Murtha's death sets stage for marquee House race

Democrats have long dominated the late Rep. John Murtha's district in western Pennsylvania, but Republicans have made inroads in recent years that could help them win back the seat _ and some longtime Murtha supporters say they're open to voting for a GOP candidate.

White House mocks Sarah Palin from podium

Even the White House's top spokesman is getting in on the act of mocking former Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin for looking to talking points written on her palm during a speech to "tea party" activists.

First lady begins fight against childhood obesity

Michelle Obama on Tuesday unveiled "Let's Move" _ her national public awareness campaign against childhood obesity, a problem she says concerns her both as first lady and as a mom.

US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,375

As of Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at least 4,375 members of the U.S. military had died in the Iraq war since it began in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

Clinton trip announced via Twitter

In a first for U.S. diplomacy, the State Department has used Twitter to announce an upcoming overseas trip by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Clinton asked to intervene in Haiti kidnap case

The U.S.-based lawyer for one of 10 American Baptists charged with child kidnapping in Haiti appealed Tuesday for Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to personally intervene in the case.

White House hastens concert to beat snow

Facing another wintry wallop, the White House decided to move a concert celebrating civil rights music from Wednesday to Tuesday to beat what could be a second crippling storm in a week.

Obama calls on Senate to stop blocking nominees

President Barack Obama is calling on lawmakers to stop blocking the confirmation of government appointees in the Senate by raising objections not related to their qualifications.

Obama pleads anew for bipartisanship in Washington

President Barack Obama says it's time for Democrats and Republicans to work hard because the American people "expect a seriousness of purpose that transcends petty politics."

Snowstorms force US House to scrap work week

Mother Nature's wrath has forced the U.S. House to scrap its work week.

Alabama senator releases holds on Obama nominees

Republican Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama will stop blocking Senate confirmation of about 70 government appointees nominated by President Barack Obama, his office said.

First lady: President Obama had 'phenomenal year'

First lady Michelle Obama says President Barack Obama "has done a phenomenal job," but that people have a right to criticize him.

Obama to sign proclamation on childhood obesity

President Barack Obama will be sticking around the White House today as Washington continues to dig out from its big snowfall, and prepares for another one expected to begin this afternoon.

Congressman: Murtha's intestine damaged in surgery

A Pennsylvania congressman and longtime friend of the late Rep. John Murtha says the congressman's large intestine was damaged during gallbladder surgery and the complications led him to be hospitalized.

Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77

Rep. John Murtha, the tall, gruff-mannered former Marine who became the de facto voice of veterans on Capitol Hill and later an outspoken and influential critic of the Iraq War, died Monday. He was 77. The Pennsylvania Democrat had been suffering from complications from gallbladder surgery. He died at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., with his family at his bedside, the hospital said.

US to commit $78.5M to try to halt Asian carp

Navigational locks and gates in Chicago-area waterways crucial for shipping may be opened less frequently than usual under a $78.5 million campaign to prevent Asian carp from overrunning the Great Lakes, federal officials said Monday.

Obama: Murtha 'tough-as-nails' leader

President Barack Obama says he was saddened to hear of the death of Rep. John Murtha and called his fellow Democrat a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years.

Quinn: Ill. lt. governor hopefuls should speak up

Democrats in Illinois are getting a political do-over: the chance to pick a new lieutenant governor nominee themselves now that the primary winner dropped out of the race because of revelations about his checkered past.

Rep. John Murtha, Iraq war critic, dies at 77

U.S. Rep. John Murtha, an influential critic of the Iraq War whose congressional career was shadowed by questions about his ethics, died Monday. He was 77.

Ag Secretary pushes school nutrition plan

The Obama administration will ask Congress to improve childhood nutrition by ridding school vending machines of sugary snacks and drinks and giving school lunch and breakfast to more kids.