Free Republic

New York state lawmakers on Tuesday passed legislation tightening a “double-jeopardy loophole” that could undermine potential pardons by President Donald Trump. The state Assembly passed a measure that would permit authorities to bring state charges against individuals who have received presidential pardons for similar federal crimes. “Our democracy survives because we have checks and balances,” Assemblyman Tom Abinanti (D) said during Tuesday’s vote, according to Courthouse News’ Adam Klasfeld. The bill heads now to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk for a signature.

WASHINGTON - It's no fun being the runner-up on inauguration day. To add to the poignancy for Sen. John Kerry, Thursday's inauguration was a year and a day since his surprise victory in the Iowa caucus propelled him to the Democratic nomination and, almost, the presidency. Kerry's seat assignment was in the seventh row as President Bush took the oath of office. And every time they flashed his picture on the Jumbotron, the crowd — full of wealthy Republicans — jeered. But he sounded a note of defiance as he looked ahead to the next four years. "Democracy means ......