Michael Catalini

Michael Catalini

Politics Writer

Michael Catalini is a staff writer covering politics. Previously at National Journal, he was deputy editor of Influence Alley, covering Congress and K Street. Before joining National Journal he spent nearly five years at the The Baltimore Sun, overseeing coverage of the Baltimore Ravens. While at The Sun, he also pioneered the use of live-streaming video, organized and edited online content and wrote breaking and feature news. He graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has a master's degree in government from Johns Hopkins.

Michael Catalini's Latest Posts

Wait About Two Months, Then Check the President's Approval Rating

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President Obama's approval rating in several recently released polls suggests that the three controversies his administration is navigating have not begun to sting him. Read More »

Why Oklahoma's Two Republican Senators Are Leery of Unfunded Tornado Relief

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Oklahoma voters aren't likely to be upset about their senators' fiscal conservatism. Read More »

Republicans Are Watching Their Rhetoric on Obama Scandals

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It's more likely to hear Nixon comparisons from Bob Woodward or Bob Schieffer than GOP leaders. Read More »

Explaining the Connection Between Obama's Health Care Law and the IRS

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The agency will play a big role in implementing ObamaCare, a point Republicans are amplifying. Read More »

Tea Party Victims Detail Intimidation, Claim Vindication

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The tax collector's actions confirm the worst fears of conservatives. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: How Damaging Is the IRS Controversy to Obama?

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Most Republicans and half of Democrats say the issue will haunt the president. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Will the Benghazi Controversy Hurt a Possible Presidential Run by Hillary Clinton?

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Says one Republican, "The 3 a.m. call came, and she was sleeping. Not a stellar example of leadership." Read More »

4 Political Takeaways from the IRS Inspector General's Report

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Report paints a culture of incompetence within the tax-collecting agency. Read More »

What’s the Case for the Justice Department Seizing the AP’s Records?

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Eric Holder’s former top spokesman argues the Attorney General wants to crack down on leakers—but not journalists. Read More »

A Guide to the IRS Scandal—What Happened and When Did It Happen?

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At least one official at the IRS knew in 2011 about the efforts to single out conservative groups who applied for tax-exempt status. White House counsel knew about the IRS story during the week of April 22, more than two weeks befor...

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Hillary Clinton's Allies Come to Her Rescue Over Benghazi

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Paul Begala says Republican critics are wearing 'tin foil hats'. Ann Lewis blames the right-wing.  Welcome to the 1990s. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Will the Senate Immigration Bill Get 70 Votes?

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Republicans say it won't, while Democrats are more divided. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Which Senator Is Most Likely to Change His or Her Vote on Background-Check Legislation?

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Democrats look to Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H. Read More »

Senate Democrats Starting On The Defensive

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Facing a difficult landscape in 2014, Democrats having trouble recruiting for Republican-held seats. Read More »

Who's More Conservative, Ted Cruz or Rand Paul?

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They vote alike more often than not, but there are differences between the possible 2016 contenders. Read More »

Why Conservatives Are Divided on Immigration Reform

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You could be excused for thinking it’s the world vs. Jim DeMint and the Heritage Foundation when it comes to immigration reform. Read More »

5 Reasons Not To Take Joe Biden's Presidential Ambitions Seriously

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Even though Biden's acting like a 2016 contender, with a weekend visit to South Carolina, don't buy the buzz.  Read More »

Political Barriers Stand Between Obama and Closing Guantanamo Facility

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Little has changed politically since the last time Congress rebuffed the president. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: What Are the Chances Congress Will Pass a Major Tax-Reform Bill?

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A majority of Insiders say prospects are poor. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: What Impact Will the Boston Bombings Have on Immigration Reform?

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Neither party’s Insiders expect much of an effect. Read More »

Is Canadian-Born Ted Cruz Eligible to Run for President?

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His mom was American, so that makes him a citizen by birth, the Texas Republican argues. Read More »

5 Things You Need to Know About Gabriel Gomez

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The former Navy SEAL has a compelling biography, but no political experience. Read More »

Virginia Governor's Race Overshadowed By Scandal

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Ken Cuccinelli and Terry McAuliffe's ties to controversial companies have become fodder for attacks. Read More »

Explaining the GOP Split Over Repealing Obamacare

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Cantor's approach blew up this week. Conservatives who want repeal might have the upper hand politically -- over Democrats, too. Read More »

5 Ways the Boston Bombings Altered the Political Debate

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From immigration to drones, the attacks had an impact on the presidential agenda. Read More »

The 8 Senators Who Hold Immigration Reform in the Balance

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A look at the positioning of key conservative senators and how the legislation is faring with the GOP base. Read More »

Insiders From Both Parties Embracing 'Gang of Eight' Immigration Bill

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Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Should John Boehner Allow Immigration Legislation to Go Through the Committees?

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Insiders from both parties see regular order as the smart move.  Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Will the Gang of Eight’s Immigration-Reform Proposal Help Your Party?

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Democratic and Republican Insiders have high hopes, but for different reasons.  Read More »

5 Roadblocks to Immigration Reform

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Even with bipartisan support in the Senate, immigration reform could stumble on its way through Congress. Read More »

Insiders: Rocky, Johnson Retirements Viewed As Most Damaging

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Read More »

5 House Republicans to Watch in the Gun-Control Debate

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To get legislation passed, President Obama needs to win over the conservative members in competitive districts. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Which Senate Seats Are Likeliest to Flip?

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Insiders say those of Democrats Tim Johnson and Jay Rockefeller are the most vulnerable. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Is It Politically Advantageous for Obama to Cut Medicare and Social Security?

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Insiders from both parties say it is, though more Democrats are skeptical.  Read More »

Dem Insiders See Pryor As Most Vulnerable

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Why Isn't Joe Biden Giving Some Salary Back?

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President Obama did it. Some Cabinet secretaries and members of Congress have pledged to do it, too. But Vice President Joe Biden has not yet publicly pledged to return some of his government salary in solidarity with sequester...

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POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Which Senate Incumbents Are Most Vulnerable?

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Democratic Insiders say it's Mark Pryor or Kay Hagan, while Republicans point to Hagan by a wide margin. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Poll: Even Democrats Say the NRA Is Beating the White House on the Gun Debate

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Insiders from both parties see Obama struggling on the issue. Read More »

Obama's 3 Biggest Political Problems

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The struggling economy, a belligerent North Korea, and implementing health care reform could make for a long 2013. Read More »

5 Controversial Measures From GOP Legislatures and Why They Matter

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Democrats plan to take advantage of controversial laws in the states to attack Republicans. Read More »

The 7 Senate Democratic Holdouts on Gay Marriage

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Don't expect the remaining same-sex-marriage opponents to flip. Read More »

There Are Now Only 7 Senate Democrats Opposing Gay Marriage

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Sen. Tom Carper of Delaware endorsed gay marriage this morning on Facebook, bringing to seven the number of Democratic senators who have yet to publicly support the issue.  Read More »

The Politically Incorrect Caucus: 6 Controversy-Prone House Members

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Rep. Don Young's ethnically charged reference to Hispanic ranch workers as "wetbacks" on an Alaska radio program reminded us of other controversial members of the 113th Congress. Read More »

To Hold Senate Majority, Democrats Target the Most Conservative States in the Country

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With races concentrated in Republican states, party officials are aggressively courting  moderate candidates. Read More »

Ashley Judd Is Out, but McConnell Still Needs to Worry

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The actress announced she won’t be running in 2014 against the Senate minority leader. Read More »

How Booze Could Save a Political Career

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It’s too early for Republicans to pop the bubbly in Pennsylvania. But it might be time to put the champagne on ice. Read More »

What Does It Mean to Be Conservative, Anyway?

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Backing the Ryan budget might not be enough to prove your cred. Read More »

Insiders Agree Dems Will Nominate Clinton in 2016

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Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Insiders Agree Democrats Will Nominate Clinton in 2016

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Repulicans are torn between Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush. Read More »

Rick Perry: The Presidential Candidate Ahead of His Time

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The Texas governor ran an awful campaign in 2012.  But his platform is now belatedly being embraced by party leaders. Read More »

Why Are Republicans Raising Money for a Scandal-Plagued Congressman?

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In Tennessee, Rep. Scott DesJarlais is a pariah. In D.C., he's being feted at fundraisers. Read More »

No Joke: Al Franken Is Getting Campaign Help From Conan O'Brien

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Facing a competitive Senate reelection in a year, the comedian-turned-senator is turning to a celebrity friend to help raise money for his 2014 campaign bid.  Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Republican Insiders Doubt a Grand Bargain Will Be Reached

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But then again, so do Democrats. Plus: Neither party expects to gain much much politically from the upcoming budget process. Read More »

Congressman Hosts Fundraiser for Scandal-Plagued Colleague, But Won't Show Up

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Even though he's hosting a fundraiser next week for the campaign of scandal-plagued Rep. Scott DesJarlais of Tennessee, Rep. John Kline of Minnesota is distancing himself from the event, with a spokesman claiming he never planned to...

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Why the GOP Won't Be Run Out of New England

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At a time when the party is on the decline in the Northeast and in disarray in Maine, Sen. Susan Collins is well positioned to win a fourth term. Read More »

Ashley Judd Is Making Kentucky Democrats Nervous

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The honeymoon is already over for Ashley Judd. Read More »

Insiders Weigh in On Hispanics and the GOP

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National Journal 's Political Insiders panel lacks confidence Congress and the president will reverse the sequestration spending cuts that took effect on March 1, this week's Insiders Poll shows. Meanwhile, Republicans believe th...

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POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Will a Bargain Be Struck to Reverse the Sequestration Cuts?

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In Washington, all financial skirmishes lead to the same place. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Which Party Really Owns the Sequester?

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Neither party's Insiders think they’ll face strong pressure to undo it. And Democrats are more bullish than Republicans on the tea party's role as political asset. Read More »

Obama's Political Gamble on Sequestration Is Backfiring

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Why President Obama's political gamble on sequestration could go bust. Read More »

Why Republicans Are Worried About the Party's Civil War in Virginia

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Nationally, Republicans are engaged in a battle to recast their image, worried that the party faces long-term problems unless they retool their message to appeal to a wider swath of voters. But in Virginia, the party’s worst fears...

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It's Not Just the Penn State Scandal That's Hurting Pennsylvania's Governor

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With few allies on either side of the aisle, Tom Corbett is one of the most vulnerable Republicans up for reelection. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Republicans Say They Have Almost Even Odds of Taking Control of the Senate

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How likely are the Democrats to take over the House in 2014? Political Insiders weigh in. Read More »

The Latest Signs Ashley Judd Is Preparing Run Against Mitch McConnell

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Reports say it will be Derby Day before actress Ashley Judd decides whether she'll challenge Kentucky's longest-serving senator, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, in the Bluegrass State in 2014.  Read More »

Who Is Mitch McConnell's Mystery Tea-Party Rival?

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It was only weeks ago when tea-party hero Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said he wasn't aware of any challenge from the right to his senior colleague, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. Read More »

Drink It Up: Rubio's Response Earns a 'B' From GOP Insiders

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There's been a low bar for the opposition response to the State of the Union in recent years. By that standard, Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla., got a passing grade from both Democratic and Republican strategists in the latest National ...

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Insiders Grade Obama on State of the Union

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National Journal 's Political Insiders of different parties had drastically different views of President Obama 's State of the Union address. Asked to grade his performance, nearly all of the Democratic Insiders put him in the ...

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Why Walmart Moms Are Skeptical About Obama's Agenda

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Sorry, Washington, the Walmart moms aren't buying what you're selling. Read More »

New NRCC Chairman, House Republicans Hope to Lead Party Rehab

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House Republicans have a conflict of interest. What worked for them in 2012, when the GOP conference comfortably retained its majority, saw the party's presidential nominee and a slew of Senate candidates crash to a disappointing...

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POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

GOP Insiders Give Obama's State of the Union a Solid C

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Democratic Insiders give Sen. Marco Rubio's response Tuesday night the same grade. Read More »

Cliffs Notes on Obama's 2013 State of the Union Address

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The first State of the Union address since President Obama's second inauguration focused overwhelmingly on domestic policy. He devoted roughly one paragraph each to Afghanistan, North Korea--which reportedly tested a nuclear weapon ...

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Why Rand Paul Is Marco Rubio's Biggest Political Threat

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Paul is acting like he’s already preparing a future presidential campaign, courting activists from early-primary states, smoothing out his positions on foreign policy, and delivering a high-profile national address, competing agai...

