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Freedom Partners' latest tax ad targets Wisconsin Dem

Screengrab: Freedom Partners / YouTube

A non-partisan, non-profit group launched a $1.6 million ad campaign today targets Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin's record on tax reform and urges residents to vote against her in 2018. The Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce argues that Sen. Baldwin has "supported a long history of higher taxes."

Why it matters: This ad shows how the tax reform fight can become a political liability for some senators. Baldwin is one of 10 Dem senators representing states that Trump won in 2016 and whose seat is crucial for the Democratic Party to keep in 2018. Tax reform will be a difficult issue for the Red-state Dems whose constituents align more with the GOP and are likely to support Trump's tax plan — ultimately wanting their senators to do the same.

Freedom Partners' campaign will include 2 ads ("$5 Trillion" and "Absolutely Wrong") both focusing on how Baldwin's tax policies hurt Wisconsin residents and business owners.

What they’re saying: “The dishonest smear attacks continue as out-of-state special interests pour in millions of dollars to take down Tammy Baldwin and replace her with someone willing to sell out Wisconsin families,” said Brad Bainum, Democratic Party of Wisconsin spokesperson for the 2018 Senate race. “The truth is, Tammy supports tax cuts for Wisconsin working families."

Go deeper: Trump's admin wasn't always talking to Red-state Dems about taxes. And more on his tax plan.

Go deeper

Jonathan Swan
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Trump pressures Barr to release so-called Durham report

Bill Barr. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

President Trump and his allies are piling extreme pressure on Attorney General Bill Barr to release a report that Trump believes could hurt perceived Obama-era enemies — and view Barr's designation of John Durham as special counsel as a stall tactic, sources familiar with the conversations tell Axios.

Why it matters: Speculation over Barr's fate grew on Tuesday, with just 49 days remaining in Trump's presidency, after Barr gave an interview to the Associated Press in which he said the Justice Department has not uncovered evidence of widespread fraud that could change the election's outcome.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Jonathan Swan, Rebecca Falconer
3 hours ago - Health

CDC to cut guidance on quarantine period for coronavirus exposure

A health care worker oversees cars as people arrive to get tested for coronavirus at a testing site in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

The CDC will soon shorten its guidance for quarantine periods following exposure to COVID-19, AP reported Tuesday and Axios can confirm.

Why it matters: Quarantine helps prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which can occur before a person knows they're sick or if they're infected without feeling any symptoms. The current recommended period to stay home if exposed to the virus is 14 days. The CDC plans to amend this to 10 days or seven with a negative test, an official told Axios.

  • The CDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Shawna Chen
4 hours ago - Health

CDC panel: COVID vaccines should go to health workers, long-term care residents first

Hospital staff work in the COVID-19 intensive care unit in Houston. Photo: Go Nakamura via Getty

Health-care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line to get coronavirus vaccines in the United States once they’re cleared and available for public use, an independent CDC panel recommended in a 13-1 emergency vote on Tuesday, per CNBC.

Why it matters: Recent developments in COVID-19 vaccines have accelerated the timeline for distribution as vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna undergo the federal approval process. States are preparing to begin distributing as soon as two weeks from now.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow