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By Seung Min Kim (
mailto:skim@politico.com
skim@politico.com or @seungminkim)

CRUZ REIGNITES GOP CIVIL WAR - POLITICO's Manu Raju and Burgess Everett: "Republican senators pounded Ted Cruz over the weekend, lashing him for his procedural tactics and ultimately voting in large numbers against his immigration gambit. Now, Cruz's allies off Capitol Hill are looking for revenge. Conservative outside groups view Saturday's vote as the first salvo in the GOP v. GOP purity wars that they hope to reignite in the beginning of the new Congress and in the run-up to the 2016 Senate midterms, when 24 Republican senators will be on the primary ballots."

--"After being pummeled by the party establishment in the 2014 midterms, activist groups are looking at the fight over Cruz's contention that the spending bill is unconstitutional as their first opportunity to regroup and reestablish their relevance as Senate Republicans prepare to take the majority next year. 'People's votes may by themselves inspire folks to say: 'I'm running against this guy or this girl,'' said Ken Cuccinelli, the president of the Senate Conservatives Fund. 'I have a funny feeling that some people who weren't thinking of running two weeks ago are thinking of running now.' Seven of the 20 Republicans who voted against Cruz are up for reelection in two years, including
Sens. Dan Coats of Indiana, Mark Kirk of Illinois, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Lisa Murkowksi of Alaska."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c415232b51dc7a534237a7316e871232343a23fdf70d1625c854a
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LAWMAKERS PREP FOR UGLY BUDGET BATTLE IN '15 -- Kristina Peterson and Damian Paletta for the Wall Street Journal: "Congress last week barely managed to approve a funding bill negotiated by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, working under spending guidelines set by each party's budget gurus. Next year could get even uglier. After four years of a divided Congress, Republicans will take full control of both chambers in January with hopes of passing individual spending bills under an orderly process rarely seen in recent years. But complicating their task will be the return of the across-the-board spending cuts known as the 'sequester' birthed out of the 2011 debt-ceiling deal, which set caps on
spending for the next decade."

--"In fiscal 2016 the cuts return in full force. Lawmakers broadly agree the reductions inflict blunt pain on the federal budget. But Democrats and Republicans are at odds about how to mitigate them in a dispute likely to grow in intensity during the coming months. 'The big-ticket budget item that really will be the hard one is replacing sequestration in a responsible way,' [Democratic Sen. Patty] Murray said in an interview."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c415292e50a022a18ab9173ae9ac0f7a85a35266c0c213d4c1ac9
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WARREN: I'LL SERVE OUT MY TERM - The Boston Globe: "Senator Elizabeth Warren set off a new round of speculation about her presidential ambitions last week by sparking a liberal rebellion against a spending bill, as outside groups stepped up an effort to draft her. Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, often answers the question in the present tense ... Last year, the Globe asked her at a news conference in Boston whether she would make a more ironclad pledge to serve out her Senate term, which ends in January 2019. 'I pledge to serve out my term,' she said at the time. On Monday, Warren's spokeswoman, Lacey Rose, was asked by the Globe in an e-mail whether the senator stood by that pledge.
'Yep, nothing has changed,' Rose replied."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152f1375b06757a024a84f4c4c7d5606782020669d545a46707
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--The White House calls the differences between them and Warren a tactical split, not one based on policy merits. POLITICO alum Byron Tau for the Wall Street Journal:
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c41524baf41e13baa87e29995ac866d79988692c47a671fa5a2f9
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DEMS, KIRK DEFY NRA, CONFIRM SURGEON GENERAL - Susan Davis for USA Today: The Senate on Monday approved Vivek Murthy to serve as U.S. surgeon general despite opposition from Republicans and the gun rights lobby for his political advocacy work and statements calling guns a public health concern. The near party-line vote, 51-43, secured a four-year term for President Obama's nominee. Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., joined Democrats in support. His nomination had been pending for more than a year ... Not all Democrats were convinced." Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Donnelly of Indiana opposed Murthy's confirmation.
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c41524bb8743c38fcd57771c971cbcac353c4b1269b3581fa589b
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--My colleagues Jennifer Haberkorn and Burgess Everett note that Murthy is one of the highest-profile beneficiaries of the Dems' decision to invoke the so-called "nuclear option":
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152ab668526241d5efd15b1244d7e15cbe80f8de29d219520fd
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--Per the AP, Senate Democrats are set to confirm up to 88 Obama judicial nominees this year - the highest tally for a president in two decades.
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152f9d54d25d4c888e1232b963c40715db2220c1745f887380d
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CORY BOOKER GETS COMFY ON AF1 - Justin Sink for The Hill: "Booker dropped by the press cabin while on his virgin flight aboard the presidential aircraft, a quick jaunt back to Washington after a presidential speech to service members at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in his home state of New Jersey. Booker chatted with reporters about his new vegan diet, his time as mayor of Newark, and his interest in reforming criminal justice. He also reflected on his working relationship with New Jersey Gov. Christie - who also attended Monday's event in New Jersey - as well as his first 13 months in the Senate ... the New Jersey senator seemed simply to be enjoying his first flight on Air Force One.
Reporters say they spotted Booker snapping a picture with the plane while greeting the president upon his arrival."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152ccc7fa6cb9e761dc56bb62b200457653817291cfa60b9a43
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--This Huddle writer found Booker's foray into the Air Force One press cabin quite interesting, considering the junior senator from New Jersey routinely rebuffs members of the Hill press corps with the classic "Call-my-press-office" response. (Always very nicely, to be sure.). We figured Booker was adopting the Al Franken method of media relations, so imagine our surprise when it appeared the senator, on his own accord, talked with White House reporters about pretty newsy stuff (relations with Christie, first 13 months in the Senate, criminal-justice reforms). Hey Senator Booker - plenty of congressional reporters would like to have heard what you said!

