POLITICS - News - Unites States Newspapers - NSBK

U.S., Iraq formally mark end of combat mission

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

The U.S. marked on Wednesday the transition to the final phase of the Iraq war, shifting the focus of the remaining 50,000 American troops from combat operations to preparing Iraqi security forces to protect the country on their own.

Obama opens long-shot talks on Mideast peace

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

President Barack Obama is opening a new round of Mideast peacemaking, bringing Israeli and Palestinian leaders together for talks aimed at forging an agreement within one year.

Murkowski concedes Alaska Senate race

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she is conceding her hard-fought race against her Republican challenger in Alaska's GOP primary.

Fact check: Is Iraq combat really over for U.S.?

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

Despite President Barack Obama's declaration Tuesday of an end to the combat mission in Iraq, combat almost certainly lies ahead.

First Thoughts: From 'shock and awe' to a whimper

2010-09-01 11:18:08: The president prepares for an evening Oval Office address, marking the end of combat operations in Iraq. Why the administration isn’t declaring victory or "mission accomplished."

Iraq, George W. Bush, and the politics of the surge

2010-09-01 11:18:08: The current discussion in advance of tonight's Oval Office address on Iraq is whether President Obama should acknowledge that George W. Bush's troop surge worked.

Pawlenty directs state to decline health reform

2010-09-01 11:18:08: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty directed state agencies on Tuesday to decline all discretionary participation in federal healthcare reform, throwing up roadblocks to President Barack Obama's goal of providing health insurance to all Americans.

House panel recommends 3 for further investigation

2010-09-01 11:18:08: House investigators have recommended that three lawmakers be further investigated to determine whether political contributions were improperly linked to votes on the huge financial overhaul bill.

Black Caucus Foundation to probe its scholarships

2010-09-01 11:18:08: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will investigate its scholarship program following the admission by a House member that she wrongly steered scholarships to her relatives and the children of a staff member, the longtime attorney for the tax-exempt group said Tuesday.

Gibbs: Troop pullout should be permanent

2010-09-01 11:18:08: Presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs says he cannot foresee a circumstance in which the United States would have to send combat troops back to Iraq.

Department of Unfortunate Metaphors

2010-09-01 11:18:08: Wisconsin candidate says boxing gloves in ad not a reference to opponent's assault

Some states sue over health care, but line up for subsidies

2010-09-01 11:18:08: Some states suing to toss out President Barack Obama's health care overhaul law are also lining up to claim a share of its subsidies for the medical costs of retired employees.

Oval Office gets a whole new look

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

It's out with the old and in with the new as the president's formal workspace undergoes a major makeover, including a new rug, furniture and wallpaper.

DC Mayor faces stiff challenge in re-election bid

2010-09-01 11:18:08: The man who runs Washington is in danger of losing his job in a hotly contested election, but the post that's up for grabs isn't president. It's mayor.

Obama: Too many Americans still out of work

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

President Barack Obama acknowledged Monday that the economy continues to struggle and too many Americans are still struggling to find jobs.

No 'mission accomplished' in Obama speech

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

The White House says there are two words President Barack Obama will not say Tuesday night in his speech about the end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq: "Mission accomplished."

Obama expands sanctions against North Korea

2010-09-01 11:18:08: The Obama administration expanded sanctions against North Korea on Monday by freezing assets of individuals, companies and organizations allegedly linked to support for Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Imam blames politics for mosque opposition

2010-09-01 11:18:08:

Election-year politics are interfering with the plan to build an Islamic center near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Muslim cleric leading the project said in comments published on Monday.

Bell wins $2 million in suit over 2006 Perry donations

2010-09-01 08:08:08: A state district judge on Tuesday awarded Chris Bell, the 2006 Democratic nominee for governor, $2 million in his lawsuit against the Republican Governors Association after ruling the group violated state law with a pair of last-minute $500,000 donations to GOP Gov. Rick Perry that year.

White calls for term limits for governor post

2010-09-01 01:28:06: Running against the longest-serving governor in Texas history, Bill White on Tuesday called for a referendum on term limits for the governor's office, saying two 4-year terms is long enough for anyone to serve as the state's chief executive.

Harris County OKs $13.6 million for new voting machines

2010-08-30 22:48:08: A pre-dawn fire on Friday destroyed the building that housed all 10,000 of the county’s voting machines.

