Shane Goldmacher

Shane Goldmacher

Congressional Correspondent

Shane Goldmacher is a congressional correspondent for the National Journal. Prior to joining NJ, Goldmacher was a Sacramento-based staff writer for the Los Angeles Times. He was the paper’s lead reporter on California’s budget crisis. He also covered statewide campaigns, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gov. Jerry Brown and the state Legislature. He previously was a reporter for Sacramento Bee, where he launched the paper online political website, Capitol Alert. Before that, he wrote for Capitol Weekly, a Sacramento-based newspaper that covers state government. A San Francisco native, Goldmacher received his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

Shane Goldmacher's Latest Posts

Top White House Aides Informed of IRS Troubles, but Didn't Tell Obama

Top White House aides, including chief of staff Denis McDonough, were informed of the forthcoming report on the IRS' targeting of tea party group but decided not to inform President Obama in advance, White House spokesman Jay Carney...

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IRS Scandal: The 8 Names to Know This Week

The controversy surrounding the IRS’s targeting of tea-party groups will consume Capitol Hill for a second straight week. These are the key names to know to keep up with the fast-moving scandal, with hearings set Tuesday in the Se...

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How Republicans Will Try to Pin the IRS Scandal on Obama

They plan to connect the dots between the agency's chief counsel and the White House. Read More »

Eric Holder Offers Little Information, Much Ire for Republicans

It only took Attorney General Eric Holder a few moments to make clear he wanted no part of congressional Republicans’ plans to turn his Capitol Hill appearance into a serious grilling about the scandals of the day. Read More »

Eric Holder Calls Rep. Darrell Issa 'Unacceptable and Shameful'

This much is clear: Attorney General Eric Holder and Rep. Darrell Issa don't like each other.  Read More »

Democrats See the IRS Scandal as the Most Toxic

In triage mode, Congressional Democrats want to treat (and separate themselves from) the trio of this week's scandals one-by-one. Read More »

Democrats in Triage Mode on White House Scandals

Congressional Democrats – knowing the fate of a progressive agenda and their own priorities lie with the continued political strength of the White House – hope to treat the emerging scandals independently.  Read More »

Why Obama Can Ignore the House of Representatives

By courting senators and shaping public opinion, the president thinks he can pressure lower-chamber Republicans to accept bipartisan compromises.  Read More »

Gang of Eight Strategy Emerges to Ensure Immigration Bill Advances

The night before Thursday's marathon committee markup, members of the Senate's Gang of Eight and their staffs huddled in a room in the Capitol to decide what amendments to their immigration bill they would let live—...

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The Quiet Charm Offensive of Obama Chief of Staff Denis McDonough

For an administration that has had a hard time creating and maintaining relationships on Capitol Hill, President Obama's new chief of staff, Denis McDonough, has emerged as a bridge builder early in the administration’s second term. Read More »

Obama to Host Dinner for Top House Democrats

Continuing his Capitol Hill outreach, President Obama is set have dinner with the House Democratic leadership on Wednesday at the Jefferson Hotel, including Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, according to a White House official. Read More »

Tea Party Hopes for a Peachy 2014 in Georgia

Three open House races and an open Senate seat make Georgia one of the nation’s best opportunities. Read More »

Mitch McConnell Wants to Be the Republican Party's Chief Tech Innovator

The 71-year-old GOP leader's campaign sees closing the data gap with the Democrats as a key to reelection. Read More »

Schumer Thinks Senate Needs More Than 60 Votes for Immigration to Push House to Act

Just breaking up an expected GOP filibuster of immigration legislation may not be enough.  Read More »

Round Two for Gun Control May Take a ‘Next Newtown’

A week after gun legislation suffered a stinging defeat in the Senate, an uncomfortable realization has settled over the Capitol that it will likely take another mass shooting or similar tragedy to reignite momentum for gun control. Read More »
CONGRESS

Why Would Anyone Want to Run for Congress?

How both political parties seduce (and sometimes browbeat) ordinary citizens into seeking a position in the nation’s most despised club.  Read More »
SENATE

‘Independent’ in Name Only

He promised to chart his own course, but a National Journal vote analysis shows that Sen. Angus King of Maine aligns with Democrats.  Read More »

The Scene From '300' the DCCC Uses to Rally Democratic Recruits

Forget polls and talking points. Steve Israel likes to show top Democratic recruits a scene from the movie 300 to get them riled up about running for Congress. Read More »

Democrats Search for Next Move After Major Gun Defeat

After the Senate dealt a blow to one of President Obama’s top second-term priorities, voting down a bipartisan measure to expand background checks on gun purchases, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pledged that, “This was just ...

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11 Things We Learned About Rand Paul at Breakfast

Sen. Rand Paul, the Kentucky Republican and potential GOP candidate for president, chatted with reporters over scrambled eggs and sausage at a breakfast event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor on Wednesday. Here is what we l...

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Senate Sets Wednesday Gun Vote

The Senate showdown on new gun-control legislation is officially set for Wednesday afternoon.  Read More »

GOP Filibuster of Gun Bill Begins to Fizzle

The planned GOP filibuster of gun-control legislation was losing steam on Tuesday, as more than half a dozen GOP lawmakers abandoned their conservative colleagues’ effort to block consideration of the bill. Read More »
IMMIGRATION

The Rubio Trap

Liberal groups have one message for Democrats negotiating with the Florida Republican: Don't give in.  Read More »

Could Chuck Schumer Be Well-Set to Chair Senate Banking Committee?

The departure of Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Johnson after 2014 could set off a future chain of musical chairmanships. One of the leading contenders for the influential post is the chamber’s No. 3-ranking Democrat, &n...

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Michele Bachmann Faces Ethics Review

Investigators with the Office of Congressional Ethics are interviewing former aides to Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., about alleged campaign-finance violations, the Daily Beast reported . Read More »

From Hoops to Harry Potter: Behind the Scenes of the Senate's All-Nighter

After four years of waiting, senators unleashed a torrent of budget amendments that pushed the vote-a-rama well into Saturday morning. No wonder everyone looked a little unhinged.   Read More »

LIVE UPDATES: What's Happening at the Senate Vote-A-Rama

The Senate's hours-long marathon of votes on amendments to the budget has begun. Here's what's worth knowing. Read More »

Sparks, Politics, and Amendments Will Fly in Vote-a-Rama

Senators will offer a raft of amendments Friday as the chamber debates its first budget in 4 years, taking advantage of the rare chance to force the opposing party into an unlimited number of tough votes. Read More »

Reid Moves Forward on Gun Bill, Includes Background Checks

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday he was moving forward on a gun-control measure that will include new background check and gun trafficking provisions, in hopes of bringing the measure to the floor after a two-week spr...

