Video & Transcript : 'Democrat' :

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is because—this is what political electorates is because there are too many Democrats running.
  • Even without the open-primary system of California, even beyond Democrat versus Republican, moderate
  • shows 64% of voters support letting cities and towns adopt ranked-choice voting, including 75% of Democrats
  • As a veteran, I believe this reform honors the democratic values I swore to defend.
  • building an electoral system that better affects the lives of people and encourages a healthier democratic
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on Boston’s home rule petition (H. 4262) and Bedford’s petition (H. 4916). Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, explained the three-minute testimony limit, and noted that written testimony would also be accepted. The hearing featured testimony from a wide range of supporters, including advocacy organizations, community leaders, Boston City Council members, and Bedford residents. Witnesses generally argued that ranked choice voting would produce majority-supported winners, reduce vote-splitting and negative campaigning, encourage coalition-building, and give voters more freedom to rank candidates without fear of wasting their vote. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves whether to adopt the system. Others highlighted potential benefits for women, historically marginalized communities, and voter participation more broadly. Boston councilors and supporters also described the city’s local approval process and said the proposal would still require voter ratification if enacted by the legislature. No opposition testimony was presented in the excerpt. The committee took no substantive vote on the bills during the hearing; after testimony concluded, the chairs thanked participants and the committee adjourned.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Friday, June 27, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lofrren Democratic delegation, uh, Ms.
  • have Democrats elected in government.
  • And now Democratic members of Congress.
  • </c> As Abraham Lincoln told the Democrats As Abraham Lincoln told the Democrats long<00:46:45.680><c
  • Democrats have been clear. unrest. Democrats have been clear.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/11/2026 - Senate Government

Senate Government Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • Yet the Democratic Party, writ large, is fully supportive of that.
  • Yet Democrats defend sexualizing children.
  • You know, we hear from Democrats... Aye.
  • You know, we hear from Democrats that we should trust the experts.
  • Democrats would get more seats spread out over these four counties.
Summary: The committee approved the February 4, 2026 minutes and first held SB 1571. It then heard and advanced SB 1745, which would cap transaction privilege/excise tax rates in cities of 550,000 or more at 2.5% per classification unless voters approve a higher rate, with enforcement through the attorney general and state-shared revenue withholding for violations. Supporters argued it would protect taxpayers and restrain large-city tax increases; the bill was amended with a technical change and passed 4-3. The committee also advanced SB 1686, renaming Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza and authorizing memorial placements for Don Bowles and Charlie Kirk, which passed 4-3. The committee then took up SB 1567 and SB 1435, both aimed at restricting public entities, schools, and libraries from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for sexually explicit filming or access. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent children from being exposed to pornography and to keep taxpayer resources from facilitating such material; opponents, including the ACLU, warned the definitions were broad, could chill speech, and could criminalize librarians and educators for handling literary or educational works. Both bills were amended and passed 4-3. SB 1435 also drew testimony about library access, sex education, and the risk of overbroad enforcement. The committee next considered SB 1433 and SB 1434, which would reorganize Maricopa County boundaries. SB 1433 would move portions of Maricopa County into neighboring counties, while SB 1434 would split Maricopa County into three new counties with a transition board and special elections. Supporters argued Maricopa County had become too large and unmanageable and that smaller counties would improve representation and water and regional governance; opponents said the proposals were costly, disruptive, and politically motivated. Both measures received due pass recommendations, with SB 1433 passing 4-3 and SB 1434 passing 4-3 with one not voting. Finally, the committee approved SCR 1024, requiring legislators to live in their district for one year before election, and SCR 1025, moving the legislative session start to the fourth Monday in January; both resolutions passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Elections Feb 3rd, 2026

