • Lawmakers self-quarantining over coronavirus had contact with Trump • Gaetz denies he wore gas mask to make light of coronavirus after constituent dies Oh yeah , there are primaries on Tuesday Another Tuesday , another step closer to knowing who will be the Democratic nominee for president .
Here is what to watch for .
Former Vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the top candidates in the Democratic primary with several hundred delegates after the first 19 contests .
Tuesday brings a mini-version of last week 's Super Tuesday , with six states – Idaho , Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota and Washington – worth a combined 352 delegates .
• New voting rules could help Biden , Sanders as Michigan 's primary election looms

OnPolitics: All the political coronavirus news you want
Trump promises financial help
President Donald Trump said Monday he will ask Congress to provide financial relief for workers and businesses hurt by coronavirus, as new cases were reported across the country and U.S. stocks suffered their worst drop since 2008.
Trump said he would be proposing "very major" and "very dramatic" measures but did not say specifically what they would be. He said his administration will meet Tuesday with House and Senate leaders to discuss a possible payroll tax cut and providing relief to hourly wage earners to ensure that they won't have to miss a paycheck.
Oh yeah, there are primaries on Tuesday
Another Tuesday, another step closer to knowing who will be the Democratic nominee for president. Here is what to watch for.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders are the top candidates in the Democratic primary with several hundred delegates after the first 19 contests. Tuesday brings a mini-version of last week's Super Tuesday, with six states – Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington – worth a combined 352 delegates.


usatoday--2020-03-10--'Abundance of caution': Several lawmakers self-quarantine out of fear of contact with coronavirus

WASHINGTON – Several lawmakers have self-quarantined in some capacity , or vowed to stay away from the U.S. Capitol , after coming into contact with individuals who are testing positive for coronavirus .
Most lawmakers who have self-quarantined , so far , came into contact with a person at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor , Maryland last week who has tested positive for the virus .
Both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended CPAC , but the group said the man , a New Jersey resident , was exposed to the virus before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interaction with the President or Vice President . ''
The White House said Saturday that there was no indication Pence or Trump had been in `` close proximity '' to the man .
Some of the lawmakers who have self-quarantined have had interactions with the President since CPAC .
The lawmakers have said that they are not experiencing any symptoms , thus far . '
I ’ m not concerned at all ' : Trump says he 's not worried as coronavirus arrives in DC area More : Coronavirus is spreading in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from symptoms to how to protect yourself Symptoms can range from mild to severe , and some people do n't have any symptoms at all .
The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever , tiredness and dry cough .
Some people also develop aches and pains , nasal congestion , runny nose , sore throat or diarrhea .
Symptoms may appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure , with the average patient seeing onset at around five days , according to the CDC .
The North Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Meadows is also self-isolating after being advised this past weekend that he may have come in contact with the individual at C-PAC .
The statement also includes that Meadows was tested for coronavirus “ out of an abundance of caution , ” despite `` experiencing zero symptoms . ''
However , he 'll remain home `` until the 14 day period expires this Wednesday . ''
Trump announced Friday that Meadows would be his new chief of staff .
The Florida Republican announced he was self-quarantining Monday after he was informed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CPAC attendee 11 days ago who tested positive for COVID-19 . ''
Gaetz `` had expected COVID-19 to impact Congress , given the elevated frequency of travel and human contact , and demonstrated his concern last week on the House Floor , '' the statement continued , referring to when he wore a gas mask on the House floor while the chamber voted on a coronavirus funding bill .
He stated Sunday , before the announcement of his self-quarantine , that that move `` was quite serious . ''
The California Democrat is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID19 not through CPAC , as she did not attend the conservative conference .
She said in a statement Monday that , “ Yesterday , I was informed that an individual I met with last week in DC tested positive for COVID-19 .
I am told that individual is self-quarantining and has informed local public health officials . ''
She continued that while doctors have said `` the risk of exposure to me and my staff is considered very low , '' that because of the `` significant number '' of individuals she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My staff and I are working remotely to continue to serve the residents of Ventura County , and my district offices in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard remain open . ''
She continued that they are `` self-monitoring and maintaining social distancing practices . ''
More : AIPAC says two people at DC conference attended by Pence and others have tested positive for coronavirus The Georgia Republican announced Monday that he will self-quarantine for two weeks due to contact with the person who tested positive at CPAC .
`` This afternoon , I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for # COVID19 , '' Collins tweeted .
`` While I am not experiencing any symptoms , I have decided to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution . ''
Gosar , an Arizona Republican , said Sunday he was with the `` individual for an extended period of time , and we shook hands several times . ''
He said while he was not experiencing any symptoms , he along with three senior members of his office staff would be self-quarantining themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his Washington office `` out of an abundance of caution . ''
More : Rep. Paul Gosar , symptom-free for coronavirus , says he 'd rather 'die gloriously in battle' He later tweeted : `` Been thinking about life and mortality today .
I 'd rather die gloriously in battle than from a virus .
In a way it does n't matter .
But it kinda does . ''
The Texas Republican said in a statement Sunday that he shook hands with the CPAC individual , and had a brief conversation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel fine and healthy , '' Cruz said , explaining that the interaction lasted `` less than a minute '' and medical professionals he 's consulted have told him the `` odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low . ''
`` Nevertheless , out of an abundance of caution , and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind , I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the CPAC interaction , '' he continued .
Subscribe to USA TODAY 'S coronavirus newsletter : Keep up with the latest on COVID-19 with USA TODAY 's daily newsletter , Coronavirus Watch .
It covers everything from safety recommendations to urgent travel updates to market impact .

