Staff Writer

Sarah Mimms

Staff Writer

smimms@nationaljournal.com

Sarah Mimms's Latest Posts

Report: Fla. Dems Are Leaving Their Registration Advantage on the Table

By Sarah Mimms

Poll: Rick Scott Makes Gains in Florida

By Sarah Mimms

Faith and Freed Coalition Road to Majority conference

Welcome to Camp Grassroots

By Sarah Mimms

Every year thousands of average Republicans spend thousands of dollars to attend conservative conferences, some several times per year. But why? Read More »

Curbelo Inches Closer to Entering South Fla. House Race

By Sarah Mimms

Republicans Lose Top Recruit for Rahall's Seat

By Sarah Mimms

At Fundraiser, Alison Lundergan Grimes Sounds Like a Senate Candidate

By Sarah Mimms

Heritage Targets 4 Over Farm Bill

By Sarah Mimms

John Barrow And The $6 Million Question

By Sarah Mimms

Bloomberg Group Dropping $350K On Pryor

By Sarah Mimms

Five Names To Know In Alabama 01

By Sarah Mimms

Congress: The Next Generation

By Sarah Mimms

Former lawmakers are helping their children in so many races this year that we might as well dub next Election Day “Take Your Kid to Congress Day.” Read More »

Kids at the opening day of the 112th Congress #2

Dardenne Kicks Off Fundraising Tour

By Sarah Mimms

Poll: McAuliffe Holds Slight Lead in Va. Gov. Race

By Sarah Mimms

Barrow Won't Run for Senate As Dems Eye Backup

By Sarah Mimms

Inslee Wins WA GOV Race

By Sarah Mimms

The nation's longest streak of Democratic governors remains intact. Read More »

Montana Governorship Remains Under Democratic Control

By Sarah Mimms

Montana's Democratic Attorney General Steve Bullock has defeated former Republican Rep. Rick Hill , according to the Associated Press, blocking Republicans in a state that was a prime pick-up opportunity for the party. With 94 p...

Women Will Hold Record Number of Senate Seats

By Sarah Mimms

Though Democrats will maintain control of the Senate in 2013, the makeup of the upper body will change in at least one important way: more female senators will be serving than at any other point in history. Read More »

Still Waiting in Washington, Montana Gubernatorial Races

By Sarah Mimms

Republicans picked up at least one gubernatorial seat on Tuesday night, giving the party control over 30 of the country's state executive offices -- a significant majority compared to those in either chamber of Congress. Read More »

In Other Gubernatorial Race News

By Sarah Mimms

In Delaware, Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has been elected to a second term, beating Mail Boxes Etc. owner Jeff Cragg . With 52 percent of precincts reporting, the Associated Press called the race with Markell leading Cragg 72 p...

Gubernatorial Results: McCrory, Hassan Win

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 9:05 p.m. Read More »

Seattle Sports Heroes For McKenna

By Sarah Mimms

Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna is making a last-minute pitch for campaign cash using two of Seattle's biggest-name sports stars. Former Seattle Marines right fielder Jay Buhner and former Seahawks fullback Mack Strong...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Welcome to the final Sunday of the 2012 campaign. Read More »

Poll: McKenna Edges Inslee in Tight Washington Race

By Sarah Mimms

The Washington gubernatorial race is neck-and-neck, with Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna inching in front of former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee , according to a new Elway poll released Wednesday afternoon. Read More »

McKenna Fails to Play Defense Against Dem Attacks

By Sarah Mimms

After nearly 30 years, Washington State Republicans thought they had finally found their guy. Attorney General Rob McKenna , a young, energetic candidate with executive experience and a long record in the state, was thought to be ...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

With two debates down and two to go, the Sunday Shows are focusing almost-exclusively on the presidential race this weekend, with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Just three days before President Obama and Mitt Romney meet face-to-face, Paul Ryan will sit down with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday to discuss debate expectations and whether the Republican ticket can recover...

Christie's Return May Signal Concern for McKenna

By Sarah Mimms

Washington Republicans: Don't say Chris Christie didn't warn you. Read More »

RGA Releases New Ad Hitting Inslee

By Sarah Mimms

The Republican Governors Association on Tuesday released a second ad in Washington state hitting former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee on his voting record, claiming that he has hurt small businesses and "makes the wrong call every...

Poll: Inslee 44, McKenna 41

By Sarah Mimms

A new Elway Poll shows Washington state's fiercely competitve gubernatorial race tightening less than two months before election day. Former Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee holds just a slight lead over Attorney General Rob McKenna ,...

