Government says 22 Hillary Clinton emails “top secret”
The Obama administration confirmed for the first time Friday that Hillary Clinton‘s unsecured home server contained some of the U.S. government’s most closely guarded secrets, censoring 22 emails with material demanding one of the highest levels of classification. The revelation comes just three days before the Iowa presidential nominating caucuses in which Clinton is a candidate. The State Department will release its next batch of emails from Clinton’s time as secretary of state later Friday. But The Associated Press has learned seven email chains are being withheld in full because they contain information deemed to be “top secret.” The 37 pages include messages recently described by a key intelligence official as concerning so-called “special access programs” — a highly restricted subset of classified material that could point to confidential sources or clandestine programs like drone strikes or government eavesdropping. Department officials wouldn’t describe the substance of the emails, or say whether Clinton sent any herself. They also wouldn’t disclose if any of the documents reflected information that was classified at the time of transmission, but indicated that the agency’s Diplomatic Security and Intelligence and Research bureaus have begun looking into that question. “The documents are being upgraded at the request of the intelligence community because they contain a category of top secret information,” State Department spokesman John Kirby told the AP, describing the decision to withhold documents in full as “not unusual.” That means they won’t be published online with the rest of the documents, even with blacked-out boxes. Clinton, the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, has insisted she never sent or received information on her personal email account that was classified at the time. No emails released so far were stamped “CLASSIFIED” or “TOP SECRET,” but reviewers previously had designated more than 1,000 messages at lower classification levels for public release. Friday’s will be the first at the top secret level. For those that Clinton only read, and didn’t write or forward, she still would have been required to report classification slippages that she recognized. But without classification markings, that may have been difficult, especially if the information was in the public domain. Kirby said the State Department’s focus as part of the Freedom of Information Act review of Clinton’s emails was on “whether they need to be classified today.” Questions about their past classification, he said, “are being, and will be, handled separately by the State Department.” Possible responses for classification infractions include counseling, warnings or other action, State Department officials said, though they declined to say if these applied to Clinton or senior aides who’ve since left the department. The officials weren’t authorized to speak on the matter and spoke on condition of anonymity. Friday’s release is coming at an awkward time for Clinton. The Iowa caucus is on Feb. 1, and her main challenger, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, is running neck and neck with her in the polls there and leads solidly in New Hampshire. Clinton still holds a strong advantage in national polls. The emails have been an issue for Clinton’s campaign since it became known 10 months ago that she exclusively used a nongovernment account linked to a homebrew server while in office. Clinton first called the decision a matter of convenience and then termed it a mistake, even if doing so wasn’t expressly forbidden. But the matter could prove more troublesome now that Clinton’s former agency has confirmed that business conducted over the account included top-secret matters. Like Clinton, the State Department discounted such a possibility last March. Both also said her account was never hacked or compromised, which security experts assess as unlikely, and that the vast majority of her emails were preserved properly for archiving purposes because she corresponded mainly with government accounts. They’ve backtracked from the archiving claim, while the AP discovered several phishing attempts on her server connected to Russia. The question of special access programs first surfaced last week, when Charles I. McCullough, the inspector general for U.S. intelligence agencies, cited examples on Clinton’s account in a letter to Congress. Republicans pounced on the report, though Clinton’s campaign insisted none of the exchanges were “classified at the time” and accused McCullough and GOP lawmakers of selectively leaking materials to damage her presidential hopes. Kirby confirmed that the “denied-in-full emails” are among those McCullough recently cited. One of the emails, he said, was among those McCullough identified last summer as possibly containing top secret information. The AP reported last August that one focused on a forwarded news article about the classified U.S. drone program run by the CIA. Such operations are widely covered and discussed in the public sphere, including by top U.S. officials, and the State Department immediately pushed back against McCullough’s claim. The other concerned North Korean nuclear weapons programs, according to officials. At the time, several officials from different agencies suggested the disagreement over the drone emails reflected the government’s tendency to over-classify material, and the lack of consistent policies across difference agencies about what should and shouldn’t be classified. The FBI also is looking into Clinton’s email setup, but has said nothing about the nature of its probe. Independent experts say it is highly unlikely that Clinton will be charged with wrongdoing, based on the limited details that have surfaced up to now and the lack of indications that she intended to break any laws. “What I would hope comes out of all of this is a bit of humility” and an acknowledgment from Clinton that “I made some serious mistakes,” said Bradley Moss, a Washington lawyer who regularly handles security clearance matters. Legal questions aside, it’s the potential political costs that are probably of more immediate concern for Clinton. She has struggled in surveys measuring her perceived trustworthiness and an active federal investigation, especially one buoyed by evidence that top secret material coursed through her account, could negate one of her main selling points for becoming commander in chief: Her national security resume. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Chris Blackshear sworn in to represent Alabama’s House District 80
Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill certified Chris Blackshear as the newly elected state Representative for House District 80 Friday, according to a news release. House District 80 represents Russell and Lee counties. Blackshear ran for the seat vacated by the death of Lesley Vance unopposed in a three-way Republican primary earlier this month. As he faces no Democratic challenger, the Special General Election that was scheduled for April 12 will no longer be held, according to Article IV, Section 46 of the Alabama Constitution. “As the Chief Election Official, it is my duty to ensure the state of Alabama provides elections with integrity,” Merrill said. “I would like to congratulate Chris Blackshear and wish him well on his service as a Representative in the Alabama Legislature. I have no doubt that he will serve with dignity and respect.” Blackshear is a Republican and member of the Phenix City Council and an employee of TSYS, a merchant solutions firm.
