What tree growers want for Christmas: a 'tax'
New York (CNNMoney) - Yes, Virginia, there was supposed to be a Christmas tree "tax" - and it's just what the people who will pay the tax wanted. But its fate is as up in the air as Santa's sleigh at midnight.
The Obama administration is backing a plan requiring U.S. Christmas tree growers to pay 15 cents per natural tree sold; imported producers will pay 20 cents per tree. The revenue would go exclusively toward a program that will research and promote fresh-cut Christmas trees in the United States.
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All tied up in Virginia?
(CNN) - Things are getting interesting in Virginia - Tuesday's state government elections secured a Republican majority in the state House of Delegates but the prized Virginia senate is proving more elusive for the GOP.
In the commonwealth of Virginia, which broke for President Barack Obama in 2008 but elected Republican Bob McDonnell governor in 2009, a Republican-led assembly would be a boon for the GOP.
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Critics say e-mails contradict White House on Solyndra
Washington (CNN) - Congressional Republicans investigating the collapse of solar energy firm Solyndra said Wednesday they have documents contradicting an administration claim that the case was not discussed at White House meetings involving a key investor and fundraiser for President Barack Obama.
In a letter to White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, Reps. Fred Upton of Michigan and Cliff Stearns of Florida said the documents show that Solyndra investor and Obama fundraiser George Kaiser or his associates had discussions with administration officials about the company, which went bankrupt after getting more than $500 million in federal loan guarantees.
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Durbin: GOP proposal on tax increases could be 'breakthrough'
Washington (CNN) - The Senate's number two Democrat said Wednesday the surprising proposal this week by Republicans to include tax increases for the first time as part of a deficit-reduction deal might be a "breakthrough" that could lead to a hard-sought agreement in the congressional super committee.
The reaction from Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois - just two weeks to the day before the committee's November 23 deadline - was in sharp contrast to the response from other top Democrats who panned the proposal. Democratic aides described it as a "joke" aimed more at lowering income rates for the wealthy than raising revenue to pay down the debt.
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BLITZER'S BLOG: Is it too late for a new GOP candidate?
(CNN) – With all the turmoil surrounding the sexual harassment allegations against Herman Cain, some GOP insiders have raised this question to me in recent conversations: Is it too late for yet another Republican to jump into the race for the party’s presidential nomination?
My instinctive answer is yes – it’s too late in the game to mount an effective campaign. The Iowa Caucuses are Jan. 3.
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What happened to and what's next for failed personhood measure?
(CNN) - In the weeks leading up to Mississippi's vote on whether to declare a fertilized egg a person and grant it full rights, nearly everyone was saying the measure was sure to pass.
It was considered the perfect place to mount what could have been a historic challenge to abortion laws: After all, Mississippi is the most anti-abortion, religious and conservative state, according to a Gallup Poll. It was supposed to give a boost to the nationwide movement of the Colorado-based nonprofit Christian group Personhood USA, which is attempting to get the measure on the ballot in several other states.
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Perry returns to New Hampshire next week
Manchester, New Hampshire (CNN) - Texas Gov. Rick Perry will return to New Hampshire for a day of public events on November 16, according to a campaign source.
The visit marks the candidate's first appearance in the state since he gave a jocular speech here in late October that generated more buzz about its delivery than its content.
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Democrat to run against Hatch for Senate
(CNN) - While Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah has been defending his re-election bid from the right, he'll soon have a challenger from the left.
Democrat Pete Ashdown will launch his campaign on Friday, kicking off his second run against the six-term senator in the largely Republican state.
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Five things to watch for in GOP debate
Detroit (CNN) - It might be best to call this "one thing to watch" at Wednesday night's debate in the suburbs of Detroit. Herman Cain's rivals have only begun to comment on the sexual harassment allegations facing the conservative businessman.
Will they go there? Will he go there?
Read what the Republican presidential candidates have said about the Cain controversy here.
Who's backing up Cain accusers?
(CNN) - By now, it's a familiar scenario.
The woman walks soberly to the podium surrounded by lawyers and supporters. Silence falls and cameras flash as she delivers a prepared statement, followed by comments from a lawyer, possibly Gloria Allred.
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