Seth McLaughlin

Republican candidates lack Obamacare alternative plans with Supreme Court decision looming

The Republican presidential candidates want Obamacare to be repealed, but only a few have detailed their plans for replacing the massive health care law, leaving a gap in the public debate over what to do about President Obama's signature achievement. Published June 10, 2015

N.H. Republicans urge Fox News, RNC to revise debate rules

Dozens of New Hampshire Republicans are calling on Fox News and the Republican National Committee to rethink limiting the number of candidates in the first televised debate to 10, warning that the criteria being used could eliminate viable candidates and goes against the interest of voters. Published June 10, 2015

N.J. Supreme Court sides with Chris Christie in pension fight

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie scored a major victory Tuesday in his ongoing battle with public employee unions after the state's top court sided with him in his quest to curb the costs of pension and health benefits. Published June 9, 2015

Republican presidential campaign travel schedule hints at candidate strategy

GOP candidates' early schedules say lots about their state-by-state strategies for making waves in the primaries and what early wins they hope will keep them alive for the later rounds. Published June 8, 2015

Rick Perry enters White House race, says ‘political class in Washington’ not up to task

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday entered the crowded Republican presidential field, touting his lengthy executive experience and job creation record while hoping to tap into his party's penchant for nominating retreads. Published June 4, 2015

Lindsey Graham: Hillary Clinton more closed off than Kim Jong-un

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says Hillary Rodham Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign is so closed off to the world that it would be easier for people to get in touch with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Published June 3, 2015

Marco Rubio calls for ‘new generation’ as legacies hobble Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush

Sen. Marco Rubio called Tuesday for a "new generation of leaders" to take control of government, delivering a challenge to the heavyweight legacy candidates in both the GOP and Democratic primaries who are fighting to keep the White House under control of a baby boomer. Published June 2, 2015

Mike Huckabee: Crony capitalism stifling ‘fair tax’

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee said Tuesday that Congress is reluctant to pass a "fair tax" because lawmakers are in bed with a deep-pocketed "donor class" that is reaping benefits from the current tax code. Published June 2, 2015

Lindsey Graham announces 2016 bid, vows to ‘defeat the enemies trying to kill us’

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday jumped into the 2016 GOP presidential race, pledging to "defeat" the radical Islamic militants that want to attack the United States -- increasing the likelihood that the nomination fight will have a heavy focus on foreign policy. Published June 1, 2015

For Rand Paul, push on Patriot act carries risks, rewards

Sen. Rand Paul's high-profile push to scrap the Patriot Act carries both risk and reward for his 2016 presidential prospects, according to GOP analysts, who say that the battle is helping him solidify his libertarian-leaning base, but also could further alienate voters that already have questions about his world view. Published May 31, 2015

Barbs could get ugly in crowded 2016 Republican field

Expect stinging attacks to be the norm as analysts say the 20 or so Republicans planning presidential bids are going to resort to them as they try to carve out space within the crowded field, and try to win attention from primary voters by trying to knock front-running candidates off the top of the hill. Published May 28, 2015

George Pataki, former New York governor, announces White House bid

Former New York Gov. George Pataki on Thursday launched his long-shot bid for president, vowing to reduce the size of the federal government and use military force if necessary to "defeat and destroy" the growing threat of Islamic militants in the Middle East. Published May 28, 2015

Rand Paul breaks from GOP rivals with jab at ‘hawks’

Sen. Rand Paul said Wednesday that the "hawks" within his own Republican Party helped arm the Islamic State terrorists who are now threatening the U.S. and its interests in the region, reigniting a fierce GOP debate over the nation's role in the world. Published May 27, 2015

Rick Santorum launches second bid for president

Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania on Wednesday launched his second bid for president, vowing to be a warrior for working-class Americans, in part by pursuing an immigration policy that ensures American workers and their wages are protected from annual increases an unskilled foreign labor. Published May 27, 2015