Senate Set to OK $2B More for Clunkers

Latest trends show even Reid, Spector, Dodd in trouble: Silver

(NEWSER) - Things are looking brighter for Republicans in the Senate, writes Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight.com. In his monthly ranking of which seats are most likely to switch parties in 2010, Republicans have made a big move. Of the 10 seats that look more likely to switch hands, seven favor Republicans. “While there are still plenty of opportunities for Democrats,” he writes, “I believe that Republicans are now slightly more likely to gain seats.” More»

Kentucky senator's freeze on employment measure draws bipartisan ire

(NEWSER) - Senate Republicans are breaking ranks as Jim Bunning continues to stall a $10 billion employment and health measure, with Susan Collins of Maine taking to the floor of the chamber this morning to express her "hope that we can act together for the American people." She urged Bunning to drop his objection to the measure; the lame duck replied, "I object." More»

Liberal Democrats join rising tide against Fed chair's reappointment

(NEWSER) - Two Democratic senators said today they won't vote to reappoint Ben Bernanke as Fed chairman. Barbara Boxer and Russell Feingold added to the groundswell of opposition imperiling a second 4-year term for Bernanke, which requires 60 votes. “Our next Federal Reserve chairman must represent a clean break from the failed policies of the past,” Boxer said. “It is time for Main Street to have a champion at the Fed.” More»

(AP) - The government plans to suspend its popular "cash for clunkers" program amid concerns it could quickly use up the $1 billion in rebates for new car purchases. The Transportation Department called lawmakers' offices to alert them to the decision to suspend the program at midnight Friday. The program offers owners of old cars and trucks $3,500 or $4,500 toward a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. More»

Top Dem must get it done—and get himself re-elected in '10

(NEWSER) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has prided himself on his hands-off leadership style, but pretty soon he’s going to get those hands dirty, Politico reports. Reid will soon have to reconcile two radically different health care bills coming out of committee—as if that weren't enough, he’s up for reelection next year, and Republicans have made the Nevadan a top 2010 target. More»