usatoday--2020-03-09--'Abundance of caution': Several lawmakers self-quarantine out of fear of contact with coronavirus

WASHINGTON – At least five 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know , 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
More : A look at the coronavirus in six states slated to hold Democratic elections Tuesday 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 does n't matter .
But it kinda does . ''
The Georgia Republican announced Monday that he will self-quarantine for two weeks due to contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` 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 . ''
The California Democrat is the first lawmaker to cite contact with COVID19 not through CPAC , as she did not attend the conservative conference .
She said in a statement Monday that , “ Yesterday , I was informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` 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 Florida Republican announced he was self-quarantining Monday 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 . ''
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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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"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."
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."
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"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."
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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."
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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.
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"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.
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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.
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"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.
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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."
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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.
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Contributing: Christal Hayes, Grace Hauck, Joseph Garrison


usatoday--2020-03-09--How coronavirus could affect the six states slated to hold Democratic elections Tuesday

Voters in six states will weigh in Tuesday on the race for the Democratic presidential nomination amid mounting concerns about how the spreading COVID-19 coronavirus disease could affect those elections .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , COVID-19 can be spread when people are in `` close contact , '' which it defines as within 6 feet of each other , or through contact with the droplets produced when a sick person coughs or sneezes .
The CDC says it 's possible to get the illness from a surface that has a virus on it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the main way the virus spreads . ''
Voters may be apprehensive about a process that involves entering a confined , possibly crowded , space where they will use voting equipment that has been touched by many strangers . '
I ’ m not concerned at all ' : Trump says he 's not worried as coronavirus arrives in DC area On Super Tuesday , officials in California and Texas reported that some election workers did not show up for duty on the day of the election , citing coronavirus concerns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ states scheduled to vote this week have confirmed coronavirus cases .
But Washington , which is one of them , has more than 100 cases and has suffered at least 19 deaths from the illness , according to a database from Johns Hopkins University 's Center for Systems Science and Engineering .
Four of the six states , including Washington , offer some form of early voting .
There are more than 550 confirmed coronavirus cases in the USA and there have been 22 deaths related to the outbreak .
Idaho 's Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Monday , the state has no coronavirus cases and that `` the individual risk in Idaho is low at this time . ''
Idaho Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told USA TODAY on Monday that the state 's governor held a press conference last week , `` encouraging Idaho citizens to follow the CDC 's best practices in terms of just making sure that they ’ re washing their hands , taking the precautionary measures the CDC recommends . ''
“ So while we anticipate potential impact more towards our May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow , we don ’ t anticipate a significant impact , and we haven ’ t taken any extraordinary measures outside of just reminding people to utilize those best practices.
” Houck added : “ All of the elections are run on a 44-county independent basis .
So certainly different clerks may choose to , for example , have extra hand sanitizers , things like that at their precinct level within their county , and that ’ s completely at their discretion.
” Michigan , which has the most delegates ( 125 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no COVID-19 cases .
According to the state 's Department of Health and Human Services , as of Sunday , 36 tests have come back negative , 11 test results were still pending and 88 people were `` under active monitoring '' for the disease .
Officials are telling people who will be working in the state 's voting locations to repeatedly use disinfectant wipes on voting booths and equipment , as well as pencils , pens doorknobs , tables , light switches and other surfaces , Reuters reported .
The `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the elections workers to ask voters to spread out in line if they are worried about the virus .
“ All of our precincts have hand sanitizers , and we have sanitizing wipes so that when time allows in between activity , poll workers are instructed to wipe down the booths , wipe down the tables , '' Detroit City Clerk Janice M. Winfrey told USA TODAY .
`` And of course hand sanitizer will be available on the tables for the use of voters.
” There are currently no confirmed coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Department of Health on Monday afternoon .
In a statement provided to USA TODAY , Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said , `` We ’ re encouraging voters to make sure they wash their hands as often as possible and continue to practice good hygiene .
With no confirmed cases in our state , we obviously still want to remain cautious .
We encourage all Mississippians to go vote . ''
There is one coronavirus case in Missouri after officials in St. Louis County announced a `` presumptive positive '' test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient is a woman in her 20s who recently traveled to Italy , one of the countries hardest hit by the outbreak .
The state health department had tested 26 people for the virus , including the woman , as of Saturday night .
Three others were still in progress .
Contacted by USA TODAY on Monday , Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said his office has reached out to local election officials to update them with information as his team receives it and to provide basic recommendations for basic precautions during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public at large is to get out and vote , '' Ashcroft said .
`` It will be safe .
We 're used to having elections during flu season . ''
There have been no reported cases in North Dakota , which holds caucuses on Tuesday .
According to the state 's department of health , as of Friday , there were four people being monitored for COVID-19 symptoms .
`` We are following guidance from the North Dakota Department of Health , and we encourage everyone else to do so as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communications Director for North Dakota Democrats .
`` The current risk of exposure in North Dakota is low '' according to the state department of health `` and at this time we do not expect it to depress turnout . ''
Voters in the state with the most coronavirus cases wo n't have to head into a voting booth if they do n't want to .
Washington allows its residents to vote by mail as long as the ballot is postmarked on or before Tuesday .
Secretary of State Kim Wyman is advising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mail-in ballots , using the slogan , `` Whether healthy or sick , please do n't lick . ''
Wyman said officials are n't certain how long the virus might live on an envelope that was sealed with the saliva of an infected person , so they were issuing the advice as a `` safeguard '' to `` help our folks processing ballot envelopes . ''
She said they are also advising to people processing the ballots to wear gloves .
On Sunday , Gov .
Jay Inslee said on CBS News ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering `` mandatory measures '' aimed at `` reducing the number of social activities that going on . ''
But he did not indicate any new measures were planned ahead of Tuesday 's election .
Contacted by USA TODAY on Monday , Wyman emphasized the precautions the state is already taking in processing the mail-in ballots and the plans it has in place should a ballot processing location or a postal office shut down .
`` All of the people that are opening envelopes and processing ballots are wearing gloves to try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with potentially the virus , '' she said .
`` They wash their hands frequently .
They try to keep a distance from their coworkers .
And that seems to be working OK. '' The top state election official also emphasized that Washington already has `` continuity of operations plans '' it can activate `` if a courthouse has to shut down for a day or a couple of days or a postal office shuts down . ''
`` I think for our voters it 's fairly seamless , '' Wyman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as far as I know , all of our counties are operating at full speed and full capacity .
”

