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The GOP's Steve King Problem

Alex Roarty and Beth Reinhard contributed | June 19, 2013

Party leaders tried to sideline the conservative Iowa congressman on immigration. Instead, his views have gotten momentum with his colleagues.

Americans Split on Linking Border Security and Citizenship in Immigration Reform

Ronald Brownstein | June 18, 2013

Poll shows sharp demographic divisions over how secure the border is now.

How to Transcend, Not Reinforce, Class Distinctions at College

Naureen Khan | June 13, 2013

Compact for Success, an innovative program near San Diego, found a way to get more minority and low-income students into college.

Mounting Signs of GOP Rebellion Against Immigration Reform

Beth Reinhard and Tim Alberta and Scott Bland contributed | June 7, 2013

Despite Marco Rubio's push for comprehensive reform, most Republicans aren't listening.

Why the Republicans Aren’t Giving Up on White Folks

Alex Roarty | June 6, 2013

Learning the lessons of 2012 meant diversifying the GOP’s base. But whites still hold the key to retaking the Senate in 2014.

Why Republicans Can Get Away With Ignoring Their Problems

Ronald Brownstein | June 6, 2013

The GOP can enjoy another strong midterm election in 2014 without doing much more to attract young or minority voters.

Senate Republicans Tiptoe Around Activist Base

Reid Wilson | June 2, 2013

GOP candidates have lost in at least 6 states over the last two election cycles.

Why This Affirmative Action Debate Is Different

Ronald Brownstein | May 30, 2013

As the Supreme Court nears another critical ruling on the issue, the social and demographic context for these arguments has been transformed in ways that make the choices both more complex and consequential.

Ted Cruz's Path From George W. Bush Adviser to Immigration Reform Opponent

Beth Reinhard | May 23, 2013

Republican critics scoff at Cruz's opposition to a pathway to citizenship.

Immigration Will Soon be the Biggest Population Driver—For the First Time Since 1850

Niraj Chokshi | May 15, 2013

Some time in the roughly next 15 to 25 years, immigration will become the primary driver of U.S. population growth, overtaking “natural” increases for the first time in nearly 200 years.

RNC Will Host GOP Pollsters Next Week

Steven Shepard | May 10, 2013

Fewer than two months since the Republican National Committee unveiled a series of five recommendations to address inaccurate poll numbers collected during the 2012 election cycle, the RNC is inviting the party's pollsters to their headquarters on Capitol Hill next week. The gathering, set for May...

Inside the Cover: The Coming GOP Civil War Over Climate Change

National Journal Staff | May 9, 2013

In this week's National Journal cover story, Coral Davenport explores the Republican party's relationship with climate change. In this video, get inside the story with the author herself.

As Hispanic Vote Lags, Millions of Votes Left on the Table

Reid Wilson | May 9, 2013

Less than half of all eligible Hispanics turned out to vote in 2012, according to census data, suggesting they have yet to flex their political muscle.

Mark Sanford's Sex Scandal Survival Guide

Beth Reinhard | May 7, 2013

The former governor violated all the rules of political comebacks, but he won a solidly-Republican seat anyway.

Why Conservatives Are Divided on Immigration Reform

Michael Catalini | May 7, 2013

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

Average Unwed Mom? See Her Characteristics

Jody Brannon | May 1, 2013

The demographics of unmarried women who have children are changing.

African-Americans, the Last Democratic Holdouts on Gay Marriage?

Elahe Izadi | May 1, 2013

Just as President Obama has offered high-profile support and Jason Collins came out as gay, black public opinion is also changing.

Special Interests Shadow Immigration Reform

Beth Reinhard | April 26, 2013

Supporters are fending off charges that the legislation caters to the K Street crowd.

The 8 Senators Who Hold Immigration Reform in the Balance

Michael Catalini | April 24, 2013

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

Can Talk Radio, Again, Derail Immigration Reform? Probably Not.

Brian Resnick | April 22, 2013

What happens when 46 conservative hosts broadcast from one D.C. hotel.

Were Boston Bombers Lone Wolves or Long Arm of al-Qaida?

James Kitfield | April 19, 2013

What pushed two seemingly normal young immigrants past the tipping point of youthful anger and into wanton terrorism?

Explaining the Gender Gap On Gun Control

Elahe Izadi | April 12, 2013

Most women support strengthening gun laws, compared with fewer than half of men.

Rand Paul's Play to Win Over Black Voters at Howard University

Elahe Izadi | April 8, 2013

How the libertarian-minded senator is received will indicate how well GOP is making inroads with minorities.

Hillary Watch: Her Book, the Mark Penn Test, and James Carville Signs On

Jill Lawrence | April 4, 2013

It may still be only 2013, but Hillary Rodham Clinton's last week has plenty of people thinking more about 2016. Here's the latest on what could be the start of a presidential campaign.

On Day One, Sanford Discovers Challenges of Taking On a Female Candidate

Sarah Mimms | April 4, 2013

On just his first day as the Republican nominee for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District seat, former Gov. Mark Sanford is discovering the challenges of running against a female candidate, adding to the difficulties faced by a man in the process of resurrecting his political career after admi...

Chris Christie's Popularity With Women Voters Thwarts Female Opponent

Beth Reinhard | April 3, 2013

To have a chance at defeating the popular governor, Democrats need to create a gender gap--fast.

Second Democrat Mulling Miller Challenge

Kevin Brennan | April 2, 2013

House Democrats landed a top-tier recruit Tuesday when Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar announced he'd mount another challenge of GOP Rep. Gary Miller, but the mayor isn't the only Democrat considering a run in California's 31st District. Attorney Eloise Reyes said Tuesday she is "absolutely" thinking of...

Haley Barbour: Immigration Bill Isn't Going to Change Many Hispanic Voters' Minds

Beth Reinhard | March 21, 2013

The former RNC chairman supports immigration reform, but remains skeptical of immediate results.

Seeking a Bigger Audience, Tea-Party Hero Embraces Immigration Reform

Beth Reinhard | March 20, 2013

Rand Paul suppports legalizing undocumented immigrants, signaling an interest to expand his following beyond the tea party movement.

Meet the RNC's Curious Poster Boy for Hispanic Outreach

Scott Bland and Alex Roarty | March 18, 2013

How can Republicans win back Hispanic voters? According to Reince Priebus, they need to study how Congressman Steve Pearce did it. "When a conservative like Steve Pearce in New Mexico wins in a predominantly Latino district, we need to glean the lessons of his approach," said Priebus, who on Monday...

GOP Can't Win Latinos Over Immigration

Matthew Cooper | March 17, 2013

Earlier this winter, Ann Coulter brought her usual light touch to the question of the Hispanic vote. The author of Godless: The Church of Liberalism argued in a column that Republicans who support immigration reform in an effort to court Latinos are wasting their time. “It’s not clear that amnesty wins any Hispanics,” Coulter wrote, “apart from the ones who can’t vote (because they’re illegal) and their ethnic ‘spokesmen,’ whose power increases as the Hispanic population grows.” Hispanics gravitate toward Democrats, she insisted, because they believe in more government, and no immigration courtship will seduce them.

Downturn Leads More Kids to Charters, Fewer to Private Schools

Vickie Elmer and Quartz | March 15, 2013

Private school enrollments in the US are falling, while charter schools are experiencing a surge in enrollment.

At CPAC, Young Conservatives Calling for Change

Elahe Izadi | March 14, 2013

On immigration and gay marriage, there's a big GOP divide between young and old.

Republicans Can't Win Latinos With Immigration Reform

Matthew Cooper | March 14, 2013

From big government to gay rights, America's fastest-growing demographic bloc aligns with Democrats.

At CPAC, Ken Cuccinelli Moves to the Center

Beth Reinhard | March 14, 2013

Virginia's Republican candidate for governor tacks to the middle in speech to conservative activists.

Report: Hispanic Population in Idaho Bloomed by 73 Percent Over 10 Years

Doris Nhan | March 13, 2013

The Hispanic population in Idaho grew by 73 percent over past decade, a dizzying number considering that in the U.S. overall, Hispanics grew by 43 percent between 2000 and 2010.

House GOP Confident on Paul Ryan’s Medicare Plan

Alex Roarty | March 11, 2013

The House Budget Committee chairman’s plan to balance the federal budget in 10 years would have been, until recently, cause for House Republicans to fret. But emboldened by last year’s elections, the House GOP believes it can adopt his new proposal and avoid backlash at the same time.

Opinion: Immigration Reform Faces Hurdles, but Steadily Moves Forward

Tyler Reny | March 11, 2013

The debate over immigration reform may have been overshadowed by coverage of the sequester and Washington dysfunction, but the issue has hardly disappeared. In fact, the immigration reform bill is marching steadily forward.

