washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Amy Coney Barrett hearing turned in Obamacare referendum

Senate Democrats , who have few chances to derail Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s elevation to the Supreme Court , sought to turn her confirmation hearings into a referendum on the fate of Obamacare , saying Monday that her vote in an upcoming case means “ life or death ” for millions of Americans who rely on the health care law .
In a coordinated attack , each Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee held up a photo Monday of an American who has health care coverage because of the Affordable Care Act and who could face financial ruin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They also insisted that Republicans are rushing Judge Barrett ’ s nomination so she can be a vote to strike down the law in a case scheduled to be heard Nov. 10 .
“ It is life or death for thousands if not millions of Americans , ” said Sen. Richard J. Durbin , Illinois Democrat .
“ We believe the ACA is hanging in the balance .
We will drive that issue home.
” It was a stark political argument , almost entirely divorced from the legal scholarship and constitutional debates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Democrats conceded that they have little chance to block Judge Barrett ’ s confirmation unless they can persuade some Republicans to defect and join them — or at least to have voters punish Republicans over Obamacare at the ballot box in November .
“ We don ’ t have a clever procedural way to stop a sham , ” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar , Minnesota Democrat .
“ It shows real messed-up priorities for the Republican majority.
” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , Rhode Island Democrat , said Judge Barrett would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is left of Obamacare .
The health care strategy paid big dividends for Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections , and they are hoping for a repeat this year .
But Republicans complained that Democrats were distorting the point of the hearings by trying to turn them into a health care scare tactic .
“ Today , of every Democrat that has spoken , we have heard virtually not a single word about Judge Barrett , ” said Sen. Ted Cruz , Texas Republican .
“ I think part of the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Barrett ’ s credentials are impeccable.
” Indeed , she received a “ well-qualified ” rating from the American Bar Association on Monday .
In the past , Democrats have called that rating the “ gold standard ” to evaluate a judge .
Patricia O ’ Hara , the former dean of the Notre Dame Law School , delivered a fierce defense of the judge .
She said she has met a number of Supreme Court justices and Judge Barrett possesses the same qualifications “ in abundance.
” “ She is brilliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but empathetic , open-minded and respectful of differences , a skilled listener and able to build consensus , generous especially to those who need , ” said Ms. O ’ Hara , who hired Judge Barrett at Notre Dame nearly two decades ago .
Judge Barrett , wearing a black mask , sat at a socially distanced witness table as Democrats and Republicans sparred over her .
When it was time for her opening statement , she used the opportunity to reintroduce the country to her seven children and to defend her view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , not an ideological warrior .
“ Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of law , which is critical to a free society .
But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life , ” she told senators .
“ The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people .
The public should not expect courts to do so , and courts should not try.
” She also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
“ I believe in the power of prayer , and it has been uplifting to hear so many people are praying for me , ” she told the committee .
Judge Barrett ’ s 2017 confirmation to a seat on the 7th U.S .
Circuit Court of Appeals was dominated by questions about her Catholic faith .
Mr. Durbin demanded to know whether she considered herself an “ orthodox Catholic ” and prodded her to opine on whether Pope Francis is a good Catholic .
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono , Hawaii @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judge , ” and Sen. Dianne Feinstein , California Democrat , said “ the dogma lives loudly within you.
” This week , with the country watching , Democrats insisted there won ’ t be a repeat of that line of attack .
“ We have taken an oath to a Constitution which says no religious test .
Enough said , ” Mr. Durbin said .
Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden echoed the members of his party while on the campaign trail .
“ No , [ her ] faith should not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while traveling to Ohio .
Mr. Biden , though , has blasted the Republicans ’ rush to confirm Judge Barrett .
He said whoever wins the Nov. 3 presidential election should make the nomination .
His nominee for vice president , Sen. Kamala D. Harris , is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and participated in Monday ’ s hearing by video .
She said the entire proceedings should have been delayed for health reasons .
“ This hearing has brought together more than 50 people to sit inside of a closed-door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing a deadly airborne virus , ” she said , adding that senators should work instead on a coronavirus relief bill .
Ms. Harris predicted that Judge Barrett would “ undo ” the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , whose death last month created the vacancy .
“ Our voting rights are at stake .
Workers ’ rights are at stake .
Consumers ’ rights are at stake .
The right to safe and legal abortion is at stake .
Holding corporations accountable is at stake .
And so much more , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lindsey Graham , South Carolina Republican , pushed back on demands for delays because of the coronavirus and rejected calls to have COVID-19 tests for those in the hearing room .
“ There are millions of Americans going to work today , in restaurants , police officers , you name it , who can ’ t demand they won ’ t come to work unless everybody around them is tested , whether they need to or not , ” he said .
Most committee members attended in person .
They included Sen. Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 a week after attending the Sept. 26 White House announcement of Judge Barrett ’ s nomination .
Sen. Thom Tillis , a North Carolina Republican , who also tested positive after attending the announcement , appeared by video .
The Obamacare case coming before the high court weighs whether the law is still legal after Republicans zeroed out the tax penalty for not having insurance , which the court ruled in 2012 made the law constitutional .
Four justices who backed that position are still on the court , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticized that 2012 ruling , and Democrats said that means she would strike down the law now , given the chance .
But Sen. Chuck Grassley , Iowa Republican , said the attacks against the nominee ’ s record were “ outrageous.
” “ As a mother of seven , Judge Barrett clearly understands the importance of health care , ” Mr. Grassley said .
President Trump weighed in on Twitter , complaining that Democrats were being given too much of a stage .
“ The Republicans are giving the Democrats a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandated , to make their self serving statements relative to our great new future Supreme Court Justice , ” Mr. Trump tweeted .
“ Personally , I would pull back , approve , and go for STIMULUS for the people !
!
!
” Mr. Graham , though , said Americans deserved to hear from Judge Barrett and said Democrats deserved a chance to make their case .
Each of the 22 senators on the committee were given 10 minutes to make opening statements Monday .
“ I doubt it ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we vote , but I like the idea that a lifetime appointee to the Supreme Court can be challenged , can be tested and can be understood by the public , ” Mr. Graham said .
“ So we will proceed for the way we have in the past.
” Mr. Graham scheduled the committee vote for 9 a.m. Thursday , the morning of the last day of hearings .

