Topic: Congressional and Parliamentary Elections

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Aung San Suu Kyi's historic moment: 5 things to know

Once possibly the world's best-known political prisoner, today Aung San Suu Kyi made the historic move to lawmaker, after a swearing-in ceremony at Myanmar's parliament in the capital of Naypyidaw. Here are five things about her.
Gallery: Repeat contender: Mitt Romney
In Pictures: Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's new prime minister
Norway attacks put spotlight on Europe's right-wing parties. Who are they?

Last week's attacks in Norway put Western Europe's far right in the spotlight, despite condemnation of Anders Behring Breivik's actions. These parties share some of the anti-immigrant and anti-Islam opinions that spurred Mr. Breivik.
Italy to China: four countries sidelining nuclear power

This week Italy became the most recent country to sideline nuclear power in the wake of Japan's nuclear crisis. Nuclear fears are prompting countries to attempt to decrease their reliance on nuclear power.

All Content

Despite ancestry controversy, Elizabeth Warren tied with Sen. Scott Brown

The US Senate race in Massachusetts is among the closest in the battle over Senate control after the November elections. In a new poll, Elizabeth Warren has 47 percent of the vote and Scott Brown 48 percent.
Why Sarah Palin's pick could triumph in Nebraska's US Senate race in fall

Tuesday's victory by Deb Fischer, who had the endorsement of Sarah Palin in the Nebraska GOP Senate primary, is an upset. But Fischer may in fact be the strongest Republican to run against Democrat Bob Kerrey, analysts say.
Nebraska's GOP Senate primary: another tea party surprise?

A late surge for Sarah Palin's pick for the Nebraska primary could topple yet another GOP establishment candidate, in a race that could help determine control of the US Senate.
In Richard Lugar defeat, a tea party road map for revamping Washington?

Six-term Sen. Richard Lugar (R) of Indiana lost by a landslide to a tea party-backed challenger in Tuesday's GOP primary. The outcome buoys the tea party movement nationally, but some say Lugar's problems were unique to him.
Why North Carolina banned gay marriage (+video)

Republicans and African Americans in North Carolina were united in supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage. The North Carolina is a key swing state in the 2012 presidential election.
If GOP's Sen. Dick Lugar loses, are Dems prepared to pounce?

If six-term Sen. Dick Lugar loses in Tuesday's GOP primary in Indiana, Democrats see much-improved chances of picking up that US Senate seat in November. But it would not be a shoo-in.
The Vote
A possible blessing for Dick Lugar in fight to retain US Senate seat

A primary vote Tuesday in Indiana will determine if Sen. Dick Lugar (R) will get the GOP nod to run again for his seat. It helps Lugar that Rick Santorum, who would have drawn a lot of conservative voters to the polls, is out of the presidential race, analysts note.
Serbia elections: a Milosevic ally vs. a pro-EU incumbent

A presidential runoff is expected on May 20, as both nationalist Tomislav Nikolic and incumbet President Boris Tadic are unlikely to get more than 50 percent of today's first round vote.
Aung San Suu Kyi's historic moment: 5 things to know

Once possibly the world's best-known political prisoner, today Aung San Suu Kyi made the historic move to lawmaker, after a swearing-in ceremony at Myanmar's parliament in the capital of Naypyidaw. Here are five things about her.
Backchannels
Egypt political chaos threatening to foment actual chaos

Clashes between gunmen and protesters near the Egyptian Ministry of Defense in Cairo have left at least 11 dead in the past 24 hours, inflaming an already tense and uncertain political transition.
Was it right for Elizabeth Warren to identify as a minority? Will voters care?

A genealogist is supporting Elizabeth Warren's claim of Cherokee ancestry. But what could linger with voters is whether it's right for someone who is 1/32 native American to claim minority status.
Michelle Obama in Arizona: Could it swing to Democrats?

Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband in Arizona and Colorado Monday. Mrs. Obama will be in Nevada and New Mexico Tuesday.
US Senate race in Virginia shaping up as national battleground

In Virginia's US Senate race, Democrat Tim Kaine isn't Barack Obama, and Republican George Allen isn't Mitt Romney or the House GOP leadership. But you wouldn't know it from the special-interest ads pouring into this key battleground state.
Decoder Wire
Smoke the shad, press the flesh: a Virginia political ritual past its prime?

Republicans dominate one of Virginia's oldest political events, the annual 'Shad Planking' in Wakefield. This is no longer Democrat-friendly turf, but attendees still see reason for Democratic candidates to come.
'Shad Planking' offers window on US Senate race in Virginia

Oily, bony fish? Check. Baked beans? Check. Politics? You betcha! GOP US Senate hopeful George Allen gave the keynote speech at 'Shad Planking 2012' in Virginia. Why was Democratic rival Tim Kaine a no-show?
Does Blagojevich brother have beans to spill on Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.?

Robert Blagojevich, brother of jailed ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, is expected to talk this month to the House ethics panel about Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Jackson's interest in being appointed to Obama's former US Senate seat is the likely topic.
Omar Suleiman, Mubarak's no. 2, enters Egypt's presidential race

Many Egyptians loathe Omar Suleiman, a former intelligence chief whom rights advocates blame for decades of abuse and torture. But others see him as a man who can restore stability in Egypt.
Vox News
Acid-tongued broadcaster Keith Olbermann gets the boot from Al Gore's Current TV

Current TV has fired cable network broadcaster Keith Olbermann citing a lack of "respect, openness, collegiality, and loyalty to our viewers." Olbermann had been with Current TV for less than a year, and he had a volatile relationship with MSNBC before that.
Why Rick Santorum could lose in Pennsylvania, his home state

Rick Santorum is leading in Pennsylvania polls now. But Pennsylvania fits the profile of states that Mitt Romney has won.
Terrorism & Security
Next on Syrian hit list: Deraa, cradle of the uprising

After overrunning Homs and launching an assault on Idlib, Syrian government troops are staging an offensive on Deraa, where the uprising began a year ago.
Chellie Pingree, Maine Rep., decides against Senate bid

Pingree said it was a difficult decision and that she's grateful for the support she's received from across Maine and the country.
Iran trumpets high turnout in parliamentary elections (+video)

Iran's leaders see today's parliamentary elections as central to affirming their popular support – especially at what Supreme Leader Khamenei called a 'more sensitive period' of tensions with West.
If Bob Kerrey runs for Senate, can he save the majority for Democrats?

Former Sen. Bob Kerrey (D) of Nebraska has until Thursday to decide whether to try for his old seat, being vacated by Sen. Ben Nelson. Even if he does, Nebraska has shifted to the right since he last served.
Putin will easily secure election victory, according to new poll (+video)

After weeks of doubt that Russian presidential candidate Vladimir Putin could avoid a runoff, a new poll suggests he'll handily win the first round.
The Vote
Is Rick Santorum helped or hurt when he talks morality?

Rick Santorum says President Obama has “a world view that elevates the Earth above man." Theology-tinged rhetoric may appeal to part of the Republican base, but it could hurt him in a general election.