AEI.Org: Scholar: John C. Fortier

Primaries Are Best with Independents

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The vote in N.Y. 23 revealed the GOP's split between moderates and conservatives, party leaders and activists, locals and outsiders. It also raised the question: How should a party pick its candidates for office?

Voters to Governors--Beware

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The likely governorship turnovers in 2010 could have implications for the next political generation on the national stage.

Next Denmark Meeting May Be Tricky

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

When the meeting in Copenhagen convenes in December, Obama can offer goodwill and a promise to use regulatory power to curb carbon emissions.

Wilson's Punishment Serves Only Wings

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

For a brief moment after the inappropriate interjection of Rep. Joe Wilson, it looked as if cooler heads might prevail.

Deficit Politics Drive Health Care Timetable

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The administration's argument about health care has been that it is both an emergency and a necessity for the long-term fiscal health of America.

Will Obama Own Economy's Failure?

Thu, 14 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Soon, it will be President Obama who will take the credit or blame for the country's economic performance.

Senate Blues

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The GOP is in danger of becoming a unified but small minority party.

The GOP's Comeback Tea Party

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Should Republicans stoke the populist flames of their base or reach out more broadly, with a softer touch, to moderates and independents?

Obama Reaches Out to European Allies

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

European adulation for Barack Obama is likely to hit reality in four areas.

Time to Fix the Appointment System

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A complicated system of filling political positions is starting to negatively affect our government's ability to function in a time of crisis.

No Good Alternative to Appointments

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The impetus for abolishing gubernatorial appointments to fill Senate vacancies is understandable, but getting rid of these appointments has its own set of problems.

Unlawful Legislation

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A bill granting D.C. a full voting member of Congress may soon become law, but it will be unconstitutional.

Representation Starts in Constitution

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Proponents of District of Columbia representation in Congress should try to craft a solution that will be mutually acceptable to both Democrats and Republicans.

Which Governor Races Matter Most?

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Whoever is in power to draw new district lines will shape congressional majorities in the next decade.

Spend Your Political Capital Before It's Gone

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

How George W. Bush acquired and spent political capital--but then lost it irretrievably--defines his legacy.

What Happens When Voters Don't Decide?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Constitution gives the House and Senate the right to judge their own election results and qualifications of their members.

Dingell's Ouster Reveals Democrats' New Order

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Representative Nancy Pelosi is the strongest House speaker in a century.

GOP Challenge: Recruit Outside the Box

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Republicans must attract more moderates and non-Southerners to the party, or face another long period in the minority.

Early Voting Shows No Sign of Slowing

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Millions of Americans are casting ballots early.

Bailout Vote May Come Back to Haunt

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The financial bailout bill was seen as a must-pass by elites and congressional leaders, but viewed with great skepticism by large parts of the public.

How Would Obama Govern?

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Obama's campaign has more of the marks of executive experience than his status as a relatively junior senator suggests.

McCain: Man without a Plan?

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

McCain's sense of honor reaches a high pitch when he takes on lawmakers.

Obama's Coattails Could Sway Mississippi

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In the Mississippi Senate race, Ronnie Musgrove might benefit from the Obama turnout effect, but not all is dim for Roger Wicker.

Ensuring a Seamless Transition

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

John McCain and Barack Obama are prudent to think about who will work in their administrations and toplan for the transition after the election.

Rout by Southwest?

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The nonreligious white voters from the southwestern states could be Obama's key votes.

McCain vs. Obama: What to Expect

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Each candidate has at least one major weakness that could conceivably sway the outcome in November.

The Politics of Picking a Mate

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

For the next two months, we will see endless hand-wringing about vice presidential choices.

In Tough Environment, GOP Seats at Risk

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The best the Republicans can hope for in the House is not to fall to pre-1994 levels.

Special Elections an '08 Warning for GOP

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It bodes ill for Republicans that recent special congressional elections have not only seen party switches but also movements against the districts' partisan leanings.

Hillary's Mathematical Dilemma

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Absent a major Obama scandal, Clinton will trail in the delegate count in early June--and Obama will be the nominee.

