by Justin Lin, policy intern

NEWS:

• Brian Schweitzer, the former governor of Montana, has declared that he will not seek a seat in the Senate. This news comes as big surprise to Democrats, who expected Schweitzer to run and now must find candidates to run for the seat. Schweitzer’s decision may also encourage Rep. Steve Daines (R-MT) to vie for the Senate seat. (Washington Post) 
• A GAO report criticized the construction plan of a uranium plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that recently increased estimates of the cost of building the plant by over half a million dollars. The plant, which will not be fully functional until at least 2025, has seen its estimated maximum cost rise from $1.1 billion to $6.5 billion. (National Journal)
• Pennsylvania’s voter-ID law faced trial Monday and involved three groups against the state: the Pennsylvania League of Women Voters, the NAACP, and the Homeless Advocacy Project. The law may reach the state supreme court and the rulings could hold great significance for the nation. (Washington Post)
• Senator Mark Begich (D-AL) raised over $1 million in the second quarter for his Senate re-election bid. Begich, still in his first term, faces potential GOP challengers from Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell and Joe Miller, the 2010 nominee. (Politico)
• The relationship between Majority leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is pulling apart at the seams. Though the two have been cordial for many years, Reid is becoming increasingly frustrated with McConnell’s delay of President Obama’s nominations, threatening to use the “nuclear option.” Meanwhile, McConnell has been piqued by Reid’s willingness to violate old Senate traditions. (Politico)
• This is a man who takes college elections a little bit too seriously. Matthew Weaver, a Cal State San Marcos student, has been sentenced to one year in prison for stealing the passwords of 745 of his fellow students to rig a college election. (Yahoo)