Topic: U.S. Conservative Politics

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney's presidential race is most costly ever

It's the first time both major-party candidates are declining post-Watergate federal campaign financing — and the spending limits attached.

Donald Trump mulls super PAC. What's next – VP?

You knew this was coming: Trump in an interview said that he should be Mitt Romney’s choice as a running mate. He was kidding. We think.

In Iowa, Obama on the offensive against Romney

He criticized the GOP nominee for distorting the truth and said he wasn't prepared to be President.

Mitt Romney unveils education reform plan heavy on 'parental choice' (+video)

Mitt Romney's plan for education reform challenges President Obama and teacher's unions, including federal money for some low-income and disabled students to attend private schools.

Mitt Romney's voucher-like education overhaul (+video)

Romney, who has been reluctant to stray far from the economic issues at the core of the presidential campaign, was outlining the proposal during a speech Wednesday at the US Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Ryan goes into Obama attack mode at the Reagan library

Rep. Paul Ryan on Tuesday was the third Republican with vice-presidential buzz to speak at the Reagan library this election season. But his speech had a different purpose.

Romney sweeps Kentucky, Arkansas

He is now just 89 delegates short of the total needed to clinch the nomination; they are expected to come next week in Texas.

Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention

It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August.  Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.

Colin Powell is not endorsing Obama or Romney, yet

Colin Powell, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George Bush, endorsed Barack Obama four years ago. But Powell says he's "keeping his powder dry" on a presidential endorsement.

Why aren't more conservatives donating to Mitt Romney?

Mitt Romney raised $40 million last month. But an analysis of Romney's fundraising shows that many wealthy conservatives, who backed rivals Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, aren't donating to Romney's campaign.

Ron Paul 'bloodless coup' in Minnesota takes most delegates. Now what?

Ron Paul won 12 of 13 delegates in Minnesota's state GOP convention. If Mitt Romney has the nomination all but tied up and Paul has effectively ended his campaign, why continue the fight?

Has the tea party sold out? House freshmen aren't who they seem.

A report by the arch-conservative Club for Growth undercuts the notion that freshmen House Republicans are unified – and uniformly committed to the most stringent tea party ideals.

Three lessons of Jeremiah Wright plan against Obama

News about a proposal to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright against President Obama in a GOP “super PAC” ad campaign caused the political world to combust. Charges of “race-baiting” flew, and suddenly the idea was an orphan. It’s safe to say, the ads will never be made. But there are lessons to be learned. 

Who is responsible for the Bogota, Colombia bombing this week?

Some question why the FARC would carry out such a high profile attack as the May 15 Bogota bombing when the government has broached the idea of peace talks, writes a guest blogger.

Romney moves swiftly to rule out anti-Wright ad (+video)

A Republican super PAC had floated the idea of airing attack ads targeting President Obama for his association with controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright, but the Romney campaign firmly rejected making race an issue in the campaign.

Mitt Romney repudiates idea of using Jeremiah Wright against Obama

Mitt Romney spoke out Thursday after The New York Times reported on a plan to use the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's 'black liberation theology' – and his role as Obama's former pastor – to go after the president.

The gay marriage paradox: as acceptance rises, so do legal barriers

President Obama's embrace of gay marriage mirrors growing support among many Americans, but states continue to ban it. The US Supreme Court could play a key role.

Romney nearly matches Obama in April fundraising

Mitt Romney and the RNC raised $40.1 million in April, nearly matching President Obama and the Democrats. After a slow start, because of the competitive primaries, Romney’s campaign is poised to become a fundraising juggernaut.

Jeremiah Wright returns? Political group plans $10m anti-Obama ad blitz.

Key Republican lawmaker questions JP Morgan loss

The chairperson of the House Financial Services subcommittee, Shelley Moore Capito, discussed the loss during hearings.

House passes Violence Against Women Act, grudgingly

The Violence Against Women Act breezed through the Congress in previous years, but it's suddenly a heavy lift. The GOP House passed its version of the bill on a largely party-line vote, but getting to yes with the Senate will be tough.

Are some Ron Paul supporters going rogue?

In Nevada's Clark County, Ron Paul supporters are still in the fight, even though their man has said he won't campaign in any more GOP primaries. They scolded the Republican National Committee chief this week.

Senate Republicans plead for a budget as frustrations boil over

Senate Republicans proposed five budgets Wednesday, but the Democratic-controlled Senate defeated them all. Republicans say Democrats are punting on tough choices, Democrats say they already have a budget.  

Is Washington careening toward another debt limit crisis?

Another showdown appears to be brewing over the national debt limit – and under what conditions Congress will raise it next time. But something big will happen between now and then that may prevent it.

Romney's former rivals gloss over earlier anti-Romney remarks

One by one — with the exception of holdout Ron Paul — the GOP also-rans have coughed up endorsements of their onetime rival.