Insiders Weigh in On Hispanics and the GOP

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | March 9, 2013

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 their party in 2014 will earn a greater share of the Hispanic vote than their presidential nominee, Mitt Romney, did last year. According to exit polls, Romney won just 27 percent of Hispanics, who accounted for 10 percent of the electorate.

Inside the Cover: What Undocumented Workers Really Want

National Journal Staff | March 7, 2013

It’s an awkward and often unacknowledged truth that many immigrants in the United States haven’t gone the citizenship route, illustrating the gulf between the immigrant population and the politicians who are angling for reform. About half of all the immigrants eligible to apply for citizenship don’t bother to do so, citing language and financial barriers and simple lack of interest, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. And for those who are here illegally, becoming a citizen one day might be the furthest thing from their minds. More than a dozen who spoke with National Journal said that they are far more concerned about ending President Obama’s deportations of people without papers.

Why the Republican Plan to Reform Medicare Could Really Make It More Expensive

Margot Sanger-Katz | March 7, 2013

Republicans like Paul Ryan want more market competition in federal health care programs. Trouble is, those plans don't save money.

How Republicans Can Win the Senate

Alex Roarty | March 7, 2013

Right-wing candidates can take the red states, but in 2014 that won't be enough.

Ways San Antonio Is Adapting to the New U.S. Economy

Jody Brannon and Doris Nhan | March 6, 2013

National Journal’s Next Economy project asks a key question: How are Americans adapting to the new economy? Examined within the prism of diversifying America, the question has equally important relevance.

What's in a Surname? A Lot of Demographic Change

Jody Brannon | March 5, 2013

The 2000 census shows five Hispanic last names among the top 20 most common surnames in the United States.

Mitt Romney Isn't Done Proving Why He's Not President

Josh Kraushaar | March 4, 2013

One silver lining for Republicans: The GOP’s presidential nominee in 2016 will be much more politically savvy.

Effects of Federal Budget Cuts on the Latino Community

Stephanie Czekalinski | March 1, 2013

Under the sequester, programs that offer preschool, nutritional assistance to pregnant women and their babies, and rental subsidies that are important to many of the country’s Latinos will face funding cuts.

Meet the Man Behind the Conservative Political Action Conference

Beth Reinhard | March 1, 2013

CPAC organizer Al Cardenas finds it challenging to promote a "big tent" Republican Party, with all its internal feuding.

Fewer Dropouts, but Blacks, Hispanics Still Lag: Report

Jody Brannon | February 25, 2013

The U.S. high school graduation rate of 78.2 percent climbed 6.5 percentage points between 2006 and 2010, but the rates for Hispanics and blacks stands at 71.4 and 66.1 percent respectively.

What Unites Obama's Coalition — and What Could Divide It

Ronald Brownstein | February 21, 2013

One conclusion that jumps from the Pew Research Center/USA Today national survey released Thursday is that the coalition that reelected President Obama last fall remains in step behind him — and is largely unified behind the key elements of his increasingly aggressive second-term agenda. But the poll also suggests that failure to generate more-rapid economic recovery could nonetheless strain the powerful coalition Obama has assembled.

6 Questions to Pose to Immigration Reformers

Matthew Cooper | February 21, 2013

With Congress still trying to hammer out an immigration reform bill, here are six questions worth thinking about:

6 Questions for the Immigration Reformers

Matthew Cooper | February 21, 2013

From border security to H1-B visas, much needs to be answered in the looming immigration debate.

2-Party System? Not to a Generation Immune to Hue

Jody Brannon | February 19, 2013

Changing demographics mean voters care more about personality than party labels. That could mean the emergence of a third party.

Why Walmart Moms Are Skeptical About Obama's Agenda

Michael Catalini | February 15, 2013

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

The Democrats' War to Win Women Voters

Beth Reinhard | February 15, 2013

Lilly Ledbetter, move over. Democrats have a new tool to win over women voters.

Traditional Federal College Aid Needs Overhaul, Education Group Says

Doris Nhan | February 14, 2013

The rapid growth of the Hispanic population, among minorities needing better access to higher education, leads an advocacy group to suggest that the federal financial-aid structure is outdated.

In GOP Shift, Rubio Shows Power of Español

Beth Reinhard | February 13, 2013

By delivering the Republican response to the State of the Union speech in Spanish, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Tuesday broke through an increasingly powerful language barrier between the political establishment and the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.

