Congress and the President Will Have to Find Common Ground to Avert the Fiscal Cliff

Seems almost inevitable that taxes will have to go up as lawmakers look to work out a deal -- a deal that could well beyond keeping America from falling off the cliff.

What's Next For the Economy?

How will Obama speed up the economic recovery and create jobs in his second term?

A Rising Republican Star Defeated by $200

Mia Love was considered a shoe-in for the House. She would have become the first African American to serve in the U.S. House.

Florida vote too close to call

Snowy Election Day

It was a snowy Election Day in parts of Haywood County. Many folks woke up to a winter wonderland, with several inches of snow in parts of Maggie Valley and Cataloochee.

However, that didn't keep voters away from the polls. People in snow-covered vehicles arrived at Maggie Valley Town Hall to cast their ballots.

Workers there say the turnout has been steady.

Election Day Gives S. Asheville Mom Teachable Moment

Melissa Murray of South Asheville had a supporting cast on Election Day. She brought her three children and their two friends to vote with her. Murray says she just wanted to walk them through the voting process so they know what to expect when they eventually get to vote some day. She stressed to kids the importance of doing research and not believing political ads. One of the girls says it's exciting to tag along on election day. Now they know it just takes a little patience in line to cast a ballot.

Voter Turnout

Despite record numbers for early voting, there was still a steady stream of voters at the precincts in Buncombe County Tuesday.

Voters bit the bullet and slogged through wet driveways and parking lots to be a part of Election Day. Elections officials say the crowds came out in predictable patterns. A big crowd showed up in the morning and a moderate crowd at lunch.

Elections officials say there's no doubt early voting has reduced the lines on Election Day.

Changes to Ohio's Ballot Process Could Create an Election Mess

A change in the way Ohio counts provisional ballots could take ten days after the election to sort out.

Obama and Romney Traveled to Ohio a combined 80 Times During the Campaign

The international spotligt is on Ohio as people around the world wait to find out who will lead America.

Election Overkill

The polls open at 6:30 Tuesday morning for Election Day. It's been a long campaign with a daily barrage of attack ads and campaign promises.

Along with the excitement and anticipation, there's also plenty of voter fatigue. Just one day before Americans decide who will be the next president, some voters are saying enough is enough.

Voter frustration could drag out even longer. In this extremely tight race, some experts believe there is a good chance of possible recounts or other problems at the polls that could delay the final results.

The Libya Attack Day by Day & The Politics

The Libyan Consulate timeline of events in the aftermath of the attack.

"Nobody For President" Signs Turning Heads

Several political signs in Transylvania County are causing some voters to stop and think about this year's presidential race.

"Nobody For President" signs are along Highway 280 in Brevard. Who put the homemade creations in ground is unknown at this time. But the signs are creating voters to think about this year's election.

Voters News 13 talked with say they are hoping no one takes the message seriously.

Campaign Mail Controversy

With the election just days away, candidates are peppering voters with ads and campaign material. But one mailing is causing controversy across the state.

The letter lists the names and addresses of registered voters and if they've voted in the last two elections. Whether you voted or not is public record. But people in the mountains tell News 13 it's an invasion of privacy.

Neither the phone number of email address on the letter for the Political Consulting Group is valid. WRAL-TV in Raleigh traced the letter back to a left-leaning political think tank in Chapel Hill. A spokesperson for the group says they sent the letter to assist in a research project conducted by UNC Chapel Hill.

Jill Biden Visit

The final days of the presidential campaign are bringing more of the candidates' surrogates to North Carolina.
Today, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden and her daughter made a trip to the Obama Campaign Office in Asheville.
Their message, get out and vote.
Although many polls show Mitt Romney leading in North Carolina, the Obama team isn't throwing in the towel.
Dr. Jill Biden and her son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, rallied supporters this morning at the Obama for America Headquarters on Hilliard Avenue.
She's telling workers and volunteers it's important they vote, but it's also important they go out and organize their communities to support Barack Obama and her husband.
They were originally scheduled to make an appearance here Sunday, but that was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.
From here, they head to another campaign event near Charlotte.

One More Day To Early Vote In NC

As early voting comes to an end in North Carolina, more than 2.2 million votes have already been cast. Still, poll workers are bracing for long lines come election day November 6th. Buncombe County elections manager Trena Parker says she doesn't expect the lines to be "unmanageable." To make voting flow smoother, Parker is reminding voters you don't need to show a photo ID to vote. The same is true in South Carolina. NC early voting ends Saturday at 1 p.m. That's also the last day you can register and vote at the same time.

A Romney-Biden Ticket

Under an extremely rare scenario Mitt Romney and Joe Biden could end up on the same ticket.

How much is Obama and Romney Spending on Voters?

Combine the cost of both campaigns and they've spent the cost of a dinner trying to attract each one of us.

Voter Turnout High But Allegations of Wrongdoing and Bad Behavior

Despite a drop due to weather in the past few days more than 2 million people in North Carolina have early voted. More than 300,000 thousand more Democrats have voted than Republicans. However, the GOP has cast more ballots than they did last election. What that means for the election is up to interpretation.

Voters at polling places across the state say some campaign volunteers have been too aggressive. There are also allegations of phone calls to voters saying Republicans vote Tuesday and Democrats on Wednesday. Election officials say to use common sense when voting and that everyone who's registered can vote on election day.

Follow Russ on Twitter @RussBowenNews13

Focus On The Candidates For NC Lt. Governor

As voters continue to head to the polls during early voting, they're choosing North Carolina's next Lt. Governor. Neither candidate is an incumbent.

Linda Coleman knows there's a problem with our education system and believes funding is part of what can make it or break it. That includes the rising cost of college tuition in the state college system.

Coleman's competitor, Dan Forest, says we need to take the best examples from from public and private schools. With unemployment the fifth highest in the country, Coleman sees better educating the workforce for the new job market as part of the solution. Forest believes a tax overhaul is the answer.

Both agree the political climate in Raleigh needs serious attention.

Walter Dalton Candidate Profile For NC Governor

Early voting is well underway and the numbers are exceeding those of 2008. The gubernatorial race is one of the decisions voters are making.


Democratic Governor Bev Perdue is not running in the election. Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is competing against Lt. Governor Walter Dalton.


With state unemployment near 10 percent, Dalton says he has a plan to bring industry back to North Carolina. While the Lt. Governor has released his tax records, McCrory has not. Dalton takes issue with that.

Fact or Fiction: Who will be a better friend to the auto industry

Romney ad touting why he will be a better choice for the auto industry than Barack Obama has been.

With Election Neck And Neck Former Congressional Leader Gives Insight

For 18 years Republican Dick Armey was a member of the House of Representatives and served as House Majority Leader during much of his career.

Armey served a portion of North Texas from Ft. Worth to Denton in Congress. In 2003, a year after leaving office, Armey joined a conservative organization where he serves as chairman and keeps a very close eye on Washington.

In an interview with KEYE TV’s Jason Wheeler, Armey gives insight on the presidential election – which at the moment appears to be a tossup.

Winter Storm Hurts Early Voting Turnout

An early winter storm is slowing traffic on the roads and in the polling places. In Mitchell County, early voting numbers are just a fraction of what they normally are.

Main roads have stayed mostly clear throughout the day Tuesday. But slick conditions on secondary roads and falling snow has kept voters away from the polls. In Bakersville, some days there's a line of eager voters. But today, it's an hours time between voters.

Many other counties reported their lowest turnout since early voting began. That includes Buncombe and Haywood counties where half as many voters cast their ballot than a typical day.

Election officials expect a surge of voters Thursday and Friday as the weather improves.

Dr. Jill Biden Visit and What It May Mean

The Vice President's wife and son will be in Asheville campaigning for President Obama this Sunday. Democrats continue to hope for a visit from the president himself but, political experts believe this may be a sign of where the campaign sees North Carolina leaning.

The state has been seen as a battleground state that's up for grabs. Now some political analysts and networks believe it's leaning Mitt Romney. However polls based on early voting are giving Obama the advantage.

Political experts say the Jill Biden visit indicates what the Obama campaign is thinking. The Dr. Jill Biden and Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden event will be Sunday at around 3:50 p.m. at the Obama for America field office on Hilliard Street in Asheville.

Political Sign Vandalism

You can see Rutherford County resident Tara Wright's big, white Obama sign from way down the road. It's huge, it's homemade and this year it's been vandalized twice.

"The second one, I was shocked. I really didn't expect it to happen a second time," said Wright. "We're so close to the election, it was like they made their point."

Wright began this election season with small plastic campaign signs in her yard. When those were stolen, she made one huge Obama sign out of canvas.

Then one day, Wright says she walked outside and saw that "somebody just took a knife and ripped it to shreds."

It wasn't able to be salvaged and so the ardent Obama supporter made a new sign out of ply wood. "It can't be ripped," Wright said she reasoned.

But now this one has been painted with a big graffiti "X". "It lasted from Saturday until Monday night."

Wright says just the presence of the huge democratic sign - in what's widely considered to be republican country - has made it a target. "You can see there's garbage in the yard ... there are certain people who drive by and scream out obscenities when they drive by."

