REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LUNCHEON (Annotated)

After some words of welcome, the President goes right for the media's soft underbelly.
Clearly, we’re already in the beginning months of another long, lively election year. There will be gaffes and minor controversies, be hot mics and Etch-a-Sketch moments. You will cover every word that we say, and we will complain vociferously about the unflattering words that you write -- unless, of course, you're writing about the other guy -- in which case, good job. (Laughter.)
The guy is a master at that, and the press eats it up. I giggle when I try to image Mittron Romneybot trying to pull off a natural sounding joke.

Big Breaking News: Liane Sorenson Not Running!!

Sen. Liane Sorenson (R-Hockessin) has just announced in Dover that she will not run for reelection to the Delaware State Senate, according to reliable sources. Sorenson and Dave Sokola had been placed in the same district by Tony DeLuca after both Sorenson and Sokola opposed DeLuca for President Pro Tempore of the Delaware State Senate. Sorenson's retirement is a real loss for progressives, as she has had one of the most estimable voting and sponsorship records in Dover. It is also, however, a likely death knell for any hopes that R's had of taking over the Senate chamber.

That’s What She Said

The First Lady or a potential First Lady does not win or lose elections except maybe in France. Yesterday morning, Politico did one of its standard fluff piece on Ann Romney with the headline, "Ann Romney is the Romney Democrats fear most". Politico might have a point, given that Mitt Romney has the personality of a slice of Wonder Bread. When asked about her husband's stiffness, Ann Romney replied:
"Well, you know, I guess we better unzip him and let the real Mitt Romney out."
So, Ann Romney goes from a person who Democrats need to fear in the morning to a late night joke by lunch time.

General Assembly Post-Game Wrap-Up/Pre-Game Show: April 3, 2012

The most notable bill passed in the Senate was SB 174(Bushweller), which is designed to help first responders seek and receive critical counseling to deal with the stress they encounter. It’s a well-intended and even essential bill–as long as it doesn’t create a priest confessional type of situation. The House passed HB 202, which ‘makes it an offense to use a handicapped plate or placard issued to another person, unless that person is also in the vehicle’. The idea being, of course, to stop the use of handicapped parking spaces by those who don’t need them. I strongly support a newly-introduced piece of legislation. HB 287(Lavelle) places the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility under the requirements of state procurement laws. About damned time, as this Harris McDowell-driven vehicle has had more than its share of controversy. The bill has bipartisan support, including many of the more reform-minded legislators, and will likely pass the House. Uh, which raises the question of what Tony DeLuca, who counts McDowell as among his supporters, will do once HB 287 reaches the Senate. The bill is in the House Energy Committee, and John Kowalko, who is a co-sponsor, is the committee chair.

A Message From Kavips…

This makes me sad. Hopefully, this isn't good-bye. Kavips is a strong, intelligent, passionate voice in blogging. Agree, or disagree with him, Kavips made us think. For that, Kavips, I thank you.