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'Sequester' blues: Morning-after hangover hits Washington

The morning after the 'sequester' spending cuts went into effect, the earth did not stand still nor did Washington come to its collective senses. Next up: How to avoid a government shutdown March 27 when federal spending expires without a continuing resolution.
The Vote Michigan 'right to work' law: Worse for unions than Wisconsin setback? (+video)

Wisconsin revoked collective bargaining for most public-sector unions, a slap to the labor movement. Michigan's bid to become a 'right to work' state is an even bigger blow to unions.
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.
Decoder Wire Polls show a dead heat. So why so many predictions of an Obama win? (+video)

Among pundits and prognosticators – as well as the public at large – there's an expectation that President Obama will win reelection, despite the fact that the race is still a virtual tie, nationally.
Obama vs. Romney: Who has the momentum?

Mitt Romney leads Barack Obama by a fraction in the average of national polls. But Obama is ahead in enough battleground states to maintain a lead in the Electoral College. In short, the whole race is too close to call.
Decoder Wire Mitt Romney's debate challenge: keeping Karl Rove on board (+video)

If Mitt Romney can't turn things around at Wednesday's debate, some observers speculate that he could see an exodus of donors and other supporters – including GOP mastermind Karl Rove.
Surge, sag, repeat: Why the Republicans are so volatile.

Super PACs, the tea party, a surging and sagging field, and a party rule requiring proportional awarding of delegates in early-voting states are contributing to an unusually unsettled GOP race.
A third-party candidate in 2012? It's going to happen, pollster says. (VIDEO)

Stanley Greenberg, a major Democratic pollster, says unhappy and undecided voters make a third-party presidential candidate likely in 2012, introducing uncertainty into the battle to control Congress.
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.
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.
If harassment claims sink Herman Cain, which GOP rival will benefit?

As Herman Cain's response to sexual harassment claims continues to evolve, there’s no guarantee that his popularity will slip, even now. Will his rivals be able to lure his supporters?
Is Election 2012 the GOP's to lose? What Obama could do.

President Obama could face reelection at a time of 9 percent unemployment. But Election 2012 is not a slam dunk for the GOP, analysts say. Obama has ways to counter the bad news.
Elections 101: Ten facts about Thaddeus McCotter and his run for president

Thaddeus McCotter, the GOP’s surprise dark horse, is stirring up the race. The five-term Michigan congressman declared his candidacy for president on July 2 in his home state. A Beatles-loving, guitar-playing son of the heartland, Representative McCotter has strong conservative credentials and populist appeal. But there’s a problem. Thaddeus who?
Does upset in House special election matter? Dueling views from party leaders.

A Democrat pulled off an upset in a special election in New York's 26th District. DNC's Debbie Wasserman Schultz sees a repudiation of Republicans' stance on revising Medicare. NRCC's Pete Sessions sure doesn't.
Budget stalemate: Why America won't raise taxes

Budget stalemate has many on Capitol Hill crunching numbers. With any new budget, taxes may be the real third rail of politics. Can the U.S. solve its fiscal woes without more revenue?
Is Obama unbeatable in the 2012 presidential election?

The economy appears to be heading in the right direction, albeit slowly. Add to the mix Obama’s formidable skill as a campaigner, and the 2012 presidential election might tilt his way.
Census 2010 results: Republicans' second big win of the year?

The GOP, which won control of the House in midterm elections, stands to gain more seats as a result of the Census 2010 results, which show a population shift from blue states to red.
Networks vie for bragging rights to 'best' Election Night coverage

Main Election Night programs kick off at 6 or 7 p.m. Eastern. They're barely out of the gate, but cable and broadcast networks are already tooting their horns about the coverage to come.
Election 2010 closing arguments: Is GOP a step back or forward?

With one day to go until Election 2010, President Obama exhorts voters not to give the keys of power back to the GOP. House minority leader John Boehner says Republicans have changed.
Why Obama is taking time to campaign for Rep. Tom Perriello

Tom Perriello, a freshman Democrat from a Republican district in Virginia who is, no surprise, trailing in the polls, is also something rather unusual this campaign season: an Obama loyalist.
Van Hollen won't lead House Democratic campaigning a third time

Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen led Democrats to a House majority in 2008 and has the same job in 2010, but he won't take a third term as Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee head.
Obama utters words 'tax and spend liberal.' Republicans drool.

In a candid magazine interview, President Obama acknowledges that he made it too easy for Republicans to cast him as a 'tax and spend liberal.' The comments could backfire against Democrats.
Stephen Colbert congressional testimony: Why was he invited?

Stephen Colbert’s appearance before a congressional committee Friday to discuss migrant labor issues has left many Democrats unhappy.
House GOP's 'governing agenda': a 2010 Contract With America?

House Republicans are set to release a 'governing agenda' Thursday, outlining their priorities should they take control after the 2010 election.
Reading this week's Election 2010 tea (party) leaves: more uncertainty

Democrats will be fortunate not to lose at least one house of Congress in Election 2010. But beyond that, major uncertainties remain, and in fact may be increasing.