Dana Milbank: Unstoppable Florence meets Trump’s immovable Washington

This small meteorological irony reveals big things about the Age of Trump. Fifty weeks ago, following the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which we now know killed some 3,000 Americans in Puerto Rico, Democrats on the House Government Reform Committee called for hearings into the flawed federal response to the 2017 storms in Puerto Rico.

Trump missteps fuel new energy in Democrats’ campaigns

As Democratic congressional candidate Abigail Spanberger mingled with supporters at a Richmond brewery, one person hung like a shadow over the gleaming brew tanks and grilled food truck pizza. As they watched their kids play with Legos in the corner of the bar Wednesday night, Kristen Martin and William Caulder grumbled about President Donald Trump's latest scandal, a controversial news conference with Russia's president.

Republicans havena t won statewide in Virginia since 2009. Tuesdaya s Senate primary shows why

Republicans haven't won a statewide race in Virginia since 2009, and GOP leaders have all but written off their chances of changing that trend in this year's Senate race. The best-known candidate, Corey Stewart, built his brand on defending Confederate icons.

Vulnerable House Republicans Look at DACA to Boost Election Prospects

Vulnerable House Republicans have an incentive to buck their party's own leadership by backing protections for "Dreamers" and forcing a vote on immigration reform, The Hill reported Sunday. This is because many of the Republicans in tight races for the upcoming congressional elections are in districts where moderate GOP voters and independents can determine the outcome, and these voters support securing protections for Dreamers, immigrants who were brought to America illegally as children.

The anti-choice movement is suddenly obsessed with Cardi B

American rapper, singer, songwriter, and media personality Cardi B arrives for the traditionnal Clive Davis party on the eve of the 60th Annual Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018, in New York. / AFP PHOTO / Jewel SAMAD Everyone has an opinion on Cardi B's decision to have a baby, and now so do the anti-choicers.

Jim Dey: Death, taxes and confusion

In the aftermath of U.S. House passage of federal tax legislation last week, the partisan rhetoric escalated into overdrive. Republicans touted the legislation as a tax-cutting tonic for middle-income earners while Democrats argued the legislation will raise taxes for the same people.

No ruling in contempt case against South Carolina political blogger for not revealing sources

Columbia-area blogger Will Folks answers questions during a hearing in Lexington where attorneys for former Rep. Kenny Bingham seek to hold him in contempt of court. Maya T. Prabhu/Staff Columbia-area blogger Will Folks answers questions during a hearing in Lexington where attorneys for former Rep. Kenny Bingham seek to hold him in contempt of court.

the Originalist Announces Post-Show Panelists at Arena Stage

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will host special post-show conversations with notable guest panelists during the run of John Strand's critically-acclaimed political drama The Originalist , based on the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. The play, which stars four-time Helen Hayes Award winner and acclaimed D.C. actor Edward Gero as Justice Scalia and is under the direction of Artistic Director Molly Smith, runs July 7-30, 2017 in the Kreeger Theater.

Gowdy Confident With ‘Quintessential Straight Arrow’ Mueller

Rep. Trey Gowdy, who has replaced outgoing Rep. Jason Chaffetz as head of the House Oversight Committee said this week that he has confidence in former FBI Director Robert Mueller and the team he has assembled to investigate Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential race. "[He is] your quintessential straight arrow," the Tennessee Republican said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal .

Rep. Davis: ‘This could be the first political rhetorical terrorist attack’

The shooting at a GOP congressional baseball practice Wednesday could have been motivated by heightened partisanship, a Republican congressman who survived the attack told CNN. "This could be the first political rhetorical terrorist attack and that has to stop," Rep. Rodney Davis told CNN's Brianna Keilar.

Democrat Jon Ossoff leads Republican rival by 7 points in conservative Georgia seat

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff speaks to his supporters in Georgia's 6th Congressional District: Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images Democrat Jon Ossoff is leading Republican Karen Handel in the special election race for Georgia's traditionally conservative sixth district, a new poll finds. The poll, conducted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution , shows the 30-year-old Democrat leading by seven points: 51 per cent to Ms Handel's 44. Mr Ossoff, a first-time candidate, boasts a large majority with women voters.

Lawmaker who introduced HB2 repeal bill questions bill’s future

The North Carolina lawmaker who introduced a bill to repeal the controversial House Bill 2 has called into question the bill's future after the bill was moved to a House committee. The bill seeks to fully repeal HB2 and update the state's non-discrimination laws to match federal protections.

Senate power struggle surfaces ahead of session

Senate Republican leader Shane Massey won't back the state's most powerful politician, Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman, R-Florence, Tuesday in his bid to retain the leadership role. The Edgefield Republican said he hopes to be joined by both newer and tenured members in a show of displeasure for Leatherman's power play to avoid ascending to the soon-to-be-vacant lieutenant governor spot.

U.S. Supreme Court to rule on ex-Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnella s corruption conviction

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell accepted gifts such as golf outings, a Rolex watch and $15,000 for catering at his daughter's wedding from a wealthy businessman. But whether he returned the favors by taking "official action" to promote the businessman's interests is the question at the heart of a closely watched public corruption case the U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on Monday.