In this Oct. 31, 2002 file photo, then-Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is embraced by her uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., at a campaign rally at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. The late Sen. Edward Kennedy will be a tough act to follow, even for the Kennedys. Kennedy's brain-cancer death, coupled with the decision by family members not to seek the seat he held for nearly five decades, has prompted plenty of speculation that the family's long-running political dynasty is over.

Roberto Borea, File/AP Photo

Sizing up the Kennedy dynasty's next generation

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy will be a tough act to follow, even for the Kennedys. His death, coupled with the decision by family members not to seek the seat he held for nearly five decades, has prompted predictions that the family's long-running political dynasty is over. 1258886276

What's Obama's trade policy? So far, there isn't much of one, some analysts say

During his first 10 months in office, as global trade contracted sharply, President Barack Obama avoided pursuing free-trade pacts and limited his public moves on the trade front to high-profile and often politically popular retaliatory actions. 1258877574
Senate Roll Call: Health Care

The 60-39 roll call Saturday by which the Senate voted to advance a measure overhauling health care to a full debate.
Senate votes to begin debating health-care overhaul

The Senate voted 60-39 Saturday to clear the way for consideration of historic legislation to overhaul the nation's health-care system, but reluctant Democratic moderates sent strong signals that the bill has an uncertain future.
Obama has low-key evening out after long week

President Barack Obama and his family spent a low-key night out at the home of a senior White House adviser after a whirlwind week spent on a presidential trip to Asia.
Levin: More e-mails from Ft. Hood suspect possible

WASHINGTON - The government intercepted at least 18 e-mails between the alleged Fort Hood gunman and a radical Muslim cleric, and a key senator says there could be more communications that might have tipped off law enforcement or military officials.
Two Senate Democrats clear the way to debate health-care overhaul

WASHINGTON - Democrats Saturday appeared likely to get the 60 votes they need to keep their health-care legislation moving forward - but reluctant party moderates sent strong signals that the bill still has an uncertain future.
Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle

A bruising debate on health care awaits the Senate after Thanksgiving now that the historic legislation has cleared a key hurdle over the opposition of Republicans eager to inflict a punishing defeat on President Barack Obama. 1258887168
Will Palin's book tour jump-start a political movement?

With her campaign-style bus and adoring crowds, Sarah Palin's swing through red zones of bluish states to promote her new book has appeared to be something more than a book tour.
Senate votes to begin debate on health care overhaul

The Senate voted 60-39 Saturday to clear the way for consideration of historic legislation to overhaul the nation's health care system, but reluctant Democratic moderates sent strong signals that the bill has an uncertain future.