SENATE GOP COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS RELEASED - One of the big winners: Outgoing NRSC chairman Jerry Moran of Kansas, who was rewarded for winning the chamber for the GOP with a plum spot on the Commerce Committee. Burgess and I have the wrap-up: "[T]hough Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) was ultimately defeated by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to succeed Moran as NRSC chairman, Heller was rewarded nonetheless for vying for the difficult job with a plum spot on the Finance Committee as he tries to persuade Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval to run against Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) in 2016. Overall, the incoming Republican majority is poised to gain as many as three seats on the most powerful
committees in the Senate."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c41520146309dc0fc671e8ad5304dab7299a66d4550bb1dc31ddc
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--One new GOP name on the Senate Budget Committee is Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, and he's got a pretty big decision to make right off the bat: Chairman Mike Enzi or Jeff Sessions? "The only thing I know is I asked Saturday night, when we were here, if the issue was still alive and apparently it is," he said Monday. "So I guess I've got to figure it out here soon."

--Though Corker has a packed plate already as the presumptive Foreign Relations chairman and a role on the Banking Committee, he says he actively sought out a spot on Budget, noting: "The fiscal issues are something that has been our bread and butter and something we've focused on from day one. You know, I've got the only bill on the floor that actually addresses all of the entitlement issues." And he didn't have to relinquish any other committee assignments, either. "I thought I had, but unfortunately I'm still on Aging," Corker said. "I thought I had given that up, but I noticed today I hadn't."

TRANSITIONS - Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is bringing on Jon Burks, now policy director for the House Budget Committee, as a policy adviser in his leadership office handling budget and appropriations. Burks served in the George W. Bush administration in various policy positions, and was also deputy policy director for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign. Burks will replace Denzel McGuire, who is off to the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

HAPPY TUESDAY, DEC. 16, 2014 and welcome to The Huddle, where we're wondering if it's too late to put up our Christmas tree. We haven't had time yet -- thanks, Congress. Please send your tips, suggestions, comments, complaints, and corrections to
mailto:skim@politico.com
skim@politico.com . If you don't already, please follow me on Twitter @seungminkim.

My new followers include @jgohringer and @CQnow.

BIRTHDAY ALERT - Everybody wish Jake Sherman (@jakesherman) a very merry birthday.

TODAY IN CONGRESS - The House is out for the rest of the year. The Senate is in at 10 a.m. and is set to confirm Daniel Santos to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board and Frank Rose as assistant secretary of state by voice votes. At 2:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on cloture on the nomination of Sarah Saldana to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and immediately move on to the confirmation vote if cloture is invoked. At 6 p.m., the Senate will vote on cloture for Tony Blinken for deputy secretary of state and on his confirmation. More roll call votes are expected Tuesday.

AROUND THE HILL - Senators will hold what is likely the last set of Tuesday party lunches for the year. Enjoy them while you can.

