And now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine...
Friends in High Places
The Associated Press reports the Wall Street executive who reviewed the Obama administration's energy loan program -- has donated more than $50,000 to the president's reelection effort.
Herbert Allison-- whose report exonerated the Obama administration -- began donating to the campaign just two weeks after he testified before Congress.
Allison-- who has donated to both parties in the past -- defends his report-- saying he chose to back the president after his work was completed.
House Energy Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Stearns -- questions the report-- which did not include bankrupt firms Solyndra and beacon power-- saying it shows -- quote --
"The president did not want a careful, independent review of his risky green jobs scheme."
The Media Research Center adds-- quote
"If a Republican administration had squandered that much money on a loser like Solyndra-- and the watchdog hired to review the program turned around and donated more than $50,000 to the GOP-- there would be a media feeding frenzy."
A Lesson in Civility
Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren is canceling a planned presidential forum-- because of uncivil discourse. Quote--
"I've never seen more irresponsible personal attacks-- mean-spirited slander-- and flat out dishonest attack ads-- and I don't expect that tone to change before the election."
However-- both the Obama and Romney campaigns point out-- they never actually agreed to participate.
We reached out to Pastor Warren -- but have not heard back
Como Se Dice
And finally-- a local artist thought she was doing a good deed for her church -- when she decided to touch up a century-old painting of Christ in her small Spanish town.
But the artist --who is in her 80's-- arguably did more harm than good.
The image on the left -- was the painting before her improvements.
The left shows her restoration.
Some Twitter users have compared the new painting to a monkey.
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