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Watch the First Campaign Ad to Invoke the Newtown Shootings

Alex Roarty | May 17, 2013

Locked in a close Massachusetts Senate race, Ed Markey goes negative against Gabriel Gomez.

Congressional Republicans Are Milking the Scandals for Everything

Alex Roarty | May 16, 2013

GOP members in both chambers finally feel like they have something to hang around the president’s neck.

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

Ronald Brownstein | May 16, 2013

By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.

Why Republicans Think the IRS Scandal Is More Politically Potent Than Benghazi

Elahe Izadi | May 16, 2013

GOP strategists give advice on the best way to talk about the brewing scandals for political benefit.

You Want Angry? I'll Show You Angry, Obama Says on IRS Scandal

Beth Reinhard | May 15, 2013

Facing criticism from Republicans, the president reasserts his authority by pushing out the IRS's acting commissioner.

How Obama Could Start Fixing the IRS

Jill Lawrence | May 15, 2013

Step one, name a Republican—preferably a prominent one—to head the agency.

Eric Holder Offers Little Information, Much Ire for Republicans

Shane Goldmacher | May 15, 2013

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.

In Massachusetts, Gomez Internal Poll Shows Close Race

Alex Roarty | May 12, 2013

Democratic Rep. Ed Markey holds only a narrow advantage against Republican Gabriel Gomez in the special election for Senate in Massachusetts, according to an internal poll from the GOP candidate’s campaign, the latest sign the blue state race will be more competitive than Democrats expected.

5 Staffers to Watch Among House Freshmen

Amy Harder | May 12, 2013

Running an office of a freshman member of Congress is never easy, but certain lawmakers and their top aides have especially unique challenges. Meet the chiefs of staffs of five House members whose election to Congress is somehow notable or newsworthy.

Blacks and Hispanics More Optimistic About Economy Than Whites

Stephanie Czekalinski | May 12, 2013

Despite significant wealth and income gaps, and higher than average unemployment rates, Hispanics and African-Americans are more optimistic about their economic prospects and the direction of the country than whites, recent polls show.

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...

Some Republicans Don’t Believe Austerity Is Enough

Nancy Cook | May 9, 2013

Strategists and wonks are urging House leaders to refocus their economic message on ideas that the middle class actually care about.

If Democrats Can’t Beat a Confessed Adulterer, What Chance Do They Have?

Alex Roarty | May 9, 2013

Mark Sanford’s win in South Carolina shows how difficult it will be for liberals to reclaim control of the House.

Why Obama Can Ignore the House of Representatives

Shane Goldmacher | May 9, 2013

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

Inside The American Crossroads And Koch Post-Mortems

Reid Wilson | May 9, 2013

Conservatives identify what went wrong in 2012 -- and how to fix their problems.

With a Special Election Win, Mark Sanford Completes His Comeback

Alex Roarty | May 7, 2013

Overcoming the disgrace of a bizarre extramarital affair while he was governor of South Carolina, former Rep. Mark Sanford reclaimed a seat in Congress on Tuesday by winning a special election over Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch.

What if the Internet Sales Tax Doesn't Make it Through Congress?

Brian Fung | May 6, 2013

Legislation allowing states to collect sales taxes on purchases made over the Internet—approved by the Senate in a 69-27 vote Monday evening—faces an uncertain future in the House.

Herseth Sandlin Would Follow a Well-Trodden Path From Congress to K St. and Back

Alex Brown and Dan Roem | May 3, 2013

If former Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin runs in South Dakota's open-seat Senate race, she'll no doubt have to fend off attacks about her time at a Washington lobbying firm. Following her 2010 reelection defeat, the Democrat joined Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC, before returning to South Dakota...

What it Really Means to 'Close the GOP Tech Gap'

Brian Fung | May 3, 2013

Two obstacles the Republican National Committee must overcome that it didn't anticipate in its election post-mortem

Rahall Won't Run For Senate

Sarah Mimms | April 30, 2013

Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., will soon announce he is running for a 20th term in the House, taking a pass on the race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Jay Rockefeller, according to a statement obtained by Hotline On Call. "With U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller retiring at the end of this term, it is m...

