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Frank D. Russo

@fdrtoday.bsky.social

1.2K followers 576 following 9K posts

Attorney, active in politics & public policy half a century starting with JFK & civil rights movement, Ex Publisher California Progress Report & Legal Counsel to Speaker of CA Assembly. Trying to enjoy life in difficult times with music, photography travel

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 10h

Takeaways From First Maine Senate Debate NYT Collins on defensive over Trump Her vote for Kavanaugh under spotlight Stark disagreements over ICE Clash over value of Senate seniority Jackson: “Mainers can’t afford to pay their bills with press release or a strongly worded letter" bit.ly/4i7PZPu

Takeaways From the First Maine Senate Debate Between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson (Gift Article)

Senator Susan Collins, one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the midterms, clashed with the Democratic challenger Troy Jackson over President Trump, ICE and more.

Reposted by Frank D. Russo

Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 13h

SUSAN COLLINS: I was successful in getting road salt removed from the Canada tariff list TROY JACKSON: What about everything else? We can't eat road salt

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 13h

Naked Trump statue goes on display in Strasbourg in the European Parliament building DW "The Orange Plague" a gold-coated statue presents Donald Trump sitting on a smaller man's back and holding a long gold club No comment from Trump bit.ly/473XeC0

Naked Trump statue goes on display in Strasbourg

Titled "The Orange Plague," a gold-coated statue presents Donald Trump sitting on a smaller man's back. The Danish artist blamed Trump for getting in the way of efforts to address climate change.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 14h

Dems Strong in Polls: Have These Groups to Thank Different blocs moving left: Swinging in key Senate races NYT Younger voters: 30 pt.+ under 30 yrs old especially young men Older voters: Trust despite Trump Latino voters: Swinging back: Big in TX Independent voters: Widest in Alaska bit.ly/4yA2SaP

Democrats Look Strong in Polls, Thanks to These Voter Groups (Gift Article)

Different blocs are moving left. They could swing key Senate races.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 17h

Sabato’s Crystal Ball moves Alaska Senate race to ‘leans Democrat’ The Hill Will be a pick up! Decision Desk HQ, another election handicapper, also has Peltola slightly favored to win. The other big name in election ratings, Cook Political Report, still has the race as a toss-up bit.ly/4hQ8nv5

Sabato’s Crystal Ball moves Alaska Senate race to ‘leans Democrat’

Sabato’s Crystal Ball, an election handicapper based at the University of Virginia, has shifted its race rating for the Alaska Senate race to be more optimistic for Democrats. The outlet moved the …

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 17h

Dem Senators Press Trump Over Engraved Diamond Ring Gift Newsweek 18-karat gold ring encrusted with 321 diamonds & 75 gemstones Antwerp World Diamond Centre gifted to Trump just before he announced exemption of European diamonds from "chaotic tariffs" Questions about quid pro quo bit.ly/4i7nCRu

SCOOP: Dem senators press over ‘Trump’ engraved diamond ring gift

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal sent a letter Monday night to key Trump Administration and government officials in connection to a lavish ring which they claim its location...

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 20h

You betcha. I've been donating to Senate races and working on voter protection. All hands on deck.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

As Trump Dithers, Ukraine War Is Approaching a ‘Fatal Point of No Return’ with the risk of escalation spilling further into Europe Rolling Stone Gift Article Russia is escalating while the Trump administration pursues deals that could help Moscow’s war economy Putin has warned! bit.ly/4yvFwTN

As Trump Dithers, Ukraine War Is Approaching a 'Fatal Point of No Return'

Vladimir Putin is escalating against Ukraine and Europe while Donald Trump's administration pursues deals that could help Russia's war economy.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

New Marist Poll has Jackson 51% Collins 47% among registered voters in Maine Senate Race Independents Jackson 52% to 45% for Collins Generic congressional vote Dem ahead by 9--54%to 45% among registered voters Dem Pingree ahead 52% to 40% in governor race Survey of 1505 10/1 to 4 bit.ly/4ASn0qm

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

Trump administration unveils plan to tie high birth and marriage rates to transit funding Politico Seeking to revamp a national program that supports rail and bus rapid transit A long-sought goal of Trump but one that top Democratic appropriator calls “bizarre and dystopian” bit.ly/3TnsmZZ

