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    <title>National Government and Politics for Opelika-Auburn News</title>
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        <title>National Government and Politics for Opelika-Auburn News</title>
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    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>Opelika-Auburn News</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2010</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2010-03-17T23:13:41-06:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Dodd seeking middle ground on new financial rules</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/dodd_seeking_middle_ground_on_new_financial_rules/138068/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The senator trying to rewrite the nation&#8217;s financial industry rules is dropping plans to create a stand-alone consumer financial protection agency and to give a single regulator the power to oversee all banks, according to people familiar with the evolving proposal.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:26:45 CDT</pubDate>
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          <title>Georgia tries goodwill to end water crisis</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/georgia_tries_goodwill_to_end_water_crisis/138049/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
When Gov. Sonny Perdue pitches in next week to help Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida in his bid to become a U.S. Senator, the gesture may be about more than helping out a fellow Republican in a tough campaign.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:21:55 CDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Roberts: Scene at State of Union &#8216;very troubling&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/roberts_scene_at_state_of_union_very_troubling1/137139/</link>
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U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts said Tuesday the scene at President Barack Obama&#8217;s first State of the Union address was &#8220;very troubling&#8221; and that the annual speech to Congress has &#8220;degenerated into a political pep rally.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:15:17 CDT</pubDate>
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          <title>Obama: Health overhaul will stop insurers&#8217; abuses</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_health_overhaul_will_stop_insurers_abuses/136491/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama says his health care overhaul plan is needed to stop insurance companies from raising prices and refusing to cover people who are already sick.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:11:18 CDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama focuses on dropout rate</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_focuses_on_dropout_rate/134591/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama is offering $900 million in grants to states and school districts to turn around low-performing schools &#8212; but recipients would have to take drastic action, such as replacing principals, reopening schools as charter schools or closing them outright.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:27:02 CDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Cheney OK in DC hospital</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/cheney_ok_in_dc_hospital/133222/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Vice President Dick Cheney is in a Washington hospital a day after experiencing chest pains.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:25:12 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/cheney_ok_in_dc_hospital/133222/#When:18:25:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama sets up deficit panel without help from Hill</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_sets_up_deficit_panel_without_help_from_hill/131802/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama has announced a new bipartisan commission to take on deficit-reducing responsibilities that Congress has been reluctant to embrace.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:29:07 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_sets_up_deficit_panel_without_help_from_hill/131802/#When:14:29:07Z</guid>
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          <title>Clinton hospitalized, has stent procedure</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/clinton_hospitalized_has_stent_procedure/129961/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former President Bill Clinton was hospitalized Thursday after experiencing heart discomfort and had two stents placed in a coronary artery, an adviser said.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:13:42 CDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama report: 95,000 jobs to come each month</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_report_95000_jobs_to_come_each_month/129852/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The United States is likely to average 95,000 more jobs each month this year, while personal savings will remain high as credit remains tight, according to a White House report released Thursday.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:57:42 CDT</pubDate>
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         <item>
          <title>White House blasts senator for blocking nominees</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_blasts_senator_for_blocking_nominees/128355/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The White House is criticizing a Republican senator from Alabama for putting a blanket lock on Obama administration nominees over spending disputes involving his home state.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:00:46 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_blasts_senator_for_blocking_nominees/128355/#When:18:00:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama, Scott Brown actually related</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_scott_brown_actually_related/126325/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It was bad enough that President Barack Obama lost his filibuster-proof margin in the U.S. Senate to a Republican. Now it turns out he also lost it to a relative.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:08:28 CDT</pubDate>
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          <title>Analysis: Do blacks truly want to transcend race?</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/analysis_do_blacks_truly_want_to_transcend_race/126210/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Five little words &#8212; &#8220;I forgot he was black&#8221; &#8212; have exposed a contradiction in the idea of a post-racial nation.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:46:59 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/analysis_do_blacks_truly_want_to_transcend_race/126210/#When:04:46:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Bernanke wins second term as fed chairman</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/bernanke_wins_second_term_as_fed_chairman/126092/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senate has confirmed Ben Bernanke for a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:17:10 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/bernanke_wins_second_term_as_fed_chairman/126092/#When:20:17:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>State of the Union address tonight</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/state_of_the_union_address_tonight/125669/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Facing a divided Congress and a dissatisfied nation, President Barack Obama will unveil a jobs-heavy agenda in his State of the Union address Wednesday, retooling his message more than his mission.