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I keep hearing predictions about whether the Dems will get control of the House again in 2024. But no talk about whether they can keep control of the Senate. It's such a razor thin margin there already and you say 6 are not returning? Do you see anything in your Jamie crystal ball?

Also, I'm kind of shocked that Kyrsten Sinema was given that seat on the Appropriations Committee, given that she dumped the Democrats to become an independent and was a thorn in their side (along with Manchin) for so long. Any insight there?

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That Sinema thing is really interesting because it comes as Rep. Ruben Gallego D-AZ is already running for Sinema's seat. She hasn't said whether she is running for reelection. (Kari Lake is already running on the GOP side.)

As for who wins in 2024 - a lot will have to do with the coattails of the race for President.

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I'm going to guess if Sinema runs and Gallegos runs it could likely split the D vote in AZ and....oh god....Kai Lake could actually win. 😮‍💨

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So far, the polls have actually shown Gallego leading Lake with Sinema trailing far behind. Being an independent sounds cool, but voters in both parties really don't like it.

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Politico is now reporting Rep. Don Bacon’s (R-Neb.) wife was threatened via anonymous text about what would happen to her husband’s political fortunes if he didn’t vote for Jim Jordan (Bacon turned out to be one of the 20 No votes on Mon). Sounds more like the tactics of a mob boss than a House Speaker. Wonder where Jordan and his goon squad learned that. Today’s vote should be interesting.

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Those kinds of threats get results, according to Mitt Romney. He said several other Republicans wanted to vote to remove Trump from office, but were afraid for their families' safety. Romney could afford the $5000 per day to protect his family, but few people can.

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So Fetterman can wear sweats in the Senate, but a woman reporter can't wear white soles in the House. I think everyone needs to dress professionally, but everyone should be able to wear comfortable shoes. That's a health thing that affects your joints up to your spine, and then all kinds of things can go wrong.

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The shoe thing Jamie. It just goes to show what is important to people. As I sit to write I often wonder if people will find it interesting. Then I read some thing like the response to your tweets and I realize once again that its pointless to wonder!!!

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One woman on Twitter demanded to know my source for the shoe story. I said it was me. I'm the source. It's just nuts.

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I've got a good laugh out of the shoe story. Prior to retirement, I was in charge of writing my office procedures manual. I had to dedicate an entire section to appropriate dress code, and a subsection entirely to appropriate shoe wear from stilettos to sneakers with ilustrations. YUP, it happens, as ridiculous as it sounds.

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Yeah, if I was running the Speaker's Lobby, there would be a lot of guys barred at the door. I've had it with their bowling shoes and jeans. Put on a damn jacket, tie, button down shirt, and slacks. It ain't hard. Sincerely, the Press Gallery Curmudgeon

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I guess Sen. Sinema got the Appropriations Committee seat due to rank. I figured they would pass on her due to previous hard feelings. I guess those have simmered down. I also thought the Rules Committee was higher up the food chain that would keep a freshman from sitting on it.

With everything going on in the House and the increased number of “safe” districts I wonder how damaging this will be for the Republicans.

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The Rules Committee in the Senate is a minor committee. In the House, it's the gatekeeper to what goes on the House floor. Same name - but much different responsibilities.

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My first thought when I saw the Sinema appointment was that it was given in return for falling in line with the democrats on certain issues.

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I'm shocked since someone is running as a Democrat to unseat her. But I suppose it's a ranking thing. 🤷

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