Obama, Sarkozy pledge to aid Libya transition
The Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi called on Tripoli's residents to take up arms against the opposition Wednesday.
White House, Capitol evacuated as 5.9 earthquake strikes East Coast
An earthquake, centered in Virginia, was felt along the East Coast Tuesday afternoon, with a reported magnitude of 5.9.
White House, Capitol, Pentagon evacuated in wake of earthquake
An earthquake, centered in Virginia, was felt along the East Coast Tuesday afternoon, with a reported magnitude of 5.9.
Romney rips Biden's comments on China one-child policy
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney slammed Vice President Biden for comments that seemingly condoned China's controversial one-child policy.
Report: Chaffetz wonât challenge Hatch in 2012 GOP Senate primary
Chaffetz's decision follows Sen. Orrin Hatch's (R-Utah) move to shore up conservative support to fend off a challenge.
Report: Chaffetz wonât challenge Hatch in 2012 Republican Senate primary
Chaffetz's decision follows Sen. Orrin Hatch's (R-Utah) move to shore up conservative support to fend off a challenge.
State Dept. asks Iran to release hikers after reports of verdict
The State Department urged Iran to release two American hikers reportedly sentenced to eight years for espionage Saturday.
House liberal says Obamaâs chances of re-election âvery toughâ
Outspoken House liberal Rep. Peter DeFazio rates President Obama’s chances of getting re-elected in 2012 as “very tough.â€
Obama hints proposal will go further than $1.5T in deficit cuts
President Obama will deliver a major speech in early September presenting new ideas for boosting job growth.
Obama to deliver major speech on job growth after Labor Day
President Obama will deliver a major speech in early September presenting new ideas for boosting job growth.
Ryan denies report he's considering 2012 bid
Ryan spokesman says lawmaker is "grateful" for support but "has not changed his mind" on a presidential bid.
Gingrich promotes 'Black Hawk Down' commander endorsement
Retired Army Col. Michael Steele endorsed Newt Gingrich in Iowa on Friday, an endorsement Gingrich promoted on Saturday.
“I for one am tired of people talking, and would offer it is time to replace a professional talker in the White House with a professional doer. Newt Gingrich is a professional doer, he gets things done. And we are in a point in our nation’s history where we need to get things done," Steele said, stumping for Gingrich at a campaign stop in Iowa on Friday.Â
Romney and Perry spar over jobs records
GOP presidential contenders Mitt Romney and Rick Perry took aim at each other's economic records while campaigning Monday.
Obama campaign offers to sell Romney's son a birth certificate mug
President Obama's campaign would be happy to sell Mitt Romney's son a birth certificate mug from the president's campaign store.
Romney's son Matt joked Friday that his father might release his tax returns when Obama releases his birth certificate.
The campaign tweeted from Obama's official Twitter feed: "Mitt Romney's son thinks President Obama should release his birth certificate. Guess he doesn't have one of our mugs? http://OFA.BO/N13uCf"
The mugs read "Made in the USA" under a photo of Obama, and included a replication of the president's birth certificate.
Bachmann touts Iowa roots, leads voters to straw poll booths
"From one Iowan to another, Iowa will be the pace car," Rep. Michele Bachmann told told prospective supporters.
Rep. Bachmann casts herself as the 'underdog' in Saturday's Iowa straw poll
To finish below the top three would be considered a major disappointment for the Tea Party congresswoman's campaign.
Pawlenty: Poor straw poll showing would force him to âreassessâ
Pawlenty said he could be forced to scale back his national infrastructure if he performs worse than expected.
Rep. Bachmann casts herself as the 'underdog' in tomorrow's Iowa straw poll
To finish below the top three would be considered a major disappointment for the Tea Party congresswoman's campaign.
Dem: President Perry would have people 'praying for our country to survive'
Rep. Lloyd Doggett is attacking Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) as he gears up for a presidential bid.
Man charged with threatening Lieberman
A Philadelphia man arrested and charged with threatening to shoot Sen. Joe Lieberman is set to be released.
Obama retakes lead in 2012 generic ballot
President Obama jumped ahead of a nameless Republican challenger in Gallup's monthly survey of the generic ballot.
Singer Kelly Clarkson defends Ron Paul pick, tells haters âunfollow meâ
Kelly Clarkson stood by her man this week â€" Ron Paul, that is, her pick for the GOP presidential nomination.
Paul to leave Iowa, stay in Texas for New Year's
Taking time off from the trail just before the caucus is a significant gamble for Paul, a leader in polls.
Paul to skip Iowa, stay in Texas for New Year's
Taking time off from the trail just before the caucus is a significant gamble for Paul, a leader in polls.
DNC vice-chair: Romney is no Casanova
The vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Friday compared Mitt Romney unfavorably to a legendary Italian seducer while slamming the GOP presidential field as "one of the weakest" in history.
Jon Huntsman should stop attacking Ron Paul, and start challenging Mitt Romney
Team Huntsman, which is in danger of becoming an asterisk in the presidential campaign, is attacking Ron Paul over his newsletters while completely failing to make the case that he is a credible challenger to Mitt Romney.
Jon Huntsman is a very good man. He was a very good governor. He should be a very credible presidential candidate. Yet I must confess, having written favorably about Huntsman long before he began his race for the White House, his campaign has been a litany of missed opportunities.
Romney, in Iowa, keeps bull's-eye on Obama
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is keeping his eye on the competition in the general election less than a week ahead of the first primary vote of 2012, comparing President Obama to a famously out-of-touch French queen at a campaign stop in Iowa this week.
"When the president's characterization of our economy was, 'It could be worse,' it reminded me of Marie Antoinette: 'Let them eat cake,' " Romney said Thursday evening, as reported by The Huffington Post.
Romney, in Iowa, keeps bullseye on Obama
Mitt Romney is keeping his eye on the competition in the general election less than a week ahead of the first primary vote of 2012, comparing President Obama to a famously out-of-touch French Queen at a campaign stop in Iowa this week.
"When the president's characterization of our economy was, 'It could be worse,' it reminded me of Marie Antoinette: 'Let them eat cake,'" Romney said Thursday evening, as reported by the Huffington Post.
Santorum mocks Perry over forgetting anti-sodomy case
Rick Santorum mocked Rick Perry for not being familiar with the anti-sodomy Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas during a campaign stop Thursday night.
"Rulings like Lawrence v. Texas would be a good thing to know if you are running for president," Santorum said, according to NBC News' Andrew Rafferty.
Earlier in the day, Rick Perry admitted that he did not remember what the 2003 case was about when asked by a voter. Perry had originally seemed to think that the case pertained to government spending.
Santorum hits Perry over forgetting anti-sodomy case
Rick Santorum jabbed Rick Perry for not being familiar with the anti-sodomy Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas during a campaign stop Thursday night.
"Rulings like Lawrence v. Texas would be a good thing to know if you are running for president," Santorum said according to NBC News' Andrew Rafferty.
Earlier in the day, Rick Perry admitted that he did not remember what the 2003 case was about when asked by a voter. Perry had originally seemed to think that the case pertained to government spending.
New Florida poll finds Romney, Gingrich in dead heat
Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich are in a statistical dead heat at the top of the pivotal Florida primary, according to the latest poll from TelOpinion Research.
