Topic: Grover Norquist

Little rebellions against party orthodoxy

A few Republicans and Democrats are turning away from their party's ideology. Can this lead to a bipartisan budget deal?

Ronald Reagan: How possible GOP presidential candidates measure up

Ronald Reagan, who would have turned 100 on Sunday, is uniquely revered by Republicans. In this year of Reagan nostalgia, those jockeying for the GOP's 2012 presidential nomination could vie for his mantle.

Video: GOP's wall of support for Afghanistan war beginning to crack

Sen. Richard Lugar notes that the GOP's renewed focus on the deficit – and the huge costs of the Afghanistan war – mean that many conservatives are starting to question the endeavor.

On eve of new Congress, GOP struggles with rift over social issues

While the tea party movement has focused on fiscal concerns, social issues remain key for other GOP lawmakers, who are unhappy that such issues seem to have less importance these days.

Obama tax deal: why estate tax is the new sticking point

House Democratic leaders set very tight rules for debate of the Obama tax deal Thursday, and rank-and-file Democrats revolted. Their main frustration now: the estate tax.

Lame-duck Congress's first task: avoid a government shutdown

Funding for fiscal year 2011 is set to run out Dec. 3. Will emboldened Republicans be willing to shut down government rather than pass a trillion-dollar budget that expands the deficit?

Politicians, don't 'Just Say No' to the Bowles-Simpson recommendations

Politicians from the left and right have responded with knee-jerk objections to the report from the co-chairs of President Obama's deficit commission. It's time for the adult conversation to begin.

Social Security, Medicare, Pentagon slashed by deficit commission

Under the proposal, Medicare spending, Social Security, the Pentagon's budget, and earmarks would be curtailed in a plan that cuts $3 in spending for every $1 in tax increases.

Health-care reform: After big GOP gains, will it be repealed?

Health-care reform is in the cross hairs of House Republicans, who are regaining control of the House. They vow to repeal or dismantle the legislation.

Activist groups, distrustful of candidates, push for pre-election pledges

Many grass-roots activists want candidates to sign pledges to, say, undo health-care reform. Will such pledges tie lawmakers' hands later, or improve accountability?

Want votes? First, candidates in Election 2010 must make a pledge.

Grass-roots groups, mostly on the right, insist that House and Senate candidates in Election 2010 make specific pledges, before giving their thumbs' up. Spending cuts and repeal of the federal health-care law are often on the pledge list.

Tea party convergence: Big boost for Republicans in Election 2010

The tea party movement has evolved from a scattered insurgency into a sophisticated, organized effort. Its energy and enthusiasm about the midterm elections is helping Republicans.

Tea Party 101: Who are its followers and what do they want?

Of all the protest signs at all the rallies where people gathered last year to object to Washington's plans to save the US economy and reform healthcare, this hand-lettered one is memorable: "You can't fix stupid, but you can vote it out." That's the "tea party" movement in a nutshell. Here's a look at the tea party movement – its birth, its leadership, and its aspirations.

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.

In energetic 'tea party,' is there room for social conservatives?

The 'tea party' movement coalesces around fiscal responsibility and limited federal government, not bans on abortion or gay marriage. It's an agenda that some say will attract more people to the Republican Party, though it may leave social conservatives wandering in the wilderness.

Scott Brown: with votes on jobs bill, already making waves

In his first big votes this week for a $15 billion jobs bill, Sen. Scott Brown stunned some conservative supporters by siding with Democrats.

From conservatives, a bounty of political manifestos

Everybody from tea partiers to Republican lawmakers to GOP chief Michael Steele is listing their political priorities and goals. Republicans are hoping to repeat Newt Gingrich's 1994 success in taking over the House with his 'Contract With America.'

John McCain to face formidable foe in Arizona GOP primary

Former Congressman J.D. Hayworth is challenging Sen. John McCain in Arizona's GOP primary – and some state Republicans are calling the contest 'payback' for McCain's poor showing in the 2008 presidential race and his maverick voting record.

'Tea party' movement: Who are they and what do they want?

Tea Party Nation convention starts Thursday. Questions and answers about the tea party movement and how it might affect the 2010 elections.

In Scott Brown's surprise success, a GOP template for midterms?

In the Martha Coakley vs. Scott Brown face off for the Massachusetts Senate seat, Republican Brown has come from behind in a campaign focused on fiscal responsibility. That could be a template for the GOP in this year's midterm elections.

How Washington lobbyists peddle power

The equivalent of six health-care lobbyists for every member of Congress are registered for this year's biggest political battle.

Journalist Robert Novak’s farewell is religious, not political

One man’s quest to size up the Tea Parties

Are the antitax protests bigger than reported? It's not easy to tell, but a retired fisherman is keeping count.

Palin's decision to resign: Is it smart?

Some analysts say her political career is over. Others say she will be in a better position now to run for national office.

Budget debate launches new tea party

Tax protesters gather around the country. Is it a GOP put-up job?