Obama: GOP should let small business bill through

2010-08-30 22:48:08: Acknowledging that the economy still remains extremely fragile, the president said he’d also have other specific ideas in the days ahead.

Fikac: Proposal gives voters a say on gas-tax increase

2010-08-30 22:48:08: The idea is another sign of the seriousness of the money problems facing transportation, with the gas-tax-fueled highway fund projected to run out of money for new projects in 2012.

Beck rally signals election trouble for Democrats

2010-08-30 22:48:08: If Democrats had doubts about the voter unrest that threatens to rob them of their majority in Congress, they needed only look from the Capitol this weekend to the opposite end of the National Mall.

Congressman Gene Green respected for quiet tactics

2010-08-30 22:48:08: The easygoing dean of the Houston-area congressional delegation plays things so low-key that he's sometimes easy to underestimate. That would be a mistake.

Perry, White say vote machine blaze won't alter their strategies

2010-08-30 22:48:08: State election officials said they will make sure Harris County gets enough voting machine replacements to pull off a smooth election, and neither major gubernatorial campaign plans major changes after a Friday morning fire consumed all of the county's 10,000 voting machines.

Bill White wants legislation to regulate insurance hikes

2010-08-30 22:48:08: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White, flanked by local homeowners, said Thursday he will push legislation requiring insurance companies to get state approval before hiking home insurance rates.

One-man show or not, governor debate will go on

2010-08-30 22:48:08: The Houston Chronicle, Austin American-Statesman and the state's other major newspapers will host a gubernatorial debate this fall, even if just one candidate shows up.

Beck rally on anniversary of King's 'Dream' speech

2010-08-30 22:48:08: The event's website says the "Restoring Honor" rally is to pay tribute to America's military personnel.

Tea party candidate may defeat Alaska's Sen. Murkowski

2010-08-30 22:48:08: Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski fought to save her job Wednesday, locked in a stunningly tight Republican primary race against a political novice backed by Sarah Palin and tea party activists. The outlook was far brighter for another incumbent, Sen. John McCain, who won handily in Arizona.

Business deals eclipse Texas governor’s race

2010-08-30 22:48:08: Land deals dog Rick Perry, while Bill White faces allegations of profiteering.

Seniors to see increase in Medicare drug premiums, better benefits

2010-08-30 22:48:08: Seniors will see a modest increase in their Medicare prescription premiums next year but benefits will also improve, federal health officials said Wednesday.

65 Days to Decide: Voters in West Virginia, Louisiana Decide Senate Primaries

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

Popular Gov. Joe Manchin easily won the Democratic nomination Saturday in the race to fill the Senate seat vacated by the late Robert C. Byrd.

Sen. Vitter Easily Wins GOP Nomination in La.

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

Incumbent Sen. David Vitter has easily won the Republican nomination and will face Democratic primary winner Rep. Charlie Melancon (muh-LAWN'-suhn) in a U.S. Senate race in Louisiana.

W.Va. Gov. Manchin wins Dem US Senate nomination

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

Popular West Virginia Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin easily won his party's nomination and will face Republican primary winner John Raese (RAY'-see) in the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Robert C. Byrd.

Democrats Face Economic Facts: Updraft Unlikely

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

The string of bad news about housing, employment and economic growth has led Democrats to an inescapable conclusion: the economy is not likely to improve in time to help them in the fall elections.

Sharpton, Civil Rights Groups Rally in D.C.

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

Two groups with competing Washington rallies briefly encountered each other during their activities, but while some participants shouted at each other there was no physical conflict.

Walter Reed Mishandled Nuclear Material, Possibly Exposing Staff and Patients to Elevated Radiation

2010-08-30 13:18:05:

The military's flagship hospital has acknowledged it mishandled two packages of radioactive material in May, possibly exposing staff and patients to elevated radiation levels.

Newsweek: Why the 44th president is no FDR

2010-08-29 16:38:07:

A bright spot for Democrats this November

2010-08-29 16:38:07:

John Carney of Delaware is a rarity in a campaign season of foreboding for Democrats, a practicing politician with a strong chance of winning a Republican-held seat in Congress.