Does She Have a Chance?

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Hillary Clinton's only hope is for a major Obama collapse,but her win in Pennsylvania highlights his big weakness.

Airline Merger Arrives to Political Turbulence

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Chances forapprovalof the Delta-Northwest merger are equal whether it be during this administration orthe next;politics plays a very little role in the decision.

Can Obama Change America's Political Map?

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Barack Obama believes he can change the political map, but it is unlikely that thestates will change their political stripes.

2008 Will Not Be a Banner Year for Women

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100

2008 does not look like a promising year for women in politics.

Don't Discount a Clinton Ticket's Strength in Ohio

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Hillary Clinton's recent victory in Ohio may prove that she is more electable than Senator Barack Obama.

The Clinton Chronicles

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

After her big wins in Ohio and Texas, what must Hillary do to wrest the Democratic nomination from Barack Obama?

Free Trade's Popularity Remains in Deficit

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Free trade is a growing issue in American politics, but changes in public opinion, congressional elections, and structural factors will likely put free trade instincts on hold in the near future.

Obama Money Deal May Happen

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The candidates in the 2008 presidential election,especially Clinton and Obama, have been spending "gobs" of money on their campaign, but Obama wants to make a deal on spending.

Clarity and Confusion

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

While John McCain is now the presumptive GOP nominee, the Democratic race will take many more weeks to resolve.

Mac from the Dead

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

John McCain is close to grabbing a stranglehold on the GOP presidential nomination.

Endangered Moderates Affect Congress's Habitat

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Republicans cannot hope to retake the majority in Congressunless they can win in competitive seats where moderates play well.

The Post-Michigan Muddle

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Mitt Romney's decisive win on Tuesday does nothing to clarify the Republican presidential race.

S.C. Will Test Obama's Crossover Appeal

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If Barack Obama gets more than half the black vote and a quarter of the white vote, and if black turnout is high, then Hillary Clinton's campaignwill be in trouble.

The Granite State Lady

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0100

After Hillary Clinton's comeback in New Hampshire, the Democratic race should be competitive beyond Super Tuesday.

GOP Gets Chaos for Christmas

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

When GOP candidates open their Christmas presents, they will find the forces of chaos and disorder, as well as a sliver of hope that they can win the nomination.

GOP to Lose More Seats

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Being in the minority is not desirable, so many Republicans are retiring. This makes it all the more difficult for the GOP to regain the majority.

Vote-Count Woes Linger

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Assessing the progress of election reform is difficult, as elections are still extremely decentralized with very different practices across states and even within states.

McCain Hanging On

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

John McCain's fall from presidential frontrunner status has several causes.

Bulldozers, Not Bombs

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

By accepting money from supporters who hint at the violent overthrow of Congress, Ron Paul is not upholding his oaths to the Constitution and Congress.

For Freshmen, Fresh Voting

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Voting patterns since the 2006 midterm elections show that newmoderate Democrats make up for the loss of Republican moderates.

Tax Policy Turbulence

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 01:00:00 +0100

Tax policy is facing difficult problems as it runs up against tough fiscal reality.

Wrong Man for the Job

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Judge Michael Mukasey may not be the best choice for attorney general because he lacks the management background and experience to run the Justice Department.

No Big Shift in Next Congress

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Political trends predict that2008 may see a small shift in congressional seats, but big changes are unlikely.

Blurring the Lines

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

There is a fine balance between presidential and Congressional power, especially in times of crises.

Dems Have Chance in Nebraska

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The history of Democratic competitiveness instatewide races gives Democrats hope in this Republican stronghold.

Obama Is Stuck

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Senator Barack Obama just cannot seem to close the gap with Hillary Clinton.

Warner's Wide Appeal

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

As Virginia is becoming less Republican, Mark Warner has a good chance of winning a Senate seat for the Democrats.

Election Protection

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

A terrorist attack or natural disaster could seriously disrupt our political system unless we take steps to deal with such catastrophes.

