13abc Action News - Your Vote 2014

YOUR VOTE 2014 -- Complete Election Results

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 14:36:00 EST

Republican John Kasich has coasted to a second term as Ohio's governor by defeating Cleveland Democrat Ed FitzGerald. Stay with 13abc.com for the latest results on-air and online!

Kasich: Tax cuts, innovation can continue Ohio's success

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:50:00 EST

WILMINGTON, Ohio (AP) - Ohio needs to move beyond its Rust Belt roots, liberate its small businesses through tax cuts and energize the next generation of schoolchildren through educational innovation if it wants to continue to flourish, Gov. John Kasich said during Tuesday's State of the State address. The second-term Republican called upon state lawmakers gathered at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, southwest of Columbus, to support his budget's proposed tax cuts and education formula chang...

Congress deadlocks on Homeland Security bill

Jonathan Keilholz — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 00:30:00 EST

Capitol Hill is deadlocking on a bill to fund Homeland Security, meaning the agency could shut down in just days.

Local conservative group launches Toledo mayor survey

Jonathan Keilholz — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 04:29:00 EST

A local conservative group has launched a survey asking people who they would like to see run for mayor of Toledo.

Michigan Senate approves changing presidential primary date

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:38:00 EST

Changing course from last week, Michigan's Senate and House have approved a March 8 date for the 2016 presidential primary.

Christie to address Republican dinner in suburban Detroit

Jonathan Keilholz — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:49:00 EST

Expected 2016 presidential candidate Chris Christie has scheduled a speech to Michigan Republicans next month.

Federal judge stalls Obama's executive action on immigration

Jonathan Keilholz — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 00:46:00 EST

A federal judge has granted a request from a coalition of 26 states to temporarily block President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration.

Congressional Democrats seek to step up fracking oversight

Jonathan Keilholz — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 23:34:00 EST

Democrats on a congressional oversight panel are stepping up their investigation into how well states are regulating the disposal of oil and gas waste, citing public concern about the potential environmental and health...

Democrats pick Philadelphia for 2016 Convention

Sashem Brey — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:47:00 EST

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic National Committee says the convention will be held the week of July 25, 2016.

Political group proposes marijuana growth in North Toledo

Jonathan Keilholz — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:16:00 EST

A political action committee called ResponsibleOhio wants to use a cornfield in North Toledo to grow marijuana.

Several counties under snow emergencies

Jonathan Keilholz — Mon, 9 Feb 2015 04:43:00 EST

Several northwest Ohio counties are operating under a snow emergency this morning.

Help wanted sign up in Perrysburg

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:22:00 EST

A Perrysburgdata collection company'slooking to hire . "Critical Mix" celebratedheld a ribbon cuttingat Levis Commons.The company tells us salaries for entry level employees can be up to 30 thousand dollars. The Perrysburg office is the operations hub for the company.

Kasich begins multi-state budget tour. Is eye on 2016?

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:09:00 EST

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich has kicked off a six-state tour pushing a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution with a meeting in South Dakota in which he called on state lawmakers to get behind the proposal. A speech and wide-ranging political discussion with legislators at an American Legion post in Pierre Tuesday night was the possible 2016 presidential candidate's first stop on his tour. "Who the heck thinks we should keep spending without any regard to the conseque...

Supreme Court agrees to take on Ohio, Michigan same-sex marriage issues

Jonathan Keilholz — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:58:00 EST

The U.S. Supreme Court decided Friday it will tackle the issue of whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, or whether states are allowed to ban gay marriage.

Republicans set 2016 presidential convention for mid-July

Jonathan Keilholz — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 23:49:00 EST

The Republican National Committee has finalized the dates for its next presidential nominating convention.

GOP Sen. Portman reports $5.8M on hand for 2016 Ohio race

Thu, 8 Jan 2015 11:26:00 EST

Ohio's Republican U.S. senator is flexing his fundraising muscle and party support amid speculation about who might oppose him for 2016 re-election.

President declares economic resurgence during Detroit stop

Wed, 7 Jan 2015 21:14:00 EST

Declaring an American economic resurgence, President Barack Obama opened a three-state swing Wednesday aimed at claiming credit for recent growth and blunting the momentum of the new Republican congressional leadership.

