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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

Politics

Sen. Graham Backs Away From Immigration Talks

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina had been the one Republican negotiating with Democrats to bring an immigration bill to the Senate floor this year. Now, he says it would be a mistake to have such a bill, and he won't be a part of it.

Sen. Graham Backs Away From Immigration Talks

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National

Obama: Task Is To Save More Miners' Lives

President Obama says the coal miners who died in a West Virginia mine lived and died pursuing the American Dream. At a memorial service in Beckley, W. Va., Sunday, Obama told the families of the workers killed in the Upper Big Branch mine that the nation would honor their memories by improving safety in the mines.

Obama: Task Is To Save More Miners' Lives

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Rising Distrust Is Wind In Conservatives' Sails

Trust in Government: The Season of Discontent

Rising Distrust Is Wind In Conservatives' Sails

Many Americans distrust the federal government — a viewpoint that is especially common among conservatives. That's the finding of a recent poll, and to many conservatives, it suggests that the broader public is coming around to their viewpoint — and giving them political momentum.

Rising Distrust Is Wind In Conservatives' Sails

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National

Head Of Service Employees Union To Step Down

One of the biggest names in the U.S. Labor movement is preparing to leave the stage, perhaps as soon as this week. Andy Stern, the sometimes controversial president of the Service Employees International Union has decided to step down after 15 years. Stern has long been knows for his organizing skills, but in recent years he's been at the center of some of labor's most intense internal battles.

Head Of Service Employees Union To Step Down

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Steele Remorseful, Romney Victorious At Conference

"The one mistake — the one mistake we cannot make this November — is to lose," Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said. Gerald Herbert/AP hide caption

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Gerald Herbert/AP

Election 2010

Steele Remorseful, Romney Victorious At Conference

Embattled RNC Chairman Michael Steele says he has made mistakes and wants to put a controversy over lavish spending habits behind him. Steele made his remarks Saturday at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, a gathering of several thousand GOP activists held in New Orleans over the past three days. The event also offered a preview of some possible presidential campaigns, including some good news for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

Steele Remorseful, Romney Victorious At Conference

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GOP Stars Flirt With Presidential Spotlight

Sarah Palin signs autographs after speaking at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans on Friday. Gerald Herbert/AP hide caption

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Gerald Herbert/AP

Politics

GOP Stars Flirt With Presidential Spotlight

The 2012 presidential election is a long way off, and it's far too early to know for sure who will even run for the Republican nomination, let alone get it. This week, several thousand GOP activists have gathered in New Orleans for the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, and the list of speakers includes some of those would-be challengers to President Obama.

GOP Stars Flirt With Presidential Spotlight

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Election 2010

Gingrich On Obama: 'Most Radical Administration'

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich addressed the Southern Republican Leadership Conference Thursday night. He called Obama's administration "the most radical administration in U.S. history," and he used multiple variations of that line in his nearly hour-long speech.

Gingrich On Obama: 'Most Radical Administration'

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National Security

Obama Administration Unveils New Nuclear Policy

Every new administration conducts a Nuclear Posture Review, which outlines the government position on the use of nuclear weapons. On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton presented the Obama administration's new policy.

Obama Administration Unveils New Nuclear Policy

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Sports

Obama Continues Century-Old Baseball Tradition

President Obama threw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals' home opener Monday. One hundred years ago, President William Howard Taft started the baseball tradition with a low ceremonial first pitch. He did the honors for the old Washington Senators.

Obama Continues Century-Old Baseball Tradition

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Politics

For Right, Health Care Renews A Familiar Rage

The ugly rhetoric and threats surrounding the health care law have been intense — but they're nothing new. Some politicos see echoes of past populist movements from the right, such as the recent militia movement. Others note that quite a bit of abuse was also hurled against President Bush.

For Right, Health Care Renews A Familiar Rage

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Politics

Republicans On Health Care Fight: 'It's Not Over'

One prominent Republican drew the ire of his fellow party members this week by calling the passage of the health care bill the GOP's Waterloo. But Republicans say the issue has lost none of its power to motivate the opposition in the midterm elections and beyond.

Republicans On Health Care Fight: 'It's Not Over'

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Religion

Catholics Torn On Health Care Abortion Language

The Catholic bishops have lobbied hard to get Catholic members of Congress to oppose the current health care bill because of language it says could allow some federal funding of abortion. The Catholic hospital group differs on the interpretation of the abortion language and the relative importance of the rest of the bill.

Catholics Torn On Health Care Abortion Language

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Health Care

Protesters Focus On Rep. Kilroy As Health Vote Nears

Both supporters and opponents of health care overhaul legislation descended on the office of Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy on Tuesday. Kilroy voted yes on the House version of health care legislation in November but has not said what she'll do when the final vote comes up.

Protesters Focus On Rep. Kilroy As Health Vote Nears

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Politics

Obama Delays Asia Trip To Push Health Care

The White House announced Friday that President Obama and his family travel won't travel to Guam, Indonesia and Australia as planned next week. Instead, the president will travel alone, beginning Sunday on an abbreviated trip. The reason: health care.

Obama Delays Asia Trip To Push Health Care

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