--Judging by your clicks, Huddle readers yesterday really loved the story featuring the Instagram of senators making the most of being stuck at the Capitol on Saturday, by playing piano and singing Christmas carols. Here's another fun click for today courtesy of CNN, which has a mash-up of departing senators' farewell speeches:
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152774a78d24ae954cf6fc435074de79f68f8a288096d85b4d3
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HARRY REID LONGS FOR NEVADA - As he threatened weekend work (again), outgoing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told fellow senators that he just wanted to be home. The New York Times: "'I want to go home,' Mr. Reid said. 'I bought a new home there, as everyone knows. I sold my place in Searchlight. I have a home in the greater Las Vegas area. I'd like to be able to see the home. I have not slept in it. We bought it in May.' But Mr. Reid made clear that he intended to keep the Senate around until he was finished with a series of nominations and two pieces of legislation, on terrorism insurance and tax breaks."
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WILL OBAMA SIGN RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL? Reuters: "The White House said on Monday that President Barack Obama had not yet decided how to respond to a bill authorizing new sanctions against Russia over its activities in Ukraine, although some lawmakers said they expected he would sign the measure into law ... Administration officials said they are deeply concerned about Russia's actions in Ukraine, but they want any sanctions regime to minimize the impact on U.S. business, international oil markets and the global economy. Obama had said previously he opposed further sanctions on Russia unless Europe is on board."
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THE BELOVED 'DR. NO' - Alex Brown of National Journal explores why, even as both men try to block and stall in the Senate - Tom Coburn of Oklahoma is beloved while Ted Cruz of Texas draws scorn: "Even when senators take issue with [Coburn's] positions, it rarely results in personal attacks or fights that play out in public. Much of that is due to Coburn's consistency; his longtime opposition to spending he deems wasteful has earned him the moniker 'Dr. No.' Colleagues expect Coburn to fight big government, and they believe his actions are rooted in principle, not the pursuit of headlines or fundraising."
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--And he does it again: on the floor Monday, Dr. No blocked a veterans suicide bill. Per the AP, Coburn "defended his actions, saying the bill would not accomplish its stated goal and duplicates programs that already exist. Instead of passing the $22 million bill, Coburn said lawmakers should hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable for frequently failing to serve veterans."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c41529a495066f6ec6d8bf2275a8378958539a16cf58c33619828
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'BLACKLIST ANDY HARRIS' MOVEMENT GETS GOING -- Irate D.C. residents are mounting a campaign against Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), who is responsible for a rider in the cromnibus spending bill that blocks D.C.'s marijuana decriminalization law. DCist: "At least one business, Capitol Hill Bikes along Barracks Row, put up a sign displaying Harris's face with the message 'Not welcome.' While it's doubtful that Harris would be found shopping at a bike shop in D.C., it's reasonable to assume that at least his staff eats at establishments near the Capitol and House office building. So can D.C. businesses really refuse service to Harris and his staff?"
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c4152b4b69cf737728454ad106da6c2d092dff0e096bf9e0fc860
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ERIC CANTOR'S POST-HILL LIFE - The former House majority leader sits down with the Washington Post: "[O]n a gray day in late November, just a few months after his post-defeat resignation, the turmoil of June seemed to lie in a very distant past. 'It's a huge privilege to be majority leader, it would have been a huge privilege to Speaker, sure,' he said. 'But I'm a firm believer, when things happen there's doors that close and others that open.' ... his most scrutinized relationship was with Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). Rumors constantly swirled that the ambitious Cantor was gunning for his job -- just waiting for Boehner to slip up. Asked about the relationship, Cantor laughed,
downplaying the dynamic."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c415287261010e88b439b00f5fa48a24528f1e39bdee23a994faf
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CONGRATS! He may have lost a Senate race, but Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) still emerges a winner: he proposed to girlfriend Joi Whitfield (and she said yes). Arkansas News: "Whitfield has been visiting in D.C. ... as Pryor wraps up his 12 years as a member of the U.S. Senate. He popped the question [last] Monday evening. 'I asked her right after dinner,' Pryor said. 'I brought the ring with me to Washington on this trip. She is up here visiting, so I kind of felt I would do that this week and see if she will take a chance on me.' Whitfield accepted."
http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=134e2ca6554c41520800f6b6ae24658cede42adec49f76e31b5e85cdf39969aa
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MONDAY'S TRIVIA WINNER - Joe Bookman was the first person to correctly answer that these two presidents (who have served at least two full terms) have had just one attorney general throughout their entire tenure: James Monroe (whose AG was William Wirt) and Bill Clinton (Janet Reno).

TODAY'S TRIVIA - Huddle reader Claude Marx offers today's question: Who was the first president to send his daughter to college and where did she go? The first person to correctly answer gets a mention in the next day's Huddle. Email
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