Politics for WSLS 10

McCain calls Obama “reckless” to want Iran meetings

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:38:00 EDT

Republican presidential nominee-to-be Sen. John McCain attacks likely Democratic nominee Sen. Barack Obama, calling his desire to have talks with dictators like Iran’s leader ‘reckless.’

Congressman Goodlatte praises ending oil shipments to strategic reserve

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:03:00 EDT

Read what Roanoke Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R) has to say about the Department of Energy’s decision to stop oil shipments to the strategic petroleum reserve.

Obama criticizes McCain, President Bush over attacks

Fri, 16 May 2008 16:33:00 EDT

Barack Obama criticized Republican rival John McCain and President Bush for ‘dishonest and divisive’ attacks in hinting that the Democratic presidential candidate would appease terrorists.

Fla., Mich. cannot save Clinton

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:08:01 EDT

Interviews with those considering how to handle the two states’ banished convention delegates found little interest in the former first lady’s best-case scenario. Her position, part of a formidable comeback challenge, is that all the delegates be seated in accordance with their disputed primaries.

Obama warns GOP about critical ads

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EDT

In recent contests in Louisiana and Mississippi, Republicans or their allies ran TV ads linking the Democratic House nominees to Obama, warning that a vote for them was a tacit endorsement of Obama’s agenda, which the ads described as very liberal.

Democrats accuse McCain of hypocrisy on Hamas

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:04:00 EDT

former Clinton State Department official James Rubin said McCain is “guilty of hypocrisy” and accused him of “smearing” Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama. On Thursday, McCain suggested that Obama was naive and inexperienced for expressing a willingness to meet with rogue leaders like Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

House rejects bill funding Iraq, Afghanistan wars

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:57:01 EDT

The Democratic-led House on Thursday rejected more funds to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as many Republicans, angry over the majority party’s tactics, sat out the vote.

Congress on taxes: House committee votes to extend child credit, energy tax breaks

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:37:00 EDT

The House’s tax-writing committee on Thursday approved a multifaceted tax package it said would save people almost $10 billion through expansion of the child tax credit and creation of a new deduction for property taxes.

McCain outlines vision of Iraq victory, reduced partisanship

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:01:00 EDT

The Republican presidential contender also envisions April’s annual angst replaced by a simpler flat tax, illegal immigrants living humanely under a temporary worker program, and political partisanship stemmed by weekly news conferences and British-style question periods with joint meetings of Congress.

Obama, Clinton sign deal to raise money for Democratic White House “Victory Fund”

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:27:00 EDT

Democratic presidential rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton can agree on one thing - they want their party to have more money, no matter who is the nominee.

Produce farmers cheer farm bill

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:43:00 EDT

Fruit and vegetable farmers would reap a bonanza of new money in a giant farm bill passed by the House on Wednesday that for the first time includes significant expenditures for produce growers.

John Edwards endorses Obama

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:15:00 EDT

A person close to Edwards, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he wanted to get involved now to begin unifying the party. Obama also signed on to Edwards’ poverty initiative, which was a major cause for Edwards in his campaign and since he left.

Sen. Webb wants purple heart stamp re-issued as “Forever Stamp”

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:11:00 EDT

Senator Jim Webb, along with a bipartisan group of seven Senators, today called on the United States Postal Service to issue the Purple Heart stamp on a permanent basis as a “forever” stamp

House passes election-year farm bill

Wed, 14 May 2008 16:24:00 EDT

The House passed a $290 billion farm bill Wednesday with a strong veto-proof majority, offering more subsidies for farmers, food stamps for the poor and special projects that lawmakers can bring home to voters this election year.

Sen. Jim Webb’s political profile rises with GI bill

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:31:00 EDT

The Virginia Democrat’s veterans’ education bill has become an issue in the presidential campaign and war funding debate, and Webb has been mentioned as a potential vice-president nominee

Obama courts working class voters in Michigan

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:49:00 EDT

Barack Obama took his campaign to Michigan, a state that will be a battleground in the general election. Obama discussed the economy with workers in the state.

Obama “Curious George” t-shirt draw racism claims in Georgia

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:39:00 EDT

Controversy has broken out in Marietta, Georgia, where a tavern owner has begun selling T-shirts featuring a Curious George look-alike eating a banana, with the caption “Obama ‘08.”

McCain calls televangelist Hagee’s apology “laudable”

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:37:00 EDT

John McCain says televangelist John Hagee’s letter of apology to a Catholic leader was “very helpful.” McCain has been under pressure to reject Hagee’s endorsement of his campaign after Hagee’s criticism of the Roman Catholic Church.

