The LuLac Edition #318, Oct. 3rd, 2007

PHOTO INDEX: 50 YEARS

THURSDAY, THE RUSSIANS LAUNCHED SPUTNIK. AND LIFE HASN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE!!!

THE DECIDER!

In a sharp confrontation with Congress, President Bush on Wednesday vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have dramatically expanded children's health insurance.
It was only the fourth veto of Bush's presidency, and one that some Republicans feared could carry steep risks for their party in next year's elections. The Senate approved the bill with enough votes to override the veto, but the margin in the House fell short of the required number.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., decried Bush's action as a "heartless veto."
Health care is going to be a very strong issue in the 2008 campaign. The veto of the bill is going to be fodder for both sides. The Dems are going to be touting universal care for children as well as adults in a carefullty crafted message while the GOP is going to use a sledge hammer to scare the bejesus out of the citizens regarding socialized medicine. But that boogeyman might not work this time given the unrest people feel about high rates, copays and deductables. One has to wonder why the campaign of John Edwards has not resonated more because of his concentration on the health care issue.


MOVING OUT!

Republican Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico intends to retire at the end of his term next year, closing out a 36-year career in Congress, Republican officials said Wednesday.
The officials said the 75-year-old Domenici intends to make a formal announcement on Thursday in his home state. They spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid pre-empting the six-term lawmaker.
Domenici would be the fifth Republican senator to decline to seek a new term, giving Democrats an opportunity to expand their majority in the 2008 elections. GOP Sens. John Warner of Virginia, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Larry Craig of Idaho and Wayne Allard of Colorado have previously announced plans not to run again.

Look for the Democratic party to make a huge push to take more seats in the Senate. It will be ironic if they get a "veto proof" Senate along with a Democratic President! But that's America and that's politics.

SPUTNIK AT 50

Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of Sputnik. Here's a great link to commemorate the anniversary.

http://www.nytimes.com/partners/aol/special/sputnik/