'Abundance of caution': Several lawmakers quarantine out of fear of contact with coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus vs. flu: Which is worse? USA TODAY answers a question you may be wondering: Is coronavirus worse than the flu? USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Several lawmakers have self-quarantined , or vowed to stay away from the U.S. Capitol in some capacity, after coming into contact with individuals who are testing positive for coronavirus, or testing positive for the disease.
Most lawmakers have said that they are not experiencing any symptoms, thus far. However, three have now said that they tested positive.
More: Here's how Trump and his top advisers who may have been exposed to coronavirus are handling it
More: Coronavirus is spreading in the US. Here's everything to know, from symptoms to how to protect yourself
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and some people don't have any symptoms at all. The most common symptoms resemble the flu and include fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people also develop aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
Symptoms may appear anywhere between two to 14 days after exposure, with the average patient seeing onset at around five days, according to the CDC.
More: U.S. passes Italy, China as nation with the most confirmed cases of COVID-19
Lawmakers who have tested positive:
Congressman Neal Dunn
The office of Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., announced April 9 he had a positive test for the coronavirus after visiting the emergency room "out of an abundance of caution" the evening of April 6. Dunn, 67, was not admitted to the hospital, but met the guidelines to receive testing.
Dunn's office said he is quarantining at home and expects "a full recovery soon."
“He is keenly interested in new and faster testing to help everyone understand their risks … (and) reminds everyone that it is important for us all to stay home unless they are an essential employee or need essential items from stores or pharmacies," his office said in a statement.
Congressman Mike Kelly
Rep. Mike Kelly, R-PA., announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, March 27, after experiencing flu-like symptoms earlier this week.
Kelly said that he was tested "at the drive-through testing site" at a Butler, Pennsylvania, hospital.
"My symptoms remain mild, and I will serve the 16th district from home until I fully recover," his statement said, continuing that Kelly was "not in Washington for the House vote on the third coronavirus relief package" but that he would have voted in favor of it.
More: Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus intended to halt economic meltdown - live updates
Congressman Joe Cunningham
Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-S.C., announced a positive test for the coronavirus on Friday, March 27.
"While I otherwise feel fine, since March 17th I have been unable to smell or taste, which I learned this week is a potential symptom of COVID-19," he said. Cunningham said he was tested on Thursday after a remote consultation with a physician and received a positive result on Friday.
"While my symptoms have begun to improve, I will remain at home until I know it is safe to leave self-quarantine," Cunningham said in a statement, adding that he would continue to work remotely.
Cunningham said he had been in self-quarantine since March 19 after coming into contact with another member of Congress who tested positive.
Sen. Rand Paul
After more than a week of downplaying his potential exposure to the coronavirus after three people at a fundraiser he attended tested positive, Paul's office said it was that event that prompted him to take the test that revealed he had contracted the illness. He announced March 22 that he was positive, but asymptomatic.
More: Rand Paul's coronavirus infection sends shockwaves through Senate during major stimulus debate
Sergio Gor, Paul's deputy chief of staff, said the Kentucky Republican is in a higher-risk category after having part of his lung removed last year after it was damaged in a 2017 assault by his neighbor.
Paul's office said in a statement that he "expects to be back in the Senate after his quarantine period ends and will continue to work for the people of Kentucky at this difficult time."
More: Trump to use wartime act to ease shortage of coronavirus test kits, FEMA says
Paul's diagnosis also raised questions about his behavior after he continued to attend events and use shared facilities as he awaited the test results.
Paul said on April 7 he had been re-tested with a negative result and started volunteering at a local hospital.
Congressman Ben McAdams
McAdams said Wednesday, March 18, he started developing mild symptoms on Saturday after returning from Washington, D.C., and immediately began isolating himself after consultation with his doctor.
"On Tuesday, my doctor instructed me to get tested for COVID-19 and following his referral, I went to the local testing clinic for the test," his he said in a statement reads. "Today I learned that I tested positive."
More: Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-9?
McAdams said that he is self-quarantining and working from home "until I know it it is safe to end my self-quarantine. I'm doing my part as all Americans are doing to contain the spread of the virus and mitigate the coronavirus outbreak."
In an update Sunday, March 22, that he has been hospitalized since Friday because of “severe shortness of breath.”
He said Tuesday, March 24 that he remains "in the hospital on the advice of doctors. They are monitoring my occasional need for supplemental oxygen and have advised me that I still need to be here."
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart
Diaz-Balart announced Wednesday, March 18, that he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first known member of Congress to contract the rapidly spreading virus.
He said in a statement that he has been self-quarantining since March 13 in Washington instead of South Florida, because his wife has pre-existing conditions, and thus is more susceptible to contracting the coronavirus.
More: First member of Congress tests positive for coronavirus; Senate OKs bill for sick leave, free testing - updates
Diaz-Balart said thatthe following day, he started to show symptoms that included a fever and headache.
"I want everyone to know that I am feeling much better," he said in a statement. "However, it is important that everyone take this extremely seriously and follow CDC guidelines in order to avoid getting sick and mitigate the spread of this virus. We must continue to work together to emerge stronger as a country during these trying times."
Lawmakers who are self-quarantining:
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
The Texas Democrat said Thursday, March 26, that she is self-quarantining after experiencing symptoms and a fever.
"Congresswoman Fletcher sought professional medical treatment out of an abundance of caution. At the determination of her physician, she was tested for COVID-19 today. She will continue to work from home until she receives her test results," a statement from her office reads.
More: Trump sends letter to governors ahead of plan to categorize at-risk counties
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley
Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., said Wednesday, March 25, that she is self-quarantining at home with family, "After experiencing flu-like symptoms."
A statement from spokeswoman Lina Francis continued, "Congresswoman Pressley sought professional medical treatment out of an abundance of caution. She has been tested for COVID-19 and is awaiting test results."
Pressley tweeted Thursday: "Sending our continued gratitude to all of the healthcare workers on the frontlines of this fight in Massachusetts."
More: Trump, G-20 leaders say they're 'injecting' $5 trillion into global economy, vow to share health data
Congresswoman Katie Porter
Rep. Katie Porter, D-Calif., said Wednesday, March 25 that she stayed home after experiencing "cold-like symptoms followed by fatigue" last week, and that she now has a fever.
"Over the weekend, I had a fever over 100.4 degrees. As instructed, I continued to isolate in my bedroom and phoned my provider. I carefully followed all instructions to visit my doctor and received a test for COVID-19. I am waiting for results," she said in a statement.
She continued, "I will remain in self-quarantine until I have the test results back and until directed by my doctor that it is safe for me to leave my home. I am participating by telephone in Congressional business and listening to the concerns of our Orange County community."
Congressman Seth Moulton
Rep. Seth Mouton, D-Mass., said Wednesday, March 25, he and his wife will self-quarantine after experiencing “symptoms of the COVID-19 virus,” but he said they don’t qualify for testing.
Moulton said a House doctor advised a test wasn’t needed because he and his wife, Liz, had only minor symptoms and the results wouldn’t change their treatment. He said he will stay at home “out of an abundance of caution” and could miss key votes in Washington as a result.
More: $1,200 cash payments, help for businesses: Here's what's in the historic stimulus package for coronavirus
Moulton, a 41-year-old former Marine , said his symptoms began last Thursday with a sore throat, body aches, unusual fatigue and “tightness in my chest, to a degree I’ve never felt before.” .
“I have been steadily improving and even went for a run yesterday, carefully keeping my distance from others, but I don’t want to risk the chance that I pass this, or whatever other respiratory illness I have if it is not the coronavirus, on to a colleague or fellow traveler. It’s our responsibility – all of ours – to stop the spread of this virus and help flatten the curve.”
Moulton said, “People with symptoms should be tested, and the fact that tests are not available for Liz and me and far too many other Americans, a month after I wrote to the Vice President demanding more widespread testing, is a major failure of the Administration that I will continue fighting to fix.”
Congressman Josh Gottheimer
The Democratic representative from New Jersey announced on March 24 that he will self-quarantine after attending a press conference on March 15 with the CEO of Holy Name Medical Center, Mike Maron, who has tested positive for coronavirus.
More: The $2 trillion stimulus is the biggest in history. How does it compare to 9/11, financial crisis bills?
"The Congressman was advised to get tested and self-quarantine pending the results. The Congressman has had no symptoms and continues to work around-the-clock for the Fifth District from his home," a statement said.
Sen. Mike Lee
Sen. Mike Lee, R-UT., said March 22 that after learning Paul tested positive, he was advised to self-quarantine.
Attending Physician of the U.S. Congress Dr. Harding told Lee, according to his statement, "because I have no symptoms or other risk factors, a COVID-19 test was not warranted. However, given the timing, proximity, and duration of my exposure to Sen. Paul, he directed me to self-quarantine for 14 days."
Lee added, "That means no traveling or voting. But I will continue to make sure Utah's voice is heard as we shape the federal response to the Coronavirus through phone, text, email and whatever other means are available."
More: Where's Fauci? Doctor's absence is noticed at White House coronavirus briefing
Sen. Mitt Romney
Senator Mitt Romney, R-UT., said Tuesday, March 24, he tested negative for COVID-19. He began self-quarantining after contact with Paul last week.
Romney said despite the negative test, he will remain self-quarantined at his home in Utah.
'No functioning economy unless we control the virus': Lindsey Graham, Liz Cheney warn Trump not to ease guidelines
“Nevertheless, guidance from my physician, consistent with the CDC guidelines, requires me to remain in quarantine as the test does not rule out the onset of symptoms during the 14-day period,” he said in a statement.
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., told the Miami Herald she plans to self-quarantine in Miami on the advice of her doctor after attending a meeting with Diaz-Balart last Wednesday.
She said she is currently not experiencing any symptoms.
Coronavirus: State Department tells Americans: 'Do not travel' abroad, come home if overseas
Congressman Andy Kim
The Democratic representative from New Jersey said on March 19 that he received "word that a Member of Congress, who I was in direct contact with, tested positive for COVID-19. The health of our community must be our top priority, so I’ve decided to self-quarantine, and I want to strongly encourage anyone in a similar situation to take the same action."
Congresswoman Sharice Davids
Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kans., said March 19 she will self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution after "contact with a fellow member of Congress who recently tested positive for COVID-19."
"I'm thankfully feeling well and have not experienced any symptoms," her statement continued. "But as I've said before, we all have a role to play in reducing the spread of this virus, and that means self-quarantining when appropriate."
Congressman David Price
Rep. David Price, D-N.C., said March 19 that after learning one of his "colleagues with whom I work closely has tested positive for COVID-19," he would be "self-quarantining and working from home through March 25th" as a precautionary measure."
"Fortunately, neither I, nor staff members in contact with the member, have experienced any symptoms," his statement continued.
More: US coronavirus cases top 10,400, Trump touts two potential 'exciting' treatments
Congressman Tom Cole
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said in a statement on March 19 he would self-quarantine following news that Diaz-Balart tested positive for COVID-19, saying he was "around him for an extended period last week."
"Out of an abundance of caution, I am following the doctor's instructions to self-quarantine until March 27," he continued, reiterating he has "no symptoms and feel fine."
Congressman Anthony Brindisi
Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-N.Y., said on March 19 that he would self-quarantine and telework from his home due to prior contact with McAdams.
"I am not exhibiting any symptoms and remain in good health," his statement continued. "I urge everyone to follow guidance from the CDC and other health experts so we can fight this global pandemic."
Grim milestone: Italy's coronavirus deaths surpass China's
Congresswoman Kendra Horn
The Democratic representative from Oklahoma said on March 19 she "would self quarantine for a two-week period following contact with" McAdams, who tested positive for coronavirus.
Her statement continued that she "shows no symptoms of illness and is self quarantining out of precaution at the recommendation of the House of Representatives Attending Physician."
Congressman Matt Cartwright
Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., said March 18 he "received confirmation that someone I interacted with over the weekend has tested positive for #COVID19."
