Topic: J. Joe Ricketts

Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:

Robert Reich Why billionaires will still pour millions into politics

As income and wealth become ever more concentrated in America, the nation’s corporations and billionaires will invest even more in politics, Reich writes.

Three lessons of Jeremiah Wright plan against Obama

News about a proposal to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright against President Obama in a GOP “super PAC” ad campaign caused the political world to combust. Charges of “race-baiting” flew, and suddenly the idea was an orphan. It’s safe to say, the ads will never be made. But there are lessons to be learned. 

Romney moves swiftly to rule out anti-Wright ad (+video)

A Republican super PAC had floated the idea of airing attack ads targeting President Obama for his association with controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright, but the Romney campaign firmly rejected making race an issue in the campaign.

The Vote Mitt Romney repudiates idea of using Jeremiah Wright against Obama

Mitt Romney spoke out Thursday after The New York Times reported on a plan to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's 'black liberation theology' – and his role as Obama's former pastor – to go after the president.

Jeremiah Wright returns? Political group plans $10m anti-Obama ad blitz.

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.