How coronavirus could affect the six states slated to hold Democratic elections Tuesday
Show Caption Hide Caption Your ultimate guide to proper hand-washing When people ask how to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19, one of the first suggestions from doctors is washing your hands. Here are the do's and don'ts. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Voters in six states will weigh in Tuesday on the race for the Democratic presidential nomination amid mounting concerns about how the spreading COVID-19 coronavirus disease could affect those elections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 can be spread when people are in "close contact," which it defines as within 6 feet of each other, or through contact with the droplets produced when a sick person coughs or sneezes. The CDC says it's possible to get the illness from a surface that has a virus on it, though "this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads."
Voters may be apprehensive about a process that involves entering a confined, possibly crowded, space where they will use voting equipment that has been touched by many strangers.
'I’m not concerned at all': Trump says he's not worried as coronavirus arrives in DC area
On Super Tuesday, officials in California and Texas reported that some election workers did not show up for duty on the day of the election, citing coronavirus concerns.
Fortunately, only two of the six states scheduled to vote this week have confirmed coronavirus cases. But Washington, which is one of them, has more than 100 cases and has suffered at least 19 deaths from the illness, according to a database from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering. Four of the six states, including Washington, offer some form of early voting.
There are more than 550 confirmed coronavirus cases in the USA and there have been 22 deaths related to the outbreak.
Idaho
Idaho's Department of Health and Welfare says, as of Monday, the state has no coronavirus cases and that "the individual risk in Idaho is low at this time."
Idaho Deputy Secretary of State Chad Houck told USA TODAY on Monday that the state's governor held a press conference last week, "encouraging Idaho citizens to follow the CDC's best practices in terms of just making sure that they’re washing their hands, taking the precautionary measures the CDC recommends."
“So while we anticipate potential impact more towards our May primary, the March presidential primary happening tomorrow, we don’t anticipate a significant impact, and we haven’t taken any extraordinary measures outside of just reminding people to utilize those best practices.”
Houck added: “All of the elections are run on a 44-county independent basis. So certainly different clerks may choose to, for example, have extra hand sanitizers, things like that at their precinct level within their county, and that’s completely at their discretion.”
Michigan
Michigan, which has the most delegates (125) up for grabs on Tuesday, also has no COVID-19 cases. According to the state's Department of Health and Human Services, as of Sunday, 36 tests have come back negative, 11 test results were still pending and 88 people were "under active monitoring" for the disease.
Officials are telling people who will be working in the state's voting locations to repeatedly use disinfectant wipes on voting booths and equipment, as well as pencils, pens doorknobs, tables, light switches and other surfaces, Reuters reported. The "Election Day Hygiene" guidance also tells the elections workers to ask voters to spread out in line if they are worried about the virus.
“All of our precincts have hand sanitizers, and we have sanitizing wipes so that when time allows in between activity, poll workers are instructed to wipe down the booths, wipe down the tables," Detroit City Clerk Janice M. Winfrey told USA TODAY. "And of course hand sanitizer will be available on the tables for the use of voters.”
Mississippi
There are currently no confirmed coronavirus cases in Mississippi, according to the state's Department of Health on Monday afternoon.
In a statement provided to USA TODAY, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said, "We’re encouraging voters to make sure they wash their hands as often as possible and continue to practice good hygiene. With no confirmed cases in our state, we obviously still want to remain cautious. We encourage all Mississippians to go vote."
Missouri
There is one coronavirus case in Missouri after officials in St. Louis County announced a "presumptive positive" test result on Saturday. Officials said the patient is a woman in her 20s who recently traveled to Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the outbreak.
The state health department had tested 26 people for the virus, including the woman, as of Saturday night. Three others were still in progress.
Contacted by USA TODAY on Monday, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft said his office has reached out to local election officials to update them with information as his team receives it and to provide basic recommendations for basic precautions during voting Tuesday.
"Our recommendation to the public at large is to get out and vote," Ashcroft said. "It will be safe. We're used to having elections during flu season."
North Dakota
There have been no reported cases in North Dakota, which holds caucuses on Tuesday.
According to the state's department of health, as of Friday, there were four people being monitored for COVID-19 symptoms.
"We are following guidance from the North Dakota Department of Health, and we encourage everyone else to do so as well," said Alex Rohr, Communications Director for North Dakota Democrats. "The current risk of exposure in North Dakota is low" according to the state department of health "and at this time we do not expect it to depress turnout."
Washington
Voters in the state with the most coronavirus cases won't have to head into a voting booth if they don't want to. Washington allows its residents to vote by mail as long as the ballot is postmarked on or before Tuesday.
Secretary of State Kim Wyman is advising voters to even be cautious with their mail-in ballots, using the slogan, "Whether healthy or sick, please don't lick."
Wyman said officials aren't certain how long the virus might live on an envelope that was sealed with the saliva of an infected person, so they were issuing the advice as a "safeguard" to "help our folks processing ballot envelopes." She said they are also advising to people processing the ballots to wear gloves.
On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that he is considering "mandatory measures" aimed at "reducing the number of social activities that going on." But he did not indicate any new measures were planned ahead of Tuesday's election.
Contacted by USA TODAY on Monday, Wyman emphasized the precautions the state is already taking in processing the mail-in ballots and the plans it has in place should a ballot processing location or a postal office shut down.
"All of the people that are opening envelopes and processing ballots are wearing gloves to try to, you know, not get in contact with potentially the virus," she said. "They wash their hands frequently. They try to keep a distance from their coworkers. And that seems to be working OK."
The top state election official also emphasized that Washington already has "continuity of operations plans" it can activate "if a courthouse has to shut down for a day or a couple of days or a postal office shuts down."
"I think for our voters it's fairly seamless," Wyman also said. "And right now, as far as I know, all of our counties are operating at full speed and full capacity.”
Contributing: Matthew Brown; Gabriella Khalaj; Austin Huguelet, Springfield (Mississippi) News-Leader


