Politics & Government

Politics & Government

When Conscience Conflicts With Constituents

2:13pm April 24, 2013

Last week, the Senate voted against a proposal for background checks on gun buyers. Several senators from states with strong pro-gun constituencies cast votes supporting the checks despite voter polls. On divisive issues, politicians may often face a choice between personal and public opinion.

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People On Terrorism Watch List Not Blocked From Buying Guns

8:49am April 24, 2013

by Ailsa Chang

Under current laws, if a background check shows your name is on the national terror watch list, you can still purchase a gun. Government data show that people on terrorism watch lists were able to buy guns or explosives after a background check more than 1,300 times between 2004 and 2010.

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Boston Search Shines Spotlight On Surveillance Cameras

8:04pm April 23, 2013

by Carrie Johnson

Footage from privately owned surveillance cameras along the Boston Marathon route gave the FBI early clues about the bombing suspects. But the proliferation of cameras in America's big cities raises some tricky questions about the balance between security and privacy.

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Online Retailers Take Opposite Sides On Sales Tax Bill

8:04pm April 23, 2013

by Scott Horsley

A bill making its way through the Senate would make more online retailers collect sales taxes. The battle over the bill pits online retailers against brick-and-mortar stores — and, in some cases, against other online sellers. Amazon has endorsed the bill, while eBay is the loudest voice against it.

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Politics & Government

Boston Case Casts Shadow Over Senate Immigration Hearing

3:05pm April 23, 2013

by David Welna

The Senate Judiciary Committee turned its attention back to the immigration overhaul proposal Monday, even as opponents began to use the Boston bombers' journey to the United States as a cautionary tale.

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Opposition research is becoming a given in politics, sometimes even at the local level.

Politics & Government

Opposition Research Boot Camp: Learning To Dig For Political Dirt

8:29pm April 22, 2013

by Tamara Keith

The recruiting and vetting process already is under way for candidates who will run for Congress in 2014. For many candidates, part of that process involves hiring an investigator to look at their own background, as well as that of possible opponents. And there are even classes where you can learn how to do the digging.

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Politics & Government

Obama's Pressure Fails To Get Gun Measure Passed

12:22pm April 18, 2013

by Ari Shapiro

President Obama delivered a scathing speech from the Rose Garden late Wednesday, in which he excoriated the Senate for failing to pass gun control legislation that would have required more thorough background checks for buyers of certain firearms.

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Protesters demonstrate in front of the U.S. Capitol on April 10.

Immigration Proves A 'Rubik's Cube' For Many Republicans

8:37pm April 17, 2013

by Mara Liasson

They don't want to offend Hispanic voters, but they don't want to turn off the GOP base either, says Ron Bonjean, a former Republican leadership aide. And competing for Hispanic votes is not a top priority for the sizable number of Republican rank and file who still see the bill as amnesty.

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Obama Criticizes Congress After Background Check Bill Fails

8:37pm April 17, 2013

Melissa Block talks to Ari Shapiro about President Obama's remarks after the Senate rejected a proposal to expand background checks before gun purchases.

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Politics & Government

Governing During Threats To National Security

2:10pm April 17, 2013

Hours after the bombing at the Boston Marathon on Monday, the president reminded the country of its resilient nature and assured the public that those responsible will be brought to justice. Wednesday, the toxic substance ricin was detected in mail addressed to the White House.

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