Romney had a marginal lead of 27 percent of likely Republican voters, compared to 26 percent for Gingrich. There is a wide gulf between the top tier and the remainder of the GOP field; no other candidate hit double digits in the poll.
But the race remains volatile, with more than three in 10 Republicans saying they have not yet decided on a candidate to back.
Singer Clarkson defends Ron Paul pick, tells haters 'unfollow me'
Kelly Clarkson stood by her man this week--Ron Paul, that is: her pick for GOP presidential candidate.
The singer and "American Idol" Season 1 winner continued defending herself after a Twitter backlash on Thursday followed her endorsement of Ron Paul.
"Ron Paul is about letting people decide, not the government. I am for this," Clarkson tweeted Thursday. She posted responses through Friday morning to various followers who accused her of supporting a racist, homophobe, or sexist in Paul.
Gingrich would consider Palin as VP, Cabinet secretary
Newt Gingrich said that former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin would be among the candidates that he would consider when considering a potential running mate, adding that the former GOP vice presidential nominee would be an ideal candidate for Secretary of Energy.
Gingrich, speaking Wednesday during a conference call with conservative voters hosted by Ralph Reed's Faith and Freedom Coalition, was asked by one of the attendees whether he would consider Palin as a running mate.
"She is certainly one of the people you would look at. I am a great admirer of hers and she was a remarkable reform governor of Alaska, she’s somebody who I think brings a great deal to the possibility of helping in government and that would be one of the possibilities," Gingrich said, according to Right Wing Watch.
Ron Paul plans whistle-stop Iowa tour with Sen. Rand Paul
Ron Paul is planning a Jan. 2 whistle-stop tour throughout Iowa with his son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, in a final push on the last day before the Iowa caucuses.
The campaign announced Thursday that Paul will spend the New Year's holiday in Texas rather than campaigning in Iowa, meaning that the five-county tour will be the presidential contender's last set of events before the first-in-the-nation caucus.
"In the run-up to the Iowa Straw Poll we were privileged to witness the historic occurrence of a sitting U.S. Senator campaigning for his father, a sitting member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, we are seeing Senator Paul support his father on the eve of the pivotal Iowa Caucus where we are hop! eful that Ron Paul achieves a strong top-three finish,†Paul's Iowa Chairman Drew Ivers said in a statement.
Sen. McCain 'astonished' at low impact of allegations against 'America's Toughest Sheriff'
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said Friday that Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio needs to address the charges of discrimination and negligence against him.
"I'm not prepared to say that Sheriff Arpaio should resign, but what I am prepared to say is that I am astonished that there hasn't been more outcry about the failure of these investigations," McCain told Phoenix's 3TV.
More than 400 cases have been reopened in Maricopa County following allegations that the sheriff's department failed to follow up on reported sexual abuse, according to CBS News. Some of the cases involved children.
Cain's former Iowa director backs Gingrich
The man responsible for running Herman Cain's Iowa operation before the former pizza magnate dropped out of the Republican race said Friday that he was endorsing Newt Gingrich.
Larry Tuel, Cain's Iowa campaign director, told The Des Moines Register that he believed Gingrich to be "the best candidate for his knowledge and experience.â€
“He is intelligent, positive and has the best grasp of policy and the role of government as it relates to tax, spending and regulatory power," Tuel said in an email. "I particularly appreciate his national tax policy, welfare reform, and ideas for reducing and refocusing regulatory authority to solve our deep rooted economic problems.â€
GOP kingmakers call election 'make or break moment'
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) appropriated a phrase from President Obama to describe the 2012 election in an op-ed on Friday.
"President Obama has characterized this time as a 'make or break moment' for America, and we agree," the two legislators write. Obama used the phrase in a recent speech in Kansas, where he invoked former President Theodore Roosevelt in calling for Americans to rally together behind him and his economic vision.
DeMint and King, both influential GOP conservatives, have said they will not endorse before the Republican primary. However, they weighed in on the process in a joint op-ed for the Des Moines Register less than a week before the first vote in Iowa on Jan. ! 3. The op-ed looks ahead to the general election, urging readers in Iowan to vote for a course correction, away from Obama and back to a nation of "hope and opportunity."Â
Refusing to answer to policy reasons
A number of passionate opinion pieces have been written recently charging proponents of copyright enforcement measures with changing the way the Internet works without bothering to understand it. It’s easy to make such charges stick in Washington when they’re made by engineers with Internet pedigrees, but they’re fundamentally unsound in light of the current state of the bills.
Â
The Internet is not only a platform for socially beneficial innovations, it’s also a boon to those bent on anti-social, criminal pursuits. The group who commented on S. 968 (PIPA) and H.R. 3261 (SOPA) on this blog admit as much, and one of them has devoted considerable effort to ensure that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) possess the means to hide criminal web sites from their customers! . This system, known as “Response Policy Zones†(RPZ,) was the inspiration for the Domain Name Service (DNS) response filtering in PIPA and SOPA.
Bloomberg swipes back at Gingrich over accusations he bought mayorship
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg swiped back at Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich Thursday, telling reporters that he was too busy governing to worry about accusations from the former speaker that he had "bought" his position as mayor.
During a campaign stop in Iowa Wednesday, Gingrich said his campaign differed from well-funded efforts like those of Mayor Bloomberg and some of his Republican opponents.
"We don’t come from a background where we can buy a seat or buy, as Mayor Bloomberg did, buy the mayorship of New York,†Gingrich said. “I mean, if you just look at how much he spent, he just wrote a check and bought it.â€
Dems plan weeklong blitz in Iowa to counter GOP straw poll
The DNC is launching a campaign this week meant as a counterweight to the Republicans stumping in Iowa.
Gov. Perry leads Texas prayer meeting
Texas Gov. Rick Perry led 30,000 in a televised prayer-meeting Saturday, asking God to guide the nation's leaders.
Grimm: Debt-limit fight stops Obama from more stimulus
In the GOP's weekly address, Rep. Michael Grimm said, "We were right to the hold the president accountable."
First announced stop on Obama's Midwest bus tour: Iowa
The first announced stop on President Obama's upcoming bus tour of the Midwest will be in Peosta, Iowa.
Obama to supporters: Don't get 'bogged down' on war, taxes
President Obama counseled supporters Wednesday evening "not to get too bogged down" in details when explaining his record.
Obama: 'The future is going to be determined' by the 2012 election
Ahead of his birthday, the president attended a series of campaign events in his hometown of Chicago.
Ryan: GOP called Obamaâs bluff
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Wednesday said Republicans successfully called President Obama’s bluff on the debt-ceiling negotiations.
Giffords yet to decide on reelection bid
Giffords's office said no 2012 decision has been made, but Democrats are laying the groundwork in case she runs.
Boehner brushes off GOP '12 opposition to debt-ceiling deal
Boehner says he's "got a job to do" and those running for president have "their own aspirations."
Reid, Pelosi summoned to White House; Met with Obama, Biden for 90 minutes
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi met at the White House on Saturday.
Pelosi: Boehner 'chose to go to the dark side'
Pelosi lambasted Boehner in a floor speech for making his debt ceiling measure more amenable to House conservatives.