County Democratic leaders say vandalism of their signs in this election is up from 2008. But their Republican counterparts say they've had markedly fewer reports of vandalism this year.

"I have to say that sometimes it feels like I'm behind enemy lines," said Wright. "But really, like I said, the community has really been supportive, so I know it's not a Republican, Democrat issue."

The Minds Behind the most Watched Political Ads

What makes for a good political ad?

Missing Absentee Ballots

Absentee ballots go missing in the mail. Now concerns are being raised about whether someone could steal them and cast illegal votes. 20 Buncombe County voters requested those ballots, but voters say they never received them. Elections officials say it appears those 20 ballots were taken to the post office, but there’s no explanation about why they weren't delivered.

Voter Michael Heninger and his wife requested the absentee ballots early this month and received a request form in the mail. They filled out those forms and sent them back to the board of elections. They waited several weeks, but didn’t receive anything back from the board. That leaves them wondering if someone had stolen the ballots from their mailbox and was trying to use them to cast votes illegally. But elections workers told Heninger that was unlikely.

Elections director Trena Parker tells News 13 absentee ballots have numbers on every page. She says the ballots were canceled, and that no one can re-submit a ballot once it’s canceled. She says the 20 voters should receive new ballots in the mail within a few days.

Political Sign Vandalism

You can see Rutherford County resident Tara Wright's big, white Obama sign from way down the road. It's huge, it's homemade and this year it's been vandalized twice.

"The second one, I was shocked. I really didn't expect it to happen a second time," said Wright. "We're so close to the election, it was like they made their point."

Wright began this election season with small plastic campaign signs in her yard. When those were stolen, she made one huge Obama sign out of canvas.

Then one day, Wright says she walked outside and saw that "somebody just took a knife and ripped it to shreds."

It wasn't able to be salvaged and so the ardent Obama supporter made a new sign out of ply wood. "It can't be ripped," Wright said she reasoned.

But now this one has been painted with a big graffiti "X". "It lasted from Saturday until Monday night."

Wright says just the presence of the huge democratic sign - in what's widely considered to be republican country - has made it a target. "You can see there's garbage in the yard ... there are certain people who drive by and scream out obscenities when they drive by."

County Democratic leaders say vandalism of their signs in this election is up from 2008. But their Republican counterparts say they've had markedly fewer reports of vandalism this year.

"I have to say that sometimes it feels like I'm behind enemy lines," said Wright. "But really, like I said, the community has really been supportive, so I know it's not a Republican, Democrat issue."

Former Congressional Leader Offers Perspective On Presidential Politics

For nearly two decades, Republican Dick Armey served a portion of North Texas from Ft. Worth to Denton in Congress. In 2003, a year after leaving office, Armey joined a conservative organization where he serves as chairman and keeps a very close eye on Washington.

For 18 years he was a member of the House of Representatives and served as House Majority Leader. Upon leaving the political life in Washington he joined a group called FreedomWorks.

He joined KEYE TV in Austin, Texas via satellite to give his perspective on the November general election.

Fact or Fiction: Obama Ad on Medicare

How factual is President Obama's ad about Mitt Romney's plan to overhaul Medicare?

Fact or Fiction: Romney Ad on the Economy

The latest ad from the Romney campaign is called "Find a way." And its focus is on the economy.

Small Businesses Weigh in on Last Four Years

Bernie Marcus has been a staunch critic of President Obama's policies. So, when the Home Depot CEO recently released a video urging people to vote for Mitt Romney we thought we'd ask small business owners like Chris Sawyer and Kelly Prime how the last few years have treated them.

Prime bought her massage therapy business just two years ago and credits Obama's doubling the Small Business Administration's budget with being able to do that after the big banks turned her away.

Sawyer adds though that he does have frustration with Washington. "The best proposals seem like they can't get any agreement or consensus to make anything happen the farm bill still hasn't passed."

Both business owners agree on one major issue involving small business owners. "They don't want to feel like they're part of the problem they want to feel like they're part of solution for helping America" says Prime.

Has Coverage of the Presidential Race Been Fair and Balanced?

Critics say coverage of the presidential race has favored President Obama and one need not look further than the pictures showing up on front pages across America.

Courting Undecided Voters Two Weeks Out

The average of all non-partisan polls this week shows a virtual tie between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney.

Do Campaign Signs Really Help?

As election day approaches, there are more and more campaign signs popping up. But in this day of television ads, robo-calls and mass-mailings, some doubt they're even worth it anymore. All across the country, candidates of all parties are spending millions of dollars in a collective effort to win elections. They line the landscape along roads, in front of houses, and outside early voting locations. More than one voter complained about taking down the signs once the election is over. Taking votes away certainly can't happen, but there are fines for candidates who don't clean-up after election day. The advice if you have a sign of your own to get rid of, recycle it.

North Carolina's 11th District Congression Front-Runners Face Off

The two frontrunners for the 11th District Congressional seat met face to face Tuesday night at Western Carolina University. Republican Mark Meadows and Democrat Hayden Rogers called it their most spirited debate.

The debate got heated when Hayden Rogers brought up the fact that Mark Meadows was not born in Western North Carolina. He mentioned Meadows going home to Tampa, FL for the Republican National Convention. Meadows said he's been here for 28 years and the issues are much greater than that. He also mentioned if that's all the election is about, then it's over.

The candidates disagreed on the Affordable Care Act. Rogers would work to improve it, but Meadows would repeal it, while working on new legislation for children on their parents' insurance and pre-existing conditions. Both candidates endorsed military action if needed.

Key Romney Staffers Leave NC

The Romney camp makes a major move by shifting shifted its key campaign staffers out of North Carolina and into Ohio. Some political experts wonder whether it's a good move or an opening for President Obama, Governor Romney is currently ahead in North Carolina according to most polls and is looking to close the gap and pull ahead in Ohio. North Carolina is seen as a must win for Romney and Ohio has been considered a firewall for Obama.

First Day Early Voting Count

Record numbers of voters got out to vote on the first day of Early Voting across North Carolina. More than 150,000 people cast their ballots at one stop voting, up 28% from the 2008 presidential race.



Some voters found challenges at early voting sites in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Directional signs were never put up at entrances to the Asheville Mall early voting site because of a snag with the printer. Election officials say the signs went up Friday. Other voters complained about lengthy delays at curbside voting in Henderson county. Election officials say offices were extremely busy and they've added more voting machines as a result.



State election officials estimate about 70 percent of voters will cast their ballots early. Early voting ends November 3rd.

Early Voting Kicks Off In North Carolina

Early voting began Thursday across North Carolina. There are 18 early voting sites in Buncombe County, but some people had to wait an hour to cast their vote. Early and one stop voting continue in North Carolina until November 3rd. Most polling places are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A few are open on Sundays as well.

Fact or Fiction: Obama ad Claims Romney Forced Coal Workers to Show up for a Rally.

Fact or Fiction: Romney Ad on Wages and the Economy

Fact or Fiction: Obama Ad on Accomplishments

Fact or Fiction: Romney Ad on Religion

Political Veteran Dick Armey's Observations of the Second Presidential Debate.

Longtime Congressman Armey talks about what he gleaned from the debate at Hofstra.

Mormon Cult Reference Removed From Graham Website After Romney Visit

The man who has prayed with and counseled every president since Truman agreed last Thursday to meet with Mitt Romney at the Graham home in Montreat.

A section on the Billy Graham Evangelical Association website defined Mormonism, as well as Jehovah's Witness, Unitarian and Scientology as cults.

Since the meeting between Romney and Reverend Graham the reference has been removed. After meeting with Graham Romney went on to speak to thousands of supporters in Asheville. The blessing of the Reverend was a needed confirmation for anyone questioning Romney's Mormon faith.

For decades Billy Graham has stayed away from getting involved in the political process. But, this time said he would do anything he could to help Romney's candidacy. Recently there's been a shift that some experts believe is driven by his son Franklin.

The Graham Association has so far declined to comment on the removal of the cult reference.

Follow Russ on Twitter @RussBowenNews13

Does a Candidate's Facial Expressions Impact the way a Person will Vote?

Do voters get turned on or turned off by smiles, smirks and eye rolling?

Fact or Fiction: Obama Ad on Mitt Romney's Tax Cut

Obama campaign ad claims Mitt Romney wants $5 trillion in tax cuts for the wealthy. Fact or Fiction?

One of President Obama's Biggest Critics is a Former Classmate.

We wanted to find out what makes Wayne Allyn Root tick.

Romney Crowds

Hundreds of people lined up with passion and lots of patience outside the US Cellular Center, just to get a glimpse of Mitt Romney.
The line started at nine with a handful of diehard supporters.
By early afternoon, they had a lot of company.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Talks About the Presidential Race

Chris Christie's outlook on the presidential race going forward.

FACT OR FICTION: Romney Ad on Obama as Commander-in-Chief

An ad for Mitt Romney asks if the American Public can trust President Obama on National Defense. Fact or Fiction?

FACT OR FICTION: Romney Ad on Taxes and Middle Class

Mitt Romney's ad says Obama will raise taxes by $4,000. Fact or fiction?

