I’ve gotten a bit behind schedule, mainly because I’ve been trying to re-aquaint myself with the arcana of FISA. But here are some mid-day treats, leading with the long-awaited news from Trenton:
* Chris Christie appoints long-time associate Jeff Chiesa, whom he appointed Attorney General last year, as “interim” U.S. Senator. Chiesa will not compete in the October special election to fill the rest of the late Frank Lautenberg’s term.
* WSJ editorial calls on Senate Republicans to “call bluff” on nuclear option and proceed with filibusters against D.C. Circuit nominees. Game on!
* Think Progress‘ Igor Volsky offers a handy brief backgrounder on history of law and practice of NSA surveillance efforts.
* Jennifer Rubin hilariously calls Cornyn’s poison-pill amendment to the Gang of Eight immigration bill an incredibly generous offer to achieve a “solution” to the “gridlock” over the bill. More about that later.
* TNR’s Jonathan Cohn drills deep on the actual premiums healthy young men likely to pay under Obamacare.
And in non-political news:
* Self-perpetuating cycle: Investors “jittery” because jittery investors selling off stocks. Tomorrow’s May Jobs Report, whatever it say, will probably make them even jitterier, if that’s a word.
Back after some regularly schedule moonlighting.
