In the Loop - Afflicting official Washington since 1993

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 02/01/2012

Davos forum: a truly motley crowd

By Al Kamen and Emily Heil

The annual World Economic Forum drew dignitaries — and topless Ukrainian feminists.

By Al Kamen and Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 02/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Davos, Tim Giethner

Posted at 10:29 AM ET, 01/31/2012

Salazar takes on snakes; a Romney-Obama sing-off; and Hollywood on Washington (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s job is more dangerous than we knew; Mitt Romney breaks into song; and Hollywood takes on Washington.

By Emily Heil | 10:29 AM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012

NLRB and U.N. worker heads to the slammer

By Al Kamen

Jeffrey K. Armstrong of South Riding, Va., was sentenced Friday to 18 months in federal prison for his fraudulent endeavors.

By Al Kamen | 08:00 AM ET, 01/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:16 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Tom Gavin, Cabinet communications director, leaves White House for tech group

By Emily Heil

Tom Gavin, who coordinated Cabinet secretary activity, is joining the Information Technology Industry Council.

By Emily Heil | 01:16 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: White House

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Obama hopes for a fourth-quarter win

By Al Kamen

With the Super Bowl on Sunday, it is probably fitting that President Obama would use a football analogy in his call to exhort political appointees at the agencies to keep on plugging.

By Al Kamen | 01:14 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:46 AM ET, 01/30/2012

Mitt Romney’s candidate jeans, the delegate dance, and Jeb Bush is funny (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, we learn the calculation behind Mitt Romney’s jeans, explore the race for delegates, and discover Jeb Bush’s funnybone.

By Emily Heil | 09:46 AM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mitt Romney, GOP campaign, presidential election

Posted at 05:17 PM ET, 01/27/2012

Walter Isaacson leaving BBG, says he’s busy with ‘big writing project’

By Emily Heil

The best-selling author of Steve Jobs’s biography resigns as the chairman of the broadcasting agency to focus on another book.

By Emily Heil | 05:17 PM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Walter Issacson, Broadcasting Board of Governors, White House

Posted at 10:07 AM ET, 01/27/2012

Roundup: Gingrich’s moon-redistricting plan, rude Washington, Ron Paul’s bike race

By Emily Heil

Loop contemplates an unwelcome endorsement, a congressman from the moon, Washington rudeness and Ron Paul’s challenge.

By Emily Heil | 10:07 AM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012

Newt Gingrich’s animal attraction resurfaces

By Al Kamen

Gingrich’s past support for endangered species comes back to haunt him.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 01/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Endangered Species Act

Posted at 03:54 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Romney more popular than Reagan (at least in the first-name sweepstakes)

By Emily Heil

“Willard” isn’t as uncommon a name as you’d think.

By Emily Heil | 03:54 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: mitt romney

Posted at 12:59 PM ET, 01/26/2012

Mitt Romney’s tax returns: What’s in them?

By Al Kamen

Pressure will surely build for more records.

By Al Kamen | 12:59 PM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mitt Romney

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 01/26/2012

Obama’s State of the Union bests ‘Idol’ and Newt promises the moon (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, the president’s speech garners more viewers than ‘American Idol,’ plus Newt Gingrich promises the moon--and gets caught in a falsehood.

By Emily Heil | 10:34 AM ET, 01/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Former Pentagon official Lynn to helm defense contracting firm

By Emily Heil

Former Pentagon official William Lynn to head up a subsidiary of an Italian defense company.

By Emily Heil | 05:58 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:56 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Cabinet secretaries launch swing states tour

By Emily Heil

After the president’s address, his Cabinet fans out — and they’re mostly hitting up swing states.

By Emily Heil | 12:56 PM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 01/25/2012

John Boehner issues dress-code reminder to scruffy members

By Emily Heil

The House Speaker issues a gentle reminder of the chamber’s dress code.

By Emily Heil | 11:47 AM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:38 AM ET, 01/25/2012

State of the Union speech a big deal here, elsewhere... not so much; plus John Kerry’s bruises explained (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, we confront two different realities: In one, the State of the Union’s a massive deal. In the other, not so much.

By Emily Heil | 10:38 AM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012

National Security Agency: Declare foreign sex

By Al Kamen

NSA instructs its overseas staff to report contact with foreigners — including the intimate kind.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 01/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Warren Buffett’s secretary Debbie Bosanek defers to boss on tax plans

By Emily Heil

Debbie Bosanek will be sitting tonight with the first lady as the face of President Obama’s tax plan, but she won’t talk politics.

By Emily Heil | 06:00 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:31 PM ET, 01/24/2012

State Department vs. space junk

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 03:31 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 01/24/2012

Buffett secretary Debbie Bosanek: ‘I couldn’t sleep’ before State of the Union

By Emily Heil

Warren Buffett’s secretary, Debbie Bosanek, prepares for tonight’s speech.

By Emily Heil | 12:25 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 01/24/2012

USAID ready to fork out millions for bright ideas

By Emily Heil

The development agency thinks it needs more thinking plans to fund think tank centers.

By Emily Heil | 12:05 PM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 01/24/2012

Gingrich tapes relevant again; Hollywood is like Washington; and a close look at Romney’s tax forms (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, Newt Gingrich’s old tapes are worth a re-listen; how Hollywood is like Washington; and Mitt Romey’s tax returns go under a microscope.

By Emily Heil | 10:32 AM ET, 01/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:45 PM ET, 01/23/2012

Bakers association has a reason to party on Capitol Hill: folic acid!

By Emily Heil

One trade association has an arcane reason to get down: folic acid.

By Emily Heil | 12:45 PM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:32 AM ET, 01/23/2012

Veepstakes begins; feds in tax trouble; and which agency is the government’s Rodney Dangerfield? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, the veepstakes kicks off; federal workers owe lots to their employer; and one agency says it’s the Rodney Dangerfield of the government.

By Emily Heil | 10:32 AM ET, 01/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:15 PM ET, 01/20/2012

Obama’s pick for DOI job won’t face Senate again

By Emily Heil

Faced with a contentious nomination process in the Senate, Wodder asks the White House not to re-submit her name for a top Interior Department job.

By Emily Heil | 04:15 PM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:32 PM ET, 01/20/2012

Rick Perry in 2016, the buck stops in Iowa, and tax tips from the pols (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, we learn that Rick Perry might make a comeback, watch the buck stop in Iowa, and learn some tax tips from the candidates’ returns.

By Emily Heil | 01:32 PM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012

George W. Bush in the GOP debates: a taboo topic

By Emily Heil

During the endless parade of GOP debates, the candidates barely mentioned the last Republican president.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 01/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Obama’s nominees to judgeships: prospects are dimming

By Al Kamen

How are President Obama’s judicial nominees faring on the Hill?

By Al Kamen | 04:06 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 01/19/2012

Obama’s Disney visit focuses on tourism — not politics, Carney says

By Emily Heil

Obama visits Disney World to boost tourism efforts — the fact that it’s in politically significant Florida is just a coincidence.

By Emily Heil | 02:53 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:29 PM ET, 01/19/2012

IRS: Disclose those foreign assets

By Al Kamen

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act taking effect next year

By Al Kamen | 01:29 PM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:15 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Kristy Noem: Capitol Hill’s most powerful intern

By Emily Heil

Kristi Noem isn’t just an undergraduate, she’s also a congresswoman ... and a recent intern.

By Emily Heil | 11:15 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:57 AM ET, 01/19/2012

Tax-return fever, House debates footwear, Gingrich’s ex-wife may reveal secrets (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

The GOP candidates have tax-document fever; a footwear debate breaks out on the House floor; and Newt’s ex-wife might bare all.

By Emily Heil | 10:57 AM ET, 01/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:23 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Harvard law prof Sunstein and Steve Jobs bio author Isaacson were eyed for domestic policy shop

By Al Kamen

Among those considered for the domestic policy post that went to Cecilia Munoz were Harvard’s Cass Sunstein and Jobs biographer Walter Isaacson.

By Al Kamen | 05:23 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Vacationing in Iraq? Better get a visa.

By Al Kamen

U.S. government employees traveling to Iraq are being advised that they’re going to need “valid Iraqi visas” to enter the country.

By Al Kamen | 03:04 PM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:04 AM ET, 01/18/2012

Newt’s food-stamp line, and no Wikipedia: feels like the ‘90s (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, the news (Newt talking food stamps, the death of the Internet) is giving us retro vibes.

By Emily Heil | 11:04 AM ET, 01/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:10 PM ET, 01/17/2012

GOP candidates on drugs

By Emily Heil

Where do the presidential contenders stand on dope? And did they ‘just say no’ themselves?

By Emily Heil | 04:10 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Team Obama scores one with reorganization plan?

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 03:30 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:32 PM ET, 01/17/2012

Events this week: civil society with Hillary and a major downer

By Emily Heil

This week, the Loop highlights a meeting for civil society and a depressing panel.

By Emily Heil | 12:32 PM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: RSVP

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 01/17/2012

Huntsman didn’t relish the hunt; Congress’ likability strategy; and Obama does his homework (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, Huntsman lacked a killer instinct; Congress has a sure-fire plan for getting people to like them; and Obama does his homework.

By Emily Heil | 10:15 AM ET, 01/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 01/13/2012

Obama’s State of the Union: A work in progress

By Al Kamen

The White House team is hard at work on President Obama’s Jan. 24 State of the Union Address,

By Al Kamen | 02:30 PM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Rick Santorum, environmentalist; plus everything you thought you knew about politics is wrong (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, we find out that Rick Santorum’s a closet environmentalist, and discover that everything we knew about politics is wrong.

By Emily Heil | 10:31 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012

Specter’s TV show premiere: a highlights reel

By Emily Heil

We watch the former senator’s talk-show debut... so you don’t have to.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 01/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 01/12/2012

Recess appointments cloud prospects for streamlining bill

By Emily Heil

A bill to streamline the Senate confirmation process may be a victim of the fight over recess appointments.

By Emily Heil | 02:01 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 01/12/2012

GOP primaries: Over?

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 12:04 PM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012

President Obama’s got sons?

By Al Kamen

Sons? What sons? How many? Where? Names? Do the girls know?

By Al Kamen | 11:00 AM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:18 AM ET, 01/12/2012

Mark Sanford is back; coining new campaign phrases (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In today’s Loop roundup, the former South Carolina governor has re-emerged, post-scandal, and the GOP campaign is inspiring some new additions to the English language.

By Emily Heil | 10:18 AM ET, 01/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Supreme Court’s naked truth (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

Today’s In the Loop roundup uncovers nudity in the courtroom.

By Emily Heil | 10:26 AM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012

Eric Cantor’s travelogue, interrupted

By Emily Heil

A staffer narrates a lawmakers’ jaunt to the Middle East.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 01/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Recess appointments to the Supreme Court (Loop quiz!)

By Al Kamen

In the Loop’s quiz tests your knowledge of judicial nominations to the Supreme Court.

By Al Kamen | 03:53 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:09 PM ET, 01/10/2012

Cecilia Munoz to head Obama’s Domestic Policy Council

By Al Kamen

Cecilia Munoz, a long-time civil rights activist,

By Al Kamen | 03:09 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:05 PM ET, 01/10/2012

David Addington, media darling?

By Al Kamen

David Addington, a behind-the-scenes player for Dick Cheney, is emerging in print and on television.

By Al Kamen | 01:05 PM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 01/10/2012

GOP race turning into an uncivil war? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In today’s Loop roundup, the GOP race takes an uncivil turn, with candidates and voters alike exhibiting anger.

By Emily Heil | 10:34 AM ET, 01/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:08 PM ET, 01/09/2012

GOP presidential primary candidates not promising to be civil

By Al Kamen

Manchester Union Leader columnist Garry Rayno writes in his weekly “State House Dome,” “not one presidential candidate would sign” it.

By Al Kamen | 04:08 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 01/09/2012

GOP debates can’t top the Israeli Knesset

By Al Kamen

In Israel, debates can quickly become shouting matches and worse.

By Al Kamen | 12:38 PM ET, 01/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:30 PM ET, 01/06/2012

Congressional fundraisers gear up for the holiday season...again

By Emily Heil

Even minor holidays are a reason to party--at least congressional fundraisers think so.

By Emily Heil | 02:30 PM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: RSVP

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 01/06/2012

Huntsman latest victim of goat-bites-official (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

Jon Huntsman is only the latest politico to have a run-in with a goat.

By Emily Heil | 10:53 AM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012

Travel ban clouds Hawaii airline industry retreat

By Al Kamen

An airline industry gathering takes a hit, as federal workers’ travel budgets tighten.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 01/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Travel and Leisure, hawaii, government travel

Posted at 06:04 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Obama nominees languish as Cordray gets green light

By Al Kamen

President Obama made a recess appointee out of Richard Cordray, but plenty of other would-be appointees are waiting in the wings.

By Al Kamen | 06:04 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:30 PM ET, 01/05/2012

Arlen Specter’s got a new TV gig

By Emily Heil

Former senator Arlen Specter gets a new TV gig.

By Emily Heil | 01:30 PM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 01/05/2012

GOP race: Who are the best of frenemies? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In this morning’s Loop roundup, we look at the odd couples in the GOP race.

By Emily Heil | 10:15 AM ET, 01/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:02 PM ET, 01/04/2012

Cordray summoned to Hill: Welcome to the administration!

By Emily Heil

After President Obama named Richard Cordray to head a new financial watchdog, folks on the Hill want to have him over for a chat.

By Emily Heil | 03:02 PM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:21 AM ET, 01/04/2012

Cordray appointment could come today (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s morning roundup, President Obama could go over Senate Republicans’ heads on Cordray; Iowa happened; and your employment prospects might be bleak.

By Emily Heil | 10:21 AM ET, 01/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:58 PM ET, 01/03/2012

New Hampshire primaries to Iowa caucuses: yawn

By Emily Heil

It seems that everyone cares what happens in Iowa. . .except the folks from New Hampshire.

By Emily Heil | 02:58 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:44 PM ET, 01/03/2012

Federal agencies boost bikes with subsidy for workers

By Emily Heil

The State Department is offering to pay its employees who commute by bike.

By Emily Heil | 12:44 PM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:24 AM ET, 01/03/2012

Iowa caucuses: tractors, pizza and plenty of coffee (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In last-minute pitches to Iowans, GOP hopefuls rack up the miles--and cups of joe.

By Emily Heil | 10:24 AM ET, 01/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

In the Loop: February, 2012