Richardson decides not to pardon Billy the Kid

The New Mexico governor will announce Friday whether he will pardon the Wild West's legendary outlaw Billy the Kid in the death of a sheriff more than a century ago.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Well-known governors prepare to leave office

Beginning Saturday and continuing over the next few weeks, some of the nation's most prominent governors will be leaving office as a new crop of state chief executives are sworn in.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Murkowski's re-election certified

Alaska's governor on Thursday certified Sen. Lisa Murkowski's re-election in November as a write-in candidate, clearing the way for Murkowski to be sworn in on time for the new congressional session that starts next week.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Murkowski certified winner of Alaska Senate race

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was officially named the winner of Alaska's U.S. Senate race Thursday, following a legal battle that lasted longer than the write-in campaign she waged to keep her job.

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It's a new year: Help make this a better country

The kickoff of a new year -- and, for that matter, a new decade -- is a good time to look down the road and make a pact with ourselves about the kind of people we want to be and what we're willing to do to get there. These aren't just goals, but resolutions.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Barbour's freeing of Miss. women, any political implications?

Haley Barbour, the Mississippi governor mulling a 2012 Republican presidential run, will issue the early release of two sisters serving life sentences in his state for armed robbery. So was his move politically motivated?

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U.S., Venezuela evict ambassadors in diplomatic spat

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez dared the U.S. to expel his ambassador in retaliation for his move to reject the U.S. envoy to the South American country.

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This year, White House better prepared for possible crisis

Every day before 8 a.m. Hawaiian time, President Barack Obama gets an extensive briefing about all of the national security threats that have been bubbling around the world overnight while he's been vacationing.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

What Republicans have done -- and what they need to do

After being left for dead in the wake of the 2008 election, Republicans staged a stunning comeback over the past year.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Obama move toward center a wise one?

After some message misfires after the midterms, President Obama changed tactics. If the past few weeks have shown anything, it's that he knows how to rebound. FULL STORY | 2010 SCENES

Source: CNN.com - Politics

First Read roundup: Snowed over

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg are facing bubbling anger over their handling of the snow.

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Alaska judge clears way for Murkowski win

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit by conservative Tea Party favorite Joe Miller that challenged his loss in Alaska's election for a Senate seat, clearing the way for state officials to certify Lisa Murkowski's historic write-in victory.

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40 cuts of meat, poultry to offer nutritional information

Nutritional information will be featured on 40 of the most popular cuts of meat and poultry products by 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement Wednesday.

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Richardson to decide on Billy the Kid pardon

The governor of New Mexico has until Friday to decide whether to pardon outlaw Billy the Kid in the killing of a sheriff.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Judge clears way for Murkowski's Alaska Senate win

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit by Republican Joe Miller and lifted a stay on certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate election, clearing the way for Sen. Lisa Murkowski to officially be declared the winner.

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Judge dismisses challenge to Murkowski's re-election

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit challenging Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski's write-in election victory last month, clearing the way for Murkowski to be sworn in for a second term next week.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Rangel raising funds for legal defense trust

Saddled with legal fees and facing possible new allegations, Rep. Charles Rangel said Tuesday he has started raising funds for a trust to pay his legal expenses.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Morning roundup: 'absent-minded' in New Jersey

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and his No. 2 are getting flak for being out of the state on vacation during the blizzard that walloped the Northeast.

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A rush of deals follows 'shellacking'

2010 gave way to a major shift in power as Dems saw their control of Congress end in a "shellacking," fueled by the Tea Party on the right and a distaste for politics as usual in the middle.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

For 3rd year, poll ranks Obama 'most admired'

For the third straight year, President Barack Obama ranks as the man most admired by people living in the U.S., according to an annual USA Today-Gallup poll.

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Race could backfire on the right

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a possible Republican presidential candidate, recently caused a major stir. In an interview with the Weekly Standard, he referred to race relations while growing up in Mississippi this way: "I just don't remember it as being that bad."

