Topic: Charles Franklin

A tea party message in Patriot Act defeat: We're about more than taxes

Several tea party freshmen in the House were part of a successful bid to defeat an extension of the Patriot Act. It shows how the tea party could challenge GOP unity on issues beyond the budget – from civil liberties to free trade.

Tucson shooting spotlights US shift on gun control

Since the Tucson shooting on Jan. 8, federal gun control advocates have made little headway and many states are considering expanding gun rights. Why?

After Tucson shootings, Sarah Palin isn't retreating, she's reloading

In many ways, Sarah Palin mirrors the ethos of the gun-rights movement she promotes: never back down. Criticized for her rhetoric in the aftermath of the Tucson shootings, she's since posted a combative defense on Facebook and signed up to speak at a hunting and gun convention.

As portrait of Jared Loughner sharpens, 'vitriol' blame fades

The suggestion that the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords Saturday might have been influenced by political 'vitriol' seems less likely as more becomes known about suspect Jared Loughner.

Rand Paul's big Senate test: Can tea party compromise?

Will Rand Paul's promised tea party caucus in the Senate be able to stop government spending or be forced (gasp) to compromise on the shape of 'constitutional government'?

Down to the wire, it's crunch time for Democrats and Obama

Democrats are likely to lose big in the US House of Representatives, and they'll be lucky to keep slim control of the US Senate. Will Obama do better with a resurgent GOP to push against?

Which Election 2010 race has run the most TV ads? Not the one you'd expect.

Campaign TV ads are ramping up ahead of Nov. 2, but the race that has run more than any other in the nation has been largely overlooked by the national media, though it is crucial to the GOP.

Why Sen. Russ Feingold is trailing in Wisconsin polls

Sen. Russ Feingold (D) of Wisconsin has been easily elected to the Senate three times before. But the political climate this year has made this race much closer.

'Tea party' is polarizing, but has many 'closet admirers,' poll finds

Americans who see the tea party movement in a favorable light equal – or slightly surpass – those who see it unfavorably, according to a new Christian Science Monitor/TIPP poll.

Gulf oil spill: a muted 'hurrah' across the US as oil stops gushing

News that the leak has stopped, at least for now, prompts a national high-five, if not a whoop of joy. Eighty-eight days of Gulf oil spill minutiae may have dampened interest among the US public.

Obama and BP: Still on the same team in Gulf oil spill clean-up?

The Obama administration has sought to distance itself from BP this week, repeatedly criticizing BP for its efforts in the Gulf oil spill clean-up. But behind the scenes, cooperation continues.

Gulf oil spill: Obama’s big political test

President Obama is facing a critical test of his political philosophy: If the federal government can do so much, why can’t it stop the slow-motion Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf?

'Top kill' to stop Gulf oil spill in 'very critical' stage: US official

Coast Guard's Thad Allen says Friday through Saturday morning is a pivotal time for the top kill procedure, which aims to cap the well feeding the Gulf oil spill. President Obama, in Louisiana, says he is tripling the clean-up manpower in areas where oil is on shore.

Which matters most to the 'tea party': win seats or reshape GOP?

The 'tea party' movement has driven out some GOP 'establishment' candidates. The big question is whether activists' picks can win in November, though that may not be what they care about most.

Tea party movement ousts Sen. Bob Bennett in Utah

Three-term Republican Senator Bob Bennett lost his reelection bid at the GOP nominating convention in Salt Lake City. Other Republican incumbents are feeling the Tea Party heat.

From punchline to powerhouse: the 'tea party' at one year

The 'tea party' movement still has much to prove. Populist movements often fizzle. But it has reinvigorated the Republican Party and constitutional ideals in an era of fading federalism.

'Tea party' Contract From America: Real plan or bumper sticker?

Dismantle health-care reform, stop pork, and protect the Constitution are three of 10 election priorities in the 'tea party' movement's Contract From America, to be unveiled Thursday.

'Tea party' vs. opponents: 'Low-grade civil war' on tax day?

Tensions are rising between tea party supporters and liberal activists as tax-day protests get under way. More likely than violence, though, is debate about what the phrase ‘real American’ means.

Tea Party insurgency marches into key states

But will Tea Party protest energy help or hobble the Republican Party? They're challenging some GOP candidates and could split the vote in those races.

New polls show dead heat or Obama landslide

Will Wisconsin primary build Obama streak?

Clinton needs a Dairy State win to prevent him from winning nine primaries in a row.