Chuck Schumer

Check back next week to view my Convention Sketchpads from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis.

But at least it's warmer.

Van Hollen on Fox News in November 2007In his most expansive remarks on the heated primary race between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, Eighth District Rep. Chris Van Hollen told reporters today that as the contest drags on, he fears more and more for a loss in enthusiasm in down-ticket races.

"We've seen the energy and excitement in the early Democratic primaries, and the only thing that could hurt or cut back on that is if the Democratic primary gets so divisive that it's difficult to patch it up and heal the wounds in time to be together in November," he said.

Sen. Ben CardinSenator Ben Cardin is doing his part to keep Congress in session over the holiday break with the explicit purpose to stop President George W. Bush from making recess appointments.

On Friday, Jan. 18, Cardin will gavel the Senate open for new business, and then quickly declare the session closed. It is likely to last less than a minute.

The unusual step of having a series of 11 pro forma sessions and short recess periods, rather than one long recess during the holiday and New Year's season, precludes the President from making 'recess appointments' that circumvent the Senate's advice and consent over senior government officials, including judges.