Major Endorsement for Romney, Florida Voter Purge Over and More

Rand Paul Endorses Romney:

Mitt Romney got a major endorsement from the son of former Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., made the announcement Thursday night on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program, telling the conservative host: “I’m happy to announce that I’m going to be supporting Gov. Mitt Romney.” The endorsement is a major one for Romney, because it likely squashes the idea that Ron Paul supporters will lead a “genuine insurrection” at the Republican convention in August. It could, however, also signify Rand Paul’s intent to run for president in 2016 or 2020. (Read more)

Republicans Pounce on Obama Economy Remark: Now more than ever, a politician has to be very careful what he or she tells the media because of the 24/7 news cycle and the plethora of outlets seeking to fill time and space. President Obama, who should know better by now, made one such remark Friday when he said that “the private sector’s doing fine.” Perhaps a poor choice of words given the weak May jobs report released just a week ago. Needless to say, Republicans are treating the comment like the gift that it is to them (as The Fix’s Chris Cillizza tweeted: “Like clockwork, Drudge Report now prominently linking to ‘the private sector is doing fine’ line from Obama’s presser”). Cue the spin. (Read more)

Shake-Up at CNN?: And speaking of the media, word is surfacing that there could be a major change in CNN leadership soon. Time Warner executives are reportedly thinking about replacing the president of CNN Worldwide, Jim Walton. The cable news channel has experienced a steady decline in viewership, hitting a record low in ratings this year. Walton’s contract is said to be up at the end of the year. (Read more)

National Security Leaks Investigated: Even as the White House has denied releasing highly sensitive secrets to the media, congressional Intelligence Committee leaders from both parties are increasing their calls for an outside investigation into recent U.S. national security leaks. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., among other Republicans, has accused the White House of leaking information on issues including cyberwarfare and drone strikes for political gain. President Obama has called those allegations “offensive.” Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she needed more time to consider whether a special counsel was needed because it could take years to investigate. (Read more)

Florida Voter Purge Stopped: The purge of thousands of registered Florida voters appears to be at an end after all 67 county supervisors—30 Republicans among them—refused to execute it. The process caused a storm of controversy after the revelation that hundreds of legal U.S. voters had been targeted. It’s probably just as well, given the state’s history with voting purge controversies (remember the 2000 presidential election?). Still, unpopular GOP Gov. Rick Scott has signaled his intention to continue the purge in his state. Probably to no avail however, since the county supervisors actually control the voter rolls. (Read more)

Video of the Day: Are you confused about New York City’s attempt to criminalize soda and the state’s effort to decriminalize marijuana? So is Jon Stewart. But that didn’t stop “The Daily Show” host from trying to explain them in a segment called: “Jon Stewart Tries to Figure Out What He’s Allowed to Put in His Mouth.” Hopefully this video will help you discern what you can legally ingest the next time you visit the Empire State.

— Posted by Tracy Bloom