http://politisoft.com Contribute to Democracy Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:30:00 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en SAN FRANCISCO - From many perspectives, Mark Leno has been breaking barriers through much of his political life. Leno, 57, started out in politics as a gay rights and community activist. He has served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and just completed three successful terms in the California Assembly, ... http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/ca-special-holiday-report-qa-with-state-sen-elect-mark-leno/ The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff came away from meeting Barack Obama with "a view of the next president as a non-ideological pragmatist who was willing to both listen and lead," according to the Washington Post. The insurance fund for claims from Ground Zero workers has spent $172 million ... http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/ny-weekend-in-review-thompsons-uncut-budget-the-mtas-last-savior/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/specter-prepared-to-take-on-tv-anchor/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/laura-bush-describes-post-white-house-plans/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/obama-to-unveil-national-security-team-monday/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/palin-back-on-campaign-trail/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/obama-inauguration-could-take-on-subdued-tone/ With U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman's (D-Los Angeles) ascension to the top post on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Californians now have more influence in Congress than ever before, political observers say. Waxman joins two other Californians atop the congressional power structure: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and U.S. Rep. George ... http://politisoft.com/2008/11/30/ca-special-holiday-report-californians-gain-power-in-congress/ State Sen. Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) informally claimed victory in his congressional race this week, and said he will address the media Monday afternoon at his Roseville campaign headquarters to make a more formal announcement. McClintock, who would move from his Southern California base to represent the 4th Congressional District, said ... http://politisoft.com/2008/11/29/ca-mcclintock-to-speak-monday-informally-claims-ca-04-win/ http://politisoft.com/2008/11/29/obama-adviser-who-called-clinton-a-monster-back/