Shorts

Quick Hits From Wednesday:

• Congressman Roy Blunt is quoted in the conservative publication Human Events saying that Republicans accept the climate is changing, but added, "There isn’t any real science to say we are altering the climate path of the earth." He also said Republicans would not offer a substitute to the Democrats cap and trade energy bill.
• Was President Obama confused about Robin Carnahan's status as a U.S. Senate candidate. In remarks released to the media this afternoon after his stop in Arnold, Obama is quoted saying this during introductions: "An outstanding Secretary of State and somebody who I think may turn out to be pretty good in Washington if she just so decides . . . Robin Carnahan." Huh? What's she still deciding? With her announcement in February, I think it's pretty clear she wants to go to Washington. Maybe the briefing book wasn't updated. Or maybe the transcript send out is wrong.
• Sen. Kit Bond agrees with the President -- on the New York City photo-op flyover. During a portion of his remarks on the Senate floor, Bond took the Obama administration to task for "the glamour shot." But spokesman Robert Gibbs didn't spin this one, calling it "as stupid a thing to do as one could dream up."
• Congressman Roy Blunt said he voted against a hate crimes bill Wednesday, calling it "unconstitutional. "This legislation endangers our most basic rights as Americans by threatening criminal investigations based on beliefs instead of actions. Regardless of motive, a crime is a crime," Blunt said. But the bill did pass 249-175, and it has the support of the White House. The legislation will broaden such laws by classifying as "hate crimes" those attacks based on a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity or mental or physical disability. President Bush previously vetoed the bill, arguing state laws were sufficient to address those crimes. President Obama has called it "an important civil rights issue."