By , ,
Published May 15, 2015
Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:
Funding Cuts?
The White House is pushing back against reports it is slashing counter-terrorism money for New York City, just days after the bungled bomb attempt in Times Square. Even democrats have been critical. New York Democratic Senator Charles Schumer said it "just makes no sense at all." And Republican Congressman Pete King calls it "absolutely disgraceful."
Administration spokesman Nick Shapiro says the reports are wrong: "When all federal funding is totaled, New York City has received a net increase of $47 million for port and transit security over the previous year's budget."
No Refunds
Florida Governor Charlie Crist will not give back donations made to his Senate campaign when he was still a Republican.
Crist officially became an independent Wednesday. He had said earlier he would probably issue refunds.
Texas Senator John Cornyn said: Breaking this promise demonstrates an enormous lack of character, as Floridians are reminded that they simply cannot trust what you say.''
Loose Lips
One of the things senators may question Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan about is her lack of action against a fellow Clinton administration staffer, who allegedly leaked information to environmental activists engaged in a standoff with the government. It happened in 1995 and 1996.
The Washington Examiner reports a White House staffer allegedly tipped off the activists in Oregon, as government agents prepared and launched their assault. Kagan has been criticized for not conducting an investigation, not pursuing punishment, and even defending the alleged leaker. No comment so far from the White House... we'll have many more details on this story Friday on "Special Report."
Batter Up
And while Kagan is taking hits on some of her legal stances, the experts are giving her generally good reviews for her stance in the batter's box.
MLB.com asked some Major League players about this 1993 picture of Kagan in a softball game. Future Hall-of-Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez called her stance perfect. So did New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes.
But Washington Nationals third-baseman Ryan Zimmerman said: "She doesn't look too aggressive. She doesn't have a very intimidating face working, either. It looks like she's friends with the pitcher or something."
— Fox News Channel's Lanna Britt contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/story/is-the-obama-administration-cutting-money-to-fight-terrorism-in-nyc