Senate GOPers' Dark '08 Outlook

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

RepublicanPartyprospects in the 2008 Senate races have gone from dim to dismal.

Impaired Vision

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Karl Rove was crucial not only to the electoral successes of President George W. Bush, but also to the making of thecurrent Republican Party.

Voters Won't Hear the Cry

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The GOP is unlikely to benefit much in the 2008 elections fromthe claim that Congressional Democrats have been too heavy-handed.

Paper-Trail Perspective

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Paper trails will one day provide a useful check on the accuracy of electronic voting machines, but Congress should not rush to implement them.

Foley on the Future of Bush v. Gore

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Dangerous Line of Succession

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Congress'sseemingly democraticright to establish the line of succession after the vice president is unconstitutional and potentially catastrophic.

How Money Is Adding Up

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Successful presidential candidates now seem to be those who amass a plethora of small donors through wide-reaching messages.

The GOP's Dark Cloud

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The outlook for the GOP is gloomy for both the 2008 presidential and congressional elections.

Doubts in Bloom

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg would have to overcome enormous odds in order to become afactor in the 2008 presidential election.

Untimely Vacancies

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Gubernatorial appointments to fill vacancies are good for the U.S. Senate, but it would be even better if such appointments were truly temporary.

No Confidence in Congress

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Congress should avoid meaningless gestures, such as the vote of "no confidence"on Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

The Forecast for Fred

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Fred Thompson couldvery wellascend to the top tier of the GOP's presidential candidates, but it will not be easy.

Bush-Truman Parallels

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The presidencies of Harry Truman and George W. Bush are looking more and more similar every day.

Delicate Balance

Wed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

There are some improvements that can be made to the immigration compromise without threatening its political viability.

The Constitution Is Clear

Sat, 19 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Constitution has the final word about which entities can have Congressional representation.

Not Too Soon to Mull 2012

Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Senators are dominating the 2008 presidential campaign, but if you are a senator who passed up this race, there is always 2012.

September Showdown

Wed, 09 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The Democrats are setting deadlines for withdrawal from Iraq in September to appease their antiwar base and give themselves more time to peel off GOP votes.

Sí Se Puede, But Not Easily

Wed, 02 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The president's new proposal is tougher on illegal immigration than his earlier one and it faces an uphill battle in Congress.

GOP Scandals Continuing

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

How are scandals shaping our political landscape?

A Mixed 100 Days

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

One hundred days is not long enough to judge the legislative sucess of a Congress.

Pelosi Stepped Over the Line

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Congress was not constitutionally intended, nor is it well-suited, to conduct direct diplomacy around the world.

How They're Stacking Up

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

As fundraising heats up for the 2008 presidential election, who will come out on top in the next quarter?

Playing Chicken on War Funding

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The course of the war in Iraq will be determined by the election results in November of 2008 and not by the 2007 supplemental vote in Congress.

Soon to be "Gone-zales"

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100

As political power flows from the executive to the legislative branch, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales may get washed outwith the tide.

Union Disconnect

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:00:00 +0100

The percentage of Americans belonging to unions is dropping, but the 110th Congress is the most pro-union Congress in a generation.

Don't Shut Revolving Door

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

ACongress that attracts experienced people is one better able to carry out the people's will and withstand outside pressures.

The Secret Obama Meeting

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Can Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) beat the other Democratic presidential candidates?

Granite State Rumbling

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100

As New Hampshire changes, so will the 2008 election.

Voting Rights Tangle in D.C.

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Taxation with representation in D.C. could mean a constitutional amendment.

The President Speaks with One Voice, Congress with Many

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0100

It is difficult for Congress to limit President Bush'scourse in Iraq.

Romney, ABM and McCain

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney hopes thatmany key Republican endorsementswill helphim win the White House in 2008.

Modest Cooperation

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

With Bush at the low point of his presidency, will his attempt to find common ground with Congressional Democrats bear much fruit?

Marking New Territories

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Both Republicans and Democrats have chosen cities for their conventions in regions that they hope will break them out of the current stable red-and-blue map.