Tea party activists rally on Capitol Hill

2010-08-29 16:38:07: Tea party activists say they plan to hold politicians accountable in the coming elections for too much government spending and too little attention paid to the Constitution.

2010's Top 10 political upsets (so far)

2010-08-29 09:58:08: Florida guv? Arkansas Senate? And unpredictable South Carolina! Here's First Read's list of the most shocking outcomes of the political cycle so far.

Alaskan cites 'common sense' voters for Sen. lead

2010-08-29 09:58:08:

A conservative Alaska lawyer credits his primary vote lead over U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski largely to "common sense" voters dissatisfied with the direction taken by Congress and President Barack Obama.

Alaska candidate tweets... what?!

2010-08-29 09:58:08:

Immigration: The shrinking GOP reform caucus

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Political ads surpass 2006 levels as attacks mount

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

It's not even Labor Day and negative political ads are muscling in on your TV time. Across the country, ad spending is up and attack ads lead the way.

Rally tests FOX host's sway

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Glenn Beck, the man behind Saturday's rally at the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, has built an empire around his own voice that grew exponentially with his move to Fox News Channel and President Barack Obama's election to the White House.

Van Hollen: Dems will keep the House

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Stuck in the middle with you

2010-08-29 09:58:07: First Read: The prominence of the Tea Party has presented longtime Republican moderates and centrists with a dilemma of what to do.

Levi Johnston regrets apology to Sarah Palin

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

If Levi Johnston could take back anything, it would be ... posing for Playgirl? Nope. His on-off, on-off relationship and engagement to Bristol Palin? Nope.

Murkowski's indie run options are slim

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Is 9/11 still off-limits for political ads?

2010-08-29 09:58:07: When a plan to build an Islamic community center two blocks from Ground Zero burst into a national political controversy last month, a few political ads featuring the smoking ruins emerged.

Report: Paterson gave 'misleading' testimony

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

A special investigation concludes New York Gov. David Paterson's testimony about his plans to pay for World Series tickets last year was "inaccurate and misleading" and warrants consideration of criminal charges by a prosecutor.

Despite scandals, Vitter the La. primary favorite

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Republican Sen. David Vitter survived a 2007 prostitution scandal and has shrugged off fresh questions about his judgment in allowing an aide to remain on his staff for more than two years after a violent attack on a woman.

Ex-GOP chair Mehlman tells magazine he's gay

2010-08-29 09:58:07:

Ken Mehlman, President George Bush's campaign manager in 2004 and a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, has told family and associates that he is gay, The Atlantic magazine reports.

Thousands Turn Out for Glenn Beck Rally as Civil Rights Leaders Protest Event

2010-08-28 14:38:03:

Fox News’ Glenn Beck and thousands of like-minded activists gathered Saturday in the nation's capital on the anniversary and at the same site of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, a demonstration meant to pay tribute to American troops.

Defense Department Rejects 4 States' Military Voter Plans, Grants 5 States Waivers

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Department of Defense announced Friday that it was denying four states' requests to waive requirements of a law intended to protect the voting rights of military personnel overseas, but five other states were granted exemptions because their alternative accommodations were deemed adequate.

New Immigration Policy to Halt Some Illegal Immigrant Deportations

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Federal authorities have issued a new policy aimed at stopping deportation proceedings for some illegal immigrants, according to a memo issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Economic Recession May Have Pushed U.S. Birth Rate to New Low

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

The U.S. birth rate has dropped for the second year in a row, and experts think the wrenching recession led many people to put off having children.

Christie Fires Education Chief Over Race to the Top Grant Loss

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced that he's firing education commissioner Bret Schundler over a mistake on an application for for U.S. "Race to the Top" education grants that New Jersey missed out on by a hair.

Breathless Turning Blue Awaiting Alaska Absentee Ballot Count

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Excitement over the outcome of Tuesday's Republican Senate primary in Alaska is on hold for now. That's because a winner is unknown and won't be for a while.

Apology Not Accepted: Two Dems, Women's Groups Call for Simpson to Be Fired

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Two Democratic lawmakers and several women advocacy groups are demanding President Obama fire former Sen. Alan Simpson from the federal debt commission board he co-chairs, claiming his sexually charged language in an e-mail that compared Social Security to a "milk cow with 310 million tits" proves he's sexist and unfit to determine the benefit's future.