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In Ted Nugent's Words: It's Him Against Obama at the State of the Union

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The pro-gun, anti-Obama rocker will be the guest of Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas. Read More »

Stephen Colbert Gets Cozy With Democrats

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Stephen Colbert may be a comedian, but he's increasingly willing to act like a partisan Democrat. Read More »

Dem Insiders Think Sequester Will Hurt GOP

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Political Insiders are split over which party would be hurt if the automatic budget cuts that President Obama and Congress agreed to, go into effect. If the sequester is allowed to go into effect, will it hurt ...

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Insiders Rate Jobs, Immigration, Deficit As Top Priorities

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Despite the storied paralysis in Washington, Democratic and Republican Insiders came to a rare moment of consensus this week on what priorities should top their parties' agendas this year. What two issues should ...

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Why Governors Could Teach Washington a Lesson

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Despite the inactivity in the nation’s capital, states are taking the lead in passing consequential legislation that could end up impacting the debate in Washington.  Read More »

New Poll Shows Hillary Clinton, Marco Rubio More Popular Than Obama

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Hillary Rodham Clinton is the most popular American politician, while John Boehner is the least, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Topping Insiders' Priority Lists: Immigration, Jobs, and Deficit Reduction

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Plus: Political Insiders speculate on which party will be blamed if the sequester takes effect. Read More »

Obama and Democrats Kiss and Make Up

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A president criticized for not showing his party enough love is now hitting the fundraising circuit. Read More »

Why Republicans Are Getting Antsy Over Ashley Judd

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Actress Ashley Judd hasn't declared if she'll challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell in next year’s Kentucky Senate race. But from the way Republicans are acting, they sound a little bit jumpy about the prospect of her c...

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The 4 Political Realities Over the Budget-Cut Debate

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The president wants to replace the automatic cuts, but he may not get what he wants. Read More »

The GOP's Senate Fight Is About Personality, Not Ideology

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All of the weak Republican nominees are known as much for their confrontation as their conservatism. Read More »

Louisiana, the Super Bowl of Politics

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New Orleans was the center of the football world Sunday night, hosting its first Super Bowl since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city.  But it also provided a platform for a series of ambitious Louisiana politicians — Gov. ...

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Insiders Diagnose the GOP's Woes

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There was no shortage of opinions among National Journal 's Political Insiders about what was ailing the Republican Party after losses in last year's elections, although Insiders of different stripes tended to have different takes....

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Insiders Optimistic About Immigration Reform

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Cautious optimism: That's the best way to describe how both Democratic and Republican Political Insiders feel about the chances of comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship, passing Congress this year. ...

Read More »

Joe Manchin in the Middle

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The West Virginia Democrat is a moderate, which means it's hard to pin him down on hot-button issues. Read More »
POLITICAL INSIDERS POLL

Insiders: Immigration Reform Likely to Pass Congress

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They’re divided over what the Republican Party needs to do to improve its standing.  Read More »

How the Keystone XL Pipeline Could Predict the Next Senate

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His positioning on the Keystone pipeline suggests he's not so attuned to 2014 politics. Read More »

How a Florida Doctor and Dominican Prostitutes Could Damage New Jersey Senator's Standing

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Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., finds himself facing embarrassing questions after FBI agents raided the home of a South Florida eye doctor who is a frequent campaign contributor to Menendez and other politicians. Read More »
IMMIGRATION

Why Tackling Immigration Reform Won't Close the Rift Between the GOP and Hispanics

By Michael Catalini
Hispanic resistance to Republicans is rooted in the GOP’s skeptical view of government. Read More »

Why Ashley Judd's Breakup Is Bad News for Mitch McConnell

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Actress Ashley Judd and Indy Car driver Dario Franchitti are ending their marriage after 11 years, and, yes, it affects Mitch McConnell. Read More »

Why Immigration Reform Won't Cure the GOP's Struggles with Hispanics

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Hispanic resistance to Republicans isn't just about immigration —  it's rooted in the GOP’s skeptical view of government. Read More »

Mia Love Wants the GOP to 'End Slavery from the Federal Government'

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Mia Love, the Republican mayor of Sarasota Springs, Utah, wowed conservatives in Tampa at the Republican National Convention this summer. After a failed fall campaign that resulted in losing a congressional race to Democratic Rep. J...

Read More »

GOP Senator: We Are the Party of the 47 Percent

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Freshman Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas on Saturday chided the GOP over its 2012 electoral losses, saying "Republicans are and should be the party of the 47 percent," a clear allusion to the remarks caught on video by presidentia...

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Worried GOP? Paul Ryan Has a Plan

By Rebecca Kaplan and Michael Catalini
Paul Ryan urges party unity in speech at National Review Institute summit. Read More »

3 Pieces of Advice from a Freshman Republican to the GOP

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Freshman Republican Rep. Tom Cotton of Arkansas sat for a Q&A in a room full of conservatives at the National Review Institute summit in Washington on Friday. When he finished speaking there was boisterous applause, and one woma...

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The Tea Party Takes Out Another GOP Senator

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The Tea Party gets its latest scalp: Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss. Read More »

How Control of the Senate Could Lie in One Freshman's Decision

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At a time when Republicans are searching for a strategy after the defeats of 2012, a rising star is poised to help the party achieve at least one of its goals--winning back the Senate. Freshman Rep. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, an Iraq w...

Read More »

Will Biden, Ryan Cash in on Washington Experience in 2016?

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Vice President Joe Biden and Paul Ryan share one glaring similarity that could make or break them in 2016 – they are leveraging their insider status to play a significant role in the future of their parties. Read More »

Red-State Democrats' Reelection Playbook

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President Obama won't have to go before voters again, but a handful of Democratic senators from conservative states will, and the president's agenda, newly stamped with a liberal imprimatur at the inauguration, could prove tricky fo...

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Politics Doesn't Stop on Inauguration Day

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It's tradition for officials to put politics aside. Tradition, but not reality. Read More »

Bloomberg Pushes Gun Control by Not Pushing Gun Control

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New York's mayor might be the face of a gun-control group and the chief financier of a similarly focused PAC, but don't expect ads targeting lawmakers to focus exclusively on guns. Read More »

5 Senators to Watch During Gun-Control Debate

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The biggest key to getting any legislation passed is persuading a handful of the Democratic senators from conservative states, with sterling NRA ratings, to break with the gun lobby and cast their fortunes with the White House. ...

Read More »

Joe Biden: Obama's Mr. Fix-It

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Vice President Joe Biden isn't getting much political credit for his legislative work on the president's behalf. Read More »

Why Gun Control Is a Tough Sell for Obama

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Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel returned to Washington today to make the case for the White House’s ambitious gun control agenda.  Instead, Obama’s former chief of staff and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairma...

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Democrats Looking for a Few Good Women to Run for President

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The paradox facing the Democratic Party is that even though women constituted a critical part of President Obama's  winning coalition in November , the slate of possible presidential andidates for 2016 is predominantly male. Read More »

Gun Control: Cuomo's 2016 Presidential Play

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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's newfound gun control activism is heightening speculation that he's already preparing for a presidential campaign in 2016. Read More »

Are Republicans Scared of Al Franken?

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Republicans are facing the reality that Franken is proving to be a much more resilient opponent than expected, and his uncontroversial first term is raising doubts about whether Republicans can even recruit a first-tier candidate a...

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Christie Tepid Toward Obama's Gun-Control Proposals

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie doesn't sound like he'll be supporting President Obama's gun-control proposals. Read More »
POLITICS

The Calculated Bipartisanship of Chris Christie

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's bashing of House Republicans may be good theater, but it's also in recognition that he's up for reelection in November. Read More »
POLITICS

Don't Bet on Barney Frank for Senate

By
Don't bet on Barney Frank making a mark in the Senate, even if he is appointed. Read More »
POLITICS

Why Mitch McConnell Is Safe From Tea Party Opposition

By
McConnell's tireless work protecting his conservative flank back home played an underappreciated role in allowing him to cut a fiscal-cliff compromise with Vice President Joe Biden that has earned him sharp criticism from the Right. Read More »
CONGRESS

House Passes Fiscal Cliff Deal

By , Ben Terris and
The House voted Tuesday night 257 to 167 to pass legislation that prevents tax rates from rising on households making under $450,000 and delays for two months scheduled across-the-board spending cuts that would have started Wednesd...

Read More »
POWER

How John Boehner Finally Got the Fiscal Cliff Deal to Obama

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A last-ditch deal to spare Americans from big tax increases in the new year that seemed in danger of falling apart earlier today has a renewed chance to make it to the president's desk. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House GOP Told to Stick Around For Rest of New Year's Eve

By and Billy House
House Republicans emerged Monday night from a closed-door meeting with Speaker John Boehner , saying they’d been given no details of the potential deal, but were told not to stray far from the Capitol for the rest of New Yea...

Read More »
POWER

What's the Mood Inside the Capitol?

By
It’s New Year’s Eve, the countdown to the fiscal cliff is on, and the message from lawmakers is a collective "Let’s see what happens." Read More »

Fiscal Deal Would Only Set Stage For a New Year of Mini-Cliffs

By
In the coming days, the Democrats will bill the deal as a historic win for the party by saying it broke the Republicans' no-new-tax orthodoxy. That is true, but the small-scale deal poses its own problems over the long run for the...

Read More »
POWER

Markey to Run for Kerry's Senate Seat

By
Democratic Rep.  Edward Markey  of Massachusetts will be running for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen.  John Kerry , whom President Obama tapped to be secretary of State,  The Boston Globe  is reporting...

Read More »

News Roundup: EPA Administrator Jackson Resigns

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EPA Administrator  Lisa Jackson  is stepping down,  The New York Times reports . Read More »
ANALYSIS

Why Boehner Needs House Democrats

By and
With the spectacular and very public failures of a Thursday night vote to let the Bush-era tax cuts expire for millionaires, House Speaker John Boehner now faces a certain truth: any fiscal cliff deal he cuts will rely on Democratic...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Boehner Broke the Hastert Rule, Says Hastert

By
House Speaker  John Boehner  trespassed on the Hastert Rule this week, says the man who ought to know.  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Boehner and Pelosi Take a Stroll in the Capitol

By
John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi had a short, informal meeting today in the corridors of the Capitol.  Read More »
CONGRESS

How Boehner's Plan B Vote Imploded

By
Plan B, the fiscal cliff tax proposal that would extend the Bush tax cuts on income for those who earn $1 million or less and that Boehner said earlier Thursday would pass, failed to win enough support in the Republican Conference. ...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Boehner Seen Whipping on House Floor

By
House Speaker  John Boehner  took to the floor Wednesday to chat with Republican lawmakers before today's Plan B,  The Washington Post  reports. Read More »
POWER

Here's What to Watch in Debate on GOP's Plan B

By
Welcome to the preview of the debate on the Plan B bill—or is that bills?— where the drama will unfold according to an unacknowledged script of party politics. Read More »

Rules Committee Bids Tim Scott a Warm Farewell

By
The Rules Committee is sending Senator-to-be  Tim Scott  out in style. Read More »
POWER

Boehner's Gamble: Will Plan B Make Getting a Cliff Deal Easier?

By
House Speaker  John Boehner  spoke confidently about the prospects of his Plan B bill, an answer to  President Obama 's latest fiscal cliff offer that would lower tax rates for people who earn $1 million or less after...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

GOP House Leaders Add Spending Cuts to Plan B

By and Billy House
Update:  The House Rules Committee is sending a  bill  that cuts spending to the floor, along with House Speaker  John Boehner 's Plan B. The closed rule and the bill, which Chairman  David Dreier  def...

Read More »

Dems Dodge Questions on Spending Cuts

By
President Obama’s latest fiscal cliff offer to support deeper spending cuts to popular government programs puts his Democratic allies on Capitol Hill in a tough spot on Tuesday and had them dodging questions about whether they cou...

Read More »

Boehner's Plan B Is a Message to Both Obama and the GOP

By Billy House
A "Plan B" offered by Speaker John Boehner that would avert year-end tax hikes for all Americans who make less than $1 million was on one level a warning to the White House to bend more in the fiscal-cliff negotiations. But it was a...

Read More »
CONGRESS

House GOP's Plan B Tax-Only Bill on Floor This Week

By
House Speaker John Boehner said the House would vote this week on a tax-only measure to keep rates low for most Americans. Congressional sources said the vote would likely be on Thursday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Why the NRA Is Keeping a Low Profile

By
After the shootings in Aurora, Colo., this year, the National Rifle Association’s spokesman issued a statement telling the family and friends of the victims that they were in the organization’s thoughts and prayers. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What Recent Fiscal Cliff Campaigns Are Really About

By
As House Speaker  John Boehner  and President  Obama   creep closer  to a deal to avert the fiscal cliff, political groups on the left and right are not missing a chance to score political points heading int...