Trump administration unveils plan to tie high birth and marriage rates to transit funding

The federal government is seeking to revamp a national program that supports rail and bus rapid transit.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

If the polls end up missing, this may have been our early warning sign by G. Elliott Morris “Low-effort” survey respondents vote very differently than other poll-takers and that could be biasing polls by up to 3.5 points AGAINST THE DEMOCRATS! But.. Explained by the gifted pollster bit.ly/3VARJbi

If the polls end up missing, this may have been our early warning sign

“Low-effort” survey respondents vote very differently than other poll-takers, and that could be biasing polls by up to 3.5 points against

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump's Immigration Crackdown ProPublica Experts have long warned that immigration dragnets & erosion of civil rights for immigrants will inevitably result in erosion of rights for citizens bit.ly/4y1LWsH

More Than 500 U.S. Citizens Have Been Detained, Including Handcuffed or Held at Gunpoint, in Trump’s Immigration Crackdown — ProPublica

The government doesn’t track how often immigration officers detain U.S. citizens. So ProPublica did. We’ve found more than 500 Americans who were held against their will during this Trump administrati...

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

Olympian cleared in vandalism case seeks watchdog probes of Trump's Reflecting Pool project Reuters Trump admin’s “sprint” to charge Olympic canoeist David “Davey” Hearn his attorneys wrote “mirrored the rushed renovation itself" Misconduct by Justice & Interior Depts alleged bit.ly/4yvyVZx

Olympian cleared in vandalism case seeks watchdog probes of Trump's Reflecting Pool project

Lawyers for a former US Olympian accused and then cleared of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool demanded on Tuesday that two government watchdogs investigate ‌the botched renovation of ...

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 21h

Hegseth’s One Percent A cult of military superiority over civilians is not only unwarranted, but actively dangerous by Eliot A. Cohen Atlantic He invoked a verse he has frequently cited, Isaiah 6:8—but did not quote the rather more applicable previous verse This article torches him bit.ly/4y9FBeN

Hegseth’s One Percent

A cult of military superiority over civilians is not only unwarranted, but actively dangerous.

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Reposted by Frank D. Russo

Ed Burmila @edburmila.bsky.social · 22h

Deeply funny to read this one day after Trump literally said that everyone at the NYT should be arrested.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Local leaders respond to Trump's comment that Iran could ‘take out' San Diego, Los Angeles NBS 7 San Diego Trump comments during Nebraska campaign rally drew criticism from several California Democratic elected officials and Republicans OUTRAGEOUS! Read about local denunciation bit.ly/4rMmbet

Local leaders respond to Trump's comment that Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego

President Donald Trump's suggestion at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska Monday that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego drew quick criticism from San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Gov...

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Veteran conservative lawyer quits Trump’s interior department and warns of ‘assault on the rule of law’ Guardian John Murdock had been working for agency for 18 years. His resignation comes during an exodus of longtime federal workers and scientists Must Read what he had to say bit.ly/4jIUvFj

Veteran conservative lawyer quits Trump’s interior department and warns of ‘assault on the rule of law’

John Murdock had been working for the agency for 18 years and his resignation comes during an exodus of longtime federal workers and scientists

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Alito says he won’t retire during lame-duck session Politico The Supreme Court justice said he intends to stay through the current term, which will last until next June Wish I can trust him Republicans will do anything if they can before new Congress is seated bit.ly/4y9yiDT

Alito says he won’t retire during lame-duck session

The Supreme Court justice said he intends to stay through the current term, which will last until next June.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Trump uses anti-trans slur against Democratic Senate candidate in South Carolina NBC Annie Andrews is a physician running against Sen. Darline Graham He said Andrews, who is not transgender, is “not for South Carolina” She has 3 children A new low of lows bit.ly/4hAKCa0

Trump uses anti-trans slur against Democratic Senate candidate in South Carolina

Annie Andrews is a physician running against Sen. Darline Graham.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Top Dem Super PAC Raised Record Amount in 3d Quarter Shane Goldmacher NYT Dem Senate candidates have out-raised Republicans but struggle to match outside spending from Trump-affiliated groups Senate Dems $151 million in 3d quarter entering October with nearly $112 million in bank bit.ly/4hPmMaZ

