Politics

ALL MEMBERS OF SAN DIEGO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VOTE TO KEEP GOVERNMENT OPEN

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

September 30, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- All five members of the San Diego County congressional delegation voted Saturday keep the federal government open, as Democrats in the House offset a revolt by right-wing Republicans.


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HOUSE REPUBLICANS OPEN IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY HEARING AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN LOOMS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: C-span screenshot  of impeachment inquiry opening hearing

September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – With a government shutdown set to cripple the economy just days away,  House Republicans have failed to pass a budget and instead, focused their efforts on opening an impeachment inquiring hearing yesterday. The GOP leaders say the hearing aims to investigate claims of corruption or bribery involving President Joe Biden, but even expert witnesses called by the  Republicans testified that so far,  there is no solid evidence to support such claims.

This is not a hearing that will result in a vote to impeach the president, but rather an impeachment inquiry to determine whether or not there is evidence of any high crimes or misdemeanors that could warrant a separate impeachment hearing.

Meanwhile a vote to prevent a shutdown failed, as Republicans in the House reneged on an earlier budget agreement with Biden. Even a stopgap spending measure has thus far failed,  meaning in two days, federal workers will stop getting paid for jobs ranging from military positions to TSA agents at airports, national park rangers to Border Patrol officers.


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JUDGE FINDS TRUMP AND SONS REPEATEDLY VIOLATED NEW YORK FRAUD LAWS, ORDERS COMPANIES DISSOLVED

 

By Miriam Raftery

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Trump Tower in New York, Creative Commons 3.0 image by Bin im Garten

September 29, 2023 (New York, NY) --  Donald Trump and his sons Eric and Don Jr. stand to lose their business empire, after New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron ruled that the company repeatedly violated the state’s fraud laws. The judge found that the Trumps  inflated the value of their assets by billions of dollars to get favorable loans and insurance terms, while claiming far lower values on the same properties when it suited them to do so.

For example, Trump valued his Mar-a-Lago golf club at $714  million on his annual financial statements, even though a tax assessor estimated its value at must $18 million. Trump even listed the size of his Mar-a-Lago  penthouse at 30,000 square feet, instead of its actual size—just 10,000 square feet, according to the civil fraud lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Judge Engoron has ordered business certificates for Trump’s New York properties cancelled and ordered independent receivers be appointed within 10 days to manage dissolving the companies, which could include selling off the assets. Trump could be entitled to money from any such sale.


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SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN, AN ICON FOR WOMEN IN POLITICS, DIES AT 90

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left, by Ron Logan:  Senator Dianne Feinstein addressed California Democratic Convention in San Diego

September 29, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, who represented California for over three decades and served as a trailblazer for women in politics, died last night at her home in Washington, D.C.  Vaulted into the spotlight when dual assassinations elevated her to Mayor of San Francisco, she later became one of the most powerful women in America, chairing the Senate Intelligence Committee and serving as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. 

She fought for women’s rights,  gun control, and LGTBQ rights from AIDS funding to gay marriage. She led an investigation into CIA torture and  demanded reforms, and once said the vote she most regretted was supporting the Iraq War initiated by President George W. Bush.  She was, however, viewed as a political moderate,also supporting law and order measures, the death penalty, and a strong national defense.

Her staff issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) calling the senior Democrat’s passing “a great loss for so many,  from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving. Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right. At the same time, she was always willing to work with anyone, even those she disagreed with, if it meant bettering the lives of Californians or the betterment of our nation.  There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother…She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary.”

Feinstein cast her last vote, an effort to stop a government shutdown, yesterday morning.  Despite failing health, she had pledged to complete her term of office, but had announced she would not seek reelection next year, opening the door for a new generation of leadership for California on Capitol Hill.


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VOWING TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY, BIDEN HITS HARD AT TRUMP

President warns of dangers to democracy posed by Trump’s attack on government, call to execute General Milley, and disdain for Constitution

 

By Patsy Widakuswara, Voice of America

September 28, 2023 (Washington D.C.)-- U.S. President Joe Biden sharpened his attacks against Donald Trump on Thursday, delivering his most forceful assertion to date that the former president and Republican front-runner represents an existential threat to the country’s democratic values and institutions.