Senate Democrats, who have few chances to derail Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s elevation to the Supreme Court, sought to turn her confirmation hearings into a referendum on the fate of Obamacare, saying Monday that her vote in an upcoming case means “life or death” for millions of Americans who rely on the health care law.
In a coordinated attack, each Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee held up a photo Monday of an American who has health care coverage because of the Affordable Care Act and who could face financial ruin or even die should the law disappear.
They also insisted that Republicans are rushing Judge Barrett’s nomination so she can be a vote to strike down the law in a case scheduled to be heard Nov. 10.
“It is life or death for thousands if not millions of Americans,” said Sen. Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat. “We believe the ACA is hanging in the balance. We will drive that issue home.”
It was a stark political argument, almost entirely divorced from the legal scholarship and constitutional debates that usually characterize high court confirmations.
But Democrats conceded that they have little chance to block Judge Barrett’s confirmation unless they can persuade some Republicans to defect and join them — or at least to have voters punish Republicans over Obamacare at the ballot box in November.
SEE ALSO: Amy Coney Barrett thanks supporters, honors Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
“We don’t have a clever procedural way to stop a sham,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota Democrat. “It shows real messed-up priorities for the Republican majority.”
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island Democrat, said Judge Barrett would be a “judicial torpedo” aimed directly at what is left of Obamacare. The health care strategy paid big dividends for Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections, and they are hoping for a repeat this year.
But Republicans complained that Democrats were distorting the point of the hearings by trying to turn them into a health care scare tactic.
“Today, of every Democrat that has spoken, we have heard virtually not a single word about Judge Barrett,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican. “I think part of the reason for that is that on any measure Judge Barrett’s credentials are impeccable.”
Indeed, she received a “well-qualified” rating from the American Bar Association on Monday. In the past, Democrats have called that rating the “gold standard” to evaluate a judge.
Patricia O’Hara, the former dean of the Notre Dame Law School, delivered a fierce defense of the judge. She said she has met a number of Supreme Court justices and Judge Barrett possesses the same qualifications “in abundance.”
SEE ALSO: Nearly two dozen protesters arrested at Amy Coney Barrett hearing
“She is brilliant but humble, fair and impartial but empathetic, open-minded and respectful of differences, a skilled listener and able to build consensus, generous especially to those who need,” said Ms. O’Hara, who hired Judge Barrett at Notre Dame nearly two decades ago.
Judge Barrett, wearing a black mask, sat at a socially distanced witness table as Democrats and Republicans sparred over her.
When it was time for her opening statement, she used the opportunity to reintroduce the country to her seven children and to defend her view of a judge as a neutral decider of law, not an ideological warrior.
“Courts have a vital responsibility to the rule of law, which is critical to a free society. But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” she told senators. “The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the people. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try.”
She also thanked those who have been praying for her.
“I believe in the power of prayer, and it has been uplifting to hear so many people are praying for me,” she told the committee.
Judge Barrett’s 2017 confirmation to a seat on the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was dominated by questions about her Catholic faith.
Mr. Durbin demanded to know whether she considered herself an “orthodox Catholic” and prodded her to opine on whether Pope Francis is a good Catholic. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii Democrat, called her a “Catholic judge,” and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, said “the dogma lives loudly within you.”
This week, with the country watching, Democrats insisted there won’t be a repeat of that line of attack.
“We have taken an oath to a Constitution which says no religious test. Enough said,” Mr. Durbin said.
Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden echoed the members of his party while on the campaign trail.
“No, [her] faith should not be considered,” Mr. Biden said while traveling to Ohio.
Mr. Biden, though, has blasted the Republicans’ rush to confirm Judge Barrett. He said whoever wins the Nov. 3 presidential election should make the nomination.
His nominee for vice president, Sen. Kamala D. Harris, is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and participated in Monday’s hearing by video.
She said the entire proceedings should have been delayed for health reasons.
“This hearing has brought together more than 50 people to sit inside of a closed-door room for hours while our nation is facing a deadly airborne virus,” she said, adding that senators should work instead on a coronavirus relief bill.
Ms. Harris predicted that Judge Barrett would “undo” the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose death last month created the vacancy.
“Our voting rights are at stake. Workers’ rights are at stake. Consumers’ rights are at stake. The right to safe and legal abortion is at stake. Holding corporations accountable is at stake. And so much more,” Ms. Harris said.
Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, pushed back on demands for delays because of the coronavirus and rejected calls to have COVID-19 tests for those in the hearing room.
“There are millions of Americans going to work today, in restaurants, police officers, you name it, who can’t demand they won’t come to work unless everybody around them is tested, whether they need to or not,” he said.
Most committee members attended in person. They included Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican who tested positive for COVID-19 a week after attending the Sept. 26 White House announcement of Judge Barrett’s nomination.
Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, who also tested positive after attending the announcement, appeared by video.
The Obamacare case coming before the high court weighs whether the law is still legal after Republicans zeroed out the tax penalty for not having insurance, which the court ruled in 2012 made the law constitutional.
Four justices who backed that position are still on the court, and Ginsburg was a fifth. Judge Barrett criticized that 2012 ruling, and Democrats said that means she would strike down the law now, given the chance.
But Sen. Charles E. Grassley, Iowa Republican, said the attacks against the nominee’s record were “outrageous.”
“As a mother of seven, Judge Barrett clearly understands the importance of health care,” Mr. Grassley said.
President Trump weighed in on Twitter, complaining that Democrats were being given too much of a stage.
“The Republicans are giving the Democrats a great deal of time, which is not mandated, to make their self serving statements relative to our great new future Supreme Court Justice,” Mr. Trump tweeted. “Personally, I would pull back, approve, and go for STIMULUS for the people!!!”
Mr. Graham, though, said Americans deserved to hear from Judge Barrett and said Democrats deserved a chance to make their case. Each of the 22 senators on the committee were given 10 minutes to make opening statements Monday.
“I doubt it’s going to change any minds in terms of how we vote, but I like the idea that a lifetime appointee to the Supreme Court can be challenged, can be tested and can be understood by the public,” Mr. Graham said. “So we will proceed for the way we have in the past.”
Mr. Graham scheduled the committee vote for 9 a.m. Thursday, the morning of the last day of hearings.
• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com. • Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Greg Abbott orders coronavirus surge team to El Paso

AUSTIN , Texas — An ongoing wave of COVID-19 cases in the El Paso area prompted Gov .
Greg Abbott @ @ @ @ @ surge team of medical professionals would be dispatched to the area .
The 75 doctors @ @ @ @ @ being dispatched will be accompanied by a supply of extra personal protective equipment to support @ @ @ @ @ to meet the surge of coronavirus infections .
The team will be in addition to @ @ @ @ @ previously sent to the area .
As of Monday , 313 people were hospitalized with @ @ @ @ @ Hudspeth and Culberson counties of West Texas .
The state estimated that active COVID-19 cases @ @ @ @ @ soared from almost 4,000 on Oct. 1 to just over 6,000 Monday .
Seven cases @ @ @ @ @ .

AUSTIN, Texas — An ongoing wave of COVID-19 cases in the El Paso area prompted Gov. Greg Abbott to announce Monday that a surge team of medical professionals would be dispatched to the area.
The 75 doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists being dispatched will be accompanied by a supply of extra personal protective equipment to support efforts by El Paso hospitals to meet the surge of coronavirus infections. The team will be in addition to the 169 professionals the state previously sent to the area.
As of Monday, 313 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 in El Paso, Hudspeth and Culberson counties of West Texas. The state estimated that active COVID-19 cases in El Paso County alone soared from almost 4,000 on Oct. 1 to just over 6,000 Monday. Seven cases were fatal during that period.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Virginia police shoot, wound suspect in alleged abduction

PETERSBURG , Va. ( AP ) - Police officers in Virginia responding to an alleged abduction at gunpoint shot and wounded a suspect in a gas station parking lot Monday .
The suspect , who was not immediately identified , was taken to a hospital with wounds that were not considered life-threatening following the encounter with Prince George County Police in Petersburg , authorities said .
Law enforcement agencies arrived at the convenience store at around 1 p.m. while they were looking for a suspect in an alleged abduction of a 17-year-old and a 25-year-old reported in Sussex County , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers found the suspect ’ s car , a silver Pontiac , at the gas station and a Prince George County officer encountered the suspect and fired at them , state police spokeswoman Corrine Geller said in a statement .
The alleged abduction victims were inside the car during the shooting but were not hurt , police said .
No officers were injured .
The suspect escaped on foot but was located by Petersburg police at a nearby apartment complex and taken into custody , officials said .
Police discovered a handgun inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shooting and abduction remained under investigation .

PETERSBURG, Va. (AP) - Police officers in Virginia responding to an alleged abduction at gunpoint shot and wounded a suspect in a gas station parking lot Monday.
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was taken to a hospital with wounds that were not considered life-threatening following the encounter with Prince George County Police in Petersburg, authorities said.
Law enforcement agencies arrived at the convenience store at around 1 p.m. while they were looking for a suspect in an alleged abduction of a 17-year-old and a 25-year-old reported in Sussex County, Virginia State Police told news outlets.
Officers found the suspect’s car, a silver Pontiac, at the gas station and a Prince George County officer encountered the suspect and fired at them, state police spokeswoman Corrine Geller said in a statement.
The alleged abduction victims were inside the car during the shooting but were not hurt, police said. No officers were injured.
The suspect escaped on foot but was located by Petersburg police at a nearby apartment complex and taken into custody, officials said. Police discovered a handgun inside the suspect’s vehicle.
The shooting and abduction remained under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Woman serving manslaughter conviction dies in hospital

JACKSON , Miss .
( AP ) - A Mississippi woman who was serving time for a manslaughter conviction has @ @ @ @ @ the state Department of Corrections said Monday .
Krysta Lesherri Chewe , 47 , died @ @ @ @ @ in Jackson , where she had been taken earlier this year from Central Mississippi Correctional @ @ @ @ @ set .
Chewe was sentenced Dec. 10 , 2019 , in Pontotoc County to 20 @ @ @ @ @ .
Chewe was at least the 83rd inmate to die in Mississippi prisons since late @ @ @ @ @ during outbursts of violence in late December and early January .
The U.S. Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ is investigating the state ’ s prison system .

