"Groups Push Legal Limits in Advertising"

In light of a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding campaign finance, outside party ads this year are different than in years past. Previously, groups were only allowed to broadcast “issue ads”, now, however, they are allowed to use “express advocacy”, which allows the groups to send a clearer message. The limiting factor for these groups is that 50% of their annual spending cannot be “political”. To combat this, many groups increase their non-political spending after the election. However, while “express advocacy” ads are indisputably political, issue ads can be in a gray area, and thus the I.RS. can make the determining decision. To read this New York Times article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/18/us/politics/18express.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&ref=politics

"How Tea Partiers Get the Constitution Wrong"

This Newsweek article analyzes the Tea Partiers, Sarah Palin Glenn Beck, and Christine O’Donnell and their (inaccurate) views regarding the Constitution. There are two modes of thought regarding the Constitution: regarding it as a “living document” and originalism. Tea Partiers, as well as conservatives in general, lean toward orginalism in interpreting the Constitution, they frequently misunderstand it. To read more about the Tea Party and interpretations of the Constitution, click here: http://www.newsweek.com/2010/10/17/how-tea-partiers-get-the-constitution-wrong.html

"Encountering Anguish and Anxiety Across America"

This Time magazine article by Joe Klein illuminates the sentiment of the American people regarding their fears of what path the U.S. is going down. Chief among these fears is the economy. People fear that the U.S. has seen its best days, and that those days are gone for good; that the newer generations will not live as well as previous ones; and that China will surpass the United States as an (economic) world leader. The American people are frustrated with the media’s construction of the national conversation. To read the article, which includes links that elaborate on specific issues, click here: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2024065,00.html

"Study: Pakistanis Actually Favor CIA Drone Bombings"

A Professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has recently released the results of his study, conducted with a Pakistani colleague, which indicates that U.S. drone attacks targeting terrorist in the northwest tribal region of Pakistan are seen favorable by residents there. In fact, 70% of those surveyed feel that the Pakistani Military should carryout their own strikes targeting terrorists. The reasons these drone attacks are not seen as negatively as they are sometimes portrayed are multiple. One reason is that the area being targeted has been taken over by terrorists groups who have imposed strict fundamentalist Islamic law, killing those who voice their opposition. Another reason the drones are seen favorably by Pakistani citizens in the area is that the drones are accurate. To read the full article, click here: http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/study-pakistanis-actually-favor-cia-drone-bombings/19666696

"G.O.P. is Poised to Make Gains in Races for Governor"

During this year’s election, much of the focus is centered how many seats the Republican Party will gain in Congress. However, the gubernatorial races this year could have significant and even longer lasting affects. Why? Governors in office during the next two years will have influence over the legislative districts that will be re-evaluated to reflect the 2010 Consensus data. Furthermore, governors affect the implementation of Obama’s healthcare bill and education and economic initiatives. Currently, Democrats hold 26 governorships and Republicans hold 26. This year, 37 states are holding gubernatorial elections, many of which Republicans have a strong chance of winning.

To read the New York Times article, click here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/us/politics/11govs.html?ref=politics