usatoday--2020-03-09--Lawmakers self-quarantining over coronavirus had contact with Trump, including an Air Force One flig

WASHINGTON – Hours before Rep. Matt Gaetz announced he was self-quarantining because of exposure to a patient with coronavirus the Florida Republican was spotted getting on Air Force One with President Donald Trump for a flight up the East Coast .
Days before Rep. Doug Collins , R-Ga. , announced he was voluntarily in self-quarantine , he was seen meeting with Trump at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta , shaking the president 's hands on the tarmac before the visit .
Though there is zero indication the president has been exposed to the virus – both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are isolating themselves out of an abundance of caution – but the incidents underscore the difficulty in containing a virus , particularly among politicians who travel frequently and are quick to grip hands .
The president spoke briefly at the White House on Monday but did not take questions .
Reporters pressed Vice President Mike Pence on whether he or the president had been tested for the virus .
Pence said he had not been tested , but could n't answer for Trump .
`` I honestly don ’ t know the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We 'll get you an answer form the White House physician very quickly . ''
Trump , who regularly gives lawmakers a lift on Air Force One from Washington to their home states , has indicated he is n't making changes to his routine because of the virus .
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
A self-acknowledged germophobe who is said to frequently slather his hands with sanitizer , Trump recently told Fox News there is no way to politely avoid shaking hands .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in six states slated to hold Democratic elections More : Gaetz denies he wore gas mask to make light of coronavirus '' You ca n't be a politician and not shake hands , '' Trump said at the town hall in Scranton , Pa. , on Thursday .
`` The bottom line is , I shake anybody 's hand now .
I 'm proud of it . ''
Both Gaetz and Collins appear to have been in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 at the same event , the Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Trump was photographed shaking hands with the chairman of the group that puts on that event , Matt Schlapp .
Schlapp has confirmed that he was in direct contact with the infected person at the annual conference .
Collins said Monday he was notified by CPAC that the group discovered a photo of him with the patient who tested positive for the virus .
`` While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms , I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution , '' Collins said .
Trump met with Collins on Friday on the tarmac at Dobbins Air Reserve Base , where photographers captured the two shaking hands before Trump went on to a meeting at the CDC .
Gaetz posted on Twitter on Monday that he also came into contact with the CPAC attendee who tested positive for the virus .
Hours before he announced his decision to isolate himself , Gaetz was seen boarding Air Force One in Orlando , Fla. , where Trump held a series of fundraisers .
Gaetz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing a gas mask on the House floor last week , was spotted by journalists traveling with the president , stepping off Air Force One at around 3 p.m. on Monday .
Less than an hour later , his Twitter account announced he had been in contact with the CPAC attendee .
A spokesman for Gaetz did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
`` While the Congressman is not experiencing symptoms , he received testing today and expects results soon , '' a message posted to the congressman 's Twitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ usual precautionary recommendations , he 'll remain self-quarantined until the 14-day period expires this week . ''

