Topic: U.S. State Politics

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From Willie Horton to windsurfing: Five top political attack ads

Political attacks ads: love 'em or hate 'em, but they’re here to stay, and this election year stands to be a watershed moment in their use. Here's a look at what are considered to be some of the most memorable and effective attack ads utilized over the years.
Battle for women's votes: 6 flash points

The uproar over the Obama campaign’s 'Life of Julia' Web infographic – which made #Julia big on Twitter – highlights just how fiercely both parties are fighting for the women’s vote. The economy is by far the most important issue in November for both sexes. But there are other areas with special significance to women. Here are the main flash points.
Mitt Romney's five biggest liabilities as GOP nominee

Typically, an election with an incumbent president on the ballot is a referendum on him. But President Obama is trying to turn the tables. So what exactly does Mitt Romney bring to the table, in both positive and negative ways? Here are the liabilities:
Briefing
Six 2012 races where the tea party counts

After playing kingmaker in the 2010 election cycle, the tea party movement is having a less prominent role in 2012. But its support or opposition could swing some key races and even determine whether Republicans win control of the Senate. Here are six US Senate contests where the tea party could make a difference.
Mitt Romney's five biggest assets as GOP nominee

Typically, an election with an incumbent president on the ballot is a referendum on him. But President Obama is trying to turn the election into a choice, saying in effect that America's problems will get much worse under the other guy. So what does Mitt Romney bring to the table? Here are five assets.

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Duck Lake fire sweeps across Michigan's Upper Peninsula

The vast Duck Lake fire, likely sparked by a lightning strike and unusually high temperatures, hits at what's typically the end of the Michigan wildfire season.
Curt Schilling fires staff at video-game firm

Curt Schilling fires staff of 300 in Rhode Island, which had given a $75 million loan guarantee to the video-game company. Curt Schilling fired staff with an e-mail that thanked them for dedication but claimed an 'economic downturn' had hit the company
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.
From Willie Horton to windsurfing: Five top political attack ads

Political attacks ads: love 'em or hate 'em, but they’re here to stay, and this election year stands to be a watershed moment in their use. Here's a look at what are considered to be some of the most memorable and effective attack ads utilized over the years.
Decoder Wire
Has Cory Booker hurt his own political career? (+video)

Don't look for a prime time speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention for Cory Booker, but his defense of Wall Street – and criticism of the Obama campaign – won't hurt his standing with moderates or Wall Street donors.
John Edwards verdict could become part of Citizens United backlash

A diverse panel of North Carolinians is currently considering whether John Edwards committed campaign fraud in 2008, but the verdict could also reverberate nationally if it is at odds with the Supreme Court's landmark Citizens United ruling.
Appeals likely in Rutgers webcam case

Dharun Ravi was sentenced yesterday, but both sides are likely to appeal.
Bullying legislation prompts opposition from conservative groups

A new bill in Illinois would require schools to adopt anti-bullying policies, but the Illinois Family Institute and Concerned Christians of America say that the law would challenge certain students' religious and moral beliefs.
Health-care protest bills get Missouri OK

Health-care bills taking a swipe and President Obama's health-care program passed the Missouri legislature this week. One allows employers to refuse health insurance for birth control; the other would let voters decide whether to allow the creation of a health-insurance exchange.
Decoder Wire
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.
Mitt Romney raising money at home of 'morning-after pill' exec

The $50,000-a-plate fundraiser Wednesday night is at the Miami home of Phil Frost, chairman of Teva Pharmaceuticals, which makes 'morning-after pills.' Mitt Romney opposes their use, calling them 'abortive pills.'
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.
Why Sarah Palin's pick could triumph in Nebraska's US Senate race in fall

Tuesday's victory by Deb Fischer, who had the endorsement of Sarah Palin in the Nebraska GOP Senate primary, is an upset. But Fischer may in fact be the strongest Republican to run against Democrat Bob Kerrey, analysts say.
Gov. Christie vs. Cory Booker in Seinfeld-like video spoof (+video)

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Newark Mayor Cory Booker release video spoof of Seinfeld-Newman rivalry. A new poll shows Gov. Christie wouldn't be happy as vice president.
Will Californians trust Jerry Brown enough to vote for his tax increase?

After outlining drastic cuts Monday, Gov. Jerry Brown pleaded with California voters to approve a temporary sales-tax increase. Some experts, but not all, think he can get it through.
Nebraska's GOP Senate primary: another tea party surprise?

A late surge for Sarah Palin's pick for the Nebraska primary could topple yet another GOP establishment candidate, in a race that could help determine control of the US Senate.
States should fold on Internet gambling

California and New Jersey, each seek more revenue, are leading the states toward Internet gambling, starting with online poker. But this all-too-easy form of gaming would come with at a high cost to society – and government.
GOP shoots down civil unions in Colorado

Republicans rejected the proposal in a special legislative session.
Jerry Brown proposes billions in cuts. Are Californians getting his message?

With California's budget shortfall soaring, Gov. Jerry Brown (D) proposes broad, painful cuts for state workers and programs. Without new taxes, he warns voters, the cuts will be even worse.
California facing higher $16 billion shortfall

California's budget deficit has swelled to $16 billion and will force severe cuts to schools and public safety if voters fail to approve tax increases in November, warns Gov. Jerry Brown.
Mitt Romney courts evangelicals at Liberty University

Mitt Romney’s Mormon religion has been a problem for some evangelicals. At conservative Liberty University Saturday, Romney stressed Christian values without mentioning his own faith, part of an apparently successful effort to win over evangelicals and other social conservatives.
Boycott Mayberry? How North Carolina lost its shine for Obama.

After helping put President Obama over the top in 2008, North Carolina seemed the perfect place to hold the 2012 Democratic National Convention. But the Southern state has become symbolic of the economic and social headwinds Obama faces in his reelection.
Gay marriage now front and center in battleground states (+video)

President Obama's support for the unions has pushed the issue into the spotlight.
Panetta: No hitches in military's repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'

Since September, gay service members have been able to serve openly in the US military. The end of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is 'going very well,' Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday.
Why Obama endorsed gay marriage now (+video)

Comments on Sunday by Vice President Biden backing gay marriage and a North Carolina vote on Tuesday opposing it pushed President Obama to clarify his own stand on gay marriage well before the Democratic National Convention.