HILLARY vs. OBAMA: Play the Election Fight Game

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:17:00 EDT

Help your favorite candidate by attacking their competition. You have 15 seconds to punch, drag and knock your opponent out of the race. The faster you click the more punches are thrown.

BE THE PUNDIT: Have the media moved too quickly to anoint Obama?

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:01:00 EDT

Share your toughts in our forum. Have the media moved too quickly to anoint Barack Obama the Democratic nominee, or is Hillary Clinton refusing to admit to the obvious and end her campaign?

Clinton presses ahead in longshot campaign

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:04:00 EDT

An embattled Hillary Clinton is urging the party leaders to take a hard look at West Virginia, which she won with 67 percent of the vote. But her victory did little if anything to knock Barack Obama off stride as he approaches the delegate totals needed to give him the nomination.

Clinton, Obama make nice on Senate floor

Tue, 13 May 2008 14:04:00 EDT

Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama shared a handshake and a smile on the Senate floor. Both took a break from campaigning to return to Washington for a vote.

Senate says halt oil reserve shipments

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:15:00 EDT

The Senate, in a direct challenge to President Bush, voted Tuesday to temporarily halt the shipment of thousands of barrels of oil a day into the government’s emergency reserve.

Pastor who endorsed McCain apologizes for anti-Catholic remarks

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:13:00 EDT

John Hagee, an influential televangelist who endorsed John McCain, is apologizing to Catholics for referring to the Roman Catholic Church as “the great whore” and calling it “the apostate church.”

Senate rejects GOP oil drilling plan

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:50:01 EDT

The Senate has rejected a Republican energy plan that calls for opening an Alaska wildlife refuge and some offshore waters to oil development.

Clinton poised for W.Va. win; Obama looks ahead

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:09:00 EDT

Interest is keen in the West Virginia primary, judging by a record turnout of more than 70,000 people who cast ballots in person before Tuesday in the state’s liberal early voting system.
Click here to watch video

Obama leads field in unsolicited campaign songs

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:23:00 EDT

From will.i.am’s star-studded viral hit “Yes We Can” to amateur odes folk to Spanish-language tunes and even a Jamaican reggae tribute, Obama is the leader in what observers are calling a new form of political campaigning.

Will Democrats unite behind party nominee?

Mon, 12 May 2008 12:40:00 EDT

Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton compete in West Virginia tomorrow in one of six contests left in their bruising battle for the Democratic nomination.

McCain hopes to attract young voters

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT

One recent AP-Yahoo News poll found that 38 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds supported McCain, while 37 percent were for Obama. When pitted against Clinton, it was McCain 43 percent, Clinton 28 percent.

Obama picks up 9 superdelegates, union endorsement

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:50:00 EDT

Barack Obama all but erased Hillary Rodham Clinton’s once-imposing lead among national convention superdelegates on Friday.

By being patient, North Carolina got to play critical role in presidential race

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:18:00 EDT

To reward the state for holding its primary in May this year, the national party made it a richer prize by giving it 25 percent more delegates than last time. More importantly, the late date just happened to put North Carolina in position to play kingmaker.

Wishneff may sue The Roanoke Times

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:09:00 EDT

Roanoke City Councilman Brian Wishneff calls a news conference to say he’s considering suing The Roanoke Times. The suit stems from articles and an editorial that Wishneff claims are one-sided. The newspaper denies any wrongdoing.

Evidence scant that Wright hurt Obama much in Ind., N.C.

Thu, 08 May 2008 10:29:00 EDT

Pollsters said there was not enough data to draw conclusions about whether the attention on Wright drove people away from Obama, the Illinois senator, or drew some toward him because of how he denounced the pastor.

Sen. Jim Webb statement on need for cyclone disaster help

Wed, 07 May 2008 18:58:00 EDT

“Through tragedy, there may be some hope for the future for the citizens of Burma. After years of being isolated from the rest of the world, the United States along with the international community can use this opportunity to assist Burma and demonstrate good will towards the Burmese people.

After final push, Clinton and Obama leave fate in N.C. primary to voters

Tue, 06 May 2008 08:44:01 EDT

Though important, neither the North Carolina nor Indiana primaries today will be decisive in determining the nominee.

More than 3.4 million new voters, AP survey finds

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:50:01 EDT

AP found that more than one in 66 adult Americans signed up to vote in just the first three months of the year. And in the 20 states that were able to provide comparable data, new registrations have soared about 65 percent from the same three months in the 2004 campaign.

Clinton, Obama, predict fight stretches to June 3

Mon, 05 May 2008 08:41:00 EDT

Democratic presidential rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton took their fight over gas price relief to the morning talk shows Monday as they braced for the crucial Indiana and North Carolina primaries.

John McCain unveils health care proposal

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:10:00 EDT

The heart of McCain’s proposal is to offer tax credits of up to $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for families for purchase of their own health insurance.

Goode gets strong challenge from political newcomer

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:14:00 EDT

Ask Perriello what the top issue for the fifth district is and you’ll get a quick, emphatic answer: “Jobs, jobs, and jobs.”

Obama takes the court with UNC basketball team

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:22:00 EDT

Senator Barack Obama took a break from campaigning to practice with the University of North Carolina basketball team. North Carolina holds its primary next week.

The candidates on gas prices

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:34:00 EDT

Here are the candidates’ views on rising gas prices

Gergen addresses VMI cadets

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:58:00 EDT

David Gergen has advised four presidents, currently serves as the editor of US News and World Report, and is a frequent commentator on politics.

Will Obama-Clinton fight hurt Dems hopes for House seats?

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:58:00 EDT

As the race between Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton grows more negative, Van Hollen said he worries whether there will be enough time to “heal the wounds.”

BE THE PUNDIT: What’s your advice for the next president on the war in Iraq?

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EDT

Share your thoughts in out forum.

Sen. Jim Webb calls for new wilderness area designations

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:48:00 EDT

Senator Webb Calls for New Wilderness Area Designations at Senate Hearing on the Virginia Ridge and Valley Act

Congressman Goodlatte calls for abolishing the tax code

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:23:00 EDT

Goodlatte says the current federal tax code is broken beyond repair, and it is obvious that tax reform is absolutely necessary

BE THE PUNDIT: How do you think President Bush will be remembered?

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:52:00 EDT

Share your thoughts in our forum.

Virgil Goode challenger pulls in big bucks

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:37:01 EDT

Democrat challenger Tom Perriello taken in more than $600,000 in his race against U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode, according to campaign reports.

Gilmore sets themes for Senate campaign

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:25:00 EDT

He’s a former governor, former Republican Party chair, and former presidential candidate. Now Jim Gilmore is auditioning for his next job: US Senator.

Nancy Reagan to endorse McCain

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:19:01 EDT

A McCain aide says the Republican presidential nominee in waiting will travel to the former first lady’s home later today to receive her endorsement.

Obama campaign says splitting Michigan delegates with Clinton would be fair

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:25:00 EDT

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said Dodd spoke to campaign leaders. Burton said they agreed it would be an equitable way of handling Michigan, where Obama’s name wasn’t even on the ballot in a renegade Jan. 15 primary.

HIllary Clinton White House papers released

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:43:00 EDT

Schedules show Hillary Clinton was home on days when husband, President Bill Clinton, had oral sex with intern Lewinsky

Senator Jim Webb comments on the 5 year anniversary of the Iraq War

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:38:00 EDT

Senator Jim Webb comments on the 5 year anniversary of the Iraq War

Obama seeks to quiet controversy started by his former pastor

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:26:01 EDT

Barack Obama’s former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, sparked a major controversy last week when excerpts of his sermons hit YouTube, network television, and talk radio. Many have called the excerpts anti-American and have questioned Obama’s relationship with Wright.

Voting machines say candidate names incorrectly

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:54:00 EDT

Barry Ocamaca? Translation: Democratic contender Barack Obama.

Kaine weighs in on Clinton/Obama dream ticket

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:21:00 EDT

Over the past week, there has been a lot of talk about a possible dream ticket for the Democrats: the pairing of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both Hillary and her husband have floated the idea and others have jumped on board including Pennsylvania’s governor.

Obama: VP spot is not for me

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 18:01:00 EDT

Don’t fall for hoodwinks, bamboozling or the old okey-doke, Barack Obama told supporters Monday, because he wants to make one thing absolutely clear: He has no interest in being Hillary Rodham Clinton’s running mate.

What’s next for the Democrats and McCain?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:25:00 EDT

He wasn’t measuring the drapes, but Sen. John McCain did visit the White House Wednesday afternoon, hoping that a Bush endorsement will help him win over skeptical Republicans.

McCain and Clinton Big Winners

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT

Clinton wins Texas, Ohio in primary comeback; McCain seals GOP nomination

Clinton and Obama on One Ticket?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:55:00 EDT

Clinton hints at sharing ticket with Obama, says nominee must be decided first

McCain reaches magic number to clinch GOP nomination

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:06:00 EDT

John McCain clinched the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday, an extraordinary comeback for a candidate whose White House hopes were dashed eight years ago and whose second bid was left for dead eight months ago.

