Topic: U.S. Senate
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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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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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:
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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.
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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.
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Columbus Day: Your guide to the top 5 political events today
Election season doesn’t stop for Columbus Day, and the action isn’t limited to the presidential contest. Here are your top five political events to watch this Columbus Day.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Kerry Senate seat now has contested primary: Stephen Lynch hat in ring
Rep. Stephen Lynch, a former ironworker, announced his campaign to succeed John Kerry in the Senate. He faces Rep. Edward Markey, the apparent front-runner, in a Democratic primary.
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The Vote Geraldo Rivera 'truly contemplating' run for Senate. Could he win?
Broadcast journalist Geraldo Rivera said on his radio program Thursday that he's been in touch 'with some people in the Republican Party in New Jersey' about a run in 2014. But it won't be easy.
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Who’ll fill Kerry Senate seat? Question answered, but only for now.
Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick names a former aide, William 'Mo' Cowan, to fill the Kerry seat until a special election in June. Two House Democrats are girding for battle, as is the GOP's Scott Brown.
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Ex-governor emerges from prison into changed world (+video)
George Ryan, former governor of Illinois, has served five years for racketeering and conspiracy. While George Ryan was in prison, his wife and brother died, and Illinois enacted reforms meant to thwart political wheeling and dealing.
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Latin America Monitor Mixed feelings south of the border on Senate immigration plan
An activist for Mexican migrants wonders if the proposal would encourage more to illegally go to the US, setting back a revival in rural Mexico.
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Why Fox News dropped Sarah Palin
After John McCain picked Sarah Palin out of relative obscurity to be his vice presidential running mate, she became a political force of nature. Since then, however, her star has lost its luster within the GOP, and she’s parted ways with Fox News.
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What is it about an inauguration that lightens the mood on Capitol Hill?
At a post-inaugural lunch on Capitol Hill, Obama and US lawmakers put rancor aside, and comity and laughter presided. On Inauguration Day, at least, Washington can still get along.
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In Mass. Senate race could Scott Brown win again?
Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown lost the general election to Elizabeth Warren, but could make a run for Sen. John Kerry's seat. But has Brown, once a tea party favorite, alienated national conservative groups?
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Sen. Jay Rockefeller to retire. Can Republicans seize opportunity?
Early polls showed five-term Democrat Jay Rockefeller trailing GOP Rep. Shelley Moore Capito. While his withdrawal opens the door to a Republican gain, Capito could be vulnerable on the right.
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Decoder Wire Hagel, Brennan, and history: How often does Senate reject cabinet nominees?
The Senate has only rejected two presidential cabinet picks since World War II – though six others have withdrawn their names, and the process is becoming more contentious.
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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:
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