Top Super PAC for Senate Democrats Raises Record $151 Million in Third Quarter (Gift Article)

Democratic Senate candidates have generally out-raised Republicans, but are struggling to match outside spending from Trump-affiliated groups.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

KFF Poll Affordability Worries Top the List of Issues Voters Want Midterm Candidates to Talk About bit.ly/3U67C9g

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

Cost of living weighs heavily on voters, KFF Health Tracking Poll finds health care costs, gasoline & transportation costs continue to top the list Voters are “very” (25%) or “somewhat” worried (35%) about affording health care costs for themselves and their families bit.ly/3U67C9g

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

KFF Health Tracking Poll What Is Motivating Midterm Voters? Democratic and Republican voters say they are motivated to keep the other party out of power Across partisanship, about one in ten say they are more motivated to vote than usual due to concerns about the cost of living bit.ly/3U67C9g

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 22h

KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues in 2026 Midterm Election Dem voters “more motivated” to vote this year than usual (63% vs. 38%for Reeps) Dems clear edge on voters trust to handle many issues including cost of health care (42% vs. 22%) & cost of living (39% vs. 25%) bit.ly/3U67C9g

KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Issues in the Lead-Up to the 2026 Midterm Election | KFF

With the 2026 midterms about a month away, health care costs remain tied with gas as voters’ top midterm concerns and the Democrats hold a clear edge over the Republicans Party on who voters trust to ...

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 23h

Trump says journalists should be ‘arrested’ for reporting on empty seats at rally Independent He claims upper-level empty seats were simply attendees moving down to the main floor during Vandalia, Ohio event How unhinged can you be? He's fixated on crowd size and virility bit.ly/3VPKDje

Trump says journalists should be ‘arrested’ for reporting on empty seats at rally

The president claims upper-level empty seats were simply attendees moving down to the main floor during the Vandalia, Ohio event

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 23h

Senate GOP to send $5m to shore up Graham in South Carolina Axios As an "insurance policy" to help GOP nominee Darline Graham She shields herself from the press Survey from Trafalgar has Graham pulling 43% and Andrews 42% InsiderAdvantage has Graham at 46% and Andrews at 45% bit.ly/4jH9EH9

Scoop: Senate GOP to send $5m to shore up Graham in South Carolina

The GOP's concern about a Senate seat in blood-red South Carolina shows the challenge facing Republicans.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Using the Power of the Government to Win Elections The Trump administration is breaking a fundamental promise of political impartiality by Paul Rosenzweig DHS Official under George W. Bush Atlantic Read all the examples--there are many Should appall anyone of any political stripe bit.ly/4y8x4sT

Using the Power of the Government to Win Elections

The Trump administration is breaking a fundamental promise of political impartiality.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Voter Guide 2026: California and S.F. Bay Area election A guide to the statewide and local races and measures in California's November general election SF Chron bit.ly/4AMKoWc

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Say It Under Oath by Don Perata Voting early frees up time for the main event: a Democratic House. Handing Judiciary Committee gavel & subpoena power to Jamie Raskin First witnesses: Kushner and Witkoff. Tehran accuses them of pocketing $9 billion shorting markets ahead of Iran war bit.ly/4hCPWtG

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Kushner, Witkoff and a $9 Billion Question Tehran makes the accusation, Vance says it's bogus. A Democratic House could make them answer under oath. Plus: your ballot is in the mail by Don Perata Fill It Out, Mail It Back bit.ly/4hCPWtG

Kushner, Witkoff and a $9 Billion Question

Tehran makes the accusation, Vance says it's bogus. A Democratic House could make them answer under oath. Plus: your ballot is in the mail.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

About the author of Pete Rates the Ballot Props In 1980 as a new voter, he was appalled at the hysterical tone and utter lack of objectivity of the official arguments in the ballot pamphlet. so he typed up his recommendations (on a typewriter) and circulated them Read bio bit.ly/4iSmlP7

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This is a good site start reading on about the California Ballot Propositions: Pete Rates the Ballot Props Don't be fooled by ads and half truths I've known the author for many decades He also has links to other sources of information I don't always agree but he's honest! bit.ly/4hsykQZ

