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  • Obama's minister in chief manages matters of faith both public and private
    Jul 31, 2010 — Washington Post
    They aren't usually Democrats.DuBois was drawn to Obama because of his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. In the process, he consults clergy leaders from all religious traditions.DuBois usually prays with the president by speakerphone from his office at Jackson Place, a White House annex. Frequent guests are Bishop Charles Blake of the Church of God in Christ, a conservative-leaning church, and the Rev.
  • Kennedy Senate institute design plans take shape
    Jul 29, 2010 — The Boston Globe
    As did Senator John F. Kennedy, before he was president. The idea was to study the Senate historically.''Funding for the institute includes $38.6 million from the federal government with another $20 million in federal tax money pending, Meade said. Organizers see the center as a resource for colleges and universities beyond UMass Boston.
  • Senate Democrats claim momentum in four states
    Jul 29, 2010 — Washington Post
    David Vitter (La.) and ophthalmologist Rand Paul are flawed candidates. She now trails Blunt just $4 million to $3.6 million in available cash.In the Kansas GOP Senate primary, Rep. Todd Tiahrt during the campaign -- $4.5 million to $2.2 million.
  • Iraq veterans come home to a vice presidential welcome
    Jul 28, 2010 — CNN
    The vice president welcomes troops home from Iraq at New York's Fort Drum * Biden notes that troops in Iraq will decrease to 50,000 by August 31 * Biden: The goal in Iraq should be to help the country transition to autonomy (CNN) -- Iraq veterans from the Army's 10th Mountain Division came home to Fort Drum, New York, on Wednesday for a welcome that included Vice President Joe Biden. "I've been looking forward to this day for a long time," Biden told members of the division's 2nd Brigade Combat...
  • McCain spending tops $16 million for primary race
    Jul 26, 2010 — Washington Post
    The truly bad news for Carnahan in the poll? Zach Wamp (R) trails Haslam with 25 percent, followed by Lt. Jan Brewer (R) has endorsed former Colorado Lt.
  • Will President Obama drag down Senate candidates?
    Jul 26, 2010 — Washington Post
    Roy Blunt (R) holds only a 48 percent to 42 percent lead over Secretary of State Robin Carnahan (D) in the race to replace retiring Sen. Lee Fisher (D) at 42 percent to 40 percent for former Rep.
  • W.H. sends team to stem spill backlash
    Jul 25, 2010 — Politico
    The administration aides in Florida function similarly to a campaign. Petersburg, down to Sarasota. The political stakes are clear. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), an Obama supporter who represents the Tampa area. But the economic strife that the oil spill has reintroduced into the region has raised new ire.
  • On the Hill: Change Comes Quickly to a Place That Doesn't Care for It
    Jul 24, 2010 — New York Times
    Though they knew defeat was inevitable, Republicans were not about to budge, forcing Democrats to wait until Mr. Goodwin was appointed and sworn in to break the logjam. “It might become more unsettled after November,” Mr.
  • Obama support: Meek so far
    Jul 23, 2010 — Politico
    Chuck Schumer's former campaign manager and has maintained ties to the New York senator. Jon Ausman, a member of the Democratic National Committee, endorsed Greene recently at roughly the same time he was being paid as a consultant to Greene’s campaign, according to the Associated Press. According to White House figures leaked last week, the president had done or scheduled 24 events for Senate incumbents and candidates.
  • Climate bill blame game begins
    Jul 22, 2010 — Politico
    But he avoided the new negotiations that included his best Senate friends, Joe Lieberman and Graham. Claire McCaskill avoided climate bill advocates and journalists who cover the issue. But his departure left Kerry and Lieberman searching desperately for new GOP friends. "Republicans pulled out of the talks, and it's just that simple,” said Rep.
  • Obama speaks with Sherrod
    Jul 22, 2010 — CNN
    Sherrod said she called the White House and was given another number to call. Both Vilsack and Gibbs issued apologies to Sherrod on Wednesday, and Vilsack said he offered her another job in the Agriculture Department. After Obama criticized the arrest, an ensuing uproar led to the White House discussion over beer involving Obama, Gates, Crowley and Vice President Joe Biden.
  • Obama talks with USDA employee forced out of her job
    Jul 22, 2010 — CNN
    Sherrod was forced to resign Monday, but when the full story came out Tuesday, the White House pressured Vilsack to reconsider. Both Vilsack and Gibbs issued apologies to Sherrod on Wednesday, and Vilsack said he offered her another job in the Agriculture Department. After Obama criticized the arrest, an ensuing uproar led to the White House discussion over beer involving Obama, Gates, Crowley and Vice President Joe Biden.
  • W.H., Dems reach 'detente'
    Jul 22, 2010 — Politico
    Internal Democratic reviews project far smaller losses, somewhere in the range of 20 to 30 seats. A new Gallup Poll showed Democrats holding a 6-point overall lead in a generic matchup with Republicans, the biggest lead they have held all cycle.
