Feb 25, 2018

California Democratic Party doesn't endorse Dianne Feinstein

Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images

Sen. Dianne Feinstein didn't receive the California Democratic Party's endorsement last night. It takes 60% of the vote to be endorsed, and she only got 37%.

Why it matters: Feinstein has represented California in Congress since 1992. And though her lack of an endorsement doesn't mean she can't win the election, it's a clear sign that many voters, at least in California, want a fresh face and a more progressive senator.

The backdrop: Music ushered Feinstein off the stage last night at the California Democratic Party convention after she ran out of time, forcing her to cut her speech short. Some in the crowd (supporters of her challenger, Kevin de León) started chanting "Time's up!" as she ended with: "I ask for your endorsement, I hope I will have it. I look forward to serving you."

  • The other side: State Senate leader Kevin de León spoke before Feinstein, starting his speech with: "I’m the president of the most progressive legislative House in America."

Earlier that day, Democratic activist Tom Steyer told Axios he would be "shocked" if the California Democratic Party endorsed Feinstein. "Delegates are more progressive than the average Democrat citizen," he said, calling a failure to endorse Feinstein "a more progressive statement of how a Democratic primary would work."

Go deeper

Axios
Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 19,648,084 — Total deaths: 727,024 — Total recoveries — 11,941,723 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 3 a.m. ET: 4,998,105 — Total deaths: 162,425 — Total recoveries: 1,643,118 — Total tests: 61,080,587 — Map.
  3. Politics: Trump signs 4 executive actions on coronavirus aid — Democrats, and some Republicans, criticize the move
  4. Public health: Fauci says chances are "not great" that COVID-19 vaccine will be 98% effective — 1 in 3 Americans would decline COVID-19 vaccine.
  5. Science: Indoor air is the next coronavirus frontline.
  6. Schools: How back-to-school is playing out in the South as coronavirus rages on — Princeton, Johns Hopkins, Howard to hold fall classes online.
Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow
Rebecca Falconer
Updated 4 hours ago - World

Brazil coronavirus death toll tops 100,000 and case numbers surpass 3 million

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro posted a photo of himself to Facebook congratulating his soccer team, Palmeiras, for winning the state title Saturday, moments after the health ministry confirmed the national COVID-19 death toll had surpassed 100,000.

Why it matters: Brazil is only the second country to confirm more than 100,000 deaths from the coronavirus. On Sunday morning, it became the second country to surpass 3 million cases, per Johns Hopkins. Only the U.S. has reported more. Bolsonaro has yet to address the milestones. He has previously tested positive for COVID-19 three times, but he's downplayed the impact of the virus, which has crippled Brazil's economy.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the latest coronavirus case numbers and more context.

Axios
Updated 6 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Republicans and Democrats react to Trump's coronavirus aid action

President Trump speaks to workers at a manufacturing facility in Clyde, Ohio, on Thursday. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Some Republicans joined Democrats in criticizing President Trump Saturday night for taking executive action on coronavirus aid, with Democratic leaders demanding the GOP return to negotiations after stimulus package talks broke down a day earlier.

Why it matters: Trump could face legal challenges on his ability to act without congressional approval, where the constitutional power lies on federal spending. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) was the most vocal Republican critic, saying in a statement: "The pen-and-phone theory of executive lawmaking is unconstitutional slop."

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow