Jillian Bandes

Jillian Bandes

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The Fierce Booze Battle

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 20, 2010)

The battle over booze is a sexy, dirty, political mess that could leave you dizzier than a drunk after a long night at the pub. At stake is the alcohol industry’s... more

Can a State Bypass the EPA?

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 15, 2010)

In 2010, the EPA granted exactly two new coal mining permits in West Virginia. There are fifty outstanding permits, because according to the EPA, bugs are more important than... more

Far-Right Republicans Don't Hold the Line on Earmarks Ban

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 10, 2010)

A half-dozen staunchly conservative Members of Congress have been beating around the bush on the anti-earmark ban. They support the GOP’s current ban, but not... more

Bridalplasty Is a New Low for Women's Reality TV

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 09, 2010)

Netty Aranguren wants her ears surgically pinned back. That way, she'll feel more prepared to embark on the journey of marriage. Aranguren, 23, moved into... more

Simplification of the Tax Code Not Likely

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 04, 2010)

Tax code reform has the potential to achieve what seems to be an impossible goal: increasing revenue while lowering tax rates. But legislators have put it on the backburner... more

Energetic Infighting for Energy and Commerce Chair

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 02, 2010)

Glenn Beck has come out against him. Rush has come out against him. Tea Party activists from every different angle are snarling over charges that he’s one of the biggest... more

Israeli Hostage Gets a Hand from Abbas

By Jillian Bandes (Dec 01, 2010)

The saga of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit continues, as Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas finally called for an unconditional release of the 24-year-old... more

Down with the Democrats: Polls Point to Rampant Voter Dissatisfaction

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 24, 2010)

It’s become a common refrain to say that the November elections were more of a rejection of Democrats than an endorsement for the Republicans. Two pollsters from opposite... more

Taking the Gloves Off: Is the Health Care Bill Constitutional

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 19, 2010)

The legal arguments surrounding the constitutionality of the health care debate are nuanced, and at the center of the debate is whether Congress can regulate a citizen’s... more

Food Fight Breaks Out in Senate

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 18, 2010)

It’s worse than your kids at the dinner table: the battle over food safety has gotten worse after the Senate voted to move forward on the bill Wednesday. With a 74-25 vote... more

Lame Ducks Take on Food Safety

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 17, 2010)

A bill up for consideration in the Senate today would update food safety regulations for the first time since the 1930s. It would also be a massive expansion of government... more

Your Opinion Counts: The Incoming GOP Congress

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 12, 2010)

Townhall readers don't seem too enthusiastic about the new GOP House majority. For the past week, they've been bellyaching that the new class of Republicans won’t do much of... more

Is the GOP Transition Team Talk or Action?

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 11, 2010)

The GOP transition period – when the newly-elected Republican majority starts to run the House of Representatives – is like a campfire sing-along, combined with an ongoing... more

Time to Hold New GOP Accountable

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 08, 2010)

Fiscal conservatives had some big wins last Tuesday, but their post-election statements indicate that they might not mean what they say.For example, Pat Toomey refused to... more

Slurpee-Loving President Goes for the Gold

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 03, 2010)

President Obama smacked his lips repeatedly and declared his love for Slurpees in a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday that highlighted his charisma and... more

Tea Party Makes a Statement

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 03, 2010)

Tea partiers won some and lost some last night, but their influence was strong enough to make a statement: the movement has made a difference. Christine O’Donnell and... more

If This Guy Can Pull It Off, the GOP Has Nothing to Worry About Tomorrow

By Jillian Bandes (Nov 01, 2010)

YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO— Republican Bill Johnson has an uphill battle in the Buckeye State. But if he can pull it off, Republicans everywhere can rest easy on Election Day. You... more

'Rally to Restore Sanity' was hilarious and heartbreaking

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 30, 2010)

Jon Stewart’s “Rally to Restore Sanity” and Steven Colbert’s “Rally to Restore Fear” was hilarious, and heartbreaking. The presentations were witty, and the signs were... more

ON THE ROAD: Bloody Votes For Kasich In Ohio

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 29, 2010)

CLEVELAND, OHIO— Slovenians “vote blood, not party,” according to outgoing Ohio Sen. George Voinovich (R), who campaigned this week with gubernatorial candidate John Kasich.... more

ON THE ROAD: Rothfus Campaign Making a Move

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 28, 2010)

Keith Rothfus’ campaign was under the radar until just a few weeks ago. Then, it came out of the shadows with a very clear message: incumbent Democrat Jason Altmire is and... more

ON THE ROAD: Pennsylvania's Race Gets Dirty As Sestak Slings Feces

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 28, 2010)

In his final push against Republican Pat Toomey in the Pennsylvania Senate race, an advertisement from Democratic Rep. Joe Sestak features a bag of feces collected from his... more

26-Year Incumbent Dem Congressman Faces Trouble in 2010

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 26, 2010)

Republican Congressional candidate Lou Barletta has a secret weapon: Betty Crocker. A team of bakers have carpet-bombed his campaign with lemon cake and peanut... more

Will The Chosen People Choose Pat Toomey?

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 22, 2010)

The Jews made it out of Egypt and survived the Six Day war. They can also probably save Pat Toomey’s Senate campaign. Why? The kosher vote is gravitating towards the... more

Cat Fight in South Dakota

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 21, 2010)

Kristi Noem has been dubbed the “next Sarah Palin,” but she’s keen on distancing herself from that title. “I respect Sarah Palin and her service as Governor of Alaska and... more

ON THE ROAD: Marco Rubio's Double Digit Lead

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 20, 2010)

THE VILLAGES, FL -- Following Marco Rubio's bus tour isn't for the feint of heart. First, I was pulled over by a state trooper, and then, my entire view of Sen. George... more

ON THE ROAD: Florida Heading in the Right Direction

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 18, 2010)

There were at least half a dozen races in the Sunshine State that could’ve gone either way at the beginning of this cycle. With two weeks to go, all but one of them has... more

In the Democratic Party, the Voters Aren't Really In Charge

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 13, 2010)

Democrats are hitting the NRCC for having the audacity to allow voters to select their candidates for Congress. According to the DCCC, some GOP candidates have... more

AT THE RACES: Let’s Get Real About The Florida Governor’s Debate

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 09, 2010)

The Florida governor’s debate on Friday night took talking points and platitudes to a new low. Neither Republican Rick Scott nor Democrat Alex Sink said anything of note... more

AT THE RACES: Florida Senate Debate Gets Punchy

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 07, 2010)

The winner of the best punch-line for the Florida Senate debate last night goes to Charlie Crist, a guy who probably needs the humor more than anyone else. “You... more

Tea Party Candidate Boiling Over In Alan Grayson’s District

By Jillian Bandes (Oct 06, 2010)

Crazy old Alan Grayson is enjoying the spoils of a third party candidate who insists that she’s not a third party candidate. Peg Dunmire is running for Congress under the... more

America's Most Insane Congressman: Now 7 Points Behind

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 29, 2010)

A new poll shows Florida Democratic Congressman Alan Grayson 7 points behind Republican challenger Dan Webster. This development warrants a little review of Grayson's,... more

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's Big Tea Party Spoof

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 27, 2010)

Comedian Jon Stewart's "Restoring Sanity" rally pokes fun at overzealous political activism, but it's hard not to see how it doesn't attack the Right more than it attacks... more

Raese Is In It To Win It

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 24, 2010)

The West Virginia Senate race was blown wide-open by a new poll that put Republican John Raese’ ahead of Democratic Governor Joe Manchin, 46% to 43%. Raese has an explanation... more

Alveda King Reaffirms Ties Between Blacks and Conservatives

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 20, 2010)

MLK, Glenn Beck, and racism: these themes are still echoing long after the conclusion of Beck's monumental rally on the anniversary of King's "I Have A Dream" speech last... more

New California Focus: Marijuana

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 15, 2010)

There are a number of razor-close political races happening in California this November. Voters couldn’t give a hoot. All they care about is ganja. This year,... more

The "Young Guns" Bring Out the Big Guns

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 14, 2010)

Reps. Eric Cantor, Kevin McCarthy and Wisconsin's Fiscal Dreamboat (WFD) — also known as Rep. Paul Ryan — are releasing a new book today that outlines their plan for the... more

9/12 Reveals GOP Intensity for November Elections

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 13, 2010)

The tea party has something in common with fine wine: it gets better with age. This year’s 9/12 rally came replete with the types of moveable signs that were clearly crafted... more

Joe Miller Dances Between GOP Establishment And The Tea Party

By Jillian Bandes (Sep 09, 2010)

Joe Miller, the GOP’s newly-minted Alaska Senate nominee, has a delicate and arguably astute take on official Republican leadership and campaign arms. What’s interesting is... more

Faith, Hope, and Honor at Glenn Beck's 8-28 Rally

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 28, 2010)