@BarackObama urging users to tweet Republicans on debt ceiling
The president's Twitter account is asking followers to push for a compromise on increasing the federal debt ceiling.
Poll: Most say news media has been either too easy or fair to Sarah Palin
A combined 54 percent of adults said the press had been too easy or fair toward the former governor.
GOP hopeful Bachmann refuses to answer question on husband's clinic
Rep. Bachmann declared her husband's work with gay youth off-limits during her pursuit of the Republican presidential nomination.
Pelosi's office denies report that she wants to retire from Congress
An aide to the minority leader said the report, based on an interview with Pelosi's daughter, is "totally untrue."Â
Pelosiâs office denies report that she wants to retire from Congress
An aide to the minority leader said the report, based on an interview with Pelosi’s daughter, is “totally untrue.â€
Our vulnerable, aging parents
Spending the holidays with my 85-year-old mother and never leaving her side for a week was truly an eye-opener. The average newborn baby sleeps about 20 hours daily and does not produce much in their environment â€" it is interesting that as people become very elderly, the amount of time they spend sleeping increases dramatically and their productivity decreases dramatically. The elderly are rapidly approaching the same existence they experience when they were first brought into the world. For the most part we have no problem caring for newborn babies, and we should understand that we also should care for the elderly as they approach terminal stages of their lives.
It is tragic when children abandon their parents and grandparents at the very time when those individuals are at their most vulnerable.
Rep. Giffords, victims will commemorate shooting anniversary
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and other survivors of a 2011 shooting rampage will commemorate the event's anniversary in Tucson, Ariz., on Jan. 8, 2012.
According to The Associated Press, the commemorative events include ringing bells at local churches at 10:11 a.m., when the shooting started, talks about Giffords and the six victims who died during the shooting. Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.) will participate in the discussions and speak about Giffords.
Giffords suffered a bullet wound to the head during the rampage by a gunman who was targeting her. Since the shooting, her recovery has been praised as miraculous and the Arizona congresswoman has regained the ability to walk and say some words. The day will also include a candlelight vigil.
She and her husband recently wrote a book about th! eir lives together and Giffords's career in politics.
In an interview with ABC in November, Giffords expressed interest in returning to Congress once she's feeling up to it.
Five steps to a competitive third party
The partisan gridlock in Washington provides the prime opportunity for a third party to emerge harnessing the anti-incumbent disdain Americans have of both parties.  Polls show a majority of Americans believe a third party is needed.  Instead of shooting for the moon with an independent Presidential bid, a long term third party strategy should focus on winning Congressional seats first.  The intense anti-incumbent climate flipped control of Congress multiple times in the past decade and Congress’ approval ratings now flirt with single digits.  A third party can offer moderate, balanced solutions serving as a viable alternative to the failed political duopoly. Â
Imagine what a third party would do to change Washington, not to mention state and local governments. Â A viable third party established on moderate and balanced views on the issues could capture the large and rapidly expanding group of independent voters across America. Â Finally breaking the two! party system with a few members of the third party in Congress would be one for the history books. Â The mere presence of a competitive third party will drive reforms in the two major parties to avoid being branded as partisan extremists and risk losing additional moderate and independent voters.
Report: Alexandra Pelosi says her mom is staying in office for donors
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) would like to retire from Congress and is only staying in office at the behest of political donors, her daughter said.Â
“She would retire right now, if the donors she has didn’t want her to stay so badly. They know she wants to leave, though,â€Â Alexandra Pelosi told the conservative website Big Government. “They think she’s destined for the wilderness. She has very few days left. She’s 71, she wants to have a life, she’s done. It’s obligation, that’s all I’m saying.â€
{mosads}In a follow-up text message to Big Government, Alexandra Pelosi said she had not discussed her take on the situation with the minority leader. Â Â
“I have never talked to Nancy Pelosi about any of this,â€Â she wrote in the text.Â
Pelosi’s colleagues in the Democratic Party haven’t given any indication that they think she’s headed for retirement. They have expressed optimism that they can retake the House majority in November and return the Speaker’s gavel to Pelosi.Â
“I think [Pelosi] will go down in history as one of the finest Speakers that we have ever had, and she is going to continue to be, in the future, one of the great Speakers that we’ve ever had,â€Â President Obama said during a fundraiser in April.
Gingrich: Bloomberg bought mayorship
Newt Gingrich jabbed New York City's mayor in Iowa, saying Michael Bloomberg "wrote a check" to win political office.
Obamas enjoy multicourse tasting menu
His battle with Republicans over the payroll tax complete, President Obama is spending the week leading up to New Year’s in full vacation mode.
Elections in America and Israel: Four scenarios
It is more like a brick wall than a turning, the thump heard when the first primaries are finally held in the next weeks. Here are four scenarios on how history could turn in Iowa, New Hampshire and Israel.
Poll: Romney has biggest lead yet over Obama
A new poll found Mitt Romney with the widest lead the former Massachusetts governor has ever had over President Obama.
According to the new poll conducted by the conservative-leaning Rasmussen Reports pollster, Romney leads Obama 45 percent to 39 percent in a one-on-one hypothetical matchup.
Romney is the only candidate who has positive numbers against Obama in a matchup, according to the poll. Against Newt Gingrich, Obama has 47 percent and the former House Speaker has 37 percent, the poll found. In a matchup against Rick Santorum, the numbers are exactly the same for Obama and the former Pennsylvania senator.
The poll was conducted Dec. 27-28. A week earlier Rasmussen Reports found Romney narrowly behind Obama with the president at 44 percent and Romney at 41 percent. Two weeks ago Romney lead 43 percent to 42 percent.
The poll's results come as the former Massachusetts governor increasingly looks to gain a great deal of momentum by a likely strong performance in New HAmpshire primary (where he polls at the front of the GOP field) and also a strong showing in Iowa, two coveted early primary states that would provide him with a significant amount of momentum.
The poll was conducted among 1,000 likely voters on Dec. 27 to 28 and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
Lawmakers continue to invoke Reagan in debt-ceiling debate
Democrats and Republicans are continuing to invoke former President Ronald Reagan in their arguments on the debt ceiling.Â
Obamas enjoy multi-course tasting menu
His battle with Republicans over the payroll-tax complete, President Obama is spending the week leading up to New Year’s in full vacation mode.
Biden set to appear at fundraiser as Obama cancels appearance
Obama canceled his scheduled appearances to focus on the debt talks, but Biden will attend a Democratic fundraiser.
Rick Perry expects to make 2012 campaign decision in next month
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who has been flirting with a presidential run in 2012, said close to deciding.
Speaker Boehner: Debt talks are 'driving me right up a wall'
The Speaker said he is working to “keep the lines of communication open" but there's still no deal.
Bachmann: Obama has misled the public about possible debt default
GOP presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann called on Obama to “tell the truth†in the ongoing debt-ceiling debate.
Bachmann calls on president to 'tell the truth' about debt ceiling
GOP presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann called on Obama to “tell the truth†in the ongoing debt-ceiling debate.
Obama 'proud' as US formally recognizes new South Sudan
President Obama announced that the U.S. has formally recognized the world's newest country, South Sudan.
