Tom Howell Jr.
Articles by Tom Howell Jr.
Obamacare opponents emboldened, gain reinforcements in midterms
Voters dealt a blow to Obamacare in a number of states this week when they re-elected GOP governors who had opposed the law, and even added a few to their ranks, making the climate less hospitable for President Obama's plans to expand Medicaid. Published November 6, 2014
Chris Christie gets high marks for handling of Ebola: poll
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie enjoyed a successful election night on the national stage Tuesday, with several Republican governors cruising to election over President Obama's allies. Now, Mr. Christie's constituents are giving him higher marks than the federal government for his handling of the Ebola situation. Published November 6, 2014
Mitch McConnell signals new GOP Senate majority will attack Obamacare piece by piece
Sen. Mitch McConnell, fresh out a sweeping victory in Kentucky that will likely make him the Senate majority leader, said Wednesday that Obamacare was a "huge legislative mistake" that is hurting states and the American people. Published November 5, 2014
Larry Hogan pulls off Election Night shocker, will be new governor of Maryland
In one of the the biggest Election Day shockers, Republican Larry Hogan pulled off a stunning victory in deep-blue Maryland to become only the second GOP governor in the state since 1969. Published November 5, 2014
Joni Ernst wins in Iowa, piling on Senate wins for the GOP
Republican candidate Joni Ernst has seized the Senate seat left by retiring Democratic senator Tom Harkin, representing the icing on the cake for GOP contenders who took back the upper chamber late Tuesday. Published November 5, 2014
Thom Tillis win over Kay Hagan in North Carolina secures GOP Senate majority
In a race that broke the bank, Republican challenger Thom Tillis squeaked out a victory over Democratic incumbent Kay R. Hagan in North Carolina, securing a Senate majority for Republicans. Published November 5, 2014
Election beating yet to turn Senate Democrats against Harry Reid
Despite devastating loses, Senate Democrats showed little sign of ditching the leadership team that led them to an Election Night disaster. Sen. Harry Reid, the Nevada Democrat who will lose his job as majority leader in the new GOP-run Senate, appeared ready to run for minority leader. Published November 4, 2014
Rep. Michael Grimm wins in N.Y., despite indictment and ‘like a boy’ comments
New York congressman Michael Grimm, who was indicted on tax and wire fraud charges in April, defeated his Democratic opponent on Tuesday, according to multiple media projections. Published November 4, 2014
Scott Walker wins re-election in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has won another term after fending off Democratic challenger Mary Burke. Published November 4, 2014
No Idol: Clay Aiken finishes second again
Looks like Clay Aiken has come in second again. Published November 4, 2014
George P. Bush becomes first in family to win first election; wins race for Texas land commissioner
George P. Bush won his race for Texas land commissioner Tuesday night, becoming the first member of the Bush political dynasty to win his initial bid for elected office. Published November 4, 2014
Charlie Crist’s motion for more voting time denied by Florida judge
A Florida judge has denied Democrats' plea for more voting time in Broward County, which according to a motion by challenger Charlie Crist had been plagued by voting system problems and confusion. Published November 4, 2014
S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley has won a second term, says AP
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley defeated Democratic challenger Vincent Sheheen on Tuesday, delivering the Palmetto State's first female governor a second term. Published November 4, 2014
Charlie Crist supporters call for extended voting hours in Broward County
Voting is getting weird in Florida again — this time, Democrats supporting challenger Charlie Crist want to extend voting hours in a key county. Published November 4, 2014
Kanye West touts meeting with Obama, tells fans to ‘please vote’
The mid-term elections are "extremely important" — at least Yeezy thinks so, anyway. Published November 4, 2014
Alison Lundergan Grimes reminds Kentucky’s westerners they’ve still got time to vote
The first tallies out of Kentucky have Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell leading challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes, but the Democrat — who also happens to be the state's top election official — is reminding folks there is a long night ahead. Published November 4, 2014
Uber ride-on-demand app offers discount to Colorado voters
Trouble getting to the polls in Colorado? Uber, the ride-on-demand application loaded onto smartphones across America, has an offer for you. Published November 4, 2014
Races for Senate, governor driving Kansans to polls
Officials in Kansas reported Tuesday that voter enthusiasm is on par with what they saw during the presidential election two years ago, with wait times up to a half-hour long as the nation eyes its Senate contest between Republican Pat Roberts and independent challenger Greg Orman. Published November 4, 2014
Guam jumps on the medical marijuana train
Medical marijuana has steadily made inroads across the U.S., but now the territories are getting in on the action. Published November 4, 2014
Ebola quarantines complicate holiday travel plans, may deter aid workers
The holiday season could present a major problem for the fight against Ebola, as states and aid workers try to figure out how — or even whether — American doctors and nurses treating patients in West Africa will be able to come home for Christmas. Published November 3, 2014
