January 29, 2014 - President Barack Obama last night delivered is 5th State of The Union speech which in future years will be known as his "Year of Action Speech."

Speaking before a packed joint session of Congress , Obama said "Let's make this a year of action.That's what most Americans want -- for all of us in this chamber to focus on their lives, their hopes, their aspirations."

Obama further added "What I offer tonight is a set of concrete, practical proposals to speed up growth, strengthen the middle class, and build new ladders of opportunity into the middle class.Some require congressional action, and I'm eager to work with all of you. But America does not stand still, and neither will I."

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington delivered the Republican response to Obama's speech and said  "We hope the President will join us in a year of real action -- by empowering people -- not by making their lives harder with unprecedented spending, higher taxes, and fewer jobs," she said.

Obama will hold events over the next couple of days in Maryland, Pennsylvania , Tennessee and Wisconsin to continue his tradition after State of The Union Speech to sell his new proposed policies directly to the American people.

 January 24, 2014 - Hoping to give their party's presidential nominee a better chance at winning, the Republican National Committee decided today to hold its National Convention in June of 2016.

This will be the earliest Republican National Convention since 1948, when Thomas Dewey was nominated for President.

By having their convention right after the end of the presidential primary season, this will allow the  party's nominee to tap into general election funds sooner then in years past. In 2012 Mitt Romney was not able to use general election monies until the last week in August. Many in the Republican Party felt this put Romney at a distinct advantage and was one of the reasons contributing to his loss.

Chris Daniels of Campaign Buttons-Etc. predicting that this early convention will be good for the presidential campaign button business. Daniels believes a June convention will allow the public to be able to purchase campaign buttons featuring both the presidential and vice presidential nominee two months earlier than in the past. Jugate campaign buttons featuring  presidential and vice presidential candidates are generally the most popular.

The Republican National Committee also announced that   finalist for hosting the 2016 Republican National Convention are down to Las Vegas, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; and Phoenix, Arizona.

 January 21, 2014 - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be sworn in for second term today but a snowstorm has caused his Inaugural Party to be cancelled.

With the continued controversy from Bridgegate and new accusations about a land deal in Hoboken swirling about , Christie will be sworn in for a second term at noon today at the Trenton War Memorial.

Also taking the oath office at the  Inaugural Ceremony for a second term , will be New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. This past Saturday Guadagno was accused by the Mayor of Hoboken Dawn Zimmer of suggesting that the receiving of Hurricane Sandy relief money was tied to Zimmer approving a land redevelopment deal in the Mile Square City.

Guadagno released a statement  yesterday morning calling Zimmer’s claims "not only false but illogical. Any suggestion that Sandy funds were tied to the approval of a project in New Jersey is completely false."

The Inaugural Party which was to be held on Ellis Island in the evening has been cancelled due to the snowstorm which could bring as much as a foot of snow to the state.

The Christie Inaugural Committee released the following statement;

"Unfortunately due to the anticipated severe weather conditions posed by today's winter storm, we have made the decision to cancel this evening's Inaugural Celebration at Ellis Island. This action has been taken out of an abundance of caution based on the most up-to-date reports which predict that the incoming storm threatens the region, including the northeastern portions of New Jersey and the shore areas, with significant snowfall that will pose a serious hazard for individuals traveling on road ways.

"While we regret to cancel this special evening for our guests, their safety is our first priority and takes total precedence in our planning. We thank all of our supporters for their generosity and urge New Jerseyans to stay safe in today's conditions and heed the guidance of emergency management officials."

The food which had been prepared for the Christie event will be donated to food pantries in the Jersey City area.

 January 20, 2014 - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Secretary of State Hillary are both leading in the latest poll for the 2016 New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

While the Bridgegate scandal continues to swirl around Christie, the New Hampshire Poll taken January 12 - 14 shows that so far he is holding onto his lead in the wake of the controversy. The poll taken after  Christie's January 9, 2014 news conference where he apologized for the George Washington Bridge incident indicates he is holding onto his support.

Christie leads  with 24% followed by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky with 12% , former Florida Governor Jeb Bush with 12%, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee with 11%, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas with 9%, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida with 8%, Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin with 4%,  Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal with 3% and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker also with 3%.

While its impressive for Christie to lead such a large field with double digits, his lead is small  compared to that now enjoyed by Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Currently Clinton, has the support of a staggering 65% of those polled. Clinton's closest competitor is Vice President Joe Biden who just gets into double digits at 10%, a 55% spread. Following Biden is Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts at 8%, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo at 3%, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley at 1% and the former Governor of Montana Brian David Schweitzer at 0%.

New Hampshire is familiar territory for Clinton, as she just barely edged out President Barack Obama in the primary there is 2008.