Bonus Tweet of the Day

MI: Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson dies at 80

Patterson died at 5:30 a.m. Saturday at his Independence Township home surrounded by family and friends after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

“It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of our friend and county executive, L. Brooks Patterson,” Chief Deputy County Executive Gerald D. Poisson said.

“He was a once-in-a-generation leader whose vision inspired all of us to be part of the best county government in America.”

Poisson will take the oath of office to serve as county executive until either the Oakland County Board of Commissioners appoints a successor within 30 days or a special election is held as provided by law.

Mary Warner, Patterson's daughter, released the following statement on behalf of the family:

"Our dad was a courageous fighter all his life and he fought right up until the end. Our family is grieving over the unimaginable loss of our father, grandfather, hero, and friend. Many will remember him for his impact on Michigan and generosity toward Oakland County. We'll remember him for his love and generosity toward his family and friends."

Friends and family said Patterson was more than halfway through an unprecedented distinguished seventh term of service as Oakland County executive. Since taking office Jan. 1, 1993, they said he transformed Oakland County with his 21st century vision and no-nonsense leadership.


https://www.clickondetroit.com/michigan-politics/oakland-county-executive-l-brooks-patterson-dies-at-80

FBI declining to call El Paso shooting a hate crime.

Tweet of the Day

Shooter targeted Latinos

The Seekers - Turn, Turn, Turn

Tweet of the Day

Current Rumored House Retirements

Politico published a retirement watch list based on rumors floating around Capitol Hill. The list is made up of a handful of older members, moderate members, those facing difficult reelections and, of course, the two lawmakers currently under indictment.

Their predictions: Reps. Hal Rogers (KY), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI), Don Young (AK), Fred Upton (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Michael McCaul (TX), Kenny Marchant (TX) Ann Wagner (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA) and Chris Collins (NY).

In the last two weeks, five House Republicans have announced their retirements. While the uptick in lawmakers calling it quits has made some nervous, most of the departing members are from red districts.


https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/house-republicans-more-retirements

OH-01: Republican Steve Chabot may not seek re-election in 2020.

Democrats are no longer alone in calling for long-time Congressman Steve Chabot to retire.

It appears that message is now coming from inside his own party, evidenced by Chabot's lackluster second-quarter fundraising numbers.

The Westwood conservative only raised $192,153 in the quarter ending June 30, lagging behind most of his Republican peers who are running in competitive districts in 2020.

Democrats Kate Schroder of Clifton and Nikki Foster of Mason recently launched campaigns to set up a March primary in Ohio's 1st Congressional District. Schroder raised more than $150,000 in her first week on the campaign, a sign the rookie candidate has a lot of momentum.

Chabot's district is one of 33 that House Democrats have identified to try to flip. Only seven GOP candidates raised less than Chabot did last quarter, signaling that Greater Cincinnati Republican donors may be ready for a change.



https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/columnists/politics-extra/2019/07/26/2020-election-republicans-tired-congressman-steve-chabot/1820522001/

John Cooper leads David Briley as two head to September runoff battle in Nashville mayoral race

Now, it’s a sprint to September.

At-large Metro Council member John Cooper finished as the top candidate in Thursday’s election, ending the day with a nearly 10-point advantage over incumbent Mayor David Briley.

The strong showing gives Cooper a distinct edge as he takes Briley to a Sept. 12 runoff and in the aftermath of the vote, both candidates have started the work to build new coalitions and shape the narrative for the weeks ahead.

Big cheers broke out at Cooper's election night watch party at the Elks Lodge in North Nashville as the first results came in with a lead he held all night. Supporters danced to "Brick House" and drank as they waited for Cooper to speak.

Sporting a no-tie look and kicking off his remarks by snapping a photo of his crowd with his phone, Cooper thanked his rivals and Briley for his leadership during a "disruptive time" for Nashville.

"I want to earn your vote and trust," Cooper said. "And we want a town where educator pay and police and firefighter pay come first. And infrastructure in your backyard comes first. That is what is progressive and what effective progressivism means."



https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2019/08/01/nashville-mayor-election-results-who-won/1843453001/