Topic: Evan Bayh

'Red' Indiana sends Democrat to US Senate, as women fled Mourdock (+video)

US Rep. Joe Donnelly (D) defeated state Treasurer Richard Mourdock (R) in the Indiana Senate race, on the strength of women's votes. Mourdock's views on abortion in cases of rape created a stir.

Tea Party Tally
Where did the tea party go? Into the trenches

National polls show tea party support withering among some Americans, but don't count the 'taxed enough already' crowd out just yet. They are crafting a from-the-ground-up strategy for 2012.

Opinion: After Arizona shooting, how can Congress heal the division? Break bread together.

The shooting of Gabrielle Giffords (D) and bystanders in Arizona seems to be the worst symptom of the division and disdain that dominate politics. There was a time when members of Congress not only reached across the aisle, but shared meals together. They must commit to break bread together again – to heal the wounds in DC, and set an example for a grieving nation.

Senate's 16 new members arrive on Capitol Hill: Who are they?

Starting this Monday, the Senate welcomes 16 fresh faces to the Capitol’s marbled halls.

Bush tax cuts get all the attention as US lawmakers reconvene

Congress has a vast to-do list before midterm elections, including spending bills and a $30 billion package to help small businesses. But for now, the Bush tax cuts are the top issue.

Did John Boehner blink on tax cuts for the rich?

House Republican leader John Boehner said he’d vote to extend tax cuts for middle-class Americans even if the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy were allowed to expire. Did he mean it, or was it a calculated move to get President Obama off his back?

How I remember Coach John Wooden

Life is filled with intriguing human intersections in which peoples’ paths cross and sometimes recross years later in seemingly random ways. This is one reporter's remembrance of a close encounter with Coach John Wooden

Robert Reich
Want real financial reform for Wall Street? Do this.

Senator Lincoln wants to stop big banks' risky derivative trades from being subsidized by taxpayers. Here's how to keep her measure in the financial reform bill.

Counting the votes: Enough to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'?

It appears as if Democrats will rally enough votes in the House to pass a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.' The situation in the Senate is less clear, though the bill seems set to get through committee.

Opinion: Politicians in Congress should serve you, not rich contributors

'Fair Elections' reform would allow public servants like those in Congress to focus on policy, not fundraising.

Senate Democrats beat back GOP alterations to healthcare 'fixes'

Senate Democrats prevail, so far, in keeping the package of healthcare 'fixes' intact. But the House will need to vote on it again to address small adjustments in the part dealing with student loans.

Why Americans are so angry

From 'tea party' protesters to antiwar advocates, Americans on all sides of the political spectrum seem angry about something. But for all the tumult, the disaffection today is far less than in many periods in the past.

The Vote
Reconciliation: why healthcare reform 'nuclear option' is deadly

Usually, 'reconciliation' seems like an arcane term. But the look on Senator Lindsey Graham's face when he discussed it Sunday shows how healthcare reform's 'nuclear option' could poison the already-poor state of bipartisanship in the Senate.

Graham to Obama: scrap New York terror trial, I'll stand with you

Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday outlined his plan to help President Obama close Guantánamo if the administration agrees to abandon a civilian New York terror trial for 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in favor of a military tribunal.

Bernanke to Senate: If you want to fix job deficit, don't forget budget deficit

Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke suggests that the Senate to link a jobs bill with a credible plan to cut the budget deficit.

Growthology
David Stockman decries runaway deficits. Here are ideas on how to rein them in.

David Stockman's analysis offers no solutions to budget deficits. The key is finding sound rules for policymakers.

Opinion: Health care summit: Will Scott Brown work for, or against, reform?

Scott Brown hasn't been invited to attend Thursday's summit. But he could still play a key role in brokering a compromise.

Retiring senators: Why are so many calling it quits?

Twelve senators so far have opted not to run again, the second-highest number of retiring senators in 75 years. Among their frustrations: the Senate's increasingly partisan climate.

Healthcare summit: Chance for compromise or 'trap' for the GOP?

Obama is urging lawmakers to take a constructive approach to the bipartisan healthcare summit on Thursday. But many members of the GOP are wary of the meeting.

In Washington, cross-party dealmaking hits a rough patch

With his new fiscal commission, President Obama continues his push for bipartisanship. But it may be an uphill slog. On other major issues – healthcare, bank reform, and jobs – it's been hard to find agreement.

The Vote
John Mellencamp: Replacement for Evan Bayh in Senate?

Grassroots efforts are under way to draft rock musician John Mellencamp as a replacement for retiring Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana.

Economist Mom
Another Deficit Hawk Throws In the Towel?