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David Schaper David Schaper is a NPR National Desk reporter based in Chicago.
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David Schaper

Presidential Race

In Iowa, Candidates Make Closing Arguments

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney looks like he's on top as the last weekend of the pre-campaign year finds Rep. Ron Paul and his troops having a day in the sun — and the rest of the GOP field in disarray.

In Iowa, Candidates Make Closing Arguments

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At Romney Rally, Iowa's Moderate GOP 'Silent Majority' Voters Start Talking

A young Mitt Romney supporter holds yard signs Thursday at a campaign event at J's Homestyle Cooking in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

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Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

It's All Politics

At Romney Rally, Iowa's Moderate GOP 'Silent Majority' Voters Start Talking

While many see the state's Republican Party base trending more toward the evangelical Christian and Tea Party right, several of those attending these Romney events want the rest of the country to know there still is a strong moderate base in the Iowa GOP, especially in Eastern Iowa.

Romney Rolling In Iowa, With Large Crowds And Growing Optimism

A volunteer arranges buttons before Mitt Romney speaks Wednesday in Clinton, Iowa. Chris Carlson/Associated Press hide caption

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Chris Carlson/Associated Press

It's All Politics

Romney Rolling In Iowa, With Large Crowds And Growing Optimism

No matter which direction he goes in Iowa today, the former Massachusetts governor will seem to have the wind at his back. A new Time/CNN poll of likely Iowa caucus-goers puts Mitt Romney in the lead, and campaign staffers expect big crowds again at Romney events, similar to what he saw yesterday.

Elections

Romney Packs 'Em In As Momentum Builds In Iowa

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney had down played his prospects in Iowa for most of this year. But with the caucuses just days away, Romney is crisscrossing the state. He seems determined to prove he'll be tough enough to take on President Obama.

Romney Packs 'Em In As Momentum Builds In Iowa

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Romney Jabs Rival, But Says He'd Take A President Paul Over Obama Part 2

A young supporter backs former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as he speaks on Wednesday at Homer's Deli and Bakery in Clinton, Iowa. Chris Carlson/Associated Press hide caption

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Chris Carlson/Associated Press

It's All Politics

Romney Jabs Rival, But Says He'd Take A President Paul Over Obama Part 2

The former Massachusetts governor took a swipe at GOP rival Ron Paul and his isolationist foreign policy positions while campaigning in Iowa Wednesday, but he later told reporters he would support the outspoken Texas congressman if he were the Republican Party nominee for president.

For Some Iowa Voters, Immigration Is Decisive Issue

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at a campaign event at Clark Electric Co-op on Dec. 27 in Osceola, Iowa. Perry's stance on immigration has troubled some Iowa voters. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

It's All Politics

For Some Iowa Voters, Immigration Is Decisive Issue

Of course, the economy is the main issue for voters in Iowa's Jan. 3 caucuses. But as the state's Hispanic population surges, Republican candidates are struggling with how best to deal with voter concerns around illegal immigration.

For Some Iowa Voters, Immigration Is Decisive Issue

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Elections

For Some Iowa Voters, Immigration Is Decisive

GOP presidential candidates are touring Iowa ahead of next week's caucuses. The main issue for many voters there is the economy, but another hot topic is emerging: overhauling immigration policies. Iowa's Hispanic population is surging, and Republican candidates are struggling with how best to deal with voter concerns.

For Some Iowa Voters, Immigration Is Decisive

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Economy

Long-Term Jobless Borrow Money To Stay Afloat

More than half of the long-term unemployed and under-employed have had to borrow money from family and friends to pay their bills, according to a recent NPR News-Kaiser Family Foundation poll. And borrowing from friends and family can complicate the relationships.

Long-Term Jobless Borrow Money To Stay Afloat

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Law

Blagojevich Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison. He was convicted of 18 corruption charges. A federal judge in Chicago handed down the sentence after Blagojevich himself addressed the court and pleaded for mercy.

Blagojevich Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison

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Sears Considers Leaving Ill. For Better Tax Deal

Sears Holding Corp., parent company to Sears and Kmart, is considering a move from its corporate headquarters after a tax incentive package failed to pass the state House of Representatives. More than 6,000 employees work at the Hoffman Estates, Ill., campus. Scott Olson/Getty Images hide caption

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Scott Olson/Getty Images

Business

Sears Considers Leaving Ill. For Better Tax Deal

The company has called Illinois home for more than a century but is now at the heart of a bidding war between states, which are increasingly looking to take businesses away from one another as new-job creation remains slow. One offer from Ohio is reportedly worth up to $400 million in tax incentives.

Sears Considers Leaving Illinois For Better Tax Deal

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Steel Town Looks At Its Future, And Sees Rebirth

In and near its downtown, there are more boarded-up and empty storefronts and vacant lots in Granite City, Ill., than there are businesses. David Schaper /NPR hide caption

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David Schaper /NPR

Hard Times: A Journey Across America

Steel Town Looks At Its Future, And Sees Rebirth

The Great Recession hit the industrial Midwest especially hard in recent years. Now, though, local leaders in at least one small Illinois city believe the worst is finally behind them. But they need to diversify — and attract new residents.

A Steel Town Looks At Its Future, And Sees Rebirth

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Opinion

Hard Times: A Journey Across America

When Hard Times Means Leaving Career For Job

Alice Eastman, a single mother living in Wheaton, Ill., tried to make ends meet on unemployment while she hunted for a job in her field after being laid off in 2010. After a long, fruitless search, Eastman, a once highly paid professional, took a minimum-wage job at Target.

When Hard Times Means Leaving A Career For A Job

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