"I'm not showing any symptoms, but out of caution, I am self-quarantining. Know that I'll continue to work hard to fight this pandemic," he said.
Congresswoman Kathleen Rice
Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-N.Y., said in a statement on March 18 that she learned she was in contact with a colleague who tested positive.
While Rice said she is "currently not experiencing any symptoms and feel healthy and well," she will be self-quarantining until Friday, March 27.
Stimulus check: What we know (and don't)
Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy
Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla. said March 18 that she was in contact with a colleague last Friday who "has tested positive for COVID-19."
In the statement, Murphy said that she "thankfully experiencing no symptoms and remain in good health."
Congresswoman Ann Wagner
Rep. Ann Wagner, R-MO, said in a statement March 18 that after participating "in a small group meeting with a colleague who has since tested positive for COVID-19," she was going into self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution.
"While I feel fine and am not exhibiting any symptoms, I will follow the advice of the Attending Physician until cleared. In the meantime I will continue to work remotely through teleconference as Congress works to provide a strong and effective response for everyone impacted by this virus," she said.
More: Tradition-bound Congress considers voting remotely as coronavirus illnesses hit home
Congressman Steve Scalise
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., on Wednesday, March 18, announced he will be self-quarantining after meeting last week with his colleague Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, who announced Wednesday that he tested positive.
Scalise, the House minority whip, is the highest ranking member of Congress so far to self-quarantine.
“Fortunately, I am not experiencing any symptoms, and will continue working remotely on Congress’ Coronavirus response, and will remain in close contact with the Trump administration’s Coronavirus task force, my colleagues in Congress, as well as local officials and health professionals in Louisiana to ensure that swift action to address this crisis continues,” his statement said.
COVID-19 job cuts: Layoffs accelerate as coronavirus disrupts American economy
Congressman Drew Ferguson
Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., said Wednesday, March 18, he will self-quarantine after "the Attending Physician of the United States Congress informed me that I was in contact with a member of Congress on March 13th that has since tested positive for COVID-19."
"After heeding the advice of the President, Governor Kemp and at the direction of the House physician, I will self-quarantine until March 27th. I am asymptomatic and will continue to work from my home in West Point, Ga," his statement continued.
Sen. Cory Gardner
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., released a statement on Tuesday, March 17, saying he has decided to self-quarantine after meeting with a "Coloradan who visited my Washington office for a constituent meeting" who has tested positive for coronavirus.
Gardner said he is not showing any symptoms, but is self-quarantining out of an "abundance of caution."
He also said "the health and safety of Coloradans and Americans across the nation is my top priority, and I will continue working to make sure Congress provides the resources needed to help combat the spread of COVID-19."
'Extraordinary circumstances': Congress mulls voting remotely to avoid coronavirus threat
Congressman Jason Crow
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., released a statement shortly after Gardner's announcement of a self-quarantine on March 17, with Crow saying he will do the same after he also met with a constituent who tested positive for COVID-19.
His full statement noted that he currently has no symptoms, but "we have to treat any possible exposure with the utmost caution."
'A big, bold package': Trump calls for pumping $1 trillion into economy to counter coronavirus hit
"This is a pandemic and it's incumbent upon every American to do their part," his statement continued. "While at home, I look forward to working full steam ahead to provide the federal resources our community needs to address this crisis."
Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., said Monday, March 16, that she was self-quarantining after contact with someone who tested positive.
"I didn't physically contact this individual and I consulted with the Office of the Attending Physician, who informed me that my risk for contracting COVID-19 is low," her statement said. "While I have not shown any symptoms, I will follow guidance from public health officials and practice social distancing and self-quarantine to protect others from potential exposure."
More: Trump acknowledges U.S. 'may be' headed for recession, says Americans could be hunkered down until summer
Congressman Ben Ray Luján
Rep. Ben Ray Luján, the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, said Monday, March 16, that he plans to self-quarantine after a brief interaction with someone who tested positive, but was asymptomatic.
The New Mexico Democrat said he is "exhibiting no symptoms" but "out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the public, the congressman has chosen to self-quarantine."
Vice President Mike Pence: 'I’ve not been tested yet’ for coronavirus
Congressman David Schweikert
Republican congressman David Schweikert of Arizona said on March 15 that after learning "a member of our DC team" tested positive, he would be working from home "until otherwise told by doctors."
Congressman John Yarmuth
The Kentucky Democrat tweeted March 15 that he will self-quarantine after he attended the "Speed Ball" fundraiser where two attendees tested positive for COVID-19.
Yarmuth tweeted Sunday the individual he came into contact with "displayed no obvious symptoms at the time of our contact. Upon learning this, and after consult with my doctor, I made the decision to stay at home and will self-quarantine for the remainder of this week’s District Work Period.”
On Monday, March 16, he updated his status, saying that he has tested negative for the coronavirus.
More: U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth tests negative for the coronavirus after attending the Speed Ball
"My COVID-19 test results came back negative," Yarmuth tweeted. "I plan to continue working from home and will avoid going out in order to do my part as we all work to practice safe and precautionary distancing to help defeat this pandemic."
Congressman Adam Schiff
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., tweeted Sunday, March 15, that he is taking precautionary measures after Daniel Goldman, who worked with Schiff as the former House Intelligence Committee counsel, tested positive for coronavirus.
"Medical professionals believe that my former staff member likely contracted the virus after leaving the office, but we will still be taking additional precautions over the next few days," Schiff said in a statement.
More: Coronavirus relief package, including paid sick leave, could take days to reach Trump's desk
Goldman was the Democrats' lead lawyer during the impeachment trial of Trump. He began tweeting about his symptoms, and the challenges of getting a test, a few days ago.
"My difficulty in getting a test despite the exact symptoms and a neg flu test underscores how shockingly unprepared this administration is to deal with this pandemic," Goldman tweeted. "In fact, I was told that NYC hospitals STILL would not test my wife — with similar symptoms — unless admitted."
Sen. Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Thursday, March 12, that he would self-quarantine after a trip to Trump's Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, where Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was present.
Fabio Wajngarten, Bolsonaro's communications secretary, has tested positive for the coronavirus and that result has been "confirmed by a retest," Bolsonaro's office said in a statement Thursday.
Graham's office put out a statement, saying, "Senator Graham has decided to self-quarantine awaiting the results of a coronavirus test," reiterating it was out of an "abundance of caution."
"This is a precautionary measure. He will continue to work from home," the statement concluded. It did not state whether Graham was symptomatic.
Graham tweeted Sunday, March 15, that he tested negative for coronavirus.
More: G-7 leaders vow to do 'whatever is necessary' in coronavirus pandemic - live updates
"I was just informed by Dr. Moynihan, the head of the House Physicians Office, that my coronavirus test was NEGATIVE. I’m very grateful and like everyone else will follow the best practices to stay negative," he said.
Sen. Rick Scott
The Florida Republican announced Thursday, March 12, that he would be self-quarantining after potentially coming into contact with a member of the Brazilian president's delegation in Miami who later tested positive for coronavirus.
More: President Trump met with Brazil official at Mar-a-Lago who has now tested positive for coronavirus
Scott said he will self-quarantine "in an abundance of caution" after he had contact with Wajngarten. In a statement, Scott said the Brazilian Embassy alerted his office after Wajngarten tested positive – a result that came days after Scott met with Bolsaonaro in Miami.
"While I do not believe I interacted with the infected person, that individual was in the same room as me," Scott's said. The embassy said Wajngarten had no symptoms leading up to the meeting or on that day.
Scott added he is feeling healthy and is not having symptoms at this time.
Congressman Don Beyer
The Democrat, who represents the Virginia suburbs of D.C., said March 10 that he and his wife were contacted by the Virginia Department of Health about the illness of a friend who tested positive for coronavirus "after dining with us."
"In the 10 days since that dinner neither of us has shown symptoms, and we understand that the probability that we have an infection is low," his statement continued, but he reiterated that "at the request of public health officials, I will self-quarantine to ensure that I do not pass on any potential illness to others."
More: You asked us tons of questions about the coronavirus. We're answering them.
Congressman Mark Meadows
The North Carolina Republican's spokesman said the night of March 9 that the Meadows is also self-isolating after being advised that he may have come in contact with the individual at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, in late February who had tested positive for the virus.
The statement also included that Meadows was tested for coronavirus “out of an abundance of caution,” despite "experiencing zero symptoms."
However, he'll remain home "until the 14 day period expires this Wednesday."
Trump announced Friday that Meadows would be his new chief of staff.
Congressman Matt Gaetz
The Florida Republican announced he was self-quarantining on March 9 after he was informed that he "came into contact with a CPAC attendee 11 days ago who tested positive for COVID-19."
Gaetz "had expected COVID-19 to impact Congress, given the elevated frequency of travel and human contact, and demonstrated his concern last week on the House Floor," the statement continued, referring to when he wore a gas mask on the House floor while the chamber voted on a coronavirus funding bill.
He stated Sunday, before the announcement of his self-quarantine, that that move "was quite serious."
Congresswoman Julia Brownley
The California Democrat was the first lawmaker to cite contact with COVID19 not through CPAC, as she did not attend the conservative conference.
She said in a statement on March 9 that, “Yesterday, I was informed that an individual I met with last week in DC tested positive for COVID-19. I am told that individual is self-quarantining and has informed local public health officials."
She continued that while doctors have said "the risk of exposure to me and my staff is considered very low," that because of the "significant number" of individuals she comes into contact with everyday, "My staff and I are working remotely to continue to serve the residents of Ventura County, and my district offices in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard remain open."
She continued that they are "self-monitoring and maintaining social distancing practices."
More: AIPAC says two people at DC conference attended by Pence and others have tested positive for coronavirus
Congressman Doug Collins
The Georgia Republican announced March 9 that he would self-quarantine for two weeks due to contact with the person who tested positive at CPAC.
"This afternoon, I was notified by CPAC that they discovered a photo of myself and the patient who has tested positive for #COVID19," Collins tweeted. "While I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine out of an abundance of caution."
Congressman Paul Gosar
Gosar, an Arizona Republican, said on March 8 that he had interacted with the C-PAC "individual for an extended period of time, and we shook hands several times." He said while he was not experiencing any symptoms, he along with three senior members of his office staff would be self-quarantining themselves.
Gosar said he would also close his Washington office "out of an abundance of caution."
More: Rep. Paul Gosar, symptom-free for coronavirus, says he'd rather 'die gloriously in battle'
He later tweeted: "Been thinking about life and mortality today. I'd rather die gloriously in battle than from a virus. In a way it doesn't matter. But it kinda does."
Sen. Ted Cruz
The Texas Republican said in a statement on March 8 that he shook hands with the CPAC individual, and had a brief conversation.
"I am not experiencing any symptoms and I feel fine and healthy," Cruz said, explaining that the interaction lasted "less than a minute" and medical professionals he's consulted have told him the "odds of transmission from the other individual to me were extremely low."
"Nevertheless, out of an abundance of caution, and because of how frequently I interact with my constituents as a part of my job and to give everyone peace of mind, I have decided to remain at my home in Texas this week, until a full 14 days have passed since the CPAC interaction," he continued.
However, Cruz later announced that he was extending his self-quarantine after "a second interaction" with someone who tested positive.
"On March 3, I met in my D.C. office with Santiago Abascal, the leader of the Vox Party in Spain," Cruz said, adding, "My understanding is that Mr. Abascal tested positive for COVID-19 last night."
He reiterated he does not have symptoms, but criticized the Trump's administration rollout of tests, saying it has been "undoubtedly" too slow.
Stay updated on coronavirus news
Subscribe to USA TODAY'S coronavirus newsletter: Keep up with the latest on COVID-19 with USA TODAY's daily newsletter, Coronavirus Watch. It covers everything from safety recommendations to urgent travel updates to market impact.
Contributing: Christal Hayes, Grace Hauck, Joseph Garrison