Read More »
SENATE

Senator Daniel Inouye, 'One of the Giants of the Senate,' Leaves Long Legacy

By Billy House, and
Sen. Daniel Inouye, the Senate Appropriations chairman whose panoramic and compelling life story brought him from World War II hero to third in line in succession to the presidency, died on Monday. Read More »
PEOPLE

House Opens Monday with Prayer for Newtown Families

By
The House of Representatives started its work today, as it usually does, with a prayer. Today, though, House Chaplain the Rev.  Pat Conroy  asked God to bless the families of the victims of the Newtown, Conn., shooting.  Read More »

News Roundup: Boehner Puts Debt Ceiling on the Table

By
House Speaker  John Boehner  offered to put off a possible fight over raising the debt limit for a year,  The Washington Post  reports .  Read More »
POWER

Will Moderate House Dems Be Key to a Deal?

By
Moderate House Democrats say now could be their time to shine, our  National Journal Daily   colleagues report today .  Read More »

News Roundup: Majority Want Leaders to Compromise, Says New Poll

By
A new  NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll  shows that a wide majority of Americans want Congress and the White House to compromise over the fiscal cliff. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Pelosi Tells Boehner to 'Risk Something'

By
Not that he asked for it, but House Speaker  John Boehner  got some advice from Minority Leader  Nancy Pelosi  this week.  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

What's McConnell's Role in the Fiscal Cliff Drama?

By
Minority Leader  Mitch McConnell  might lead Senate Republicans, but if the fiscal cliff negotiations were a movie, he'd be cast as the best friend—not the lead actor.  Read More »
POWER

Who Watches the Congressional Watchdog? Congress

By
Add to the long list of year-end issues facing lawmakers the Office of Congressional Ethics, whose mandate expires come January. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Obama Winning Cliff PR Battle, According to New Poll

By
President Obama  has the wind at his back in the fiscal cliff negotiations. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: RSC's Scalise Under Fire

By
Rep.  Steve Scalise  of Louisiana, the new chairman of the Republican Study Committe, is coming under fire on the right,  Roll Call  reports .  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Biz Lobbyists Split Over Tax Rates

By
As House Speaker  John Boehner  and  President   Obama   wrangle over how to avoid  the fiscal cliff, the business lobbying community is showing signs of splintering over tax revenues. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Job Moves: Crawford Joins America Forward

By
Jeff Strunk , who most recently served as House Speaker  John Boehner 's deputy floor director, is joining  Forbes-Tate  as senior vice president, the firm announced today.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Biz Leaders to D.C.: It's Time to Compromise

By
An influential bloc of CEOs is telling Congress and the White House that they will have to stomach politically uncomfortable compromises to avoid falling from the fiscal cliff. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: 'Voter Disdain' Spreading as Cliff Gets Closer

By
"Voter disdain" is spreading as congressional leaders and the White House wrangle over the fiscal cliff, the  Associated Press reports .  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Status Update on the Obama-Boehner Standoff

By
President Obama spent Monday stumping in Michigan for higher taxes for the wealthy, and Republicans in Congress lamented there was still no "balanced approach" on offer from the White House.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Manufacturers Meeting With White House About Fiscal Cliff

By
Two of the manufacturing sector's top lobbyists are heading to the White House later this afternoon to warn the administration officials against raising taxes in a fiscal cliff deal. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Boyd Joins Story Partners

By
Trudi Boyd , who has served on the Hill as a chief of staff and communications director and was most recently the general manager  Allison + Partners 's D.C. office, is joining Story Partners, the firm announced today.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Delaney Adviser Feldman Launches Firm

By
Andrew Feldman , former political director for Rep.-elect  John Delaney , D-Md., is launching his own political and communications firm, he announced today. Read More »
INFLUENCE

DCCC Targets 35 House Republicans Over Discharge Petition

By
The new round of automated calls to constituents in 35 districts represented by Republicans is aimed at pressuring the lawmakers to sign on to a Democrat-backed  discharge petition  on a Senate-passed bill that extends the...

Read More »

The 35 and Under Power Set

By
Over the summer Influence Alley reached out to you, our loyal readers, for your picks of the top up-and-coming talent in town. The response was remarkable. And from your nominations and our reporting, we found a cross-section of Was...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Fiscal Cliff Talks Down to Just Obama and Boehner

By
At House Speaker John Boehner's request, the fiscal cliff talks now include only him and President Obama,  The New York Times  reports . Read More »
POWER

Thune in Line for Top Republican on Commerce

By
With Sen.  Jim DeMint of South Carolina resigning from the Senate , Sen.  John Thune  of South Dakota is next in line for the top Republican slot on the Commerce Committee. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Former Leaders Call for United Action on Cliff

By
Eleven former congressional leaders, including Dick Gephardt and Dennis Hastert, are calling on leaders to take united action on the fiscal cliff,  they write in  The Washington Post .   Read More »
INFLUENCE

Union Plans 'Candlelight' Messaging on Fiscal Cliff

By
Next week, the  AFL-CIO  is expecting hundreds of families to hold a "candlelight campaign" to urge lawmakers to keep entitlement programs intact and let tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans expire, the union announced today. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Biz Leaders Leave GOP Meeting Worried About Cliff Deal

By
A handful of small business owners left a meeting with senior House GOP leaders today unsettled about the prospects for a deal between the White House and lawmakers. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Will Boehner's Punishment Really Sting?

By
House GOP leadership stripped four conservative representatives of committee posts this week, leaving some on the Hill to wonder if House Speaker  John Boehner  might have fired a warning shot to members who could uns...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Business Groups Ask Obama to Intervene in Ports Labor Dispute

By
President Obama should intervene to end a labor dispute involving two of the nation's busiest ports, a group of 98 business and retail advocacy groups said in a letter today.  Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Armey Resigns from Tea Party Group

By
Former House Majority Leader  Dick Armey  resigned as chairman of the tea party group  FreedomWorks ,  Mother Jones  reports .  Read More »

Romney Campaign Staffer Baca Returns to DDC Advocacy

By
Joshua Baca , who was the national coalitions director for  Mitt Romney 's presidential campaign, will be returning to  DDC Advocacy . Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Congress Stays Steady With Low Honesty Rating

By
The percentage of Americans who rate Congress' honesty as very high is just 10 percent, according to a  new Gallup poll . The lowest honesty rating belongs to car salespeople, at 8 percent.  Read More »
PEOPLE

ABA Hires Noah, Promotes Seyfried and Davies

By and Erin Mershon
The  American Bankers Association  is hiring a former insurance advocacy group executive and promoting two lobbyists within the organization, the  Alley has learned. Read More »
PEOPLE

Dancing, Cartwheeling and '80s Rock at House Office Lottery

By
Well, we know this much about the incoming House members: Some of them have serious dance moves, others listen to Journey to get pumped up, and at least one of their aides can do a mean cartwheel. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Senate to Vote on Iran Sanctions

By
The Senate  is set to vote  today on sanctions that would hit Iranian shipping and its central bank.  Read More »

9 GOP Lawmakers and Rangel to Boehner: Preserve AMT 'Fix'

By
House Speaker  John Boehner  should make an extension of the Alternative Minimum Tax "fix" a top priority during fiscal cliff negotiations. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Today's Influence Ads: A Popular Appeal to Fix the Debt

By
Everyone knows it is time to fix the debt.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

National Restaurant Association Hires 2 Hill Staffers

By
Two former Hill aides are joining the  National Restaurant Association , the group said today.  Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Nabors, Geithner Headed to the Hill for Cliff Talks

By
White House legislative adviser  Rob Nabors  and Treasury Secretary  Tim Geithner  are meeting today with congressional leaders,  The Hill  reports . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House Dems Giving No Ground on Entitlement Reform

By
Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra on Wednesday said lawmakers should consider every option to solve the fiscal cliff only to backtack moments later by arguing against reforming Social Security or Medicare. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Union Leaders Blanket the Hill to Lobby on Taxes, Entitlements

By
About 200 union leaders from 33 states are coming to Washington today to lobby lawmakers on the fiscal cliff, calling on Congress to raise taxes on the rich and preserve entitlement programs.  Read More »
TAXES

Is the GOP Over Grover? Don’t Bet on It

By Katy O'Donnell and
Comments from Republicans signaling a willingness to break with Grover Norquist’s antitax pledge triggered a flood of headlines declaring that the “pledge is dead” and that “Grover is over.” The suggestion was the longtime...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Shopping from Work Today? You're Not Alone

By
If you're easing back into work after the long weekend with a little Cyber Monday shopping, the influential  National Retail Federation  wants you to know you're not alone.  Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Fiscal Cliff Talks in 'Low Gear'

By
Discussions over the fiscal cliff are stuck in "low gear" this week,  The Wall Street Journal  reports. Read More »
POWER

The Changing Shape of the Capitol Hill Trial Balloon

By
As lawmakers and their staffs  negotiate over the fiscal cliff , and details of those talks begin to seep out, keep in mind that the method of floating a trial balloon just ain't what it used to be. Read More »
INFLUENCE

How Does K St. View New Health Care Rules? That Depends.

By
The Obama administration's  recent move to fill in details of the health care law either raises concerns over affordability or helps allay them.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Labor Groups Target Senate Dems, House GOP in Cliff Ad Campaign

By
Three influential labor groups are airing TV and radio ads in five states to pressure lawmakers to tax the wealthy and keep entitlement and education spending intact. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Why Lobbyists, Lawmakers of Lincoln's Time Look Familiar

By
Steven Spielberg's  Lincoln , if you haven't already read  Jill Lawrence's review , features the 19th century forebears of contemporary K Street. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Baucus Wants Seat at Fiscal Cliff Table

By
Senate Finance Committee Chairman  Max Baucus  is pushing for a seat at the fiscal cliff negotiating table,  The Hill  reports . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

How Boehner Is Like Pelosi

By
You wouldn't ordinarily expect there to be too many similarities between House Speaker  John Boehner  and Minority Leader  Nancy Pelosi  them, but there is one significant one: Fundraising prowess. Reid Wilson lo...

Read More »
POWER

Portman Calls for Short-Term Tax Cut Extension

By
Sen.  Rob Portman  of Ohio today called for a short-term extension of the Bush-era tax cuts to buy time for Congress and the president to overhaul the tax code and avert part of the fiscal cliff.  Read More »

News Roundup: Gang of 8 Lowering Expectations

By
The Senate's Gang of Eight is dialing back expectations for a deficit resolution, The New York Times  reports .   Read More »
POWER

How a Temporary Fiscal Cliff Fix Could Get Messy

By
Our  National Journal Daily  colleagues today  explain how messy  a temporary fix to the so-called fiscal cliff could be.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Fiscal Cliff Buzz Muffles Medical Device Industry Message

By
Several dozen medical device industry execs swarmed the Hill on Thursday, but the buzz over the fiscal cliff might have drowned out their message. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Former IRS Official Joins Public Strategies Washington

By
Floyd Williams , the recently retired director of legislative affairs for the Internal Revenue Service, is joining  Public Strategies Washington , the firm announced today.  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Roskam Tapped to Continue as Chief Deputy Whip

By
Rep.  Peter Roskam  will continue as the House Republicans' chief deputy whip in the 113th Congress, Majority Whip  Kevin McCarthy  announced today. Read More »

News Roundup: Bennet Could Take Over DSCC

By
Sen.  Michael Bennet  of Colorado seems likely to take the chairmanship of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee,  Roll Call  reports . Read More »
INFLUENCE

AFL-CIO's Trumka Details 'Our Real Crisis'

By
The head of one of Washington's largest advocacy groups, the  AFL-CIO , seems to be wondering that, judging by a speech he is set to give today at the National Mediation Board Conference. Read More »
INFLUENCE

AARP Survey: Seniors Wary of Mixing Cliff, Entitlement Debate

By
Don't mix the debate over changes to entitlement programs with fiscal cliff negotiations in the lame duck.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Cybersecurity Act Faces Headwinds from K Street

By
Sure Majority Leader Harry Reid said cybersecurity would come up in the lame duck. But the legislation is not going anywhere in the Senate. Read More »
PEOPLE

The Absence of an Akaka: Quorum Calls Won't Be the Same

By
Sen.  Daniel Akaka  of Hawaii is leaving the Senate at the end of this term after more than two decades in the upper chamber. And the quorum call will never be the same again.  Read More »

News Roundup: Majority Think Washington Will Go Over Fiscal Cliff

By
Happy Wednesday,  Alley  readers. Here are the morning headlines. A majority of Americans think President Obama and Congress will go over the fiscal cliff,  according to a new poll .  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Today's Influence Ads: CEOs to D.C.: Avert the Cliff

By
Congress ignores the fiscal cliff at its own peril and has to act now.  Read More »

News Roundup: Jackson Jr. Investigation Now Includes Wife

By
The investigation into Rep.  Jesse Jackson Jr. 's possible misuse of campaign funds has expanded to include his wife,  The Wall Street Journal  reports . Read More »
PEOPLE

Rising House Sophomore's Advice to New Members

By
Congress returns to Washington today, and with it some  new members  of the 113th Congress' freshman class  who'll be in town for orientation.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Environmental Groups to D.C.: Voters Have Spoken

By
In case you missed  the election results , green groups are hammering home the message.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Medical Device Groups Planning Fly-In This Week

By
A few dozen CEOs from the medical device manufacturing world will be descending on Washington later this week to persuade lawmakers that the so-called device tax is toxic to their industry and should be repealed.  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

McMorris Rodgers vs. Price: Leadership Race a Study In Contrasts

By
House Republicans will pick  a new conference chairman  this week, and the outcome of the contest between Rep.  Cathy McMorris Rodgers  of Washington and Rep.  Tom Price  of Georgia could indicate ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Wiggins Launches Winn Strategies and Introducing Kountoupes | Denham

By
Former Assistant Homeland Security Secretary for Legislative Affairs  Chani Wiggins  announced this morning that she is launching a new firm,  Winn Strategies . Read More »
INFLUENCE

Kubasik Out at Lockheed Martin; Hewson to Become Next CEO

By Michael Catalini
Lockheed Martin announced that its president and CEO-to-be, Christopher Kubasik , resigned after an ethics investigation found he had a "close personal relationship" with a subordinate employee and violated the company's code of ...

