Topic: U.S. Senate

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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.
Caroline Kennedy to be US ambassador to Japan? Why it makes sense now.

Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President Kennedy, may soon be on her way to Tokyo as President Obama's envoy. The new secretary of State likely played a role.
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, after all these years, the Senate is working on a budget (+VIDEO)

Senate Democrats didn't pass a budget resolution for the previous three years, but they are taking steps to do it this year. Three things, in particular, have changed.
Democrats from rural areas face pressure from pro-gun constituents

Democratic senators from mostly rural areas in the West and South must walk a fine line between party loyalty and constituents' wishes when it comes to gun control legislation.
Decoder Wire Rand Paul rising: Has filibuster made him US political star? (+video)

Some Republicans saw the filibuster performance by Sen. Rand Paul as a morale boost for the party. He aimed to spark a broader discussion about the possible domestic use of armed drones.
Chapter & Verse Jesse Jackson Jr. plans memoir

The former Democratic representative from Illinois, who's recently made headlines for misusing at least $750,000 in campaign funds, is planning to write a memoir to 'clear up his legacy.'
Does Mitt Romney have a political life after losing the presidency? (+video)

In his first post-election interview, Mitt Romney tells Fox News why he thinks he lost: failure to connect with minorities and the devastating impact of his '47 percent' comment. He hopes to have a future in the Republican Party, but as 'the guy who lost,' that's uncertain.
Energy Voices Is the Keystone XL pipeline worth it?

The Keystone XL pipeline gains new endorsements as environmental opposition grows. Putting ecological implications aside for a moment, is the Keystone XL pipeline, and the tar sands production that goes with it, a good financial investment?
The 'Argo' effect: Film could stoke suspicions about Americans abroad (+video)

The Oscar-winning film 'Argo' tells of how CIA operatives posed as a film crew to free hostages in Iran in 1979. The film could reinforce impressions in some countries that Americans are government agents.
Energy Voices Spending cuts: What does the sequester mean for energy? (+video)

Spending cuts will hit a wide range of energy programs starting Friday, unless a deal is reached to avert the sequester. What do the spending cuts mean for fossil fuels and renewables?
Stocks fall on threat of Italy deadlock

Stocks saw their worst decline in months Monday as Italy heads for political disarray. As stocks plunged, gauges of market sentiment indicated that investors were becoming more risk-averse and parking their money in defensive assets.
Bloomberg vs. NRA: Big spending could swing Illinois race (+video)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's 'super PAC' is spending $2.1 million to defeat a pro-gun candidate in the race to replace Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. It's part of his broader attack on NRA power.
Decoder Wire Does Ashley Judd scare Mitch McConnell? (+video)

Sen. Mitch McConnell's first campaign ad criticizes his reelection opponents, including Ashley Judd. Recent statewide polls show waning support for the minority leader.
Nebraska Republican, Senator Mike Johanns, will not seek re-election

Senator Mike Johanns, former Governor of Nebraska, and former agriculture secretary under George W. Bush, announced Monday he will not seek re-election in 2014. Johanns said in a statement he wants to spend more quiet time with family.
Presidents' Day 2013: How a Senate tradition keeps George Washington’s words alive

Every year since 1896, a senator has been selected to read George Washington’s Farewell Address during legislative session. His warnings often are pertinent.
Prospect of prison looms for ex-congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.

Former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and his wife have agreed to plead guilty to federal charges in an alleged scheme to spend $750,000 in campaign funds on personal items.
Decoder Wire Geraldo Rivera Senate run more likely due to Lautenberg retirement?

Sen. Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey announced he will not run for reelection in 2014. Geraldo Rivera had already been making noises about challenging him.
With Lautenberg exit, what are GOP chances to gain Senate seat?

Half a dozen potential candidates from both parties are eyeing the Senate seat in New Jersey, being vacated after 2014 by Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg. It'll be uphill for the GOP nominee.
Marco Rubio's GOP response to Obama's State of the Union

The text of the Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address (including water break), as prepared for delivery by Sen. Marco Rubio, Florida Republican, and provided by the press office of the speaker of the House:
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.
Massachusetts' incredible shrinking Senate race: More Republicans bow out

The most likely GOP contenders are no-shows, but some other Massachusetts Republicans are launching campaigns or testing the waters. Still, Democrats may be hard to beat in this Senate race.
Decoder Wire Karl Rove takes on the tea party. Is a GOP civil war looming?

GOP strategist Karl Rove launches a group to back candidates it sees as most electable, reports say. Tea party groups and others are crying foul.
The Vote Geraldo Rivera Senate run: Is he really a Republican?

Geraldo Rivera voted for Obama in 2012, but he is a registered Republican. He says his heroes are Republican moderates from the Northeast, just the kind that can win in New Jersey.
Scott Brown won't seek open Senate seat, a blow to Republican hopes (+video)

Republican Scott Brown won't vie for US Senate seat vacated by John Kerry of Massachusetts, he said Friday. His decision increases the likelihood the seat will stay in Democratic hands.