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Mikulski still breaking barriers in Senate

On the eve of becoming the longest-serving woman in the Senate, Barbara Mikulski remembers what a man's world it was when she arrived there.

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Obamas make rare trip to church while in Hawaii

President Barack Obama and his family took a break from their Hawaiian vacation to attend Sunday church services, a rare occurrence for a president who prefers to worship in private.

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Boehner's pledge: Where to cut $100B?

Incoming House Speaker John Boehner has made it very clear: When he takes control of the House, slashing the federal budget by $100 billion will be priority number one.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Police: Ariz. lawmaker Pratt attacked at business

Authorities say an Arizona state lawmaker was attacked and beaten into unconsciousness Christmas Day at his business in Casa Grande.

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White House, Congress brace for new reality

A new political reality hits Washington next week, with the first split Congress since 2004 raising questions about whether bipartisan cooperation can continue.

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Obama visits Marines in Hawaii

President Barack Obama shook hands with Marines, took pictures and heard Christmas tales from eager children during a visit to a base in Hawaii.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Schwarzenegger leaves mixed legacy in California

Arnold Schwarzenegger landed in the governor's office after announcing his upstart bid on late night TV and railing against government spending during raucous campaign rallies — at one playing a spirited round of air guitar to the rock anthem "We're Not Gonna Take It."

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First lady helps NORAD field Santa-seeker calls

First lady Michelle Obama helps NORAD phone volunteers take calls from Santa seekers.

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Biden says gay marriage 'inevitable'

Vice President Joe Biden predicted Friday the evolution in thinking that will permit gays to soon serve openly in the military eventually will bring about a national consensus for same-sex marriage.

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Ideological divides ahead in new Congress

Congressional Democrats and Republicans worked together for an unexpectedly productive lame-duck session. But a new Congress is coming to town.

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Russian parliament tentatively approves arms pact

Russia's lower house of parliament on Friday gave preliminary approval to a U.S.-Russian arms treaty, but decided to delay the final vote until next month.

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Gates tells troops 'don't ask, don't tell' is still in effect

Despite President Barack Obama's signing of a law repealing the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, Defense Secretary Robert Gates sent a memo to troops warning them that it remains in effect until 60 days after the government certifies that the military is ready for implementation.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Emanuel cleared for Chicago mayoral run

The Chicago Board of Elections says Rahm Emanuel can run for mayor, even though he spent most of the last two years in Washington.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Report: Emanuel should be in Chicago mayor's race

Former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel cleared a major hurdle in his bid to be Chicago mayor Thursday when a hearing officer recommended his name appear on the February ballot.

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Driver crashes muscle car onto Bush's lawn

A man was questioned by the Secret Service Wednesday night after driving a muscle car onto the lawn of former President George W. Bush's home near Dallas.

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Obama hails progress made by lame-duck Congress

President Barack Obama on Wednesday hailed major legislation passed by Congress in the lame-duck session and said the progress showed "we're not doomed to endless gridlock."

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Obama hails 'season of progress'

President Barack Obama celebrated a bipartisan "season of progress" on Wednesday at a year-end news conference marking an up-and-down second year in office that blended a thrashing at the polls, slow progress on the economy and late victories in Congress.

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Senate passes START

The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on a new nuclear arms control pact with Russia, according to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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9/11 health bill passes Senate

After days of stalemate, the Senate has passed a health bill to aid 9/11 first responders --  without a single "no" vote.

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9/11 health bill passes in the Senate

The Senate on Wednesday passed a compromise bill that provides free health care to first responders of the 9/11 attack in NYC.

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Key test vote in Senate for 9/11 health bill

The Senate is headed for a key test vote on a bill that would provide up $6.2 billion to aid people who became sick after being exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center ruins.

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Headlines aside, 'don't ask' in place for now

When President Obama signed the bill repealing the so-called "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it did not immediately end the military's ban on gays serving openly.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Senate vote on START ratification expected Wednesday

The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on a new nuclear arms control pact with Russia, according to the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Feds to pay $2.5 million over 'terrorist' wiretaps

A federal judge Tuesday ordered the U.S. government to pay more than $2.5 million in attorney fees and damages after he concluded investigators wiretapped the phones of a suspected terrorist organization without a warrant.