Bill Clinton protester arrested

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EDT

Man charged with disorderly conduct during Bill Clinton campaign stop in Texas

Lawyers ask federal judge to approve Nader lawsuit against former DNC chairman

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:24:00 EDT

Lawyers for Ralph Nader asked a federal judge Friday to let a lawsuit proceed against former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, arguing that McAuliffe oversaw an unprecedented conspiracy to keep Nader off the ballot in the 2004 presidential election.

Obama says Clinton ad scares voters, asks wrong question about national security

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:08:00 EDT

Democrat Barack Obama accused his rival Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday of trying to “scare up votes” with a television ad showing sleeping children and asking who would be more qualified to answer a national security emergency call at 3 a.m.

Nader chooses Matt Gonzalez as his running mate

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:52:00 EDT

The Texas-born Gonzalez ran for mayor of San Francisco as a Green Party candidate in 2003 but lost to Gavin Newsom

Virginia Congressman pushes bill to help troubled teens

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:23:01 EDT

Troubled teens need mentoring programs and community support instead of time behind bars, Rep. Robert C. Scott, D-3rd, said yesterday, hoping to jumpstart his plan to increase spending on juvenile-justice programs.

Governors say black coal must be part of green energy debate

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:13:00 EDT

Energy tops the agenda at the governors’ annual winter meeting in Washington, D.C. The meeting, which has drawn Virginia Governor Tim Kaine among others, concludes today.

Gov. Kaine sees insiders supporting Obama

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:04:00 EDT

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine says he’s confident that Democratic superdelegates will back voters’ choice for the party’s nominee for president, making a brokered convention unlikely.

Ralph Nader to appear on Meet the Press

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:08:00 EDT

Nader to appear on Meet the Press to discuss possible White House bid

Hillary Clinton calls Obama “Change You Can Xerox”

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:05:00 EDT

Hillary Rodham Clinton accused presidential rival Barack Obama of political plagiarism Thursday night, but drew boos from a Democratic debate audience when she ridiculed him as the candidate of “change you can Xerox.”

McCain says report suggesting inappropriate relationship “not true”

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:25:00 EDT

“I’m very disappointed in the article. It’s not true,” the likely Republican presidential nominee said as his wife, Cindy, stood beside him during a news conference called to address the matter.

McCain says Bush should veto bill that bars waterboarding, other harsh interrogation methods

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:20:00 EDT

McCain voted against the bill, which would restrict the CIA to using only the 19 interrogation techniques listed in the Army field manual

Teamsters union to endorse Democrat Obama

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:24:00 EDT

Sen. Barack Obama is slated to pick up the endorsement of the powerful Teamsters, the second major union endorsement for the Democratic front-runner in a week, union officials told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Wilder warns of chaos at Democratic convention

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:12:00 EDT

Richmond Mayor L. Douglas Wilder warns that there will be chaos at the Democratic National Convention if superdelegates anoint a nominee who did not win the most popular votes.

Former President Bush endorses McCain’s GOP presidential bid

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:37:00 EDT

Bush, speaking with McCain at his side in Texas Monday, said the Arizonan has “character forged in the crucible of war” and said he thought McCain was best prepared to lead the nation in the future.

Nancy Reagan Hospitalized

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:43:00 EDT

Former first lady Nancy Reagan hospitalized after falling at home in California

Boucher sticks with Obama

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Congressman Rick Boucher says he will not change his endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama.

What’s a super delegate and how could they impact the Democratic race

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 16:45:00 EDT

What’s a super delegate? WSLS Political Analyst Dr. Bob Denton call them “star politicians.” They include all former Democratic presidents and vice presidents, all current Democratic members of Congress and Democratic governors, and other assorted party leaders and activists. There are 796 of these “star politicians” and 16 are in Virginia.

Figuring out what Tuesday’s primary returns mean

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 17:17:00 EDT

We know who won and lost election night in the Democratic and Republican primaries, but what does it tell us about Virginia or the general election? A lot, really.

Presidential primary results

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EDT

ELECTION RESULTS
For results of the Republican primary, click here
For the Democratic primary, click here
Video updated with analysis by senior political reporter Jay Warren, and WSLS political analyst Dr. Bob Denton

Virginia steps into role on national stage

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:27:00 EDT

It used to be that Virginia, with its odd system of off-year elections, was insulated from the crosscurrents of national politics.
Not any more. And Tuesday’s presidential primary, particularly on the Democratic side, may be the latest reminder that Virginia politics are continuing to go national.

