Politics

103_2013_tesla-fire8201.jpg

The Tesla Model S, an electric car that sells for $70,000, received the highest safety rating ever recorded from the federal government but a crash and resulting fire sent the stock tumbling Thursday. (Associated Press)

Shutdown 2016 Republicans.JPEG-0b947.jpg

** FILE ** In this Aug. 30, 2013, file photo, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal addresses attendees during the Americans for Prosperity Foundation's Defending the American Dream Summit in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Shutdown 2016 Republicans.JPEG-09794.jpg

Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, leaves the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, after a procedural vote on a bill to fund the government. Potential 2016 presidential candidates now in Congress, including Mr. Paul, have been relatively silent about a partial government shutdown. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

103_2013_budget-battle-128201.jpg

Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois arrive for a news conference. Mr. Reid see that House Republicans are the obstacle to ending the government shutdown.

103_2013_budget-battle-88201.jpg

"We are going to go forward with trying to address situations that are in critical stages," House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Virginia Republican, told reporters. (Associated Press)

103_2013_shutdown-texas-28201.jpg

Veteran Raul Sanchez and others protests the government shutdown at the San Antonio office of U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Texas is one of the richest beneficiaries of federal spending, with its military bases, Gulf Coast seaports, and nearly 2,000-mile border with Mexico. (Associated Press photographs)

103_2013_aptopix-obama-budget-battle8201.jpg

President Obama speaks about the government shutdown and the pending debt ceiling fight during a visit to M. Luis Construction, a Rockville, Md. based-company that specializes in asphalt manufacturing, concrete paving, and roadway reconstruction.