Sean Lengell
Articles by Sean Lengell
‘Extremists’ chase some Republicans toward Obama
While the vast majority of Republican voters are likely to support Mitt Romney for president, some say they will back President Obama because of the GOP push to the political right. Published September 3, 2012
Clint Eastwood adds Hollywood glitter to GOP gathering
The worst-kept secret of the Republican National Convention was revealed Thursday evening, when Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood took the stage to lend his magnetism and distinctively gravelly voice on behalf of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Published August 30, 2012
GOP brought together by anti-union rhetoric
Union bashing has been a unifying theme at this year's Republican National Convention, as few topics have generated louder, longer and more robust cheers and applause during keynote speeches. Published August 30, 2012
Delegates differ, but unify behind Romney
As Mitt Romney formally emerges from the Republican National Convention this week as the party's presidential nominee, many delegates on Wednesday cited his pro-businesses experience as their main attraction to the former Massachusetts governor. Published August 29, 2012
Cruz ascending in GOP
Tea party favorite Ted Cruz took another big step Tuesday toward solidifying his image as one of the fastest rising stars in the GOP, delivering a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention after his stunning Senate primary win last month. Published August 28, 2012
Apps take you to conventions
Not going to the Republican or Democratic party conventions but want to stay on top of the latest happenings from Tampa and Charlotte? There's an app — rather many apps — for that. Published August 27, 2012
In tea party vs. tea party race, Stearns loses primary
At first glance, Rep. Cliff Stearns of Florida seemed to have his conservative credentials lined up ahead of Tuesday's Republican primary. He was endorsed by two tea party favorites – former GOP presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and vice presidential hopeful Rep. Paul Ryan – and belongs to the House Tea Party Caucus. Published August 15, 2012
Mine workers union holds off giving its endorsement to Obama
The nation's largest coal miners union has yet to make an endorsement for the upcoming presidential election after giving President Obama its full and early support four years ago -- hinting it may sit out the race. Published August 14, 2012
From the Olympics to Congress
From Mitt Romney to President Obama to House Speaker John A. Boehner, plenty of political figures have weighed in on the Olympics the last two weeks, cheering on American athletes in public displays of patriotism. Yet, on a few rare occasions in congressional history, the Olympian and lawmaker were one in the same. Published August 12, 2012
Labor chief Trumka vows stronger ground game for elections
The nation's largest labor federation says it is ready to unleash a new and improved political program ahead of the November elections, with expanded outreach and more volunteers than past elections. Published August 9, 2012
Senators ask China to crack down on fake U.S. driver’s licenses
A bipartisan quartet of senators has called on the Chinese government to investigate companies in that nation that are producing high-quality counterfeit American driver's licenses, saying the practice is a serious national security threat to the United States. Published August 7, 2012
‘Dirty liar’ and pressure for taxes escalate war of words
The war of words over Mitt Romney's taxes amped up Sunday, as Republicans lashed out at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and accused him of lying about his claim that the presumed Republican presidential candidate hasn't paid any taxes in the past 10 years. Published August 5, 2012
Cruz: Tea party ‘overwhelmingly’ behind Romney
Ted Cruz, one of tea party's latest and brightest stars, said Sunday the movement that helped propel him to victory in last week's runoff for the Texas Republican Senate nomination is here to stay as a major political force. Published August 5, 2012
Drought aid package clears House as it recesses
The House on Thursday passed an emergency disaster-relief package for ranchers and certain farmers hit by one of the worst droughts in decades, but the Senate did not take up the measure before lawmakers left for their annual August recess. Published August 2, 2012
Tea party basks in Cruz’s win in Texas
Ted Cruz's stunning 14-percentage-point victory over Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in Tuesday's runoff for the Texas Republican Senate nomination gives the tea party explosive momentum heading into the remaining primaries nationwide and the November general elections. Published August 1, 2012
Tea party candidate wins in Texas GOP runoff
Tea party favorite Ted Cruz, once considered a long shot to win the Texas Republican Senate nomination, beat Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in a bitterly contested and expensive two-man runoff election Tuesday. Published July 31, 2012
Filibuster blocks Obama’s court appointee
Senate Republican leaders on Monday delivered a major blow to President Obama's ability to fill high-level federal judicial openings, making good on a threat to block votes on circuit court nominations until next year. Published July 30, 2012
Big bucks roll in for GOP Senate primary in Texas
One of the most expensive and bitter intraparty political battles in Texas history is almost over, as Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and tea party insurgent Ted Cruz face off Tuesday in a GOP runoff election to make the ballot for the state's open Senate seat. Published July 29, 2012
Obama ratchets up heat on House to OK Senate tax bill
President Obama is using all the weapons in the White House arsenal to pressure Republicans on taxes this week, giving his Cabinet marching orders to amplify his tax-fairness message in the coming days, while House GOP said it would allow a full vote on the Senate-passed tax plan. Published July 26, 2012
Wealthy left out of Bush-era tax cut renewal
Embracing President Obama's plan to extend only some of the Bush-era tax cuts, Senate Democrats on Wednesday passed a bill that would mean stable income tax rates for most Americans but a sizable increase for the wealthiest. Published July 25, 2012