by Justin Lin, policy intern

NEWS:

• Campaigning before the actual campaign? Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey is criticizing those, including Rand Paul, for their opposition to government surveillance programs. Christie has complimented Obama’s implementation of Bush’s policies on the “war on terrorism,” while Paul’s camp has shot back, pointing out that constitutional rights are not to be taken lightly. (Politico)
• Senator Robert Menendez gave $8,800 in campaign contributions each to two organizations, the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater New Jersey and Autism Speaks. He is, however, required to do so due to the fact that he took illegal donations totaling nearly $20,000 and under current law is either required to give that amount to charities or to the US Treasury. (Washington Post)
• House Speaker John Boehner has been quite reticent during the entire negotiations regarding immigration, but aides and fellow lawmakers say that all is about to change when the debt ceiling fight comes. House Republicans want a plan that asks for spending cuts equal to the amount that the debt limits. (National Journal)
• Huma Abedin, mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner’s wife, has won much praise for standing by her husband during personal scandals. However, Senator Chuck Grassley is investigating Abedin’s job from June 2012 to February 2013 as a consultant to Leneo Holdings while still holding a job at the State Department. Abedin claims the charges are unfounded but Grassley states that Abedin has never provided any documents to the senator. (Atlantic Wire)
• North Carolina has passed an omnibus bill that included a voter-ID law, which will greatly restrict the access for many voters. Provisions of the bill include placing large restrictions on Sunday voting and early voting as well as completely eliminating voter drives in high school for 16 and 17-year-olds. Attorney General Eric Holder, however, has promised to use other parts of the Voting Rights Act in order to maintain oversight of state voter laws and may do so if the voter-ID bill becomes law. (Atlantic Wire)