Local Government, Elections and Pensions

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Democratic Party is here, and there's various other people who are testifying.
  • Russ Carnahan, Chairman of the Missouri Democratic Party.
  • Democrat, you also have what they call superdelegates.
  • vote in the Democrat primary.
  • vote in the Democrat primary.
Summary: The committee first met in executive session and voted to pass House Bill 2125, which drew some concern from Rep. Woods about subpoena power for the Secretary of State, and House Bill 1812, which passed unanimously. The committee then moved to public hearing on House Bills 2387 and 2480, both aimed at reinstating Missouri’s presidential preference primary and adjusting absentee voting rules. Sponsors Rep. Veit and Rep. Banderman argued the primary would increase participation, make Missouri more relevant in presidential politics, and better reflect voter preferences, while also proposing changes to the in-person absentee window to reduce overlap with April elections and encourage in-person voting. Testimony in support came from the Missouri Republican Party, the Missouri Democratic Party, the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, ACLU Missouri, Missouri Farm Bureau, and several individuals. Supporters emphasized broader voter participation, the value of a primary over caucuses, and the need to make Missouri’s presidential process more accessible and visible. Party representatives said they were willing to work on binding language so primary results would inform or bind delegate selection, and Democrats said their rules already bind delegates to primary results. Several members said they would be more comfortable supporting the bills if the primary were made binding by statute and if the primary were closed to party members only. Opposition focused on the fiscal cost, the nonbinding nature of the primary as written, and concerns that the bill could mislead voters into thinking they were directly electing a nominee when delegates are still chosen through caucus/convention processes. Witnesses and clerks also objected to shrinking the excused in-person absentee period from six weeks to three, warning it could create confusion and burden election offices. The committee heard no final vote on HB 2387 or HB 2480 before adjourning.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • ,</c><00:03:07.920><c> about</c> press conference, House Democrats, about press conference, House Democrats
  • Senate Democrats have announced their bonding target of 1.35.
  • 56.800><c> their</c> Senate Democrats have announced their Senate Democrats have announced their bonding
  • Well, we're Democrats, so we see the world the same way.
  • </c><00:21:14.080><c> and</c> generate support, Democrats and generate support, Democrats and Republicans
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • You're going to see committees evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
  • You're going to see committees evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
  • You're going to see committees evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
  • </c><00:04:02.239><c> so</c><00:04:02.439><c> Agreements</c> Republicans and Democrats so Agreements
  • Republican Senate and a Democrat governor, and that's actually where we got some things done.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Congressional Redistricting, Select Aug 2nd, 2025

Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:
  • put aside their fear of disobeying Donald Trump, please know that this fight is far from over, and Democrats
  • This is the same thing that happened when Democrats didn't listen during the era of the Tea Party.
  • Democrat and drew him out of his district because he had the respect of people of every ethnicity and
  • This is not just an attack on Democrats.
  • Democrats cannot wait to jump on the opportunity to strip people of their rights.
Keywords: 997, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/14/25 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because we're talking about Iron Range workers, Iron Range families, and whether or not Democrats are
  • are finally going to take a Democrats are finally going to take a vote<00:11:33.120><c> to</c><00:11
  • Because we're talking about Iron Range workers, Iron Range families, and whether or not Democrats are
  • I'm just going to say: to stick it to the Democrats.
  • </c> to stick it to the Democrats. to stick it to the Democrats.
Keywords: 1183, house
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee May 14th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • James Castleman, board member of the Jewish Democratic Coalition of the Bay Area, urges strong support
  • Jewish Democratic Coalition of the Bay Area, Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara, Adat Shalom,
  • My name is Matthew Finkelstein, a board member of the Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club.
  • I'm a daughter of a Palestine Nakba survivor and president of the Democrats for Palestinian Rights Bay
  • I'm an elected member of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party.
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee held a special hearing on AB 715, with the authors presenting the bill as a response to rising anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. The authors said the measure is intended to strengthen protections for Jewish students, improve district accountability, expand the uniform complaint process, clarify protections related to religion and nationality, and create a state-level anti-Semitism coordinator. They emphasized that the bill was developed through collaboration with the Black, Latino, AAPI, and Jewish caucuses and argued it is meant to protect all students from hate while preserving legitimate classroom discussion. The hearing included extensive public testimony. Supporters, including students, parents, rabbis, Jewish organizations, and some educators, described harassment, biased curriculum, delayed or ineffective school responses, and fear among Jewish students and families. They urged the committee to act to make schools safer and more responsive. Opponents, including teachers, ethnic studies advocates, civil liberties groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and some Jewish parents, argued the bill was rushed, vague, and could chill academic freedom, censor discussion of Palestine and Israel, and expand complaints against teachers and school districts. Several witnesses said existing complaint and anti-discrimination systems already address these issues. Committee members then questioned the authors and witnesses about implementation, definitions, and possible effects on curriculum and school boards. The authors said the bill is still intent language and that details would be refined in further negotiations with stakeholders. Representatives from the California School Boards Association and California Teachers Association raised concerns about the new language and possible unintended consequences, while ACLU California Action said it had concerns but wanted to keep working on the bill. The transcript does not show a final vote or action taken on AB 715 during this hearing.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Election Laws Feb 10th, 2026