Bernanke: Fed Will Take Action if Economy Falters

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Friday that the Fed will consider making another large-scale purchase of securities if the slowing economy were to deteriorate significantly and signs of deflation were to flare.

EPA Rejects Calls to Ban Lead in Ammo, Fishing Tackle

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

The Environmental Protection Agency has denied a petition filed by environmental activists seeking to ban lead in ammunition and fishing tackle, saying such regulation is beyond the agency's authority.

Hunters, Conservationists Square Off Over Lead in Ammunition and Tackle

2010-08-27 18:38:04:

Hunters and fishermen across the U.S. are battling environmental activists over the use of lead in ammunition and fishing tackle.

Oil Spill Damages May Go Only to Those Directly Affected, Leaving Florida Out

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

BP oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg may exclude Florida from claims to recovery money, saying in written policies that awards will be based on proximate damage from the spill, not gloomy news reports that deterred tourists.

Stevens To Be Buried At Arlington Cemetery

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Late Sen. Ted Stevens, a decorated World War II vet, will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery next week.

Benanke: Fed Will Take Action if Eonomy Falters

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Katrina Five Years Later: Where Are The Head Honchos Now?

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Hurricane Katrina flooded a city five years ago and took with it lives, property and dignity. It also threatened to sweep away the political reputations of nearly everyone it touched.

The roles of the key political figures associated with one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history are rarely discussed in a context of praise. A small handful escaped the storm with their reputations unscathed, but those closest to the action mostly could only apologize for a catastrophe that proved the limits of government.

Katrina Five Years After: Hurricane Devastated Political Futures as Well as New Orleans

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Hurricane Katrina flooded a city five years ago and took with it lives, property and dignity. It also threatened to sweep away the political reputations of nearly everyone it touched.

Economic Growth Rate Downgraded to Anemic 1.6 Percent in Second Quarter

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

The Commerce Department is revising downward the economic growth from April to June to 1.6 percent annualized -- a decline from the original 2.4 percent forecast and much slower than the 3.7 percent of the first quarter 2010.

Paterson Vows to Collect Cigarette Taxes From Native American Stores

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Undeterred by police warnings of potential "violence and death," New York Gov. David Paterson has pledged to collect cigarette taxes -- $4.35 per pack -- from Native American vendors.

Key Toss-Up Races Held in States Where Military Absentee Ballots Face Delays

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Sens. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Michael Bennet of Colorado are just two incumbents locked in tight re-election races in states where local officials have warned they will likely not be able to ship out general election ballots to overseas military voters by the Sept. 18 deadline.

Rangel Heaps Praise on Obama

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Rep. Charlie Rangel heaped praise on President Barack Obama in a televised debate Thursday in which he sought to align himself closely with the president after pushing back on his suggestion that the embattled congressman step aside.'

U.S. Ambassador to Malta Crashes Car, Nun Killed

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Authorities say a car driven by the U.S. ambassador to Malta crashed in Southern California, killing a nun and injuring a 94-year-old pastor.

Carter Wins Release of American in N. Korea

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Looking gaunt but relieved, an American freed after nearly seven months jailed in North Korea left Pyongyang on Friday in the company of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Sotomayor Predicts Supreme Court Will Hear WikiLeaks Case

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor predicted Thursday that the nation's high court will be asked again to weigh issues of national security versus free speech because of the recently leaked classified war documents posted on the WikiLeaks website.

Arizona Files Legal Brief Hitting Back at Federal Ruling Against State's Immigration Law

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

The governor's office says U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton abused her discretion by applying the wrong legal standards and basing her ruling on the federal government's speculation that it would be harmed by the law.

Conservative Democrat Jokes Pelosi Might Get Sick and Die

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

An Alabama Democrat insists he was joking when he said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi might get sick and die before he has to decide whether to vote for her as leader again next year.

Ex-Judge: Possible Criminal Charges for N.Y. Governor

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

A special investigation has concluded that Gov. David Paterson's testimony about his plans to pay for World Series tickets last year was "inaccurate and misleading" and warrants consideration of criminal charges by a prosecutor.

House Panel Asks Egg Farm Owners Involved in Recall to Testify on Capitol Hill

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

A House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing Sept. 14 and wants to hear from Austin "Jack" DeCoster, the owner of Wright County Egg, and Orland Bethel, the owner of Hillandale Farms about how their farms are tied to salmonella-tainted eggs.

