Topic: Al Franken

Decoder Wire
Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.

The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.

Decoder Wire
Sen. Ben Affleck? Fearing loss of Mass. Senate seat, Democrats scramble.

A poll shows outgoing GOP Sen. Scott Brown leading potential Democratic opponents for Sen. John Kerry's seat, if the latter becomes secretary of State. Ben Affleck hasn't flatly denied a possible run.

Decoder Wire
Is Stephen Colbert trying to buy Senate seat in South Carolina?

Stephen Colbert's decision to campaign for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Jim DeMint gives the famous funnyman yet another chance to educate Americans on how to game the US campaign finance system.

Decoder Wire
Ashley Judd for Senate: Could she win? (+video)

Charlie Cook’s Political Report website lists actress/activist Ashley Judd as a possible Democratic nominee in the 2014 Kentucky Senate race. But so far, she hasn't given a definite 'yes' to running.

Obama, Romney teams 'lawyer up' for Election Day vote disputes

Thousands of partisan lawyers and poll-watchers have fanned out across the country, ready to fight over contested votes on Election Day. Nobody wants a repeat of Florida's contentious 2000 recount.

Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?

On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

How the 2014 elections tip prospects for a 'grand bargain' on US deficits

Whoever wins the White House – President Obama or Mitt Romney – will need help from the other side of the aisle in the Senate to reach a deal on meaningful debt- and deficit-reduction. But key senators up for reelection in 2014 face wrenching tradeoffs.

Tim Pawlenty ditches Romney campaign for Wall Street

Tim Pawlenty has resigned as a national co-chairman of Republican Mitt Romney's presidential campaign to take a job as a Wall Street lobbyist. An early presidential candidate, Tim Pawlenty will not run for governor or Senate in Minnesota in 2014.

How much cyber security is enough? Companies wary as Senate weighs bill.

The Senate on Monday takes up a cyber security bill affecting companies that own power systems, water facilities, and other critical infrastructure. Though new security standards would not be mandatory, the private sector remains cautious.

The Circle Bastiat
The truth about Carrier IQ phone tracking

Despite invasion of privacy accusations, Carrier IQ is only capable of recording the information that cell phone providers install on it. The US government itself is a far greater threat to citizens' privacy.

Smartphones: Senator queries Carrier IQ on privacy

Smartphones and cellphones can contain Carrier IQ software that logs users' keystrokes. Sen. Al Franken asks firm for details about how the data from smartphones and cellphones is used.

White iPhone 4: The antidote to Apple's privacy troubles?

Revelations about Apple's iPhone tracking raises questions about whether the near-maniacal interest the new white iPhone 4 will be dulled by fresh concerns about user privacy.

So, if your iPhone is spying on you, who benefits?

Reports that iPhones and Android phones track the owners' movements have revived privacy concerns. The list of who wants the data – from police to marketers – is potentially a long one.

Vote-count mishap in Wisconsin election raises eyebrows, distrust

Some 14,000 votes went unreported Tuesday night in a hot election – the latest battleground for Republicans vs. labor unions. Democrats cry foul as the seat tilts toward the incumbent, a conservative. Experts, though, say such errors are common.

Japan nuclear crisis: Has the US industry learned something?

Administration officials, in the first formal accounting to Congress on the Japan nuclear crisis, assured senators that US reactors are safe. But industry critics said much needs to be improved.

Obama takes on bullies at White House anti-bullying summit

President Obama showcased federal, state, local initiatives to address bullying, at a White House webcast on bullying prevention.

Net Neutrality: Why the new rules don't guarantee internet equality

Net neutrality: The FCC has the power to issue regulations that protect net neutrality, but digital advocacy groups say the rules that passed do not accomplish this.

Last governor's race finally settled: Mark Dayton wins Minnesota

Democrat Mark Dayton topped Republican Tom Emmer by 9,000 votes on Nov. 2, but Emmer insisted on contesting the result. Peculiar Minnesota laws allowed his challenge.

Recount may loom amid confusion in Connecticut governor race

The secretary of state declared Democrat Dan Malloy the winner Wednesday in the Connecticut governor race, before the release of official numbers. Republican Tom Foley says his own tally puts him ahead.

Vox News
Obama on 'The Daily Show' with Jon Stewart: heavy on issues, hold the comedy

'The Daily Show' host Jon Stewart grilled President Obama on his campaign promises in a remarkably somber 23 minutes for the comedy program Wednesday night.

Vox News
Are Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert going all serious on us?

The Comedy Central's Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are drawing closer to the institutions they love to mock. President Obama even gave a nod to their upcoming rallies in Washington. When that happens, they need to retreat, analysts advise.

Stephen Colbert and laughable politics: Five comedians who ran for office

American politics have been the subject of satire since before the country's founding. These days the US benefits from a healthy dose of humorous political commentary, but when the jokers run for political office (jokingly of course, right?) some funny things can happen. Here are five memorable ones.

Michael Steele's 'Fire Pelosi' bus tour: 48 states or bust

GOP chairman Michael Steele wants to oust Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with his 'Fire Pelosi Bus Tour.' But some in his own party are gunning for Steele's job too.

Vox News
As Palin and Beck rise on the right, where is the left's answer?

Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck's ascent has taken ribbing from Keith Olbermann and the Huffington Post, but the left lacks a mobilizing media mouthpiece of its own.

Opinion: Linda McMahon and the reality of wrestling's sex and violence fantasy

Senate candidate Linda McMahon ran a wrestling empire that, like pornography, is built on sex and violence.