McCain Tangled in Troop Surge

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Tonight, President Bush will sing from John McCain’ssongbook, but McCain himself may pay the political price.

The Future of "Six for '06"

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0100

What can we expect from the Democrats' "Six for '06"?

Intel Panel’s Flaw: Structure

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0100

If Democratic complaints aboutpoor oversight in the 109th Congress are to be taken seriously, they should start by revamping the committee structure.

My Rights and Wrongs

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The end of the year is a time to look back at what political predictions were right and when they were off the mark.

2008 Looks Good for Dems

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0100

With the midterm elections behind us, how does the political terrain in Congress look for both parties in 2008?

GOP Down, But Never Out

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Republicans will live to fight another day, but let there be no mistake, they took a beating last week.

Elections May Divide Congress Even More

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0100

While there are some prominent moderates in the incoming Democratic class, there were far more Republican moderates swept out of office.

Absentee Balloting for Convenience

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Many Americans will vote well before Tuesday, and while the convenience of choosing your day to vote is appealing, convenience should not be the only rule by which we run our elections.

Dems’ Gains in Question

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Here is an election-night guide that will help you gauge whether the Democratic wave is just a ripple or a tsunami.

Obama Is Overrated

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

What does Barack Obama need to do to position himself for a potential presidential candidacy?

Voting Early and Often

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In 2004, nearly one quarter of votes were cast before Election Day. What happened to the days of voting on Election Day?

Women Make Gains on Hill

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

1992 was dubbed by some as the “year of the woman,” but almost every congressional election has seen an increase in women, and this one is no exception.

Pagegate to Cost GOP a Seat

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Is former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) the straw that broke the elephant’s back?

Hawaii Change Is on Horizon

Wed, 27 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

While the political currents on the mainland are moving against Republicans, those around Hawaii swirl against an ensconced Democratic old guard.

No Rest for Sen. Chafee

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Republicans have prided themselves on finding sympathetic voters and getting them to the polls even in very Democratic places. The Chafee-Whitehouse race will put this effort to the test.

Something in the Water

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Republican districts along the banks of the Ohio River are in danger of losing their incumbents in the midterm elections.

The Hard Road to 15

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In normal times, Northeast Republicans’ moderate message can win over districts in suburbia, but the war may knock off a significant number in 2006.

What Ails Congress?

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Can Congress be an effective independent player in a world where party interests are unified and magnified?

Bonilla, Lampson Lead

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Commentary on the potentially negativeimplications of recent federal court decisions upon the Texas districts that elected Henry Bonilla and Tom DeLay.

A Moderate Nightmare

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In our world of polarized parties, a moderate may not prevail.

Governors Drought

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Whyhave we seena decline in the number of governors in the Senate?

What Would Pelosi Do?

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Speaker Pelosi will have to work hard to make a melodious whole out of the opposing strands in the Democratic party.

The Hard Road to 15

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In order to really take over Congress, Democrats need to defeat freshman Republicans.

DeLay's Two-Step

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Will the LULAC v. Perry decision open the door to a flood of middecade redistrictings? Probably not.

Primary Battles

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Four upcoming primaries expose the tensions in both parties.

Shifts in the Tide

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Sometimes the shifts of elite Washington opinion are not based on underlying reality.

Hoyer vs. Murtha

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

If Democrats do win the House, a bitter internecine battle can only hurt how they govern.

GOP Wanes in N.Y.

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 00:00:00 +0100

If things are not bad enough for Congressional Republicans at the national level, then look to the Empire State, where already-poor Republican prospects are looking bleaker.

Making the Switch

Wed, 31 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

With Democrats likely to gain seats in the fall, are we likely to see more party switchers? Probably not.

Out of Bounds at the FBI

Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In this country, we have a separation of powers, which means that the executive branch shouldn’t be poking around legislative offices without consent from Congress.

The D.C. Colony

Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The recent plan to give D.C. full voting representation in the House of Representatives is much-needed, ingenious and blatantly unconstitutional.

Intel Reform Takes Hold

Wed, 10 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Congress is right to honor Porter Goss, but it should also let the director of national intelligence continue to grow in stature.