Glenn Beck's 8/28 rally delivered a swift kick in the rear to anyone who claims he or the conservative grassroots movement is irrelevant or idle. "Welcome to Restoring... more

Conservative Vacation: Defending the Dream before 8/28

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 28, 2010)

Americans for Prosperity's Defending the Dream conference took place just one day before Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor rally, marking the biggest conservative weekend in... more

Glenn Beck's 8.28 Restoring Honor Full Interview

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 24, 2010)

Glenn Beck: It is extraordinarily rare these days to have actual reporting going on and people who are trying to get it right. I appreciate it. Townhall Staff: Thank you... more

Restoring Honor

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 22, 2010)

Glenn Beck says that this Saturday’s 8/28 rally “Restoring Honor” is about far more than just politics. “This isn’t a rah-rah USA kind of thing. This is a sacred... more

The Taxing Jobs Bill

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 20, 2010)

With Obama pushing Republicans to stop blocking a new “jobs bill,” it’s important to take a look at one important provision in it: a new tax on the oil and gas industry,... more

The Price of Justice

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 19, 2010)

America has the highest incarceration rates in the world, and the price tag for keeping felonious Americans behind bars is over $200 billion, including police and judicial... more

Society's Overlooked Hidden Costs

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 16, 2010)

Shoplifting costs the average American family over $400 per year. Yet it’s not worth retailers’ time to prosecute, meaning there’s no good way to keep law-abiding shoppers... more

The Cure For The Common Politician: This Year’s GOP

By Jillian Bandes (Aug 13, 2010)

Republican primaries this cycle have led to a motley group of conservative victors with wildly different backgrounds and levels of political expertise. Rather than panic, we... more

TSA Throwing Money to Questionable Ends

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 21, 2010)

The Rosetta Stone language education company will take in almost $1.7 million from its contract with the Transportation Security Administration, serving over 28,000 TSA... more

Pennsylvania Gone Wild

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 16, 2010)

Arlen Specter’s dramatic defeat was only the start of the action in the Pennsylvania’s Senate race. With three and a half months to go, polling between Republican Pat Toomey... more

AIG Hired To Regulate AIG

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 15, 2010)

Sometimes, the revolving door spins a little too quickly. James Cole, Obama’s recent nominee for Deputy Attorney General, has worked as an independent consultant at AIG... more

Tax Increases on the Horizon

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 12, 2010)

Democrats in Congress haven’t made any moves to extend the Bush tax cuts of 2006, so workers of all income levels can expect to see a 5% increase in their income taxes, and... more

GOP Steamrolling Dems In Early Electoral Indicators

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 09, 2010)

With half of all primary races completed, national electoral momentum has shifted to the November 2nd general elections. And a number of important polls say the generals are... more

Liberal Comedy: 'Bizarre' and 'Horrifying' Tea Party

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 08, 2010)

A full-length play called The Tea Party Project launches this weekend, set on exposing “the funny, the bizarre, and the downright horrifying” parts of the tea party through... more

Bob Etheridge Runs into Reporter, then Runs Into Trouble

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 06, 2010)

Democratic Congressman Bob Etheridge’s campaign was running along just fine until he roughed up a reporter on the streets of Washington, D.C. Now, his re-election looks... more

Kagan's Top Ten

By Jillian Bandes (Jul 01, 2010)

Here are the top ten quotes from Solicitor General Elana Kagan as she goes into her fourth day of Senate hearings. 1. "Like all Jews, I was probably at a Chinese... more

The Truth Behind Kagan's Political Record

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 30, 2010)

Anyone watching the SCOTUS hearing is familiar with Elena Kagan denying recruiters on Havard’s campus because the military’s policy towards homosexuality was in conflict with... more

Rubio vs. Crist: Substance Over Style

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 25, 2010)

Oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill just hit the shores of Florida beaches, and a new, flashy poll has revealed that more and more Floridians oppose drilling off their... more

A Bad Lie, At Best

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 24, 2010)

A massive increase in the national debt would be an inevitable part of this year’s budget proposal, given that Democrats have enacted some of the most expensive legislation... more

Open Season on Democrats: Immigration on the Front Lines

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 21, 2010)

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) is an outspoken opponent of SB1070, the Arizona immigration law. That’s an inconvenient thing to have on the books in a district where 70%... more

The Future's Not Bright For This Alabama Democrat

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 18, 2010)

Correction Appended In Alabama’s second district, local tea party activists held a “no-show townhall” with a mannequin of their Democratic Representative,... more

