19. December 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

Former NFL running back and ESPN analyst Craig James declared that he will run for Senate in Texas.  James will join a crowded field running to fill the seat held by Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.  Craig James was also a football star at Southern Methodist University.

To read a related Roll Call article, please click here:

http://www.rollcall.com/news/Craig_James_Texas_Senate_Race-211180-1.html?pos=hln

Jim Sutliff

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13. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

The debt super committee has 10 days left before the November 23rd deadline.  The 12 member committee comprised of six Democrats and six Republicans must come to an agreement by the deadline or automatic spending cuts will take effect.  In addition, inaction could lead to a downgrade of U.S. debt from credit agencies.

To read a related Fox News article, please click here:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/12/obama-warns-super-committee-not-to-cheat-on-deficit-mandate/

Jim Sutliff

Posted in Tax, Republican, Infrastructure, Economy, Budget, Politics, Healthcare, Administrative, Democrat, Estate Tax, General, Uncategorized | No Comments »

11. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

Italy is set to vote on debt reduction measures to lower their debt level and increase investor confidence.  Currently, Italy has $2.6 trillion in debt and has a bond yield near 7%.  Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is expected to step down after the plan is approved.

To read a related Bloomberg article, please click here:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-09/startup-secondmarket-gets-lobbying-win-in-gridlocked-congress.html

James Sutliff

Posted in Economy, Budget, International, Politics, General, Administrative, Election, Uncategorized | No Comments »

1. November 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

The Prime Minister of Greece surprised the financial markets by calling for a referendum on the bailout plan.  Prime Minister George Papandreou has suffered a loss of some support in his party.  The call for a referendum has sent the Euro and the Dow Jones lower in trading.  Bond yields for Italian debt also rose in early trading.

To read a related Wall Street Journal, please click here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204528204577011452028738504.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

Jim Sutliff

Posted in Economy, Budget, International, Politics, General, Business, Election, Uncategorized | No Comments »

28. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

According to the Commerce Department, consumer spending rose 0.6% in September.  The increase came after a slight 0.2% gain in August.  Strong fourth quarter numbers would be more indicative of economic growth.

To read a related Reuters article, please click here:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/28/us-usa-economy-idUSTRE79O4A620111028

James Sutliff

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22. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

The Nevada Republican party moved their caucus to February 4th.  The Nevada GOP had scheduled a January 14th date for the caucus but that would have forced New Hampshire to hold a primary in December.  Nevada will still be the first western state to hold a Presidential contest.  Also, Nevada Democrats announced that they will hold their caucuses on January 21st.

To read a related Yahoo! News article, please click here:

http://news.yahoo.com/nevada-moves-caucus-feb-4-backlash-184619126.html

Jim Sutliff

Posted in Republican, RNC, Presidential, 2012, Politics, General, Administrative, Democrat, Election, Uncategorized | No Comments »

20. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

The Nevada GOP debate was the 8th meeting since May 5th for the Republican candidates.  The candidates tax plans took center stage with the Cain 9-9-9 plan coming under fire.  Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that he will be releasing his tax plan which is expected to be a flat tax plan.  The Perry plan is expected to be similar to a plan supported by Steve Forbes.

To read a related Bloomberg article, please click here:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-18/candidates-to-debate-in-epicenter-of-turmoil.html

James Sutliff

Posted in Presidential, 2012, Debate, Republican, Politics, DC, Election, General, Uncategorized | No Comments »

18. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

Standard & Poor’s cut the debt rating for Barcelona to AA- with a negative outlook.  The downgrade was expected after Standard & Poor’s cut the sovereign debt rating for Spain.  Debt for Spain and Barcelona can expect another downgrade if economic conditions do not improve in the country.

To read a related Wall Street Journal article, please click here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20111017-709422.html

Jim Sutliff

Posted in Budget, International, Economy, General, Administrative, Business, Uncategorized | No Comments »

16. October 2011 by Jim Sutliff.

Global finance chiefs are showing support for a plan to address the European sovereign debt crisis.  A more complete plan may be presented by the October 23rd summit in Brussels. The plan is expected to include writing down as much as 50% of Greek debt.

To read a related Bloomberg article, please click here:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-15/g-20-tells-europe-to-deal-decisively-with-debt-crisis-at-oct-23-summit.html

James Sutliff

Posted in Treasury, International, Economy, Business, Administrative, Uncategorized | No Comments »

5. August 2010 by Jim Sutliff.

Stuart Rothenberg writes articles on Roll Call and they should always be considered required reading.  The Rothenberg article highlights the importance of Pennsylvania this election cycle.  A big win for the Republicans in Pennsylvania could help propel them into the majority.  Rothenberg points out that 10 of 19 Congressional races are in play this year in Pennsylvania.  A strong showing by Corbett and Toomey at the top of the ticket could have an effect on the entire ballot.

To read the CQ Politics article, please click here:

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000003718550&topic=Rothenberg

Jim Sutliff

Posted in General, Politics, Election, DC, Administrative, Uncategorized | No Comments »

28. May 2010 by Jim Sutliff.

Congress.org has an article on the top 5 political restaurants in Washington.  The Capitol Hill Club is at the top of the list and Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse also makes an appearance.  Four are available to the publice but The Capitol Hill Club is only for members.

To read the Congress.org article, please click here:

http://www.congress.org/news/2010/05/26/dcs_top_five_political_restaurants

Jim Sutliff

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