Lawmakers self-quarantining over coronavirus had contact with Trump, including an Air Force One flight
Show Caption Hide Caption Hillary Clinton cautions against Trump's coronavirus policies Hillary Clinton says Trump's health care policies have made coronavirus a bigger risk than it needs to be. Josmar Taveras, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Hours before Rep. Matt Gaetz announced he was self-quarantining because of exposure to a patient with coronavirus the Florida Republican was spotted getting on Air Force One with President Donald Trump for a flight up the East Coast.
Days before Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., announced he was voluntarily in self-quarantine, he was seen meeting with Trump at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, shaking the president's hands on the tarmac before the visit.
Though there is zero indication the president has been exposed to the virus – both lawmakers said they have no symptoms and are isolating themselves out of an abundance of caution – but the incidents underscore the difficulty in containing a virus, particularly among politicians who travel frequently and are quick to grip hands.
The president spoke briefly at the White House on Monday but did not take questions. Reporters pressed Vice President Mike Pence on whether he or the president had been tested for the virus. Pence said he had not been tested, but couldn't answer for Trump.
"I honestly don’t know the answer to the question," Pence said. "We'll get you an answer form the White House physician very quickly."
Trump, who regularly gives lawmakers a lift on Air Force One from Washington to their home states, has indicated he isn't making changes to his routine because of the virus. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A self-acknowledged germophobe who is said to frequently slather his hands with sanitizer, Trump recently told Fox News there is no way to politely avoid shaking hands.
More: A look at the coronavirus in six states slated to hold Democratic elections
More: Gaetz denies he wore gas mask to make light of coronavirus
"You can't be a politician and not shake hands," Trump said at the town hall in Scranton, Pa., on Thursday. "The bottom line is, I shake anybody's hand now. I'm proud of it."
Both Gaetz and Collins appear to have been in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19 at the same event, the Conservative Political Action Conference in Maryland late last month. Trump was photographed shaking hands with the chairman of the group that puts on that event, Matt Schlapp. Schlapp has confirmed that he was in direct contact with the infected person at the annual conference.
Collins said Monday he was notified by CPAC that the group discovered a photo of him with the patient who tested positive for the virus.
"While I feel completely healthy and I am not experiencing any symptoms, I have decided to self-quarantine at my home for the remainder of the 14-day period out of an abundance of caution," Collins said.
Trump met with Collins on Friday on the tarmac at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, where photographers captured the two shaking hands before Trump went on to a meeting at the CDC.
Gaetz posted on Twitter on Monday that he also came into contact with the CPAC attendee who tested positive for the virus. Hours before he announced his decision to isolate himself, Gaetz was seen boarding Air Force One in Orlando, Fla., where Trump held a series of fundraisers.
Gaetz, who drew fire from critics for wearing a gas mask on the House floor last week, was spotted by journalists traveling with the president, stepping off Air Force One at around 3 p.m. on Monday. Less than an hour later, his Twitter account announced he had been in contact with the CPAC attendee.
A spokesman for Gaetz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"While the Congressman is not experiencing symptoms, he received testing today and expects results soon," a message posted to the congressman's Twitter account read.
"Under doctor's usual precautionary recommendations, he'll remain self-quarantined until the 14-day period expires this week."


usatoday--2020-03-09--Pete Buttigieg will guest-host 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on Thursday

WASHINGTON – Pete Buttigieg has a new gig .
At least for one night .
The former presidential candidate will be guest-hosting `` Jimmy Kimmel Live '' on Thursday , he announced Monday .
“ Very excited about that , ” Buttigieg said on NBC ’ s “ Today Show.
” Buttigieg suspended his presidential campaign on March 1 and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden the next day .
Buttigieg said he is traveling the country , thanking supporters , before getting some time away with his husband , Chasten .
“ Then we ’ ll come back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ways , ” he said on NBC .
“ But we ’ re going to have some fun first.
” The former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , got a standing ovation when he and Chasten attended a performance of “ The Inheritance ” in New York City on Sunday .
Buttigieg isn ’ t the only former presidential candidate enjoying himself since leaving the race .
Three days after ending her campaign last week , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was on `` Saturday Night Live , '' appearing with Kate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
Buttigieg , who regularly tussled with Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Democratic debates , was asked if she would be one of his guests on “ Jimmy Kimmel Live.
” “ I ’ m hoping to catch up with her soon , ” he responded .
Klobuchar recently told The New York Times that she wrote Buttigieg “ a nice note ” after a withdrew from the race and they talked the next day .
Besides doing what he can to help Biden get elected , Buttigieg has said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told supporters last week that there are a lot of diverse leaders from a new generation whose contests will decide what the next president will be able to achieve and what will happen in state governments While it was painful to have to decide to withdraw , Buttigieg said there are benefits to no longer being hyperfocused on one thing .
“ It ’ s nice , '' he said , `` to be able to zoom out and just come back at life . ''
Opinoin : Goodbye for now , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ farewell .