Inside the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 17, 2010)

Ernest Franz is the kind of guy you want to talk to if you're interested in what's happening with the Gulf oil spill. He's the President of Environmental Sampling, Inc., a... more

The Futility of the BP Boycott

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 14, 2010)

Liberal activists say that British Petroleum has shirked its responsibilities in dealing with the gulf oil spill, so they’ve started a boycott of the company. Like many... more

Bucshon Means Business

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 11, 2010)

Indiana’s eighth Congressional district is yet another Republican district that a Democrat has managed to hold for two cycles. In the fall of 2010, Republican nominee Larry... more

CPAC For Lefties

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 10, 2010)

Call it CPAC for lefties. The Campaign for America’s Future held their three-day political fest in Washington, D.C. with a lineup of speakers that would make Stalin himself... more

Open Season on Democrats: Childers' Time Has Come

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 07, 2010)

Mississippi’s first congressional district has 14% more Republican voters than Democratic voters. Why, then, has incumbent Democratic Rep. Travis Childers enjoyed such... more

Switching Parties Gets Candidates Nowhere in 2010

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 03, 2010)

It would appear that switching parties doesn’t do you much good in this political climate. The two politicians who have done it this cycle – Sen. Arlen Specter and Rep.... more

Open Season on Democrats: No Thrill For Hill

By Jillian Bandes (Jun 02, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season."Rep. Baron Hill (D)... more

A New Rx for Bipartisanship

By Jillian Bandes (May 26, 2010)

Obama had lunch with Senate Republicans on Tuesday, but the conversation that transpired was enough to make you lose your lunch. According to reports, the President went... more

Open Season on Democrats: Obamacare Traitor Mary Kaptur

By Jillian Bandes (May 26, 2010)

Ohio’s ninth district residents aren’t unhappy with their Democratic representative, Marcy Kaptur. There are 10% more Democratic voters than Republican voters in the... more

Open Season on Democrats: No Joy for Mary Jo Kilroy

By Jillian Bandes (May 25, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." When you take a... more

Open Season on Democrats: Titus Should 'Reid' the Writing On the Wall

By Jillian Bandes (May 24, 2010)

Nevada is a politically divided state, and Rep. Dina Titus (D) is having a hard time hitting all of the right notes. That’s going to prove especially difficult come November,... more

Specter Is Gone: Now What?

By Jillian Bandes (May 19, 2010)

On one hand, the ousting of Democratic turncoat Arlen Specter can be viewed as a boon for tea party politics. On the other hand, it could make his seat harder for... more

Open Season on Democrats: Crazy Ol' Alan Grayson

By Jillian Bandes (May 17, 2010)

It’s difficult to overstate the degree of insanity coming from Alan Grayson in Florida’s eighth Congressional district. Grayson has used his Congressional office as a... more

Wisconsin’s Gubernatorial Race Is In The Bag

By Jillian Bandes (May 14, 2010)

The Wisconsin gubernatorial election is a mixed bag. A mixed brown bag, that is. After Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle announced his retirement, GOP primary candidate Scott... more

Open Season on Democrats: Virginia is for Lovers, Not Tom Perriello

By Jillian Bandes (May 10, 2010)

Virginia’s fifth district was home to one of the hottest Congressional races of the year last cycle, and this year promises to be another scorcher. The only differences is... more

Open Season on Democrats: Kickin' Carney Out

By Jillian Bandes (May 07, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." If Pennsylvania’s... more

Open Season on Democrats: Schauer Comes Up Short

By Jillian Bandes (May 06, 2010)

Who can save Michigan? It’s certainly not Rep. Mark Schauer (D), who won his last election on the Obama wave in 2008 and has done virtually nothing since to enhance the lives... more

Iranian Chicken: Is Obama Posturing?

By Jillian Bandes (May 05, 2010)

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad put on a predictable show at the U.N. conference on Monday, claiming the U.S. is actively threatening the world with nuclear aggression. But circumstances... more

Open Season on Democrats: Shea-Porter's Odds Get Shorter

By Jillian Bandes (May 03, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season."Rep. Shea-Porter... more

Crist Goes Independent: Now What?

