Topic: U.S. Senate
Top galleries, list articles, quizzes
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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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Election 2012: top seven super PACs
Decoder profiles the seven top super PACs, the organizations that have spent the most trying to influence the elections – and still have the most money in the bank.
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Briefing
Obama vs. Romney 101: 4 ways they compare on gun control
A spate of gun violence has beset the United States ahead of the November election, raising the perennial question about how effectively America regulates its 300 million-plus guns. Yet neither presidential candidate is likely to hoist his own complicated record as a rallying cry.
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Is Russia trying a dead whistle-blower because of a US law?
The US recently enacted legislation targeting those Russian officials involved in the 2009 death of whistle-blowing lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, spurring an angry reaction from the Kremlin.
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House Republicans' 'fiscal cliff' gripe: When will we ever get spending cuts? (+video)
What riles House Republicans isn't the taxes on the rich in the Senate's 'fiscal cliff' bill, it's the absence of significant spending cuts. But changes at this late date could scuttle the bill.
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No Ben Affleck? That's OK, Massachusetts Senate race still poised to be big.
If John Kerry's seat needs to be filled next year, it will be the fourth time Massachusetts voters have chosen Senate candidates in a six-year period. Actor-director Ben Affleck said Monday he won't run.
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Decoder Wire
Might Ben Affleck try leap from Hollywood to US Senate? So far, he's cagey.The actor and director says he's 'happy being involved from outside in government.' But Ben Affleck didn't exactly put the kibosh on talk about a possible run for John Kerry's Senate seat.
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Newark's Booker won't run for NJ gov, sets sights on US Senate seat
The decision, announced Thursday on Twitter, means Booker has decided against a possible campaign against Republican Gov. Chris Christie.
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Who is Tim Scott? Black senator-to-be should make tea party proud.
Rep. Tim Scott has been appointed to the seat held by retiring Sen. Jim DeMint. As a Republican African-American, Scott is a historic choice – and one likely to please the tea party.
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US Magnitsky Law draws Kremlin ire – but many Russians support it
The new law, enacted in the US last week to target Russians involved in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, has infuriated the Kremlin, which sees it as a 'purely political, unfriendly act.'
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Reports: Sen. John Kerry to be named Secretary of State (+video)
Now that Susan Rice has withdrawn her name, President Obama reportedly will name Senator John Kerry to take over as Secretary of State when Hillary Clinton resigns.
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In human rights spat, Russia poised to target US adoptive parents
After the US Congress approved a bill to punish Russian officials involved in human rights abuses, Moscow is set to blacklist Americans accused of violating Russians' rights – including US parents accused of abusing adoptive children from Russia.
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Decoder Wire
Is Stephen Colbert trying to buy Senate seat in South Carolina?Stephen Colbert's decision to campaign for the seat being vacated by GOP Sen. Jim DeMint gives the famous funnyman yet another chance to educate Americans on how to game the US campaign finance system.
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Decoder Wire
Senator Jenny Sanford? Why it might be a smart pick.Jenny Sanford, ex-wife of South Carolina's ex-governor, is reportedly on the short list to fill outgoing Sen. Jim DeMint's seat. It could present the GOP with a much-needed opportunity to appeal to women.
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Decoder Wire
Debt ceiling debate twist: Sen. Mitch McConnell filibusters himselfYes, another debt-ceiling debate is looming, and the Senate's attempt to deal with the issue Thursday involved complex legislative machinations that appeared to backfire on Mitch McConnell.
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Why did Sen. Jim DeMint quit the Senate? (+video)
Tea party hero Sen. Jim DeMint will head the conservative Heritage think tank, and some say freedom from party politics could make him an even bigger player on the right.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Stefan Karlsson
California now a liberal Democratic one-party stateThe most recent election illustrates a greater shift to the left in California, Karlsson writes.
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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.
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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.
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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.'
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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.
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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.
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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.
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