FACT OR FICTION: Obama Ad on Green Energy

Obama campaign is using a new ad to push back on statemenets made by Governor Romney during the first debate.

Utah Congressman Says Obama Administration Misled Public About Libya Attack

Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz traveled to Libya to investigate the attack on the American embassy. He says the Obama administration misled the public about the cause of the attack. Chaffetz says it was clear that the attack was an act of terrorism, but the Obama administration blamed the violence on an anti-muslim video produced in America.

Barack Obama is Losing Jewish Voters

Jewish voters who supported Barack Obama in 2008 say they have lost confidence in the president to back up his security pledge for Israel

Big Bird Ad Continues to Ruffle Feathers

President Barack Obama's commercial featuring Big Bird has drawn praise and scorn. But even Democratic strategists don't believe it will have much impact unless Obama connects it to a core difference in ideology.

North Carolina 10th Congressional District Candidate Forum

Election day is just four weeks away and one of the biggest races in the mountains is the 10th Congressional District. Incumbent Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry and his challenger, Democratic State Representative Patsy Keever answered viewer's questions in the News 13's candidate forum Tuesday.

Promoter Says Sesame St. Live Cancellation Not Connected To Romney

The promoter cancelled two Sesame Street Live shows set for October 9th and 10th. But Romney was not on their radar when they made the move.

The U.S. Cellular Center director says ticket sales were low. The promoter says the Sesame Street tour was re-routed before Romney announced his visit to the mountains.

Still, many find it to be an interesting coincidence. Romney famously said he'd fire Big Bird and cut funding of PBS during the first presidential debate.

Mitt Romney Ticket Problems Fixed

Mitt Romney supporters stand in long lines for tickets, only to be told they’d have to get them online. The presidential candidate is scheduled to appear at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville Thursday.

Campaign officials say they had trouble getting the ticket delivery from the printer. Some supporters were frustrated that there were no real tickets. They stood in line to register for a ticket and gave their information to campaign workers logged into a website. They could have done the same thing at home themselves, but since they were there, they went ahead and followed the process.

Both Asheville and Hendersonville Victory Offices began handing out real tickets Tuesday afternoon after the problem was fixed.

AARP Wants to Stay Out of the Health Care Debate

AARP Objects to President Barack Obama using the Nonpartisan Organization as a way to bolster support for his re election.

What does an Undecided Voter Look Like?

Both the Obama and Romney Campaigns are fighting over the elusive undecided voters. Here's what some of them look like.

A new Survey finds the Majority of Doctors Support Mitt Romney

Among the findings: 15 percent of the doctors polled said they voted for Barack Obama in 2008. Most cited the health care reform as the primary reason for switching parties.

Why did President Obama Stumble During the First Debate?

A thorough look at Obama's performance.

How Mitt Romney Won the First Presidential Debate

By most accounts Mitt Romney won the debate in Denver, but did he connect with voters?

FACT OR FICTION: Obama Ad on the Economy

We examined an Obama Ad about Romney's proposed plan to heal the economy.

FACT OR FICTION: Romney Ad on Jobs

We took a hard look at a Romney ad that blast President Obama about jobs and more.

Vice President Joe Biden Visits UNC Asheville

Vice President Joe Biden campaigns to a crowd at UNC Asheville to try to get the pivotal state of North Carolina to swing the Democrats way. Biden touched on a variety of topics and focused on why this election is so important to college students.

What does Body Language Tell us About a Presidential Candidate?

What can we learn from watching a canidates hand gestures and head turns?

Controversial 2007 Video of President Obama Surfaces

A video from 2007 is causing controversy after segments were aired on Fox News' Hannity show.



The video is from a speech then presidential candidate Barack Obama made at Hampton University.



Senator Obama referred to the government's response to Hurricane Katrina and implied that it wasn't given complete federal aid because minorities aren't considered as important in America.

Vice President Joe Biden Campaigns At UNC Asheville

Vice President Joe Biden campaigns to a crowd at UNC Asheville to try to get the pivotal state of North Carolina to swing the Democrats way. Biden touched on a variety of topics and focused on why this election is so important to college students.

Biden spoke Tuesday morning in Charlotte before jetting the mountains to speak in front of hundreds in Asheville.

Audience Members Call Biden's Speech A Historical Moment

Many of the audience members at Tuesday's event at UNC Asheville consider the chance to see Vice President Joe Biden a historic moment. The line to see the Vice President spilled out onto the UNCA track. Some said this was more than just a campaign speech. It was a chance to get energized about the election and witness something they'll never forget.

Mining for Voters Online

What is Obama and Romney doing to win the hearts, souls and votes in cyberspace?

What Kind of Impact do Debates Have on Voters?

How much influence do debates have on undecided voters?

FACT or FICTION: Romney Ad on Debt

We took a hard look at ads for the national debt and poverty.

What Methodology is used for Presidential Polls?

Polls can vary just by the nature of whether someone is reach on a cell phone or a landline.

Celebrities in a Political Age

Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are both hitching their campaigns to stars.

FACT or FICTION: Obama Health Care Ad

We parsed a Barack Obama campaign ad on health care to find out whether it's fact or fiction.

Democrats Motivated by Biden Visit

Vice President Joe Biden will campaign in Asheville next Tuesday. The Obama campaign confirmed with the Buncombe County Democratic Party that the Vice President will make a political stop in the mountains.





President Obama won North Carolina by just 14,000 votes in the last election and won Buncombe County by 17,000 votes. Democrats say the visit proves the importance of the county in the election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney and that Buncombe can make the difference in whether North Carolina remains blue or turns red.





The campaign has not said where the event will be yet or how folks can get in to see the Vice President's speech.

Tagg Romney Campaigns In WNC

Mitt Romney's son, Tagg Romney, made a stop in the mountains Wednesday. Tagg is campaigning for his father, the Republican presidential nominee.



North Carolina is going to be a critical swing state in November. Tagg Romney says every handshake counts.



Thursday, he will head to Greensboro and High Point to campaign. Then he will fly to Wisconsin.

Vice President Biden to Visit Asheville Tuesday

Obama for America confirms with the Buncombe County Democratic Party that Vice President Biden will be in Asheville on Tuesday, October 2.



North Carolina is considered a "battle ground" state in the Presidential election, and the visit comes on the eve of the first Presidential debate.

The Most Important Voting State

Mitt Romeny & Paul Ryan Return to Ohio

ManagingCampaign Images in the Era of Citizen Reporter

Company Banks on "NObama Brew"

The Most Important Counties in the Presidential Election?

Is There Ever a Time When Presidential Candidates Can Be Candid?

Talking off the cuff can do plenty of damage to a campaign. Just ask President Obama or his Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

Candidate Obama Criticizes National Debt Growth; Debt Skyrockets in His Presidency

Under President Obama, the national debt has grown by more than $5 trillion dollars.

Preps Are well Underway For The Presidential Debates.

Students are seeing what happens to a venue in the weeks leading up to a presidental debate.

FreedomWorks Prepares For Ohio Rally

A National Organization is Pushing for a Two Hour Voting Window for Workers

One organization believes employers should give employees ample time to vote on election day.

President Obama And The Jewish Vote

Have Jewish voters had enough of President Obama?

Question The Costs Of Political Conventions

Over the past two weeks, Democrats and Republicans have put on incredible shows. But the conventions are now more public relations than politics. It costs nearly quarter of a billion dollars it cost to put them on.

This year, the Federal Election Commission gave each party more than $18 million for their conventions. Congress then set aside $50 million each for security. That’s $136 million of the tax payer's money.

As the Democratic National Convention comes to a close, the question some are now asking is should big political conventions continue given the incredible costs involved?

To many, the conventions are worth every penny. But to others, they can't justify spending that kind of money in these tough economic times.

DNC Speech Frustrations

More than 5,000 delegates at the Time Warner Cable arena tonight to hear the President's speech, but they say they want to hear specifics and want President Obama to hit Republicans hard.

Joseph McGimpsey comes from as far northwest as you can get in the continental US. The Native American delegate, from Washington, says President Obama has a record that he needs to hammer hard, “He is going to put those no good obstructionist republicans in their place where they belong and he is going to set the record straight”.

Delegates are giddy with excitement today. They want the President to remind voters the he got the country out of Iraq, is doing the same in Afghanastan, and that he saved the auto industry.

Massachusetts delegate, Melody Adams says, “He saved this country from what could have been a great travesty. We were headed for what could have been the greatest depression of our time and he rescued us from that.”

Supporters believe, there's more work to do in the next 4 years for President Obama, “One of the issues that keeps coming up in addition to the women’s issue that I’m hoping he talks a little bit about tonight than we keep hering about is student loan reform”, said Asheville delegate Sarah Zambon.

One big issue, the move tonight from the Bank of America Stadium to Time Warner Cable Arena. That means 65,000 people are now without tickets. There's been a lot of confusion as people have driven from all over for the opportunity to hear the President speak live. Linda Jenkins says, “When November the 3rd comes I’ll be at home resting I won’t bother to get up.”