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 28, 2010)

Florida Governor Charlie Crist skulked away from the Republican Party like a rebellious teenager. Not unlike a rebellious teenager, Crist’s biggest problems could be... more

Show the GOP the Money

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 28, 2010)

Republicans are being out-fundraised on the national level as the November mid-terms approach. But they’ve got a significant “enthusiasm advantage” that could prove to be... more

Open Season on Democrats: Ohio Represents Major Pickup Opportunity for GOP

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 23, 2010)

Republicans in Ohio’s 16th Congressional district are suffering through a blistering primary that will end in two short weeks. After that, it’s open season on incumbant... more

Bad Kosmas Karma

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 21, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." She has covered... more

Tax Protesters Turn Out for Tax Day

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 15, 2010)

UPDATED 7:40PM Flat taxers. Fair taxers. Funky taxers. You name it, they were crowded outside the IRS building this morning in honor of Tax Day, and crammed on... more

Open Season on Democrats: Scott Murphy (New York)

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 15, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." The showdown... more

Big Names, Big Speeches Close Out 2010 SRLC

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 11, 2010)

The emphasis Saturday once again focused on rebuilding the brand and taking on 2010. Here are the top ten quotes from the final day of the Southern Republican Leadership... more

2010: Highlighting the GOP's Prospects at the SRLC

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 10, 2010)

The three themes of SRLC are: repeal the health care bill, remain The Party of No, and repair the Republican brand. Oh, and, win every election in sight. "People are... more

Palin Brings Conservatives to Their Feet at SRLC

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 09, 2010)

Palin didn't hint at her 2012 plans in her keynote address to SRLC, but she did provide some meaty thoughts on energy policy, possibly her most important campaign issue if... more

Good Vibes at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 08, 2010)

Welcome to the schmoozy, boozy wonderland of the Southern Republican Leadership conference. The southern belles have curled their blonde bobs so tightly that there's no... more

Open Season on Democrats: Betsey Markey (Colorado)

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 08, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on electorally vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." Betsey Markey... more

Open Season on Democrats: Steve Driehaus (Ohio)

By Jillian Bandes (Apr 01, 2010)

This is part of a series that Townhall.com's National Political Reporter Jillian Bandes is doing on vulnerable Democrats called "Open Season." Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-Ohio)... more

Dems Subsidize Prescription-Strength Sex-Enhancement Medication For Child Rapists

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 25, 2010)

Last night, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid voted in favor of allowing the federal government to subsidize Viagra for child molesters. So did fifty-six of Reid's... more

Little Sleep for Democrats, Literally and Figuratively

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 25, 2010)

Most Members of Congress – especially Democratic Members – did not sleep last night. That’s because a fun little Senate procedure allowed unlimited time to register official... more

West Texas Clashes With Washington Decorum

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 24, 2010)

Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer's 'baby killer' outburst has irked those who say they are concerned with 'Congressional decorum.' His constituents, on the other hand, are... more

Obama Amps Up Liberal Court Nominee

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 23, 2010)

Until now, Obama’s lower court nominees up have been fairly milquetoast – run-of-the-mill liberals with relatively tame political agendas. But judicial observers say that... more

Democrats Change Up Obamacare Message

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 18, 2010)

As cost estimates for Obamacare are released, Democratic sales tactics have shifted from saving America to just saving America’s youth. That’s ironic, given that young... more

Nice Weather in Springtime Means it's Tea Party Time

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 17, 2010)

The “Code Red” health care protest near the U.S. Capitol on beautiful Tuesday morning was a familiar and comfortable scene. Older gentlemen with signs and young women with... more

Paul Ryan vs. Barack Obama

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 13, 2010)

It’s depressing that President Obama is the one calling the shots on the budget right now instead of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). Obama has created a “deficit commission”... more

Earmarks-Be-Gone: Reform by House Republicans

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 12, 2010)

It’s rare, but sometimes petty politics can mean progress. That was certainly the case this week with the earmark war between Republican and Democrats in the House. After... more

Racial Quotas and the Stimulus

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 11, 2010)

News broke over the weekend that minorities are receiving less than 2% of the contracts awarded by the federal government with stimulus money. Some people think that’s a... more

Dawn Johnsen Strikes Again

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 08, 2010)

Like so many things in the Democratic Congress, Dawn Johnsen keeps showing up again and again. This is the woman who said that ‘legal abortion remains safer than... more

Cluck, Cluck... That's the Sound of Congress

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 05, 2010)

Using reconciliation to pass the health care bill promises to transform Congress into a bunch of angry chickens, picking through pages of the bill like feed in a trough.... more

Perry Wins Texas Primary

By Jillian Bandes (Mar 03, 2010)

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison has conceded to incumbent Gov. Rick Perry in the Texas GOP gubernatorial primary, making Perry the Republican nominee in November's general... more