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - A Mississippi woman who was serving time for a manslaughter conviction has died in a hospital, the state Department of Corrections said Monday.
Krysta Lesherri Chewe, 47, died Sunday at Merit Health Central in Jackson, where she had been taken earlier this year from Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. An autopsy was set.
Chewe was sentenced Dec. 10, 2019, in Pontotoc County to 20 years for the manslaughter conviction.
Chewe was at least the 83rd inmate to die in Mississippi prisons since late December. Several inmates died during outbursts of violence in late December and early January. The U.S. Justice Department announced in February that it is investigating the state’s prison system.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Lindsey Graham schedules vote on Amy Coney Barrett before hearings end

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote to approve Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s nomination to @ @ @ @ @ her confirmation hearings have even ended .
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham scheduled a @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , Oct. 15 , the morning of the last day of hearings .
Barrett @ @ @ @ @ to be brought up for a vote at that meeting and then delayed for a @ @ @ @ @ .
If that happens as expected , the GOP-led committee would then vote to approve @ @ @ @ @ 22 .
That would set up a final confirmation vote on the Senate floor the @ @ @ @ @ Republicans are moving quickly to confirm Barrett before the presidential election Nov. 3 .
Unless @ @ @ @ @ expected to have the votes to approve the nomination in committee and for final confirmation @ @ @ @

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote to approve Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court – before her confirmation hearings have even ended.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham scheduled a committee vote for 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, the morning of the last day of hearings. Barrett’s nomination is expected to be brought up for a vote at that meeting and then delayed for a week, per committee rules.
If that happens as expected, the GOP-led committee would then vote to approve her nomination Thursday, Oct. 22. That would set up a final confirmation vote on the Senate floor the week of Oct. 26.
Republicans are moving quickly to confirm Barrett before the presidential election Nov. 3. Unless circumstances change, Republicans are expected to have the votes to approve the nomination in committee and for final confirmation on the floor.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Harry Reid endorses Ozzie Fumo in Nevada Supreme Court race

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - Former U.S. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid is endorsing a state Assembly member against a longtime state court judge in their race for an open seat on the Nevada Supreme Court .
Ozzie Fumo announced Monday he received Reid ’ s backing in the race against Clark County District Court Judge Douglas Herndon .
A Reid aide confirmed the endorsement .
Fumo is a trial attorney and adjunct professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV .
He ’ s serving his second two-year term as a Democratic state lawmaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presiding criminal judge in homicide cases in Las Vegas .
He ’ s a former special victims unit prosecutor who was appointed to the bench by Republican Gov .
Kenny Guinn in 2005 and elected three times .
Herndon drew 45 % and Fumo drew 35.6 % of the vote in the June primary to trigger a nonpartisan runoff to replace retiring Justice Mark Gibbons on the seven-member court .
Both candidates have multiple endorsements from organizations , attorneys , politicians and individuals .
Herndon calls himself the only judge in the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1995 as a deputy district attorney convicting a man who was pardoned in 2017 after serving 21 years in prison for a murder he did not commit .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Former U.S. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid is endorsing a state Assembly member against a longtime state court judge in their race for an open seat on the Nevada Supreme Court.
Ozzie Fumo announced Monday he received Reid’s backing in the race against Clark County District Court Judge Douglas Herndon. A Reid aide confirmed the endorsement.
Fumo is a trial attorney and adjunct professor at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. He’s serving his second two-year term as a Democratic state lawmaker from Las Vegas.
Herndon is the presiding criminal judge in homicide cases in Las Vegas. He’s a former special victims unit prosecutor who was appointed to the bench by Republican Gov. Kenny Guinn in 2005 and elected three times.
Herndon drew 45% and Fumo drew 35.6% of the vote in the June primary to trigger a nonpartisan runoff to replace retiring Justice Mark Gibbons on the seven-member court.
Both candidates have multiple endorsements from organizations, attorneys, politicians and individuals.
Herndon calls himself the only judge in the race.
Fumo criticizes Herndon’s work in 1995 as a deputy district attorney convicting a man who was pardoned in 2017 after serving 21 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Dr. Anthony Fauci credibility sought by Trump, Biden

President Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are both looking to harness the credibility of America ’ s best-known infectious disease expert , Dr. Anthony Fauci , as they make their case to American voters .
Trump is quoting him out of context , the doctor says .
Biden , meanwhile , is eagerly promising to seek Fauci ’ s advice if elected .
Overall , it ’ s an uncomfortable season for Fauci , who ’ s been studiously apolitical over a five-decade career in public health .
The doctor is calling out the Trump campaign for taking one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign ad to suggest Fauci is in the president ’ s corner .
Biden , for his part , is taking every opportunity to associate himself with the doctor ’ s positions .
Look no further than poll numbers on trustworthiness for the candidates – and Fauci – to understand the interest in lining up with the doctor .
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll in September showed 68 % of Americans have a great deal or a fair amount of trust in Fauci to provide reliable information on the coronavirus .
That compares @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden to do that and just 40 % for Trump .
Trump ’ s reelection campaign began airing an ad last week that includes a snippet from a March interview in which Fauci says , “ I can ’ t imagine that .
anybody could be doing more ” to contain the virus .
It sounds as if the doctor is praising the president , but Fauci says he was speaking more generally of the federal government response .
Biden has treated Fauci ’ s opinion over the course of the pandemic as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Dr. Fauci ” as they weigh loosening COVID-19 restrictions in their states .
He also promises to ask Fauci , the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , to stay on as a coronavirus task force adviser if he wins next month ’ s election .
His running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , at last week ’ s vice presidential debate said she would wait for guidance from Fauci before deciding whether it ’ s safe to take a vaccine once one becomes available .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Dr. Fauci is revealing , ” said Steven Webster , an Indiana University political scientist .
“ It sort of serves as a microcosm of where we ’ re at in American politics : Americans at either side of the political divide can look at the same thing and come away with vastly different interpretations of it.
” Dr. Deborah Birx , the head of the White House coronavirus task force , told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that “ public health is not a political issue and I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much tethered to our very core values in bringing a message of public health and frankly a message of hope that we know what to do to control this virus .
This has never been a political message .
“ The attempt by Trump to claim Fauci ’ s approval has clearly rankled the doctor .
“ In my nearly five decades of public service , I have never publicly endorsed any political candidate , ” Fauci said in a statement on Sunday .
“ The comments attributed to me without my permission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials.
” Fauci told CNN on Monday that the campaign should take down the ad , calling it “ really unfortunate and really disappointing that they did that.
” He also bristled when asked in a July interview with The New York Times whether the Biden campaign had been in touch with him .
“ No , ” Fauci replied .
“ I mean I think they know better .
That I ’ m in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refuses to take down its ad , stressing that the comments are Fauci ’ s “ own words.
” “ The words spoken are accurate , and directly from Dr. Fauci ’ s mouth , ” said Trump campaign spokeswoman Erin Perrine .
Biden , at a campaign event in Toledo , noted the irony that Trump was claiming praise from the epidemiologist just days after Fauci called out a Sept. 26 Rose Garden where Trump announced his choice for the Supreme Court .
Several who attended the announcement , including Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr .
Fauci referred to the president ’ s announcement to the Supreme Court in the Rose Garden as a super spreader event , ” Biden said “ And how is he responding ?
He ’ s running a national ad , quoting Dr. Fauci out of context.
” Trump ’ s embrace of Fauci in the last lap of the campaign comes as the latest twist in an up-and-down relationship .
Though Fauci often took pains to avoid appearing to criticize the president , his disapproval of the president ’ s handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to time .
In April , Fauci set off Trump by saying that more lives could have been saved if the U.S. government had acted more quickly .
“ If we had right from the very beginning shut everything down , it may have been a little different , ” he said .
“ But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then.
” Later that day , Trump retweeted a call to ( hash ) FireFauci , raising questions about whether Fauci ’ s job was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took the podium at the briefing to say he had used the “ wrong choice of words.
” In July , Fauci , in a podcast interview , contradicted Trump ’ s claim that the U.S. was doing a great job in stemming the virus .
“ As a country , when you compare us to other countries , I don ’ t think you can say we ’ re doing great , ” Fauci said .
“ I mean , we ’ re just not.
” Trump later said Fauci had “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House aides even circulated anti-Fauci talking points to reporters , a list of moments when they said Fauci ’ s opinion had been off base .
Fauci remained steadfast in discouraging use of hydroxychloroquine even as Trump was promoting the use of a drug unproven to fight COVID-19 .
As Trump incorrectly assured Americans in March that a vaccine was just months away , Fauci and other government officials stressed in their own public statements that it would likely take a year or longer to produce and widely distribute a vaccine .
Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor and co-author of the book “ The Twitter Presidency : Donald J. Trump and the Politics of White Rage , ” said Trump ’ s attempt to claim Fauci ’ s adulation is misleading but hardly surprising .
“ He is more than willing to make whatever argument or case he thinks will help him get reelected regardless of how it tracks with past behavior or statements , ” Ott said .
• Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut in Washington , Jonathan Lemire in New York and Michael Casey in Boston contributed @ @ @ @