Durham resident, Jo Ann King agrees, “I’m here because I love my president but I don’t know about this no more I don’t know about the president because he’s supposed to know the people that’s working under him who he got out there working because those people can either make him or break him and if he don’t have good people out there working then I don’t know how he’s going to be voted in.”

Thursday DNC Protests Include a Civil Rights Pioneer

In Charlotte today, aside from the preprations for President Obama's speech, security has been busy keeping daily protests in check.

The city has a designated protest route that, with the exception of the Occupy movement, people have stuck to.

There have been dozens of groups in various sizes, but none as large as the protest last Sunday.

This morning, a group called "Patients Over Politics" marched. It's a group of more than 50 doctors on a 12 day bus tour that also went to the Republican convention in Tampa last week.

“Instead of using political rhetoric we should be supporting the Affordable Care Act because we’ve seen in our clinics and our hospitals how this has helped our patients we’re not asking for peoples vote we don’t care if you’re democrat or republican all that we want people to recognize is the affordable care act has saved lives and it will continue to save lives.”

Right behind them was another group asking for the legalization of marijuana.

One person everyone seemed to want to meet today was 101 year old Amelia Boynton, the Civil Rights pioneer who stood with her mother protesting for women's right to vote.“I just feel that this is why I’m living see most people are dead my age but God has extended my life in order that I could go tell it on the mountains over the hills and everywhere.”

Ms. Boynton was a key figure in what was known as bloody Sunday in Selma Alabama and was nearly beaten to death that day.

Almost 50 years later, she's still fighting.

Preview to President Obama's DNC Speech

Former President Bill Clinton went to bat for President Barack Obama last night. Tuesday night, First Lady Michelle took to the stage.

Today, the First Lady attended the women's caucus, where she was told 81 million women are connected through social media.

The last election, women decided the outcome with 51% of married moms and 74% of single moms voting for President Obama.

“Our ability to fact check politicians of us to be engaged of us to be voting and making a difference has increased and we expect that every women out there will hopefully go vote this November and will make a huge difference”, said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner of MomsRising.org.

Tonight, the Commander in Chief will try to sell voters his plan for the next 4 years, while accepting the democratic nomination.

Asheville Teens Perform At DNC

Two recent Asheville High School graduates, Emma Stoneberg and Allijah Motika, performed at the DNC as part of the gospel choir backing up Jessica Sanchez of American Idol. Also singing was Shaun Cammack, a 2012 graduate of Rosman High School. All three teens are currently Popular Music/Music Business students at Catawba College in Salisbury.

DNC Propels 10th District Race Forward

The Democratic National Convention comes as candidates have two months to plead their case to the voters. Most of Asheville now sits in the newly drawn 10th Congressional District. News 13 spoke with incumbent Patrick McHenry and his challenger Patsy Keever about how the convention moves things forward for their campaigns.

"God" Added To Democratic Party Platform

A Democratic party divided. At least that’s the way it seemed Wednesday afternoon on the floor at the Democratic National Convention. An Ohio delegate introduced an amendment that would put God back in the Democratic Party platform. Sparks flew when the amendment was approved. A chorus of boos and objections when the convention chairman announced it passed, although some contend it didn’t receive the necessary two-thirds majority. Some delegates feel God shouldn’t be in the platform because the party is all-inclusive, including people of all faiths or no faith. Others feel it’s a knee-jerk reaction to Republican criticism when the platform was unveiled Tuesday. Another controversial amendment added to the Democratic Party platform was recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

50K Ticket-holders Won't Hear President's Speech Live

Tens of thousands of people lose their front row seats for history at the Democratic National Convention. A threat for storms forced convention organizers to move President Obama’s acceptance speech from the Bank of America Stadium to the smaller Time Warner Cable Arena. With fewer seats available, 50,000 ticket-holders are not going to see the President's Speech live. Many say they’re disappointed, but understanding. There is also talk that the president will return to Charlotte to speak at the stadium before the election. The DNC Press Secretary is not will not confirm a return trip at this point.

Media Reacts To Change Of Venue of President's Speech

The threat of strong thunderstorms Thursday night forces the Democratic National Convention to move President Obama's acceptance speech indoors. It's a big change for the delegates, ticket holders and the media. The move from Bank of America Stadium to Time Warner Cable Arena also presents fewer distractions for media and convention organizers. There are over 15,000 credentialed media covering the DNC and most of them are happy with this decision. Republicans are also in Charlotte this week giving daily news conferences at 1 p.m. That includes Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and former Governor, White House Chief of Staff and Senator John Sununu. Haley responded to Tuesday night's Democratic speeches commenting that they were well delivered, but disagreed with the content. She said Democrats made it clear they want government to be a central part of our lives.

President Obama's DNC Speech Moved

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) announced Wednesday that convention programming, originally planned for Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, September 6, would be moved to Time Warner Cable Arena, the site of the first two days of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, due to severe weather forecasts.





The DNCC also announced that President Barack Obama will address community credential holders in a conference call on Thursday. Call information will be emailed directly to community credential-holders.





“We have been monitoring weather forecasts closely and several reports predict thunderstorms in the area, therefore we have decided to move Thursday’s proceedings to Time Warner Cable Arena to ensure the safety and security of our delegates and convention guests,” said DNCC CEO Steve Kerrigan.





"The energy and enthusiasm for the convention in Charlotte has been overwhelming and we share the disappointment of over 65,000 people who signed up for community credentials to be there with the President in person. We encourage our community credential holders and Americans across the country to continue to come together with their friends and neighbors to watch and participate in history. The President will speak to these credential holders on a national conference call tomorrow afternoon, and we will work with the campaign to ensure that those unable to attend tomorrow’s event will be invited to see the President between now and election day.”





Some Republicans are saying that the president can’t match his speech in 2008 and that’s the real reason the speech in being moved. Democrats say that’s ridiculous. There is also talk that the president will return to Charlotte to speak at the stadium before the election.

New Documentary Questions Voter Loyalty for President

With the Democratic National Convention Underway, there's also an onslaught of political films being released this month. One produced by a Washington D.C. based filmmaking team features interviews with some of President Obama's past supporters. Their opinions may surprise you.

The film is called "The Hope and The Change" and it's based on interviews with 40 voters who supported candidate Obama back in 2008.

Writer Stephen Bannon says "We actually went out and retained the services of top Democratic strategists and they really organized focus groups." What the filmmakers found is that over the last three and a half years, many of the Democrats and Independents became increasingly frustrated with the president's policies and action, particularly on the economy.

Bannon says "They felt he did not focus on the economy and the financial crisis like he says he would."
The writer and producer say they started this project with no agenda in mind and it is not meant to be an attack on Obama. "Our film is not to go after President Obama. We don't call him a Muslin, a communist, or a socialist, or anybody who's trying to destroy the country."

They say they simply sought to give a voice to the moderate voter. David Bossie produced the film and is also president of the group of "Citizens United," which successfully fought a campaign finance bill in the Supreme Court. The bill had limited the rights of independent filmmakers to advertise political documentaries on national TV.

Bossie says, "We did that because we wanted to make movies and show them at the time that the American people are paying attention." This campaign season, there are several political films being released in theaters, on DVD and TV. But do they have the ability to influence voters, or even, an election?

Dr. Richard Vatz, a professor of political rhetoric at Towson University says 'maybe.' "They don't over many. They merely reinforce what people already believe, but in an election as close as this one appears to be, sometimes, and particularly in swing states, all you have to do is win over a few people."

That's why many new documentaries, inclduing this one, tend to target key battleground states.

"We went to Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa and Colorado," says Bannon.
While the film is critical of the president in some ways, producers say it's a true reflection of the perception on his performance thus far, according to those interviewed.
"They believe the country is more divided than ever," says Bannon. "And for people who voted for him, it's almost as though it's a permission slip to feel that you're not the only one," added Bossie.

The film will be make its television debut on September 17, but it is also available for preorder purchase online.

Bossie and Bannon have also teamed up for another documentary that will be released at the end of the month. It's called "Occupy Unmasked" and it will examine the impact and the troubles that resulted from the Occupy Wall Street movement and its members.

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley Addresses DNC

Delegates Discuss Debt Crisis At This Week's DNC

The national debt hits a major milestone and shows no signs of slowing down. Both parties blame each other for the rising debt, now topping $16 trillion. A key question for delegates at the Democratic National Convention this week is how to stop it. When President Clinton took office in 1993, the national debt stood at just over $4 trillion. The debt was nearly $5 trillion when President Bush was sworn in and climbed another $5 million during his term. In Charlotte this week, Democrats push their solutions to the debt dilemma and admit it has skyrocketed another $5 trillion in President Obama’s first three years in office. Both Republicans and Democrats realize the debt cannot continue at this pace. Whether both parties can come together to do something about it, remains to be seen.

DNC's Oldest Delegate Dedicated To Helping Vets In Need

There are more than 5,000 delegates in Charlotte this week for the Democratic National Convention. But one delegate stands out among the rest. Not just for his longevity and service to his country, but for his dedication to a new mission. 91-years-old Staff Sergeant Stephen Sherman of California was wounded in World War II nearly 70 years ago. As the oldest delegate in Charlotte, Sergeant Sherman is on a new mission to help veterans in need. A life that began in service to his country is now a life spent serving those who served. Sergeant Sherman also defies his age with his social media skills.

Protests Tie Up Uptown Charlotte Tuesday During DNC

Several protests tied up Uptown Charlotte Tuesday. Police set up multiple checkpoints and barricades around the city. No one was allowed through, including the media. Security was tighter because of a Planned Parenthood protest. An impromptu Occupy march the broke out and caught police and the media off guard. An Asheville man was arrested during the Occupy protest. Local workers and volunteers for the convention could not get to where they needed to go because of all the blockades.

The Politics Of Food

Hot topics at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte include Wall Street and unemployment. But one North Carolina delegate is pushing another issue. An issue that could impact everyone. Vani Hari is a delegate from Charlotte and an expert on local cuisine. She is on a mission that focuses on a food policy regarding genetically modified ingredients. Hari believes the United States is behind on food policy. According to a recent article in North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, supporters of genetically modified foods say studies show they are as safe as traditional crops. But Hari, and other opponents, believe there are health risks and everyone is entitled to know exactly what's in their food. Hari plans to use the Democratic National Convention as a world stage to fight for what she believes.

What The DNC Means To North Carolina

It's among the biggest events North Carolina has ever hosted. Tens of thousands of people are now in Charlotte, including the First Lady. The Democratic convention officially kicks off Tuesday. Lt. Governor Walter Dalton believes this convention will bring the state long lasting benefits.

DNC State Of Labor

Labor day is about family and friends, backyard barbecues and the beach. But with rising unemployment, it's also a day to reflect on the American worker. That was the message in Charlotte Monday on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. Thousands of people took this historic opportunity to talk about jobs at a downtown street festival. Just two months from the election, jobs are on the minds of voters. National unemployment sits at nearly 10 percent. Too many laboring to find work.

Occupy Movement Camped Out at DNC

Political enthusiasts aren't the only ones in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention. The Occupy Movement is camped out at Marshall Park, which is just across the street from the court house and on the edge of uptown Charlotte. Dozens of tents have been erected. There haven't been any real problems at this point as law enforcement and park personnel have been keeping an eye on things. Protesters started putting up their tents in the few days leading up to Sunday's march. That march was not nearly as large as many had feared. The group camping out says it's arguing against the big banks, many of which are headquartered here in Charlotte. They're also in favor of neither Democrats nor Republicans. They say both parties are owned by large corporations.

DNC's Economic Impact

Thousands turned out for the big street party leading up to Tuesday night's official convention start in Charlotte. Hotel rooms here have been booked for months leaving many people commuting from hotels as far as an hour away. Monday, the streets were jammed with people spending. Despite budgets being tight, many people see this as an opportunity to spend during a chance of a lifetime.

Clint "Eastwooding" In Downtown Asheville

Clint Eastwood's speech at the Republican National Convention has people on both sides of the aisle talking about an empty chair. Thursday night, the Hollywood legend referred to President Obama as he spoke to the chair. On social media, people are posting pictures of themselves talking to an empty seat as Eastwood did, which is now called "Eastwooding." We planted a seat in Downtown Asheville to spark even more conversation. Some though Eastwood's rant was ridiculous while others thought it was a creative way to get his message across.

Jeb Bush speaks at RNC

Romney takes the stage at RNC, introduced by Rubio

Fact Checking Paul Ryan's Speech

Republican Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan is taking heat Thursday for arguably the most important speech of his political career. As News 13's Frank Fraboni reports, several media outlets and self proclaimed fact checkers say the speech was filled with what some are calling falsehoods.



Follow Frank Fraboni on Twitter @Frabonz

Romney prepares for his big speech

Struggling businesses eager for GOP convention to leave town

Newt Gingrich says Obama's like a teen with a credit card

RNC kicks off on first full day

Representative Marsha Blackburn at the RNC Talks About the Platform and Weather

Small Group of Protestors Turn Up at the RNC on Day One

Looking Back Four Years Ago

Who's Funding Mitt Romney's Campaign

Searching for Swing Voters

Senator Tom Coburn Reacts to Todd Akin's Decision to Remain in the Senatorial Race

Romney and Ryan Ohio Interview - RAW

Romney and Ryan Give 1 On 1 Interview in Ohio

Romney, Ryan in Michigan, Obama campaign responds

Michigan returned to the political spotlight again Friday, as it will likely be with several other battleground states for the next three months until Election Day.

Ahead of next week's Republican National Convention in Tampa, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan spent much of their day in Michigan trying to cut into President Obama's lead in the polls.

Romney and Ryan spoke to a crowd in Commerce Township, a rural area in Oakland County near Detroit.

Friday marked the first appearance in Michigan by the two men at the top of the ticket, and listeners got a preview of what we will likely hear at the convention next week--lots of economic chatter about jobs, building small businesses and limiting government.

Polls show a tight race with ten weeks to go as Republicans fight history.

The GOP nominee hasn't taken Michigan since 1988. The last Democratic winner that didn't take Michigan was Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Observers say it's essential for Romney and Ryan to win their native states; most projections currently show Michigan as an Obama lean and Wisconsin as a Romney lean.

With Romney visiting Michigan so close to the convention, it's a clear sign that the Republicans feel Michigan is in play.

President Obama, meanwhile, did not have an event scheduled Friday, but next week should feature an extensive campaign schedule for the President, during the Republican National Convention.

Meanwhile, the Obama campaign is already condemning Romney for a statement Romney made during his Commerce Township speech Friday, saying that no one has ever asked for his birth certificate.

A spokesperson is also firing back at Romney's assertion that the President has failed to fix the economy.

The White House says it continues sending proposals to Congress that will help turn the economy around, including an extension of middle class tax cuts.

The President wants an extension of the Bush-era tax cuts, but only for households making less than $250,000 per year.

Republicans, including Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney, want to extend the tax cuts to everyone, including those making over $250,000.

Former Congressman Artur Davis Will Speak at the Republican National Convention

Fomer Democratic Congressman Artur Davis Supported President Obama four years ago. Davis is now a Republican and solidly backing Mitt Romney

President Obama Campaign Goes Higher Ed

Obama takes his message that he's the candidate to secure future college opportunities for the masses.

The Presidential Candidate That Can Best Energize Their Respective Bases Will Win In November

Voters are talking about the election and the problems that are facing the country. They want less rhetoric and more solutions.

Special Forces Accuse President of Putting Politics Before National Security

Critics compare a recently released film that scolds President Obama to the 2004 Swiftboat ads.

In the 22 minute film titled "Dishonorable Disclosures", former members of the military take aim at the President for not only taking credit for the Bin Laden raid but also allowing classified information to become public.

Political analyst John Dedie says in the case of the Swiftboat ad it was John Kerry's character under attack. He says in the case of this film, the issue is national security. Texas Congressman Michael McCaul tells Fox45 he receives weekly briefs and wouldn't think of disclosing the information for political gain.

While the Obama administration denies leaking any information, there is a chance the President will eventually need to address the film. "Dishonorable Disclosures". It's already been viewed almost a million times online.

Mitt Romney Speaks Exclusively with WSYX in Columbus, OH

Ex-Military Accuse President of Using Bin Laden Death for Political Gain - Watch Full OPSEC Video

In a direct attack on one of President Obama’s political strengths, a group of former special operations and C.I.A. officers started a campaign accusing Mr. Obama of recklessly leaking information about the raid that killed Osama bin Laden and other security matters to gain political advantage.

Vice President's "Chains" Comment Creates Claims of Racism

Vice President Joe Biden has landed in some hot water after his most recent comments during a public appearance.

Critics call it a calculated case of race-baiting. On Tuesday in Virgina, before a largely African-American audience VP Biden characterized Mitt Romney's budget plan comparing it to a return to slavery. He said, "Romney, he said in the first hundred days he's gonna let the big banks write their own rules, unchain wall street. They're gonna put y'all back in chains."

Dr. Richard Vatz, professor of rhetoric, reacted to the public comments saying "The point that Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are racially discriminatory without giving any evidence is a cardinal example of using the race card."

The President's campaign is standing behind Biden, saying the comments were similar to those delivered by the President about the need to "un-shackle" the middle class.

PA Judge Refused to Block Voter ID Law

A state judge has refused to block a new "voter ID Law" in Pennsylvania. The law ignited a firestorm with the ACLU and the groups that filed the suit.

The ACLU and others say it will disenfranchise minorities and the elderly.

Judge Robert Simpson ruled that photo ID is reasonable to vote. If people do not have one, he said they can always vote by provisional or absentee ballot.

Opponents plan to take it to the state Supreme Court.

Romney Chooses Running Mate

In his first three days as Romney's running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan has warmed to his new role as expert on fiscal policy and Republican chief attack dog.

The Not so Scientific Basis Behind Presidential Tracking Polls

Richard Vatz has analyzed election polls for years. He tells us most polls are contaminated.

Richard Vatz on Things Voters Should Know About Presidential Tracking Polls

In this raw interview, Richard Vatz talks about what voters should know about polls.

