Representative John Yarmuth, a Democrat from Kentucky, said that the Iraq war is a is a “leading cause” of the United State’s recent economic troubles. The Iraq war cost “more than half-a-trillion dollars,” money that he said could and should be used on problems within the United States and not wasted on the improgress associated with the Iraq war effort. “Across America, our roads and bridges are crumbling and are in desperate need of repair, yet taxpayer dollars are being squandered on an Iraqi government that is riddled with waste, fraud and corruption…The cost of one month in Iraq could extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which the president vetoed, to 10 million children of working families for a full year,” he said.

A recent email from the McCain campaign points to an article in Politico, which claims that wealthy Democrats, including billionaire George Soros, plan to begin a $40 million television smear ad campaign against John McCain. The smear is being led by David Brock, the founder of Media Matters.

Here’s an excerpt from the McCain campaign email:

George Soros the “liberal megadonor” is at it again. He and his group of billionaire left-wing Democrats have pledged $40 million dollars of soft money to smear John McCain in a national television ad campaign.

In an article published in Politico, it was reported that Paul Begala and David Brock met with a gang of Manhattan liberals at the home of George Soros to outline their plans for a $40 million dollar ad campaign against Senator McCain. Brock is quoted as saying the group could do the work of the press corps that has “fallen down on the job” when it comes to McCain!

You all probably remember Hillary Clinton’s 3:00 am phone call ad. Well, a recent survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports shows that only 25% of voters think Clinton is the one suited to deal with a major foreign policy crisis. The survey questioned about 800 likely voters.

News networks played reruns of the commercial repeatedly after the Texas Primaries, and claimed it played a major role in her victory there. (Note however, this poll looks like it was taken around the country, not just in Texas, so the view there might differ).

42% want John McCain answering that call, 25% want Hillary Clinton answering that call, and 25% want Barack Obama answering that call. I wonder who the other 8% wanted…

WATCH 3:00 am commercial on YouTube >
VISIT Rasmussen Reports poll page >

Bill Richardson, the Governor of New Mexico and former Democratic presidential candidate (this election season), announced that he is endorsing Barack Obama for President. This may come across as a surprise to some due to his close ties with the Clintons. He was a member of former president Bill Clinton’s administration.

Here’s the full email Richardson sent out:

During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990’s were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.

Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.

As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants–specifically Hispanics– by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences–and place blame on others not like them . We all know the real culprit — the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!

Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.

His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.

To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America’s international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.

During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation’s special responsibilities in the world.

So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.

Sincerely,

Bill Richardson

Democratic New York Governor Eliot Spitzer announced today that he will resign from his position due to his discovered involvement in a prostitution network. Client 9, as he has been referred to, was confirmed to have paid $4300 for sex, plus more for food, hotels, transportation, etc.

The law and order governor was discovered via a federal wiretap during a federal investigation of the prostitution ring.

Spitzer has also lost his superdelegate status. He had pledged his vote to Hillary Clinton.

“I cannot allow for my private failings to disrupt the peoples’ work,” Spitzer said at a news conference in New York City. “Over the course of my public life, I have insisted - I believe correctly - that people take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor.”

Barack Obama is the winner of the Wyoming Democratic caucuses, defeating rival Sen. Hillary Clinton. The tally turned with about 61 percent going to Obama, and 38 percent going to Clinton.

Hillary Clinton has been announced as the winner in the Texas Democratic primary, keeping her in the race. She holds enough delegates to go head-to-head with Obama, so shes in this till the end.

Hillary Clinton is the winner of the Democratic primary in Ohio, giving her a substantial amount of delegates. The texas vote is still being tallied.

This means that she’s still in the race, and will likely be in the race till the end.

John McCain, the Republican Presidential nominee, has just won the Texas Republican primary. He swept with wins in all four states holding their primaries today, Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, and Texas.

Having no chance, Mike Huckabee [Republican] has dropped out of the race. It has been rumored that he has been seeking a Vice Presidential slot with John McCain, so we’ll see how that goes.

Hillary Clinton has also won Rhode Island.  Barack Obama has won Vermont.

The Texas and Ohio democrats are currently working on early tallies, but so far it appears that Clinton has amassed a large amount of the votes there, so it looks like she’s in it till the end.

Barack Obama and John McCain are the projected winners in Vermont today. This is Obama’s 12th straight victory over Hillary Clinton. John McCain snagged another win in Vermont, which he was expected to win from early on. He is the presumptive Republican nominee.

Barack Obama is the current Democratic front runner, and will most likely be the nominee if Hillary fails to gain a substantial amount of votes in Texas and Ohio, which are both hosting their primaries today.