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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

WWII Vets Have All But Vanished From The Halls Of Congress

Military pallbearers carry the coffin of the late New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg into the Senate chamber on Thursday. He was the only remaining World War II veteran in the Senate. Douglas Graham/AP hide caption

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Douglas Graham/AP

It's All Politics

WWII Vets Have All But Vanished From The Halls Of Congress

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who died this week at 89, had been the only remaining World War II veteran in the Senate. Just two are left in the House. Today, fewer than 1 in 5 members of Congress have military service on their resume.

WWII Vets Have All But Vanished From The Halls Of Congress

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Politics

IRS Inquiries Crossed The Line, Tea Party Groups Say

Activists are calling for a full investigation, and possibly lawsuits, following revelations that the IRS flagged so-called patriot groups for scrutiny in applications for federal tax-exempt status. Groups say they were asked about rallies, Facebook and Twitter activity.

IRS Inquiries Crossed The Line, Tea Party Groups Say

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Politics

On Recess, Senators Get An Earful Over Failed Gun Vote

Senators whose votes on the gun bill got attention back home have been getting an earful during the recess week, when many are back in their states.

On Recess, Senators Get An Earful Over Failed Gun Vote

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How Will Obama Make His Case On Syria?

President Obama speaks at a news conference Tuesday. He addressed the use of chemical weapons in Syria and said he's weighing his options. Alex Wong/Getty Images hide caption

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Alex Wong/Getty Images

It's All Politics

How Will Obama Make His Case On Syria?

When it comes to the U.S. role in Syria's civil war, President Obama says he's weighing all options. Whatever he decides, he'll have to make his case to a public that hasn't been paying close attention.

How Will Obama Make His Case On Syria?

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National

Presidents Overlook Differences At Bush Center Opening

All five living presidents were together in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, for the opening of the George W. Bush presidential library and museum. The new $250 million library is on the campus of Southern Methodist University.

Presidents Overlook Differences At Bush Center Opening

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Immigration Debate Puts Farm Workers Union In Spotlight

United Farm Workers members were among the crowd that filled the lawn on Capitol Hill during an immigration rights rally Wednesday. Jacquelyn Martin/AP hide caption

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Jacquelyn Martin/AP

It's All Politics

Immigration Debate Puts Farm Workers Union In Spotlight

The United Farm Workers seemed to be all over Washington this week — lobbying members of Congress and gathering for a big immigration rally outside the Capitol. The union has gotten "a huge injection of leverage" from its role in the immigration debate, one analyst says.

Immigration Debate Puts Farm Workers Union In Spotlight

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Law

Immigration Activists Call For Faster Policy Reforms

Thousands of protesters descended on Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, demanding action by Congress on immigration. Audie Cornish talks to Don Gonyea.

Immigration Activists Call For Faster Policy Reforms

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Law

Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Docket Draws Crowds

Pro-gay marriage forces won the real estate battle in front of the Supreme Court Tuesday on the first of two days of arguments on the subject inside the court. On the National Mall, a rally was held for traditional marriage.

Supreme Court's Same-Sex Marriage Docket Draws Crowds

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Outside the Supreme Court, The Arguments Continue

A member of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization (right) is confronted by a pro-gay-marriage activist outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Outside the Supreme Court, The Arguments Continue

As oral arguments were held Tuesday in the first of two same-sex-marriage cases inside the Supreme Court, the steps and sidewalks outside were transformed into a public forum of sorts on the issue.

Outside the Supreme Court, The Arguments Continue

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Politics

Rob Portman Becomes Only Republican In The Senate To Support Gay Marriage

Activists attending the CPAC convention were among those responding to Rob Portman on Friday after the Ohioan became the first Republican in the Senate to support gay marriage.

Rob Portman Becomes Only Republican In The Senate To Support Gay Marriage

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Politics

At CPAC, GOP Makes Push For Young Voters

Winning over young voters is one of the biggest challenges facing conservatives. At this year's CPAC, there's an extra push to counter the advantage Democrats have enjoyed with voters under 30 in the past two presidential elections.

At CPAC, GOP Makes Push For Young Voters

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Politics

Controversies Over CPAC Reflect GOP's Woes

Conservative activists are gathering just outside Washington, D.C., on Thursday for the annual gathering known as CPAC — the Conservative Political Action Conference. A year ago, the group was riding high, confident in their ability to help the Republican Party defeat President Obama. Today, controversy over who's speaking at the conference and who's boxed out illustrate the woes confronting the GOP.

Controversies Over CPAC Reflect GOP's Woes

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Politics

Why Republicans Are Out Of Step With Young Voters

Young voters overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama in each of the past two presidential elections. Making sure they don't vote Democratic again is a top priority for national Republicans. Some young conservatives offer their ideas about what the GOP needs to do to win over their generation.

Why Republicans Are Out Of Step With Young Voters

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