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:48:02 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/state_of_the_union_address_tonight/125669/#When:14:48:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama wants tougher regulations on big banks</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_wants_tougher_regulations_on_big_banks/124282/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama, eager to harness and redirect voter anger over bank bailouts, is ramping up his war on Wall Street Thursday by pushing tougher regulation of big banks.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:37:20 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_wants_tougher_regulations_on_big_banks/124282/#When:14:37:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Supreme Court rolls back campaign spending limits</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/supreme_court_rolls_back_campaign_spending_limits/124281/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Supreme Court has ruled that corporations may spend freely to support or oppose candidates for president and Congress, easing decades-old limits on their participation in federal campaigns.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:35:55 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/supreme_court_rolls_back_campaign_spending_limits/124281/#When:14:35:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>First lady urges mayors to fight obesity</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/first_lady_urges_mayors_to_fight_obesity/124186/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
First lady Michelle Obama urged the nation&#8217;s mayors Wednesday to join her in a campaign to reduce childhood obesity.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:31:49 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/first_lady_urges_mayors_to_fight_obesity/124186/#When:04:31:49Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>GOP&#8217;s Brown wins in epic upset</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/gops_brown_wins_in_epic_upset/123858/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 In an epic upset in liberal Massachusetts, Republican Scott Brown rode a wave of voter anger to win the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Edward M. Kennedy for nearly half a century, leaving President Barack Obama&#8217;s health care overhaul in doubt and marring the end of his first year in office.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:25:41 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/gops_brown_wins_in_epic_upset/123858/#When:04:25:41Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama commemorates MLK at church service</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_commemorates_mlk_at_church_service/123290/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama on Sunday recalled the work of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as he urged those packing a Baptist church to take heart in hard times and celebrate progress &#8212; however small.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:39:47 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_commemorates_mlk_at_church_service/123290/#When:03:39:47Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Dems look at bypassing Senate health care vote</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/dems_look_at_bypassing_senate_health_care_vote/123255/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A panicky White House and Democrats are scrambling to salvage their health care bill if a Republican wins Tuesday&#8217;s Senate race in Massachusetts.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:11:01 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/dems_look_at_bypassing_senate_health_care_vote/123255/#When:20:11:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>One year later: Disappointment replaces hope</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/One_year_later_Disappointment_replaces_hopes/123125/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 year ago, on an Inauguration Day like no other, Barack Obama placed his hand upon the Lincoln Bible and then assured a weary nation that, with hope and virtue, we could &#8220;brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.&#8221;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:02:46 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/One_year_later_Disappointment_replaces_hopes/123125/#When:20:02:46Z</guid>
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          <title>White House condemns Robertson&#8217;s Haiti remark</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_condemns_robertsons_haiti_remark/122573/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A senior White House adviser says evangelist broadcaster Pat Robertson&#8217;s remark that Haiti has been ``cursed&#8217;&#8216; doesn&#8217;t express the spirit of the American people or the president.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:49:54 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/white_house_condemns_robertsons_haiti_remark/122573/#When:14:49:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Blagojevich says he&#8217;s &#8216;blacker than Barack Obama&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/blagojevich_says_hes_blacker_than_barack_obama/121557/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Ousted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he&#8217;s &#8220;blacker than Barack Obama&#8221; and tells Esquire magazine that he was a real person in a political arena dominated by phonies.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:31:51 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/blagojevich_says_hes_blacker_than_barack_obama/121557/#When:14:31:51Z</guid>
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          <title>GOP accuses Dems of double standard on Reid&#8217;s remarks</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/gop_accuses_dems_of_double_standard_on_reids_remarks/121443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Republicans on Sunday accused Democrats of a double standard by accepting Sen. Harry Reid&#8217;s apology for racial remarks about Barack Obama instead of demanding Reid&#8217;s ouster as majority leader.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:16:09 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/gop_accuses_dems_of_double_standard_on_reids_remarks/121443/#When:02:16:09Z</guid>
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          <title>Palin: Running mate choice was God&#8217;s plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_running_mate_choice_was_gods_plan/121442/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sarah Palin believed that Sen. John McCain chose her to be his running mate in 2008 because of ``God&#8217;s plan,&#8216;&#8217; according to a top political strategist in the Arizona Republican&#8217;s campaign.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:14:13 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_running_mate_choice_was_gods_plan/121442/#When:02:14:13Z</guid>
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          <title>Senate pushes toward health bill passage</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_pushes_toward_health_bill_passage/117790/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Jubilant Democrats are ready to push President Barack Obama&#8217;s health care overhaul past one last 60-vote hurdle to final Christmas Eve passage, and Republicans concede they&#8217;re powerless to stop it.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:39:05 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_pushes_toward_health_bill_passage/117790/#When:13:39:05Z</guid>