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Ethics: Full Probes Into Reps. Rob Andrews, Don Young

The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday it was opening full-scale investigations of two lawmakers, Rep. Rob Andrews, D-NJ, and Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, for the alleged use of official or campaign resources for personal purposes. Read More »

Inside the Rand Paul Filibuster

For a politician who earned his stripes as a political outsider, Sen. Rand Paul’s filibuster performance and planning demonstrated his aptitude at the inside D.C. game. Read More »

Past Deadline, Laura Richardson Still Hasn’t Paid Her Ethics Fine

Laura Richardson has a troublesome new debt—this time with the ethics authorities. Read More »

6 Signs Ashley Judd Will Run Against Mitch McConnell

The actress is sounding more and more like a Senate candidate. Read More »

Club for Growth President Chocola: ‘Sooner or Later, They Won’t Want You to be their Speaker’

The passage of the Violence Against Women Act on Thursday marked the third time in two months that major legislation had cleared the House with the support of less than half of House Republicans. Read More »
CONGRESS

Rep. Allyson Schwartz Steps Down as DCCC Fundraiser

Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-Pa., is stepping down as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's chief fundraiser. She will be replaced by Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a former Goldman Sachs executive. Read More »

Fearing Blame Will Shift to Obama, Democrats Oppose Flexibility in Sequester Cuts

Top lawmakers spent Tuesday searching for leverage points in the coming public-relations war over the automatic spending cuts that almost everyone agrees will now occur even though they were never designed to go into effect. Read More »

Who Tops the Club for Growth Conservative Scorecard? The GOP's 2016 Potentials

If the 2016 GOP presidential field includes both Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky, there won’t be much room to their political right. The latest congressional scorecard from Club for Growth, the influential c...

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Rep. Allyson Schwartz’s Potential Bid for Governor Could Cost House Democrats

As the Pennsylvania Democrat lays groundwork for a state race in 2014, she could leave the DCCC—where she serves as the party’s finance chair—in a pinch. Read More »

What Former Rep. David Dreier is Up To Next

David Dreier, the recently retired Republican congressman from California, has landed a gig to lead a new commission focused on trade for an arm of the nonprofit Annenberg Foundation. Read More »

Reid: Hagel Vote to be Held Friday

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will go ahead on a confirmation vote for defense secretary nominee Chuck Hagel on Friday morning, accusing Republicans of playing politics while the nation is at war. Read More »

House GOP Works to Unite Coalition Prior to Fiscal Fight

Top aides to House Republican leaders are quietly holding closed-door meetings with influential conservative pressure groups in an effort to coalesce the party’s oft-opposed elements ahead of the coming fiscal fights. Read More »

Mica to U.S. Chamber Chief: Find a New Job

Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., the former chairman of the House transportation committee, said Wednesday that the head of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce should “seek other opportunities for employment” after advocating for a gas-tax incr...

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SENATE

Why Ted Cruz Will Not Be Quiet

The junior senator from Texas does not plan to wait patiently through his apprenticeship. Read More »

Bob Menendez Spent Up to 87 Percent of Wealth Paying Back Donor

When Robert Menendez arrived in the U.S. Senate in 2006, he was a relative pauper in a chamber often called a millionaires’ club. The New Jersey Democrat ranked 97th out of 100 senators in terms of his personal wealth, according t...

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Brad Dayspring, Ward Baker Tapped for Top NRSC Jobs

The National Republican Senatorial Committee will tap operatives who served in the inner circles of former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor as senior staff for the 2014 elections. Read More »

For Heritage, A Squad of ‘Sentinels’ That Are Mostly White Men

The staunchest defenders of the conservative Heritage agenda are overwhelmingly white and male. Read More »
IMMIGRATION

Will Cuban Senator be a GOP Hardliner Against Immigration?

If Ted Cruz, one of two Hispanic Republicans in the Senate, chooses to oppose a broad immigration bill, he would instantly become an important voice among party hardliners. Read More »

Could One of the Senate's Few Hispanics Lead the GOP Push Against Immigration?

As a group of conservative GOP lawmakers and activists gathered behind closed doors to talk strategy ahead of the coming immigration battle with President Obama, one intriguing face was in the crowd: Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. Will he ...

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CONGRESS

The Waxman-Berman Machine Finally Shuts Down

For more than two decades in Southern California, if you wanted to run for office, you had to deal with the team of Howard Berman and Henry Waxman. That era is officially over with Berman’s loss last fall. Read More »

Filibuster Deal Leaves It Fundamentally Intact

Senate leaders have reached a deal that will impose new limits on the filibuster to ease the path for majority Democrats to begin floor debate on legislation while maintaining the minority Republicans’ ultimate veto power over fin...

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Momentum Builds for Boehner Plan but Trap Remains

John Boehner’s push to raise the debt limit temporarily is gaining momentum ahead of a critical Wednesday vote, but conservatives set a final hurdle: a more public promise of a 10-year balanced budget.  Read More »

Conservative Group Gets Out of Boehner's Way on Debt Limit

In a boost for Speaker John Boehner, the conservative Club for Growth announced Tuesday that it won't oppose the House GOP-backed bill to raise the debt limit. Read More »
CONGRESS

Behind the Republican Missteps on Abortion

Taking a page from the GOP playbook, Democrats learned to swap “partial birth” for “legitimate rape.” Read More »

Harry Reid Pours Cold Water on Assault Weapons Ban

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid downplayed the chances of the Senate renewing an assault-weapons ban and called for a "cautious" approach to gun control. Read More »

Who Pays for Congress’s Big-Money Party Retreats?

It boils down to this catch-22: Either the special interests pay, or you do. Read More »

Poll Finds That Obama’s Base Overlaps With Gun-Control Coalition

As President Obama readies a new push for gun-control legislation, he will rely on the support of the same political coalition that thrust him into a second term last November: young people, minorities, and college-educated women. Read More »

Gingrey on Akin’s ‘legitimate rape’ comments: ‘He’s partly right’

Phil Gingrey has waded dangerously into the “legitimate rape” debate that helped derail two Republican Senate candidates in 2012. Read More »
ANALYSIS: CONGRESS

How the Hill’s Biggest Gun-Control Advocates Have Been Scarred by Tragedy

Dianne Feinstein and Carolyn McCarthy are among the loudest voices in Congress for new measures to restrict bullets and firearms. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Group Formed to Aid Hagel Folds

A political nonprofit that sprouted to solicit cash to defend Chuck Hagel in his bid for Defense secretary is already folding up shop. Read More »

Why Harry Reid Was Sidelined for Joe Biden

The Nevada Democrat was trying to drive a hard bargain. Read More »

The Senate Chaplain's Pointed Prayers

It was 10 days ago that House Speaker John Boehner declared that “God only knows” how Congress would resolve the fiscal cliff. It’s still not clear. But with lawmakers still shy of an accord, Senate Chaplain Barry Black h...

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Forget a Fiscal Cliff Grand Bargain. A Bare Bones Deal is the Only Hope

Congress and the White House made yet another public, last-ditch effort to resolve the fiscal cliff on Friday, as the mood increasingly darkened about the prospects of any deal and nearly 90 percent of Americans prepared to face ...

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BUDGET

Trouble for Boehner's Speakership?

