Wednesday Morning Open Thread

Good morning.

Today, between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM Pacific time, Federal District Court Judge Vaughn Walker will issue his ruling in the case challenging the constitutionality of Prop. 8. This could be a historic day -- if Walker finds Prop. 8 unconstitutional. And, let's hope he finds that a higher standard of scrutiny is warranted for laws that are aimed at LGBT Americans. Rex Wockner reports that rallies are already being planned in cities across the country. We'll be monitoring, of course.

Today is the birthday of President Obama. He's 49. And, it's also Robin Carnahan's birthday. Yesterday, she won the Democratic primary for Senate in Missouri. Her opponent will be long-time GOP Congressman Roy Blunt. 30% of Missouri GOPers did not vote for Blunt yesterday. The hard core base doesn't like him. He's a real DC insider. So much so that he considers the swanky Georgetown Safeway his local grocery story. That and his close ties to lobbyists, especially Jack Abramoff, are going to be trouble for Blunt. There is a right wing third-party candidate in the race, too.

Also, today, the Senate will take a vote to end the GOP filibuster of Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) aid to states and teacher funding. It's been paid for, so if Republicans vote to continue the filibuster, they're going to be firing teachers across the country. More on this later.

So, should be a busy day. Let's hope it is historic....