State Department of Labor attends WIOA Convention in Washington, D.C.
A delegation from the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) attended the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Convention in Washington, a one-time meeting of state workforce partners to assist in finalizing the act, which will take effect July 1, and have been using Twitter to update followers on the convention’s movements. Six representatives from the department attended the event at a cost of $395 per person, paid for with grant money, including: Commissioner Fitzgeral Washington, Employment Services Director Robert Brantley, Area Managers Brinda Barrett and Ruby Beezley, Labor Market Information Assistant Director Tonya Lee and Employment Security Senior Manager Stephen Smith. The act is designed to consolidate job training programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 into a single funding stream, amend the Wagner-Peyser Act, reauthorize programs for adult education and programs under the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. “Our staff is able to network with similar staff across the country to discuss issues related to the upcoming implementation of this very complex legislation,” said ADOL Communications Director Tara Hutchison. “There are many plenary sessions and workshops designed to help staff better understand and implement the various programs represented.” “The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides for so many opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed,” Hutchison continued. “From job training to educational programs, there is something for almost everyone to take advantage of. ADOL and the 48 Career Centers located throughout the state are prepared to assist anyone who needs these services in any way possible.”
Nancy Pelosi praises Bernie Sanders for energizing young voters
Top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi is praising Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for getting more young people “interested in the political process” as he mounts a surprisingly strong race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The California congresswoman says that “history will record that Bernie Sanders’ candidacy has had a very wholesome effect.” Pelosi spoke as House Democrats are closing out a team-building conference aimed at building unity and sharpening the party’s message heading into the November elections. She was responding to a question about whether Sanders’ candidacy will hurt Democrats’ chances this election. Pelosi has steered clear of endorsing a candidate in the party’s three-way primary but is regarded as a supporter of Hillary Clinton. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
Debate takeaways: Without Donald Trump, spotlight on Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio
It was clear, even before it started, that Thursday night’s Republican presidential debate would be dramatically different. GOP front-runner Donald Trump had voluntarily given up his regular place at center stage. He skipped the debate, preferring to mount a rally across town to punish Fox News Channel for “toying” with him. The billionaire businessman’s absence was addressed early and then his Republican rivals quickly moved on, getting a far better opportunity to shine. Overall, the two-hour affair featured a sober tone focused more on substance than personality. There were exceptions, of course. Ted Cruz defended his authenticity and Marco Rubio faced pointed questions on immigration. But just days before Iowa’s leadoff caucuses, there were none of the breakout moments that have sometimes characterized the more colorful debates featuring Trump, battling Cruz for first place in the 2016 primary season’s opening contest. Some takeaways from Thursday’s Republican debate: ELEPHANT NOT IN THE ROOM Trump has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to dominate the stage. There is little doubt he helped his rivals by not showing up. He was mocked early and largely forgotten. Cruz set the tone with a sarcastic impression of his top rival: “I’m a maniac and everyone on this stage is stupid, fat and ugly,” Cruz said. “Now that we’ve gotten the Donald Trump portion out of the way …” Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also weighed in: “It’s not about Donald Trump. He’s an entertaining guy. He’s the greatest show on earth.” Beyond a few playful jabs, the two-hour debate was a Trump-free zone, one of the few such events in the race so far. CRUZ THE FRONT-RUNNER Cruz fought to make sure he was positioned at center stage in Trump’s absence, but did little to take advantage of the opportunity. He tried to embrace the role of de facto front-runner at the outset, pointing out that he was being attacked by several rivals — even before there were any pointed exchanges. Cruz later faced sharp questions on immigration, national security and, perhaps most importantly, whether he was trustworthy. Trust is the theme of the fiery conservative’s campaign, and several candidates questioned his authenticity. “Ted, throughout this campaign, you’ve been willing to say or do anything in order to get votes,” Rubio charged. Cruz fought back by accusing Rubio of bending to the will of donors on immigration, but it was hardly a decisive victory. NO AMNESTY FOR RUBIO Rubio did not help himself among the conservatives who question his position on immigration. The issue is by far his greatest vulnerability