Obama's Michigan visit to highlight auto recovery

Jonathan Keilholz — Sun, 4 Jan 2015 14:05:00 EST

President Barack Obama plans to head for Michigan on Wednesday, three days after he and his family returned to Washington from their vacation in Hawaii.

Postponed Walleye game rescheduled for tonight

Tony Geftos — Sun, 4 Jan 2015 09:15:00 EST

Winterfest will go on.That's the word from organizers after yesterday's outdoor hockey game at 5/3rd Field was postponed because of the wintry weather.

Portman passes on presidential run

Tue, 2 Dec 2014 07:45:00 EST

Senator Rob Portman announced plan to run for re-election to his Senate seat ending speculation about a possible presidential run in 2016.

Businessman to run for mayor of B.G. in first contested race in 16 years

Jonathan Keilholz — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 14:03:00 EST

Democrat Kelly Wicks says he plans to run for mayor of Bowling Green. Wicks lost against republican Tim Brown in a race for state representative back in 2012. The current mayor is Mayor Richard Edwards. Edwards was sworn in back in 2012.

Ohio voters pass most library funding measures

Jonathan Keilholz — Thu, 6 Nov 2014 14:52:00 EST

Ohioans approved 31 of the 34 ballot measures in Tuesday's election to help pay for public libraries.

Voters reject new operating levy for Springfield Schools

Christine Long — Wed, 5 Nov 2014 14:52:00 EST

District Superintendent Michael O'Shea says he is disappointed, but prepared to make significant board-approved cuts in the next few weeks.

Obama, GOP in new political dynamic after election

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 14:46:00 EST

Jubilant Republicans celebrated sweeping election gains Wednesday as President Barack Obama began adjusting to a Congress under two-house GOP control for his final years in office.

Ohio Democratic Party leader resigns after rout

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 14:40:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The head of Ohio's Democratic Party is stepping down as chairman after his party lost all five statewide office races. Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern announced late Tuesday that he'll leave his post in mid-December. It was a tough night all around for Redfern. The Democrat from Catawba Island in northern Ohio also was ousted from his Ohio House seat on Tuesday. Republicans led by Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) swept all of the statewide offices for the second ...

Levy passes, TPS bus service to expand

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 07:32:00 EST

Students who live between one and two miles from their school buildings have to walk to school, under the current rules at Toledo Public Schools. Those rules are about to change.

Michigan voters reject laws favoring wolf hunting

Wed, 5 Nov 2014 07:29:00 EST

DETROIT (AP) - In largely symbolic referendums, Michigan voters have rejected two state laws that allow hunting of gray wolves.One measure removed the wolf from the state endangered list and classified it as a game species.

Kasich leads GOP victories across Ohio

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 23:38:00 EST

Republican John Kasich coasted to re-election as Ohio's governor on Tuesday, leading an across-the-board GOP sweep of statewide offices.

Michigan Republican Gov. Rick Snyder re-elected

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 23:17:00 EST

DETROIT (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has won a second term, defeating Democrat Mark Schauer. The Republican who downplays party ideology campaigned by touting an economic and fiscal recovery and promising to keep the state on the right path. He also highlighted work to address Detroit's financial crisis and increased spending on education. Snyder's victory makes him the sixth straight Michigan governor to be re-elected at least once. The "tough nerd" was a venture capitalist and former co...

Mich. Democrat Peters beats GOP's Land for US Senate

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 21:40:00 EST

Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters has beaten Republican former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to replace retiring Democrat Carl Levin in the U.S. Senate. The win Tuesday for Peters, who led Land in nearly all polls for months, prevented Republicans from capturing their first Senate seat in the state in two decades. Republicans had originally hoped Michigan could be part of their effort to take control of the chamber. The race spurred heavy out-of-state contributions...

Republicans making powerful bid for Senate control

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 21:34:00 EST

Resurgent Republicans captured Democratic seats in Arkansas and West Virginia and bid for control of the U.S. Senate and a tighter grip on the House Tuesday in elections shaped by deep voter discontent with President Barack Obama. The party's leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, dispatched Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes in Kentucky after a $78 million campaign of unrelieved negativity. Voters are "hungry for new leadership. They want a reason to be hopeful," said the...