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          <title>Alabama congressman switches to Republican Party</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/alabama_congressman_switches_to_democratic_party/117587/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Freshman Democratic House member Parker Griffith of Alabama is switching to the Republican Party, his office said Tuesday, another blow to Democrats facing a potentially tough midterm election.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:10:32 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/alabama_congressman_switches_to_democratic_party/117587/#When:17:10:32Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama signs bill for defense, unemployed</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_signs_bill_for_defense_unemployed/117374/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill that combines another round of war spending with help for the unemployed.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 13:10:54 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_signs_bill_for_defense_unemployed/117374/#When:18:10:54Z</guid>
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          <title>Senate Dems clear key hurdle on health care</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_dems_clear_key_hurdle_on_health_care/117331/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Senate Democrats won a crucial test vote on President Barack Obama&#8217;s health care overhaul, putting them on track for passage before Christmas of the historic legislation to remake the nation&#8217;s medical system and cover 30 million uninsured.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:49:02 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_dems_clear_key_hurdle_on_health_care/117331/#When:13:49:02Z</guid>
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          <title>Health Care bill faces key Senate test vote</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/health_care_bill_faces_key_senate_test_vote/117257/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Senate Democrats confidently advanced health care legislation Sunday toward a make-or-break test vote in a push for Christmas-week passage. Republicans vowed to resist what they appeared unable to stop.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 20 Dec 2009 19:50:49 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/health_care_bill_faces_key_senate_test_vote/117257/#When:00:50:49Z</guid>
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          <title>Heathcare bill slowed by read&#45;a&#45;thon</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/heathcare_bill_slowed_by_read-a-thon/116368/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senate is in health care gridlock after a Republican senator forced the clerk to read aloud a 767-page amendment.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:54:22 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/heathcare_bill_slowed_by_read-a-thon/116368/#When:16:54:22Z</guid>
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          <title>Lieberman resists Medicare buy&#45;in plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/lieberman_resists_medicare_buy-in_plan/115605/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Risking the wrath of Democrats, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., threatened Sunday to join Republicans in opposing health care legislation if it permits uninsured individuals as young to 55 to purchase Medicare coverage.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:24:14 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/lieberman_resists_medicare_buy-in_plan/115605/#When:03:24:14Z</guid>
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          <title>Obama advisers: Jobs key focus, deficit comes next</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_advisers_jobs_key_focus_deficit_comes_next/115563/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama&#8217;s chief economic advisers said Sunday that putting Americans back to work is the first order of business in working the country out of the deepest economic downturn in six decades. Only then can they start tackling the soaring federal debt.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:26:47 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_advisers_jobs_key_focus_deficit_comes_next/115563/#When:19:26:47Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Congress sends $1.1 trillion spending bill to Obama</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/congress_sends_1.1_trillion_spending_bill_to_obama/115562/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senate on Sunday passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill with increased budgets for vast areas of the federal government including health, education, law enforcement and veterans&#8217; programs.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 14:24:50 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/congress_sends_1.1_trillion_spending_bill_to_obama/115562/#When:19:24:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Aides say Obama is pressing to ease credit again</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/aides_say_obama_is_pressing_to_ease_credit_again/115542/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama&#8217;s economic advisers are talking tough about the banks ahead of his meeting with heads of financial institutions.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:22:08 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/aides_say_obama_is_pressing_to_ease_credit_again/115542/#When:15:22:08Z</guid>
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          <title>Congress to vote on spending bill today</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/congress_to_vote_on_spending_bill_today/115541/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Senate Democrats overcame a Republican filibuster to clear the way for a vote Sunday on a huge end-of-year $1.1 trillion spending bill that gives budget increases far exceeding inflation to much of the government.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 13 Dec 2009 10:21:37 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/congress_to_vote_on_spending_bill_today/115541/#When:15:21:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama to note irony of award in Nobel speech</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_note_irony_of_award_in_nobel_speech/114708/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama is accepting the world&#8217;s best-known peace award as a wartime president, an incongruity that he will directly speak to when he receives the Nobel Peace Prize today, White House officials say.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 23:22:21 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_note_irony_of_award_in_nobel_speech/114708/#When:04:22:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House panel passes college football playoff bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_passes_college_football_playoff_bill/114577/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A House subcommittee approved legislation Wednesday aimed at forcing college football to switch to a playoff system to determine its national champion, over the objections of some lawmakers who said Congress has meatier targets to tackle.