Topic: Jesse Ventura

Decoder Wire
Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.

The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.

Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?

On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.

Strange twists ahead in California budget battle as deadline nears

If there's no California budget by June 15, lawmakers will have to forfeit their pay. Five days earlier, the release of a new redistricting map could force many legislators to fight for their political lives. As budget crunch time approaches, the whole process is in flux.

Election 101: Tim Pawlenty as 'everyman's' candidate? Ten points about who he is.

The former governor declared his candidacy for president May 22, and is hoping his foes’ flaws are his ticket to victory.

4/21/11 bestselling book list, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Jesse Ventura: considering a run in 2012?

Jesse Ventura says he may consider getting back into politics if Ron Paul runs for president as an independent.

Chapter & Verse
Best political books of 2010

There have been plenty of political titles this year – from the left and the right. But which were best?

Stephen Colbert and laughable politics: Five comedians who ran for office

American politics have been the subject of satire since before the country's founding. These days the US benefits from a healthy dose of humorous political commentary, but when the jokers run for political office (jokingly of course, right?) some funny things can happen. Here are five memorable ones.

Primary results: Dems go establishment, GOP goes 'tea party'

Tuesday night in the 2010 primaries produced a mixed outcome – establishment victories for the Democrats and tea party victories for the Republicans.

Bestselling books the week of 3/18/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Opinion: Tea party activists: Don't confuse them with independents

Tea partyers are are disgruntled social conservatives aiming to take control of the Republican Party. Independents are the antiparty force, trying to restructure the partisan political system. 

Schwarzenegger's final state address: morning in California?

Historic deficits and a gridlocked legislature won't stop California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger from trying to salvage his legacy in his last year in office. The governor is expected to lay out an ambitious agenda for 2010 in his State of the State address Wednesday.

WWE CEO Linda McMahon to lay political smackdown on Chris Dodd

Ron Paul Nation: the other convention in town

An army of supporters descends on Minnesota to push an antiwar, antigovernment agenda.