Republicans Don't Want 'Help' From Palin

(NEWSER) - The governor of Alaska and the architect of the Vietnam War both make fine examples of how not to quit a government post, David Broder writes in the Washington Post. Robert McNamara waited 28 years to explain that he stepped down as defense secretary because of his grave doubts about US strategy, and "the public reaction was harsh"—many believed untold numbers of lives could have been saved if he had gone public sooner. More»

Scandal speculation gives way to new theories

(NEWSER) - When Sarah Palin made her sudden exit, many expected a scandal to break. But "in the days since, it has become clear that no other shoe is likely to drop," writes Jay Newton-Small of Time, who offers five likely reasons she resigned Alaska's top job:

• For the good of the state: Palin was lauded for resigning in protest from Alaska’s oil and gas commission. She painted her gubernatorial resignation “in the same way: a selfless act that should earn her kudos for saving taxpayers' money.”

Palin lacks leadership qualities, 'intellectual curiosity,' says senator

(NEWSER) - Sen. Lisa Murkowski appears bound for victory as a write-in candidate in Alaska ... and her feud with Sarah Palin appears certain to continue. Murkowski—who has taken the lead over Palin-backed Tea Party candidate Joe Miller with more than 10,000 write-in ballots still to be counted—says the results show that most Alaskans wouldn't pass the Tea Party "purity test." Murkowski tells Katie Couric on CBS News that while it may be tricky working with the Republican establishment who supported Miller, she plans to work for compromise in the Senate. More»

Spending set to top $4M for each congressional seat

(NEWSER) - Fundraising records have been shattered as House and Senate candidates head toward the finish line, a Washington Post analysis of campaign finance data finds. House and Senate candidates have raised over $1.5 billion and total spending is on course to top $2 billion as hopefuls dig deep into their war chests and, in many races, their own pockets. The total works out to more than $4 million for every congressional seat up for grabs. More»

Mama Grizzly urges conservatives to keep fighting

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin promised conservatives that soon they'll "all be dancing ." With election day looming, it seems she's polishing her dancing shoes. "Victory is at hand," she told the crowd at a fundraiser in Florida. But she warned it's not yet time to gloat. "The momentum is with us, but now is not the time to let up. It ain't over till it's over—we can't get cocky about this yet." More»