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

California early voting starts today. Here’s what you need to know Democracy Docket Ballots mailed today to more than 20 million voters across the state & secure ballot drop-off locations opened This article has info I will post again about ballot props Don't vote based on ads! bit.ly/4i4Oul6

California early voting starts today. Here’s what you need to know

Californians are voting amid an unusually turbulent fight over how ballots are cast, delivered, counted and protected.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Obama to campaign with El-Sayed and Benson in Michigan Politico The Detroit stop adds to the former president’s campaign push for Democrats ahead of the midterms A high-profile boost ahead of start of the state’s early voting period on October 24 with other Democratic candidates bit.ly/4dq1vTQ

Obama to campaign with El-Sayed and Benson in Michigan

The Detroit stop adds to the former president’s campaign push for Democrats ahead of the midterms.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Who’s winning the race for Congress? The election is in 29 days by Lisa Lerer and Shane Goldmacher NYT Senate House Inside the Air Wars One Poll Number: 84%: The percentage of independent voters who disapprove of Trump’s handling of gas prices A good snapshot with graphs and info bit.ly/46X0n6x

Midterm Elections: Who Is Winning the Race for Congress? Latest Data (Gift Article)

It’s Oct. 5 — 29 days away from the midterms. Here’s the state of play.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

CIA Report Warns Israel Could Head Toward Civil War, Total Collapse Capital & Empire U.S. intelligence raises fears of civil unrest & state breakdown in Israel ahead of October 27 election Report titled “Fracture From Within” was compiled by experts in the CIA’s Red Cell Read bit.ly/46YftbZ

CIA Report Warns Israel Could Head Toward Civil War, Total Collapse

U.S. intelligence raises fears of civil unrest and state breakdown in Israel ahead of October 27 elections.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Campaign ‘all coming from DC,’ Paxton says Politico “I don’t control message or what we’re doing,” Texas GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton said during a small fundraising event in September They're scrambling to explain this but there's truthiness to it What a buffoon! bit.ly/476SgnV

Campaign ‘all coming from DC,’ Paxton says

“I don’t control message or what we’re doing,” Texas GOP Senate candidate Ken Paxton said during a small fundraising event in September.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Is it legal? Trump promises Medicare & ACA checks without Congress ahead of midterm elections Scripps News Dems raise legal questions but no court has blocked either payment yet He acts first. then there are questions In meanwhile he gets away with it Expect more before election bit.ly/47CNP4m

Is it legal? Trump promises Medicare and ACA checks without Congress ahead of midterm elections

President Trump is promising $90 payments to more than 20 million Medicare seniors and $500 refunds to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees, bypassing Congress and raising legal questions from Democrats.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Freaky. We don't know how accurate it is about how he would feel today A bit entertaining A harbinger of what we and others will be seeing and hearing in the future with A.I. The technique is perfect for being abused and fooling the unaware But here it is if you want to view it bit.ly/3TM8FLt

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

What Would John Maynard Keynes Say About A.I.? The Keynes Bot Told Us NYT Using A.I. agent trained on 12,000 pages of Keynes’s writings & transcripts along with the available recordings of him a team built a bot designed to answer questions in Keynes’s voice and style Read or watch bit.ly/4rKAC2I

Opinion | What Would John Maynard Keynes Say About A.I.? The Keynes Bot Told Us. (Gift Article)

Nearly a century ago, Keynes predicted that technology would liberate us from work. To imagine what he would think of artificial intelligence today, a Princeton economist used A.I.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Trump, Critic of Voting by Mail, Urges Republicans to Do It in Midterms! NYT Latest mixed messaging from he who regularly VBM's but has made baseless claims the practice is “inherently corrupt” "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" Emerson Still has small hands! bit.ly/3Tla8bx

Trump Urges Republicans to Vote By Mail After Criticizing Practice (Gift Article)

It was the latest mixed messaging from President Trump, who regularly votes by mail, but has made baseless claims that the practice is “inherently corrupt.”