Deceptive Political Advertising

The largest amount of money spent on negative political ads is now hitting the airwaves.

Obama's Run for a Second Term, Yes, There's Now an App for that

The Obama election campaign has created a new mobile app that lets readers know how many Democrats are living in the neighborhood and more.

Senator Rob Portman, Does He Have What it Takes to Become Mitt Romney's Running Mate?

Rob Portman likes a good workout on and off the street.

Lawsuit Over Early Voting Filed

A law to eliminate early voting for everyone except on-duty military has drawn fire in a battleground state.

The Tea Party Claims a Big Victory in Texas

The Tea Party delivered a big message on this week to critics that thought it was a movement of the past.



Tea Party backed candidate Ted Cruz, cruised to victory in a primary Senate election on Tuesday.

Gov. LePage issues apology over second "Gestapo" comment

Governor Paul LePage issues a full apology for offending people over his use of the word "Gestapo" and Jewish community leaders say apology accepted. The governor touched off a week-long controversy when he compared the IRS under president Obama's health care law, to the "new Gestapo".

Jewish leaders met with the governor Friday and they say they were offended by such an offhand reference to a Nazi regime that killed millions, but they never felt the governor meant to offend. And now, we're hearing the governor's next radio address he will admit, his words, or at least this one word, went over the line.

Gov. LePage fires up Gestapo controversy once again

There's more trouble tonight for Governor LePage and his recent comments comparing the IRS to Hitler's secret police the Gestapo.

The governor was in Vermont attending a fundraiser for Vermont gubernatorial candidate Randy Brock.
While at the fundraiser, Governor LePage was asked by a local newspaper reporter about the controversy.

You'll remember over the weekend, Governor Lepage compared the i-r-s to the gestapo in his weekly radio address. He later backtracked on the comments following an outcry from Jewish groups.

The governor has a new explanation for his comments on the Gestapo:
Reporter: So you're saying that the IRS is heading in the direction of the Gestapo. Do you have sense of what the Gestapo actually did during World War II?
LePage: Yeah, they killed a lot of people.
Reporter: And so the IRS is heading in the direction.
LePage: Yeah.
Reporter: They're heading in the direction of killing a lot of people?
LePage: Yeah.
Reporter: Are you serious?
LePage: Yeah. Very serious. You know why? Rationing. They ration health care in Canada, that's why a lot of people from Canada come down to the U.S.

The Governor's spokesperson says LePage is trying to make the point that Obamacare with ration health care and that rationing will lead to deaths in America.

Maine democratic party chair Ben Grant was quick to jump on the governor's comments saying quote, "Governor LePage's fitness to hold office must now be seriously and openly questioned."

War of words between Gov. LePage and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree

Congresswoman Pingree wrote a letter to the feds opposing the governor's plan to cut about 21,000 people, including 19 and 20 year olds, off of Medicaid, calling the plan drastic.

Now, Gov. LePage is responding in a big way; accusing Pingree of political interference, of distorting facts, of attacking him personally and more.

He wrote a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius urging her to ignore Pingree, and give Maine's request a fair hearing. He also wrote a letter directly to Pingree making it public. He wrote, "it appears you have become part of the jet-setting Washington culture that keeps people dependent on government handouts...." adding, "i challenge you to rethink your position and send a new letter to the secretary, encouraging her to work with the state you claim to represent."

Congresswoman Pingree says she will not retract her request and insists it's the governor making things personal, not her.

New poll sheds some light on who Mainers will likely vote for

The Press Herald poll conducted by Critical Insights asked over 600 voters about the presidential race and U.S. Senate race, among others.

A statewide sampling shows Mainers favor President Obama over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, 49% to 35%.

In the race for U.S. Senate, former governor Angus King leads the poll with 55%. 27% of responders favored Secretary of State Charlie Summers, while 7% said they favor Democrat Cynthia Dill.

And Maine's two U.S. Representatives lead in their bids for re-election. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree is leading Republican challenger Jon Courtney 57% to 31%, and rep. Mike Michaud leads Republican Kevin Raye 47% to 35%.

The poll has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

Fallout continues over Gov. LePage "Gestapo" comment

In governor LePage's weekly radio address, he spoke against the Affordable Health Care Act, saying that Maine would not join the expanded Medicaid program under the act because Maine already was quote "a welfare state".

The governor called the IRS "the new Gestapo", a reference to Hitler's secret police force in Nazi Germany, as part of his criticism of the Affordable Care Act, and the Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold the individual mandate.

The Gestapo was the secret police force under Hitler in Nazi Germany during the 1930's and 40's. That comment immediately drew reaction from Maine democrats, blasting the governor's remarks and calling for an apology. Assistant democratic leader Justin Alfond of Portland said quote, “the governor's comparison of the IRS to the Gestapo is shameful and ignorant. His comment trivializes an historic atrocity and mischaracterizes Obamacare for the sake of political divisiveness; he's gone too far and owes not just the people of Maine an apology for his degrading language but to the families who were the victims of the real Gestapo."

Representatives of the Jewish Community in Portland say the governor's comments are insensitive and highly inappropriate. The Jewish Community Alliance says the governor called them late this afternoon and apologized personally for his comments.

The governor's communications director Adrienne Bennett says she wrote the original radio address without the Gestapo reference. She says the governor added it back in on his own.

One republican leader says he doesn't know what all the controversy is about. In a statement, House Speaker Robert Nutting says, "I think this is much ado about nothing. Politicians from both sides of the aisle have invoked the word Gestapo in the past to reference heavy-handed government tactics." The speaker went on to say that he probably would not have chosen to use that word.

Gov. LePage calls IRS 'new Gestapo' in weekly radio address

During his weekly radio address, Gov. Paul LePage reacted to the US Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Health Care Act strongly, describing President Obama's health care reform in harsh terms and referring to the IRS as the "new Gestapo." In arguing the court's decision made America less free, LePage said, "We the people have been told there is no choice. You must buy health insurance or pay the new Gestapo - the I.R.S." The governor also said he needs more information before deciding whether to expand the state's Medicaid program, a part of the law the court struck down, but the federal government would pay all of the cost for the expansion from 2014 to 2016 before reducing its support to 90 percent of the cost.

Gov. LePage speaks out against Affordable Care Act

The U.S. Supreme Court last Thursday handed down its decision on the so-called Obamacare last Thursday saying that most of the new law does not violate the constitution. The most controversial part, mandating all Americans are covered by health insurance, will stand.

On Monday, Governor Paul LePage spoke out, and he didn’t mince words.

Maine's Attorney General Bill Schnieder was one of several A.G's across the nation to challenge the affordable care act.

The mandated health insurance coverage part of the law goes into effect in 2014.

Sen. Snowe talks about Supreme Court health care ruling

Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) spoke about the Supreme Court decision on the Affordable Care Act while in Portland on Saturday. On Thursday the Supreme Court ruled that the individual mandate requiring all people buy insurance, or pay a penalty, is Constitutional under Congress' authority to institute taxes. The mandate goes into effect in 2014.

Breaking down healthcare law for Maine's middle-class

It remains the talk of the town, the Affordable Care Act and what it will all mean for the people of Maine. The hope is it will lower healthcare costs and insurance premiums for everyone. But that remains a great unknown.

However, there are a number of things the new law does. Parts of the Affordable Care Act are already underway, like extending dependent health insurance coverage up until your child turns 26. But in a year and a half, by 2014, the law will be fully phased in, including every provision it mandates, like health insurance companies no longer being able to drop or deny people from health insurance for any reason.

The high court did strike down one part of the law, which would have allowed the federal government to take away medicaid dollars if states refuse to widen eligibility to include adults slightly above the poverty line.

Republicans in at least three states want to abandon an expansion of Medicaid, and more than a dozen other states are considering it. Right now, Maine already covers adults slightly above the poverty line anyway.

A One on One Interview with President Obama

An unedited, one on one interview with President Barack Obama.

President Obama's Speech in Virginia Drawing Criticism

The general election is heating up after comments President Obama made about the government's role in business.

During the speech, Obama told supporters, "If you've been successful, you didn't get there on your own. You didn't get there on your own."

For four and a half years, the owner of EmbroidMe, Allison Tran has sacrificed to keep the doors open. "We refinanced our house and cashed out money for that. We took out a second mortgage. We applied for credit cards."

She and Minutemen Press Owner, Lester Miller, take issue with President Obama's speech in Virginia on Friday. Obama told supporters small business owners didn't reach success on their own.

"It's ridiculous. For the President to say that I think shows a little bit of lack of understanding for what business is all about," said Miller.

Chamber of Commerce President Keith Scott says the President did not choose his words carefully. "And, to not give the people the credit for how hard they've worked, people really take that in a way that's not easy to swallow."

Allison works round the clock, she says, without the help of government. Obama aides say the president pointed to people who inspire others.

Presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney called the president's words insulting. The lines drawing criticism are a fraction of the president's speech. To see the speech in context, visit our news link page.

President Obama's Promises

Has President Obama had enough time to fulfill all of his promises?

Green Party Selects Jill Stein as Candidate for President

While Republicans and Democrats prepare for their conventions, a third political party has already chosen its nominee.

