Politics

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Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (right), the Republican presidential candidate, steps offstage with his wife, Ann, after a speech at a campaign event at the International Exposition Center in Cleveland on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

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Petty Officer 3rd class, Joseph Mustafa, left, waves his family members on the deck of USS Enterprise as it docks at the Pier 12 next to USS Abraham Lincoln during its final homecoming. The Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ended its remarkable career at sea on Sunday when it pulled into its home port for the final time after participating in every major conflict since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. (AP Photo/The Virginian-Pilot, Hyunsoo Leo Kim)

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Former Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, takes a photo with Bernice Cohen of Silver Spring, Md., as he makes his way out of the tunnel during for the annual Washington Redskins Homecoming festivities before the Washington Redskins take on the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Sunday, November 4, 2012. Portis is one of the "10 for 80" honorees selected to be added to the 70 greatest former players as part of the 80th anniversary of the Washington Redskins. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Former Washington Redskins linebacker Lavar Arrington, right, and other former Washington Redskins players wait inside the tunnel to take the field as part of the annual Washington Redskins Homecoming festivities before the Washington Redskins take on the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Sunday, November 4, 2012.(Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan talks with Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) on the sideline after a three and out offensive series in the fourth quarter as the Washington Redskins take on the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Sunday, November 4, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) talks with a coach on the sideline late in the fourth quarter as the Washington Redskins take on the Carolina Panthers at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Sunday, November 4, 2012. (Andrew Harnik/The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Nov. 4, 2012. (Preston Keres/Special to The Washington Times)

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Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Nov. 4, 2012. (Preston Keres/Special to The Washington Times)at FedEx Field, Landover, Md., Nov. 4, 2012. (Preston Keres/Special to The Washington Times)

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This image provided by Romney For President, Inc. shows a still frame made from a video ad entitled "12 Million Jobs." One analysis estimates the campaigns and independent groups will have spent about $1.1 billion on television advertising this year, with $750 million already allocated in states likely to determine the outcome of the presidential contest. (AP Photo/Romney for President, Inc.)

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A gaffe by Rep. W. Todd Akin of Missouri has imperiled the Republicans’ chances of claiming a Senate seat that was thought to be ripe for the taking. In Mr. Akin’s case, it would be a pickup for the GOP. (Associated Press)

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A gaffe by Indiana state Treasurer Richard Mourdock has imperilled the Republicans’ chances of claiming a Senate seat that was thought to be ripe for the taking. In Mr. Mourdock’s race, a win would keep the seat in the Republican column. (Associated Press)