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

She Could Flip the Senate. All She Wants to Talk About Are Fish and Diesel NYT Mary Peltola's Senate website has a low-res video game "Salmon Run” in which you play part of a fish trying to avoid being caught by commercial trawlers Her opponent is on the hook for taking their money bit.ly/4ATAIcI

Opinion | What Mary Peltola Knows About Winning in Red States (Gift Article)

Inside the weird campaign that could flip the Senate to the Democrats.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Congress Is Supposed to Be More Powerful Than the Supreme Court. Why Isn’t It? NYT Here’s how it’s supposed to work but no longer does: Congress writes laws. Courts interprets them. When Congress disagrees with statutory interpretations, it has power to pass new law to override them bit.ly/3VswOr2

Congress Is Supposed to Be More Powerful Than the Supreme Court. Why Isn’t It? (Gift Article)

Trump and his allies in the Capitol have revealed a problem that has been developing for decades.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Trump tells South Korea to sign on to Alaska LNG deal or ‘I’ll just charge them more’ CNBC First he campaigns in Alaska Senate race for Republican & touts South Korea’s participation in $50 billion Alaska LNG project (which they had not agreed to) Then he threatens them CORRUPT! bit.ly/4yB2l8K

Trump tells South Korea to sign on to Alaska LNG deal or 'I'll just charge them more'

Trump is ramping up pressure on South Korea over Alaska LNG as Seoul remains cautious over investment projects announced by the U.S. president.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Crypto PAC to spend in 32 House races Politico Fairshake super PAC network will back 19 Republican & 13 Democratic House candidates Already spending big against Sherrod Brown in Ohio Senate race Ended August with $120 million in the bank across 3 super PACs it controls See list bit.ly/4hN7SC5

Crypto PAC to spend in 32 House races

The Fairshake super PAC network will back 19 Republican House candidates and 13 Democratic hopefuls.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Sam Altman to Decoded: ‘The world should accept some bad things happening’ for the benefits of AI Politico Let's say for the sake of argument I agree with this It begs the question of who should decide this The people--the government should decide this not individual companies bit.ly/4y72Vd7

Sam Altman to Decoded: ‘The world should accept some bad things happening’ for the benefits of AI

The OpenAI CEO sought to distinguish his policy stance from rival developer Anthropic.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

‘Creepy, Weird’ Steve Hilton Ad Denounced by California Republicans NYT Ad for Hilton, G.O.P. candidatef or Governor, is full of sexual innuendo that has befuddled Republicans and Democrats He trails bigly in the polls Icky ad takes the cake & confirms he's not ready for prime time bit.ly/4y7ntCz

Steve Hilton’s ‘Just Try It’ Ad on Mail Voting Denounced by Republicans (Gift Article)

An online spot for Mr. Hilton, the G.O.P. candidate, is full of sexual innuendo that has befuddled Republicans and Democrats watching the race for governor in California.

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Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

The Mistake That May Finally Get the Republican Base to Ditch Trump by David Wallace-Wells The war is the most obvious albatross among many around Trump’s neck. Only a third of the country approves of his handling of the war and voters connect it to affordability A deadly combo bit.ly/4i6wSo3

Opinion | The Mistake That May Finally Get the Republican Base to Ditch Trump (Gift Article)

The president might be supercharging what already looked like a blue wave.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Endorsement: Prop 38 is one of the most noxious deposits on California’s political dung heap in years SF Chron Put on ballet by disgraced Michael Milken, it requires Dept of Public Health to give half the bond money, $4.2 billion, to an unnamed nonprofit medical research institute bit.ly/3U7ISgP

Endorsement: Prop 38 is one of the most noxious deposits on California’s political dung heap in years

OPINION: Prop 38 would give billions to an institute co-founded by billionaire Michael Milken, also known as the “junk bond king,” who was pardoned by Trump in 2020, the editorial board writes.

Frank D. Russo @fdrtoday.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

ICE releases San Francisco lawmaker’s staffer after weeks in immigration detention SF Chron Assembly Member Catherine Stefani has consistently maintained that Ho Yin Mo is legally employed by the Legislature and never should have been detained while boarding a flight in Nevada bit.ly/4ANhODZ

ICE releases San Francisco lawmaker’s staffer after weeks in immigration detention

A California Assembly staffer whose ICE detention prompted appeals from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has been released after spending more than two weeks in an immigration detention center.

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