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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

Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

Sen. Kelly Ayotte, joined by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. John McCain, discusses the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, on Capitol Hill earlier this month. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

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J. Scott Applewhite/AP

It's All Politics

Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

For many Americans, New Hampshire freshman Sen. Kelly Ayotte is a brand-new face. But she campaigned this year with presidential candidate Mitt Romney and was mentioned as a possible running mate. Now, she has joined veteran Republican senators in raising questions about U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice.

Rice Controversy Raises Ayotte's Profile

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Elections

Ohio And Florida: Checking In With Two Key States

Ohio and Florida could decide the election — or delay the results for days to come. NPR reporters in Tampa, Fla., and the Columbus, Ohio, area talk with Morning Edition hosts about what people are talking about at the polls and possible challenges.

Ohio And Florida: Checking In With Two Key States

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Elections

Presidential Campaigns Need Volunteers To Succeed

The campaigns of President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney have counted on an army of volunteers who have, among other things, knocked on doors, made phone calls and staffed booths at county fairs and parades in every state in the country.

Presidential Campaigns Need Volunteers To Succeed

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America's Changing Face Presents Challenges For The GOP

Voters cast their ballots during the first day of early voting at the Meadows Mall on Oct. 20 in Las Vegas, Nev. David Becker/Getty Images hide caption

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David Becker/Getty Images

It's All Politics

America's Changing Face Presents Challenges For The GOP

In the final days before the election, the parties are doubling down on their convictions. Long-term demographics, however, suggest shifts in America's electorate that could mean big challenges for the Republican Party in coming years — but also could offer some new opportunities.

America's Changing Face Presents Challenges For The GOP

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Elections

Voter Turnout Efforts Going Full Steam In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is in the small group of remaining battleground states that could determine the outcome of the presidential election. Turnout operations are an important part of the Mitt Romney and President Obama campaigns in all the critical states. But in Wisconsin, get-out-the-vote efforts grew out of the state's hard-fought gubernatorial recall election.

Voter Turnout Efforts Going Full Steam In Wisconsin

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Obituaries

McGovern, From WWII Pilot To Embattled Candidate

Former Sen. George McGovern, the Democratic nominee for president 40 years ago this fall, has died at age 90, with his family gathered near him in South Dakota.

McGovern, From WWII Pilot To Embattled Candidate

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McGovern Legacy Offers More Than A Lost Presidency

McGovern listens to a constituent in 1974. Jim Mone/AP hide caption

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Jim Mone/AP

Obituaries

McGovern Legacy Offers More Than A Lost Presidency

Former Sen. George McGovern died Sunday morning. He was best known as the Democratic Party's ill-fated nominee against President Nixon in 1972, a textbook case of how not to run for the White House. Even so, as a proud liberal, McGovern was an inspiration to many political figures. He was 90.

McGovern Legacy Offers More Than A Lost Presidency

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Elections

In Ohio, Bill Clinton Opens For 'The Boss'

One of President Obama's most high-profile surrogates, former President Bill Clinton, spoke at a rally in Parma, Ohio, Thursday. Rocker Bruce Springsteen was the co-headliner.

In Ohio, Bill Clinton Opens For 'The Boss'

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Elections

Take-Charge Obama Shows Up For Second Debate

Two weeks ago, GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney was seen as the clear winner of that debate. A very different President Obama showed up for the second debate. He went hard after his Republican opponent from the very start.

Take-Charge Obama Shows Up For Second Debate

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Elections

Volunteers Labor To Get Early Voters Out In Iowa

Early voting is underway in Iowa, a battleground state where the most recent polls give President Obama a very narrow lead in a tight race. Four years ago, Obama carried Iowa with help from a massive ground organization that far outpaced what the GOP was doing. This year, Republicans say that won't be repeated.

Volunteers Labor To Get Early Voters Out In Iowa

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Strict Private School Prepped Romney To 'Aim High'

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney lived in Stevens Hall while he was attending Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images hide caption

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Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Elections

Strict Private School Prepped Romney To 'Aim High'

At Cranbrook School for Boys, Mitt Romney and his classmates "lived by the bell" and wore coats and ties to dinner. Romney made his mark at the prestigious private school, but a former classmate says, "you never saw Mitt and said, 'That's the governor's son.' He was one of the guys, quite honestly."

Strict Private School Prepped Romney To 'Aim High'

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