Pete Buttigieg will guest-host 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on Thursday
Show Caption Hide Caption Buttigieg ends his presidential campaign Former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg has suspended his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Pete Buttigieg has a new gig. At least for one night.
The former presidential candidate will be guest-hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Thursday, he announced Monday.
Guests will include Patrick Stewart.
“Very excited about that,” Buttigieg said on NBC’s “Today Show.”
Buttigieg suspended his presidential campaign on March 1 and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden the next day.
Buttigieg said he is traveling the country, thanking supporters, before getting some time away with his husband, Chasten.
“Then we’ll come back and I’ll make myself useful in new ways,” he said on NBC. “But we’re going to have some fun first.”
The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, got a standing ovation when he and Chasten attended a performance of “The Inheritance” in New York City on Sunday.
Buttigieg isn’t the only former presidential candidate enjoying himself since leaving the race.
Three days after ending her campaign last week, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was on "Saturday Night Live," appearing with Kate McKinnon, the cast member who portrayed her.
`SNL': Elizabeth Warren crashes Kate McKinnon's Fox News coronavirus report
Buttigieg, who regularly tussled with Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar at the Democratic debates, was asked if she would be one of his guests on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
“I’m hoping to catch up with her soon,” he responded.
Klobuchar recently told The New York Times that she wrote Buttigieg “a nice note” after a withdrew from the race and they talked the next day.
While I’m out hosting @MillionaireTV, I nominate @PeteButtigieg to be my guest host Thursday, March 12th - thanks Mayor Pete! — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) March 9, 2020
Besides doing what he can to help Biden get elected, Buttigieg has said he will get involved in down-ballot races. He told supporters last week that there are a lot of diverse leaders from a new generation whose contests will decide what the next president will be able to achieve and what will happen in state governments
While it was painful to have to decide to withdraw, Buttigieg said there are benefits to no longer being hyperfocused on one thing.
“It’s nice," he said, "to be able to zoom out and just come back at life."
Opinoin: Goodbye for now, Mayor Pete. But this is not farewell.


usatoday--2020-03-09--Cory Booker endorses Joe Biden as Democratic candidate for president

Three months after ending his campaign , Sen. Cory Booker announced his endorsement of presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday morning .
Booker tweeted Monday morning that he will be backing the former vice president , citing a `` common purpose '' between the two .
`` He ’ ll restore honor to the Oval Office and tackle our most pressing challenges , '' Booker 's tweet said .
The senator from New Jersey follows in the footsteps of other former Democratic candidates in endorsing Biden such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar , Pete Buttigieg , Beto O'Rourke and Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , citing a lack of funds to sustain his presidential hopes . '
I believe in Joe ' : Sen. Kamala Harris endorses Biden for president '' Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win — money we don ’ t have , and money that is harder to raise because I won ’ t be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington , '' he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined the presidential race on Feb. 1 , 2019 , almost exactly one year before the Iowa caucuses .
He has served as the junior senator from New Jersey since 2013 , and before that was the mayor of Newark .
Booker was one of three African American candidates running for president , including Harris and former Massachusetts Gov .
Deval Patrick .

Cory Booker endorses Joe Biden as Democratic candidate for president
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden pledges to 'unify the country' after revival Fresh off a slate of Super Tuesday primary victories, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pledged to unify Americans as he prepares for a potentially long nominating fight against rival Bernie Sanders. (March 4) AP
Three months after ending his campaign, Sen. Cory Booker announced his endorsement of presidential candidate Joe Biden on Monday morning.
Booker tweeted Monday morning that he will be backing the former vice president, citing a "common purpose" between the two.
"He’ll restore honor to the Oval Office and tackle our most pressing challenges," Booker's tweet said.
The senator from New Jersey follows in the footsteps of other former Democratic candidates in endorsing Biden such as Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Beto O'Rourke and Kamala Harris.
Booker ended his campaign in January, citing a lack of funds to sustain his presidential hopes.
'I believe in Joe': Sen. Kamala Harris endorses Biden for president
The answer to hatred & division is to reignite our spirit of common purpose.@JoeBiden won’t only win - he’ll
show there's more that unites us than divides us.
He’ll restore honor to the Oval Office and tackle our most pressing challenges.
That’s why I’m proud to endorse Joe. pic.twitter.com/RcsnZs5mfQ — Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) March 9, 2020
"Our campaign has reached the point where we need more money to scale up and continue building a campaign that can win — money we don’t have, and money that is harder to raise because I won’t be on the next debate stage and because the urgent business of impeachment will rightly be keeping me in Washington," he said in January.
Booker, 50, joined the presidential race on Feb. 1, 2019, almost exactly one year before the Iowa caucuses. He has served as the junior senator from New Jersey since 2013, and before that was the mayor of Newark.
Booker was one of three African American candidates running for president, including Harris and former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.
Detroit Free Press poll: Biden holds huge 24-point edge over Sanders in Michigan
Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. Email: zuritaa@northjersey.com Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita


usatoday--2020-03-09--Elizabeth Warren is out of the race, but advocates hope her disability plan is the new standard

There ’ s a saying often used by disability rights advocates to stress the importance of having disabled people at the table making decisions that will affect their lives : “ Nothing about us without us.
” That idea is what set one candidate apart in the 2020 presidential race , some of those advocates said .
Sen. Elizabeth Warren suspended her campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination last week after disappointing performances in several primaries and a crushing loss in her home state of Massachusetts .
But the way she crafted her disability plan will be a model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who helped her build it .
“ Her plan was a blueprint , ” said Vilissa Thompson , a social worker and founder of disability advocacy blog Ramp Your Voice and who consulted on Warren 's disability team .
Matthew Cortland tweeted his amazement last month when Warren described in a CNN town hall how every policy issue affects disabled people .
And he was not alone .
“ I ’ m in tears , ” came one reply .
“ I ’ ve never heard a candidate talk about , care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with disabilities.
” Cortland , a lawyer and policy analyst who helped consult on the campaign ’ s disability plan , said Warren operated her campaign much the same way she talked about it on stage : in collaboration with the people who had the most stake in her positions .
“ It hit me … I ’ m a woman with plans , ” Warren said at the town hall .
“ I need a disability plan overall .
And I thought , I ’ m not gon na write this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach out to the community , to the disability communities , and say , ‘ What parts do we need to be able to build that equality ?
’ ” Warren and her campaign came up with her over 7,000-word plan , “ Protecting the Rights and Equality of People with Disabilities , '' with the input of a working group made up of disabled advocates and community members .
She 's not the only candidate to consult disabled people , but the people in her disability group said she did it differently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering suggestions , they were building the plan themselves through the facilitation of Warren ’ s campaign staff , according to Rebecca Cokley , the director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the progressive think tank Center for American Progress .
They had access to a shared document where they would type notes and make edits , collaborating to create the document that now lives on Warren 's site .
`` My aim was solely to get the policy right .
In order to get it right , it was important to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Molly Doris-Pierce , Warren 's national disability outreach director .
She and campaign policy analyst Alexandra Wilcox facilitated the community engagement .
Cokley consulted on several 2020 campaigns ’ disability plans , including for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg , California Sen. Kamala Harris and former Obama Cabinet member Julián Castro .
But she personally endorsed Warren and joined her campaign .
“ One of the things that makes Sen. Warren 's plan stand out is actually it goes beyond just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cokley said .
“ Sen .
Warren specifically talked about disability and her plan repeatedly .
None of the other candidates have really addressed their own plan in debates , in town halls , on social media.
” Thompson also said she was particularly impressed with Warren 's dedication to listening to the voices of disabled people of color in crafting parts of the plan .
Cokley has been working on Democratic campaigns going back to John Kerry 's bid in 2004 , and this election cycle is unique in its approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , `` it almost felt sort of very Dickensian '' when asking to be included , `` like , 'Please , sir , can I have some more ? '
... With the Warren campaign , they were looking at us as experts . ''
`` We were partners – not an afterthought , not props – partners , '' Cortland added .
Cokley said most of the 2020 campaigns she consulted with had similar foundations to address disability rights : • Implement full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to students with disabilities .
• Put an end to the sub-minimum wage that allows employers to pay some disabled workers at below the minimum wage .
• Change rules that keep many Social Security recipients below the federal poverty level .
`` Building on that is where you really started to see the personality differences and the philosophical differences , '' Cokley said .
Warren 's plan included detailed ways to address some of the problems she outlined : criminal justice , voting rights , transportation and housing , to name a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rules , for example , that make some disabled people unable to afford marrying because of a reduction in benefits .
'We persist ' : Elizabeth Warren says a woman will eventually become president Sanders ' disability plan also received the stamp of approval from many in disability communities .
It touched on many of the same issues and , in some ways , it went further than Warren 's , pledging the use of executive action to implement some of his proposals .
When Warren announced she was suspending her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Thompson said .
`` No matter how qualified a woman is , no matter how confident a woman is , it still may not be good enough , '' she said .
`` And particularly for Elizabeth Warren to be a white woman to endure this .
What does it mean for women of color like myself , and particularly , black disabled women ? ''
'The community will not allow itself to be ignored' Thompson said she 's not entirely satisfied with the remaining two frontrunners in the race .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina primary before the end of the campaign , but she has n't decided if she 'll throw her support behind either former Vice President Joe Biden or Sanders .
`` With her departure from the race , there is a noticeable and stark difference between the two frontrunners remaining , '' said Lydia Brown , an associate for disability rights and algorithmic fairness at Georgetown Law ’ s Institute for Tech Law and Policy .
Brown said Sanders , like Warren , has a comprehensive disability plan , but Biden 's lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Brown said .
The former vice president 's campaign has not put out a comprehensive plan yet , though one may still be forthcoming .
The campaign did n't immediately respond to an inquiry about a disability plan .
The disability section of Biden 's website only briefly summarizes how his other plans would impact disabled Americans .
That 's a problem for Thompson .
`` At this stage of the game , we see what can happen when candidates do center disabled people and our issues and allow that to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standard going forward , '' she said .
More : Warren slams 'bullying ' Sanders supporters as she exits race , says candidates are responsible for followers ' actions In her parting words to her staff , Warren highlighted her plan as a potential game-changer when it comes to crafting disability platforms .
`` We have shown that we can build plans in collaboration with the people who are most affected .
You know just one example : Our disability plan is a model for our country , and , even more importantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disability communities to help us get it right will be a more important model , '' Warren said in a phone call to her staff when she announced she was leaving the race .
The advocates who worked on Warren 's policy said they hope it will serve as a model for political discussion on disability , both in the remainder of the 2020 race and in future campaigns and policy decisions .
`` Our campaign was unique in our approach in that we were unafraid to seek guidance from those who our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Warren 's disability outreach director .
`` I can only hope this serves as a model for future campaigns ; listen first , then ask questions , and then build in coalition . ''
Warren assured Cokley and other advocates before her campaign ended that the plan `` does n't stop with the campaign .
The plan is a living document . ''
According to Cokley , Warren committed to explore implementing priorities from the plan through congressional channels .
Going forward , Thompson said , `` I have incredible faith that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ignored . ''

