Washington Political News
Haitian President Preval thanks US for support
Haitian President Rene Preval (reh-NAY' preh-VAHL') has visited the White House to thank President Obama and the American people for all the help his country received after January's massive earthquake.
Obama renews backing of earthquake-stricken Haiti
President Barack Obama on Wednesday renewed America's commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of earthquake-devastated Haiti, telling visiting President Rene Preval he knows the crisis has not passed.
AP poll: Obama more popular than Congress
Americans have come to detest Congress ever more deeply as it nears the end of a nasty fight over health care. But more than half still back President Barack Obama, a bright spot for a Democratic Party counting on its leader to help stave off expected losses in elections this fall.
Female World War II aviators to be honored today
The first women to fly U.S. military planes will be awarded a Congressional Gold Medal on Capitol Hill.
Ex-Pa. treasurer exits race for Murtha's seat
Former Pennsylvania treasurer and auditor general Barbara Hafer (HAY'-fuhr) has dropped out of the Democratic primary race for the U.S. House seat once held by late Rep. John Murtha.
Limits passed on McNeil offenders' computer use
| The Legislature has passed a measure limiting computer use by sex offenders at the state’s Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island.
School reform a session must, says Gregoire
SEATTLE - Gov. Chris Gregoire said Tuesday that she'll keep lawmakers in Olympia until they resolve their debate over school reform.
Time for final push on tax plans
House Democrats finally approved their $680 million tax package in the wee hours Tuesday morning, but time was running out on the Senate and the House as they moved to negotiate the budget and a way to pay for it.
Hoyer says some trying to politicize Massa case
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer accused political opponents Wednesday of trying to exploit the controversy surrounding former Rep. Eric Massa, who resigned from Congress amid accusations of sexual harassment.
Obama pushing on health care end game
President Barack Obama has chosen a suburban St. Louis high school to make his closing argument for a health care overhaul, pushing a new anti-fraud plan as he cranks up the pressure on skittish Democratic lawmakers to act fast.
County budget $6 million shy
cutbacks: Executive orders most agencies to cut spending 1 percent, but much more may be needed | Pierce County faces a $6 million budget hole as the worst recession in decades continues to take a toll on county revenue.
Legislature fine-tunes police laws
OLYMPIA: Several bills cleared as time grows short on session | Lawmakers finished much of their work Tuesday on what has been a major thrust of this year’s session in Olympia: dealing with the fallout from November’s tragic deaths in a Parkland coffee shop.
Lawmakers begin final push to approve tax plans, budget
OLYMPIA: House OKs tax package as session deadline looms | House Democrats finally approved their $680 million tax package in the wee hours Tuesday morning, but time was running out on the Senate and the House as they moved to negotiate the budget and a way to pay for it.
Is that a concourse or not?
Tacoma - | Tacoma Rainiers President Aaron Artman took issue this week with statements from members of one of the losing bidders for renovating Cheney Stadium that their team’s design included a public concourse.
Patty Murray looks safe, but is she?
"A perfect storm" blew away a Democratic Senate seat in Massachusetts: Could Sen. Patty Murray be in for heavy weather?
Legislature votes $800 limit on local campaign donations
Last year Kathy Kershner received a campaign contribution of almost $20,000 when she ran for Whatcom County Council. Yet when Speaker of...
Washington state Supreme Court hears sealed-records case
Arguing it's in the public's interest to know how taxpayer money is spent to defend suspected criminals, the Yakima Herald-Republic on Tuesday...
Proposal to boost Washington state's hazardous-substances tax gaining momentum
Environmentalists seeking to clean up Puget Sound may be on the verge of a major political victory, with a proposal to boost the state`s hazardous-substances tax to deal with polluted stormwater gaining traction in the closing days of the legislative session. The push comes despite new petroleum-industry threats to sue the state and invalidate the hazardous-substances tax, created by a voter i ...
Amid Biden visit, Israel OKs new homes in east Jerusalem
Hours after Vice President Joseph Biden vowed unyielding U.S. support for Israel's security here Tuesday, Israel's Interior Ministry announced...
Businesses to fight health bill with huge ad campaign
A coalition of organizations led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans to spend as much as $1 million a day on advertisements designed to pressure lawmakers to vote "no" on health-care legislation.

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