  • Obama turns away from longtime Democratic supporters in N.Y.
    Jul 21, 2010 — Washington Post
    Lasry, along with his wife, Cathy, was a longtime supporter of the Clintons' campaigns -- and even a former employer of Chelsea Clinton. The White House, the official said, was always informed that Lasry was a potential host. The DNC then explained to Lasry that his capacious townhouse was too small.
  • Wonkbook: Jobless aid advances; Kagan wins committee vote; energy bill uncertain
    Jul 21, 2010 — Washington Post
    Top Stories A Republican filibuster of an unemployment benefits extension failed, reports Lori Montgomery: "The bill before the Senate would extend benefits retroactively. The new law will make ratings firms liable for the quality of their ratings decisions, effective immediately. The measure was headed for easy passage in Senate until the spring, when Feinstein said she wanted to add language that would ban a controversial chemical, bisphenol A or BPA, from food packaging.
  • Avlon: 6 states to watch in 2010 votes
    Jul 20, 2010 — CNN
    It brings together Yale-educated former NBA center Chris Dudley, running as a Republican, against former Democratic Gov. Most importantly for national analysis purposes, he is a proud centrist -- fiscally conservative, socially liberal and relentlessly centrist. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John P. Avlon.
  • States to watch in 2010 political wars
    Jul 20, 2010 — CNN
    It brings together Yale-educated former NBA center Chris Dudley, running as a Republican, against former Democratic Gov. With Brown now rated the most popular politician in the state, and Massachusetts' statewide health care (passed under Gov. Mike Castle is a popular and effective former governor and currently the state's sole congressman.
  • Biden 2008 Campaign Owes $219,000
    Jul 18, 2010 — New York Times
    The Biden campaign received more than $2 million in federal matching money. Biden’s campaign committee agreed to pay $106,216, representing the amount of the excessive contributions. “Some repayment is commonplace after presidential campaign audits, and the repayment ordered here is relatively small,” Ms.
  • Biden: Expect a November 'shock' by the Democrats
    Jul 18, 2010 — USA Today
    But there will be a transition." While polls give Republicans a chance to re-take the U.S. House, Biden said voters will eventually start comparing Democratic policies with those of the GOP candidates. J.D. Hayworth, R-Ariz., who is challenging John McCain for his Senate seat, said the state has to act because the federal government has failed to protect the border with Mexico. - Sen. Iraqi security is being provided by the Iraqis, with our assistance.
  • McConnell: GOP supports extending unemployment benefits; Cornyn: Americans are nostalgic for Bush; NAACP head faces off with Tea Party
    Jul 18, 2010 — Washington Post
    Bill Richardson (D-N.M.) and former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.), who is challenging Sen. Both Menendez and Van Hollen predicted Democrats would hold their majorities in the House and Senate.
  • Obama: Republicans choose to 'obstruct our progress'
    Jul 17, 2010 — USA Today
    Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, hit Obama on health care. But too often, the Republican leadership in the United States Senate chooses to filibuster our recovery and obstruct our progress. Berwick's use of rationing cut that half a trillion dollars from Medicare.
  • Arizona's immigration law isn't the only one
    Jul 16, 2010 — Los Angeles Times
    Nebraska requires verification of immigration status to obtain public benefits. In 1996, after Congress denied welfare to most legal immigrants, states stepped in with laws to provide safety net services. Sharon Tomiko Santos said that although immigration falls under the federal government's jurisdiction, states are responsible for illegal immigrants living within their borders.
  • Can Republicans take back the Senate?
    Jul 16, 2010 — Washington Post
    Joe Sestak (D) tied in the race to succeed Sen. Arlen Specter (D). But Toomey's second-quarter fundraising blew his opponent out of the water. Boozman easily won the primary thanks to a crowded field and a major geographic edge (he represents the most Republican district in the state), but beating an incumbent senator is another matter.
  • Obama touts energy technology as jobs creator
    Jul 16, 2010 — The Washington Times
    Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat who appeared alongside Mr. Obama on Thursday, said the plant will create 400 jobs. Boehner wrote. The visit to Michigan marks Mr.
  • Capitol Hill's calendar is looking fuzzy
    Jul 14, 2010 — Washington Post
    Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who was also appointed to fill in until the November election. That may not seem like much, but every day of seniority is critical in the Senate. (Just ask Republican Sens. Last month, Kavita Patel, former Senate aide and more recently a key player on the White House reform team, joined the New America Foundation.
  • EDITORIAL
    Jul 10, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
    I gave your (expletive) baby a chance to have health care. ... What do I get for that? Blagojevich or members of his staff about the Senate seat." That month, too, Obama assured reporters that "no representatives of mine" bartered over the seat. Logicians can parse whether Craig and Obama were truthful.
