Sir Menzies Campbell Says Liberal Democrats Must "Dust Down And Start Again"
Sir Menzies Campbell talks to Dermot Murnaghan live from Edinburgh, where he admits the Liberal democrats must #39;dust down and start again #39; following a disappointing result in the European Elections...
By: Sky News
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Sir Menzies Campbell Says Liberal Democrats Must "Dust Down And Start Again" - Video
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) Illinois House Democrats scaled back their spending aspirations Monday, saying theyre giving up on extending a temporary income tax increase and getting to work on a more modest budget with just five days left in the spring session.
House Speaker Michael Madigan emerged from a Memorial Day caucus meeting and told reporters that he was dropping the idea of making the 5 percent income tax permanent and crafting a budget blueprint that holds the line on spending but is not the doomsday plan the House overwhelmingly rejected on Friday.
Were going to call upon the agencies and those that receive appropriations from the Legislature to live within their means, said Madigan, a Chicago Democrat. We understand the way this is. Lets take a good hard look at it and get the job done.
Gov. Pat Quinn, facing a tough re-election campaign against Winnetka Republican businessman Bruce Rauner, spent the spring session encouraging extension of the tax hike to avoid steep cuts. Spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said Monday night the Democratic governor is still trying to change minds and hearts on the tax in the sessions final days.
They should pass a responsible budget that properly funds schools, veterans and public safety services, Anderson said. Its the right thing to do.
New estimates add $189 million in tax revenue growth to the bank account, Madigan said. Budget makers will look to borrowing built-up money in special funds and spending adjustments to develop a middle-of-the-road fiscal outline between the doomsday scenario and one that increased spending by $3 billion with the continued escalated income tax.
Republican leaders took some credit for stopping the income tax extension, which was adopted four years ago as a temporary hike, but they remained wary of how the Democrats would put together the election year budget that begins July 1.
This is not going to be the type of budget that a number of House Democrats feel warm about. But there is obviously going to be some pork put into it and thats how they get some votes at the end of the year, said House GOP Leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs.
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Democrats Regroup, Craft Budget Without Higher Tax
Posted: May 26 Updated: Today at 12:05 AM Party leaders say the focus will be on what voters can expect if they elect a Democrat as governor.
By Alanna Durkin The Associated Press
AUGUSTA Maine Democrats are busy preparing for their convention, where they hope to show off their candidates and send a message that the state needs a new direction after 3 years of Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
Party leaders say the convention, which kicks off Friday at Bangors Cross Insurance Center, wont focus on what they view as LePages faults but instead on what voters can expect if they put a Democrat in power this November.
We really think that, as Democrats, our values are Maine values; our program offers Maine people the best chance to succeed, said party Chairman Ben Grant. We really want to project a positive vision for the future.
Party activists will hear from Shenna Bellows, who aims to unseat Republican Sen. Susan Collins, as well as 1st District Rep. Chellie Pingree and the Democrats seeking the partys nomination for the open 2nd District seat.
On Saturday night, LePage challenger Rep. Mike Michaud will discuss how Maine can rise above the partisanship and divisiveness that he believes have marked the Republican governors administration, a spokeswoman for his campaign said.
To me, (the) convention is more than just energizing our party, Michaud said in a statement. Its an opportunity to talk to all of Maine about how we can bring people together Democrats, Republicans and independents to move Maine forward.
Michauds remarks will be followed by R.T. Rybak, the former mayor of Minneapolis and a Democratic National Committee vice chairman.
The gathering will also provide a chance for Emily Cain and Troy Jackson, the two Democrats squaring off in the 2nd District, to gauge party support ahead of the June 10 primary.
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Democrats hope convention sends message to Maine
Liberal Democrats admit #39;challenging circumstances #39; in EU campaign
The Liberal Democrats are fighting the European elections in "challenging circumstances" due to the "difficult decisions" taken in coalition government, acco...
By: STV News
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Liberal Democrats admit 'challenging circumstances' in EU campaign - Video
4/7/14 Brookline Democrats
By: Brookline Interactive Group
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4/7/14 Brookline Democrats - Video