Cantwell Challenger Channels Clint Eastwood

By Sarah Mimms

It appears actor Clint Eastwood isn't the only one capable of communicating with the invisible. After repeated attempts to haggle Sen. Maria Cantwell , D-Wash., into debating with him, GOP state Sen. Michael Baumgartner announc...

RGA Hits Inslee in First Washington Ad

By Sarah Mimms

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Even the Sunday shows that won't physically be in Charlotte will be there in spirit this weekend, as coverage turns to the Democratic Convention, which kicks off Tuesday. Read More »

Mia Love's Speech Signals Embrace of Unique GOP Role

By Sarah Mimms

McDonnell Ties McKenna to Walker

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 7:22 p.m. with a response from the McKenna campaign Read More »

McKenna Enjoys Perks of Office

By Sarah Mimms

It's good being attorney general. Read More »

F-Bomb Roils Otherwise Sleepy Wash. Senate Race

By Sarah Mimms

Washington state Sen. Michael Baumgartner found himself in hot water Tuesday after a liberal website published a profane email authored by the Republican Senate nominee accompanying a photograph of a serviceman who was killed in A...

McKenna Campaign Turns Ryan Argument Around

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 8:36 p.m. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

With just over two weeks to go before the Republican National Convention, two letters are dominating the political discussion: V.P. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Though Mitt Romney is abroad this weekend and prevented by custom from attacking the president, his campaign certainly isn't beholden to those rules. Senior adviser Kevin Madden will be on This Week on Sunday opposite former W...

SUPREME COURT

Scalia Defends Citizens United Decision, Reflects on Term in Rare TV Appearance

By Matt Vasilogambros and Sarah Mimms

In a rare television appearance, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia defended the Court’s controversial decision in Citizens United , calling political donations a form of speech. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Expect to hear two words this weekend over and over and over again: Bain Capital. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

After a long holiday break from the ups-and-downs of the 2012 campaign and Friday morning's uninspiring June jobs report, the Sunday Shows will bring the focus back to each party's prescription to get the economy back on track. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

The Sunday shows this week will look at the implications of the Wisconsin recall election as well as refocus on the presidential race. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Both presidential campaigns struggled this week to return to talking about the economy. They'll get a little help in that effort from the Sunday shows this weekend. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

The Sunday shows will wrap up a long week dominated by foreign policy issues. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

The Sunday Shows, like the presidential campaign debate, will focus on two critical voting blocs this weekend: Hispanics and women. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Following former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's primary victories this week, Sunday show coverage will focus on the GOP primary wrapping up and look ahead to the general election. With Romney and former Sen. Rick Santorum , R-P...

CBS's Face the Nation Moves to One-Hour Format

By Sarah Mimms

CBS’s long-running Sunday talk show Face the Nation, which began airing in 1954, will move to a full one-hour time slot on Sunday. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Sunday marks a huge milestone for CBS, with Face the Nation finally expanding to a full hour time slot -- and that's no April Fool's joke. After years of lobbying for more time, host Bob Schieffer announced the change in Decembe...

HEALTH CARE

Health Reform Law Protests at Supreme Court End Not With a Bang, but With a Drizzle

By Sarah Mimms

The drama outside the Supreme Court this week ended on Wednesday afternoon much as it began -- in the rain. Read More »

HEALTH CARE

Supreme Court Winds Up 'Boring Day' of Health Care Case

By Naureen Khan and Sarah Mimms

Inside the Supreme Court, it was all quiet and order as 400 spectators pressed in tight to hear the first 90 minutes of oral arguments on Monday morning in the challenge to the 2010 health care law. In the front row were Attorney Ge...

HEALTH CARE

Line-Sitters Endure Drizzle At Supreme Court

By Sarah Mimms

Anyone who wanted to get one of 60 public spectator tickets to see the first day of oral arguments about the health care law before the Supreme Court had to be in line by Sunday. Determined Court-watchers were ready early. Read More »

What a Mock Congress Can Teach the Real One

By Sarah Mimms

An annual experiment in political potential casts teens from around the country and the world in the roles of congressmen, senators, Cabinet officials, presidential candidates, lobbyists, reporters, and protesters — all the ingred...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich dominates the Sunday shows this weekend, just two days before Super Tuesday, which could be a major make-or-break point for his campaign. He will appear on Meet the Press , Face the Nation , This We...

