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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:

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IRS apologizes. But has it told all about targeting tea party?

IRS apologizes for targeting tea party groups when they applied for tax-exempt status. But a draft of an inspector general's report suggests officials knew about the targeting as early as 2011.
How liberal anger at Obama budget helps the president, Democrats

The president's budget, with its cost-saving measures in Social Security and Medicare, has infuriated the left. That positions Obama more to the center and could help him achieve other goals – and save some Democratic seats in 2014.
Liberals to Obama: not so fast on Social Security cuts

The worst fears of progressive groups were confirmed Friday: President Obama's budget will include cuts to Social Security. But the call has gone out, and liberals are fighting back.
Why does Washington keep putting off entitlement reform?

Both the White House and Republicans agree that entitlement reform is necessary to rein in federal deficits, but nothing ever gets started. That could change in the weeks ahead.
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:
'Fiscal cliff': Obama, Republicans revert to campaign mode

President Obama met with small-business owners Tuesday, meets with middle-class Americans and business leaders Wednesday. Republicans, too, are orchestrating meetings, as both sides vie to win public's support for their approach to resolving the fiscal cliff crisis.
Fiscal cliff: for Obama and liberals, a wary alliance (+video)

After a White House meeting Tuesday, liberal leaders expressed confidence that President Obama would make sure fiscal remedies don't hurt middle and low-income Americans. But entitlements are still on the table.
Wisconsin: Tammy Baldwin helps Democrats retain US Senate seat (+video)

Former US Rep. Tammy Baldwin becomes the first openly gay member of the US Senate after defeating former Gov. Tommy Thompson.
Why has the Wisconsin Senate race tightened?

A Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday shows former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) leading US Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D) 46 to 45 percent among likely voters in Wisconsin.
Decoder Wire With race tight, celebrities make the pitch for Obama

As the campaign enters the final stretch, a tidal wave of Hollywood types are cutting ads and making appearances on behalf of President Obama. Do celebrity pitches actually help?
Gay marriage: Clooney fundraiser a hint of coming Obama money boom (+video)

President Obama's support for gay marriage is energizing gay and lesbian activists, whose support could help offset Wall Street's support for Mitt Romney. The Clooney fundraiser was just a taste.
Student loans: Is petition to forgive debt completely a good idea?

Students and parents will think so. But blanket amnesty for all student loans could destroy the student-loan system and might not do much to address the underlying problem.
Robert Reich How does the uber-wealthy Romney pay so little in taxes?

Romeny's low tax rate, and how he achieved it, provides an important lesson in how tax laws need to change.
Vox News Does Rush Limbaugh’s apology put his ‘slut’ comment behind him? Not likely

Rush Limbaugh apologized for calling Sandra Fluke a “slut” because of her comments about contraception. But that unusual retreat by the sharp-tongued talk show host has not ended the matter as a political weapon.
The Vote Another Mitt Romney clunker? 'Ann drives a couple of Cadillacs, actually....'

Mitt Romney wanted the focus to be on his plan for the economy, but mention of his wife's two Cadillacs at the speech in Detroit renewed concerns that his wealth could be a liability.
Mitt Romney's new economic plan: Did it just fizzle?

The economic plan unveiled by Mitt Romney Friday offered details on tax reform and Social Security, but several gaffes and a lack of energy could overshadow its content.
The Vote 'Crate-Gate' puts Mitt Romney in doghouse at Westminster show

Nearly 30 years ago, Mitt Romney put his Irish setter in a crate lashed to the roof rack for a trip to Canada. Democratic protesters at the Westminster dog show were not amused.
Opinion: Outrage over Egypt's arrest of NGO workers, but US would have done the same

The outrage over Egypt's arrest of 43 NGO workers, at least 16 of whom are American, is understandable and well deserved. But it also speaks to a little acknowledged paradox: These organizations are conducting democracy-building work that would never be tolerated in the US.
Super PACs: how a company that opposes them came to create one

CREDO Mobile, a cellphone company that describes itself as 'America’s only progressive phone company,' announced this week that it is mobilizing a super PAC to target tea party candidates.
Vox News 'King of Bain': 6 questions answered about anti-Mitt Romney attack ads

A pro-Newt Gingrich super PAC will begin its controversial 'King of Bain' ad campaign attacking Mitt Romney Thursday. Here's a Q&A to explain what the controversy is about.
Seven days left: Is super committee ball now in Democrats' court?

Following a GOP proposal on the deficit-cutting 'super committee' to raise tax revenues, Republicans say it's the Democrats' turn to show they're serious by making cuts in entitlement spending.
Occupy Wall Street: Can it ever match tea party clout?

Economic conditions have seemed ripe for a popular uprising from the left, and now 'Occupy Wall Street' protests are marshaling those forces. But so far the tea party has greater focus and intensity.
Cuts to Medicare? Progressives anxious ahead of Obama's deficit plan.

President Obama releases his latest deficit-reduction plan Monday. It will contain no changes to Social Security, the White House says, but no such announcement has been made about other entitlement programs.
Dueling debt-ceiling plans: Can either pass Congress?

House Republicans and Senate Democrats introduced their plans to resolve the debt-ceiling impasse before Aug. 2. But bipartisan hopes appear thin.
'Gang of Six' plan hailed as debt-ceiling breakthrough. What's in it?

The proposal by the 'Gang of Six' senators Tuesday draws on ideas from the deficit commission. The middle-of-the-road plan will have to overcome partisan concerns and a lack of time.