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

Shane Goldmacher | April 29, 2013

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

Ed Markey Will Face Gabriel Gomez in Massachusetts Senate Race

Alex Roarty | April 29, 2013

Markey, who has served in Congress since 1976, is the favorite to serve as the state's junior senator.

'Press Pass' Wins Political Pursuit

Sarah Mimms and Dan Roem | April 25, 2013

After five rounds of intense trivia, jokes and a few beer breaks, the Press Pass team claimed victory at our Fifth Annual Political Pursuit event. Roll Call's Shira Toeplitz, Washington Post's Chris Cillizza, New York Times' Carl Hulse, Washington Post's Paul Kane and Cook Political Report's Amy Wa...

Whitaker Prepares For Senate Bid While Awaiting King's Decision

Alex Brown | April 24, 2013

Iowa Republicans may not have a Senate candidate yet, but former U.S. Attorney Matt Whitaker is readying to fill the void if Rep. Steve King takes a pass on the race. "It's smart to take steps to move forward no matter what [King's] decision is," Whitaker said. "At some point in time the race needs...

Mich. GOP Establishment Hopes for Rogers, Frets Over Amash

Alex Brown | April 24, 2013

Longtime Michigan Republican operatives are open about their desire to see Rep. Mike Rogers run in the state's open-seat Senate race, but they're worried Rep. Justin Amash -- who possesses little regard for the GOP establishment -- won't let the possibility of a damaging primary derail his ambition...

NRCC Recruiting Freshman State Legislator to Challenge Nick Rahall

Sarah Mimms | April 23, 2013

Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., one of Republicans' top targets in 2014, may soon get his first challenger: The National Republican Congressional Committee is in the process of recruiting state Sen. Bill Cole to run for the seat. The NRCC sent staffers to West Virginia last week to meet with Cole, accord...

Bob Corker Charts Leadership Course

Stacy Kaper | April 22, 2013

Sen. Bob Corker's independent voice on high-profile issues and scholarly devotion to studying policies he is interested in have made GOP leaders take notice of him and want to keep the Tennessee Republican close at hand — both to capitalize on his expertise and to watch his moves.

DSCC Outraises NRSC Again in March

Kevin Brennan | April 22, 2013

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee outraised its counterpart, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, for the the third consecutive month, bringing in more than $5.2 million in March, according to figures provided by the committee. The NRSC raised almost $3.2 million for the month....

VoteVets Adds to TV Onslaught Against Mark Sanford

Sarah Mimms | April 22, 2013

VoteVets Action Fund released a new television spot targeting former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Monday, adding to the Democratic onslaught against the Republican nominee, just two weeks before the special election in the state's 1st Congressional District. While recent ads by other Democ...

King on Possible Senate Run: 'I Can See a Path to Victory'

Steven Shepard | April 19, 2013

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, is still considering running for Senate, telling National Journal that he sees "a path to victory" in polling conducted on his behalf, but his "gut hasn't quite lined up yet." In an interview with NJ's Fawn Johnson, published in the new issue of National Journal, King says...

DCCC Outraises NRCC in March

Scott Bland | April 19, 2013

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee outraised its Republican counterpart for a third straight month to start 2013, according to reports. Roll Call reported Thursday that the National Republican Congressional Committee raised $8.1 million in March, trailing the $10.2 million the DCCC gath...

Why Would Anyone Want to Run for Congress?

Shane Goldmacher | April 18, 2013

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

‘Independent’ in Name Only

Shane Goldmacher and Scott Bland contributed | April 18, 2013

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

DCCC Piles On in South Carolina

Sarah Mimms | April 18, 2013

Just one day after the National Republican Congressional Committee pulled its support for former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's special election campaign, its Democratic counterpart is going up on the air in the First District. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee will launch the n...

How Mark Sanford's Campaign Unraveled in the Past 48 Hours

Elahe Izadi | April 18, 2013

The former South Carolina governor's messy divorce is leading to his political downfall yet again.

NRCC Drops Mark Sanford Following Trespassing Charges

Sarah Mimms | April 17, 2013

The National Republican Congressional Committee has pulled its support for former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's congressional campaign, acknowledging that revelations that he trespassed on his ex-wife's property in February could cost the party a House seat in a district that former Massachuset...