In a Shift for GOP, Marco Rubio Demonstrates the Power of Spanish

Beth Reinhard and George Condon contributed | February 12, 2013

By delivering the Republican response to the State of the Union speech in Spanish, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., on Tuesday broke through an increasingly powerful language barrier between the political establishment and the nation’s fastest-growing demographic.

Pope Benedict and the Decline of American Catholicism

Amy Sullivan | February 11, 2013

Catholic churches in the U.S. have lost 5 percent of their membership during the last decade, and Americans never embraced Benedict as they did John Paul II.

Insiders Rate Jobs, Immigration, Deficit As Top Priorities

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | February 9, 2013

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 be the top priorities for your party this year? Democrats (107 votes) Republicans (94 votes) Deficit reduction 21% 54% Energy 7% 7% Guns 14% 3% Immigration 64% 50% Jobs 66% 57% Tax reform 21% 24%

There’s No Such Thing as Political Capital

Michael Hirsh | February 7, 2013

The idea of political capital—or mandates, or momentum—is so poorly defined that presidents and pundits often get it wrong. With Obama’s State of the Union upon us, it’s time to rethink the term.

How the Housing Market Has Hindered the Wealth of Black Americans

Ta-Nehisi Coates - The Atlantic | February 5, 2013

In rhetoric, at the time, America claimed "separate but equal." In effect, what you see is something more like "separate and serfdom."

Bush's Immigration Failure Offers Obama a Lesson

Ronald Brownstein | February 4, 2013

The failed 2006 effort to revamp laws serves as a cautionary tale for the current push.

Q&A: Diversify Schools by Class, Not Color

Rosa Ramirez | February 1, 2013

Economist Richard Kahlenberg says schools with students from all social strata are essential to a racially diverse nation.

With New Support Base, Obama Doesn't Need Right-Leaning Whites Anymore

Ronald Brownstein | February 1, 2013

For decades, Democrats shaped their policies around fears of the culturally conservative white voters to the GOP. But Obama’s winning coalition has altered that calculus.

Why Obama Is Giving Up on Right-Leaning Whites

Ronald Brownstein | January 31, 2013

For decades, Democrats shaped their policies around fears of losing right-leaning white voters to the GOP. But Obama’s winning coalition has altered that calculus.

On Immigration, What Obama Can Learn From Bush's Failed Efforts

Ronald Brownstein | January 31, 2013

The failed 2006 effort to revamp immigration laws serves as a cautionary tale for the current push.

From Brooklyn's Mix of Politics and Religion, Confict Arises

Sarah Goodyear - The Atlantic Cities | January 31, 2013

Hasidic conservatives, against bicycle lanes and for modest dress, influence commerce, zoning decisions and elections in melting pot Williamsburg.

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

Michael Catalini | January 30, 2013

Hispanic resistance to Republicans is rooted in the GOP’s skeptical view of government.

A Less Obvious Reason Why GOP Should Cave on Obama’s Immigration Plan: It’s Conservative

Ron Fournier | January 30, 2013

Citing American exceptionalism and economic necessity, Obama echoes Reagan and Rubio in his push for conditional amnesty.

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

Michael Catalini | January 30, 2013

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

Why Now Is the Right Time for Immigration Reform

Niraj Chokshi | January 29, 2013

It’s been years since the nation’s immigration system has been comprehensively reformed. Why would this time be any different?

Conservative Group Recommends How to Be ‘Tonally Sensitive’ On Immigration

Elahe Izadi | January 29, 2013

Want to be sensitive? Try avoiding terms like "anchor baby," "aliens" and "illegals."

Q and A: Consortium Tackles Family, Class Issues in Steering Minorities to STEM Majors

Rosa Ramirez | January 28, 2013

The United States is not producing enough college graduates to fill jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s no secret that Latinos and blacks, the nation’s largest minority groups, are entering these fields in even lower numbers.

Why Winning Georgia Is on Democrats' Minds

Josh Kraushaar | January 25, 2013

Democrats are sounding a surprisingly bullish note in the wake of Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ retirement, with DSCC executive director Guy Cecil proclaiming Georgia provides the party a real chance to win a seat in the deep South. “Georgia will now offer Democrats one of our best pick-up oppor...

A 12-Step Program for the Republican Party

Tim Alberta and Jim O'Sullivan | January 24, 2013

The GOP has finally admitted it has a problem winning over voters. Here’s a 12-step program to get the party back on track.

Is the GOP Moving to the Center? Or Just Getting Sane?