John Boehner’s speakership is suddenly “on the ropes,” declared at least one outside conservative group after Thursday night’s head-spinning developments. Read More »
CONGRESS

Ethics Panel Clears Meeks in Loan Probe

The House Ethics Committee has closed its long-running probe into Rep. Gregory Meeks , announcing it will impose no penalties or sanctions against the New York Democrat. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Sen. Mikulski First Woman To Chair Approps Committee

In the end, it was the committee shuffle that wasn’t. Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland will be the next chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, replacing the late Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Glickman to Leave Obama Administration

Steve Glickman , who has worked on export promotion, foreign investment and international trade for the National Security Council, is leaving the Obama administration. Read More »
POWER

House Conservatives Hold Their Criticism, For Now

As House Speaker  John Boehner  has bent further on taxes than any Republican leader in years, his once-raucous conference of GOP revolutionaries has fallen into line. Read More »

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

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...

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LEADERSHIP

Dave Camp Says He's Cancer-Free

The top GOP tax writer had announced he was being treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma over the summer. At the time, Camp called it a "highly treatable and curable type" of cancer. On Tuesday, he announced he was "cancer-free." Read More »
CONGRESS

McConnell Fundraisers Set Amid Cliff Talks

As President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner huddle in an effort to avert the fiscal cliff, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is bulking up his campaign coffers this week with back-to-back fundraising dinners just blo...

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CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Insiders Predict Tax Hikes on the Wealthy in 2013

Congressional Insiders are split across the aisle over whether entitlement reform or cutbacks will be part of a fiscal-cliff deal. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

House GOP Fights Reid Rumor With Hashtag

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid floated a juicy little rumor Tuesday that there is trouble afoot among the House GOP leadership. Read More »
CONGRESS

Poll Shows Americans Fear Entitlement Cuts the Most in 'Cliff' Talks

As President Obama and congressional leaders race to avert the fiscal cliff, Americans remain concerned that whatever budget deal they strike will cut too much from Medicare and Social Security, according to a new poll. Read More »
CONGRESS

McConnell’s Floor Flip-Flop Could Cost GOP

The debt ceiling is widely seen as Republicans’ strongest point of leverage in the ongoing fiscal-cliff negotiations, but McConnell’s tactical misstep on Thursday cost the GOP some precious ground. The question was how much. Read More »

Jesmer Departs NRSC for FP1

Rob Jesmer, executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for two tumultuous cycles, is leaving the operation to become a partner at FP1, a public affairs firm. His departure was widely expected. Read More »
POWER

The Energy Subcommittee Chair Shuffle

House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton , R-Mich., announced the new subcommittee chairs and vice-chairs of the powerful panel on Wednesday, most of which brought about by retiring or defeated GOP lawmakers. Read More »
POLITICAL PROFILE

Rising Freshman: Ann Wagner Goes to Head of the Class

Before Ann Wagner even won her seat in the House, the Missouri Republican already had reached out to introduce herself to the other 34 members of the incoming GOP class. She had contributed money to some, campaigned for others, and ...

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Ethics Panel Defers to Justice Department on Grimm Probe

The House Ethics Committee announced on Monday that it was temporarily suspending a probe of Rep. Michael Grimm, R-N.Y., in order to not interfere with an ongoing Department of Justice investigation. Read More »

In Resigning, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Says, ‘I Have Made My Share of Mistakes’

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois, the one-time rising star of Democratic politics, has resigned from Congress in a letter sent to House Speaker John Boehner on Wednesday. Read More »
ANALYSIS: SENATE

Senate Democrats Sing Praises of DSCC's Guy Cecil

The executive director of the campaign committee was the chief mastermind behind the party’s pickup of two seats. Read More »

Kaine Taps Campaign Manager as Chief of Staff

Senator-elect Tim Kaine, D-Va., has named his campaign manager Mike Henry as his chief of staff in his soon-to-be Senate office. Read More »
LEADERSHIP

Boehner Taps Sessions as Rules Chair

House Speaker John Boehner formally nominated Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, as the next chair of the influential Rules Committee on Wednesday. Read More »
HOUSE LEADERSHIP

Pelosi Will Seek Leadership Post Again

Rep. Nancy Pelosi told Democratic colleagues on Wednesday morning that she wants them to reelect her as House minority leader when they return from Thanksgiving break. Read More »
POLITICS

More than 7 in 10 Asians Voted for Obama

President Obama carried 73 percent of the Asian vote on Tuesday, continuing a two-decade-long march of Asian-Americans toward the Democratic Party in presidential politics. Read More »

Obama Wins Asian Vote Big

President Obama carried 73 percent of the Asian vote on Tuesday, continuing a two-decade-long march of Asian-Americans toward the Democratic Party in presidential politics. Read More »
ELECTION 2012: OUTSIDE SPENDING

Does Money Talk in Congress? In 2012, It Screamed

The smaller the race, the bigger the impact of money on Election Day. The bigger the race, the more likely that spending by opposing sides neutralized any advantage. Read More »
POWER

Stark's Loss Eases Ways and Means Logjam

The defeat of veteran Democratic Rep. Pete Stark , D-Calif., on Tuesday helps ease what had been a looming headache for the Democratic leadership in the House, opening up a second seat on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and a...

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Obama Overwhelmingly Won Asian-American Vote

President Obama carried 73 percent of the Asian vote on Tuesday, continuing a two-decade-long march of Asian-Americans toward the Democratic Party in presidential politics. Read More »
POWER

DSCC's Patty Murray: 'It Is A Great Day'

Sen. Patty Murray , the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee , could be forgiven for taking a few moments on Wednesday to gloat. After all, the Washington Democrat had guided her party to an election night romp th...

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King wins in Maine

Independent former Gov. Angus King has won the race to be next U.S. senator from Maine. Shortly after polls closed, ABC and NBC News called the race, saying King had beaten his opponents, Republican Charlie Summers and Democrat...

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CAMPAIGN 2012

Bloomberg Aims to Be Gun-Control Counterweight to NRA

As independent Michael Bloomberg nears his final year as New York City mayor, the billionaire is laying the groundwork to become a one-man counterweight to one of the nation's most powerful lobbies: the National Rifle Association. Read More »

California, 15th House District

Eric Swalwell unseated 40-year Democratic Rep. Pete Stark in a classic race that pitted youth against experience. Swalwell, 31, pressed the case that time had passed by the 80-year-old incumbent. Swalwell can also credit his win to ...

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George Allen Gives Campaign Last-Minute $500,000

Updated at 10:40 a.m. Read More »
CONGRESS

Resignations Force Congressional Ethics Office to Drop Inquiries

The Office of Congressional Ethics on Wednesday announced that it abandoned as many as four ethics probes in the third quarter, after the subjects of the inquiries resigned. Read More »
INFLUENCE

The Breakout Star of 2012: Mommy

  Votes remain to be cast but it is not too early to declare the surprise Republican star of the 2012 election: mommy (and sometimes daddy). Read More »

The Breakout Star of 2012: Mommy

Votes remain to be cast but it is not too early to declare the surprise Republican star of the 2012 election: mommy (and sometimes daddy). Read More »

Poll: Dead Heat in R.I. House Race

Rep. David Cicilline , D-R.I., holds a razor-thin, one-point lead over Republican challenger Brendan Doherty , according to a new poll . Read More »
POLITICS

Undecided Asian-Americans Prove to be Powerful Voting Bloc

FALLS CHURCH, Va.—The silken scarves that Ben and Josh Romney wore as they toured a suburban shopping mall of Vietnamese businesses this month were bright yellow, with thin red stripes. They weren’t fashion statements; they w...