Cantor: GOP willing to talk about closing tax loopholes in debt negotiations
“If the president wants to talk loopholes, we’ll talk loopholes,†Rep. Eric Cantor, the GOP leader, said.
Cantor: GOP willing to talk tax loopholes in debt negotiations
“If the president wants to talk loopholes, we’ll talk loopholes,†Rep. Eric Cantor, the GOP leader, said.
LIVE: The White House Twitter town hall
The White House is hosting a Twitter town hall to respond to questions about the economy and jobs.
GOP rep. says '14th amendment solution' is impeachable offense
Some lawmakers say the 14th Amendment could provide a way around the impasse on the debt ceiling.
Pawlenty's new Iowa ad highlights conservative accomplishments
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) launched a second television ad Tuesday to highlight his conservative credentials.
Kasich: I've taken 'some hits' over budget
The Ohio governor admitted he lost popularity in his state’s budget fight but accepted the outcome.
Speaker Boehner calls Treasury's debt-ceiling deadline 'artificial'
Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) rejected Aug. 2 as the final deadline for Congress to raise the government's credit limit.
Boehner calls Treasury's debt ceiling deadline 'artificial'
House Speaker John Boehner rejected Aug. 2 as the final deadline for Congress to raise the government's credit limit.
Perry blasts Obama for not hosting parade for returning US troops
"Maybe it’s because this war is unpopular with the Democrats. I don’t know," Perry says on campaign trail.
Gingrich chides super-PAC for attacking Romney
Republican Newt Gingrich, who has pledged to remain positive in his presidential campaign, chided supporters on Wednesday for attacking one of his opponents this week in Iowa.
The Strong America Now super-PAC, organized to support Gingrich, spent thousands in several independent expenditures for a direct mail campaign attacking Mitt Romney this week, according to finance disclosure reports. The fliers sent to households in Iowa call Romney "the second most dangerous man in America" after President Obama, MSNBC reported.
“I think that’s not right," Gingrich said, according to the The Des Moines Register.
Sen. Grassley recommends film 'War Horse'
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) caught Steven Spielberg's new film this week and gave it a thumbs-up review.
Grassley tweeted late Tuesday: "MrsGrassley and I went to movie'War Horse' great story U ought to go."
The movie, set during World War I, opened on Christmas Day.
Gary Johnson drops GOP presidential bid to run as Libertarian
Gary Johnson officially announced on Wednesday that he is leaving the Republican Party in order to run as a Libertarian Party candidate for president.
The expected announcement was reported earlier this month, although Johnson's campaign was not prepared to make the move at the time.
"Frankly, I have been deeply disappointed by the treatment I received in the Republican nomination process," Johnson, a former New Mexico governor, said in a statement released by his presidential campaign. He noted GOP candidates Herman Cain, Rick Santorum and Jon Huntsman had "no national name identification" yet were allowed to participate in debates.
Iowa caucus counting moved due to âOccupy Caucusâ concerns
Iowa’s Republican Party will count this year’s caucus results at a secret location in response to security concerns, according to multiple reports.
The Occupy Caucus movement, organized by Occupy Wall Street protesters in the Hawkeye State, is gaining steam and could potentially disrupt the caucus votes taking place next week.
“The Iowa GOP is taking additional safeguards to ensure the caucus results are tabulated and reported to the public in an accurate and timely manner,â€Â Iowa Republican Party Chairman Matt Strawn told CNN.
Perry blasts Obama for not hosting a 'simple parade' celebrating troops' return from Iraq
Rick Perry on Wednesday criticized President Obama for not arranging a parade to welcome U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq, accusing him of not properly thanking the military.
"It really disturbs me that nearly after nine years of war in Iraq that this president wouldn’t welcome home our many heroes with a simple parade in their honor," Perry said at a campaign stop in Iowa. "Maybe it’s because this war is unpopular with the Democrats. I don’t know. But Mr. President, our soldiers come first. And it comes before party politics. We need to welcome our soldiers home. Give them that parade. Give them that pat on the back. Tell them thank you for the freedom that we have."
Mitt Romney, Perry's rival for the GOP presidential nomination, expressed a similar concern earlier on Wednesday on Fox & Friends, saying "a welcome home ceremony of some kind makes a lot of sense.
"The men and women who sacrificed so extraordinarily over the years in Iraq, the families of those that have lost loved ones, I think deserve recognition," he said. "And so whether that's a ticker tape parade or special ceremony somewhere else welcoming our troops home is something they deserve."
How to fix a corrupt Congress? A governorâs council and a Ron Paul/Joe Miller 2012 ticket
There is easily available testimony from the best among us, warrior scholars such as Jim Webb, Lawrence Wilkerson, Wesley Clark and the gone-but-not-forgotten Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, that the invasion of Iraq was a plot by a very small group of governmental advisers and mainstream journalists who had commandeered the so-very-vulnerable imagination of then-President George W. Bush. At the time it was apparent to anyone who cared to look. But Congress did not care to look. Today, as Iraq falls apart, we pay the price: the price of George W. Bush, and the Congress of Easter Peeps is Ron Paul.
Paul’s influence is authentic and real. If he wins Iowa he could then go on to New Hampshire, but Iowa is more important. It represents the heart, which in the end drives America, and to which America will ultimately answer.
Bill Maher mocks Tim Tebow over Twitter
DC voting rights activists, officials protest at White House
Washington's mayor and delegate were joined by hundreds demanding a representational vote in Congress for the capital city.
Lawmakers dedicate softball win to Giffords, will send her game ball
Female lawmakers defeated the media in a charity softball match Thursday night. Signed ball goes to Giffords.
Candidate Paul rejects 'isolationist' label
Paul said he's not against foreign trade but against the U.S. being "the policemen of the world."
Ben Nelson gives blow to Democratic hopes of retaining Senate majority
Nelson, a centrist who had been a thorn in the side of liberals, faced a difficult reelection race in Nebraska.
Gingrich steps on Ron Paul's turf with push for Federal Reserve audit
Newt Gingrich is making Ron Paul's call for a Fed audit a centerpiece of his own campaign.
McCain warns GOP against isolationism
The GOP is at risk of becoming an isolationist party, Sen. John McCain said.
Gates: US has been in 'preliminary' talks with Taliban for 'a few weeks'
Defense Secretary Robert Gates said contacts have been made in an effort to end the 10 year-old Afghan conflict.
DeMint creates litmus test for 2012 field
The conservative senator will withhold his support unless contenders sign a "Cut, Cap and Balance" pledge.
Gingrich feels 'liberated' by shake-up
Tuesday night on Fox News Gingrich tried to downplay the loss of most of his senior campaign staff
Pawlenty seeks to put distance between Bush fiscal policies and his proposals
When his fiscal policy was compared to that of George W. Bush, presidential candidate Pawlenty begged to differ.
Emails show details of Palin-Murkowski feud
As governor Sarah Palin tried to portray her predecessor Frank Murkowski as a big-spender.
Sen. Graham: Military intervention in Syria should be âon the tableâ
Sen. Lindsey Graham said  it’s time to consider international intervention in Syria to avoid the further “slaughter.â€
Corruption a problem at Customs and Border Protection, agency head says
Inspector general has more than 600 open investigations of CPB employees. Only 22 percent of job applicants take a polygraph.
