Sen. Lindsey Graham To Join Crowded Field Vying For Republican Nomination
As Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., takes steps to launch his presidential bid, The Associated Press outlines his positions on the health law, abortion, Medicare spending and other issues. Also from the Republican campaign trail, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal forms an exploratory committee and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz's health insurance status again makes the news.
The Associated Press:
Where They Stand: Lindsey Graham On Issues Of 2016 Campaign
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham will announce his campaign for president next month, after saying Monday he is running for the Republican nomination. Here’s a snapshot of where Graham stands on issues likely to be debated in the Republican presidential primaries. ... He voted against the Affordable Care Act and supports the GOP’s “Ryan Budget” that would curtail Social Security and Medicare spending and benefits over time. ... On abortion, Graham receives high marks from state and national organizations that oppose a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy. But he’s also tried to bridge the gap between conservatives who support absolute bans on abortion and those who support exceptions for rape, incest and health of the mother. Graham argues absolute bans aren’t politically feasible. (Barrow, 5/19)
The New York Times:
Bobby Jindal Forms Exploratory Committee
In an email sent to reporters, Mr. Jindal was harshly critical of President Obama and said the country was ready “to try a dramatically different path.” “While other Republican leaders are talking about change, I’ve published detailed plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, rebuild America’s defenses, make America energy independent, and reform education for our nation’s children,” Mr. Jindal wrote in the statement. (Corasaniti, 5/18)
McClatchy:
Jindal Takes Big Step Towards Presidential Bid
[Bobby] Jindal, 43, now in his second term as governor, has been far down in most Republican presidential polls. He’s positioned himself as friendly to the party’s religious right. He’s also regarded as an expert on health care issues. (Lightman, 5/18)
McClatchy:
Cruz Foregoes Obamacare After All
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, one of the federal health law’s fiercest critics, will not participate in Obamacare after all. Cruz and his family have bought coverage in the private market instead of going through Cruz’s employer, Congress, which offers plans for federal workers under the Affordable Care Act. The Texas senator said in March after he announced his presidential candidacy that he was considering plans offered through the federal health care law, triggering stories and commentary about the irony of Cruz signing up for Obamacare. (Recio, 5/18)
In Virginia, labor and minority groups team up to influence local races -
The Washington Post:
Coalition Of Labor, Immigrant Groups Flexing Muscles In Va. Local Races
A coalition of labor and minority groups is launching an effort to support progressive Democrats running in Virginia’s June 9 primary election and has promised five candidates a last-minute infusion of cash and a small army of door-knocking volunteers. Coalition leaders said they will try to mobilize young and minority residents who have not voted in large numbers in the past and urge them to back local candidates who want to boost the minimum wage, expand health-care coverage for the poor, and create new protections and opportunities for immigrants. (Sullivan, 5/18)