Beyond Rebellion

Wed, 03 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Focus on November's tough midterm elections, not President Bush's leadership,has curbed Congressional Republicans' appetite for rebellion.

The Alda Scenario

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

It’s election night, and the country has just selected its next president, but the vice-presidential candidate has just recently died. Who will serve as vice president?

Democracy on Hold

Wed, 19 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The recent Wyden-Grassley amendment to the lobbying-reform bill represents a positive change.

Reagan Redux

Wed, 12 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Immigration reform is not dead, but it will take some fancy footwork to pass it in the 109th Congress.

The End of Unity

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 00:00:00 +0100

In the past week, Tom DeLay and Andy Card announced their departures, albeit under very different circumstances.

Clinging to Clout

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Vulnerable incumbents like to tout their clout. This campaign season, they will ask voters: “Do you want to lose all of my power and seniority and be stuck with an ineffective freshman?”

Electoral Tinkering

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0100

What ifElectoral College reformersamended the Constitution but didn't ask Congress?

Hispanic Middle Ground

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0100

There has been a lot of talk of the disappearing middle in Congress, but few have noticed that there is a growing and moderate force in Congress. It is congressional Hispanics.

The Other Kennedy

Wed, 08 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Representative Mark Kennedy of Minnesota isthe Republicans’ best chance to pick up a Senate seat.

The Shape of Things

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Diplomats argue over the shape of the table, politicians over the shape of the district.

Earmark Pillowtalk

Wed, 22 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

We can’t police the pillow talk of public servants and their partners, but we can insist on full disclosure of familial relationships and limitations on lobbying contacts with relatives.

Reconciling Differences

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

The wiretapping controversy has set up a classic confrontation between the executive and legislative branches.

Altering the Political Game

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Is it time for a third party? Not a chance. America is a two-party country and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

The Line on Santorum

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

If an underestimated team from western Pennsylvania can win the Super Bowl, then maybe an underestimated Republican senator from western Pennsylvania can win reelection.

Bush's Strong State of the Union

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Since November, the president has tried to get himself back on track, and the State of the Union was the most prominent effort to make a case for the remainder of his second term.

Gratitude for the 14

Wed, 01 Feb 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Justice Samuel Alito, the Senate and the nation owe a great debt to the Gang of 14.

The Race for Speaker

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0100

With the election next week, the elected majority leader could soon become the Speaker of the House or alternatively might be quickly deposed in a larger leadership shakeup.

Border Fencing

Wed, 18 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Good fences make good neighbors, or so House Republicans believed when they passed a tough measure to combat illegal immigration.

The Year of Abramoff

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Trading a lifetime in prison for a decade, Jack Abramoff has agreed to sing, not sotto voce but fortissimo.

Where the People Are

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 +0100

If you are afraid of growth, move to Europe, or to Ohio.

Trend Busters

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Senators who look in the mirror think they see the next president of the United States. History, however, has shown that the reflection is that of a losing candidate.

Dems Need a Big Wave

Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Low poll ratings for Congress and President Bush, scandals, and history favor Democratic gains in the 2006 midterm elections.

DeLay on the Clock

Wed, 30 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0100

DeLay’s political future depends on the equivalent of a royal flush.

Getting to Fourteen

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0100

In the House, with 231 Republicans, 14 is the magic number of Republicans that have to defect to prevent the assembly of a majority.

Reviving Tax Reform

Wed, 09 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Tax reform. It still faces many hurdles, but developments have put this issue back on the agenda.

Filibuster Dilemma

Wed, 02 Nov 2005 00:00:00 +0100

To filibuster or not to filibuster? That is the question that Senate Democrats may have to ask themselves about the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito.

Security Mishmash

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Despite a major reorganization of homeland-security and intelligence functions in the executive branch, Congress’s committee system looks much as it did before Sept. 11.

Disastrous Planning

Wed, 19 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Congress has failed in its duty to plan for the aftermath of an attack that would kill or incapacitate many of its members.