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:20:10 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_panel_passes_college_football_playoff_bill/114577/#When:19:20:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama pushing health bill in Capitol stop</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_pushing_health_bill_in_capitol_stop_sunday/113796/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama appealed directly to senators&#8217; desire for history-making change and their short-term political fears Sunday in urging them to stand together and overhaul the nation&#8217;s health care system.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:05:49 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_pushing_health_bill_in_capitol_stop_sunday/113796/#When:20:05:49Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama telephones thanks to 10 US service members</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_telephones_thanks_to_10_us_service_members/111929/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; President Barack Obama enjoyed a quiet first Thanksgiving at the White House, telephoning U.S. servicemen and women stationed around the world and spending time in the company of his family and friends.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:07:38 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_telephones_thanks_to_10_us_service_members/111929/#When:00:07:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cable company filmed uninvited White House couple</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/cable_company_filmed_uninvited_white_house_couple/111928/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON  &#8212; The couple who crashed a White House state dinner were being filmed that day by a camera crew connected with a reality television program, although none of the filming took place on White House grounds, a spokeswoman for the program&#8217;s network said Thursday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:04:11 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/cable_company_filmed_uninvited_white_house_couple/111928/#When:00:04:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC legislators begin Sanford impeachment hearings</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_legislators_begin_sanford_impeachment_hearings/111336/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Legislators irked for months over Gov. Mark Sanford&#8217;s summertime vanishing act and his tearful revelation that he was in Argentina for a rendezvous with his lover plan to start debating a measure Tuesday that ultimately would remove him from office.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:50:52 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_legislators_begin_sanford_impeachment_hearings/111336/#When:15:50:52Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>South Carolina governor rocked with ethics charges</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/south_carolina_governor_rocked_with_ethics_charges/111098/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford faces ethics charges he broke state laws more than three dozen times by violating rules on airplane travel and campaign money, according to details of the allegations released Monday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:06:17 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/south_carolina_governor_rocked_with_ethics_charges/111098/#When:19:06:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senate Dems to make gov&#8217;t plan widely available</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_dems_to_make_govt_plan_widely_available1/110208/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Congressional budget experts say the new Senate health care bill would make a government health plan widely available.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:48:46 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senate_dems_to_make_govt_plan_widely_available1/110208/#When:14:48:46Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC panel to decide if Gov. Sanford to face charges</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_panel_to_decide_if_gov._sanford_to_face_charges/109923/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina&#8217;s State Ethics Commission is set to decide whether a three-month investigation provides enough evidence that Gov. Mark Sanford broke state laws.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:47:26 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_panel_to_decide_if_gov._sanford_to_face_charges/109923/#When:14:47:26Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Chinese&#45;Americans see Obama&#8217;s trip in unique light</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/chinese-americans_see_obamas_trip_in_unique_light/109184/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As President Barack Obama visits China seeking to balance a seesawing relationship, Chinese-Americans embody the challenges facing the giants of East and West.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:34:29 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/chinese-americans_see_obamas_trip_in_unique_light/109184/#When:00:34:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Majority leader: House will pass health bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/majority_leader_house_will_pass_health_bill/106504/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer is predicting that the House will pass historic health care overhaul legislation Saturday to extend coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and ban insurance companies from turning people away.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:49:03 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/majority_leader_house_will_pass_health_bill/106504/#When:14:49:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Voters who helped elect Obama stayed home</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/voters_who_helped_elect_obama_stayed_home/106344/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
RICHMOND, Va. &#8212; Last year, 23-year-old Rashida Hill watched the presidential debates, visited the college political party meetings and put a Barack Obama bumper sticker on her townhouse door. She voted for Obama because she felt like the election was about &#8220;being a part of something.&#8220;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:40:31 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/voters_who_helped_elect_obama_stayed_home/106344/#When:03:40:31Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Alabama&#8217;s Benjamin confirmed as surgeon general</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/alabamas_benjamin_confirmed_as_surgeon_general/104885/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr. Regina Benjamin to be the U.S. surgeon general, elevating a well-known Alabama family physician to be the nation&#8217;s top doctor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:01:10 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/alabamas_benjamin_confirmed_as_surgeon_general/104885/#When:03:01:10Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House Democrats prepare to unveil health bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_democrats_prepare_to_unveil_health_bill/104436/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
