Topic: Barney Frank

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Briefing
Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention

It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.
Political sex scandals: Who survived – and who didn't

Herman Cain’s chance of winning the GOP presidential nomination has virtually disappeared amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. But against all odds, some candidates or incumbents survive sex scandals. Here’s a list of politicos whose careers continued in spite of their slips – and some whose didn’t.
In Pictures: Where has Bill Clinton been?
In Pictures: Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal
Midterm elections: 12 House races to watch to judge size of a GOP 'wave'

Most observers expect Republicans to take over the House of Representatives, but more than 100 races could go either way. The magic number Republicans need to gain to take control: 39. Here are a handful of races to keep an eye on in the states with early-closing polls.

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Briefing
Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention

It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.
Is Obama the 'first gay president' as Newsweek proclaims?

Newsweek magazine's latest cover proclaims Barack Obama the 'first gay president'. He'd rather focus on the economy than his controversial new support for same-sex marriage. But that's a tough issue for him, as recent polls show.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon: I was 'dead wrong' about trading concerns

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said he was 'dead wrong' when he dismissed concerns about the bank's trading last month. The bank disclosed a $2 billion loss last week.
JPMorgan CEO 'dead wrong' about $2 billion loss

JPMorgan's Dimon says he didn't know the extent of the trading losses when he called them a 'tempest in a teapot' in April. The loss came from trading to limit JPMorgan's risk, he says, not make a profit.
Political dynasties (Romney, Bush, Kennedy) betray basic American values

Families like the Kennedys, Bushes, and Romneys will likely ever seek political power – and the public may well respond with a certain star-struck awe. But hereditary ambition and home-grown royalty run counter to the American Revolution premise ‘that all men are created equal.
GOP candidates need to debate legalizing marijuana

As GOP candidates debate values, I have not heard them address legalizing marijuana. The words of a narcotics agent ring in my ears: 'I can’t say every pot smoker goes on to get hooked on the hard stuff. But I can say every addict I know on the hard stuff got started on pot.'
Newt Gingrich's rise – and fall – tied to his reign as House speaker

After leading in some polls, New Gingrich has fallen out of favor with most Republican voters – especially in the key state of Iowa. He's taken a drubbing in negative ads, and much of the response from lawmakers who served with him in the House has been more criticism or silence.
On the Economy
Barney Frank schools Paul Ryan on the economy

In a televised debate, retiring Congressman Barney Frank offered concrete solutions to the nation's economic woes–while Ryan could only respond with rhetorical flourishes.
The Vote
Is Newt Gingrich the GOP candidate Obama prefers to face?

Right now, MItt Romney is the only GOP candidate that beats President Obama in a head-to-head matchup, most polls show. But Newt Gingrich is gaining momentum, to some Democrats' delight. 
Political sex scandals: Who survived – and who didn't

Herman Cain’s chance of winning the GOP presidential nomination has virtually disappeared amid allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior. But against all odds, some candidates or incumbents survive sex scandals. Here’s a list of politicos whose careers continued in spite of their slips – and some whose didn’t.
GOP's 2012 prediction: We'll lose some House seats, but not many (VIDEO)

The leaders of a new super PAC agree with a 2012 prediction by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report that Democrats will pick up five to 10 House seats.
The Vote
Why is Rep. Barney Frank retiring? (VIDEO)

Rep. Barney Frank (D) of Massachusetts, who has served for 16 terms, will not seek reelection. Here are three reasons he might have made that decision.
The New Economy
Fed bashing is back in vogue

The Federal Reserve is getting a lot of healthy criticism. But the moves by politicians are worrying.
Deficit 'super committee' flooded with ideas. Will any of them work?

Friday is the deadline for congressional committees to submit ideas to the deficit 'super committee.' But there's little indication that any of the ideas signal an openness to compromise.
Five highlights from the GOP debate in New Hampshire

Republican presidential candidates took aim at Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan - and the Federal Reserve - in Tuesday's GOP debate in New Hampshire.
GOP presidential debate fallout: Is Mitt Romney becoming inevitable?

At Tuesday's GOP presidential debate, Mitt Romney fielded questions deftly, attacked when given an opening, and stayed out of jab-fests. Contenders so far haven't knocked him off stride.
'Dramatic change' to marijuana laws? What bill before Congress would do.

A new bipartisan bill would remove marijuana from the company of heroin and cocaine in federal regulations, leaving it to the states to legalize pot – or not. Inter-state trafficking would remain a federal crime.
If Rep. Weiner stays in Congress, will he become irrelevant?

Former members of Congress paint a grim picture of what could await Rep. Weiner if he doesn't resign, including shunning and loss of influence. Democrats are already edging away.
As 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal nears, concerns crop up on both sides

Some US troops worry that allowing openly gay troops to serve will put them on the defensive, while supporters are concerned about potential delays in the repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’
The Reformed Broker
Want to write a book? Turns out, it's harder than blogging.

Bloggers who want to write a book should understand some key differences between the two formats.
Uganda anti-gay bill proposes death sentence for homosexuals

Uganda anti-gay bill: a bill that would sentence homosexuals in Uganda to death has been called a step backwards for human rights but may pass a vote in parliament.
'Atlas Shrugged': With America on the brink, should you 'go Galt' and strike?

In the face of onslaught, the heroes of Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' (now in theaters) decided to stop working, retreat to a valley, and try to rebuild only when the country had collapsed. What we really need to reject, Rand advised, are the flawed moral ideals that cause our economic troubles.
Crackdown on Full Tilt Poker clouds future of online gambling

The US Attorney in Manhattan has filed fraud charges against Full Tilt Poker and two other online companies. The move is roiling the US poker community, and it plays into a larger debate about the legal status of online betting.
How the US is like North Korea

Much of North Korea’s population is starving, yet its government pours money into missile and nuclear programs. Such behavior seems to be the height of irrationality. But North Korea is only following the international community’s – especially America’s – example.
House Speaker John Boehner unleashes new GOP freshmen

House Speaker John Boehner is taking a sharp turn from former speaker Nancy Pelosi's command-and-control style. He's letting his new freshmen act more independently. The battle to cut spending while avoiding a government shutdown is the first test.