After months of a two-steps-forward, one-step-back campaign, Romney needed to take a flying leap in Wednesday’s debate, before crucial contests next week that will determine whether he remains the front-runner for the Republican nomination.

National Journal fact-checks the four GOP presidential hopefuls in the 20th debate held in Mesa, Ariz.

Editor

When Georgetown Law student Sandra Fluke was denied the opportunity to testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last week, outraged Democrats and activists cried that the women’s voice has been silenced on an issue that pertains to women’s health. But the conversation is far from over.

National Journal staffers are live-tweeting this evening's debate in Arizona. Follow their tweets below.

President Obama is reaping political benefits from the country’s improved  economic picture, according to a poll published on Wednesday by the Associated Press. The AP/GfK poll shows that Republicans and Democrats alike are increasingly saying the nation is heading in the right direction, and that most independents now approve of the way Obama is addressing the post-recession period.

TUCSON, Ariz. – Rick Santorum, making rare remarks on immigration before an audience of tea party supporters here, pledged to secure the border and suggested he would be willing to break up families if some members are in America illegally.