Comments on: More of Trump’s nominees are confirmed by the Senate

By: Marlene

Marlene — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 12:09:24 +0000

Bob, re: the GOP “no” votes for Hegseth
I thought McConnell’s vote was especially mean (– may be a better word here), by making Hegseth require a tie-break by VP Vance.
Felt like marking Hegseth’s title with an asterisk.
And from a man with some brain issues, to boot!
McConnell should be retired already!

By: Marlene

Marlene — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:59:19 +0000

Richard & Karmi, yes I recalled that Alaska “resources sharing” payment, too. It always reminded me of the homesteading act, except of course that was land.
I wonder if fraud is involved, to “assist” politicians like Murkowski stay in power.
Then again, it may make more sense to ask that about local government officials.
(Sad my mind went there, but reasonable, too )

By: Richard Aubrey

Richard Aubrey — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 23:17:37 +0000

Karmi.

Thanks. Kind of what I remembered hearing.

So you get paid for living there…. Not like, say, Daniel Boone.

By: Bob Wilson

Bob Wilson — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:54:13 +0000

I am feeling charitable. All three of the no votes on Hegseth can count votes so no harm no foul. Other Republican squishes like Tillis and Cassidy voted to confirm.

The next close vote will probably be Kash. Will be interested to see how these three vote.

By: Barry Meislin

Barry Meislin — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:26:21 +0000

Related, sort of:
Now that Vivek has exited, stage Ohio, might one wonder, hypothetically, if David Stockman can work with Elon Musk?

“Stockman: America’s Fiscal Doomsday Machine Must Be Stopped”—
https://www.zerohedge.com/economics/stockman-americas-fiscal-doomsday-machine-must-be-stopped

By: Karmi

Karmi — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:58:21 +0000

@ Richard Aubrey

ChatGPT – Do Alaskans all get a chunk of change from the state as oil royalties?:

Yes, Alaskans receive a payment from the state known as the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This money comes from the Alaska Permanent Fund, which was established in 1976 to invest a portion of the state’s oil revenue. Each year, a portion of the fund’s earnings is distributed to eligible Alaskan residents.

Key Points:

• Eligibility: To qualify, residents must meet specific criteria, such as living in Alaska for the full calendar year and intending to remain a resident.
• Payment Amount: The amount varies annually based on the fund’s performance and other factors, like state budget considerations. In recent years, payments have ranged from a few hundred dollars to over $3,000.
• Purpose: The PFD helps share Alaska’s resource wealth directly with its residents.

The program is unique to Alaska and reflects the state’s commitment to sharing the benefits of its natural resources with its people.

By: Richard Aubrey

Richard Aubrey — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 18:49:00 +0000

I have heard, been unable to confirm, that Alaskans all get a chunk of change from the state as oil royalties or some such construction. Anybody know?

If so, or if something similar is in play, one would expect a few more voters to vote as if they vote for a living. Plaid shirts and shotguns notwithstanding.

By: Art Deco

Art Deco — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:59:31 +0000

That Addison Mitchell McConnell was the Senate Republican leader for 18 years should tell you that the Senate Republican caucus is populated with crooks and clots.

By: AesopFan

AesopFan — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 07:50:14 +0000

Red State columnist Ward Clark lives in Alaska.
He is not a fan of Murkowski.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2024/03/03/alaska-senator-lisa-murkowski-i-could-not-vote-for-trump-n2170865

Alaska, as I have pointed out in the past, is represented in Congress by a Democrat, Representative Mary Peltola; a Republican, Senator Dan Sullivan; and Lisa Murkowski. Senator Murkowski is ostensibly a Republican, but she has a long history of being at odds with the mainstream of the GOP.

https://redstate.com/wardclark/2024/03/24/lisa-murkowski-cant-rule-out-leaving-republican-party-because-of-trump-n2171853

By: Oldflyer

Oldflyer — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 04:53:57 +0000

Well, Neo I am not so charitable toward Collins. There are ample opportunities to assuage the Left leaning voters in her relatively tiny constituency; but Hegseth’s confirmation was hanging in the balance. I believe that she is a committed anti-Trumper and will oppose him as long as she feeds at the Senate trough–regardless of the stakes.
If I recall correctly, Murkowski is the daughter of a long time Alaskan power broker/king maker, and rode into office on the backs of his operatives. That does not explain why Alaskans still elect her; although I have worked with and known quite a few Alaskans, and nothing surprises me. They may send her to the Senate our of simple contrariness.