Topic: Mark Kirk

Another sordid case of campaign fund misuse? Sen. Mark Kirk says no.

Sen. Mark Kirk (R) of Illinois faces allegations of violating campaign finance law by funneling contributions to his girlfriend and ex-wife. Denying wrongdoing, the Kirk camp sees ill will from a woman scorned.

Senate committee cuts Pakistan aid over doctor's conviction

After a Pakistani court sentenced the doctor who helped the CIA find Osama bin Laden to 33 years for treason, a US Senate panel voted Thursday to cut aid to Pakistan by $33 million.

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.

Why US support for sacked Pakistan ambassador is a double-edged sword

Americans have voiced support for Pakistan's former Washington ambassador, under virtual house arrest following the 'memo-gate' scandal. But the atmosphere is so poisonous, the words may do more harm than good.

Punish Iran for its nuclear secrecy? How sanctions could work.

The UN's nuclear watchdog is set to rebuke Iran over its nuclear program. No sanctions are planned, but the US will keep pushing, and some experts say diplomacy could still work. 

Senate vote: first step toward dismantling No Child Left Behind

A Senate panel votes to drop a signature provision of No Child Left Behind, the Bush-era education reform. The new law would eliminate the mandate for 'adequate yearly progress.'

Tough words, tighter sanctions for Syria, but no end to state-led violence

At least 50 more Syrians were killed Thursday in state-ordered violence. Deaths surpass 2,000 since political protests broke out in Syria five months ago, says Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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.

Rahm Emanuel: Can he handle Chicago's 'profound' financial crisis?

Rahm Emanuel is sworn into office as Mayor of Chicago. His city's most pressing crisis: a half-billion dollar budget deficit.

Obama takes on bullies at White House anti-bullying summit

President Obama showcased federal, state, local initiatives to address bullying, at a White House webcast on bullying prevention.

New START treaty: How will next efforts for nuclear weapons reduction fare?

The Senate ratified the new START treaty by a vote of 71 to 26. But this could turn out to be the high-water mark in Obama’s efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons.

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.

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?

Congress weighs tax cuts for wealthy and unemployment insurance for those in need

Unemployment insurance that provides jobless benefits to millions is at risk of running out over the holiday season, while tax cuts to those earning over $200,000 may be extended.

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.

After GOP landslide of Election 2010, what next for Obama?

Election 2010 voters sent a strong message of discontent to President Obama on the economy. They also handed him a big political challenge: work toward greater bipartisanship.

Democrats lose Obama's old Senate seat to Mark Kirk

Republican Mark Kirk won the close Illinois Senate race, despite several mistakes and President Obama's hard push hard for Alexi Giannoulias, the Democratic candidate.

10 races to watch

10 of the closest statewide races heading into Election 2010

Here’s what’s going on in 10 of the closest statewide elections:

Why Illinois' pivotal Senate race stirs so little enthusiasm

A Tuesday debate between Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Mark Kirk offered personal attacks and a nasty tone as the candidates tried to shake up the race. It didn't appear to work.

Illinois battle: Could Democrats lose Obama's old Senate seat?

Despite fundraising appearances from the Obamas, Alexi Giannoulias (D), the state treasurer, is in a dead heat with Mark Kirk (R), who represents Illinois’s 10th District.

In West Virginia race, both candidates running against Obama

Neither of West Virginia's Senate candidates, Joe Manchin (D) or John Raese (R), wants to be associated with Obama. But listen to them talk, and there's not that many differences between them.

2010 Senate races: Four key debates this week could be game-changers

Many voters don't tune into the campaigns until debate season, which this week includes clashes in four 2010 Senate races: Connecticut, Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois.