In the Loop - Afflicting official Washington since 1993

Posted at 12:42 PM ET, 03/30/2012

Ted Stevens’s case: Probe into prosecutors’ mistakes cost nearly $1 million

By Emily Heil

The probe into prosecutors’ mistakes in handling the corruption case against the late Sen. Ted Stevens cost taxpayers nearly a million bucks.

By Emily Heil | 12:42 PM ET, 03/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:15 AM ET, 03/30/2012

Supreme Court’s seniority system; a country song for the GOP; and pursuing happiness data (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, there’s a peek behind the Supreme Court’s curtains, a country song for the GOP, and an attempt at measuring happiness.

By Emily Heil | 10:15 AM ET, 03/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:07 PM ET, 03/29/2012

Senate confirms scores of administration nominees

By Al Kamen

Chamber clears a backlog that had been building for months as GOP members vowed to block nominees in retaliation for President Obama's controversial recess appointments earlier this year of a consumer watchdog and three members of the National Labor Relations Board.

By Al Kamen | 08:07 PM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 03/29/2012

State Department fire caused by hackers?

By Al Kamen

The source of that fire last week at a State Department annex office housing the China team has not been determined, but word is a printer caught on fire.

By Al Kamen | 05:00 PM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: State Department, State Department fire, China, printers, hackers, Hewlett Packard, HP, IBTimes, printer fires, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop, Columbia University, MSNBC, IBTimes, annex fire

Posted at 01:53 PM ET, 03/29/2012

Tim Scott to repay AEI for friend’s meals at posh resort

By Emily Heil

Rep. Tim Scott is reimbursing a think tank that improperly paid for a friend’s meals during an official trip.

By Emily Heil | 01:53 PM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:43 AM ET, 03/29/2012

GOP also-rans plot end games; the Supreme party’s over; McConnell talks hoops smack (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, the GOP also-rans plot their end games; the Supreme Court party’s over; and Mitch McConnell talks smack.

By Emily Heil | 10:43 AM ET, 03/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:34 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Justice Scalia cracks Jack Benny joke; people of a certain age laugh

By Emily Heil

Supreme Court justices crack up over Jack Benny gag.

By Emily Heil | 05:34 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:20 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Bobby Rush’s House-floor protest: when is a hoodie a hat?

By Emily Heil

A congressman’s floor protest is shut down--but for the wrong rule violation.

By Emily Heil | 04:20 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Trayvon Martin

Posted at 02:36 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Mitt Romney? Etch-a-what?

By Al Kamen

A new poll finds that, despite all the media hoopla, most people have never heard about the Romney Etch a Sketch flap and even fewer say it will effect their votes.

By Al Kamen | 02:36 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Etch A Sketch, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Pew Research Center, Pew, President Obama, Hillary Clinton, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 01:58 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Arlen Specter: Ted Kennedy a ‘walrus;’ Thune a ‘movie star in or out of clothes’

By Emily Heil

More from Sen. Arlen Specter’s new book: naked Kennedy was a ‘walrus;’ Thune was a ‘movie star.’

By Emily Heil | 01:58 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:38 PM ET, 03/28/2012

Bobby Rush: A hoodie in the House? Someday, it might be all good.

By Emily Heil

Rep. Bobby Rush’s headline-making hoodie might someday be no biggie.

By Emily Heil | 01:38 PM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Trayvon Martin, U.S. Congress, U.S. House of Representatives

Posted at 11:56 AM ET, 03/28/2012

Arlen Specter book: naked senators, stiff drinks and a ‘hobo’

By Emily Heil

In his book, former senator Arlen Specter dishes on clothes-free hijinks in the Senate gym.

By Emily Heil | 11:56 AM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 03/28/2012

‘Romniacs’ discovered; Abramoff scandal figure speaks; and chiefs of staffs get their due (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Romney's super-fanbase; an Abramoff associate speaks; and chiefs of staff get their due.

By Emily Heil | 10:13 AM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012

A diplomat’s sexy blog irks ousted State Department employee

By Emily Heil

A blogger says the State Department “selectively” bans employee blogs.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 03/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Peter Van Buren

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 03/27/2012

Turkey’s religious freedom rank splits panel

By Al Kamen

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom ranks Turkey a top violator — but a majority on the panel disagrees.

By Al Kamen | 06:45 PM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Turkey, religious freedom, U.S Commisional on International Religious Freedom, Don Argue, Leonard Leo, religious, Michelle Boorstein, anti-Muslim, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope, Benedict, Raul Castro, Fidel Castro, Havana, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 04:18 PM ET, 03/27/2012

Sarah Palin ‘radiated sensuality,’ says Arlen Specter

By Al Kamen

IN THE LOOP | In his new memoir, Arlen Specter writes of his close encounter with Sarah Palin on the McCain campaign bus.

By Al Kamen | 04:18 PM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Sarah Palin: Arlen Specter, McCain campaign, McCain campaign bus, radiated sensuality, Palin's skirt, Life Among Cannibals, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 03/27/2012

Bureau of Indian Affairs regional office goes leaderless

By Emily Heil

A regional office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs has been leaderless for more than two years.

By Emily Heil | 02:07 PM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:47 AM ET, 03/27/2012

Santorum’s meltdown; court protesters mix; and House Dems meet teen’s parents (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop roundup, Santorum’s meltdown; all flavors of protesters at the court; and slain teen’s parents visit the Hill.

By Emily Heil | 09:47 AM ET, 03/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Sensenbrenner fundraiser: a St. Patty’s mulligan

By Emily Heil

Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner holds a Irish-whiskey fundraiser that’s like a St. Patty’s re-do.

By Emily Heil | 02:48 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:46 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Hot mikes through history: A treasury of gaffes

By Emily Heil

A compendium of political hot-mike moments.

By Emily Heil | 02:46 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: President Obama, Dmitry Medvedev,

Posted at 12:54 PM ET, 03/26/2012

Fire pushes State’s China team out of digs before Obama trip

By Al Kamen

A fire at a State Department building housing a number of bureaus and the China desk crimped operations just as Obama was planning to go to Asia.

By Al Kamen | 12:54 PM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: China, President Obama, Hu Jintao, State Department, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 10:21 AM ET, 03/26/2012

Obama’s hot mike; Rick Perry’s punch lines; and high drama at the high court (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, we examine President Obama’s hot mike, Rick Perry’s punch lines, and Supreme drama.

By Emily Heil | 10:21 AM ET, 03/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 03/23/2012

All Etch, all the time; eyes on Illinois; and Specter’s everywhere (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, the Toy Story continues; all roads lead to Illinois; and Arlen Specter speaks...again.

By Emily Heil | 09:14 AM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: In the Loop, Mitt Romney

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012

Super PAC names veer from aggressive patriotism to wackiness

By Emily Heil

Some super PAC monikers pack a punch.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 03/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:04 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Pink slime, move over: How about glitter in booze?

By Emily Heil

Gallo wines is asking the FDA for the okay to put pearly pigments in spirits.

By Emily Heil | 03:04 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:47 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Karl Rove blasts Obama campaign video

By Al Kamen

The former Bush adviser blasts the campaign video for inaccuracies, but . . .

By Al Kamen | 01:47 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Karl Rove, Bill Clinton, Wall Street Journal, Osama bin Laden, Obama, Obama campaign documentary, Obama campaign film, Greg Sargent, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 03/22/2012

Dan Quayle’s in-flight reading gone to pot

By Emily Heil

The former Veep’s in-flight reading includes the Loop’s item on pot policy.

By Emily Heil | 12:16 PM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Dan Quayle

Posted at 10:31 AM ET, 03/22/2012

Newt’s having a ball; sketchy political metaphors; and a documentary on black voters and the GOP (read-this-roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop roundup, Newt’s having a ball on the trail; Etch a Sketches aren’t the only game in town; and a new documentary on blacks and the GOP.

By Emily Heil | 10:31 AM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:25 PM ET, 03/21/2012

Obama nominees still frozen by GOP

By Al Kamen

Keeping up with nominations. . .

By Al Kamen | 05:25 PM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nominations, Derek Chollet, Pentagon, Kathleen Hicks, President Obama, recess appointments, Wendy Spencer, National Corporation for National and Community Service, Jeb Bush, George W. Bush, Charlie Christ, Rick Scott, GOP holds

Posted at 02:43 PM ET, 03/21/2012

‘War against women’ lurks everywhere

By Emily Heil

It’s more insidious than you might think — just look at some bills the House approved this week.

By Emily Heil | 02:43 PM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:06 PM ET, 03/21/2012

Mitt Romney aide’s ‘Etch A Sketch’ moment

By Al Kamen

Democrats quickly pounced on Romney campaign aide’s explanation of how the candidate would tack to the center after the primaries to appeal to moderates.

By Al Kamen | 12:06 PM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Republican primaries, GOP primary, Eric Fehrnstrom, Etch A Sketch, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 11:49 AM ET, 03/21/2012

Hank Johnson: what if a ‘President Cheney’ wanted to waterboard those poking fun at his hunting skills?

By Emily Heil

Rep. Hank Johnson had a bizarro scenario to run by the NSA chief: What if a ‘President Cheney’ wanted to waterboard people for making hunting jokes?

By Emily Heil | 11:49 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:57 AM ET, 03/21/2012

Congress using Facebook timeline; Clinton’s icons; and Paul Ryan’s video mystery (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Congress uses the timeline feature; Clinton pays homage to her icons; and how much do Paul Ryan’s videos cost?

By Emily Heil | 08:57 AM ET, 03/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:33 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Robert Gates on Obama, leaks and more

By Al Kamen

Former defense secretary speaks at an awards ceremony about his years as secretary of defense in the Bush and Obama administrations.

By Al Kamen | 04:33 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Robert Gates, Bob Gates, Secretary of Defense, National Academy of Public Administration, Warren Buttett, Walter Reed, George Bush, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Leon Panetta, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 03/20/2012

Candidates’ airline-debt disclosure might end

By Emily Heil

An obscure report on how much political candidates owe in airfare might be Washington’s best kept secret—and it might be phased out.

By Emily Heil | 12:14 PM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:37 AM ET, 03/20/2012

The Supreme Court mulls death and life; Santorum convinced by a film; and Hillary lauds Amelia Earhart (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, the high court’s odd case, Santorum’s video education, and Hillary talks Amelia Earhart.

By Emily Heil | 09:37 AM ET, 03/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:08 PM ET, 03/19/2012

Clinton: Tired of the Hungarian Rhapsodies?

By Al Kamen

The Obama administration’s ties with NATO ally Hungary have been frayed in recent months by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s autocratic moves.

By Al Kamen | 03:08 PM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Viktor Orban, Hungary, Budapest, Hillary Clinton, Eleni Kounalakis, ambassador, clientitis, European Union, European Commission, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop, Hungarian Rhapsody, Chicago

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 03/19/2012

Romney’s opportunity on pot policy

By Emily Heil

There are a few reasons why Mitt Romney, who has voiced his personal support for the federal ban on marijuana, should consider a more relaxed stance.

By Emily Heil | 11:59 AM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:14 AM ET, 03/19/2012

Solicitor general’s no Mr. Nice Guy; inside the West Wing; and who’s behind the ads? (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, we’ve got the Solicitor General’s inner meanie; an inside peek into a tense White House; and a move to unmask who’s paying for political ads.

By Emily Heil | 10:14 AM ET, 03/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 03/16/2012

Obama’s record on appointing judges comes into focus

By Emily Heil

With a Senate deal on judges, the White House could catch up with previous administrations...if all stars align.

By Emily Heil | 12:50 PM ET, 03/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:01 AM ET, 03/16/2012

Gingrich rails; voters shrug; and Congress to be more boring (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Newt Gingrich says the political system is ‘stupid,’ GOP voters are feeling ‘meh,’ and Congress loses quirky characters.

By Emily Heil | 10:01 AM ET, 03/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:43 PM ET, 03/15/2012

OSHA whistleblower job open — Meryl Streep can apply

By Al Kamen

Whistleblower protection groups apparently aren’t happy with the way the outfit has been reorganized.

By Al Kamen | 04:43 PM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Whistleblowers, Whistleblower Protection Program, Labor Department, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Government Accountability Office, PEER, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Al Kamen, In the Loop, Emily Heil

Posted at 04:13 PM ET, 03/15/2012

Foreign policy aides on the move. . .

By Al Kamen

New faces at the White House National Security staff and Amnesty International.

By Al Kamen | 04:13 PM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: National Security Council, Amnest International

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 03/15/2012

White House computers had floppy disk drives

By Emily Heil

The White House CIO says systems were outdated when Obama arrived in office.

By Emily Heil | 12:02 PM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:09 AM ET, 03/15/2012

Brett McGurk to be next Iraq envoy?

By Al Kamen

A foreign policy adviser for Bush and Obama, Brett McGurk is said to be the leading candidate for ambassador to Iraq.

By Al Kamen | 11:09 AM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Iraq, Baghdad, ambassador, Brett McGurk, McGurk, Jim Jeffrey, Coalition Provisional Authority, President Bush, President Obama, National Security Council, White House, Nouri al-Maliki, Turkey, Senate, confirmation

Posted at 09:14 AM ET, 03/15/2012

Seamus story bites Romney; the Brits supped; and Blago’s a real insider (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Romney’s dog story barks, the state dinner dissected, and Blago becomes a real insider.

By Emily Heil | 09:14 AM ET, 03/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:11 PM ET, 03/14/2012

Barbara Boxer welcomes French official

By Emily Heil

The Senate welcomes a counterpart from across the pond into the chamber.

By Emily Heil | 04:11 PM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:39 AM ET, 03/14/2012

George Clooney draws a crowd at the Senate

By Al Kamen

When Hollywood meets Washington, the glamor can overwhelm

By Al Kamen | 11:39 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:15 AM ET, 03/14/2012

Newt’s no Nader; the primary is cheap; the Senate’s official business is partying (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup: Newt’s no Nader. Politics is cheap. And the Senate fetes one of its own.

By Emily Heil | 09:15 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/14/2012

Cuban ‘embassy’ bar serving mint-muddled diplomacy

By Emily Heil

At the Cuban Interests Section, communism is served on the rocks.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 03/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:03 PM ET, 03/13/2012

Has Mitt Romney put Arizona in play for 2012?

By Al Kamen

GOP candidate Mitt Romney’s anti-immigrant rhetoric may put Arizona’s 11 electoral votes in play in a state where Latinos are about 20 percent of eligible voters.

By Al Kamen | 12:03 PM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Mitt Romney, Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, John McCain, President Bush, Latinos, Arizona, Latino voters, Fox News, Pete Wilson, Kris Kobach, Richard Carmona, Al Kamen, Emily Heil, In the Loop, Dream Act, Arizona battleground, Obama campaign

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 03/13/2012

Oil and politics mix once more; Santorum gives GOP voters more satisfaction; Sunshine Week comes to Washington (read-this-roundup)

By Al Kamen

Rising gas prices hit Obama’s polls; Santorum gives more satisfaction; and Sunshine Week in Washington (an In the Loop roundup)

By Al Kamen | 10:50 AM ET, 03/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

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

Rick Santorum spokeswoman’s Dutch treat

By Emily Heil

The Loop awards a Santorum spokeswoman a prize for adherence to talking points.

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

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 03/12/2012

George Clooney to visit Senate to talk Sudan

By Emily Heil

Actor/activist George Clooney is slated to testify this week.

By Emily Heil | 12:34 PM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:33 AM ET, 03/12/2012

Kissing grits in the South; Ann Romney’s horse hobby; and Nixon gets romantic (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the loop’s roundup, GOP candidates getting awkward down South; Ann Romney’s pricey horse hobby; and Nixon’s romantic side.

By Emily Heil | 10:33 AM ET, 03/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:55 AM ET, 03/09/2012

Senate designates March 11 as World Plumbing Day

By Emily Heil

The day is meant to honor plumbers and sanitation system workers, and to highlight the worldwide need for safe drinking water.

By Emily Heil | 11:55 AM ET, 03/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 03/09/2012

A bright idea; an etiquette breach; and so long, Dennis (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, a not-so-bright idea; a job-search etiquette breach; and a final farewell to Dennis Kucinich.

By Emily Heil | 10:26 AM ET, 03/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/09/2012

Harry Reid to push for judges

By Al Kamen

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to push next week for Senate confirmation of about a dozen judicial nominees stalled in the Senate.

By Al Kamen | 07:00 AM ET, 03/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 03/08/2012

Dictator Obiang may get his U.N. prize

By Al Kamen

The four-year-long skirmish continues over whether to authorize a U.N. award originally named for Africa’s longest-serving dictator.

By Al Kamen | 05:06 PM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: UNESCO, United Nations, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Obiang, Equatorial Guinea, Michael Jackson, Obiang Prize, Malibu, Gulfstream, Palestinian Authority

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 03/08/2012

A PAC targets incumbents; Obama donors land jobs; and political films galore (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop;s roundup, a PAC targets both parties; President Obama finds jobs for donors; and “porn” for policy wonks

By Emily Heil | 10:55 AM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: In the Loop

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012

Rep. John Mica’s gambit for FTC’s headquarters all about arts and letters

By Emily Heil

House transportation committee Chairman John Mica opens a new salvo in his quest to use the FTC’s headquarters for the National Gallery.

By Emily Heil | 07:00 AM ET, 03/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 03/07/2012

Oreo anniversary celebrated in Congress

By Emily Heil

An Illinois congressman hails the iconic cookie’s 100th birthday.

By Emily Heil | 01:27 PM ET, 03/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 03/07/2012

Romney’s diet trick; Gingrich’s career options; and Joe the Plumber puts a wrench in the race (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

The Loop’s roundup, we reveal Mitt Romney’s secret to staying trim, ponder Newt Gingrich’s career options, and welcome Joe the Plumber to the fray.

By Emily Heil | 10:00 AM ET, 03/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: In the Loop

Posted at 08:45 AM ET, 03/07/2012

Dennis Kucinich’s greatest hits (a Loop lament)

By Emily Heil

The Loop counts the ways in which we’ll miss the vegan ventriloquist from Ohio.

By Emily Heil | 08:45 AM ET, 03/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:46 PM ET, 03/06/2012

Baghdad Embassy for sale (Loop contest winners!)

By Al Kamen

By Al Kamen | 01:46 PM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: In the Loop, In the Loop contest, Embassy for Sale, Baghdad, Iraq, U.S. Embassy, contest winners, Al Kamen, Emily Heil

Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 03/06/2012

Mark Warner targets pheasants, campaign checks

By Emily Heil

Sen. Mark Warner is the beneficiary of a pheasant-hunting fundraiser.

By Emily Heil | 11:51 AM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:48 AM ET, 03/06/2012

Cain’s ‘2-5-0’ plan; Ron Paul’s army awaits orders; and ethically challenged lawmakers get kid-glove treatment (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, Herman Cain’s ‘2-5-0’ plan; Ron Paul’s loyal army; and congressional leaders handling lawmakers accused of ethics woes with kid gloves.

By Emily Heil | 10:48 AM ET, 03/06/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 03/05/2012

White House rewards Iraq vet with Mongolian embassy job

By Emily Heil

The White House rewards a tough Iraq stint with a not-so-glamorous ambassadorship.

By Emily Heil | 01:04 PM ET, 03/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:24 AM ET, 03/05/2012

Newt Gingrich bores kids; Supremes’ Empire state of mind; and lawmakers, lobbyists nearly come to blows (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

Gingrich woos the youth vote; the Supreme Court is in an Empire State of mind; and lawmakers and lobbyists nearly come to blows.

By Emily Heil | 10:24 AM ET, 03/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:50 PM ET, 03/02/2012

State Department disciplines workers for off-duty affairs

By Emily Heil

Foreign Service members who cheat on their spouses could wind up in trouble... with their employer.

By Emily Heil | 03:50 PM ET, 03/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:46 AM ET, 03/02/2012

No stones unthrown in campaigns; Snowe speaks; Bo Obama in bunny ears: Read-this Roundup

By Emily Heil

In the Loop Roundup: Political operatives don’t keep their powder dry; Olympia Snowe speaks; Bo sports bunny ears.

By Emily Heil | 10:46 AM ET, 03/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:34 PM ET, 03/01/2012

Inhofe’s blustery tome is latest addition to the Senate bookshelf

By Emily Heil

Sen. James Inhofe has a blustery new addition to the Senate bookshelf.

By Emily Heil | 02:34 PM ET, 03/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:38 PM ET, 03/01/2012

Ohio primary ‘semi-open’ to Democratic mischief

By Al Kamen

Turns out that, while the Republican National Committee listed Ohio’s Tuesday GOP primary as closed, it is only slightly more closed than the Michigan primary was.

By Al Kamen | 12:38 PM ET, 03/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Santorum, Romney, Obama, Michigan primary, Ohio primary, Daily Kos, Operation Hilarity, Democratic crossover vote, crossovers, Buckeye state, delegates, Democratic crossover, Ohio Republican Party, Chuck Todd

Posted at 10:41 AM ET, 03/01/2012

Santorum lacks soapbox specialist; Michael Douglas’s advice might cost you; and Washington’s birthday debated (read-this roundup)

By Emily Heil

In the Loop’s roundup, we learn that Mitt Romney has a dedicated soapbox-placement specialist on staff and that Michael Douglas’s advice might cost you.

By Emily Heil | 10:41 AM ET, 03/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

In the Loop: March, 2012