In a speech in the western state of Arizona, Biden charged that Trump holds the "dangerous notion" that he has unchecked power and is above the law.

"Trump says the Constitution gave him, quote, the right to do whatever he wants as president, end of quote. I've never heard a president say that even in jest," Biden said. "Not guided by the Constitution or by common service and decency toward our fellow Americans, but by vengeance and vindictiveness."


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LA MESA REVIVES HEATED DEBATE OVER DIGITAL BILLBOARDS

By Miriam Raftery

Photo by Gene Carpenter

September 28,2023 (La Mesa) – Last night, the La  Mesa City Council voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare a revised RFP (request for proposals) for digital billboards, with Councilman Jack Shu opposed.

The action reverse a July 25 vote, when Council rejected a similar proposal by a 3-2 vote. The major difference? The new plan would provide that any revenues the city receives off digital billboards for the first five years would be spent equally on police, fire protection, and the arts, said Councilman Colin Parent, who introduced the revised measure.

Several people showed up before the meeting with protest signs, such as “Keep digital billboards out of  La Mesa,” though some others spoke in support.


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JAY STEIGER, TEACHER AND PARENT, RUNS FOR GROSSMONT UNION-HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD TO STAND UP FOR ALL STUDENTS

Hear audio aired on KNSJ Radio

View video of interview with Jay Steiger (Note: Max Coston, whose name appears on screen, is Steiger's campaign manager)

September 27, 2023 (San Diego's East County)-- Jay Steiger is running for the Grossmont Union High School Board in Trustee Area 2,  Steiger is a middle school teacher who graduated from Monte Vista High School in the Grossmont District and he’s a parent of two children who graduated from Grossmont High School. In an exclusive interview, he shares his goals to assure a 21st century education for students and assure that all students, staff and teachers are treated with respect and inclusivity.

Steiger says he’s running because extremists have targeted school boards in the 2024 election, and he wants to prioritize students’ wellbeing and education over extremist policies he believes could harm our community.

Audio: 


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GUHSD BOARD’S DECISION TO DROP MENTAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER SPARKS BACKLASH

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Trustee Gary Woods has drawn heat for his comment sugesting that a mental health services provider axed by the district after a public comment over counseling of LGBTQ+  students did not reflect "East County values."

September 27, 2023  (El Cajon)—Two trustees, a candidate, parents and students are speaking out to sharply criticize the Grossmont Union High School District’s board majority for voting against renewing a contract with San Diego Youth Services, the district’s long-time mental health services provider.

SDYS provided two programs for the district:  on-site clinicians seeing students referred by teachers over mental health concerns, and a suicide prevention program.

The action came after a July 20 board meeting at which Cajon Valley School Board Member Anthony Carnevale told GUHSD trustees that he had asked the chief executive director of SDYS whether students could receive talks or referrals on gender-change surgery and transition. Carnevale stated, “He did not answer my question and asked if I did not want LGBTQ+ students receiving care.”  Carnevale said his district had ended its contract with the organization, NBC San Diego reports.


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ANDUJAR TAKES SEAT ON PADRE DAM BOARD HELD BY CAIRES

By Mike Allen
 
September 19, 2023 (Santee) -- Ivan Andujar (photo, left) was appointed by the board of directors of Padre Dam Municipal Water District to the Division 4 seat formerly held by the late Augie Caires earlier this month.
 
Caires, who served as the general manager of the district from 1993-2006 and then on the board of directors from 2007 to 2023, died Aug. 2. Andujar, an Alpine resident, will serve the remainder of Caires term, which expires in December 2024.
 
The board selected Andujar after interviewing three candidates at its Sept. 6 meeting. The two other candidates were Paul Tarpy and Kimberly Hales.

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SPEAKER MCCARTHY ORDERS IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY OF BIDEN WITHOUT A HOUSE VOTE, AND WITHOUT EVIDENCE

By Miriam Raftery

September 17,2023 (Washington D.C.) – House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, under pressure from right-wing extremists in the House who have threatened to remove him as Speaker, has directed that an impeachment inquiry be opened into  President Joe Biden.