Survey: More Republicans Watching Debates

By Sarah Mimms

Although the Republican presidential candidates have had just as many debates this cycle as they did during the 2008 election, more Republicans are tuning in than ever before, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center rel...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Just two days before the Florida primary, the Sunday Shows are focused on the Sunshine State this weekend. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 7:28 p.m. on 1/21: Read More »

CAMPAIGN 2012

Colbert Explores Presidential Run In South Carolina, Hands Off PAC to Stewart

By Sarah Mimms

Stephen Colbert has decided to make his "Colbert Nation" a little more literal, launching an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States—in South Carolina, that is. Read More »

CAMPAIGN 2012

QUICK TAKE: Gingrich: On to South Carolina

By Sarah Mimms

Newt Gingrich said he will not drop out of the Republican presidential race, despite a potential fourth- or fifth-place finish in New Hampshire. Read More »

QUICK TAKE: Huntsman: Three Tickets Out of N.H.

By Sarah Mimms

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said that his campaign will continue on to South Carolina, even as early poll results showed him coming in third place in New Hampshire, telling CNN that “there are at least three tickets out of New H...

CAMPAIGN 2012

Hardball Host Matthews Goes Soft for Huntsman Before Polls Close

By Sarah Mimms

Talk about thanks, but no thanks. MSNBC’s Chris Matthews closed his talk show on Tuesday night by calling on New Hampshire residents to vote for former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, citing Huntsman’s independence, a mere two hours bef...

QUICK TAKE: Gingrich Raises Expectations for Romney to 50 Percent

By Sarah Mimms

Newt Gingrich tried to raise expectations for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s performance, the presumptive front-runner in New Hampshire, during an appearance on CNN just hours before the polls closed. Read More »

CAMPAIGN 2012

Report: Pro-Gingrich Ad Dubs Romney 'More Ruthless Than Wall Street'

By Sarah Mimms

A 28-minute video created by supporters of Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich depicts front-runner Mitt Romney as “more ruthless than Wall Street,” according to Bloomberg News, which obtained a copy. Read More »

Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks on his behalf during caucus night at Point of Grace Church

CAMPAIGN 2012

Perry Downplays Likely Fifth Place Finish in Iowa

By Sarah Mimms

Despite a projected fifth place finish in Iowa, Texas Gov. Rick Perry remained positive on Tuesday night, signaling that his campaign will continue on to South Carolina, regardless of the caucus results. Read More »

CAMPAIGN 2012

Palin Thinks Prolonged Bachmann Candidacy Is Unlikely

By Sarah Mimms

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin signaled on Tuesday night that Rep. Michele Bachmann 's, R-Minn., campaign is likely over, but stopped short of suggesting Bachmann should drop out of the race. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 5:35 p.m. Read More »

The Year in Media

By Sarah Mimms and Christopher Peleo-Lazar

2011 was a year of upheaval in the media, with small outfits and blogs breaking major news, major players fleeing their network homes, troubles at News Corp. and the New York Times erecting a pay wall. As the year comes to a clos...

CAMPAIGN 2012

Ron Paul Ignored by the Media? Not So Much

By Sarah Mimms

There's nothing Texas Rep. Ron Paul's legions of fans hate more than what they see as the media's constant oversight of their hero. Paul's campaign has raised millions of dollars to combat the alleged media conspiracy which, they cl...

Amanpour Out, As Stephanopoulos Returns To This Week

By Sarah Mimms

After a year and a half in the anchor's seat, Christiane Amanpour will leave ABC's This Week , the Sunday political affairs show, she said in a statement on Tuesday. She will be replaced by her predecessor, George Stephanopoulos...

MEDIA

Holder Resignation Talk Pushed by Conservative Outlet

By Sarah Mimms

To listen to conservative talk radio, one might be forgiven for thinking there is a growing chorus among Republicans that Attorney General Eric Holder should lose his job. But the echo chamber got some serious help from a single con...

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

The three candidates focusing on Iowa right now will dominate on Sunday, with Rep. Ron Paul , R-Texas, appearing on State of the Union , former Sen. Rick Santorum , R-Pa., stopping by This Week and Rep. Michele Bachmann , R-Mi...

CAMPAIGN 2012

Cain Accuser: 'Sex Was Involved'

By Sarah Mimms

The woman who contends she had a 13-year affair with Herman Cain takes her case to TV. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

With the deadline fast approaching, members of the super committee will dominate the Sunday shows this weekend. Fox News Sunday and State of the Union will each host a committee co-chair -- Rep. Jeb Hensarling , R-Texas, and Se...

Scorpions For Breakfast: Flipping Through Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's Book

By Sarah Mimms

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer explains her long fight over Arizona's controversial immigration law in her new memoir, "Scorpions for Breakfast: My Fight Against Special Interests, Liberal Media and Cynical Politicos to Secure America's ...

Previewing The Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Texas Gov. Rick Perry will cap his tough week with an appearance on Fox News Sunday this weekend. The appearance will be an opportunity for Perry to redirect the conversation on his candidacy; the week began with the governor w...