as he tries to convince skeptical GOP activists that he doesn’t support so-called amnesty. The debate moderators played a series of video clips highlighting Rubio’s apparent shift on the issue, which put the first-term senator on the defensive at the outset of a key exchange. At best, Rubio may have clouded the issue of whether he had backed off his earlier calls for comprehensive legislation that includes a pathway to citizenship. But rival Jeb Bush seemed to get the best of him in an exchange in which Bush questioned Rubio’s retreat on the issue. “You shouldn’t cut and run,” Bush charged. BUSH CLOUDS LANE Bush repeatedly beat back questions about his long-term viability in the 2016 contest, insisting he has a path to the nomination and would ultimately defeat leading Democrat Hillary Clinton. “We’re just starting. The first vote hasn’t been counted. Why don’t we let the process work?” Bush said. Overall, Bush had more success on the debate stage without having to contend with Trump. His strength — and full-steam-ahead approach — was a pointed reminder that the fight for the party’s mainstream wing is far from over. Bush and Rubio are competing with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ohio Gov. John Kasich to win over the GOP’s centrist wing. Some party officials hoped Rubio would have emerged as the consensus choice by now. Bush defended rounds of anti-Rubio attack ads. “This is beanbag compared to what the Clinton hit machine is going to do to the Republican nominee,” Bush said. TRUMP’S COUNTERPROGRAMMING It was a risky move politically, but Donald Trump helped raise $6 million to benefit veterans at an event 3 miles away from the debate stage. Instead of going after his rivals on national television, Trump read out the names of wealthy friends who’d pledged major contributions to veterans’ causes. When he announced he’d pledged $1 million himself, the crowd erupted in cheers. He explained to the Drake University crowd that he had little choice but to skip the debate. Trump admitted he didn’t know if the decision would hurt him in the polls, but tried to cast it as a sign of strength. “You have to stick up for your rights. When you’re treated badly, you have to stick up for your rights,” he said. As for the debate, Trump predicted it would have far fewer viewers without him on the stage. That may be true, but Iowa voters will decide in four days whether Trump hurt his chances in the 2016 race simply to prove a point. Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
New Jeb Bush Super PAC ad goes after Donald Trump
The fact that Jeb Bush‘s most prominent super PAC, Right to Rise, has spent over $20 million in takedown ads against fellow Floridian Marco Rubio has become an ongoing story in recent weeks. “This is something Jeb Bush has to decide. Does he want his legacy to be that he elected Donald Trump or Ted Cruz?” said Stuart Stevens, the GOP strategist who ran Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign. “He can’t control that super PAC but he ought to call on the super PAC to stop and stop attacking people with whom he mostly agrees.” Right to Rise, however, isn’t the only third-party group working on behalf of the former Florida Governor. A new digital ad produced by Millennials Rising PAC released on Friday contrasts Donald Trump with Bush, showing the GOP front-runner in some less than attractive moments. The super PAC, created by college students, says they’re the only such group aiming directly at millennial voters. Watch the ad below: https://youtu.be/Rr_nGffUhbU
Mike Rogers: Protecting rights of unborn and fighting against Obamacare
As most of you across East Alabama may have seen, January 22nd marked the 43rd Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court. Still today, this anniversary marks a dark day in our country’s history. Last year most folks remember the news of videos surfacing of Planned Parenthood officials discussing abortion procedures used to obtain body parts of unborn babies for research in exchange for profits. Those videos are as criminal as they are sickening. As a Christian and a father of three beautiful children, I know how precious the gift of life is and I will continue to stand up for the rights of the unborn. Congress recently passed legislation that would defund Planned Parenthood. I am proud to have voted to protect the most innocent in our society – unborn children. This bill also would repeal the very flawed Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare. Back in Alabama, Obamacare is one of the issues I hear about from folks the most. It is hurting hardworking families and small businesses alike. The repeal legislation went straight to President Obama’s desk, but unfortunately, instead of standing with the wishes of the American people, President Obama vetoed the bill. Soon Congress will have the chance to vote to override the president’s veto. Because of the high threshold of votes needed, even with the majority Republicans hold in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, there just won’t be enough votes to override the veto. With his veto, President Obama clearly demonstrates how out of touch he is with East Alabama and all of America. I will also continue the fight against Obamacare. And I will never stop fighting for the rights of unborn children and our deeply held values. —- Mike Rogers represents Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District. He is in his third term.
