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Fred Harris, former Democratic senator from Oklahoma and presidential candidate, dies at 94

Fred Harris, former Democratic senator from Oklahoma and presidential candidate, dies at 94

Fred Harris, a self-described populist Democrat from Oklahoma who served eight years in the U.S. Senate before an unsuccessful campaign for president in 1976, has died. He was 94. Harris’ wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death to the Associated Press in a text message on Saturday, writing: “Fred Harris passed peacefully early this morning of natural causes. He was 94. He was a wonderful and beloved man. His memory is a blessing.” Harris, who was living in New Mexico, died in a hospital in Albuquerque, Elliston told The New York Times. Harris first served for eight years in the Oklahoma State Senate after winning election in 1956. He then launched his career in national politics in 1964 when he won a Senate race to fill the vacancy left by Sen. Robert S. Kerr, who died in January 1963. GAME SHOW HOST CHUCK WOOLERY OF ‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE,’ ‘LOVE CONNECTION,’ DIES AT 83 “I’ve always called myself a populist or progressive,” Harris said in a 1998 interview. “I’m against concentrated power. I don’t like the power of money in politics. I think we ought to have programs for the middle class and working class.” As a U.S. senator, Harris was a member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, the so-called Kerner Commission, appointed by then-President Lyndon Johnson to investigate the urban riots of the late 1960s. The commission released its report in 1968, declaring, “our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal.” Thirty years later, Harris co-wrote a report that concluded the commission’s “prophecy has come to pass,” stating that “the rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and minorities are suffering disproportionately.” COLIN PETERSEN, BEE GEES ORIGINAL DRUMMER, DEAD AT 78 In 1976, Harris ran a failed bid to earn the Democratic presidential nomination, bowing out of the race after poor showings in early contests. The more moderate Jimmy Carter went on to win the presidency. Harris moved to New Mexico that year and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. He wrote and edited more than a dozen books, mostly on politics and Congress. In 1999, he broadened his writings with a mystery set in Depression-era Oklahoma. Harris was born Nov. 13, 1930, in a two-room farmhouse near Walters, in southwestern Oklahoma. The home had no electricity, indoor toilet or running water. He worked on the farm starting at age 5, driving a horse in circles to supply a hay bailer with power – earning 10 cents a day. He later worked part-time as a janitor and printer’s assistant to help pay for his education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a law degree in 1954. He practiced law in Lawton before beginning his career in politics. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Harris married his high school sweetheart, LaDonna Vita Crawford, in 1949, and had three children, Kathryn, Byron and Laura. After the couple divorced, Harris married Margaret Elliston in 1983.  The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Senate GOP motivated to rapidly confirm Trump nominations ahead of party trifecta in Washington

Senate GOP motivated to rapidly confirm Trump nominations ahead of party trifecta in Washington

Senate Republicans have taken President-elect Donald Trump’s cue and are prepping to fast-track his Cabinet and lower level nominations once his second term begins in January.  “The American people delivered President Trump a mandate, and it is crucial that Senate Republicans confirm his nominees quickly,” Republican Sen.-elect Bernie Moreno of Ohio said in a statement recently announcing his support for Trump’s selections.  “Our Republican majority must unite and deliver a strong Cabinet so we can begin implementing the America-First agenda as soon as possible.” DSCC HOPEFUL GILLIBRAND SAYS DEMS SHOULD HAVE PUT IMMIGRATION FIX ON TABLE ‘2 YEARS AGO’ This sentiment has been echoed by other Republicans as they discussed various Trump picks for key roles.  Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., recently told reporters that “ideally let’s make it through the process. Let’s do our due diligence, what we have to do and get them done in a very fast and effective manner.” GOP SENATOR DEBUTS BILL TO ABOLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING TRUMP CAMPAIGN PROMISE In the days since being elected, Trump has announced over a dozen selections for his Cabinet and various roles in his administration.  With Republicans gaining the Senate majority in the new year, much of the confirmation process for Trump’s choices is expected to go smoothly — except for a couple of the more controversial selections. However, those nominees that may lack the votes could withdraw themselves before it becomes an issue, as former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., did.  “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition,” Gaetz, who was selected by Trump to be his attorney general, wrote on X.  SENATE SHOWDOWN: GOP SECURES DEAL WITH SCHUMER TO SAVE COVETED APPELLATE JUDGES FOR TRUMP According to Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., “Priority number one for the new Senate GOP majority is to confirm Trump’s team as quickly as possible when we take back the gavels in January.”  Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., reiterated this in his own post to X, writing, “President Trump’s Cabinet should be confirmed quickly and without delay.”  Not only will the Senate and White House be under Republican control, but the House will also have a GOP majority. With this in mind, Republicans are preparing to swiftly move as much of Trump’s agenda through the legislature.  DEMOCRAT TAMMY BALDWIN DETAILS RECIPE FOR RUNNING IN A SWING STATE AFTER VICTORY IN TRUMP-WON WISCONSIN Republicans do not have the 60 votes in the Senate to beat a cloture vote, but they are preparing to bypass the hurdle through budget reconciliation to pass much of Trump’s economic and tax plans.  Trump, notably, can only serve one additional term. In 2028, he is not eligible to run again. The next president could be a Democrat, or even a Republican who has differing policy goals or preferences. Republican urgency to complete Trump’s agenda could be motivated by such knowledge.