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9/11 health bill vote may come Wednesday

A health care bill meant to provide free medical treatment to those suffering from the health effects of working in and near ground zero following the 2001 attacks may come up for a Senate vote on Wednesday.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Military will write rules on repeal of 'Don't Ask'

Gays and lesbians will be treated just like any other soldiers, sailors, airmen or marines, the new rules say. But commanders will have some flexibility when they believe it's needed to maintain order and discipline in their units.

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9/11 first responders urge passage of heath bill

A group of 9/11 first responders joined lawmakers in Washington on Tuesday to urge the Senate passage of a health care bill meant to provide free medical treatment to those suffering from the health effects of working in ground-zero conditions following the 2001 attacks.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

START clears key Senate hurdle

The new nuclear arms control pact with Russia cleared a key procedural hurdle Tuesday as the Senate voted to cut off debate on the measure.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

FCC approves 'net neutrality' rules

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote Tuesday on set of regulations designed to ensure that internet providers grant everyone equal access to the Web.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

START moves a step closer to approval

The Senate stepped closer to approving the START treaty Tuesday, with 67 senators voting to tee up a final vote to ratify the nuclear arms pact before Christmas Eve.

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GOP sees good news in census numbers

The numbers for the 2010 census are out, and the news appears good for Republican-leaning states when it comes to adding new seats in the House.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Census: America's population growth is slowing

After knocking on 50 million doors and handling tens of millions of surveys, the Census Bureau on Tuesday announced that the official population of the United States is now 308,745,538.

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Senate nears key START vote

Senators prepared to cast a key procedural vote Tuesday on the new arms control treaty with Russia as backers and opponents of the accord made their final arguments.

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Senator to unveil finding of Scotland's release of Pan Am bomber

Sen. Robert Menendez will unveil Tuesday the results of his office's investigation into the release of convicted Pan Am Flight 103 bomber Abdelbeset al-Megrahi.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Next steps in 'don't ask' repeal

Although Congress has now voted to repeal the military's controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it will be at least a few months before the historic change takes effect.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Dems push ahead on U.S.-Russia arms treaty

President Barack Obama lobbied senators by phone Monday to back an arms treaty with Russia that he's called a national security imperative, as a top Senate Democrat conceded "house by house combat" would be needed to win enough GOP votes to prevail.

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Bloomberg urges Senate OK of 9/11 bill

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined fire and police officials and lawmakers on Monday in urging U.S. Senate passage of a health care bill benefiting September 11 rescue workers.

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'Don't Ask' repealed, but restrictions remain

While President Barack Obama this week is expected to clear the way for gays to serve openly in the military, the new law won't go into effect immediately and unanswered questions remain: How soon will the new policy be implemented, will it be accepted by the troops and could it hamper the military in Afghanistan and Iraq?

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Repealing 'don't ask, don't tell': the next steps

Although Congress has now voted to repeal the military's controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it will be at least a few months before the historic change takes effect.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Dems push ahead on U.S.-Russia arms treaty

President Barack Obama lobbied senators by phone Monday to back an arms treaty with Russia that he's called a national security imperative, as a top Senate Democrat conceded "house by house combat" would be needed to win enough GOP votes to prevail.

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Bloomberg urges Senate OK of 9/11 bill

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is standing alongside fire and police officials Monday to urge Senate passage of a health care bill benefiting 9/11 rescue workers.

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Celebrate the end of 'don't ask, don't tell'

On Friday, December 17, my partner, Lynne Kennedy, accompanied by about 20 family members and close friends and our minister, Kate Walker from the Mount Vernon Unitarian Church, piled into a stretch limousine and drove to Washington to the Albert Einstein Memorial to get married. It was a small but wonderful opportunity for us to publicly and officially declare our love and lifelong support for each other.