GOP steers toward hefty House majority

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 20:10:00 EST

WASHINGTON (AP) - Confident Republicans steered toward a hefty House majority in Tuesday's elections, capitalizing on dissatisfaction with President Barack Obama and the nation's pervasive malaise to push their numbers toward the highest levels in 65 years. The GOP currently controls 234 seats and is a lock to re-establish its majority for the final two years of Obama's presidency. Aggressive in the midterms, Republicans were certain to win the seats of retiring moderate Democrats in North Ca...

DeWine wins re-election as Ohio attorney general

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 20:00:00 EST

Republican Mike DeWine has fought back a challenge by Cincinnati lawyer David Pepper to win a second term as Ohio's attorney general. DeWine defeated Pepper on Tuesday. As a former state lawmaker, Ohio lieutenant governor and U.S. senator, DeWine is among Ohio's most well-known politicians. Pepper is a former city councilman and Hamilton County commissioner, and he ran an aggressive campaign against DeWine. He criticized DeWine for a host of actions. Those included awarding lucrative state bu...

Kasich wins re-election

Diane Larson — Tue, 4 Nov 2014 19:41:00 EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Republican John Kasich has coasted to re-election as Ohio's governor by defeating Cleveland Democrat Ed FitzGerald amid early indications turnout was low across the state.

Polls open in Ohio as GOP looks for big wins

Tue, 4 Nov 2014 14:56:00 EST

After faltering early in his first term, Ohio Gov. John Kasich has staged a political comeback that's left him on the verge of clinching a convincing re-election victory Tuesday to lead the state for another four years. Democrats had high hopes a couple of years ago of unseating Kasich, but Ohio's economy has regained its footing and his Democratic rival, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, never found his. He suffered a series of tactical missteps and negative reve...

Getting ready for Election Day

Amy Montgomery — Mon, 3 Nov 2014 23:10:00 EST

"We're in the last stages of getting all the machines set up at all the polling locations," says Gina-Marie Kaczala, Director of the Lucas County Board of Elections.It would seem the stage is set for Tuesday's general election.Precincts across the county are now ready for voters, though some cast their ballots early."Ever since Friday, we've had over 300 voters a day," says Lavera Scott, Deputy Director of the Lucas County Board of Elections said. "It averaged out to be about 96 voters per ho...

Should Americans be forced to vote?

Mon, 3 Nov 2014 11:23:00 EST

If past votes are any guide, turnout in this year's midterm elections could be about 40% of the voting age population. Australia and some other democracies take steps to require citizens to vote. CNN Opinion invited...

Democrat FitzGerald continues to stump for votes

Jonathan Keilholz — Sun, 2 Nov 2014 18:06:00 EST

The line to vote at the Cuyahoga County board of elections in Cleveland snaked out the front door Sunday afternoon but was far shorter than 2012.

Ohio school: reward offered in bomb threats probe

Jonathan Keilholz — Sun, 2 Nov 2014 09:46:00 EST

Miami University says a reward has been offered for information about two bomb threats made against a campus building.

Final days for early voting in Ohio

Sat, 1 Nov 2014 10:16:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohioans still have time to cast an early ballot ahead of Election Day. Residents can vote absentee by mail or in person before Tuesday's election. Voters will decide races for governor and other statewide offices. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is noon Saturday, though voted ballots must be postmarked Nov. 3. In-person, early voting hours are as follows: Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ...

Obama to campaign in Michigan Tomorrow

Lee Conklin — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 19:06:00 EDT

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - When President Barack Obama campaigns in Detroit on Saturday, he'll urge the defeat of a Republican governor with whom he has more common ground than most. And Rick Snyder, unlike others in the GOP, doesn't go out of his way to condemn the unpopular president. Snyder's approach is part necessity since he's working with Obama's administration on several issues, particularly about Detroit. But it's mostly personality - the governor avoids partisan rhetoric in an attempt to...

Issue 8 would raise prices at Cedar Point

Tony Geftos — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 23:05:00 EDT

In your vote, we are five days away from the November election. When voters head to the polls in Sandusky, they will decide whether to raise their own income tax, but that's not all. Issue 8 would also raise the price of your ticket the next time you go to Cedar Point. When a water main break prompted cedar point to close during one of the first big weekends last summer, those with the park could only stand by and wait for a fix. That crucial utility line is operated by the city of Sandusky, ...

