Huffington Magazine Issue 26 | Page 7

Enter 2 FROM TOP: ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES; AP PHOTO/J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE; AP PHOTO/ERIK SCHELZIG 3 4 POINTERS HUFFINGTON 12.09.12 OBAMA TO ASSAD: ‘THERE WILL BE CONSEQUENCES’ Obama gave a stern warning to Syrian President Bashar Assad not to use his arsenal of chemical and biological weapons, after U.S. intelligence reported the Assad regime may be preparing the weapons for action. “Today I want to make it absolutely clear to Assad and those under his command: The world is watching,” Obama said. “And if you make the tragic mistake of using these weapons, there will be consequences.” CUOMO REQUESTS BILLIONS FOR SANDY CLEANUP In the midst of battles in Washington over the “fiscal cliff,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo asked the federal government for nearly $42 billion to help with Sandy relief efforts. Cuomo wants $32.8 billion for storm cleanup and $9 billion to help NYC prepare for future storms. He released a joint statement with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is requesting more than $35 billion in aid. “We need the full funding for our aid to arrive, hopefully before the end of the year,” they said. CONGRESSMAN’S FUNDRAISING ABILITY TAKES A BEATING Rep. Scott DesJarlais, a Tennessee Republican and doctor, managed to win reelection despite reports that he had an affair with one of his patients and pushed the woman to terminate her pregnancy. But at least six political action committees affiliated with the medical industry are now turning their backs on the congressman, saying he should not count on their donations in 2014. The groups contributed $71,000 to his campaign.