Senate kills massive tobacco tax bill sparks 2008 election clash
The Senate vote to end debate on the tobacco tax bill fell short of the 60 needed, leaving the measure dead for the year. Supporters secured 57 votes, with 53 backing to keep it on the floor. The outcome frames a campaign battle between Big Tobacco and Big Government as Republicans vow to press for further spending cuts and policy changes amid a shifting public view on tax fairness.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Capitol Hill
White House
Rahm Emanuel
Orange County
Calif
Lawmakers dodge pay raise ahead of election year
The article notes Congress avoided a scheduled cost of living pay increase in an election year by a discreet subcommittee voice vote. Lawmakers earn 136,673 dollars annually, with a 2.6 percent rise that would have exceeded 140,000 dollars, a figure likely to appear during campaigns. They often restore the raise in the following year, as happened in 1997 after 1996.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Congress
Bluefield
W.va
Daily Telegraph
Susan Giddings urged for runoff win in Aiken District 2
Readers defend council member Susan W. Giddings amid GOP runoff chatter. Letters cite perfect attendance, fiscal stewardship, and service to Beech Island, Jackson, New Ellenton, and broader District 2. Critics highlight opponent Gregg Gregory’s inexperience while praising Giddings’s record and dedication.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gregory
Aiken
Beech Island
Republican Forum
Kimberly-Clark
Susan Giddings
South Aiken
Jackson
New Ellenton
Bonnie Cunningham
District 2
Susan
Beech Island Volunteer Fire Department
Volunter
U.S. 278
Lott attack highlights GOP split over morals and rights
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott drew fire for publicly calling homosexuality a sin and curable. The clash pits religious conservatives against traditional Republicans, risking party cohesion as leaders like Armey echo biblical views and critics press for limiting government role on morality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Senate
Trent Lott
Lott
Republican Party
House
Dick Armey
Senator Lott
New Jersey
Christine Todd Whitman
Northeast
Midwest
White House
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Ellen C. Priest
Jeffrey B. Wallace
J. David Boyd
Stephen P. Conyers
James R. Bennett Jr
Highland Park Avenue
Owens
Aiken County Council
Susan W. Giddings
Aiken County
Fire Department
Giddings
Usc Aiken
WJBE
GOP
Augusta
James Cox
Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, D.C
Cox
Carl Langley
Rereness
Kenny Johnson
Riley Vernon
Truck City
Bill
Lynn Hartman
Louise Inabinet
Betty Cook
Lida Mae ‘Thomas
Georgetown
Mr. Langley
Debra D. Meek Aiken
Aiken Standard
Editorial
Scescape.net
Jack Germond and
Jules Witcover
Tribune Media Services