Play of the Day: What Republicans Can Learn From BuzzFeed

Ross Gianfortune and Government Executive | April 17, 2013

Fast forward to 3:10 to see how Buzzfeed can draw inspiration from the NRCC.

Five Staffers to Watch in the DCCC and NRCC

Alex Roarty | April 14, 2013

The battle for the House majority will rage across the country next year. And few groups will wield more influence on those races than the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee. Here are five staffers from each who will play a critical role in those campaigns.

Changing Sides on Medicare and Social Security Is a Time-Honored Tactic

Jill Lawrence | April 11, 2013

That's especially true for Republicans, and for Greg Walden in particular.

Club for Growth Urges Primary of NRCC Chair

Alex Brown | April 11, 2013

Club For Growth added a big target to its primary challenge list Thursday: National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon. Walden "has a long record of supporting increases in government spending and opposing fiscally conservative proposals," the group wrote on its websi...

Report: Democratic Activists Admitted Recording McConnell Meeting

Alex Roarty | April 11, 2013

Members of the liberal group Progress Kentucky told a local Democratic official that they secretly recorded a private conversation between Mitch McConnell and his campaign aides, according to a published report from a local public radio station, a bombshell revelation that, if true, might lead to cr...

Is the GOP Preparing to Attack Dems on Social Security?

Alex Roarty | April 10, 2013

Are Republicans preparing to cudgel Democrats with, of all things, Social Security? That was the explicit impression left by Greg Walden, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, during a Wednesday interview on CNN. The Oregon congressman said President Obama's budget – which...

Did Anyone Bug Mitch McConnell's Office?

Alex Roarty | April 9, 2013

The Kentucky Senate race has taken a turn for the whodunit.

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.

Rand Paul Will Be the First Presidential Contender to Visit All 3 Early Primary States

Beth Reinhard | April 5, 2013

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky will be the first potential 2016 contender to touch base in all three of the states hosting the earliest nominating contests, revealing raw electoral ambitions to surpass his father’s standing as a tea-party leader.

Why This Democratic Senator Won't Support Same-Sex Marriage

Alex Roarty | April 4, 2013

There are now only four Democratic senators who have not expressed support for gay marriage. Sen. Mark Pryor is likely to stay that way.

For Newt Gingrich, a Future in Ideas

Rebecca Kaplan | April 4, 2013

The former House speaker wants to turn great ideas into bills, but from the outside.

The New House Republican Web Strategy: Just Add BuzzFeed

Brian Fung | April 4, 2013

What do cat pictures and GIFs have to do with Republican politics? Not a whole lot, at least right now. But beginning next week, that'll change.

South Carolina Special Election Will Be High-Profile but Have Little National Significance

Alex Roarty | April 2, 2013

There's little reason to believe this off-year fight between Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch and Republican Mark Sanford will carry with it important political lessons.

April Fools! Using the Day of Hijinks to Advance a Message

Niraj Chokshi | April 1, 2013

Leave it to the wonks and activists who work in Washington to turn an occasion for hijinks into a chance to further what they do every day: Attack their opponents and peddle their causes.

House Democrats See Potential Gains in 2014 Without Obama on the Ticket

Alex Roarty | March 28, 2013

DCCC officials say they have found a silver lining amid much pessimism about the 2014 midterm elections.

Judd Won't Run for Senate, Focus Shifts to Lundergan Grimes

Sarah Mimms | March 27, 2013

Ashley Judd will not challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell next year, the actress announced on Twitter this evening. Though speculation has mounted for months that Judd would run for McConnell's seat in her home state of Kentucky, Judd said on Twitter that she is "currently unable to con...

A Republican Divide in Sharp Relief

Reid Wilson | March 21, 2013

There's a growing split between the party's elites, based in D.C. and New York, and the increasingly vocal grassroots.

Can Rand Paul Bring Libertarians Into the GOP?

Alex Roarty | March 21, 2013

Mainstream Republicans may not welcome them, but the party could use the lift.

The Senate Trouble-Maker in Waiting

Tim Alberta | March 21, 2013

Rep. Justin Amash has already led a failed coup against House leadership. His next play may be the upper chamber.

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

Shane Goldmacher | March 21, 2013

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.

