http://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/U_S_PoliticsFind stories, videos, and photos about U.S. Politics from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Sat, 26 May 2012 19:28:00 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/U_S_Politics14433Find stories, videos, and photos about U.S. Politics from CNN.com.http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/24/politics/senate-student-loans/index.htmlThe Senate, in the latest round of political maneuvering on a popular campaign issue, Thursday rejected competing Democratic and Republican proposals to prevent student loan rates from doubling to 6.8% in July.Thu, 24 May 2012 21:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/senate-iran/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/senate-iran/index.htmlThe U.S. Senate unanimously voted to tighten sanctions on Iran on Monday, three days after a dispute over whether to include the threat of American force stalled the legislation.Tue, 22 May 2012 09:24:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/zelizer-congress-polarization/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/opinion/zelizer-congress-polarization/index.htmlCongress is reaching a point where it will no longer be able to function at all. Over the past two years, some members of the Republican Party have ramped up the partisan wars on Capitol Hill. They are threatening to bring the legislative process to a standstill.Mon, 21 May 2012 12:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/fast-and-furious/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/fast-and-furious/index.htmlTop House Republicans attempted to ramp up pressure on Attorney General Eric Holder on Friday with a joint letter demanding the Department of Justice comply with a congressional subpoena for materials on the "Operation Fast and Furious" program.Fri, 18 May 2012 20:46:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/house-defense-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/house-defense-bill/index.htmlThe GOP-controlled House of Representatives on Friday passed a nearly $643 billion defense bill -- a measure at odds with prior military spending agreements and President Barack Obama's Pentagon plans.Fri, 18 May 2012 20:36:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/violence-against-women-act/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/18/politics/violence-against-women-act/index.htmlAfter a high profile political battle this week over legislation to help victims of domestic abuse, its fate appears to be in limbo. And this policy-dispute-turned-election-year-brawl seems to be far from over.Fri, 18 May 2012 12:48:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/us/alabama-immigration-law/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/17/us/alabama-immigration-law/index.htmlAlabama's governor on Thursday called in lawmakers for a special session in part to further explore changes to the state's anti-illegal immigration law, considered the country's toughest.Fri, 18 May 2012 01:31:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/gop-violence-against-women/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/gop-violence-against-women/index.htmlThe House of Representatives passed the Republican version of the Violence Against Women Act on Wednesday, despite strong opposition from Democrats.Thu, 17 May 2012 02:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/obama-congress/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/obama-congress/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama and congressional leaders met Wednesday to discuss upcoming budget deadlines, one day after House Speaker John Boehner drew a line in the sand over what could be another bitter showdown between the White House and Congress later this year.Wed, 16 May 2012 21:20:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/primaries/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/16/politics/primaries/index.htmlNebraska state Sen. Deb Fischer won the Republican nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, official results showed, beating two better-funded candidacies for the opportunity to face off against a former U.S. Senator for the open seat in November.Wed, 16 May 2012 06:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/house-budget-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/10/politics/house-budget-vote/index.htmlThe Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would replace looming Pentagon spending cuts opposed by the GOP with a series of domestic program reductions opposed by congressional Democrats.Thu, 10 May 2012 18:17:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/opinion/hoover-gop-support-gay-marriage/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/09/opinion/hoover-gop-support-gay-marriage/index.htmlJust in case you thought you had time to catch your breath from the culture wars, the issue of marriage for gay couples is back at the ballot box this year. On Tuesday, North Carolinians voted 61% to 39% to ban all forms of relationship recognition for same-sex couples.Wed, 09 May 2012 14:33:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/lugar-senate-analysis/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/08/politics/lugar-senate-analysis/index.htmlRichard Lugar had it all -- a sterling global reputation, bipartisan respect, a fat campaign bank account and 36 years of Senate experience.Wed, 09 May 2012 13:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/opinion/cardona-faux-gop-anger/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/02/opinion/cardona-faux-gop-anger/index.htmlYou would think that President Obama's surprise trip to Afghanistan yesterday and speech to the troops would have quieted -- at least for one night -- the latest installment of the GOP's "Faux Anger Chronicles." While most of the president's critics were silent or praised him for the trip, others didn't disappoint in following along with the fad.Wed, 02 May 2012 22:14:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/politics/bachus-cleared/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/politics/bachus-cleared/index.htmlThe chairman of the House Financial Services Committee has been cleared of allegations that he used his position to engage in insider trading and improperly profit from the 2008 market meltdown.Tue, 01 May 2012 22:57:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/30/politics/obama-bill-clinton-join-forces/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/30/politics/obama-bill-clinton-join-forces/index.htmlIf case you had any doubts, don't -- Bill Clinton's fully on board President Barack Obama's re-election effort.Tue, 01 May 2012 01:27:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/29/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/29/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlDays before the one-year anniversary of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, top surrogates for President Barack Obama and presumptive Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney took to the national stage to argue the politics of the attack.Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:46:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/tea-party-upgraded/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/tea-party-upgraded/index.htmlWhile loud and raucous rallies are still a part of the tea party toolbox, the movement, which came to life over dissatisfaction with big government and anger over government bailouts and President Barack Obama's health care reform, is evolving.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/27/politics/house-student-loans/index.htmlThe White House said Friday that President Barack Obama would veto a Republican measure passed by the House to extend lower interest rates on federal student loans because it takes money from a health care fund that benefits women.Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/25/politics/boehner-student-loans/index.htmlThe House will vote Friday to extend current rates on federally funded college loans for one year, Speaker John Boehner announced on Wednesday in what is seen as an attempt to blunt President Barack Obama's momentum on an issue popular with young voters.Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:44:00 EDThttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2012/04/24/pf/college/student_loans/index.htmOn July 1, the interest rates on student loans subsidized by Uncle Sam will double to 6.8%.Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:35:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/19/politics/house-tax-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/19/politics/house-tax-vote/index.htmlThe GOP-controlled House of Representatives on Thursday passed a $46 billion small business tax cut bill -- an election year measure that has virtually no chance of clearing the Democratic-controlled Senate or surviving a presidential veto.Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:56:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/18/opinion/bayles-romney-center/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/18/opinion/bayles-romney-center/index.htmlWith the inevitability of Mitt Romney's GOP presidential nomination now assured, the next question looming in this long, twisted election cycle is likely to be this: Which Mitt Romney will be running against President Barack Obama?Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:55:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/17/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlA new poll Tuesday showed voters are willing to give Mitt Romney a fresh look now that he is the certain Republican presidential nominee, and the former Massachusetts governor picked up public backing from the top GOP leaders in the House and Senate.Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:28:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/politics/romney-challenge-right/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/11/politics/romney-challenge-right/index.htmlTypically when a presidential candidate wraps up his party's nomination after months of reaching out to base voters in the primaries, the question becomes whether he can appeal to the political center for the general election.Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:40:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/10/politics/romney-social-conservatives/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/10/politics/romney-social-conservatives/index.htmlSome leading social conservative groups are praising Rick Santorum following his suspension of his Republican presidential campaign. But their reaction Tuesday didn't mention Mitt Romney, the all-but-certain GOP nominee with Santorum out of the race.Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:26:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/04/politics/stock-act-signing/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/04/politics/stock-act-signing/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama signed legislation on Wednesday aimed at restoring Americans' faith in the nation's public institutions at a time they rank at record lows in opinion polls. The act bans insider trading by members of Congress and many executive branch employees.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/politics/republican-primaries/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/politics/republican-primaries/index.htmlMitt Romney won all three of Tuesday's Republican presidential primaries, putting more distance between himself and his closest contender, Rick Santorum, who indicated he plans to fight on to his home state of Pennsylvania and beyond.Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:47:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/presser-obama-supreme-court/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/presser-obama-supreme-court/index.htmlIn what must be the most extraordinary statement of his presidency, Barack Obama on Monday blasted the possibility that the United States Supreme Court might overturn the Affordable Care Act. Obama said the court would take an "unprecedented, extraordinary step" if it overturns the law, because it was passed by "a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress."Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:02:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/04/03/opinion/borsuk-wisconsin/index.htmlMy 91-year-old mother finds a lot of things aggravating. Drugstores that run out of things that are on sale. Typos. And phone calls from Mitt Romney. Quite a few phone calls from Mitt Romney. Also from Rick Santorum. And other people advocating for each of them. She's had enough. Also the television ads. Do they have to run so many?Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:49:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/29/politics/tea-party-election/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/29/politics/tea-party-election/index.htmlAfter six terms in the Senate, Indiana's Richard Lugar finds himself the latest target of the tea party movement's desire both to have more influence over the policy agenda in Congress and to make the Republican Party more conservative.Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:45:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/politics/transportation-fight/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/27/politics/transportation-fight/index.htmlWith just four days left before the federal money runs out for highway construction projects across the country, House Republicans abruptly postponed a vote on a two-month extension Tuesday, throwing into question how a standoff between Senate Democrats and House Republicans over the transportation bill will get resolved.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/23/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/23/politics/campaign-wrap/index.htmlA poll released Friday shows Rick Santorum with a comfortable lead over front-runner Mitt Romney in Saturday's Louisiana Republican primary, but he was in a mess over remarks he made about President Obama, which his rivals seized on.Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/avlon-illinois-lincoln/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/20/opinion/avlon-illinois-lincoln/index.htmlThe Illinois primary should be a Republican Party homecoming. After all, this is the Land of Lincoln, home state of the first Republican president.Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:39:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/19/politics/gop-delegate-race/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/19/politics/gop-delegate-race/index.htmlAs the Republican primary reaches its halfway point, the question of inevitability is a main topic of conversation. Is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who holds a sizable lead in delegates, destined to be the Republican nominee for president in 2012?Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:36:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/us/mississippi-pardons-special-treatment/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/us/mississippi-pardons-special-treatment/index.htmlInvestigative documents obtained by CNN show that former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, his wife and his staff may have given preferential treatment to two of the convicted murderers who were among the more than 200 former and current inmates he pardoned in January.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:50:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/politics/senate-transporation-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/14/politics/senate-transporation-bill/index.htmlA $109 billion transportation bill won approval Wednesday from the Senate but still faces likely political wrangling in the House.Wed, 14 Mar 2012 22:37:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/us/maryland-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/us/maryland-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlMaryland became the eighth U.S. state to allow same-sex marriage Thursday as Gov. Martin O'Malley signed legislation he said secures the "human dignity" of all residents, including gay and lesbian couples.Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:58:00 EDThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/election/2012/obama-gop-campaign/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/09/election/2012/obama-gop-campaign/index.htmlThe campaigns of President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney don't agree on much. But on one subject, officials from both sides are in sync.Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:20:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/super-tuesday-mann/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/super-tuesday-mann/index.htmlSuper Tuesday is traditionally a turning point in the campaign for the U.S. presidency, but it may pass without having the impact its name implies because the Republican Party has a pesky problem -- it can't decide whom it wants in the White House.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:40:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/us-election-jargon/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/politics/us-election-jargon/index.htmlKnow your caucuses from your primaries? Your superdelegates from your Super PACs? As Republican presidential hopefuls battle to win the right to take on Barack Obama in November, we've defined the array of words and acronyms that will define this year's election.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:08:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/opinion/amato-super-tuesday-ballot/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/05/opinion/amato-super-tuesday-ballot/index.htmlAmerican voters this presidential election year are still stuck with an archaic electoral process that artificially restricts our ballot choices.Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:57:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/04/politics/gop-nominating-calendar/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/04/politics/gop-nominating-calendar/index.htmlChris Christie called it "the dumbest idea anybody ever had."Sun, 04 Mar 2012 22:22:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/politics/obama-energy/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/03/01/politics/obama-energy/index.htmlA day after Republicans signaled possible compromise with the White House on energy issues, President Barack Obama called Thursday for Congress to vote in the coming weeks on ending billions of dollars in subsidies for the oil industry.Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:01:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/29/politics/obama-congress-detente/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/29/politics/obama-congress-detente/index.htmlRepublican leaders and the White House sent signals Wednesday of possible detente on jobs and energy legislation, but they offered few specifics and congressional Democrats questioned whether any progress would ensue.Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:37:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/politics/brokered-convention/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/politics/brokered-convention/index.htmlTwo months into the Republican presidential nominating process, many thought that one candidate might have it sewn up by now.Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:27:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/politics/day-one-promises/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/24/politics/day-one-promises/index.htmlPromises are an inherent part of campaigning. But in a time where distrust of government is at an all-time high, 2012 Republican candidates are using promises of action on Day 1 of their administrations to convince voters of the seriousness of the problems facing the nation and their seriousness about taking immediate action to fix them.Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:40:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/us/new-jersey-same-sex-veto/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/us/new-jersey-same-sex-veto/index.htmlNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Friday vetoed a bill that would allow same-sex couples to wed, setting up a confrontation with a Democrat-controlled legislature that has vowed to eventually get the bill into law.Sat, 18 Feb 2012 01:01:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/election/2012/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/17/election/2012/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlThe Senate and the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan deal Friday extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while also avoiding a Medicare fee cut for doctors for the rest of the year.Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:11:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/16/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlA bipartisan group of congressional negotiators signed off on an agreement Thursday to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while avoiding a fee cut for Medicare doctors for the rest of the year.Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:46:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/payroll-tax-deal/index.htmlHouse Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, defended Wednesday the decision to move forward with a roughly $100 billion payroll tax cut extension that is not paid for, arguing that it was the only way to prevent a tax hike.Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:52:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/house-transportation-bill/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/15/politics/house-transportation-bill/index.htmlHouse Speaker John Boehner told his Republican caucus Wednesday that the House will postpone voting on a massive transportation and energy bill until after the congressional recess scheduled for next week, according to multiple House Republican leadership aides.Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:58:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/13/politics/payroll-tax-negotiation/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/13/politics/payroll-tax-negotiation/index.htmlIn a sharp turnaround, House Republican leaders Monday dropped a key demand that the cost of extending the payroll tax cut be offset by spending cuts elsewhere in the budget.Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:14:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/12/politics/romney-conservative/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/12/politics/romney-conservative/index.htmlMitt Romney's twin victories Saturday in Maine and in a conservative straw poll were badly needed bright spots for his campaign at the end of what was perhaps the most humbling week of his presidential candidacy, a five-day stretch that exposed the former Massachusetts governor's frail relationship with conservatives.Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:45:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/politics/bachus-investigation/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/10/politics/bachus-investigation/index.htmlRep. Spencer Bachus, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, acknowledged Friday that he is under investigation for possible violations of insider trading laws, but insisted he will be cleared.Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:24:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/politics/conservatives-presidential-race/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/09/politics/conservatives-presidential-race/index.htmlRepublicans looking to take back the White House in November face a challenging political environment, a trio of conservative political observers said Thursday at an annual gathering of conservative activists.Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:13:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/02/politics/senate-insider-trading/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/02/02/politics/senate-insider-trading/index.htmlAiming to restore voters' faith in Congress, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a bill Thursday that makes clear it's illegal for members of Congress, their staffs and many executive-branch employees to trade stocks and other securities based on inside information learned on the job.Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:51:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/28/us/new-jersey-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/28/us/new-jersey-same-sex-marriage/index.htmlA political battle is shaping up in the Garden State about whether to give gay and lesbian couples the right to wed -- a move that, if approved, would make New Jersey the seventh state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage.Sun, 29 Jan 2012 03:21:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/25/politics/gabrielle-giffords/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/25/politics/gabrielle-giffords/index.htmlRep. Gabrielle Giffords, who moved the nation with an improbable comeback after a gunman shot her in the head last year, formally resigned Wednesday in an emotional appearance in the U.S. House of Representatives.Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:18:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/politics/five-things-south-carolina-primary/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/politics/five-things-south-carolina-primary/index.htmlNewt Gingrich's stunningly strong win in the South Carolina primary capped an incredible week in the Republican presidential nominating cycle., but what did we learn from it?Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:09:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/avlon-south-carolina/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/avlon-south-carolina/index.htmlWe're in the thick of the South Carolina Republican Primary, and all the ugly old stereotypes are being deployed as shorthand for one very beautiful state.Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:15:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/politics/wisconsin-walker-recall/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/politics/wisconsin-walker-recall/index.htmlMore than a million people have signed a petition to recall Wisconsin's governor, the state's Democratic Party said Tuesday.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:43:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/politics/congress-returns/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/politics/congress-returns/index.htmlThe fight over extending a payroll tax cut and long-term unemployment benefits resumes Tuesday as Congress returns to work after its winter break.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:58:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/guillory-south-carolina/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/guillory-south-carolina/index.htmlFor eight consecutive presidential campaigns, from Ronald Reagan's in 1980 to John McCain's in 2008, the winner of the Republican primary in South Carolina went on to win his party's nomination. Not surprisingly, the Republican presidential candidates have begun shaping their appeals to South Carolina voters well before the primary in New Hampshire.Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:19:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/15/politics/romney-south-carolina-conservatives/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/15/politics/romney-south-carolina-conservatives/index.htmlMarilee Walmer is no fan of Mitt Romney's.Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:47:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/13/opinion/bimes-evangelical-vote/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/13/opinion/bimes-evangelical-vote/index.htmlOn Friday and Saturday, evangelical Christian leaders are in Texas to discuss how best to coordinate their efforts to ensure a true social conservative wins the Republican nomination. Struggling with Mitt Romney's moderate record as governor of Massachusetts (and, in some cases, lingering concerns about his Mormonism), socially conservative Republicans are reportedly searching for a way to stop the front-runner.