President Trump and Democrat Joe Biden are both looking to harness the credibility of America’s best-known infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, as they make their case to American voters.
Trump is quoting him out of context, the doctor says.
Biden, meanwhile, is eagerly promising to seek Fauci’s advice if elected.
Overall, it’s an uncomfortable season for Fauci, who’s been studiously apolitical over a five-decade career in public health. The doctor is calling out the Trump campaign for taking one of his quotes and popping it into a campaign ad to suggest Fauci is in the president’s corner.
Biden, for his part, is taking every opportunity to associate himself with the doctor’s positions.
Look no further than poll numbers on trustworthiness for the candidates – and Fauci – to understand the interest in lining up with the doctor.
A Kaiser Family Foundation poll in September showed 68% of Americans have a great deal or a fair amount of trust in Fauci to provide reliable information on the coronavirus. That compares with 52% of Americans who trusted Biden to do that and just 40% for Trump.
Trump’s reelection campaign began airing an ad last week that includes a snippet from a March interview in which Fauci says, “I can’t imagine that . anybody could be doing more” to contain the virus. It sounds as if the doctor is praising the president, but Fauci says he was speaking more generally of the federal government response.
Biden has treated Fauci’s opinion over the course of the pandemic as gospel, urging governors to “listen to Dr. Fauci” as they weigh loosening COVID-19 restrictions in their states. He also promises to ask Fauci, the longtime head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, to stay on as a coronavirus task force adviser if he wins next month’s election.
His running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, at last week’s vice presidential debate said she would wait for guidance from Fauci before deciding whether it’s safe to take a vaccine once one becomes available.
“The fact that both candidates are grasping at Dr. Fauci is revealing,” said Steven Webster, an Indiana University political scientist. “It sort of serves as a microcosm of where we’re at in American politics: Americans at either side of the political divide can look at the same thing and come away with vastly different interpretations of it.”
Dr. Deborah Birx, the head of the White House coronavirus task force, told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that “public health is not a political issue and I think Dr. Fauci and I both stay very much tethered to our very core values in bringing a message of public health and frankly a message of hope that we know what to do to control this virus. This has never been a political message. “
The attempt by Trump to claim Fauci’s approval has clearly rankled the doctor.
“In my nearly five decades of public service, I have never publicly endorsed any political candidate,” Fauci said in a statement on Sunday. “The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials.”
Fauci told CNN on Monday that the campaign should take down the ad, calling it “really unfortunate and really disappointing that they did that.”
He also bristled when asked in a July interview with The New York Times whether the Biden campaign had been in touch with him. “No,” Fauci replied. “I mean I think they know better. That I’m in a sensitive position.”
The Trump campaign refuses to take down its ad, stressing that the comments are Fauci’s “own words.”
“The words spoken are accurate, and directly from Dr. Fauci’s mouth,” said Trump campaign spokeswoman Erin Perrine.
Biden, at a campaign event in Toledo, noted the irony that Trump was claiming praise from the epidemiologist just days after Fauci called out a Sept. 26 Rose Garden where Trump announced his choice for the Supreme Court. Several who attended the announcement, including Trump, later tested positive for coronavirus.
“Dr. Fauci referred to the president’s announcement to the Supreme Court in the Rose Garden as a super spreader event,” Biden said “And how is he responding? He’s running a national ad, quoting Dr. Fauci out of context.”
Trump’s embrace of Fauci in the last lap of the campaign comes as the latest twist in an up-and-down relationship. Though Fauci often took pains to avoid appearing to criticize the president, his disapproval of the president’s handling of the pandemic has slipped through from time to time.
In April, Fauci set off Trump by saying that more lives could have been saved if the U.S. government had acted more quickly. “If we had right from the very beginning shut everything down, it may have been a little different,” he said. “But there was a lot of pushback about shutting things down back then.”
Later that day, Trump retweeted a call to (hash)FireFauci, raising questions about whether Fauci’s job was in jeopardy. The following day, Fauci took the podium at the briefing to say he had used the “wrong choice of words.”
In July, Fauci, in a podcast interview, contradicted Trump’s claim that the U.S. was doing a great job in stemming the virus. “As a country, when you compare us to other countries, I don’t think you can say we’re doing great,” Fauci said. “I mean, we’re just not.”
Trump later said Fauci had “made a lot of mistakes.” White House aides even circulated anti-Fauci talking points to reporters, a list of moments when they said Fauci’s opinion had been off base.
Fauci remained steadfast in discouraging use of hydroxychloroquine even as Trump was promoting the use of a drug unproven to fight COVID-19. As Trump incorrectly assured Americans in March that a vaccine was just months away, Fauci and other government officials stressed in their own public statements that it would likely take a year or longer to produce and widely distribute a vaccine.
Brian Ott, a Missouri State University communications professor and co-author of the book “The Twitter Presidency: Donald J. Trump and the Politics of White Rage,” said Trump’s attempt to claim Fauci’s adulation is misleading but hardly surprising.
“He is more than willing to make whatever argument or case he thinks will help him get reelected regardless of how it tracks with past behavior or statements,” Ott said.
• Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut in Washington, Jonathan Lemire in New York and Michael Casey in Boston contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Baylor 32 active COVID-19 cases in wake of postponed game

WACO , Texas ( AP ) - Baylor had 32 active COVID-19 cases in its athletic department in the wake of having to postpone a football game for the second time this season .
Updated numbers released Monday , which include student-athletes from multiple sports , showed 29 new cases since last week .
The school ’ s weekly update came a day after the Big 12 rescheduled next Saturday ’ s home game against No .
7 Oklahoma State to Dec. 12 .
Baylor ’ s pause of football activities since last Thursday will extend through at least this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 29 student-athletes had symptoms and only three were asymptomatic .
The school said 44 cases were being monitored , including close contacts .
A week earlier , the school reported 10 active cases , with six of those having symptoms .
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said Sunday that the significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases led to concerns of an outbreak .
He also said the increase caused a position group to fall below the minimum threshold of available players , though neither he or the school provided any specifics about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 12 didn ’ t happen because Louisiana Tech had widespread positive tests for COVID-19 .
A hastily arranged game against former Southwest Conference foe Houston was canceled a day before it was supposed to be played on Sept. 19 because Baylor was unable to meet COVID-19 roster thresholds set by the Big 12 .
Baylor ( 1-1 ) had a scheduled open date over the weekend , and its next scheduled game is Oct. 24 at Texas .

WACO, Texas (AP) - Baylor had 32 active COVID-19 cases in its athletic department in the wake of having to postpone a football game for the second time this season.
Updated numbers released Monday, which include student-athletes from multiple sports, showed 29 new cases since last week.
The school’s weekly update came a day after the Big 12 rescheduled next Saturday’s home game against No. 7 Oklahoma State to Dec. 12. Baylor’s pause of football activities since last Thursday will extend through at least this week.
Of the 32 active cases, 29 student-athletes had symptoms and only three were asymptomatic. The school said 44 cases were being monitored, including close contacts.
A week earlier, the school reported 10 active cases, with six of those having symptoms.
Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades said Sunday that the significant increase in positive COVID-19 cases led to concerns of an outbreak. He also said the increase caused a position group to fall below the minimum threshold of available players, though neither he or the school provided any specifics about that.
The Bears’ original opener Sept. 12 didn’t happen because Louisiana Tech had widespread positive tests for COVID-19.
A hastily arranged game against former Southwest Conference foe Houston was canceled a day before it was supposed to be played on Sept. 19 because Baylor was unable to meet COVID-19 roster thresholds set by the Big 12.
Baylor (1-1) had a scheduled open date over the weekend, and its next scheduled game is Oct. 24 at Texas.
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and http://www.twitter.com/AP_Top25


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Arson suspect faces new charges over dead animals

MEDFORD , Ore. ( AP ) - A man accused of intentionally setting a fire in Phoenix that contributed to the Almeda fire now faces added criminal charges surrounding the deaths of eight animals .
Michael Jarrod Bakkela , 41 , made his first court appearance Friday on eight new misdemeanor counts of animal abuse surrounding animals that allegedly perished in the portion of the fire he allegedly set , according to a filing from the Jackson County District Attorney ’ s Office in Jackson County Circuit Court .
The charges accuse Bakkela of causing the death of animals including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lamb , chickens , a raccoon and the goldfish , The Mail Tribune reported .
The court document identifies four owners of the pets and livestock .
Last month , People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argued in a letter that “ cruelty to animals charges must not be lost in this fire.
” Markiewicz is separately prosecuting Bakkela on arson , criminal mischief and reckless endangering charges accusing him of starting the fire in Phoenix , according to court documents .
Bakkela pleaded not guilty to those charges in September , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immediately known if he has had a lawyer appointed to his case .
On Oct. 1 , Markiewicz filed notice in the case that prosecutors will seek steeper penalties for reasons including “ harm greater than typical , ” that the crimes “ were committed during an ongoing fire or catastrophe , ” claims that Bakkela is a “ repeat property offender ” and because the crime occurred while he was on probation .
He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on over $ 5 million bail .

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A man accused of intentionally setting a fire in Phoenix that contributed to the Almeda fire now faces added criminal charges surrounding the deaths of eight animals.
Michael Jarrod Bakkela, 41, made his first court appearance Friday on eight new misdemeanor counts of animal abuse surrounding animals that allegedly perished in the portion of the fire he allegedly set, according to a filing from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office in Jackson County Circuit Court.
The charges accuse Bakkela of causing the death of animals including a sheep, a canary, a lamb, chickens, a raccoon and the goldfish, The Mail Tribune reported.
The court document identifies four owners of the pets and livestock.
Last month, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals argued in a letter that “cruelty to animals charges must not be lost in this fire.”
Markiewicz is separately prosecuting Bakkela on arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangering charges accusing him of starting the fire in Phoenix, according to court documents. Bakkela pleaded not guilty to those charges in September, KDRV-TV reported. It wasn’t immediately known if he has had a lawyer appointed to his case.
On Oct. 1, Markiewicz filed notice in the case that prosecutors will seek steeper penalties for reasons including “harm greater than typical,” that the crimes “were committed during an ongoing fire or catastrophe,” claims that Bakkela is a “repeat property offender” and because the crime occurred while he was on probation.
He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on over $5 million bail.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--2nd COVID-19 vaccine trial paused over unexplained illness

NEW BRUNSWICK , N.J. ( AP ) - A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson ’ s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant ’ s “ unexplained illness ” is related to the shot .
The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses , accidents and other so-called adverse events “ are an expected part of any clinical study , especially large studies , ” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness .
The pause is at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S .
The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness , citing the participant ’ s privacy .
Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common .
Few are made public in typical drug trials , but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications .
Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing .
Given that such tests are done on tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a coincidence .
In fact , one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo .
The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT .
Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an illness in its trial poses a safety risk .
That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis , a rare inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has said .
That company ’ s testing has restarted elsewhere .
Johnson & Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus .
Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots .

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) - A late-stage study of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot.
The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness.
The pause is at least the second such hold to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.
The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness, citing the participant’s privacy.
Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common. Few are made public in typical drug trials, but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications.
Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing. Given that such tests are done on tens of thousands of people, some medical problems are a coincidence. In fact, one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo.
The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT.
Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an illness in its trial poses a safety risk. That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis, a rare inflammation of the spinal cord, the company has said. That company’s testing has restarted elsewhere.
Johnson & Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus. Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Anchorage mayor admits to inappropriate relationship

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Monday admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a female reporter , three days after she made online allegations against the married official .
“ I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual , inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens , ” Berkowitz said in a statement released by his office late Monday afternoon .
“ I ’ m embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I ’ ve caused my family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my actions , ” he said .
The acknowledgement comes at the end of three days that roiled Alaska ’ s largest city , a span that saw both his denial of accusations Athens made on Facebook and her arrest .
It was not immediately clear what the messages involved and how long it lasted .
Berkowitz declined an interview with The Associated Press through a city spokesperson .
A message sent to Athens on Facebook was not immediately returned .
Athens , the anchor for the combined Fox/ABC station in Anchorage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday , the same day the station barred her from the studio .
In the video , she claimed she would break a story that Berkowitz posted nude photos to a website .
She later also posted what she said was a photo of the mayor ’ s nude back side .
Berkowitz ’ s office immediately denied the unsubstantiated allegation , and said they talked to the station manager , who is Athens ’ boss .
The release from the mayor ’ s office said her boss at the station also disavowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the station manager both Friday and Monday were not immediately returned .
Later that day , Athens was arrested after trespassing in the television studio after being told she could not return there .
She allegedly accosted the station manager , who charging documents identify as her boyfriend , and she was arrested by police .
Athens was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct , and was released on bail Monday .
Both Anchorage police spokesperson MJ Thim and Berkowitz noted police and the FBI investigated Athens ’ claims and found there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Berkowitz ’ s part .
“ It takes time to rebuild trust and I hope you afford me the opportunity to do so .
During the remaining months of my term , I will continue working on the important issues we face , ” Berkowitz said .
“ We were informed today of improper and distasteful actions taken by our mayor , ” Anchorage Assembly Chairman Felix Rivera and vice chairman Austin Quinn-Davidson said in a joint statement .
“ We are disappointed and disheartened by this news and send our heartfelt support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the mayor ’ s family , who we know are going through a very difficult time.
” Despite the revelation , they said , the assembly remains “ dedicated to continuing its important work.
” Berkowitz , 58 , was elected to his second three-year term as mayor in 2018 .
The non-partisan position is limited to two terms .
Berkowitz , a native of San Francisco , is also a lawyer and Anchorage businessman .
He served as a Democrat in the Alaska House of Representative from 1997-2006 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ minority leader .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on Monday admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with a female reporter, three days after she made online allegations against the married official.
“I apologize to the people of Anchorage for a major lapse in judgment I made several years ago when I had a consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship with reporter Maria Athens,” Berkowitz said in a statement released by his office late Monday afternoon.
“I’m embarrassed and ashamed for the hurt I’ve caused my family and our community. I take responsibility for my actions,” he said.
The acknowledgement comes at the end of three days that roiled Alaska’s largest city, a span that saw both his denial of accusations Athens made on Facebook and her arrest.
It was not immediately clear what the messages involved and how long it lasted. Berkowitz declined an interview with The Associated Press through a city spokesperson. A message sent to Athens on Facebook was not immediately returned.
Athens, the anchor for the combined Fox/ABC station in Anchorage, posted a video on her Facebook page Friday, the same day the station barred her from the studio. In the video, she claimed she would break a story that Berkowitz posted nude photos to a website. She later also posted what she said was a photo of the mayor’s nude back side.
Berkowitz’s office immediately denied the unsubstantiated allegation, and said they talked to the station manager, who is Athens’ boss. The release from the mayor’s office said her boss at the station also disavowed the story. Messages AP left for the station manager both Friday and Monday were not immediately returned.
Later that day, Athens was arrested after trespassing in the television studio after being told she could not return there. She allegedly accosted the station manager, who charging documents identify as her boyfriend, and she was arrested by police.
Athens was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, and was released on bail Monday.
Both Anchorage police spokesperson MJ Thim and Berkowitz noted police and the FBI investigated Athens’ claims and found there was no evidence of criminal conduct on Berkowitz’s part.
“It takes time to rebuild trust and I hope you afford me the opportunity to do so. During the remaining months of my term, I will continue working on the important issues we face,” Berkowitz said.
“We were informed today of improper and distasteful actions taken by our mayor,” Anchorage Assembly Chairman Felix Rivera and vice chairman Austin Quinn-Davidson said in a joint statement. “We are disappointed and disheartened by this news and send our heartfelt support to first lady Dr. Mara Kimmel and the rest of the mayor’s family, who we know are going through a very difficult time.”
Despite the revelation, they said, the assembly remains “dedicated to continuing its important work.”
Berkowitz, 58, was elected to his second three-year term as mayor in 2018. The non-partisan position is limited to two terms.
Berkowitz, a native of San Francisco, is also a lawyer and Anchorage businessman. He served as a Democrat in the Alaska House of Representative from 1997-2006. He served the last two years as minority leader.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Florida State University must pay ex-student leader in ouster for religious views, judge says

A federal judge has ruled that Florida State University must pay the salary of a former campus Senate president who was ousted over his religious views .
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor last week ordered FSU to make “ prospective payment ” for lost wages to former Student Senate President Jack Denton , a senior and political science major who was voted out by his colleagues in June over text messages he exchanged with other Catholic students .
Judge Winsor , a Trump appointee , said the university , which administers the student government , had violated Mr. Denton ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect him against retaliation for his protected speech and should resume paying his stipend until his term ’ s expiration in November .
“ To state the obvious , expressing one ’ s religious views is a constitutionally protected activity .
And being removed from a student Senate presidency , as Denton was , would chill someone from expressing himself , ” the judge wrote in his 25-page preliminary ruling in the closely watched religious liberty case .
Judge Winsor compared Mr. Denton ’ s ouster to the Georgia state legislature refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1966 over his criticism of the Vietnam War .
A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled the legislature ’ s move unconstitutional .
“ All students should be able to peacefully share their personal connections without fear of retaliation , ” said Tyson Langhofer , an attorney with the nonprofit advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom who is representing Mr. Denton .
An FSU spokesperson wrote in email that school officials are reviewing the decision and “ considering the university ’ s options.
” An attorney for the Student Senate defendants did not respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Student Senate president $ 9 an hour .
Mr. Denton told the court that he estimated working six hours a week until the end of his term on Nov. 11 .
He is to be paid about $ 216 .
The campus Senate removed Mr. Denton in a 38-3 vote in June after critical remarks he had made about the American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter came to light .
In a group text message with Catholic Student Union students about the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from donating to the ACLU for its support of legal abortion and Black Live Matters for its “ queer-affirming ” stance .
He said those groups — and a Minneapolis organization that promotes defunding law enforcement — promote “ grave evils.
” When screen shots of the conversation were made public , the Student Senate began proceedings against Mr. Denton that led to a no-confidence vote against him .
One unnamed student senator remarked that she could “ think of no more abhorrent thing to hear coming from our Senate leadership , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order , Judge Winsor declined to reinstate Mr. Denton , saying such a move could “ produce tumult and chaos.
” But the judge belittled the student senators ’ reaction , writing that the Senate was “ beside itself ” over the plaintiff ’ s “ expression of Catholic views.
” FSU attorneys had asked that Mr. Denton ’ s lawsuit be dismissed , saying his legal team ’ s argument that the university functions like a state was a “ legal fiction .
The university said in a motion that Mr. Denton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student Supreme Court .
“ There is no statutory duty to rescue Denton from an intra-student government fight , ” FSU attorneys wrote last month .
In comments to the Tallahassee Democrat , FSU General Counsel Carolyn Egan said the university “ has never taken sides between Mr. Denton and those who voted to impeach him , and we hope that the court ’ s order will allow the Student Senate to get back to the business of student government .
”