Lucas Co. BOE wants electronic poll records

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:44:00 EDT

The Lucas County Board of Elections is pushing for a faster high-tech way of keeping track of who voted. Poll workers currently must flip through binders to find a voter's name. The voter adds his signature, and the paperwork goes to the elections board after the election for a page-by-page audit to determine who did or didn't vote. The board is now asking county commissioners for more than $760,000 to use computerized tablets instead. The board says the tablets will cut down on time and in...

Michigan's only gubernatorial debate grows testy

Mon, 13 Oct 2014 16:16:00 EDT

DETROIT (AP) - Republican Gov. Rick Snyder appealed for a second term during a debate Sunday by pointing to Michigan's economic turnaround and Detroit's progress toward emerging from bankruptcy, while Democratic challenger Mark Schauer accused Snyder of cutting education funding and criticized him for raising taxes on retirees. In their only debate before the Nov. 4 election, the sparring grew testy on issues such as taxes, state and local finances, and the candidates' political experience. R...

Democrat Candidate for Ohio Governor makes a stop in Toledo

Kristi Leigh — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:11:00 EDT

His poll numbers show he could lose big. But the democratic challenger for Ohio Governor was in Toledo on Sunday. This was just one stop in a part of the state he needs to carry. Ed FitzGerald talked with supporters at the lucas county democratic party's annual fall dinner; held at the premier on Heatherdowns.

Early voting to begin in Ohio following dispute

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 07:41:00 EDT

Ohioans can start casting ballots Tuesday in the fall election after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a dispute over the swing state's voting schedule.

Poll: Ohio Republican governor has big lead

Wed, 1 Oct 2014 08:01:00 EDT

A new poll shows Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) with a commanding lead over Democratic opponent Ed FitzGerald.

Michigan governor defends record

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:45:00 EDT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has defended his record in a town hall event with voters, saying he made "tough decisions" to put Michigan on a positive path forward.The Republican governor says an overhaul of business taxes helped created 300,000 jobs under his watch. He also says he signed a controversial right-to-work law in part because union leaders pushed for a collective bargaining ballot initiative that then was defeated.Snyder held the town hall Monday night at Western Michi...

Disqualified Libertarian candidates given more time to make case

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:14:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A federal judge is giving parties in a lawsuit seeking access to the 2014 ballot for two disqualified Libertarian candidates three days to make their case. That timeline set Monday by Judge Michael Watson extends arguments over gubernatorial candidate Charlie Earl and attorney general candidate Steven Linnabary beyond the scheduled start of early voting, which begins Tuesday in the bellwether state. The Libertarian Party of Ohio has sued, calling elections chief Jon Hust...

Christie pushes vote in Ohio rally

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 22:00:00 EDT

CLEVELAND (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie wants Ohio voters to make a big statement in November. Christie told Republican backers at a rally in suburban Cleveland on Monday that giving Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) a resounding victory will send a message that the party's policies are working. Kasich has substantial leads in polls and fundraising over Democrat Ed FitzGerald, whose campaign has been stymied by controversy and staff defections. Christie was joined at the get-out-the-vo...

Supreme Court puts off start of early voting in Ohio

Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:49:00 EDT

A divided Supreme Court has put off the start of early voting in Ohio, which had been set to begin Tuesday. The justices' order by a 5-4 vote Monday granted a request from state officials, who have been trying to trim the number of days for early voting and restrict weekend and evening hours.

US EPA releases 5-year plan to improve Great Lakes

Jonathan Keilholz — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:01:00 EDT

The Obama administration announced a new 5-year plan for the Great Lakes on Wednesday that will accelerate efforts to address toxic pollution, invasive species, farm runoff and restoring plant and wildlife habitat.

Fitzgerald campaigns in Toledo

Sat, 6 Sep 2014 22:16:00 EDT

Democratic candidate for Ohio Governor, Ed Fitzgerald, was in the crowd during a rally promoting Democratic candidates at Indiana Baptist Church in Downtown Toledo.