Obamacare Is a Prescription for a Democratic Headache in 2014

Alex Roarty and Beth Reinhard | March 21, 2013

With key provisions of "Obamacare" set to take effect in 2014, both parties are assessing the potential political fallout from the seismic changes coming to our health care system.

Meet the New 'Party of No'

Scott Bland | March 21, 2013

After listening to both parties lay out dire policy and political effects of various budget proposals this month, a few dozen House members avoided getting branded with any of the spending documents this week. Thirty-six House members, mostly vulnerable Democrats but with some Republicans sprinkled...

The GOP Disconnect on Economic Policy

Nancy Cook | March 20, 2013

The RNC may want to send a few extra copies of the election postmortem to Capitol Hill. Judging by the budget blueprints put forth by congressional Republicans, they didn’t get the memo.

Have Democrats Found Another Manchin in West Virginia?

Sarah Mimms | March 20, 2013

Though for the last several weeks, Democratic hopes of retaining Sen. Jay Rockefeller's seat in 2014 have looked bleak, it seems party operatives may have finally found their unicorn in West Virginia: a wealthy, pro-coal, pro-business Democrat in the style of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. Attorney Nick Preservati has spoken with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee about running for the seat, in conversations that the committee found "encouraging," according to a source with knowledge of the discussions.

Have Democrats Found Another Manchin in West Virginia?

Sarah Mimms | March 20, 2013

Though for the last several weeks, Democratic hopes of retaining Sen. Jay Rockefeller's seat in 2014 have looked bleak, it seems party operatives may have finally found their unicorn in West Virginia: a wealthy, pro-coal, pro-business Democrat in the style of Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. Attorney Nick P...

DSCC Outraises NRSC 2-to-1

Alex Roarty | March 20, 2013

The National Republican Senatorial Committee raised nearly $2.2 million in February, according to numbers provided by the political committee, figures that will likely do little to quiet concern the group is struggling to raise money in the early going of the 2014 cycle. It was the second consecuti...

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...

What's Missing From the GOP's Technology Strategy

Brian Fung | March 18, 2013

There's a lot more to winning digitally than geeks and data sets.

Examining the RNC's Polling Recommendations

Steven Shepard | March 18, 2013

The Republican National Committee's self-described Campaign 2012 "autopsy," released on Monday, contains five separate recommendations for revamping the party's polling and survey research apparatus, including some of the same fixes being discussed by pollsters reportedly participating in the Nation...

Why the RNC's Reforms Don't Solve the GOP's Problem

Matthew Cooper | March 18, 2013

The Republican Party's base still controls the debate in Washington.

Previewing the Sunday Shows

Christopher Peleo-Lazar | March 15, 2013

This week's Sunday shows will focus on the rival budgets put forth by leaders from both parties. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will be on Face the Nation, while House Speaker John Boehner will be doing a one-on-one interview with ABC's Martha Raddatz on This Week. The Sunday sh...

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.

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

Michael Catalini | March 14, 2013

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

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.

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.

Inside the Rand Paul Filibuster

Shane Goldmacher and Beth Reinhard and Stacy Kaper and Rebecca Kaplan contributed | March 7, 2013

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.

Carl Levin Not Running for Reelection

Alex Brown and Alex Roarty | March 7, 2013

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., announced late on Thursday that he will not seek a seventh term in 2014, leaving Democrats with another open seat to defend next year. Levin called the decision "extremely difficult" and said he wanted to focus on his role as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee "without the distraction of campaigning for re-election."

Can a Senate Seat Remain All in the Family?

Alex Brown and Elahe Izadi | March 5, 2013

Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., could be retiring, leaving the door open for his son to run.

Dems Focus on Freshmen in Frontline Program

Alex Roarty | March 5, 2013

More than half of the DCCC's 26-member incumbent-protection program, announced today, are freshmen, including a handful of members who returned to the House this year after previously serving in Congress. The effort, called the Frontline Program, will be led by Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz, a former par...

Five Staff Positions to Watch: Chiefs of Staff for Freshman Senators

Amy Harder and Stacy Kaper | March 3, 2013

Meet the chiefs of staff for five of the Senate's newest members.

