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Don Gonyea Don Gonyea is a NPR National Political Correspondent based in Washington, D.C., and travels throughout the United States covering elections and the country's political climate. His reports can be heard on all NPR programs and at NPR.org.
Don Gonyea 2010
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Don Gonyea

From Romney, Perry, Mixed Campaign Messages

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks to a group of supporters during a visit Tuesday to a GOP phone bank in Terrace Park, Ohio.

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Elections

From Romney, Perry, Mixed Campaign Messages

The former Massachusetts governor revived accusations that he's a flip-flopper when he waded into a battle over a ballot proposal in Ohio. The Texas governor created his own distraction by revisiting questions about President Obama's place of birth.

From Romney, Perry, Mixed Campaign Messages

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No 'Perfect Candidate' Yet For Iowa Conservatives

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition forum on Saturday in Des Moines, Iowa. Six GOP presidential candidates attended the banquet, seeking an edge in the Jan. 3 Iowa caucus.

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Elections

No 'Perfect Candidate' Yet For Iowa Conservatives

With the 2012 Iowa caucuses just over 10 weeks away, conservative Christian Republican voters in Iowa are still searching for a presidential candidate. As GOP Party Chairman Reince Priebus said, "There's only one perfect person that walked the face of this Earth."

No 'Perfect Candidate' Yet For Iowa Conservatives

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In Iowa, Mitt Romney Makes His Presence Known

Mitt Romney, shown here at the Iowa State Fair in August, was back in the state on Thursday — his first visit since summer. At one point during his town hall on Thursday, he was asked why he has spent so little time in the state.

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Mitt Romney

In Iowa, Mitt Romney Makes His Presence Known

The former Massachusetts governor's current run for the White House hasn't included a big presence in the state. On Thursday, he returned for the first time since the summer, declaring, "I will be here again and again."

In Iowa, Mitt Romney Makes His Presence Known

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Elections

Romney Campaigns In Unfriendly Territory Of Iowa

The Republican presidential nominating season kicks off in the next couple of months. Iowa will hold its caucuses on Jan. 3. Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney has three events scheduled Thursday in the western part of state, which is not an area that has supported him.

Romney Campaigns In Unfriendly Territory Of Iowa

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Values Voters Tepid, But Romney Presses On

Republican presidential hopeful former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney leaves after addressing the Family Research Council's Values Voter Summit in Washington.

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Mitt Romney

Values Voters Tepid, But Romney Presses On

In a straw poll at the two-day Values Voter Summit, Texas Congressman Ron Paul was the winner, but much of the talk of the conference was about former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is viewed by many in the movement as soft on social issues.

Values Voters Lukewarm, But Romney Presses On

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Elections

Values Voters Given Choice: Perry Or Romney's 'Cult'

Five presidential candidates appeared at the opening day of the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C., on Friday, but the speech getting the most attention was one by a pastor from Dallas who introduced Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Values Voters Given Choice: Perry Or Romney's 'Cult'

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For Rick Perry, A Restless Life On The Farm

Rick Perry's parents still live on Farm Market Road 618.

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Job 1: Careers That Shaped The GOP Candidates

For Rick Perry, A Restless Life On The Farm

Before he was elected governor of Texas, or to any of a series of positions going back more than 25 years, Perry grew cotton and raised cattle on land that his family had worked since the late 1800s. In every campaign, he has run as a man shaped by that experience. But real life on the farm was far less romantic.

For Rick Perry, A Restless Life On The Farm

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Politics

Activists Press Obama To Renew Progressive Stand

Progressive activists played a big role in helping President Obama get elected. But in the years since, the big story of political activism has been the conservative Tea Party movement. Hoping to reverse that trend, 2,000 people registered for this week's "Take Back the American Dream Conference" in Washington, D.C.

Activists Press Obama To Renew Progressive Stand

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National

It's Friday Night Lights In Gov. Perry's Hometown

Texas Gov. Rick Perry's campaign speeches often note that he's from Paint Creek, Texas, a place in the flat, dusty, west-central part of the state that's so small it's barely on the map. NPR National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea headed there this week, and along the way watched Perry's old high school play a football game.

It's Friday Night Lights In Gov. Perry's Hometown

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Will Tough Immigration Talk Repel Latino Voters?

Republican presidential candidates (from left) Rep. Michele Bachmann, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry cover their hearts during the playing of the national anthem before a Republican presidential debate on Sept. 12. Chris O'Meara/AP hide caption

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Presidential Race

Will Tough Immigration Talk Repel Latino Voters?

A divide over immigration policy has already emerged among the Republicans running for president. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a favorite of conservatives overall, is getting criticism for being too moderate when it comes to immigration. But the issue could hurt the GOP in the general election.

Will Tough Talk On Immigration Repel Latino Voters?

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Elections

7 GOP Presidential Candidates Gang Up Against Perry

Eight Republican presidential candidates gathered Monday night in Tampa, Fla., for a debate sponsored by CNN and the Tea Party Express. The event marked the first time the Tea Party Express has been an official sponsor of a presidential debate. Texas Gov. Rick Perry was the center of attention.

7 GOP Presidential Candidates Gang Up Against Perry

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Reflecting On Sept. 11, 2001

Sept. 11 Attacks Alter U.S. Political Landscape

Only a few events in a lifetime serve as true turning points. There was the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, the day JFK was shot and the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. How have the events of Sept. 11 resonated through 10 years of American politics?

Sept. 11 Attacks Alter U.S. Political Landscape

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Politics

Perry's Presence Felt At Romney's N.H. Appearances

Former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney has been meeting with voters in New Hampshire. At this week's town hall sessions, he's faced tough questions about climate change and the future of Medicare and Social Security. Romney downplayed new polls showing he is no longer the GOP presidential frontrunner, thanks to a surge by new candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry.

Perry's Presence Felt At Romney's N.H. Appearances

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