usatoday--2020-03-10--Tuesday primary elections: Get live results updates from six states

It 's not Super Tuesday , but tonight is expected to be a big one for the Democratic presidential race @ @ @ @ @ down to Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden .
Biden holds the @ @ @ @ @ with 664 , while Sanders trails slightly with 573 delegates .
To become the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ 1,991 delegates .
Tuesday brings a mini-version of last week 's Super Tuesday , with @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota and Washington – worth a combined 352 @ @ @ @ @ have live coverage of the primaries all night and you can get results as they @ @ @ @ @ polls close .

Tuesday Democratic primary elections: Get live results updates from six states
Show Caption Hide Caption Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
It's not Super Tuesday, but tonight is expected to be a big one for the Democratic presidential race, which has essentially come down to Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden.
Biden holds the lead in national pledged delegates with 664, while Sanders trails slightly with 573 delegates. To become the Democratic nominee, candidates must earn 1,991 delegates.
Tuesday brings a mini-version of last week's Super Tuesday, with six states – Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington – worth a combined 352 delegates.
USA TODAY will have live coverage of the primaries all night and you can get results as they start coming in after the polls close.
Live primary results
Contributing: Rebecca Morin


usatoday--2020-03-10--Here's what to watch for in Tuesday's Michigan primary

DETROIT – Joe Biden is favored to win Tuesday 's Michigan Democratic primary .
Bernie Sanders , as he did four years ago , wants to prove the pollsters wrong .
Both have a lot at stake .
Biden wants to deliver a knockout blow .
Sanders wants to hold on to continue fighting for the nomination .
Michigan , with 125 delegates to be split between the candidates depending on the outcome , is the biggest prize of six states voting Tuesday , which together account for 352 delegates .
By the time Tuesday 's results are finalized , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward the eventual nomination will have been awarded .
Here 's what to watch for in Michigan as the results come in on Tuesday night : First , do n't expect the race to be called at 8 p.m .
Polls close in most of the state at 8 p.m .
ET , though there are a few counties at the extreme western end of the Upper Peninsula in the Central time zone , meaning their polls wo n't close until 9 p.m. Eastern .
With people still voting there , the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until those polls close to call a race .
Given the stakes in this election and Sanders ' surprise victory over Hillary Clinton four years ago , it 's also possible that media organizations will wait until they start to see a substantive number of votes come in before they call the race , even if it looks like one candidate may be winning handily .
Watch the exit polls for the age of voters , other data The exit polls of voters paid for by the major news organizations are n't perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tandem with what polls have predicted , to help project a winner .
If they suggest Biden , who appears to have a double-digit lead in the polls , has an insurmountable edge across the state , expect an early call .
Those exit polls also provide a wealth of other data about what voters said .
So watch for that .
Primary day : What to watch for during the Tuesday primaries Sanders has an edge with younger voters , so if they appear to make up a big share of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % – that could suggest a good night for him .
If older voters are coming out in droves , that 's good for Biden .
Polls also show Biden is doing better with voters who consider beating Trump a priority and with voters who made up their minds on whom to back in recent days : If exit polls show more voters fall into those categories , it bodes well for Biden .
It may seem counter-intuitive in a Democratic primary , but four years ago , Sanders won by doing exceeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of as traditionally friendly to Democrats .
In Kent County , where Grand Rapids is located , Sanders got more votes relative to Clinton voters than any other county in the state .
And that pattern was also true in some other traditionally Republican counties such as Ottawa in west Michigan , Grand Traverse up north and Livingston in Detroit 's exurbs .
To win , he may need to do well in those places once again .
If he 's struggling , it will be hard for him to win .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in college counties , especially Washtenaw , where the University of Michigan ’ s flagship Ann Arbor campus is located , and Ingham , which is home to Michigan State University in East Lansing , must show itself in large numbers if he is to win .
With polls showing older voters trending toward Biden , this will be a key indicator of whether the younger vote has any chance of off-setting that .
Keep an eye on metro Detroit Sanders lost the state ’ s biggest region four years ago and still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory over Clinton .
In Wayne County , the state 's largest county , Clinton beat him by 22 percentage points and still lost .
But metro Detroit still accounts for a huge number of votes , so if either candidate is doing particularly well in the region , he has a leg up .
That means not only watching Wayne County and Detroit , but Oakland County , where Clinton won by a much more modest 4 percentage points , and Macomb County , where Clinton 's narrow victory – 1.4 percentage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems that dogged her in the primary and general election in 2016 .
“ It ’ s always about metro Detroit , ” said veteran consultant Eddie McDonald , who has worked with numerous political campaigns in and around Detroit .

Here's what to watch for in Tuesday's Michigan primary
DETROIT – Joe Biden is favored to win Tuesday's Michigan Democratic primary. Bernie Sanders, as he did four years ago, wants to prove the pollsters wrong. Both have a lot at stake.
Biden wants to deliver a knockout blow. Sanders wants to hold on to continue fighting for the nomination.
Michigan, with 125 delegates to be split between the candidates depending on the outcome, is the biggest prize of six states voting Tuesday, which together account for 352 delegates. By the time Tuesday's results are finalized, 47% of all the available delegates toward the eventual nomination will have been awarded.
Here's what to watch for in Michigan as the results come in on Tuesday night:
First, don't expect the race to be called at 8 p.m.
Polls close in most of the state at 8 p.m. ET, though there are a few counties at the extreme western end of the Upper Peninsula in the Central time zone, meaning their polls won't close until 9 p.m. Eastern. With people still voting there, the right move in any election is to wait until those polls close to call a race.
Given the stakes in this election and Sanders' surprise victory over Hillary Clinton four years ago, it's also possible that media organizations will wait until they start to see a substantive number of votes come in before they call the race, even if it looks like one candidate may be winning handily.
Watch the exit polls for the age of voters, other data
The exit polls of voters paid for by the major news organizations aren't perfect, but they are used, in tandem with what polls have predicted, to help project a winner. If they suggest Biden, who appears to have a double-digit lead in the polls, has an insurmountable edge across the state, expect an early call.
Those exit polls also provide a wealth of other data about what voters said. So watch for that.
Primary day: What to watch for during the Tuesday primaries
Sanders has an edge with younger voters, so if they appear to make up a big share of the electorate – say, well over 20% – that could suggest a good night for him. If older voters are coming out in droves, that's good for Biden.
Polls also show Biden is doing better with voters who consider beating Trump a priority and with voters who made up their minds on whom to back in recent days: If exit polls show more voters fall into those categories, it bodes well for Biden.
Watch more traditionally GOP areas and college counties
It may seem counter-intuitive in a Democratic primary, but four years ago, Sanders won by doing exceeding well in parts of Michigan not thought of as traditionally friendly to Democrats. In Kent County, where Grand Rapids is located, Sanders got more votes relative to Clinton voters than any other county in the state. And that pattern was also true in some other traditionally Republican counties such as Ottawa in west Michigan, Grand Traverse up north and Livingston in Detroit's exurbs. To win, he may need to do well in those places once again. If he's struggling, it will be hard for him to win.
At the same time, Sanders' strength in college counties, especially Washtenaw, where the University of Michigan’s flagship Ann Arbor campus is located, and Ingham, which is home to Michigan State University in East Lansing, must show itself in large numbers if he is to win. With polls showing older voters trending toward Biden, this will be a key indicator of whether the younger vote has any chance of off-setting that.
Keep an eye on metro Detroit
Sanders lost the state’s biggest region four years ago and still managed to win a narrow 1.4-percentage-point statewide victory over Clinton. In Wayne County, the state's largest county, Clinton beat him by 22 percentage points and still lost.
But metro Detroit still accounts for a huge number of votes, so if either candidate is doing particularly well in the region, he has a leg up. That means not only watching Wayne County and Detroit, but Oakland County, where Clinton won by a much more modest 4 percentage points, and Macomb County, where Clinton's narrow victory – 1.4 percentage points – was a key indicator of problems that dogged her in the primary and general election in 2016.
“It’s always about metro Detroit,” said veteran consultant Eddie McDonald, who has worked with numerous political campaigns in and around Detroit.
Follow Todd Spangler on Twitter: @tsspangler


usatoday--2020-03-10--Biden, Sanders both cancel Cleveland events due to coronavirus concerns

Biden, Sanders both cancel Cleveland events due to coronavirus concerns -- live primary updates

