Topic: U.S. Senate

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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.
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:
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.
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.
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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UN summit: Can Obama meet expectations on climate change?

Obama pledged to tackle global warming in his presidential campaign. Now the world waits to see if he takes a leadership role at a climate change meeting at the UN Tuesday.
Massachusetts House OKs allowing a 'temp' to fill Kennedy seat

Bill approved Thursday permits the governor to appoint an interim senator until the special election. Action moves to Senate, where delay is likely.
WWE CEO Linda McMahon to lay political smackdown on Chris Dodd
The error in 'era'

The Monitor's language columnist considers how a particular term for measuring time has been hard at work lately.
The Jay Leno Show and the rise of political humor

Jay Leno's new show debuts tonight and features a Washington-based political correspondent.
With Joe Kennedy out, Senate race wide open

With no Kennedy in the running, expect a crowded Democratic field.
Blagojevich: Someone is lying, and it's totally not me
Conservatives wave red flags over Obama school speech
Kennedy name looms large in bid to replace late senator

Edward Kennedy's wife or nephew would be instant front-runners in any bid to replace him in the US Senate.
Senator Kennedy eulogized by his sons and President Obama

“My father taught me even our most profound losses are survivable. He taught me nothing was impossible.”
On foreign affairs, Kennedy challenged presidential power

His most important vote, he said, was against the Iraq War. But he also had major impact on human rights and other issues.
For Massachusetts mourners, Kennedy was 'one of their own'

The long line of Bay Staters waiting to pay their last respects to the senator Thursday was evidence of the intimate and powerful connection he had with his home state.
Long Senate record made Kennedy a giant in his own right

For decades, most major pieces of social legislation – from healthcare to immigration to education – bore the imprint of Sen. Edward 'Ted' Kennedy, who died late Tuesday.
Americans pay tribute to Kennedy

Remembrances of the Democratic senator, excerpted here, come from those of all political stripes.
The Monitor's View: Ted Kennedy: A profile in resilience

The senator faced down family tragedy, personal recklessness, and political setbacks in his long efforts to serve the public.
The Monitor's View: The Senate must not give Bernanke a free pass

In reconfirming the Fed chief, his past mistakes and potential actions on inflation need better public scrutiny.
Is Obama making a convincing case for the Afghan war?

The president must do a better job of telling Americans why the effort is central to preventing another 9/11, experts say.
Obama's partisan reasons for 'bipartisan' healthcare

Obama needs to woo doubting conservatives in his own party even more than he needs to win over Republicans.
Kennedy succession request is 'all about healthcare'

What's most important to the ailing senator is making sure someone will be in his seat to vote on a healthcare reform bill this year.
Snapshot of US political parties since 1900

How the balance of power has shifted between the Republicans and Democrats.
Is Obama's 'let's talk' diplomacy failing?

The US has scored no big wins under his policy of talking with the enemy. Doubts that it can are rising.
Latest GOP setback: Florida's Senator Martinez to retire early

Six other Republican senators have announced they’ll retire. The exits are a sign the GOP sees itself in 'back seat' for years, say analysts.
Does 'cash for clunkers' work?
OMG! Driving while texting might soon be illegal

Democratic senators proposed a bill Wednesday that would pressure all states to prohibit drivers from texting. Fourteen states already do.
Kirk’s Senate bid a crusade against Illinois corruption

The Republican congressman and Afghan war veteran is a moderate who has worked across the aisle.