A roundup of some of Friday's political stories.
Santorum, Romney Step Up Campaign In Michigan
On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum criss-cross Michigan to woo GOP voters ahead of the Feb. 28 primary.
Does The Strengthening Economy Still Need Congress?
On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Lawmakers approved legislation to continue a payroll tax holiday and extend benefits for the long-term unemployed. The goal is to make sure enough people have enough spending money to keep the still-fragile economy growing. But some analysts say the economy doesn't need more help.
Donahoe Proposes Major Changes To Postal Service
On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
In a letter addressed to Congress, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe calls for slashing 150,000 jobs - mostly through retirements. The most significant savings Donahoe suggests would come from the Postal Service breaking away from the federal health benefits plan.
Car Bailout Position May Hurt Romney In Michigan
On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Symbolically speaking, this month's Michigan's primary may be the most important of the GOP presidential race to date. It's the state where Mitt Romney grew up, and his father was a beloved government and business leader. And now, Romney seems to have a real chance of losing the state to Rick Santorum.
‘Core Values’ Help Santorum In Michigan Polls
On February - 17 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum is leading Michigan-native Mitt Romney in polling ahead of the state's Feb. 28 primary. At stops in Michigan on Thursday, Santorum spoke of economic rival through lower taxes, fewer regulations and commitment to conservative family values.
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Gay Marriage Bill Passes In N.J.; Veto Expected
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The 42-33 Assembly vote sends the bill to Gov. Chris Christie's desk. The Republican governor who opposes gay marriage had promised "very swift action" if the bill passed both houses of the Legislature. The Senate approved the bill Monday.
Glitter-Bombing: A Sparkly Weapon Of Disapproval On The Campaign Trail
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
All the Republican presidential candidates still in the race have been hit with glitter by protesters. The first glitter bomber says it's a "harmless but sensational way to bring attention to serious issues," but others have called it assault.
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Santorum Ally Friess Praises Old-School ‘Contraceptive’: Aspirin Between Knees
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell asked billionaire Santorum backer Foster Friess whether he thought the GOP presidential candidate's very conservative social views would be disadvantageous to Santorum in the general election. Friess not only didn't think so; he indicated he didn't see what all the fuss was about. And then he dispensed some advice about contraceptives.
GOP Debates As Must-See TV? Why You Should Watch
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The monthlong lull in the Republican debate cycle may have come as a welcome break to some likely voters and political observers. The debates will be back soon enough. But turn away from them at your own risk — it's precisely at this point in the campaign season when they might be most decisive.
Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine Endorses Rick Santorum
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Dave Mustaine, the lead singer of Megadeth, says he was "completely oblivious" to Rick Santorum, but now likes the guy in the sweater vest. According to Rolling Stone, Mustaine dislikes Mitt Romney, and calls Newt Gingrich an "angry little man."
House Republicans Mull Ways To Fund Public Transit
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
It's estimated the nation faces a $3 trillion backlog in unmet road and transit needs. Since the Reagan administration, public transit has been funded from the same revenue stream as roads and bridges. Now there's a movement to fund public transit with revenue sources other than the gas tax.
Romney Family Legacy Lost On Younger Mich. Voters
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney is campaigning in Michigan, where he was born. Romney's father was beloved — both as president of a car company, and as Michigan's governor. But that was decades ago, and a new generation feels less devoted to the Romney name.
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How Does Mitt Romney Stop Rick Santorum’s Rise?
On February - 16 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The latest threat to Mitt Romney's front-runner status in the Republican presidential field is Rick Santorum, who is tied with Romney in national polls. Ads from the Romney team define Santorum as a friend of K Street, but the former U.S. senator's conservative credentials may help him with Republican primary voters.
House-Senate Deal Reached On Payroll Tax Measure
On February - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Montana Democratic Sen. Max Baucus announced the agreement late Wednesday, capping a long day of wrangling over final details of the measure, which is a top priority of President Obama. The announcement paves the way for votes in both House and Senate this week.
Santorum’s Tax Returns Show Rise In Wealth
On February - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The Republican presidential candidate's returns show a sharp rise in his personal wealth spurred by his growing work as Washington-based corporate consultant and media commentator. But it doesn't come close to Mitt Romney's the multimillion-dollar fortune or Newt Gingrich's smaller but still-lucrative blend of foundation and consulting work.
Elie Wiesel Shines Spotlight On Romney Over Controversial Mormon Practice
On February - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's name and those of his father and grandfather appeared on a list used to select people for posthumous Mormon baptisms. Wiesel is calling on Mitt Romney to use his stature as perhaps the nation's most prominent Mormon to condemn the practice. Romney has not commented.
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As GOP Race Shifts, SuperPAC Mega-Donors Weigh Next Moves
On February - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The SuperPAC supporting Rick Santorum has a mega-donor of its own who says he is in it for the long haul — opening up a race for which superPAC can receive the most help from wealthy donors.
Poll: Obama Hits 50% Approval, Leads All GOP Rivals, For Now
On February - 15 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
The poll, released Tuesday, found President Obama's approval rating had bounced back up to 50 percent from 47 percent in January. Not a huge improvement but in presidential politics, getting to at least 50 percent approval is key for an incumbent seeking re-election. The recovering economy gets much of the credit for his rising approval rates.
The TV Battle in Mich.: Santorum’s True Conservative Vs. Romney’s Native Son
On February - 14 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Santorum makes the case that not only is he an authentic conservative but the most electable GOP candidate versus President Obama. Romney's ad, on the other hand, is more biographical, intended to reinforce his Michigan roots for voters. His ad, called "Growing Up," also aims at leveling Romney with average voters by showing him driving a car around what appears to be Detroit or its suburbs.
GOP Leaders Support Payroll Tax Extension
On February - 14 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
Congress only has two weeks before inaction would result in a tax hike for 160 million Americans. The payroll tax cut extension passed in late December is set to expire at the end of the month.
Romney’s Hard Line On U.S. Auto Industry Good For Primary But Trouble Beyond
On February - 14 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
In a state so auto-industry dependent, it would seem dubious to call for GM and Chrysler to go through the regular bankruptcy process with all their uncertainties and pain. Experts inside and outside the industry at the time and since said bankruptcies would have meant millions of jobs lost. But Romney's position could appeal to many Michigan conservatives who opposed the bailouts.
Can Congress Ever Restore Payroll Taxes To Their Usual Levels?
On February - 14 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
What was once considered a normal rate will now be considered a tax hike. Reverting to the status quo is now politically dicey. That could affect Social Security's financing over the long haul.
Obama Promotes Job Training At Community College
On February - 14 - 2012 ADD COMMENTS
President Obama unveiled his fiscal 2013 budget at Northern Virginia Community College Monday. His proposal includes $8 billion for community colleges to partner with businesses to provide training in job skills that are in demand. Students there were pleased to hear the president call for more support for their type of school.
