As campaign heats up, so does focus on 'birthers'

In December, shortly after taking office, Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie told the Los Angeles Times that he hoped to use his new perch to take on the so-called "birther" movement, the belief that President Obama was not born in the state -- or, more to the point, the United States entirely.

On the outskirts of Dallas, Tom Landry Highway is flanked by a Starbucks and a Pollo Campero — a popular Guatemalan chicken joint. The local Wal-Mart sells sacks of chicharrones at the deli counter, and dried guajillo peppers next to the bulk bins of pinto beans and rice.

The Senate Ethics Committee's investigation into Sen. John Ensign's conduct related to his affair with a campaign aide will continue despite his decision to resign, the panel's leaders say.

Nevada governor calls speculation about Ensign replacement 'premature'

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) said Friday that he plans to name a new senator to fill the vacancy caused by John Ensign's (R-Nev.) resignation before May 3, and called early speculation about potential appointees "premature."

CNN's Spitzer pushes back at Trump's business boasts

It was inevitable that Trumpmentum would eventually smash into a Trumpian takedown, a collision of unstoppable, irresistable, and spectacular forces.

On the road, Obama flashes a little frustration

The Secret Service won't let him pump his own gas. The armchair political consultants think he botched the healthcare overhaul. By his own reckoning, he is older, grayer, but no less impatient with Washington's sclerotic political system than the typical 2008 Obama volunteer with that peeling "hope" poster tacked to the wall.

Obama makes his case in California

President Obama sought to bolster California supporters Thursday by arguing that his administration has achieved a number of key goals, from healthcare reform to tax cuts, while acknowledging that delivering on the promises he made in 2008 has been more difficult than he had expected.

Nevada welcomes Sen. John Ensign's decision to resign

Nevada Sen. John Ensign, facing an ethics investigation stemming from his affair with a campaign aide, will resign Friday, his office announced.

Poll: GOP presidential field curbs voter enthusiasm

Right now, there appears to be one clear front-runner in the race for the Republican presidential nomination: ambivalence.

The White House and some of its allies in the Democratic Party are pushing with increasing force to unmask corporations and individuals that secretly contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to groups that influence election campaigns.

LaHood: We won't pay air traffic controllers to nap

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, embarrassed by reports of air-traffic controllers asleep at their jobs, said today that as well-trained professionals they have a "personal responsibility" to get their job done -- including resting when they're off the clock.