Influence Alley

Kubasik Out at Lockheed Martin; Hewson to Become Next CEO

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:57:33 GMT

Lockheed Martin announced that its president and CEO-to-be, Christopher Kubasik, resigned after an ethics investigation found he had a "close personal relationship" with a subordinate employee and violated the company's code of ethics and business conduct. Lockheed Martin's board of directors elected Marillyn Hewson to fill his current position and take over as CEO on Jan. 1.

Kubasik on Friday left his role as vice chairman, president and chief operating officer. He was due to succeed Lockheed's outgoing chairman and CEO, Robert Stevens, on Jan. 1.

Stevens, who is retiring, said Friday he is "deeply disappointed and saddened by Chris's actions, which have been inconsistent with our values and standards" but insisted he is confident in Hewson's capabilities to succeed him. Stevens referred to Hewson in a statement as an "exceptional leader with impeccable credentials and deep knowledge of our business, customers, shareholders and employees."

Hewson, 58, joined Lockheed in 1983 and has served as executive vice president of the Electronic Systems business area for nearly three years; she will also keep that position until the end of this year. Lockheed's board of directors named her president and COO-elect last April.

In a conference call with reporters, Stevens praised the defense giant's robust transition plan and was encouraged by the "forward leaning" ethics program within the company, which asks employees to step forward if they "see anything unusual." He praised the action taken by the employee who initially reported Kubasik's relationship with a subordinate "without fear of reprisal."

The other person involved in the relationship no longer works at Lockheed.

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Stars Wars Going Over the Fiscal Cliff?

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:36:00 GMT

Disney CEO Bob Iger warned about the dangers of going over the fiscal cliff.

That sparked a Twitter meme: #StarWarsFiscalCliff.

Now, The Street is out with a list of the top 15 Star Wars-themed fiscal cliff tweets. Possibly revealing ourselves as Star Wars nerds, the Alley shares its favorite tweet from the list, with a clip of the relevant Return of the Jedi scene embedded below.

"Oh, I'm afraid the automatic spending cuts will be quite operational when your Senate friends arrive." #StarWarsFiscalCliff
-- Rob Holmes (@RobTheStreet) November 9, 2012

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Media Rules for Covering New Member Orientation

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:59:05 GMT

Looking to stake out a new member of the 113th Congress before they get to work in January?

The House Administration Committee has released the New Member Orientation schedule complete with the dates, times and locations for media to set up interviews with members.

The rules have changed a bit this year, so it's worth taking a look. The Capitol Hill Hotel, which will host the new members this year, doesn't have a bar or restaurant for mingling.

So any reporters hoping to catch a word with a lawmaker will need to pay close attention to the stakeout schedule--and bring a heavy coat.

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Caption This: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and the Pats' Vince Wilfork

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:30:00 GMT

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork are teaming up, so to speak, to raise awareness about diabetes.

But what else could a United States senator and an NFL player be doing together? Tell us what you think the caption to this photo ought to say in the comments section below.

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Pelosi To Obama: Preach

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:07:00 GMT

Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., responded to President Obama with a statement that the president "is exactly right -- the American people voted on Tuesday for certainty for our economy and middle class families."

She added that House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and House Republicans "can provide that certainty, and establish a sound basis for negotiations on comprehensive deficit reduction package, by taking up the Senate-passed bill to extend the middle income tax cuts."

"President Obama has his signing pen ready, and I am certain that, given the opportunity, Democrats in the House will vote to send the middle income tax cut to the President next week," said Pelosi.
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McConnell Speaks Up, Reacts to Obama

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:02:00 GMT

Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has stayed mostly quiet since early Wednesday morning, called Friday for President Obama to offer an "actual plan" to address the pending "fiscal cliff" of tax increases and budget cuts.

"I was glad to hear the President's focus on jobs and growth and his call for consensus," McConnell said in a statement. "But there is no consensus on raising tax rates, which would undermine the jobs and growth we all believe are important to our economy. While I appreciate and share the President's desire to put the election behind us, the fact is we still have yet to hear an actual plan from the President for addressing the great economic challenges we face. What's needed now is a realistic and specific proposal from the President that can actually pass the Congress.

"Now that the election is over, the American people expect a plan that reduces spending, reforms the entitlement system, and puts us on a path to ending our chronic annual deficits--without harming an already fragile economy," McConnell said. "While the Speaker and Republicans in Congress have sought common ground by calling for pro-growth tax reform without raising tax rates, we have yet to hear from Democrats on spending and entitlement reform."