Ron Fournier | January 24, 2013

Capitulation on debt ceiling and immigration suggests the GOP is eying vacuum created by left-leaning White House.

Post-Partisan No More: Who Is the New Obama?

Ron Fournier | January 22, 2013

Obama's inaugural address buried the brand he rode to the White House. Will the new approach work? The GOP won't make it easy.

10 Surprising Statistics on the Political Leanings of Asian-American Voters

Doris Nhan | January 18, 2013

An in-depth exit poll of Asian-American voters in 14 states and the District of Columbia reveals that the cohort's political leanings varied widely by ethnicity and geographic location.

Why the GOP's Faith in Older, White Voters Won't Hold Out for Much Longer

Charlie Cook | January 18, 2013

The GOP's strength is older white voters. But to win elections, it needs to appeal to youth and minorities.

Second-Term Exodus Leaves Zero Hispanics in Cabinet, Few on Dems' Bench

Jill Lawrence | January 18, 2013

The Obama administration is sorely in need of binders full of Latinos.

Expect Obama to Be More Aggressive in His Second Term

Ronald Brownstein | January 16, 2013

Obama's forceful moves on controversial fronts represent a calculated gamble that the evolution of the U.S. electorate has reached a critical tipping point.

Poll: Country Divided Over Debt Ceiling, Deficit Reduction

Steven Shepard | January 15, 2013

Surveys showed that Americans sided with President Obama and Democrats in last month’s debate over extending the Bush tax cuts for most taxpayers, but according to a new United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll, the country is more divided over how to reduce the deficit as the White House and Congress fight over the debt ceiling and sequestration.

Disparity Among First- and Second-Generation Immigrants in STEM Degrees

Rosa Ramirez | January 15, 2013

Latino and Asian immigrants and their U.S.-born offspring are studying in areas deemed critical—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—at different rates.

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

Shane Goldmacher | January 14, 2013

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.

Report: Half of Grads to be Nonwhite by 2020

Rosa Ramirez | January 11, 2013

The number of students of color who apply for college is projected to increase in the next decade, as size and pool of high school graduates becomes increasingly more diverse, the Chronicle of Higher Education reports.

It's Not Just Partisanship That Divides Congress

Ronald Brownstein and Scott Bland | January 10, 2013

The same demographic trends that helped Republicans keep the House will hurt their shot at the presidency. And the trends that propelled Obama to reelection will impede Democrats from retaking the House.

The Republican Identity Crisis

Josh Kraushaar | January 9, 2013

The Republican Party could very well split into two by the 2016 presidential election, if it can't figure out what it stands for.

Racial Diversity? Not in the Senate

Elahe Izadi | January 4, 2013

Amid all the celebration about the diverse new 113th Congress, there’s still this inconvenient truth to contend with: The Senate is an almost all-white body.

Hispanics, Administration Sets Sights on Next Immigration Fight

Fawn Johnson | January 3, 2013

Like everyone else, the Hispanic community breathed a sigh of relief when the House passed legislation late on Tuesday to avert a tax increase for households making less than $450,000. Latinos are now bracing for the next stage of the fight on spending, hoping to protect government investments in workers, education, and infrastructure.

The Year's Best Campaigns

Scott Bland and Julie Sobel and Kevin Brennan | December 31, 2012

Today we turn to the best Senate and House campaigns of 2012. But don't miss the Year In Media, the Year In Forgettable Candidates and the Year In Scandals. When Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., announced his retirement, the seat was considered a likely pickup for Republicans in an increasingly red state....

Study: African-American Voters Flex Growing Political Muscles

Rosa Ramirez | December 27, 2012

African-Americans, who cast a ballot at higher rates than any other racial and ethnic minority group, may have also voted at higher rates than whites for the first time, an analysis by the Pew Research Center has found.

Republicans Turn to An Unlikely Name for Inspiration: George W. Bush

Beth Reinhard | December 26, 2012

As Republicans reassess their future in the presidential wilderness, seeking a message and messenger to resonate with a new generation of voters, one unlikely name has popped up as a role model: former President George W. Bush.

A Role Reversal: Dems Grow More Unified While Cracks Form in the GOP

Ronald Brownstein | December 20, 2012

The endgame over the fiscal cliff, like the first stirrings of debate about gun control and immigration, all capture a subtle but potentially consequential shift in the Washington dynamic.

Rising Freshman: Ann Wagner Goes to Head of the Class

Shane Goldmacher | November 26, 2012

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 chatted amiably with still more.

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