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:23:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/politics/new-jersey-legislator-dies/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/politics/new-jersey-legislator-dies/index.htmlLeading New Jersey Republican legislator Alex DeCroce has died, state police told CNN Tuesday.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:59:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/09/politics/obama-daley-resigns/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/09/politics/obama-daley-resigns/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama announced Monday that White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley is stepping down and will be replaced by Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:29:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/politics/house-democrats-rally/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2012/01/06/politics/house-democrats-rally/index.htmlHouse Democratic leaders went to the House floor Friday morning in an effort to embarrass House Republicans for not coming back to work right after the holidays.Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:04:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/23/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/23/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama signed a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut Friday, ending what had been a heated political stalemate and sealing a hard-fought win for Democrats on an issue -- taxes -- that has historically favored the GOP.Sat, 24 Dec 2011 09:19:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/22/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/22/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlA compromise measure to extend the payroll tax cut for two months comes before the House and Senate on Friday after Speaker John Boehner dropped his opposition under mounting pressure from the White House, congressional Democrats and fellow Republicans.Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:34:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/news/economy/payroll_tax_cut_deal/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/22/news/economy/payroll_tax_cut_deal/index.htmSo it looks like the payroll tax holiday will continue after all.Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:42:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/election/2012/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/election/2012/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama is expected to make a statement Thursday on the partisan standoff over how best to extend the expiring payroll tax cut, according to the White House.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:22:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/politics/payroll-tax-conference-committee/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/21/politics/payroll-tax-conference-committee/index.htmlIn the world of the U.S. Congress, appointing a conference committee is one option for the House and Senate to resolve their differences when each chamber has passed its own version of legislation.Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:24:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlThe congressional impasse over extending the payroll tax cut became a showdown Tuesday between President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner.Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:53:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/politics/payroll-tax-gop/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/20/politics/payroll-tax-gop/index.htmlAt the end of another long and confusing day of political wrangling over extending the payroll tax cut, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi asked a question on everybody's mind.Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:12:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/18/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut-2/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/18/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut-2/index.htmlHouse Speaker John Boehner said Sunday that he opposed a temporary extension of a payroll tax cut, saying the two-month plan passed by the Senate "is just kicking the can down the road."Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:33:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/16/politics/congress-spending-plan/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/16/politics/congress-spending-plan/index.htmlA compromise spending bill to keep the government funded for the rest of the fiscal year won approval Friday from the House of Representatives, the first step toward averting a partial government shutdown at midnight.Sat, 17 Dec 2011 04:23:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/16/politics/tea-party-candidate/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/16/politics/tea-party-candidate/index.htmlWith Herman Cain's departure from the 2012 field of candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination, several contenders have sought to claim the "tea party candidate" mantle. But for those entrenched in the movement, none of the remaining candidates have a legitimate claim to the title.Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:28:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/15/justice/new-york-tea-party-arrest/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/15/justice/new-york-tea-party-arrest/index.htmlA leader of a Tea Party group was arrested Thursday at New York's LaGuardia Airport while in possession of a handgun, prosecutors said.Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:09:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/14/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/14/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlIn the first sign of progress in days of stalemate over the payroll tax extension and a government funding bill, House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell met privately for about an hour in the Capitol Wednesday night.Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:03:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/13/us/california-budget/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/13/us/california-budget/index.htmlCalifornia Gov. Jerry Brown announced Tuesday almost $1 billion in midyear budget cuts as a result of insufficient state growth.Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:11:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/pipeline-showdown/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/pipeline-showdown/index.htmlEnsuring a pre-holiday collision course with the Senate, House Republicans Friday ignored criticism from President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats and formally unveiled a bill that extends the payroll tax cut and benefits for jobless Americans, but ties those items to a provision that clears a path toward approving the Keystone XL pipeline.Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:09:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/supreme-court-texas/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/politics/supreme-court-texas/index.htmlThe U.S. Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear an appeal from Texas officials over the state's controversial redistricting plan.Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:04:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/world/africa/egypt-elections/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/world/africa/egypt-elections/index.htmlThe military council that runs Egypt and an Islamist party that has done well in parliamentary elections accused each other Thursday of plotting a dictatorship.Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:25:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/politics/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlSetting up a showdown with the White House and Senate Democrats, House Republican leaders Thursday proceeded with plans to vote next week on a proposal to extend the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits while easing the path for approval of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:35:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/08/news/economy/consumer_bureau_confirmation/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/08/news/economy/consumer_bureau_confirmation/index.htmThe Senate on Thursday failed to muster the 60 votes needed to confirm President Obama's pick to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which has become the symbol of the administration's efforts to rein in Wall Street excess.Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:09:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/07/election/2012/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/07/election/2012/congress-payroll-tax-cut/index.htmlAll kinds of ideas are flying around Capitol Hill about how to extend the payroll tax cut set to expire at the end of the year, but a long-standing battle over tax increases and divisions among congressional Republicans have prevented any from gaining traction so far.Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:18:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/07/news/congress_insider_trading/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2011/12/07/news/congress_insider_trading/index.htmIs insider trading by members of Congress legal? How common is it? What's being done about it?Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:07:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/04/politics/young-republicans-cain/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/04/politics/young-republicans-cain/index.htmlAs the now-former presidential hopeful Herman Cain moves to Plan B, black conservatives say it's time to stick with their Plan A, and use the leverage that the GOP candidate gave them.Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:04:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/01/election/2012/obamas-re-election-math/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/12/01/election/2012/obamas-re-election-math/index.htmlAs President Barack Obama wraps up his eighth trip this year to Pennsylvania, some political insiders say he can't sell his brand in the Keystone State. The region's white, blue-collar voters, they say, have tuned him out.Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:21:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/opinion/obeidallah-brownback-tweet-apology/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/opinion/obeidallah-brownback-tweet-apology/index.htmlThere is a new scandal breaking involving an elected official, a young woman and Twitter. And, nope, it's not what you think.Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:06:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/politics/barney-frank/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/28/politics/barney-frank/index.htmlU.S. Rep. Barney Frank, a prominent 16-term liberal Democrat from Massachusetts and arch-enemy of political conservatives nationwide, announced Monday that he does not intend to seek re-election in 2012.Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:04:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/politics/secret-romney-meeting/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/politics/secret-romney-meeting/index.htmlRepresentatives for leading social conservative groups in Iowa held a secret meeting Monday as part of an effort with one main goal: find and support a Republican presidential candidate who can stop Mitt Romney in Iowa.Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:14:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/politics/super-committee/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/18/politics/super-committee/index.htmlMembers of Congress's so-called super committee huddled in small groups behind closed doors on Capitol Hill on Friday, battling growing pessimism over their seeming inability to meet a now-imminent deadline for a bipartisan deficit reduction deal.Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:56:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/13/politics/60-minutes-pelosi/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/13/politics/60-minutes-pelosi/index.htmlHouse Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi fired back Sunday at a CBS News' "60 Minutes" report that highlighted several instances of what it suggested could be "soft corruption."Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:37:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/13/politics/truth-squad-iran/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/13/politics/truth-squad-iran/index.htmlFormer Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum made numerous statements about sanctions on Iran and the Iran Freedom and Support Act during Saturday night's GOP candidates' debate on national security issues in Spartanburg, South Carolina.Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:49:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/09/opinion/gergen-voters-2012-signals/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/09/opinion/gergen-voters-2012-signals/index.htmlAmidst the welter of election results from voting yesterday, two conclusions seem pretty clear:Thu, 10 Nov 2011 01:22:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/07/opinion/sracic-ohio-first-skirmish/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/07/opinion/sracic-ohio-first-skirmish/index.htmlOn Tuesday, there will be a vote in Ohio that may turn out to be the first major skirmish in the 2012 battle for the White House.Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/politics/obama-executive-orders/index.htmlhttp://www.cnn.com/2011/11/01/politics/obama-executive-orders/index.htmlPresident Barack Obama is crafting his own laws of political physics these days, insisting that inaction by a divided Congress requires White House action in order to get something done.Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:15:00 EDT