Follow along today for live updates from primaries across the country .
Voting-rights advocates reported few systemic problems Tuesday , but long lines were seen at college campuses in Michigan where same-day registration is available .
“ Michigan has some extremely long and frankly completely unacceptable lines including on two of our major flagship universities , ” said Sharon Dolente , voting rights strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union in Michigan .
Lines of one to two hours were reported at the University of Michigan , Michigan State and at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo , she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it easier to vote , including allowing registration until polls close at 8 p.m. Dolente said election officials failed to anticipate how many students would turn up and the capacity wasn ’ t available to process them quickly .
“ That ’ s unacceptable , in my opinion , ” Dolente said during a call organized by Election Protection , a coalition of voting-rights groups that monitors problems on election day .
Her group is attempting to deputize poll workers , to get voters processed .
She worried at 6:30 p.m. Eastern that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close .
“ I assume that that line is going to keep growing because right up until 8 p.m. voters are showing up at polling locations , ” Dolente said .
Voters in Missouri , Michigan , and Mississippi see Biden as more electable , AP VoteCast polling says As voters head to the polls for today 's primaries , voters in Michigan , Missouri , and Mississippi saw former Vice President Joe Biden as more electable than Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt , according to VoteCast polling by the Associated Press .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Michigan and Missouri thought Biden could beat Trump , and about 90 % in Mississippi thought he could win , whereas about two-thirds of voters in all three states saw Sanders as able to beat Trump .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Mississippi and Missouri in 2016 , though Sanders won Michigan then .
It also appeared that fewer progressive Democrats turned out in all three states .
Majorities of voters in all three states described themselves as `` moderate '' or `` conservative . ''
Seventy-two percent of Mississippi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 61 % of Missouri Democratic voters described themselves the same way , as did 62 % of Michigan Democratic voters .
Voters in Michigan and Missouri also expressed hesitancy about fundamental political change .
A majority , or 53 % of Democratic voters , in Missouri said they wanted the political system to be restored to how it was before Trump , as opposed to wanting to `` fundamentally change '' the system .
Close to half , or 49 % of Michigan Democratic voters , wanted a restoration to a pre-Trump system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
In Missouri , 45 % wanted a restoration of how the system was before Trump , and 52 % wanted a fundamental change .
AP 's VoteCast polling is conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for seven days leading up to the primary , including as polls closed .
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders both have canceled campaign rallies in Cleveland , Ohio , Tuesday night , citing public health and safety concerns .
Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio in Cuyahoga @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As of March 10 , there are 15 people being tested for possible exposure of coronavirus , also known as COVID-19 .
“ We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials , who have communicated concern about holding large , indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak , ” the Sanders campaign said in a statement .
“ Sen .
Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight.
” Sanders ’ event was going to be at Huntington Convention Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all future “ events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
” Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield tweeted a statement around the same time as Sanders ' statement .
`` In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution , our rally in Cleveland , Ohio tonight is cancelled .
We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events , '' the tweet read .
All eyes are on Michigan as six states head to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Bernie Sanders are separated by fewer than 100 delegates as six states – Idaho , Michigan , Mississippi , Missouri , North Dakota and Washington – head out to vote Tuesday .
Biden currently leads with 664 delegates while Sanders is in striking distance at 573 .
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii also remains in the Democratic primary , but has only amassed two delegates in the first 19 contests .
On the heels of last week 's Super Tuesday , where Biden surpassed Sanders in the delegate race , both candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How coronavirus could affect the six states slated to hold Democratic elections Tuesday Michigan has 125 delegates up for grabs – the most of the day .
And in 2016 , Sanders had a surprising victory in the state over Hillary Clinton , who had been leading in polling .
But Biden got good news Monday with a Detroit Free Press poll showing him in the lead at 51 % support and Sanders at 27 % .
Washington , which has the second most delegates ( 89 ) being awarded Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Sanders neck and neck in recent polling .
Sanders overwhelmingly won Washington in 2016 , and he has won all of the Western states that have held contests so far this year .
Polls show good news for Biden in every state voting Tuesday Polls released this week are good news for Former Vice President Joe Biden , who aims to expand his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders on Tuesday , when six states hold Democratic primaries .
Out of 18 polls on those six races that have been released since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any of the contests ( though some found him within the margin of error ) .
Michigan , Idaho , Missouri , Mississippi , Washington and North Dakota are voting Tuesday .
But the big prize is Michigan , which has the most delegates of all the states holding primaries Tuesday with 125 .
Sanders won the Michigan primary in the 2016 presidential race .
But since Sunday , Biden has led Sanders in all of the eight Michigan polls released .
KC mayor says he was turned away from voting location Kansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to vote because he was n't `` in the system '' at his voting station .
`` I made a video this morning about the importance of voting and then got turned away because I wasn ’ t in the system even though I ’ ve voted there for 11 years , including for myself four times ! ''
tweeted Lucas .
`` Go figure , but that ’ s okay .
We ’ ll be back later today ! ''
The post featured a video of the mayor encouraging the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a ballot that includes the Democratic presidential primary .
Several people told the mayor , who is African-American , that he should not be OK with being turned away .
`` It 's not okay , Mr. Mayor .
A lot of people would n't be able to come back later .
It 's systemic and it 's intentional , '' wrote one Twitter user in response to Lucas ' tweet .
Lucas addressed their concerns in a later tweet , explaining he was `` being Midwestern and passive . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' tweeted Lucas , who said he would further investigate what happened .
`` If the mayor can get turned away , think about everyone else.
, '' he said .
`` We got ta do better . ''
Lucas tried to vote at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church , where he told The Kansas City Star he has cast his ballots since 2009 .
According to the Star , a poll worker searched Lucas ’ name using a utility bill but he did n't come up in the system .
Lauri Ealom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board of Elections , told the Star that the election worker had put the mayor 's first and last name in the wrong fields .
Ealom said things were otherwise running smoothly at that voting location and that the mayor had so far been the only voter to be turned away .