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is because—this is what political electorates do—there are too many Democrats running.
  • Even without the open primary system of California, even beyond Democrat versus Republican, in a largely
  • MassINC polling shows 64% of voters support letting cities and towns adopt RCV, including 75% of Democrats
  • As a veteran, I believe this reform honors the democratic values I swore to defend.
  • building an electoral system that better affects the lives of people and encourages a healthier democratic
Summary: The Joint Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on ranked choice voting, focusing primarily on H. 4262 for Boston and H. 4916 for Bedford. Committee chairs Dan Hunt and Senator Keenan opened the hearing, limited testimony to three minutes per person, and heard from a long list of advocates, local officials, and organizations. The hearing ended with no further registered speakers and the committee adjourned after inviting additional written testimony. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support of ranked choice voting. Supporters included RepresentWomen, Reclaim Roxbury, the Boston Teachers Union, Veterans for All Voters, MassVOTE, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Our Revolution Massachusetts, and Bedford residents and organizers. Speakers argued that ranked choice voting would reduce the spoiler effect, encourage coalition-building and less negative campaigning, improve majority support for winners, and expand voter participation and representation, especially for women, young voters, and historically marginalized communities. Several speakers emphasized local control and said Boston and Bedford should be allowed to decide for themselves through their home rule petitions. Boston City Councilors and the City Council president also testified in favor, describing the city’s low municipal turnout, the council’s approval of the petition, and the fact that Boston voters previously supported a statewide ranked choice voting measure. Councilor Rutsi L. Jean explained the petition’s development through council hearings and working sessions, while Council President Ruthzee Louijeune said the proposal would be subject to a binding referendum if enacted and urged the legislature to let Boston residents pursue top-four ranked choice voting. Bedford speakers similarly said their town meeting supported the idea but that legislative approval was still needed. No opposition testimony or votes were taken during the hearing.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Election Laws Feb 10th, 2026

