On three separate occasions, I have had the opportunity to speak with Ted Cruz in person. This was before he became the junior U.S. senator from Texas and during a time when he was growing in popularity with the tea party movement in the Lone Star State, a celebrity he was able to use to his advantage in the 2012 elections. When speaking with him it is clear from the beginning that he is intelligent, well-educated, well-spoken, which is the case for most politicians on Capitol Hill.

Image - Left: Candidate Ro Khanna / Right: Congressman Mike Honda

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Representative Mike Honda has been a popular fixture in the House of Representatives since his first election in 2000. He has not been seriously challenged for the seat since, usually drawing upwards of 70 percent of the popular vote each election.

This does have its advantages for constituents. A well-liked representative allows for less time campaigning and fundraising, and more time in the capitol.

Can the NSA use claims of copyright infringement to prevent people from selling merchandise that criticizes them? According to investigative journalist Ben Swann, they are trying to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKBmhd_pFlE

At initial glance, the story seems too ridiculous to be believed. This has to be a joke, right? It isn't.