Rebecca Morin and William Cummings, USA TODAY

Bernie Sanders vows to stay in the Democratic race after disappointing showing Tuesday – updates
Show Caption Hide Caption Sanders stays in; looks forward to "one-on-one debate" with Biden Bernie Sanders will soldier on despite a disappointing Tuesday that saw his path to the Democratic presidential nomination narrow considerably. USA TODAY, Wochit
Follow along for live updates from primaries across the country.
Bernie Sanders says he's staying in the race
Bernie Sanders is vowing to soldier on despite a disappointing Tuesday that saw his path to the Democratic presidential nomination narrow considerably.
Sanders said he will be on the debate stage Sunday night in Arizona, the first time since former vice president Joe Biden scored big wins on Super Tuesday and March 10. It will be the first time Biden and Sanders are set to appear on stage without any other candidates.
After Tuesday night's primaries, Biden leads Sanders by nearly 200 pledged national delegates.
Sanders did not speak Tuesday after a disappointing night that saw him lose Democratic primaries in Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi and – the night’s largest prize – Michigan, which he won four years ago when he ran for the nomination against Hillary Clinton.
Biden saw his led in delegates grow thanks to those victories, giving him a sold lead heading into a slate of states next week that are expected to favor the former vice president.
— Ledyard King
Sanders wins North Dakota
Bernie Sanders won the North Dakota caucuses Tuesday, capturing a state that has 14 delegates.
The Vermont senator won the state four years ago, beating Hillary Clinton by nearly 40 percentage points. The Associated Press reported that after votes in Fargo were tallied, Sanders had 53% of the vote compared to 40% by former Vice President Joe Biden.
It was a lone bright spot on a night when former Vice President Joe Biden was racking up big victories in other states holding elections Tuesday, including Mississippi and Missouri.
Bernie Sanders trails Joe Biden in primary, gap widens Bernie Sanders trails Joe Biden in primary election, widening the gap in delegates. Few chances remain to retake the lead as primary calendar closes. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
Joe Biden projected winner of Democratic primary in Idaho
Former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to win the Idaho primary, according to Associated Press voter surveys, where 20 pledged delegates are at stake.
This is Biden’s fourth win of the night, after winning Mississippi, Missouri and Michigan.
Sanders won Idaho in 2016 against Hillary Clinton when the state still had caucuses. Democrats in Idaho held a primary this year for the first time.
This is the second state Sanders has lost Tuesday evening that he won four years ago. He won Michigan in 2016. Currently, Washington is too close to call. That was another state that Sanders won overwhelmingly when he went up against Clinton.
In the general election, President Donald Trump is projected by the Associated Press to win Idaho. He handily won the state in 2016 with more than half the state voting him into office.
- Rebecca Morin
Difference between caucus and primary, explained The 2020 election is nearing and with that, comes the caucuses and primary elections. But what’s the difference? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Washington state proves a close contest
The Washington state contest between former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders remained too close to call Tuesday night.
The candidates each had about 33% of the vote, with about 1 million votes counted and about 290,000 votes on hand to be processed, according to the Washington Secretary of State. The vote was conducted entirely by mail and more ballots could arrive.
Washington, which has 89 delegates, proved the most hotly contested of six states Tuesday. Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi each handed big wins to Biden.
But with two-thirds of Washington’s votes counted, Sanders and Biden were neck and neck. An average of polls in Washington had suggested Biden and Sanders were in a dead heat, with about 35% support each, according to a summary by FiveThirtyEight.com.
- Bart Jansen
Former Vice President Joe Biden conciliatory in victory
Former Vice President Joe Biden struck a conciliatory tone Tuesday in declaring victories in primaries against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in Michigan, Missouri and Mississippi, according to an Associated Press analysis of voter surveys.
“Although there is a way to go, it looks like we’re going to have another good night,” a subdued Biden said in Philadelphia, after canceling a rally in Cleveland because of concerns about the coronavirus.
Biden thanked Sanders and his supporters for their tireless efforts to defeat President Donald Trump, as he sought to unite the party. Biden said the campaign was taking off and he expected to do well from now on.
“We share a common goal and together we’ll defeat Donald Trump,” Biden said. “We’ll defeat him together.”
Three other states were also voting Tuesday: Washington state and Idaho were also holding primaries, and North Dakota held caucuses.
The victories Tuesday built on Biden’s earlier wins in Texas and across southern states, where he capitalized on strong support among African American voters. His win Feb. 29 in South Carolina turned around his campaign. His Super Tuesday wins on March 3 included Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee.
“To all those who have been knocked down, to all those who have been counted out, left behind, this is your campaign,” Biden said. “It’s a comeback for the soul of this nation.”
- Bart Jansen
Sanders losing the states he won four years ago
Bernie Sanders has a big problem that’s making the presidential nomination a fading hope: he’s losing a number of states he won four years ago.
Maine, Minnesota and Oklahoma all went for the Vermont senator in 2016 when he ran against Hillary Clinton. But he lost those three on Super Tuesday last week to Joe Biden.
Then on Tuesday, Sanders suffered perhaps the biggest blow: Michigan is projected to go big for Biden four years after the Wolverine State gave Sanders arguably his most prized victory in 2016.
Sanders, who is reportedly in Vermont, is not expected to speak Tuesday, according to the campaign.
It hasn’t been all bad for Sanders, who won Nevada and California this cycle after losing them to Clinton in 2016.
Barring a big surprise, or a dramatic development at their first one-on-one debate Sunday, it appears increasingly unlikely that Sanders will have a path to the nomination.
Clinton beat Sanders in the four large states - Florida, Illinois and Ohio, Arizona - which vote March 17th, and Georgia on March 24th. Clinton won all five against Sanders in 2016.
- Ledyard King
Yang endorses Biden
Andrew Yang endorsed Joe Biden on CNN Tuesday night.
"The math says Joe is our prohibitive nominee. We need to bring the party together. We need to start working on defeating Donald Trump in the fall," Yang says.
Biden projected to win Michigan for biggest prize Tuesday
Former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to beat Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in Michigan on Tuesday, according to Associated Press voter surveys.
The projected win, coming as polls closed in Michigan, solidifies his lead in the Democratic primaries after turning around his campaign in South Carolina and a majority of Super Tuesday states.
Calling races with no results: How does AP declare winners with 0% reporting?
Michigan’s 125 pledged delegates gave Biden the biggest prize among six state contests Tuesday. His victory was expected, after a Monday poll by EPIC-MRA for the Detroit Free Press showed a healthy lead – 51% to 27% – against Sanders.
The win extended Biden’s lead against Sanders for the Democratic nomination to challenge President Donald Trump. Both candidates looked to Michigan to signal how they would perform across the industrial Midwest, before Ohio and Illinois vote March 17, Wisconsin on April 7 and Pennsylvania on April 28.
Sanders, who narrowly won Michigan against eventual nominee Hillary Clinton in 2016, argued that union workers would support him because of Biden’s support for “disastrous” trade deals. Sanders blamed the loss of millions of good-paying jobs on the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico, and on normalizing trade with China, under what was called Permanent Normal Trade Relations.
But Biden promoted the auto industry bailout that began under President George W. Bush and expanded at the start of President Barack Obama’s administration. The auto bailout helped General Motors and Chrysler weather the Great Recession – and the companies repaid the federal government for the help. By the end of 2018, $63 billion was repaid, the government received $8.4 billion in income and about $16.6 billion was written off as a loss, according to a Congressional Research Service report.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former Gov. Jennifer Granholm each endorsed Biden, saying he was the official who championed the auto industry and the millions of Midwest jobs that depend on it.
“Michigan is not going to forget,” Granholm told CNN. “We were on our knees and Joe Biden picked us up and carried us on his shoulders.”
– Bart Jansen
Trump campaign manager: opponent irrelevant
Trump’s campaign manager, Brad Parscale, said the president is on an unstoppable drive toward re-election, no matter who is the Democratic nominee.
“It has never mattered who the Democrat nominee turns out to be, and now that there are only two options left, it is clear that they are two sides of the same coin,” Parscale said. “The Democrat candidate for president will be running on a big government socialist agenda regardless of the name on the ballot.”
- Bart Jansen
American's oldest gun violence prevention group endorses Biden
Declaring that the 2020 Democratic primary had "all but come to an end," the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, the nation's oldest gun violence prevention group, threw its weight behind former Vice President Joe Biden.
"Based on his record, his character, and his dedication to gun violence prevention, CSGV is proud to endorse Joe Biden. He is the only candidate in this race who has the ability to heal this nation and build a safer America for future generations," the group said in a statement.
The group, which was founded in 1974, was critical of Sen. Bernie Sanders' past positions on gun control but was appreciative of his "embrace" of gun control measures.
After tonight's early results, though, with Biden projected to win Missouri, Mississippi, and Michigan, the group said Sanders' "path to the nomination is no longer viable."
-Nicholas Wu
Large Democratic Super PAC endorses Biden
The chairman of Priorities USA, a large Democratic super PAC with the goal of defeating President Donald Trump, said Tuesday night that they believe the former Vice President will be the nominee, and they are backing him.
The comments came as Biden was being declared the winner of Tuesday night primaries.
“The math is now clear. Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic nominee for President and Priority USA is going to do everything we can to help him defeat Donald Trump in November,” Guy Cecil tweeted Tuesday. “I hope others will join us in the fight.”
Cecil had said earlier that the PAC would "remain neutral" but shifted after it became "clear" that Biden was on his way to being the nominee, according to Politico.
The super PAC — which was founded in 2011 and supported former President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign — had already previously pledged to spend $150 million against Trump.
--Savannah Behrmann
Large Democratic Super PACs endorses Biden
Priority USA and American Bridge, two large outside Democratic super PACs with the goal of defeating President Donald Trump, said Tuesday, after Joe Biden’s wins in key primary states, they will back the former Vice President
“The math is now clear. Joe Biden is going to be the Democratic nominee for President and Priority USA is going to do everything we can to help him defeat Donald Trump in November,” The chairman of Priorities USA Guy Cecil tweeted Tuesday. “I hope others will join us in the fight.”
Bradley Beychok, President and Cofounder of American Bridge, said that the PAC “has been ready to support the eventual Democratic nominee for the last 2 years,” while touting their spending on television ads in key states.
“That work expands bigly tomorrow as we will be ALL IN to elect Joe Biden as our next President,” the tweet continued.
Priorities USA— which was founded in 2011 and supported former President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign — had already previously pledged to spend $150 million against Trump.
- Savannah Behrmann
Biden remains favorite among African American voters
Former Vice President Joe Biden’s projected early wins Tuesday in Mississippi and Missouri continued his strong showing against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders among African American voters.
Biden outpolled Sanders on Tuesday with black voters by 87% to 11% in Mississippi, 70% to 22% in Missouri and 66% to 28% in Michigan, according to exit polling data.
Biden, who served eight years with the first black president, Barack Obama, has said he owes his comeback to black voters. After losing the first contests in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, Biden pinned his hopes on South Carolina, where Biden won big with the Democratic primary electorate 60% black voters.
On Super Tuesday on March 3, Biden swept southern states. He beat Sanders among black voters by 71% to 16% in Virginia, 62% to 17% in North Carolina, 72% to 9% in Alabama and 53% to 20% in Tennessee, according to exit polls.
Age also played a role. Sanders, a Democratic socialist, built his revolutionary campaign on younger voters. The candidates divided voters who are 18 to 29 years old in Mississippi, with Biden supported by 48% and Sanders by 44%. But Sanders beat Biden among younger voters in Missouri by 76% to 19%.
But older voters sided with Biden. Biden also beat Sanders among voters at least 65 years old, by 89% to 9% in Mississippi and by 77% to 17% in Missouri.
- Bart Jansen
Joe Biden is projected to win Mississippi and Missouri
Former Vice President Joe Biden is the projected winner of the Mississippi and Missouri primaries, based on AP's analysis of voter surveys.
Biden and Sanders each campaigned in Missouri, which has 68 pledged delegates. Biden held rallies Saturday in St. Louis, where he said that “we’re going to unite this party and unite this country,” and Kansas City. Sanders rallied supporters in St. Louis on Monday, telling them they provided the enthusiasm to defeat President Donald Trump.
But Biden’s win in Missouri was expected because an average of polls through Monday showed him ahead with nearly 52% support, compared to 31% for Sanders, according to a summary by FiveThirtyEight.com.
Biden was looking to extend his winning streak among states with large African American populations, promoting his endorsements Monday from former primary rivals: Sens. Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey.
Biden found the strongest support in the St. Louis area and in mid-Missouri, while Sanders found backing in the northern and southern parts of the state. Among the Democrats on the state’s congressional delegation, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver endorsed Biden and Rep. Lacy Clay endorsed Harris before she dropped out and hadn’t announced a new selection by Monday.
Biden’s win in Mississippi was expected because he led an average of polls through Monday with nearly 67% support, compared to 22% for Sanders, according to a summary by FiveThirtyEight.com.
Sanders was scheduled to visit Jackson on Friday, but decided instead to focus on Michigan.
Biden spoke at a Jackson church on Sunday and then hosted a rally at Tougaloo College with actress Vivica A. Fox and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
– Bart Jansen
First polls have closed in three states
Voting has ended in the first three of the six “Junior Tuesday” contests that could go far in determining whether Bernie Sanders can blunt the momentum Joe Biden rode during the Super Tuesday primaries a week ago.
Voters participating in primaries in Mississippi and Missouri and caucuses in North Dakota had until 8 p.m. ET to cast ballots. Most polls in Michigan close at 8 p.m. ET, except four counties that close at 9 ET, followed by Idaho and Washington, both at 11 p.m. ET.
Biden is leading with 670 delegates to 574 for Sanders. To win the nomination, a candidate must amass 1,991 delegates. Michigan is the biggest prize with 125 delegates, followed by Washington (89), Missouri (68), Mississippi (36), North Dakota (14), and Idaho (13).
Another 13 delegates are available Tuesday from ballots cast by Democrats living abroad.
– Ledyard King
DNC and CNN announce no live audience for Sunday’s debate amid coronavirus fears
The Democratic National Committee announced Tuesday night that there will be no live audience at Sunday’s debate taking place in Arizona.
“At the request of both campaigns and out of an abundance of caution” amid coronavirus fears.
CNN, the network co-hosting the debate between Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, said their “top priority is the safety of our employees and community members. This extends to guests planning to attend or cover our debate on March 15.”
The network also said that there will not be a press filing center or spin room for reporters covering the campaigns.
More: Coronavirus updates: Suburban New York community to enact 'containment' area
As of Monday afternoon, Arizona's count of new-coronavirus cases was presumed to be six, but more tests were pending, according to the Arizona Republic.
To date, 56 Arizonans have been tested for infection and 44 have had negative results. Six cases of the disease, also known as COVID-19, were either confirmed or presumed positive, and six were pending, meaning there could be more cases announced soon.
Sunday’s debate will be the first time Biden and Sanders are set to appear on stage after Biden’s strong Super Tuesday showing in which Biden took a double-digit delegate lead over Sanders for the party's presidential nomination.
Worldwide, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 113,000 people and left 4,000 dead. In the United States, nearly 1,000 people have tested positive, and around 30 people have died.
–Savannah Behrmann
Coronavirus prompts new polling places to protect elderly
Voting-rights officials said the coronavirus outbreak has had a cascading effect on the primary season, with election officials in states such as Ohio and Illinois that vote March 17 beginning to shift polling places away from senior-citizen homes.
Ohio officials at 88 boards of elections worked to relocate polling sites at residential senior facilities, according to Kristen Clarke, president of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. For example, Franklin County will have 16 different polling places, she said.
“Those 11th-hour polling changes impact over 21,000 voters,” Clarke said on a call organized by Election Protection, a coalition of voting-rights groups that monitor election problems. “Those are all voters who need to be fully notified about the polling site changes to assure that their right to vote is not compromised next Tuesday.”
The changes raise concerns about potentially discouraging senior citizens from voting if they have trouble finding or traveling to new polling places.
“These 11th-hour polling site changes are also happening in Illinois, where they are moving out of senior citizen centers and finding new locations,” Clarke said.
Health officials have warned that the elderly are more at risk of complications from coronavirus. The leading Democratic candidates – former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders – each canceled campaign rallies in Cleveland because of concerns about coronavirus. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued call for more poll workers. And in Florida, election officials in Palm Beach County reported an uptick in mail-in ballots and a dip in poll workers. Officials are working to stock polling places with cleaning supplies, she said.
“All of these changes illustrate the impact that the coronavirus is having on this election season and underscores the need for states to strengthen their level of preparedness,” Clarke said. “Between last week and today’s primary election, we’ve observed a cascading effect that the coronavirus has had on this electoral season.”
--Bart Jansen
Pro-business group tries to stoke resentment among Sanders’ supporters
The Club for Growth is a pro-business lobby dedicated to “defeating big-government politicians and replacing them with pro-growth, limited government conservatives.”
And yet the group’s political arm announced Tuesday it was releasing a digital ad sympathetic to Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described socialist Democrat whose advocacy for Medicare-for-all, the Green New Deal and a steep wealth tax has put him at odds with corporate America.
The ad, titled “Remember,” lays out what it calls the “Democratic Establishment’s war on the presidential campaign of Senator Bernie Sanders.” The 30-second spot paints Sanders as the victim of a campaign by Democratic Party leaders who will “do anything to stop Bernie,” a refrain many of the senator’s supporters often repeat.
“Now the billionaires are propping up Joe Biden … because they own him,” the ad goes on to say. “Don’t let them steal it. And if they do — remember in November.”
The ad will be seen on digital platforms in four key states holding primaries March 17: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio.
The ad comes as Biden is leading Sanders in what has become a two-person contest for the Democratic presidential nomination. Most analysts say – and polls generally confirm – that Biden has a better chance than Sanders of defeating President Donald Trump.
- Ledyard King
Long lines in Michigan
Voting-rights advocates reported few systemic problems Tuesday, but long lines were seen at college campuses in Michigan where same-day registration is available.
“Michigan has some extremely long and frankly completely unacceptable lines including on two of our major flagship universities,” said Sharon Dolente, voting rights strategist for the American Civil Liberties Union in Michigan.
Lines of one to two hours were reported at the University of Michigan, Michigan State and at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, she said.
The state changed its rules to make it easier to vote, including allowing registration until polls close at 8 p.m. Dolente said election officials failed to anticipate how many students would turn up and the capacity wasn’t available to process them quickly.
“That’s unacceptable, in my opinion,” Dolente said during a call organized by Election Protection, a coalition of voting-rights groups that monitors problems on election day.
Her group is attempting to deputize poll workers, to get voters processed. She worried at 6:30 p.m. Eastern that lines might grow longer before the polls close.
“I assume that that line is going to keep growing because right up until 8 p.m. voters are showing up at polling locations,” Dolente said.
--Bart Jansen
Voters in Missouri, Michigan, and Mississippi see Biden as more electable, AP VoteCast polling says
As voters head to the polls for today's primaries, voters in Michigan, Missouri, and Mississippi saw former Vice President Joe Biden as more electable than Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt, according to VoteCast polling by the Associated Press.
About 80% of Democratic primary voters in Michigan and Missouri thought Biden could beat Trump, and about 90% in Mississippi thought he could win, whereas about two-thirds of voters in all three states saw Sanders as able to beat Trump. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton won Mississippi and Missouri in 2016, though Sanders won Michigan then.
It also appeared that fewer progressive Democrats turned out in all three states. Majorities of voters in all three states described themselves as "moderate" or "conservative." Seventy-two percent of Mississippi Democratic voters described themselves that way, 61% of Missouri Democratic voters described themselves the same way, as did 62% of Michigan Democratic voters.
Voters in Michigan and Missouri also expressed hesitancy about fundamental political change. A majority, or 53% of Democratic voters, in Missouri said they wanted the political system to be restored to how it was before Trump, as opposed to wanting to "fundamentally change" the system. Close to half, or 49% of Michigan Democratic voters, wanted a restoration to a pre-Trump system, and 49% wanted a fundamental change. In Missouri, 45% wanted a restoration of how the system was before Trump, and 52% wanted a fundamental change.
AP's VoteCast polling is conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago for seven days leading up to the primary, including as polls closed.
- Nicholas Wu
Biden, Sanders both cancel events due to coronavirus concerns
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders both have canceled campaign rallies in Cleveland, Ohio, Tuesday night, citing public health and safety concerns.
Three cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Ohio in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is located. As of March 10, there are 15 people being tested for possible exposure of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
“We are heeding the public warnings from Ohio state officials, who have communicated concern about holding large, indoor events during the coronavirus outbreak,” the Sanders campaign said in a statement. “Sen. Sanders would like to express his regret to the thousands of Ohioans who had planned to attend the event tonight.”
Sanders’ event was going to be at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. The campaign also said all future “events will be evaluated on a case by case basis.”
Biden campaign manager Kate Bedingfield tweeted a statement around the same time as Sanders' statement.
"In accordance with guidance from public officials and out of an abundance of caution, our rally in Cleveland, Ohio tonight is cancelled. We will continue to consult with public health officials and public health guidance and make announcements about future events," the tweet read.
-- Rebecca Morin
All eyes are on Michigan as six states head to the polls
WASHINGTON – Welcome to Super Tuesday, Part 2.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders are separated by fewer than 100 delegates as six states – Idaho, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota and Washington – head out to vote Tuesday.
Biden currently leads with 664 delegates while Sanders is in striking distance at 573. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii also remains in the Democratic primary, but has only amassed two delegates in the first 19 contests.
On the heels of last week's Super Tuesday, where Biden surpassed Sanders in the delegate race, both candidates have their eyes on Michigan.
Live results: Follow live results from the March 10 primaries
More: How coronavirus could affect the six states slated to hold Democratic elections Tuesday
Michigan has 125 delegates up for grabs – the most of the day. And in 2016, Sanders had a surprising victory in the state over Hillary Clinton, who had been leading in polling.
But Biden got good news Monday with a Detroit Free Press poll showing him in the lead at 51% support and Sanders at 27%.
Washington, which has the second most delegates (89) being awarded Tuesday, could also be close, with Biden and Sanders neck and neck in recent polling. Sanders overwhelmingly won Washington in 2016, and he has won all of the Western states that have held contests so far this year.
Polls show good news for Biden in every state voting Tuesday
Polls released this week are good news for Former Vice President Joe Biden, who aims to expand his delegate lead over Sen. Bernie Sanders on Tuesday, when six states hold Democratic primaries.
Out of 18 polls on those six races that have been released since Sunday, none found Sanders ahead in any of the contests (though some found him within the margin of error).
Michigan, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Washington and North Dakota are voting Tuesday. But the big prize is Michigan, which has the most delegates of all the states holding primaries Tuesday with 125. Sanders won the Michigan primary in the 2016 presidential race. But since Sunday, Biden has led Sanders in all of the eight Michigan polls released.
– Rebecca Morin
KC mayor says he was turned away from voting location
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said he was unable to vote because he wasn't "in the system" at his voting station.
"I made a video this morning about the importance of voting and then got turned away because I wasn’t in the system even though I’ve voted there for 11 years, including for myself four times!" tweeted Lucas. "Go figure, but that’s okay. We’ll be back later today!"
The post featured a video of the mayor encouraging the state's residents to get out and vote on a ballot that includes the Democratic presidential primary.
Several people told the mayor, who is African-American, that he should not be OK with being turned away. "It's not okay, Mr. Mayor. A lot of people wouldn't be able to come back later. It's systemic and it's intentional," wrote one Twitter user in response to Lucas' tweet.
I made a video this morning about the importance of voting and then got turned away because I wasn’t in the system even though I’ve voted there for 11 years, including for myself four times! Go figure, but that’s okay. We’ll be back later today! #Vote #KCMO pic.twitter.com/3mYNrO6jmC — Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) March 10, 2020
Lucas addressed their concerns in a later tweet, explaining he was "being Midwestern and passive."
"It’s really not okay," tweeted Lucas, who said he would further investigate what happened.
"If the mayor can get turned away, think about everyone else.," he said. "We gotta do better."
Lucas tried to vote at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, where he told The Kansas City Star he has cast his ballots since 2009. According to the Star, a poll worker searched Lucas’ name using a utility bill but he didn't come up in the system.
Lauri Ealom, the Democratic director of the Kansas City Board of Elections, told the Star that the election worker had put the mayor's first and last name in the wrong fields.
Ealom said things were otherwise running smoothly at that voting location and that the mayor had so far been the only voter to be turned away.
– William Cummings


usatoday--2020-03-10--Gaetz tests negative for coronavirus but will continues with 14-day self-quarantine

FORT WALTON BEACH , Fla. – U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has tested negative for coronavirus .
The Republican congressman who represents northwest Florida , reported the test results Tuesday afternoon , one day after he learned he had been exposed to someone later identified as a carrier of the disease .
Gaetz got news of his exposure Monday as Air Force One was on its takeoff roll at Orlando Sanford International Airport for a flight back to Washington , D.C. Also onboard the plane , in addition to President Donald Trump , were National Security Adviser Robert O ’ Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grenell .
As Air Force One lifted off , Gaetz got a message form his chief of staff telling him that a person with whom he had taken a photograph nearly two weeks before , during his Feb. 27 appearance at the Conservative Political Action Committee meeting in National Harbor , Maryland , had subsequently been identified as a carrier of coronavirus .
In the days after that exposure , Gaetz ’ s itinerary took him to , among other places , Mar-a-Lago , Trump ’ s resort in Palm Beach .
Once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside of Washington , Gaetz was taken by government vehicle to a government location for coronavirus testing .
He declined to be more specific about that Tuesday .
Even with the negative test result , Gaetz plans to spend the remainder of his self-imposed quarantine in isolation .
That quarantine will expire at around 2 p.m. Thursday , he said , 14 days after his apparent exposure at the CPAC meeting .
Fourteen days is the time during which symptoms of coronavirus are expected to manifest themselves .
It is the recommended quarantine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respiratory virus .

Jim Thompson, Northwest Florida Daily News

Gaetz tests negative for coronavirus but will continue with 14-day self-quarantine
Show Caption Hide Caption Rep. Matt Gaetz tweets photo of him wearing gas mask ahead of coronavirus House vote Matt Gaetz tweeted a photo of him wearing a gas mask. GeoBeats
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz has tested negative for coronavirus.
The Republican congressman who represents northwest Florida, reported the test results Tuesday afternoon, one day after he learned he had been exposed to someone later identified as a carrier of the disease.
Gaetz got news of his exposure Monday as Air Force One was on its takeoff roll at Orlando Sanford International Airport for a flight back to Washington, D.C. Also onboard the plane, in addition to President Donald Trump, were National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien and Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell.
As Air Force One lifted off, Gaetz got a message form his chief of staff telling him that a person with whom he had taken a photograph nearly two weeks before, during his Feb. 27 appearance at the Conservative Political Action Committee meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, had subsequently been identified as a carrier of coronavirus.
In the days after that exposure, Gaetz’s itinerary took him to, among other places, Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s resort in Palm Beach.
Once on the ground at Joint Base Andrews outside of Washington, Gaetz was taken by government vehicle to a government location for coronavirus testing. He declined to be more specific about that Tuesday.
Even with the negative test result, Gaetz plans to spend the remainder of his self-imposed quarantine in isolation. That quarantine will expire at around 2 p.m. Thursday, he said, 14 days after his apparent exposure at the CPAC meeting.
Fourteen days is the time during which symptoms of coronavirus are expected to manifest themselves. It is the recommended quarantine period for someone who might have the respiratory virus.


usatoday--2020-03-10--Trump administration and health officials cause confusion over coronavirus response

President Donald Trump and his administration 's response to coronavirus causes confusion as it often clashes with information from health @ @

Trump administration causing confusion over coronavirus response
President Donald Trump and his administration's response to coronavirus causes confusion as it often clashes with information from health officials.
Wochit


usatoday--2020-03-10--DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress

WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a House committee is entitled to see secret grand jury testimony gathered in former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election .
The split decision by the D.C .
Circuit Court of Appeals affirms a lower court ruling delivered last fall for the Judiciary Committee as the House weighed impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump .
`` The committee has established a particularized need for the redacted grand jury materials it seeks , '' the court ruled .
`` The committee has repeatedly stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new evidence of impeachable offenses , the committee may recommend new articles of impeachment . ''
In December , the House approved two articles of impeachment against the president .
One accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding military aid in order to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into a political rival .
The second accused him of obstructing Congress by stonewalling its subpoenas for documents and testimony .
Trump was acquitted by the Senate on both counts in February , a culmination of months of partisan clashes over accusations he tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden , who is seeking the Democratic nomination .
In a January hearing before the appeals court , House general counsel Douglas Letter left open the possibility of new impeachment articles , pending a review of the grand jury evidence .
“ That is on the table ; there is no doubt , ” Letter told the court .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the ruling `` an unequivocal rejection of the president ’ s insistence that he is above the law '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whose Justice Department had sought to block the committee 's demand .
Pelosi did not , however , indicate how the material would be used since the ruling comes after the impeachment proceedings ended .
`` The Committee remains committed to holding the president accountable to the rule of law and preventing improper interference in law enforcement investigations , ” Nadler said .
The Justice Department said that it was reviewing the ruling .
Mueller ’ s report described multiple instances in which Trump sought to thwart his investigation , which included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove Mueller .
Mueller did not make a decision on bringing criminal charges against Trump , largely because Justice Department policy says a sitting president can not be charged with a crime .
In a separate case , the appeals court ruled in February that McGahn ca n't be forced to testify .
Nadler has argued the panel needs to review the evidence that Barr redacted from the report in order to consider whether the president obstructed justice .
The Justice Department , however , argued the committee wasn ’ t entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains secret , because the panel failed to explain how it would help its investigation .

DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress
WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that a House committee is entitled to see secret grand jury testimony gathered in former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The split decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals affirms a lower court ruling delivered last fall for the Judiciary Committee as the House weighed impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
"The committee has established a particularized need for the redacted grand jury materials it seeks," the court ruled. "The committee has repeatedly stated that if the grand jury materials reveal new evidence of impeachable offenses, the committee may recommend new articles of impeachment."
In December, the House approved two articles of impeachment against the president. One accused Trump of abusing his power by withholding military aid in order to pressure Ukraine to announce investigations into a political rival. The second accused him of obstructing Congress by stonewalling its subpoenas for documents and testimony.
Trump was acquitted by the Senate on both counts in February, a culmination of months of partisan clashes over accusations he tried to cheat in the 2020 presidential election by pressuring Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, who is seeking the Democratic nomination.
In a January hearing before the appeals court, House general counsel Douglas Letter left open the possibility of new impeachment articles, pending a review of the grand jury evidence.
“That is on the table; there is no doubt,” Letter told the court.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the ruling "an unequivocal rejection of the president’s insistence that he is above the law" and a rebuke of Attorney General William Barr, whose Justice Department had sought to block the committee's demand.
Pelosi did not, however, indicate how the material would be used since the ruling comes after the impeachment proceedings ended.
Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., also lauded the ruling.
"The Committee remains committed to holding the president accountable to the rule of law and preventing improper interference in law enforcement investigations,” Nadler said.
The Justice Department said that it was reviewing the ruling.
Mueller’s report described multiple instances in which Trump sought to thwart his investigation, which included ordering then-White House Counsel Don McGahn to remove Mueller. Mueller did not make a decision on bringing criminal charges against Trump, largely because Justice Department policy says a sitting president cannot be charged with a crime.
In a separate case, the appeals court ruled in February that McGahn can't be forced to testify.
Nadler has argued the panel needs to review the evidence that Barr redacted from the report in order to consider whether the president obstructed justice.
The Justice Department, however, argued the committee wasn’t entitled to the grand jury evidence, which typically remains secret, because the panel failed to explain how it would help its investigation.