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • Even without the open primary system of California, even beyond Democrat versus Republican, in a moderate
  • MassINC polling shows 64% of voters support letting cities and towns adopt RCV, including 75% of Democrats
  • As a veteran, I believe this reform honors the democratic values I swore to defend.
  • building an electoral system that better affects the lives of people and encourages a healthier democratic
  • and the city should have the flexibility to adopt a system that strengthens voter confidence and democratic
Bills: H4916, H4262
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Special Session D Apr 29th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It may be a Democratic map.
  • Participants in the democratic process.
  • We have to respond to what the Democrat states are doing.
  • That would mean that there would be a different amount of Democrats.
  • We are losing two Democratic seats in Broward County.
Summary: The Senate convened in special session and took up Senate Bill 8D, later substituting identical House Bill 1D, to establish Florida’s congressional districts. The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by procedural remarks, then extensive floor discussion focused almost entirely on the redistricting proposal, its timing, and its legal basis. Senator Gaetz, explaining the bill, said the Governor had transmitted the map two days earlier, argued that mid-decade congressional redistricting is not prohibited by law, and said the Governor’s stated reasons were to address population growth and to draw race-neutral districts. He also said the legislature could accept, reject, or amend the proposal. Much of the debate centered on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Louisiana decision and whether it affected Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment and the Voting Rights Act. Senators Smith, Rouson, Sharief, Polsky, Arrington, Bracey Davis, Bernard, Nathan, and others questioned the short notice, lack of public hearings, the use of partisan data, the absence of sworn testimony, and whether the map diluted minority voting strength or fragmented communities of interest. Gaetz repeatedly said he was not offering legal opinions, that the Governor’s counsel believed the Fair Districts race-based provisions were inconsistent with federal law, and that any legal challenge would be for the courts. He also said the Governor’s mapmaker reported using census and demographic data, along with political data as one of many inputs, and claimed the map’s compactness was comparable to the current map. A motion by Senator Smith to temporarily postpone consideration of the bill failed on a 12-23 vote. After the Senate returned from a 30-minute break to review the new Supreme Court decision, debate continued. The chamber then substituted HB 1D for SB 8D, read the House bill, and advanced it to third reading. The transcript ends during debate on final passage, with Senators Rouson and Bernard speaking in opposition and arguing the map was procedurally rushed, legally vulnerable, and politically motivated.
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-04-29 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It may be a Democratic map.
  • We have to respond to what the Democrat states are doing.
  • That would mean that there would be a different amount of Democrats.
  • We are losing two Democratic seats in Broward County.
  • Voters, Republicans, Democrats, they don't like this. They gave you the number.
Keywords: 998, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 12, 2025 - 10:15 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • Democratic ranking member Chambliss, here. Representatives Burfield, here. Chamberlin, here.
  • Ranking Democratic Member Chamber Chamber Chambliss? Yes. Vice Chair Abbott? Yes.
  • Ranking Democratic Member Chambliss? No. Representatives Burfield? Yes. Chamberlain?
  • Ranking Democratic Member Chambliss? Yes. Representatives Burfield? Yes.
  • Ranking Democratic Member Chambliss? Yes. Representatives... Ranking Democratic Member Chambliss?
Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered five bills. The first, PCS for HB 987, was an honorary transportation facility designation bill naming several roads and an overpass for fallen officers, a military service member, and first responders. An amendment added the Sheriff Gary S. Borders Memorial Highway designation in Lake County. Members offered supportive remarks, and the bill passed 17-0. The committee then heard HB 703, which would require authorities such as FDOT or local governments to pay the costs when they require telecom providers to relocate infrastructure from public rights-of-way. Support came from Charter Communications, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida Internet and Television, with discussion focused on the communication services tax and the cost burden of relocations. The bill passed unanimously 18-0. HB 1523 followed, addressing municipal utilities serving customers outside their boundaries by requiring public meetings, annual reporting, limits on transfers to general revenue, and reduced or eliminated surcharges for outside-boundary customers. Municipal utility representatives opposed parts of the bill, citing rural impacts, debt obligations, and the need for a glide path, while supporters argued for transparency and fairness to ratepayers outside municipal boundaries. An amendment changed a reporting date to January 31, 2026, and the bill passed 14-4. HB 867 established a legal framework for commuter rail operations along Florida’s coastal corridor, including insurance and indemnification arrangements for Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties using the Florida East Coast Railway right-of-way. An amendment clarified that Florida East Coast Railway and Brightline are not state entities and do not have sovereign immunity unless expressly provided by law. The bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1137 clarified a prior energy preemption law by adding boards, agencies, commissions, and authorities of counties and municipal corporations to the entities covered, aimed at preventing discriminatory energy-source practices by an appointed board. Public testimony included support from the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Home Builders Association and opposition from Florida Student Power. Members noted the bill was a cleanup measure, and it passed favorably.
WA
Transcript Highlights:
  • district, in statewide seats for treasurer, insurance commissioner, attorney general, and governor, Democrats
  • Are you optimistic about building the initials to master's home in Republicans and Democratic?
  • Are you optimistic about building the initials to master's home in Republicans and Democratic?
  • With respect to Democrats, I should like to believe that, as a member of the House Democratic Caucus,
  • And I think it's part of the democratic process to criticize where criticism is due.
Summary: The meeting was a press conference and Q&A led by Rep. Shaun Scott to promote the proposed Well Washington Fund, a new dedicated account intended to raise about $3 billion annually through a corporate payroll tax on wages above $125,000. Scott said the bill would help offset expected federal cuts under Trump-era policies and support programs most at risk, including cash assistance, higher education, health care, housing, and wildfire mitigation. He also referenced two related proposals: restoring wildfire mitigation funding by ending a tax break for large banks, and allowing counties to raise corporate taxes. Several advocates and affected residents testified in support of progressive revenue. Michelle Thomas of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance warned that federal homelessness policy changes and state underinvestment could worsen homelessness and evictions. Christina Savitsky, a disabled veteran, described how Medicaid, food assistance, and work requirements would affect her family. Representatives from the University of Washington AAUP said federal cuts and Medicaid changes threaten teaching, research, workforce training, and hospital finances. Fatima Boxwala of Tech for Taxes and Mikey Stramskis of the Washington Federation of State Employees argued that large corporations and the wealthy should pay more to sustain public services and address understaffing, burnout, and service backlogs. In the Q&A, Scott said the bill may need an emergency clause to make it referendum-proof and argued that the legislature has a mandate to act, citing the 2024 capital gains tax referendum and the state’s regressive tax system. He acknowledged concerns about businesses leaving but said he was more concerned about working people being displaced by unaffordable housing, child care, and health care. No vote or formal committee action occurred; the event was a call for a hearing in the House Finance Committee in 2026 and for legislative passage in both chambers.
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Senate Legislative Session Apr 9th, 2026

Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Could it mean that all individuals on this commission are Democrats? Thank you for the question.
  • So if those elected members by the Oklahoma Bar Association, let's just say we're all Democrats, and
  • other three that the governor has to choose going over to the Democratic side.
  • So you've got six Democrats on that one side.
  • There's nine Democrats. And then you've got the at-large selection.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and several introductions recognizing the Doctor and Nurse of the Day, visiting school groups, and other guests in the galleries. Members also heard a personal privilege statement from Senator Peterson marking the 100th anniversary of his father’s immigration to the United States, followed by a reception announcement in the lounge. The chamber then took up H.J.R. 1024, a proposed constitutional amendment revising the Judicial Nominating Commission by removing political affiliation restrictions, changing term rules, and allowing consecutive service. An amendment was adopted to move the special election date to August 25, 2026, but the special-election provision later failed on a 27-17 vote. After extended debate over judicial independence, transparency, and political influence, the resolution itself passed 35-8. The Senate next considered H.J.R. 1087, which would place before voters a constitutional amendment on the five-year ad valorem tax exemption for qualified manufacturing facilities and allow the Legislature to set reimbursement levels for local entities. Supporters said it would give the state more control over costly reimbursements; the measure passed 38-7, and the special-election provision also passed 38-7. The Senate then laid over two agenda items, made committee and event announcements, and adjourned until Monday, April 13 at 1:30 p.m.
FL

Florida 2026 4th Special Session

February 12, 2026 - 12:30 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • clubs, Democrat students for ...found, some of them do not provide Democrat clubs, Democrat students
  • for Democrats.
  • It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican... ...because it's going to affect every party
  • It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican, or a Green Party or an NPA.
  • This is not about keeping Republicans, Democrats, Green, anybody, any party off a campus or out of the
Summary: The Education Administration Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up two bills. The first, PCS for HB 725 on political activity at public institutions of higher education, would require colleges and universities to notify students and employees about existing campus political activity rules at orientation and on their websites, and to adopt standardized policies through the State Board of Education and Board of Governors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to mirror federal IRS/501(c)(3) guidelines, protect institutions from risking federal funding, and clarify what is and is not allowed; supporters framed it as an awareness and free-expression measure, while opponents warned it could chill speech, create vague enforcement standards, and lead to unintended consequences for students and faculty. Public testimony was largely opposed, with speakers from student, civil liberties, education, and advocacy groups raising free-speech concerns. The committee passed the bill 13-5. The second measure, PCS for HB 1437, addressed disputes under mutual management plans between conversion charter schools and district school boards. The sponsor said the bill fills a gap by providing a clearer dispute-resolution path through mediation by the Department of Education or, ultimately, an administrative law judge at DOAH. Members asked about appeal rights and whether DOE is perceived as favoring charter schools; the sponsor said the bill simply sets the process for the current issue and that the administrative law judge provision serves as the final step. There was no public testimony, and the bill was reported favorably 18-0.
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (05/13/2025)

Election Law and Municipal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • because I'm pretty sure the New Hampshire Democratic Party and the the...
  • disagree with other Democrats and Republicans disagree with other Republicans.
  • I don't think Democrats think the same.
  • </c> or across the hall when Democrats or across the hall when Democrats disagree<00:29:34.799><c> with
  • other Democrats and disagree with other Democrats and Republicans<00:29:36.399><c> disagree</c><00:29
Keywords: 1191, senate, all
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, March 31, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I know he's a Democrat because he had Democrat signs of my opponents in his backyard.
  • I KNOW HE'S A DEMOCRAT BECAUSE HE HAD DEMOCRAT SIGNS OF MY OPPONENTS IN HIS BACK YARD.
  • IS THAT REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
  • Is that Republican or Democrat?
  • IS THAT REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

February 2026 State Budget and Economic Forecast Presentation - 2/27/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ><c> that</c> Jeers to Minnesota Democrats that Jeers to Minnesota Democrats that continue<01:14:01.360
  • </c><01:14:39.280><c> Democrats</c> a lot of work in front of us.
  • Democrats a lot of work in front of us.
  • </c><01:19:16.880><c> and</c> have that opportunity both Democrats and have that opportunity both Democrats
  • So uh in the trifecta, Democrats &gt;&gt; Sure.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all