Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
–The economy grew at 3.2 percent the annual rate in the first quarter, “setting the stage for gains in employment that may help the recovery broaden and accelerate,” according to Bloomberg.
–The Goldman case goes from civil suit to preliminary criminal investigation. For all the talk of the SEC having a weak case, the bar would be much higher should the Justice Department bring charges.
–With his Supreme Court decision looming, Obama is of course meeting with his short list of candidates to replace Justice Stevens. The White House made an interesting choice in leaking word of his sit-down with Ninth Circuit appellate judge Sidney Thomas first.
—David Axelrod says the White House won’t approve any new offshore drilling until an investigation of the current Gulf disaster is complete. As Kate notes, it’s getting pretty political.
–Ronald Brownstein warns the GOP against nativism and worries that a failure to enact comprehensive immigration reform could sharpen social divisions. Peggy Noonan writes social divisions and the failures of federal government are what lie at the root of Arizona’s new law in the first place.
–I mentioned last night that billionaire Jeff Greene was considering jumping into the wild Florida Senate race. He has. It’s a headache for Meek and the Democratic establishment because they see his eccentricities and the source of his wealth as liabilities. His message of “fed up” outsider reform isn’t so different that of his opponents, but he has the money to splash it all over TV and the added distinction of not being a career politician.
–One minor thing I neglected to mention: Crist’s name will be far lower on the ballot.
—Politico muses Crist mysteries (Crist-eries?)
–The Arlen Specter-Joe Sestak primary in Pennsylvania has turned out much bloodier than I think the national party expected.
—Chris Cillizza reports mega-union SEIU is dropping $1 million on this ad in Arkansas, hitting Blanche Lincoln over her votes on trade agreements:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyYZEJPjUEI]
–GOP gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner goes after Meg Whitman’s Goldman ties with none-too-subtle vulture imagery:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0_MtHPVxhM]
–And Sarah Palin is impressed with Rick Perry’s coyote-shooting-while-jogging talents.
What did I miss?