Republicans Get the Chance to Punch Back at the Speaker-in-Chief

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 26, 2010)

Obama stacked the deck during the health care summit, giving Democrats twice the speaking time as the GOP. But how well did Republicans punch back? Depends who you talk... more

Better Than Primetime Television: Toyota Takes the Fall

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 25, 2010)

The Toyota show trials are more like an episode of Judge Judy than an actual investigation by Congressional committees. Sitting in for the esteemed TV judge is a cadre of... more

CPAC Packs It Up

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 22, 2010)

Life-size posters of Reagan dotting the halls. Full-body duck and whale mascot costumes to illustrate energy solutions. And, of course, the reenactment soldiers, trotting... more

CPAC - Where Are Conservatives Going?

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 19, 2010)

What does it say that Ron Paul enjoyed a bigger audience than anyone else at CPAC? "Let us take this opportunity to address those of you who disagree: all I ask you to do... more

Top Ten Moments of CPAC Day One

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 18, 2010)

CPAC is filled with brilliant conservative speakers sure to knock your socks off with their wonky analysis and inspiring speeches. But let's be honest. What are we all really... more

Toyota Recalls: Blame Bush Again!

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 17, 2010)

New claims that President George W. Bush’s administration is responsible for the Toyota recall takes "blame Bush" rhetoric from an energizing pastime to a blood sport.... more

Obama's Three Hundred Imaginary Terrorists

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 11, 2010)

In justifying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's civilian trial, the Obama administration is fond of citing a seemingly slam-dunk factoid: 300 other terrorists are currently... more

Palin Brings Tea Party Convention To Its Feet

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 06, 2010)

If Sarah Palin is the future of the conservative movement, then one thing can be certain: leadership isn't going to suffer from a lack of support. Her keynote speech at... more

Sweet Tea for Convention Attendees

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 06, 2010)

If you read any of the extensive coverage of the Tea Party Convention going on this weekend in Nashville, TN, be prepared for dramatic stories of rampant grassroots... more

The Hidden Cost of the "Doc Fix"

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 05, 2010)

The convoluted, politicized and hugely expensive issue of the "doc fix" is back in the spotlight after falling by the wayside along with health reform. Unlike health care... more

A GOP Senate Majority May Not Be Out of Reach in 2010

By Jillian Bandes (Feb 01, 2010)

A few weeks ago, if you said “The GOP could take back the Senate majority in 2010” you would’ve been laughed out of the room. Now, you would be taken just a little... more

Obama Changes Message, Trips Up

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 28, 2010)

President Obama delivered a State of the Union address that was very different than the one he was planning on giving just a few weeks ago. The State of the Union was... more

After Scott Brown, It’s Not Easy Being Blanche

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 27, 2010)

Being a centrist Democrat in Congress these days is awfully hard. Especially if you’re Blanche Lincoln. Lincoln has been fighting off rumors that she’s dropping out... more

The Massachusetts Miracle: Brown Wins, Obama Loses

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 19, 2010)

Republican Scott Brown has won the Massachusetts special Senate election. Early returns showed an 52 percent lead for the low-key Republican, with Democrat Martha Coakley... more

Coakley’s Top Ten

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 18, 2010)

Here are ten things you should know about Democrat Martha Coakley going into Tuesday’s Massachusetts Senate election. 1. She stated explicitly that pro-life Catholics... more

Leader Hints At New "Contract With America"

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 15, 2010)

Heading into the 2010 mid-term elections, House Republicans want to re-focus their efforts towards providing solutions to failed Democratic policies. House Minority Leader... more

OMB's Fuzzy Math

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 13, 2010)

The Office of Management and Budget has calculated jobs that are “saved or created” by the Recovery Act through non-existent congressional districts, phantom ZIP codes, and... more

Palin Stays One Step Ahead of the Political Class

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 11, 2010)

One of the biggest questions for conservatives right now is whether Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012. Recent moves by Palin suggest that she will. Palin just... more

New Jersey Latest Battleground for Same Sex Marriage

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 07, 2010)

A bill to permit same sex-marriage in New Jersey is dead in the water as soon as Republican governor-elect Chris Christie takes office on January 19. So advocates have... more

Gitmo Closure, Terrorist “Rehab” Take Hits

By Jillian Bandes (Jan 06, 2010)

The White House’s decision to stop the transfers of Guantanamo Bay detainees back to their home base in Yemen jeopardizes President Obama’s executive order – and campaign... more