Michigan Health Director Stepping Down

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:27:00 EDT

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder says that state health Director Jim Haveman is resigning after having a mild stroke. Snyder said in a statement Thursday that Haveman originally planned to remain as head of the Michigan Department of Community Health into 2015 but moved up his departure because of the Memorial Day stroke. Snyder says Haveman will quit Sept. 12 and says Chief Deputy Director Nick Lyon will become director. The governor credits Haveman with promoting "an ambitious health ...

Bedford library asking for 0.25 mill/5-year levy

Tony Geftos — Fri, 1 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EDT

Voters in Bedford Township will see a levy on the primary ballot next Tuesday. It's for the library, and those who work there say if it doesn't pass, the future of the branch may be in jeopardy. Voters signed off on renovations to the Bedford Branch Library when they passed a levy in 2002. Two years ago, it expired. Now, the township is going back to the voters, asking for another levy for less money. It's not to be confused with a separate recent levy that funds the county-wide library syst...

Oregon Schools seeking emergency levy

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:31:00 EDT

Oregon school board members painted a not so pretty picture of their budget outlook Thursday night. The district is seeking a 5.9-mil emergency levy on the 2014 November ballot. If approved, it would collect more than $2.8 million per year over the next five years."We can survive until November of next year but then that becomes the drop dead date and by next November's campaign we'd have to have a list of things we would have to close down to make ends meet," says Dr. Lonny Rivera, superinte...

New poll numbers show Kasich holding on to double digit lead

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 22:16:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A new poll shows that Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald has gained little ground against Ohio Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik). The poll released Wednesday by Quinnipiac (KWIHN'-uh-pee-ak) University in Connecticut shows Republican Kasich ahead of FitzGerald 48 percent to 36 percent. The same poll in May had Kasich leading by a 50-to-35 percent margin. The July 24-28 survey notes that many Ohioans still don't know much about FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County ...

Ohio race for governor all about jobs

Mon, 28 Jul 2014 21:12:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ask politician, pundit and voter alike and they will tell you the same thing: The November election is about jobs. Job growth is both a key economic indicator and an easy issue for politicians to talk about when campaigning. Yet when the claims of Republican Gov. John Kasich and Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald conflict, Ohioans can be left baffled. A look at some of the facts about Ohio jobs and the politics behind the debate: ___ THE NUMBERS Ohio's nonfarm employmen...

Nov. levy for Springfield schools a "back up plan"

Amy Montgomery — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 21:56:00 EDT

Springfield Local Schools are moving forward to put a levy on the November ballot, but school leaders say it's only as a back up.Voters will see a 7.9 mill levy on the August 5th ballot. If it's shot down, board members want to put it on the November ballot and in order to do that, they have to file the paperwork before the August results are known. Wednesday, board members unanimously approved putting a levy, with the same millage, on in November.Sherri Koback, the board president says the l...

US mulling lethal aid to Ukraine; Russian response a concern

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:43:00 EST

The Obama administration is still struggling with whether to provide lethal, defensive weapons to Ukraine amid concerns that such a move might only escalate Russia's military campaign there, U.S. defense leaders told...

White House threatens veto of bill to overhaul education law

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:14:00 EST

The White House threatened Wednesday to veto a Republican bill to overhaul the widely criticized No Child Left Behind law, calling the effort "a significant step backwards."

Envoy: Coalition airstrikes have blunted IS momentum in Iraq

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:14:00 EST

The U.S. envoy for the international coalition fighting the Islamic State militants says thousands of airstrikes have blunted the militants' tactical momentum in Iraq.

Representatives grill Kerry on aspects of Iran nuclear talks

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:57:00 EST

Secretary of State John Kerry played defense Wednesday on Capitol Hill, fielding dozens of questions from lawmakers worried about what Iran could get in a deal being negotiated to block its ability to make an atomic weapon.

Deadline near, deal sets up Homeland Security vote in Senate

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:57:00 EST

Three days before a partial Homeland Security shutdown, lawmakers cleared the way Wednesday for Senate passage of legislation to fund the agency without immigration-related provisions opposed by President Barack Obama.

Garcia says 'working class' to power bid for Chicago mayor

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:34:00 EST

If Jesus "Chuy" Garcia is going to have a shot at upsetting Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in an April runoff, he'll need to quickly solidify a coalition of minorities, union members and progressives reminiscent of one...

Capitol Hill Buzz: Boehner lays down law on House rules

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:34:00 EST

Speaker John Boehner is laying down the law - about the rules of the House.