Read More »
PEOPLE

Star Wars Going Over the Fiscal Cliff?

By Michael Catalini
A long time ago in a new cycle far, far away Disney CEO Bob Iger   warned about the dangers of going over the fiscal cliff. That sparked a Twitter meme: #StarWarsFiscalCliff. Now, The Street is out with a lis...

Read More »
PEOPLE

Caption This: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and the Pats' Vince Wilfork

By Michael Catalini
New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork  are teaming up, so to speak, to raise awareness about diabetes . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

First Order of Business in Senate is Hunting Bill

By Michael Catalini
The Senate returns to kick off the lame duck session at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sen. Dick Durbin' s office announced today.  At the top of the agenda is Sen. Jon Tester 's Sportsmen's Act of 2012, which is right where the Senate le...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Boehner Says Immigration Overhaul 'Overdue'

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday, Alley readers. Here are the morning headlines.  In case you missed it, House Speaker John Boehner says immigration overhaul is "long overdue" in an interview with ABC News . Republican Rep. Steve King of...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House and Senate Leaders, Chairmen in the 113th Congress

By Michael Catalini
This week's National Journal magazine has the latest political intel on the next Congress.  Tuesday's election results mean that the top leadership spots in both chambers are not likely to see any turnover. And the same hol...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Role of 'Dark Money' in Senate Races Comes to Light

By Michael Catalini
The stream of money-in-politics studies continues today with the latest from Public Citizen . About half of the money spent in competitive Senate races this cycle came from groups that do not have to disclose their funders,...

Read More »
ELECTION 2012: HOUSE

Up Next: John Boehner's High-Stakes Moment

By Billy House
The speaker's success may depend as much on his finding common ground with his rowdiest members as it does in his reaching compromise with Obama and congressional Democrats.  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Shuster Seeking Transportation Committee Chair

By Michael Catalini
As expected , Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania has declared that he's running for chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  Shuster is likely to take over for Rep. John Mica of Florida, who was th...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Boehner Learns Importance of Leadership Unity

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here are the headlines. One of the lessons House Speaker John Boehner learned in the 112th Congress is the need for unity among the GOP's caucus leaders, The Hill writes. Redistricting hel...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House Dems Put a 'Hiring' Sign on the Internet

By Michael Catalini
Want to work for House Democrats? There's a website for that now.  House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer unveiled a   site this week that lets job applicants upload resumes that are then posted on DemCom, House Dems' official i...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Big Labor Could Be Coming to a Neighborhood Near You

By Michael Catalini
The election is over but  campaigning  in the advocacy world is just geting under way.  Take Big Labor, for instance. The AFL-CIO is fanning out across the country , holding about 100 events and delivering a message about t...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

View From K Street: Boehner Will Have to Bend

By Michael Catalini
President Obama won a mandate on Tuesday and House Speaker John Boehner will have to compromise in negotiations during the lame-duck session and beyond. But don't expect too much from elected officials for the rest of the year....

Read More »
INFLUENCE

The AFL-CIO's Election Day Fraud Detector

By Michael Catalini
The AFL-CIO is preparing a new,  Moneyball -esque strategy to spot election fraud in today's contests.  That's according to a report from Slate   today. The union's approach, which monitors whether the numbers in vote...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Where Are Senate Candidates Getting Campaign Funds?

By Michael Catalini
Just over half of the contributions to U.S. Senate candidates competing in today's election came from outside their states, according to a new report.  Fifty-one percent of contributions in the 2012 cycle were from outside candi...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Whoever Wins WH, Congress Likely to Be a 'Headache'

By Michael Catalini
Happy Election Day, Alley readers. Here are this morning's headlines. No matter who is elected president, Congress is likely to stay what it's been for Barack Obama,  writes the Associated Press --"a headache." House Speak...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

A Trade Group for Tax Shelters?

By Michael Catalini
In Washington, there's a trade group for everything so when the Alley heard about the National Tax Sheltered Accounts Association , we couldn't wait to find out more about the group that presumably lobbied for Cayman Island ban...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Conservative Group Spends $1.5M in Digital Ad Buy

By Michael Catalini
With Election Day nearly here, the conservative 527 group RightChange is dropping $1.5 million in digital advertising in the presidential race, the group announced.  The latest ad  will appear today on sites including Facebo...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Kirk Hopes to Return for Next Congress

By Michael Catalini
Good Monday morning, Alley readers. Here are the early headlines.  Republican Sen.  Mark Kirk  of Illinois who suffered a stroke nearly a year ago hopes to return to Congress in January, according to  reports .  Sena...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

How Lew Could Save Obama's Legacy

By Michael Catalini
The cast of characters who will hash out out whatever fiscal cliff deal comes--or doesn't come--will include President Obama 's Chief of Staff Jacob Lew . That is, if Obama wins reelection. In the latest NJ   magazine , Nancy ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

GOP Communicators Fundraise for Romney

By Michael Catalini
With Election Day just days away, a  Romney Victory  fundraiser with a host list of nearly 100 is set for Sunday at the Republican National Committee.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

BRT Hires College Board's Linn

By Michael Catalini
Dane Linn is joining Business Roundtable as vice president overseeing the education and work force committee's activities, the group announced today.  Linn, who most recently served as executive director of state policy at t...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

How a Case of Union Bashing Might Violate IRS Rules

By Michael Catalini
A D.C. public relations executive who is running nonprofits, including one that slammed unions, out of his firm's Washington office might be violating Internal Revenue Service rules tax lawyers are saying, Bloomberg reported t...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Chamber Backs Smith in Pa. Senate Race

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday, Alley readers. Here are this morning's headlines. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Tom Smith , his campaign announced today. (The state's sleepy race between ...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Senate Dems Face Tough Fight to Keep Majority in 2014

By Michael Catalini
Election Day is four days away, but in Washington it's never too early to look ahead to the next election.  For Senate Democrats, who face a hard fight this cycle to defend their majority, 2014 is shaping up to be just a...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Parkmobile Apologizes After Durbin Complains

By Michael Catalini
Less than a week after Sen. Dick Durbin lashed  Parkmobile for linking a fee increase to legislation the Illinois Democrat sponsored, the firm apologized today and said it left a "potentially confusing impression" with custome...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

CRS Withdraws Report But Gets Drawn Into Politics

By Michael Catalini
The Congressional Research Service  usually shies away from the political limelight, but is finding itself under its glare now.  CRS withdrew a report  whose findings questioned GOP orthodoxy on taxes after Senate Republican...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Clyburn Looking to Move Up

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here are the headlines. Rep. James Clyburn is looking to move up in the House Democratic leadership ranks, Roll Call reports . Ogilvy Government Relations has teamed up with GDS Strategi...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Breaking Down House GOP Leadership Races

By Michael Catalini
Behind-the-scenes campaigning for GOP House leadership spots is well under way, our colleagues at National Journal Daily report today . House Speaker John Boehner , Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Majority Whip Kevin McCar...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Behind the Curtain: Lobbying Firms Read Competitors' Business Pitches

By Michael Catalini
  Here's one way to get a leg up on your K Street competition: Read the business proposals they give to prospective clients. That's what three firms did earlier this year after they lost a bid to lobby for Los Angele...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

One Pricey Election: 2012 Predicted to Cost $6B

By Michael Catalini
This election will cost $6 billion, $700 million more than the next most expensive election , the Center for Responsive Politics is  reporting  today.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: King Says Sandy Aid Shouldn't Go to 'Gucci Bags'

By Michael Catalini
Happy Wednesday, Alley readers. Here are this morning's headlines.  Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King wants to make sure federal aid going to people affected by Sandy isn't spent on "Gucci bags and massage parlors," ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

AHIP Launches Health Spending App, Sandy Spoils the Party

By Michael Catalini
Sandy's disruptive wrath may have forced America's Health Insurance Plans to cancel plans yesterday for a coming-out party honoring its new iPad app, but health wonks can still download and play with the new toy as they wait for...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

How Utility Trade Groups Are Responding to Sandy

By Michael Catalini
The nation's electric utility trade groups have a message for people up and down the East Coast, thanks to  Sandy : Get ready for extended power failures. As the storm batters the eastern seaboard and millions are expected to lo...

Read More »
PEOPLE

What Are Lawmakers Saying About Sandy?

By Michael Catalini
With Sandy bearing down on the East Coast , members of Congress today are urging constituents to take precautions, giving out information and even playing forecaster. "For everyone in the path of Hurricane #sandy -- be safe," Ho...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: D.C. Braces for Sandy; Federal Offices Closed

By Michael Catalini
Happy Monday, Alley readers. Let's get right to the news. --Hurricane Sandy has D.C. bracing for power outages, downed trees, flooding and more. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

When the Bully Pulpit Won't Work on Congress

By Michael Catalini
If Congress and President Obama want to hammer out a grand bargain over fiscal issues, it might be time to retire the Bully Pulpit. Or at least put it in storage for a bit. That's the upshot from Sophie Quinton's look at the hi...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

5 Reasons the GOP Will Keep Its House Majority

By Michael Catalini
Republicans will keep their majority in the House, Reid Wilson opines today. Why? There are five reasons. Wilson's explanations are below.  Tell us what you think in the comments section of this post. Read the ...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Harry Reid OK After Car Crash

By Michael Catalini
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is OK and did not suffer major injuries after an auto accident in Las Vegas on Friday, according to his staff. Here's a statement on the accident from Reid's office:  Senator Reid an...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Durbin and Parkmobile Clash Over Swipe Fees

By Michael Catalini
Sen. Dick Durbin  blasted  Parkmobile  today after the company told customers it was raising rates because of a Dodd-Frank amendment the Illinois Democrat passed limiting the fees credit card companies can charge retailers. ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Flanagan Promoted at National Restaurant Association

By Michael Catalini
The National Restaurant Association 's Brendan Flanagan has been promoted to vice president of state and local affairs, the group announced today.  Flanagan, who spent the past 11 years in the association's policy and governm...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Fiscal Cliff Is Costing Jobs, NAM Study Says

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday, Alley readers. Here are this morning's headlines. Though it's still months away, the fiscal cliff is already costing the economy jobs, a  National Association of Manufacturers study says,  The Washington Post ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

How K Street Is Getting Ready for Lame Duck

By Michael Catalini
Spending cuts and tax hikes are on their way, but Congress remains inert. That't not the case with K Street, though, which is already getting down to business ahead of the lame-duck session.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

K Street's Q4 Expectations

By Michael Catalini
"We're feeling kind of bullish, generally. For 2013 we'll see a big continuation of the fiscal issues" said Lisa Kountoupes of Kountoupes Consulting .  Put another way: the questions surrounding the fiscal cliff loom large...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Poll: Americans Disapprove of Corporate Money in Politics

By Michael Catalini
An overwhelming majority of Americans think there is too much corporate money in politics, according to a new poll out today.  Nine in 10 agree there is too much corporate money in politics while half of respondents strongly a...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Pressure on Pelosi, Israel to Deliver Home-State Seats

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here are today's headlines.  The pressure is on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and DCCC chairman Steve Israel to deliver House seats in their home states, The Hill writes .  Sen.  ...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Weigh In: Will Pelosi Return as Top House Dem?

By Michael Catalini
Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Liberal Groups Wary of Possible Obama Betrayal

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Let's get straight to the headlines.  Labor unions and liberal groups are worried President Obama could "betray" them in a lame-duck deal to cut entitlement programs, The Hill reports . In...

