Health care issues: The public insurance plan

A look at key issues in the health care debate: 1257865339

N.C. Sen. Hagan facing pressure from all sides in health care debate

After an intense three-month campaign for the votes of North Carolina's House members, players in the health care debate are now likely to focus their full attention on Sen. Kay Hagan, a moderate, pro-business Democrat, who is regarded as one of a handful of senators who could play a pivotal role as the Senate takes up the landmark legislation to expand access to health insurance. Hagan has already been the subject of television commercials by the pharmaceutical industry, two mailers by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and hundreds of pickets at her Raleigh district office. 1257858166
Fla. Senate candidate Rubio takes tough stance on immigration

As an underdog U.S. Senate candidate courting the GOP's conservative wing, Marco Rubio takes a hard-line position against illegal immigration: no amnesty. But as the powerful speaker of the Florida House, presented with a slew of bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration, he didn't put a single proposal up for a vote. 1257858167
Schwarzenegger says California's budget gap might hit $7 billion

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger estimated Monday that California's budget will fall out of balance by $5 billion to $7 billion this fiscal year, on top of a $7.4 billion gap already projected for 2010-11. 1257858165
Obama pressed into role as healer, inevitably

Presidents get elected to run the nation. Some days that means knowing how to heal it. 1257865937
Obama's "crustmaster" shares his pie recipe

White House pastry chef Bill Yosses' light, flaky pie crusts have earned him the nickname "The Crustmaster" from President Barack Obama. His trick to making fruit pies worthy of a president is to bake the bottom crust first, then fill and top the pie and bake it again.
CAPITAL CULTURE: Obama pastry chef the Crustmaster

Poor Bill Yosses. He's the White House pastry chef. He makes desserts for a living. 1257859146
US to send envoy to NKorea for nuclear talks

The Obama administration has decided, after months of deliberation, to accept an offer by North Korea to send a special envoy to Pyongyang for direct talks on nuclear issues, two administration officials said Monday.
AP sources: Bill Clinton to speak to Dem senators

Former President Bill Clinton plans to visit Capitol Hill on Tuesday to discuss health care legislation with Senate Democrats.
Idaho prosecutor pleads guilty to stalking his ex, quits RNC

After pleading guilty to stalking a former girlfriend, Blake Hall, a leading figure in Idaho and national politics for 25 years, was fired Monday as a deputy prosecuting attorney in eastern Idaho and resigned from the Republican National Committee. 1257853067