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Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton campaigned for Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown (right) in October. President Obama and Michelle Obama have also campaigned in the state. This level of Democratic star power so late in the race is unusual in a reliably blue state.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton campaigned for Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown (right) in October. President Obama and Michelle Obama have also campaigned in the state. This level of Democratic star power so late in the race is unusual in a reliably blue state. Patrick Semansky/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP

It's All Politics

Sleeper Maryland Race Could Be Tuesday's Biggest Upset

The governor's race in one of the bluest states in the nation has gotten uncomfortably tight.

With his outspoken conservative views, Dr. Ben Carson is a hit among Republicans. He spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference last week.

With his outspoken conservative views, Dr. Ben Carson is a hit among Republicans. He spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference last week. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Susan Walsh/AP

Code Switch

Black GOP Stars Rise In A Party That's Still Awkwardly White

There's never been a better time for black Republicans seeking office, yet even as some black candidates are hitting their stride, the party's support among blacks is still at rock bottom.

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In his role as chairman of the RGA, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will crisscross the country giving stump speeches and fundraisers.

In his role as chairman of the RGA, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will crisscross the country giving stump speeches and fundraisers. Ralph Freso/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Ralph Freso/AP

Politics

Stumping For GOP Governors, Chris Christie Gets His Own Boost

As the new chair of the Republican Governors Association, the New Jersey governor's duties will have him crisscrossing the country for photo ops, fundraisers and stump speeches — fueling speculation he's readying a White House run.

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Marchers aligned with the Justice for Trayvon Martin movement called for a federal civil rights action to be filed against George Zimmerman in Phoenix on Monday. Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

Marchers aligned with the Justice for Trayvon Martin movement called for a federal civil rights action to be filed against George Zimmerman in Phoenix on Monday. Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Matt York/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Matt York/AP

Code Switch

'Justice For Trayvon' Movement Struggles To Find Focus

For more than a year, supporters of the movement rallied behind a common goal: Make sure George Zimmerman stood before the bar of justice. But after Zimmerman's acquittal, that united front has splintered.

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U.S. Rep. Tim Scott smiles during a news conference announcing him as Jim DeMint's replacement in the U.S. Senate at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday in Columbia.

U.S. Rep. Tim Scott smiles during a news conference announcing him as Jim DeMint's replacement in the U.S. Senate at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday in Columbia. Rainier Ehrhardt/AP hide caption

itoggle caption Rainier Ehrhardt/AP

It's All Politics

South Carolina's New Senator A Tea Party Favorite, Staunch Obama Critic

South Carolina Rep. Tim Scott will move across the Rotunda to the Senate next month after being appointed by Gov. Nikki Haley to replace retiring Sen. Jim DeMint. He will be the south's first black senator since the late 1800s, something he says speaks to the "evolution" of South Carolina.

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