Miers and the Right

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The Harriet Miers nomination has sown seeds of dissension inthe Republican ranks, pitting conservatives against the president and congressional leaders.

Exceptions to the Rule

Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Bush is right that we need a militaryresponse to catastrophic events. Congress can assure that, while preserving the doctrine of posse comitatus with sensible and explicit exceptions.

HAVA 'Nother Go

Wed, 21 Sep 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Congress deserves both praise and criticism for its efforts on election reform.

Do Not Write Off America

Fri, 16 Sep 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The United States often has been counted out and just as often has proved its critics wrong.

Roberts Rolls

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 00:00:00 +0100

John Roberts will be the next chief justice of the United States. He will not, however, get through either the Senate Judiciary Committee or the full Senate without significant opposition.

Black Legislators’ New Era

Wed, 17 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0100

A trend may have started bringing more black representatives to Congress from non-minority districts.

Senate Not Likely to Shift

Wed, 10 Aug 2005 00:00:00 +0100

November 2006 is still a long way off, but if early signs are any indication we will not see a major shift in either direction in the Senate.

Bush Has Lost Control of the Agenda

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The main reason for President Bush’s difficulties is that he has lost control of the legislative agenda, and that has much to do with his Social Security plan.

Maybe the Deal Will Fly; for Now, the Senate Lives

Thu, 26 May 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The filibuster deal recalls the story of the man who escapes his execution by promising the king that he will teach the royal horse to fly in a year.

The Consummate Washington Insider

Thu, 12 May 2005 00:00:00 +0100

Washington will not be the same without Lloyd Cutler.

Filibusters Are a Disease, but Nuke Option's No Cure

Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The Senate should cut a deal that allows face saving on both sides but backs away from the bad precedents of judicial filibusters and their abolition.

Stop Messing Around--Call Barry Bonds

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The bottom line is that if Congress wants to investigate illegal drug use in a high-profile sport, one that is granted a special antitrust exemption, it has the power to do so.

A Worrying Way to Pick a President

Tue, 08 Mar 2005 00:00:00 +0100

The Continuity of Representation Act of 2005: Itstitle suggests that the bill provides for the continuity of Congress after a catastrophic terrorist attack. Sadly, it does nothing of the sort.

Don't Expect to See Many Bush Dems in 109th Congress

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0100

For the 109th Congress, expect the South and West to stick up for their regional interests, the South to speak with a Republican voice, and the parties to be more clearly divided than ever.

Picking up on the Unspoken Messages

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 +0100

What themes in this year's State of the Union address will be carried by symbols, people, and ceremony?

If Terrorists Attacked Our Presidential Elections

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0100

Bush Has a Narrow Window to Push His Ideas Through

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0100

President George W. Bush has political capital to spend, but he must be careful in defining his mandate and mindful of difficulties that many second-term presidents have faced.

Will Clinton's Book Help or Hurt Kerry?

Wed, 23 Jun 2004 00:00:00 +0100

President Bill Clinton’s memoirs will have little effect on the presidential prospects of John Kerry.

Ballot Box Needs Some Backup against Terrorism

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0100

The United States should make plans to ensure the continuity of government in the event of a disastrous attack against the nation's leaders.

The West Wing and Presidential Succession

Wed, 24 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100

Did TheWest Wing'swriters faithfully represent the intricacies of presidential succession?

A Tale of Two Bushes

Thu, 01 May 2003 00:00:00 +0100

Bush should not adopt bipartisanship as a dominant strategy, but he has a history of working across the aisle that would be valuable for him to recall.

Executive Branch Overhaul Due

Mon, 11 Feb 2002 00:00:00 +0100

America is fighting that war with a 20th-century government structured for an earlier era's challenges.

Getting Military Ballots Counted

Sun, 02 Sep 2001 00:00:00 +0100

Analysis of overseas military absentee ballots in Florida raised serious questions about the fairness of the vote-counting process.

Putting Appointment Rules to the Test

Tue, 12 Jun 2001 00:00:00 +0100

With change of party control in the Senate last week, doomsayers fear the combination of a Democratic Senate and a Republican president will bring gridlock or trench warfare.