6 Signs Ashley Judd Will Run Against Mitch McConnell

Shane Goldmacher | March 1, 2013

The actress is sounding more and more like a Senate candidate.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Kicks Off ‘Women Lead’

Alex Roarty | February 25, 2013

Reps. Chellie Pingree and Lois Frankel will lead a group to recruit and support female candidates for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in an effort to bolster the party’s already-prodigious edge among women, the political committee will announce Wednesday.

Bob McDonnell and Martin O'Malley Are Becoming Fast Frenemies

Beth Reinhard | February 25, 2013

Two potential 2016 presidential candidates are forming a mutually beneficial alliance.

NRSC Cites Staff Changes for Jan. Fundraising Loss

Alex Roarty | February 22, 2013

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee nearly tripled the National Republican Senatorial Committee's fundraising in January, according to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission, a potentially worrying sign for Senate Republicans as they restart their efforts to retake the majority...

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

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | February 21, 2013

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

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

Shane Goldmacher | February 20, 2013

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.

How Republicans Are Looking to Close the Digital Divide Against Democrats

Elahe Izadi | February 20, 2013

In conversations with leading Republican digital strategists, there’s an acknowledgment that the path to closing the tech gap will be difficult.

Akin Tops Most Conservative Lawmaker List

February 20, 2013

CongressWhite HouseNational SecurityPoliticsEnergyEconomy & BudgetHealth Care TOP FIVE AKIN TOPS MOST CONSERVATIVE LAWMAKER LIST. Topping National Journal's annual list of the most conservative representatives in the House is former Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., who is perhaps best remembered for h...

Why Campaign Finance Laws Are Under Fire

Scott Bland | February 19, 2013

The Supreme Court's decision to review limits on campaign donations could foreshadow more regulations being lifted.

DCCC Outraises NRCC in January

Alex Roarty and Scott Bland | February 19, 2013

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is off to a flying start for the 2014 fundraising cycle, bringing in $6.1 million in January and ending the month with $4.6 million in the bank, according to a DCCC aide. Its total was nearly $1.7 million larger than the National Republican Congressio...

Sanford Invokes 'God of Second Chances' in First Ad

Sarah Mimms | February 18, 2013

Former Gov. Mark Sanford released his first ad of the special election race for South Carolina's First District on Monday, highlighting his record of fiscal conservatism during his tenure as governor, while also addressing the scandal that nearly brought it to an end.

Republicans Kick Off 2014 Election With Ad Against Shea-Porter in N.H.

Kevin Brennan | February 18, 2013

The National Republican Congressional Committee launched its first television ad of the 2014 cycle this week, targeting Democratic Rep. Carol Shea-Porter of New Hampshire. The 30-second spot criticizes Shea-Porter for voting against the "No Budget, No Pay Act," a bill that would withhold pay fr...

Nebraska Governor Early Frontrunner to Succeed Retiring Senator Mike Johanns

Alex Roarty | February 18, 2013

Nebraska GOP Sen. Mike Johanns announced Monday that he won’t seek re-election, declaring that he was retiring from politics after a decades-long career in public office.

New NRCC Chairman, House Republicans Hope to Lead Party Rehab

Scott Bland and Alex Roarty and Michael Catalini | February 15, 2013

House Republicans have a conflict of interest. What worked for them in 2012, when the GOP conference comfortably retained its majority, saw the party's presidential nominee and a slew of Senate candidates crash to a disappointing defeat. Rather than just stick with what worked for them, new National Republican Congressional Committee chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., made it clear in an interview on Thursday that his colleagues realize they need to assist the national party's rehabilitation.

NRCC to Barrow: We've Got a Ticket To Ride

Sarah Mimms | February 13, 2013

The National Republican Congressional Committee spent nearly $1.7 million trying to oust Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., in 2012, so what's another $814? The committee is taking advantage of President Obama's stop in Atlanta Thursday, reserving a plane ticket for Barrow to join him in Georgia for the even...

NRCC Picks Regional Political Directors

Alex Roarty | February 11, 2013

The National Republican Congressional Committee on Monday unveiled its regional political directors, rounding out its newly installed staff as the 2014 election cycle begins. The committee also named the person heading its effort to retake what it considers the seven most vulnerable Democratic-...