McCarthy claims  that unsubstantiated allegations of “abuse of power, obstruction and corruption” warrant further investigation to learn whether Biden ever benefitted financially from business dealings of his son, Hunter Biden. 

The GOP has spent months investigating those claims. Yet major media outlets confirm not as shred of evidence to substantiate those claims has been found. 

National Public Radio (NPR) states that thus far, “There has been no evidence that the president has benefitted  financially from any of his son Hunter’s business dealings.”

Nor has there been any indication of obstruction by Biden,  as some  Republicans claim. In fact, 100% of documents subpoenaed or requested by the Republican-led committee have been turned over by the White House.  Republican Congressman James Comer appeared on the Fox Business Network last month and confirmed that he has  received 100% of records that he as chairman requested as chair of the oversight committee. 


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HOSPITALS PLEAD WITH CONGRESS TO AVOID CUTS

By Ashley Murray, Kansas Reflector CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Photo: CC by Bing

September 15, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- Health care representatives from across the United States are urging Congress to halt cuts to funding that helps hospitals care for uninsured or low-income patients who rely on Medicaid.

More than 250 hospitals and health systems appealed to House and Senate leadership in a letter Thursday asking the lawmakers to avert or delay a forthcoming $8 billion cut to “America’s health care safety net.”


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HERE’S THE BUZZ: LA MESA EXPANDS BEEKEEPING ORDINANCE

By Miriam Raftery

September 13, 2023 (La Mesa) – At last night’s La Mesa City Council meeting, Councilman Jack Shu proposed replacing the city’s restrictive beekeeping ordinance with a more expanded ordinance patterned after the county of San Diego to enable backyard beekeeping.


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REP. ISSA FULLY SUPPORTS IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY INTO PRESIDENT BIDEN OVER FAMILY BUSINESS

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San Diego Online News Association

Photo by Chris Stone, Times of San Diego

September 12, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- Rep. Darrell Issa said Tuesday he “fully supports” an impeachment inquiry, accusing President Biden and his family of a “culture of corruption that is crippling this presidency.”

The conservative Republican who represents east San Diego County said he looked forward to contributing to the inquiry.


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CONGRESS AND NON-PROFIT WORKING TO PUT WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE ON NATIONAL MALL

By Samantha Dietel, Kansas ReflectorCC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Photo: A parade float supported women’s suffrage, the right to vote, in 1913. (National Archives)

September 8, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) -- As Congress considers a bill to place a women’s suffrage monument on the National Mall, a nonprofit is working to raise the estimated $50 million needed to build it.


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FOR LABOR DAY, BIDEN-⁠HARRIS ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES NEW ACTIONS TO EMPOWER WORKERS, GROW ECONOMY

Latest pro-labor actions aim to grow the economy "from the middle out and the bottom up” as part of Bidenomics

By Miriam Raftery

View President Biden's Labor Day speech in Philadephia, where he speaks to union workers about the differences between his record of helping working people and Donald Trump's record

September 3, 2023 (Washington D.C.)-- President Joe Biden promised to be the most pro-worker and pro-union President in American history, and has taken numerous steps to keep that promise.

Under his administration,  more jobs per month have been created than under any president in the past four decades, despite the pandemic. Recent polls show  support for unions at its highest level in more than half a century—68%  according to Gallup. Though inflation has been the greatest economic challenge,Inflation-adjusted income is up 3.5% since the President took office, and the largest wage gains over the last two years have gone to the lowest-paid workers, according to the White House. The unemployment rate is the lowest in 50 years, the Deptartment of Commerce reports,  and a greater share of working-age people have a job today than in over 20 years. Under Bidenomics, America is seeing a historic level of investment in manufacturing, Forbes reports, and new industries to create good-paying jobs that Americans can raise a family on and build a community around.

In advance of Labor Day, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions this week to empower workers by investing in America’s clean energy workforce, establishing pathways into high-paying and union jobs, demonstrating the benefits of unions, and extending critical wage protections. 

The White House released details on these actions, including:


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GET INVOLVED WITH REGIONAL PLANNING - ENGRAVED INVITATION

By: Tracy Defore, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo: Doaa Polus, seen pointing to her map, votes for 3 new parks just north of I-8 in the vicinity of First Street

September 3, 2023 (San Diego) -- The County is looking for input on projects covering a wide range of priorities that may affect you, your neighborhood or the region at large.