Earlier Friday afternoon, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., repeated his call for a tax deal that allows rates on top earners to rise. "The Senate passed a bill to cut taxes for Americans making less than $250,000, and the House should pass it immediately. Our bill cuts taxes for small businesses. When Republicans talk about small businesses, they are really trying to protect millionaires like Donald Trump." Reid said. "It is time for us to put politics aside and give the American people the balanced approach they are demanding. I am optimistic that we can meet this challenge before the end of the year."

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Boehner to Obama: Increased Taxes On Wealthy Part of Fiscal Cliff

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:46:00 GMT

John Boehner responded to President Obama with a statement asserting that the increased tax rates on higher income earners that would be allowed under the Senate-passed bill "are part of the fiscal cliff that economists are warning us to avoid."

"Those increased tax rates will destroy jobs in America by hurting small businesses across the country," said Boehner.

However Boehner added that he is looking forward to meeting directly with the president next week and that Republicans are eager to work on an agreement that averts "the entire fiscal cliff."

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First Order of Business in Senate is Hunting Bill

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 18:47:00 GMT

Dick Durbin's office announced today.

At the top of the agenda is Sen. Jon Tester's Sportsmen's Act of 2012, which is right where the Senate left off before going into recess. The bill was also at the top of the list of unfinished business made by Majority Leader Harry Reid's staff.

The act, among other things, addresses permits for bringing polar bear trophies hunted in Canada back to the U.S.

The House is also expected back Tuesday. Votes are postponed until 6:30 p.m. Members in both chambers will spend much of next week in party meetings. Newly elected members will be on hand to participate in new member orientation and participate in leadership elections.

Senate Democrats and Republicans will hold their leadership elections in separate caucus meetings at 9:30am Wednesday, aides said.

The Senate is scheduled to be in session through Nov. 21st, just before Thanksgiving. They return on the 26th and are scheduled to remain in session until Christmas Eve if necessary.

Dan Friedman contributed.

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House to Vote on Russia PNTR Next Week

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:04:55 GMT

House Republicans are planning to take long-delayed action next week on a bill to normalize trade relations with Russia, which is likely to be the first item taken up by lawmakers in their post-election lame duck session.

The Rules Committee has set a hearing for Tuesday on the measure, and the bill is expected to be ready for floor action on Friday.

The measure would provide "permanent normal trade relations" by lifting a Cold War trade provision known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment. The move is needed to allow U.S. companies to share in the full market benefits of Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has been among those urging Congress to approve it.

The delays this year have centered on Moscow's record on human rights. But language to iron out those concerns will be among the items discussed at the Tuesday Rules hearing.

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News Roundup: Boehner Says Immigration Overhaul 'Overdue'

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:09:59 GMT

Alley readers. Here are the morning headlines.

In case you missed it, House Speaker John Boehner says immigration overhaul is "long overdue" in an interview with ABC News.

Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa is not ruling out a Senate bid in 2014, reports the Cedar Rapids Gazette.

The National Rifle Association got little return on its investment in this election, according to a Sunlight Foundation report, The Hill reports.

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House and Senate Leaders, Chairmen in the 113th Congress

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:52:58 GMT

This week's National Journal magazine has the latest political intel on the next Congress.

Tuesday's election results mean that the top leadership spots in both chambers are not likely to see any turnover. And the same holds for committee chairmanships except in certain cases.

In the House, GOP rules impose term limits for some chairmen, for instance. In the Senate, retirements are effecting change.

Without further ado: Below we name names.

House Leaders and Chairmen in the 113th

Senate Leaders and Chairmen in the 113th

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5 Milestones In Congressional Demographics

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:29:12 GMT

status quo election that hasn't changed many of the political dynamics on the Hill, but the 113th Congress is different than any other before it.

Here are five demographic facts that make this class stand out:

Record Number Of Female Senators
The Senate has become a little less of a man's world this time around -- 20 women have been elected to serve in the upper chamber, a record high. The 112th Congress had 17 female senators, which is the previous record. Republican Rep. Rick Berg conceded to Heidi Heitkamp in the North Dakota's Senate race on Thursday, bringing the number to 20.

First Hindu in the House, First Asian-American Female Senator
Tulsi Gabbard was elected to serve Hawaii's 2nd district, with the Democrat replacing Rep. Mazie Hirono, who ran for Senate. Gabbard will be the first Hindu to serve in the House. Hirono will be the first Asian-American woman to serve in the upper chamber, and only the second non-white woman.

House Dems No Longer Mostly White Guys
The House Democratic caucus is the most diverse its ever been, with the majority of members for the first time being either non-white or women. At least 57 House Democrats will be women, while House Republicans will have at least 20 female members.