Elizabeth Warren is out of the race, but advocates hope her disability plan is the new standard
Show Caption Hide Caption Elizabeth Warren is out, but her voters may not go directly to Bernie Sanders Elizabeth Warren is out, but her voters may not be turnouts for Bernie, Susan Page explains. Hannah Gaber, USA TODAY
There’s a saying often used by disability rights advocates to stress the importance of having disabled people at the table making decisions that will affect their lives: “Nothing about us without us.”
That idea is what set one candidate apart in the 2020 presidential race, some of those advocates said.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren suspended her campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination last week after disappointing performances in several primaries and a crushing loss in her home state of Massachusetts. But the way she crafted her disability plan will be a model for the future, according to the people who helped her build it.
“Her plan was a blueprint,” said Vilissa Thompson, a social worker and founder of disability advocacy blog Ramp Your Voice and who consulted on Warren's disability team.
Partners, not props
Matthew Cortland tweeted his amazement last month when Warren described in a CNN town hall how every policy issue affects disabled people. And he was not alone.
“I’m in tears,” came one reply. “I’ve never heard a candidate talk about, care about, listen to and work with people with disabilities.”
Cortland, a lawyer and policy analyst who helped consult on the campaign’s disability plan, said Warren operated her campaign much the same way she talked about it on stage: in collaboration with the people who had the most stake in her positions.
“It hit me … I’m a woman with plans,” Warren said at the town hall. “I need a disability plan overall. And I thought, I’m not gonna write this myself. I’m gonna reach out to the community, to the disability communities, and say, ‘What parts do we need to be able to build that equality?’”
From tonight's @cnn town hall with @ewarren, this is most of her answer in response to a question on including those of us who are disabled (apologies for the audio) https://t.co/M9frmCwsA4 pic.twitter.com/FrfgSJ3GnZ — Matthew Cortland, Esq 🗽 (@mattbc) February 6, 2020
Warren and her campaign came up with her over 7,000-word plan, “Protecting the Rights and Equality of People with Disabilities," with the input of a working group made up of disabled advocates and community members. She's not the only candidate to consult disabled people, but the people in her disability group said she did it differently.
Those individuals weren’t just offering suggestions, they were building the plan themselves through the facilitation of Warren’s campaign staff, according to Rebecca Cokley, the director of the Disability Justice Initiative at the progressive think tank Center for American Progress. They had access to a shared document where they would type notes and make edits, collaborating to create the document that now lives on Warren's site.
"My aim was solely to get the policy right. In order to get it right, it was important to identify our knowledge gaps and ask for help," said Molly Doris-Pierce, Warren's national disability outreach director. She and campaign policy analyst Alexandra Wilcox facilitated the community engagement.
Cokley consulted on several 2020 campaigns’ disability plans, including for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, California Sen. Kamala Harris and former Obama Cabinet member Julián Castro. But she personally endorsed Warren and joined her campaign.
“One of the things that makes Sen. Warren's plan stand out is actually it goes beyond just the words on the paper,” Cokley said. “Sen. Warren specifically talked about disability and her plan repeatedly. None of the other candidates have really addressed their own plan in debates, in town halls, on social media.”
Thompson also said she was particularly impressed with Warren's dedication to listening to the voices of disabled people of color in crafting parts of the plan.
Cokley has been working on Democratic campaigns going back to John Kerry's bid in 2004, and this election cycle is unique in its approach to disability. In the past, Cokley said, "it almost felt sort of very Dickensian" when asking to be included, "like, 'Please, sir, can I have some more?' ... With the Warren campaign, they were looking at us as experts."
"We were partners – not an afterthought, not props – partners," Cortland added.
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The 7,000-word proposal
Cokley said most of the 2020 campaigns she consulted with had similar foundations to address disability rights:
Address long-term services and support within health care plans.
Implement full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, meant to provide free public education to students with disabilities.