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ALPINE RESIDENTS ASK U.S. FORESTRY DEPT. TO ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC ON LOVELAND RESERVOIR ACCESS, ALSO HEAR UPDATES ON WILDFIRE ISSUES

 

By: Jessyka Heredia 

 

 



 

August 31, 2023 (Alpine)— Last Thursday, residents came to the Alpine Community Planning Group to hear about the U.S. Forestry Service’s wildfire protection efforts in Alpine and discuss the easement agreement between the Forestry department and the Sweetwater Water Authority (SWA)Residents want to see fish restocked and reservoir gates opened from sunrise to sunset at Loveland Reservoir, according to the easement deed.


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LEMON GROVE PICKLEBALL CLUB GAINS SUPPORT OF CITY COUNCIL AND SCHOOL BOARD

By Jessyka Heredia

Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/9eVR6E2iT-Q?si=ruAipWxlOeyjnYcX

August 31, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Yesterday the Lemon Grove Pickleball and Social Club attended the annual joint meeting between the city council and school board. The group of pickleballers came in energetic and excited to promote a healthy lifestyle and neighborhood unity through America’s fastest growing sport.


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KANSAS REPORTER SUES MARION POLICE CHIEF, ALLEGING RETALIATION IN NEWSROOM RAID

by Sherman Smith, Kansas Reflector

Photo, August 11, surveilance photo of the raid (Courtesy Marion County Record)

August 31, 2023 (Topeka, Kansas) — Police Chief Gideon Cody arrived at the Marion County Record and handed a copy of a search warrant to Deb Gruver, the veteran reporter who had questioned him about alleged misconduct at his previous job.


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COUNTY OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

this year Labor Day falls on Monday, Sept. 4

By Shauni Lyles, County News Center

photo courtesy Alex Sachs (c) 2009 facebook and model release (c) 2023

August 31, 2023 (San Diego) -- All public San Diego County offices, family resource centers, libraries and animal shelters will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 for Labor Day. 

Law enforcement, emergency animal control response, and other essential services will continue through the holiday. 

County parks, campgrounds and neighborhood day-use parks remain open 365 days a year. However, the following locations will be closed: 


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ALL SANTEE EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING ELECTED OFFICIALS, GET RAISES

By Mike Allen
 
August 30, 2023 (Santee) -- Santee’s City Council approved a series of two-year pay hikes for its unionized firefighters, and then gave all its employees, including themselves, raises for the next two years. All totaled, the salary raises approved at the August 23 Council meeting will mean the city’s amended 2023-24 budget increased by about $967,000, which will be funded from the budget’s reserves.

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FEDERAL JUDGE SETS TRUMP FEDERAL TRIAL ON ELECTION INTERFERENCE FOR MARCH 4

By Miriam Raftery

Photo, left: Judge Tanya Chutckan, who will preside over the federal case in Washington D.C.

August 28, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – The first criminal trial against former President Donald Trump has been scheduled to begin on March 4, 2024, in the midst of the primary season, opening one day before Super Tuesday.

Trump—now the leading candidate for the GOP's 2024 presidential nomination—has pleaded not guilty to the four federal charges of election interference. He is the only named defendant in the case, which lists four unindicted coconspirators.


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EX-COUNCILMAN BEN KALASHO AND WIFE SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR CONTEMPT OF COURT

 

Judge denies couple’s request to delay sentencing, after they claimed air travel was unsafe for Jessica Kalasho due to pregnancy

By Miriam Raftery

File photo of  Ben and Jessica Kalasho at a prior hearing

August 26, 2023  (San Diego) – Former El Cajon Councilman Bessmon  “Ben” Kalasho and his wife, Jessica have been found guilty on four counts each of contempt of court in a civil defamation case won by attorney Lina Charry. 

They have been ordered to report to San Diego Superior Court on September 1 to being serving an eight-day jail sentence, as well as pay fines of $1,000 apiece for each count.