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POLITICS

The Power of the Asian-American Vote Is Growing -- And It's Up for Grabs

Long an ignored slice of the electorate, Asian-Americans are increasingly flexing their political muscles this year, as candidates and constituents. And, demographers and political strategists agree, it’s just the beginning. Read More »

George Allen's Pricey 'Skins Ad

Republican George Allen is throwing a $67,500 deep ball during Sunday's football showdown between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants. Read More »
INFLUENCE

Outside Money Pouring Into Va. Senate Race

Virginia Senate candidates and former Govs. Tim Kaine , the Democrat, and George Allen , the Republican, will square off in the final debate of the campaign on Thursday at Virginia Tech. Read More »
HOUSE RACES

In Rhode Island Campaign, Don’t Talk About the Mob

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — One candidate rose to prominence as a cop, cutting his teeth in Rhode Island’s organized-crime unit. The other is the son of a famed mob lawyer who got his start as a criminal-defense attorney. Read More »
POWER

Reyes, Defeated in May, Faces Potential Ethics inquiry

Rep. Silvestre Reyes is leaving Congress next year after losing his primary in May, but the Texas Democrat may have another headache before he's sent packing.   The House Ethics Committee announced on Friday that the Office of Co...

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Pro-George Allen Super PAC Gets $ 1 Million Donation

A super PAC formed to help return Republican George Allen to the U.S. Senate in Virginia has received an infusion of $1 million from Texas homebuilder and major GOP donor Bob Perry . Read More »

Tierney, Tisei Get Heated in Massachusetts Debate

DANVERS, Mass. - How intense is the Massachusetts House race between Democratic Rep. John Tierney and GOP challenger Richard Tisei ? Read More »

Cicilline Edges Doherty in New R.I. Poll

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rep. David Cicilline , D-R.I., is locked in a tight race with Republican challenger Brendan Doherty , according to a new survey by Brown University that shows Cicilline inching in front of Doherty despite po...

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CONGRESS

Obama, Romney Tied Among Likely Voters

President Obama and Mitt Romney are deadlocked among likely voters as they prepare to square off in their first presidential debate, according to the latest United Technologies/ National Journal Congressional Connection Poll. Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

As Romney Slides, Down-Ballot Fears Grow

As Mitt Romney’s standing in the polls slips, questions are emerging about whether the Republican presidential nominee may become a drag for the GOP down ticket. Read More »

Kaine Supporter Hopes Voters Ignore Her

McLEAN, VA -- Sharon Bulova watched the Virginia Senate debate on Thursday from the first row, and with an interesting vantage point. Read More »
ANALYSIS: SENATE

Virginia Really Is for Lovers

George Allen and Tim Kaine have made their hotly contested Virginia Senate race a family affair. The candidates’ wives are the stars—and not-so-secret weapons. Read More »

Kaine: Open to Federal Income Taxes on Everyone

McLEAN, Va. - Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican George Allen sparred over taxes, the role of government and how to address looming defense cuts in a televised debate Thursday, as Virginia's hotly contested Senate race heads int...

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Second Poll Shows Kaine Ahead

For the first time since the race began, Democrat Tim Kaine has taken the lead in his closely watched race for Virginia's Senate seat against Republican George Allen, according to two new polls released Wednesday. Read More »

Congressional Insiders: Who Had the Better Convention?

President Obama has ticked up in the polls since his party convention in Charlotte earlier this month on the heels of the GOP gathering in Tampa. Read More »

Sequester Benefits Neither Party, Congressional Insiders Say

Congress is not expected to make any serious maneuvers to offset looming cuts to the defense sector before the fall elections, making the issue a political football heading into November. Read More »
POWER

Candidates' Fiscal Positions Flip in Va. Senate Race

From National Journal Daily : Read More »
SENATE RACES

In Fiscal Fight, Kaine Runs to Allen’s Right

Former Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is trying to pull off a rare feat for a Democrat: running to the right of his GOP rival on fiscal matters. Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Insiders on Conventions and Sequestration

Which party had the best convention? And which party benefits politically from the debate over the defense sequester? Insiders weigh in. Read More »
CONGRESS

Democrats Welcome Back 'Mr. Ryan' to Capitol

In mock giddy appreciation of the return of GOP vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan to the Capitol from the campaign stump on Thursday, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s office has produced a sarcastic video titled “Welcome...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Poll: Americans Wary of Changes to Medicare

President Obama and Democrats maintain a sizable political advantage on the hot-button issue of Medicare, according to a new poll. Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Mystery PAC Look-Alike Websites Ads Fade, Sites Disappear Briefly

Ads for the network of look-alike campaign websites run by an obscure political group appear to have vanished from the Internet on Monday afternoon, only hours after  National Journal   reported  that the sites, which...

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CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Look-Alike Sites Funnel Big Money to Mystery PAC

Noam Neusner, a former White House speechwriter for President George W. Bush, thought he had given $250 to Ohio GOP Senate candidate Josh Mandel. Read More »

Romney: Democratic Platform Is ‘Extreme’

In his first public remarks on the Democratic National Convention, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney said that the initial decision by Democrats to remove the word “God” from their party platform shows how “out of to...

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CAMPAIGN 2012

Romney: No 'Bailouts' for Threatened Homeowners

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, pressed on Wednesday for specifics on how he would help struggling homeowners, repeatedly brushed aside the suggestion that the federal government should take a more active role in helpin...

Read More »

Hahn Gets Stage Time in Charlotte -- Richardson Not So Much

Among the Democratic women of the House that took the Democratic National Convention stage Tuesday night with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was one surprise: Rep. Janice Hahn , D-Calif. Read More »

In Castro, Dems Have Keynoter With Echoes of Obama

The keynote speaker of this year’s Democratic convention is a telegenic young orator, a Harvard Law school grad with a cool demeanor and a hard-to-pronounce name who people say could one day be president of the United States. Read More »

Why Would You Go to the Convention Anyway?

A raft of prominent Democrats have already distanced themselves from their party by promising to stay away from its national convention in Charlotte this week. Most are from red states (Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Claire McCaski...

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CAMPAIGN 2012

Citing Giffords, Huckabee Hits Rove for ‘Murdered’ Joke

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has been embattled Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin’s most prominent defender, went on the offensive, attacking GOP strategist Karl Rove for an off-the-cuff remark he made about Aki...

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CONVENTIONS 2012

For Romney, Path to Nevada's Latino Vote Lies in Economy

Mitt Romney’s unpopularity among Latinos is partly attributable to the hard-line immigration stance he took during the GOP primary season. Now he’s trying to recover. A look at how the strategy is working in Nevada.  Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Christie Speech: A 2016 Kickoff?

It took New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie more than 1,700 words to finally get around to mentioning Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee for president he was supposed to be discussing. For the better part of his prime-time speech, Chris...

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CONVENTIONS 2012

Christie's Prepared Remarks for Keynote

Chris Christie at Republican National Convention called for a "new era of truth-telling." Read More »
CONVENTIONS 2012

Artur Davis: ‘What a Difference 4 Years Makes’

Four years after he nominated Barack Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Democrat-turned-Republican Artur Davis gave a blistering address criticizing his former party for racking up debt and growing the government at t...

