Senate passes Democratic tax plan, rejects GOP version

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a Democratic plan to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for middle income Americans while rejecting a Republican alternative to continue all of the cuts -- twin votes that help to crystallize the position of the two parties on a critical issue heading into the fall campaign.

20 percent turnout predicted for Wisconsin primary

MADISON (AP) -- Twenty percent of Wisconsin's voting-age population is predicted to turn out for the Aug. 14 primary that includes a four-way Republican race for the U.S. Senate.

Poll shows Romney holds very slight edge over Obama

(CNN) -- A new poll released Wednesday, July 18th indicates the presidential race is still locked up between Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama, less than four months before Election Day.

Gloves off during GOP U.S. Senate candidate forum

MILWAUKEE -- All four GOP candidates for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat appeared separately for a forum in downtown Milwaukee Wednesday, July 18th.

Defense execs warn of looming job loss because of defense cuts

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Chief executives of leading defense companies told a House panel Wednesday they would have to start informing employees just before the 2012 election that their jobs would terminated in January if Congress fails to make a budget deal, triggering hundreds of billions of dollars in defense cuts that would ripple through the defense industry sector.

Unrelenting Obama jabs at Romney's job record

CLIFTON, Va. (AP) -- An unrelenting President Barack Obama jabbed at Mitt Romney's record with a private equity firm in an ad that aimed to keep his rival on the defensive just as the Republican challenger's campaign hoped to take advantage of poor economic data to gain an edge on the incumbent.

Lehman sworn into office as Wisconsin's newest state senator

RACINE -- John Lehman was sworn into office as the state's newest senator at noon on Monday, July 16th in the County Law Enforcement Center in Racine.

GOP U.S. Senate primary election one month away

WISCONSIN -- Wisconsin's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat is about a month away, and the political "air war" is going strong, as campaigns take to the TV and radio airwaves and try to attract voters.

Obama not issuing apology to Romney re: Bain Capital

(CNN) -- Mitt Romney should not wait up for an "I'm sorry" phone call from President Obama after Democrats questioned the veracity of Romney's statements surrounding his departure from Bain Capital.

Wanggaard will not appeal the recall recount

RACINE -- Van Wanggaard will not appear the recall election recount in Racine County.

Latest U.S. Senate poll shows Hovde leading Thompson

MADISON -- After months of polls showing Tommy Thompson had what looked like a comfortable lead in the U.S. Senate race, the latest poll, released Tuesday, July 10th shows political newcomer Eric Hovde pulling ahead of Thompson in the GOP primary race.

House Republicans plan another health care repeal vote

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Republicans are planning a vote Wednesday, July 11th on repealing President Barack Obama's signature health care reform law, even though they know the measure has no chance of winning Senate approval.

Wanggaard to make decision regarding recall Tuesday

RACINE -- It's been over a month since Wisconsin's recall elections, and there is still no final outcome in Racine's 21st Senate District recall.

Campaign debate centers on economy after modest June jobs report

POLAND, Ohio (AP) -- President Barack Obama says private sector job growth is a "step in the right direction,'' but the economy must grow faster following a modest monthly job report.

U.S. Senate candidates greet voters on Fourth of July

SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN -- Candidates vying for Wisconsin's U.S. Senate seat appeared in Fourth of July parades across southeastern Wisconsin Wednesday.

Is national health care law bad for business?

GERMANTOWN -- Now that the national health care law has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, Republican opponents are making the case that the law is bad for business.

Wisconsin politicians react after Supreme Court health care vote

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, June 28th upheld the controversial health care law championed by President Barack Obama in a landmark decision that will impact the November election and the lives of every American.