Fox News Hires Mark Sanford

By Sarah Mimms

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford will join Fox News as a contributor, the network confirmed on Friday. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Vice President Biden will take time off from touring the country promoting President Obama's jobs plan to appear on "State of the Union" this Sunday, where he will continue talking about the jobs plan. Biden has come under fire ...

Iowa Debate Moves to Dec. 19

By Sarah Mimms

An Iowa presidential deabte begin co-sponsored by The Des Moines Register and PBS Newshour has been rescheduled for December 19, the paper announced Friday. Read More »

Fox News to Co-Sponsor Iowa, S.C. Debates

By Sarah Mimms

Fox News will co-sponsor two additional Republican presidential debates, one in Iowa and another in South Carolina, the network announced on Thursday. Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

Updated at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday Read More »

Previewing the Sunday Shows

By Sarah Mimms

"Meet the Press" will be live in Chicago on Sunday with exclusive live interviews with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan , R-Wis. In light of the debate over the American Jobs Act, Emanuel will addres...

Half of Conservatives Would Compromise to Get Economy Moving

By Sarah Mimms

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- A significant proportion of conservative Republican activists say they would be willing to compromise and vote for a candidate who does not follow party orthodoxy on social issues in order to get the econom...

Welcome Back McCotter: After Presidential Flirtation, GOP Congressman Faces Primary Competiton

By Sarah Mimms

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- Having dispensed with his presidential campaign - "the worst 15 minutes of my life" - Rep. Thad McCotter , R-Mich., was welcomed home by Michigan Republicans at the a party conference on Saturday morning. Read More »

Deer In The Headlights: Flipping Through Levi Johnston's Book

By Sarah Mimms

Levi Johnston doesn't pull any punches in his new book, "Deer in the Headlights: My Life in Sarah Palin's Crosshairs" (Touchstone Books), which was released Tuesday. Though he's no Joe McGinniss , Johnston's book doesn't offer pa...

POLITICS

Another Scandal Brewing In Wu's District?

By Sarah Mimms

In a district in which voters will likely be on-the-lookout for hints of scandal and ethical lapses, a series of unflattering reports last week about Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian's finances, could spell trouble for the Dem...

Ginsburg's Flight Evacuated At Dulles

By Sarah Mimms

A United Airlines flight carrying Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg from Dulles International Airport to San Francisco was delayed this afternoon after the pilot noticed a problem with the aircraft's engine as the flight pre...

Politicians Can't Dance

By Sarah Mimms

New York Assemblyman David Weprin just can't catch a break in his race to replace former Rep. Anthony Weiner , D-N.Y. A video of the Democrat, who is fighting for his political life ahead of next week's special election, danci...

The Do's and Don't's of Fake Tweeting

By Sarah Mimms and Stephanie Palla

Sen. Scott Brown , R-Mass., adviser Eric Fehrnstrom admitted Wednesday that he was behind the fake Twitter account @CrazyKhazei, used to poke fun at Democratic Senate candidate Alan Khazei . The Khazei campaign has subsequently...

Troublemaker: Flipping Through Christine O'Donnell's Book

By Sarah Mimms

In her new book, "Troublemaker: Let's Do What It Takes To Make America Great Again" (St. Martin's Press), 2010 Delaware Senate nominee Christine O'Donnell recounts her childhood, her rise through the state political scene, her ill...

Bonamici Will Run to Replace Wu

By Sarah Mimms

Oregon Democratic State Senator Suzanne Bonamici announced Thursday that she will run for former Rep. David Wu 's, D-Ore., seat in the January special election and said campaign has raised over a quarter of a million dollars duri...

Wu Amps Up His Fundraising

By Sarah Mimms

Embattled Rep. David Wu , D-Ore., raised $230,000 this quarter -- nearly four times the amount he raised at this point in the 2010 election cycle, a signal that he is not yet ready to give up his 1st District seat despite growing p...

CAMPAIGN LAW -- FEC

In Surprise Ruling, FEC Won't Let Candidates Raise For Super PACs

By Sarah Mimms

In a unanimous vote, the Federal Election Commission ruled Thursday that members of Congress and federal candidates cannot raise funds for independent expenditure committees beyond the federal limit of $5,000. Read More »

CAMPAIGN LAW -- FEC

FEC Rules Narrowly on Colbert Request

By Sarah Mimms

The Federal Election Commission has approved an advisory opinion that will allow comedian Stephen Colbert to use funds from a media conglomerate to create advertisements for his independent expenditure-only political action committee. Read More »

Colbert Case Puts FEC in Rare Limelight

By Sarah Mimms

The Federal Election Commission on Thursday will consider whether comedian Stephen Colbert can use a media giant's resources to promote his own independent expenditure-only political action committee. With Colbert slated to attend, ...