Read More »
PEOPLE

Fitzpatrick Fighting to Hold His Seat in Suburban Philly

By Michael Catalini
Republican Rep.  Mike Fitzpatrick  is trying to keep his suburban Philadelphia seat against Democratic attorney  Kathy Boockvar  in a hard-fought race. I took a trip to the 8th District to get a closer look and r...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Congress Tacks Toward Partial Fix of Fiscal Cliff

By Michael Catalini
Lawmakers suggest a partial fix, not a sweeping deal, is likely to address expiring tax cuts and automatic budget cuts--the so-called fiscal cliff, National Journal Daily reports . Billy House and Dan Friedman explain. ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Why Warner Missed a Chance to Chill with Springsteen

By Michael Catalini
Warner and the Gang of Eight continue to discuss the crisis publicly, but few insiders think whatever the group produces will get through Congress and be signed by the president.  Read More »
INFLUENCE

Third Quarter LDA Reports From Top Firms

By Michael Catalini
Third quarter lobbying disclosure reports are due Monday, and we're getting the numbers on some top firms. We'll be updating this post as more come in. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Job Moves: NCJW Taps Rabhan as Deputy Director

By Michael Catalini
Jody Rabhan is returning to the National Council of Jewish Women as deputy director of operations in Washington, the group announced on Tuesday.  Rabhan was at the council from 1996 until 2002 when she left to do independen...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Jackson's Colleagues Say Let Him Recover

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Let's get right to today's headlines. Two of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. 's Democratic colleagues -- Reps. Bobby Rush and Danny Davis -- are urging his constituents to give him time to recover from...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

A Boehner-Ryan Bromance? They Hit the Trail in Colo.

By Michael Catalini
John Boehner and Paul Ryan --they just like each other.  That's the takeaway from a campaign stop with the House speaker and the GOP vice presidential candidate in Durango, Colo., our colleagues report.   Just how close...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

What the Rest of the World Saw During the Final Presidential Debate

By
In Canada, they live-blogged. Same thing across the pond in Great Britain. Ditto in Italy and Israel . In France, they dubbed the debate with the dulcet tones of the French language. Al Jazeera English watched and reported on...

Read More »
POWER

Boxer Calls Issa's Libya Docs Decision 'Reprehensible'

By Michael Catalini
Republican Rep. Darrell Issa made a "reprehensible" decision to release documents regarding attacks in Libya marked "sensitive," Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer said in a statement today.  "Congressman Darrell Issa made a repr...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Romney Pops Up in Ind. Senate Race

By Michael Catalini
Happy presidential-debate Monday, Alley readers. Here's a look at this morning's headlines. Mitt Romney  makes an appearance in an ad for GOP Indiana Senate candidate  Richard Mourdock ,  our colleagues report . GO...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Lawmakers Commemorate George McGovern

By Michael Catalini
Lawmakers remembered 1972 Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern , who died on Sunday . Here's a look at what they said.  House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier : "Our friendship first began when we were seatmat...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

How Does Boehner Navigate the Lame Duck Session?

By Michael Catalini
As the nation approaches the fiscal cliff, House Speaker John Boehner finds himself in a familiarly uncomfortable spot, our colleagues in National Journal magazine report .  How so? "The conservative ideologu...

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PEOPLE

Inauguration Committee Inaugurates Social Media Page

By Michael Catalini
So far, the committee's Facebook page has 17 "likes."  Read More »
LEADERSHIP

The Gang of Eight's Slim Chances of Success

By Michael Catalini
While the Gang of Eight plugs away at solving the fiscal crisis, almost no congressional insiders think the group will come up with the plan that gets through Congress and is signed by the president.  That's the upshot of the ...

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INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Ad Spending in Presidential Race Near $900M

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here are your Friday a.m. headlines. Spending on ads in the presidential race is nearing $900 million and is on pace to reach $1 billion, our National Journal colleagues report . Ohio ...

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POWER

3 Takeaways From a House Race Debate in a Swing District

By Michael Catalini
The Alley went on assignment this week to the competitive  8th House District race in Pennsylvania, between incumbent Republican Mike Fitzpatrick and Democratic challenger attorney Kathy Boockvar, who   sparred yesterday in...

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INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Lance Armstrong's Congressional Allies Keep Quiet

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here's a look at the early headlines.  Lance Armstrong 's allies in Congress are keeping quiet about their relationship with the fallen former Tour de France champion, BuzzFeed reports. Re...

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INFLUENCE

DNC's Host Committee Came Up Short

By Michael Catalini
The host committee in Charlotte, N.C., charged with raising money for the Democratic National Convention was $12.5 million shy of its goal, the Charlotte Observer is reporting . Read More »
INFLUENCE

The Coming PR Talent Hunt

By Michael Catalini
After Election day, the PR world is poised to reap a bountiful harvest of newly available campaign operatives and Advertising Age has compiled a wish list of top Washington talent that firms would love to land: Read More »
SENATE RACES

Sleepy Pennsylvania Senate Race Wakes Up

By and
As Election Day gets closer, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania now has a race on his hands. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Walden Likely to Head NRCC

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back to the Alley . Here's a look at what we're reading. Read More »
POWER

New Poll: Voters Would Take Higher Taxes in Debt Deal

By Michael Catalini
The public is more worried about cuts to entitlement programs than tax hikes as part of a deal lawmakers might make to head off the sequester's automatic cuts,  according to the latest United Technologies/ National Journal Congre...

Read More »
ELECTION 2012

I 'Watched' the Presidential Debate With No Screen. Here's What I Heard.

By
FDR isn’t in the White House anymore, so most people aren't huddled around the radio these days. But here’s what tonight’s debate between President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney sounded like, reported without the aid of...

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LEADERSHIP

House Pro Forma, The Sequester Edition

By Michael Catalini
A banging gavel cut off Democratic Reps. Gerry Connolly of Virginia and Russ Carnahan of Missouri today before they could make a parliamentary inquiry about sequestration at today's edition of the House pro forma session . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

How K Street Is Contributing to Romney's Campaign

By Michael Catalini
Lobbyists are pulling their fundraising weight for the Romney campaign--to the tune of at least $14 million. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Seyfarth Shaw Starts Energy Practice

By Michael Catalini
Seyfarth Shaw is launching an energy and clean tech practice, the law firm announced today. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Pelosi Dings Boehner on DOMA Legal Defense

By Michael Catalini
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi is heaping criticism on House Speaker John Boehner for defending the Defense of Marriage Act in court, racking up $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded legal fees, according to a House report. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Job Moves: Hantman Leaves Yahoo to Join Airbnb

By Michael Catalini
David Hantman , deputy general counsel and VP for global public policy at Yahoo , is leaving the search company for Airbnb . Read More »
INFLUENCE

What's Keeping Norm Coleman So Busy?

By Michael Catalini
Norm Coleman has been quite busy lately. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: DCCC Raises More Than NRCC in Sept.

By Michael Catalini
Happy Monday, Alley readers. Here's a look at what we're reading this morning. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Reid to Bring Cybersecurity Bill to Floor in Nov.

By Michael Catalini
Responding to a speech from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta , Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this weekend he would bring cybersecurity legislation for a vote when lawmakers return in November. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Thompson Leaves Ogilvy for Akin Gump; Hickman Joins Grossman

By Michael Catalini
Ryan Day Thompson has left Ogilvy Government Relations for Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP . Read More »
POWER

Casey and Smith to Debate in Pa. Senate Race

By Michael Catalini
Well, it turns out that the Pennsylvania Senate race will have a debate after all. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

What Cantor's Thinking About the Defense Sequester

By Michael Catalini
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor took a bearish view of the looming defense sequester today, saying America would have to rethink its standing as a global power if the cuts hit. Read More »
POWER

How the NRSC's Approach This Cycle Could Cost the GOP

By Michael Catalini
The National Republican Senatorial Committee has taken a bit of a laissez-faire position toward this election cycle, but it may pay the price in November, Dan Friedman reports in this week's National Journal Magazine . Read More »
POLITICS

I Watched the Vice Presidential Debate With Sound Off. Here's What I Saw.

By
You might have watched the debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Paul Ryan. But you haven’t heard this version of events, heard being the operative word. This is what happened in the debate as viewed wi...

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LEADERSHIP

Tweet of the Moment: Boehner, Romney Wish Ryan Luck

By Michael Catalini
GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney , Ohio Sen. Rob Portman , former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and House Speaker John Boehner , clutching a soft drink can, wished Paul Ryan luck in tonight's debate against Joe Biden . A...

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POLITICS

A Civil Rights Report Card for Congress

By Michael Catalini
Partisan polarization is to blame for little progress on civil rights issues, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said as it released its vote ratings . Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: 10 Republicans Back Berman in Calif.

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here's a look at what we're perusing today. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What AARP Has to Do With Vice Presidential Debate Between Biden and Ryan

By Michael Catalini
There are two things to know about one of Washington's biggest advocacy groups, AARP , and tonight's vice presidential debate. Read More »
INFLUENCE

A Civil Rights Report Card for Congress

By Michael Catalini
Partisan polarization is to blame for little progress on civil rights issues, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said as it released its vote ratings . Read More »
INFLUENCE

Why NWF Wants More Recess Time for the Kids

By Michael Catalini
The National Wildlife Federation wants your kids to get more recess time. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: It's Congress' Turn in the Debate Spotlight

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here's a look at what we're reading early today. Read More »
POWER

Jockeying for Leadership Post Begins Among House Dems

By Michael Catalini
At least one House Democratic leadership post is known to be opening up, and the jockeying for the title has begun, our National Journal Daily colleagues report . Read More »
POWER

What's in Store for Top Republican on Senate Banking Committee

By Michael Catalini
Republican Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama will have a "dramatically different" on the Senate Banking Committee after the elections, our National Journal Daily colleagues report . Read More »
INFLUENCE

When Internet Memes Hit K Street

By Michael Catalini
The age of the meme has officially reached K Street. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Exclusive: Epplin Joins Gephardt Government Affairs

By Michael Catalini
Rob Epplin, former legislative director to Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins and a veteran GOP staffer, is joining Gephardt Government Affairs as vice president, a firm spokeswoman tells the Alley . Read More »
POWER

How to Decipher Akin's Tiny TV Ad Buys

By Michael Catalini
To get a sense for the state of the race between Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill and Republican Rep. Todd Akin in Missouri, take a close look at the campaigns' ad spending. Read More »
POWER

Anatomy of House Pro Forma: Pray, Pledge, Gavel Out--Repeat

By Michael Catalini
Democratic Rep. Xavier Becerra inveighed against the absence of his Republican colleagues, in what is becoming a sort of election-recess tradition during today's brief pro forma session. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: GOP Outside Spending is Sparse in House Races

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers, and welcome back. Let's get to the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires at Collins, Alpine, FSI; Corps Network Promotes Ardouny

By Michael Catalini
Candice Tolliver Burns is joining the Collins | Johnson group as principal, the firm announced. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Cassidy & Associates Predicts Election's Consequences

By Michael Catalini
Cassidy & Associates is forecasting the potential consequences of the election with a new graphic and video out today. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

GOP House Leadership Elections To Be Week of Nov. 12

By Michael Catalini
House Republicans will hold their leadership elections the week of Nov. 12, a top GOP House leadership aide tells the Alley . Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: About Half of GOP Insiders Say Don't Drop Akin

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday, Alley readers. Let's get straight to the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Joe Lockhart Leaving Facebook

By Michael Catalini
Joe Lockhart , Facebook 's vice president for global communications, is leaving the social media company because he decided he did not want to move to California, a Facebook spokeswoman tells the Alley . Read More »
INFLUENCE

IFA Pushes Voter Education Campaign

By Michael Catalini
The International Franchise Association is launching a voter education and get-out-the-vote effort, the group tells the Alley . Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires at Wine + Spirit Wholesalers, EU Expert Joins Covington

By Michael Catalini
Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America announced today that it has hired Jeffrey Solsby as vice president, communications & public affairs and Ashley Durkin as director of communications. The group intends to revamp its intern...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Michelle Obama Is a Fundraising Giant

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Welcome back after last night's debate . Let's get to the headlines. Read More »
POWER

House Race Rankings: Big Jump in Top 10

By Michael Catalini
Our Hotline colleagues are out with their l atest House Race Rankings today and while there was some shuffling among the top spots, the biggest jump comes in the race in Florida's 26th District. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Independent Expenditures Spike in September

By Michael Catalini
The price tag for the 2012 election keeps going up. Read More »
INFLUENCE

NRF Launching Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign

By Michael Catalini
The National Retail Federation is launching a new get-out-the-vote campaign and website , NRF's  David French tells Influence Alley . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Senate Leaders Seek Distance From Deficit Talks

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley -ites. Here's what we're perusing this morning. Read More »
POWER

Congress Likely to Punt on Sequesration, Insiders Say

By Michael Catalini
Congress will punt sequestration for a few months when lawmakers return after the election, say a large majority of National Journal Security Insiders . Read More »
POWER

Who Are the 'Most 1% Friendly' Members of Congress?