Record Number of Hispanic Members
Tuesday's election means a record 28 Latinos serving in the House. In the Senate, the election of Republican Ted Cruz from Texas means three Latinos will be serving in the Senate, just as in 2008.

First Openly Gay Senator
Rep. Tammy Baldwin bested Republican Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin's Senate race, meaning she will be the first openly-gay Senator. Four openly-gay members served in the 112th, and that number will increase to at least six in the 113th.

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Is RNC Spox Spicer Welching on Bet with DNC Spox Woodhouse?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 23:36:00 GMT

Romney, Mitt) but that's exactly what Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer and his Democratic National Committee counterpart Brad Woodhouse did on Election Day when the two bet on Tuesday night's outcome.

The election winner, the two agreed, would get to shave the loser's head, on television. So after giving Spicer a day to mourn his loss, I emailed both men and asked when Woodhouse gets to collect.

"Good question!" Woodhouse responded.

To which Spicer replied, "What? This is so silly - we are about to go off the fiscal cliff."

Was Spicer welching on the bet? I asked.

"We are discussing it," he wrote. "May have more tomorrow."

The Alley will stay on top of this developing story and bring you more as we know it.
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Boehner Backing Off Obamacare Repeal

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 23:00:00 GMT

President Obama's signature health care reform law, House Speaker John Boehner sounds like he'll be backing off the issue next year. Asked by ABC News if he still plans on repealing the law next year, Boehner said "the election changes that" and that "Obamacare is the law of the land."

The Alley asked Boehner spokesman Kevin Smith if that meant there'd be no more repeal votes and Smith responded:

While ObamaCare is the law of the land, it is costing us jobs and threatening our health care. Speaker Boehner and House Republicans remain committed to repealing the law, and he said in the interview it would be on the table.

Of course, with a Democratic Senate and Obama in the White House, it hardly makes sense to continue to spend much time on an errand as quixotic as repealing Obamacare.

Here's a transcript of the exchange as provided by Boehner's office:

DIANE SAWYER: A couple of other questions about the agenda now. You have said next year that you would repeal the healthcare vote. That's still your mission?

JOHN BOEHNER: Well, I think the election changes that. It's pretty clear that the president was reelected, Obamacare-- is the law of the land. I think there are parts-- of-- the healthcare law that-- are gonna be very difficult to implement. And very expensive. And as-- the time when we're tryin' to find a way to create a path-- toward a balanced budget-- everything has to be on the table.

DIANE SAWYER: But you won't be spending the time next year trying to repeal Obamacare?

JOHN BOEHNER: There certainly may be parts of it that we believe-- need to be changed. We may do that. No decisions at this point.

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Engel, Sherman Manuever for Top Dem HFAC Slot

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:07:00 GMT

Howard Berman, D-Calif., will be departing Congress after losing a tough election due to redistricting, Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., is officially throwing his hat in the ring for the top Democratic post on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"For the last several years, Howard Berman has been our leader on the committee, and the loss of his expertise on foreign policy will be felt throughout the Congress. I hope to carry on in his tradition," Engel, who holds the top Democratic post in the Western Hemisphere subcommittee, said in a statement on Thursday. "I have built strong relationships with key members of the Administration and leaders around the world."

Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., who toppled Berman in California's newly drawn 30th district, is also seeking the post, his spokesman Ben Fishel told National Journal.

"Of all Democratic voting Members of Congress elected to serve in the 113th Congress, Sherman is highest in seniority on the House Foreign Affairs Committee," Fishel said in an e-mail. "Sherman has been encouraged by many of his colleagues to seek the Ranking Member position."

For the top Republican slot, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., made his first public play on Wednesday to secure the committee's chairmanship. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., is also vying for the position. ]]>

Influence Alley

Kubasik Out at Lockheed Martin; Hewson to Become Next CEO

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Stars Wars Going Over the Fiscal Cliff?

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Media Rules for Covering New Member Orientation

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Caption This: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and the Pats' Vince Wilfork

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Pelosi To Obama: Preach

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McConnell Speaks Up, Reacts to Obama

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Boehner to Obama: Increased Taxes On Wealthy Part of Fiscal Cliff

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First Order of Business in Senate is Hunting Bill

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House to Vote on Russia PNTR Next Week

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News Roundup: Boehner Says Immigration Overhaul 'Overdue'

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House and Senate Leaders, Chairmen in the 113th Congress

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5 Milestones In Congressional Demographics

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Is RNC Spox Spicer Welching on Bet with DNC Spox Woodhouse?

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Boehner Backing Off Obamacare Repeal

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Engel, Sherman Manuever for Top Dem HFAC Slot

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