Politics & Government

After years in the halls of Congress, Republican Mitch McConnell has to convince Kentucky voters that he's still paying attention to what they want.

McConnell Tries To Show He's Still At Home In Kentucky

8:51am May 06, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

The Senate minority leader is up for re-election next year, and polling in his state shows his popularity is suffering. Some voters complain that Mitch McConnell is out of touch with the people of the Bluegrass State, and others say it's time for some new blood. Still, he will be hard to beat.

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Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch looks over at former Republican Gov. Mark Sanford during a debate Monday in Charleston, S.C., in the 1st Congressional District race.

Politics & Government

Democrats Have High Hopes Of Defeating Sanford In S.C.

8:28pm May 03, 2013

by Kathy Lohr

South Carolina's 1st Congressional District hasn't elected a Democrat since 1978. But in a race against scandal-ridden former Gov. Mark Sanford, Democrats think their candidate, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, has a chance to pull it off in Tuesday's special election.

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The lobbying industry in Washington is becoming more secretive.

Politics & Government

Why Lobbying Is Now Increasingly In The Shadows

12:14pm May 03, 2013

by Peter Overby

Reversing a trend that dates back to the 1990s, the lobbying industry is becoming more secretive. And campaign money now looms ever larger as a critical element in the persuasion business.

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Politics & Government

Gun Background Vote Causes Heat At Home For N.H. Sen. Ayotte

12:14pm May 03, 2013

by David Welna

Ever since her vote against legislation to mandate background checks for all gun sales, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte has seen her poll numbers slip. This week, the Republican met protesters as she made her way around the state.

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President Obama speaks at a news conference Tuesday. He addressed the use of chemical weapons in Syria and said he's weighing his options.

How Will Obama Make His Case On Syria?

10:09am May 02, 2013

by Don Gonyea

When it comes to the U.S. role in Syria's civil war, President Obama says he's weighing all options. Whatever he decides, he'll have to make his case to a public that hasn't been paying close attention.

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Ahead Of Obama Trip, Mexico Alters Cooperation Agreements

10:09am May 02, 2013

by Carrie Kahn

President Obama heads to Mexico Thursday for a three day trip south of the border that includes a stop in Costa Rica. The president says he plans to focus on trade and economic opportunities between the U.S. and Mexico during his visit. But the timing of the trip comes just as Mexico is altering cooperation agreements between the two countries in the fight against drug trafficking.

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Obama Announces Commerce, Trade Nominees

10:09am May 02, 2013

President Obama on Thursday nominated Penny Pritzker to run the Commerce Department. An heiress to the Hyatt hotel empire and one of Forbes' 300 richest Americans, she also served on the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board. Obama also nominated a new U.S. Trade Representative. Michael Froman is a senior economic adviser to the president and a former Citigroup executive.

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Politics & Government

The Strategy Of Putting Politics On TV

2:25pm May 01, 2013

The last couple of years have seen a proliferation of politically-themed television, including Scandal, Veep and House of Cards. Reporter, columnist and TV analyst Jonathan Alter talks about his new political satire Alpha House, and what's changed in how entertainment television does politics.

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Politics & Government

The Race For South Carolina's Congressional Seat

2:05pm May 01, 2013

Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford will face Elizabeth Colbert Busch in a special election for South Carolina's first district congressional seat May 7. NPR's Ken Rudin, NPR's Kathy Lohr and Robert Oldendick, University of South Carolina, discuss the candidates, the debate and the district.

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Vice President Joe Biden, holds a background check form last week in Washington, as he calls on Congress to pass legislation aimed at reducing gun violence.

Background Check Battle: More Prosecution Or More Checks?

1:54pm May 01, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

Some gun rights supporters point out that only a tiny fraction of people caught trying to buy a gun illegally are ever prosecuted. They say the government should focus on enforcing current law, not expanding background checks. But gun control supporters say that argument misses the point.

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