Feds Appeal Ruling Against FCC Indecency Policy

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

A recent court decision struck down a 2004 government policy that says broadcasters can be fined for allowing even a single curse word to be uttered on live television.

Afghan Official at Center of Corruption Trial is on CIA Payroll

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

As the Obama administration and Congress begin tying U.S. aid to anti-corruption efforts in Afghanistan, it turns out the man at the center of a corruption investigation in Kabul has been on the CIA payroll for years, several high level officials confirmed to Fox News on Thursday.

Rod Blagojevich to be Retried Next Year, Brother Rob Won't Return to Court

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich won't be facing a retrial until next year, and his brother won't face a new judge and jurors at all.

EXCLUSIVE: Military Absentee Voting Pilot Program Downed By Expensive Payout

2010-08-27 11:58:07:

Military voters from at least six states will be unable to participate fully in a Defense Department pilot program -- substantially reducing their opportunity to vote in November -- because a private election software company is dragging its feet and demanding exorbitant fees to supply states with their own voting data, some state officials participating in the program tell FoxNews.com.

Bloomberg repeats backing for N.Y. Islamic center

2010-08-25 12:38:10:

Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered an impassioned speech at an event marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, saying that not allowing a proposed mosque to be built near ground zero would be "compromising our commitment to fighting terror with freedom."

Fla. GOP gubernatorial race the upset of the night

2010-08-25 12:38:10:

John Boehner urges Obama to oust economic team

2010-08-25 12:38:10: The top Republican in the House of Representatives called on Tuesday for President Barack Obama to fire his economic team in a campaign-style speech meant to focus voters on the weak American economy.

Rick Scott spent $50 million on primary bid

2010-08-25 12:38:10: Florida GOP candidate Rick Scott has spent more than $50 million on his primary campaign for governor, according to campaign finance data on record with the Florida Division of Elections.

RNC official wades into Obama-Muslim story

2010-08-25 12:38:10: New media director hints at president's faith in tweet.

Sherrod rejects administration job offer

2010-08-25 12:38:10: NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports that the ousted USDA employee has turned down an invitation to return to the department.

Cops ask SC's Greene to leave restaurant meeting

2010-08-25 12:38:10: Police say longshot Democratic Senate candidate Alvin Greene was kicked out of a South Carolina restaurant after his companion got into a fight with people eating there.

Pentagon official skeptical of Afghan timeline

2010-08-25 12:38:10: Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Conway predicted today that significant number of U.S. Marines and combat forces will be in Afghanistan "hammering" the enemy well past the July 2011 deadline to begin withdrawal of American forces.

Newsweek: Dumb things Americans believe

2010-08-25 12:38:10: A remarkably high numbers of Americans believe the most unusual things. Although the portion of poll respondents who believe Obama is a Muslim has risen recently, there are even odder beliefs U.S. residents subscribe to, from the existence of witchcraft to the idea that the sun revolves around the Earth.

Primary day: Five things to watch

2010-08-25 12:38:10: First Read's list of what to watch in primaries in Florida, Arizona, Alaska, and more

Huckabee cruises under the 2012 radar

2010-08-25 12:38:10:

Considering his many roles, is Mike Huckabee too busy for a presidential run in 2012? Not according to longtime confidants, who think Huckabee will make another try despite his failed bid two years ago.

NY Rep. Rangel knocks Obama for 'dignity' remark

2010-08-25 12:38:10: New York Rep. Charles Rangel has shot back at President Barack Obama's recent comment that he "end his career with dignity."

The insiders strike back

2010-08-25 12:38:10: First Read: Establishment candidates lead going into Tuesday's primaries in Florida, Arizona, and Alaska

Biden to vets: Iraq insurgents have failed

2010-08-25 12:38:10:

Vice President Joe Biden has told a military veterans convention in Indianapolis that insurgents in Iraq have failed in their efforts to undermine elections and the forming of a new government there.

Money laundering case against DeLay moving forward

2010-08-25 12:38:10:

Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay will get his long-awaited trial on a money laundering indictment ahead of two co-defendants, who now face lesser charges, a judge said Tuesday.