How Democrats Rigged the Rules in Illinois

With its last two former governors arrested, Illinois has become a political punch line. As if to throw more fuel on the fire, a 2011

report found that 14 Illinois counties had more registered voters than residents. It has also witnessed Illinois become a solidly Democratic state.

The History of the Debt Ceiling

Benjamin Franklin once said that “The only things certain in life are death and taxes.” Mr. Franklin never encountered the 112

th or 113th Congress. Since the debt limit was officially set in 1917, the threat of passing that limit usually saw a smooth increase in the limit. Now, things are more than a little different and more difficult.

"Dirtiest Hotel" Sues TripAdvisor for Defamation Over Top-Ten List

The Internet is full of sites that allow users to review, compare, and evaluate all sorts of products and services. One such that that I’m particularly fond of is , which bills itself as offering “nbiased hotel reviews, photos and travel advice for hotels and vacations.” But what happens if the reviews don’t go your way – can a hotel’s designation as the “Dirtiest Hotel in America” be the basis of a defamation lawsuit?

TripAdvisor

NYC Mayoral Debate Excludes Independent Candidate Adolfo Carrion

Candidate of the Independence Party Adolfo Carrion was excluded at the October 15 debate in the race for New York City mayor. The debate features Democratic nominee Bill de Blasio and Republican candidate Joe Lhota, but Carrion is staying quiet about this and future debates.

Sarah Palin: Our President Lacks Valor

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin joined U.S. Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) for a little bit of face time in front of the World War II Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The three popular figures in the tea party made it clear that the Obama administration is using veterans as pawns in a larger political game.

"Our veterans should be above politics," Cruz said. "It is shameful that the administration is barricading and trying to shutdown the memorials."

He added:

Short Term Budget Deal Sets Stage for Heated Primary Elections

Speaking on the Senate floor Monday, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) expressed confidence that a resolution to reopen the government ahead of Thursday's debt ceiling deadline would be reached.

Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) agreed that both sides would reach a deal before the week's end to reopen the government and raise the debt ceiling. Speaking on the floor, Senator Reid said he was, "very optimistic that we will reach an agreement that's reasonable in nature this week."

State Democrats Stand in the Way of Open Primaries in Kentucky

The Kentucky group of independents known as Independent Kentucky has fought for fair representation in the state since 2008. By focusing their efforts on opening the state's primary system, they have made good progress considering the partisan stronghold state Democrats have.

For three years in a row, up until 2012, a semi-open primary bill was introduced in Kentucky legislature, which Independent Kentucky Chairman Michael P.W. Lewis says has been their greatest achievement so far.