Weiner: Messages with 17-year-old not 'explicit'
Rep. Anthony Weiner's office acknowledged the online communications but said the messages were not "indecent."
Sen. Ben Nelson retirement a blow to Dem hopes of keeping Senate
Nelson, a centrist who had been a thorn in the side of liberals, faced a difficult reelection race in Nebraska.
Gingrich scrambles to save campaign
Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich sought to regroup Friday after a destabilizing round of resignations yesterday by top staff.
Clinton spokesman: Report about moving to World Bank is 'bogus'
The secretary of state has been in talks with the White House about leaving her post, Reuters reported.
Romney likens Gingrich's failure in Virginia to 'I Love Lucy' episode
Newt Gingrich's failure to get on the state's ballot is like a certain episode of "I Love Lucy," said Romney.
Clinton spokesman: World Bank report is 'bogus'
The secretary of state has been in talks with the White House about leaving her post, Reuters reported.
Ben Nelson to retire from Senate
Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska will retire next year in a blow to Democratic chances of holding the upper chamber
Court documents suggest Gingrich sought first divorce, not his ex-wife
CNN has obtained documents from Gingrich’s first divorce that suggest the former Speaker sought a divorce from his first wife.
Report: Net worth of average member of Congress has tripled
The median net worth for a member of Congress has almost tripled in recent years as average household income has dropped, according to new research.
A lawmaker's net worth is about three times what it was more than 25 years ago, according to an analysis by The Washington Post. The report found that between 1984 and 2009, a member of the House's net worth rose by over $400,000, from $280,000 to $725,000. Meanwhile, the average annual income for most Americans dipped by about $100, from $20,600 to $20,500, according to research from the University of Michigan.
Members of Congress are typically more wealthy than the general population.
In 2011, Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) topped The Hill's list of the 50 wealthiest members of Congress, with a net worth of roughly $287 million. Combined, the 50 richest lawmakers reported a net worth of at least $1.6 billion, an increase of $200 million compared to The Hill's 2010 list.
Report suggests Gingrich sought first divorce, not his ex-wife
CNN has obtained documents from Gingrich’s first divorce that suggest the former Speaker sought a divorce from his first wife.
Gingrich 'agreed entirely' with Romney on healthcare in 2006 memo
Newt Gingrich agreed “entirely†with GOP rival Mitt Romney’s Massachusetts healthcare plan, including portions of the individual mandate, according to a memo written by the former House Speaker in 2006.
Russian troops above Americaâs border: Canadaâs âRed Dawnâ moment?
In August 2007, at the end of a series of war games uniting China and Russia, the Russians planted their flag at the North Pole, that singular place on earth where the world’s axis seems to align itself with the North Star. The planting of the flag was a Sputnik moment, but underwater. Its purpose was to territorialize our northern regions as surely as a dog of war would pee on the frozen tundra to ward off Canadian coyotes. It should have been, but President George W. Bush, his imagination full of visions of Armageddon in the Holy Land conjured by Appalachian mountain preachers, missed it. Presidential hopefuls, Mitt Romney and Rick Perry in particular, should not. Until recently, threats to America via the splendid isolation of the Arctic seemed absurd. But now it is reported that Russia intends to send a combat brigade.
Gingrich campaign suffers mass resignations from top staffers
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's campaign faces a shake-up after senior aides quit over differing "visions for victory."
Trump: GOP has a âdeath wishâ
Donald Trump criticized the House GOP Medicare reforms, saying the Republican party has a "death wish."
Sessions says GOP will increase House majority in 2012 elections
Dem needles Park Service over Palin tour
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) questioned whether Sarah Palin received preferential treatment during her tour of the East Coast.Â
Ron Paul raises more than $1 million with 'money bomb' attacking Romney
Paul swiped at the Republican front-runner with a fundraising pitch titled, "The Revolution vs. RomneyCare: Round One."
White House shifts from ârecovery modeâ to reviving private-sector spending
The economy still has “a long way to go,†Austan Goolsbee said, but a positive "trend is clear."
President honors the fallen on Memorial Day
At Arlington National Cemetery, Obama paid tribute to American troops with stories of those buried there.
Rep. Graves questions Obama's autopen signing of Patriot Act extension
Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.) wants to know if Obama saw the law prior to having Patriot Act auto-signed.
Rep. Graves questions Obama's autopen signing of Patriot Act
Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.) wants to know if Obama saw the law prior to having Patriot Act auto-signed.
Alleged Giffords shooter ruled incompetent for trial
Jared Lee Loughner will be re-examined for competence after four months and may still face the death penalty.
Judge: Tucson shooter incompetent to stand trial
Jared Lee Loughner will be re-examined for competence after four months and may still face the death penalty.
Reid breaks with Obama on Israel
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urged a renewal of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks without "premature" preconditions regarding borders.
Reid breaks with Obama on Israeli borders condition for peace settlement
Senate Majority Leader Reid said preconditions on peace talks, like the president's idea of the 1967 borders, were "premature."
Boehner warns failure to support Iraq risks losing country to extremism
Boehner said the United States "must remain committed to ensuring Iraq continues to transition as a sovereign country.Â
Scott Brown a 'no' on Ryan budget
"While I applaud Ryan for getting the conversation started, I cannot support his specific plan," Brown said.
Ryan: Gingrich's comments were 'deeply inaccurate'
Rep. Paul Ryan said that Newt Gingrich's comments about his Medicare plan was a "gross mischaracterization."
Rep. Rogers: Obama's 1967 borders idea a 'colossal mistake'
Rep. Mike Rogers said the president should negotiate Middle East peace behind closed doors.
Steele in talks to join MSNBC
The former RNC chairman is in negotiations to become a political analyst for the network, according to sources.
Capitol Police request more funds for FY12 after previous shortfalls
Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse said the department will request $380 million, up from $340 million the year prior.
Report: Questions raised about judicial nomination for Schumer's brother-in-law
The White House's nomination of Kevin McNulty is being called a “naked political maneuver,†according to a New York paper report.
Former IMF chief indicted on charges of attempted rape
The former chief of the International Monetary Fund allegedly sexually assaulted a hotel maid in New York City.
Tea Party Texan blames 'failure to communicate' for payroll tax debacle
Rep. Louie Gohmert said Republicans in the House and Senate were not on the same page during the tax talks.
Ron Paul fears US will invade Pakistan next
GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul is worried the U.S. could invade Pakistan after Osama bin Laden's death.Â
Cantor reserves judgment on whether Gingrich is 'finished' after Medicare fight
The former House Speaker was guilty of a "tremendous misspeak" in criticizing House Republicans' 2012 budget, Cantor said Tuesday.
Ryan will announce decision on open-seat Senate bid Tuesday
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said he would make his decision public after speaking with family and advisers.
Obama honors Memphis school
The president delivered the commencement address Monday to the winner of his "Race to the Top" education initiative.
Boehner questions Obama's commitment to tackling debt, deficit
House Speaker John Boehner said the president so far is "really not serious about tackling the big problems."
Haley: No 2012 VP run
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley won't consider the second spot on the Republican ticket in the 2012 elections.
Durbin proposes a sit down with Kyl on immigration
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin asked Minority Whip Jon Kyl to meet to talk about comprehensive immigration reform.