Absentee and Early Voting

Mon, 09 Oct 2006 00:00:00 +0100

To what can weattribute thedramatic increase in absentee voting and, more recently, the meteoric rise in early voting?

AEI Election Watch

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:30:00 +0100

An Update on Congressional Continuity

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Preserving Our Institutions: Presidential Succession

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 10)

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:00:00 +0100

When Disaster Strikes: The Continuity of Our Elections

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 10:15:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 9)

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:30:00 +0100

McCain v. Obama: A Hypothetical Supreme Court Case

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:00:00 +0100

The Leaders We Deserved (and a Few We Didn't)

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:15:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 8)

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 7)

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 6)

Thu, 22 May 2008 09:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 5)

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 4)

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 3)

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 2)

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:30:00 +0100

AEI Election Watch 2008 (Session 1)

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:00:00 +0100

From Registration to Recounts: A Study of Election Ecosystems

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:15:00 +0100

Is Our Election System Broken? Can We Fix It?

Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:00:00 +0100

Election Watch 2006 Media and Special Guest Registration (Session II)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:30:00 +0100

Election Watch 2006 (Session II)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:30:00 +0100

Election Watch 2006 Media and Special Guest Registration (Session II)

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 12:30:00 +0100

Absentee and Early Voting: Trends, Promises, and Perils

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 14:15:00 +0100

Election Watch 2006 (Session I)

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:00:00 +0100

Election Watch 2006 Media and Special Guest Registration

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:00:00 +0100

The Broken Branch: A Look at the Contemporary Congress

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 09:00:00 +0100

Why Do Incumbent Senators Win?

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 10:00:00 +0100

How Is Bush Governing in His Second Term?

Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:00:00 +0100

Torture for Intelligence in the Post-9/11 World

Wed, 10 Nov 2004 11:00:00 +0100

How Would Each Candidate Govern?

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 09:00:00 +0100

Absentee Ballot Voting

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 14:00:00 +0100

After the People Vote

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 10:00:00 +0100

Election Watch, October 2004

Thu, 07 Oct 2004 08:30:00 +0100

Election Watch, September 2004

Thu, 09 Sep 2004 08:30:00 +0100

Election Watch, July 2004

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 08:30:00 +0100

Election Watch

Thu, 08 Jan 2004 08:15:00 +0100

Presidential Succession

Mon, 27 Oct 2003 10:00:00 +0100

Mr. Blair Goes to Washington

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 09:30:00 +0100

What Is the True Meaning of the Second Amendment?

Wed, 12 Feb 2003 10:00:00 +0100

Election Watch, November 2002

Thu, 07 Nov 2002 12:00:00 +0100

Election Watch, October 2002

Thu, 10 Oct 2002 08:00:00 +0100

Election Watch, September 2002

Thu, 12 Sep 2002 08:00:00 +0100

Election Watch

Thu, 23 May 2002 08:00:00 +0100

The Bush Presidency

Tue, 11 Dec 2001 10:00:00 +0100

Continuity of Congress in the Wake of a Catastrophic Attack

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The danger of a catastrophic attack on Congress is real--it might have happened on 9/11.

Continuity of Congress in the Wake of a Catastrophic Attack

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The danger of a catastrophic attack on Congress is real--it might have happened on 9/11.

Expanding and Improving Opportunities to Vote by Mail or Absentee

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

The number of absentee and mail ballots should be reduced, or they must be better tracked.

H. R. 5388

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 +0100

John Fortier commented on H. R. 5388, a bill that would givethe District of Columbia a voting representative in Congress and increase Utah's representation by 1 member.

Ensuring the Continuity of the United States Government

Tue, 16 Sep 2003 00:00:00 +0100

The substance of the bill S. 148 places the Secretary of Homeland Security in the presidential line of succession in case of terrorists targeting government officials.

Political Report, March 2005

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 23:00:00 +0100

Covers Social Security reform, a look back at the Iraq war, the oldest Congress, economic indicators, governors' races, party identification, and numerous public opinion snapshots.