  • Analysis: Netanyahu, Obama tight and tension-free -- for now
    Jul 7, 2010 — CNN
    The images were a marked contrast to Netanyahu's last visit in March. Netanyahu's delegation left Washington satisfied that Obama understands Israel's security needs. But in Netanyahu's remarks, the peace process rated a distant third to Iran and issues of Israel's security.
  • Immigration emerging as 2010 issue?
    Jul 7, 2010 — Washington Post
    Steve Lukan (R) in Dubuque, followed by events for state Senate hopeful and former state Rep. Bobby Bright (D)....Former New Hampshire Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-Fla.)....In the Democratic primary for retiring Massachusetts Rep.
  • As Netanyahu visits, White House insists 'no rift' between Israel, U.S.
    Jul 6, 2010 — The Hill
    The two leaders did not pose publicly for pictures.This time around, the prime minister is expected to get a warmer public welcome. It's time to get on with direct talks - formal direct talks for peace. And I call on President Abu Mazen to come to Jerusalem.
  • Audio reveals swipes at Obama, other Illinois Democrats
    Jul 4, 2010 — Chicago Tribune
    This guy is more Tony'd up than I am," Blagojevich tells his then-chief of staff, John Harris, in a telephone call 10 days after Obama's election. Obama has described as "boneheaded" a private land deal involving Rezko and their adjoining South Side properties.
  • At memorial service, West Virginia says farewell to 'Big Daddy' Robert C. Byrd
    Jul 3, 2010 — Washington Post
    Edward M. Kennedy, Byrd "not only changed the landscape and so many lives here, he touched souls. Byrd will be buried Tuesday in Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington County, beside his wife."He wore that Mountain State spirit on his sleeve," West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III said. "No one, no one, can replace our senator.
  • Obama on Byrd and West Virginia: 'All America shares your loss'
    Jul 2, 2010 — USA Today
    Elected to the House in 1952 and the Senate in 1958, Byrd was the longest serving member of Congress in U.S. history. Byrd's basket, draped with a West Virginia table, rested on a table beside the speakers' podium. Pelosi reviewed Byrd's three terms in the U.S. House before he joined the U.S. Senate in 1959.
  • Political leaders bid farewell to West Virginia's favorite son
    Jul 2, 2010 — CNN
    Robert C. Byrd was remembered as a political titan, champion of the poor, and defender of the Constitution. Over the course of his long public career, Byrd came to be "seen as the very embodiment of the Senate," Obama said. CNN's Alan Silverleib contributed to this report.
  • W.Va. mourns 'Big Daddy' Byrd
    Jul 2, 2010 — Washington Post
    He "possessed that quintessential American quality, and that is a capacity to change, a capacity to learn, a capacity to listen. A capacity to be made more perfect."In two hours of remarks, there were plenty of tales of Byrd winning his legislative argument with methods other than quoting Cicero or Shakespeare. Edward M. Kennedy, Byrd "not only changed the landscape and so many lives here, he touched souls.
  • Byrd brings colleagues to Senate for last time
    Jul 1, 2010 — The Hill
    Robert C. Byrd on Thursday commanded the attention of the Senate for a final few hours in death.After 51 years representing West Virginia, Sen. Covered in a U.S. flag, the casket was flanked by two guards from the Arlington cemetery where Byrd is to be interred next week. Two large floral wreaths also flanked the rear of the casket.Staffers filed in silently, arranged in a semi-circle facing the well and stood for about a minute each.
  • Obama singles out Republican leader
    Jun 30, 2010 — CNN
    He touted financial reform legislation that is close to final passage by Congress, saying it would prevent a Wall Street crisis like the one that led to the recession from happening again. Obama also noted that another Republican House member, Rep. Critics have repeatedly characterized the plan as a budget-busting boondoggle that failed to sufficiently reduce unemployment.
  • Op-Ed Contributors: Robert Byrd, Living History
    Jun 29, 2010 — New York Times
    For them, Robert Byrd’s floor remarks became personal tutorials — on the history of the United States Senate, and the Roman Senate as well. We listened in deference and interest, because Senator Byrd knew when history could guide us aright. Senator Robert Byrd was the most popular politician in the state.
  • Political Memo: Spill Is an Election Issue Far Beyond the Gulf
    Jun 29, 2010 — New York Times
    Marco Rubio, now the lone Republican candidate, is still a strong opponent for Mr. The spill may also realign Florida’s governor race. Melancon’s Republican opponent, Senator David Vitter, who is seeking a second term, has responded by claiming, incorrectly, that Mr.
  • Reporter's Notebook: Blagojevich Tapes Show Tactical Maneuvering and Wishful Thinking
    Jun 29, 2010 — New York Times
    Obama’s Senate seat, jurors have heard no pizza orders. At various points, the recordings show, Mr. Obama’s team issued a report stating that Mr.
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