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"It's easy to see that Lindsey is more focused on partisan shouting matches and political power than the needs of his constituents. Just look at the spectacle he made when he all but guaranteed Brett Kavanaugh a seat on the Supreme Court. But special interest donors are lining up to flood Lindsey's campaign with cash and help him keep his seat in the Senate. He recently had his best fundraising period ever -- which shows just how much work we have to do if we're going to flip this seat. I need your help to fight back against Lindsey's megadonors and kick him out of office. Join our fight now by splitting a donation between my campaign and the DSCC to flip key Senate seats like South Carolina's. Winning this race won't be easy, but nothing about my journey has been easy. I was a poor kid raised by a single mom. Kids like me weren't supposed to make it very far. But I became the first in my family to graduate college, rose through leadership positions on Capitol Hill, and became the first African American chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party. Now, I'm taking on Lindsey Graham because South Carolinians need a Senator who will focus on delivering results for their communities. But taking on one of the GOP's most entrenched politicians means that we need thousands of grassroots Democrats like you helping us build the infrastructure necessary to win." ___________________________________________________________ That's why I'm asking for your help today. Will you split a $5 donation between my campaign and the DSCC? Your gift won't just help defeat Lindsey Graham -- it will help flip the Senate so we can finally start making progress on all the things we care most about as Democrats. Thank you, Jaime Harrison U.S. Senate candidate, South Carolina
Jaime Harrison overcame the challenges of poverty to achieve his American dream. From a mobile home to Yale, to key leadership roles in government and Democratic politics, he's led an inspiring life in service to others. Now he's depending on grassroots donors like you to step up and help him defeat Lindsey Graham.
Data: Bureau of Economic Analysis; Note: Shows GDP average over the full year vs. prior year; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios
U.S. gross domestic product grew at a 2.1%annual rate in the final quarter of last year, theCommerce Department said on Thursday. For all of 2019, economic growth came in at 2.3% — less than the 2.9% in 2018.
Why it matters: The initial estimates from the government show that 2019 was the slowest pace of economic growth since Trump took office. The boost from the tax cuts gave way to pain from the trade war. Exports slumped, while uncertain business leaders held off on spending.
By the numbers: Q4 marked the third straight quarter of declining business investment — i.e. corporations investing in new equipment or factories.
Consumer spending is still solid, but it showed some signs of slowing. The rate of spending was 1.8% in Q4, a drop-off from the 3.2% in the prior quarter.
The bottom line: 2019 GDP came in above the economy's postrecession average of around 2% growth, as Marketwatch points out. Still, annual growth under Trump hasn't hit the administration's promise of 3%.
What they're saying: Heading into an election year, economic growth is "on unsteady footing," thanks to the indefinite production halt of Boeing's 737 Max and "global growth headwinds that may pick up linked to the coronavirus crisis across the globe," Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, wrote in a note to clients.