Romney: No apologies for Massachusetts healthcare reform law
Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Romney says he won't apologize for the law he signed: "It wouldn't be honest."
Obama asks Hispanic leaders to mobilize
The president told Latino religious leaders he'll need their help to get immigration reform moving again in Congress.
Dems go on attack against Romney ahead of healthcare speech
Democrats are painting the former Massachusetts governor as a political chameleon willing to shift positions to build support.
Boehner to Pakistan on terror fight: You're 'all in, or you're not in'
The Speaker said it's time to seriously challenge Pakistan on its commitment to the fight against terrorism.
First family celebrates Christmas with troops
The president and first lady met with troops and families stationed at a Marine base in Hawaii.
Schumer: It's time for Boehner to have 'adult moment' on debt limit
Schumer says the Speaker should act like an adult and start reassuring credit markets on the debt ceiling.
Lugar: Pakistan too important to cut aid
The ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Pakistan is vital to the fight against terrorism.
Capitol Police arrest DC council member, abortion protesters
Eight female demonstrators were arrested after blocking traffic in protest of the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.â€
GOP Intelligence chief on photo debate: 'Bin Laden is not a trophy'
The Republican chairman of the House Intelligence panel said photos of Osama bin Laden's body shouldn't be released.
Palin: Not releasing photo of bin Laden's body is 'pussy-footing around'
The former Alaska governor said the photo should be shown as a "warning to others seeking America's destruction."
Plan for Afghanistan hasn't changed, says Obama spokesman
Press secretary said the president's strategy for Afghanistan "remains very much in place" despite Osama bin Laden's death.
Obama calls Bush and Clinton
President Obama called George W. Bush and Bill Clinton Sunday night to inform them about bin Laden's death.
Ryan: Crowds at town halls getting bigger
House Budget chairman says Americans' anxiety over the fiscal future and Democrats' "misinformation" on Medicare are driving attendance.
Bachmann: âHow we get thereâ on Medicare is open for discussion
Rep. Michele Bachmann said she wasn't wedded to the Medicare cuts outlined in the House GOP's budget proposals.
House GOP to hold hearing on White House visitor records
A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing titled “White House Transparency, Visitor Logs and Lobbyists.â€
Four in 10 approve of Obama's handling of economy; marks all-time low
Fifty-seven percent of registered voters disapproved of the president's performance on the economy, a new poll found.
Ex-Bush official: Those who would block debt ceiling like âal Qaedaâ
Former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill compared those Republicans trying to block raising the debt ceiling to "al-Qaeda terrorists."
White House smacks Rev. Franklin Graham for 'birther' talk
The White House slammed influential evangelical leader the Rev. Franklin Graham on Monday for questioning President Obama's birthplace.
Ron Paul: Presidential decision will come 'within a month'
"There's temptation to do it," he said. He's scheduled to appear in next week's debate in South Carolina.
McCain against attack on Syria
GOP senator said he doesn't "see a scenario" where U.S. or NATO military action would be helpful.
In Reno, Obama makes case against extending Bush-era tax rates
Obama said he was not looking to "punish success" but wants millionaires and billionaires to "sacrifice a little."
Poll: Obama at 46 percent to Romney's 45
The poll suggests a much closer race between Obama and Romney than previous surveys have indicated.
Poll: Obama 46 percent, Romney 45 percent
The poll suggests a much closer race between Obama and Romney than previous surveys have indicated.
Democrats seek funds to air Medicare ad in Boehner's district
The DCCC ad depicts seniors having to work mowing lawns or even as strippers to fund their healthcare.
First lady's plane forced to abort landing
The plane came "dangerously close" to a military cargo plane; incident is reportedly an air traffic controller's error.
Report: First lady's plane forced to abort landing at Andrews
The plane came 'dangerously close' to a military cargo plane; incident is reportedly an air traffic controller's error.
Durbin warns Gang of Six deficit plan could produce Social Security cuts
"If we deal with it today, it's an easier solution than waiting," the Senate majority whip said.
Rep. David Wu gets a primary challenger
The state labor commissioner announced his challenge to Wu, who has come under scrutiny for his eccentric behavior.
LaHood details three changes to air traffic controller schedules
An angry Transportation secretary makes changes in coordination with union but said "controllers need to take personal responsibility."
Scalise says Obama violates Constitution over 'czars'
A backer of defunding the advisers, Rep. Steve Scalise, reacted angrily to a presidential signing statement keeping them.
Obama signs bill to keep government open, but protects 'czars'
President Obama signed the hard-fought, compromise FY 2011 spending bill but added a signing statement on "czars" and detainees.
108 House Dems defy Obama on vote
More than half the Democratic caucus split with President Obama and voted against the 2011 spending deal Thursday.Â
Obama's four steps for fiscal reform
The president will talk of the need for tax and entitlement reform and reduced domestic and defense spending.
Republican 2012 contenders wrestling with Trump's surge in the polls
GOP hopefuls seem to want to distance themselves from Trump's "birther" theories while not appearing overly hostile.
Limbaugh: GOP caved on budget deal
"I wish it would have been $100 billion, I wish it would've been $61 billion," Limbaugh said of the cuts.
Palin lauds Donald Trump's 'birther' investigation: 'More power to him'
The former Alaska governor applauded Donald Trump for opening a private probe into President Obama's birth certificate.
Shutdown averted, all eyes shift to 2012 budget and debt ceiling
After leaders agreed on 2011 spending, Washington's next budget battles will be fought over new and bigger targets.
Obama: Voters should focus on policies not 'personal lives'
"I'm not big on someone's personal lives being poked and prodded," he said when asked about Gingrich's marital history.
White House lists cuts made in budget deal
Spending cuts come from the departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services, as well as Defense.
Amid rumors, lawmaker says 'no agreement has been reached'
The Republican Conference will meet at 9:45 p.m., but its chairman says no deal is in place yet.
As rumors fly, GOP lawmaker says 'no agreement has been reached'
The Republican Conference will meet at 9:45 p.m., but its chairman says no deal is in place yet.
Schumer: Preventing shutdown 'impossible' unless riders dropped
Unless GOP backs off policy provisions, Sen. Schumer says it will be pretty much impossible to stop shutdown.
Cornyn to propose resolution calling for Libya regime change
The nonbinding resolution says the U.S. should use force to remove Moammar Gadhafi from power, if necessary.
Pence: Country faces 'challenging times'
Rep. Mike Pence drew attention to those “struggling†in the nation’s weak economy in the weekly GOP address.
Obama blames GOP's 'combative' tone for Washington gridlock
The president said the GOP's "lurch into extremes" made it "more difficult to get things done," in an interview aired Friday.
Reports: Former Rep. Adler dead at 51
Clinton: Shutdown would hurt GOP but might not be 'traumatic' for economy
A government shutdown might not have a "traumatic" effect on the economy, former President Bill Clinton said Monday.
Obama announces reelection campaign
President Obama has announced his campaign for a second term in a video message to supporters.
Ron Paul denies any knowledge of controversial 'race war' advertisement
The newsletter advertisement carried the Texas congressman's signature and warned of a looming "race war in our big cities."
