Lawmakers urge end to gay immigration discrimination
A group of 60 senators and representatives, led by U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., signed a letter urging President Barack Obama and members of Congress to end discrimination against LGBT immigrant families.
The letter states, “tens of thousands of binational families are either already living separately, face imminent separation, or have …
Obama to address gays in military at State of the Union
(Washington) Barack Obama’s State of the Union address is expected to cross a spectrum of issues, including gays in the military.
Obama has promised to lift the ban on gays serving openly, and several lawmakers support a repeal of the law. But some senior military advisers and members of Congress have …
Beau Biden, VP’s son, won’t seek US Senate seat
(Dover, Del.) Beau Biden announced Monday that he will not seek election to the U.S. Senate seat long held by his father, Vice President Joe Biden, putting another Democratic-held Senate seat in jeopardy and dealing another blow to President Barack Obama’s flailing party.
The Delaware attorney general told supporters in an …
New political order tips against Obama to-do list
(Washington) Among the winners in the new political order: independent-minded voters and the upstart newcomers they favor.
Also on the rise: the few Republican moderates left in Congress, the tea party movement and, paradoxically, both legislative stalling and dealmaking.
Losers? Just have a glance at President Barack Obama’s swollen to-do list. Instead …
Dems reeling after Mass. loss
(Boston) Republicans are rejoicing and Democrats reeling in the wake of Scott Brown’s stunning victory over Martha Coakley in a special Massachusetts Senate election that Brown insists was not simply a referendum on President Barack Obama.
Still, Obama grimly faced a need to both regroup and recoup losses on Wednesday, the …
CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama drops cautious arts policy
(Washington) In his first year, President Barack Obama has marshaled the largest infusion of cultural funding in decades – despite a few stumbles.
Though still far less than arts advocates contend is needed, they have high hopes this president could transform cultural policy, funding and arts education for years to come.
“I …
Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine
(San Francisco) Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads – and President Barack Obama’s lack of engagement – for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate.
Conservatives, in contrast, celebrated Maine voters’ rejection of a law …
Obama signs HIV/AIDS bill extension; implements lifting of AIDS travel ban
(Washington) President Barack Obama signed an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS bill this morning.
The legislation provides care, treatment and support services to nearly half a million people, most of whom are low-income.
Obama also announced that the Department of Health and Human services has finally crafted a new regulation spelling …
PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama delivers on hate crimes
(Washington) For this accomplishment, President Barack Obama sought maximum publicity.
There was a bill signing at a wooden desk set up in the East Room, with the media invited, followed by a reception for joyous, champagne-sipping supporters and an address to them, again, from the East Room.
Obama was keeping a campaign …
Obama picks MN woman as 1st openly gay US marshal
(Washington) President Barack Obama has nominated a Minnesota policewoman to become the first openly gay person to serve as a U.S. marshal.
Sharon Lubinski is an assistant chief in the Minneapolis Police Department, where she has worked for 20 years.
Obama has had a rocky relationship with gay activists, who want him …