Green Party leaders gathered this weekend in Baltimore to announce their selection for president.

FOX45 sat down with Jill Stein, a doctor from Massachusetts, who beat out Roseanne Barr this weekend to officially become the Green Party candidate for president.

"There's one critical group that has been left out of the discussion and that's the American people" said Dr. Stein.

She wants to be the voice of the average American, especially the young people. She points to the Occupy Wall Street protesters as proof of political frustration. She said, "On so many of the issues of Occupy, we see eye to eye... I said wow, that's our agenda."

As a physician, Dr. Stein doesn't think President Obama or Governor Mitt Romney, have the right prescription for healthcare. Her plan is to expand Medicare to all Americans.

When it comes to job creation she thinks both mainstream parties have failed. She believes that to stimulate the economy, there needs to be a focus on community-based "green"jobs. She also has plans to boost public transportation and drastically cut defense spending.

She knows as a third party candidate she'll face an uphill battle but believes her party is breaking barriers every year.

LePage Apologizes for "Gestapo" remark

Maine's Governor Apologizes for His Remarks.

Maine's Governor Compares the IRS to the Gestapo

Maine's governor compares the IRS to the Gestapo.

Jobs Drought

Another weak report on the number of jobs created.

Supreme Court Weighs Healthcare Law

A new Rasmussen poll finds that 54% of likely voters in the U.S. want the health care law repealed.

President Barack Obama said if the supreme court overturns the healthcare law, chalk it up to judicial activism.

Senate minority leader Mitch McConell says Obama's tactic is to try to intimidate the Supreme Court of the United States.

Neither presidents' or supreme court justices' tend to tread in political waters of this nature.

Ron Paul in Maryland

Texas Rep. Ron Paul has drawn a capacity crowd at the University of Maryland, College Park's Ritchie Coliseum. Paul, who is seeking the GOP's nomination to challenge President Barack Obama, spoke Wednesday evening.

Roughly 1,500 people were inside the venue. Scores of students lined up outside were turned away. Supporters chanted "President Paul" before the congressman spoke.

Paul is in last place in delegates of the four candidates who are still in the race for the GOP nomination. Maryland is drawing candidates this week, because the state's primary will be on April 3.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was in Annapolis on Tuesday. Mitt Romney was in Arbutus last week.

Gingrich in Maryland

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich says his campaign will have to stay on a tight budget to make it to the convention.

Gingrich says he has enough to keep going, but his campaign must stay on "a fairly tight budget" to reach the Republican convention in Tampa, Fla. Gingrich was campaigning Tuesday in Annapolis.

He is criticizing Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposal to raise taxes on gasoline.

Maryland's primary, with 37 delegates at stake is set for next Tuesday. Rep.

Ron Paul is scheduled to be at the University of Maryland, College Park, on Wednesday.

Mitt Romney was in Arbutus last week.

Romney in Maryland

The Republican primary in Maryland takes on a new meaning this year.

The GOP makes an appearance in this state today.. knowing republican voters will have a significant voice in the upcoming presidential contest.

One of the first things Romney did when he arrived Wednesday was tell the crowd about the sterling endorsement he had just received from former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

He wants that same endorsement from Maryland Republicans in the State's party primary.

NAACP Registers 700 High School Voters

Tuesday was the last day to register to vote for the 2012 Republican Presidential Primary.

The NAACP and the Wednesday Breakfast Morning Ministry taught high school students the importance of voting.

The group talked about the sacrifices made during the civil rights movement.

They signed up 700 students to become new voters.

Baltimore City in Need of Election Judges

Baltimore City is in need of Election Judges for the upcoming April primary.

City Elections Chief Armistead Jones says the city is short 200 Republican Judges, he is urging Republicans to sign up.

Volunteers will be paid by the Board of Elections $150-$200 for working at a poll.

If you would like additional information concerning Election Judges, please call the Election Judge Recruiters at (410)396-5580.

Transparency in the White House

President Barack Obama came into office promising transparency in the White House.

Four years later critics say Mr. Obama has failed to live up to his pledge. Critics cite thwarted attempts to obtain documents through the Freedom of Information Act. The online site Politico, found in some instances, white house lawyers fighting FOIA requests at the agency level and in court, occasionally on Obama's direct orders.

White House Spokesperson Eric Schultz told Politico, federal agencies have gone to great efforts to make Government more transparent.

Super Tuesday

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rick Santorum has won the Republican presidential primary in Oklahoma.

He's also won Tennessee and is locked in a tight battle with Mitt Romney in Ohio. Romney earlier won primaries in Massachusetts, Vermont and Virginia as voters went to the polls in 10 states.

Newt Gingrich has won in his home state of Georgia.

Conservative Political Action Conference: Romney & Santorum

Mitt Romney is trying to convince conservatives he's one of them, and that he deserves the Republican presidential nomination.

Today Romney spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference. He was 0 for 3 last Tuesday night , losing all of that night's contests to Rick Santorum. And he's facing increasing questions about why he can't seal the deal with conservatives.


Romney asks, "I'm here to ask you today to stand with me shoulder and shoulder as we go forward to fight for America."

His competitor, Rick Santorum received a rock star welcome when he addressed the group earlier today.

Still, Romney's the frontrunner to win the nomination.

Romney Wins Florida

Former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney, wins the Republican Presidential Primary in Florida.

He was projected the winner early on.

Tonight is a big win for Romney, the biggest prize yet in the GOP presidential race.
The 10-day campaign sprint here in Florida grew more nasty and more personal every day.
Both candidates held speeches earlier tonight..
Mitt Romney delivered remarks in Tampa.
Newt Gingrich in Orlando.

Romney:
"I will make America the most attractive place in the world for entrepreneurs and innovators. And unlike everyone else running for President I know how to do that because I've done it before."

Gingrich:
"I promise you, if I become your president, I pledge to you my life, my fortune and my sacred honor. This is about America. Thank you. Good luck and God bless you."

Mitt Romney's victory gives him more than three times as many convention delegates as his closest rival, Newt Gingrich.
Romney won all 50 delegates in Florida, giving him a total of 87.
But the race is far from over.
Political rivals Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Ron Paul have each vowed to soldier on.
Next up: Nevada, which has 28 delegates at stake in it caucuses on Saturday.

GOP Candidate Spending in Florida

The top two GOP candidates spent a lot of money trying to convince Florida voters they are the man to beat President Obama in November.

All the candidates combined spent more than $20 million in Florida over just the last ten days.

Mitt Romney and the Political Action Committee that supports him spent $16 million alone.

Newt Gingrich spent $4 million.
The rest came from Rick Santorum's campaign.

Ron Paul did not even campaign in Florida but polls have him in a virtual tie with Santorum for 3rd place in Florida.

Voter Turnout Low in Pensacola

Voters across Florida flocked to the polls today for the presidential primary.

How turnout has been in Escambia County.
But still a couple hours to go before the polls close.
And often right after work, they see a rush of last minute voters.

County election supervisors say turnout has been relatively low.
Throughout the afternoon, a slow trickle of voters went in and out of polling places marking their ballots in a matter of minutes.

It was not crowded but it worked out real smoothly
It was very easy in there, no lines, just walk right up and got it done

They say one reason for that is many people early voted or marked absentee ballots.

Across Florida, more than 635,000 people had already cast their vote leading up to election day.

But some voters we caught up with waited until the last moment to choose.

Bill Hinkle
I came to the ballot, I didn't know which one I was gonna vote for Romney or Newt, but I ended up voting for Romney

Bob Clevland
It was a tough choice...
Bob Clevland wouldn't tell us who ended up winning his vote only that he hopes after today all the negative ads will end.

I think the biggest thing that stirred me up is all the crap flying around

Gingrich/Romney
It goes right back to Mitt Romney's inability to tell the truth
This last one Speaker Gingrich said he didn't do so well cause the audience was too loud...

And though many voters have grown frustrated with the attacks in the end they voted for the man they feel can compete against President Barack Obama come November..

Florida has a closed primary, meaning only republicans can vote on a presidential candidate.

But in both Escambia and Santa Rosa County there are other issues on the ballot for all parties to vote on.

Lauren Carlton
Well I'm a democrat but I had to vote on the amendment for the tax exemption.

The polls close at seven tonight.
Results will start coming out shortly after that around 7:15pm

Governor casts his vote early

Governor Rick Scott cast his vote in Florida's primary this morning.

The republican did not publicly endorsed any candidate.
But he did defend Mitt Romney last week in critical remarks about political attack ads.

When asked who he voted for the governor had a little fun with reporters.

"It's a secret ballot fortunately. I told somebody already this morning, hint, hint, I think it had less than ten letters in the last name. I was trying to think of some way to say it where everybody would be in."

Up to two million voters are expected to be cast in Florida today.
More than a half million of those were cast before the first poll even opened this morning.

Gingrich being sued for campaign music

Newt Gingrich is being sued over the music he plays at campaign events.

The lawsuit involves the 1982 song... "Eye of the Tiger."
It claims Gingrich has been using the song at events since 2009 without permission.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block him from using it again, plus damages and legal fees.