How Eric Cantor Is Trying to Soften the Republican Party

Ron Fournier | February 4, 2013

The House majority leader's charm offensive is part of a broader effort by GOP leaders to revive their battered brand.

Targeted House Republicans Start With More Cash Than Dem Counterparts

Scott Bland | February 1, 2013

For what it's worth, many of the most vulnerable House Republicans start the 2014 cycle in slightly better financial shape than the earliest targeted House Democrats. In recent days, major campaign groups on either side of the House have announced early target lists for 2014, mostly featuring veter...

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.

Insiders: Immigration Reform Likely to Pass Congress

Michael Catalini and Naureen Khan and Peter Bell | January 31, 2013

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

NRCC and DCCC Start 2014 Election Cycle on Level Financial Field

Alex Roarty | January 31, 2013

The National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee begin the 2014 election cycle on nearly equal financial footing, according to fundraising reports each will file Thursday with the Federal Election Commission.

DCCC and NRCC Start 2014 on Equal Cash Footing

Scott Bland | January 31, 2013

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised over $1.9 million from the end of November through the end of 2012, according to a DCCC aide, while the National Republican Congressional Committee reported taking in $605,000 from November 27 through December 31. With that, the two House commit...

Outside Groups Displacing Party Committees in Some Races

Scott Bland | January 30, 2013

When elected officials deign to mention outside groups, it's usually to decry a smear or lament that campaign messaging has been taken out of their hands. But Tuesday, a handful of newly elected House Democrats looked straight into a camera to sing praises for one super PAC. Seven Democratic freshm...

Brad Dayspring, Ward Baker Tapped for Top NRSC Jobs

Shane Goldmacher | January 29, 2013

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.

Republican Leaders Have Obama Campaign Envy

Beth Reinhard | January 25, 2013

For all the grumbling about President Obama at this week's gathering of Republican Party leaders, they're eager to copy his campaign's 2012 strategy.

One Tough-Talking Nerd: Bobby Jindal Brands Himself as Republican Reformer

Beth Reinhard | January 25, 2013

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is hoping that a fast-talking, brainy policy wonk can be elected president.

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.

Why Republicans Are Keeping Reince Priebus After the Disaster of 2012

Molly Ball - The Atlantic | January 24, 2013

Reince Priebus presided over an electoral drubbing. The party is directionless and adrift. But nobody wants to rock the boat.

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.

GOP Plots Path Back to Power

Beth Reinhard | January 24, 2013

With President Obama’s second inauguration still ringing in their ears, Republican national party leaders are hunkering down for three days of soul-searching.

Democrats Looking Past Charlie Crist for 2014

Beth Reinhard | January 19, 2013

Some in party are seeking to draft Manny Diaz as alternative for gubernatorial bid.

Exclusive: GOP Targets Seven House Democrats It Calls Vulnerable

Alex Roarty | January 15, 2013

Vowing to expand their majority, House Republicans have identified seven Democrats they consider top targets for the midterm elections, according to a National Republican Congressional Committee memo obtained by National Journal.

Are Voters Really Bothered by GOP Turmoil?

Alex Roarty | January 10, 2013

Democrats say they can win back the House by depicting the GOP as too fractious to get anything done. We’ll see.

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.

The Year In Forgettable Candidates

Kevin Brennan and Scott Bland | December 28, 2012

From around the country, here's a look at the Forgettable Candidates of 2012. Most of these were highly touted "gets" who fizzled or were simply unable to make their races competitive. -- Linda Lingle and Heather Wilson: Lingle, the former GOP governor of Hawaii, and Wilson, a moderate former GOP c...

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.

Mark Sanford Planning to Make Political Comeback

Julie Sobel | December 21, 2012

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is planning to run in the special election for Rep. Tim Scott's seat, CNN reports. Sanford, who held the seat in the 1990's, would start a special election sprint with a big advantage in name recognition in what may be a crowded field. Sanford infamously adm...

Ex-NRCC Polling Director: Embrace Robo-Polls

Steven Shepard | December 19, 2012

Brock McCleary, the former deputy political and polling director of the National Republican Congressional Committee, has a message for media outlets that do not report the results of automated polls -- a list that includes The New York Times, ABC News, NBC News, and, yes, National Journal and Hotlin...

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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