House Democrats reached agreement Wednesday on key elements of a health care bill that would vastly alter America&#8217;s medical landscape, requiring virtually universal sign-ups and establishing a new government-run insurance option for millions.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:31:51 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_democrats_prepare_to_unveil_health_bill/104436/#When:21:31:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Pelosi: Public option needs new name</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/pelosi_public_option_needs_new_name/103643/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A government-sponsored ``public option&#8217;&#8216; for health care lives, though it may be more attractive to skeptics if it goes by a different moniker, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:35:05 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/pelosi_public_option_needs_new_name/103643/#When:19:35:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Watchdog: Treasury and Fed failed in AIG oversight</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/watchdog_treasury_and_fed_failed_in_aig_oversight/100494/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON  &#8212; Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is &#8220;ultimately responsible&#8221; for regulators&#8217; failure to rein in massive bonus payments at American International Group because he led the agencies that provided AIG&#8217;s lifelines, according to a bailout watchdog.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:34:56 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/watchdog_treasury_and_fed_failed_in_aig_oversight/100494/#When:02:34:56Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>EPA releases Bush&#45;era global warming message</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/epa_releases_bush-era_global_warming_message/100207/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON  &#8212; A controversial e-mail message buried by the Bush administration because of its conclusions on global warming surfaced Tuesday, nearly two years after it was first sent to the White House and never opened.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:41:41 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/epa_releases_bush-era_global_warming_message/100207/#When:04:41:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Baucus: &#8216;Time to get the job done&#8217; on health care</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/baucus_time_to_get_the_job_done_on_health_care/99973/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A Senate committee moved Tuesday toward a pivotal vote on a sweeping health care bill that fulfills President Barack Obama&#8217;s top domestic priority. ``It&#8217;s time to get the job done,&#8216;&#8217; Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus declared as he convened his panel for the long-anticipated action.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:54:35 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/baucus_time_to_get_the_job_done_on_health_care/99973/#When:14:54:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Report: Stimulus spared hundreds of teaching jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/report_stimulus_spared_hundreds_of_teaching_jobs/99968/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Teachers appear to have benefited most from the effort to save jobs with the $787 billion recovery package, which sent billions of dollars to states that were on the verge of ordering heavy layoffs in education           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:45:01 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/report_stimulus_spared_hundreds_of_teaching_jobs/99968/#When:14:45:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Senators, AP seek more public info, fewer secrets</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senators_ap_seek_more_public_info_fewer_secrets/96475/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Too many agencies are still holding their secrets close nine months after President Barack Obama ordered the federal government to open the flow of information to the public, advocates of access said Wednesday.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:17:03 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/senators_ap_seek_more_public_info_fewer_secrets/96475/#When:19:17:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Officials cutting ties with ACORN</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/officials_cutting_ties_with_acorn/94443/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As support for the community activist group ACORN withered in Congress in the wake of a hidden-camera scandal, Republican governors and other state officials moved swiftly to sever ties. It turns out the group often commanded little &#8212; if any &#8212; state business.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:52:25 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/officials_cutting_ties_with_acorn/94443/#When:14:52:25Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama will act on climate change</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_will_act_on_climate_change/94140/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared that the United States is a serious partner in combating global warming, telling world peers ``we are determined to act.&#8216;&#8217;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:17:37 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_will_act_on_climate_change/94140/#When:16:17:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Geithner: Obama against any middle class tax hike</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/geithner_obama_against_any_middle_class_tax_hike/92171/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner acknowledged Tuesday the federal government had to take some ``deeply offensive&#8217;&#8216; steps to help the country get past the financial crisis a year ago.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:16:13 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/geithner_obama_against_any_middle_class_tax_hike/92171/#When:15:16:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Condoleezza Rice joins two Birmingham golf clubs</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/condoleezza_rice_joins_to_birmingham_golf_clubs/92168/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has joined two excluseive Birmingham-area private golf clubs.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:08:00 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/condoleezza_rice_joins_to_birmingham_golf_clubs/92168/#When:15:08:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Roberts wants good work relationship with Sotomayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/roberts_wants_good_work_relationship_with_sotomayor/91313/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts says it&#8217;s vital he and new Justice Sonia Sotomayor get along well because they could spend the next quarter century working together in close quarters.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:50:06 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/roberts_wants_good_work_relationship_with_sotomayor/91313/#When:17:50:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Public disapproval of Obama&#8217;s handling of health care jumps</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/public_disapproval_of_obamas_handling_of_health_care_jumps/91002/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Public disapproval of President Barack Obama&#8217;s handling of health care has jumped to 52 percent, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released hours before he makes his case for overhaul in a prime-time address to Congress.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:54:45 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/public_disapproval_of_obamas_handling_of_health_care_jumps/91002/#When:18:54:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama to students: No excuse for not trying</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_students_no_excuse_for_not_trying/90851/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