Obama, Reid and Pelosi lead the charge against the Tea Party millionaire party
The No. 1 issue next year will be that President Obama, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Democrats will be fighting for working people while Republicans will be fighting for millionaires who they believe should make no sacrifice for America.
Immediately after Congress passed the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits extension, Harry Reid renewed the battle for a surtax for those making a million bucks a year to join the rest of America in being part of the solution.
Romney says Obamaâs illegal-immigrant uncle should be deported
Romney said the nation's immigration laws should apply to all illegal aliens, including the president’s uncle, Onyango Obama.
Anthony Weiner becomes a father
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) and his wife, Huma Abedin, gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday.
Ad for Paul newsletter warns of 'race war'
The latest newsletter to come to light appeared to carry Paul's signature and be written in the congressman's voice.
WSJ: GOP botched tax debate
In a scathing editorial, the conservative editorial board warned the GOP moves could help Obama win a second term.
Obama, Romney advisers spar over Twitter
The top advisers to President Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney swiped at each other over Twitter on Friday.
Republican lawmaker says he expects 'race card' from Obama in 2012
Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) told the NRA that the Obama administration uses the race card "to stifle honest debate."
Reopublican lawmaker says he expects 'race card' from Obama in 2012
Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) told the NRA that the Obama administration uses the race card "to stifle honest debate."
Sen. Murkowski bakes âAlaska-sizedâ gingerbread-man
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) celebrated the holidays by baking a gingerbread man worthy of the largest state in the country.
“My sons Nic & Matt showing off our #Alaska sized gingerbread man,†she tweeted on Friday. “Merry Eve of #Christmas Eve Alaskans!â€
Iowa evangelical leader denies asking for cash in exchange for Santorum endorsement
A prominent evangelical organization in Iowa on Thursday denied that its president's endorsement of Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum was provided in exchange for money, but the controversy is already threatening to undermine what had been the Pennsylvania senator's biggest campaign moment to date.
The Family Leader, a leading conservative organization in the race, flatly denied that President Bob Vander Plaats had solicited money in exchange for his endorsement. The group itself opted not to endorse a candidate earlier this week, although Vander Plaats offered his personal nod to Santorum.
"The allegation by an unnamed source that Bob Vander Plaats asked any campaigns for money in exchange for his endorsement is absolutely false," the organization said in a statement.
Obama says own worst trait is 'laziness'
President Obama said that his worst personality trait was "laziness," the byproduct of a youth on the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii, in an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters set to air Friday.
"Deep down underneath all the work I do, I think there's a laziness in me," Obama said, according to an interview excerpt obtained by the National Journal. "It's probably from growing up in Hawaii, and it's sunny outside. Sitting on the beach."
The president heads back to Hawaii on Friday after having successfully negotiated a temporary extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits. He will spend the Christmas holiday in Oahu with his family.
Paul denies he knew of controversial ad carrying his signature
Ron Paul's campaign denied Friday that the candidate had any knowledge of a newsletter advertisement carrying his signature that warned of a looming "race war in our big cities" and a "federal-homosexual cover-up" of the AIDS crisis.
"Dr. Paul did not write that mail piece and disavows its content,†spokesman Jesse Benton said in an email to Talking Points Memo.
Benton also emphasized that comments by Paul's Iowa chairman, Drew Ivers, were not the official position of the campaign. I! vers told Reuters that Paul took responsibility for the content being published under his name, even if he did not "embrace" the entirety of the content.
Ron Paul should apologize for racist newsletter comments, Rick Perry should apologize for ...
Regarding Ron Paul and the racist comments that appeared in the Ron Paul newsletter, I do not believe that Paul has a racist bone in his body, but I do believe he should apologize for what was written in a newsletter bearing his name and advancing his interests.
I believe that every word Ron Paul has said about this matter is true but he should apologize for what happened. Ron Paul believes at the core of his philosophy in accountability and taking personal responsibility. It is not enough for Paul to only say he did not write, read or know what was written in a newsletter bearing his name and that he did take the time to find out, and remove, whoever wrote those racist words in the Ron Paul newsletter.
Time has come for America to reconsider its position on the ICC
In the run-up to the debate in the Dutch Senate about the ban on ritual slaughter several American Congressmen published a letter in the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, calling on the Dutch Parliament to reject an initiative bill banning ritual slaughter in the Netherlands, proposed by Marianne Thieme, member of the House of Representatives for the animal rights party. They argued that the Netherlands would breach international agreements, should Parliament adopt the bill. Notwithstanding the fact that a debate on this issue has to be held, the United States of America themselves ought to take their international responsibility by ratifying the 1998 Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Over the past year, the International Criminal Court has gained credibility. In a relatively short period of time, the UN Security Council managed to adopt far-reaching resolutions with regard to Libya and Ivory Coast. Resolutions 1973 and 1975 provided the inter! national community with "all necessary means" to protect civilians against increasing violence. Moreover, in both cases the Security Council asked the International Criminal Court to investigate into reported acts of violence.
Given this development it is all the more embarrassing that a country such as the United States of America undermines the credibility of resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council, by not recognising the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Walking off the cliff
Ouch. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has a hideous job on any day, trying to keep his fractured conference together, but yesterday was one for the history books. In conceding on the payroll tax extension package the Senate had passed and his conference had opposed all week, Boehner made clear he had fought for fighting's sake, and that doing the right thing isn't always easy â€" which he reiterated several times. But it was clear he knew his conference has reached the point of diminishing returns with their lonely, losing payroll tax cut battle.

There are indications that tensions arose between House GOP leaders over this fight, and that Boehner should have known last Friday, when the two-month payroll tax cut extension was first introduced behind closed doors, that it would present problems for his conservative members. Yet Boehner allowed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), with whom he works quite closely and has known for many years, to believe t! hat passing a bipartisan bill and leaving town was fine. He was bucked by his members on Saturday, then chose to stick by them as they walked off a political cliff.
Romney to Gingrich: Wait until Obama team 'turns up the heat'
Mitt Romney responded to his rival's complaints over negative ads, telling Gingrich that Obama's attacks would be much tougher.
Former President George H.W. Bush backs Romney
Bush called Romney “the best choice†for the GOP and admitted he was not the "biggest advocate" for Newt Gingrich.
Gingrich denounces attack ads in 'tele-townhall' with Iowa voters
Newt Gingrich held a "tele-townhall" with around Iowa voters Thursday night as the former House Speaker attempted to battle back against a spate of negative attack ads airing against him in early voting states.
“I saw an article that said there have been so many negative mailings and so many negative hit pieces and so much negative ads, we just decided that between now and the Iowa caucuses, we would be available so we can tell the truth and make sure you understand the facts rather than the political attacks,†Gingrich said.
“I feel badly about having to have this kind of a phone call just to dispel negative things, as all of you know, I’ve tried very hard to campaign on a positive basis,†he added. “I’m going to continue my campaign on a positive basis but I’m regularly going to do these kinds of calls so people can ask any question they want to.â€
Rep. West: Payroll tax extension deal 'a sad day for America'
It was unclear whether he would object to the deal, which leadership hopes to pass under a unanimous consent procedure.
Former President H.W. Bush backs Romney
Bush called Romney “the best choice†for the GOP and admitted he was not the "biggest advocate" for Newt Gingrich.
GOP senator says Republicans need to resolve payroll tax fight and 'move on'
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Wednesday that Republicans are losing the public relations battle over a payroll tax cut extension.
Bachmann: Reid 'threw a grenade over to the House' in payroll tax fight
Rep. Bachmann said the Senate bill was a "gimmick" and blamed Democrats for not approving a year-long payroll tax cut.Â
âªGOP Sen. Brown slams House for 'playing politics' with tax voteâ¬
"Their actions will hurt American families," the Republican senator said of the House move to reject the Senate's payroll bill.
Schumer predicts GOP will fold in payroll fight
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Tuesday said Democrats should wait out House Republicans over the payroll tax cut extension.Â
Dem leader Durbin: No chance Senate can name payroll negotiators by deadline
“It takes days for us to set up a conference committee," Durbin said. "We can’t do this before Jan. 1.â€
McCain calls Biden's comments on Taliban an 'insult' to the military
Sen. John McCain on Tuesday slammed Vice President Joe Biden for saying that "the Taliban per se is not our enemy."
Regulatory bid-rigging will cost medical patients
The CMS has not done what Congress legislated it to do, and without correction, the result will be reduced patient access to prescribed medical supplies for home use, worsened patient outcomes and increased medical costs.
Nothing to hide, everything to fear
With passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, we look away again as Congress exposes Americans to the specter of prison without charge or trial and smothers that basic right of free citizens to invoke the law against their government.
Altering how the Internet works but not understanding it
Those who understand how the Internet works watched in horror last week as those who don’t debated how to regulate it at a mark up of the Stop Online Piracy Act. The House Judiciary committee is now poised to approve H.R. 3261.Â
GOP freshman: House caved to Dems again, gave gift of uncertainty
The deal struck between Republican House leaders and Senate Democrats to extend the payroll tax holiday for two months did not fill Rep. Time Huelskamp (R-Kansas) with holiday cheer.
"Washington wrapped and put under the tree a gift of more uncertainty for America," Huelskamp said in a statement. "Even though there is plenty of evidence this is a bad deal for America - especially our small business owners - the House has caved yet again to the President and Senate Democrats."
Romney: Obama's 'attack mode' can't resolve payroll tax fight
Mitt Romney on Wednesday blamed President Obama for not bringing both sides together to resolve the ongoing standoff over the payroll tax cut extension.Â
"This president has been intent on attacking and attack mode is not the way that a leader tries to get people to work together," Romney said on MSNBC.Â
John Boehner imitates Vladimir Putin
When House Republicans turned off C-SPAN cameras to prevent Democrats being seen championing the payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans, it was a pathetic GOP confession of humiliation and defeat. This is how Vladimir Putins runs Russia. This is not the way we do business in the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Mr. President: Why the change?
“This Congress cannot and should not leave for vacation until they have made sure that tax increase doesn’t happen.  Let me repeat that:  Congress should not and cannot go on vacation before they have made sure that working families aren’t seeing their taxes go up by $1,000 … I expect all of us to do what’s necessary to do the people’s business, and make sure it’s done before the end of the year.â€
These aren’t my words. They were spoken urgently by President Obama little more than a week ago.
He’s not alone. Both Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi have recently insisted on a one-year extension of the federal payroll tax holiday. On the Senate floor November 28th, Reid called for passage of a one year extension saying, “We need to assure those families that they can rely on that [payroll] tax cut next year as well.† On the House floor December 7th, Pelosi supported the President’s one-year e! xtension declaring, “We can’t go home without the payroll tax cut …â€
House Republicans agree.Â
Romney says Gingrich needs to take 'the heat' of negative ads
Mitt Romney responded to GOP rival Newt Gingrich's complaints over negative ads on Wednesday, saying: If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
"This is politics, and if you can't stand the heat in this little kitchen, wait unti the Obama Hell's Kitchen turns up the heat," Romney said on "Fox & Friends."
Pair of House Republicans say GOP should pass two-month payroll extension
A pair of House Republicans are calling on the GOP leadership to pass the two-month payroll tax cut extension approved earlier this month by the Senate.
The statements by two freshmen congressmen â€" Reps. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin and Rick Crawford of Arkansas â€" signal cracks in the Republican ranks under mounting political pressure to pass the extension. Republicans in the House have refused to bring the two-month proposal up for a vote, insisting that the Senate return to compromise a year-long package.
Crawford â€" who Wednesday issued a statement extolling the need for a year-long deal â€" wrote a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) Thursday admonishing leadership's "all or nothing attitude."
Time for the power sector to get to work
The word on the street is the recession is behind us, but times are still tough. The economy is stagnant and businesses of all sizes are still trying to weather the economic storm that forced many to close their doors and left countless workers unemployed.Â
For these reasons, every other word out of politicians’ mouths is “jobs,†and how we can protect them and create more. Unfortunately, the rhetoric has reached a fever pitch and “job killing†labels are put on everything from tax cuts to sensible standards that protect our communities and us.
This has happened with new standards announced Dec. 21 that would protect Americans from breathing mercury, lead, arsenic, and acid gases from outdated power plants. Twenty years in the making, these new standards are finally moving into the implementation phase, though there will likely be pushback from some claiming they’ll stifle job growth. That opposition is misguided. In fact, the new rules will cr! eate jobs and are supported by Americans and business ownersâ€"also known as job creatorsâ€"across the political spectrum.
TV station blackouts, less local TV news call into question FCC rules
As the year winds down, TV viewers across the nation are in danger of losing their local broadcast stations thanks to disputes over retransmission consent fees. These are the fees that cable and satellite companies pay to local stations to carry the stations’ signals on their systems. In recent years, as the negotiations have become increasingly combative, viewers have faced blackouts, or threatened blackouts of those local stations.
A âNew STARTâ for arms control
One year ago today, I watched from the Senate Gallery as Senators from both sides of the aisle gave their advice and consent to the New START Treaty. This great bipartisan effort is paying big dividends now in strengthening U.S. national security.Â
The New START Treaty entered into force on February 5th of this year and immediately entered implementation. It is going very well. The process has been pragmatic, business-like, and productive â€" a continuation of the working relationship we established with our Russian colleagues during the negotiations in Geneva.
McCain praises WSJ editorial blasting GOP on payroll tax
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said a scathing Wall Street Journal editorial arguing that House Republicans were losing the public relations battle and should move quickly to extend the payroll tax holiday was "right on the mark."
"WSJ is right on the mark here," McCain tweeted. He included a link to the editorial in his tweet.Â
Gingrich: Goal to place 'in top three or four' in Iowa
Newt Gingrich met with Virginia Republicans â€" including Gov. Bob McDonnell â€" in Richmond on Thursday, saying that his goal was to place in the top four in the coming Iowa caucuses.
The expectation-managing comments represent a departure from the gusto Gingrich displayed earlier this month, when he told ABC News that "it's very hard not to look at the recent polls and think the odds are very high I'm going to be the nominee."
Since then, a series of attack ads launched by the campaigns and affiliated political action committees of Gingrich's main challengers â€" Mitt Romney, Ron Paul and Rick Perry â€" have battered Gingrich's poll numbers. A spate of polls released this week have Gingrich now polling third in the Hawkeye State.