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CONVENTIONS 2012

Romney Wins Votes for Nomination

New Jersey Puts Romney Over Top for GOP Nomination Delegates to the Republican National Convention pushed Mitt Romney past the 1,144-vote threshold to become his party's 2012 presidential nominee. The vote puts Romney one...

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POLITICS

Can Romney Woo Latinos in Nevada?

Mitt Romney hasn't given up on wooing Latinos crushed by the economy in Nevada, a key swing state. Read More »

Meet Rex Elsass, the Man with Todd Akin's Ear

So far, top Republicans from Mitt Romney to Mitch McConnell to Sarah Palin have called for Missouri GOP Senate candidate Todd Akin to withdraw in the wake of his controversial comments about "legitimate rape." Read More »
PEOPLE

Marco Rubio Spokesman Catches Home Run Ball

Alex Conant , press secretary to Sen. Marco Rubio , slogged through the rain to watch the first-place Washington Nationals on Tuesday, and was rewarded when he caught a home run in the second inning off the bat of Ian Desmond. Read More »
PEOPLE

Rubber Duckies: The Mother's Milk of Politics

Over on the main site today, we've got the story of Eric Swalwell , the upstart challenger to Rep. Pete Stark , a California Democrat who has been in the House for 20 terms. Read More »
CONGRESS

Swalwell Takes on Stark

Upstart challenger Eric Swalwell, a 31-year old Democratic congressional candidate in California, is undertaking a dragon-slaying effort this year against Rep. Pete Stark , the liberal 20-term veteran from the San Francisco Bay Area. Read More »
LEGAL AFFAIRS

Why Issa Won't Drop 'Fast and Furious'

With a new lawsuit filed this week against Attorney General Eric Holder, the House Oversight Committee and its dogged chairman, Rep. Darrell Issa of California, has again thrust the “Fast and Furious” gunrunning scandal back i...

Read More »

Ryan the Dealmaker vs. Ryan the Ideologue

Ever since Mitt Romney named Rep. Paul Ryan as his vice presidential pick, he's been touting the Wisconsin Republican's bipartisan credentials. "This guy's a real leader," Romney said in their joint 60 Minutes appearance. "He's re...

Read More »
POWER

What to Watch in Wisconsin, Connecticut Primaries

Rep. Tammy Baldwin , D-Wis., will finally find out who her fall opponent for the U.S. Senate is on Tuesday, as former GOP Gov. Tommy Thompson tries to fend off three challengers led by businessman Eric Hovde , who has spent mil...

Read More »
GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT

Issa Not Dropping Fast and Furious

House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa announced on Twitter late Sunday that he plans to file charges against Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday. Read More »

Stark: "I Got a Little Heated" but Was "Bullied"

Rep. Pete Stark , D-Calif., is not backing down. Read More »
POWER

Stark: 'I Got a Little Heated' But Was 'Bullied'

Rep. Pete Stark is not backing down. Read More »

Stark Explodes on Ex-Legislator Backing His Opponent

HAYWARD, Calif. -- A former California state lawmaker said Rep. Pete Stark , D-Calif., threatened his career and his family, questioned his religious faith and accused him of being mentally ill after he told the 40-year incumbent h...

Read More »

Congressional Insiders: Thanks, But No Thanks on Releasing Their Tax Returns

As the debate over Mitt Romney 's tax returns has swirled, some prominent members of Congress, led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi , have been vocal critics of Romney's refusal to release more years of returns. Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Congressional Insiders Poll

Insiders weigh in on the NRA’s clout in Congress. Read More »

Congressional Insiders Agree: NRA is All-Powerful

Here is one thing Democrats and Republicans in National Journal 's latest Congressional Insiders poll agree on: the National Rifle Association has an iron-clad grip on Congress when it comes to gun-control issues. Read More »
PEOPLE

Ethics Office: Nine New Cases in 2nd Quarter

It was a busy second quarter for the ethics police at the Office of Congressional Ethics. Read More »

Congressional Candidate's Wife Involved in Deadly Car Crash

The wife of Abel Maldonado, a GOP congressional candidate in California challenging Rep. Lois Capps, was involved in a fatal car crash on Monday afternoon that left a man dead after he ran a stop sign, according to the Maldonado cam...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Congressional Candidate's Wife Involved in Deadly Car Crash

The wife of Abel Maldonado, a GOP congressional candidate in California challenging Rep. Lois Capps , was involved in a fatal car crash on Monday afternoon that left a man dead after he ran a stop sign, according to ...

Read More »
POLITICS

Tough Nevada Economy Makes House Race a Bellwether

HENDERSON, Nev. — The clock has ticked past 5 p.m. on a hot and rainy Friday, but the campaign office of Rep. Joe Heck , R-Nev., is humming. More than two dozen people are manning the phones for him under a giant American flag. Read More »
POWER

Report: Grimm Faces Grand Jury probe

From the Daily News: Read More »
Q&A

D. Taylor: Food Fight

Taylor heads the most potent political organization in Nevada: Culinary Union Local 226. How he sees the presidential race matters.  Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

A Bluff or Bad Hand? Labor Fight Threatens Nevada Democrats

Depending on who’s talking, it’s either a major election-year bluff or a devastating political blow to Democrats. The leader of the largest and most potent labor union in Nevada is threatening that he and his 55,000 foot-soldie...

Read More »
POWER

Ethics Panel Reviewing Rep. Rob Andrews

The House Ethics Committee revealed late Tuesday that it is reviewing a case involving Rep. Robert Andrews , after the lawmaker's spending practices with his campaign funds have come under scrutiny. Read More »
POWER

More Good News for GOP: Grimm Ethics Case Dropped

For the second week in a row, House Republicans have something to smile about from the world of ethics investigations. Read More »
POLITICS

In Nevada, 'None' a Fearsome Foe for the GOP

LAS VEGAS — President Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney must face down a dubious and slippery opponent in Nevada this November. The mystery foe cannot be tamed with television ads and never breaks a campaign pledge....

Read More »

Reid Predicts Victory in Arizona Senate Race

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nev., predicted on Thursday that the Democrats would win the race for an open Senate seat in Arizona, a contest that favors Republicans, but one that Senate Democratic operatives have hyped as ...

Read More »

Black Lawmakers Plot 'Walkout Strategy' During Holder Contempt Vote

The Congressional Black Caucus has called a members-only "emergency" meeting on Thursday to plot a "walkout strategy" ahead of the scheduled contempt vote of Attorney General Eric Holder later in the day. Read More »

How Political Rhetoric Follows Gas Prices in Two Charts

As the price at the pump surged this winter and spring, Republicans seized the issue to attack President Obama. Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Rangel, Hatch Show Incumbency Still a Trump Card

It turns out the old bulls still have some fight left. Within minutes late Tuesday night, Sen. Orrin Hatch , R-Utah, and Rep. Charles Range l, D-N.Y., were both declared winners as they advanced past the stiffest electoral...