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ONE FOR THE BOOKS AS TRUMP AND REST OF FULTON 19 ENTER GEORGIA JUSTICE SYSTEM OVER 2020 ELECTION

BY:  AND 

CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Booking photos from the Fulton County conspiracy case charging Donald Trump and allies with trying to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Top row, from left Jeffrey Clark, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, Michael Roman, Ray Smith, David Shafer, Sen. Shawn Still. Center row, from left, Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump, John Eastoman, Kenneth Chesebro. Bottom row from left, Robert Cheeley, Harrison Floyd, Stephen Lee, Scott Hall, Misty Hampton, Cathleen Latham, Trevian Kutti. (Georgia Recorder illustration from Fulton County Sheriff’s Office photos)

August 26, 2023 (Fulton Co., Georgia) -- At the end of a historic week at the Fulton County jailhouse, the criminal case against former President Donald Trump and his 18 allies also accused of subverting Georgia’s 2020 presidential election is just beginning.


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REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES SPAR ON ISSUES WHILE TRUMP DITCHES DEBATE; BIDEN CAMPAIGN RESPONDS

By Miriam Raftery

August 25,  2023 (Milwaukee) – Eight Republican presidential candidates squared off in a debate in Milwaukee. Donald Trump, facing indictment on 91 criminal charges in four cases, did not participate but was a topic of discussion among his opponents.  The debate proved lively, with some candidates sharply differering with each other, all criticizing Democrat Joe Biden’s administration, all approving Vice President Mike Pence's action to certify votes, but only two willing to criticize Trump, the party frontrunner.

The issues ranged from abortion, which all eight candidates support restricting, to Bidenomics, climate change, crime, border security and foreign policy. Clear policy differences emerged--as well as some strong clashes among contenders.

Fox news anchors Bret  Baier and Martha MacCallum posed questions to the candidates shown in the photo, top left to lower right: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum,  former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie,  Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Former United Nations Ambassador and ex-South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and  U.S.Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina.

Our coverage includes positions of Trump, despite his absence, and the record and stances of the Biden administration as well to provide the range of options for voters.


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GOT STUDENT LOANS? APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR NEW STUDENT DEBT RELIEF PLAN OFFERED BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2023  (Washington D.C.) – On Tuesday, the Biden launched an application for a new student loan repayment plan called the SAVE Plan, or  Saving on a Valuable Education Plan. Borrowers can sign up and learn details at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/save-plan .

This is a revised plan after an earlier effort to forgive student loans was blocked by the Supreme Court, though Republicans have also filed a challenge to the new plan.

The new SAVE plan calculates repayment based on the borrower’s income family size. According to the White House fact sheet, it will cut many borrowers’ monthly payments to zero,  save others around  $1,000 a year,  and prevent balances from growing because of unpaid interest. 

Specifically, the SAVE plan will:


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MAYOR OF LEMON GROVE GIVES STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

By Jessyka Heredia

 

August 18, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – Approximately 50 people were in attendance earlier this month at the Lemon Grove Library to hear what Mayor Raquel Vasquez, the city council and staff has accomplished this past year and what is planned moving forward for Lemon Grove.


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CALIFORNIA BOARDS WANT TO KEEP PANDEMIC RULES FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS; CRITICS CALL IT BAD FOR DEMOCRACY

By Sameea Kamal, CalMatters

CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters

Photo:  the California Air Resources Board meets at the California Environmental Protection Agency building in Sacramento on June 23, 2022. Photo by Rahul Lal, CalMatters

August 23, 2023 (Sacramento) - For a July meeting, the Little Hoover Commission — an independent state oversight agency — posted notice that the public could attend in Sacramento, but also in Traverse City, Mich., or Southampton, N.Y.


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EIGHT REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO DEBATE TONIGHT, BUT TRUMP REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE

Update August 24:  Missed the debate? View the video.  Watch for analysis to be posted soon.

East County News Service

August 23, 2023 (San Diego) –At 6 p.m. Pacific Standard Time,  Fox News will broadcast the first debate among  Republican presidential primary candidates, though former  President Donald Trump will not be participating.