By Michael Catalini
The liberal think tank Institute for Policy Studies is out today with a "Congressional Report Card for the 99%" that dings Republicans as the "most 1% friendly" lawmakers. Read More »
INFLUENCE

How Whitehouse Became Campaign Finance Reformer

By Michael Catalini
A version of this story appeared in National Journal Daily .  Read More »
INFLUENCE

How K Street Is Reacting to the Presidential Debate

By Michael Catalini
K Street firms , typically anonymous to many Americans, got several on-camera shout-outs from the presidential candidates in Wednesday's debate while others weighed in on social media. Read More »
POWER

Why 2 Senators Worry About White House's WARN Act Guidance

By Michael Catalini
Two Republican senators have a few questions for the White House. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House Democratic Leaders: Let's Talk Baseball

By Michael Catalini
It's October now, and the House Democratic leadership is ready to talk some baseball. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Bell, Sims Launch Chamber Hill Strategies

By Michael Catalini
Chamber Hill Strategies , a new government affairs consulting company that will focus on health care and tax policy, launched today, the firm announced. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Boehner Using 'Rove-Like' Strategy in House Races

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Here are some of today's headlines. Read More »
POWER

Advantage Dems in Latest Senate Race Rankings

By Michael Catalini
Our Hotline colleagues are out with the 10th and latest installment of their Senate Race Rankings. The upshot is "Democrats are polling better now than they have all year long," Hotline writes. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

What Happened at the Cantor-Powell Debate

By Michael Catalini
As Monday's debate wound down, Rep. Eric Cantor took off his rhetorical boxing gloves and jabbed Wayne Powell Monday night, suggesting that his Democratic rival doesn't have what it takes to represent Virginia's 7th District. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Powell, Cantor's Rival, Strikes With Another Ad

By Michael Catalini
After the dust settles from tonight's debate between House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and opponent Wayne Powell , a new ad from the Democrat will greet residents of Virginia's 7th District on Tuesday, Powell's campaign aides t...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

McCarthy to Dems: 'Work Together With Us'

By Michael Catalini
Lawmakers are away from Washington and on the campaign trail, but that has not stopped Republican and Democratic leaders from waging a political battle over the fiscal cliff. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Aurora Shooting Survivor In New Anti-Gun Violence Ad

By Michael Catalini
Timed to coincide with the presidential debate this week, a survivor of the Aurora, Colo., shooting is appearing in a new ad that calls for lawmakers to come up with a plan to end gun violence. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Payroll Tax Cut Has Ill-Fated Future

By Michael Catalini
Happy Monday, Alley readers, and welcome back. Here are the headlines this morning. Read More »
POWER

What Congress Faces on Defense in the Lame Duck

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues report for National Journal subscribers on sequestration and the Defense Department--and what we could see from Congress during the lame duck. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What Facebook's Planning for the First Romney-Obama Debate

By Michael Catalini
Facebook, which spent record amounts on lobbying in the second quarter, is planning on having a full slate of events at Wednesday's presidential debate in Denver. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: AFL-CIO Targets GOP Senate Candidates

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday, Alley readers. Here are the headlines we're reading this morning. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Buchanan, Lass to Ogilvy; Denton Joins Y-USA

By Michael Catalini
Ogilvy Government Relations has hired Republican partners Dee Buchanan and Con Lass . Buchanan served as the House Republican Conference's chief of staff. Lass was senior director of federal relations for the American Petroleu...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Senate Veteran Valentine Among Story Partners' New Hires

By Michael Catalini
  Nothing gets in the way of a Hill communications staffer's plans like a lawmaker who has to vote, says Harvey Valentine , tongue firmly planted in cheek. Read More »
POWER

GOP Insiders Pessimistic About Taking the Senate

By Michael Catalini
Only 4 percent of Republican insiders rate the party's chances of retaking the Senate as high, according to the Latest National Journal Political Insiders Poll . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

It's Now a 2-Woman Race for Top Dem Post on House Approps

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues report for National Journal subscribers the latest on the race for top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee: Rep. Jim Moran is out, leaving Reps. Nita Lowey of New York and Marcy Kaptur of Ohio. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Flight Attendants Coalition Backs Obama

By Michael Catalini
A labor coalition that represents 100,000 flight attendants is throwing its support to President Obama's reelection effort, the group said Thursday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

How the Hollywood Lobby, Pets and Farm Bill Go Together

By Michael Catalini
The amendment, which passed this summer by an 88-11 margin , was sponsored by Louisiana Democratic Sen. David Vitter and ensures that TV and film extras who bring their pets on set do not face "unnecessary regulations." Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: DCCC Shifting Resources in 6 Races

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, Alley readers. Let's get straight to the headlines. Read More »
POWER

How a Romney Slide Could Affect House Republicans

By Michael Catalini
Could House Republicans lose control of the lower chamber if Mitt Romney performs poorly at the top of the ticket? That's the question our colleagues examine today , and the answer is "not likely, but ..." Read More »
POWER

House Republicans: We'll Return to D.C. for Answers on Libya

By Michael Catalini
Pretty much in sync with Mitt Romney , eight senior House Republicans asked President Obama for answers about his handling of the lethal attack on the American consulate in Libya earlier this month. Read More »
POWER

DeMint and Santorum Support Akin

By Michael Catalini
Tea party standard-bearer Sen. Jim DeMint and conservative leader former Sen. Rick Santorum backed Rep. Todd Akin on Wednesday in his campaign to defeat Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill . Read More »
INFLUENCE

Two FCC Officials Hail the Taxi Service Uber

By Michael Catalini
Our friends at Tech Daily Dose have an interesting post about two Federal Communications Commission commissioners getting involved in a clash between the D.C. Taxicab Commission and Uber, a livery cab service dispatched using te...

Read More »
POWER

How GOP Can Get 51 Senate Seats Without Akin

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues take a close look today at Republicans' path to 51 in the Senate now that the Missouri Senate race is tilting in Democrats' favor. Read More »
POWER

House Democrats Wade Into Labor Dispute

By Michael Catalini
Thirty-seven Democratic lawmakers weighed in this week on a labor dispute between a Midwestern sugar company and its employees, who've been locked out for over a year. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hire: Hogan Leaves Ogilvy for Blank Rome

By Michael Catalini
Mike Hogan of Ogilvy Government Relations is heading to Blank Rome where he'll be a principal in the government affairs group, Blank Rome's Ashley Davis tells the Alley . Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Kent Goes to Nickles Group; White Joining Eastman Chemical

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. It was originally published at 2:03 p.m. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Durbin and Bankers Duke It Out Over Swipe Fees

By Michael Catalini
The swipe-fee saga continues. Read More »
POWER

House Ethics Committee Clears Waters

By Michael Catalini
The House Ethics Committee voted 10-0 on Friday to clear Rep. Maxine Waters of violating House rules after an investigation into dealings with OneUnited Bank, the committee said in a statement on Tuesday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Dem PAC Launches 4 Ads in House Districts

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. Originally published at 8:20 a.m. Good morning, Alley readers, and welcome back. Here are the headlines. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

The Politics of a Late-Night Senate Session

By Michael Catalini
You probably heard that the Senate passed the continuing resolution to keep the government running through March. Read More »
INFLUENCE

It's a Bird, It's a Plane ... It's a Message to Google

By Michael Catalini
The progressive issue advocacy group SumOfUs.org really wants Google to sever its ties to the Chamber of Commerce . Read More »
INFLUENCE

Exclusive: Labor Threatens to Oppose Farm Bill's Sugar Program

By Michael Catalini
  The AFL-CIO is threatening to actively oppose the farm bill's sugar program if a Midwestern company doesn't end its nearly year-long employee lockout, a labor official familiar with the union's plans told the Alley . Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Cornyn Open to Campaign Finance Reform

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Here's a look at what we're reading today. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Hite Joining Chamber; AFCEA Taps Schneider

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. It was originally published at 7:48 a.m. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What Fergie and Seth Green Have to Do With Voter Registration

By Michael Catalini
The nonprofit, nonpartisan Voter Participation Center is out with a sleek music video featuring dozens of stars ahead of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday. Read More »
POWER

Payroll-Tax Cut Might Not Survive

By Michael Catalini
What's going to happen to the payroll tax cut? The prognosis looks negative. Our colleagues in National Journal Daily report that Congress' enthusiasm over the tax has waned and in the scrum over the fiscal cliff, it's not clear...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hire: Corie Wright Joins Netflix

By Michael Catalini
Corie Wright , formerly senior counsel at Free Press , has joined Netflix as director of global public policy, the company announced. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Health Lobbyists Swarming on the Hill

By Michael Catalini
The impending sequestration cuts are not lost on health care lobbyists, who are undertaking an intense effort to persuade Congress to stop them, National Journal Daily reports today. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

McConnell Shores Up Relationship with Rand Paul

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues at National Journal Daily have the story of how and why Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul are shoring up their relationship in the Senate. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Sugar and Candy Lobbies Go Head to Head on Farm Bill

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. It originally published at 7:15 a.m. Read More »
POWER

McCain Says This Congress Is the 'Worst Ever'

By Michael Catalini
When it comes to picking on Congress for its unpopularity , it turns out one of its biggest critics is actually a lawmaker. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: K St. Chattering About Next Roundtable Chief

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone, and welcome back. Let's get right to the headlines this morning. Read More »
POWER

Tax Extenders: From Bipartisan Foothold to Political Stumbling Block

By Michael Catalini
A tax-extenders package passed out of the Senate Finance Committee earlier this summer with bipartisan support and the modest expectation that it might lay the groundwork for tax reform. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Perdue Joins BPC; Canning Joins Capitol Tax Partners

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. It was originally published at 7:29 a.m. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What Organized Labor and Airlines Have in Common

By Michael Catalini
You've heard of frequent flier miles, rewards cards and club memberships--all attempts by companies to get and keep your business. Now, organized labor is betting a similar program will "build permanent activism" in the political r...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Kemp Joins Patton Boggs; Dempsey Goes to NAM

By Michael Catalini
James Kemp , who established the Jack Kemp Foundation and was a managing partner at Kemp Partners , is joining Patton Boggs , the firm said Thursday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Franchise Owners to Congress: Don't Go Over the Cliff

By Michael Catalini
You might have seen them walking around the Hill this week, wandering the Cannon House Office Building with oversize red-white-and-blue lapel pins. Read More »
PEOPLE

Roll Call's Montgomery Headed to NPR--Report

By Michael Catalini
Roll Call editor Scott Montgomery is leaving for a senior position at NPR, Fishbowl DC reported this morning. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Today's Influence Ads: Mars Underscores Jobs

By Michael Catalini
Candy company Mars has a new ad today that highlights the firm's 25,500 employees and 54 facilities. "Behind our great brands are great American jobs," the headline reads. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: The Latest Job Moves on K Street

By Michael Catalini
This post has been updated. Originally published 8:22 a.m. Read More »
POWER

Will Senate Dems' Death Tax Gamble Pay Off?

By Michael Catalini
Senate Democrats bet that their estate tax wager earlier this year would pay off. Now there are signs that their gamble might have been worth it, National Journal Daily reports today. Read More »
POWER

House's Most Endangered Chairman Fighting for Political Life

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues at National Journal Daily report this morning on a California House race that pits the chamber's most endangered chairman, Republican Dan Lungren (Administration Committee), against a 47-year-old physician who'...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Today's Influence Ads: API Cartoon: Imagine a World Without Fossil Fuels

By Michael Catalini
The American Petroleum Institute has a new ad today featuring a cartoon that asks readers to imagine a world without fossil fuels. In the ad, a man and a woman wear earmuffs, scarves and overcoats, with the woman huddled over a c...

Read More »
POWER

Braley Plans Attempt to Get Farm Bill to House Floor

By Michael Catalini
A Democratic congressman expects to file a special legislative petition on Tuesday that would force the full House to vote on the farm bill in the event that 218 signatures are collected, a Democratic aide told National Journal. Read More »
POWER

What You Need to Know About the CR

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues at National Journal Daily , report Republicans in Congress agreed to the $1.047 trillion stop-gap budget measure--which you might know as the continuing resolution--to avoid a spending battle during the lame-duck ...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Why a Lobbying Fight Broke Out Over Olive Oil

By Michael Catalini
  On Congress's To Do list this month is dealing with the farm bill, which expires on Sept. 30. That's a deadline not lost on a group of olive-oil importers who are lobbying lawmakers and the administration, hoping to swat d...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

What Is Congress Doing Now That Recess Is Over?

