by Justin Lin, Policy Intern

NEWS:

• House Democrats sent a strong message to House Speaker John Boehner in a letter that urged him to reattach the food stamp provision again to the farm bill. House Republicans are finding cuts in the food stamp provision that amount to up to $40 billion, and the House Democrats have criticized such a move, pointing out that nearly 50 million Americans rely on the program. (Washington Times)
• South Carolina governor Nikki Haley is running for re-election, and many Democrats think that her seat is ripe for the taking due to mixed poll data on her approval rating and a strong challenger from state Senator Vincent Sheehan. However, supporters of Haley remain confident, with an improving South Carolina economy as well as strong fundraising from Haley. (Washington Post)
• It’s always nice to have more transparency in government. Texas is moving in that direction, with a recent law being passed that would allow government officials to contact one another in an Internet forum that would be archived for six years. In addition, electronic messages by public officials on governmental affairs will be made accessible to the public. (My San Antonio)
• The Democratic Governors Association raised over $13 million and spent $10 million while the Republican Governors Association raised over $23 million and spent over $9 million during the first two quarters. Major donors to the Republican Governors Association included David Koch and Bob Perry, who donated $1 million to the RGA, and Michael Parker donated $275,000 to the DGA. (Roll Call)
• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that Democrats have found a challenger that would make the West Virginia Senate race very competitive. On the Republican side, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, who announced her candidacy in November 2012, is running for the Senate seat. (Roll Call)