Topic: U.S. Senate

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Opinion GOP-backed bill is most serious attack on America's Wilderness Act in history

The Wilderness Act has protected America’s wild lands for 50 years. It is now under threat by a House bill deceptively called The Sportsmen's Heritage Act. Citizens must demand the US Senate do nothing to advance its devastating provisions.
Opinion Washington needs more people like Senator Warren Rudman (+video)

Sen. Rudman, who passed away last week, was perhaps best known for his legislation on deficit reduction. But he also fought tirelessly for campaign finance reform and citizen-funded elections. And he was willing to work across the aisle and stand up to his own Republican party to do it.
Jesse Jackson Jr. resigns: What happens next?

Jesse Jackson Jr. (D) of Illinois sent a letter of resignation to House Speaker John Boehner. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, has five days to schedule an election to replace Jackson and the election must be held within 115 days. There are unconfirmed reports of an FBI investigation into misuse of campaign funds.
Angus King of Maine helps Senate tilt toward Democrats

Angus King, an Independent, won Republican Olympia Snowe's Senate seat earlier this month. Angus King says he has decided to caucus with Democrats, giving them a 10-vote advantage in the Senate starting in January.
Petraeus scandal: 'Wouldn't call it welcome,' says White House (+video)

According to a nearly complete investigation, Marine Gen. John Allen played a role in the scandal which prompted CIA Director David Petraeus' resignation. General Allen's involvement has delayed a planned White House decision to transfer him to Europe.
Stefan Karlsson California now a liberal Democratic one-party state

The most recent election illustrates a greater shift to the left in California, Karlsson writes.
Paul Ryan returns to House: Is he ready for bigger role in GOP?

Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin missed out on becoming vice president, but he retained his House seat. Now, he might be able to parlay his heightened exposure into greater clout.
Congress: Will fiscal cliff, election results lead partisans to stand down?

Post-election, the GOP-led House still sees its mandate as tax-hike prevention. Obama and the Democrats still want to raise taxes for the wealthy. But if they don't work together, the looming 'fiscal cliff' – which no one wants to see – may doom them all.
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.
How Elizabeth Warren bested Sen. Scott Brown in Massachusetts (+video)

The Massachusetts contest was one of the highest-profile Senate races. Voters had a positive impression of both Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, yet the campaign was rife with negative ads.
Missouri: McCaskill keeps her seat

The Missouri Republican Todd Akin, known for his rape comments, has lost his senate race to incumbent Democrat Claire McCaskill. Prior to Akin's unpopular rape comments, McCaskill had seemed to be vulnerable.
If GOP misfires on bid for Senate takeover, is tea party to blame?

Tea party conservatives are likely to take a drubbing from the Republican establishment if their Senate champions falter on Election Day. But tea partyers dispute any suggestion that they are to blame if Democrats keep control of the US Senate.
Obama, Romney teams 'lawyer up' for Election Day vote disputes

Thousands of partisan lawyers and poll-watchers have fanned out across the country, ready to fight over contested votes on Election Day. Nobody wants a repeat of Florida's contentious 2000 recount.
Voter turnout: the 6 states that rank highest, and why

Which state will have the highest voter turnout on Nov. 6?On average, about half (51.6 percent) of eligible US voters cast ballots, but six states averaged more than 60 percent. The policies and attitudes in these states may hold lessons for those trying to get out the vote around the country.
Rand Paul as kingmaker in US Senate race in Montana?

Sen. Rand Paul (R) – heir to his father's libertarian political dynasty – on Sunday endorsed Republican Denny Rehberg, who is running in a tight three-man race. A GOP concern is that the Constitution Party candidate could siphon votes from Rehberg.
HSBC money laundering fines could top $1.5B

HSBC has set aside an additional $1.5 billion to cover US money laundering fines. Europe's biggest bank, HSBC is under fire for failing to stop money laundering in its Mexican unit.
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. beset by difficulties, but Election Day isn't one

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D) of Illinois has been absent from Congress since June, citing his health. He's also under investigation by a House ethics panel and, reportedly, the FBI. But he looks poised to sail to reelection, polling shows.
Illegal immigration: why eyes will be on Maryland this Election Day

Maryland's in-state tuition referendum is the only big-ticket illegal-immigration issue before voters this Election Day. How Maryland goes could influence other states – and Congress.
Tea party's Richard Mourdock trails in Indiana Senate race, poll shows

Once favored to win the US Senate race in Indiana, the GOP's Richard Mourdock now trails by 11 points, a new poll shows. Independents, in particular, have abandoned him since his statement about pregnancy from rape and God's intent.
Virginia Senate race: Why Tim Kaine, George Allen vie for bipartisan mantle

In Virginia, Republican George Allen and Democrat Tim Kaine each want to show he's the one who can work across the aisle to get things done. Target suburban voters want a candidate who can help make a dysfunctional US Senate work.
Editor's Blog Will the 'European dream' continue?

Amid a protracted economic crisis, Europeans are unsure they want greater integration -- but rightly concerned about backsliding into the nationalistic divisions that long haunted the continent.
George McGovern: A war hero who fought for peace

Former US Senator George McGovern was a war hero who inspired many in his opposition to the Vietnam War. Always a proud liberal, he was crushed in his 1972 challenge to Richard Nixon.
Romney’s wavering path on abortion. Do voters care?

Abortion is a tricky issue for both Romney and Obama campaigns. In polls, a plurality agrees that abortion should be generally available. But a substantial number want to restrict its availability.
Can Republicans increase their ranks of governors? Four races to watch.

With only 11 races for governor this year, there’s no big sea change to anticipate. With Republicans hoping to add to the 29 states under their banner, the four races to watch are in Washington, New Hampshire, Montana, and North Carolina.