By Michael Catalini
  Congress is back, and topping the agenda this week is passing a continuing resolution to keep the government funded for six more months. Expect House Republicans to take up the CR on Thursday. Read More »
POWER

How House Lawmakers Are Pitching Themselves to Voters

By Michael Catalini
For a study in how House Democrats and Republicans are approaching voters heading into November, look no further than the pitches each party made during the presidential conventions. Read More »
PEOPLE

Barney Frank Goes Rogue, Sort Of

By Michael Catalini
Rep. Barney Frank went off script in Charlotte on Thursday. Read More »
PEOPLE

Van Hollen to GOP on Debt: You Built That

By Michael Catalini
It did not take Chris Van Hollen long after taking center stage in Charlotte to engage his Republican counterpart on the Budget Committee, vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Congressional Contrast? Dems Want Keys to Capitol

By Michael Catalini
Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Why Clyburn and Becerra Got Bumped

By Michael Catalini
Two top House Democrats, Reps. James Clyburn and Xavier Becerra, who were expected to speak at the party's convention, were absent from the stage in Charlotte on Tuesday night. Read More »
PEOPLE

If Romney Were Santa Claus ...

By Michael Catalini
It's early to be talking about Christmas, but not for former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. Read More »
POWER

Duckworth Jabs Romney Over War in Afghanistan

By Michael Catalini
Mitt Romney handed Democrats an opportunity last week when he didn't mention U.S. troops or the war in Afghanistan in his acceptance speech, and they wasted no time in grabbing it. Read More »
POWER

Tim Kaine Betting Va. Will Break for Democrats, Again

By Michael Catalini
U.S. Senate candidate and former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine offered stout support for President Barack Obama 's policies Tuesday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Is Super PAC Spending in Congress' Best Interest?

By Michael Catalini
In July, Super PACs spent almost $30 million on independent expenditures, according to a recently released data analysis. But one reformer questions whether it's in the best interest of Congress to let the post-Citizens United syste...

Read More »
POWER

Thompson Takes to Tampa Yacht to Fundraise

By Michael Catalini
Tommy Thompson is using his trip to Tampa and the Republican National Convention to raise money for his Wisconsin Senate bid, according to media reports. Read More »
INFLUENCE

She's Gone: The Hall and Oates Super PAC

By Michael Catalini
Not too long ago there was news of the latest cat super PAC . Now, we're hearing about a Hall and Oates -themed political group, only Daryl Hall and John Oates are not too pleased. Read More »
POWER

Rand Paul Seeking President Who Can Haul Home Drunken Relatives

By Michael Catalini
Here's what Sen. Rand Paul is looking for in a successful president: You have to be able to, when confronted with an inebriated, passed-out relative, pick him up, and haul him home. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

What Mitch McConnell Said at the RNC

By Michael Catalini
Updated (originally published at 3:15 p.m.): Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took the stage tonight in Tampa and launched into an attack on the president's handling of the economy over the past four years. Belowis the tr...

Read More »
PEOPLE

GOP Message, Care of Ann Romney: 'I Love You, Women'

By Michael Catalini
Not sure if it was ad-libbing. At least it wasn't in the transcripts as prepared for delivery. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Transcript of Boehner's RNC Speech

By Michael Catalini
Read More »
POWER

In Which Todd Akin Rips Reince Priebus

By Michael Catalini
Rep. Todd Akin has apparently given up on the prospect of getting any money from the Republican Party in his race to be Missouri's next U.S. senator. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Sunlight Asks: Where's AT&T Partying This Week?

By Michael Catalini
Sunlight Foundation is asking whether AT&T is the mystery lobby that's rented out a posh Tampa restaurant for events during the Republican National Convention this week. Read More »

Dead-Heat Polls: It’s Still the Economy ...

By and Steven Shepard
President Obama and Mitt Romney remain deadlocked nationally in the latest ABC News/ Washington Post poll, heightening the stakes for the Republican National Convention this week and making almost certain that Romney will leave Tam...

Read More »
SENATE

Specter Hospitalized With Serious Illness—Report

By
Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania's longest-serving senator who lost his bid for reelection in 2011 after three decades in Washington, has been hospitalized with a "serious illness," according to a Philadelphia media outlet. Read More »
CONVENTIONS 2012

Poll: GOP Platform More Interesting Than Romney's Speech

By
More Americans are interested in the Republican platform than in the prime-time speeches of presidential candidate Mitt Romney and running mate  Paul Ryan , according to a Pew Research Center poll published on Monday.  Read More »
CONVENTIONS 2012

Lights, Camera, Action: GOP Talking Points Are Convention Screenplay

By
If the Republican National Convention is essentially political cinema, the talking points released for GOP surrogates on Monday are a glimpse at the party's screenplay. Read More »
PEOPLE

Tweet of the Moment: Roby Missing Convention Because of Isaac

By Michael Catalini
Rep. Martha Roby , a Republican from Alabama, who represents an area north of Florida's panhandle, including Montgomery, is blaming Isaac for missing the Republican National Convention in Tampa, she tweeted on Sunday. Read More »
PEOPLE

Congress Remembers Neil Armstrong

By Michael Catalini
Astronaut Neil Armstrong , the first human on the moon, died today at age 82, and reaction from Capitol Hill came pouring in. Here's a look at what they had to say. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: 4 GOP Lawmakers Probing DOJ Over Plane Use

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Here's the news. Read More »
POWER

Senate Race Rankings

By Michael Catalini
Our Hotline colleagues are out today with the latest Senate Race Rankings , a complete guide to the 20 races that will be decided this November. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Cantor Hits N.C. to Campaign for GOP Candidates

By Michael Catalini
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was in the Tar Heel State this week, campaigning for prospective Republican House members in the backyard of the Democrats' presidential convention. Read More »
INFLUENCE

BRT's New Ad: Washington Needs to Act

By Michael Catalini
Business Roundtable is coming out with a new ad campaign timed to the Republican and Democratic conventions that calls for Washington to take action on the economy, the Alley has learned. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Tauscher Joining Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz

By Michael Catalini
Ellen O'Kane Tauscher , a former California congresswoman and Obama administration State Department official, is joining the federal public policy group at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz , the firm announced Thursday. Read More »
POWER

House Races to Watch This Fall

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues are out with their latest rankings of the House districts most likely to change party control this fall. But don't expect either party to make a full sweep in November Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Meet the Man Who Will Keep RNC Running 'Smoothly'

By Michael Catalini
The convention does its business, adopting a platform and picking the presidential ticket, using House rules. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Political Pugilism? Koch Brothers vs. Patriot Majority

By Michael Catalini
This week, the liberal group, Patriot Majority , launched a $500,000 national ad campaign that targeted the Koch brothers, the billionaire bank rollers of conservative causes. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

McConnell to Speak at GOP Convention on Wednesday--Report

By Michael Catalini
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will deliver a speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Wednesday, The Hill reported Tuesday. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: NRCC Outraises DCCC

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Here are the day's headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

NAM Drops Six Figures on Ohio Ad Buy

By Michael Catalini
The National Association of Manufacturers is out with the latest no-new-regulations ad campaign today--targeting voters in the swing state of Ohio. Read More »
POWER

'Getting Geared Up' for Another Cyber Bill Fight?

By Michael Catalini
What's going on back in the districts? Read More »
POWER

Public Really Dislikes Congress

By Michael Catalini
Just 10 percent of Americans approved of Congress in August, down six points from last month, and tied with February as the lowest rating in Gallup 's 38-year history of the measure. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Lewis, Cox Join Public Knowledge; Rak Goes to Petrizzo Bond

By Michael Catalini
Public Knowledge , the open-Internet and copyright-protection interest group, hired Christopher Lewis and Bartees Cox , the organization said Tuesday. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Heritage's Cooper Leaving for Cantor's Office

By Michael Catalini
Heritage Foundation 's communications director, Rory Cooper , is leaving to work for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor , Cooper confirmed to the Alley Tuesday. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: McCain Says Reid Is Wrong About Romney's Taxes

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Onward to the headlines: Read More »
PEOPLE

Jesse Jackson Jr. Being Treated for Bipolar Depression

By Michael Catalini
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., for bipolar II depression, the hospital announced Monday. Read More »
PEOPLE

News Roundup: Giffords Returning to Ariz.

By Michael Catalini
Good Monday morning, everyone. Here are the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

NACS in the Market for Image Upgrade

By Michael Catalini
The National Association of Convenience Stores is worried enough about the image of the food options at member shops to be in the market for a public relations firm, Influence Alley has learned. Read More »
POWER

YG Action to Spend Big in 12 House Races

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues over at Hotline on Call report that YG Action , the super PAC run by Eric Cantor 's former top aides, will drop nearly $6 million in advertising in 12 House races. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Dem Leaders Making the Rounds

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and happy Friday. Let's get to those headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Friends of Democracy Targets 4 GOP Lawmakers

By Michael Catalini
Friends of Democracy , called the anti-super PAC super PAC , is dropping $700,000 on TV ads targeting four Republican lawmakers, the group said Thursday. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Charges Coming in McCotter's Failed Bid To Get on Ballot

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, crew. Let's get to the headlines. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Jackson's Parents Visit Him at Mayo Clinic

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Here are today's headlines. Read More »
ECONOMY

Economic Prospects Dissatisfy Working Boomers

By
A  key sector  of the electorate, baby boomers from 50 to 64 who haven't yet retired, are anxious and dissatisfied with their economic prospects, according to a new survey from  AARP , the 37 million member nonpartisa...

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POWER

Primary Night Recap: A Good Night for Dems

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues over at Hotline On Call have the latest results from Tuesday's round of primaries--which turned out to be a good night for Democrats. And now for a few highlights. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What's Eating Baby Boomers? AARP Has a Few Answers

By Michael Catalini
A key sector of the electorate, baby boomers from 50 to 64 who haven't yet retired, are anxious and dissatisfied with their economic prospects, according to a new survey from AARP , the 37 million member nonpartisan, nonprofit g...

Read More »
PEOPLE

Loughner Pleads Guilty to Tucson Shooting--Report

By Michael Catalini
Jared Lee Loughner pleaded guilty to going on a shooting rampage in Tucson, Ariz., in January 2011 that left six people dead and seriously injured then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , the Associated Press reported Tuesday. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Congress Formally Adjourns Until Sept. 10

By Michael Catalini
The House and Senate formally adjourned until Sept. 10 on Tuesday morning eliminating the need for pro forma sessions over the August break. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Revolving Door Chronicles: Skadden Hires Former DOJ Antitrust Chief

By Michael Catalini
In the latest installment of the Washington revolving door, the one-time head of the Justice Department's antitrust division who helped derail a merger between AT&T and T-Mobile has gone to work at the law firm that worked as o...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Senate Intel Panel May Defang Leak Bill

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Let's get right to the headlines: Read More »
POWER

The 2 Dems Who'll Be Lame Ducks After Tuesday

By Michael Catalini
As you're doing your homework for tomorrow's slate of primaries, don't miss Scott Bland's assessment of two member-on-member races in Missouri and Michigan. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Center for Science and Democracy Has New Director

By Michael Catalini
The Union of Concerned Scientists has named Andrew Roseberg to head its new Center for Science and Democracy , the group said on Thursday. Read More »
POWER

GOP Typo Regs Bill Passes House

By Michael Catalini
A Republican regulations bill, twice tripped up this week because of typographical errors, passed the House on Thursday 245-172. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: House Dems to GOP: Let's Make a Deal

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back to the Alley . Here are the headlines. Read More »
POWER

Typo Fixed, GOP Regs Bill to Proceed

By Michael Catalini
The regulations bill typo is fixed, clearing the way for House Republicans to pass the measure after a brief clerical hiccup. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Chertoff Group Adds 4 Senior Advisers

By Michael Catalini
The Chertoff Group is bringing four new senior advisers on board, the firm said on Wednesday. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Senate Takes Up Dems' Tax-Cut Bill

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back. Onward to the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Robert Duvall to Hold Romney Fundraising Event

By Michael Catalini
Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall --yes, the actor whose character in Apocalypse Now loves the smell of Napalm in the morning--and his wife Luciana are holding a Mitt Romney fundraiser on Sept. 6 at their Loudon Coun...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Pelosi to GOP: Buy Some White-Out

By Michael Catalini
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi 's office isn't missing any opportunities to jab Republicans, even if it's over a typo. Read More »
PEOPLE

Congress Commemorates Fallen Capitol Police Officers

By Michael Catalini
The somber notes of taps filled the first floor of the Capitol on Tuesday, as dozens of police officers bowed their heads while others saluted. One officer wiped his eyes. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hire: Pelofsky Joins Ketchum

By Michael Catalini
Former Reuters News correspondent Jeremy Pelofsky has joined Ketchum , the public relations firm announced on Tuesday. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Last Summer's Debt-Ceiling Fight Cost $1.3 Billion

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back to the Alley . Ready for the headlines? Thought so. Read More »
POWER

4 Arguments You'll Hear During the Regulation Debate

By Michael Catalini
Members began to lay the groundwork for that debate Monday at a Rules Committee hearing on the GOP measure. Republicans argued the bill will cut red tape facing businesses and create jobs while Democrats suggested if the measure b...