Read More »

George Allen's Rebuilding Project

George Allen is trying to soften his image. This week, the former and would-be future Virginia senator unveiled his first television ads of the general election, two soft-focus spots featuring female testimonials of his character. Read More »

In Washington or Back Home, Insiders Have Little Hope for Election-Year Legislating

Republicans and Democrats often bicker about whether they are in Washington enough in an election year to accomplish anything, with the minority party invariably pointing fingers at the majority. Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Legislating in an Election Year

Can Congress get anything done in an election year? And do members like spending so much time away from the office? Insiders weigh in.  Read More »
COVER STORY

The Rehabilitation of George Allen

As he crisscrosses Virginia running for a Senate seat, Allen is trying to get his mojo back, betting on the fact that if there is one thing America loves better than tearing down its heroes, it’s building them back up again. Read More »
POWER

Senate Rankings: Trench Warfare in the NJ Big 10

The battle for control Senate has turned into trench warfare. With five months until the elections, both parties mostly agree on the battlefield and neither sees a coming partisan wave washing the other out of contention. Read More »
CONGRESS

Poll: Don’t Extend Bush Cuts for Wealthy

As President Obama navigates a choppy economy in his reelection bid, he can rely on one comforting fact: Americans continue to strongly embrace his opposition to extending tax breaks for those earning more than $250,000 a year. Read More »

After the Primary, Marco Rubio Embraces George Allen

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Virginia Senate candidate George Allen , fresh off his primary win earlier in the week, became the latest Republican to bask in the warm glow of an endorsement from rising GOP star Sen. Marco Rubio , R-Fla. Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Economy and Legislative Outlook

Insiders assess how much last week’s jobs report has hurt Obama. And they identify the legislation most likely to pass this year.  Read More »

Sherman, Berman Advance Past California's Primary

Reps. Brad Sherman and Howard Berman both advanced past California's primary on Tuesday, as the two veteran Democrats will continue to battle one another through November in what is expected to be among the nation's most expensi...

Read More »
CULTURE

Texas Senate Seat on the Line: Let's Debate in Spanish

It’s not every day that a white candidate for U.S. Senate demands to debate a Latino candidate in Spanish. But that's the case in Texas. Read More »
POLITICS

NRCC Hopes Diversity Equals '12 Success

GOP counts among its top dozen contenders - its “Young Guns” - two women, an openly gay man, an Indian-American, and a Jew; this term white men comprise 86 percent of House GOP. Read More »
NEED TO KNOW: HOUSE

California Democrats’ Family Feuds

New election rules in the Golden State will keep Democrats battling each other until the fall in some House districts. Read More »

Radtke Uses Tim Kaine to Attack George Allen

Updated at 4:52 p.m. Read More »
POLITICS

Ex-Rep. Artur Davis Embraces GOP, Possible Run for Office

The slow but steady metamorphosis of Artur Davis from Democrat to Republican is now complete. Read More »

Boy Donor: Kentucky Win is Just the Start

Meet John Ramsey . He's a 21-year old college student from Texas who just helped win a congressional seat in Kentucky. The Ron Paul disciple isn't old enough to serve in Congress. And he wasn't on the ballot. But he used his inhe...

Read More »
THE NEXT AMERICA: PROFILE

Seen, Not Heard

Like many members of Congress, Utah’s Jason Chaffetz can’t ignore Latino voters. But they don’t set his agenda—yet.  Read More »
CONGRESS

McCain Stands By His Prior Decision Not to Engage Obama Over Rev. Wright

Sen. John McCain , R-Ariz., stood by his decision not to engage Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential campaign over his ties to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as The  New York Times reported a new GOP super PAC is considering re...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Boehner: Debt Limit Is 'Leverage to Make the System Work'

House Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio, offered a spirited defense on Thursday of his new fiscal doctrine, outlined earlier in the week, of demanding spending cuts in exchange for raising the nation’s debt limit in the future. Read More »

The 'Amateurish' Ads for Rep. Howard Berman

Rep. Howard Berman has the backing of some of the biggest names in Hollywood. So why has a super PAC supporting his candidacy aired some of the lowest production-value political ads of the year? Read More »

Congressional Insiders Agree: Pick Portman

As Mitt Romney mulls who to pick as vice president, members of Congress in both parties agree that among their colleagues there is no better pick than Ohio Sen. Rob Portman . Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Mitt Romney’s Running Mate

Insiders weigh in on whether Romney should select a governor, a member of Congress, or a former officeholder. And they identify his best pick among congressional candidates. Read More »

Sessions: '100 percent' of House GOP Would Campaign with Romney

President Obama lost 42 percent of the Democratic primary in West Virginia to a federal prisoner on Tuesday and top House Republicans couldn't be more delighted. On Wednesday, Rep. Pete Sessions , R-Texas, the head of the House G...

Read More »
THE NEXT AMERICA

Tim Kaine Wiggles Around Questions on Gay Marriage

President  Obama  isn't the only prominent Democrat tap dancing around the question of gay marriage this week. On Tuesday, former Democratic National Committee Chairman  Tim Kaine  performed policy pirouette...

Read More »

Tim Kaine Wiggles Around Questions on Gay Marriage

President Obama isn't the only prominent Democrat tap dancing around the question of gay marriage this week. On Tuesday, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine performed policy pirouettes as reporters tried to p...

Read More »

Anti-incumbent Super PAC to Oppose Rangel

Corrected at 5:25 to reflect that Ferrer endorsed Espaillat. Read More »
HOUSE RACES

After Lugar, is Pete Stark Next?

Rep. Pete Stark , D-Calif., has coasted to reelection in his safely Democratic district for 40 years. But the 80-year-old lawmaker has stumbled in the early stages of this year’s reelection bid amid the biggest threat of his elec...

Read More »

DeMint Throws Weight Behind Flake

Sen. Jim DeMint , R-S.C., is best known for bucking the wishes of the GOP leadership when he makes political endorsements. But on Monday the tea party favorite threw his support behind the Senate bid of Republican Rep. Jeff Flake ...

Read More »

Indiana Senate Race Pits McCain Vs. Palin

Sarah Palin endorsed Indiana Treasurer Richard Mourdock for Senate on Friday - the same day that John McCain cut a radio ad for Mourdock's primary opponent, embattled Indiana GOP Sen. Richard Lugar . Read More »
POLITICS

Strategists: Volatile Political Climate Should Leave Politicians Wary

A bipartisan group of pollsters and political strategists sketched a sordid picture of a nation deeply unhappy with its political leaders and a turbulent set of elections on the horizon in 2012 at the United Technologies/ National J...

Read More »

Blue Dogs an Increasingly Rare Breed in Congress

The Blue Dogs' bark in Congress is sounding more and more like a whimper. Read More »
CONGRESS

Public Opinion Could Lead to Further Gridlock

Americans are fed up with Congress and a federal government perpetually frozen in conflict, but voters remain sharply split over how to ease the gridlock in the nation’s capital, according to a new United Technologies/ National Jo...

