Business_Finance

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**FILE** Twinkies baked goods are displayed for sale Nov. 16, 2012, at the Hostess Brands' bakery in Denver. (Associated Press)

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A cashier rings up boxes of Hostess Twinkies and Cup Cakes at the Hostess Brands' bakery in Denver on Nov. 16, 2012. (Associated Press)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell says he does not expect revenue to decline next year, although it could grow at a slower pace depending on what happens in Washington. He has told state lawmakers that Virginia could be significantly affected by the “fiscal cliff.” (Associated Press)

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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Clay Harbor (82) is tacked by Washington Redskins defensive back Brandon Meriweather (31) in the second quarter as the Washington Redskins play the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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**FILE** Buddy Roogow (center), D.C. Lottery Executive Director, testifies June 29, 2011, at the Wilson Building in Washington, D.C., before a city council hearing regarding online poker in D.C. At right is Natwar M. Gandhi, D.C.'s Chief Financial Officer. (Rod Lamkey Jr/The Washington Times)

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Hannah Moore, of Arlington, Va., shouts out in a chant during a short rally in front of The White House to protest the Keystone Pipeline, in a march which began at Freedom Plaza, in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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People cary a mock pipeline as they pass by The White House to protest the Keystone Pipeline, in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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People carry a mock pipeline as they pass by The White House to protest the Keystone Pipeline, in Washington, D.C., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012. (Rod Lamkey Jr./The Washington Times)

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In his waning days as a lawmaker, Mr. Bartlett says it is time for members of Congress to learn how to compromise. (U.S. Congress)

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“Because what happens in Washington, D.C., is ... we do an increase in taxes today, and we promise that there’s going to be spending cuts 10 years from now. And it never happens.” - Rep. Raul Labrador, Idaho Republican. (Associated Press)

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“It’s an invitation for our side. ... You have to be careful. If you talk about taxes, [Republicans] run for the hills. But if you talk about revenue and tax reform, they sit still for that conversation.” - Sen. Richard J. Durbin, Illinois Democrat. (Associated Press)