A federal judge has ruled that Florida State University must pay the salary of a former campus Senate president who was ousted over his religious views.
U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor last week ordered FSU to make “prospective payment” for lost wages to former Student Senate President Jack Denton, a senior and political science major who was voted out by his colleagues in June over text messages he exchanged with other Catholic students.
Judge Winsor, a Trump appointee, said the university, which administers the student government, had violated Mr. Denton’s First Amendment rights by failing to protect him against retaliation for his protected speech and should resume paying his stipend until his term’s expiration in November.
“To state the obvious, expressing one’s religious views is a constitutionally protected activity. And being removed from a student Senate presidency, as Denton was, would chill someone from expressing himself,” the judge wrote in his 25-page preliminary ruling in the closely watched religious liberty case.
Judge Winsor compared Mr. Denton’s ouster to the Georgia state legislature refusing to seat newly elected lawmaker Julian Bond in 1966 over his criticism of the Vietnam War. A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled the legislature’s move unconstitutional.
“All students should be able to peacefully share their personal connections without fear of retaliation,” said Tyson Langhofer, an attorney with the nonprofit advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom who is representing Mr. Denton.
An FSU spokesperson wrote in email that school officials are reviewing the decision and “considering the university’s options.” An attorney for the Student Senate defendants did not respond to request for comment.
FSU pays the Student Senate president $9 an hour. Mr. Denton told the court that he estimated working six hours a week until the end of his term on Nov. 11. He is to be paid about $216.
The campus Senate removed Mr. Denton in a 38-3 vote in June after critical remarks he had made about the American Civil Liberties Union and Black Lives Matter came to light.
In a group text message with Catholic Student Union students about the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, Mr. Denton discouraged others from donating from donating to the ACLU for its support of legal abortion and Black Live Matters for its “queer-affirming” stance. He said those groups — and a Minneapolis organization that promotes defunding law enforcement — promote “grave evils.”
When screen shots of the conversation were made public, the Student Senate began proceedings against Mr. Denton that led to a no-confidence vote against him. One unnamed student senator remarked that she could “think of no more abhorrent thing to hear coming from our Senate leadership,” according to court filings.
In his order, Judge Winsor declined to reinstate Mr. Denton, saying such a move could “produce tumult and chaos.” But the judge belittled the student senators’ reaction, writing that the Senate was “beside itself” over the plaintiff’s “expression of Catholic views.”
FSU attorneys had asked that Mr. Denton’s lawsuit be dismissed, saying his legal team’s argument that the university functions like a state was a “legal fiction. The university said in a motion that Mr. Denton should be allowed a hearing at the student Supreme Court.
“There is no statutory duty to rescue Denton from an intra-student government fight,” FSU attorneys wrote last month.
In comments to the Tallahassee Democrat, FSU General Counsel Carolyn Egan said the university “has never taken sides between Mr. Denton and those who voted to impeach him, and we hope that the court’s order will allow the Student Senate to get back to the business of student government.”
• Christopher Vondracek can be reached at cvondracek@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--White House warns Democrats against attacking Amy Coney Barrett's Catholic faith

The White House warned Democrats on Monday that they face a voter backlash in Midwestern swing states if they question Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Catholic faith , as her Supreme Court confirmation hearing opened in the Senate Judiciary Committee .
Vice President Mike Pence , speaking at a Columbus Day event in Columbus , Ohio , said Democrats “ and their Hollywood friends have already started to attack Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Christian faith.
” Referring to the infamous comment by Sen. Dianne Feinstein , California Democrat , that Christian “ dogma lives loudly within ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ I ’ ve got news for the Democrats and their friends in Hollywood — that dogma lives loudly in me .
That dogma lives loudly in you , and the right to live , to work , to worship , according to the dictates of our faith and conscience , lives in the Constitution of the United States of America.
” “ These attacks on religious faith must stop and they must stop now , ” Mr. Pence said .
“ Now the Senate has a job to do .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and consent , I ’ ll make a prediction .
Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be Justice Amy Coney Barrett .
We ’ re going to fill that seat.
” The Senate ’ s second-ranking Democrat , Richard J. Durbin of Illinois , said his party won ’ t make an issue of Judge Barrett ’ s faith .
“ We have taken an oath to a Constitution that says no religious test .
Enough said , ” Mr. Durbin told reporters .
While traveling to campaign Monday in Ohio Democratic presidential nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett ’ s Catholicism “ should not be considered , ” though he quickly pivoted to Obamacare as an issue to use against her .
“ This nominee said she wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act , ” said Mr. Biden , a Catholic himself .
“ Let ’ s keep our eye on the ball.
” Marc Short , chief of staff to Mr. Pence , said any perceived anti-Catholic bias from Democrats could have an impact in Ohio , Michigan , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — all states that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ How Democrats play this nomination could have a significant political impact in those upper Midwest states , ” Mr. Short told reporters .
Democrats didn ’ t raise the issue of Judge Barrett ’ s faith or abortion on the first day of the hearing , focusing instead on the potential impact on the Affordable Care Act .
The high court will take up a legal challenge to the law next month .
Mr. Pence made phone calls to several Republican senators over the holiday weekend in support of Judge Barrett ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the GOP remains in line behind her .
The vice president is expected to make more calls to Republican senators this week .
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien said the Barrett nomination fight is boosting grassroots enthusiasm for the president ’ s reelection .
“ This is a big deal for conservatives — also a big deal for anyone who actually thinks the Constitution should be followed , ” Mr. Stepien said on a conference call with reporters .
He said the nomination is also causing difficulties for Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of California , who have dodged questions about whether they would support a Democratic effort to add seats to the high court if Judge Barrett is confirmed .
“ Democrats don ’ t like the fact that elections have consequences , ” Mr. Stepien said .
“ And when they lose elections , as they did , they try to change the rules of the game.
” The vice president said Americans “ deserve a straight answer ” from Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris on their plans for the high court .

The White House warned Democrats on Monday that they face a voter backlash in Midwestern swing states if they question Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Catholic faith, as her Supreme Court confirmation hearing opened in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at a Columbus Day event in Columbus, Ohio, said Democrats “and their Hollywood friends have already started to attack Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Christian faith.”
Referring to the infamous comment by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, that Christian “dogma lives loudly within” Judge Barrett, Mr. Pence told supporters, “I’ve got news for the Democrats and their friends in Hollywood — that dogma lives loudly in me. That dogma lives loudly in you, and the right to live, to work, to worship, according to the dictates of our faith and conscience, lives in the Constitution of the United States of America.”
“These attacks on religious faith must stop and they must stop now,” Mr. Pence said. “Now the Senate has a job to do. And after they discharge their duty to advise and consent, I’ll make a prediction. Judge Amy Coney Barrett will be Justice Amy Coney Barrett. We’re going to fill that seat.”
The Senate’s second-ranking Democrat, Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, said his party won’t make an issue of Judge Barrett’s faith.
“We have taken an oath to a Constitution that says no religious test. Enough said,” Mr. Durbin told reporters.
While traveling to campaign Monday in Ohio Democratic presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden also said that Judge Barrett’s Catholicism “should not be considered,” though he quickly pivoted to Obamacare as an issue to use against her.
“This nominee said she wants to get rid of the Affordable Care Act,” said Mr. Biden, a Catholic himself. “Let’s keep our eye on the ball.”
Marc Short, chief of staff to Mr. Pence, said any perceived anti-Catholic bias from Democrats could have an impact in Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — all states that President Trump won four years ago.
“How Democrats play this nomination could have a significant political impact in those upper Midwest states,” Mr. Short told reporters.
Democrats didn’t raise the issue of Judge Barrett’s faith or abortion on the first day of the hearing, focusing instead on the potential impact on the Affordable Care Act. The high court will take up a legal challenge to the law next month.
Mr. Pence made phone calls to several Republican senators over the holiday weekend in support of Judge Barrett’s nomination, hoping to ensure that the GOP remains in line behind her. The vice president is expected to make more calls to Republican senators this week.
Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien said the Barrett nomination fight is boosting grassroots enthusiasm for the president’s reelection.
“This is a big deal for conservatives — also a big deal for anyone who actually thinks the Constitution should be followed,” Mr. Stepien said on a conference call with reporters.
He said the nomination is also causing difficulties for Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden and running mate Sen. Kamala D. Harris of California, who have dodged questions about whether they would support a Democratic effort to add seats to the high court if Judge Barrett is confirmed.
“Democrats don’t like the fact that elections have consequences,” Mr. Stepien said. “And when they lose elections, as they did, they try to change the rules of the game.”
The vice president said Americans “deserve a straight answer” from Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris on their plans for the high court.
• David Sherfinski contributed to this report.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Spending plans by Joe Biden, Donald Trump hike federal debt by $5 trillion over 10 years: study

