Topic: Saxby Chambliss

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Eight open US Senate seats in 2014

Here are eight senators who have opted out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving hopefuls in both parties a rare shot at a US Senate seat – and, moreover, one that could flip control of the Senate.

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NSA data-mining 101: two 'top secret' programs and what they do

Two US surveillance programs – one scooping up records of Americans' phone calls and the other collecting information on Internet-based activities – came to public attention this week. The aim: data-mining to help the NSA thwart terrorism. But not everyone is cool with it.
Can Democrats find moderate candidates in time for midterms?

Democrats may struggle to recruit moderate and conservative-leaning candidates for the 2014 midterm elections in states with the most competitive Senate races.
USA Update Obama's 'try anything' bid to woo GOP moves from dinner to golf course

President Obama hit the golf course Monday with two Republican senators in an effort to build support for his second-term agenda. He has also had several dinners with GOP lawmakers.
Decoder Wire Four reasons the Senate gun control bill may be kaput

The Senate is slated to vote Wednesday on nine gun control provisions, but prospects for passage for several – including expanding background checks to more gun buyers – look dim. Here's why.
Do US drone kills need an oversight board? How would it work? (+video)

The confirmation hearing for John Brennan, Obama's pick to be CIA chief, has given impetus to the idea that drone strikes on terror suspects be subject to some form of judicial oversight.
Eight open US Senate seats in 2014

Here are eight senators who have opted out of a reelection bid in 2014, giving hopefuls in both parties a rare shot at a US Senate seat – and, moreover, one that could flip control of the Senate.
Why Brennan came off better than Hagel in Senate hearing

CIA director-designate John Brennan, in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, was not pressed very hard on the controversial drone strike program.
Decoder Wire Will Rep. Paul Broun be Karl Rove's first 'unelectable' target?

Karl Rove says his new political group isn't aiming to defeat tea party candidates – just poor politicians. Rep. Paul Broun, who is running for Senate in Georgia, may be the group's first test case.
'Fiscal cliff' deal: Will the Tea Party find renewed strength? (+video)

Some, including members of the Tea Party, are dissatisfied with the recently agreed upon deal relating to the fiscal cliff. Tea Party groups are looking toward the next election in hopes of replacing less conservative Republican members of Congress with Tea Party candidates.
Decoder Wire Why might Republicans cave in 'fiscal cliff' talks?

The GOP and President Obama have long disagreed over taxes for the rich. Although there are signs of potential movement with the fiscal cliff looming, there are also reasons it might not happen.
Opinion Fiscal cliff: Republicans on wrong track if they help Obama raise taxes on the rich

Higher taxes won’t much improve US finances and would likely wreck the economy. But as fiscal cliff talks intensify, a small group of Republican senators are prepared to help President Obama make the rich pay more – facts notwithstanding. A better approach: Spur private-sector growth.
With GOP lawmakers flouting anti-tax pledge, is Norquist losing power? (+video)

Several senior Republicans are breaking ranks with Grover Norquist, and are willing to consider raising more money through taxes as part of a deal with Democrats to avoid a catastrophic budget meltdown.
Fiscal cliff: White House steps up pressure on GOP to reach a deal (+video)

White House economists warn that unless Congress extends expiring middle-class tax cuts 'without delay,' consumer confidence will take a hit at a critical holiday season for retailers.
Decoder Wire Norquist pledge: Are GOP tax rebels start of a trend or just talk? (+video)

Norquist pledge, which calls for lawmakers to oppose new taxes, has another defector: Republican Sen. Bob Corker. But key players in 'fiscal cliff' negotiations have yet to join ranks of such GOP rebels.
The Vote John McCain and abortion: Did he hint at GOP shift?

Sen. John McCain said Sunday that his only role in the abortion debate is to 'state his opinion,' and 'leave the issue alone.' Some GOP strategists say a softening of the tone on social issues is necessary after the disappointments of the recent election.
Saxby Chambliss: One more Republican breaks ranks over anti-tax pledge

Republicans are grappling with growing rifts in their ranks over a no-new-tax pledge that has been rock solid for more than 20 years. That quiet debate within the GOP could determine how Congress deals with its looming 'fiscal cliff.'
Why is Susan Rice on the hot seat over Benghazi attack? (+video)

Republicans vow to get to the bottom of UN Ambassador Susan Rice’s role in reporting the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Democrats say she's being unfairly pilloried.
Senate cybersecurity bill fails, so Obama could take charge

The Pentagon wants Congress to pass a cybersecurity bill to safeguard critical assets such as the power grid. But Senate efforts failed, meaning President Obama might issue an executive order.
Briefing Petraeus scandal: Did anything illegal happen? Five questions so far.

An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation has now called into question the private lives and careers of two of the nation’s top national-security officials. Here is an accounting of what is known so far.
How the 2014 elections tip prospects for a 'grand bargain' on US deficits

Whoever wins the White House – President Obama or Mitt Romney – will need help from the other side of the aisle in the Senate to reach a deal on meaningful debt- and deficit-reduction. But key senators up for reelection in 2014 face wrenching tradeoffs.
Senator prods Gang of 8 to make middle class, deficit-cutting top priorities

As bipartisan talks to avoid a 'fiscal cliff' renew this week, a top Senate Democratic leader, Charles Schumer, warns negotiators that any plan that aims to cut taxes on the rich and also cut deficits is 'a trap,' and won't add up.
Libya attack: Not a problem of intelligence (+video)

Questions linger about the way the Obama Administration presented intelligence information following a violent attack in Benghazi, Libya last month. It appears now that from very early in their investigation U.S. officials had information implicating organized militants.
Why Washington springs leaks in election season

GOP lawmakers said Tuesday they don't believe Obama's denials of White House-sanctioned leaks about US efforts to disrupt Iran's nuclear program. Leaking for political purposes has a storied past in Washington.
Economist Mom Elmo's solution to the budget crisis: Play dates

A bipartisan solution to the budget problem will require basic listening and engagement–the same things required for children to play well together
12/05/2011 02:00 pm
Economist Mom The US fiscal situation can be solved

Our deficits are still being sustained at the moment, and U.S. Treasury bonds are a safe investment. But the nation must address the gap between spending and revenues to avoid a full-blown crisis.
12/01/2011 10:00 am