Topic: Dennis Hastert

As Newt Gingrich rises in polls, can he withstand spotlight's glare?

Newt Gingrich's 'poll vault' to the top of the GOP heap means his character and record are coming under greater scrutiny. 'Everybody will dig up everything they can,' he says. 'That's fine. They should.'

House Speaker John Boehner casts himself as a political throwback

The past 16 years in Congress have been typified by partisanship and procedural stunts. New House Speaker John Boehner promises to return the House to a time when members can 'disagree without being disagreeable.' He will be put to the test, and soon.

Speaker-to-be John Boehner: More confrontation or a hint of compromise?

After a House Republican landslide, presumptive Speaker John Boehner will have to handle a wounded President Obama and tea party lawmakers emboldened by their success. In a Monitor interview, Boehner suggests ways that he might be able to bridge the gap between the two.

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.

Glenn Beck rally on Saturday: Whose honor is being restored?

Glenn Beck rally on the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a dream' speech is sparking a racially divisive debate. But the main point may be to rouse conservative voters heading into the midterm elections.

Dan Rostenkowski: a Washington giant, a casualty of scandal

Dan Rostenkowski, once called one of the nation's most power politicians, died Wednesday. His lengthy political career in Washington began in 1958 and ended amid scandal in 1994.

Nancy Pelosi puts her stamp on the House

Nancy Pelosi is a master tactician and the most powerful speaker in a half century. Behind her personal brand of power politics – and whether she will still be speaker after the midterm elections.

Jefferson's bribery conviction: a mixed legacy

Justice Department prevailed in the infamous 'freezer cash' case, but it lost ground in law enforcement's ability to wiretap or investigate members of Congress.

Lawmaker ethics. An oxymoron?

Democrats promised to make Congress more ethical. Did they succeed? A little ... maybe.

How Pelosi tends a more divergent flock

House speaker's skills are being tested by Democrats' greater ideological diversity – a challenge that will intensify if the party picks up more seats in November.

In congressional races, Republicans are losing ground

GOP leaders urge a new agenda after several key losses.

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