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Headaches for U.S. as contractors behave badly

When U.S. security contractors behave badly — or break the law — they cast a cloud over the American presence in Afghanistan, Iraq and beyond.

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McConnell leads anti-START effort

Senate Republicans mounted a counter-attack against ratifying a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia this year, trying to put off a vote that Democrats say they'll win if it is held.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Richardson: North Korea offers to return remains of U.S. troops

A top North Korean general offered Sunday to help return the remains of several hundred U.S. troops killed during the Korean War, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Republicans fail to change U.S.-Russia nuke treaty

Senate Democrats deflected an initiative by Republicans on Saturday that would have forced U.S. and Russian negotiators to reopen an arms treaty reducing stockpiles of nuclear warheads.

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Senate passes 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal

The military's prohibition of openly gay people serving within its ranks is one step closer to ending, after the Senate voted Saturday to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" law.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

DREAM Act fails, DADT vote next

A bill that would have provided a path to citizenship has failed a procedural vote in the Senate, which will take a similar vote on repealing the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Congress rushes to finish bills before holidays

Rushing to finish by Christmas, congressional Democrats worked Friday to secure Senate ratification of a new arms control treaty and to end the military's ban on openly gay service members as they neared the end of two tumultuous years of single-party government.

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Obama signs tax cut bill into law

Capping off a two-week long sales effort, President Barack Obama signed a tax bill Friday that he said would help spur economic growth and create jobs.

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Obama signs tax cut, umployment extension

President Obama signed an $858 billion tax deal into law on Friday afternoon that includes a two-year extension on tax cuts and extends unemployment benefits for 13 months.

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Biggest lie of 2010: 'Government takeover of health care'

The health care overhaul inspired the biggest political lie of 2010, according to the independent fact-checking website Politifact.

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Democrats confident START can move forward

On Friday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry said the Senate is prepared to vote on a nuclear arms treaty with Russia.

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House OKs tax deal, heads to President Obama

The House of Representatives passed the $858 billion tax deal negotiated by the White House and top Senate Republicans on Thursday, sending it to President Obama to be signed into law.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Democrats give up on spending bill

In a dramatic twist on the Senate floor, Majority Leader Harry Reid concedes he lacks the votes to bring up the $1.1 trillion spending bill to fund the federal government.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Police arrest 100-plus antiwar demonstrators at White House fence

Police arrested more than a hundred protesters during an antiwar demonstration outside the White House fence Thursday.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Lawmakers grapple with safeguarding classified documents

Lawmakers heard Thursday from legal scholars and others as they considered potential legislation that could be used to keep classified information from appearing on websites such as WikiLeaks.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Tax package heads toward high stakes vote in House

A massive tax package that would save millions of Americans thousands of dollars in higher taxes is headed for a vote in the House Thursday even as rebellious Democrats complain it is too generous to the wealthy.

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House to take up tax cut deal

The House of Representatives could vote to extend the the Bush-era tax reductions Thursday after the Senate overwhelmingly adopted it.

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Afghanistan: Progress, but must be 'sustainable'

The U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan has shown some progress but the "challenge remains to make our gains durable and sustainable," the White House said in a new report Thursday.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

House votes again to lift restrictions on gays

For the second time this year the House voted to dismantle the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, giving the Senate a final shot in the waning days of this Congress at changing a law requiring thousands of uniformed gays to hide their sexual identity.

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House passes 'don't ask' repeal

The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to overturn the ban on openly gay and lesbian soldiers serving in the U.S. military, passing legislation repealing the controversial "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Senate passes tax deal

The Senate gave strong bipartisan approval to the tax and benefits package negotiated by President Obama and congressional Republicans, sending it to the House for consideration.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

GOP threatens to delay US-Russia arms treaty

Republicans are threatening to force a reading of the U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty in the Senate that would delay efforts to push ahead on President Barack Obama's top foreign policy priority.

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Obama brainstorming with 20 CEOs

President Obama said Wednesday that a meeting with 20 CEOs will help "find new ways to spur hiring, put Americans back to work and move our economy forward."

