Reid Praises Outgoing Emanuel, Calls Rouse “Low-Key”

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) released the following statement today regarding the departure of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel:

“Rahm Emanuel has been an invaluable, effective leader of President Obama’s team, helping to set the right course for this Administration. Rahm was instrumental in executing every piece of President Obama’s agenda over these first two years, and I have enjoyed his friendship and support. I send Rahm and his family my most sincere best wishes and continued success in their return to Chicago and all of their future endeavors.”

Reid said he welcomed President Barack Obama’s choice to succeed Emanuel, Pete Rouse.

“I have worked very closely with Pete Rouse for over 20 years during his time with Senator Daschle. I have always admired and appreciated his low-key manner, dedication to public service, and common-sense approach to problem solving. I am confident that he will serve the President well as White House Chief of Staff.”

Strickland Enlists John Glenn To Help Close The Gap In Ohio Gubernatorial Race

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) is hoping one of Ohio’s most famous men can help him change the minds of voters.

Former Sen. John Glenn (D), who before serving in the Senate for a quarter century became the first American to orbit the Earth, joined Strickland today for the seventh leg of his bus tour of the state.

A Rasmussen poll taken this week showed Strickland trailing his opponent, former U.S. Representative John Kasich (R-Ohio) by a 50%-42% margin. However, a CBS/New York Times poll also released this week showed Kasich leading only by a point.

Republicans Assail Obama's Choice To Replace Rahm

Minutes after President Barack Obama officially announced the departure of his chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, the RNC sent out an email blast criticizing the president’s decision to replace Emanuel with Pete Rouse.

“President Obama Chooses Long-Time Aide And Ultimate Beltway Insider To Lead His Increasingly Insular And Out Of Touch White House,” read the email’s headline.

The email then listed excerpts of dozens of news articles that have highlighted Rouse’s years of service on Capitol Hill and in the White House.

“ROUSE IS THE ULTIMATE DC INSIDER, SPENDING MORE THAN 30 YEARS IN CONGRESS,” read another headline within the email.

Libertarians Going After TARP Supporters

The Chairman of the national Libertarian Party says his party will challenge nearly 100 members of Congress this November that voted for the 2008 bank bailout.

“Few acts of Congress have evoked as much fear, ire, disgust, and disapproval from Americans as the 2008 TARP banker bailouts, passed with bipartisan support in Congress, and signed into law by Republican President George W. Bush,” said Mark Hinkle in a statement released on Friday.

According to Hinkle, polls show that about a dozen TARP-supporting incumbents are in vulnerable positions this fall.

Likely Voters Want Spending Reduced

A new poll put out today by Pajamas TV reveals that more than half of all likely voters who were surveyed believe cutting spending should be Congress’ top priority.

“Over half of likely voters chose spending cuts as the first line of defense against U.S. debt and deficit,” said Vik Rubenfeld, PJTV’s Polling Director.

Read more about the poll results here.