Topic: Tommy Thompson (Politician)

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:

Obamacare won't be repealed. States now must act.

As House Speaker John Boehner said this week, the presidential election confirms that the Affordable Care Act 'is the law of the land.' But the fight over 'Obamacare' is not over as states decide whether to craft their own insurance exchange program or leave it to Washington.

Virginia Senate: how Tim Kaine survived a record barrage of attack ads

No candidate for the US Senate has ever had more money spent against him than Virginia's Tim Kaine. But he triumphed because he was seen as the more bipartisan choice, experts say.

Legalized marijuana (Amendment 64), same-sex marriage make gains (+video)

Some 176 ballot measures in 38 states included historic wins for gay marriage and legalized marijuana (Amendment 64 in Colorado), as well as votes in four red states to rein in 'Obamacare.'

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.

In Mass. Senate race Elizabeth Warren outspends rest of the country (+video)

Democrat Elizabeth Warren, who is running for Senate in Massachusetts against Rep. Scott Brown, had raised $12.1 million as of Sept. 30. Warren has outspent all other candidates for the US Senate in the nation.

Did Todd Akin just cost GOP a US Senate takeover? (+video)

With the uproar over his comment on 'legitimate rape,' Missouri Rep. Todd Akin has likely hurt his chances at beating Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) in November. Control of the Senate hangs in the balance – and Akin is resisting calls to exit the race.

Tommy Thompson in Wisconsin lifts GOP hopes for US Senate takeover

Before he won Wisconsin's Senate primary Tuesday, Tommy Thompson led Democrat Tammy Baldwin in a hypothetical matchup by 5 points, a poll showed. This marks the former governor's reentry into politics.

Stakes high for GOP as Wisconsin voters settle on a Senate matchup

Wisconsin has an open US Senate seat, and Republicans hope to pick it off on their way to a takeover of the upper chamber. Voters decide Tuesday which of four candidates will carry the GOP banner into the fall election.

Solar energy subsidies: sticky wicket for Tea Party recipient?

Solar energy tax credits benefited firms owned by Tea Party Republican running for the US Senate. But Mark Neumann, who decries Obama stimulus plan, got the solar energy credits under President Bush.

Jon Stewart is hosting Ron Paul. What will he ask him?

Jon Stewart has said Ron Paul hasn't been given his fair share of coverage by the media. On Monday he is hosting the GOP candidate on 'The Daily Show.' And there is lots to talk about.

Wisconsin protest shows state's evolving political history

Protesters filled Wisconsin's state capital for a week, demonstrating against Gov. Scott Walker's plan to cut union bargaining rights. How has the state's political mood shifted from left to right?

Why Sen. Russ Feingold is trailing in Wisconsin polls

Sen. Russ Feingold (D) of Wisconsin has been easily elected to the Senate three times before. But the political climate this year has made this race much closer.

No Sarah Palin, but DC Tea Party gets crowd by targeting "gangster government"

Although Sarah Palin wasn't there, Rep. Michele Bachmann got roars of approval in DC on Thursday

Scott Brown Senate win leaves Obama, Democrats scrambling

Scott Brown’s Senate victory in Massachusetts has shifted the political landscape. Endangered Democrats are likely to play it safe, and some might retire.

Five Republicans that want the GOP to back healthcare reform

President Obama has pressed Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and four other prominent Republicans to speak out in favor of healthcare reform. If they sway one GOP senator, the effort will have been worth it.

Republican insiders caught by hot mic: Race is over