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Tax deal makes everyone unhappy -- except most Americans

Liberals are unhappy and think their leader, President Obama, has surrendered on raising taxes to the rich without a fight.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Chicago residents quiz Emanuel over eligibility

Rahm Emanuel, who left a powerful job with President Barack Obama at the White House to move back to Chicago and run for mayor, endured hours of questioning on Tuesday from everyone from attorneys to a woman named Queen Sister — all intent on keeping his name off the ballot.

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Obama reviews post-Holbrooke Afghan policy

President Barack Obama is set to huddle behind closed doors with his national security team Tuesday to review the administration's policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan -- one day after the unexpected death of his diplomatic point man for the region.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Official: Don't make too much of Holbrooke's last words

A State Department official warns against making too much of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke's widely-reported sentiment to stop the war in Afghanistan that he uttered just before going in to surgery last week.

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Health care challenge about politics, not policy

It's very likely that you will see a lot in the news about Republicans' opposition to the individual mandate and their challenge of the constitutionality of health care reform in the next few weeks. The individual mandate is the Obama health care reform law's requirement -- ruled unconstitutional by a judge Monday -- that all Americans obtain insurance.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

First Thoughts: Steele's surprise

RNC Chair Michael Steele's decision last night to run for a second term surprised almost everyone (maybe even himself?). But if he wins, does the RNC remain relevant?

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Boehner: I'm no tanner

Politics is serious business -- but not all of the time. From the halls of Congress to the campaign trail to the international stage, there's always something that gets a laugh or a second glance. Here are some of the things you might have missed:

Source: CNN.com - Politics

RNC Chair Steele to run for re-election

Embattled Republican Party chairman Michael Steele announced Monday that he will seek a second term despite a rocky two years marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and frequent verbal gaffes.

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Holbrooke dies days after aorta tear

Richard C. Holbrooke, the high-octane diplomat who spearheaded the end of the Bosnian war and most recently served as the Obama administration's point man in the volatile Afghan-Pakistani war zone, has died, officials said.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Holbrooke dies days after aorta tear

U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke, the architect of the 1995 pact that ended the war in Bosnia, died Monday in a Washington hospital where he was being treated for a tear in his aorta, a senior administration official told CNN.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Judge strikes down key part of health care law

President Barack Obama's historic health care overhaul was thrown into uncertainty Monday by a federal judge's decision to declare its central provision unconstitutional.

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Tax deal clears key Senate hurdle

The hotly contested tax deal reached by President Obama and Republican leaders cleared a key procedural hurdle Monday to end debate on the measure, according to an unofficial CNN count.

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Holbrooke 'fighting' after surgery

U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke is "absolutely fighting in an unbelievable way," a State Department official told CNN on Monday, two days after surgery to repair a tear in Holbrooke's aorta, the main artery of the body.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

RNC Chair Steele may make plans known

Embattled GOP Chairman Michael Steele could disclose late Monday whether he'll seek re-election to the two-year post as a stream of challengers line up to challenge him in balloting next month.

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Senate set to debate tax plan

Senators are expected to open debate today on the tax compromise reached by President Obama and Republicans, but House Democrats will likely try to change the deal.

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Why George W. Bush must be smiling

Somewhere in Texas, former President George W. Bush must be smiling. When President Obama and the Republican leadership reached a deal on extending all of the Bush tax cuts, including a generous exemption for estate taxes, the current president ratified a key policy from the former administration.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Holbrooke critical after surgery for torn aorta

Veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke, a special U.S. envoy on the Afghanistan war, remained in critical condition Sunday after surgery to fix a tear in the large artery that moves blood from the heart.

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Palin: U.S. should help Haiti more

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was in Haiti on Sunday, urging the U.S government and other Americans to do more to help the earthquake-ravaged country.

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Palin urges Americans 'not to forget Haiti'

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on Sunday urged her fellow Americans not to forget Haiti as she wrapped up a two-day visit to the crisis-torn Caribbean country.

