Topic: Lisa Murkowski

Genetically modified salmon not harmful, FDA says

Genetically modified salmon – despite concerns of environmental groups – is unlikely to harm the environment. The Food and Drug Administration report is the final step before approval of the genetically modified salmon, which grow twice as fast as regular salmon. 

Should US export natural gas? Study for DOE fuels fiery debate.

According to the study, global market conditions are not yet ripe for US natural gas exports, but when they are, the exports would benefit the economy. A key issue is how that benefit is shared.

Republican Party 2.0: 4 GOP leaders share ideas for political upgrade

In the aftermath of election 2012, four prominent Republicans share their visions for how the GOP can adapt its messaging to reflect a diversifying US electorate.

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.

Tea party set to topple Sen. Richard Lugar. Could he try third-party run?

Centrist Sen. Richard Lugar (R) of Indiana has been in office since 1977. Tea party-challenger Richard Mourdock has attacked him from the right and looks set to win Tuesday's GOP primary.

Violence Against Women Act: A political opening for Democrats?

Senate Democrats aim to extend the Violence Against Women Act, adding services for illegal immigrants and same-sex couples, a move Republicans say is out to score political points.

GOP candidates in the Tea Party crosshairs

The Tea Party movement is taking aim at Republican incumbents, including Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. Olympia Snow of Maine, and Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts. Will it succeed in unseating them?

Supreme Court steers clear of case involving Obama Senate seat

The Supreme Court left in place an appeals-court ruling that then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 2008 appointment of Roland Burris to the US Senate violated an often-overlooked clause in the 17th Amendment.

Senate Democrats shoot down GOP's House budget plan. Now what?

Wary of the impact on Medicare, five Republicans joined Senate Democrats in defeating the Republican budget plan written by Rep. Paul Ryan. But the Democrats have no plan of their own, and this could hurt them.

Japan nuclear crisis: Has the US industry learned something?

Administration officials, in the first formal accounting to Congress on the Japan nuclear crisis, assured senators that US reactors are safe. But industry critics said much needs to be improved.

Opinion: Republicans want to create second-class citizens. You're not DREAMing.

Republicans haven't abandoned extreme positions on immigration. They've just transferred controversial proposals to the state level.

Gas prices out of control? Seven ways lawmakers could help – or hurt.

Gas prices are approaching $4 a gallon and oil prices are above $100 a barrel, leading politicians in Washington and statehouses to propose a flurry of legislation. Some proposals strive to quell voter angst while others might balance budgets by raising gas prices.

The Vote
In Alaska, Joe Miller steps aside for Lisa Murkowski to take Senate seat

Joe Miller says he is withdrawing his objection to the certification of Lisa Murkowski so that Alaska can have its full delegation seated next month.

In historic vote, Senate moves to end 'don't ask, don't tell'

Eight Republicans joined Democrats to vote for an end to the 1993 'don't ask, don't tell' law banning gay troops from serving openly. Proponents compare it to ending racial segregation in the military.

'Don't ask, don't tell' repeal goes to Senate again. Has anything changed?

Last week, Senate Republicans blocked a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.' Now the House has passed the repeal in a different form. But the result in the Senate could be the same.

Joe Miller-Lisa Murkowski US Senate race appears to be over

A state judge has dismissed Joe Miller’s complaint that misspelled write-in votes for Lisa Murkowski should be tossed out. If the ruling stands, it's a blow to the tea party and Sarah Palin.

'Don't ask, don't tell': repeal thrown into doubt by Senate vote

By blocking a repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell,' Senate Republicans have not killed the issue for good. But it is a major blow that Democrats could have difficulty overcoming.

No 'spelling bee' election in Alaska

Electoral authorities didn't require Alaska voters to be perfect spellers; from a linguist's perspective, that's OK.

AP calls Alaska Senate race for Lisa Murkowski - Joe Miller disagrees

After laborious vote counting, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski appears to have won her write-in campaign against tea party favorite Joe Miller. But Miller is challenging the vote count in court.

Earmarks will be hard for Senate Democrats to maintain, considering GOP opposition

Earmarks have been abandoned by most congressional Republicans, pushed by results from the midterm elections. Senate Democrats will have a difficult time supporting earmarks, both now in the lame duck session and next year.

The Vote
Murkowski versus Miller: election or spelling bee?

Lawyers for Joe Miller, the tea party-backed US Senate candidate from Alaska, have sued to keep election officials from inferring the intent of voters who misspell write-in candidate Lisa Murkowski's name.

If Republican Lisa Murkowski wins in Alaska, will her politics change?

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) of Alaska is likely to hew to her more centrist roots, analyst say, if she becomes the official winner of the race. State officials start counting write-in ballots Wednesday.

Democrat Patty Murray holds onto her Senate seat, just barely

Sen. Patty Murray (D) of Washington State won reelection, though not by the comfortable margins she's used to. Farther north, the drama continues as Alaskans wait to see if incumbent Lisa Murkowski won her write-in challenge to tea party favorite Joe Miller.

Did Americans reject clean energy by voting Republican?

US environmentalists concede disappointment at the GOP's surge, but say the defeat of California Prop. 23 shows voters were motivated by the economy and not a rejection of clean energy.

Did midterm elections lift Sarah Palin higher, or not?

Some big Sarah Palin picks – think Christine O'Donnell and Sharron Angle – lost key races in the midterm elections. But Palin made a lot of new friends in presidential primary states like New Hampshire and South Carolina.