The Gingrich Campaign has not yet responded.
"Eye of the Tiger" graced the "Rocky Three" soundtrack became a #1 hit earned a Grammy and was nominated for an Oscar.

Other items on the ballot

The Presidential Primary is -not- the only item on local ballots today.
In Escambia County voters will decide whether county commissioners can continue to give tax breaks to new or expanding businesses.

And people who live in Midway in South Santa Rosa County will decide whether to raise the ad valorem tax rate to pay for fire rescue services.

Voters in Destin, Mary Esther and Valparaiso will also select city council and city commission positions.

You can find sample ballots and other voting information on your county Supervisor of Elections website.
To get there go to weartv.com and click on Newslinks.

Newt Gingrich Visits Pensacola

One day before the Florida Primary vote.
The Sunshine State moved up their election to bring more candidates to town.

One of those candidates Newt Gingrich made a stop in Pensacola today.

Former House Speaker and Republican Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich has a lot riding on what our state decides to do.

He won South Carolina almost 10 days ago but has said before that a Florida win by rival Mitt Romney would seal the nomination.

Today he flew into Pensacola Aviation with friends like Michael Reagan, son of Former President Ronald Reagan.

Flanked by his wife Callista, he asked Florida voters to keep his momentum going by voting against the "establishment".

Then he touted his experience in Washington as a reason to vote for him saying he won't have a learning curve in office.

Next he hit a topic popular among conservatives the media.
As the nominee, I will not accept a debate in the fall in which a reporter is the moderator because you don't need to have a second Obama person in the debate

Gingrich also ran down a list of Executive Orders he plans to sign his first day in office if he's successful in his attempt to win the presidency.

He told supporters he wants to repeal Health Care Reform within hours of his Inauguration as well as reinstate the Keystone Pipeline shot down by President Obama.

He saved a lot of his criticism though for what he called the president's attack on Christianity.

I want you to know that on the very first day, one of the Executive Orders will repeal every aspect of anti-religion in the federal government

Another Executive Order in that first day will instruct the State Department to open an American Embassy in Jerusalem that day.

Other big issues Gingrich brought up making businesses pay a 12.5% tax and keeping a zero percent capital gains tax that is typically applied to the wealthiest Americans.

He says both plans would create jobs.
Gingrich also addressed the F-35 program.

Reminder: Polls open tomorrow at 7 am for the GOP Presidential Primary.

Presidential Hopeful visits Pensacola Aviation Center

Candidates to visit Pensacola

Some candidates are making a stop here in Pensacola. Here's a look at the republican schedule before the January 31st primary.

Mitt Romney will be at the Fish House Restaurant in downtown for a veterans rally tomorrow morning, starting at 8:15.

It is open to the public.
After that he'll head over to Panama City.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will touch down at the Pensacola Aviation Center on Monday as he canvasses the state.

The time for that visit has yet to be announced.

Jeb Bush endorsement

Florida's popular former Gov. Jeb Bush says the presidential candidates must earn his endorsement.

Bush told reporters at the Hispanic Leadership Network's conference Thursday he wants the candidates to work hard to get to know Florida before he lends his support.

Bush allowed that after Tuesday's primary he might reconsider. Bush also refused to rule out the possibility of the vice presidential spot on the 2012 GOP ticket, but he likened the chances to those of joining "Dancing with the Stars."

Bush is a conservative with a Mexican wife. He speaks Spanish and supports comprehensive immigration reform. That makes him particularly popular with Florida's diverse Hispanic communities.

Presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich will speak Friday, as will Marco Rubio. The conference covers immigration, industry and grassroots organizing.

New Poll shows Obama against GOP candidates

A new poll says President Obama would beat Newt Gingrich in Florida.

But it would be a different story if he took on Mitt Romney.
The Quinnipiac Poll has the President and Romney in a virtual tie at 45 % of all voters.

It also showed they were split evenly among independent voters.

The poll also says the president has an edge over Ron Paul and Rick Santorum as well.

Weather conditions cancel Santorum's visit to Pensacola

The Escambia County Republican Party was just notified that because of a tornado advisory in effect in the area, Senator Rick Santorum's flight cannot land.

The Santorum Grassroots Rally at 12:00noon (Central time) today, Thursday, January 26, 2012, at New World Landing at 600 South Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola has been cancelled.

Obama Pushes Economic Plan in Iowa

Cedar Rapids (KGAN) - President Barack Obama delivered a message touting his need for Congress to support his economic recovery plan to get the nation's financial engine going again.
The president arrived about 11:10 Wednesday morning at the Eastern Iowa Regional Airport, the morning after delivering his State of the Union address to Congress.
He took a quick tour of Conveyor Engineering & Manufacturing, a family-owned business which he says is a classic example of the development of small businesses to help the American economy recover.
He spoke to a crowd of about 300 people, half Conveyor employees the other half invited guests which included Governor Terry Branstad (a Republican), the Mayors of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, and Congressmen Bruce Braley and Dave Loebsack, both of whom arrived in Iowa aboard Air Force One with the President.
The president's 20-minute speech hit many of the same themes contained in his Tuesday night address: an extension of the payroll tax cut, doubling tax incentives for high tech businesses, introducing a new manufacturing community tax credit, and promoting clean energy and technology.
The president's stop was the first in a five city, three state tour.

Is President Obama Preaching Class Warfare or Common Sense?

President Obama made his first stop after the State of the Union in Cedar Rapids. On Wednesday afternoon he told the crowd at Conveyor Engineering and Manufacturing his plan for making American manufacturing the blueprint for turning the U.S. economy around.

He also brought up a topic that affects us all: taxes.

“We need to make choices. Right now, we're supposed to spend nearly $1 trillion more on what was intended to be a temporary tax cut for the wealthiest 2% of Americans. A quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than millions of middle-class households,” said President Obama.

The President says that defies common sense. Critics are accusing him of economic class warfare. So what do people here think?

"This is not class warfare, asking a billionaire to pay the same as his secretary is just common sense," said President Obama, making his plea for the wealthiest Americans to pay more in taxes.

"If you make more than a million dollars a year, you should pay a tax rate of at least 30%," Mr. Obama said to applause from the Conveyor Engineering and Manufacturing crowd.

But not everyone is applauding that idea. Eric Rosenthal, the former Chair of the Linn County Republican Party says repealing tax cuts for the wealthy wouldn't generate enough money to power the government's needs.

"It'd be like a little pebble in a pond, what you need is you need a new pond," said Rosenthal.

We went to average folks, to find out how they think the deck is stacked. Over dinner at Riley's Cafe in Cedar Rapids, Steve Hollan can't believe billionaire Warren Buffet's secretary pays a lower tax rate than he does.

"Your secretary is making how much less than you and you're paying less, yet you're using the same roads, same infrastructure," said Hollan.

Fellow diner David Drewlow takes the opposite approach toward the wealthy.

"They typically are responsible for creating most of the jobs and contributing to our economy so to target them in our kind of society I think is really unfortunate," Drewlow said.

Diner James Vanhoof says it's up to every American to contribute what he can: "To generate jobs, pay for roads, our schools."

While James Black says the government should just step back, to leave people to fend for themselves.

"It's called human nature. You're not gonna fix it, you can legislate and legislate and legislate, you'll never fix it," said Black.

A couple alternatives we heard from folks were to focus more on cutting the budget, instead of asking for more taxes from any income level, and creating a more stable economic environment so businesses feel comfortable reinvesting and hiring new workers.

Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich receives Fred Thompson endorsement

Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich has a new endorsement.
Former Senator Fred Thompson the real life politician who also played one on TV is giving his support to Gingrich.

Thompson says the next president would be well served to have an insider's view of Washington.

Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum coming to Pensacola

Presidential Candidate Senator Rick Santorum is planning a visit to Pensacola.

The chair of the Escambia Republicans, Susan Moore, says Santorum will appear at a public rally on Thursday at New World Landing.

The event is expected to start around lunchtime but they're still finalizing the schedule.

Moore also said another candidate may be coming in this weekend but it's too soon to give any details.

Northwest Florida early voting locations

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS – NORTHWEST FLORIDA

ESCAMBIA
Supervisor of Elections Main Office
213 Palafox Place, Second Floor

Supervisor of Elections Annex
292 Muscogee Road, Cantonment

Southwest Branch Library
12248 Gulf Beach Highway

Tryon Branch Library*
1200 Langley Avenue

*New location due to renovations

SANTA ROSA
Sites

The Election Office
(Behind McDonalds on Highway 90, Milton)

6495 Caroline St., Suite "F"
Milton, FL 32570-4592

South Service Center
(1 block east of the Zoo on Highway 98)

5841 Gulf Breeze Pkwy. (Highway 98)
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

OKALOOSA

NEW! Niceville City Hall located at 208 N. Partin Drive Niceville, FL

University of Florida REEF located at 1350 North Poquito Road Shalimar, FL

Bob Sikes Library located at 1445 Commerce Drive Crestview,FL

Supervisor of Elections Office located at 302 Wilson Street N, Ste 102 Crestview, FL