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Estate tax a key stumbling block for Dems

House Democrats will allow a vote on the tax compromise but will try to change the deal, especially an estate tax provision they believe is beneficial to the wealthy, one of their leaders said.

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Holbrooke critical after surgery for torn aorta

Veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke, who is a U.S. special envoy on the Afghanistan war, was in critical condition after undergoing more than 20 hours of surgery to fix a tear in the large artery that moves blood from the heart.

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Holbrooke still critically ill after aortic surgery

U.S. diplomat Richard Holbrooke remains critically ill at George Washington University Hospital after undergoing surgery to repair a tear in his aorta, senior White House adviser David Axelrod said Sunday.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Palin arrives in Haiti

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is expected to arrive in Haiti on Saturday as part of a humanitarian delegation led by evangelist Franklin Graham and his relief organization Samaritan's Purse.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Gates: Problems if 'DADT' repeal blocked

Failing to repeal the law prohibiting openly gay and lesbian people from serving in the military leaves the services vulnerable to the possibility the courts will order an immediate and likely chaotic end to the policy, Defense Secretary Robert Gates told reporters Friday.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Judge rules against Miller in Alaska Senate race

A judge has ruled against Republican Joe Miller's lawsuit challenging how Alaska counted write-in votes for rival Lisa Murkowski in their U.S. Senate race.

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Pawlenty book launch takes him back to Iowa, NH

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will spend two days each in Iowa and New Hampshire during an upcoming tour to promote his forthcoming book, according to details put out Friday by his political action committee.

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Obama predicts tax deal will pass

Despite the objections of House Democrats, President Obama said Friday that the framework of his tax cut deal is a "basis for compromise."

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Reid: Senate will take up tax bill Monday

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the Senate will vote Monday to open debate on the tax cut deal that House Democrats loudly rejected.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Senate refuses to open 'don't ask' debate

The Senate on Thursday rejected a Democratic bid to open debate on repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy banning openly gay and lesbian soldiers from military service, possibly killing any chance for it to get passed in the current congressional session.

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Obama, kicking the habit

"I have not seen or witnessed evidence of any smoking in probably nine months," Gibbs said today when asked how hard the president had been working to stop the deadly habit.

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Immigrants' DREAM too long denied

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Illinois, warned his colleagues in Congress on Wednesday that the vote on the DREAM Act was a test of their tolerance, fairness, and sense of justice.

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Congress votes to avert Medicare doctor pay cut

Legislation to avert a 25 percent pay cut for doctors treating patients covered by the federal Medicare health insurance program for the elderly won final congressional approval on Thursday.

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House Dems defy Obama on tax cut bill

House Dems vote not to bring up a tax deal President Obama negotiated with the GOP, raising questions over the president's influence in his party.

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Likely GOP hopefuls line up against nuclear treaty

Republicans weighing a White House bid fiercely oppose a new nuclear arms treaty with Russia and stand in stark contrast to two presidents, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican George H.W. Bush, on a critical foreign policy issue.

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Reid may press ahead with 'don't ask, don't tell' vote

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid may be pressing ahead with a Senate vote Thursday that could doom the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gay service members.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Senate Dems postpone 'don't ask' vote

Unable to secure GOP support, Senate Democrats postponed a make-or-break vote on starting debate on repealing "don't ask, don't tell."

Source: CNN.com - Politics

House vote advances the Dream Act

The House passed legislation Wednesday to give hundreds of thousands of foreign-born youngsters brought to the country illegally a shot at legal status, a fleeting victory for an effort that appears doomed in the Senate.

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House approves DREAM Act

A hotly debated measure that offers a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children won approval Wednesday from the U.S. House.

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Senate Dems postpone 'don't ask, don't tell' vote

Senate Democrats indicated they would hold a make-or-break vote Wednesday on starting debate on repealing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bars openly gay and lesbian soldiers from the military.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Democrats attempt to revive food safety bill

The House has passed sweeping legislation that aims to make food safer in the wake of E. coli and salmonella outbreaks in peanuts, eggs and produce.