Preparing for campaign, Clinton seizes on bipartisanship

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:13:00 EST

Not yet officially a candidate for president, Hillary Rodham Clinton is already trying to seize the mantle of problem-solver in a nation fed up with dysfunctional government. Republicans are ready to remind Clinton - and...

US-Israel quarrel intensifies over Netanyahu speech

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 17:03:00 EST

Trading barbs, the U.S. and Israel escalated their increasingly public spat Wednesday over Benjamin Netanyahu's GOP-engineered congressional speech next week, with the Israeli prime minister accusing world powers of...

Justices: Dentists unfair to limit teeth-bleaching providers

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:35:00 EST

The Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a state regulatory board made up mostly of dentists violated federal law against unfair competition when it tried to prevent lower-cost competitors in other fields from offering...

One Sweet Republican Meeting: Lawmakers Gather in Hershey, PA

Jacqueline Policastro — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:01:00 EST

HERSHEY, PA - Republicans get together all the time on Capitol Hill, but this week, they're taking their meeting place to one of the sweetest places on Earth. Both House and Senate Republicans are meeting at their annual retreat where they discuss issues that affect each and every one of us – and set the agenda for their party in Congress. Much of the retreat is reserved for closed-door meetings, but some of the most powerful lawmakers are addressing the crowd, explaining their strategy for...

First day of session for Congress

Wed, 7 Jan 2015 09:36:00 EST

Swearing-in day on Capitol Hill is one big photo shoot, with lawmakers and their closest family members taking part in ceremonies to mark the beginning of the 114th Congress. On this day, the most powerful meet the new power players. Re-elected House Speaker John Boehner and Vice President Joe Biden welcomed members of the 114thcongress with a handshake and a smile. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and go to work. We are very excited about that and look forward to get it going,” said Michiga...

Constitution changes Congress swear-in date

Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:50:00 EST

This New Year brings with it a new Congress. The 114th Congress will be sworn in on January 6. But according to the U.S. Constitution, that's three days late. Lawmakers had to break into the constitution and pass a new law in order to make plans for the ceremony. Here in Washington – sometimes the minutia forces lawmakers to change the rules. In the Constitution, the 20th Amendment states that Congress must be sworn in by January 3rd. But this year – January 3rd lands on a Saturday – when go...

Lawmakers share favorite holiday memories

Thu, 25 Dec 2014 12:10:00 EST

The holidays are a time where people like to share their favorite memories and that's happening on Capitol Hill too. When Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown (D) was a kid, his parents surprised him with a pony. “My dad and mom thought it was a great Christmas surprise to get a little pony, in town, and they put straw in the garage and led us out on Christmas morning to meet our little pony. We called him Brownie; it was really clever, with my last name Brown.”Pennsylvania Congressman Mike Kelly (R) ...

Major political headlines in 2014

Jacqueline Policastro — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 18:07:00 EST

It's never a dull moment in the world of politics. Throughout 2014, our Washington Bureau was there to cover it all.Inside the United States Capitol, it was a year full of major political headlines, partisan bickering, and some voting on legislation. President Obama kicked off 2014 with his fifth State of the Union address – warning Congress he planned to push his agenda even if it meant he had to do it all by himself. The “go it alone attitude” in Obama's speech dominated this year in Washin...

Thousands join in "Justice for All" march in DC

Lauren Adams — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:29:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Their chants are familiar – their outrage sparked by the recent decisions to not indict police officers in the deaths of 2 black civilians: Michael Brown and Eric Garner. “I'm here to make a change,” said 19-year-old Micah Jasmine, who traveled to the rally from Raleigh, North Carolina. Thousands of people marched in solidarity, displaying signs and looking for answers. “In this country, we make changes by doing what we're doing here today,” Jasmine said. “We've passed laws...

As Congress heads out, body cameras still up for debate

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:36:00 EST

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reviewing President Barack Obama's plan to spend $75 million dollars to get 50,000 more police officers to wear body cameras that record their interactions with civilians. The president's move is spurred by the Ferguson, Missouri shooting of Michael Brown. More body cameras for police is part of a three year, nearly $300 million spending plan the president is pushing, one lawmakers have a lot to say about.“I think it will create better feelings, better communicat...