Both President Trump and Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden would increase the nation ’ s debt by an additional $ 5 trillion over 10 years if they were able to muscle through all their major campaign policy proposals — and that ’ s on top of any extra COVID-19 relief , according to a new analysis .
Mr. Trump would add $ 4.95 trillion to the federal debt held by the public over the next decade compared to Mr. Biden ’ s $ 5.6 trillion , according to the study by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of promises that would be very expensive if additional pay-fors are not mentioned , ” said Marc Goldwein , the group ’ s senior vice president .
The proposed spending sprees would push federal debt to 125 % of gross domestic product under Mr. Trump and 128 % under Mr. Biden by 2030 , well above the projected 109 % under current law , the study showed .
The president would spend roughly $ 2 trillion on infrastructure , at least $ 1.3 trillion on tax cuts , and $ 650 billion on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those expenses would be offset partly by more than $ 500 billion in savings from ending “ endless wars ” and $ 150 billion in savings from cutting prescription drug prices and other health care changes .
Mr. Biden wants to spend $ 3 trillion on climate change and environmental initiatives , $ 2.7 trillion on child care and education , including universal pre-K and higher education spending , and $ 1.9 trillion to expand health insurance coverage , among his big-ticket items .
He would offset that partly by raising taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending wars in the Middle East , generating $ 550 billion in savings .
Mr. Biden has vowed that people making less than $ 400,000 per year would not see their taxes increase under his plan .
“ Tens of millions of middle-class families are going to get a tax cut when they need it most , ” he said while campaigning in Ohio Monday .
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget did not factor in additional spending on the coronavirus pandemic in its analysis .
“ Biden supports much more spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goldwein said .
“ The politics of saying we are going to increase taxes or cut spending just for the sake of helping our future is sometimes tough , but I do think we [ can ] at least expect candidates to put forward ways to pay for their own plans.
” In another new analysis , the James Madison Institute projected that Mr. Biden ’ s economic policies would cost roughly $ 6 trillion over 10 years .
That translates to an increased tax burden , on average , of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states of Florida , Michigan , Ohio , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , the think tank found .
Mr. Biden wants to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 % to 28 % and lift the top individual tax rate from 37 % to 39.6 % .
Under his plan , 97 % of the tax increases would fall on the top 1 % of earners , according to new projections from the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy .
“ Only 1.9 % of taxpayers will see their income taxes or payroll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and they will certainly not be the Americans who face eviction , lack health insurance , and wonder when they can go back to work , ” said Steve Wamhoff , director of federal tax policy at the institute .
Both Mr. Biden and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala D. Harris have talked generally about reversing the Republican 2017 tax cuts , which if repealed in their entirety would constitute a massive tax increase across the board , including on middle-class families .
“ Sleepy Joe wants to quadruple your Taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t let it happen !
# MAGA , ” Mr. Trump tweeted Monday .
The government ’ s bottom line is unlikely to improve under either a second Trump term or a Biden administration , said Robert Bixby , executive director of the Concord Coalition , a fiscal watchdog group .
“ Right now , there is no longer a constraint — particularly in the Democratic Party — that you have to pay for your proposals and there ’ s not a consensus that the debt is a problem that there was , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has authorized close to $ 3 trillion in coronavirus-related spending this year , helping power an estimated $ 3.3 trillion deficit for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30 , according to the Congressional Budget Office .
CBO projected last month that under current law , federal debt held by the public would increase from 98 % in 2020 to 109 % by 2030 before spiking to 142 % in 2040 and 195 % by 2050 .
Mr. Bixby said Mr. Trump ’ s freewheeling style and fungible approach to spending and deficits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He ’ ll just say whatever he wants , ” he said of the president .
“ On any given day , who knows what his fiscal agenda is ?
”

Both President Trump and Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden would increase the nation’s debt by an additional $5 trillion over 10 years if they were able to muscle through all their major campaign policy proposals — and that’s on top of any extra COVID-19 relief, according to a new analysis.
Mr. Trump would add $4.95 trillion to the federal debt held by the public over the next decade compared to Mr. Biden’s $5.6 trillion, according to the study by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
“These folks are making a lot of promises that would be very expensive if additional pay-fors are not mentioned,” said Marc Goldwein, the group’s senior vice president.
The proposed spending sprees would push federal debt to 125% of gross domestic product under Mr. Trump and 128% under Mr. Biden by 2030, well above the projected 109% under current law, the study showed.
The president would spend roughly $2 trillion on infrastructure, at least $1.3 trillion on tax cuts, and $650 billion on the U.S. military and the Space Force.
Those expenses would be offset partly by more than $500 billion in savings from ending “endless wars” and $150 billion in savings from cutting prescription drug prices and other health care changes.
Mr. Biden wants to spend $3 trillion on climate change and environmental initiatives, $2.7 trillion on child care and education, including universal pre-K and higher education spending, and $1.9 trillion to expand health insurance coverage, among his big-ticket items.
He would offset that partly by raising taxes by more than $4 trillion and ending wars in the Middle East, generating $550 billion in savings.
Mr. Biden has vowed that people making less than $400,000 per year would not see their taxes increase under his plan.
“Tens of millions of middle-class families are going to get a tax cut when they need it most,” he said while campaigning in Ohio Monday.
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget did not factor in additional spending on the coronavirus pandemic in its analysis.
“Biden supports much more spending, with more taxes,” Mr. Goldwein said. “The politics of saying we are going to increase taxes or cut spending just for the sake of helping our future is sometimes tough, but I do think we [can] at least expect candidates to put forward ways to pay for their own plans.”
In another new analysis, the James Madison Institute projected that Mr. Biden’s economic policies would cost roughly $6 trillion over 10 years.
That translates to an increased tax burden, on average, of at least $1,421 per taxpayer across the battleground states of Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the think tank found.
Mr. Biden wants to increase the corporate tax rate from 21% to 28% and lift the top individual tax rate from 37% to 39.6%.
Under his plan, 97% of the tax increases would fall on the top 1% of earners, according to new projections from the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
“Only 1.9% of taxpayers will see their income taxes or payroll taxes rise under Biden’s plan, and they will certainly not be the Americans who face eviction, lack health insurance, and wonder when they can go back to work,” said Steve Wamhoff, director of federal tax policy at the institute.
Both Mr. Biden and Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala D. Harris have talked generally about reversing the Republican 2017 tax cuts, which if repealed in their entirety would constitute a massive tax increase across the board, including on middle-class families.
“Sleepy Joe wants to quadruple your Taxes. Depression!!! Don’t let it happen! #MAGA,” Mr. Trump tweeted Monday.
The government’s bottom line is unlikely to improve under either a second Trump term or a Biden administration, said Robert Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, a fiscal watchdog group.
“Right now, there is no longer a constraint — particularly in the Democratic Party — that you have to pay for your proposals and there’s not a consensus that the debt is a problem that there was,” Mr. Bixby said.
Congress already has authorized close to $3 trillion in coronavirus-related spending this year, helping power an estimated $3.3 trillion deficit for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
CBO projected last month that under current law, federal debt held by the public would increase from 98% in 2020 to 109% by 2030 before spiking to 142% in 2040 and 195% by 2050.
Mr. Bixby said Mr. Trump’s freewheeling style and fungible approach to spending and deficits puts Mr. Biden at a disadvantage.
“He’ll just say whatever he wants,” he said of the president. “On any given day, who knows what his fiscal agenda is?”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Police: Man impersonated officer, threw chemicals on driver

GRADYVILLE , Ky. ( AP ) - A Kentucky man accused of impersonating a police officer to pull a woman over and throw chemicals in her face has been arrested , according to Kentucky State Police .
George Barton , 47 , was taken into custody early Sunday following a standoff including hours of negotiation and the use of chemical munitions , the state agency said in a news release Monday .
Investigators said Barton used blue emergency lights to pull a driver over outside of Columbia late on a September night .
The driver complied , but did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
She told investigators the car did not have law enforcement decals on it .
Barton was accused of then approaching her window and throwing what was suspected to be ammonia in her face .
The woman fought back and escaped as Barton tried to pull her out of her vehicle , police said .
Barton drove off .
The woman suffered a head injury during the encounter , according to authorities .
Police said that when troopers arrived to serve the arrest warrant Sunday , Barton barricaded himself in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on charges of assault , impersonating a peace officer , improper use of blue lights , wanton endangerment , unlawful imprisonment , terroristic threatening and resisting arrest .
It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment for him .

GRADYVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A Kentucky man accused of impersonating a police officer to pull a woman over and throw chemicals in her face has been arrested, according to Kentucky State Police.
George Barton, 47, was taken into custody early Sunday following a standoff including hours of negotiation and the use of chemical munitions, the state agency said in a news release Monday.
Investigators said Barton used blue emergency lights to pull a driver over outside of Columbia late on a September night. The driver complied, but did not think she had committed any traffic violations, officials said.
She told investigators the car did not have law enforcement decals on it.
Barton was accused of then approaching her window and throwing what was suspected to be ammonia in her face. The woman fought back and escaped as Barton tried to pull her out of her vehicle, police said. Barton drove off.
The woman suffered a head injury during the encounter, according to authorities.
Police said that when troopers arrived to serve the arrest warrant Sunday, Barton barricaded himself in his home.
He was eventually jailed on charges of assault, impersonating a peace officer, improper use of blue lights, wanton endangerment, unlawful imprisonment, terroristic threatening and resisting arrest.
It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could comment for him.


washingtontimes--2020-10-12--Baseball's first fans of 2020 see Dodgers-Braves NLCS opener

ARLINGTON , Texas ( AP ) - Scott McIlroy reached out with his left hand as a batting practice home run clanged off a railing and hit him in the palm , the ball popping in the air before settling back into his grip as he held a cell phone in his right hand .
Count the Texas resident and Los Angeles Dodgers fan among the first in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to catch a pre-game souvenir - and among the first ticket buyers to see live baseball in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling 11,500 tickets per game at Globe Life Field for the series between the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves and plans a similar allotment at the same ballpark when it hosts the first neutral-site World Series starting Oct. 20 .
McIlroy got a call from a friend knowing the longtime Dodgers fan would want to make the two-hour drive to the Dallas area .
“ We were wondering what the mixture of fans would be , ” McIlroy said .
“ In this new age of what we ’ re going through , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , we saw a lot of Dodger blue out there.
” There were plenty of Braves logos , too , and the tomahawk chop chant was audible when Ronald Acuña Jr. stepped in as Atlanta ’ s leadoff hitter against Walker Buehler .
It was the first MLB game of any kind with fans since March 12 , when five Grapefruit League games in Florida were completed as the novel coronavirus caused the shutdown of spring training there and in Arizona .
Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott said in June that professional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operate at 50 % capacity , and MLB decided to sell tickets starting with the NLCS following a regular season in which attendance dropped to 0 from 68.5 million .
The NFL ’ s Dallas Cowboys have sold about 31 % capacity at nearby AT & T ; Stadium , drawing 25,147 for Sunday ’ s win over the New York Giants .
No tickets are being sold for the American League Championship Series between Houston and Tampa Bay at San Diego ’ s Petco Park .
The previous time fans attended a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it also was in Texas : Game 7 of the 2019 World Series in Houston , a sellout of 43,326 when the Washington Nationals beat the Astros to win the title .
This time , seats were sold in groups of four at the new , 40,518-seat retractable roof stadium , with the empty seats between ticketed sections secured by zip ties to prevent people from sitting in them .
“ It was kind of a novel thing because of the new field and there have never been fans in it , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who drove about four hours from Little Rock , Arkansas .
“ And with this whole COVID thing , I kind of thought about it .
Thought it was exciting.
” In March , Claudia Magallanes , her husband and two sons drove nine hours from Carlsbad , New Mexico , to catch spring training games in Arizona .
They never saw any because of the shutdown .
When they realized fans would be allowed for the NLCS , they remembered deciding against going to World Series games in Los Angeles a couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy call to see their first LA postseason game , even though Claudia Magallanes was headed to the airport Tuesday morning for a previous scheduled pleasure trip to Nevada .
“ Friday morning he gives me the news , and I ’ m like , ‘ Yea , yes.
’ So we ’ re all for it , ” said Claudia Magallanes , who said these four tickets were paid in part by the money they got back from the canceled spring training games .
“ I tell him two years ago I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy the tickets.
” Justin Farris of the Dallas suburb of Plano had his Texas Rangers cap on , with two sons wearing Rangers jerseys .
It was clear why they were on their way in to the new ballpark fans didn ’ t get to see during what was supposed to be its inaugural season .
“ Wanted to see it before anybody does , ” said Farris , who said he would root for the Dodgers because of Dallas native Clayton Kershaw .
“ And it ’ s going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s ever going to be.
” Eli Dills has season tickets for the Braves and lives a couple of hours north of Atlanta .
He says he didn ’ t miss any home playoff games the past two years , so he had to talk his boss into giving him the day off .
Dills was headed back home - and to work - after Game 1 , but the 21-year-old Walmart manager was already thinking about the World Series .
“ I ’ m going to be down here no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m going to tell my boss , ‘ Hey , man , you can come with me .
’ ”

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Scott McIlroy reached out with his left hand as a batting practice home run clanged off a railing and hit him in the palm, the ball popping in the air before settling back into his grip as he held a cell phone in his right hand.
Count the Texas resident and Los Angeles Dodgers fan among the first in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to catch a pre-game souvenir - and among the first ticket buyers to see live baseball in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Monday night.
Major League Baseball said it was selling 11,500 tickets per game at Globe Life Field for the series between the Dodgers and Atlanta Braves and plans a similar allotment at the same ballpark when it hosts the first neutral-site World Series starting Oct. 20. McIlroy got a call from a friend knowing the longtime Dodgers fan would want to make the two-hour drive to the Dallas area.
The announced attendance was 10,700, not including those who didn’t pay. Ticket prices ranged from $40 to $250 for the NLCS, and $75-450 for the World Series, which has already sold out.
About 75% of fans appeared compliant with the requirement to wear masks except when “actively” eating or drinking. Some weren’t covering their nose or mouth.
“We were wondering what the mixture of fans would be,” McIlroy said. “In this new age of what we’re going through, we were just curious. When we came in, we saw a lot of Dodger blue out there.”
There were plenty of Braves logos, too, and the tomahawk chop chant was audible when Ronald Acuña Jr. stepped in as Atlanta’s leadoff hitter against Walker Buehler.
“They brought it for sure, and it definitely got the adrenaline going, especially late in the game. It was intense,” Atlanta’s Austin Riley said of the fans after his home run leading off the ninth sparked a four-run rally in a 5-1 victory.
It was the first MLB game of any kind with fans since March 12, when five Grapefruit League games in Florida were completed as the novel coronavirus caused the shutdown of spring training there and in Arizona.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in June that professional and college stadiums would be allowed to operate at 50% capacity, and MLB decided to sell tickets starting with the NLCS following a regular season in which attendance dropped to 0 from 68.5 million. The NFL’s Dallas Cowboys have sold about 31% capacity at nearby AT&T Stadium, drawing 25,147 for Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.
No tickets are being sold for the American League Championship Series between Houston and Tampa Bay at San Diego’s Petco Park.
“It was really weird going on the field to get ready before the game and seeing people in general,” said Los Angeles’ Kiké Hernández, who homered for the Dodgers’ only run in a 5-1 loss. “It was kind of shocking for everybody to see, at least for the first few minutes. It definitely added more to this game. I missed what the roar of the crowd sounded like.”
The previous time fans attended a Major League Baseball game that counted, it also was in Texas: Game 7 of the 2019 World Series in Houston, a sellout of 43,326 when the Washington Nationals beat the Astros to win the title.
This time, seats were sold in groups of four at the new, 40,518-seat retractable roof stadium, with the empty seats between ticketed sections secured by zip ties to prevent people from sitting in them.
“It was kind of a novel thing because of the new field and there have never been fans in it,” said Jeff Wood, a Braves fan who drove about four hours from Little Rock, Arkansas. “And with this whole COVID thing, I kind of thought about it. Thought it was exciting.”
In March, Claudia Magallanes, her husband and two sons drove nine hours from Carlsbad, New Mexico, to catch spring training games in Arizona. They never saw any because of the shutdown.
When they realized fans would be allowed for the NLCS, they remembered deciding against going to World Series games in Los Angeles a couple of years ago. It was an easy call to see their first LA postseason game, even though Claudia Magallanes was headed to the airport Tuesday morning for a previous scheduled pleasure trip to Nevada.
“Friday morning he gives me the news, and I’m like, ‘Yea, yes.’ So we’re all for it,” said Claudia Magallanes, who said these four tickets were paid in part by the money they got back from the canceled spring training games. “I tell him two years ago I still regret that we didn’t buy the tickets.”
Justin Farris of the Dallas suburb of Plano had his Texas Rangers cap on, with two sons wearing Rangers jerseys. It was clear why they were on their way in to the new ballpark fans didn’t get to see during what was supposed to be its inaugural season.
“Wanted to see it before anybody does,” said Farris, who said he would root for the Dodgers because of Dallas native Clayton Kershaw. “And it’s going to be cleaner. It’s the cleanest it’s ever going to be.”
Eli Dills has season tickets for the Braves and lives a couple of hours north of Atlanta. He says he didn’t miss any home playoff games the past two years, so he had to talk his boss into giving him the day off.
Dills was headed back home - and to work - after Game 1, but the 21-year-old Walmart manager was already thinking about the World Series.
“I’m going to be down here no doubt,” Dills said. “I’m going to tell my boss, ‘Hey, man, you can come with me.’”
___
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