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Fray between 'Don't Ask' repeal allies gets nasty

The fight to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell is getting a bit nasty between the Senate offices of Majority Leader Harry Reid, Joe Lieberman and Republican Susan Collins, all of whom support ending the ban.

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DREAM Act rewards illegal immigration

On Election Day, the American people rejected reckless spending, runaway debt and the record growth of government. They also rejected years of establishment arrogance -- found in both parties -- that for too long has ignored their will.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Many jobs are gone forever: What now?

My introduction to economics consisted of two high school courses, one taught by an economist and the other by a political scientist.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Senate to take up DADT tonight; procedural measure expected to fail

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is expected to force a vote late this afternoon to take up a bill that contains the repeal of the  “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

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Dick Cheney faces charges in Nigeria

Nigerian investigators say they have filed charges against former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and others, accusing them of paying bribes to secure a lucrative natural gas project in the 1990s.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Dems to push for passage of DREAM Act

The Obama administration and Congressional Democrats will hold a Wednesday news conference to push for passage of a bill that would grant eligibility for citizenship for thousands of young illegal immigrants if they go to college or serve in the military.

Source: CNN.com - Politics

Obama: Tax deal good for American people

President Barack Obama said Tuesday that, regarding the tax deal, his "No. 1 priority is to do what's right for the American people."

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Elizabeth Edwards loses battle with cancer

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate John Edwards, died Tuesday after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 61

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Rare Senate impeachment trial for judge continues

New Orleans based, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Porteous is accused of corruption in four articles of impeachment. His defense will be able to present its case as well.

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Gates feels 'pretty good' about Afghan progress

Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited Afghanistan on Tuesday to assess progress in the nine-year conflict.

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White House tries to get Dems behind deal

The White House will fight Tuesday to get Democrats to support a last-minute deal on taxes that President Obama hammered out with Republican leaders.

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'Don't ask': A cold shower on civil rights

"If 'don't ask, don't tell' is repealed and you are assigned to bathroom facilities (that have)] an open bay shower that someone you believe to be a gay or lesbian service member also used, which are you most likely to do?" -- Question on 2010 Department of Defense Comprehensive Review Survey of Uniformed Active Duty and Reserve Service Members*

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Source: Dems won't 'rubber stamp' tax deal

President Obama prepared to meet with leading House Democrats, many of whom are believed to be unhappy with a potential deal to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy.

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Gates 'not particularly optimistic' on DADT repeal

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, a supporter of repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, said Monday that he is “not particularly optimistic” that Congress will act on legislation before the end of the year to repeal the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly.

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What does the apparent compromise on the Bush-era tax cuts tell us?

Leaders in Washington appear close to a deal that would temporarily extend all the Bush-era tax cuts, including those for the highest earners. What does the apparent compromise reveal about the president and the Democrats?

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Top diplomats from South Korea, Japan to meet in Washington

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton plans to meet with the top diplomats from South Korea and Japan Monday in Washington about the tense situation between the two Koreas.

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Focusing on deficit a lose-lose move for Obama

The political pressure on the administration to tackle deficit reduction is mounting. Even before he began negotiations with Republicans last week, President Obama conceded ground by announcing a federal pay freeze.

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Obama's split lip gives him 'superfluous' trouble

Superfluous (su-PER-flu-us): Adjective. Unnecessary or needless; difficult to pronounce for a president with a split lip.

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McConnell says deal likely on extending tax cuts, jobless benefits

The top Republican in the U.S. Senate said Sunday that a deal is likely on extending Bush-era tax cuts for everyone, along with unemployment benefits that have expired.

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Senate procedural vote on extending tax cuts fails

A Senate vote to end debate on a Democratic measure to extend George W. Bush-era tax cuts for families making under $250,000 failed on Saturday, preventing the measure from moving forward.

