Sean Lengell

Van Hollen to quit House campaign post

Rep. Chris Van Hollen Jr. said Friday he is stepping down as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee after his party lost more than 60 seats to Republicans in Tuesday's midterm elections. Published November 5, 2010

Republicans spar for leadership jobs

Campaign season isn't over for everyone on Capitol Hill, as House Republicans — fresh off their historic takeover of the chamber in Tuesday's midterm elections — now turn their attention to electing leaders within their caucus. Published November 4, 2010

Haley, Scott among minorities in GOP to emerge victorious

While Republicans made strides Tuesday in bolstering the number of minorities elected to public office, some conservatives cautioned the party against boasting of their gains because there's still a long way to go to match the Democrats' long-standing dominance with minority lawmakers. Published November 3, 2010

Boehner ready to take on position of speaker

With his party poised to take over the chamber after Tuesday's elections, House Minority Leader John A. Boehner has promised a new approach to governing that would focus on spending and program cuts, a rejection of earmarks and more openness in how laws are passed. Published November 2, 2010

In battle for Senate control, could GOP win by losing?

Republicans could win Tuesday by losing their bid to take over control of the Senate. Published November 1, 2010

Senate balance of power hinges on weird, ‘nasty’

In an already unusual Senate election year filled with bizarre talk about witches and "aqua Buddhas," and chickens as currency, the waning days of the 2010 campaign season continue to crank out weirdness. Published October 28, 2010

Wisconsin seat up for grabs after Obey’s 21 terms

Elections have been pretty mundane in Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District the past four decades, with re-electing Capitol Hill stalwart Rep. David R. Obey a mere formality for most of his 21 terms. Not so in 2010. Published October 26, 2010

House races on pace for record spending

House candidates easily will raise and spend more than a billion dollars this election cycle for the first time ever, a new report released on Tuesday shows. Published October 26, 2010

Florida eyes ‘sore loser’ election law

A Florida Senate committee has recommended making it tougher for political candidates to switch or leave parties in mid-campaign, a move spurred by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's bolt from the Republican Party to run as an independent for U.S. Senate. Published October 24, 2010

Some top posts on panels up for grabs

While House Republicans are jockeying behind the scenes for coveted committee chairmanships should Democrats be ousted from leadership after the midterm elections, many political insiders don't expect a drastic reshuffling of leadership within the GOP. Published October 21, 2010

Outspoken Democrat Grayson vulnerable

Rep. Alan Grayson is hailed by liberals as an uncompromising breath of fresh air and reviled by conservatives as a crass ideological bully. Published October 19, 2010

Democrats say ‘tea partiers’ will help them

The "tea party" remains an unknown factor, with Democrats saying the movement will cost the GOP seats and Republicans saying it's part of an anti-establishment sentiment. Published October 14, 2010

Kaine: Tea party upsets provide boost to Democrats

The chairman of the Democratic Party said Thursday that a slew of GOP "tea party" candidates nationwide has given his party a legitimate shot to win several races that Democrats largely had conceded. Published October 14, 2010

VFW at war over some of its PAC’s endorsements

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee refused to rescind its candidate endorsements Wednesday, despite outrage from some veterans that its picks failed to represent the VFW's 1.5 million members. Published October 13, 2010

Democrats hold back support for Pelosi

A growing list of House Democrats are expressing reservations about supporting Nancy Pelosi as speaker of the House, with freshman New York Rep. Scott Murphy the latest to say he won't commit to voting for the Californian for the House's top post after the Nov. 2 midterm elections. Published October 12, 2010

Sink, Scott trade barbs on scandals

Florida's two gubernatorial candidates launched dueling media attacks Monday designed to portray the other as scandal-prone and untrustworthy in a race most pollsters say is too close to call. Published October 11, 2010

Feingold finding maverick role of scant help against GOP tide

Russ Feingold seemed as well-positioned as any Senate Democratic incumbent to fend off a Republican challenge this year. The Wisconsinite is pro-gun in a hunting-happy state, has a history of voting against his party - including rejecting the unpopular TARP Wall Street bailout - and has avoided even a hint of personal scandal. Published October 10, 2010

Boehner asserts leadership of House GOP

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner continued his attacks against President Obama and other Democrats last week for their "job killing" policies while pressing his case that Republicans have earned another shot at running Congress - further elevating his status as the party's point man in the run-up to the Nov. 2 congressional elections. Published October 10, 2010

Boehner attacks Obama, Dems over economy

House Minority Leader John A. Boehner on Friday hammered President Obama and Democrats for what he called their "job-killing policies," saying that next month's midterm elections would be a "referendum" on the nation's economy and a chance for a fresh start. Published October 8, 2010

Giannoulias embraces Obama

As Democrats nationwide shun campaign help from the White House, Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias plans to buck the trend and stand boldly with President Obama during a presidential stop this week in Illinois. Published October 3, 2010