Joe Morton: Attracting and retaining the “best and brightest” teachers is key
Regardless of whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, a conservative or a liberal, all of us want to see improved student achievement year after year after year across all grades and in all schools in Alabama. Attracting and retaining talented educators is a key to achieving that goal, so, in 2015, the Business Education Alliance of Alabama (BEA) commissioned a research report titled “Teachers Matter: Rethinking How Public Education Recruits, Rewards and Retains Great Educators.” A key section of our report concentrated upon teacher evaluations and compared Alabama’s methodology to those of other states across the nation. We discovered that virtually every state, including ours, uses student improvement in academic achievement as a portion of their teacher evaluations. In some states, student achievement counts for as much as half of a teacher’s evaluation, while in Alabama the pilot program that has not been fully developed comprises just 25 percent, but our study revealed that all states feel it is integral to the overall score. Any state utilizing student academic growth for teacher evaluations must have quality assessments that are fair, relevant and remove any hints of bias. Alabama currently utilizes three such assessments – the ACT exam given to all high school students; the ACT Aspire given to all students in grades 3-8; and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) funded by Congress and given to a fair sampling of students in grades 4 and 8 in all 50 states. The NAEP is called the “Nation’s Report Card,” and it is the only assessment that measures student progress in every state against a true national norm, but it cannot be used for teacher evaluation purposes since it is a “sampling” assessment. The high school ACT and the ACT Aspire can be used for the student academic growth portion of teacher evaluations, and both are already adopted by the State Board of Education. Alabama has a good student assessment program that provides excellent insight into our areas of strength and areas needing improvement. The latest ACT results from Alabama high schools show that roughly 16 percent of our students were ready for college-level coursework by scoring at benchmark levels in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. The national average of students making benchmark scores on the ACT is 28 percent. The RAISE Act, which stands for “Rewarding Advancement in Instruction and Student Excellence,” is being sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh (R – Anniston) and calls for several “firsts” in Alabama while also supporting actions already taken by the State Board of Education. If enacted into law, the RAISE Act will make first year teachers the highest paid in the Southeast and attract more young people to the profession of teaching, provide funding to a first year mentoring program to ensure our new teachers are supported by a veteran teacher, create a rewards program for entire school faculties which gives incentives for either maintaining or improving already high quality results or for schools that show notable improvements in student achievement gains and provide bonuses to teachers who work in hard to staff positions in low performing schools, rural schools or both. It also changes the length of time provided for new teachers to attain tenure from the current three years to five. By combining quality teacher evaluations, a recruitment plan for hard to staff teaching jobs, a program for enhancing first year teacher success with a mentoring program, and a school-based rewards program based upon results, the RAISE Act can build a solid pathway to improved student achievement. If we continue to implement needed education reforms and innovations like the RAISE Act in Alabama’s public schools, every student can one day become career and college ready, and the better prepared workforce that results will allow our state’s economy to continue to grow. Teachers Matter! —- Dr. Joe Morton is a former state superintendent of education and currently serves as chairman and president of the Business Education Alliance of Alabama. He may be reached at jmorton@beaalabama.com.
Donald Trump says Fox News apologized to him in feud
Donald Trump says Fox News Channel apologized in their feud leading up to Thursday’s presidential debate in Iowa, but he was still a no-show for the last scheduled forum before voters begin to make their voices heard. Fox News Chairman Roger Ailes, in conversations with Trump, “acknowledged his concerns” about a statement the network had made in the days leading up to the debate, Fox said. But Fox said Trump had demanded a $5 million contribution to his charities in order to appear, which the network rejected. The network and presidential contender had been feuding since Trump demanded Megyn Kelly be removed as a debate moderator. Trump was holding a competing event in Iowa that Fox rivals CNN and MSNBC were broadcasting. Republished with permission of the Associated Press.