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BLTWY: Haley Barbour's Secret Weapon

The folksy Mississippi governor has a leg up on the GOP competition if he runs for president: Haley Barbour's played the press like a violin.

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Wife of Justice Thomas regrets call to Hill

The wife of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said on Friday that a recent telephone call to Anita Hill, the woman at the center of a 1991 furor at Thomas' confirmation hearing, was probably a mistake.

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Obama grants first pardons

President Barack Obama granted the first pardons of his administration Friday, erasing the records of nine people convicted over the past 50 years for a range of crimes ranging from drug possession to conspiracy to defraud.

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Obama surprises troops in Afghanistan

President Obama made a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Friday, personally delivering holiday greetings to U.S. troops stationed there.

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First Thoughts: A bad jobs report

Expectations were running high that this could be the best report in not just months, but a few years. Um, oops.

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Top brass split over 'don't ask' repeal

Leaders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines are expected to speak Friday as the Senate Armed Services Committee holds its second day of hearings on the military's "don't ask don't tell" policy.

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Political Circus: Todd Palin on 'Dancing with the Stars'?

Politics is serious business, but not all of the time. From the halls of Congress to the campaign trail to the international stage, there's always something that gets a laugh or a second glance. Here are some of the things you might have missed:

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House, Senate Dems: No tax cut extension over $250K

Senate Democrats are moving ahead with a Saturday vote on a pair of bills that could extend Bush-era tax cuts.

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House censures Rangel

The full House of Representatives is expected to vote Thursday on the House ethics committee's recommendation to censure New York Democratic Rep Charles Rangel.

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Christine O’Donnell to share ‘frustrations’ in book

Christine O'Donnell has lost an election, but gained a book deal. The Delaware Republican and Tea Party favorite plans to offer her take on the campaign and her "frustrations" with the political process.

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House extends tax cuts for most

The House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday permanently extending the Bush-era tax cuts only for families making $250,000 a year or less.

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WikiLeaks debate heats up among party leaders

Amid the fallout from WikiLeaks' release of State Department cables, an ongoing fury of words has erupted from both sides of the aisle over blame and accountability.

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McCain calls study on gays in military flawed

Directly challenging the Pentagon's top leadership, Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain on Thursday snubbed a military study on gays as flawed and said letting gays serve openly would be dangerous in a time of war.

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Debt panel 'goes there' on Social Security

As topics go, reducing the national debt, revamping the tax system, and reforming entitlements are awfully dry. So how contentious, emotional and divisive would you expect a national discussion of these items to be?

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'Don't ask, don't tell': The reality of repeal

It's not if, but when, the law banning openly gay men and lesbians from serving in the military will be repealed, say advocates and top administration officials. Then, it's how.

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Colin Powell promotes START nuclear pact

President Barack Obama rallied support for a stalled nuclear treaty from former Secretary of State Colin Powell Wednesday, as both men warned of grave consequences if the U.S.Senate fails to ratify the agreement with Russia.

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Cartel arrests fail to curb drug trade

The government is quick to boast about large arrests or drug seizures, but many of its most-publicized efforts result in little, if any, slowdown in the drug trade.

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White House scrambles to show it's fixing security leaks

The White House tapped a career counterterrorism official Wednesday to oversee government-wide efforts to fix security gaps in light of the WikiLeaks publication of classified documents.

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Latest court ruling adds to conflict over health care reform

Another federal judge has upheld the legality of the sweeping health care reform requirement that most Americans purchase health insurance by 2014.

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Conrad, Gregg embrace deficit-commission's report

A tough new cost-cutting playbook submitted by the co-chairmen of President Barack Obama's deficit commission has been embraced by Sens. Kent Conrad and Judd Gregg, the first two elected officials to endorse it.

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Obama: No new drilling in Gulf for seven years

President Barack Obama will not be allowing new drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico for at least seven years, according to a senior administration official.

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Clinton reassures leaders amid WikiLeaks disclosure

The recent disclosure of secret U.S. diplomatic cables will not affect American diplomacy, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told several leaders Wednesday.

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