Stories related to: Claire McCaskill

The prank war started when Ben Nelson took advantage of Claire McCaskill's inexperience and got his fellow Democrat even more nervous about her 2007 Senate swearing-in than she already was. The action since then has been sporadic but inventive. McClatchy returns from Capitol Hill with tales of the lawmakers' dueling practical jokes, which have involved Barack Obama and college football paraphernalia. More »

Barack Obama may be the big winner, but loads of other political fortunes hung in the balance this primary season. Politico breaks down the winners and losers. Winners: Claire McCaskill: Got tons of air-time and used it brilliantly for Obama Nancy Pelosi: Pulled off a nifty trick by remaining neutral, but leaving breadcrumbs leading to Obama  Ted Kennedy: Critical endorsement legitimized Obama Ed Rendell: Clinton lost, but Rendell delivered Pennsylvania and stayed on message More »

Wounds from Election 2008 aren’t quickly being papered over in Clintonland, the New York Times reports in a speculative piece about who is likely to be on the former first couple's enemies list. How deep will animosity toward Obama boosters Bill Richardson, Jim Clyburn, and Claire McCaskill run? Use of words like “ingrate,” “traitor,” and “enemy” by Clinton associates may not tell the whole tale, but Hillary ’08 chairman does say, “You have to keep track of this.” More »

Unlike Hillary Clinton, the three leading female contenders for a spot on Barack Obama’s ticket aren’t divisive figures and haven’t played up their gender. Ben Adler, writing for Politico, takes a look at Kansas guv Kathleen Sebelius, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, and Arizona guv Janet Napolitano. More »

Most of the 80 unpledged Dem superdelegates in Congress have privately chosen a candidate, and one of Barack Obama’s key Senate surrogates claims most have swung his way, Politico reports. It’s “a matter of timing,” Missouri's Claire McCaskill said. “They would like someone else to act for them before they talk about it in the cold light of day.” More »

Virginia Sen. James Webb hasn’t played the part of hot-tempered agitator many expected in his freshman term, the Washington Post reports. Making friends and taking legislative strides, Webb “has vaulted to a position of influence,” said one colleague. But "the job of getting out and speaking with constituents and hearing their concerns seems to be something he hasn't warmed up to," one analyst says. More »

Barack Obama is better suited than Hillary Clinton to carry red states, say Democratic officeholders in traditionally Republican-friendly locales. It’s no coincidence that Obama recently picked up major endorsements in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota, Politico reports. Democrats who’ve overcome partisan odds say they think Obama’s more likely to carry their states. More »

The embattled Consumer Product Safety Commission announced yet another recall of dangerous toys from China yesterday as it came under withering fire in Congress over a recent wave of product safety problems.  Another half million toys made in China are being recalled because of lead paint contamination. The announcement was made just minutes before the acting chairwoman of the federal agency  testified before a Senate subcommittee. More »

Three Senate Democrats--all newly elected in close races--are lining up against  the controversial immigration bill championed by President Bush and Democratic leaders. They and eight other Democratic naysayers could be crucial in determining the fate of the bill, reports the New York Times . A vote in the Senate could come as soon as tomorrow. More »