The eight candidates who qualified for tonight’s debate in Milwaukee are, in alphabetical order:

  1. Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota
  2. Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey
  3. Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida
  4. Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the U.N. and former governor of South Carolina
  5. Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas
  6. Mike Pence, the former vice president and a former Indiana congressman
  7. Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur
  8. Tim Scott, U.S. senator from South Carolina

Photo,  top left to lower right:  Doug Burgum, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, Mike Pence,  Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scott.


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TRUMP AND 18 ASSOCIATES CHARGED WITH RACKETEERING IN GEORGIA FOR CONSPIRACY TO CHANGE ELECTION OUTCOME

 

Scheme involved fake electors, seizing voting machines, and pressuring officials in Georgia and other states to break the law

By Miriam Raftery

August 15, 2023 (Fulton County, GA) – In a sweeping 98-page indictment, Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis filed indictments against former president Donald Trump and 18 others with violating the state’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)  Act. The indictments, recommended by a Grand Jury, accuse the defendants of willfully joining a “conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump.”

41 counts in the conspiracy case include forgery, filing false documents, making false statement and writings, impersonating a public officer, pressuring public officials to violate their oaths of office to commit illegal acts in multiple states, and illegally accessing ballots on voting machines in Coffee County, Georgia, among other things.

Trump faces 13 new criminal charges in Georgia, the fourth jurisdiction where he is under criminal indictment. The former president and current presidential candidate is charged with conspiracy to  impersonate a public officer (related to the slate of fake electors that cast votes and submitted them to official channels), conspiracy to commit forgery, conspiracy to commit false statements and writings (including in official proceedings), and conspiracy to commit filing false documents. He is also charged with pressuring public officials to violate the law for the purpose of stealing the 2020 presidential election.

The indictment alleges that after  Trump falsely declared victory following the Nov. 2020 election, Trump among other things personally committed the ofllowing illegal acts:

  • Called Arizona Speaker of the House Rusty Bowers and pressured  Bowers to unlawfully appoint electors to vote for Trump, even though Biden won the state. Bowers declined and told Trump, “I voted for you… I campaigned for you.  I just won’t do anything illegal for you.”
  • Joined a call to Pennsylvania legislators, made false statements and asked them to appoint electors for Trump, though Biden won Pennsylvania;
  • Met with Mark Meadows and John McEntee to devise a scheme for Vice President Mike Pence  to count only half the electoral votes from some states and return others to state legislators, an illegal act which Pence refused to do;
  • Solicited Georgia’s Republican Speaker of the House David Ralston (since deceased) to commit a felony by arranging for Georgia to appoint presidential electors for Trump, even though Biden won Georgia;
  • Called the Republican Party chair Ronna McDaniel and asked her to help get certain people to meet as fake electors and cast electoral votes for Trump in states won by Biden;
  • Asked  U.S. Attorney General Jefrrey Rosen and Acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Richard Donoghue to make a false statement.  Trump urged them, “Just say that the election was corrupt,and leave the rest to me and the Republican Congressmen.”
  • Made false and harassing statements against officials who refused his demands to violate the law, such as “What a fool Governor@BrianKempGA of Georgia is…Demand this clown call a Special Session and open up signature verificfation NOW.”
  • Submitted false documents in a lawsuit, Trump v.Kemp, which falsely claimed that thousands of votes were cast by felons, unregistered voters, underage people and dead people, without any evidence.
  • Solicited Georgia’s Secretary of State,Republican Brad Raffensperger, to commit a felony by unlawfully altering  certified election results.
  • Making false statements to  Raffensperger and other Georgia officials claiming pollworker  Ruby Freeman stuffed ballot boxes, that ballots were dumped,and numerous other claims found to be false.
  • Was present at a January 4, 2021 meeting with Vice President Pence,  Eastman and others. After Trump pressured Pence to reject electoral voes or delay the joint session of Congress on January 6, Eastman “admitted both options violated the Electoral Count Act,” the indictment states.
  • Made false statements asserting election fraud (despite losing 62 court challenges, some decided by Trump-appointed judges) in his speech at the Ellipse and urged the crowd to march to the U.S. Capitol on January 6, where violence ensued that resulted in several deaths and 140 injured  Capitol police officers.

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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting -- not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine's local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.

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