In a pep talk that kept clear of politics, President Barack Obama on Tuesday challenged the nation&#8217;s students to take pride and ownership in their education &#8212; and stick with it even if they don&#8217;t like every class or must overcome tough circumstances at home.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:14:12 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_to_students_no_excuse_for_not_trying/90851/#When:18:14:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Palin resignation costs Alaska $40,000</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_resignation_costs_alaska_40000/90410/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Early estimates put the cost of Sarah Palin&#8217;s midterm resignation as Alaska governor at a minimum of $40,000, not including a special legislative session partly linked to her departure.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:16:39 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_resignation_costs_alaska_40000/90410/#When:20:16:39Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Appeals court rules against Ashcroft in 9/11 case</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/appeals_court_rules_against_ashcroft_in_9_11_case/90408/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A federal appeals court has ruled that former Attorney General John Ashcroft may be held liable for people who were wrongfully detained as material witnesses after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:14:28 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/appeals_court_rules_against_ashcroft_in_9_11_case/90408/#When:20:14:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Kennedy among last bridge&#45;builders in Senate</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/kennedy_among_last_bridge-builders_in_senate/89368/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Over nearly a half-century, Ted Kennedy watched his beloved Senate change from a collegial boys&#8217; club known for bipartisan deal-cutting to a far less friendly place dominated by polarized parties, where broad compromise is a dying art.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:15:09 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/kennedy_among_last_bridge-builders_in_senate/89368/#When:16:15:09Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>S.C. governor&#8217;s wife wants to save marriage</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/s.c._governors_wife_wants_to_save_marriage/88639/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina&#8217;s first lady Jenny Sanford is working to fix her shattered marriage after her husband admitted a yearlong affair.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:59:32 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/s.c._governors_wife_wants_to_save_marriage/88639/#When:13:59:32Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Millions face shrinking Social Security payments</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/millions_face_shrinking_social_security_payments/88588/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Millions of older people face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:25:36 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/millions_face_shrinking_social_security_payments/88588/#When:22:25:36Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>S.C. governor&#8217;s wife feels sorry for &#8216;other woman&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/s.c._governors_wife_feels_sorry_for_other_woman/88059/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford says she feels sorry for her husband&#8217;s Argentine lover and believes the philandering governor&#8217;s affair is almost like an addiction to alcohol or pornography.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:34:08 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/s.c._governors_wife_feels_sorry_for_other_woman/88059/#When:15:34:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DeLay selected to appear on &#8216;Dancing With the Stars&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/delay_selected_to_appear_on_dancing_with_the_stars/87916/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former House Republican Whip Tom DeLay, called the ``Hammer&#8217;&#8216; for his arm-twisting talents, wants to show the world some fancy footwork.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:46:53 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/delay_selected_to_appear_on_dancing_with_the_stars/87916/#When:14:46:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor granted confirmation</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_granted_confirmation/86530/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The Senate confirmed Sonia Sotomayor Thursday as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:33:05 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_granted_confirmation/86530/#When:19:33:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House provides $200 million for gov&#8217;t VIP jets</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_provides_200_million_for_govt_vip_jets/86524/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The House is ordering up three Gulfstream jets to fly Pentagon and other top government officials &#8212; including members of Congress &#8212; around the globe in conditions far cushier than coach class.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:58:35 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_provides_200_million_for_govt_vip_jets/86524/#When:18:58:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Holtz: &#8216;I don&#8217;t want to run for Congress&#8217;</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/holtz_i_dont_want_to_run_for_congress/86505/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz tells an Indiana television station he doesn&#8217;t plan to run for Congress.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:39:22 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/holtz_i_dont_want_to_run_for_congress/86505/#When:17:39:22Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor vote coming today</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_vote_coming_today/86467/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sonia Sotomayor stands on the verge of making history as the Supreme Court&#8217;s first Hispanic justice, despite staunch opposition from Republicans who call her ill-suited for the bench.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:30:40 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_vote_coming_today/86467/#When:14:30:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama: health plan to include consumer protections</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_health_plan_to_include_consumer_protections/85365/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