Read More »
CONGRESSIONAL INSIDERS POLL

Taking Sides and Romney Buzz

Should congressional leadership should take sides or spend money in a member-versus-member primary? And does Mitt Romney becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee warrant excitement? Read More »
POLITICS

Flake’s Past as Lobbyist at Odds With His Image

Rep. Jeff Flake has said that his work as a Mormon missionary in Southern Africa in the early 1980s sparked his interest in foreign affairs. But what the Arizona Republican Senate candidate doesn’t often speak about is what he d...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Gingrich's Billionaire Backer Turns Sights to House

Sheldon Adelson, a wealthy casino owner who has spent millions to boost the presidential campaign of Newt Gingrich, has donated $5 million with his wife to a super PAC for House Republican candidates, according to campaign filings r...

Read More »

For Kaine, a Tour and an Economic Plan

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine rolled out a three-point economic plan on Wednesday and began barnstorming the state alongside Democratic Sen. Mark Warner -- the man he hopes to join in ...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Judge: Reveal Donors Behind Electioneering Ads

A federal judge has struck down a Federal Election Commission ruling that allowed groups to pay for advertising in the run-up to elections while keeping their donors anonymous. Read More »
Q&A

Steve Israel, Mr. Relentless

How does he convince fellow House Democrats to contribute to their party's campaign committee, which he chairs? “I’m an expert in Jewish guilt,” he says.  Read More »
CONGRESS

Black Lawmakers Push for Justice in Trayvon Martin Case

The killing of Trayvon Martin, a 17-year old African-American high school student gunned down by a neighborhood-watch volunteer in Sanford, Fla., has rocketed into the national conscience—and black members of Congress want to make...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley Faces Ethics Probe

Rep. Shelley Berkley , D-Nev., faces an ethics investigation in the midst of her bid for U.S. Senate this year, as she hopes to knock off incumbent Sen. Dean Heller , R-Nev. Read More »
CONGRESS

No Ethics Penalties For Lawmakers Arrested With Clooney

The House Ethics Committee announced on Thursday it would not pursue any penalties against the four members of Congress who were arrested alongside George Clooney last week outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, DC. Read More »

In Alabama, A Bellwether Race for House Incumbents

As voters in the Deep South head to the polls for the GOP presidential primaries on Tuesday, a congressional race in central Alabama has turned into a widely watched bellwether for how severe a case of anti-incumbent fever will grip...

Read More »
NEED TO KNOW: HOUSE

Gays' Ranks in Congress Likely to Thin

Three of the four openly gay members might not be back in 2013. Gay-rights activists aren’t sounding the alarm—yet.  Read More »
HOUSE

Primary Opponent of Rep. Stearns Alleges Bribe

The primary opponent of Rep. Cliff Stearns , R-Fla., has accused the congressman of trying to buy him out of the race – a charge Stearns has vehemently denied. Read More »
PAYNE

Rep. Donald Payne Dies

Rep. Donald Payne , a New Jersey Democrat first elected to Congress in 1988, has died after a battle with colon cancer. He was 77. Read More »
CONGRESS

Ailing Rep. Payne Flown Home to New Jersey

Rep. Donald Pay n e , D-N.J., who revealed last month that he is being treated for colon cancer, returned to Newark on Friday after his health has taken a turn toward the worst, a spokeswoman said. Read More »
POLITICS

Condit's Son Eyes Bid for Congress

Chad Condit, the son of former Rep. Gary Condit, who was voted out of office a decade ago after the disappearance of former intern Chandra Levy, is eyeing his own bid for Congress – as an independent. Read More »
COVER STORY

Hill Ethics, in Black and White

About one-third of current black lawmakers have been named in an ethics probe at some point during their congressional careers, a proportion far higher than that for white members of Congress. African-Americans on Capitol Hill would...

Read More »
HOUSE

Rangel Hospitalized With Back Trouble

Rep. Charles Rangel , 81, has been hospitalized because of back problems, though the issue is not “serious,” said the New York Democrat’s spokeswoman Hannah Kim. Read More »
HOUSE

Republican Rep. Dreier to Retire

Rep.  David Dreier , R-Calif., the chairman of the House Rules Committee, on Wednesday announced on the House floor that he is not running for reelection. Read More »
CONGRESS

Super PAC Plows Money Into Unseating Incumbents

“Throw the bums out” is a common refrain these days as Congress descends to new lows in public approval. Now a super PAC is putting money behind the idea—$1.8 million and counting—and planning to try to unseat incumbents of ...

Read More »
ETHICS

Committee Members Recuse Selves From Waters Investigation

Six lawmakers on the House Ethics Committee, including the top Democrat and all five Republicans, are recusing themselves from the investigation of Rep. Maxine Waters , D-Calif., at the recommendation of the outside special counsel...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Hastings Harassment Suit Dismissed, But Legal Battle Continues

A sexual-harassment lawsuit against Rep. Alcee Hastings , D-Fla., was dismissed in federal court on Tuesday, but the legal battle isn’t over yet for the embattled lawmaker. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Are Gas Prices the New GOP Attack on Obama?

As unemployment continues to tick downward, Republicans are searching for messages other than joblessness with which to bludgeon President Obama. On Sunday, GOP presidential candidate Newt Gingrich hinted at such a new line of attac...

Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Gingrich Defends Lunar Ambitions

Newt Gingrich said he’s dead serious about reviving America’s efforts to compete with other world powers in space. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Israel: Outside Money 'Keeps Me Up at Night'

Rep. Steve Israel , the top Democrat charged with helping to retake the House in 2012, said he loses sleep over the growing and uncertain impact of organizations outside the party that can raise unlimited amounts and spend it on co...

Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Gingrich Says Obama 'Declared War on the Catholic Church'

Newt Gingrich sought to make inroads among religious voters Sunday, accusing President Obama of having “basically declared war on the Catholic Church.” Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Recruiting a Replacement for Giffords

It is not clear who will succeed, or even run to succeed, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who resigned last month a year after a gunman shot her in a vicious attack. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Gingrich: Romney is 'Pro-Abortion,' Pro-Gun Control,' Pro-Tax Increase'

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich showed no signs of easing his attacks on rival and frontrunner for the Republican nomination Mitt Romney on Sunday. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Mitch Daniels: 'Can't Imagine' Colts Without Manning

On Super Bowl Sunday, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels weighed in on one of the biggest debates gripping his state: whether or not longtime Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning should return to the team next year. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Gingrich: 'Competitive' in Delegates After Texas

A defiant Newt Gingrich said on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that he would plow forward in his presidential campaign, the morning after losing the Nevada caucuses to Mitt Romney, his second primary loss to the former Massachusett...

Read More »
NATIONAL SECURITY

Defense Buoys State Campaign of McKeon's Wife

Defense contractors and federal lobbyists don’t typically follow obscure statehouse contests 3,000 miles from the nation’s capital. But then, those contests typically don’t feature the wife of the current chairman of the influ...