Boucher takes heat for Obama endorsement

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:46:00 EDT

Congressman Rich Boucher is coming under political fire tonight for his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. Boucher joined Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and the other two Democratic congressmen in Virginia in throwing their support behind the Illinois Senator.

Obama claims a “new American majority” after latest wins

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:31:00 EDT

“This is what change looks like when it happens from the bottom up,” he told roaring supporters in a heartland rally that celebrated his triumphs in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. “This is the new American majority.”

Read Sen. John McCain’s statement on Virginia Primary victory

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:13:00 EDT

U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today released the following remarks by John McCain

“In Lieu Of Flowers, donate to Obama campaign” Man’s will obituary asks

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:08:00 EDT

Democrat Mitch Van Yahres backed Barack Obama until the day he died, and his obituary suggests that people remember him by contributing to the Illinois
Senator’s presidential campaign instead of sending flowers

Huckabee protests Washington results, looks to Virginia, Maryland primaries

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:10:00 EDT

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee is crying foul after John McCain’s apparent victory in the Washington caucuses on Saturday. Huckabee’s campaign released a statement Sunday saying it will be exploring all available legal options regarding the “dubious final results.” Arizona Sen. McCain was announced as the victor in the caucuses with 26 percent of the vote to Huckabee’s 24 percent.

Democratic rivals pitch Virginia Democrats

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:07:00 EDT

The New York senator made no reference to her losses in the Washington and Nebraska caucuses or to the Louisiana primary, which was still unsettled when she spoke. She left the dinner immediately after her remarks, ensuring no overlap with Obama, who was on his way.

Huckabee wins Kansas caucuses, says he will stay in GOP race

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:31:01 EDT

Mike Huckabee trounced John McCain in Kansas’ caucuses Saturday, their first head-to-head contest, and told fellow conservatives he was in the Republican presidential race to stay.

Ron Paul says he won’t run as third-party candidate

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 16:32:00 EDT

The Texas congressman wrote on his website Friday that he is making cuts to his national campaign staff and that he must also stay focused on not losing the primary for his House seat.

Ralph Nader coming to Richmond this weekend

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:34:00 EDT

Activist and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader is scheduled to speak this weekend at an environmental film event in Richmond.

Campaigns descend on Virginia, SWVA a key region

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 16:33:00 EDT

The Clinton and Obama campaigns have announced their travel plans and from those plans you can see that Southwest Virginia figures prominently into their campaign strategies.

Sen. John McCain says talk of running mate is premature

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:13:00 EDT

He does say, though, that he sees no reason that he has to pick someone from a different region. McCain says he thinks regionally balanced tickets may be a thing of the past.

Before Virginia, primary race turns to 5 states

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:43:01 EDT

Before Virginia, primary race turns to 5 states

Campaigns begin in earnest in Virginia

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 18:10:00 EDT

Hillary Clinton made her first post Super Tuesday campaign appearance in the Commonwealth on Thursday, going after the voter treasure chest of Northern Virginia. She spoke to a packed auditorium in Arlington.

Truth Tracker on the Presidential campaign ads

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:41:00 EDT

The presidential campaign has now moved to Virginia and the candidates are using traditional ads, both on the radio and television, to reach more people on a different format: the internet. This year, we’re seeing a lot of ads that are made just for the internet. And others are aired on television and the radio but still posted to the internet, a cheap way to reach even more people.

Senate Republicans block Democrats’ attempt to add more to economic stimulus bill

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:19:00 EDT

The 58-41 vote fell just short of the 60 required to break a GOP filibuster and bring the Senate version of the stimulus bill closer to a final vote. The Senate measure was backed by Democrats and a handful of Republicans but was strongly opposed by GOP leaders and President Bush, who objected to the costly add-ons.

Showdown vote looms on Senate economic stimulus plan

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:00 EDT

The Senate moved toward a partisan clash Wednesday over Democrats’ efforts to add more than $40 billion in checks for the elderly, disabled veterans and the unemployed, and heating aid for the poor to a House-passed economic aid plan.

Obama’s Kenyan village has high hopes for U.S. election

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 11:39:01 EDT

Barack Obama’s Kenyan grandmother listened to primary election results under the shade of a mango tree, none too bothered to learn that the U.S. presidential contender was neck-and-neck with his chief rival.

Animal Fighting Bill Moves Forward

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:48:00 EDT

Senate unanimously OKs animal fighting bill

Clinton to campaign in Virginia; it’s “important state” for Obama

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 07:41:00 EDT

As Democratic and Republican presidential contenders fought for supremacy on Super Tuesday, Virginia prepared for a week of presidential campaigning.