President Barack Obama pledged Wednesday that health care legislation he is seeking will bar insurance companies from denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions and include numerous provisions to hold down the cost of care for consumers.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:07:28 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_health_plan_to_include_consumer_protections/85365/#When:16:07:28Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sessions to oppose Sotomayor</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sessions_to_oppose_sotomayor/84990/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee says he&#8217;ll vote against Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:28:00 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sessions_to_oppose_sotomayor/84990/#When:15:28:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Jury out on Obama and race</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/jury_out_on_obama_and_race/84885/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON &#8212; President Barack Obama&#8217;s summary of the furor over a black Harvard professor&#8217;s arrest was so understated, and perhaps obvious, that it barely rose above the cable-news driven din.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:32:17 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/jury_out_on_obama_and_race/84885/#When:02:32:17Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama: Burden on small business unacceptable</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_burden_on_small_business_unacceptable/84883/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON  &#8212; President Barack Obama, citing a new White House study suggesting that small businesses pay far more per employee for health insurance than big companies, said Saturday the disparity is &#8220;unsustainable &#8212; it&#8217;s unacceptable.&#8221;           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:25:41 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_burden_on_small_business_unacceptable/84883/#When:02:25:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Investigator rules against Palin in ethics probe</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/investigator_rules_against_palin_in_ethics_probe/84171/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) &#8212; An independent investigator has found evidence that Gov. Sarah Palin may have violated ethics laws by trading on her position as she sought money for lawyer fees, in the latest legal distraction for the former vice presidential candidate as she prepares to leave office this week.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:56:20 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/investigator_rules_against_palin_in_ethics_probe/84171/#When:01:56:20Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama meets astronauts; no promise of moon or Mars</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_meets_astronauts_no_promise_of_moon_or_mars/83992/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; The same question that could have been asked 40 years ago moments after Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon is still being asked today: Now what?           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:03:37 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_meets_astronauts_no_promise_of_moon_or_mars/83992/#When:03:03:37Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Critic files another Palin ethic complaint</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/critic_files_another_palin_ethic_complaint/83991/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) &#8212; Another ethics complaint was filed against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on Monday &#8212; less than a week before her resignation &#8212; alleging she failed to submit complete gift disclosure forms in a timely manner.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:02:48 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/critic_files_another_palin_ethic_complaint/83991/#When:03:02:48Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Census shows less eligible voters hit polls in 2008</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/census_shows_less_eligible_voters_hit_polls_in_2008/83921/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For all the attention generated by last year&#8217;s presidential race, census figures show the share of eligible voters who actually went to the polls in November declined from 2004.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:12:35 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/census_shows_less_eligible_voters_hit_polls_in_2008/83921/#When:18:12:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor wins GOP backers after smooth hearings</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_wins_gop_backers_after_smooth_hearings1/83753/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor won her first public pledges of support from Senate Republicans and one prominent GOP opponent, after a smooth performance at her confirmation hearings that has placed her firmly on track to become the high court&#8217;s first Latina and the first Democratic-named justice in 15 years.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:20:59 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_wins_gop_backers_after_smooth_hearings1/83753/#When:02:20:59Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor can get by on justice&#8217;s salary</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_can_get_by_on_justices_salary/83517/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor says she&#8217;s lived on a judge&#8217;s salary for 17 years, and she can, in her words, ``suffer through more of it.&#8216;&#8217;            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:31:58 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_can_get_by_on_justices_salary/83517/#When:16:31:58Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Sotomayor confirmation hearing excerpts</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_confirmation_hearing_excerpts/82950/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Some excerpts from comments during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor. 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:07:21 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sotomayor_confirmation_hearing_excerpts/82950/#When:19:07:21Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A closer look at Palin finances as she steps down</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/a_closer_look_at_palin_finances_as_she_steps_down/82481/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) &#8212; Since Sarah Palin abruptly resigned as governor, she has repeatedly cited the bombardment of ethics complaints against her while conceding the financial burden of defending herself had taken its toll.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:51:18 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/a_closer_look_at_palin_finances_as_she_steps_down/82481/#When:23:51:18Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Palin racks up air miles, has time to tweet</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_racks_up_air_miles_has_time_to_tweet/82296/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) &#8212; Gov. Sarah Palin spent another day on the move in far-flung locations Wednesday at a time when many Alaskans remain mystified over her decision to step down and not finish out her first term.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:31:08 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_racks_up_air_miles_has_time_to_tweet/82296/#When:02:31:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>US officials eye North Korea in cyber attack</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/us_officials_eye_north_korea_in_cyber_attack1/82291/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; U.S. authorities eyed North Korea on Wednesday as the origin of the widespread cyber attack that overwhelmed government Web sites in the United States and South Korea, although they warned it would be difficult definitely to identify the attackers quickly.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:25:43 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/us_officials_eye_north_korea_in_cyber_attack1/82291/#When:02:25:43Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Palin returns to work, defends decision to resign</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_returns_to_work_defends_decision_to_resign/82101/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