Read More »
POLITICS

McKeon’s Family Feud: Spouse vs. Former Staffer

A sleepy race for a California Legislature seat is turning into a fractious family feud that pits a former top staffer to Buck McKeon , R-Calif., chairman of the powerful House Armed Services Committee, against the congressman’s wife. Read More »
HOUSE

Goodbye, Gabby

She entered the chamber to spontaneous cheers, from the floor to the rafters. Read More »
CONGRESS

QUICK TAKE: Sen. Rand Paul Detained For Refusing TSA Patdown

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was detained by airport security officials on Monday, according to his communications director Moira Bagley, who posted about the incident on Twitter. Read More »
CONGRESS

Top Aides Used to Lure Donor Dollars

In the race for 2012 campaign cash, congressional Democrats and Republicans are using a controversial tactic to solicit big donors: selling access to top staff in Congress. Read More »
CONGRESS

Lewis Third California Republican to Retire in a Week

Rep. Jerry Lewis , R-Calif., announced on Thursday his retirement after more than three decades in Congress.   Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

U.S. Chamber Chief: Attacking Romney on Bain Is ‘Foolish’

Tom Donohue, the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said on Thursday that recent Republican attacks on GOP presidential front-runner Mitt Romney’s business record were “foolish” and that Romney has a “pretty good tra...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Why Are Republicans Fighting a Risky Battle Over Cordray?

President Obama openly picked a fight with Republicans this week in installing Richard Cordray as the first chief of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau through a legally dubious recess appointment. The question is why the GOP ...

Read More »
SENATE

Gillibrand Raising Money Overseas

Lawmakers have long used political fundraising to justify lavish trips. They spend legislative breaks at ski lodges in Utah and having un in the Florida sun -- all on campaign donors’ dimes. This week, Sen.  Kirsten Gill...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Iowa's Other Winners and Losers

With his strong showing in the Iowa caucuses Tuesday, Rick Santorum was thrust into serious contention for the Republican nomination after spending much of the last year as an afterthought in the 2012 presidential sweepstakes. In a ...

Read More »
CONGRESS

QUICK TAKE: Cracks Are Forming in The House GOP on Payroll Tax Cut

The freshman class has been largely united in an effort to block the Senate-passed payroll-tax extension, but one new member is calling upon leadership to agree to the compromise. Read More »
CONGRESS

QUICK TAKE: Boehner Phones Obama With Proposal: President Says No

House Speaker John Boehner phoned President Obama on Thursday morning to request that the president dispatch his economic team to Capitol Hill to negotiate a full-year extension of the payroll-tax holiday, according to Boehner’s...

Read More »
CONGRESS

QUICK TAKE: Rep. Camp: Two Months Is 'Ridiculous,' Make It Three

One of the GOP negotiators appointed by Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio, to seek a payroll-tax holiday compromise floated a new idea on Thursday: a three-month extension of the tax break. Read More »
ANALYSIS

Isolated, Will Boehner Fold in the Payroll Fight?

The escalating criticism of House Republicans’ tactical decision has an increasing number of Congress-watchers iasking when and how – not if – Boehner and company will acquiesce in the payroll tax wars.   Read More »
CONGRESS

Wall Street Journal Rips GOP Strategy

President Obama and congressional Democrats received a political boost from a surprising source late Tuesday: a scathing editorial in the Wall Street Journal   that asks how congressional Republicans managed "to lose th...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Iowa Evangelicals Issue Mixed Verdict Before Caucus Vote

Score one split-decision victory for Rick Santorum. The former U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, long admired in the evangelical community, failed to receive the endorsement of the Iowa-based social conservative group The Family Leade...

Read More »
CONGRESS

House Delays Payroll Package Votes Until Tuesday

House Republican leaders abandoned plans to vote Monday night and into Tuesday morning on the Senate's payroll tax-cut package, saying it would look bad to vote in the middle of the night. Read More »
CONGRESS

Why This Congressional Chaos Is Not About to End

When it comes to the end-of-session loggerheads, what's important to understand is that Congress isn't simply "dysfunctional," as it’s blithely labeled, but it's being torn by forces that are real, historic, and unlikely to aba...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Why This Chaos Isn’t About to End


When it comes to the end-of-session loggerheads, what’s important to
 understand is that Congress isn’t simply “dysfunctional,” as it’s
 blithely labeled, but it’s being torn by forces that are real, 
historic, and...

Read More »

QUICK TAKE: Reid has Angry Reaction to Boehner Comments

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., reacted angrily to Speaker John Boehner's comments Sunday that a bipartisan payroll-tax package approved in the Senate this weekend was dead on arrival in the House. Read More »
SUNDAY SHOWS

Boehner: House Opposes Senate Payroll Tax Bill

House Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio, made clear Sunday morning that the two-month payroll tax extension the Senate passed Saturday is a non-starter in the House. Read More »

House Approves $915 Billion Spending Plan

The House voted 296-121 Friday to pass a $915-billion spending package to fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year, likely staving off a threatened midnight government shutdown. Read More »
CONGRESS

QUICK TAKE: Votes on Omnibus Coming but Payroll Uncertain

Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said on Friday that the House would vote on the omnibus spending package Friday to fund the government to avert a shutdown and and then go home until negotiations over the payroll-tax break are settled. Read More »
ETHICS

Goss Recuses Himself From Ethics Panel

The chairman of the Office of Congressional Ethics, former CIA Director Porter Goss, has recused himself from his post probing the alleged misdeeds of House members because his son is running for Congress in Florida. Read More »
APPROPRIATIONS

GOP Unveils House Version Of Stalled Spending Bill

With some government funding set to dry up and a partial shutdown looming, House Republicans introduced a separate version of a stalled conference report containing almost $1 trillion worth of fiscal year 2012 spending bills. Read More »
APPROPRIATIONS

Appropriators Reach Spending Deal

House and Senate Appropriators have reached a deal on massive $900 billion 2012 spending plan for a broad swath of the federal government but they say they are refraining from filing it for at least a day because of technical issues. Read More »
HOUSE

Ethics Panel to Continue Jackson Prode

After more than two years, the House Ethics Committee announced Friday it would continue to probe whether Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr ., D-Ill., improperly sought an appointment to the U.S. Senate from disgraced former Illinois Gov. Ro...

Read More »
CAMPAIGN FINANCE

New Jersey Congressman Repays Fund After Using It for Scotland Trip

Rep. Rob Andrews , D-N.J., said on Tuesday that he would reimburse his campaign the $9,000 in contributions he spent to attend the wedding of a donor and unpaid adviser in Scotland.  Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

QUICK TAKE: McCain to GOP: ‘Waterboarding Is Torture’

Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential standard-bearer, has taken pains to avoid weighing in on the 2012 GOP primary. But McCain says he was "very disappointed" that some Republicans defended waterboard...

Read More »
WHITE HOUSE

Obama Announces Third Attempt to Cut Government Waste

President Obama wasn’t kidding when he said he would do “everything in his power” to boost the economy. His latest announcements seem to be read-offs from every document left lying on West Wing desks—often rehashing initiati...

Read More »
CONGRESS

Rep. Richardson Says Race, Gender at Center of Ethics Inquiry

Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Calif., newly under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly pressuring her government aides to work for her campaign, charged Friday that she has been subjected to added scrutiny because sh...

Read More »
ANALYSIS

Cain Spinning His Way to Oblivion?

Herman Cain says he wants the sex-harassment story that has swamped his campaign to go away. But he's not helping. Read More »
CAMPAIGN 2012

Cain Talks with Clarence Thomas' Wife

The allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior against Herman Cain have drawn comparisons to similar charges leveled against another prominent African-American conservative – then-Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas – two ...

Read More »
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