Put an end to the sub-minimum wage that allows employers to pay some disabled workers at below the minimum wage.
Change rules that keep many Social Security recipients below the federal poverty level.
"Building on that is where you really started to see the personality differences and the philosophical differences," Cokley said.
Warren's plan included detailed ways to address some of the problems she outlined: criminal justice, voting rights, transportation and housing, to name a few. She wanted to get rid of the rules, for example, that make some disabled people unable to afford marrying because of a reduction in benefits.
'We persist': Elizabeth Warren says a woman will eventually become president
Sanders' disability plan also received the stamp of approval from many in disability communities. It touched on many of the same issues and, in some ways, it went further than Warren's, pledging the use of executive action to implement some of his proposals.
When Warren announced she was suspending her campaign, disabled supporters were "disappointed," Thompson said.
"No matter how qualified a woman is, no matter how confident a woman is, it still may not be good enough," she said. "And particularly for Elizabeth Warren to be a white woman to endure this. What does it mean for women of color like myself, and particularly, black disabled women?"
Give me a day to mourn Warren’s disability plan. — Crutches&Spice ♿ : Rude For A Disabled Person (@Imani_Barbarin) March 6, 2020
So many campaigns, including Harris, and Buttigieg's, released comprehensive disability plans. But Warren's (along with Castro's and Sanders's) was one of the only ones that received damn near-universal praise from activists I knew. https://t.co/c09xirn5So — Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) March 6, 2020
'The community will not allow itself to be ignored'
Thompson said she's not entirely satisfied with the remaining two frontrunners in the race. She voted for Warren in the South Carolina primary before the end of the campaign, but she hasn't decided if she'll throw her support behind either former Vice President Joe Biden or Sanders.
"With her departure from the race, there is a noticeable and stark difference between the two frontrunners remaining," said Lydia Brown, an associate for disability rights and algorithmic fairness at Georgetown Law’s Institute for Tech Law and Policy.
Brown said Sanders, like Warren, has a comprehensive disability plan, but Biden's lack of attention to disability is "concerning," Brown said. The former vice president's campaign has not put out a comprehensive plan yet, though one may still be forthcoming. The campaign didn't immediately respond to an inquiry about a disability plan.
The disability section of Biden's website only briefly summarizes how his other plans would impact disabled Americans. That's a problem for Thompson.
"At this stage of the game, we see what can happen when candidates do center disabled people and our issues and allow that to be not only the blueprint but the standard going forward," she said.
More: Warren slams 'bullying' Sanders supporters as she exits race, says candidates are responsible for followers' actions
In her parting words to her staff, Warren highlighted her plan as a potential game-changer when it comes to crafting disability platforms.
"We have shown that we can build plans in collaboration with the people who are most affected. You know just one example: Our disability plan is a model for our country, and, even more importantly, the way we relied on the disability communities to help us get it right will be a more important model," Warren said in a phone call to her staff when she announced she was leaving the race.
Let’s not undersell the power of Elizabeth Warren’s candidacy.
She set the pace for policy on everything from disability justice to racial justice to a wealth tax.
She is a giant of our movement. I can't wait for our progressive movement to build together. #ThankYouElizabeth — Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) March 5, 2020
The advocates who worked on Warren's policy said they hope it will serve as a model for political discussion on disability, both in the remainder of the 2020 race and in future campaigns and policy decisions.
"Our campaign was unique in our approach in that we were unafraid to seek guidance from those who our policies would impact," said Doris-Pierce, Warren's disability outreach director. "I can only hope this serves as a model for future campaigns; listen first, then ask questions, and then build in coalition."
Warren assured Cokley and other advocates before her campaign ended that the plan "doesn't stop with the campaign. The plan is a living document." According to Cokley, Warren committed to explore implementing priorities from the plan through congressional channels.
Going forward, Thompson said, "I have incredible faith that the community will not allow itself to be ignored."