KOTZEBUE, Alaska (AP) &#8212; Gov. Sarah Palin returned to the spotlight Tuesday with an appearance in a remote Arctic village where she stood by her perplexing decision to resign just as she tries to elevate her national profile ahead of a possible 2012 presidential run.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:03:07 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_returns_to_work_defends_decision_to_resign/82101/#When:02:03:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Mullen: Strike on Iran an option, but a bad one</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/mullen_strike_on_iran_an_option_but_a_bad_one/82090/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; A military strike to thwart Iran&#8217;s nuclear weapons capability remains on the table but could have grave and unpredictable consequences, the top U.S. military officer said Tuesday.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:36:40 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/mullen_strike_on_iran_an_option_but_a_bad_one/82090/#When:01:36:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Vice President Biden urges Iraqis to make political progress</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/vice_president_biden_urges_iraqis_to_make_political_progress/81394/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BAGHDAD (AP) &#8212; Vice President Joe Biden pressed Iraqi leaders Friday to do more to foster national reconciliation and offered U.S. assistance in achieving that, as concerns grow that a lack of political progress is fueling violence in Iraq.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:42:34 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/vice_president_biden_urges_iraqis_to_make_political_progress/81394/#When:00:42:34Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Palin quitting as governor</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_quitting_as_governor/81381/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASILLA, Alaska &#8212; Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin surprised supporters Friday and announced she is resigning from office at the end of the month without explaining why she plans to step down &#8212; throwing into question whether she would seek a run for the White House in 2012.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:28:12 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/palin_quitting_as_governor/81381/#When:22:28:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Major military operation under way in Afghanistan</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/major_military_operation_under_way_in_afghanistan/80863/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Thousands of U.S. Marines and hundreds of Afghan troops moved into Taliban-infested villages with armor and helicopters Wednesday evening in the first major operation under President Barack Obama&#8217;s revamped strategy to stabilize Afghanistan.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:44:41 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/major_military_operation_under_way_in_afghanistan/80863/#When:01:44:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Fireworks over Baghdad as Iraqis take over cities</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/fireworks_over_baghdad_as_iraqis_take_over_cities/80384/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
BAGHDAD (AP) &#8212; Iraqi forces assumed formal control of Baghdad and other cities Tuesday after American troops handed over security in urban areas in a defining step toward ending the U.S. combat role in the country.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:32:12 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/fireworks_over_baghdad_as_iraqis_take_over_cities/80384/#When:23:32:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>House passes major energy&#45;climate bill</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_passes_major_energy-climate_bill/80031/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; In a triumph for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation Friday that calls for the nation&#8217;s first limits on pollution linked to global warming and aims to usher in a new era of cleaner, yet more costly energy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:22:58 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/house_passes_major_energy-climate_bill/80031/#When:02:22:58Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Major energy&#45;climate bill chugs toward House vote</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/major_energy-climate_bill_chugs_toward_house_vote/79979/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; With President Barack Obama lobbying by phone, the Democratic-controlled House churned toward a showdown vote Friday on historic legislation to reduce pollution linked to global warming and to power the nation with cleaner but more expensive energy.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:20:03 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/major_energy-climate_bill_chugs_toward_house_vote/79979/#When:22:20:03Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>SC governor fights to keep job</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_governor_fights_to_keep_job/79677/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford faced legal and ethical questions Thursday as he fought to save his job after admitting having an affair with a woman from Argentina.            ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:52:12 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/sc_governor_fights_to_keep_job/79677/#When:14:52:12Z</guid>
        </item>
    
         <item>
          <title>Obama talks tougher on Iran violence</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_talks_tougher_on_iran_violence1/79276/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama on Tuesday declared the United States and the entire world &#8220;appalled and outraged&#8221; by Iran&#8217;s violent efforts to crush dissent and for the first time expressed significant doubt about the legitimacy of the national election at the root of the upheaval.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:50:35 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_talks_tougher_on_iran_violence1/79276/#When:01:50:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama takes on insurers over gov&#8217;t plan</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_takes_on_insurers_over_govt_plan/79236/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; President Barack Obama on Tuesday squared off with the insurance lobby over industry charges that a government health plan he backs would dismantle the employer coverage Americans have relied on for a half-century and overtake the system.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:24:02 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_takes_on_insurers_over_govt_plan/79236/#When:22:24:02Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Obama, citing his smoking woes, signs tobacco law</title>
          <link>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_citing_his_smoking_woes_signs_tobacco_law/78861/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
WASHINGTON (AP) &#8212; Lamenting his first teenage cigarette, President Barack Obama ruefully admitted on Monday that he&#8217;s spent his adult life fighting the habit. Then he signed the nation&#8217;s toughest anti-smoking law, aiming to keep thousands of other teens from getting hooked.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:43:40 CDT</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.oanow.com/oan/news/national_govtpolitics/article/obama_citing_his_smoking_woes_signs_tobacco_law/78861/#When:01:43:40Z</guid>
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