Read More »
POWER

Child's Play: To Regulate or Not to Regulate?

By Michael Catalini
Baby formula and children's toys became the momentary focus of Monday's House Rules Committee hearing on a bill intended to slash "significant" regulations and red tape on businesses. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Facebook, Google Break Their Lobbying Spending Records

By Michael Catalini
Facebook and Google hit records for spending on lobbying in the second quarter as the tech giants increase their Washington footprint, our colleague Josh Smith reports over at Tech Daily Dose . Read More »
PEOPLE

News Roundup: Huma Gets Police Protection

By Michael Catalini
Good Monday morning welcome back. Let's get right to the headlines. Read More »
POWER

Obama to Visit Aurora, Colo., to Meet Victims' Families

By Michael Catalini
President Obama will travel to the site of Friday's lethal shootings in Aurora, Colo. , the White House announced Saturday night. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Brady Campaign on Colo. Shooting: We Don't Want Sympathy

By Michael Catalini
The Brady Campaign , the large gun-control lobby, on Friday released a strongly worded statement after the lethal shooting in Colorado. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Senate Dems Backing Away from Payroll Tax Cut Extension

By Michael Catalini
Happy Friday and welcome back to the Alley. Let's get right to the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

K Street Searches for New Technology, Finds Google

By Michael Catalini
Seek and ye shall find, right? Well, in the case of Google and K Street, we can bring the axiom into the 21st century: Search and ye shall find members of Congress. Read More »
INFLUENCE

And the Tin Cup Award Winners Are ...

By Michael Catalini
This week the Washington Government Relations Group , which calls itself the country's oldest organization for African-American government relations professionals, held its third annual "Tin Cup" awards. The awards "honor individua...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

When Your Bro Gets Your Back in Politics

By Michael Catalini
Congressional candidates' families are keeping busy this cycle. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Making the Rounds: Boehner-Cantor Date Knight

By Michael Catalini
We're hearing that this image is making the rounds among staffers on the Hill. The joke is that there won't be any votes in the House on Friday because House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor want to...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

National Milk Producers Federation Names Gov Relations Director

By Michael Catalini
The National Milk Producers Federation named Ryan Bennett as director of government relations, the group told the Alley on Thursday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Baer Named Top Exec at Burson-Marsteller

By Michael Catalini
Don Baer , Bill Clinton 's one-time communications director and top speechwriter, was named worldwide CEO of Burson-Marsteller , the firm announced on Thursday morning. Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Romney's Taxes? What About Members' Taxes?

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Here are the headlines. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Congressional Critics: GOP Is in the Way; Voters Can Fix This

By Michael Catalini
Long-time Congress watchers Norm Ornstein and Thomas Mann , out earlier this year with a book that pins congressional gridlock on the GOP, attended the House Democratic Caucus meeting on Wednesday and insisted that despite the...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Military Contractors to Take Aim at Defense Cuts Today

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back to the Alley on this Hump Day. Here are the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

New Hires: Russell Group, Commodity Markets Council

By Michael Catalini
Fitz Elder , a former clerk on a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, is joining the Russell Group , the firm announced on Wednesday. Read More »
INFLUENCE

What K Street Spent Lobbying on the '08 Farm Bill

By Michael Catalini
More than a thousand companies and trade groups spent $173.5 million lobbying on the 2008 farm bill, according to a Food & Water Watch analysis of data collected by the Center for Responsive Politics. Read More »
POWER

Toomey Questions the Fed's Motive in Bank Rate Crisis

By Michael Catalini
Senate Banking Committee member Pat Toomey on Tuesday said because the Treasury and Federal Reserve knew of the distortions affecting Libor in 2008, it raises questions about what was done to protect the benchmark interest rate n...

Read More »
POWER

Bernanke: Woe to Would-Be Fiscal Cliff Jumpers

By Michael Catalini
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke painted a dire picture of what might happen if lawmakers don't find a way to resolve their differences over taxes and spending before the country reaches the so-called fiscal cliff, my colleague Catherin...

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INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Cheney to Talk to House GOP Whip Team

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone. Let's get right to the headlines. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Waterkeeper Alliance Names Two Directors

By Michael Catalini
The Waterkeeper Alliance , an environmental advocacy group, announced two top promotions this week, according to a statement. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Thanks for the Super PAC Contribution, Mom

By Michael Catalini
Our colleagues over at Hotline on Call have the latest on a Washington-state-based super PAC kerfuffle in which a political action group formed to attack a candidate was funded entirely by the mother of her opponent. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Report Questions Legality of Adelson's Macau Connection

By Michael Catalini
Sheldon Adelson , the wealthy casino magnate and Republican campaign financier, instructed a top executive to pay $700,000 in legal fees to a Macau legislator whose firm served as outside counsel to Las Vegas Sands, according to a...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Dems Threatening to Go Over 'Fiscal Cliff'

By Michael Catalini
Good Monday morning and welcome back. Take a look at what Congress is up to this week here . Now for the headlines from around the web. Read More »
POWER

Congressional Approval Rating Falls Again

By Michael Catalini
Congress's approval rating fell one point to 16 percent in the latest Gallup poll , while 78 percent of Americans surveyed by Gallup disapprove of the job Congress is doing. Read More »
POWER

The Supreme Court Rules, Everybody Wins, Insiders Say

By Michael Catalini
It seems like forever ago but that Supreme Court ruling on the health care law? You know,  that one , which upheld the constitutionality of the individual mandate and had Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi saying that the l...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Washington's 25 Top Influential Women

By Michael Catalini
This week's magazine cover story takes an in-depth look at the Women of Washington, the most influential women , to be more specific. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

4 Takeaways from Today's Cantor-Hoyer Floor Clash

By Michael Catalini
Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor and Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer clashed on the House floor today during debate over scheduling a vote on tax cuts. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Today's Influence Ads: Corn Growers Pop a New Spot

By Michael Catalini
The National Corn Growers Association is out with a new ad today, coinciding with the House Agriculture Committee's Farm Bill markup. Read More »
POWER

How Much Time, Money Did the House Spend on Health Care Repeal?

By Michael Catalini
The House spent a total of two full work weeks, or 80 hours, and $50 million on trying to repeal the 2010 health care law, CBS news reports . Read More »
LEADERSHIP

News Roundup: Detente Between Boehner and Cantor

By Michael Catalini
Good morning, everyone and welcome back to the Alley . Let's get going: Read More »
INFLUENCE

K Street Weighs In on Health Care Repeal Vote

By Michael Catalini
Updated: 2:50 p.m. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Wolf Warns About Chinese Telecom Firms

By Michael Catalini
Chinese telecom firms Huawei and ZTE pose a threat to U.S. national security and members and their staffs should be wary of doing business with lobbyists who represent them, GOP Rep. Frank Wolf wrote in a recent letter sent t...

Read More »
LEADERSHIP

McConnell Introduces 'Obamacare' Repeal Bill in Senate

By Michael Catalini
My colleague Meghan McCarthy reports for subscribers :  Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: Ill. Dem Wants to Know, What's Up With Jackson Jr.?

By Michael Catalini
Welcome back, folks. Onward to the news:  Illinois Democratic Rep.  Luis Gutierrez  is  joining  his colleagues in calling for Rep.  Jesse Jackson Jr.  to be more "forthcoming" about his undisclosed medical condition,  re...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Crossroads Launches Anti-ObamaCare Ads, Hosts GOP Repeal Leaders

By Michael Catalini
Read More »
POWER

7 Health Care Repeal Arguments to Watch

By Michael Catalini
The debate over repealing the health care law that will unfold this week on the House floor is politics at its rawest. But you don't have to take our word for it. Read More »
POWER

Rules Committee Previews Health Repeal Floor Debate

By Michael Catalini
Updated: 7:48 p.m. Read More »
POWER

CBO to Calculate New Price Tag for Health Care Law

By Michael Catalini
McCarthy reports that after the ruling, the initial price tag of the reform law will change. Read More »
PEOPLE

House to Vote on ATM Fee Proposal

By Michael Catalini
On the docket today, the House is expected to pass an amendment  eliminating the requirement for ATM operators to display signs on their machines about possible fees.   Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: How Lobbyists View July on the Hill

By Michael Catalini
Good Monday morning and welcome to the new Influence Alley . Here's a look at what's happening around the Web. Read More »
INFLUENCE

APCO Worldwide Hiring Mid-Level Communications Specialist

By Michael Catalini
The public affairs firm APCO Worldwide is looking to hire a mid-level communications specialist, according to a job posting that came across the Alley 's desk today. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Boehner, McConnell Call for Health Care Law's Repeal

By Michael Catalini
Good Friday morning, and welcome back to the Alley , everyone. Here's what's happening around the Web. Read More »
POWER

Rules Committee to Hold 'Emergency' Meeting Monday on Health Care Repeal

By Michael Catalini
The House Rules Committee will convene in an expedited meeting on Monday to consider a measure to repeal President Obama's signature health care reform law, according to a statement from the panel's spokesman. Read More »
POWER

Jesse Jackson Jr. Undergoing Treatment at 'In-Patient Facility'--Report

By Michael Catalini
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. 's condition is "more serious than initially believed" and he is being treated in an "in-patient facility," the Chicago Tribune reported today, a week after the Illinois Democrat announced he was takin...

Read More »
INFLUENCE

Battle of the Super PACs: Can Obama's Allies Catch Romney's?

By Michael Catalini
A 10,000-word New York Times Magazine article today asks, " Can the Democrats Catch Up in the Super-PAC Game? " Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Countrywide Angled for Influence, Congressional Fundraising Up

By Michael Catalini
Read More »
PEOPLE

Tweet of the Moment: RIP Andy Griffith

By Michael Catalini
Andy Griffith died today, according to media reports , and Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina--Griffith's home state-- was quick to send out a tweet memorializing actor. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Rangel's Victory Souring? NEA's Membership Falls

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome to the Alley . Let's dive in and take a look at what's going on around the Web today. Read More »
POWER

Farm-Bill Battle Looks Like Fun-House Mirror Reflection

By Michael Catalini
On Congress's agenda is passing the farm bill, and when it comes to the agricultural measure, party politics everything is, well, flipped. Read More »
POWER

What Members of Congress Are Saying About the Derecho

By Michael Catalini
A deadly derecho downed trees and severed powerlines from the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic over the weekend, and members of Congress took to social media to talk to their constituents. Read More »
INFLUENCE

SignOn.Org Makes 4 Senior Staff Hires

By Michael Catalini
SignOn.org , the Web-based campaign platform for the liberal group MoveOn.org , announced on Monday the hiring of four senior staffers. Read More »
POWER

If it Looks Like a Lame Duck and Quacks Like a Lame Duck

By Michael Catalini
The cover image of this week's magazine is worth pointing out if you haven't seen it yet. It features mergansers with walking sticks and mallards with crutches waddling over the edge of a cliff. Get it? Members of the lame-du...

Read More »
POWER

News Roundup: DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund to Form Super PAC

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome back to the Alley . Here's an early look at what you need to know about Congress and K Street. Read More »
POWER

2 Reasons Presidential Campaigns Can't Hide Negative Ads

By Michael Catalini
President Obama and Mitt Romney will have a harder time running under-the-radar ads on TV this cycle compared to previous presidential contenders, writes my colleague, Alex Roarty, in this week's  National Journal  magazine Read More »
INFLUENCE

How IFA Is Responding to Court's Health Care Ruling

By Michael Catalini
How do franchise owners, operators, and executives feel about the Supreme Court's health care decision ? According to one metric, not too favorably. Read More »
POWER

Grassley to U.S. Attorney: Dismissing Holder Citation Isn't Option

By Michael Catalini
U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen is not pursuing the contempt case against Attorney General Eric Holder, and Sen. Chuck Grassley has some stern words for that. Read More »
POWER

House Passes Highway Bill

By Michael Catalini
The House voted 373-52 to pass the highway bill on Friday. The Senate is expected to give the bill final passage later today. Read More »
INFLUENCE

News Roundup: Bill Miller to BRT; Chambers Weigh Highway Bill

By Michael Catalini
Good morning and welcome to the Alley . Here's a look at what's going on. Read More »
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