Topic: Political Parties

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Immigration reform bill: Top 8 changes GOP senators want

More than 300 amendments were submitted for possible inclusion in a sweeping immigration reform package – at least 100 of them from two Republicans, Sens. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Jeff Sessions of Alabama. Here are eight notable changes GOP lawmakers want to see in bill, as the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up amendments between now and Memorial Day.
Where do things stand at Guantánamo? Six basic questions answered.

President Obama this week pledged to “reengage” with Congress to find a way to close the terror detention camp at the Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, naval base. The renewed focus comes as 100 of the 166 detainees are reported to be engaged in a hunger strike. Here is a brief look at where things stand now.
Pakistan elections: Who's running?

This election will mark the first transfer of power from one government to another without any military interference. Here is a look at the main candidates for prime minister.
George H. W. Bush in his own words: 10 stories from the updated 'All the Best, George Bush'

"All the Best, George Bush" is a collection of the personal correspondence of George H. W. Bush from his first years in the Navy in 1942 all the way to 2011. Here are 10 excerpts from the book.
Briefing
After the 'sequester,' now what?

$85 billion in across-the-board cuts to defense and social programs took effect March 1. The cuts must occur this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Here's how things look.

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Kansas anti-abortion law: How divided can the states get?

States are in an ideological arms race, epitomized by dueling abortion bills floated by legislatures from Kansas to New York. Is this federalism on steroids?
Bill Nelson, Fla. Sen., declares support for gay marriage

Bill Nelson wrote Thursday in a Tampa Bay Times column, 'The civil rights and responsibilities for one must pertain to all. Thus, to discriminate against one class and not another is wrong for me.'
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.
Gun control: Can Obama use Colorado bully pulpit to accomplish anything?

President Obama is pushing gun control in Denver Wednesday and will do the same in Hartford, Conn., next Monday. It's not clear he can move the public to pressure Congress on gun legislation, but it's worth a try, some say.
SC's ex-Gov. Sanford wins runoff, will face Colbert Busch (+video)

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has taken another step toward the congressional seat he held for three terms.
Why South Carolina special election is no big deal

With a quirky cast of characters, the special election in South Carolina for a seat in the US House is more idiosyncratic than most – but it's still likely to go Republican.
Republican Sen. Mark Kirk backs gay marriage: How big a deal?

Sen. Mark Kirk became the second Republican senator in as many months to declare his support for gay marriage. But he's a moderate from a solidly blue state.
Senator arrested for alleged NYC mayor's race plot

Senator arrested: Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith tried to pay off some of New York City's Republican party bosses to get himself on the ballot as a Republican candidate, federal authorities said.
Is Putin trading his own party for a new power base?

With his United Russia party's popularity diminishing, Putin appears to be reorganizing his political power with the Popular Front, an East German-style, extra-political body.
Opinion: Think you know the Reagan and Bush era? Think again.

Political events in the era of Presidents Reagan and Bush senior have great relevance to today, from budget cuts ('sequestration') to President Obama's agenda. But this history is often remembered incorrectly, or not at all – to the detriment of America's political discourse.
Fear Itself

Ira Katznelson has produced an exceptionally engaging and thoughtful account of the New Deal era.
Gay marriage opinion shift: conservative lawmakers, pundits left scrambling

As public opinion moves in favor of gay marriage, members of Congress find they have to adjust their stance. Conservative pundits are beginning to acknowledge this as well.
Why Joe Biden is still pushing for assault weapons ban

For two days, Vice President Joe Biden has insisted that the assault weapons ban can still pass, even after the Senate dropped it. He has three reasons to keep making noise.
Decoder Wire White House Easter Egg Roll: next victim of Washington's money woes? (+video)

It's one thing to ax the White House tours, but to stomp on the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, with invitations, plus a possible cancellation warning, in the mail? Not likely.
All sides claim victory with new UK press regulator - except the press

The new regulator can impose tough fines with the force of law, pleasing Labour and the Lib Dems, but there is a safeguard against one party influencing its actions, pleasing Conservatives.
Why I can't 'come out of the closet' as a Muslim Republican quite yet

Many American Muslims, myself included, believe in conservative ideals and fiscal policies. Rather than alienating potential allies, Republicans should shift their message to one of civility and inclusiveness, especially when it comes to Muslim Americans.
George H. W. Bush in his own words: 10 stories from the updated 'All the Best, George Bush'

"All the Best, George Bush" is a collection of the personal correspondence of George H. W. Bush from his first years in the Navy in 1942 all the way to 2011. Here are 10 excerpts from the book.
Boehner: Gay marriage is not marriage (+video)

Boehner: Gay marriage is not what his church teaches, he says. While Sen. Rob Portman may have switched his views on gay marriage, Rep. John Boehner "can't imagine" that his position on the issue would ever change.
Pakistan's parliament makes history

Pakistan's parliament became the first since the country's founding in 1947 to complete a full term of five years. That sets the stage for elections.
The Vote Donald Trump CPAC speech: Is he a Democratic secret agent? (+video)

Donald Trump, speaking at CPAC Friday, envisioned a GOP turnaround that involves either repudiating basic Republican beliefs or doubling down on stuff that’s getting the party in trouble.
Ohio GOP senator cites 'change of heart' on gay marriage (+video)

Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio has wrestled with gay marriage since learning two years ago that one of his sons is gay. He now says the government shouldn't deny gay couples the opportunity to marry.
Ohio Senator Portman changes course on gay marriage

Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio and an opponent of same-sex marriage, has changed his mind after learning two years ago his own son is gay.
CPAC surprise: optimism about immigration reform

At CPAC Thursday, a top Republican pollster and a key House conservative on the immigration-reform debate hit perhaps the most optimistic notes to date on the progress of such legislation.
Robert Reich Deficits are not the real economic problem

The biggest economic problems we face are unemployment, stagnant wages, slow growth, and widening inequality, Reich writes, not deficits.
The Vote Hillary-Michelle in 2016: Awesome or awful?

'Hillary–Michelle in 2016' is the buzz on the Interwebs and TwitBook at the moment. Here's why such a hypothetical ticket would be awesome – and maybe not.